[
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-03-02-0011-0001-0001", "content": "Title: [November? 1791.]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Williamson. Great Numbers emigrate to the back parts of North and S.C. and G. for the Sake of living without Trouble. The Woods, such is the mildness of the Climate, produce grass to support horses and Cattle, and Chesnuts, Acorns and other Things for the food of hogs. So that they have only a little corn to raise which is done without much Labour. They call this kind of Life following the range. They are very ignorant and hate all Men of Education. They call them Pen and Ink Men.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-03-02-0011-0001", "content": "Title: [November 1791]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Williamson. Great Numbers emigrate to the back parts of North and S.C. and G. for the Sake of living without Trouble. The Woods, such is the mildness of the Climate, produce grass to support horses and Cattle, and Chesnuts, Acorns and other Things for the food of hogs. So that they have only a little corn to raise which is done without much Labour. They call this kind of Life following the range. They are very ignorant and hate all Men of Education. They call them Pen and Ink Men.\n   Written on a detached, folded sheet which JA, probably at a much later date, docketed \u201cScrap.\u201d The only clue to the date when this note of a conversation was written down is the fact that the next entry, precisely dated 11 Nov. 1791, appears overleaf.\n   Hugh Williamson (1735\u20131819),who held an M.D. from the University of Utrecht and had represented North Carolina in the Federal Convention of 1787, was a member of the First and Second Congresses and a writer on scientific and other subjects (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928\u20131936; 20 vols. plus index and supplements.).\n       Yesterday a No. of the national Gazette was sent to me, by Phillip Freneau, printed by Childs and Swaine. Mr. Freneau, I am told is made Interpreter.\n   The first number of the National Gazette, edited by the poet journalist Philip Freneau, was published in Philadelphia on 31 Oct. 1791. The aim of Jefferson and Madison in encouraging Freneau in this venture was to offset the influence of John Fenno\u2019s \u201ctory\u201d Gazette of the United States, which had moved from New York to Philadelphia in Nov. 1790 and to which JA had contributed his \u201cDiscourses on Davila,\u201d April 1790-April 1791. At the same time that Freneau attacked Administration measures and especially Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, he held a small post as clerk for foreign languages in the State Department, presided over by Thomas Jefferson. See Brant, Madison, 3:334\u2013336.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0092", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 7 January 1791\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nMy dear Sister\nBraintree January 7th 1791\nWhat a Succession of troubles have you had to incounter & not one of us to help you through them\u2014 I have been very anxious for you & was affraid by my not hearing sooner that something had happen\u2019d\u2014 oh my poor Thomas how I pity him\u2014his Patience & fortitude have been put to their trial\u2014 he has a great share of it I know, & he will find tis good to be sometimes afflicted he will feel more tenderly for others & be more ready to be \u201cFeet to the lame, & hands to the hungry, if not eyes to the Blind[\u201d] than if he had never needed the like from others tell him that Miss Paine Sends her Love to him & says she feels most sympathetickly for him & for you all & wishes you that health which she never expects her self she knows she says that cousin has thought of the poor cripple at Braintree\u2014 I hope to hear he is better soon\u2014 I wonder how you have stood such fatigues\u2014& your house too to be in such a miserable situation not fit for well People to have gone into I wonder it had not made you all sick. I wonder if it has been as cold with you as here I never saw such a December & now we have a thaw which has Set every thing a float & makes us all feel very unwell it has given me such a head ack that I can hardly see what I write\u2014but I could not bear to have your son visit you without a line from me. I must write a little to mrs Smith too She poor woman now knows a little & but a little of the feelings of her mama in her Friends absence She is not left with such cares as you were nor is he in any danger from an Enemy I wish she was where I could see her & her dear little Boys\nIt seems to me your Gentleman & Ladies were wanting in judgment to visit you before you had time to put up your Furniture I hope you will find some Friends where you can visit free from the shackels of so much ceremony as your station subjects you to you have found Doctor Rush just what I always thought him; by the way\u2014I wish you would some time or other ask him whither he ever attend\u2019d such a Funeral as our Neighbours have reported he did: cousin Thomas can recollect the Story & the names enough to ask the question\u2014 they say mrs Brown dy\u2019d two year ago this winter & it was her Funeral that was so splendid. The Lady here is still in mourning for her Friends\nyour Friends are all well & desire to be rememberd kindly to you especially those of this household. tell cousin Thomas I long to be with him cousin Charles is a good nurse I am glad he is with you\u2014 my good Louisia does every the can to assist you I know, my Love to them all\u2014 Mr Adams with my dear Sister will always have the highest esteem & the tenderest affection of their / grateful Sister\nMary Cranch\nmy Love to mrs otis when you see her", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0095", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 8 January 1791\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Smith, Abigail Adams\nMy Dear Mrs. Smith,\nPhiladelphia, 8 January, 1791.\nI received, by Mr. King, your letter of December 30th. I am uneasy if I do not hear from you once a week, though you have not any thing more to tell me than that you and your little ones are well. I think you do perfectly right in refusing to go into public during the absence of Colonel Smith. The society of a few friends is that from which most pleasure and satisfaction are to be derived. Under the wing of parents, no notice would be taken of your going into public, or mixing in any amusement; but the eyes of the world are always placed upon those whose situation may possibly subject them to censure, and even the friendly attentions of one\u2019s acquaintance are liable to be misconstrued, so that a lady cannot possibly be too circumspect. I do not mention this to you through apprehension of your erring, but only as approving your determination.\nI should spend a very dissipated winter, if I were to accept of one half the invitations I receive, particularly to the routes, or tea and cards. Even Saturday evening is not excepted, and I refused an invitation of that kind for this evening. I have been to one assembly. The dancing was very good; the company of the best kind. The President and Madam, the Vice-President and Madam, Ministers of State, and their Madams, &c.; but the room despicable; the etiquette,\u2014it was difficult to say where it was to be found. Indeed, it was not New York; but you must not report this from me. The managers have been very polite to me and my family. I have been to one play, and here again we have been treated with much politeness. The actors came and informed us that a box was prepared for us. The Vice-President thanked them for their civility, and told them that he would attend whenever the President did. And last Wednesday we were all there. The house is equal to most of the theatres we meet with out of France. It is very neat, and prettily fitted up; the actors did their best; \u201cThe School for Scandal\u201d was the play. I missed the divine Farren; but upon the whole it was very well performed. On Tuesday next I go to a dance at Mr. Chew\u2019s, and on Friday sup at Mr. Clymer\u2019s; so you see I am likely to be amused.\nWe have had very severe weather for several weeks; I think the coldest I have known since my return from abroad. The climate of Old England for me; people do not grow old half so fast there; two-thirds of the year here, we must freeze or melt. Public affairs go on so smoothly here, that we scarcely know that Congress are sitting; North Carolina a little delirious, and Virginia trying to give law. They make some subject for conversation; but, after all, the bluster will scarcely produce a mouse.\nPresent me kindly to your mamma and sisters. How I long to send for you all, as in days past; my dear little boys, too. As to John, we grow every day fonder of him. He has spent an hour this afternoon in driving his grandpapa round the room with a willow stick. I hope to see you in April. Congress will adjourn in March, and it is thought will not meet again till December.\nGood night, my dear. Heaven\u2019s blessings alight on you and yours,\nA. Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0096", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 9 January 1791\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\nmy dear sister\nPhiladelphia Janry 9th 1791\nI received your kind Letter of December 12th with one from my Nephew inclosing 4 Portraits I instantly recognized my worthy Brother Cranch and my dear sister together with our venerable uncle Quincy. the other not one of us have skill enough to find out, by which I judge it is not a likness the three first are admirably executed and I have to request that the same hand would take my Mother and send it without letting mr Adams know for whom it is designd. you inquire how I like my situation. I answer you the one I removed from, was in Burks stile, the sublime. this is the Beautifull the House is better, that is the work within is superiour. the Architecture of the other House was Grand and the Avenue to it perfectly Romantick. the British Troops rob\u2019d this place of its principal Glory by cutting down all the Trees in front of the House and leaving it wholly Naked. behind the House is a fine Grove; through which is a gravell walk; which must in summer add greatly to the delight of the place. I am told for 8 months this place is delicious. in winter the Roads are bad and we are 2 miles & a half from the city. I have received every attention and politeness from the Gentlemen and Ladies which I could either expect or wish. Living here is more expensive than in N york, Horse keeping in particular, which we sensibly feel, as we are obliged to keep four, for during the sitting of Congress they frequently go six times to the city in the course of the day. we cannot purchase any marketting but by going into the city. we have had very Severe cold weather from the begining of December till the week past; when the snow has chiefly left us I am thinking seriously of making arrangments to come to Braintree early in the spring as the Roads will permit, for it is generally believed that Congress will not sit after march if so I hope to be with you by the last of April or begining of May and as I must leave Brisler and his Family here, I would look out early for some person in his stead. can you inform me where Nathan Tirril is, and whether he was last summer engaged. he is a good Hand in a Garden and on many other accounts usefull. there are some articles which I shall want in the kitchin way, but it will be time enough to think of these things some months hence\nI feel the loss of mrs smith and Family and it pains me daily that I could not have her with me this winter it is in vain to say what we ought to have been able to do, I feel what I cannot do. the Cols Family are all very kind to mrs Smith and treat her like a child, but a Fathers House is still the most desirable place. I hear every week from her. I have John with me a fine Boy he is and the enlivener of the whole Family we are a scatterd family, and I see no prospect of our ever being otherways. mr durant was here last week and said he was going to Boston in order to sail from thence for st croix, the River here being frozen up. I thought the Letter you sent to the care of Thomas would go best & soonest by him, so we gave it to him. Thomas is much better tho he does not yet go out except to ride. I have had a succession of sickness in my Family when we have been well ourselves, our servants have been laid up. when I come to this place again I am determined to bring a decent woman who understands plain cooking with me. Such a vile low tribe, you never was tormented with & I hope never will be. I brought all my servants from N york, cook excepted and, thought I could not be worse of than I had been. I have had in the course of 18 months Seven, and I firmly believe in the whole Number, not a virtuous woman amongst them all; the most of them drunkards. I recruited with a new one last monday, who brought written recommendations with her, and who to all appearence is very capable of her buisness, but on thursday got so drunk that she was carried to Bed, and so indecent, that footman Coachman & all were driven out of the House, concequently she has turnd herself out of doors. we know little of vileness in our state when compared to those cities who have Such Numbers of Foreigners as N york and Philadelphia\u2014 I thank you my dear sister for your kind care of your Nephew. he wanted it I believe. he mourns a want of employ, but all young men must have patience, especially in his profession. [\u201c]there is a tide in the affairs of men\u201d our young folks must watch for it.\nI would ask dr Rush about a certain affair if I had a short detail of Names circumstances and time. if cousin Lucy thinks it worth her time to give me some account of the affair, I am upon such an intimate footing with the dr since his practise in our Family that I could easily assertain all he knows about it, but the story was so complicated that I am by no means mistress of the Subject.\nmy Love to mrs Norten & my young Nephew. I anticipate the pleasure of meeting you all. pray heaven nothing may arrise to prevent my realizing the Satisfaction. Let me hear from you as often you can and / believe me at all times most / affectionatly yours\nA Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0099", "content": "Title: Martha Washington to Abigail Adams, 25 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, Martha\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nTuesday morning January 25 [1791]\nMrs Washington, presents her compliments to Mrs Adams,\u2014 if it is agreable to her, to Let miss smith come to dance with nelly & Washington, the master attends mondays wednesdays and Frydays at five oclock in the evenings\u2014 Mrs Washington will be very happy to see miss smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0100", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 6 February 179[1]\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\nmy dear sir\nPhiladelphia Febry 6 1790 [1791]\nI received your kind Letter of Janry 7th by my son. in replie to the Buisness part, I think upon reflection and to save trouble, I would wish you to Loan my Notes as Trustee to me. I as well as many other should have liked the system of Finnance much better if the Faith pledged had been literally fullfilld; by the payment of Six pr ct interest, then let the new Loan have been fill\u2019d at 4 or 3. the National Honour would have stood much fairer with all honest Men, and tho some individuals might have accumulated great fortunes by it, I think it would have circulated & spread abroad with more satisfaction than it will Curtaild, and part deffered as it now stands, but having been accepted & agreed to by the Government it is best to abide by it.\nyou will Learn by the publick papers that mr Madison is come forward with all his powers, in opposition to the Bank it is difficult for the world in general to discover why a wise Man or rather so Learned a Man can take up such opinions as he has, and defend them so earnestly, but there are some who can see further through\u2019 a mill stone than others to whom mr Madisons designs are not so impenetrable, but there remains not a doubt but that the Bill will pass the House by a considerable majority. Congress will rise in march, and have I hope a long recess. we propose visiting Braintree as soon as the Roads will permit and if you have not shipd the Beaf and Tongues I would have them reserved for my use there, but then I shall want only one Barrell. pork I suppose I can buy. Hams I would be glad to employ mr Foster to get for me, say one dozen I never eat finer than those which he procured for me last year\nupon the subject of visits which you mention, for a publick Character like the Presidents & his Ladies I do not know how they could be visited in any other way than they are, consistant with the Rank they hold. on twesday from 3 to four the President has a Levee, when strangers are introduced Members of the House of commons & the other House visit him Such of the inhabitants as chuse attend. this is no more than going an hour upon the exchange an hour in Boston or Else where on thursdays he usually gives a dinner and a very handsome one too, to such company as he invites previously, and they are always properly chosen; on fryday Evenings mrs washington has a drawing Room which is usually very full of the well Born and well Bred. Some times it is as full as her Britanick majesties Room, & with quite as Handsome Ladies, and as polite courtiers. here the company are entertaind with Coffe Tea cake Ice creams Lemonade &c they chat with each other walk about, fine Ladies shew themselves, and as candle Light is a great improver of Beauty, they appear to great advantage; this shew lasts from seven, till Nine oclock comeing & going during those hours, as it is not Etiquette for any person to stay Long. on other days any Lady who is in habits of intimacy may visit mrs washington with the same freedom & take Tea with her as unceremoniously as my good Aunt, your Lady will with me, when I return to Braintree, as I hope. with regard to my Ladyship, your Honours Neice it is most certainly true, that she would be very happy to See an entertain ten persons where She now does one, if her good Friends would have enabled her so to do, but as they have not she gives of such as she has with a hearty good will and be sure in as smart a manner as she can afford it is not very often that she has the pleasure. as to visits many must be of the ceremonious kind, but then there is this satisfaction that one can make 20 in a forenoon\u2014 I accept no invitation nor my Family for saturday Evening & make no sunday visits. Sometimes a Friend or intimate acquaintance will dine on sundays with us, but no invitations for that day\u2014 my dear sir I Look forward to the Spring with much pleasure as I have the prospect of seeing you then and the rest of my Friends. at present my Family are all well my three sons with me, and the Chief Justice of the united states makes this House his home during the sitting of the Court.\nRemember me kindly to all my connections and be assured my dear sir that I am with / Sentiments of esteem and affection / Yours\nA Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0101", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams Smith to Elizabeth Cranch Norton, 7 February 1791\nFrom: Smith, Abigail Adams\nTo: Norton, Elizabeth Cranch\nNew York Febuary 7th 1791\nI received your kind Letter of 16th of January by Mr Jackson and feel myself particularly obliged my Dear Cousin for your attention at this time the absence of my Husband\u2014leaves a blank in my mind which may be alleviated in some degree by the Kind attentions of my friends; but which nothing can fill up\u2014 my Chrildren are yet so small as not to afford me much society;\u2014 in their smiles;\u2014and Lively prattle I find an amusement;\u2014 in Mr Smiths family I have kind and attentive friends disposed to Contribute all in their power to my Happiness; we Live in the most perfect Harmony reciprocal attentions strengthenths the bond of friendship His Mamma\u2014is a very fine Woman. possessed of a strong mind and an amiable Heart, attached to her Chrildren\u2014to a very great degree\u2014ever sollicitous for their wellfare and Happiness\u2014 it is no small degree of Concern to us that She does not enjoy her Health\u2014 She is greatly afflicted with a Severe pain in her Arm\u2014which She apprehends to be the rheumatism\u2014but which I fear will prove of a more serious nature\u2014 I am apprehensive of a paralytic dissorder\u2014 his Sisters are all fine and amiable Women\u2014 Bellinda has Married this Winter a young Gentleman Whose name is Clarkson\u2014an amiable young Man\u2014 with whom I beleive she will be very happy\u2014 they spend the Winter with me\u2014as also Miss Peggy the Eldest Sister who [is a] charming sprightly Companion\u2014 the Eldest Brother has taken Colln Smiths place in the Office\u2014of Marshall\u2014and he also is of the family\u2014so that I am not alone,\u2014 I nevertheless frequently wish that I could enjoy the society of your family\u2014and a few of my friends\u2014for whom I feel an attachment that is not to be abated by distance or time\u2014the removeall of my Mamma and her family from this place is to me an irreparable Loss, of an invaluable blessing\u2014and an event which no Length of time can reconcile me to the dispersed State of my own family is a scource of anxiety and unhappiness\u2014to me\u2014 to look for friendship\u2014without the Circle of ones own family and Connections whose interest as well as pleasure it is to Contribute to each others Happiness\u2014is to expect a very great improbability if not an impossibility\u2014 if we are not disposed to contribute to each others advancement in Life\u2014we cannot reasonably expect to interest other People in our behalf\u2014 it is a most excellent Motto\u2014United we stand, divided we fall,\u2014\nI was I assure you my friend much gratified to hear of your prosperity and Wellfare\u2014 it would afford me much pleasure to bring our Chrildren acquainted with each other\u2014 you would be surprized to see your friend surrounded by three great Boys\u2014 I can scarce realize the idea myself I assure you\u2014 as far as one can Judge at so early a period they promise to possess amiable dispositions\u2014and the youngest Master Thomas Hollis is not I assure you the least of a favourite altho he was considered as an usurper\u2014 I had anticipated the pleasure of having a Daughter\u2014 he has Carrot Colourd Hair\u2014and consequently a fair Complexion\u2014but every person who sees him observes a great resemblance to my family\u2014 I am happy to hear that our friend Anna is happily settled\u2014 I agree with you that She is the greatest female enthusiast I ever knew\u2014and I beleive she stands a greater Chance for Happiness\u2014provided the fervor\u2014of friendship can always be kept alive\u2014 the object may perhaps change & the principle be still supported\u2014 I suppose she will think that her Chrildren should she have any\u2014are of a superior order of beings\u2014\nwith you my friend I join most sincerely in wishing that the absence of my best friend may not be of a Long Continueance\u2014and I have no expectation of its being prolonged Later than May at fartherst but if it should;\u2014you may bid adieu to your Cousin\u2014for I am determined to follow him\u2014 the motives which have induced him to undertake this voyage\u2014were the most Laudable;\u2014 you may have heard that he is gone upon Public Business\u2014but it is not true should he succed equal to his expectations in his Business\u2014I shall not regret having made this sacrifise\u2014\nI regreted much that I did not know of Mrs Cranch and Miss Palmers being in town when they went on to West Point I should most certainly have seen them\u2014 it was not untill a Month after their departure that Mr Greanleaf called and delivered their Letters\u2014 I fear that they must have thought me unfriendly and inattentive\u2014\nbe so good as to present my regards to all my friends my Love to your Mamma and Sister and my respects to Mr Norton\nbeleive me my Dear Cousin sincerely / your friend\nA Smith\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0102", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams Smith to Mary Smith Cranch, 8 February 1791\nFrom: Smith, Abigail Adams\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\nNew York Febuary 8th 1791\nyour kind attention my Dear Aunt demands an early acknowledgement, you judge very right that it would contribute greatly to my happiness could I be indulged with the society of my friends in your part of the world\u2014 I often do most ardently wish for it\u2014but fate has ordered it otherwise\u2014[and] I must submit\u2014 the removeall of my Mamma and her family from this place has deprived me of a very great portion of Happiness I am however blessed with very Kind friends in Colln Smiths family to whom I am much indebted for friendly attentions and agreeable society\u2014 I have neither inclination or desire to mix in society\u2014and I have no intimate friends out of my family\u2014 I sometimes feel as if I Stood alone in the World, seperated from all my nearest Connections and Dearest friends\u2014 this Winter has been a tedious and solitary one\u2014to me\u2014 my Chrildren afford me amusement and employment but they are yet too young to afford me much society\u2014 William is an amiable Manly Child\u2014 John is with my Mamma\u2014 I fear that he will require more firmness and authority than I wish to exercise over them to Govern him\u2014but he is a fine Lively Animated disposition\u2014 and Hollis\u2014bids fair from the Colour of his Hair and Complexion to be a firebrand but at present he is the mildest temper I ever observed in a Baby\u2014 the Government of their dispositions and a proper attention to their early education\u2014is a task which I feel myself incompetant to the proper performance of\u2014 the schools in this place so far as I have had an opportunity of judgeing are not equal to those we have in Boston\u2014early prejudices are not easily conquered my Dear Madam\u2014but with respect to education its advantages and General influence upon society in my mind we yankees far surpass thease southern People but this would be treason if permitted to go beyond your own family\nI expect that you will have the sattisfaction of my Mammas society the ensueing year it is Supposed that Congress will rise in March and will not meet again untill the Autumn She writes me that She shall be in New York\u2014on her Way in April\u2014 it is an ill Wind that Blows nobody any good\u2014 I will not repine at the Loss I shall sustain so Long as those I respect and esteem are to reap the advantage I suppose that I shall have the pleasure of my Brother Charles Society which is some consolation to me\u2014 it would afford me great pleasure to make a visit to Braintree and its Environs\u2014the next Summer\u2014but I scarce dare flatter myself with the idea\u2014 should my friend return early in the Spring and all matters concur\u2014I shall indeavour to [fulfill?] this desire\u2014\nthe Loss of Mrs Quincys and her Daughters society must be an unpleasant circumstance to your family Braintree has been by degrees robbed of some of its brightest ornaments\u2014 Parson Wibird I presume remains to grace the scene remember me to my Unkle and Cousins particularly if you please and beleive me at all times your affectionate / Neice\nA Smith\u2014\nDear Madam\nI have inclosed a little parcell to my Grandmamma under cover to you & will be obliged if you will present it to her as a small token of my remembrance\u2014and let me know how she enjoys her health this Winter\u2014\nA Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0103", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nMy Dear Sister\u2014\nHaverhill February 14th. 1791\nBy my Sister I have been informed of your Sickness, & of the distressed State of your Family, which gave me great, pain, & anxiety\u2014 more espicially for my Cousin Thomas, who when your Letter was written was still in great distress\u2014 I am sure I know how to pity a sick Family\u2014For in the course of the last year, there were four months, when we were severely exercised with Sickness, & the voice of Health was not heard for a long time in our House\u2014\nI am very glad Cousin Louisa was with you\u2014 It is very comfortable, & an happy Circumstance, to have an amiable Neice to assist one, in such difficult times\u2014 Such a kind, tender good Nurse as I have found in my Betsy Smith, (I hope) & do not doubt, but you have experienced in your Louisa\u2014 She was always very attentive to you, & we all loved her the better for it\u2014 I hope by this time you are all happily recovered, & in the full enjoyment of the inestimable Blessing of Health\u2014 Betsy Quincy is very sorry to hear Polly Taylor has suffered\u2014 They were great favorites of each others\u2014 She hopes she has got quite well by this time\u2014\nWe have had the coldest Winter which has been known for these many Years\u2014 The coldest December that was ever felt here\u2014 You, I presume have experienced nothing of our severe season\u2014 A greater state of temperature cheers your Dwelling, & the rough winds pass softly, over your dear Face\u2014a Face\u2014that I hope to be favoured with a sight of in the ensuing Season\u2014& I pray nothing may prevent\u2014\nI wrote to you not long since by Major McFarland, who was going to Phyladelphia to assist his Family, by endeavouring to procure to himself some pecuniary Office\u2014 But having reached Newyork was abrubtly told of the unhappy fate of a favourite Son, who was unfortunately disappointed in transacting some commercial buisiness for the Army at the Ohio\u2014could not bear the dishonour, & as a fool dieth, so died he\u2014by commiting a suicide\u2014 The News so affected his poor Father, that he was obliged to return immediately home, & has hardly been seen since\u2014\nThe Baron Stuben was so kind as to take charge of his business, & of my Letter to you, & one to Louisa from her Sister Betsy, both of which I hope you have received\u2014\nI now write expecting to send this by a couple of worthy young Gentlemen, Dr Woodbury, & Mr Henry West\u2014 They are two very active, enterprizing Men of this Town\u2014 They have carried on business for sometime in Phyladephia, & are now going for the purpose of extablishing a more regular line of Trade\u2014 If it is convenient I wish my Sister would notice them\u2014 They will take pleasure in bringing Letters, & I hope you will be able to write to me by them\u2014 It is a great while since I have had a Line from you\u2014\nI believe there was never a Country more blessed than ours\u2014 The People are now enjoying there hard earnings\u2014 [There] is no murmering\u2014 no complaining in our streets\u2014no\u2014n[ews] of Taxs\u2014the six Dollors a Day is almost forgot\u2014 Health through\u2014the Land\u2014Peace\u2014& Plenty crown the Year\u2014\nI suppose you have heard that Major Rice was married to Miss Sophia Blake, & that the good Dr Howard had again entered the Hymeneal Band, with Miss Jerusha Gay\u2014 Ten thousand Blessings on his head\u2014 The sagacious Hinghamites will say, that he has now, only fullfilled what he ought to have done thirty years ago\u2014only one revolution of Saturn since\u2014 I find it dificult not to contrast the celebrated beauty\u2014the northern Star which once shed her benign Influences on his delighted head, with the Person, whom he is now connected\u2014 It is true that she is a most amiable woman, & has an excellent Character\u2014 But it is a degree of perfection (at which I presume he has arrived) to love virtue, for its own sake\u2014\nMr & Mrs Thaxter, & Cousin Betsy Smith are gone upon a visit to their Friends at Hingham, Braintree &ca I think he is really better, & has not had a Fit for several months\u2014 Cousin Betsy Thaxter spent two months in the Fall, with him\u2014 All we could do, & say, we could not prevail with her, to tarry the winter\u2014 But there was such a spirit of marrying had taken place among the Vestals at Hingham, that perhaps she wished to return before Cupids Flame was extinguished, while the Torch of Hymen was burning with unusual lustre, that she might be benifited by its sweet Influences\u2014\nMr Shaw desires his best regards may be accepted by you, & Brother Adams, & believe me to be Yours most Affectionately\nElizabeth Shaw\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0104", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 21 February 1791\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Smith, Abigail Adams\nMy Dear Child,\nPhiladelphia, 21 February, 1791.\nI received yours of February 13th, and was happy to learn that you and your little ones were well. I wrote to you by the Chief Justice, and sent your silk by him. He promised me to visit you, and from him you will learn how we all are. We have had, ever since this month began, a succession of bad weather, and, for this week past, the coldest weather that I have experienced this winter. The ground is now covered with snow. This, if it would last, would let me out of my cage, and enable me to go to the assembly on the birth-day of the President, which will be on Tuesday next. On Thursday last I dined with the President, in company with the ministers and ladies of the court. He was more than usually social. I asked him after Humphreys, from whom I knew he had received despatches a few days before. He said that he was well, and at Lisbon. When I returned home, I told your father that I conjectured Mr. Humphreys would be nominated for Lisbon, and the next day the Senate received a message, with his nomination, as resident minister at the Court of Portugal; the President having received official information that a minister was appointed here, Mr. Friere, as I before informed you. He asked very affectionately after you and the children, and at table picked the sugar-plums from a cake, and requested me to take them for master John. Some suppose, that, if your husband was here, he would have the command of the troops which are to be raised and sent against the Indians. If such an idea as that is in his mind, I am happy that your friend is three thousand miles distant. I have no fancy that a man, who has already hazarded his life in defence of his country, should risk a tomahawk and scalping-knife, where, though a conqueror, no glory is to be obtained, though much may be lost. I most sincerely hope he may be successful in his private enterprise; for the way to command Fortune is to be as independent of her as possible.\nThe equanimity of your disposition will lead you to a patient submission to the allotments of Providence. The education of your children will occupy much of your time, and you will always keep in mind the great importance of first principles, and the necessity of instilling the precepts of morality very early into their minds. Youth is so imitative, that it catches at every thing. I have a great opinion of Dr. Watts\u2019s \u201cMoral Songs for Children.\u201d They are adapted to their capacities, and they comprehend all the social and relative duties of life. They impress the young mind with the ideas of the Supreme Being, as their creator, benefactor, and preserver. They teach brotherly love, sisterly affection, and filial respect and reverence. I do not know any book so well calculated for the early period of life; and they may be made as pleasant to them, by the method of instructing, as a hundred little stories, which are taught them, containing neither a rule of life, nor sentiment worth retaining, such as little John will now run over, of \u201cJack and Jill,\u201d and \u201cLittle Jack Horner.\u201d As a trial of their memory, and a practice for their tongues, these may be useful, but no other way.\nI am sometimes led to think that human nature is a very perverse thing, and much more given to evil than good. I never had any of my own children so much under my eye, and so little mixed with other children or with servants, as this little boy of yours. Whatever appears is self-taught, and, though a very good boy and very orderly, he frequently surprises me with a new air, a new word, or some action, that I should ascribe to others, if he mixed with them at all. He is never permitted to go into the kitchen. Every day, after dinner, he sets his grandpapa to draw him about in a chair, which is generally done for half an hour, to the derangement of my carpet and the amusement of his grandpapa.\nRemember me affectionately to all inquiring friends. I hope to see you ere long.\nYour ever affectionate mother,\nA. Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0105", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nDear Madm.\nBoston Feby. 23. 1791\u2014\nYours of the 6th. Inst. came safe to hand and just timely enough to counter order the Shipping of your Hams & Beef\u2014\nSome time past you requested me to purchase you a Ticket, I defered it till the Time of drawing was not far distant, & giving the Preference to our semiannual Lottery have purchased for you No. 15533\u2014\nWill there be an advantage in becoming a Sharer in the national Bank, if so How is a Share to be obtaind\u2014 I suppose the Bill for establishing the Bank is passed\u2014 Whether the Bill reported by the Secretary has passed without any Alteration I do not know, but must confess I was not pleased with it as reported\u2014 I suspect that in operation it would have become a refind System of paper money & would more or less have had the same Effects as that work of Evils a paper medium has had,\u2014\nIt is expected that the Excise Bill will pass: will this not require Officers different from the Import Acts to execute it. if so I could wish that my Bro Samuel might have an honourable Appointment\u2014 He has been a State Collector of Excise, which office he discharged with Reputation to himself & Benefit to the Commonwealth and has been a great Sufferer in Consequence of his Advances to the public during the War, Can you give Hints so as to obtain the Interest of such is by their Influence or otherways can obtain it\u2014 Mr. Goodhue is well acquainted with his Character\u2014\nI have taken measures to secure the Hams & shall attend to some other matters mentioned in Yours as soon as I can with Convenience and am with sincere Regards / Yours affectionately\nCotton Tufts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0109", "content": "Title: John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 14 March 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Smith, William Stephens\nMy Dear Sir:\nPhiladelphia, March 14, 1791.\nI shall not entertain you with public affairs, because you will learn the state of them from the public papers more in detail. I shall only say, that the National Government has succeeded beyond the expectations, even of the sanguine, and is more popular, and has given more general satisfaction than I expected ever to live to see. The addition of Vermont and Kentucky, the augmentation of our revenues, and the rapid rise of stocks and credit, have all raised the spirits of the people, and made them as happy as their nature and state will bear.\nI took my pen, however, merely to mention your appointment to the office of Supervisor for the State of New-York, which will necessarily require your personal presence before the first of July. This place, I presume, is well worth your acceptance, as it will be a decent and comfortable provision for yourself and family, while it will be an honourable and useful employment. I am therefore anxious that you should have the earliest notice of it, and return without loss of time.\nYour family and friends are all well in New-York, and your son with us is as healthy and happy, and as fine a child as you could wish him to be. We are agreeably situated here; and the Session of Congress has been the most assiduous, the most harmonious, and the most efficacious I ever knew.\nPresent my particular regards to Mr. B. Hollis and Dr. Price, and all others who think it worth their while to ask a question concerning him who is / Yours, affectionately,\nJohn Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0111", "content": "Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nTo: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith\nMy dear Aunt,\nPhiladelphia March 17th \u201491.\nA few days since I received your kind letter of Febry: 18th: and its being handed by a Townsman of yours was a circumstance that afforded me additional pleasure. Indeed I always receive more satisfaction when I meet with any of your Neighbors, than from the inhabitants of any other place; and can account for it upon this principle chiefly, that I lived in that town at a period when objects usually make the strongest impressions on the mind, and when local attachments and prejudices, if ever, are imbibed. I hear with pleasure from Dr Woodbury that business which for some years past has been rather at a low ebb, among you, has again revived, and that its usual concomitants harmony and good humor are so remarkably prevalent. That place is by nature calculated for happiness, and nothing is requsite but the disposition of its inhabitants to render it completely delightful, and agreeable. I am often taxed by my Father with want of attachment to my native town; but I tell him, if I have any prejudices or preference, to any particular spot, that Haverhill is the center. As I have entred upon the studdy of the Law in this place it is probable I shall make it my future residence, and it is in a measure incumbent on me to adopt the interests, and conform to the manners and customs of this State; but I think neither distance of time or place will ever obliterate from my memory the favorable opinion I now entertain of Haverhill and its inhabitants.\nI am glad to hear that a certain young Lady has an husband, but you cannot censure me if I say, she might have had a better. It was allways my opinion of the Gentleman with whom she is connected, that he thought for himself at too early a period in life; and that it was Captn: W\u2014\u2014s before he could connect the syllables which compose those two words. However he is a good natured honest simple sort of a man, and to sum up all his perfections at once, I believe he is calculated to make a good husband; that is, he is easily managed, a very requisite qualification with the Ladies.\nYour kind and friendly condolance for my illness demands my warmest thanks; it was indeed severe, and you who have experienced its sad effects can determine how much pain that word expresses. I have in a measure recovered my health, but the remains still lurk in my joints. Virgil when describing the mixture of grief and Sorrow which Dido expresses at the departure of Aeneas, has this expressive line, \u201cVulnus alit venis, c\u00e6que carpitur igni;\u201d I will not pretend to speak with certainty, but I should immagine that the pangs and tortures of Love, are much inferior to those of the Rheumatism. I have already extended my letter beyond the usual bounds of epistolary correspondence; but when I am once engaged in writing to you, I scarcely think of closing untill I am admonished by the deficiency of my paper. You are good enough to indulge me in writing to you,\u2014 my heart follows my hand in every line, and bids it record sincerity. You will therefore believe me when I subscribe myself / Your ever affectionate nephew\nThomas B Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0112", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 20 March 1791\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith\nMy Dear Sister,\nBush Hill, (near Philadelphia,)20 March, 1791.\nI received, by Dr. W\u2014\u2014, your kind letter of February 14th. He was very punctual to his commission. He has been three times to visit us. He came out this afternoon to let me know that he should leave Philadelphia on Tuesday. By him I have to thank my dear sister for three letters, and to confess myself much in arrears. \u2019Tis in vain to say that I have had a sick family; that I have had a large family; that I have been engaged in company. These are poor excuses for not writing; nor will I exculpate myself by alleging that I wanted a subject. My pride would not suffer such a plea. What, then, has been the cause? \u201cConfess freely, and say that it was mere indolence,\u2014real laziness,\u201d as in truth I fear it has been. Yet conscience, that faithful monitor, has reprehended me very, very often. I was very sick; (so sick, that I have not yet recovered the shock I received from it,) for near two months before I left New York. When I got to this place, I found this house just calculated to make the whole family sick; cold, damp, and wet with new paint. A fine place for an invalid; but, through a kind Providence, I sustained it, though others suffered. Happily, after a very tedious two months, Thomas recovered so as to get abroad; but his health is now very infirm, and I fear an attendance upon two offices through the day, and studying through the evening at home, is not calculated to mend it. But it is a maxim here, that he who dies with studying dies in a good cause, and may go to another world much better calculated to improve his talents, than if he had died a blockhead. Well, knowledge is a fine thing, and mother Eve thought so; but she smarted so severely for hers, that most of her daughters have been afraid of it since.\nWe have had a very severe winter in this State, as you may judge when I tell you that we have consumed forty cords of wood in four months. It has been as cold as any winter we have at the northward. The 17th and 18th of this month I dined with all my windows open, put out the fires, and ate ice to cool me; the glasses at 80. This is the 20th. Yesterday it snowed nearly the whole day, and to-day it is a keen northwester; and I presume it will freeze hard to-night. Yet the verdure is beautiful; full as much as I shall find by the middle of May in Massachusetts, where I hope then to be. Yet I shall have some regrets at leaving this place, just as the season begins to open all its beauties upon me. I am told that this spot is very delightful as a summer residence. The house is spacious. The views from it are rather beautiful than sublime; the country round has too much of the level to be in my style. The appearance of uniformity wearies the eye, and confines the imagination. We have a fine view of the whole city from our windows; a beautiful grove behind the house, through which there is a spacious gravel walk, guarded by a number of marble statues, whose genealogy I have not yet studied, as the last week is the first time I have visited them. A variety of fine fields of wheat and grass are in front of the house, and, on the right hand, a pretty view of the Schuylkill presents itself. But now for the reverse of the picture. We are only two miles from town, yet have I been more of a prisoner this winter than I ever was in my life. The road from hence to the pavement is one mile and a half, the soil a brick clay, so that, when there has been heavy rain, or a thaw, you must wallow to the city through a bed of mortar without a bottom, the horses sinking to their knees. If it becomes cold, then the holes and the roughness are intolerable. From the inhabitants of this place I have received every mark of politeness and civility. The ladies here are well-educated, well-bred, and well-dressed. There is much more society than in New York, and I am much better pleased and satisfied than I expected to be when I was destined to remove here. Adieu.\nYour sister,\nA. A.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0113", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 2 April 1791\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nBoston April 2d: 1791.\nI have just received your favour of the 22d: instt: thanks you know are \u201cthe exchequer of the poor.\u201d upon that exchequer of mine you are entitled to bills to a large amount. I assure you I feel the obligation of your attention to my trunk, which has not yet arrived, but which will be very acceptable when it comes. But your Letter has excited my curiosity, and I find myself very much perplexed to determine who that same \u201cacquaintance\u201d of yours can be, who understands the doctrine of punctuality so well, and is yet so deficient in point of practice; upon the whole I imagine it must be some of your new acquaintance, perhaps one of the clerks in Mr: Ingersoll\u2019s office. I dare say you will have too much good sense to follow his evil example\u2014yet such characters are not uncommon in the world. Video meliora, proboque,\u2014Deteriora sequor is a complaint of no small antiquity; and the students of Horace and Cicero, will have frequent opportunities to remark, that the most prevalent foibles are not confined to their own period of Life.\nThe Magazines will I believe never present you with any more Rebuses, Acrostics Elegies, or other poetical effusions of my production. I must bid a long and lasting farewell to the juvenile Muses. It is to the severer toils of the Historic Matron, that I must henceforth direct all the attention that I can allow to that lovely company. Happy if they do not exclude me altogether from their train, and command me to offer all my devotions to the, eyeless dame, who holds the balance and the sword.\u2014 If I should have leisure to pursue my inclination, which I expressed to you, of venturing upon some speculations in our Newspapers, I shall willingly make a confident of you. At present I find no time to indulge myself in that kind of amusement. \u201cHe that hath little business shall become wise.\u201d says Mr: Burke\u2019s quotation. It is at least, incumbent upon him who is in that predicament, to endeavour to obtain wisdom; and in that pursuit I find that I have but little time upon my hands\nYou do not mention a word in your Letter upon the subject of your coming to Braintree. I hope you will come by all means. The climate of Philadelphia must be ill calculated for your northern Constitution, during the Summer months. You have been totally unused to such a climate; and after your late severe illness, I think you may very safely conclude, that by a tour hitherward, you will probably save much time, and avoid many an hour of such pains, as your experienced feelings will much better conceive than I can subscribe. Upon the fairest possible presumption, that of your preserving your health at Philadelphia, I am per[sua]ded you would not advance more in your studies, than by four or five months of peaceable application at Braintree. I assure you, I feel some anxiety [up]on the subject.\u2014 At all events I hope you will determine for the best.\nYour Classmate Welles, it is greatly apprehended is lost at Sea. He sailed in December for some Island in the West Indies. There are arrivals from the port to which he was bound, which sailed from thence 88 days after his departure from this place; and the vessel in which he went has never been heard of. The only remaining hope of his friends is that he may have been taken from the wreck by some vessel bound to Europe. The chance is small, and the dependence frail.\nI was at Braintree on Thursday. All well.\nAdieu.\nJ. Q. Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0116", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 20 April 1791\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nBoston April 20th: 1791.\nI received by the last Post your short favour, inclosing a much longer one to Quincy which I have punctually delivered: I know not whether this will reach you before your departure from Philadelphia; if it does not it can do no harm: and if it does, as you have concluded upon coming this way with the family it may be of some service to me.\u2014 You recollect doubtless that while I was in Philadelphia, I took some pains to make a complete collection of books and papers relative to the national government. I left one or two little minutes with you to which I requested your attention. A gentleman of your punctuality has certainly not suffered the circumstance to escape your recollection: however a little stimulus to your remembrance perhaps will not be amiss, and if you find any spare room in your trunks when you come on, I must request you to bring with you a set of the laws & journals of both Houses of the last Session, which I presume are published before this.\u2014 Perhaps you may remember that my set of the U.S. Gazette was not complete. Mr: Fenno directed me to apply to Mr: Sigourney in this town for the numbers which I wanted, and told me, that I could probably get supplied from him. I have done so accordingly but Mr: Sigourney had sent all the papers in his possession to Mr: Fenno a few days before. I must therefore trouble you to send to him and request him to furnish you with as many of the following numbers as he can of the first Volume. N: 33. 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 73, 80, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 98, 101, 102, 103, 104. and you will either bring them with you, or leave them to be sent by the first convenient opportunity. I shall want also of the second Volume the Numbers 88, 89, 90 which were published while I was on my passage from Philadelphia hither. I was supplied with a complete set of the second Volume to the 87th: number before I came away, and since I got home I have regularly received the numbers as they came; that little chasm, you will easily be able to assist me in filling up, and I hope you have too great a stock of patience to be wearied by my importunities.\nI have little more to say. There have been great rebellions among the sons of Harvard, excited by the new regulations subjecting them to examinations. I have not at present time to give you a full account of the whole transactions; the result of the whole is that Jones, a junior is expelled, Trapier rusticated, Sullivan, Sophimore, suspended for nine months, and Ely, I know not of what class, to undergo a punishment not yet made public. I was at exhibition yesterday; Ellery delivered a very pretty English Oration. company pretty much as usual.\nAdieu, in haste.\nJ. Q. Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0118", "content": "Title: Martha Washington to Abigail Adams, 30 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, Martha\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nDear Madam\nPhiladelphia May the 30th. 1791\nI had the pleasure to hear of you several times while you was on your journey by persons who met you\u2014particulary by Mr & Mrs Breck and Mr & Mrs Codman of Boston who are now in this city\u2014 I was truly sorry to learn from them that you were much indisposed\u2014 I sincerely hope you will obtain a re establishment of your health by breathing the air of your country which is esteemed so salubrious\u2014 you will I conceive at any rate escape the very warm weather which we are now beginning to feel hear\u2014 It is not in my power to amuse you with a detail of what is going forward in our fashonable world hear\u2014 you know I am not much in it at any time\u2014and at this season there is less cause for moving about than in the winter\u2014 the heat has been very oppressive for several days past\u2014more so than common at this time of the year\u2014 those familys which usually spend the summer in the country have retired there already\u2014 I do not expect to go to Virginia till the latter part of July\u2014 I can not think of going without my dear little folks, and their vacation do not commence till that time\nI had the pleasure to hear from the President the day before yesterday\u2014from savanah and was happy to find that he has enjoyed good health\u2014 he is now on his return and will probably be at mount vernon by the middle of June and in this City by the last of the month\u2014 you see my dear madam that the promise which I made of writing to you is not one of those un meaning promises which are sometimes made without ever having an intention to perform them\u2014 you will be so good as present my complements to the Vice President, and the young Gentlemen\u2014and accept of my best wishes for the health and happy ness of your self and family in which Mr & Mrs Lear begs leve to join\nI am madam with very great / regard and esteem your / affectionat Friend & / Hble servant\nM Washington\nthe Children join me in beging to be remember to miss smith\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0121", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Martha Washington, 25 June 1791\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Washington, Martha\nmy dear Madam\nBraintree june 25 1791\nI was honourd with your much esteemed favour on the 15 of this month. the state of my Health, Body and mind suffering most Severely with repeated attacks of an intermitting fever will plead my apoligy for omitting to thank you at an earlyer date for your Friendly Letter. I have been so weakned & debilitated as to be unable to walk alone, and my Nerves so affected as to oblige me to seclude myself from all company except my most intimate connextions. I hastned Home with great ardour in hopes the Northern Air and the quiet country Breize might restore me, but my disorder was of too obstinate a Nature to quit me so easily. I hope I have now got the better of it, as it is more than a week since the Ague left me we have had more very Hot weather than is usual at this season. I fear you have sufferd by it in Philadelphia. I hope Heat there is not attended with a Sharp drought, as it is here. the Feilds which a few week ago wore a most pleasing aspect, are now Robd of their verdure and our vegatables droop & dye. I was most sincerly grieved at reading in a late Philadelphia paper an account of the death of Dr Jones. the more I had the pleasure of knowing him, the greater esteem I had for him, as an amiable Sensible and Benevolent Man. You Madam must more particularly feel his loss as he was your Family Physician.\nI am happy to learn by your Letter as well as by the publick accounts that the President has enjoyd his Health during his Arduous Southern Tour. I presume er\u2019e this Time I may congratulate you upon his return to Philadelphia I must beg you Madam to present to him my most respectfull Regards and my congratulation upon his safe return. I hope you will have as agreable a journey to mount vernon as I should have had to massachussets but for that vile Ague which Tormented me. the whole Country through which we past was in full Bloom, and every spot wore the face of Peace & contentment. the people instead of murmers & complaints, expresst themselves happy and satisfied under the administration of their Government. there are however two inhabitants envy and Jealousy who are not perfectly content, but as they are characters for whom I have an utter aversion I can only pitty their folly and avoid them. Mr Adams desires me to present his best Respects to the President & to you Madam, and an affectionat remembrance to master Washington & miss Custos Compliments to mr and mrs Lear I hope the little Boy is finely recoverd from the small pox. shall I be an intruder if I ask again to hear from my dear mrs washington whose Health and happiness Shall ever be the Ardent & Sincere wish of her who has the Honour to subscribe herself her affectionat Friend and Humble servant\nA Adams\nTo a Heart less benevolent I should apologize for relating my Grief, but I know that you Madam can sympathize with those who mourn as well as rejoice in their felicity", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0123", "content": "Title: William Stephens Smith to John Adams, 5 August 1791\nFrom: Smith, William Stephens\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir.\nNew York August 5th. 1791.\nI should have long before this answered your affectionate Letter of Congratulation on my return to my family and friends but since my arrival, I have really been so perfectly and fully engaged, that I could scarcly call an hour my own\u2014 I had hurried myself for this week past in expectation of attending Mrs: Smith to Braintree, but the situation of my public and private business tho\u2019 agreable is such, that, I must deny myself that pleasure, my Brother and Sister however accompany her, and every other arrangement made in my power to render her voyage and Journey agreable\u2014 I will endeavour to be with you on the twenty first of September for the purpose of escorting her home\u2014 I wish\u2019d much at this time to see you, not only to tell my long story about my European Visit, but to talk freely about domestick Politicks. The Letter I addressed to the President on my arrival, I got Charles to Copy, for you but I not only had not then time, to write you myself, but not even to read his Copy to see whether it was correct or not\u2014 Mr. Jay. Hamilton and King, were much pleased with the contents of it, But I beleive The President Mr. Jefferson & Mr. Maddison would have rather I had stayed at home\u2014 Inclosed I send you the Presidents answer to that Letter, and my reply to it, but being advised by Colo. Hamilton to take no notice of it, but leave it to its own operation on the minds of the Government, I reluctantly withheld it, and only replyed,\u2014 Thus \u201cI have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Presidents Letter of the 13th. of July in answer to the Communications I thought it my duty to make on the 6th. of June after my return from Europe\u2014[\u201d] The[se letters] I have not time to Copy, and therefore must beg the favour of their being given to Mrs: Smith, who will safe keep them untill I see her\u2014 you will not I Know consider my forwarding a Copy of a letter sent to Mr. Robert Morris from one of those Gentlemen who waited on you soon after your arrival in London, as a member of a Committee of Merchants to converse on the Mercantile situation of affairs between England and America\u2014as any mark of unjustifiable vanity\u2014nor the Letter of the 10th. of May from London forwarded with a Copy of the Presidents Message as a superfluous accompanyment for Minutiae I must refer you to Mrs: Smith, you may get a great deal from her by Question & Answer, but you know she is not so much exposed as her husband to fall into lengthy conversations except with Ladies in a half Whisper\u2014\nOr perhaps you will get more if you appoint under the small seal that able negotiator Mrs: A. she by gently speaking Sweetly smiling and calmly pursuing the subject, may find out what carried me to Europe\u2014what I did while there\u2014and what engages me here at present, more important than the office I hold\u2014\nWith my most affectionate regards to Mrs: Adam, Mr. John\u2014Charles, Thomas & Eliza. I am Dr. Sir. affectionately yours.\nW. S. Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0124", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 17 August 1791\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Cranch, William\nBoston August 17th: 1791.\nI received almost a fortnight since your favour of July 23d: and should have answered it before now, if I was in the habit of doing as I ought I sued the note immediately, but have not heard from Johonnot since The two actions to which you requested me to attend were both continued; I had not seen Nightengale, and thought it would be expedient to continue that: the other was continued at a moment when I happened to be out of Court, and Robbins made so many fair promises that his client would do every thing to get the money by the next term, and such doleful lamentations of his poverty at present that I did not press the matter upon the Court much, and they were not very favorable to me. I believe there will be no harm done in the end by it.\nI hope you find such encouragement at Haverhill, as will give you full satisfaction upon the subject of your removal there, and I have no doubt you find it a more eligible situation for Business than Braintree: but you have a fund of happiness within yourself that is worth more, than all the law business in the Commonwealth.\nYour Master Dawes went to Portsmouth last week; he intended to have paid you a visit on his return, but his brother Pierce who went with him, had an invalid\u2019s whim of returning through Newbury-Port, with which Mr: Dawes complied so that he did not see you.\nI saw him a few days before, and we had some conversation relative to you. His opinion does you justice, and I love him the better for his having appreciated your merit so truly. He too thinks that your removal was judicious, and has the same dependence upon your success with the rest of us: after making your panegyric, he added that if you should have Miss N. G. as he supposed you would, she would render you as happy, as you deserve to be; that she was calculated to cheer and enliven the most retired & humble station as well as to adorn the most dignified. That you were both deserving of each other, and would enjoy together as much happiness as could result from good minds & congenial dispositions To this part of his story I did not so fully assent as to the other; and I thought I could perceive an obstacle to the completion of his prophecy, of which he was not aware. \u201cTis as one wedge drives out another\u201d says Vellum in the drummer; There will be somebody there who will cut the thread of your passion for Miss G.\u2014 that is my prophecy, and old Time will show before long which of us is right. It is your peculiar good fortune that in either case, your choice will justify the expectations of Mr: Dawes.\nAs for me, I could sit down and philippize upon my situation for an hour together, but I have got above it\u2014res mihi subjicere conor. indeed if I did not I should make but a pitiful whining fellow, I intend as soon as I am able to make myself a deep proficient in the stoic philosophy; it is the only consolation to a man upon whom the world frowns; and then if ever the cheating syren Fortune, should mistake herself so far as to smile upon me I will turn epicurean\u2014 that is my system. Epicure when a man is in luck, and Zeno, when the die is against him.\nI shall endeavour to be as little thoughtful or pensive, that is to think as little, as I possibly can; if I could but contrive not to think at all I should be the happier, but I cannot follow your advice of spending two or three months at Braintree. Think how my business would suffer by it: I defy you to calculate how many hundred pounds I should lose.\u2014 My health is indeed valuable; next to my conscience, and a very few friends, the most valuable object I have on Earth but it must take its chance. The temptations which you mention, I do not very well know; what should I be afraid of here\u2014 The only temptations that can be dangerous to me are such as would lead me away, but I am proof against every thing.\nYou will not fail to remember me to Mr. Shaw & the family, to our friend White, & generally to all the good folks whose remembrance is worth any thing, wherewith I remain as usual your friend\nJ. Q. Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0126", "content": "Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to William Cranch, 4 September 1791\nFrom: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nTo: Cranch, William\nBraintree September 4th 1791.\nInfluenced by the same principle as when I last wrote, viz. That of discharging a debt before it has accumulated much on the score of interest, I have determined to come to a settlement to the date hereof. You must not however expect the same degree of pure metal as that which produced the obligation; but make many grains of allowance for barrenness of Mint. Even should you be paid in Script subject to speculation, at least I shall not be subject to a Qui Tam prosecution. I am no less affected by the cause of your detainer, than the disappointment it occasioned; both cause and consequence however, I hope are temporary. The novelty of your scheme for getting yourself into business, is no less than its singularity. At any rate it discovers a fertility of invention, which in these dull times, is peculiarly serviceable to the possessor, more especially in our Profession. Money in puritanical times, was said to be \u201cthe root of all evil,\u201d A modern Churl, who sometimes indulges himself somewhat extensively in substitution or rather, prostitution of terms, has altered, by no means amended, the maxim, by which it reads thus \u201cWomen the reservoirs of all Scandal.\u201d Far be it from me to reveal the Author\u2019s name, for I have no inclination to immolate one of my fellow mortals on an Altar, the workmanship of his own temerity. I shall rather consider him as an object of commiseration, for having engaged in a most unequal contest. I am not the Jew for whose destruction the Gallows was erected. Having thus expressed my opinion of the deplorable situation of a person engaged in this female war; it will be superfluous to add any thing by way of caution to you. The Ancient Ballad, afforded much entertainment to all true lovers of Atticism. Every one lamented the extinguishment of the Coal, and if any sudden blast from my bellows could have revived the spark, the gentle fannings from every passing breeze, had soon restored it to its former glow. The subject original, was majestic, but the consequent effects are sufficiently ludicrous, and as such described, by the Balladist. \u201cHence in old dusky time a deluge came,\u201d &ca: The Ladies may make this passage of Thomson\u2019s applicable to their own case by erasing a single word. If you dare let them know that the history of their excursion has so soon passed the Merrimack, you may offer them my congratulations upon their arrival in safe moorings without being cast away.\nWhen I mentioned my Sister to you in my last it was certainly an omission on my part not to mention her fine boys. If they could be under the government of your good mother for one week before you come, you would be pleased with their vivacity; but under present management I fear you will perceive very soon where the defect lies. I was yesterday threatned with a return of my Ague, but hope from the precautions I have taken, to escape its further attacks. It is almost a fortnight since I had a real fit. The Bark has been administered in copious effusions to your cousin\nThomas B Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0127", "content": "Title: Martha Washington to Abigail Adams, 4 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, Martha\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nMy Dear madam\nPhiladelphia September the 4th. 1791\nYour frindly letter of the 29th of June\u2014I should not have suffered to remain so long unacknowledge from any other cause than that of the severe illness of my dear Little Washington\u2014who was confined to his bed with a cruel fevor for three weeks in the Months of July & August\u2014 I beleive it is heardly necessary my dear madam for me to tell you that, during the time of his illness I was not in a situation to attend to any thing but him.\u2014 The fatague and anxiety which I underwent, were almost too much for me; but sine it has plased god to restore my dear child again to health, I find my self recovered, and begin to look round to see what I left undone\u2014at that time, that I may attend to it now\u2014\nI had, with concern, heard of your illness before your Letter reched my hands; I assure you I was exceedingly rejoiced when that informed me that the ague had left you, and that you were getting much better.\nIf you have had reason to complain of the heat in New England\u2014 what must have been our situation in this city? whare a veriaty of circumstances combine with the climate to render the heat here at times almost insupporable: the heat of last week was more extreem than any we had experienced before\u2014\nThe President returned from the southward in fine health\u2014which was soon after interrupted for a little time\u2014but I am now happy in saying that it is again restored; and he unites with me in compliments and best wishes to your self\u2014the Vice President\u2014and your family\u2014\nI expect next week to set off with the President for Mount Vernon. I shall take my grand children with me in hopes that change of air will give them strength, as they are much relaxed with the heat of this city\u2014 I expect to be back by the latter end of october\u2014when I hope I shall have the pleasure to see you perfectly well\u2014\nNelly and Washington desire to be particularly remembered to your self and miss smith, to whome you will be so good as to give my kind regards.\u2014 Mr & Mrs Lear thank you for your remembrance of them and thair Little Boy, and request to be presented to you in very respectfull terms\u2014 a due and beleive me / Dear madam / your affectionate / friend & Hble / servant\nM Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0128", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 9 October 1791\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\nmy dear son\nBrookfield Sunday 9 ocbr 1791\nI had not time to write to you before I left Braintree I was in so much trouble for your Aunt and Family, that I left home with a Heavy Heart indeed, nor can I look to Philadelphia with a much lighter one, for there mrs Brisler lies at the point of death with a fever, if living. I promised Lucy if any Letters should come from Genll Knox or mr Brisler after I left home that you should open them and give them every information they might contain respecting her. this I now request you to do.\nI am extreemly anxious to hear from your uncle cranch. I wish you could forward a Letter to me to be left a Smiths or the stage House at N Haven, should this reach you soon enough. I did not say enough to you a[bout] your Eye\u2019s. I would have you take a portion or two of Sal[ts] and then an oz of Bark, in 6 or 7 portions. do not neglect it, if lost Health may be restored, lost Eyes cannot, and I am certain from my observation respecting your Health the summer past, that you stand in need of the Bark\nyour Father has stood his journey as well as could be expected. he is some what fatigued to day, but I hope his Heaviness arrises only from the exertions of the two last days, & from a South wind. if I had not past through the disorder myself and experienced the debility occasiond by it I should feel more anxious. convey the inclosed Letter as soon as you can to Braintree from your affectionate / Mother\nA Adams\np s I received your Letter and approve of what you have done", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0129", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 16 October 1791\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nMy dear Sister\nBraintree [16] october [1791]\nI wrote you last Sunday by Doctor Welsh & your son who were here & sent it to new-york where you now are I suppose. I hope you found the Letter when you arriv\u2019d as your Sympathytick heart would be in some measure reliev\u2019d by the favourable account I gave you of mr Cranchs Leg\u2014 since that time it has continu\u2019d to descharge well the mortified parts have been seperateing from the sound flesh & are now almost all come of but it has become such an offencive sore to dress as you scarcly can conceive of tis very painful too at times: I have dress\u2019d it alone to day for the first time since it began to discharge in such a manner\u2014 tis still Bath\u2019d once a day\u2014 Tis a slow & I fear will be a long peice of work before tis well we feed him yet with Bark & wine but not in such quantitys as at first\u2014 some parts of the Leg are heal\u2019d but there is now a sore from the knee to the ancle. there are but two places which appear deep every part where the Blisters were not cut is sound\u2014 The swelling has in a manner left the Limb\u2014 he cannot walk a step nor bear his weight upon it yet his appetite is good\nWhat charming Weather you have had for your journey I hope you all feel the better for your ride & that you will find all your Freinds in health & mrs Brisler recover\u2019d\u2014\nPolly Tailor is with us waiting for Madam Jeffery to send for her. She sent her wood She was ready to wait upon her & wonders that she is not sent for\ncousin Betsy Smith is with mrs Norton who was well yesterday\nDeacon Adams is dangerously sick with a slow Lung fever\nMr Shaw is gone to Barnstable & to the ordination of mr Simkins Sister Shaw was well but poor Billy grows worse I design to perswaid Mr Shaw to let mr Hughs see him\u2014 that man certainly has a faculty of seting Bones beyond many who are better theorests than himself\nWilliam return\u2019d last monday to haverhill & you must think my dear sister that I feel very lonely\u2014but I hope the danger from mr Cranchs Leg is not so great as it was\u2014 tis a terrible sore now but it has been so much worse that I cannot help being incourag\u2019d about it\u2014but I hope I shall be resign\u2019d be the event what it may\u2014 The support & kindness of my dear sister while she was here was a cordial to my spirits. & tho absent that she bears us upon her mind is a constant feast to my Soul\u2014 good grant that your health may be restor\u2019d & that your Life so precious to us as well as to your own Family may be prolong\u2019d many years yet to come & that we may have another happy meeting when the spring opens upon us\u2014\nMr Cranch send his Love to mr Adams & you & begs me to renew his thanks for all your kindnesses & attentions\nLucy send her Duty & Love mr Adams I hope has not had a return of his dissorder I hop\u2019d to have heard of you from some of your stages but I have not\nPolly found half a dozen Tea spoons in the closet after you went away which she thought she had put up they are here with your other plate. She has put a hook upon the Kitchen chamber door or rather upon the door at the foot of the Stairs which effectually secures all the garrets\u2014 upon the wash house we shall put a Lock I have sent to mr Pratt for sea-weed to stop the cellar doors & bank the house. Polly has nail\u2019d up all the Gates but the cow yard gate\nI have your Pigs & hope to make fine ones of them\u2014 If there is any thing else I can do for you pray let me know it, nothing can give me more pleasure than to be able to discharge some of the obligations confer\u2019d upon your / grateful & affectionate Sister\nMary Cranch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0130", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 17 October 1791\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\nmy dear sister\nN york Sunday october 17 [1791]\nI arrived here last Night. my first inquiry was for a Letter from you, which I was happy enough to find, and great relief did it afford to my anxious mind. I sent to the post office to see if I could get any further intelligence last evening but was dissapointed. I am ready however to attribute it more to your not getting an opportunity of conveyance than to any unfavourable circumstance, and I was much incouraged yesterday by seeing mrs judge cushing, who told me of a cure performed upon mrs Hyslops leg after a mortification had really taken place. she made great use of Bark and wine. I am sure my dear sister neither mr Adams or I can ever think our wine used to a better purpose than in aiding the recovery [of so] dear & valuable a Friend, and we request you to get more from our cellar when that is expended. can there be a greater pleasure in Life than rendering kindness to those we love and esteem and who we know are every way worthy of our regard. how many of my anxious & painfull hours did you in the summer past alleviate by your sisterly kindness. how much too am I indebted to my dear Lucy for her goodness. I am anxious for her Health, and full of the mind that a free use of the Bark would relieve her Nervious Headacks Katy who is with me was relieved only in that way after a slow Nervious fever. I had a pleasant journey in point of weather. mr Adams found himself very weak and feeble when we came to travell. his Nerves were more affected than I was aware of before I left home. he has not had any return of his fever, but if I had not gone through all & more than he has sufferd I should be much more distrest. he gains strength by his journey, but what I fear is the buisness & company which he cannot avoid and which are very unfit for a person recovering from such a disorder. Thomas & Louissa are well\u2014 mrs smith & Family I found well\u2014but I cannot learn a word from Philadelphia. Remember us all kindly to mr Cranch with our most sincere wishes for his perfect restoration to Health. I am my dear / Sister affectionatly yours\nA Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0131", "content": "Title: William Stephens Smith to John Adams, 21 October 1791\nFrom: Smith, William Stephens\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir.\nNew York October 21st. 1791.\nThe information I gave you relative to Mr. Hammonds official Character at the moment of your departure for Philadelphia, you will probably have confirmed previous to the receipt of this\u2014\nThe various important stations I have filled and the particular agency I had in producing this conciliatory advance of the British Court to the Government of The United States, Justifies to my mind the offer I propose making, of myself as a Candidate for the appointment at the Court of St. James\u2019s, in addition to this Mr. Hammonds Communications to me from Lord Grenville are so strongly marked with respect and Confidence, that I should not think, I did Justice to my Country, my family or myself should I omit presenting myself to The President at this period\u2014 particularly as the British Cabinet have pointedly instructed Mr. Hammond to pursue steadily the line, I marked out in my communications with Lord Grenville the last winter, as details in the Letter I addressed to the President on the 6th. of June last, viz. to enter into a full discussion & fulfillment of the unsettled points of the last Treaty, as a primary essential\u2014to establish such Commercial regulations as the Interests of the two Country\u2019s require, and to leave all other points to their own operation, aided by the friendship & good understanding which the preceeding arrangements may produce,\u2014\nIn addition to this mark of the esteem and Confidence of the Cabinet of England, Mr. Hammond is charged by his Court to take some proper opportunity and communicate to The President, not as if they were disposed to take the lead of his Judgement, in a Case like this, but that they conceived it a Compliment due from them to me, to assure the President, that on the appointment of a Gentleman to reside at the Court of London, no one would be more acceptable than myself or more likely to be agreable to the King and Cabinet of England\u2014 This Communication Mr. Hammond informed me he thought it his duty to make as early as possible\nAs I cannot reconcile it, to my feelings and the respect I entertain for you Sir, to attempt so important an object thro\u2019 any other medium, and relying on your friendship and disposition to promote my interest & the Honour of our connected families, I beg the favour of your presenting the enclosed letter to the President, and of supporting it by such observations as your better Judgement may dictate I am further induced to pursue the object thro\u2019 this Channel as the pursuit coincides with the letter, You once did me the Honor to address to The President on similar subjects, to aid you in this business, I will mention, that previous to the removal of Congress from New York, The President required of Mr. Jefferson a list of those Gentlemen whom he would recommend to his Consideration for foriegn Diplomatic appointment Mr. Jefferson told me in that case he had put my name amongst the first on the list\u2014 some time after Mr. Hamilton was called on to submit a few names to the President as persons proper to be employed to negociate the late loan\u2014 on that paper which contained 3 names, I was the second, but Mr. Jeffersons influence introduced Mr. Short tho\u2019 not mentioned by Mr. Hamilton & carried his point.\nHowever notwithstanding all this, should I not prove successful the knowledge of the failure, will be confined to my friends and for myself I shall not be at a loss to decide on the principles of it or find any difficulty in digesting the disappointment\u2014\nI am with great respect & regard / Your most Obedt. / Humble Servt.\nW: S: Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0132", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 28 October 1791\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nMy dear Brother\nBoston October 28th: 1791.\nI received your favour of the 17th: instt: from New-York, and am happy to hear you had got well so far on your journey. I hope you will be equally punctual on your arrival at Philadelphia.\nI must request your attention to the memorandum, which I left with you last Spring; and that you would not forget to send my segars before the navigation closes for the Season. the numbers of the Gazette of the U.S. which I want are 99 and 101. of the 2d: Vol: and 6 & 18 of the 3d:\nNothing material has occurred since you left us. I was at Braintree a few days ago. Mr: Cranch is, we hope out of danger, but will have a very tedious time with his leg. I fear he will be confined through the whole winter.\nOur Court of Common Pleas sat last week. I argued one cause to a jury; that of Nightengale, and obtained a verdict for him. I found my confidence in myself growing much stronger, and acquitted myself more to my satisfaction than I had ever done before.\u2014 Since that time I have had another opportunity to take a practical lesson of public speaking. The Committee of the General Court, who are to report upon the petition of the North Parish in Braintree for incorporation, sat at Milton last Wednesday to hear the parties. I was employed with W. Cranch and B. Beale by the parish Committee to support the petition. We were all of a standing; but as I was the oldest in years, it fell to my lot to close the argument, and to answer, the objections from Dorchester and from the other parishes in Braintree. Mr: Hichborn was a Committee man from Dorchester, and Mr: Robbins was employed as Counsel for the other parishes. The debate lasted about four hours. I was nearly one in my argument, and like Dogberry in the play \u201cfound it in my heart to bestow all my tediousness upon their honours.\u201d You may well imagine I was not equal to the task, especially as I had not had even twenty four hours time for preparation, or for obtaining the necessary information relative to the facts. I was not at all satisfied with my performance, but believe I did not lose any ground, with the audience. These opportunities have both afforded me some consolation, as they have tended to convince me that I may, with the help of experience acquire at least a decent capacity for forensic contention. This has for these fifteen months past, been one of the greatest sources of my anxiety and apprehension. The present stagnation of professional business, must be temporary, but an utter disqualification for public speaking would have been perpetual, and would have cut the cable from the sheet anchor of my hopes.\u2014 You have often been witness to my fears on this head, and it is for that reason that I am thus minute in detailing the circumstances, which suspend at least their operation, and tend to give me some encouragement.\u2014 I expect to argue one cause more at the next session of our Court of Common Pleas in January, and if so, I shall again inform you, whether my diffidence continues to decline, and my hopes to assume consistency.\nIn the mean time business is as dull as ever. If I have very little to do, I find myself in very respectable company. Yet I cannot easily suppress the sigh when the reflection recurs that I still subsist upon paternal bounty.\u2014 If I cannot acquire my own subsistence, I will at least endeavour to deserve it, and in the long winter before us I intend to pursue, with as much ardour as if my prospect of reward was much greater than it is, the studies connected with my profession and with science in general.\nYour friends in this town are well. Quincy told me he intended soon to write you.\u2014 Callender gallant as ever.\u2014 I saw Miss Breck last evening, at the assembly; she enquired particularly after Louisa.\nWrite as often as you can. Love to all the family, and believe me to be ever affectionately, your brother.\nJ. Q. Adams.\nOctober 29th:\nI have just received your\u2019s of the 23d. instt: and am happy to hear you arrived agreeably at Philadelphia. I shall take care of the enclosed Letters, and have nothing further to communicate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0134", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 3 December 1791\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nMy dear Brother.\nBoston December 3. 1791.\nI received last week your favour of the 17th: of last month, and found in it none of that tediousness which you seem to apprehend: indeed I suspect your fears were in some measure dictated by your indolence, and that you make them a pretext in your own mind, to relieve you from the tediousness of writing: but this pretence must not serve you: for I can assure you, that your Letters will always be tedious to me, only in proportion to their brevity, and that you are by far the most tedious when you do not write at all.\nThe arguments which you mention to have been held in the house of Representatives with respect to the ratio of Representation, were very amusing, and I have not seen those contained in your Letter, in any of the newspapers. The final decision of 1 to 30,000 has given as far as my conversation extends, very general satisfaction here, though I see most of our members voted against it. The distinction which you say was held up, relative to the characteristic qualities of the Representative and Senatorial branches of the Legislature, was as far as I remember first suggested by Montesquieu, and afterwards adopted by Rousseau. Great as these names are and prevailing as the opinion is, I consider it as one of the idlest and most groundless distinctions that ever entered into the brain of a statesmen. It may be true that an individual or a body of men sometimes is deficient in wisdom, though very honest and well meaning; but wisdom, ought to be the characteristic mark of every branch of a legislature; and without integrity, there never can be any wisdom. To speak in the legal phraseology, wisdom is integrity, and more. For in every situation in life, whether in a public or in a private capacity, as an individual, or as a member of the legislative body, every man who departs from the line of honesty, departs just so far from the line of wisdom. If your house of representatives is only honest, without wisdom, they can be at best but useless to the community; and if your Senate is only cunning and are not thoroughly honest, they must be much worse than useless.\u2014 But I have not time to expatiate any further upon this subject.\nMr: Woodward goes to Philadelphia next week, and will be the bearer of this Letter; and also of Miss Adams\u2019s book. Your father subscribed for three setts; and I have the other two in my possession. If he wishes to have them forwarded, you will let me know. I have one besides, as I was myself a subscriber.\nThe numbers of the 2d: Vol: of the U.S. Gazette which I want are 98 and 101. I believe I mistook one of them in my former Letter.\u2014 You may forward them by any convenient opportunity. I hope the segars will come soon, as I begin to be upon allowance, with the old stock.\nMr: Dana is appointed chief Justice of our Supreme Court, and Mr: Dawes is nominated to fill the vacant seat upon the bench.\u2014 If there was any business done this promotion might be serviceable to the younger Counsel at the bar, in this Town; but it is almost totally at a stand.\u2014 Never at a lower ebb: however, we live in patient expectation of better times.\nAdieu; love and duty to all the family.\nJ. Q. Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0136", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 11 December 1791\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nBraintree December 11th 1791\nI again take my pen to write to my dear sister tis a long time I know you think since you have heard from me. I have the same complaints to make of you, but once since you arriv\u2019d in Philadelphia have I receiv\u2019d a line from you\u2014 I know your time must have been much taken up in arranging your House & receiving company. this I hope & not sickness has been the reason I have not hear\u2019d from you oftener\u2014 as for me, how long an attendance upon a sick chamber is to be my portion I know not\u2014 When I wrote you last I believe I told you that mr Cranchs Leg was almost heal\u2019d but that he had taken a great cold by going down stairs at an improper time it was a very naughty trick he did we were lathing & plastering the Parlour. & he was affraid they would not do it right unless he could direct them\u2014 He thought he could cut Laths for mr Prat\u2014& then he did not like mr Belchers manner of laying some Bricks which had fallen out of the room where it had been fill\u2019d in so took the pail of Morter & did it himself\u2014but being Weak it made him sweat & then the gown was pull\u2019d of & the fire must be put out\u2014& where was you I hear you say\u2014reasoning intreating & at last almost scolding before I could get him back into his chamber. this was the begining of November He took such a cold as to make him very sick it fell upon his lungs & distress him much for a fortnight\u2014 he then seem\u2019d to be almost well, rode out, went to Weymouth got to work in his Shop & except that his cough was not gone he was geting well fast\u2014but unluckily he took another sudden cold last week which has again attack\u2019d his Lungs & confin\u2019d him to his chamber & he is now very ill. His stomack loaded with Phelm he begins to thro\u2019 it of & I hope will be better soon he is rather low than feverish his strength was much diminish by his confinement with his Leg but he was not sensible of it till he went to work. If he ever gets well again I hope he will be more attentive to himself. His Leg is perfectly well & seems to be as strong as the other\u2014 You know how he always groans when his lungs are distress this is the case now, all day & night asleep, or awake, I am almost sick for want of sleep myself\u2014 Lucy stands by me a good attentive child or I could hold out\u2014 She spent last week with her sister mrs Norton as is daily expectation of geting to Bed\u2014 mrs Nortons Mother is with her & will stay till she gets up again I am very glad she can be with her as I cannot\u2014 Richard grows a fine Boy & can say any thing he is told to & speaks very plain\u2014 I have heard from Haverhill last week mr Cranch had a Letter from Willm he does not say but they are well at his uncles he gets some business but not enough to pay his expences\nMiss Eunice is to be remov\u2019d to Dorchester this week to board at a mr Mosleys she regrets leaving Braintree but to stay at the Doctors this winter she cannot mrs Phipps is very crazy & take no care scarcly of her Family\u2014 I feel sorry to have her go I shall miss her sadly her good sense I shall pine after. & I fear she will miss me more than I shall her upon some accounts\u2014 She is in good spirits & in pretty tolarable health for her She sends her Love to you\u2014 mrs Quincy spent a few days with us not long since desires to be remember\u2019d to you\nPolly Tailor has been here & spent four or five days likes her place very well & sends her Duty to you\u2014 mr Jeffery is gone to sea for his Health If I had not receiv\u2019d your Letter the Day I did your cellar would have been stop\u2019d I had spoken to mr Pratt & was to have had the sea-weed carried the next day & it would have been a sad thing to have look\u2019d so meddlesome\u2014 your Hogs are all kill\u2019d & salted one & an half from mr Pratts which were good The shoulders are so large that I shall Bacon them I thought it would not do to salt them your Pigs which I had are very fine they weigh\u2019d eighteen score & seven pounds & I have more than two packs & an half of Hogs fat for you\u2014 shall you want much more Bacon than [life?] hogs will give you your Pork will be very fine I believe\n[Floryr?] has retain\u2019d Celias child She ask\u2019d Phebe to let her keep thanksgiving with her & then refus\u2019d to let her take her back again Said she had abus\u2019d her but tis not true. She is there without any cloaths but what she had on Phebe would not let her have them\nThe widow Howard is or has been a widow bewitch\u2019d Jo Bass the shoe maker is the person accus\u2019d but he will not marry her\u2014\npray let me hear from you soon I pine for a Letter Love as due from your Brother Neice & affectionate Sister\nMary Cranch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0137", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 18 December 1791\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\nmy dear sister\nPhiladelphia december 18 1791\nI wrote to you on the 27 of Novbr but company comeing in call\u2019d me from my pen, and I have not since had leisure to reassume it. I have so little Time that I can call my own whilst here that I think when I return to Braintree I ought without suffering from any reflections to be able to live retired. on Monday Evenings our House is open to all who please to visit me. on twesdays my domestick affairs call for me to arrange them & to labour pretty well too, for the wednesdays dinners which we give every week to the amount of sixteen & 18 persons which are as many as we can accommodate at once in our Thousand dollors House on thursday the replacing & restoring to order occupies my attention the occasional intercourse of dinning abroad returning visits &c leaves me very few hours to myself. I feel that day a happy one, when I can say I have no engagement but to my Family I have a cleaver sober honest & Neat black woman as my daily cook. in this respect I am happier than formerly. I always hire for company. the greatest trouble I have, is that mrs Brisler is chiefly confind to her Bed wholy unable to do the least thing for herself or Family. she was better after I came here, but a return of the intermitting fever together with her old weakness & complaints not only deprives her of her usefulness, but is a great incumberance to me, and takes up much of the Time of my help. in short I know not how I get through, for I have no other help than those I brought with me except the cook. I have been very well myself till about a fortnight since. I have labourd under complaints [.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.] I am still afflicted. mr Adams is recoverd from his complaints but labours under a great cold. Thomas has escaped better than I feard from the Rhumatism. it threatned him for several weeks Louissa is very well. cealia requests me to inquire after her child & prays you would write to me & inform her if it is well. mrs otis & cousin Betsy are well. we live Socible & Friendly together. in many respects I am much better off than when I lived out of Town. expence is not to be taken into consideration that is almost beyond calculation. What a dreadfull blow this defeat of Sinclair & his Army? my Heart bleads for the Relatives of as worthy officers as ever fought or fell but, the justice the policy the wisdom of this cruel enterprize lies with higher powers to investigate than mine.\nYour kind Letters of Novbr 6th & 11th came safe to Hand and made me truly happy So little hopes had I of the recovery of our dear and valuable Friend that I feard to hear from you; I could never have imagind that a Leg such as his was, & which appeard to be so far gone in a mortification, could possibly have been restored & that so soon\u2014 thanks to that all gracious Providene whose kindness has been so frequently displayd towards us\u2014 I heard last week from mrs smith and her little ones. they were all well. you begin I suppose to feel anxious for mrs Norten. I hope to hear in due time that she has a daughter. I feel anxious about our House at Braintree There was a place in the Roof that Leakd much. I sent for two Carpenters but they could not find out the place. I wish it might be lookd too. I spoke with Brother about it, but fear he has not thought about it. I see by the paper that mr Jeffrie is gone to the Madarics for his Health. I want to know how Polly does & how she is likd. I often think of your Neighbours saying she was as necessary to him as his daily Bread. I miss her very much in things which it will be hard for any other person ever to make up to me, in that ready offerd service which prevented my wishes, and which is always so pleasing. yet she balanced the account sometimes by the vexation which she occasiond me. I wish her well, and shall always value her good qualities, and freely credit her for them cealia is as good as I could expect, but would soon be led way if I did not strickly guard her. Katy has all the dispositions in the world [as] sterns says, but wants experience, in a Service which is quite New to her. She is faithfull in her duty, but poor Girl has h[er] sister & two children to look after. in short I think sometimes it cost me as dearly for honesty & fidelity as it would for knavery and I seem to have got an entailment that follows me through the world, particularly a certain degree of sickness that I must take charge of\u2014 however it is I hope a part of the portion of good which I ought to do. if so I am in fault to complain\u2014 remember me kindly to all Friends mrs Payne I often think of. give my Love to her & tell her I hope to see her early in the spring with my other Friends pray if I did not mention the desk before give for it what you think it reasonably worth, and ask the dr for the money. let me hear from you as often as you can and be assured of the sincere affection / of your sister\nA Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0138", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 18 December 1791\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\nmy dear sir\nPhiladelphia Decbr 18th 1791\nTis more than two months since I left you yet I have neither written a word to you or heard from you. Since I left Home, I have been much occupied removeing, and living in the city subjects us to company at all times, so much so that I must either be denying myself through the whole day, or appoint one evening in the week as a publick Evening. this I have found to be the most agreeable to those strangers who are daily brought to this place either by buisness or curiosity, and to those who are more imediatly connected as members of the same body with us, & who wish to keep up an intercourse, but are become too numerous to do it in any other way. we have also found it expedient to see company to dinner one day in every week, so that a good House wife as I profess myself to be must be fully occupied. I have had more Health since my return here than for many Months before, and I hope to run away from the Ague in the spring, if congress will rise soon enough, but weighty concerns occupy them, and the important one of Representation has occasiond great discussions of the subject, but no intemperate heat. yet the great fish have a wonderfull appetite for the small fish, and the old dominion Strugles hard for an over balance in the scale. what is surprizing, is to see Some persons helping them, who mean well, but do not seem to apprehend the weight of the Negro Representitives as mr King calls them. the black cattle in the Northern states might as well claim to be represented. one of the southern rep\u2019s observed in debate that if virgina had been fully represented in senate the Question would not have gone as it has (mr Lee is absent). the debates of congress are most misirably given to the publick, as the Members themselves declare. the sad and dreadfull Havock of our Army at the west ward cast a Gloom over us all. some of the best officers who remaind to us after the Peace have fallen here. all our Boston youths who were officers are amongst the slain. a son of col Cobb I have heard much regreeted. in short tis such a stroke as we Scarcly experienced through the whole of the War. not even Bradocks defeat is said to have caused such Slaughter. a poor Gouty infirm General, always unsuckselsfull, a misirable Bandity of undisiplind Troops\u2014an excellent Choir of officers\u2014who I am told went out like Lambs to the Slaughter, having no prospect of conquering\u2014 I apprehend much uneasiness will ensue\u2014what is to be done is not yet determind? for Foreign affairs, mr Madisson is to go to France, and a mr pinckny who was an officer from S carolina and lost a Limb in the service, will be Nominated for England he sustains an amiable good character\u2014 I presume congress will set Six months if not longer.\nwith regard to our private affairs, sir mr Adams wishes you to engage mr Loud to make and have ready by spring two sashes for to make windows from my Chamber and two small ones for the chamber over that, and he thinks it would be best to paint the House again. at what season can that be best accomplishd?\nI should be obliged to you sir if you could engage a person to procure me two beds at vendue Bolsters & pillows I was obliged to Borrow all last summer. I would chuse they should be of the best kind, and you will think of me for Beaf in the season of it and a cask of Tongues, two of them I should like to lay in as I found them more usefull than large hams\u2014and I should think it best to secure six Barrels more cider than we have. if we live we do not mean to remain here a week after congress rises even tho it should be in Febry \n   in Janry you will receive some interest for me. I wish you would send mrs Cranch 5 cords of wood on my account, but do not let even her know from what quarter it comes. mr Cranchs long sickness must have embarassed them. and there is a widow dawson very old and infirm, be so good as to direct mrs cranch to inquire into her necessities and to lay out two dollors for her in wood or other necessaries\u2014 \u2021 a mark of that kind in your Letter will inform me that what I request will be Complied with\u2014\nI hope you enjoy better Health this winter than in the summer past, and that you will take good care of yourself when the spring approaches. my best regards attend your worthy Family and all other Friends\u2014\nyours most / affectionatly\nA Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-09-02-0150", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams Smith to Abigail Adams, 11 March 1791\nFrom: Smith, Abigail Adams\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nNew York March 11th 1791 [1792]\nI received your Letter of March 7th my Dear Mamma and was very happy to find you so far recovered as to be able to use again your Pen\u2014altho I doubt not you find yourself very feeble and fear it may be long before you regain your strength; yet I hope by care and attention you will soon subdue this fever which afflicts you\u2014 I confess that I am but a novice in Phisick\u2014yet I cannot reconcile it that so many weakening methods were necessary to subdue your dissorder\u2014 I hope you will be able to go to the Eastward as soon as the roads will admit I think\u2014a change of Air may benefit you\u2014but of this you are the best judge\u2014\nof the situation of my mind at leaving you in such an ill state of health\u2014it is best for me to be silent\u2014 I can only say that anxiety must be my attendant\u2014 I think it is my Duty to go\u2014but the contest is I confess almost too much to Bear\u2014 I feel myself obliged to Mrs Dalton and Mrs Otis for their attention to you\u2014 they are friendly good Women\u2014 I hope that I may be so fortunate as to meet with one or two such friendly spirits upon my Pilgrimage\u2014 it is but very Seldom that I allow myself to reflect upon this subject but when I do\u2014 it depresses my spirits not a little\u2014 I am fortunate as it respects a Lady who is going a Passenger in the same Ship with us. she is a Mrs Thomson who has lived as a companion and friend to Mrs Gates for three or four years\u2014her Husband is a Clergiman a Scotchman [who] came over to this Country in the begining of the war and he purchased a little Farm at Johns Town above albany and was settled there\u2014for two years but did not find success equal to his expectations\u2014 he returnd four years since to Dundee from whence he came but his People had settled some other Person in his Place during his absence\u2014 they have however settled an hund Guineas a year upon him during his Life\u2014and he has sent for Mrs Thomson to come home\u2014 Colln Duer has purchased her farm in this State\u2014and she is going home in the Ship with us\u2014 She is a friendly cleaver Woman\u2014 her manners are mild and pleasing\u2014and I think myself fortunate in her company\u2014\nwith respect to the Chrildren\u2014if you were settled in one place near a good school I should not object to Leaving Wm in your care\u2014but you are travelling from Braintree to Philadelphia\u2014 at Braintree there is no school fit for him to go to; and if I Leave him here he will do just as he pleases with the whole family before one month is at an end: and Colln S. Mamma would think it hard that he should be from her all the time\u2014so that I beleive it is best to avoid contests and evil consequences to take them both\u2014with us\u2014 I suppose I shall be obliged to put Wm to a school from home\u2014but I can see him every day\u2014and I think he is too young not to require great attention from me\u2014\nI hope my Dear Mamma to hear that you are much better before I sail\u2014 I shall acquint you with the day before I go\u2014 in a Merchant Ship the period is never certain I wish it may be the last of the Month\nremember me to all the family with sincere affection / yours Daughter\nA Smith\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1124", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Alexander Haddon, 3 January 1791\nFrom: Haddon, Alexander\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nBoston 3rd. Jany. 1791\nIn behalf of the Marine Society of this Town, we have the Honor of addressing you on a subject that has long engaged the attention of that Corporation.\u2014The encouragement & preservation of our Seamen must interest every man who considers how valuable the labours of that class of men are to a commercial Country, nor will the Interest be lessen\u2019d from the view of them, in time of War, as the maritime Barrier of the United States.\u2014From your exalted Rank in the National Government, uniform & ardent attachment to, & extensive knowledge of the best & greatest Interests of our Country, the Society have directed us their Committee to transmit the papers which accompany this Letter for your Consideration.\u2014And, if the proposals included in them should meet your Approbation, to request your assistance in Congress on the business.  There is an additional Argument, omitted in the petition, which might be urged for the Erection of an Hospital, That sick Sailors are compelled to take up their lodgings in Houses very illy provided for their accommodation,  not to add the variety of gross Impositions they are subjected to.  Numbers of them annually perish, whose lives might be preserved were they admitted into a Hospital, where they would find the best medical aid, good nursing & comfortable lodging & diet on easy Terms.\nShould you approve this application, We must beg you to be at the Trouble of conversing with the Gentlemen who represent this State in both Houses of Congress, to whom we have addressed a Letter.\nFrom the partial & flattering Consideration of numbering You among their Members, the Society have been induced to sollicit your Advice & Services in this Business.\nWe are with Sentiments of the most affectionate respect & sincere personal attachment / Dear Sir / Your faithful humble Servants\nWm TudorAlexr HodgdonAaron DexterWm. DebloisSheml RussellMungo MarkeyW ScollayThe Society are desirous of knowing whether any measures were adopted in consequence of the application of the Merchants to the President of the United States on the Subject of the Pilotage and Regulations of the Harbour of Boston\u2014As you were so obliging as to take charge of those Papers we would thank you for any Information respecting them. The Merchants are equally anxious with the Society on this Subject.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1125", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 January 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act to provide for the unlading of ships and vessels in cases of obstruction by ice;\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate;I am also directed to bring to the Senate the report and confidential communication, from the Secretary of State. respecting the trade of the United States in the Mediterranean.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1128", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 4 January 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act for the relief of Shubael Swain,\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1129", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Redman, 5 January 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Redman, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Jan.5. 1791\nI received this morning the Letter you did me the honour to write me, communicating the resolution of the Second Presbyterian Church in Arch Street, of the 29th Ultimo, appropriating the large Pew fronting the Pulpit, and the two Pews adjoining it, for the Use of the Vice President of the United States and Such members of both Houses of Congress as choose during their Sessions to worship in that Church: and immediately communicated it and the Resolution inclosed in it, by reading both in the Senate of the United-States.\nPermit me Sir to express to you and to the Corporation, my Thanks for this obliging Mark of their respectful Attention to your and their most obedient and most humble Servant\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1131", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 7 January 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have concurred in the amendments of the Senate to the bill, entitled \u201cAn act to continue an act, entitled \u2019An act declaring the assent of Congress to certain acts of the states of Maryland, Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.\u201dThe Speaker having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1133", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 11 January 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he did, on the 10th, approve and affix his signature to the act, entitled \u201cAn act to continue an act, entitled \u2018An act declaring the assent of Congress to certain acts of the states of Maryland, Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, so far as the same respects the states of Georgia and Rhode Island.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1134", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 14 January 1791\nFrom: Warren, Mercy Otis\nTo: Adams, John\nSir.\nPlimouth Jan 14th 1791\nAn unsealed letter from you came to my hand this day.  for the letter I thank you as it contained expressions of regard and esteem which I have been pleased to receive from your pen.  for the manner I own myself at a loss\u2014\nDoes not an unsealed letter from you sir appear like a diminution of that Confidential intercourse that long subsisted? and Conveyed warm from the heart the strong expressions of friendship in many a close sealed packet.\nWere you sir, apprehensive that your own reputation might suffer by an attention to any one of a family you had been used to hear spoken off with respect and affection by all? only, the public first inspected the Correspondence.  Yet perhaps you might mean to do me honour by leting the world see your polite ememinice on a late publication.\nIndeed I feel myself flattered by the Compliment.  & Yet more by its being in the stile of my old friend.\u2014\nI acknuoledge I stand indebted to the vice president for one letter before his of the 26 Decmber.\u2014But you must permit me to say some expressions in that letter appeared so inconsilable with former sentiment that I very imputed must against my inclination to consider it forbiding any further interruption.\u2014\nDelicate friendship Confines  of its own disinterested attachment is easily wounded.\u2014I might perhaps feel too sensibly some former impressions that may hearafter be explained.\u2014but I can never tax myself with a voluntary neglect of punctuallity: or the want of attention in any other instance towards friends I thought unimpressable by the Ebullitions  party or political malice.\u2014\nA Copy of the work you informed me you had just received I forwarded immediately on publication.  I know not what should thus long have retarded its passage.  Nor can I inform you sir from whom you received those other Volumes.  but Could I have supposed as you Obligingly intimate that you could have disposed of so many with pleasure & advantage. they should have been much at your service from the hand of the author.\u2014\nMrs Warren returns both friendly and respectful regards.\u2014You will present me also to Mrs Adams.  I am Respected Sir / with Sincere Esteem / Your Most Obedient Humble Servant\nM Warren", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1135", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Smith, 16 January 1791\nFrom: Smith, William\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir.\nBoston 16 Jany. 1791.\nBy one of the last Posts by direction of the Boston Marine Society, I forwarded you a number of Papers respecting a Marine Hospital.  I now forward you by the Bearer Mr Adams a Plan & Elevation of the Hospital that wou\u2019d be erected by the Society cou\u2019d they obtain permission you will please to make what use of it you may think proper.  This Building on the place that is propos\u2019d wou\u2019d add greatly to the Beauty of the Harbour & relieve a great number of distress\u2019d objects\u2014In a time of Warr would give spirits to Seamen in the public service to know that if any misfortune happen\u2019d to them, they had an Assylum for the remainder of their Days.  The Society have a handsome Capitol at Interest which they wou\u2019d Invest in such a Building, to receive the Interest of their Money untill the Revenue of the Hospital was sufficient to return it.\u2014\nMrs. Smith joins me in Affecte. Regards to you Sir & Mrs. Adams and we are happy to hear that she has again recover\u2019d her Health\u2014I am with Respect Yr Most H Sert\nWm Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1136", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia, Jan. 17. 1791.\nI have the honour to inclose you a Postscript to the Report on Measures, Weights & coins now before your house. this has been rendered necessary by a small arithmatical error detailed in the estimate of the cubic foot proposed in that report. the head of Superficial measures is also therein somewhat more developed.\nNothing is known, since the last session of Congress of any further proceedings in Europe on this subject.\nI have the honour to be with sentiments of the most profound respect Sir / Your most obedient / & most humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1137", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 20 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 20. 1791.\nI have the honor to inclose you a letter from one of our captive citizens of Algiers, if I may judge from the superscription and from the letters from the same quarter which I have received myself. as these relate to a matter before your house, and contain some information we have not before had, I take the liberty of inclosing you copies of them.\nI have the honour to be with sentiments of the most profound respect & attachment, Sir / Your most obedient / & most humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1139", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 21 January 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have \u201cOrdered, That a committee be appointed, to join a committee of the Senate, to consider and report what time will be proper for the commencement of the next Congress; to the end that timely notice may be given to the members who are to serve for the ensuing two years.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1141", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Lovell, 22 January 1791\nFrom: Lovell, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nBoston Jany. 22d. 1791\nFrom the Borders of the Grave, revived, and even established in Health, I once more present my Respects, with my accustomed Fervency to You and Yours.\nBut, with my Respects I must also send my Complaints and Supplications.\nIn a Transaction where you was only, according to your own chosen Expressions, Teste di Legno, I was fretted disgraced and beslaved; and have taken some Measures for Emancipation.  You will know why I was not Collector of this Port; but I have never told you how perfectly You reconciled me at first to my present Office, or how I ceased afterwards even to wish for any Change during the Remainder of my Days. But, Sir, what tended heretofore to give me Tranquillity serves at present to heighten my Chagrin.  Possessing the good Will of the President and yourself I am martyred by one or more Committee Men who have carried private Friendship and Relationships into their public official Doings. I know but two of the Committee one of whom can give no better Rationale of the inimical Transaction than because the other \u201cperhaps was more a Friend to the Collector than to the  Naval officer,\u201d while in fact he was himself brother in Law to a Surveyor and the Naval Officer is sacrificed to both.\nThis will appear enigmatical till you have read my Letter to mr Gerry.  I intreat you to do that; and to quiet me by a Condemnation of my Discontent, or by promoting Redress\u2014according to the Verdict of that sound Judgement to which I now submit myself.\nBe so good as to allow me to present my respectful Love to your Lady, and to think me continuing devotedly / Sir Your obedient / Friend & Humble / Servant\nJames Lovell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1142", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Trumbull, 23 January 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Trumbull, John\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 23. 1791\nI have been so much of an Anti\u0153conomist as to leave your Letter of June the fifth unanswered to this day.\nThe Defence of the American Constitutions, is not I apprehend a \u201cMisnomer.\u201d Had the Patriots of Amsterdam repulsed the Duke of Brunswick from the Haerlem Gate, an History of the Action, might have properly been called an Account of the Defence of Amsterdam: although the City, on the Side of the Leyden Gate and Utrecht Gate, had been so ill fortified as to have been indefensible, had the Prussian Attack been made on either of those Quarters.\nMy three Volumes are a Defence of the American Constitutions, on that Side on which they are attacked. Mr Turgot attacked them for aiming at three orders and a Ballance.  I defended them in this Point only.  Had he attacked them for not making their orders distinct and independent enough: or for not making their Ballances compleat, I should have been the last Man in the World to have undertaken their Defence.  If another Edition should ever be published I would insert in the Title Page \u201cA Defence &c against the Attack of Mr Turgot.\u201d  This I apprehend would cure all Defects, in Point of Title.\nBut as you Observe the Feelings of Mankind are so much against any rational Theory, that I find my labour has all been in vain: and it is not worth while to take any more Pains upon the subject.\nThe Rivalry between the state Governments and the national Government, is growing daily more active and ardent.  Thirteen strong Men embracing thirteen Pillars at once, and bowing themselves in concert, will easily pull down a frail Edifice.  If the Superiority of the national Government is not more clearly acknowledged, We shall soon be in a confusion, which We shall not get out of, for twenty Years.\nThere was never more occasion for firmness, in all who wish in Sincerity for Peace, Liberty or Safety.  The Secretary of the Treasury is all that you think him.  There is no office in the Government better filled.  it is unhappy that New York has taken away one of his supports. Your Sentiments of other Characters, and of Measures in general appear to me to be so just, that I cannot but wish that you had more to do in public affairs.  But they say that you \u201clove Wit better than your friend:\u201d and although I dont believe this, I expect from you by Way of revenge for this Piece of information, a sheet of two of their Sarcasms upon me.  I know that altho the ridiculous can never escape your observation, in a friend or an Ennemy; yet you love the former and have no ill will against the latter.\nThe Independence of your fame and fortune, and your happiness in private Life are more to be evinced than any public office or station.  For myself I find the office I hold, tho labourus, so wholly insignificant, and from the blind Policy of that part of the World from whence I came, so stupidly pinched and betrayed that I wish myself again at the Bar, old as I am.  My own Situation is almost the only one in the World in which Firmness and Patience are Useless.  I have derived so much pleasure from your Correspondence, that, notwithstanding the long interruption of it, I hope you will not deny it in future / to your friend & humble sert", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1145", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 28 January 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same;\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1146", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 28 January 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled \u201cAn act declaring the consent of Congress that a new state be formed within the jurisdiction of the commonwealth of Virginia, and admitted into this Union, by the name of the state of Kentucky.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1147", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 31 January 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act declaring the consent of Congress to a certain act of the state of Maryland;\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.The House of Representatives have agreed to the report of the committee appointed on their part to confer with the committee on the part of the Senate, respecting the time for the commencement of the next session of Congress.The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1148", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Rufus King, 1 February 1791\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Adams, John\nTuesday 1. feby. 1791\nMr. King with great pleasure accepts the vice president\u2019s polite invitation to dine on wednesday next\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1149", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 2 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia February 2d. 1791.\nAs the information contained in the inclosed extracts from a letter of Mr. Short\u2019s lately arrived, has some relation to a subject now before the Senate, I have thought it my duty to communicate them, and have the honor to be with sentiments of the most profound respect and attachment. / Sir / Your most obedient and / most humble Servant:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1150", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled \u201cAn act making appropriations for the support of government during the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety one, and for other purposes.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1151", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 4 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tI am directed to bring to the Senate a report of the Secretary of State, made to the House of Representatives.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1152", "content": "Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 4 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tI am commanded to inform the Senate, that the President of the\nUnited States has this day approved and signed an act, entitled \u201cAn act declaring the consent of Congress that a new state be formed within the jurisdiction of the commonwealth of Virginia, and admitted into this Union, by the name of the state of Kentucky.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1154", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 7 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have ordered that the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, relative to the establishment of a mint, be sent to the Senate for their information.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1155", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Peter Thacher, 8 February 1791\nFrom: Thacher, Peter\nTo: Adams, John\nHond. & dr Sir\nBoston Feb. 8 1791\nI must make an apology for asking you to accept of the sermon inclosed herewith.  You knew and loved the man whose death occasioned it, and this circumstance may render it pleasing to you to receive it.  Besides, you loved the father of the author and have always been kind and friendly to him, in person and by these means the candor which it needs will be secured in your perusal of it.\nExcuse me, Sir, for saying that I feel the most lively gratitude for the services which you have done your country, and that you have my constant wishes and prayers for your health and happiness.  Mrs Adams, with your good family, share in my best regards, and I am, / Sr, with the utmost / respect, / Yr sincere friend & Sert\nPeter Thacher", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1156", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 8 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1158", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 9 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1159", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel Tucker, 11 February 1791\nFrom: Tucker, Samuel\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nMarblehead Febry. 11 1791.\nI Yesterday receiv\u2019d Your very Polite Letter by which I think myself highly Honour\u2019d on this reception, from so great a Character, and shall strictly attend to the Purport thereof. As it is Probable their will be more Cutters than one station\u2019d on our Coast the sea port being so Extensive, I should be glad of such a command should this not be, Please to offer me a Candidate to the President, to any Post or office You may think me qualified for and be assur\u2019d that no Gentleman, while I have Existence shall have the least reason to reflect on themselves, from any Recommendation they may be pleas\u2019d to give me,  though I sometimes think seriously on my being by our Governor and Genl. Lincoln omitted, in their Letters: they wrote for Candidates, and my not knowing anything of the cutters being Built, or I should have made an early application for the Cutter in this State, as my claim was so just \u2018tho never desirous of holding any Post in Public service was it not meritted.\nI shall take Particular care to give Mr. John Q Adams the Journal you mention myself in the course of the next Week; and must say Your very favourable expressions shall be ever gratefully acknowledg\u2019d by, / Sir your most Obedient and very / Humble Servant\nSamuel Tucker.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1160", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 11 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act authorizing the President of the United States to cause the debt due to foreign officers to be paid and discharged;\u201dAlso, the bill, entitled \u201cAn act to continue in force, for a limited time, an act passed at the first session of Congress, entitled \u2019An act to regulate processes in the courts of the United States;\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.I am directed to inform the Senate, that the President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives, that he has, this day, approved and signed \u201cAn act making appropriations for the support of government during the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, and for other purposes.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1161", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 11 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled \u201cAn act to alter the time of the next meeting of Congress;\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1162", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 12 February 1791\nFrom: Hollis, Thomas Brand\nTo: Adams, John\nMr. Brand Hollis having met with this second volume of the History of Bologna by Ghiradacci requests Mr Adams to accept of it from gratitude to him for having produced to the publick the act of the 3 of June 1257 by which all the slaves & villains were manumitted.  The book containing it is intitled The Paradise of pleasure.\n1605. Ghirardacci lib VI. p. 194\ncon Licenza de Superiori.\nThere has been 3. Edit of this 2 vol book. 1657. Edit. 3d.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1163", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 12 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate, for the signature of the Vice President.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1164", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 12 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States, and for making further provision for the protection of the frontiers.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1166", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Warren, Mercy Otis\nMadam.\nPhiladelphia Febry 14th 1791\nBy the last post I received your letter of January 17: and was as much surprised at the information that my last letter to you arrived unsealed, as you could be at the receipt of it, in that unguarded condition. It was most certainly no intention of mine, that it should have gone unsealed, nor can I account for the fact  The only conjectures that I can form are that the person who copied it into my letter book either inadvertently sent it or suffered a servant to take it off the table to the post office, without putting a wafer into it, according to his usual practice.\nNeither \u201cThe ebullitions of party, nor political malice\u201d have made any impressions on me.  The expressions you allude to, were the result of very sober reflection upon facts proved to me, by the testimony of many witnesses of unquestionable voracity among whom were not a few of the best friends General Warren ever had in his life.  A civil war Madam, is in my opinion, a very serious thing.  This Country has once at least been within a hairs breadth of a very bloody one: nor is it likely to be soon so secure against the probability of another, as I wish it.  There is more than one among those persons whom twenty years ago, I counted among my friends who are not so explicit and decided as I presume to think they ought to be, in favor of those principles and measures, which appear to me indispensable to preserve the liberty, peace and safety of this people.  As long as this indecision remains, it is impossible there should be the same confidence between them and me which there was once.  The affection for them which I once had will never be forgotten, nor can it ever be destroyed, but confidence can never be the same, without the same foundation for it.The other copies of the poems, which I mentioned, appear to have been sent by a bookseller who has since sent in his account as for the copies we subscribed for.  A poem under the title of the \u201cVirtues of nature\u201d attributed to Mrs Morton, is now circulating here and meets with much applause.  The fine arts appear to be growing in this Country at least as fast as science, agriculture, commerce and manufactures. Yet I think there are scarcely so many readers as before the Revolution\u2014\nWith usual regards to Genl Warren / I am / Madam yours &c\nJ A", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1168", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 15 February 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Tudor, William, Sr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 15. 1791\nMy good Genius this morning has thrown in my Way, by perfect Accident, your oration of the 4. July last, and although I read it with much pleasure, in its Season it now appeared to me, new and beautiful as ever.\nI am afraid I never thanked you for the handsome Compliment paid to me in a Note. Indeed I now and then get a Compliment, and do not always give thanks for it.  I am informed, within a few days, of an Eulogium passed upon me at Birmingham by our old C. Justice Oliver, and I question whether I Shall Send him Thanks for it at all.  To a Gentleman in Company with him, he complained bitterly of John Adams, as \u201cthe Author of all his misfortunes and the Sole Contriver of the Revolution.\u201d  What a divine Compliment! Did you ever hear or read Such a Panegyrick? Your Compliment, goodly as it is, is flat and insipid in Comparison.\nThe Secret is that I was the \u201cOriginal Inventor\u201d of the Impeachment against him and that Impeachment excited the Grand and Petit Jurors in all the Counties of the Province to refuse to Act under him or his Court, and those Refusals really did produce the Revolution.\nI must plead guilty to the Charge. I really was the very Midwife, who brought that Same impeachment into the World. I never before Suspected however, that Oliver was so well informed of our Secret History. At Table at Sam. Winthrops with a large Circle of Whigs, Dr. John Winthrop, turned to me, and asked Mr Adams what can be done to avoid this fatal Stroke, the Royal Salaries to the Judges?  \u201cImpeach of High Treason, before the Governor and Council, the Chief Justice,\u201d was the answer.  And this was the first time the Word Impeachment as I believe was pronounced.  Major Hawley Soon heard of it, and came to me to know the grounds of my Strange opinion. I shewed him Book Chapter and Verse.\nI owed Oliver however no ill Will.  His Compliment is not merited.  For altho I was really the first Cause of the Impeachment, it is my full Belief that the Revolution would have happened, if I had not existed.  British Pretentions, could never have been carried into Execution, over such a Country and such a People, even although there had never existed a Washington or an Hancock a Franklin Adams or Warren.\nDon\u2019t, I pray you quite forget your Old Friend\nJ. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1169", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 16 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act to establish offices for the purpose of granting lands within time territories of the United States;\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled bills, and an enrolled resolution, I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1170", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 18 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he has this day approved and signed the \u201cAct to continue in force for a limited time an act passed at the first session of Congress, entitled \u2018An act to regulate processes in the courts of the United States;\u201d also, the resolution of Congress granting permission to Andrew Brown, or any other printer, to print the laws of the United States, under certain regulations therein contained.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1171", "content": "Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 18 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The President of the United States has this day approved and signed \u201cThe act for the admission of the state of Vermont into this Union.\u201dHe also delivered the following written message from the President of the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1172", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Stephen Hall, 19 February 1791\nFrom: Hall, Stephen\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear & honour\u2019d friend;\nPortland 19. Feby. 1791.\nI have not forgot the Chagrin I suffered in not obtaining the Collectorship of Impost at this Port.  Mr. Thacher, I suppose, remains my determined enemy; and would gladly see me excluded from any share in collecting the Excise.  I wish however to be employed in it.  My natural activity I think is no objection to it.  I have nothing to say of other qualifications.  Those who know me are the best judges. Permit me to renew my request of your friendship in the Case.\u2014\nSincerely wishing You the choice of heaven\u2019s blessings, give me leave to / subscribe your devoted friend, / & very humble Servant;\nStephen Hall", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1173", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Henry Marchant, 19 February 1791\nFrom: Marchant, Henry\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir,\nNewport Feby. 19th. 1791\u2014\nThe Congress of the United States are once more seated at Philadelphia.  I wish the People there may be more conscious of the Honor and Advantage of the Residence of that body with them than heretofore\u2014And that they will discover less of a mobish Disposition\u2014I am sorry to see Petitions and Remonstrances beat up about the Streets against Acts merely in Contemplation\u2014I wish also Virginia so anxious for the Honor of obtaining the final Residence of Congress within the Dominion, would not take the Lead in lessening the Authority and necessary Powers of Congress, and thereby lessening the due Influence of Government.\u2014I hope the speculating Genius of Georgia upon Indian Lands and Furs will subside I did hope the paper Mony Madness of North Carolina would have ceased with that of this State:\u2014Or however averse to the Assumption, as puting an End to the Artful Views of some miserable wicked Polliticians,\u2014They would not have contended, or shewn Their Temper after, and upon the most mature Deliberation, the Wisdom of the Nation had determined the Subject\u2014Maryland too almost resolved to lead down the Virginia Dance.  Amongst many Disappointments, there will be some Capers cut.\u2014This Status do pronounce has come down to as contented and steady Federalism as any one State in the Union\u2014Some of the Leaders of Our late unhappy Measures have since, and particularly after an Attendance upon the Circuit Court declared, if possible, They would unsay all they had said & done:\u2014And that They were happily undeceived.\nPeople in Office cannot take too much Pains to concilliate Minds; and cautiously carry Themselves in Their respective Offices.  Let me say, that as in England the Clerks &c carry a hautiness and Consequence about them, above the Heads of their Departments, so, such Persons may, perhaps in some Instances do, feel too important\u2014Their Conduct is heard of further than they conceive\u2014The Heads of Departments I hope will be careful to check such a Temper and Carnage in those under them\u2014Americans cannot bear such little Tyrannies\u2014Let them study by all means to oblige\u2014Those Things are more leading in their Consequences than may be imagined\u2014When a Person goes to a publick Man, or a publick Office;\u2014He carries a Report? Home and to His Neighbours highly influential upon Their Minds, as it may be favourable or otherwise\u2014The Report whatever it be inlarges Circle beyond Circle;\u2014As When a Stone is thrown into a smooth Water.\nIt appears the Intent of Congress is to rise the first of March\u2014To me it seems almost impossible, when I consider the amazing Business before Your honourable Body.\u2014But I find the Heads of Departments greatly relieve the Legislature in The Secretary of the Treasury by his Ingenuity and astonishing Industry amases all\u2014I beg They will not destroy his Health.\u2014It was little conceived that such a Character existed amongst Us:\u2014But a kind Providence does every Thing for America\u2014\nWe are suffered however to be chastised in Our Frontiers\u2014We hope the most decisive Measures and upon a large Scale will be adopted, to put a final End by the Blessing of Heaven to any future Ravages of the Indians\u2014Such Measures in the End may prove not only most for Our Peace, but the cheapest\u2014You will excuse me my dear and honored Sir;\u2014but I love to write You now and then, however unimportant, because You are always so kind as to let me hear of You in Return\u2014And to hear that You and Yours are well, gives sincere Pleasure to Sir, Your / most affectionate Friend / and very humble Servt.\nHenry Marchant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1174", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 19 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed the bill sent from the Senate, entitled \u201cAn act regulating the number of Representatives to be chosen by the states of Kentucky and Vermont.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1175", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Hannah Adams, 21 February 1791\nFrom: Adams, Hannah\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nMedfeild. Massachusets. Feb 21.1791.\nDesirous to gain the patronage of so distinguished a character, with the utmost diffidence I request your acceptance of the inclosed dedication to my View of Religions.  Your permission to adorn my book by prefixing your name will do me the greatest honour,\nI am with the highest respect, / Sir, / Your most obedient humble Servant,\nHannah Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1177", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 21 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act for giving effect to the laws of the United States within the state of Vermont,\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1178", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 22 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act to explain and amend an act, entitled \u2019An act making further provision for the payment of the debts of the United States;\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1180", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 23 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives insist on their amendment to the last clause of the section proposed by the Senate to follow section sixty-first, of the bill, entitled \u201cAn act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same.\u201dThe Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate, for the signature of the Vice President.The House of Representatives have agreed to the resolution, requesting the President of the United States to cause a communication to be made to the National Assembly of France, respecting the late Benjamin Franklin.They have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act supplementary to the act, entitled \u2018An act to incorporate the subscribers to the bank of the United States,\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1181", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 23 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have agreed to the proposed conference on the amendment to the amendment of the Senate on the bill, entitled \u201cAn act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same,\u201d and have appointed managers on their part.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1182", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 24 February 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Waterhouse, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 24. 1791\nIt was not, till yesterday that I received your kind Letter, with your Discourse on Animation; for both of which obliging favours I pray you to accept of my best Thanks.\nMy incessant Drudgery, for three and thirty Years in the dull fields and forests of Law and Politicks, has rendered it impossible for me to spare much of my time, in disquisitions of natural knowledge. Whenever any Thing of the kind however has accidentally fallen in my Way, it has revived the fond Attachment of my Youth, and given me more pleasure than I can account for.\nThere is no Physical Subject has occurred oftener to my Thoughts, or excited more of my Curiosity, than that which you chose for your Discourse, Animal Life.  It has long appeared to me astonishing, that it should be impossible to discover, what it is, which the Air conveys into our Lungs and leaves behind it, in the Body when we breathe.  This, whatever it is, seems to be, the Cause of Life, or at least of the continuance and Support of it, in the larger Animals, whether the Air, in any similar manner, supports the Animalcules which We discover by Microscopes, in almost every kind of substance I know not.\nDr Franklin has sometimes described to me in Conversation, experiments which he made in various parts of his Life relative to this subject, which I hope will be found among his Papers. I should be afraid, upon mere memory of transient Conversation to repeat some facts which he related to me, of the revival of animalcules to perfect Life and Activity after ten Years of Torpor, in a Phyal which he left in Philadelphia when he went to England and which had not been handled till his return.\nPray where is the Evidence of the Existence of a Subtle Electric fluid which pervades the Universe? and if that fact were proved, where is your Authority for Saying that such an Electrick fluid is the Cause of Life? Why may it not as well be Magnetism? or Steam, or Nitre? or fixed Air? These are all tremendous Forces in nature.  But where and what is the Principle or Cause of Activity in all of them?\nThe Cause of Motion in all these Ph\u00e6nomens, as well as in the Emenations of Light, or the Revolutions of the Heavens or Gravitation on Earth, is still to seek.\nYour Discourse, my dear Sir has given me great Pleasure, and, (if my opinion is worth your having tho indeed I must acknowledge it is of very little value in such Things) does honour to you, and to the Societies to which you belong.\nWith great Esteem, I am, dear Sir / your most obedient & most / humble Servant\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1183", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 24 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled \u201cAn act fixing the time for the next annual meeting of Congress,\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.The House of Representatives agree to the amendment of the Senate on the bill, entitled \u201cAn act for giving effect to the laws of the United States, within the state of Vermont.\u201dThe Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled resolution, I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1185", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Temple Franklin, 25 February 1791\nFrom: Franklin, William Temple\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nLondon, 25th: Feb. 1791\nIn the Letter you did me the honor of writing to me previous to my Departure from Philadelphia, you intimated a Wish to be informed of the Progress of French Liberty.\u2014I have not yet been able to go over to the Continent\u2014but shall in a few Weeks, when I will endeavor to comply with your Desire, relative to the Revolution that is effecting in France.\nIn the meantime, I have taken the Liberty of sending you (by the Pigou) some important Works, that that Event has given rise to lately; and which indeed interest the Liberties of Mankind in general.\u2014\nFrom everything that I have hitherto been able to learn of the Proceedings in France,\u2014I have no Doubt of the Revolution terminating favorably to Liberty\u2014& Good-Government.\u2014And notwithstanding the present apparent Prosperity & Tranquility of this Country, I think the Seeds of a Revolution are sown here, and the Harvest not far off:\u2014for however the theoretical Part of the Constitution may be justly admired, the practical Part is replete with Corruption; which must ere long, produce a violent Fermentation.\u2014Happy!\u2014thrice happy, America!!\nWith sentiments of Respect & Esteem, / I am, Sir, Your most obedient / & very humble Sert.\u2014\nW.T. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1186", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 25 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act supplemental to the act establishing the Treasury Department,\"\u201din which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1187", "content": "Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 25 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The President of the United States has this day approved and signed two acts which originated in the Senate; one,\u2019An act to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States;\u2019 the other,\u2019An act regulating the number of Representatives to be chosen by the states of Kentucky and Vermont.\u2019", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1188", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Ebenezer Hazard, 26 February 1791\nFrom: Hazard, Ebenezer\nTo: Adams, John\nPhiladelphia Febry. 26th. 1791.\nMr. Hazard presents his Compliments to his Excellency The Vice President of the United States, and respectfully solicits the honor of his Patronage for the Work mentioned in the enclosed Proposals: and if his Excellency has any Papers which he thinks proper to be inserted in the Collection, Mr. Hazard will esteem it a singular Favor to be indulged with the Use of them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1189", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 26 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The House of Representatives recede from their disagreement to\nthe amendment last proposed by the Senate, to the last clause of the section to follow section sixty first of the bill, entitled \u201cAn act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and, also, upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same;\u201d and they agree to the amendment, amended as follows: After the word \u2019exceed,\u2019 substitute these words, \u2019seven per cent, of the whole product of the duties arising from the spirits distilled within the United States: And provided, also, That such allowance shall not exceed the annual amount of forty-five thousand dollars, until the same shall be further ascertained by law.\u2019", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1190", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 27 February 1791\nFrom: Tudor, William, Sr.\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nBoston 27 Feb. 1791\nI was greatly obliged by your Letter of the 15th Instant, although it gave me some Mortification arising from the Reflection that I might set it down to my own Inattention that I have been so long without such a Mark of your Friendship.\nIt is impossible not to smile at hearing Mr. Oliver complain of his Misfortunes.  No Man who deserved so little, has been more fortunate.  Unless to be removed from a State of humiliating pecuniary Perplexity, & relieved from a Station which he had neither Learning or Talents to dignify or render easy, and to be placed in Affluence and Repose, is to be considered by a Man on the wrong Side of Seventy as an Evil.\nI have full Faith in the Feelings, Sense & Resentments of my Countrymen; but I am also persuaded that the Revolution was hastened by a few choice Spirits, much fewer than present Envy & Rivalship admit, & Whom posthumous History will select & perhaps do Justice to.  The anti-revolution domestic Enemies of America to a Man supposed that you was the most energic Plotter, & intrepid Projector of all the Authors of the Revolution. And they too may have their Historian.  Thus my dear Sir, I don\u2019t see how it is possible for this Truth to escape the knowledge of Posterity.\nCongress having dispatched so much Business this Session, or being thought to have done it, are rising into Popularity.  There is no People on Earth who would more cheerfully submit to Taxation, which is not direct, than the Subjects of this State.  The Excise Bill which the southern Patriots affect to deprecate & dread so much, is generally here approved of.  Indeed Humanity, Policy, Revenue, Morals call for a Tax on ardent Spirits.  And it is supposed that if the Collection is inforced as vigourously & steadily as the Impost, that it will exceed in Product the Calculation of the Secretary Hamilton.\nI was rejoiced to learn from Mr Cranch your Intention to spend your Summer at Braintree.  As a Farmer you must do good there.  The North Precinct have petitioned the Legislature for a Seperation, & would have succeeded, could they have got more of the Inhabitants of Squantum to have united with them in the Petition.\nOur Sup. Jud. Ct. is now sitting, but the civil Business is greatly impeded by the Quantity Number of Criminal Trials, which grand & petty Villainy furnish.  We much want a New System of criminal judicial Process especially in Suffolk.\nYours, most faithfully,\nWm Tudor", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1191", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 28 February 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act concerning the rates of foreign coins,\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate:They agree to the amendments of the Senate, to the bill, entitled \u201cAn act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States, and for making further provision for the protection of the frontiers,\u201d with amendments; in which amendments to the amendments, they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1192", "content": "Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Adams, John\n1 March 1791\nCertain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Friday the 4th Instant, I have desired their attendance, as I do yours by these Presents, at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such Communications as shall be made to you on my part.\u2014\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1193", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 1 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The Speaker of the House of Representatives has signed several enrolled bills, which I am directed to bring to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1196", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives recede from their two last amendments to the amendments of the Senate, to the bill, entitled \u201cAn act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States, and for making further provision for the protection of the frontiers;\u201d andThey agree to the amendments of the Senate on the bill, entitled \u201cAn act concerning the rates of foreign coin.\u201dThe House of Representatives have passed the bill, entitled \u201cAn act to continue in force, for a limited time, an act, entitled \u2019An act for the temporary establishment of the Post-Office;\u201d the bill, entitled \u201cAn act for making compensation to the widows and orphan children of certain officers who were killed, or who died in the service of the United States, during the late war; and for the relief of certain invalids, and other persons therein mentioned;\u201d and the bill, entitled \u201cAn act supplementary to the act making provision for the reduction of the public debt;\u201d in which three last mentioned bills they desire the concurrence of the Senate.I am directed to bring to the Senate several enrolled bills, which are signed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for the signature of the Vice President.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1197", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The House of Representatives have passed the bill sent from the Senate for concurrence, entitled \u201cAn act concerning consuls and vice-consuls,\u201d with amendments, in which amendments they desire the concurrence of the Senate.They have passed the bill, entitled \u201cAn act in addition to an act, entitled \u2019An act for establishing the salaries of the executive officers of government, with their assistants and clerks,\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.The President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he has this day approved and signed several acts which originated in that House; a list of which I am directed to bring to the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1198", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The House of Representatives have passed the bill sent from the Senate for concurrence, entitled \"An act making an appropriation for the purpose therein mentioned.\u2019", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1199", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The House of Representatives have passed the bill sent from the Senate for concurrence, entitled \u2019An act for granting lands to the inhabitants and settlers at Vincennes and the Illinois country, in the territory northwest of the Ohio, and for confirming them in their possessions,\u201d with amendments, in which amendments they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1200", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act to compensate George Gibson,\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1203", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Hollis, Thomas Brand\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nMarch 3d. 1791\nI am much in your debt for letters by mr Knox General Mansell & Mr Broome who seems an excellent citizen we had an American dinner all rejoiced in the welfare of America & remember\u2019d our friend & the Patriots of that country.\nI have just recd intelligence of the Boxes of Books for cambridge have been recd.  the former letter not coming to hand yesterday the 2 of march I sent on board the Apollo Captn Wm Billing a case for John Adams vice President of the United States, containing Book for you particularly the 2 vol of the History of Bologna which you have preserved to the world I sent it in the condition it is in supposing you would make as like your first vol. as might be several tracts which will amuse a parcell for mrs Adams my amiable friend & a fish caught in Dorsetshire for her table to whom I wrote some time agoe for the engaging compliment she with her daughter have made me some tracts to be given to the Library of Philadelphia anonimously all of which you have should be glad to know in what state the Librariyes are in that city.\nmany thanks for your tracts every thing from America is interesting & agreable me some years past your pleasing advice would had great weight with me\u2014there is no doubt the french will succeed & continue a free & liberal nation the family seems to be taking leave of the country the aunts are gone.\nI wished to have sent you a new book additions to common sense but cannot I write this to inform you of the case of books as I could put any note in the box being straitned for time.\nwe go on in old way\u2014a bill to relieve the Dissenting catholicks who will probably be put on a better footing that the protestant Dissenters at which I shall rejoice.\n\u201cAristocracy has never but one child. the rest are thrown to the cannibal for prey & the natural parent prepares the unnatural repast.\nevery thing which out of nature in man affects more or less the interest of society so does this\u2014\nEtablish family justice & Aristocracy falls.Aristocracy is kept up by family Tiranny & injustice\u201d\nFarewell. Health & good spirit to you & Mrs Adams and I am as ever Dear Sir / with esteem & affection / yr friend\nT Brand Hollisam obliged to stop.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1204", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled bills, I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of the Vice President;The House of Representatives adhere to their amendments on the bill, entitled \u201cAn act concerning consuls and vice consuls;\u201d\nThey disagree to the amendment of the Senate on the bill, entitled \u201cAn act for making compensations to the commissioners of loans, for extraordinary expenses;\u201d\nThey agree to the resolution sent from the Senate for concurrence, \u201crequesting the President of the United States to cause a return to be made to Congress of the lands not claimed by the Indians,\u201d with an amendment, to wit: Line 3 strike out \u2019a return to be made to,\u2019 and insert \u2019an estimate to be laid before;\u2019 in which amendment they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1207", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have agreed shortly to adjourn to 6 o\u2019clock this evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1208", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The House of Representatives have passed \u201cA resolve making a temporary provision for the safe-keeping of prisoners committed under the authority of the United States;\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed several enrolled bills and resolves, I am directed to bring them to the Senate, for the signature of the Vice President.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1209", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act for carrying into effect the convention between his Most Christian Majesty and the United States;\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1210", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The House of Representatives concur in the bill sent from the Senate, entitled \u201cAn act to continue in force the act therein mentioned, and to make further provision for the payment of pensions to invalids, and for the support of light-houses, beacons, buoys, and public piers.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1211", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed several enrolled bills, I am directed to bring them to the Senate, for the signature of the Vice President.The House of Representatives have passed a bill, entitled \u201cAn act for the relief of David Cook,\u201d in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1212", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\tThe Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed several enrolled bills, I am directed to bring them to the Senate, for the signature of the Vice President.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1214", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 March 1791\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he has this day approved and signed several acts which originated in that House.I am directed to acquaint the Senate that the House of Representatives, having completed the business before them, intend shortly to adjourn without day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1215", "content": "Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr President:\n\t\t\t\t The President of the United States has this day approved and signed the following acts:\u201cAn act to amend an act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the government of the United States;\u201d and\u201cAn act making an appropriation for the purpose therein mentioned.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1216", "content": "Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMr. President:\n\t\t\t\t The President of the United States has this day approved and signed \u201cthe resolve for establishing the mint;\u201d and \u201cthe resolve requesting the President of the United States to cause an estimate to be laid before Congress of the lands not claimed by the Indians.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1219", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Avery, Jr., 6 March 1791\nFrom: Avery, John, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nMay it please Your Excellency SirHartford 6th. March 1791\nHaving observed in a Philadelphia paper under date of the 24th. Februy. that a Steward is wanted for the Presidents household; being much reduced in my circumstances, and considering myself well qualified for that business, have concluded that the birth might be worth my acceptance, which leads me to solicit your Excellencys recommendation in my behalf, for that purpose; hoping from your Excellencys known Candour, and benignity, that you will overlook any impropriety that may appear in this Application.  Your Excellency is doubtless acquainted with the origin of my family, being nearly related to the Averys at Boston; and were you as well informed of the sentiments which actuated my conduct in behalf of America during the late War, and the trouble which attended me in a British Government, in Consequence of the support Afforded to four Masters of American ships, in Accomplishing their escape in a boat down the Bay of Fundy, for which I was imprisoned, and indicted for treasonable Correspondence, and of which I believe Colo. Wadsworth from other representations, could give you some Account, you would I am persuaded think that I meritted some favour from a Country (* I was taken from this state by my father at the settling of Nova Scotia in the Year 1760 & returned here in 1785) the welfare of which was ever the highest object of my wishes; notwithstanding its inhabitants captured from me during the war, in five vessels, the amount of Seven Thousand pounds Sterling, which has reduced me to such straits that it is with the utmost difficulty that I can support a family, which in point of Amiableness, and respectability, (poverty only excepted) might vie with any in this state.\nNot to be further tedious, I will only assure your Excellency, that no part of my conduct shall ever Counteract any thing you may be pleased to say or do in my favour; Nevertheless my accepting of the place of Steward must depend upon the wages that is allowed, because if I cannot better my situation I must remain as I am, with the highest sentiments of esteem\nYour Excellencys most respectfull / & very Obedt humble Servant\nJohn Avery\nPS I conceive that a Steward in the Presidents household is not obliged to associate with the common Servants, nor mess with them at the same table.\nI should chearfully engage in any Credible line of business, however fatiguing,  and should prefer that which would require the most exertion\u2014\nI consider myself to be master of Book Keeping, and am well Acquainted with the French language, sufficient to negotiate any business with them\u2014\nthe masters of vessels alluded to in my letter, were\nA Captain Shackford then living to the Eastward of Boston near Piscataqua\u2014\nA Captn George Bonner of Georgia\nA Captn Harrison of or near Philadelphia &\nA Captn Barbaree of or near New York.\nFor these Gentlemen I procured horses at Halifax Escorted them thro the woods to the head of the Bay of Fundy, on hearing they were pursued I dispatched them across the Basin of Minis to an Island.  Then purchased a large sail Boat & sent to them with which they escaped and Arrived safely to this Country. this was done in the Year 1776.\nI had written to Colo. Wadsworth upon this subject, but hearing he will be at home the day after to morrow, have not forwarded his letter\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1220", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 9 March 1791\nFrom: Dana, Francis\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nBoston March 9th. 1791.\nThe Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court in obedience to the order of the Senate of the 14th. of Feb: last, beg leave to submit the following opinions in answer to their Questions.\nFirst \u201cWhether a Bill or Resolve having passed both Branches of the Legislature, and being laid before the Governor for his approbation, less than Five days before the Recess of the General Court next preceeding the last Wednesday in May, and Five days before the period when the Constitution requires the General Court shall be dissolved, but not acted upon by him, has by the Constitution the Force of Law?\u201d\nIf by \u201cRecess\u201d in this question is meant a Recess after a Prorogation, or a Recess after an Adjournment where there is no subsequent meeting of the same General Court on that adjournment, The Courts are clearly of opinion that such Bill or Resolve by the Constitution hath not the Force of Law.\nSecondly \u201cWhether a Bill or Resolve having passed both Branches of the Legislature and being laid before the Governor for his approbation less than Five days before any Recess of the General Court, other than such as is stated in the preceeding question, and not acted upon by him, has by the Constitution the force of Law?\nIf by the Term \u201cRecess\u201d in the second Question is intended a Recess upon an Adjournment and such Bill or Resolve lays more than Five days before the Governor for his approbation, including the days of the Court\u2019s sitting before the Adjournment, and so many days of the Court\u2019s sitting upon such Adjournment as will make up the full Term of Five, without the Governor\u2019s returning the same with his reasons for not approving it; we conceive such Bill or Resolve hath the force of Law: For all the days of the of the Court\u2019s sitting, although an Adjournment intervenes, are but one Session: But where a Prorogation intervenes the Session is then ended, and a Bill or Resolve after the Session is ended, cannot acquire the force of Law.\nAll which is humbly submitted\nNath: Peaslee SargeantFM. DanaR. J. PaineIncrease SumnerNathan Cushing", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1221", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Hannah Adams, 10 March 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Hannah\nMiss Adams\nPhiladelphia March 10. 1791\nI have this day received your obliging Letter of the twenty first of February, inclosing a Copy of a proposed Dedication.\nYour request of my permission to dedicate to me, the Second Edition of your View of Religion is very flattering to me: because, although I am ash to acknowledge I have never seen the Book, I know its reputation to be very respectable, not only in  country but in Europe.\nAlthough I am conscious that some of the Compliments intended me, have not been so well merited, I wish they had been, I shall leave to your inclination and discretion every thing of that kind: only request that all Titles literary or political  be omitted and that the Address may be only John Adams Vice-President of the United States of America.\nIf you please you may add my name  List of your subscribers for three Copies of your book.\nYou and I are undoubtedly related by Birth, although personally unknown to each other, and although We were both \u201cborn in humble obscurity,\u201d yet I presume neither of Us have any Cause to regret that Circumstance.  If I could ever suppose that Family Pride were in any Case excusable, I should think a descent from a line of virtuous independent New England farmers, for 160 Years, were a better foundation for it, than a descent through royal or noble Scoundrels ever since the flood.\nI am, Miss Adams very sincerely your / well Wisher, and with great Esteem / your most humble servant\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1222", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Perez Morton, 10 March 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Morton, Perez\nSir\nPhiladelphia March 10th. 1791\nI have received this day the letter you did me the honor to write on the 23 of Feb, with a Letter from Miss Hannah Adams.\nIt has very oddly happened that I have never seen Miss Adams\u2019s works, tho I frequently heard it mentioned in England with great respect and applause by Gentlemen of Letters, who had read it.  Her request to me is the more flattering, because tho\u2019 personally unknown, she is a relation.  I have requested her to put my name among her subscribers for three Coppies bound, I have requested that all Titles may be omitted but that of Vice President. For tho\u2019 I have no doubt of the innocence and utility of titles to the support of Government, and even the preservation of Laws and Liberty; yet every thing of that kind is unsettled, and no man is more willing to leave it unsettled \u2018till the wisdom and experience of the People shall have digested the subject than, / Your very humble servt.\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1223", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Eliphalet Fitch, 11 March 1791\nFrom: Fitch, Eliphalet\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir,\nKingston Jamaica March 11th. 1791\nI received your Favor of the 18th. Febry and the valuable Present of Books you were so obliging as to send me.\u2014I have recieved much Pleasure and Instruction from your Defence of the American Constitutions; and I am fully of opinion that the great Offices of Government should afford the most ample Compensation; and thereby invite the Services of the first Characters in the Nation.  How far it may be requisite, in the next Century, to continue the two first Branches of the Legislature for Life, or render these Offices hereditary, Experience only can evince.\u2014The open manly manner in which you have offered your Sentiments on the best Form of Government, and nobly hazarded your established Popularity, must command the Respect of every liberal Man, whether he approves your Opinion or not.\u2014The Papers I sent you relative to the Slave Trade were chiefly written by my Friend Mr. Edwards, when Abilities have been often exerted in promoting the Welfare of the late British Colonies.\u2014I am aware that in writing on the African Commerce I may receive much less Attention, North of the Delaware, than may be found to the Southward.\u2014I understand the virtuous Quakers are more disposed to receive Money for their Negroes, than to give them their Freedom:\u2014In this Way they \u201cassume a Virtue, When they have it not.\u201d\u2014We know from the highest Authority that the Prospect of a better World would hardly reconcile a rich Man to \u201csell all he had and give to the Poor.\u201d\u2014This Trial of his Faith was very distressing, the Man was sorrowful,\u2014for he was very rich.  For my own part I consider the Emancipation of Slaves as a visionary Project, at present; and am willing to compound the Matter, by meliorating their Condition; which will make them more happy; or, if you please, less wretched than I found them.\u2014I will expect no more from you, on this point, than to admit it as a negative Virtue.  The Zeal of the English Reformers is not according to Knowledge.\u2014They do not consider that the Progress from Slavery to Liberty is very slow, and can only be effected by a gradual Change in the Minds of Slaves, derived from a progressive Elevation of their Condition.\u2014Give the Slaves in Jamaica their Liberty, and they Will exterminate the White People\u2014consume all the Provisions\u2014and then, with a few Banditti, probably ravage the American Coast, for a further Supply:\u2014Men without Ambition will have no Industry.\u2014Your superior Knowledge of the nature of things will, I think, induce you to admit that Men mislead themselves, by not regarding properly the Tendency of the Cause, which produces the Effect.\u2014When a Man who has been free, becomes a Slave; he regrets the Situation of which he has been deprived.\u2014The Case is reversed in an African sent from a despotic Government, without Controul in the Prince or Chieftain, to a Country where the Slave holder is restricted by Laws.\u2014In the latter Case there is much Cause for Joy and Satisfaction.\u2014The great Error is in applying the Delicacy of our Sensibility to their Feelings:\u2014for altho\u2019 to him who has enjoyed Liberty, there can be no Happiness without it; yet a Slave, not being harshly treated, is satisfied with his Situation.  It is moreover a Question whether the Master whose Mind is enslaved by his Passions and the Urgency of imaginary Wants, is more happy than the Slave, whose Habits of Labour have humbled his Temper to his Situation; and whose Wishes extend no further than the necessities of the Moment.\u2014The Condition of the Negroes having been much considered, of late Years, has occasioned many very favorable Regulations; and the most extensive Benefit is daily arising from this humane Attention.\u2014Their Situation is far removed from misery and Wretchedness\u2014they are chearful and contented.  Happiness, in all Countries, depends chiefly on Opinion.\u2014The Cobler whistles o\u2019er his Work\u2014eats his humble meal, and then Sleeps quietly on his Bed of Straw.\u2014A Monarch may be proud of his Dignity,\u2014but Churchill tells us \u201cSleep was not made for Kings.\u201d\u2014\nI will dwell no longer on this Subject, having trespassed so much already on your Attention; and I know so much of your Opinion, by reading your late Publications, that I suppose you will ascribe my Arguments, such as they are, rather to the Avarice of the Planter than the real Opinion of a Moralist\u2014I thank you for your Politeness in delivering my Packet to the President, who has done me the Honour to acknowledge the Receipt of it by a Line from his Secretary, Mr. Lear.\nMy Son is in the Law Line with Messrs Farmer and Moore.\u2014The Profession is lucrative and very respectable in this Country.\u2014If I give him a good Estate he will know how to keep it\u2014if otherwise he can provide for himself.\u2014It may be truly said that the West Indies are the Sport of the Winds.\u2014I have suffered very much by Storms; but of late Years the Crops have been very favorable, and our Prospects are pleasing.\u2014Mrs. Fitch has been very ill, but is so much recovered in her Health that She has no Thoughts of leaving the Island.\u2014No Family has more agreable Accomodations that We have, possessing a very good House in Town and two pleasant Seats in the Country\u2014Our Fruits are not in Season, but I hope to send you some in a short Time.\u2014I shall be always very happy to hear of the Welfare of your Family, and beg you will do me the Favor to offer my best Respects to Mrs. Adams, to the Col: and Mrs. Smith and the young Gentlemen, your Sons; the eldest in particular, to whose Attention I owe my best Acknowledgments.\u2014Mrs. Fitch begs that her most kind Regards may be offered with mine, wishing you all that Happiness, which Friendship and our Family Connection can induce us to wish, to you and yours.\u2014\nI am truly, Dear Sir, with the highest Esteem, / Your faithful & Mo. Obedt. Servt.\nElipht. Fitch\nPS. I shewed your Letter to my Son, who begs me to offer his best Respects to you, for your kind Regards to him:\u2014He is much pleased by your friendly Attention.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1224", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Eliphalet Fitch, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Fitch, Eliphalet\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir,\nKingston Jama. March 12th. 1791\nIt is seldom that I have an agreable Opportunity to write you, but my particular Friend Mr Farmer, intending to visit the United States of America, affords me a favorable Conveyance.\u2014I have requested him to deliver you my Letter; and as He is a Gentleman, for whom I have the greatest Regard, permit me to request you will shew him a kind Attention.\u2014His good Sense and great Abilities in his Profession, as a Solicitor in Chancery and Attorney at Law, have rendered him very eminent and respectable in this Country; and as a Man of the highest Integrity and Honour I beg Leave to recommend him to your Notice.\u2014My Son is under the Tuition and Patronage of this Gentleman and his Partner Mr. Moore, from whose Instruction he will derive every possible Advantage.\u2014With the highest Respect and Esteem I have the Honor to be very truly, / Dear Sir, / Your Most Obedt. & Obliged Servt\nElipht. Fitch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1226", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Charles Storer, 16 March 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Storer, Charles\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia March 16\u20141791\nThe letter to your Counsel at Boston, inclosed in yours of the fifth of March is gone on by the Post.  Your reflections on the day of the date of your Letter are natural and just.  It is a day that I have more reason to remember than any one of my Life.  It is a day that has occasioned me more obloquy and slander, than any other, or all the other days I have beheld.  It is a day that brought me into the most critical circumstances in which I ever stood, and in which, (I will rejoice and glory in it to all Eternity) I did my duty with the most unequivocal and unshaken integrity.  The action of that night and the trials that were occasioned by it, opened the eyes of the common people.  It brought them acquainted with the Laws relative to mobs, riots and seditions, of which they were before very ignorant, it convinced them that they only exposed their Lives to destruction by such irregular and ungenerous attacks upon the soldiers; that they only endangered the Union of the Province and the Collonies, by venturing on such mad midnight enterprizes, and that their ultimate resource must be in a formal and regular resistance by arms.  A Lawyer who is my friend, has put in a Plea in abatement against the Defence of the American constitutions, he says the Title is a Misnomer.  And if the title is understood to mean a Defence of the whole, and all the parts of those Constitutions, I should agree with him.  But it is only a Defence of them against one assailant, Mr. Turgot, and on one point, the Equilibrium of Order.  The whole of the three Volumes is calculated to shew, that equal Laws cannot be preserved with out three independant orders, forming a mutual Ballance in the Legislature, and between the Legislative and Executive Power.  I know of no Book in any Language in which so much information is to be found upon the subject.  The English have made but dull work of describing and defending their Constitution.  If I am not most miserably deceived by my own vanity, there are more arguments in those Volumes in favor of their own Constitution than their whole Language contained before; in short if there is not evidence enough in them to settle the point forever; I shall despair of ever seeing any political Question decided.  You talk to me of gratitude to him, who has taught them this important secret.  Gratitude is a delicacy too exquisite for one ever to receive or hope for.  Instead of gratitude I have received nothing but abuse and insolence for this work, from the ignorant and profligate, and the wise and virtuous look on and are silent at least, if they do not smile and applaud.  In short, my dear sir, a man who is concerned in a Revolution is greatly to be pitied; he must surrender his judgement and his integrity into the hands of a mob, or he must run the Gauntlet.  So says the experience of your Friend; if you\u2019l allow me the priviledge, / And humble Servant\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1227", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 20 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Adams, John\nTuesday March 20th. 1791\nmr. Hamilton presents his respectful Compliments to the Vice President\u2014He may have heared, that the Treasurer was in the Market last night and may be at a loss concerning his authority.  The ground of the operation is an Act of the Board of the 15th of August last appropriating a sum between three & four hundred Thousand Dollars, which mr. Hamilton considers as any sum short of 400,000 Dollars; leaving still a sum to be expended within the terms as to price prescribed by that Act.  This is merely by way of information.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1228", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Trumbull, 20 March 1791\nFrom: Trumbull, John\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nHartford March 20th. 1791:\nI have just been reading the Philippic of Edmund Burke against the Revolution Society in London, & the National Assembly in France.  It has started a crowd of ideas in my mind, of whose propriety no one can so well judge as yourself.\nThis work presents itself in two points of view\u2014as the declamation of the first of English Orators, & as the result of the collected wisdom of an old & experienced Statesman.\nI acknowlege that in either view, I am disappointed in the performance.  As a Philippic, it undoubtedly contains many highly-laboured passages, expressed in forcible & pompous language, abounding in brilliant allusion, & full of satirical wit, indignation & contempt.  But where is the sublimity & pathos, tho\u2019 often attempted, which can establish him as the rival of Cicero or Demosthenes?\nHe has written on the Sublime and Beautiful\u2014he affects to be a sublime & beautiful Writer\u2014but he mistakes the bent of his Genius.  His predominant talent is Wit\u2014a sprightliness of allusion & brilliance of metaphor, well calculated to figure in the productions of a Swift or a Butler, but which loses its principal grace when tortured into sublimity, & obscured by the affected rotundity of pompous period.\nExamine a sample.\n\u201cThe anodyne draught of oblivion, thus drugged, is well calculated to preserve a galling wakefulness, & to feed the living ulcer of a corroding memory.  Thus to administer the opiate potion of amnesty, powdered with all the ingredients of scorn & contempt, is to hold to his lips, instead of the balm of hurt minds, the cup of human misery full to the brim, & to force him to drink it to the dregs.\u201d\nIs this Style? Is it sense? Is it English?\u2014\nBut let us view him in the light of an able Politician.\nHe is undoubtedly right in asserting that France has at present no permanent Constitution, & that Government cannot long subsist in the National Assembly\u2014He is right in his idea that the Revolution to this period has been the work of destruction, that it has annihilated the power & siezed the revenues of the King, the Clergy & the Nobility, that it has razed to the ground the Bastile of Despotism, & has not yet erected the fair Edifice of Constitutional & well balanced Government on its ruins.  He may be right in describing the loss of public Credit in France, & the instability of their Paper-assignats.  He is right in censuring many wild resolves of the National Assembly, many acts of unbounded licentiousness in the populace, & many needless indignities offered to the persons of their Sovereign & his Family.\nDid it require the talents of a great Statesman to discover that in the French Revolution much was wrong & all was incomplete?\nCan this calumniator of France, be the same Edmund Burke, who exhausted all his tropes in praise of America during her late contest with Britain? At the very period of his Panegyrics, would not our total want of a Constitutional Government, the weakness of our Confederation the depreciation of our currency, our public distresses, the wild ideas of licentious Liberty, & the unbridled insolence of our populace against the dignity of a Sovereign, happily indeed for himself, beyond the reach of personal insult, have afforded him themes, equally plausible & just, for contemptuous Philippic, & melancholy prognostication?  No\u2014he then asserted that we had performed miracles\u2014that we had tried Anarchy, & found it tolerable, & that Society was well regulated in America, by a Congress without power & a Government without resourceHe has since discovered that such miracles are incompatible with the climate of France!\nBut whence all his fury against Philosophers, who have asserted the rights of mankind, & his frequent ridicule of this enlightened age. On the subjects of Religion, of Government & of Humanity, is not this age more enlightened than the preceding? I grant that many of the Philosophers, whom he attacks were inaccurate in their ideas & wild in their Theories.  Awakened (to express myself in Burke\u2019s manner) from the midnight darkness of Despotism, their eyes were dazzled by the orient light of Liberty, & instead of discerning objects in their native reality, their unaccustomed optics were pleasingly overstrained by a confused glare of visionary splendor.\nBut have they done no service to mankind, & was no innovation necessary to human happiness?\nI am accustomed to view things on the brighter side, & am pleased with every bold effort of the mind, & every attempt to assert the rights and dignity of Man. Government, Morality & Religion are too august in themselves, too well supported by reason, & too necessary to the existence of rational Society, to be overthrown by the attacks even of Anarchy, Sophistry & Infidelity.  The world may perhaps reap eventual advantage from the labors of Philosophers, whose tenets in many particulars deserve abhorrence\u2014from the prophane ridicule of Voltaire, the wild reveries of Rousseau, & the immoral sophistry of Hume.  Such Writers can never destroy the citadel of Government, but they will demolish the bulwarks of Tyranny\u2014They cannot raze the Temple of Religion, but they will level the outworks of Superstition & enthusiasm.\nBut what must be the view of a Writer, who could overlook the merits of a Montesqieu, a Raynal, a Mably, & the long list of amiable assertors of the rights of mankind, & blend them with the factious & the infidel in one undistinguishing censure on Philosophers?\nWhat was the situation of France before the Revolution\u2014An unconnected groupe of Provinces, regulated by separate & contradictory Laws & Customs of Jurisprudence, & only held together as a Nation, by the undefined & despotic power of the Sovereign.  Her Religion, Bigotry in the lower ranks, Deism in the higher, & Intolerance in all.  Her King, a Despot in name\u2014Her nobility infinitely too numerous for a Senate, & possessed of no legislative powers, & her Parliaments not even the shadow of an House of Representatives.  Her military force in the hands of the Crown, her Commerce degraded, her revenues collected by extortion, & a great part of her lands mortgaged to support the indolence of her Clergy, her Nuns & her Friars.\nAmid the present diffusion of Science & with the example of British Freedom at her door, & American Independence among her Allies it was impossible She could have continued long in so mortifying a situation.  Though the only power of her Sovereign was Despotism, her Sovereign could be a Despot no longer. No spring was left of sufficient force to move the wheels of a Government at once so complicated & disjointed.  A Revolution, if not immediately necessary in Theory, must appear to every reflecting mind at least unavoidable in fact.\nIf this Sketch be justly drawn, what will become of all the eloquent periods of Burke\u2019s declamation, in which he advises them to guard against innovations, & only endeavour to amend their antient Constitution.  What was their antient constitution, but an arbitrary & unlimited Monarchy?\u2014From their early history he might indeed have revived some unacknowleged Clerical & Aristocratical claims\u2014but he could not find a trace of Popular freedom.  His amendments to the Constitution of France must have been only made by adding some props & braces to the tottering pillar of Despotism.\nIf a thorough Reformation was necessary in France, were not most of the measures, which are the subjects of his censure equally necessary for the attainment of that end?  Was it not necessary to annihilate Arbitrary Power, that they might pave the way for a limited Monarchy? Was it not necessary to destroy the exorbitant claims of too numerous a Nobility before they could establish a well chosen & well regulated House of Lords?\u2014Might it not be necessary to raise the representative Power, which never before existed, above its proper balance, that it might gain sufficient force & energy to hold its just rank in a permanent constitution?  Might it not be necessary to melt down the whole people into a general mass, previous to the new casting & organizing a well-balanced Government?  Can the Negative to these questions be proved true, & till proved, may we not check at least the severity of our censures?\nBurke dwells principally on minuti\u00e6\u2014He catches the picture of the present moment, but seems not to possess the talent of retrospect & prospect which accompanies a great mind.\nHe indeed justly censures the capital error of the National Assembly\u2014their ideas of pure Democracy; & their apparent ignorance of the necessity, the indispensible necessity, of the different orders in Government.  But he seems not to dwell on the subject as a matter of importance.  He throws it out as a vague sentiment arising in a mind aiming its artillery at more essential objects, at Parisian triumphs, proscriptive injustice, Dr. Price & the Revolution Society.\nWhether the establishment of a well-balanced Government & a free Constitution in France will be effected, as in America, by the united wisdom of a National Convention, or whether it must be preceeded by the horrors of a Civil War, & finally be established in a Treaty of accommodation, Time alone can determine.  But I think we may venture to predict that France will never again be subjected to arbitrary Government & that She will at no very distant period reap an ample harvest from these seeds of Liberty already planted in her soil, but which a Burke could not discover among the broken furrows.\nThe advantages gained by France in the present revolution must be extensive & permanent\u2014The errors of the National Assembly will be transitory in effect\u2014and Posterity, speaking of them hereafter, may perhaps invert the sentiment of Shakespeare, & say\u2014\n\u201cThe good that they have done, lives after them,The evil lies interred with their bones.\u201d\nThus Sir, I have in a very hasty manner given way to my feelings on the first perusal of Mr. Burke\u2019s Pamphlet.  I pretend not to sufficient Information to enter into minuter disquisitions.\nI will turn to a more agreeable subject.  The first Congress has now completed its sessions.  If they do not retire with a loud clamour of universal applause, they may receive sufficient consolation from the general happiness, which they have diffused over our Country.  In no nation, by no Legislature, was ever so much done in so short a period for the establishment of Government, Order, public Credit & general tranquillity. I only fear that the manifest increase of our circulating coin, together with the additional resources of Millions of Paper-Securities so rapidly appreciating, & the circulation of Bank-notes, may injure those general habits of Industry & Oeconomy, introduced by former years of Penury & Distress.  It will\u2014unless drained off in more extensive and beneficial channels of Commerce.\nAll clamour concerning high wages & Salaries has now subsided\u2014and the Judicious part of the community are becoming sensible that the compensations to Members of Congress, & to most of the Officers of Government are rather inadequate to their services & support.  As to Your Salary in particular, I find it universally agreed that it is too low\u2014Had it not been for some political reasons, an attempt would have been made at the close of the last sessions to raise it about 3000 Dollars higher\u2014This You probably know, & I have no doubt but this will be done at the next sessions.\nFrom some strokes in your former letters, I fear that you resent too strongly the desertion of your Northern Friends on that occasion.  You may be assured that nothing personal was intended.  It was the result of a timid policy, & a cautious foresight of the clamour since actually raised on the subject of high compensations.  They sufficiently feel & regret the consequent diminution of respectability in your office\u2014& are disposed to rectify their mistake.\u2014You may ever depend on the firm attachment of the Northern States to your Person\u2014but neither your sentiments, your spirit, your morals, or your manners can ever be highly popular among the licentious Lordlings, & noisy Democrats of the South, who, if it were possible to preserve a dignity & influence equal to their pride, would constantly aspire to become, not your Friends, but your Rivals.\nI have the honor to be / with the greatest Respect, / Your most Obedt. Servt.\nJohn Trumbull", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1229", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel Huntington, 21 March 1791\nFrom: Huntington, Samuel\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nNorwich March 21st: 1791\nI am favoured with your letter of the 4th Instant inclosing a copy of Docr. Johnson\u2019s resignation as a Senator, and shall communicate the Same to the legislature of this State at their approaching Session in May\nWith the most perfect / Respect, I have the / honour to be / Your Obedient / humble Servant\nSaml. Huntington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1230", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 24 March 1791\nFrom: Otis, Samuel Allyne\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nMarch the 24th 1791\nAs there was a degree of heat not usual in Senate, when the question was taken on the second reading of the Cunsular bill sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, I think it incumbent to submit the journal to your correction on that question, & on the two last acts of Senate in their Legislative capacity; relying that if they are not perfectly right, you will be so good as to put them so.\nI have the honor to be / With esteem & respect / Your Excellencys / most Humble Sert\nSam. A. Otis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1231", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Francis Dana, 27 March 1791\nFrom: Dana, Francis\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nCambridge March 27th. 1791.\nI have the satisfaction to inform you that I have at last receiv\u2019d from the Secretary of the Treasury the money which Congress granted me for my expences for a private Secretary while at the Court of St: Petersbourg: and can now refund you the whole expence you have been put to on John\u2019s account while with me there, as well as upon his return to Holland\u2014In pursuance of your letter of the 4th. of Nov: 1784 (about a year after my return to America) in which you say \u201cI shou\u2019d be obliged to you if you will write me what I am in debt to you on account of my Son, and draw upon me for it, whatever it is, unless you can persuade Congress to allow it you.  They ought to allow you for a Clerk, and if they do, this expence may be saved me, and I am very little able or willing to bear it. Yet if it is not allowed you, I ought to bear it and will bear it, and still be obliged to you for your kind parental care of my boy\u201d &c.  In pursuance of the foregoing letter, and agreing in opinion with you that Congress ought to allow me for a private Secretary, I drew upon you for the Cash only which I had advanced him at St: Petersbourg, and on his return to Holland. Informing you in my letter of the 14th. of June which enclosed a copy of my draft of the same date in favour of Jas: Allen for \u00a3 357:16:9 sterlg: that \u201cwhatever Congress shou\u2019d allow me for a private Secretary, to the amount of my Account of monies advanced your Son, I shou\u2019d hold to your use\u201d\u2014In compliance with this proposition I am now ready to repay you that sum.\nI had flattered myself that I shou\u2019d have succeeded in obtaining a more liberal allowance from Congress than that of mere expences, for John\u2019s benefit.  With this view I had inserted an article in my account first exhibited to the Treasury department; for a private Secretary for the whole time; but I was told Congress had not made any provision for private Secretaries, and that I cou\u2019d be allowed only for my particular expences, and must state an account accordingly: Which I did, but added besides an article for his services during the time John was with me, still hoping something wou\u2019d be allowed under that head.  The Treasury objected to passing  the account and said an application must be made to Congress as there were no resolutions authorising the Treasury to pass such an account.  Failing in both these attempts, I had recourse to a particular application to Congress, desiring that the account might accompany it.  They granted only the amount of the expences charged.  Nor have they ever allowed me my own travelling expences.  I have stated this matter so particularly to satisfy you that I did every thing in my power to obtain something for John personally.  Indeed, I believe, I shou\u2019d have succeeded in part, had not his expences in returning to Holland run up so very high (all which were charged in the account & have been allowed) owing I presume to the great delays he met with in Sweden & Denmark thro\u2019 the severity of the season.\nI will now state the agreement we made in Holland, as it lays in my mind, that if it shou\u2019d not exactly comport with your own understanding of it, that you will let me know it\u2014As I must have gone with my servant only, if John had not accompanied me; which was thot by us improper if not unsafe, and that Congress wou\u2019d certainly be willing to allow me any extra expence for a companion who might take possession of my public papers shou\u2019d any accident happen to me on so long a rout: And as we both supposed from the literary fame of the Empress, that her capital abounded with good Academies, in which John might pursue his studies under my care, to equal advantage as in Leyden.  And you being desirous he shou\u2019d improve so favourable an opportunity of travelling into Countries which he might otherwise never see, was so obliging us to intimate that if I shou\u2019d wou\u2019d take the charge of him, he shou\u2019d go with me.  To which I most heartily agreed.  And also that you shou\u2019d be put to no expence of his journey even tho\u2019 Congress shou\u2019d not allow me my travelling expences, or any thing for a private Secretary: but the expence of his instruction, cloathing, board & what pocket money I might think proper to allow him were to be reimbursed by you if I did not obtain a grant from Congress for a private Secretary, which I was to endeavour to do to save you from any expence.  I am happy to have succeeded so far; tho\u2019 I have all along been troubled that I was under the necessity of drawing upon you (being engaged in building on my return home) by which means you have laid so long out of the money.\nMrs. Dada joins me in regards to your good Lady and yourself whose company we hear we are to be favoured with before long and for the summer.\nI am dear Sir with the greatest respect / your much obliged friend & humble Servant\nF M Dana", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1232", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Samuel Allyne Otis, 28 March 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Otis, Samuel Allyne\nDear Sir\nBush Hill March 28. 1791\nI believe you may with propriety deliver to Mr Macpherson all his Papers except the Petition which was read in Senate, and a Copy of that if he desires it.\nI am Sir, with great regard / your most obedient\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1233", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel Allyne Otis, 28 March 1791\nFrom: Otis, Samuel Allyne\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhila: March 28th 1791\nI do myself the honor to enclose you a letter from Mr Lee, with his acct. for your approbation; it being agreeable to law\u2014\nThe Report of the Secretary of the Treasury enclosed, in my opinion, should be brot. at large, on the journals of Senate; but I should be more satisfied with your approbation.\nMrs Otis and myself shall be happy to have you and the family to dine with us, on Saturday, but if engaged on that day, Will you be so good as to name a day to / your most humble Sert\nSam. A. Otis all be obliged for closed papers  inspected\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1234", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Trumbull, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Trumbull, John\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia March 31. 1791\nThe Secy. of the Treasury is so able and has done so well that I have Scarcely permitted myself to think very closely whether he could or could not have done better.  I may venture however to Say to you, that I have always been of your Opinion, that a System a little bolder would have been more Safe: and that it would have been better to have begun at once with a small direct Tax, a pretty liberal Stamp Tax, and an Excise, as well as an impost on Merchandise and Tonnage.\nThis day has brought me a masterly review of Burke, and I have been so well pleased with it as to use a freedom with it, which I hope you will excuse.  I think almost exactly with you of the French Revolution.  Absolute Monarchy appears to me to be dead, without a possibility of a resurrection in France.  A Counter Revolution is impracticable. Yet their present Constitution cannot be durable.  A Convention or a civil War, or both, must make some more judicious Provision, for repressing human Passions than has yet been adopted.  They must descend more deeply into the Abysses of the human heart and consider the Origin, Progress and Tendency of the Passions, and erect more permanent Barriers against them.\nThey will find the Judgment of Socrates, as infallible as an oracle, when he says to Clinias the Cretan and Magillus the Lacedemonian.  Veree, enim, O Viri optimi, Reipublic\u00e6 participes estis; qu\u00e6 autem modo nominat\u00e6 Sunt, Aristocratia, Democratia et Monarchia, non Respublic\u00e6, Sed Urbium habitationes qu\u00e6dam Sunt, in quibus pars una Servit alteri dominanti.  Platos Laws. Lib. 3. and in his 8th Book Nulla certe potestas hujus modi, Respublica est, sed Seditiones omnes appellari rectissime possunt. Nulla enim volentibus volens, sed volens nolentibus semper vi aliqua dominatur.  Human Passions domineer in each of the three simple Governments. To enquire which of them is the best is only to enquire which will produce most mischief, the Passions of one Man the Passions of the Majority of a Senate or the Passions of a Majority of the Multitude. To enquire whether a mixed Government is better than a Simple one, is to ask whether the Passions are as wise as just and as moderate as the Laws.  If these opinions are unerring oracles as I really believe them, a melancholly Consequence must be drawn from them, vizt that there has Scarcely ever been a Government upon Earth, but what was a sedition.  Some have been less gross than others however.\nI thank you sir for you friendly Communications respecting myself.  It was News to me. I have said little concerning myself, and am determined to say still less.  To you however I will be so free in Confidence as to say, that as it has appeared to be the desire both of North and South to annihilate me and my Office, I have acquiesced, not indeed without some little Wonder at the Policy at least of the North.\u2014If as you think, my Spirit, is not agreable to Some Gentlemen, I Shall not however humiliate much less debase that Spirit, in Complaisance to those Gentlemen.  If as you say my Morals are not agreable, I am at a Loss to know whether those morals are too good or too bad.  If they are too good I shall not make them worse, in Complaisance to those Gentlemen.  Heaven knows I with them better as much as any of them.  If as you suppose my manners are not agreable, I am at a Loss to guess in what particular.  Manners comprehend Curtesy, Civility, Hospitality and graceful Attitudes Gestures and Motions.  In point of Civility I have not been wanting: in Hospitality I have gone beyond not only all the Means that their Generosity has furnished, but beyond all the Income of my private fortune.  Instead therefore of reforming in this particular in their sense I am determined to alter according to my own sense and live more within my income. As to Elegance of Behaviour, without making any vain pretensions in this respect, I may boldly affirm that there is no southern Gentleman has right to reproach me, except the President, and he I know has no disposition to do it.\nThat there is or will be a Rival, I doubt not.  There is a French Intrigue at Work, to this Purpose as deep as it is wicked.  My Countrymen with all their Sagacity and with all their Vigilance, are not enough acquainted with the World, nor with the History of their own Revolution, to be upon their Guard against political Inventions, concealed with infinite Art urged with unwearied Dilligence, multiplied and varied with fruitful Ingenuity, and pursued with long perseverance.  Panegyricks upon Panegyricks come from Europe upon some Characters in order to lessen others; Politicks are carried on instead of Philosophy in learned and scientific Accademies Newspapers from Georgia to New Hampshire and Magazines &c are cooked & dressed.  The Populace are made the Dupes of their own feelings, Aristocrats are bloated with their own pride.  To me these Things are familiar.  I have been a suffering Witness and have a good Memory.  But my Misfortune is that no Man knows them all but myself.  But I will own to you, all that ever I have suffered, has never made so deep an Impression on me as to see New England duped more than all the rest: and made the blind Instrument of punishing the only Friends she ever had, for their Friendship to her.\u2014I shall go on however as long as independent Spirit and Principles will support me. But the first moment these fail me, will be considered as a Revelation of the Will of Heaven to retire.\nYours\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1235", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 8 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nTh: Jefferson presents his respects to the Vice-president of the U. S. and has the honor to inclose him the copy of a letter from the President, just now received.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1236", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 9 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nTreasury Department April 9th. 1791\nI have just received a letter from Mr. Short which I wish to submit, in order to certain measures being taken upon it, to yourself and the heads of the executive departments, in pursuance of the President\u2019s letter of the 4th. instant, which I take it for granted has been communicated to you by the Secretary of State.\nI request therefore that you will please to name a time and place for the meeting; and that it may be as early as will be convenient to you after tomorrow.\u2014\nI have the honor to be / with the most respectful attachment, / Sir, / Your Obedient servant\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1237", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 9 April 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir,\nPhiladelphia April 9: 1791.\nI have received the Letter you did me the honor to write me this morning and as the Secretary of State accidentally fell in before I had opportunity to answer it, we agreed to propose a meeting at his House at two o\u2019Clock on Monday next.  If that time and place are agreable to you, and the Secretary at War, they will be particularly so to me, who have the honor to be with great regard, Sir your most obedient and most humble Servt.\nJohn Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1239", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 20 April 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nApril 20th 1791\u2014\nMr T. Coxe has the honor respectfully to enclose to the V. President of the United States a return of the licensed fishing vessels for one year, in which are included above 5000 Tons, which were not reported from the Custom houses, when the Registers abstract was furnished\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1240", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Alexander Hamilton, 25 April 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir\nBush Hill April 25h. 1791\nI do my self the honour to transmit to you my Accounts which remain unsettled, for the last two years and Eight months of my Administrations abroad in the service of the United States.  I have left a Blank for my Salary.  In my own opinion it is but Justice that it should be filled up with the sum of two thousand five hundred Pounds sterling a year, because this was the contract under which I accepted my Commission for the Peace in 1779 and that for their High Mightinesses in 1781 which last continued in force untill my Return home.  The Resolution of Congress which Stated the Salary of a Minister abroad at 9000 Dollars, could not reasonably be intended to operate upon Ministers and Commissioners which had been given and accepted upon different Conditions.  Such an Interpretation of it would make it amount to a Breach of public faith.  Moreover I have been well informed by Mr Gerry who proposed the alteration that the Reason of this Resolution was a Supposition that in that time of Peace the Expences of living in Europe were reduced.  This Motive was so far from being a just one, as applied to me, that I found the Expences of living in London about a quarter part dearer than I had ever known them in Paris or the Hague. This therefore was rather a Reason for raising my Salary to three thousand Pounds sterling a year, which I actually Spent than for reducing it to nine thousand Dollars.  I have been informed by Mr Barclay that Mr. Franklin charged and has been allowed, two thousand five hundred Pounds sterling a year till his Return, and as I am in the same Predicament with him, it is at least as just that it should be allowed to me. indeed it is more so because I certainly was obliged to spend more than that sum, and he undoubtedly spent less.\nI have also requested an allowance for a private Secretary.  As the Business of my Mission to Holland as well as that to England lay upon me, in addition to my share in all the Negotiations with Prussia and the other Powers of Europe as well as the Barbary States, it may readily be conceived that I had a great deal of Business and Still more writing to do, as Copies of all such Correspondences must be preserved, and therefore I hope the Charge for a private Secretary will not be thought unreasonable.\nAn allowance is asked also for one Ministerial or Diplomatique Entertainment for each year.  This is done for two Reasons 1. because it is the Custom of the whole Corps Diplomatique. 2. because it seems to be a reasonable Custom and 3. because Mr Franklin has charged and been allowed for all Extraordinary Entertainments as I suppose, as he told me he had charged them or should charge them.\nAn outfit I have asked for, amounting to one years Salary. This will be but a very inadequate Compensation to me, for the extraordinary Expences I was put to by the Variety of services and multiplicity of Commissions, which were heaped upon me. My Case is Singular and distinguished from that of every other Gentleman who has ever been sent abroad in the service of the United States.  In 1779 Congress sent me abroad, with two Commissions one to negotiate a Peace, and another to his Britannick Majesty to make a Tr negotiate a Treaty of Commerce with that Power.  Under these Commissions I went to Paris and resided there which obliged me to take an House or Appartements ready furnished, and establish an Household and f Equipage and sett of servants there.  In 1780 Congress sent me a Commission to borrow Money in Holland to the amount of two thousand millions Dollars.  This obliged me to live in Holland.  in 1781 Congress sent me a Commission to treat with that Republick and a Letter of Credence to the states General.  This obliged me to hire an House and completely furnish it. because there was no such thing to be hired in Holland as Furniture, as might be done and was done by Mr Deane Mr Franklin, Mr Jay and Myself at Paris.  My Commission for the Peace obliged me to make Journeys to Versailles. My Commission for borrowing Money not only augmented my Expences, but gave me more trouble and occasioned more labour and perplexity than all the other services.  The frequent Removals from one Country to another, the continual Change of Servants and Liveries; the Wear and Tear of Baggage and Destruction of furniture; besides the perpetual plunder I was subjected to in my absence from my house in one Country, while attending my duty in another, have wasted and consumed my salary in such a manner that my family must be deprived of that reward for my Time, Trouble Risque and services, which all of Us were intituled to and which some may have been happy enough to secure  honestly to secure.  I say all of Us were intituled to it because that Congress on the 28. Sept. 1786 Resolved that their Ministers should live in such a stile and manner as they might find Suitable and necessary to support the Dignity of their public Character, and that besides their actual Expences a handsome Allowance be made to each of them as a Compensation for their time Trouble Risque and Services.\nIf the Articles I have submitted are allowed me difficult as it will be to justify myself to my Family, I shall be content. but if not, I must crave an Allowance of one half Per Cent, are and as Commissions on nine millions of Guildres, by me borrowed in holland for the United States.  When Congress allows four Per Cent to the Houses of Willinks and Vanstaphersts and their Undertakers upon all these Loans, which has already amounted to an handsome fortune to each House it would be extreamly hard and unreasonable to oblige me,  who had more trouble with every one of these Loans than those Houses had, nay who had more trouble with the first of them than they have had with the whole, not only to do this whole Business for nothing but live at my own Expence while I did it.  This must be my hard fate if nothing can be allowed me as Commissions nor for extraordinary services.  Larger Considerable sums were Spent by me, at times for secret services and other sums to no small amount were Advanced to Americans in Distress, some of them in Prison and others escaped: but as I have no Vouchers for these and I suppose Congress would not be willing to set a Precedent I make no Charge for them, Although they were Advanced out of my own Money Part of my salary.\nLet me ask the favour of you sir to look over these Accounts and then present them to the Auditor.  That they may be Settled in Some Way or other, by the next sessions of Congress.\nWith great Esteem I have the honour / to be, Sir your most obedient and / most humble sert.\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1242", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Adams, 12 May 1791\nFrom: Adams, William\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nNorthumberland May 12th: 1791\nPermit me the freedom of troubling you on the present occasion.\u2014Informing your Excellency that I was an early Volunteer in the cause of Liberty &c\u2014I had the Honor of being acquainted with you & Samuel Adams Esqr: in 1776 When you were both Members of Congress, and I was then Surgeon in the American Navy, which I have not a doubt through the Multiplicity of your business you may forget.\u2014I continued uniformly the Stedfast Friend of my Country, & endeavored as an Individual, all in my power to effect the Grand Revolution, which was happily Perfected to the Honor of our common Cause, & the rights of Mankind.\u2014In 1777 I was Commissioned cheif Surgeon to the Pensylvania Artilery, which Station I occupied untill by the fatigues, distresses, & casualties, of the war I was necessarily exposed to, was oblidged to retire from service in January 1781 being rendered incapable by a decay of health, & Doctor Cochran late Director of the American Army gave me a Certificate for half pay addressed to the Executive & Legislative Bodies of Pensylvania or either of them as a restitution for health, & property lost in the service of my Country, which Certificate I filed in Council, that in case of future Necessity by want of returning health, & when the Publick funds admited I might make application, from which season I did not make application, untill last February when I found by long experience that I had reason to believe my former health would never return, in consequence made application to Congress agreeable to their former Resolves for half pay by Petition and also Doctr: Cochran\u2019s Certificate or a Copy thereof Attested by the Governor, and Secretary in my behalf for half pay, which was refered to the Secretary at War to report thereon.\u2014I have not a doubt if Genl. Knox recollects He will report favorably thereon & I have wrote to him on the occasion\u2014Therefore would now request of you Sir, As you have uniformly acted the Friend of your Country, as Senator, or Minister, to act the friendly part in Justice to those few that have suffered for their Country, & wants redress to alleviate in some measure their undeserved sufferings as they have suffered in the Grand cause of Mankind\u2014Therefore would wish to apply to you as second Cheif Majistrate of the Union to assist me in the present case according to common Justice & Equity.  And if you should happen at any time during the Recess of Congress to be at Genl. Knox\u2019s, if you would condescend to take the trouble you might see my Petition & Doctr. Cochrans Certificate in my favor, and if it appears to you eligible, might recommend to the Secretary at War in my favor\u2014You will please to pardon my freedom in giving you this trouble, but I cant well refrain therefrom as I have no other Person to apply to for to redress my grievance, except it is the Gentleman who has proved himself his Countrys friend, and the Second Majistrate of our now happy rising Empire\u2014I have the Honor to subscribe myself with every due sentiment of respect and esteem / Your Excellency\u2019s / due Devoted &  / most Hble. Obedt: Servt.\nWm. Adams\nP.S. I expect Thomas Proctor Esqr. Leiutt. of the City of Philadelpa. will deliver your Excellency this Letter\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1244", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 25 May 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 25th. 1791\nI have the honor to inform you that on a second application of your Steward, I this day paid a second Sum of one hundred Dollars\u2014\nA letter from the Supervisor of Virginia to a gentleman in this City mentions that the plan of the Bank does not appear to create any uneasiness there, and that he considers the excise or revenue law as likely to be popular on the South side of James River, where it was expected to give rise to a very animated opposition.\nThe Census of New Jersey was exhibited at this office a few days ago and amounts to 184,000 persons.  The frontier County, Sussex, is the second in population, & falls but a few hundred short of the oldest county in the State.\nI have the honor to be with the highest respect, / Sir / your most obedient / and most humble Servant\nTench Coxe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1245", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 10 June 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia 10th of June 1791\nI embrace the occasion of enclosing some letters, to thank you and Mrs Adams for the comfortable accommodation of your house at Bush Hill.  While the inhabitants of this City are panting for breath, like a hunted hare, we experience a in the Hall at Bush Hill a delightful and animating breeze\nThe paragraphs in the Connecticut and New York papers relative to your journey indicate envy and blackness of heart.  Who the Author of the articles is, I know not and it is quite immaterial.  But eminence must be taxed.\nPerhaps the political heresies mentioned in the preface to the American edition of Paynes pamphlett; as coming from a more respectable quarter may occasion some uneasiness.  But the author has assured me that the note he wrote to the printer, never was intended for publication, but as a sort of apology for having detained the book which was a borrowed one, longer than the impatience of the printer would admit\nBut if the idea was aimed at your doctrines, it ought not to create a moments pain.  Conscious as you are, of the invariable pursuit of the public happiness, regulated by the sober standard of reason, it is not the desutory ebulition of this, or that mans mind that can divert you from your object. For while human nature shall continue its course according to its primary principles there will be a difference of judgement upon the same objects even among good men.\nThe President is expected to arrive here about the 23d or 25th instant But there is no information from him since the 16th of May  He has been perfectly received according to the abilities of the places through which he has passed\nThe indian Campaign must go forward.  We have marched and shall march by the latter end of this month 2,800 men. This force will be adequate with the addition of the troops already on the frontiers\nPermit me to Congratulate you and Mrs Adams on the arrival of Colonel Smith.\nI am my dear Sir / With the most respectful / Attachment Your obedient / Servant\nH Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1249", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Henry Knox, 19 June 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Knox, Henry\nDear Sir\nBraintree June 19. 1791\nI had yesterday the Pleasure of receiving your kind Letter of the 10th of this month, and am happy to find that you are pleased with your situation at Bush Hill.  I hope soon to hear of the Birth of a peaceable son of Mars, and that Mrs Knox is as well and in as good Spirits as you appear to be.\nThe Paragraphs in the New York Papers I know nothing of: The Lyes in the New Haven one I never heard of till Yesterday.  One Thing I believe: it was not Roger Sherman nor Dr Stiles who wrote them nor any Friend of theirs.\nThe Preface to Paines Nonsense has occasioned much Speculation.  It is thought rather early for Electioneering.  My head I thank God is not easily diverted from its Views nor my heart from its Resolutions; and therefore neither Paine nor his Godfather will much affect me: and I believe they will affect the Public as little.  It only grieves me that a Character who stood high is so much lowered in the public Esteem.\nThe cordial and glorious reception of the President in every part of his Tour, an omen for good to the People, and gives universal Pleasure, in this Part of the Country.\nAlthough the Indian Campaign is an  yet the War I presume is a just and a necessary War, and therefore I rejoice that the Forces are so well collected and so far advanced.\nThe Arrival of Col Smith  happy Event for me and my Family and We all thank you sir, for your  Congratulations on it.\nThe Death of my learned and amiable Friend Dr Price has hurt me more than the little flickerings of Politicks.  Although his Zeal for Liberty was not always  to Knowledge, his heart was always upright and benevolent, and his Mind was open  Conviction\nThree of my Family brought with them the Fever and Ague, but are better.  I hope to see you in October by which time I hope our mutual Friend will get the better of his frenchified delirium: meantime I am with great regard / your Friend and humble Servant\nJohn Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1250", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 30 June 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia June 30.1791.\nI have the honor to enclose you a continued bill of the Treasurer\u2019s set of exchange, No. 1351, for five hundred dollars in your favour bearing date the 4th day of May 1791 and drawn on Benjamin Lincoln Eq. Collector of Boston.  I beg leave respectfully to observe, that the Secretary of the Treasury relies upon your readiness to indemnify the United States for any injury that might arise to them from the other bill, although he does not perceive how any disadvantage can possibly occur since you are certain it was not endorsed, and your son has prudently notified the Collector of Boston.\nI lately transmitted under cover to you the 5th. Number of the paper, of the four first of which I have taken the liberty to request your perusal.\nThere appears already a certainty that the whole stock of the Bank of the United States will be subscribed as fast as the operation can be performed by the individuals, and there are reasons to believe that an animated exertion to avoid being shut out will take place.\nThe french duty on oil, in the passage of the bill through the Assembly, has been reduced to six livres per 100lb French equal to 108lb Avoirdupois.  I have not made a calculation, but it is said now to be more favorable than the footing on which it stood in 1790.  Our ships can no longer, on purchase by the citizens of France, be made free French bottoms.  The Tobacco business yet retains its original form, but as it was a precipitate and not an orderly proceeding, and a very unfit object for a convention representing the whole body of the nation, I hope it will not stand.\nWith the highest respect, I have the honor to be, /  Sir /  Your most obedt. /  & most humble servt.\nTench Coxe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1253", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Tench Coxe, 14 July 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Coxe, Tench\nDear Sir\nBraintree July 14. 1791\nI have received your favour of the thirtieth of June, with a continued Bill of the Treasurers Set of exchange No. 1351 for five hundred Dollars in my favour bearing date the 4th. day of May 1791 and drawn on Benjamin Lincoln Esq Collector of Boston, and I thank you for the trouble you have taken in this Affair.\u2014I shall certainly hold myself bound to indemnify the United States for any Injury that may arise to them from the other Bill, although I cannot perceive how any disadvantage can possibly occur, as it certainly was not indorsed by me, and the Collector has been notified of the accident.\nAccept of my best thanks for the fifth Number of an Answer to Lord Sheffield, which is as well written and as important as the former.\nI inclose as you desired in one of your last Letters, your Receipt of the 30th. of April and am very much obliged by your friendly Offices in this Affair. Brislers Receipt to you for 500 dollars paid him, I received inclosed in your Letter.\nPermit me to congratulate, the Secretary of the Treasury on the Success and Glory of his Bank; and him and you on the general Prosperity of our beloved Country. It is rather a fortunate Circumstance for the Public that the Ray of the restless and ambitious should by being directed at me, be drawn off from the Treasurer and his most important Operations.\nWith great and Sincere Esteem I have the / Honour to be, dear Sir, your most obedient / and humble servant.\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1254", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 17. 1791.\nI have a dozen times taken up my pen to write to you & as often laid it down again, suspended between opposing considerations.  I determine however to write from a conviction that truth, between candid minds can never do harm.  the first of Paine\u2019s pamphlets on the Rights of man, which came to hand here, belonged to mr Beckley.  he lent it to mr Madison who lent it to me; and while I was reading it mr Beckley called on me for it, &, as I had not finished it, he desired me, as soon as I should have done so, to send it to mr Jonathan B. Smith, whose brother meant to reprint it.  I finished reading it, and, as I had no acquaintance with mr Jonathan B. Smith, propriety required that I should explain to him why I, a stranger to him, sent him the pamphlet.  I accordingly wrote a note of compliment informing him that I did it at the desire of mr Beckley, &, to take off a little of the dryness of the note, I added that I was glad it was to be reprinted here & that something was to be publicly said against the political heresies which had sprung up among us &c.  I thought so little of this note that I did not even keep a copy of it: nor ever heard a tittle more of it till, the week following, I was thunderstruck with seeing it come out at the head of the pamphlet.  I hoped however it would not attract notice.  but I found on my return from a journey of a month that a writer came forward under the signature of Publicola, attacking not only the author & principles of the pamphlet, but myself as it\u2019s sponsor, by name.  soon after came hosts of other writers defending the pamphlet and attacking you by name as the writer of Publicola.  Thus were our names thrown on the public stage as public antagonists.  that you & I differ in our ideas of the best form of government is well known to us both: but we have differed as friends should do, respecting the purity of each other\u2019s motives, & confining our difference of opinion to private conversation. and I can declare with truth in the presence of the almighty that nothing was further from my intention or expectation than to have had either my own or your name brought before the public on this occasion.  the friendship & confidence which has so long existed between us required this explanation from me, & I know you too well to fear any misconstruction of the motives of it.  some people here who would wish me to be, or to be thought, guilty of improprieties, have suggested that I was Agricola, that I was Brutus &c. &c. I never did in my life, either by myself or by any other, have a sentence of mine inserted in a newspaper without putting my name to it; & I believe I never shall.\nWhile the empress is refusing peace under a mediation unless Oczakow and it\u2019s territory be ceded to her, she is offering peace on the perfect statu quo to the Porte, if they will conclude it without a mediation.  France has struck a severe blow at our navigation by a difference of duty on tobo. carried in our & their ships, & by taking from foreign built ships the capability of naturalization.  she has placed our whale oil on rather a better footing than ever by consolidating the duties into a single one of 6 livres.  they amounted before to some sous over that sum.  I am told (I know not how truly) that England has prohibited our spermaceti oil altogether, and will prohibit our wheat till the price there is 52/ the quarter, which it almost never is. we expect hourly to hear the true event of Genl. Scott\u2019s expedition.  reports give favorable hopes of it. be so good as to present my respectful compliments to mrs Adams & to accept assurances of the sentiments of sincere esteem & respect with which I am Dear Sir / your friend & servant\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1255", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nBraintree July 29. 1791\nYesterday, at Boston, I received your friendly Letter of July 17th. with great pleasure. I give full credit to your relation of the manner, in which your note was written and prefixed to the Philadelphia edition of Mr Paines pamphlet on the rights of Man: but the misconduct of the person, who committed this breach of your confidence, by making it publick, whatever were his intentions, has sown the seeds of more evils, than he can ever attone for.  The Pamphlet, with your name, to so striking a recommendation of it, was not only industriously propagated in New York and Boston; but, that the recommendation might be known to every one, was reprinted with great care in the Newspapers, and was generally considered as a direct and open personal attack upon me, by countenancing the false interpretation of my Writings as favouring the Introduction of hereditary Monarchy and Aristocracy into this Country.  The Question every where was What Heresies are intended by the Secretary of State? The Answer in the Newspapers was, The Vice Presidents notions of a limited Monarchy, an hereditary Government of King and Lords, with only elective commons.  Emboldened by these murmurs soon after appeared the Paragraphs of an unprincipled Libeller in the New Haven Gazette, carefully reprinted in the Papers of New York, Boston and Philadelphia, holding up the Vice President to the ridicule of the World, for his meanness, and to their detestation for wishing to Subjugate the People to a few Nobles. These were Soon followed by a formal Speech of the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts very Solemnly holding up the Idea of hereditary Powers and cautioning the Publick against them, as if they were at that moment in the most imminent danger of them.  These Things were all accompanied with the most marked neglect both of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of this State towards me; and alltogether opperated as an Hue and Cry to all my Ennemies and Rivals, to the old constitutional faction of Pensilvania in concert with the late Insurgents of Massachusetts, both of whom consider my Writings as the Cause of their overthrow, to hunt me down like a hare, if they could.\u2014In this State of Things, Publicola, who, I suppose thought that Mr Paines Pamphlet was made Use of as an Instrument to destroy a Man, for whom he had a regard, whom he thought innocent and in the present moment of some importance to the Publick, came forward.\nYou declare very explicitly that you never did, by yourself or by any other, have a Sentence of yours, inserted in a Newspaper, without your name to it.  And I, with equal frankness declare that I never did, either by myself or by any other, have a Sentence of mine inserted in any Newspaper since I left Philadelphia.  I neither wrote nor corrected Publicola.  The Writer in the Composition of his Pieces followed his own Judgment, Information and discretions, without any assistance from me.\nYou observe \u201cThat you and I differ in our Ideas of the best the form of Government is well known to Us both.\u201d  But, my dear Sir, you will give me leave to say, that I do not know this.  I know not what your Idea is of the best form of Government.  You and I have never had a Serious conversation together that I can recollect concerning the nature of Government. The very transient hints that have ever passed between Us, have been jocular and Superficial, without ever coming to any explanation.  If You suppose that I have or ever had a design or desire, of attempting to introduce a Government of King, Lords and Commons in other Words an hereditary Executive or an hereditary Senate, either into the Government of the United States, or that of any Individual State, in this Charge you are wholly mistaken.  There is not Such a Thought expressed or intimated in any public writing or private Letter of mine, and I may Safely challenge all Mankind to produce such a passage and quote the Chapter and Verse.  If you have ever put such a Construction on any Thing of mine, I beg you would mention it to me, and I will undertake to convince you, that it has no such meaning.  Upon this occasion I will venture to say that my unpolished Writings, although they have been read by a sufficient Number of Persons to have assisted in crushing the Insurrection of the Massachusetts, the formation of the new Constitutions of Pensilvania, Georgia and South Carolina and in procuring the Assent of all the States to the new national Constitution, Yet they have not been read by great Numbers.  Of the few who have taken the pains to read them, Some have misunderstood them and others have willfully misrepresented them, and these misunderstandings and misrepresentations have been made the pretence for overwhelming me with floods and whirlwinds of tempestuous abuse, unexampled in the History of this Country.\nIt is thought by Some, that Mr Hancock\u2019s friends are preparing the Way by my destruction for his Election to the Place of Vice President, and that of Mr Saml. Adams to be Governor of this Commonwealth, and then the Stone House Faction will be sure of all the Loaves and Fishes, in the national Government and the State Government as they hope.  The Opposers of the present Constitution of Pensilvania, the Promoters of Shases Rebellion and County Resolves, and many of the Detesters of the present national Government, will undoubtedly aid them. Many People think too that no small Share of a foreign Influence, in revenge for certain untractable conduct at the Treaty of Peace, is and will be intermingled.  The Janizaries of this goodly Combination, among whom are three or four, who hesitate at no falshood, have written all the Impudence and Impertinence, which have appeared in the Boston Papers upon this memorable Occasion.\nI must own to you that the daring Traits of Ambition and Intrigue, and those unbridled Rivalries which have already appeared, are the most melancholly and alarming Symptoms that I have ever seen in this Country: and if they are to be encouraged to proceed in their Course, the Sooner I am relieved from the Competition the happier I Shall be.\nI thank you, Sir very Sincerely for writing to me upon this occasion.  It was high time that you and I should come to an explanation with each other.  The friendship which has Subsisted for fifteen years between Us, without the Smallest Interruption, and untill this occasion without the Slightest Slightest Suspicion, ever has been and Still is, very dear to my heart.  There is no office which I would not resign, rather than give a just occasion for one friend to forsake me.  Your motives for writing to me, I have not a doubt were the most pure and the most friendly and I have no suspicion that you will not receive this explanation from me in the same candid Light.\nI thank You Sir for the foreign Intelligence and beg leave to present You with the friendly compliments of Mrs. Adams, as well as the repeated Assurances of the friendship, Esteem and respect of / Dear Sir / Your most obedient / and most humble servant\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1256", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Lathrop, 1 August 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lathrop, John\nReverend Sir\nBraintree August 1. 1791\nWith this, you will receive a Box of Books containing the Byzantine History in 28. Vols. and Muratori\u2019s Collection in 29, which I pray you to present to the American Accademy of Arts and Sciences, and place in their Library, in behalf of / Sir your most obedient / and most humble Servant\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1257", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joseph Brown, Jr., 6 August 1791\nFrom: Brown, Joseph, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nCharleston So. Carolina Augt. 6. 1791\nThe Recollection Sir of having had the honor of your Acquaintance, and of having receivd politeness and Attention from you in a foreign Country, emboldens me to address you upon a subject, which doubtless from your exalted Station you must be frequently importund with, that is to request your influence y with the President in my behalf to obtain the office of Collector of the port of Charleston in this State which is now become vacant by the death of the late Collector\nNot Sir, that I wou\u2019d presume the civilities alone which I receivd from you in France wou\u2019d intitle me to take this liberty, but from your zeal and attachment to the American Revolution you would wish to Relieve such as have been sufferers by it.  One among numbers in this State I am, and as I have reason to believe that many other applications will be made for that Office Referrence will be had to my countrymen Representatives in Congress, who probably have each their friend to serve,  it is the weight of your interest therefore\u2014which I solicit Sir, and if not thought unworthy, it will be receivd with the utmost gratitude\u2014May America continue to reward you & your posterity with those Honors which you are so justly & meritoriously intitled to is the sincere wish of / Sir, / Yr Most Obedient Hble: Servt\nJoseph Brown", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1258", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Goforth, 11 August 1791\nFrom: Goforth, William\nTo: Adams, John\nMay it please your Honour\nColumbia in Hamilton County 11th. August 1791.\nI would beg your attention for a few minutes while I lay before you the greivances of a number of remote, industrious; but unfortunate Citizens, who have formd a settlement near the confluence of the Little Miami & the Ohio Rivers, which I shall attempt by an induction of a number of particulars.  The Honourable John Cleves Symmes in a pamphlet Signd of Trenton the 26th day of November 1787. published to the world that the Honourable the Congress by their Act the 2nd. of October 1787. Authorized the commissioners of the treasury-board, to enter into a contract with him for a tract of Land which is afterwards described in said pamphlet as follows, viz. begining at the mouth of the great Miami River, thence up the ohio, to the mouth of the Little Miami River, thence up the same, to a place, where a due Westline, to be continued from the Western termenation of the Northern boundary line of the grant to Serjeant Cutler and company, shall intersect the Little miami River, thence due West, continueing the said Western line, to a place, where the said line shall intersect the main branch or stream of the great Miami River, thence down the great Miami River to the place of begining.  In consequence of the aforesaid publication a great number of Citizens became adventurers in the lands therein described.  after Mr. Symmes had sold a considerable quantity of these lands.  a report was made to Congress by their Geographer general, that the aforesaid boundaries contained eighteen hundred thousand acres (which before had been supposed to contain only one million of acres) and Mr. Symmes apprehending he could not make his stipulated payments for so large a quantity, and finding it necessary for him to be on his lands, deposited with the Honourable general Knox, a sum in certificates sufficient to make his first payment for a million of acres, and appointed agents and instructed them to enter into a contract denova with the commissioners of the Treasury-board for a million of Acres, and set out for the Western Territory.  at Limestone in Kentucke he met with Mr. Benjamin Stites, who had bought of and paid him for a considerable quantity of the aforesaid land while they were in Jersey (and who knew nothing of a second contract) ten thousand acres of which lay a little below the Junction of the Little Miami and Ohio Rivers.  Mr Stites after consulting with Mr. Symmes, by his approbation went down the Ohio with twentyseven men and a boy and landed a little below the Little Miami River, the 18th. day of November 1788. and after erecting four Blockhouses, proceeded to lay out a Town which is now known by the name of Columbia, and sold the greater part of his lands in said town, and those contiguous thereto, and some of these lands have been since sold and resold several times and undergone very considerable improvements, and it seems to be the general opinion that we have this Season fifteen hundred acres of Indian corn in the ground. on the 2d. day of Feb. 1789 Mr. Symmes arrived with a party of regular troops (under the command of Leiutenant Cursey) and formd a Settlement near the mouth of the great Miami River, now known by the name of Northbend.  On the 13th. of March 1789. I arrived at Columbia haveing purchased land of Mr. Stites prior to his leaveing Jersey.  after some time had elapsed and considerable improvements had been made a report reached us that Mr. Symmes had appointed agents and instructed them to enter into a new contract with the commissioners of the treasury-board and that they had effected it, and that the lands which had been bought of Mr. Symmes, and paid for by the inhabitants of Columbia, and Cincinati (a Town about six miles below Columbia) were left out of the contract, after a considerable time this report was confirmd by the arrival of Captain Israel Ludlow who had official orders to run Mr. Symmes line, and on the 19th. of July 1791. his Excellency Governor St Clair Issued his proclamation informing the inhabitants of Columbia and Cincinati, that the lands on which they lived had not been Aliend to anyone and that they were intruders, and at the same time that Mr. Symmes line ran as follows.  viz. beginning at a Stake on the Ohio River, a little below Cincinati, near Mill Crick (a about Seven miles below the mouth of the Little Miami River) and runing from thence twenty miles down the Ohio the several courses thereof to the mouth of the great Miami River, thence up the great Miami River the several courses thereof, till it comes to a place, from whence a line drawn due East will intersect a line drawn from the aforesaid Stake, runing parallel with the main course of the great Miami River so as to include one Million of Acres.  in this proclamation his Excellency prohibitted the inhabitants from extending the Settlements they had made, and from making new ones, till the pleasure of congress could be known and informd the Citizens that they were liable to be burnd of, and to have their habitations destroyed, and that the reason why they were not treated in that manner was oweing to the circumstance that we had been made to believe, the proprietors of the Miami purchase had a write to the land, and to give us time to lay our case before Congress, since which a petition has been forwarded to that Honourable Body.  from the above statement of facts your Honour will see the dilemma into which we are innocently and accidentally drawn.  you may rely upon it the people in general, at least so far as I am acquainted with them, are an honest set of industrious men, who would despise the Idea of a Tortuous possession and who came on these lands for which they have paid or agreed to pay, and men who viewd themselves settling in these remote parts of the Union, under the wing of Government on the most clear and legal principles.  if we are not put in the possession of the improvements we have made, we are undone, numbers of us have quite or nearly been ruind by the late war\u2014and the assertions we have made to clear these lands may with propriety be compared to the last flash of an expiring Taper. It particularly apply\u2019s to myself, I make bold to say my exertions in favour of my country were early and decided, and altho I never was rich; yet I had such a property as would greatly contribute to my comfort in the later stages of life, which was nearly destroyd by the war, my property was in a considerable degree absorbed in houses in the city of Newyork, at my return I received little or no rent, my property was greatly impaired, and myself nearly a bankrupt, my creditors have given me seven years to pay my debts, the accomplishment of which I have greatly at heart, and with a particular view to that end have come into these remote and uncultivated Regions, with a view to possess myself of lands, which by improvement and a general rise might facilitate my purpose.  I have an aged mother and an armful of children which I cant but wish to take some care of, my constitution tho good is the worse for age being on the wrong side of sixty, and what little property I brought with me is expended in improvements, and if these improvements are wrested from me, I can improve no more, I well know your honours time ought not to taken up with the misfortunes of an Individual, and indeed I should not have presumed to enter into a detail of mine did I not suppose they were in a considerable degree applicable to a number of my fellow adventurers: However our misery or well being depends on the movements of Government, the lands in question are yet the property of the publick, and it lays with our gardians to determine whether the Fee shall pass to us immediately from the officers of Government or through such medium as by them may be thought best; or whither any other person or persons shall be inricht by our labour.  should the fathers of our country take our particular case into consideration wishing to give us releif, they would doubtless be anxious to fall on ways and means the best calculated to accomplish, that end, and altho I would not attempt to say anything shall be done for our releif: or if done in what way and manner it shall be done; yet if your honour will be so indulgeing as to share a moment or two more, I will attempt to draw a line or two that would alleviate our misfortunes, and one which would effectually remove the Malady. as these lands are with the other publick lands for sale, should it be determind to give the preemption of a section (which is 640 acres, being a mile square and the common lots sold by Mr. Symmes) to each of the first settlers, to have choice according to priority of their haveing settled in the country, this would be Justice and benevolence on the part of Government; but would leave the greater number of those who have been the most industrious and made the most improvements under great difficulties, because a few who might have the first choice and so on to the fifth and sixth choice would take in all the improvements and be inricht at the expence of the labour and toil of the others, unless it were ordaind that in addition to the aforesaid Section each one should have the lands he had absolutely improved and fenced prior to the Governors proclamation, paying to the officer of Government in proportion to quantity. Secondly were it ordaind that every man should have deeded from the office all the lands he bought and paid Mr. Symmes for.  he paying into the office at a given time for the same, and giving bonds into the office to deed to all those to whom he had sold at the then Stipulated price, and if the first purchaser is not to be found in the purchase or will not act up to the aforesaid Idea then the officer of Government to make out the deeds to the several persons concernd, they paying into the office for the lands and deeds.  on this principle deeds would go down in proper gradation and every mans improvements would be secured.  but I must in candor say it is my opinion the most eligible way would be, to grant the lands to Mr. Symmes, he giveing bonds to Government to deed immediately to all those that had bought of and paid him for lands laying in said tract, at the then stipulated price, on this principle every man would secure his improvements, he would have the lands he had before made choice of, at his agreed price, and the lands would be paid for.  I should the more especially prefer this last principle of the grant being made to Mr. Symmes, as he has made his payment for a million of acres, and the last described boundaries does not, nor do I conceive it can possibly contain a Million of Acres.  Mr. Symmes has twenty miles on the ohio, runing the several courses thereof, which is allowd to give a straight line of fifteen miles, and as the line from the Stake near mill Crick is to run parallel with the main course of the great Miami River,. and as the two Miami Rivers at the Seventh Range of Townships is but Eight and a half miles apart, consequently the said line will cross the little Miami and take in six and a half miles of the lands the Fee of which has already passt to the officers and troops of the Virginia line.  at first view Mr. Symmes haveing sold and received pay for the lands yet belonging to the United States, has the appearance of a high presumption; but if the Idea be admitted, that in the first Instance he bought all the lands fronting on the ohio between the two Miami Rivers, and that the present difficulties would never have arose had it not been for the unfortunate mistake of the Geographer general, and that when he instructed his agents to make a second contract he took it for granted that they would secure to him all the said lands laying on the Ohio between the two Miami Rivers; it will undoubtedly gard him from any Suspicions of intentional fraud, and to me it is highly probable that the reason why he continued to sell those lands, and encourage the Citizens to improve was that as he then knew by the surveys already made that his quantum could not possibly be within the given Boundaries and therefore concluded that the deficiency would be made up with those contiguous lands.  but in whatever point of view Mr. Symmes conduct may stand, I flatter myself the unfortunate Citizens of Columbia and Cincinati, who have founded two towns which were it not for the aforesaid difficulties, bid fair to be the most flourishing of any in the Territory, in the very heart of the Indians best hunting ground, with great labour and toil, and in continual peril of the Savages (I believe the loss sustaind in horses only to the vicinity of Columbia has not been less than two thousand pound.  Some of them have been killd and scalped and others carried into Captivity. and altho the commanding officer of the regular troops has with a watchfull eye done everything to cover the inhabitants that could be expected from a brave and vigilant general yet the smallness of the number of his troops after the last falls campain frequently oblidged him to call out a part of the malitia of our infant settlements in defence of Dunlops and Cavaults Stations, on which occasion they have served against the common enemy without being any expence to Government by the way of pay, and when I again repeat that we boght our lands and paid for them: or agreed to pay for them and supposed ourselves to have taken possession on the most legal principles I flatter myself it will secure to us the kind offices of the Vice President. I am sure our cause is a Just one and on the solid principles of Justice and Whigism I earnestly ask it.\nI have endeavour\u2019d to hand your honour a true state of facts and if in any Instance I have made a mistake I flatter myself your candor will deem it such.\nI have to beg your pardon for being so tedious you see it is of great consequence to the family of a poor old neglected Whig, as also to a great number of others.\nI wish your Honour to believe me to be as in reality I am with every /species of respect your Honours most obedient humble Servant.\nWilliam Goforth", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1260", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Tench Coxe, 20 August 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Coxe, Tench\nSir\nBraintree August 20. 1791\nI have determined in all Events to remove my family into Philadelphia from Bush hill, on Account of the many Inconveniences We experienced last year in passing and repassing.\nI write this to beg the favour of you to give my Steward John Brisler, your Advice and Assistance in procuring a house in Town.  As the time is short, I expect to be obliged to some disadvantage. But any house and any rent is better than what we suffered last year.  Your kindness so often experienced has brought upon you this new request from Sir your most obedient and / humble servant\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1261", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 27 August 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhilada. Augt. 27. 1791\nI am honored this day with your letter enclosing one for Mr. W. Hamilton, and one for your Steward, both of which I have put into the way of being delivered to them.  It will give me very great & sincere pleasure to be instrumental to the accommodation of Mrs. Adams & yourself, for which purpose I shall take all the pains in my power to procure a house, that will be suitable. Rents are much advanced, at least for good houses, by the demand for the French & Spanish diplomatic Gentlemen, the expectation of those from Britain, Portugal &c, the Bank, & some of the now Directors who will come from the other States.\nI some time since did myself the honor to cover to you the last Number of the enumeration of Lord Sheffield.\nBy this days mail I recd. a very lengthy letter from one of our Countrymen in England in which he furnishes me with the substance of a report from a Comme. of the privy Council relative to the American Commerce. It is a very poor state paper as to the information & reasoning it contains, and winds up with a sufferance of the present state of things.  The West India Trade & that to their Northern Colonies are stated as objects on which the British Government ought to refuse even to treat\u2014\nWith my most respectful Compliments to Mrs. Adams I have the honor to be with the highest respect, Sir /  your most obedt. /  & most humble servant\nTench Coxe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1262", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 28 August 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear Sir\nBush Hill 28.August.1791\nI am sorry to inform you that Your faithful Steward Braidsly has been and still is very sick with an intermitting fever.  This is not the worse of it for both his children have the same disorder and his wife has indications of the same nature.  We shall with great pleasure afford them every aid which they may require.\nI have been confined for some time past with the same vile disorder, as have several of my servants\u2014But I hope I am surmounting the fever, and experience only the debilitory effects.\nMr. Braidsly has received Mrs. Adams\u2019s letter, and would indeed rejoice to  aready and adure compliance to her commands\u2014I hope however in a week or ten days that he will be about again.\nWe experience all the gratitude to you and Mrs. Adams for your kindness in suffering us to occupy your house during your absence.  but we have staid rather too long.  We expect however to move into Town in the course of the present week\nMrs. Knox some time ago wrote to Mrs. Adams what is enclosed, but what by some unaccountable mistake has been mislaid until now under the idea of its having been forwarded\nI am my dear Sir /  with the most respectful /  and affectionate attachment /  your sincere and most /  humble Servant\nH Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1263", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 30. 1791.\nI received some time ago your favor of July 29. and was happy to find that you saw in it\u2019s true point of view the way in which I had been drawn into the scene which must have been so disagreeable to you.  the importance which you still seem to allow to my note, & the effect you suppose it to have had tho unintentional in me, induce me to shew you that it really had no effect.  Paine\u2019s pamphlet, with my note, was published here about the 2d. week in May.  not a word ever appeared in the public papers here on the subject for more than a month; and I am certain not a word on the subject would ever have been said had not a writer, under the name of Publicola, at length undertaken to attack mr Paine\u2019s principles, which were the principles of the citizens of the U. S. instantly a host of writers attacked Publicola in support of those principles.  he had thought proper to misconstrue a figurative expression in my note; & these writers so far noticed me as to place the expression in it\u2019s true light.  but this was only an incidental skirmish preliminary to the general engagement, & they would not have thought me worth naming, had not he thought proper to bring me on the scene.  his antagonists, very criminally in my opinion presumed you to be Publicola, and on that presumption hazarded a personal attack on you. no person saw with more uneasiness than I did, this unjustifiable assault, and the more so, when I saw it continued after the printer had declared you were not the author.  but you will perceive from all this, my dear Sir, that my note contributed nothing to the production of these disagreeable peices.  as long as Paine\u2019s pamphlet stood on it\u2019s own feet, & on my note, it was unnoticed.  as soon as Publicola attacked Paine, swarms appeared in his defence.  to Publicola then & not in the least degree to my note, this whole contest is to be ascribed & all it\u2019s consequences.\nYou speak of the execrable paragraph in the Connecticut paper.  this it is true appeared before Publicola. but it had no more relation to Paine\u2019s pamphlet & my note, than to the Alcoran.  I am satisfied the writer of it had never seen either; for when I past through Connecticut about the middle of June, not a copy had ever been seen by any body, either in Harford or New Haven, nor probably in that whole state: and that paragraph was so notoriously the reverse of the disinterestedness of character which you are known to possess by every body who knows your name, that I never heard a person speak of the paragraph but with an indignation in your behalf, which did you entire justice.  this paragraph then certainly did not flow from my note, any more than the publications which Publicola produced.  indeed it was impossible that my note should occasion your name to be brought into question; for so far from naming you, I had not even in view any writing which I might suppose to be yours, & the opinions I alluded to were principally those I had heard in common conversation from a sect aiming at the subversion of the present government to bring in their favorite form of a king, lords, & commons.\nThus I hope, my dear Sir, that you will see me to have been as innocent in effect as I was in intention. I was brought before the public without my own consent, & from the first moment of seeing the effort of the real aggressor in this business to keep me before the public, I determined that nothing should induce me to put pen to paper in the controversy.  the business is now over, & I hope it\u2019s effects are over, and that our friendship will never be suffered to be committed, whatever use others may think proper to make of our names.\nThe event of the King\u2019s flight from Paris & his recapture will have struck you with it\u2019s importance.  it appears I think that the nation is firm within, and it only remains to see whether there will be any movement from without.  I confess I have not changed my confidence in the favourable issue of that revolution, because it has always rested on my own ocular evidence of the unanimity of the nation, & wisdom of the Patriotic party in the national assembly.  the last advices render it probable that the emperor will recommence hostilities against the Porte. it remains to see whether England & Prussia will take a part. present me to mrs Adams with all the affections I feel for her and be assured of those devoted to yourself by, my dear Sir, your sincere friend & sert.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1265", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 4 September 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear sir\nBush Hill 4th Septr 1791\nI wrote you last Week informing you of the sickness of your steward and his Children.  I have now the pleasure to say they are on the recovery.  He is much better and the children are in a fair train\u2014Their disorder appears to have been the worm fever, and he participated of the same sort of fever, although evidently mixed with the bilious fever\u2014\nThe sick part of our family consisting of myself and several servants, who have had the intermittant & remittent fevers are also on the recovery. We shall leave bush Hill and move into town in the course of the week\u2014Both Mrs Knox and myself experience the most lively gratitude to you and Mrs Adams for your kindness in permitting us, to occupy your house during the Summer, and we pray to accept our sincere thanks for the favor\u2014Bush Hill is indeed a pleasant summer residence, but the fact is too well established by our experience, that from certain causes it is liable to vapours, morning and evening which are productive of ill health, and unhappiness\u2014Perhaps this year may be singular on that account, and therefore in tenderness to the owner one would not wish to speak loudly on this subject\u2014\nMr Cox has taken for you Mrs Keplies house the Corner of fourth and arch street\u2014The situation is excellent, and the house tolerably good without having any large rooms.  but the rent 900 Dollars is extravagantly high\u2014It was however that house or none, for there was not another good house to sulet in the City, and after there were a number of persons after it\u2014There are no Coach house or Stables to it, but they may be obtained in the Neighborhood.\nAffairs on the frontier are going on well although but slowly\u2014The troops are about setting out upon a Main expedition from Fort Washington\u2014And it is to be hoped the measure which are pursuing will establish tranquillity with the Indians on the basis of Justice and Humanity.\nThe President will set out in a few days 10, for Mount Vernon to return about the middle of October. Mr Jefferson set out Yesterday for Virginia to return about the same period.\nWith Mine & Mrs Knoxs, affectionate respects to Mrs Adams I am Dear Sir / with great affection and / sincerity, Your friend and / humble servant\nH Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1266", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 11 September 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear sir\nPhiladelphia 11 Septr 1791\nMr Braidsly and his family are recovering fast.\nBut Mrs. Knox and myself have received a blow which demands all our fortitude\nOn tuesday last our lovely son Marcus in his ninth year was blooming with health, and on Wednesday night he was a lifeless corps.  In the afternoon of tuesday he began to droop which continued through the night.  And on Wednesday but which the Doctor and we conceived to be only the beginning of an intermittent.  But in the afternoon he was seized with a convulsion fit which with a repetion occasioned his disolution\nHis fond mother is inexpressibly afflicted on this sudden and awful event, which occasions put a pressure of grief as to be almost too much for human nature.\nI hope however that time aided by the principles of Philosophy and religion may heal her wounded heart, but at present she is almost inconsolable\nI am my dear sir / Affectionately and respectfully / Your obedient Servant\nH Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1268", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Henry Knox, 13 September 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Knox, Henry\nDear Sir\nBraintree Septr. 13. 1791\nLast night I received your favour of the 4th. and am much obliged by your Account of Affairs in this as well as in the Letter you wrote the Week before which I have also received.\nMrs Adams joins me in friendly regards to Mrs Knox and yourself. We are very Sorry for any unpleasant Circumstances you have found at Bush Hill: and very happy that it happened to be in our Power to accommodate your family for the Summer.\nWe are also under great Obligations to you for the Trouble you have taken to procure Us, an house in the City. The Rent is higher than I ever gave in Paris, London, Amsterdam or the Hague for Houses and Accommodations much Superiour. I have not a doubt however that You and Mr Coxe have obtained as good an House at as a cheap a rate for me as you could have done for yourselves, and probably better than I could have obtained for myself if I had been there.\nAt any rate I was determined to live in the City; for I had well nigh ruined the health of all my family as well as my own. I dont impute this misfortune to the Situation so much as to the necessity We were under of going to Town every day in all Airs and Weathers. Bush Hill is too Aristocratical a Situation for me.\nI wish the President and Mr Jefferson pleasant Journeys and a happy return. I hope to embrace you by the middle of October.\nMean time I am with Sincere esteem / your Friend and Servant\nJohn Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1269", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Gordon, 15 September 1791\nFrom: Gordon, William\nTo: Adams, John\nFriend Adams\nSt. Neots Huntingdonshire Sepr 15. 1791\nI had not abandoned the idea of renewing our correspondence; but should probably have delayed executing it, had not my indignation been roused, at the implied insult offered to  the good sense of the federal government in the newspaper (& as supposed ministerial) paragraph\u2014\u201cMr Hammond the new Consul General to the United States of America & late secretary to the embassy at Madrid, will set off in a few days for Philadelphia. His appointment is of the highest importance to this country, as he has it in commission to conclude a treaty of offensive & defensive Alliance between England & America.  The outlines of the treaty have been already discussed, & we learn that some very considerable commercial advantages are held out to America as the basis of it, which will in time supplant the greater part of the trade of Russia with this country.\u201dEuropean salcity, alias stupid confidence, may say of it\u2014latet anguis in herba\u2014; but American penetration will see that neither latet, nor in herba belong to it, for that the snake is wholly uncovered.  I read in the prints, sometime ago, that your worthy President had informed the Senate, that proposals had been officially made to the British ministry for entering into a commercial treaty with this nation on terms of reciprocity, but that they had not been attended to.  Should the idea of an offensive & defensive alliance be in the least insinuated by the new consul general, I hope he will be told in the plainest American English, that the motto of the United States is\u2014Peace & Commerce with all the world upon a principle of reciprocity, & that they are determined to be the dupes of no power on earth, by being drawn into an offensive & defensive alliance with the same: but that should an unexpected necessity oblige them to depart from their present resolution, the preference would be given to the French, as governed under the new constitution framed by the National Assembly\u2014that so the insolence of the present ministry may meet with deserved rebuke.\nNo commercial advantages can be held out to America, that can in any degree compensate for her concluding such a proposed treaty, which will be charged like Pandora\u2019s box with numberless evils, eventually destructive to American prosperity and liberty.\nThe armed neutrality, so justly proposed, and so successfully promoted by the empress of Russia, has subjected her to the rancorous hatred of numbers in & out of power, both in the army & navy, in public & private life, who are for monopolizing exclusive privileges to themselves, in defiance of the general rights of mankind.  John Bull would gladly oblige every foreign mariner to d\u2019off his hat and pay him obeisance as he passes him on the High Seas, and to submit to a general search warrant, issued from the mouth of his cannon.\nThe resentment of the British minister against the Czarina has been much increased by the firmness she has discovered in abiding by her own demands upon, & proposals to the Turks, & by letting him see, that she was not afraid of an armed mediation.  His hauteur must also have been grievously hurt by the pointed & expressive compliment she has paid Mr Fox.  Pitt would now retaliate by undermining her trade to Britain through the medium of American commerce & with a view of alienating these two distant powers by making them rivals in commerce.  The position of B in regard to these two powers, points out the propriety of a perfect good understanding between them, soldered by a commercial treaty grounded upon reciprocity, that so the insolent airs of John Bull may be restrained.  It is hoped that the United States will take care to have it inserted in all their treaties of commerce, that neutral bottoms shall, in time of war, give security to all goods not specified as contraband.  I suspect that when this touch stone is applied to discover the integrity of British offers, like Ithuriel\u2019s spear it will detect the imposter.\nThe minister having failed thro\u2019 the glorious Polish Revolution, in his intended commercial treaty with that kingdom, and scheme of procuring Dantzick & Thorn for Prussia, by both of which he hoped eventually to injure and affront the empress, is now politically traversing the Atlantic with a similar view, flattering himself probably that young sovereignties, like green horns upon the turff are to be taken in by the knowing ones.  But You, who when young in tactics got to the windward of the French helmsman, Virgennes, will undoubtedly see in an instant to the bottom of the Pit that is digging for you.\nIn answer to this long testimony of my attachment to the American States, I request a speedy assurance, in the strongest terms, that the Americans will enter into no offensive & defensive alliance with G B nor into any commercial treaty, but upon the principles of reciprocity.  And in making even each treaty, you should remember not to preclude yourselves from any advantages that may accrue from the flourishing state of manufactures &c which will be likely to exist within the course of a few years in France, now that they have their liberties restored and secured.  I shall await with earnestness the receipt of your assurances, that I may, as soon as possible, expose the folly of attempting the seduction of the Americans by specious promises, from attending to their true interest.\nThe accounts given in the public prints of the amazing number of maple trees in the back settlements, together with the excellency & quantity of the sugar to be easily obtained from their juice, lead me to wish, that methods may be pursued, not only for supplying the American consumption, but that of Germany, without injuring posterity by a needless waste of the trees.\nHow fast an Office, under the sanction of Congress, for loaning to new settlers, upon mortgages at 5 or 6 % per ct, with a view to assist them in their improvements, would be for the benefit of the states, by promoting agriculture, & population, would submit to your judgment, as being upon the spot, & capable of knowing all circumstances.\nYou will have heard of the riots at Birmingham, and of the sufferings of Dr Priestley & others.  If dissenters, do not meet with better treatment & support from government, I augur that in a few years, should the French constitution be well rooted, numbers will emigrate with their families across the channel; while the length of the passage & the danger hinders their crossing the Atlantic.\nMonr. Fayette has approved himself the genuine follower of the American Patriot under whom he served; & will continue, I trust, to deserve & enjoy the confidence of all his honest countrymen.\nBesides a particular commission to tender our hearty respects to the President & his lady, & your lady, your own family among whom are included Mr & Mrs Smith and one or more children, I give you a general one to remember me to all my friends in and out of congress, whenever I may happen to be the subject of conversation.\nMany things in this letter ought not to be known in G B to have been written by me, for there are many worthy characters, who confine their regards for social liberty to their own country, & are no more than mere patriots, instead of citizens of the world, embracing all mankind as their brethren, & praying for universal happiness.  The head of the letter informs you how to direct to Your sincere Friend & / very humble servant\nWilliam GordonI am fearful that somewhat painful has taken place in regard to my friend Hazard, having had no line from him since he was on the point of removing from New York to Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1270", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 20 September 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhilada. Septr. 20th. 1791\nI have to acknowledge the honor of your letter of the 13th. instant\u2014and am very happy to find that what has been done in regard to a house is satisfactory to Mrs. Adams and yourself.  It gives me great pleasure to inform you that I have a message this moment from Mrs. Keppele (the owner) from which I learn that Mr. Bradford will certainly move out on the 4th of October; so that I hope to have the painting &ca. completed and pretty dry before the meeting of Congress.  I have been very uneasy lest the fresh paint might prove as inconvenient as at Bush Hill.  I observe your wishes in regard to your Stables may be fulfilled by the best arrangement, which can be made.  I shall not fail to attend to this point.\u2014\nI am happy to observe the pleasantries in your allusions to the Newspaper attacks, which have made upon you.  It is almost presumption in me to pay due compliments to your past services and firm disinterested exertions in the Service of the United States.  It may however be a grateful satisfaction to you, Sir, to know that amidst all the fire, I have heard those, who concur\u2019d in the warm language of the moment, acknowledge the ability and the disinterestedness, with which you had passed thro Scenes in which others had erred, or taken abundant care to enrich themselves.\nWith the highest respect / I have the honor to be, Sir\u2014 / your most obedt. / & most hum. Servt.\nTench CoxeI shall endeavour, Sir, in a few days to fix with precision the time when your house will be ready.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1271", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joseph de Jaudenes, 26 September 1791\nFrom: Jaudenes, Joseph de,Viar, Josef Ignacio de\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia 26th Septre. 1791.\nThe Commission, we are both honoured with by His Majesty, to reside near the United States, being officially connected; affords us the agreable opportunity of acknowledging the honor of your Letter of the 11th. Instant directted to Don Joseph de Viar; and the uniformity of sentiments that prevails among us to shew our ready disposition towards doing any thing that (being in our power) may tend to the prosperity of America and benefit of its Citizens; and evince you at the same time of the high respectt and esteem we entertain for your worthy Character; has induced us to comply very willingly with your wishes, giveing a Certificate in behalf of the Ship Margarrett commanded by James Magee Esqr., in such terms as will enable the Commander (we hope) to recive every assistance and marks of amity and attention; on the part of the Chieff Commanders, in any of the Dominion of the King of Spain our Master, where the Ship might putt in.\nThe accident that Don Joseph de Viar met with, ten days ago breaking his left arm, being so recent; makes it impossible for him to have the pleasure of writting to you separetdly, but he, as well as Don Joseph de Jaudenes shall allways feel happy with the honor of your Commands, to shew a new that\u2014\nThey have the honor to be /  Sir with much esteem /  Your most obedient and /  most humble servants\nJoseph de Jaudenes Joseph Ignats. Viar", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1273", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Rev. Zabdiel Adams, 4 October 1791\nFrom: Adams, Rev. Zabdiel\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nLunenburg Octor. 4th 1791\nAfter my best regards to yourself and family, would immediately disclose to you the design of this letter.\u2014Mr Jacob Welsh, an inhabitant of this Town, a gentleman of publick education, of good abilities & valuable improvements, born in Boston of reputable parents, & who spent some time in our army in the course of the last war, went to Europe before the end of it, first to France & then to England, where he purchased one of their carding & spinning cotton Machines, and at great Hazard brought it to Boston. At a pretty early period he preferred a petition to the General Court, that they would make it their own, & allow him compensation for his risque & trouble.  Whilst this petition was pending the Machine was so much exhibited to publick view, that it was a model after which 2 others have been made in this Commonwealth; so that the general court made him no compensation.  He has now presented a petition to Congress on the same design, which he has given into the hands of Mr Ames, who promises to give him his aid.  And to facilitate the business he has desired me to write you on the subject, requesting your attention to it; & if consistent with your views of propriety, to give him your support.\u2014But, Sir, if he should be disappointed, & receive no compensation for his patriotick exertions in bringing said Machine into America, I hope the application may be the mean of introducing him to the knowledge of the supreme authority of these States; so that upon the first opening of a sutable birth, he may have such an appointment under Congress as will put him into reputable employment, and procure him the means of comfortable subsistence: for at present, by a series of misfortunes, he is very far from being opulent; & besides has an increasing family.  He is qualified to fill many stations under the government with dignity & advantage; and is more over a gentleman of good morals.\u2014\nIf any station should be made, or become vacant, especially within the limits of Massachusetts, & you would be kind enough to speak in his behalf to President Washington, you would not only relieve a citizen of considerable merit; but confer an additional obligation on, Sir, your sincere friend, & very humble servant\nZabdiel Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1274", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Morgan, 6 October 1791\nFrom: Morgan, Benjamin\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\n6 October 1791\nAgreeably to my instructions from the Director of the Library Company of Philadelphia, I have the honor of communicating to you the following copies of their Resolutions.\nAt a special Meeting of the Directors January 18th 1791\n\u201cThe Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia desirous of shewing a respectful mark of attention to the President and Congress of the United States\u2014Resolve that the President, and Members of the Senate and of the House of Representatives of the United States shall have the free use of the Books in the Library in so full and ample a manner as if they were Members of the Company\u2014\u201d\nAt a Meeting of the Directors October 6th: 1791\n\u201cResolv\u2019d\u2014that the Resolution of the 18th of January last be extended to the present Congress of the United States and that the Secretary be directed to furnish a Copies of the said Resolution to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the house of Representatives.\u201d\nBenjamin R MorganSecretary to the Directorsof the Library Companyof Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1275", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Bailey Bartlett, 8 October 1791\nFrom: Bartlett, Bailey\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nHaverhill Octo. 8th 1791\nAt the request of Capt. McFarland, the bearer of this letter I have taken the liberty to address your Honour on his behalf.  The early and active part he took in his Countrys service during the contest with Great Brittain; the commissions he has been hond with, and the wounds he recd\u2014in its defence, his commissions and the Pentioners certificate will certify.  as a Citizen and Townsman he has ever been held in the highest esteem by all who knew him\u2014A fellow feeling for a brother Officer in destress Induced him to become surety for him for a considerable sum which on failure of the principal he was Oblidged to sell the pay he recd from Government for services at the rate of 2/10 & 3/ on the pound to discharge the debt\u2014This with the addition of a large family to support has Oblidged him to sell or morgage the greater part of what real Estate he was possessed of previous to the war.  The wound he received at Bunker Hill renders him unable to procure a subsistance by manual labour. The earnest desire he has to serve his Country in some capacity where he can be of more service than living an Idle life on the small pittance allowed him as a Pentioner has Induced him to request the Influence of his friends for that purpose.  I am well acquainted with him do believe him to be a man of Honor and Integrity and as such, If his services merit a place w... can be of more service to his country and himself  present situation I am sure your Influence  not be wanting.  Relying on your goodness  Apology for the liberty I have taken in Introducing Capt. McFarland to your Honour, who I am sure will have a grateful remembrance of all favours\u2014\nI take the liberty to subscribe / your Honours / most Obedt /  Humble s\nBailey Bartlett", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1276", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Montgomery, 14 October 1791\nFrom: Montgomery, John\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nBoston 14th October 1791\nBy special request of my Brother at Alicante I have the Honour of communicating to your Excellency in his name of the demise of the Dey of Algeirs on the 12th of July, and that the Minister Ali Hassan Who Was always Mr Montgomery friend is now Dey and that Sir. Soliman an Algerun Nobleman Who paid him a Visit at Alicante is promoted in consequence\nfrom those circumstances Mr Montgomery has no doubt that Something might be don at this Critical period towards a peace if proper measures were adopted by Congress\u2014Interim I have the Honour to remn. / sir / Your Excellencys / Obt Humbl.  Servt\nJohn Montgomery", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1277", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel Meredith, 25 October 1791\nFrom: Meredith, Samuel\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nTreasury of the United States October 25th. 1791\nMy Accots from the 1st October 1790 to the 30th June 1791 having passed the Offices, & been reported in, permit me thro you to lay them before the Hnble. the Senate, and at the same time to inform them, that my Specie & Indent Accots. from the 1st July to the 30th Septemr are at the Treasury for settlement, and when passed in, will be immediately handed you\nI have the honor to be with perfect / Respect / Sr / Your Most humble servt\nSaml Meredith Treas of the United States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1278", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, 26 October 1791\nFrom: Hollis, Thomas Brand\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nOcto 26 1791 The Hide.\nI have waited with impatience to hear from you as the begining of Feb: I sent a Box containing the 2d. vol Gerradaccis History of Bologna. you have been in search after it for some time; I met with it by accident in the city & am pleased to complete your copy you deserve it more than any having brought it into light Paradisum Voluptatis a real fact.  what a pleasing article it would make in the Philadelphia gazeeteer. the book is very scarce it is not in Crofts nor Beauclerks catalogue, it is in consul Smith\u2019s, with it a few tracts & some papers for my amiable Friend Mrs Adams with a Dolphin catched at Harvard\u2014the Box was sent the 12 feb: by captain Billington the Ship called the Apollo for Philadelphia.  I hope the Dolphin swam safe to her, with my best complimts, & entertain\u2019d her.\nwonderful events have taken place since you left Europe & beyond our expectation but not our wishes.  Having secured the Church by making the Priests salaried & informed, the army they were citizens as well as soldiers & that men were to be distinguishd only by actual merit & services\u2014titles being burdens useless to the state & their nobles hereditary tyrants, all necessary reforms would succeed\u2014For but very lately could a french man conceive that the happiness & liberty of 30 millions of people were of more importance than the pomp & power of one man alone.\nThe Flight of the King & his return has totally ruined the Aristocrats had he escaped, the trial would have been over with the loss of some thousands.  The New assembly is much esteem\u2019d by the people & will pursue the plan of the constituent Assembly so that the Democrats are stronger than before.  What think you now of a Royal republick This is as superior to Nieushattel as the extent of France is to the Swiss canton.\nmore than one house would, have been impossible as the upper one with the present principles would have tore the other in peices.\nyou who are well read in plato must be sensible how much the French are obliged to him their principles maxims rights & priveledges, are all taken from his writings and Laws, some Americans also were indebted to him & own\u2019d it, & it does honour to all who have so done to bring into effect principles wch are the produce of one of the first of men near 3 thousand years agoe\u2014rules of justice and natural jurisprudence, but his times were not worthy of him & they had no Idea that a great nation could speak by their representatives\u2014Taylor is translating all Plato.\u2014How desirable it would have been that Plotinus his Disciple had obtained leave of that wretch Gallienus to have built Platonopilis & to have been govern\u2019d by the laws of Plato.\nIt would be an amusing performance to trace parallel principles & Laws.\nThe spirit of enquiry is abroad and cannot be dampt but to break out with greater force.  Plato was thankful that he lived in the time of socrates. I am most thankful that I have seen the things of this day & their Issue for now I have no fears.  tho probably this will be the last country which will profit.\nThe French have gone on so prudently & strenously that it is not likely they will make any essential alterations.  no resentment or revenge seem to have operated with them, without levelling their Nobility they could not have effected any good essential.\nI am not fond of your Mediator\u2014a single person may run away but it is more likely he may ride. The French assembly by their caution confirms me in my principles power is dangerous to be trusted in one hand.\nI rejoice to hear that perfect calm & contentment reigns in every part with you; France now enjoys the same without the necessity of an adequate remedy against competitions, which do not exist.  after Death the works of Great men follow them the Living are to be satisfied with having done their duty.\nmany thanks for the Books & Papers you sent me by General Mansel & Mr Knox, were most acceptable.  Burke & Payne\u2019s book have occasioned most valuable discussions & truth which fears no trial comes out the stronger.\u2014Burke has been defeated by several. I am ashamed to mention the enormous outrages at Birmingham it is a disgrace to this country & a reproach to the Church; that some of the best citizens & one of the first Philosophers should be markd out for objects of malice & revenge; but I hope this persecution will operate for good as the Riots against the R Catholicks promoted their cause & gain\u2019d them redress.  the remedy is plain & just\u2014annul the test Laws & there would be no more persecution.\nNedham is in high repute in France & is translated The excellent Dr Price lived not to see the N. assembly but he rejoiced to have seen what he did & maintaind constantly that God was good.\nMrs Macaulay departed the night before the Kings flight but left a spirited answer to Burke.\nit is reported that a nation lately emancipated has proposed with the assistance of 20 men of war to give liberty to the Spanish colonies.\nWhat a fine revenge, for assisting America & the insult from Nootka Sound.\nCol Smith I saw very little of so cautious & reserved that one might imagine he had read Payne.  one would think a distinction between friends & foes is easy to a Diplomatick\u2014I hope he is returned safe & well & the little Hollis & mother are also well.  my River is enlarged and increased as is my Library in useful books but the rage for splendid Editions is not lessen\u2019d. The illness & approaching dissolution of my excellent friend Mr Timy Hollis prevented me going to Paris and since some unfortunate circumstances tho it is my desire & inclination; but I hope this winter to pass some time there for the revolution of America & since the New constitution of France have kept up my spirits which otherwise would have been low indeed if I had depended on the situation & principles of this country.\nThe Life of Payne is wrote by a American Secretary to a Lord in office some truth with much untruth all regarding me is notoriously false never having seen the book till printed\u2014\nLet me have the satisfaction to hear from you that you are all well & happy.\nI should not forget to give due praise to Dr Priestley who supports his losses with fortitude & dignity has reed many approbations.  all his manuscripts & apparatus & Library the work of years totally lost & destroyed & never to be recovered!\nMackintosh a young man of 23 has produced a very capital book vindici\u00e6 Gallic\u00e6.\nThe French revolution engages all our attention indeed the human species is interested in their success\u2014the world never produced the like, the consequence of Printing\u2014preserve it sacred & unrestrained & the communication of sentiments free and not burden\u2019d with postage when you think of your committees of correspondence.\npray what is the state of the Libraries in Philadelphia I understand there are two? of Roman or Greek medals imagine there are none.\nI am Dear Sir / with great Esteem / your sincere Friend\nT. Brand Hollis\nThink of the Revolution of Poland\u2014all good is possible.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1279", "content": "Title: From John Adams to George Washington, 31 October 1791\nFrom: Adams, John,United States Senate\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nUnited States October the 31st: 1791.\nThe Senate of the United States have received with the highest satisfaction the assurance of public prosperity contained in your Speech to both Houses: the multiplied blessings of providence have not escaped our notice or failed to excite our gratitude.\nThe benefits which flow from a restoration of public and private confidence are conspicuous and important and the pleasure with which we contemplate them is heightened by your assurance of those further communications which shall confirm their existance and indicate their source.\nWhilst we rejoice in the success of those military operations which have been directed against the hostile indians, we lament with you the necessity that has produced them, and we participate the hope that the present prospect of a general peace, on terms of moderation and justice, may be wrought into complete and permanent effect, and that the measures of government may equally embrace the security of our frontiers and the general interests of humanity; our solicitude to obtain, will ensure our zealous attention, to an object so warmly espoused by the principles of benevolence, and so highly interesting to the honor and welfare of the nation.\nThe several subjects which you have particularly recommended and those which remain of former Sessions will engage our early consideration; we are encouraged to prosecute them with celerity and steadiness by the belief, that they will interest no passion, but that for the general welfare, by the assurance of concert and by a view of the arduous and important arrangements which have been already accomplished.\nWe observe, Sir, the constancy and activity of your zeal for the public good. The example will animate our efforts to promote the happiness of our Country.\nBy order of the Senate\nJohn AdamsVice President of the United States, and President of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1281", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Joseph Brown, Jr., 8 November 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Brown, Joseph, Jr.\nSir\nPhiladelphia Novr. 8th. 1791.\nBy what accident it happened I know not, but your kind letter of the 6th. of August never came to my hand till the 7th of this month of Novr. before which time the vacancy in the Office of Collector of the Port of Charleston was filled.  But if even that event had not happened it is probable that no representation of mine concerning a Gentleman in your State, of whose character and accomplishments & connections my knowledge must be very imperfect, would have had much weight with the President in comparison with the gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives from the neighborhood.  I thank you Sir for your personal civilities to me.  I doubt not America will continue to reward me as generously as she has ever done.  For my posterity I wish no other rewards or honors than their talents and virtues may merrit from a free and enlightened people; and that the same rewards may be obtained by you, and every other worthy citizen, is the sincere wish of Sir, / Your most obedt / and most humble sert.\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1283", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 18 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Adams, John\nSir:\nTreasury Department, November 18, 1791.\nIn pursuance of the order of the Senate, I have the honor to transmit a return of the imports of the United States, so modified as to convey a considerable portion of the information which I conceive they require. I beg leave to observe, that this document is a part of a set of papers relative to imports, exports, and tonnage, which have been some time in preparation at the treasury. Some others, which are completed, will be transmitted to the Senate as soon as they shall have been transcribed.\nI have the honor to be, sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient and most humble servant,Alexander Hamilton,Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1285", "content": "Title: From John Adams to George Morgan, 20 November 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Morgan, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Novr 20\u20141791.\nI have this morning, Receiv\u2019d your kind letter of the 15 of May, from the hand of Mr: Cazinave, who arrived here from Bayonne a few days ago.  Among the many mourners for Dr. Price, I believe myself to be one of the most sincere in America because my esteem and affection for him was the result not only of his writings, but of a personal knowledge of his many virtues and endearing social qualities.  I have agreed with Mr Cazinave to present him to Genl Washington on Tuesday next, and shall be happy in any other opportunity of doing them any little service that may be in my power.  That these partners will add to the Wealth of America and find their emolument in it, I have no doubt.  The commerce and wealth of this country grew as fast as its population and fame; I wish I could be sure that its virtues and Wisdom would encrease in the same ratio.  Will you do me the favor to remember my regards to all my acquaintance at Hackney and elsewhere And Mrs Adams requests the same favor.  This Letter will probably be favor\u2019d, by Mr Morris, the eldest son of my friend Mr. Robt: Morris, a Senator of the US. and formerly the famous financier.\nWith much esteem I am Sir your friend / And Hum Servant\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1287", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Rodney, 20 November 1791\nFrom: Rodney, Thomas,Rodney, Caesar Augustus\nTo: Adams, John\nDr. Sir\nDover Bastile Novr: 20th 1791\nBe not offended that I write to you from the Cells of a Bastile\u2014You are Acquainted with the Chief Justice of Pensylvania, and if my own sentiments does not inform you, He can, inform you Whether I am worthy Your attention or not\u2014  And however I may be viewed myself, I view you and him as having co-operated in the same principles through the Revolution and as Two shining stars in that political American Constitution which perchance it may be hereafter Considered the most Elustrious that ever has arisen in the World; as being the Authors of perhaps the greatest and most awfull revolutions that hath ever appeared in it at least since the flood.\nI have read only the first volume of your late writings, and I consider that labour as a Rich and valuable Present to the World; There is no light that can be cast on the human Mind more valuable than that of revealing to it the Conduct of past ages; to shew them how various Nations in various Circumstances have Organized & conducted that Machine of Government.  In doing this you have laid down the principles which affoard every Man who reads them An opportunity of Judging for himself, with the same freedom and from the same source that you have drawn your Own Observations; and whether he Agrees with you or Not he is greatly Indebted to you for that information which Enables him to Judge for himself, and the work is not the less valuable for any difference of Opinion that may arise on the premisses between the Author and his readers.  The great Aim is to instruct the human mind the domination of Tyrany, is preserved by the Superior knowledge of the few Over the Ignorance of the Many, but light & knowledge will always brake the bonds of Tyrany Yet it is seldom that a people are sufficiently Enlightened to Act like few men on the light of reason only; therefore Tyrany is seldom opposed untill a people are seized by the feelings arising from its severe oppression.  but the Americans were singular in this respect their opposition was founded on knowledge and the light of reason they felt little oppression; so far from it they were in a state of great felicity but they saw by the light of Reason that the Principle of Mastery & Domination Claimed by great Brittain would place them in a State of slavery & subject them to every Evil their Masters Chose to impose upon them; they therefore preferred leaping at once out of felicity into danger and difficulty to preserve those rights Which they knew were the foundation of their felicity.  There rights Sir I am well pursuaded. You have supported and defended too steadfastly and too solemnly ever to desert them; for if you were to desert them it would be a self condemnation of all that you have done in their favour: but what mode or manner of Government is best and safest to preserve those rights? is a question that Politicians and Statements have differed in Opinion about in all Ages; and the natural rights of Man have been preserved in different Countries in different ways; It is Certainly then a valuable Labour to shew a free people who have just Assumed the Charge of their Own rights; the various ways that have been pursued in other free Nations; and no doubt upon this view a variety of different opinions will naturally arise, but Sir this does not lessen the value of the work in my view, because each mind is Enlightened and directed according to their various capacities to the same Object tho\u2019 they may prefer different routs.\nThe Domination of a despotic Monarch forms the Extreme on one hand: The Domination of the people in their simple democratic capacity forms the Extreme on the other hand.  Some where between these two extremes, is placed the Medium which may best preserve the Equal rights of the Community; And this perhaps depends much on the Extent & particular Circumstances of the Community.  For it is Certain that a Community of Ten or a hundred Men would be governed most happily, and most safely, in the state of simply Democracy\u2014but when the society increases and Extends so as to require a select and special government, then the difficulty Occurs how to form and Constitute this so that the Equal rights of the Community may be best Secured. and here arises the cause of various opinions;  but the more light and knowledge a people have the better it may be supposed the Majority will determine therefore the Utmost freedom of sentiment and opinion on this subject is Necessary to disseminate that knowledge which is Necessary to direct the Majority to determine in the best Manner; for as was Observed before the Ignorance of the many always tends to the Tyrany of the few who are better informed\u2014The dominion of Man over the Animals that are much stronger than he is, Certainly is owing to his superior knowledge\u2014so the superior knowledge of the few gives them the dominion over the many who are Ignorant; light and knowledge is therefore Essential to liberty But why Am I saying all this to you Sir when it is only what you already know?  It is only to shew you Sir that I am aware of the value of that work which proves your desire of preserving the liberty of your Country by Enlightening the minds of a few people.\nThe Federal Government seems to have been formed much after the Manner of the sentiments you express in your first Volume; yet I find some of the Advocates of that Government seem now to think your political Principles heretical; this is being less favourable to you than I am who was not an Advocate for that Government I thought it best to Improve the system that carried us thro\u2019 the war without Altering from its principles; for I did not like to risk the Independance of America on so great a Change as was proposed, but seeing that the greater murmurs of the wise men of America were for the Change I did not oppose it, but hoped it would turn out for the best\u2014And as I saw the people greatly oppressed I was in hopes it would affoard relief\u2014And in respect to those immediately Interested in the department of Government and the public funds it has effected great relief, by the Establishment of a permanent revenue\u2014And great benefit hath been extended to the country by the effects of a Regulated and increasing Commerce\u2014but no great benefit has yet been felt from the Judicial department of that Government; Individual redress being Chiefly administered still by the state Government\u2014And it has been from this sorce that the people have felt the heaviest Oppression; and much of it still remains in those states Which have not yet reformed their Police, and Especially in the one I belong to\u2014I have felt myself the utmost force of this kind of Oppression. After being plundered of more than Twenty thousand pounds, of my brothers Estate left in my hands & my own I am obliged to submit to the Invidious Chambers of the Bastile; but my case has been peculiar and is grounded on political motives; it is the Price I have paid for my friendship to the Revolution; but Sir I will not trouble you with my Complaints, the Philosophic mind must suffer what it cannot avoid.\nI was but a little over twenty years old when the first Congress met at New York but My brother C\u00e6sar, was able with the proceedings to Communicate to me the knowledge that had been exhibited there and particularly from Mr. James Otis of Masichusetts; it was this which first Enlightened and gave my mind a proper direction on this subject.  Great Indeed was the Caracter my brother gave Mr. Otis.  He considered him as the Luminary of that August Assembly\u2014And that he there Exhibited that light which afterwards was reflected from various stars in different parts of the Continent.\nI was some time in the old Congress but it was not till after you went to Europe\u2014I observed the distinction of Southern and Eastern Police\u2014The Southern is Often more generous, and measures are proposed by that Interest with Ardor but if not immediately successful are neglected and soon forgot\u2014The Eastern is more firm and steady, and measures after being undertaken are pursued\u2014I found the latter in the war most generally to my mind altho I was always with the former when I thought their measures best, but I like a firm & steady Police.  I am not fond of hasty & inconsiderate plans.  You see Sir, altho this is but an Adventure, and May be thought an intrusion for aught I know that I write freely & openly to you, for which perhaps you may consider me, more knowing than wise, but perhaps it is some consolation to such as inhabit, such a place, that the mind is more free here than in the open Fields; for what more can be done to me? Nothing but to take a life which would relieve me from what I feel, and transmit the soul where it would enjoy other rewards for the exertion of Patriotic Virtue. May you ever persevere in that good cause which has made your name venerable in America,\nI am with very great respect / your most obed\nThomas Rodney", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1288", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 23 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nTreasury Department Nov. 23. 1791.\nI have the honor to transmit to the Senate, in further obedience to their order, an estimate exhibiting the value, at the several places of shipment, of all foreign goods, wares and merchandize imported into the United States, during the year ending on the 30th. day of September 1790.  The principal objects of this document are to exhibit the portion of our consumption which is supplied by each foreign nation, and the aggregate value of the whole of our importations.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir, / Your most obedt. / & most humble servt.\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1289", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 23 November 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nWar Department, 23th November 1791\nI have the honor respectfully to submit to the Senate, a Report on the petitions of the widows, or the Children, or the Representatives of the Children of the following commissioned officers, who were killed or who died in the service of the United States during the late war\u2014to wit; Bernard Elliot, Samuel Wise, Benjamin Huger, John Bush, Charles Motte, and Richard Shutnick\u2014\nWith the greatest respect / I have the honor to be, / Sir / Your most obedt. / huml servt.\nH KnoxSecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1292", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 26 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 26. 1791\nSupposing that the first Consular convention agreed on with France, and not ratified by Congress, may explain as well as account for some articles in that which was last agreed on & ratified. I take the liberty of inclosing, for the members of the Senate, copies of the two conventions as they were printed side by side, to shew where they differed.  These differences are not as great as were to be wished, but they were all which could be obtained.  I have the honour to be with the most profound respect and esteem, Sir, / Your most obedient / & most humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1293", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Alexander Hamilton, 3 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nTreasury Department Dec. 3. 1791\nI have the honor to inform you that I have issued a warrant for the sum of five thousand two hundred and fifty six dollars in favor of the Secretary of the Senate (Samuel A. Otis Esq.) for the purpose of discharging the compensations due to the members of that body, grounded upon a pay roll certified by you to the 30th. ultimo inclusive.  I take the liberty of communicating to the Senate that this mode will be pursued till they shall signify their pleasure in regard to some other mode of proceeding.\nI have the honor to be, / with the greatest respect, / Sir, / Your most obedt. & most humble servt. Alexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1294", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel Meredith, 3 December 1791\nFrom: Meredith, Samuel\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nTreasury of the United States Decemr 3, 1791\nPermit me thro you to lay before the Honble The Senate my Specie Accot. from the 1st July to the 30th Septemr as settled at the Treasury\u2014\nI have the honor to be with perfect / Respect / Sr. / Your Most humble Servt\nSaml MeredithTreas of the United States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1295", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 9 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 9. 1791.\nThe inclosed information relative to ransom & peace with the Algerines, being newly come to hand, I take the liberty of communicating it to you, & through you to the Senate. it concurs in some facts and opinions with what we had before learnt. thro other channels, and differs in some others, so as, on the whole, to leave us still in considerable uncertainty as to interesting points.\nI have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect, Sir, / Your most obedient / & most humble servant\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1297", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Miles Merwin, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Merwin, Miles\nTo: Adams, John\nMay it please Your Excellency\nCherry Alley No. 13. Decr. 26th. 1791\nExcuse this address from a person whose station in life is far inferior to Your\u2019s, and who to You is an utter Stranger.\nThe address is perhaps impertinent, but necessity is my only appology\u2014I Sir was born in Connecticut, and recieved my education at Yale\u2013College, but having nothing on which to rely, but my own exertions, when I left the Seminary, have had many difficulties to encounter, and have struggled both with poverty and sickness\u2014Being a lover of science my attention has generally been fired on literary objects, and the study of Law has been my main pursuit\u2014To the practice of which I was admited in Connecticut and have also lately been admited in this City\u2014My destination now is to some of the interior Counties of this State, to seek a living from my profession; but can hardly brook the idea of going into the Country without Your most excellent work entitled \u201cA defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States,\u201d\u2014it contains such a fund of useful knowledge, that it ought to be the companion of every young man in America who is a well wisher to our prosperity\u2014To purchase it I am unable,\u2014as ten Dollars is all the cash I possess or have it in my power to command\u2014Having no friend in this City of whom I can borrow it Your defence is the reason of my thus troubling You, and if through Your means I can obtain it I shall be laid under the highest obligations of duty and gratitude\u2014\nI am / May it please / Your Excellency / Your Excellency\u2019s / Obedt & humbl / Servt\nMiles Merwin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1298", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Miles Merwin, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Merwin, Miles\nTo: Adams, John\nMay it please Your Excellency\nCherry Alley No. 13 Decr. 26th 1791\nIt is difficult for me to express  real gratitude for Your Excellency\u2019s favour this morning, which is a treasure of inestimable value to me. My heart feels much more than my pen can describe\u2014\nMay Your Excellency long live to display those public and private virtues which have ever been the most distinguishing traits in Your character, and when all the honours which a grateful people can bestow for distinguished merit and usefulness, have been heaped on your Head, may You be received to regions of unceasing Joy and felicity, is the ardent wish of /  Your Excellency\u2019s /  most obedt /  & obiged humbl / Servt.\nMiles Merwin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1299", "content": "Title: From John Macpherson to John Adams, 27 December 1791\nFrom: Macpherson, John\nTo: Adams, John,United States Senate\n\t\t\t\tMay it please the honourable Gentlemen of the Senate to peruse the following thoughts dictated by humanity & love of my Country. A few minutes since I told General Knox I wished to be sent against the Indians as soon as possible, & that I knew some of the Senate allso wished it. General Knox replyed then lett them send you I am your friend.Therefore Gentlemen, I hope you will be pleased to Consider my reasons for wishing to go against them in the Winter. In the Spring I make no dout but that many Tribes will join to pursue the advantage they Latly gained, & if so no doubt there will be great Carnage. Butt in the Winter they will be unprepared of Course easily subdued, and if treated with merciful humanity they may become our firm friends & allies.To go against them, with design to take their Land, or Property from them, I would not, to be made the sovereign Ruler of the whole Globe. To go against them to convince them of our superiority, only to make them our friends would give me pleasureI am Honourable Gentlemen / Your Obedient humble Servant\n\t\t\t\t\tJohn Macpherson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1300", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jan Willink, 29 December 1791\nFrom: Willink, Jan,Willink, Wilhem\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nAmsterdam 29 dec 1791\nsince our last of 5 July, we are without any of your esteemed favors, we take now the Liberty to recall ourselves to your friendly remembrance, and to make you the Compliments of the season, wishing you pray happy year.\nYou\u2019ll be acquainted that Mr. Short effectuated thro\u2019 our hands with Messrs V St. a Loan of 5 per C: of Six Mills. Pnds/br & that he afterwards caused one to be made of  3 Mn. at 4 1/2 per C: at Antwerp, this circumstance affected & displeased our money Lenders greatly, whos furnished Loans when elsewere they could not be obtained, & expected that the US should not borrow but in Holland because the Credit can be better supported than if a state borrows everywhere, when the extents of Loans cannot be ascertained so well, Mr. Short Authorised us in Nov. to open at Said Rate a Loan, but tho\u2019 our money Lenders were much displeased at the measure of Antwerp & could in justice pretend an equal intrest, we got the flattering hope of reducing the intrest of 4 per C: & in consequence we did not propose the Loan but informed Mr. Short of our Opinion, whch. by our Local knowledge we grounded, on the rise of the English Stocks & the high Exche. by whch. we calculated many people would sell out, whch. should produce a considerable flux of money, whch. with some rembursmt of forcing Loans should reduce the intrest by raising the 5 per C: obligy. above par, as people should not be disposed to place money in france at the actual circumstances, but rather withdraw from it, the event has verified our opinions, & tho\u2019 with great trouble to effectuate such a great reduction and to reconcile the indisposed spirits abt the Antw: Loan, we have the pleasure with V St. to have obtained a 3 Mn. Loan at 4 per Ct whch. we flatter ourselves will be a pleasing intelligence to your govermnt & prove our assiduity and Zeal for the intrest and confidence to our care.\nWe hope however that no farther Loans will be made on other places, whch. in times of speed might hinder a success here, the more as our place can furnish any Sums wanted, when properly managed, we hint this to you, that you\u2019ll consider of it, as realy convenient to the credit & intrest of the US. but we are only free with you as a friend, and speak not abt the matter to you in your Quality, neither do we intend to blame Mr. Short, as he is Zealous for the intrest of his Principals, and that we are sure his direction is only motivated by a desire to serve the State to his best Judgment, but as we are more proper to judge the local situation & the impressions it makes on the money Lenders, we would not forbear to Submit it to your judicious reflection as our Friend.  In this aspect you\u2019ll indulge our Liberty.\nWe beg Leave to offer our best Respects to your Lady and have the honor to be with great esteem.Sir Your most Obedt. servants\nWilhem & Jan Willink", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0283", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 January 1791\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore 3 Jany. 1791.\nMy dear Sir.\nYou may think I have neglected you from my long silence, but I can assure you I have never forgot you. Having withdrawn myself from every thing of a public nature, this has led me to endeavour to reduce my pleasures as much as possible to a small compass, and this to neglect many correspondents for whom I entertain the liveliest affection. That I love and esteem you, I know you will believe without my repeating it. Your career as yet has been glorious. I wish sincerely that nothing adverse may interrupt it.\nYou owe this short reassurance of my regards to Capn. Barney who has a desire to be personally known to you. I introduce him with pleasure. He is a man of many valuable qualities, and well-known for his distinguished services during the war. As yet however he is to receive his reward. I believe he goes up to Congress with the intention to petition for commutation, on the expences incurred in his captivity.\nPray present me to Mrs. Hamilton. I have learned from a friend of yours that she has as far as the comparison will hold as much merit as your treasurer as you have as treasurer of the wealth of the United States.\nAdieu my dear Secretary and believe me unchangeably yours\nJames McHenry\nI approve of your bank plan. I see you have accommodated a little but it is under such restrictions \u27e8\u2014 c\u27e9annot let it injure.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0284", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 3 January 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 3 Jany 1791\nSir\nI have the honor to inform you that this day I have sold the Treasurers Bills on Amsterdam for 25,000 Guilders to Different persons at the price you limitted of 36/4/11 Ninetieths per Guilder payable by Notes at 90 Days, in which Notes I have included the Interest for 33 Days, as all the purchasers chose to avail themselves of that indulgence, given in your Letter of the 24 Decbr. I have no doubt that the Notes taken will be certainly & punctually discharged when due as the Names of both Drawers & Endorsers are esteemed indubitably good.\nFrom the demand this day, I should suppose a much larger amount might be sold readily, if the whole sum to be drawn for is not already Disposed of, as there are at Present very few Drawers on London.\nI have the Honor to be with the greatest respect.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0286", "content": "Title: Receipt from Andrew Brown, [5 January 1791]\nFrom: Brown, Andrew\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, January 5, 1791]\n1790. Honble Alexander Hamilton Esq. To Andrew Brown Dr\ns\nd\nNovr 15.\n    To an advertisement a Pocket Book lost\nDecr 11.\n      To Do, A coachman wanted 20 times\nPhiladelphia 5th Jany 1791\nRecd of Mr Andrew Fraunces four dollars and fifty cents being the Amount of the said Bill.\nAndw: Brown", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0287-0001", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 5 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury DepartmentJanuary 5th. 1791\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to inform the President of the United States that in pursuance of his instructions, due public notice was given in the Gazettes of Virginia and of the principal sea ports of the United States, that proposals would be received at the Treasury office untill the 31st. Ultimo, for building by Contract a Light-house, and the necessary appurtenances at Cape Henry, a copy of which notification is among the papers in this enclosure; That in consequence of this measure seven setts of propositions have been delivered or transmitted by Companies or\nIndividuals which will also be found among the papers enclosed and are numbered from 1 to 7; that on due examination of the terms proposed, those marked No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 5, & No. 6. do not appear, as the Secretary humbly conceives, at all consistent with the interest of the United States; that the propositions marked No. 4 & No. 7. not only appear to be more advantageous, but to be on terms more favourable than those on which the two similar establishments of New York & Philadelphia were erected before the revolution. In examining these two it will be perceived that although the proposals of Mr. Clarke are the lowest, yet his building contains much fewer cubic feet of wall, than that of Mr. Macomb, & consequently will cost him considerably less; and that its base at the surface of the Earth is but three fourths of that required; which on a sandy foundation, and in a very exposed situation may hazard the whole structure. The buildings specified in the proposition of Mr. Macomb would undoubtedly cost much less if reduced to the size of those of Mr. Clarke. They are nearly such as those erected on Sandy hook and Cape Henlopen, the latter of which has been in a great measure taken as a model. These establishments appear to have borne the test of repeated examination, and the trial of time. They are on ground similar to Cape Henry, and there can be no doubt, but that the extent of their bases contributes to their stability. Of the two propositions contained in No. 4. that for hewn stone at 15,200 dollars, on account of the superior weight & strength of that material, will probably be found most capable of going through those trials by wind & weather to which such buildings are peculiarly subjected. It remains for the President to determine whether the hazard, of a more contracted diameter on a sandy foundation and in a situation of extreme exposure, is not sufficient to deter from a plan untried, as far as is known, in any but a covert situation, and to give a preference to a building like that designated in the notification; and finally to signify his pleasure, which, or whether either, of the several proposals now submitted, shall be accepted.\nAlexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0287-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [Memorandum of Proposals Received for Erecting a Light-House at Cape Henry], [5 January 1791]\nFrom: \nTo: \n[Philadelphia, January 5, 1791]\n  Memorandum of proposals received from sundry persons, for erecting a Light-house and appurtenant buildings at Cape Henry.\n    by Lemuel Carter of Norfolk to be built of Brick above the foundation; according to proposals in the Virginia Gazettes.\n    by Moore & Robinson of New York; according to proposals in Greenleaf\u2019s paper, & to the elevation exhibited.\n    by the same \u2014If of hammered stone\n    the payments as may be agreed.\n    By James Pearson of Philada. of Brick according to proposals published, except the diameter at the top of the Walls.\n    by the same\u2014of hewn stone & hammer dressed &c.\n    by the same\u2014of larger dismensions\n    By John McComb Junr. of New York according to the proposals,\n    If of hewn stone\n    If of Brick faced with hewn stone\n    This person is recommended by the Chief Justice of the United States, & the Sheriff of the City & County of New York. He also produced a letter from Messrs. Nicholas Cruger and Peter Kemble of New York as his sureties; either of these would afford sufficient security to the United States.\n   This person is recommended by the Honble James Munroe Esqr. of Virginia.\nJames Tutt of Fredericksburg, Virginia\n    Upon the plan of the notification, except facing with hewn ashler instead of dressed stone 19.502\u2007\u00bc\n    By Thomas Warren & others of Richmond, Virginia;\n    If of hewn stone\u2014\n    Ditto of Brick \u2014\n    These persons are recommended by the Governor of Virginia.\n    by Joseph Clarke of Annapolis.\n    On a plan of his own & of dimensions smaller than those specified in the notifications Dollars, 13,000.\u2007\u2007\n    This person is recommended by the Governor of Maryland & the Collector of Annapolis.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0288", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 6 January 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, January 6, 1791. \u201cI beg leave to call your friendly attention to the enclosed statement of the emoluments of this office; by which it appears that the net amount thereof will be only about 200 Dolls \u214c annum. The extreme inadequacy of this sum to the services performed, obliges me to entreat of you to lay the matter before the Legislature for their information; not doubting but they will think that some further provision ought to be made, not only for me, but for other Officers in similar situations.\u2026 I enclose my return of Cash for the week past the balance of which, being in specie, is 1.474. Dolls & 76 cents. I also enclose a draft of the Treasurer, in favor of Wm Seton Esquire, dated the 22d of December last no 847. for Four hundred Dollars, which I have paid, and charged to the United States.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0289", "content": "Title: Report on Appropriations of Money for Certain Purposes, [6 January 1791]\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, January 6, 1791Communicated on January 6, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\n  The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the House of Representatives, the Estimates herewith transmitted, No. 1, 2, 3 and 4.\n  The first relating to the Civil List, or the Expenditure for the support of\u2003\u2002 Government, during the year 1791, amounting to\n  The second exhibiting some additional objects of expenditure arising out of the laws for collecting the duties on imports and tonnage, for making provision for the public debt, for the maintenance and support of light\n  \u2003\u2002 houses &c, and for executing certain Surveys of land, amounting to\n  The third relating to the department of war, shewing the stated expenditure\u2003\u2002 of that Department for a year\n  The probable extra-expense of the late expedition under General Harmar\n  The amount of military pensions for a year\n  Pay and Subsistence to sundry officers, for which no Appropriation has yet\u2003\u2002 been made\n  Amounting altogether to,\nAs appears by No. 4, which contains a summary of the three preceding ones; and shews in one view, the total sum as above stated, for which an appropriation is requisite.\nThe funds now at the disposal of the Legislature for this purpose, are the 600.000 dollars reserved annually out of the duties on imports and tonnage, by the Act making provision for the debt of the United States, for the support of the government thereof, and certain surpluses arising on former appropriations for the current service, in consequence of over-estimates, and some other circumstances.\nIt is probable, that these two sources will be equal to the object; but as the amount of these surpluses is not definitively ascertained, it appears to be expedient, that the appropriation should embrace some additional resource.\nThe product, during this year, of whatever duties may be laid in the present Session, as a farther provision for the public debt, may, with propriety, be resorted to for the purpose; as the interest, which will be payable on the amount of the State-debts assumed by the United States, will not begin to accrue till after the end of the year; and it is calculated, that the product of the duties, within each year, will be adequate to the payment of the interest of such year.\nThe Secretary begs leave to remind the House of Representatives, that no provision has been made for payment of interest to the foreign Officers beyond the year 1788. In his report of the fifth day of August last, he submitted the expediency of discharging the principal of their debt, which bears an interest of six per centum per annum, payable in Paris; but the advanced period of the Session prevented a discussion of the matter. The propriety of this measure, and the necessity of a provision for the interest, are again humbly submitted.\nThe Secretary also begs leave to state to the House, that representations have been made to him, by several of the Commissioners of loans, respecting the extraordinary expense occasioned to them, in the first instance, in the execution of the Act making provision for the debt of the United States, and the inadequateness of their compensations. Considerations relative to the public service, as well as to the officers themselves, require an acknowledgment that these representations are not without foundation.\nThe quantity and pressure of business which arise in receiving subscriptions, in liquidating and cancelling the old certificates, and issuing new ones in their stead; in counting and examining the old bills of credit; in making entries and furnishing returns, to the Treasury, necessarily require much additional clerkship; the expense of which, united with that of providing different setts of books, and other stationary in considerable quantity, must, in some cases, exhaust, nearly if not altogether, the whole salaries of the officers, and in others, so considerable a part of them, as to leave a very incompetent recompence for the services to be performed.\nAll which is submitted,\nAlexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury\nTreasury-department; January 6th. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0290", "content": "Title: Report on Duties Arising on Tonnage, for the Year Ending September 30, 1790, [6 January 1791]\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Muhlenberg, Frederick A. C.,Speaker of the House of Representatives\nTreasury Department. January 6th. 1791.[Communicated on January 6, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nSir,\nI have the honor to inform you, that prior to the receipt of the order of the House of Representatives of the 30th. ultimo, the formation of several returns of the nature of those designated in their resolution, had been commenced at the Treasury. It had been deemed expedient to make them up, so as to include the space of one year, in order that they might exhibit the annual course of that part of the public business. One of those returns being a general Abstract of the duties on the tonnage employed in the United States for one year, having been completed, as far as the custom-house returns will admit, it is herein transmitted. Those of the impost and exports, for the same space of time, will be sent as soon as they shall be completed; and the summary returns, which are requisite to fulfil the order of the House, will also be made with the utmost expedition.\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, Your most obedient, and most humble servant,\nAlexander Hamilton,Secry. of the Treasury.\nThe Honble. F. A Muhlenberg,Speaker of the House of Representatives", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0291", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 6 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury DepartmentJanuary 6th. 1791\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to transmit to the President of the United States an account of the cost of a seal for the use of the District Court of Maine, on which he begs leave to remark, that there does not occur any reason to deem it immoderate. The Legislature having by their resolution of the 2nd. of August last assigned a part of the fund provided for the contingent expences of government by their Act of the 26th. day of March last to the discharge of this species of claim upon the United States and having committed that sum entirely to the President, he will be pleased to signify whether this account shall be paid at the Treasury, & charged there to that account.\nAlexander HamiltonSecy. of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0292", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 7 January 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, January 7, 1791. Transmits \u201ca Warrant appointing Joseph Greenleaf Keeper of the Light house at Portland in the District of Maine.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0293", "content": "Title: Report on Duties on Imports, [7 January 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Muhlenberg, Frederick A. C.,Speaker of the House of Representatives\nTreasury Department. January 7th: 1791[Communicated on January 7, 1791]\nSir,\nIn addition to the papers transmitted yesterday, I have the honor to inclose you two Abstracts of the Duties on Imports into the United States; one exhibiting the sum received from the commencement of the operation of the impost act, to the 30th. of September 1789; and the other shewing, as far as the returns have been transmitted, the sum received for one year following that day.\nNone of the collectors have yet furnished their returns for the last quarter of the year 1790, for want of time, it is presumed, to make them up.\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant,\nAlexander Hamilton,Secretary of the Treasury.\nThe Honble Frederick A: MuhlenbergSpeaker of the House of Representatives.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0295", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom House Providence 10: Jany 1791.\nSir,\nBy a misconception of the Law respecting the 10 \u214c cent discount on goods imported in American vessels, which \u2019till within a few days, I supposed to cease on the first day of October last, the balance of 16.314 dolls & 45\u00bc cents which appears by my accounts transmitted on the 3. inst, to be due to the United States is 1.114 dolls & 72 cents more than it should be, this sum being the amount of the 10. \u214c cent omitted to be deducted from the duties arising on merchandise imported into this district during the last quarter; the true balance therefore to be passed to the credit of the United States in my Books, is 15.199 Ds & 73\u00bc cents agreeably to the enclosed statement.\nI enclose my return of Exports for the last quarter, amounting in value, to 56.362 Dollars and 99 cents.\nI have the honor to be very respectfully, Sir, your most obedt & most hume servt\nJereh Olney Collr\nAlexr Hamilton EsqSecry of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0296", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBank of New York 10. Jany. 1791\nSir\nI have the honor to enclose you Mr. Silva\u2019s answer respecting the weight & fineness of the Portugal Coin, which is all the information he can give.\nWhen The Treasurer of The United States sends the Bills on Amsterdam for 100,000 Guilders as mentioned in your Letter of they shall be disposed of agreable to your orders.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect \u2003 Sir, Your Obed. Hme Sert.\nWm Seton Casr.\nAlexr. Hamilton EsqrSecretary to The Treasury of The United States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0297", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 11 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPhiladelphia January the 11th 1791\nDear Sir\nI have perused with attention your intended report to the President; and will, as I am sure is your wish, give you my opinion with frankness.\nAs far as a summary examination enables me to judge, I agree in your interpretation of the Treaty. The exemption sought does not appear to be claimable as a right.\nBut I am not equally well satisfied of the policy of granting it on the ground you suggest. This, in my mind, stands in a very questionable shape. Though there be a collateral consideration, there is a want of reciprocity in the thing itself; and this in a circumstance which materially affects the general policy of our navigation system. The tendency of the measure would be to place French Vessels upon an equal footing with our own, in our ports, while our Vessels in the ports of France may be subjected to all the duties which are there laid on the mass of foreign Vessels. I say the mass of foreign vessels because the title of \u201cmost favoured nation\u201d is a very extensive one\u2014the terms being almost words of course in Commercial Treaties. And consequently our own Vessels in the carrying Trade between the United States & France would be in a worse situation than French Vessels. This is the necessary result of equal privileges on on[e] side, and unequal on the other, in favour of the Vessels of France.\nThough in the present state of the French Navigation little would be to be apprehended from the Regulation; yet when the probable increase of that Navigation under free Government is considered, it can hardly be deemed safe to calculate future consequences from the actual situation in this respect.\nAnd if the principle of the Regulation cannot be deemed safe in a permanent view, it ought not to be admitted temporarily; for inconvenient precedents are always embarrassing.\nOn the whole I should be of opinion that the introduction of such a principle without immediate reciprocity, would be a high price for the advantage which it is intended to compensate.\nIt will no doubt have occurred to you that the fund has been mortgaged for the public Debt. I do not however mention this as an insuperable objection but it would be essential that the same act which should destroy this source of revenue should provide an equivalent. This I consider as a rule which ought to be sacred, as it affects public Credit.\nI have the honor to be With the sincerest esteem & regard \u2003 Dear Sir \u2003 Your Obed serv\nA Hamilton\nPS. If you have any spare set of the printed papers I should be obliged by having them.\nThomas Jefferson Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0298", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 11 January 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, January 11, 1791. \u201cThe President of the United States having duly considered the subject of building a Light House on Cape Henry in Virginia, as submitted to him on the 5th Instant by the Secretary of the Treasury \u2026 it appears to him that the proposal made by John McComb Junr. of New York is most advantageous to the United States, and he is therefore of opinion that the Contract should be entered into with him.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0299", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 11 January 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Commissioners of Loans\n[Philadelphia, January 11, 1791. On January 26, 1791, Nathaniel Appleton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour circular favour of 11 instant is recd.\u201d Circular not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0301", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States, 14 January 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Governors of the States\nTreasury DepartmentJanuary 14. 1791\nSir\nIt is necessary to the adjustment of the public accounts, that the officers of the Treasury should be informed what sums in final settlement certificates were paid over to the several states by the agents for settling the accounts of their respective lines in the late army. The statements of those agents are the only documents on the subject of which the United States are possessed, and it will be readily perceived that they ought not to be accepted as satisfactory vouchers. I am therefore obliged to request the favor of your directing a return of the sum received by your state to be made out as expeditiously as may be convenient, and transmitted to this office.\nI have the honor to be very respectfully \u2003 Sir Your most obedt. servant\nAlexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0302-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 15 January 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAmsterdam Jan. 15. 1791.\nSir\nContrary winds have prevented any vessel leaving the Texel since the month of November. The several letters therefore which I have had the honor of writing you by that may still remain there. This unexpected delay is the more unfortunate as it is in those letters alone that I have spoken fully on the subjects about which you must be impatient to hear. I preferred making use of this chanel for reasons that are obvious. I hope my letters sent from hence by the way of England to yourself & the Secretary of State will have been more fortunate, as they will announce those thus detained. This will be put on board of a vessel bound for New-York which is going down to the Texel to wait only for a change of the wind. I inclose in it a duplicate of that of the 18th. of Dec. It was not sent with my letter of the 30th. of Dec. because that was forwarded to the Texel to go by the same vessel which had recieved here the original. With it I forwarded also a duplicate of that of Dec. 2.\nI have the honor Sir of inclosing you also at present a letter from the agents of the U.S. here which they sent me open with a desire that I would read it & approving it, forward it to you. It is dated the 23d. of the last month although I recieved it only five or six days ago. I have no observation to make on any part of this letter except the expression which relates to the engagement to negotiate the future five p. cent loans at 4. p. cent commisison. In the rough draught of this letter which these gentlemen communicated to me & begged I would make my observations on, it was expressed in such a manner that it led to a belief that I had stipulated with them that the commission was to be raised whenever the interest was reduced. On my recalling to them the only circumstance which ever passed relative to this subject they agreed without hesitation to change it.\nThe circumstance was this\u2014after they had proposed the 4. p. cent commission & I had accepted it in this manner already related to you in my letter of Dec. 2. one of these gentlemen observed that if in future there was an opportunity of reducing the interest of the loans of Congress by raising the commission of the undertakers, it would not be expected that that rise was to be made by their sacrifices & of course that it must be by the U.S. I answered that future changes becoming necessarily subjects of future discussion it was useless to examine them at present, & that the U.S. would always decide for themselves when & on what terms it would be for their advantage to attempt to reduce the interest of their loans\u2014here the conversation ended. The change they have made still leaves the expression of five p. cent loans. But it can do no harm as in fact we shall be at liberty at the end of each loan to change the agentsthemselves if we think proper. Permanent arrangements for the continuation of the loans besides that I should not have thought myself authorized to have made them would have been impolitic, as it is evident the U.S. alone would have been bound by them\u2014for should any unexpected event have rendered the augmentation of the premium necessary they would, if they judged it for their interest, have insisted on it & the U.S. would have been obliged to have subscribed to it at the risk of failing in their loans\u2014on the contrary if the premium could be lowered the agents would recieve the benefit of it. As the matter stands at present should an opportunity present itself of lowering the terms of commission (which however I am more & more persuaded every day must be done by diminishing the number, & not the profits, of the persons employed) there is a perfect right to make use of it. The agents also will be on the lookout as well as you or those you chuse to send here, for the moment when it will be proper to attempt a reduction of the interest, & you will be at liberty to negotiate the terms you may think proper.\nA few days ago a loan on the American funds for twelve hundred thousand guilders was brought on the market by the house of Van Staphorst & others. I enclose you an original & translation of the scheme of the loan. By it the interest is to be six p. cent\u2014but the funds are rated & sold at par viz. those of the six p. cent stock at 100. p. cent & those of the three p. cent at 50. Hitherto in all cases of these loans they not only gave six p. cent as the rate of interest but a considerable profit also on the sale of the funds. A large part of this loan is already engaged as they tell me. The house of V. Staphorst pretends that this will benefit the future loans of Congress, as it will probably prevent others being made on the liquidated debt of the U.S.; since other houses will aim also now at selling them at par, & in that case the terms being less advantageous to the lenders less will be loaned\u2014the price of those funds being now settled at par here must also necessarily raise them in America & of course benefit the credit of the U.S. The house of Willink is not interested in this loan & wished much to have it postponed. This house thinks that such a loan will be of service in future to the loans of the U.S. for the reasons just mentioned, but will retard that which they are now about to make, by being brought on the market so short a time before it. They wished therefore to have induced the V. Staphorsts to have postponed theirs until after that for the U.S. should be filled. These objected that if they did not bring on the loan they know others that would & persisted in it.\nMr. Willink has told me since this loan was public, that in his conversation with the other house respecting it they told him they had communicated it to me & that I had not objected to it. The truth is however that they had never given me to understand that they were to be concerned in such a loan. In a conversation some time ago on the prejudice done to the loans of Congress by those made on the liquidated debt, one of them (Mr. Hubbard) told me he knew of another of about 1,200,000 guilders which would be probably brought on the market. This is unquestionably what was alluded to when they spoke to Mr. Willink. It seems that the object of Mr. H\u2019s conversation with me was that he might be able if necessary to say that he had mentioned the subject to me & at the same time to do it in such a manner as to give me no opportunity of making objections to the loans wch. I certainly would have done if I had supposed that its being brought on depended on their house. This is being perhaps less candid than he ought to have been, but there is no remedy for it in this stage of the business. I am glad to find that Mr. Willink thinks from the manner in which this loan is going on that it will be less prejudicial for the present even that might have been expected. My own opinion however is that it will necessarily occasion some delay; because a part of the money vested in it would of course have been placed in the loan of the U.S. & consequently the owners of that money would have been impatient for such a loan & also because some of those who have the bonds of Congress yielding only five p. cent might be persuaded to sell them in order to vest that money at six p. cent. There are only few who will do this, they say, but still these few will contribute to the number of the American bonds in circulation here for sale\u2014or in other words to keep down the price & thus retard the proper moment for a loan.\nOf the 325. bonds mentioned to be remaining in their hands several have been since taken up, & the undertakers who subscribed for them at the opening of the loan have recieved notice that they must take up the rest in the course of this month. They have hitherto not been pressed because as you had made no appropriation of the money it was thought as well to save the U.S. the interest which mounts from the times of the bonds being taken up. Besides it is possible from the circumstances under which this loan was made that the undertakers had been provided such delays. These bonds being thus provided for in the course of this month & considerable payments being to be made on account of the U.S. in the beginning of the next will no doubt contribute favorably to the preparation for the new loan. The agents are then to have a meeting with the brokers. They continue to tell me that every thing bids fair for the market being ready for the new loan in the early part of the month. It seems to me however that the brokers are of that opinion, at least as far as I can judge from conversations with them. Stadnitzki & Saportas who are two of the principals think it will not before the end of the month. The latter thinks that the Van Staphorsts\u2019 loan will render this delay necessary, the former, who is concerned in the loan, says it cannot produce that effect, but that the price of the American bonds having not risen yet as was expected, it would be wrong to percipitate a new loan. We shall see in a short time whether they will retain the same opinion when convened & consulted by the agents. I do not doubt you will enter into the propriety of waiting patiently rather than attempting to force circumstances in a case like this where it can do no good & might do much harm.\nYou will recieve inclosed a letter written to me by Messrs. Schweizer Jeanneret & Co by which you will see sir, that they are disposed to wait for the decision of the President on the proposals they made & which I forwarded to you with my letter of Dec. 18. I suppose it useless to add any thing further on their subject as the several papers already sent will have put you fully in possession of it. An additional reason urged to me lately by Mr. Swan of Boston (whom they push forward in this business) in favor of this scheme, is that if it is not adopted, the other company, with whom I believe he is also concerned, will be sure to force the ministry by means of the committee of finance to accept theirs, which is much less advantageous for the U.S. This consideration however appears to me to deserve little weight. Should the minister have written to the French charg\u00e9 des affaires on this subject as these people say, you will be better able to appreciate the real sentiments of the court from what he will tell you. It is possible also that the letter may have been written merely on the sollicitation of this company in order to insure their proposals being properly represented & supported. Mr. Swan urged further that the debt being once transferred to Genoa, the interest & reimbursements might be paid there by merchants recieving the money of the Treasury in America & contracting to replace it at Genoa, which they would do by again contracting with the merchants of Marseilles, Genoa, Leghorn &c for dried codfish; so that the money would remain in the U.S. & the foreign debt be payed by the productions of our industry. I do not see that this advantage is peculiar to the Genoese schemes. Whenever the U.S. proceed to a real payment of their foreign debt in whatever part of Europe it be, it will be done probably by the means of our commerce. This will at the same time add to its activity, by serving as a new medium, & Envite to keep the excedent of our exportations as much as possible above the importations in order to settle the balance in this way.\nIt is easy to follow this idea & see that the evil of a foreign debt like many others may be made to assist in curing itself. At present however I cannot persuade myself that the advantage to be gained by transferring our debt from France to any other country can be equivalent to that which would be lost on the exchange. For although it is possible that the exchange will not during the whole course of our payments be as much against France as at present yet it seems inevitable that it must for a long time be much against her, as well on account of the assignats as the present state of her commerce & particularly the situation of her islands.\nFunds continue rising in France, owing as I mentioned in my last to the considerable re-imbursements made by the emission of Assignats. They do not seem yet to have been depreciated as might have been expected by that emission, & the exchange continues the same. Still I do not find that the Genoese or other foreigners who have their money in the French funds are siezing this opportunity of transferring it. They are perhaps waiting in hopes of the relative price of stock & exchange becoming still more favorable for such a transfer.\nMy inquiries with respect to Italy have confirmed the opinion that no part of that country except Genoa could hold out any prospect of a loan. As to this place I learn by different ways that the money lenders there are rather stock jobbers than real lenders\u2014that their usage is to wait until funds are at their lowest & then buy into them\u2014that it is by this means that they have become deeply interested in the French funds & that their purchases there were many of them made in such a manner as to yield an interest of 10. p. cent\u2014& that they wish to get out of them now because they are alarmed by the paper money\u2014that few foreign original loans have been made in Genoa & these on very high terms. Still it would be so much for the advantage of a power to be able to make loans at more than one place that it seems to me no proper opportunity should be lost of trying to establish a credit for the U.S. at some other place besides Amsterdam. This may be effected at Genoa perhaps at some future period by means of our debt to France & the situation of affairs in that country, when the government & resources of the U.S. shall have been more tried & become better known. At present however I see no probability of success to a loan there; but I must add that my inquiries have been necessarily made in such a manner that I cannot give the result as matter of certainty.\nI have just learned from M. de la fayette that Colo. Walker had left with him a large packet addressed to me & with the seal of the Treasury office. He understood that its contents were not pressing & has therefore thought it improper to send it to me by post. I suppose it the state of our foreign debt to which you allude in your letter of Sep. 1. & if so I shall have no occasion for it here.\nI have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & attachment, sir, Your most obedient humble servant\nW. Short\nThe Honble Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0303", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Gibbs, 16 January 1791\nFrom: Gibbs, Caleb\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBarree [Massachusetts] Jany. 16th. 1791\nMy Dear Freind\nI did myself the honor to address you the 7th. of Novr. last from Boston, and therein mentioned the subject of Mr. Tracy\u2019s affair, which I was informed by Mr. Flint, had been refferred to you by Congress the last session, and that there was a probability of his claim being granted. I do My Freind most earnestly intreat of you to give me one line respecting this business and if Mr. Tracy\u2019s claim is good and granted that I may have the earliest information of it. It is my all my whole dependence, My freind, and for a moment consider if I had those notes which I lent him including the Intrest due on them, would this day neet me little short of fifteen hunddred pounds specie. This is an undeniable fact, and for the want of this hard earned money I have been obliged to retire where I now am living in a recluse line of life with my amiable wife and family incountering many disagreable difficulties and to work pretty hard for a decent support.\nMr. Tracy not coming forward as he ought to have done within the four months granted him, leaves me at Liberty to imbrace the perogative of the Cavaat lodged in the Comptrolers office, and if he should have more due him from the United States than the Cavaat specifies, I do not see (if I am in season) why there is not a probability of my recovering the whole of my property, provided there is a sufficiency due him from the United States. Let me My best freind again repeat my solicitations to you to let me know respecting this business. And in the mean time to inform me if nothing is yet in your power sufficient to call me from this place. Mrs. Gibbs would go with me almost any where if a Comfortable competence offers (even with the strictest oeconomy) and can be obtained. Perhaps something within your own sphere can be found. Think of me My good Sir and notwithstanding the Presidents forgetfulness of me a hint from you I know would answer every purpose. Let me be persuaded I shall hear from you within a short period of time. People in Boston (I mean the Better sort) began to talk when I was last there and if I dare I would tell you, but this must be let alone for the present or at least till I have the pleasure of seeing you if ever. Thus much I will say that you was not the last person spoke of, and very great enquiries of me about you, knowing I had been acquainted with you in former times.\nIf you will do me the honor of a line, please let it be directed to the Care of the Post Master at Worcester & then I shall certainly get it.\nLet me conjure you by every tie of regard & friendship not to forget me but that in a short time I shall hear from you with agreable and consoling tidings.\nWith the greatest respect I have the honor to be \u2003 Dear Sir \u2003 Your most Obedient humble Servant\nC Gibbs.\nP.S. I beg you to offer me in terms of the greatest respect to your good Lady. I leave you to make your own comments on the paper. Writing &c\nHonle. Alexander Hamilton Esqr. &c. &c. &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0304", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury Department, January 17, 1791. Encloses \u201cthe Presidents commission for Mr. Joseph Greenleaf as keeper of the light house of Portland.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0305", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 17 January 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom House Providence 17. Jany 1791.\nSir,\nThe ships Vigilant and Hope, belonging and bound to this place from foreign Ports, were by distress of weather obliged, on the 25. & 27 December, to put into New London, where they were admitted to an entry, and the duties secured to be there paid. They have since arrived here with their Cargoes; and I observe, by an estimate of the duties on that of the Vigilant, that none were demanded on half a barrel of oranges, two barrels of limes, one case of pickles and thirty Coconuts: as there is no exemption in the old, any more than in the new Collection law for those articles, I have uniformly collected the duty on all which have been imported into this district since my office was opened; but if it was the intention of the Legislature to lay it only on such articles of that kind as are brought into the United States for sale, it is necessary, for my future government, to have your opinion and instructions relative thereto, for tho\u2019 I have constantly endeavoured, to the best of my knowledge, to act with the utmost impartiality; yet I have been repeatedly censured by the merchants for my strictness in executing the Revenue Laws; and the late instances respecting the above mentioned Ships at New London (where to ascertain the amount of the duties 7 &\u00bd \u214c cent was deducted from the Master\u2019s account of the Hope\u2019s Cargo, consisting of between six and seven thousand bushels of Salt) will I fear afford fresh cause of complaint; which, however unpleasing, I shall disregard while I have your approbation in the discharge of the trust reposed in me. But if I could avoid the former, without forfeiting the latter, it would give me great satisfaction; and this I imagine might be effected by an uniformity of practice in the Custom Houses throughout the Union. The desire of this alone, has prompted me to acquaint you with the above circumstances, without the most distant wish or intention of censuring the conduct of General Huntington, whom I highly respect and esteem. I beg leave Sir, to intreat your directions whether I must continue to demand the duty on Sweetmeats and Fruit not brought for Sale? And your opinion whether it is warrantable on any occasion (except to estimate the duties on part of a Cargo, destined to another district, in order to secure them by a temporary bond) to ascertain the quantity of any dutiable article, imported into the United States from a foreign Port, in any other way than by counting, measuring, gauging or weighing by the proper officer appointed for the purpose.\nWith the greatest respect and esteem \u2003 I have the honor to be, Sir \u2003 your most obedt & most huml servt.\nJereh Olney Collr\nAlexr Hamilton, Esqr.Secry of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0307", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 17 January 1791\nFrom: Smith, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] January 17, 1791. \u201c\u2026 Very large returns for the issue of Indents are in hand & will be forwarded as soon as the business of the Office will permit. The subscriptions to the Loan are increasing very rapidly this Month.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0308", "content": "Title: Meeting of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Commissioners of the Sinking Fund\nTo: \nPhiladelphia, January 18th, 1791.\nMet pursuant to notice:\nJohn Adams, Vice President of the United States;\nThomas Jefferson, Secretary of State;\nAlexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury; and\nEdmund Randolph, Attorney General.\nThe Secretary of the Treasury informed the Board, that the funds of the United States permit the application of the further sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, to the purposes of the act establishing the Board. Whereupon,\nResolved, That fifty thousand dollars be forthwith expended, for the purposes aforesaid, in each of the cities of Boston, Philadelphia, and Richmond, under the direction of the collector of Boston, in Boston; of the Treasurer of the United States, in Philadelphia; and of the collector of Bermuda Hundred, in Richmond.\nOrdered, That the foregoing resolution be presented by the Vice President to the President of the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0309", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, January 18, 1791. \u201cIn compliance with your request, I have directed the Comptroller General to make out a statement of the Sums in final Certificates, which were paid over to this State, by the Agents for settling the Accounts of the Pennsylvania line, in the late Army.\u2026 As soon as the Comptroller has compleated the enquiry,\u2026 I will chearfully transmit the result.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0310", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Wheelock, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wheelock, John\n[Philadelphia, January 18, 1791. On the verso of Wheelock\u2019s letter to Hamilton on November 8, 1790, Hamilton wrote: \u201cAnswered January 18. 1791.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0311", "content": "Title: Conversation with George Beckwith, 19[\u201320] January 1791\nFrom: Beckwith, George,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nPhiladelphia January 19th. [\u201320] 1791\nMr. Beckwith. I take the liberty of speaking very freely to you on every subject, and upon this principle give me leave to remark, that I was sorry to observe a certain warmth of expression in one paragraph of the address of Your House of Representatives, in reply to The President\u2019s speech, which respected your commerce and navigation.\nMr. \u2014\u2014 You know perfectly, that we have different opinions with us, as I have frequently told you; there is a Party which retaining those prejudices that were produced by the civil war, think nothing good can come from Great Britain, and that our obligations to France are never to be forgotten, and you are no stranger to the opinions of the gentleman who drew up that address. There are also worthy individuals with us, who are led to believe that by going into regulations which might cramp your trade to this country, that is, by advocating a system for a discrimintion of duties, in favor of nations with whom we have treaties, it would lead to the attainment of a commercial treaty with England which they wish; and there is likewise a party, who from every circumstance, are convinced, that you are the nation with whom we can trade to the greatest advantage: from these discordant sentiments it is difficult not to do something on this subject, and I think in the course of the present Sessions we shall adopt in a degree the idea furnished by your Navigation Act, the effect of which will be to restrain your shipping from being the carriers to our Markets of other produce or manufacture than that of your own dominions (in all parts of the world) or of carrying from hence, excepting to your possessions, either at home or abroad; we shall have no prohibited articles: from the returns in my office, these regulations will not be of any consequence to the shipping of Great Britain.\nThe Fifty Cents (or half dollar) a ton, on foreign tonnage operates as an equivalent for the light money we pay; the ten per Cent difference in the duties on imports in foreign bottoms, is \u201cas you once remarked\u201d confessedly in our favor.\nPhiladelphia January 20th.\nMr. Beckwith. I am so strongly disposed to believe favorably of our good dispositions towards the States that I wish to know whether the arrival of the December packet from England, may not have caused some alteration in the ideas you held out yesterday.\nMr. \u2014\u2014 We learn by many private letters from London received last night that your administration have declared their intention of appointing a minister to this country, and a gentleman\u2019s name is also mentioned it is a circumstance which I am glad of in many respects, it will, I hope, pave the way for a future good understanding, and put an end to the suggestions of that party with us, who wishing well to a French interest, take every occasion to insinuate that we are held in no consideration by the English government.\nUpon the subject of commerce and navigation, which I mentioned to you yesterday, I think, I can assure you that nothing will take place during the present Session, to the injury of your trade.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0314", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Troup, [19 January 1791]\nFrom: Troup, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Albany, January 19, 1791]\nMy dear friend\nAbout an hour ago the election of Senator was brought on in the assembly. Burr succeeded by a decided majority. He has a decided Majority also in the Senate. The thing therefore may be considered as settled. The twistings, combinations, and maneuvers to accomplish this object are incredible. I was this moment attending a court of Chancery. The Chancellor is singularly happy. It would take a quire of paper to give you a minute detail of our present situation. We are going headlong into the bitterest opposition to the Genl Government. I pity you Most sincerly, for I know that you have not a wish but what is combined with the solid honor & interests of America. Delenda est carthago is the maxim applied to your administration. My advice to you is to continue as you have done\u2014preface all your reports with the readiness upon which they are grounded. The time will come when your enemies will blush they are in opposition to you.\nAs to myself I believe I shall withdraw from politics for the present. I am disgusted to my heart.\nGod bless you\nRob Troup\nA Hamilton Esq\n2 oClock P: M.\nP.S. Since writing the above Swartwout has been with me. The Senate he says concurred in Burr\u2019s appointment. There were but 4 Votes for Schuyler\u2014Gansevoort, Patroon, Micheau and Livingston voted for him. Fonda & Schuyler were absent. Swartwout is my author. If Fonda & Schuyler had been present things would not have been altered.\nR T", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0315", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury DepartmentJanuary 21st. 1791.\nSir\nI have received your letter of the 16th. of October from which I find that a cutter of near 64 Tons is thought of for your coast. The terms of 22\u00bd Drs. per ton are very satisfactory, but unless the construction of the Vessel is so far advanced as to prevent a diminution of the size, I request that she may be confined to the smallest dimensions that are deemed consistent with safety on your coast, however eligible a larger one might be. The New York cutter is to be of forty seven or forty eight feet keel straight rabbit, 15 feet beam, 4\u00bd feet hold, and about thirty five Tons, and she is thought quite equal to the trials of that coast which are at times extreme.\nThe cutter building at Hampton is of the following dimensions\u201440 feet straight rabbit, 17 feet beam and 6\u00bd feet hold, measuring forty seven Tons and there has been no suggestion of doubt in regard to her sufficiency altho\u2019 there are no gales more severe than some of those on that station. Should you stand engaged by your contract, and should the builder refuse a variation of it (which I hope will not be the case if it can be done now and is not really improper) you will of course pursue the execution of it.\nI would however wish that one of the Boats be omitted and such other things as can be spared or omitted in the supplies or finishing.\nI am, Sir, very respectfully \u2003 Your Obedt. Servt.\nBenjamin Lincoln Esqr.Collector, Boston.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0316", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 22 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Delany, Sharp\n[Philadelphia, January 22, 1791. The dealer\u2019s catalogue description of this letter reads: \u201cAuthorizing a cutter to be built for the Delaware station under the supervision of Captain Montgomery.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0317", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 22 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentJanuary 22d. 1791.\nSir\nIt being deemed necessary to proceed in the building of the Cutter for the Maryland station I have now to request that you will immediately proceed in the business.\nIt may be well that you should be informed that the Massachusetts Cutter has been contracted for at Newburyport at about 22\u00bd Dollars per Ton fitted completely as a vessel with sails, rigging, anchors &ca. including two Boats, one of which would be sufficient for the present. The Cutter for New York has been agreed for upon the terms already communicated, and that for Hampton is expected to be completed for 1,000 Dollars. Her heel is 40 feet straight rabbit and burden 40 tons. I hoped that building in Baltimore would prove as cheap as the medium of those three places and therefore expected that 1,000 Dollars would have been adequate to the building & fitting a proper vessel. I authorise you however to exceed that price, if necessary by 10 perCent, but not more. You will of course engage the punctual and vigilant attention of Captain Gross to building and fitting this Cutter.\nI am, Sir, very respectfully \u2003 Your Obedt. Servt.\nAlex Hamilton\nP.S. As it will be necessary to complete a certain number of these Boats immediately, I enclose you a letter to the Collector of Hampton in Virginia, which it will be necessary to dispatch to him, in case you should not be able to execute the Order for the Cutter within my limits. It will be contrary to my wishes that she should be built in any other place than Maryland, bu\u27e8t I need\u27e9 not remark to you, that local considerations must be ever postponed to solid public advantage.\nOtho H Williams Esqr.Collector for Baltimore", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0318", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 23 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Huntington, Jedediah\nTreasury DepartmentJanuary 23d. 1791.\nSir\nIt being deemed necessary to proceed in the building of the Cutter intended for the Connecticut and Rhode Island station, I have to request that on the receipt of this the business may be pursued. The cutter for Boston is to be built at Newbury port & fitted as a Vessel with all requisite masts, spars, sails, cables, cordage, anchors, a Boat &ca. for about 22\u00bd Dollars per Ton. At that rate you might procure a vessel of above 44 Tons for 1,000 Dollars. The vessel at New York is to be 48 feet keel straight rabbit and 15 beam, and it is not expected she will exceed fitted as a vessel 1,000 Dollars. The vessel for Virginia is to be of the burden of forty seven Tons, and is also expected to cost fitted about 1,000 Dollars. The prevalent opinions concerning ship building are that Portsmouth is a cheaper place for building and fitting vessels than New York or Hampton, and at least as cheap as Newbury Port. I therefore hope that a vessel fully adequate to the service required may be compleated for Sea for 1,000 Dollars, but I do not incline to authorise your exceeding that sum on any amount by more than 10 per Cent. I trust at the same time you will take all possible pains to expend the public Money with \u0153conomy, and that you will not use the latitude given unless it be found necessary.\nI am, Sir, very respectfully \u2003 Your Obt. Servt.\nA Hamilton\nJededh. Huntington Esqr.Collector for New London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0320", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Wray, 23 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wray, George\nTreasury DepartmentJanuary 23d. 1791\nSir\nI find so considerable a difference in favor of the United States will arise from building at Hampton the Revenue Cutter which it was desired to have built at Baltimore, that it is probable you will be applied to by the Collector of that district to assist him in getting another suitable Vessel in your Port.\nI shall enclose this letter to him with instructions to endeavor to procure a Vessel to be built within certain limits by some good Shipwright in Maryland, but I shall direct him in case he cannot succeed within the terms prescribed, to transmit this letter to you. Should you receive it from him I request that you will take measures towards engaging another Vessel, similar to that you have engaged for Capt. Taylor and upon the same terms. Capt. Simon Gross, whom the President has appointed to command the Maryland Boat, will at such time as the Collector of Baltimore shall think fit, repair with his letter of introduction, to Hampton to superintend the building of the Vessel from the Keel up, and the fitting and equipment of her.\nYou will give him such further assistance as the nature of the business and the public interests shall require.\nI am, Sir, Your most Obt. Servt.\nAlex Hamilton\nGeorge Wray Esqr.Collr. for Hampton Virginia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0321", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Allibone, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, January 24, 1791. Proposes that two beacon boats on the Delaware River, both of which are \u201cfar advanced in a state of decay,\u201d be replaced.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0322", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Anspach, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Anspach, Peter\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, January 24, 1791 \u201cIn consequence of yours of the 20th. Ulto. I did on the first of this month commence the business you wished me to undertake, and agreeable to request have now for the first time made a Return, comprehending a number of the specie claims against the late Quartermaster general\u2019s department. All of which are herewith inclosed for the inspection of the Auditor & his report thereon.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0323", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [24 January 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, January 24. 1791]\nDear Sir\nI return you the report on the mint which I have read over with a great deal of satisfaction. I concur with you in thinking that the mint must stand on both metals, that the alloy should be the same in both, also in the proportion you establish between the value of the two metals. As to the question on whom the expense of coinage is to fall, I have been so little able to make up an opinion satisfactory to myself, as to be ready to concur in either decision. With respect to the dollar, it must be admitted by all the world, that there is great incertainty in the meaning of the term, & therefore all the world will have justified Congress for their first act of removing the incertainty by declaring what they understood by the term, but the incertainty once removed, exists no longer, and I very much doubt a right now to change the \u27e8value\u27e9 & especially to lessen it. \u27e8It would lead\u27e9 to so easy a mode of pa\u27e8ying off their debts.\u27e9 Besides the parties \u27e8injured by this reduction\u27e9 of the value \u27e8would have so much matter to urge in sup\u27e9port of the \u27e8first point of fixation. Should it be\u27e9 thought \u27e8however that congress may reduce\u27e9 the value of the dollar, I should then be for adopting for our unit: instead of the dollar, either one ounce of pure silver, or one ounce of standard silver, so as to keep the unit of money a part of the system of measures, weights & coins. I hazard these thoughts to you extempore and am dear Sir\nrespectfully & affectionately\nTh: Jefferson\nColo. Ham\u27e8ilton\u27e9\n\u27e8I inclose you two letters just received from France\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0324", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 25 January 1791\nFrom: Heth, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBermda Hundred [Virginia] 25th Jany 1791\nDear Sir (Private)\nI observe in Fenno\u2019s paper of the 12th. Inst. that a motion was made by Mr Ames \u201cto take into consideration whether any, & what provision shall be made to the Commissioners of Loans in the respective States to defray their extra expences.\u201d\nIt was your opinion when I had the pleasure of seeing you last, that, the Collectors ought at least, to have a Salary eql. to the expences of their Stationary, & a clerk\u2014the allowance for the latter to be regulated by the quantum of business done. This, they are surely entitled to upon every principle of Justice; and quere, whether the United States ought not, in Justice to themselves, to make such allowances. For my own part, I scruple not to declare that, I consider every book, & blank in my office\u2014except the registers\u2014as much my property as my Coat; and in case of my resignation, removal &c would no more deliver them up, without being paid their value, than I would any other article of my private property. I receive no salary from the United States, nor no kind of emoluments in virtue of my Office, which would Justify their being demanded without compensation. The fees of Office are recd. from Individuals, for performing certain services, and the Commissions\u2014in certain Districts\u2014are little more than equal to the trouble, & risque, in receiving & paying money. So that, much of the labor in estimating duties, & carrying an entry thro\u2019 all the forms of Office, until a quarterly abstract is completed, is thrown away, and no compensation whatsoever for the books, and expence of keeping them\u2014and if after two months hard work in the fall, in earning money, not to be received til March, & April, a Collector should die, or be removed, he would lose what he had so honestly earned. This is surely a hard law\u2014for the fees of Office, are by no means equal in all cases, to the actual labor and extra expences at Such busy Seasons. Quick as I plume myself at business, I have been two days closely employed in adjusting one entry. The Invoice consisted of 70 odd folio pages for which, I recd. 60 Cents\u2014the bond & permit. Not so, with the Commissioners of loans\u2014they have fixd salarys, and much of their time will be unemployed. The Comsnr in this State, has 1500 Dlls \u214c ann, whose labor, application, risque, responsibility nor expences are equal to mine. I dont mean by this, to insinuate that his books & stationary, ought not to be allowd him. But I am sure, if it was left to you, you would say, the Collectors are at least equally entitled to similar allowances, even, if their books were not more their own private property, than those of the Comsnrs are theirs. And I am sure, you will ever be against any partiality\u2019s being shewn to any class of the public\u2019s servants. From the 1st. Jany to the 31st. Decemr. 1790, the whole amt of my receipts, in virtue of my Office, was $1425.99\u00bd, $400 of which were for the Comsnr on the business done in 1789, and included in the Statement of my emoluments to the end of 1789 deliverd to you. So that, the actual income of my Office for 1790 was only 1026 Dlls and the expences thereof, was upwards of 400 Dlls\u2014leaving for my personal labor &c &c about 600 Dlls\u2014not equal to the wages of many clerks in the public Offices, & several of the Custom Houses. Yet, from the present State of our finances, I look for nothing more from the U. States but to be paid for my books & stationary and a small allowance towards defraying the expences of a Clerk. Is this unreasonable?\nFinding it impossible to continue the Slave to business which I have been, I must, illy as I can afford it, be at the expence of employing another Clerk, for, I live in hopes that, if this Office should not become better worth my attention, Something better may offer.\nI have taken the liberty of thus addressing you, from a persuation that you will cause the subject to be brought forward in Congress. And I rely upon your friendship to pardon the freedom, for be assured Sir, if I had not the highest opinion of your liberal as well as Just principles and the fullest confidence in your personal regard for me, I would not have thus engrossed a moment of your time tho\u2019 to an object of a general nature.\nI am Dear Sir, With sentiments of the highest respect and esteem \u2003 Yr Mo Ob S\nWill H\u27e8eth\u27e9\nThe Hnble Alex Hamilton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0325", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 25 January 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAmsterdam Jan. 25. 1791.\nSir\nI have the honor of addressing you this letter by the way of the English Packet because contrary winds still prevent any vessel leaving the Texel. All the letters I have written to you by American vessels since my arrival here are still there. Their several dates are Dec. 2. 18. 30. Jan. 15. These letters were exceedingly prolix as I thought it necessary to enter into very particular details in order to give you as good an idea as I could of the different subjects about which you wished to be informed. Duplicates of the first & second were forwarded by separate vessels. I informed you also of the several attempts that had been made \u27e8to purchase the American Debt\u27e9 due to France by a company of speculators & the present situation of that business. It was in those letters alone that I gave you information \u27e8also re\u27e9specting \u27e8the\u27e9 business about which you must be most impatient to hear. \u27e8The long continuance of the contrary winds & the\u27e9 uncertainty when it may cease in\u27e8duces me\u27e9 to mention at present\n general\u2014 450 \u2014\n terms264.\n terms264.\n which1065.\n loan239.\n made839.\n same531.\n with1388.\n last708.\n except227.\n that527.\n commission564. 566.\n half1568.\n cent540.\n lower422.\n will1233.\n opened1236.\n middle64.\n latter508.\n part1208.\n February.137.\nI recieved accidentally by the way of England the President\u2019s speech at the opening of Congress. It was expected here with much impatience & has given much satisfaction. Extracts are already inserted in several of the Dutch gazettes as I find. In general intelligence from the U.S. is sought after with much avidity.\nI have recieved lately from M. de la fayette a letter which you sent merely to introduce to me Mr. Walker of N. York & who left it with him. I am sorry not to have seen this gentleman that I might \u27e8have had an\u27e9 opportunity sir of paying proper attention to your recommendation. The \u27e8Mis.\u27e9 de la fayette had previously informed me that he had left with him also a large packet with the seal of the Treasury-office. He understood that the contents did not render it necessary to send it to me to this place & has therefore kept it at Paris. I conjecture that they are the papers promised in your letter of Sep. 1.\nI inclose you a general state of the exportations from Petersburg for the last year & a particular one of those made to the United States in their own shipping. Pood is a weight equal to about 36. pounds English. Arsk is a measure with which I am unacquainted. We may hope from the effect of \u27e8our wise regula\u27e9tions in America to have less need in future of foreign aid for many of \u27e8these artic\u27e9les. Our shipping will then find other \u27e8empl\u27e9oyment notwithstanding the rapid increase which may be counted on with certainty.\nYou will see in the general state that G. Britain employs \u27e8more ships in this business\u27e9 than all the other nations together; & yet their minister seems \u27e8decided\u27e9 to take measures in the spring which would at least arrest this business \u27e8for some time.\u27e9 He \u27e8must\u27e9 probably think such measures indispensable or he would not ven\u27e8ture\u27e9 to para\u27e8lyse\u27e9 so important a member of the national commerce. Many say however that this is one of the instances in which cabinets sacrifice commerce to politicks.\nBefore I left Paris I was promised by the farm[ers] general a particular state of our commerce with France for the first six months of the year, & at the \u27e8end\u27e9 of the year another for that term. I gave directions to send a copy of it to \u27e8you; but as\u27e9 I do not find that that which was for myself has been recieved, I fear yours has not been sent either. I will ende\u27e8avour\u27e9 to procure a state for the whole year immediately & send \u27e8it to yo\u27e9u.\nFor the present situation of European politics I beg leave to refer \u27e8you to my letter of yesterday to the Secre\u27e9tary of State in which this will be inclosed.\nI have \u27e8the honor\u27e9 to be with sentiments of perfect attachment & respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obedient humble servant\nW Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0326", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 25 January 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth, New Hampshire, January 25, 1791. Encloses \u201cquarterly Accounts to the 31st. Ultimo.\u201d Requests information on the implementation of the \u201c53rd Section of Collection Act,\u201d which provides that \u201cthe Commission for Collecting \u2026 be charged on the amount of all monies received on account of duties.\u201d Asks how weighmasters should be compensated \u201cfor weighing including tare of packages.\u201d Asks if \u201cVessels \u2026 [which] have given up their licenses and proceedd on a foreign Voyage, &c having returned \u2026 [and] received a license a Second time within the Year\u201d had to pay Tonnage when the second license was granted. Asks for instructions on the restoration of the foreign tonnage paid by the Schooner Industry.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0328", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Catharine Greene, 26 January 1791\nFrom: Greene, Catharine\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nMulberry Grove [Georgia] Jy 26th 1791\nMy Dear friend\nI Should have written You some time Since, but a dangerous fit of Illness has prevented Me and I am Still too weak to write more than Just to intimate my Wishes, that You may loose no time in bringing my affair before Congress.\nWere I well enough to write much, I would give you a detail of my prospects in settling my affairs, but since that is not the Case I will only say that my independance, and of course happiness entirely depend on the Justice which Congress may please to do me. I pray You therefore my Dear good friend to Report and let the matter be decided Early enough for me to have information of it before I leave this country for the Northward which will be some time in May as it will be important for me to know the Event Early.\nMr Rutledge has sent on by Mr B\u27e8\u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013\u27e9 some papers which he thinks will be conclusive and which have been but recently obtained. He has also written to all his friends in congress and if that will not do, he will leave his business and go to congress himself.\nHe has lately purchased one of my private Bonds which is the only one that could distress me by which means I shall be perfectly easy on account of my private affairs if congress will Settle the Publick ones.\nShall I beg the favor of a line from you saying that you are well and happy?\nI am Your grateful and devoted friend\nCath. Greene", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0330", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 January 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore, January 26, 1791. \u201c\u2026 there is an expedient (which I have some reason to suspect has been practised in this District) to elude the necessity of navigating ships by Masters Citizens of the United States, in order to entitle them to the privileges of American Bottoms, against which I do not discover any provision. It is thus. A Citizen, Owner of a ship, has her registered in due form, himself Master. The ship is cleared out in his own name, but is navigated during her Voyage by the Mate who may be not a citizen of the United States; The nominal Master remains on shore until the ship returns into Port, when he reassumes the Command, and reports her arrival &c &c. In this case I discover no penalty.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0331", "content": "Title: George Washington to the President of the National Assembly of France, [27 January 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: President of the National Assembly of France\n[Philadelphia, January 27, 1791]\nSir\nI received, with particular satisfaction, and took an early opportunity of imparting to Congress, the communication made by your letter of the 20th of June last, in the name of the National Assembly of France. So peculiar and so signal an expresssion of the esteem of that respectable body for a citizen of the United States, whose eminent and patriotic services are indelibly engraved on the minds of his countrymen can not fail to be appreciated by them as it ought to be. On my part, I assure you, Sir, that I am sensible of all its value.\nThe circumstances, which, under the patronage of a Monarch, who has proved himself to be the friend of the people over whom he reigns, have promised the blessings of liberty to the French Nation, could not have been uninteresting to the free citizens of the United States; especially when they recollected the dispositions, which were manifested by the individuals, as well as by the government of that Nation towards their still recent exertions, in support of their own rights.\nIt is with real pleasure, Sir, that I embrace the opportunity now afforded me, of testifying through you to the National Assembly the sincere, cordial and earnest wish I entertain, that their labours may speedily issue in the firm establishment of a Constitution, which by wisely conciliating the indispensable principles of public order, with the enjoyment and exercise of the essential rights of man, shall perpetuate the freedom and happiness of the people of France.\nThe impressions naturally produced by similarity of political sentiment, are justly to be regarded as causes of national sympathy; calculated to confirm the amicable ties, which may otherwise subsist between nations. This reflection, independent of its more particular reference, must dispose every benevolent mind to unite in the wish that a general diffusion of the true principles of liberty, assimilating as well as ameliorating the condition of mankind and fostering the maxims of an ingenuous and virtuous policy may tend to strengthen the fraternity of the human race to assuage the jealousies and animosities of its various subdivisions, and to convince them more and more that their true interest and felicity will best be promoted by mutual good will and universal harmony.\nThe friendship to which you allude in the close of your letter has caused me to perceive with particular pleasure, that one, who had endeared himself to this country by his ardent zeal and useful efforts in the cause of liberty has by the same titles acquired the confidence and affection of his own. May it ever be his chief aim to continue to be beloved as one of her most virtuous and most faithful citizens.\nI beg you, Sir, to accept my acknowlegements for the sentiments in your letter which relate more particularly to myself & at the same time to be assured of the most perfect consideration on my part.\nG W", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0332", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Ledyard, [28 January 1791]\nFrom: Ledyard, Isaac\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, January 28, 1791]\nI am afraid that my parting words with you yesterday might possibly convey a meaning wch. I did not wish, my tongue allways serving me as a faulty interpreter. It forces me to trouble you with following explanation.\nIt had been suggested to me that the controul of our finances was wished for by a person named yesterday (I believe now without foundation) & that attempts would be made to mislead the public opinion with this view. Apart from friendly inducements, feeling the highest satisfaction in your measures & considering your administration of the utmost importance to the general good, especially in the present infancy of things, my meaning was that if attempts were made to excite a misguided zeal with a view to interupt or bring into disrepute useful measures that I had liesure to bestow my small means into the opposite scale. That as indiscreet friendship frequently does more mischief than determined enmity, I wished if such humble aids should be deemed useful to the public good that the necessary information should accompny the hint to use them.\nWith respect to our old friend the Genl. it was no more than this. His son in law applied to the gentn. who told me of it to know a suitable person to correspond with here on the subject of ye excise. It is probable the old gentn. has no hand in it.\nWith the highest respect \u2003 I am dear Sir your friend & very humble Servant\nI L\nPhia. 28th. Jany 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0334-0002", "content": "Title: First Draft of the Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nThe Secretary of the Treasury having maturely considered the subject referred to him by the order of the House of Representatives of the  day of  last relatively to the establishment of a Mint begs leave respectfully to submit the result of his reflections.\nA plan for an establishment of this nature must not only contemplate the principles of a coinage of the United States; but must extend its attention provisions to regulations the coins of all other countries which shall have been introduced into them. It must involve a variety of considerations intricate nice and important. All the revenues of the country; the general state of debtor and Creditor; all the relations and consequences of price; the value of all property; the essential interests if trade and industry are liable to be sensibly influenced, beneficially or otherwise, according to the well or ill ordering of this very interesting objectmatter. It is truly one not more necessary than difficult to be rightly adjusted; one which has long occupied the meditations and researches of statesmen and politicians; without having harmonised their opinions on some of the most important of the principles which enter it into it. Accordingly different systems continue to be advocated; and the systems of different nations after much investigation continue to differ materially from each other. The immense disorder, in whatever relates to the matter which has prevailed and still prevails in this country calls not more loudly for a remedy than it considerably enhances the difficulty of devising one to which objections of weight may not be urged. This however can not reasonably be allowed to discourage from an undertaking, the accomplishment of which is indispensable to the order which ought to reign in the pecuniary affairs of the government and of Individuals.\nBut, while it must it ought to inspire diffidence in one whose duty it is made to propose a plan for the adjustment of so delicate and momentous a concern and unusual circumspection in the whole progress of the business every stage of the work; work; and perhaps it may be permitted to be relied upon as some excuse for any errors which may be chargeable upon what shall be be proposed or any deviations which may appear from sounder ideas heretofore sub that may have been suggested by others or even in part acted upon by the former late government of the United States. It is an encouragement to the Secretary to reflect that his views of the subject correspond in some leading respects particulars with what has been heretofore proposed and done.\nIn order to a proper result the following particulars require to be discussed and determined.\n1. The proportion between the metals in the gold and silver coins\n2 The proportion and composition of alloy in each\n3. Whether coinage should shall be free or subject to a duty imposition or charge or in other words whether there shall be a difference or not between the value of the coins and the mint price of bullion, weight for weight.\n4 The nature of the money unit & money Arithmetic\n5 The number demominations forms sizes and devices of the coins\n6 The Organization of the Mint.\n6 The Whether foreign coins shall be permitted to pass current as money or not; if the former how long whether indefinitely or tem for a fixed period and at what rates.\n7 The Organisation of the Mint.\nThe relative proportion between the quantity of the different metals in the coins with reg is a matter of considerable importance. The One consequences of overating overvaluing either in respect to the other are is the banishing banishment of that which is undervalued underated. Another consequence not equally certain, but which many circumstances render probable, is the acquisition or possession of a less quantity of specie in the aggregate. Another consequence which many circumstances render probable and an actual loss to the country in the total mass of its gold and silver proportionate to to the excess of value which is allowed to the one or to the other of them.\nThe first effect is deducible is produced by a very simple process results from very simple principles.\nLet If two countries be supposed, in one of which the proportion between gold and silver is as 1 to 16, and in the other of which that proportion is as 1 to 15. It is evident that as in the former gold will be worth more silver less than in the former latter; it is evident that whenever therefore the former has a payment to make to the latter silver will be selected, for the purpose; gold when the latter has a payment to make to the former. In addition to this Besides this circumstance, the dealers of in money money exchangers will find it a profitable speculation to carry the gold of from the same cause will from the same cause often find a profitable traffic in the exchange of the metals between the two countries. Hence if other things are equal all the gold will at length come to be collected in the one place and all the silver in the other.\nIt might be supposed seem that the course of trade would correct the legal disproportion between the metals by their market value and counteract the tendency natural natural tendency of that disproportion: But the truth is that the legal rates influence though they do not absolutely controul the market rates; and influence them so far and so often that the comparative proportional values of the metals in the coins have nearly their full operation in the way which is has been stated.\nThis inference has been verified by facts. Silver is continually flowing from Europe, where it is comparitively cheaper to the East-Indies where it is comparitively dearer; and gold often returning in its stead. In Spain and England where gold is rated higher than in other countries parts of Europe silver is always scarce. In France where it is rated lower than in any other except Holland it is particularly to be found in abundance.\nThis circumstance has appeared to some immaterial, and there are even persons who from a fanciful predilection to gold have thought it adviseable to give them it a preference even by a higher price. But real utility the true criterion is utility ought alone to be consulted. And consulting this, it must be concluded, this seems to dictate that a due proportion of both metals is most desireable. If gold is more convenient in for large payments, silver is preferable in the more minute and ordinary circulation. If the one or the other were of necessity to be excluded, there are considerations, especially in countries, where bank circulation was is prevalent, which might plead for a preference to silver.\nBut the most serious consequence effect of overating either of the metals is the one if it be a real one is that last mentioned. The following are some of the circumstances which render it probable. It is evident, that as often as a country, which values either of the metals higher than in other countries with than the usual proportions receives a payment in that metal, it receives gets a less actual quantity of it for any a given sum of money than if the metal were rated lower or conformably according to those proportions. And It is also equally evident also that there will be a continual effort to make payments to it in that particular species metal to which it has annexed assigned a superior or exaggerated value; wherever the same species that metal is current at a less proportional comparative value. And it would seems to be a very natural effect from those these two causes not only that the mass of the precious that the country in question not only that the mass of the precious metals in the country in question would consist chiefly of that kind to which it had thus overrated given an extraordinary extra value th but that it would be absolutely less, than if the metals had been duly proportioned to each other.\nA Conclusions of this nature however are is to be drawn with great caution. In such matters, of this kind sort there are always some local and many other particular circumstances which qualify and vary the operation of general principles, even where they are true just; and there are endless combinations very difficult to be analized or penetrated which often render principles that have the most plausible pretensions unsound and delusive. and unfounded. unfound\nAccording to the general theory for instance there ought to be little else than gold in the United States; because perhaps the actual value of that metal in this country, in prop compared with silver is greater than any where else.\nThere ought for instance, according to the principles those which have been stated, to be a greater pr quantity of gold, in proportion to silver, in the United States, than there truly really is; because the actual comparative value of gold in this country compared with silver is perhaps higher than in any other where else. But our proximity situation with regard to the West India Islands (into some of which silver s there is a greater influx of silver, than of gold, directly from the mines of South America) facilitates supplies of silver to replace the sums exported occasions an extraordinary supply of silver and a greater pr proportion of it, in our circulation, than might be expected from its relative value. may be supposed to intitle us to.\nWhat influence the proportion in question between the metals under consideration may have upon the state of prices, and how far this may affect its operation the tendencyof that proportion to increase or lessen the quantity of the metals, are is a points not easy to be devellopped. And yet they are very necessary to an accurate judgt. of the true operation of the thing.\nBut however difficult it may be to pronounce with certainty that the possession of a less quantity of specie, in the aggregate, is a consequence of a wrong proportion between overrating either of the Metals, there is enough of probability in the considerations which seem to indicate it to form an ag argument against any such overvaluation.\nA third consequence of a wrong proportion is a greater and more frequent disturbance of the money Unit by th greater & more frequently fluctuations in diversity between the legal & legal & the the market proportions.\nBut the presumption t is that price is there is no obviou very very obvious connection between the two things; and there are so many circumstances which so sensibly manifestly and sensibly regulate price are known to regulate price, and which must necessarily do it with such superior force, wh with a force manifestly so much superior to any thing that can be conjectured to belong attributed to that cause, if it has any influence at all, that there is not room for a presumption that its effect in this way, if it has any at all, can counteract its tendency in the other.\nThe impossibility difficulty however of calculating the effect of this and of a variety of other circumstances which occur in an investigation of this sort.\nThe relations of commercecommercial relations between one country and others, or, in other words, the general course of the trade of a country, which must influence the market value of the metals, as well as of all other things, enter deeply into the calculation consideration of the proper proportion between them which the law ought to be establishrecognizeed by law between them. Perhaps they ought to furnish the rule Indeed there seems to be no it is not easy to imagine a better rule for the legal than the market proportion; if the latter can be considered as having been produced by the fair free and permanent steady operation of commercial principles. It is presumeable that each metal would in this case find its true level according to the its intrinsic utility in the general system of money operations.\nIn s matters that involve such various and intricate combinations, that admit of so many exceptions to general rules and it may be even be said of such a conflict of principles, it must always ever be dangerous to depart deviate too far widely far from the actual state of things in compliance with abstract or speculative ideas however irrefragable they may seem in theory with abstra under the guidance of general propositions deduced resulting from an abstract or theoretic view of the subject. Nevertheless the presumption of there being something wrong in that state of things may be so decisive, it may present such glaring palpable extremes and may diverge so widely from principles, that there may be less hazard of erring by departing from it than by adhering to it; provided the departure be not too violent, or excessive. be neither violent in the mode nor excessive in the degree.\nAs an expedient for avoiding the inconveniences of an erroneous proportion it has been proposed that none should be fixed, that the money unit should be attached to one of the metals only and that the other should be left to fluctuate find its value in the market as bullion.\nThis idea is not without strong reasons to support it; but it is also open to weighty objections. It is evident that the metal to which the unit was not attached would be divested of the character and office of money; for to preserve the existence of these an ascertained value an ascertained and determinate value in all payments both to the public and to individuals is indispensable. And that necessarily involves a legal proportion.\nTo annul the utility use of one of the metals as money would be to abrige the quantity of circulating medium; and would be subject to all the objections which spring from a comparison of the benefits of a full, with the evils of a scanty, circulation.\nIt would not be a satisfactory answer to say that none but the favoured metal would find its way into the country; that all as in that, all ballances would be paid. This would depend on the abundance or scarcity of it in the Country paying. Where there happened to be but little of it, it is either could not be had or it would require a premium to obtain it, which wherever there was a competition with others in a branch of Trade, would constitute a deduction from the profits of the party receiving. It is also to be expected suspected that the embarrassments which this would sometimes create in the pecuniary liq liquidation of ballances would lead to increased additional efforts to find a substitute in commodities; and would so far obstruct the introduction of the metals.\nThe effect The consequence too of excluding one of the metals would be in other senses views unfriendly to commerce. It is often in the course of trade as desireable to have the kind of money, as the kind of commodities, which will best suit a foreign market.\nThe design of the proposition under consideration is to render that which is the common measure of value as fixed and as invariable itself as the nature of things will admit. But perhaps the same va this valuable end may be obtained by another expedient less exceptionable, which will be mentioned hereafter.\nTaking it for granted that both the coins of the United States ought to consist of both of the embrace both the precious metals and consequently that the proportion between them must be adjusted by some rule, it remains to inquire what ought to be that rule.\nThere seems to be an option of one of three things\u2014\nTo seek on a mean proportion To adopt the or average proportion of the relative value which\nTo approach as nearly as possible to a the mean or average proportion of the relative values of the two metals in the countries different commercial parts of Europe.\nTo take as a standard the proportion which now exists in the United States.\nOr to seek for some intermediate point standard whih  which there may be reason to believe is better adapted than either to our particular situation.\nTo ascertain the first, with perfect precision, would require better matter materials, than are possessed; especially as the sources of information which there has been opportunity of consulting though are not intirely correspondent with each other.\nA representation of Sir Isaac Newton to the Treasury of Great Britain in the year 1717; which is the most authentic document within the reach of the Secretary, stating states the following particulars\u2014that the legal proportions between gold and silver in Spain and Portugal is as 16 to 1; that in Spain Silver commonly bears a premium of 6 \u214c Cent that in France the proportion is reckoned as fifteen to one; that according to the current rates proportions which prevail between of gold and silver in Holland an English Guinea would be worth 20/ & 7\u00bd Stg; which gives the proportion of  that according to the current rates of gold and silver in Italy Germany Poland Denmark and Sweden a guinea would be worth from 20/ & 7d to 20/ & 4d Sterling which at a mean would give the proportion of  and concludes from the whole that \u201cby the course of trade and exchange between nation and nation in all Europe fine gold is to fine silver as 14 \u2158 to 15 for 1.\u201d\nAn English writer of reputation who appears to have investi investigated the point with great accuracy and care and who details all the data of accompanies his calculations with their data which are confirmed by other authority their his calculations states the proportion between Gold and Silver in Holland at  and in France at \nAn approved German author of Reputation who appears and pro professes to have bestowed great l and appears to have taken bestowed great pains to in collecting and collating information on the subject states the proportion between gold and silver as follows\nIn Holland as 1 to 14 6/10 or\nIn Denmark as\n1 to 15 nearly\nIn England as\n1 to\nIn France as\n1 to\nIn Mexico as\n1 to\nIn Portugal as\n1 to from 13.438 to\nIn Spain as\n1 to from 14.886 to\nIn Mexico as\n1 to\nIn Denmark as\n1 to\nIn Russia as\n1 to\nThe Table in the Schedule  extracted from the work of this author will shew exhibits the several coins to which these proportions relate and the quantities of fine gold and silver to which each of them corresponds expressed in German aces, which are to troy grains as 1 to  [or] 7766 to 5760\nThese authorities and some the tables of coins which are every where to be met with contain the most accurate precise details relative to the subject of Inquiry which the Secretary has been able to meet find. To assist the inquiry To this written information he has added that which all that he could derive from communications with well informed other sources and among others the rest from an assay of the different coins current in the United States which he has caused to be made by different individuals. hands. But from the latt last less benefit is derivable has resulted than might have been be be supposed. The want of the species of practice which begets precision in this particular does not permit a reliance on the accuracy of what has been done.\nFrom all the information which the Secretary has obtained, compared and combined, he infers, that the average actu proportion market between Gold and Silver in those Countries of Europe in which Commerce may be supposed to have the most its natural and due influence a more direct direct is in the matter upon the thing namely England Holland France Spain Portugal and Italy, the average market proportion between gold and silver is as  and that throughout Europe that proportion is as  In this calculation the market proportion in England is taken to be as 1 to  though the legal proportion now is as 1 \nThe propor current proportion between gold and silver in the United States is abou nearly as may be considered as 1 to 15.873 or thereabouts.\nGold Coin in Pensylvania The several gold coins of Fran In Pensylvania the price of gold in coin the coins most usually current is \u2076\u2044\u2088 \u214c dwt.\u2014that of silver is \u2077\u2044\u2086 per dollar for a Spanish dollar and  for a French Crown which may be considered as our the standard silver coin of the country. This gives the proportion mentioned. The average weight of the dollars which now in general circulation are those a not are such as have been coining coined since the year  and their average weight as nearly as it can be ascertained is 17d 17 dwt. 8 grains and six mites. Computing a dollar of this weight at \u2077\u2044\u2086 and a pennyweight of Gold Supposing the Taking their fineness to be as 221 to 19, which is the proportion agreeably to the Table of Assays compiled by Sir Isaac Newton (and the Secretary knows not of any subsequent change in the Spanish standard) and computing a dollar to be of the weight of 17 dwt 8 Grains & 6 mites and of the value of \u2077\u2044\u2086 Py Curren & a penny weight supposing the gold to be twenty two\nThe following are the data upon which this proportion is determined. English Spanish Portugal & French gold Coins are those which are usually current in this country and generally at the same rate though they differ in fineness. This rate is 6/8 \u214c dwt. Pensa. Currency. Spanish Dollars and French crowns are the silver coins which constitute the mass of our currency in that metal. The former are generally pass at the rate of 7/6 Pensylvania Currency. The latter per piece and the latter at but the latter are current in different parts of the Union at different rates. In Pensylvania the value of a French Crown is 8/4 in New York at 9/ currency of that state. And there are other differences in other states. Supposing that all these differen kinds of gold coins and the two kinds of silver coins circulate in equal quantities (which though probably not exactly the fact is probably not so wide from it as to make any material difference) and calculating their mean fineness according to the table of assays compiled by Sir Isaac Newton it is found that a penny dwt. of fine go contains of fine gold \nFurther, It appears on It is found appears that the dollars now in common circulation are such as have been coined since the year  and that their average weight is 17 dwt. 8 Grs. & 6 mites. And that the average weight of the French Crown is  Calculating the mean finesness of these two kinds of coins according to the Table and stating the price of the crown at a mean between the two rates which are mentioned above, it results that 7/6 Pensylvania Currency is the value of  of fine silver. Hence  of fine gold are of equal value with  of fine silver which establishin the furnishes the proportion of 1 for  These minute minute details are stated from the a supposition that in matters o a matter of such nicety it will be satisfory to the House to be possessed be acquainted with the principles from which any general conclusions are drawn.\nWhat has been the occasion of giving so high a value to gold is not easy to be accounted for. No reasons of commerce occur to afford a solution. There is every proportion is probability that the proportion is an arbitrary one founded in prejudice, once and that having been once assumed adopted it has been supported by that prejudice by the scarcity of money, and the want of accura accurate attention to the operation of the thing. The demand for the coins has has generally been so great in this country been for a considerable time past so great that it was the less has been not difficult to given and maintain an artificial value to either or both of the Metals.\nMy Previous to the revolution The result of my inquiries after the cause of this high valuation of gold is that any an opinion was entertained that it would conduce to the plenty of money by preventing rendering it less advantageous to export the gold. This is the prejudice alluded to. For nothing can be more ill founded than this idea. It is true indeed that it would have the exp effect of restraining the exportation of gold but this would only occasion silver to be exported in place of it and in greater quantity than ought to be the case. If a foreigner was paid a sum of money in this country in gold & intended to export it the money he would if he understood his own interest select silver for the purpose interest convert his gold into silver; because for fore every ounce of gold he could get in this country near 16 ounces of silver & with from about in an European Market from 14 & a half to fifteen of these ounces would be equivalent to the ounce of gold. Consequently the difference would be so much gain to him & for the same reason so much loss to us.\nAnd then examples were not wanting of a premium being given upon silver. in the exchange of gold for silver. But it does not appear that this has been the case since the peace.\nThere seems to be a moral certainty that so excessive a value to gold is factitious and unnutar an unnatural; consequently a disease in the pecuniary system of the country which calls for a remedy. It considerably exceeds the actual value of the metal every where else In England the market proportion is generally less than 1 to 15 1/5. In Spain and Portugal where according to Sir Isaac Newton the legal proportion is 1 to 16 the market proportion according to the same authority is about 1. 1 to 15.1/25 though the legal value value as stated by Sir Isaac Newton in Spain and Portugal is somewhat greater higher.\nOne to fifteen is The proportion which in the Judgment of the Secretary would be most desireable. is He is inclined to think that such a middle station between the lowest and highest proportions which appear obtain in Europe would have be attended with some peculiar advantages and in the particular position of this Country would be attended with no inconveniences.\nBut there are considerations connected with so material considerable an alteration in the relative value of gold which are worthy of serious attention. It will be seen at once how it will affect the immediate would operate in regard to immediate those who were possessors of that species of money, at the moment of the change. And it is possible that it may in some cases affect the relative situation of debtor & Creditor to the benefit of the one and the detriment of the other. But this last does not appear to be a necessary consequence, beyond the immediate effect upon the gold actually in possession of each party, unless an alteration should be produced in the price of labour and commodities. If this should remain the same as would probably be the case, dollars being the measure to which the minds of the people of this country have been familiay r It is probable that it would be obviated by making silver the medium of adjustment of all past contracts. The minds of the people of this country have been accustomed to consider the dollars as the common measure of pecuniary value. It is upon this that all foreign exchanges have been regulated. It is to this and its subdivisions that the prices of labour and commodities seem to be attached. If this be true, those prices will not be be likely to continue at their usual rates; though in respect to the mean value of the two metals they will be greater than before. The Debtor therefore will obtain the same quantity of silver and a greater quantity of gold for whatever he can bring to market than as formerly. And he must pay his creditor with exactly the same number of dollars as before in silver or or with as much greater a quantity of gold as his labor or commodities have been worth to him. So far the Debtor will not gain and the Creditor will not lose. The latter whether paid in silver or gol gold or silver will get the full number of dollars of which his debt consisted and will be able with them to purchase the same quantity of land labour or commodities as he could have done previous to the alteration.\nIf it be thought more probable more probable that prices would be more likely to find a level will decline to a level with the mean value of the pr metals; or in other words that a given quantity of labour or commodities will would produce less gold and more less th silver than before corresponding with the difference between the old and the new proportion between the metals\u2014then to preserve the relative situation of debtor and Creditor on its original footing the expedient will be to provide that that all past contrac in respect to all past contracts, pay ts shall be made in equal quantities of gold and silver. This it is conceived In this case it is conceived same the same debtor will get for a given quantity of labour and commodities will represent the same quantit sum of debt as before and the same sum of debt will represent the same quantity of labour com and commodities.\nWhether in the uncertainty of the issue, with regard to price, it would be adviseable to adopt either expedient is doubtless certainly not a little probele problematical.\nWhether to so great an innovation as a reduction of the proprortion of the metals from that of 1 to 15 8/10  to that of 1 to 15 is consistent with a due degree of caution is also worthy of serious reflection. Perhaps upon the whole the more prudent course will be to stop at the proportion in the English Coins namely of 1 to 15 2/10. This is suggested ch chiefly by the consideration that the specie ballances we pay are principally if not wholly to Great Britain. The prevailing ideas too will more easily rally to this standard.And There will be the less danger of adding any new inducement to the exportation of our specie. Such a change is recommended by its greater moderation and it appears to be absolutely free from hazard. But no reason whatever oc concurs for permitting a higher proportion in favour of gold to subsist.\nThe proportion and composition of alloy in each metal the coins is the next point to be considered.\nThe ordinance of Congress of the  reglates that part the proportion at 1/12 that is 11 parts fine gold or silver and 1 part alloy. This proportion as it respects gold corresponds with what is professed to be the standard of most of the European Coins. But in the greater part of these it is not in fact so. There is an allowance called a deduction for what is called in England Remedy for the Master of the Mint; in France \u201cRemedy of weight and alloy\u201d \u201cRemedy of Alloy\u201d which varies the actual proportion. In France it is in This is in its origin is in the nature of an allowance to the Master of the Mint to indemnify him to indemnify or excuse him for unavoidable errors & imperfections in the process or workmanship, rendering the coin either lighter or baser than it ought to be. This in England is 1/5 of a Carat En in the theory of the English Mint is 1/6 of a Carat; but in fact the coin approaches more nearly to the real true standard. The remedy however is realised in the coins of Spain Portugal Italy & France. In France the proportion of fine gold to alloy is as  The ducats of On the other hand the preceeding gold principal gold coins of Germany Holland Sweden & Denmark and the Sequin of Venice are Poland & Italy are from from 1 Carat & \u00bc to 1 Carat and 7/8 better than the English standard. The carat is a term of proportion signifying the 24th part of any integ integer of actual weight.\nThere are like variations in the standards of the Silver coins of the different parts of Europe. That of England is 222 parts fine and 18 parts alloy. That of of Spain is 223 parts fine & 1 part alloy. That of France  The standards of other countries vary from that of England from 17\u00bd parts better to 75 parts worse.\nThe two principal reasons assigned for alloy are these The mixture of the metals finer with the baser metal in the natural state and consequently the sparing of expence in to refine them. The necessity of hardening the former, to prevent the too great diminution of the coins by friction or wearing. From the prevalency of the practice of alloying the first reason extends to the state of the foreign coins, which are to be converted into the national; and which if alloy were to be excluded from the latter would be to be refined at no inconsid an expence. The justness of the second reason has been disputed and experiments have been asserted alleged to prove that the alloyed coins wear faster than the fine. Fist appearances are against this position; but the fact may deserve future investigation. In the mean time other more certain considerations and the general most more general practice of nations ought to govern.\nThe proportion of 1/12 alloy for gold seems seems to be a well chosen one; because it corresponds with the standard real or professed or real of the most commercial nations and of those with whom we have most intercourse and not because it is said to be not far distant from the usual proportion which is found in the metal in its natural state; and which if true mu affords a consideration of some weight in reference to the expence of refining. To increase the alloy would be objectionable in different respects. First As the value of the Coin is and ought to be rated according to the quantity of fine gold contained in it counting the alloy for nothing all unnecessary addition of alloy is an unnecessary increase of expence; especially as if as usual it is to consist partly of silver. Secondly the debasement of the standard is apt to occasion in public estimation a species of discredit to the Coin. And in fact from the difficulty of separation any go quantity of gold mixed with silver loses a portion of its value. Thirdly in proportion as the coin deviates from that state which constitutes its greatest beauty and acquires a baser countenance it becomes more exposed to the danger of counterfeits. The perfection of the coin as well in relation to the beauty of its color as to the excellences of its workmanship is no inconsiderable ingredient security against the fraudulent imitation of it.\nA like proportion for silver as for gold recommends itself by its symmetry & correspondency in system; especially as it varies ver not materially from the standard of the silver coins in general currency in the United States. If a regard to system & symmetry in a more important point does not recommend a different proportion departure. This will be examined hereafter.\nThe common alloy of gold is partly silver silver partly copper. That of silver is wholly copper. Two reasons are given for the mixture of silver & copper with gold. One is that they are usually found mixed blended with the metal it in its prim\u00e6val state. An The other is that the beauty of the coin depends on that mixture, silver tending to render it too pale, copper too red.\nIn England the rule is half equal parts of silver half & Copper. The proportion varies in the coins of some several other countries from that of England one half two thirds to 1 third, Silver. There may be reasons for fixing it by law in the United States not to exceed one half nor fall short more than of 1/3 leaving a discretion in some proper place to regulate the matter within those limits as experiment experience in the execution shall recommend. recommend.\nWhether Coinage shall be free or subject to a duty or in other words whether there shall be a difference or not between the value of the metals in the National Coin & the Mint price of foreign Coins and bullion?\nThe practice of different countries differs in this particular. In England coinage is free; that is the expence of it is borne defrayed by the Government; In France there and at the Mint an equal quantity of fine gold in guineas is are exchanged for bullion at the par of the fine gold in each. In France there is a considerable duty which not only defrays the expence of coining the Mint, but yields a profit to the state. In Holland there is a duty designed to be only commensurate with the expence of the Coinage; but which is said to afford a small profit. The difference there between the Mint v legal value of the metal, in the coins, and the mint price of bullion, is according to the most accurate statement that has been obtained, upon gold  and upon silver \nThe Ordinance of Congress  establishes a similar the like difference at \u00bd \u214c Cent on Gold & upon 2 \u214c Cent on Silver.\nThe policy of these differing usages presents one of the nicest questions in the whole doctrine of money.\nThe arguments for a free coinage are that it preserves the intrinsic value of the metals which are the money of the world; that it makes the expence of coinage a general instead of a particular partial tax and (it has been added) that it tends to promote the introduction of the gold and silver, which it is alleged will naturally flow to that place where they can find the best market.\nThe arguments for a duty on coinage are\u2014That the want of it occasions an extra expence, by occasionning causing the national coins to be melted down or exported indiscriminately with bullion, there being no motive of individual of interest to make a ma distinction between them; there being in such case no motive of individual interest to distinguish between the national coins and bullion, which are accordingly melted down & exported indiscriminately. that when the national coins become light by wearing bullion rises in price even beyond those of full weight which again occasions the melting down of the coin and additional expence and loss to the Mint to renew it. in repairing the waste increases the expence of maintaining the requisite supply for circulation; (as was exemplied in England in the year  when the current price of a pound of Troy of gold bullion of standard fineness was 19 Shillings and 6d to 25/ Sterling more than the value of the same weight of in guineas at their exit from the as delivered at the Mint: a ph\u0153nomenon thus accounted for\u2014Guineas were then current by tale (The old ones guineas were more than two per cent lighter than they ought to be. A pound weight of bullion was therefore really worth more in those The standard weight of a guinea in bullion was therefore truly worth two per Cent more than those guineas. The market price regulated itself in conf It accordingly rose in the market in respect to them though not in proportion to the real difference. As guineas passed by tale the new ones which were issued from the minted were confounded in the circulation with the old ones and by the association were depreciated below their intrinsic value. It became of course a profitable traffic to sell bullion for coin to select it and reissuing the light ones in currency to melt down the heavy ones and sell them again as bullion. This practice cost no inconsiderable sum to the government as was no trifling derangement of the monied operations of the nation) that a duty on coinage promotes a favourable course of exchange and benefits trade not only by that circumstance but by rendering in certain cases domestic obliging foreigners in certain cases to pay more dearer more for domestic commodities and to sell their own cheaper. take less for their own.\nAs far as these arguments are relate to the inconveniences of a free coinage as lead favouring the melting down and exportation of the National Coin and consequently augmenting the expence of maintaining coining, they are certainly founded both in reason and experience. They describe what has taken place and is continually going on in Great Britain.\nThe effect of giving an artificial value to Bullion above the value of Coin weight for weight was exemplified in the Country referred to in the years  when the current price of a pound troy in gold bullion of standard fineness was from 19/6 to 25 mo higher than the value of the same weight of Guineas as delivered from the Mint. The phemomenon is thus satisfactorily accounted for (Take in all on other side)\nBut the practice which has since obtained of receiving the gold by weight as long as it continues will be an antidote to the return of that evil. But there is a degree of inconvenience attached to this which may cause it to be discontinued.\nThe remainder of the argument however is not equally clear or satisfactory. It The truth of it depends upon very numerous & very intricate combinations which allow the greatest endless latitude to falacies in the reasoning. It is easy to discover that if it imposition the duty has advantages it has also counterballancing considerable disadvantages which perplex the result where the duty is considerable advantages are so equally blended with disadvantages, as upon a comparison, to perplex the result.\nThe most plausible part of the argument hypothesis is that which relates to the course of exchange. As Experience has shewn that the market price of bullion has been influenced by the Mint difference between the bullion and the coin sometimes to the full extent of that difference, which in France was formerly (if it is not now) 8 per Cent and it would seem that whenever that the difference was in the market was materially greater than the charges of remitting gold to another where coinage was free exchange would be in favour of the country in which the duty of it was subject to a duty; supposing the ballance of trade even. The reason is this\u2014In the latter one country, any given sum in weight of g quantity the weight of the metals in the national coins will be purchase a quantity a greater weight quantity of them in the coins of the other country corresponding with the market difference.\nIf that mater\nThe operation may\nThe reason will best appear be shewn by stating a case stating the nature of the operation. If the ballance of Trade were at any time equal between France & England their merchants would have reciprocal payments to make to an equal amount. This of course as usual would be negotiated principally bil by bills of exchange. If at in this situation the market difference between coin & bullion should be in France in the Market as 8 \u214c Ct. as at the Mint 8 \u214c Cent in France and of the charges of transporting money from France to England should not nec exceed 2 \u214c Ct. it is evident that if exchange was at par a profit of 5 \u214c Cent could be made by sending bullion by from France to England and drawing bills for the amount. 100 Louis dors in the Coin would purchase 108 in bullion 100 of which being remitted to England to would pay the debt and 2 \u214c Cent being paid for the charges of trans insurance and transportation there would remain 6 \u214c Ct. for the benefit of the person by whom the Negotiation was managed. But as so large a profit could not fail to produce competition less and less would the bills woud would be sold lower and lower till the profit was reduced to the mimimum of what was a proper compensation for the trouble and risk. The amount of 100 louis dors in England might be afforded for 96 in France with a profit of more than 1 & \u00bd near two three \u214c Ct to the Exchanger or Broker; and at this rate bills upon England would be in France 2 \u214c C 4 \u214c Ct below par.\nBut it is admitted that this state of advantage is lost, when the ballance of Trade of Trade is against the nation which imposes the duty or Coinage as by creating increasing the demand for bullion it brings it to the par of the Coins. And it may be added that the effect is reversed And it is to be suspected that where commercial principles have their free operation the Market state of will difference wil between Coin and bullion will seldom approach n approximate to that of the Mint. The Bullion The money of the world which can be employed to equal purpose in the commerce of the world can hardly with difficulty be kept in such a state of degradation in comparison with relation to the money of a particular country.\nThis alone would seem sufficient to prevent it. Whenever the difference in the Market price of coin and bullion materially exceeded the par of the metals it would become an object to send the bullion abroad, if not to pay any ballance of trade, to be invested in foreign countries, where it was worth more of more value; an operation by which immense fortunes might be amassed; if it were not that the exportation of the bullion would of itself restore the intrinsic par. As long however as it could be practiced with advantage which is as long as exchange could reman below par there would be a continual drain of the gold and silver of the Country. And thus the advantage alleged would operate its own destruction. & produce a collateral evil, the investment of a part of the National capital abroad in foreign countries.\nIf any thing can maintain a considerable material difference between the par of the metals in Coin and in bullion it must be a constant and considerable ballance of Trade in favour of the nation where it was is maintained. In a situation like that of the U States it would be im could not happen. The frequent demand for gold & silver to pay foreign ballances would preserve the equilibrium of intrinsic value and by common consent the foreign coins would circulate nearly at par with the coin. national.\nTo say that as far as the lowering the exchange is produced, though though it be only occasional and momentary, there is a benefit the more thrown into the scale if public prosperity is not very satisfactory. It has been seen that it may be accompanied with an one evil, the investment of a part of the National capital in foreign Countries. And perhaps on a close examination other evils will be descried.\nOne allied to that already mentioned is this\u2014wherever it may has happened that french louis dors have been are sent to a foreign Country from whatever cause, if there be a considerable market difference in France between Coin and bullion it will constitute an advantageous traffic to send back these Louis Dors and bring away bullion; upon all of which exchanges France sustains an actual loss of a part of its gold and silver.\nAgain Such a difference between coin and bullion has a natural tendency to produce an unfavourable ballance of Trade. Whenever a foreign Merchant carries his own commodities to France for sale he has a strong inducement to bring back specie instead of French commodities; because the return in the latter af may afford no profit, may be attended with loss, in the former it will afford a certain profit. The same principle will operate in the general course of remittances from France to foreign countries. The only question with a Merchant naturally is\u2014In what article can I procure realize a given sum abroad with most advantage? And in every case in which other commodities are not likely to produce a greater profit than bullion he will prefer that. Its certainty of answering his purpose will be an additional motive. There can perhaps be no circumstance more unfriendly to Trade and Industry;; than the continual existence of continual an extra inducement to export gold and silver than rather than the productions of the commodities of a Country. Happily such an inducement cannot long exist. The evil will bring its own remedy the bullion will find its due level and the effect will cease.\nBut this proves not only that the supposed effect cannot long exist; but that as long as it does it has an injurious tendency.\nThe other supposed advantages of obliging foreigners to pay dearer for domestic commodities and to sell their own cheaper are applied to a favourable situation, which includes a favourable ballance of Trade. But it is at the same time admitted that these very circumstances tend to affect that ballance, disadvantageously, by diverting trade into other channels: For Since foreigners will then naturally seek some other vent for their own commodities, and some other market where they can supply their wants at an easier rate. And nothing which contributes that tends to change the course of a favourable beneficial branch of Trade can well compensate by any particular advantages for so injurious an effect. a tendency. It is much easier to change alter the course of trade from a less to a more favourable channel where it can be directed into a better channel than to bring it back from that into its old one. Whatever therefore is capable of giving at at any time an artificial interruption to the natural current of Trade when advantageous ought with great caution to be patronised embraced because it may have some exhibit some specious and alluring appearances.\nIt is not unworthy of attention, that the able Minister, who has so long presided over conducted the Finances of France does not attribute any pecuil to the impos duty on Coinage, in that country, any peculiar advantages in respect to Trade or exch relation to exchange and trade. Though he appears rather an advocate for it, in is within the present limits, he is seems to confine the inducement to the revenue derived from it which it affords &, which he considers in the light of a very moderate duty on the general mass of exportation.\nIt is probable too that the peculiar felicity of situation of that kingdom has prevented its experiencing some of the evils ill effects in which are seem naturally incident to the regulation. There is no country in perhaps no part of Europe which stands so little in need of other countries is as France \u2014comprehending a variety of soils and climates\u2014& an immense population, its agriculture being in a state of high improvement, it possesses within itself, most if not all the all the productions of the earth which any of its neighbours can are common to other countries and spec superadds the finest wines in the world. any of its most favoured neighbours can boast and many more than most of them possess. The abundance & peculiar excellence of its wines form in its favour a distinguishing and sin important advantage. Arts and manufactures are there also in a very advanced state; some of considerable importance value & extent in higher perfection than elsewhere. The nature of its connection with Its contiguity to Spain Spain, a country with few or no manufacture and the intimate nature of its connection with Spain that country; a country with few fabrics manufactures of its own consequently numerous wants and the reservoir of the treasures riches of the new world. These circumstances concur in are calculated to securing to France a very so uniform & so considerable a ballance of Trade as in a great to counteractmeasure the natural tendency of the any errors which in the management of its Coin which may have happen in the system of its her Mint; and to render any inferences from the operation of that system there in reference to this Country more liable to mislead than instruct.\nNor ought it to pass unnoticed that with all these advantages, the Government of France has upon particular occasion been obliged to employ very violent expedients methods to compel the bringing of bullion to the Mint; which is a strong argument indication of the inexpediency of the Regulation and of the impracticability of executing it in the U States.\nIt will not follow however, from what has been said, that the idea of a difference between the leg value of the Coins and the mint price of bullion weight for weight ought ult wholly to be discarded. It will only follow that it ought not to be adopted with a view to any supposed advantages to exchange and trade, or let it be added; with any view of profit to the state, because this would be likely to extend it further than would be likely to be safe be probably salutary or safe; and beyond the ideas of intrinsic value, as will be explained hereafter.\nThe Secretary does not discern that a small difference corresponding with the minimum of expence which attends the fabrication of money bullion into coin and excluding absolutely the idea of profit or Revenue is likely contrary to any sound principle or likely to be attended with any ill effects. To compute that minimum here where there has been no experience is not an easy task. But from the information which it has been possible to procure, it is inferred that, by an \u0153conomical establishment of the Mint and avoiding an unnecessary multiplication of the Coins, the coinage of gold may be effected at about \u00bd \u214c Cent and of silver at about \u00bd \u214c Cent on gold & 1 \u214c Cent on silver will defray the expence of their coinage. It is not meant that these rates will correspond with the precise expence of each kind but that together they will answer to that of both.\nThat a fabric or manufacture of whatever kind should be esteemed of greater value than a raw material, in the proportion of the expence which it costs the fabrication of it costs, is in the nature of things; It is an universal and comports with the ideas which prevail on all other subjects. When a Nation has a coin of its own, bullion is to it the raw material. And the coin may be affirmed to be intrinsically worth more in the as much more as it costs in the preparation.\nA difference therefore equal to this in the Mint price of Coin and bullion is founded in a real difference between the two things and is conformable to the most natural ideas of value price or value.\nA question arises whether with such a difference foreign coins or bullion will be voluntarily brought to the Mint to be converted into the National coin. There seems to be no reason to doubt that it will. The consequences of the establishment of a Coin Mint will be that that only the Coin only will be legally current either in payments to the government or to individuals. It will therefore have a superior utility to bullion, which always implies is in fact superior value. And where the difference is as moderate as is contemplated, this circumstance can hardly fail to give it effect in the Market and consequently to dispose individuals to sell the bullion to the Mint at the price established.\nBut there is still another question, will it not promote the exportation of bullion? It is difficult to perceive how it could have this effect in such a degree as to amount to an objection.. There seems to be but two The principles operations of Trade seem to furnish but three two inducements in the course of trade to the exportation of gold and silver. One to pay a wrong ballance; the other to make profit on the commodity or avoid greater loss on some other.. When the first exists it must at all events be paid either in bullion or in coin, and it is better that it should be paid in the former than in the latter because it avoids the expence of furnishing an additional coinage. In regard to profit, the difference of price in contemplation would not admit of any; because the charges of transmission would exceed it. These between the U States & Europe are between two & three per Cent. As to the avoiding of greater loss there may be particular situations in which this ma consideration may operate. The commodities of a country may happen at a particular conjuncture to bear so low a price in a foreign Market that bullion or even coin may make a better remittance. And the inferior value of bullion must be allowed to increase the chances of such cases. The difference is the measure of the weight of any objection to be drawn from this source. But it appears in this view that there is some room for one.\nTwo things seem to\nIt does not however appear to be a formidable one. Where the comparitively greater loss of which there is a chance possibility is very small, the other chance of a less loss or perhaps of some profit from a favourable change rise of prices favourable alteration of prices is apt to preponderate. And it may be added, that the Merchants of a country consider themselves as so much interested in the preservation of its specie that they are commonly willing rather to hazard something than be instrumental in its exportation. If the duty were high neither that disposition nor the calculations respecting could not be relied upon, because the probable sacrifice would be too great; in this case in which case the obj neither in that case would the chance of a rise in prices be prices be put in competition with the prospect of doing so much better more certain greater prospect of doing so much better by the exportation of bullion. The objection though therefore however dimininished in reference to a low small differences between coin and bullion would be very powerful when applied to a large one. But, in relation to any difference, it is to be acknowledged that the observations which are to be opposed to it in only qualificat only qualify but do not remove the objection.\nA third question which arises is whether this duty on coinage does not operate as a partial tax. If it is truly, as has been alleged a tax on in the nature of a duty on exportation the inference would seem to be that it will either be divided among the Community or paid by foreigners.. In those articles in which there is a competition between us & other Nations the duty will be paid at home. And in this case For here the furnishers of commodities for exportation would stand in the place of the consumers of articles imported. In regard to those articles in which there is little or no competition with foreigners they as consumers will generally pay the duty. But if it be it operate as a spe duty on the particular commodity to which it directly relates bullion itself its operation would be confined to the Merchants who import it & who cannot who could not in this as in other cases of duties on importations indemnify themselves out of the pockets of the Consumers.\nBut viewing it in the latter light it the no very weighty objection would perhaps result if the regulation be really beneficial it will only afford an objection of weight if the regulation be not really a beneficial one as it relates to the general system of the order of the National Coin. If it have a good effect with regard to this, the Merchants may be indemnified by the advantage it produces in that way. For they are it is the class of the community most immediately directly interested in the proper management of this branch of administration.\nThe question then is what are the advantages of such a Regulation in regard to the Coin of the nation. Those which appear to be real and solid are the prevention of the melting down and exporting of the National Coin as long as bullion can be had instead of it; and consequently the saving of a considerable expence to repair the waste.\nWith regard to the disorder of bullion rising above the its intrinsic value in respect to the coin the practice which has since obtained in England of taking the coin by weight and not by tale is itself a preventative. It is to be admitted however that there is a degree of inconvenience in this which may bring it into disuse; but if allowed by the laws it is presumeable it would be revived when ever the bullion should rise again above the par of the Coin.\nIt has been is sometimes suggested as an expedient to prevent the evils which consistently with a free coinage might tend to prevent the evils attend desired in contemplation; to increase the quantity of alloy in the metal coins (valuing them nevertheless according to the quantity of pure metal they contained) which it is alleged by increasing the difficulty of refining would cause a preference to be given to bullion but both for home manufactures and exportation.\nBut strong objections to this have been already mentioned. An increase of expence in proportion to the increase of alloy. The value of copper the additional copper in a long series years a considerable would be object of the silver a more considerable. A An actual depreciation of the standard in the public estimation from the very circumstance of the increased difficulty of refining it; which in England is at four pence Sterling per Ounce a greater depreciation in the public estimation from the deb apparent debasement of it, the loss of its beauty, a part of its perfection, its beauty, and consequently and increase of the danger of counterfiets.\nThough a small increase addition of copper may not be at in the coinage of a year may not appear a considerable object yet in a long series of years it becomes a very considerable serious one. And the Regulations on such a subject of the National coin ought to contemplate the lapse & operation of ages; and the smallest additional expence in this view is of great moment. This observation when applied to an increase of the silver in the gold coin becomes still more weighty and serious. If the increase in this case should be wholly of Copper, the effect upon the colour of the gold would be proporptionably disadvantages. If the quantity of Copper mixed with gold be at all considerable it gives it a coppery hue. From The mixture of an equal portion part of silver where the proportion of alloy is only 1/12 indicates that experience has shewn a greater quantity than about 1/24 to be ineligible.\nIn England where ever gold bullion is was below the standard fineness it is has been common with the Goldsmiths to make a deduction; which when the difference is was a Carat is was 4d. Sterling \u214c Ounce of fine gold; which is about \u00bd \u214c Cent. If therefore the additional half Taking this as a rule, if a difference of a single carat or 1/24th part should be made in the fineness of the gold coin of the U States each piece would be\u00bd \u214c Cent of less value than a piece of English Coin containing only the same quantity of fine gold. Thus all the gold coin of the Country U States would be actually depreciated \u00bd \u214c Cent; with an additional expence to the Government to produce that effect. This too would be in reality a diminution of the money Unit of the U States.\nIf Gold plate in the U States by usage or by law were of a finer standard than the National Gold Coin; the foreign Coins of a superior standard would be really worth more to the goldsmith than the National Coin; whence there would be a possibility of their bearing a higher price in the Market, which would might not only obstruct the carrying them to the Mint but might occasion the exportation of the Nat Coin in preference. The Secretary does not understand that the practice of making a deduction for the inferiority of the standard obtains at the English Mint. If it does not the National coin would answer as well to be remitted that to that Kingdom as its own. And this too would in a great degree too frustrate the intended effect. For in this case the Coin of the U States would according to its fine the actual quantity of fine gold contained in it produced as many guineas at the mint mint as bullion of the of its own or any other standard.\nIf plate shoul the standard of plate should correspond with that of the Coin, then the inducement to prefer bullion for the manufacture of it would be at an end and the proposed advantage as far as respects the object would be lost.\nThe effect of the debasement in the public opinion is not easy to be calculated. It is always to be remembered however that the effects of imagination & prejudice are not to be disregarded in any thing that relates to concerns money. It would be difficult to persuad the bulk of the people that what appeared worse was not really less valuable. And It is not certain that the consequence might not be an unnatural augmentation of prices; which would be a further actual depreciation of the coin.\nThe danger additional danger of counterfiets as far as it is founded has foundation is a serious consideration. It is a sound observation that  And it is evident that beauty or appearance is a colour is as much well an ingredient in the perfection of Coin as the excellence of the workmanship. To approximate its complexion too much either to silver or copper would deprive the mass of the community of one of its best means of distinguishing the genuine from the false.\nIt appears then that the augmentation of the alloy would have several ill consequences & might not answer the end proposed by it. On the whole it would seem more expedient to submit to the inconveniences of a free coinage with a more perfect standard rather than to those of a debased or inferior one; debasement especially too as it is questionable whether the expence in which those inconveniences principally terminate would not be equalled in the other operation.\nWhether it be not truly preferable upon the whole to have the Coinage of the U States free is without any alt an degradation of the standard, is a problem which the reflections of the Secretary have not solved to his own satisfaction. But he inclines to the opinion that it will be adviseable to commence the Coinage of the U States with the experiment of a small difference between the value of the metal in the Coin & the Mint price of bullion. According to his ideas of the mode of doing it nothing will be more easy than to relinquish it, if there shall be hereafter cause to suspect that its operation is not beneficial.\nThe Ordinance of Congress makes the difference \u00bd \u214c Ct on gold & 2 \u214c C on Silver. The Secretary does not contemplate as eligible more than 1 \u214c Ct. on silver. If the expence should really be greater he conceives it will be best that the excess should be defrayed by the Min Government.\nThere are two modes in which the difference may be made; by making a proportionable deduction out of the quantity of the fine gold or silver from the weight of the Coin or by leaving the Coin of full weight and aft making allowing at the Mint a less price for bullion equivalent to the difference intended to be established. These operations are essentially different & have the most different consequences.\nThe first is that which has obtained in the Ordinance of Congress  That Ordinance proceeds on the supposition that the Spanish Dollar is to be considered as the Unit actual money unit of the U States and computing the fine silver in it at  makes a deduction from that quantity of 2 \u214c Cent which leaves  of fine silver for the proposed Dollar of the United States. The same principle regulates the weight of the proposed Eagle or gold Coin. It is not indeed declared that the Dollar shall pass Current as an equivalent for the Spanish Dollar: But this seems to have been contemplated.\nIf this was be the Intention of it, it is with great regret, the Secretary cannot\nTaking this to be the intention of it, the Convictions of the Secretary, and a sense of duty oblige him to express (though with great reluctance) a different opinion from that which must have governed the Honorable body who framed that Ordinance.\nIt is not easy to perceive in what an operation of this kind is to be distinguished from that of raising the denomination of the Coin, which has been disapproved by the wisest men, in the nations in which it has been at any time practiced & condemned by the rest of the world. To declare that a less weight of fine gold or silver shall pass for a greater s the same sum which before represented a greater weight or to declare that the same weight shall pass for a greater sum seem appear to be things precisely of one nature. And the consequences of them, if they really can be carried into effect seem to degrade the money unit below its intrinsic value, to break in upon all past contracts, and obliging Creditors to receive less than they are intitled to and in fine depreating the to depreciate property of the Country of every description. For it is evident, in this case, that every thing would be represented by a less quantity of Gold & silver than formerly.\nTo a conclusion of this sort the argument already used respecting the the int difference of intrinsic value between Coin a Manufacture and bullion a raw Material may seem an objection. Why it may be asked ought not the Coin of the U\nTo this the answer is that foreign Coins hitherto have been considered adopted by our laws and practice not as bullion, but as Coin. The sanction given to them has been equivalent to that which the new which will be hereafter given to the Coin of the U States. All prices have adjusted themselves and according to this principle. and According to this principle they have found their level both as well in foreign as in domestic commerce. If they Were they to remain attached themselves to the denomination of the new coin (though diminished in weight (though of a lighter standard) their proper ballance would be overturned and every acre of land as well as every bushel of wheat would be actually worth less than before.\nBut it is not probable likely that this would be the case. Men in this country reason too accurately to be influenced by a name. They would will not readily be persuaded that they ought to give as much of any commodity for  grains of fine silver as they have been persuaded accustomed to give for  grains, merely because the former as well as the latter is denominated called a dollar. The enlightened and free turn of thinking in of the people of this Country and the frequent demand for gold and silver towards foreign country country commerce render such an attempt likely less likely easy to succeed in the U States than in any other part of the world. The most probable consequence would be that all prices would rise in reference to the new proportion of the new Dollar in proportion to its deficiency in weight. In A revolution of this kind would confound in some degree the ideas of the community would disturb the natural order of things; and would in f and if a difference was produced par was produced between the old and the new dollar were of equal value in the market, discontents would of course prevail among all those who live on the income of their money and among the poorer classes of the community to whom the ne the necessaries of life would appear to have become dearer. It is however very much to be doubted whether in such a state of things ideas of value would not adhere to the old Dollar and consequently keep its price in the Market above that of the new Dollar in a ratio to the difference of weight. The probality of this results not only from the reason of the thing but from the fact which has been noticed with regard to the price of Bullion in England when the coin by wearing had become lighter than it ought to be to have been. For whether the Coin be lighter by law or by decay the effect is the same. This are superiority of value of bullion would intirely defeat every the very end of the Regulation.\nAnd in a either Event the Creditors of the public and of Individuals would lose a part of their property; public and private Credit would receive a serious wound. And the effective Revenues of the Country Government would be lessened.\nThere is no point in the administration of the affairs of a Nation of greater consequence than the uniform preservation of the intrinsic value of the Money Unit. United On this the security of Contracts the steady value of property essentially depends. Every experiment of a departure by Government has been attended with numerous ills and much disorder.\nThe other mode therefore is evidently the one to be preferred. To let the This is, to let the same weight and quantity of fine gold and silver in the new coin represent exactly a the same sum of money as in the old. To allow such a price only at the Mint for foreign Coins and or bullion as will admit of gain sufficient to defray the expence of the Coinage: To abolish after a certain in proper time the legal currency of the foreign coins in public or private payments: And to leave the superior utility of the Coin to effectuate the difference of market value wit which is necessary to induce the bringing of bullion to the Mint. In this way, all property and labour will be represented by the same quantity of gold and silver, as before, and the only change will be the withdrawing of the privilege heretofore hitherto granted to foreign coins of circulating as money and permitting them to become as they ought to be a mere article of Merchandize. Here bullion, or the matter which composes the foreign coins, will be the only thing affected.\nAssuming it as a sacred principle to avoid as much as possible and with scrupulous caution whatever may make an alteration in the intrinsic value of the Money Unit\u2014The investigation naturally proceeds to the Natural of the Money Unit and Money Arithmetic which the system of the U States ought to embrace.\nIt has been justly remarked that the Dollar has the fairest pretensions to be considered as the Money United of the United States. Not only the proceedings of the Government of the United States since the commencement of the late revolution have adopted it as such; but the doing of this was evidently analogous to the antecedent state of things. This may be inferred from the method of computing the foreign exchanges throughout the U S which as far as the Secretarys information goes is the same in the states generally and is evidently founded upon the Dollar. The par for example between Pensylvania and England is deemed 166 pounds 13/ & 4 Peny Currency for a hundred pounds Sterling. The Dollar passes Current in Pensyl. for 7/6 which according to the supposed par of exchange would make its value in Sterling money 4/6. Now this is the true value of the of the old Dollar or old seville piece of  which was doubtless in view of the \u00c6ra that when that par was first fixed; though the Dollar has since degenerated both in weight and finess. This computed par of exchange has evidently had no relation to Gold, which at 6/8 \u214c dwt, the rate at which it is current would make the par  for 100 pounds Sterling.\nThough the pound therefore has been the unit in the money of Account, in use among individuals, the Dollars appears to have been the actual unit in the Coins or in other words that which has been the common measure of real the actual value of the money of Account.\nThe preservation of the Dollars as the unit in the Coins of the United States is recommended not only by the station it has held hitherto but by other considerations. It has been justly remarked that the Dollars is a piece of commo convenient volume or size & that it for as a measure of the ordinary money transactions & that it is desireable that the new unit should correspond with some of the foreign former known coins that the minds of the people may readily familiarise themselves to it and its subdivisions; withou and may be able by a quick reference in the mind to compare them with the measures of value to which they have been heretofore accustomed; without which the general adoption of the change would certainly be adopted attended with delay difficulty and some portion of disinclination. The new dollar, if understood, to be of the same intrinsic value with the old would at once be substituted in its place; and its subdivisions into tenth parts may will admit an easy comparison with the former measures. In Pensylvania it would exactly correspond with nine pence in New York it would approach most nearly to ten pence in the states in which the Dollars has been rated at 6/ it would b answer to about a penny half penny.\nIt merits a remark here that the idea of preserving the intrinsic value of the Dollar Unit is not less necessary to secure the advantage of a ready adoption of it in the minds of the people as a common measure than it is important in the other lights. Any diminution of that value would be likely to be in this respect a source of inextricable confusion.\nWhat is the in intrinsic value of the present money Unit is a question of fact. If be the Dollar be taken as that species of coin to which it has heretofore had relation, which it is presumed ought to be the case then it would seem that the average weight of fine silver in the Dollar now & for some years back in general circulation ought to furnish the standard. According to the observation, which has been made the Dollar originally compl contemplated was a different thing from that which which now prevails. It was of greater effective weight and of finer standard. The former was 17.12 Grains, the latter 1 dwt. worse than the English. It consequently contained  grains of fine silver. The average weight of the present circulating dollar is 17.8 dw grains\u2014Its standard, according to the most modern authorities, which best correspond with the assays which that have been made under the direction of the Secretary, is 261 parts fine and 27 parts alloy. Taking this as a rule the quantity of fine silver in a the present circulating Dollar is 377 Grains.\n377 Grains of fine silver ought therefore to compose the money unit or new Dollar of the U States. If the alloy be 1/12, the effective weight will be then be 411 Grains Grains 411 3/11 grains.\nBut it has been suggested by the secretary of the State as a desireable thing that the weight of the money unit of coin should corres be correspond with the unit of weight.\nThere is an accuracy and spirit of system in this suggestion which constitutes a strong recommendation of it; if the advantage is not to be procured at the expence of some more considerable benefit. Fortunately there is such a coincidence of essential principles with this systematic idea, that it is not difficult to adhere to it. The unit of weight is calculated at in Troy Grains at 21438 410.21438. At 1/12 alloy the Dollar will only be 411.27272 the difference 1.05834. A very small diminution of the alloy will suffice to bring it to the point desireable point.\nIt may be a question whether the old seville pice of eght (which as has been remarked was the dollar originally contemplated) ought not rather to be considered as the true money unit. The following considerations seem to determine against it. There has been no general regulation of law adopting it as such and usage has accommodated itself to the successive variations in the Dollar. The new ones have been indiscriminately received for the old and they have so long stood in their place that they must be presumed in point of fact to be have been in the contemplation of most of the contracts which have been entered into for several years back. So that in relation to them the adopting of the old seviville pice of Eight would be a raising of the actual money unit to the prejudice of the class of Debtors.\nThe difference however between the old & the new Dollar is a conclusive strong argument for a National Coinage. Nothing can be more improper or have a more pernicious tendency than to suffer the all the contracts of the country to fluctuate upon the regulation of a foreign Mint. The truth is that by the successive diminutions of the intrinsic value of the Dollar our money unit has been depreciated  \u214c Cent.\nAnother and a very interesting question presents itself in this place. Shall the unit in the Money of account be exclusively attached to the proposed Dollar? The argument for this (as sta before stated) is that it then becomes a more fixed & permanent thing and does not fluctuate with the fluctuations in the proportions of the Coins of the different Metals. If so it must be rendered the only thing in which payments can legally be made; and in this case the gold Coin if there should be any would become in a certain sense mere bullion. The inconveniences of its being so altogether have been stated; but they would not exist in the gold ought to there ought to be no gold coin; but gold ought to be left to find its market price as bullion. The inconveniences of this have been in part stated. It is very probable that they would be such as to cause a conventional value to be given to all foreign gold coins; which from usage as is now the case may become as fixed as if it was regulated by law. And by this mean the a great part of the the a principal end of a National Coinage, which is to avoid the disorders otherwise incident to in money in transactions which otherwise exists, that will be defeated. They will continue to have their full operation in regard to Gold. It might in some measure lessen them, if a gold coin were struck receiveable in all payments to the public. But it cannot be a convenient arrangement as it respects the Government to receive for money what it cannot pay as such and must first be obliged to sell before it can comply with the demands upon it. It is indeed probable that that this Gold Coin would in practice pass as currently for be adopted in practice as money for the same value which it had with the Government. But this would not answer the purpose for which the unit was attached; to one species of the Coin for it would then in fact be subject to the fluctuations which are desired to be guarded against. Whenev the superior value of gold and its other properties are considered it seems to have a title to be preferred to silver as money; and this is and additional reason against leaving leaving it in a state of uncertainty & subject to fluctuation.\nAnother expedient has been suggested for preserving the intrinsic value of the money unit which appears to be well worthy of consideration. This is to consider regard it as attached to neither metal but to both and consequently to require that in all payment establish as a rule that equal parts, in value, of gold & silver shall be necessary to the legality of a payment. When one rises in value, it is argued, the other falls proportionately and if va prices vary with the variations in the proportion between the two metals one half of each in a given sum will always purchase the same quantity of commodities. If they remain fixed the loss will be divided between Debtor & Creditor. But perhaps all these ideas savour of too much refinement and aim at a perfection which is not attainable, & to endeavour at which will produce greater inconveniences than are remedied. It may be discerned here that particular conjunctures would be apt to turn such a regulation to the disadvantage of one party & to the advantage of another. A particular demand may occasion a sudden rise in silver; a Debtor may be provided with gold for the discharge of a debt; he is now obliged to fail in his engagement or to part with one half his gold to procure silver at less than it was worth a little while before. He therefore sustains a loss. The Creditor receives his payment gives the money by him for a few days & the extra demand for silver ceases & its price falls to the usual level. Now the Creditor is able to make use of his silver at a greater value than that at which he received. He of course gains by a the fluctuation in the market.\nOn the whole it seems most adviseable to submit to endeavour to regulate (as nearly as circumstances will permit) the proper to have coins of both metals; to regulate the proportion between them as near to their just value as circumstances will permit and to give an equal currency to both at ther regulated in values in all payment whatsoever, leaving the unit to suffer feel the small fluctuations incident to those which attend the proportional value of the metals. In this case nothing more is mea will be meant by calling the dollar the Unit than that is the integer as well in the coins as in Account corresponding with a given quantity of fine silver or gold to be combined or subdivided as shall be judged convenient.\nIf a steady diffence difference should hereafter be discovered between the market and the legal proportions of the Metals it will call for a new regulation of that proportion. the latter\nThe Money Arithmetic or the nature of the Money of Account which has been doc adopted by the Ordinance of  has been deservedly applauded both abroad and at home. Nothing can be more simple or convenient than the Decimal Subdivisions. There is every reason to expect that the real simplicity and convenience of this arrangement with a correspondency in the Coins will quickly bring it into general use. The adoption of it in all proceedings in the Courts of the United States of the United States as well as in the offices of the United States will accelerate its adoption elsewhere. It ought to be a rule tha not only that the public accounts of every It is not sufficient that all public accounts should be kept in this mode; but it ought to be a rule that accounts all accounts & statements exhibited there the exhibited for settlement at the public offices and produced in the judicial controversies depending before Tribunals of the U States shall be in conformity to the established money of account. The latter being qualified by the exception of Original documents.\nThe number of the diffe\nWith regard to the number of different piece of the different pieces, which shall compose the Coins of the United States two considerations are to be consulted, the convenience of circulation and the cheapness of the coinage. The former ought not to be sat sacrificed to the latter; but as far as both can be conciliated, it is desireable to do it. Numerous and small (if not too minute) subdivisions of the coin facilitate circulation; but a multiplication of those of the smaller kinds must necessarily occasion an augmentation of expence the same process being necessary to a small as to a large piece.\nAs it is easy to add, it will perhaps be most adviseable to begin with a with a smaller number till shall experience shall decide whether any other subdivisions are necessary. It will probably be sufficient to begin with the following kinds.\n1 Gold piece equal in value to 10 Dollars or Units.\n1 Dollar or Unit silver piece which shall be the dollar or Unit\n1 silver piece which shall be a tenth part of the Dollar or Unit\n1 Copper piece which shall be of the value of 100 part a hundredth part of a Dollar.\n1 Copper pice which shall be of the half the value of the other.\nIn large payments the larger the pieces the more shorter the process of counting and the less the risk of the mistake and consequently the greater the safety and the convenience.\nIn payments of less than ten dollars\nAnd unless there is a scarcity of silver (which is not much to which the sit relative position of this Country renders improbable it is not easy to conceive what inconvenience to business can accrue from the necessity of may making all payments under 10 Dollars in silver that species of the Coins of that metal.\nThe tenth part of a Dollar is a piece sufficiency but a small piece; and with the aid of the Coppers Coin seem capable of sufficing for all the more minute calls of circulation. It is less than the smallest piece of silver coin in England.\nThe largest copper piece will nearly answer to the half penny Sterling & of course the smallest to the farthing. Pieces of very small value are a great accommodation to the poor and of consequence in to the by enabling them to purchase in very small portions and at a more reasonable rate the necessaries of which they stand in need. If they there were only Cents for instance the lowest price for any vendible commodity however inconsiderable in quantity would be a cent; where there are half cents it will be half cent; and in a great number of cases exactly the same things will be sold for a \u00bd Cent which would otherwise bring a Cent. But a half Cent is low enough for the minimum of price. The consequence of enabling the poorer & labouring classes to procure necessaries cheap is the putting it in their power to labour for less\u2014and the advantages of this need not be detailed.\n\u261e The denomination for of the silver coins contained in the Ordnance of Congress Resolution of the Eighht of August 1786 are significant and proper. The Dollar is is a preservation of the form recommended by its correspondency with the existing present Coin of that name & for which it is intended to be a designed to be a the substitute; which which will facilitate its ready adoption as such in the minds of the people in lieu of it ct citizens. The disme or tenth, the Cent or Hundredth the mille or thousandth are expressive of the proper because they express the proportions which they are intended to designate. It is only to be regretted that the sense of meaning of these terms will not be known familiar to those who are not acquainted with the language from which they are borrowed. It were to be wished, that the length, and in some degree the clumsiness of some of the corresponding terms in English did not discourage from preserving them. Perhaps however it may be an improvement to do it in part. The Dollar may h It is desireable usual useful to have to make nam names which signify the things to which they belong; and, in respect to objects of general use, in a manner intelligible to all. Perhaps it might be an improvement to let the Dollar have an alternative the appellation that is either of Dollar to be called either or Unit (which last will be the most significant) & to substitute \u201ctenth\u201d to disme. In time, the Unit may succeed to the Dollar. The word Cent being in pretty comm general use in dealings & instruments various transactions and instruments of different kinds will without much difficulty be understood as the hundredth & the \u00bd Cent of course as the two hundred part.\nThe eagle is not a very significant expressive or apt appellation for the gold largest piece, but nothing better occurs. The term chrysal would from its termination derivation be more significant but it would be rather affected. The smallest of the two gold coins may also be called the Dollar or Unit in common with the silver piece with which it coincides.\nThe volume or size of the a each piece is a matter of more consequence than its denomination. It is evident that the more superflicies or surface the more the piece will be liable to be injured by friction or in other words the faster it will wear. For this reason, it is desireable to render the thickness in proportion to breath as convenient great as may consist with neatness and good appearance. which is not to be disregarded. Hence the form of the double Guinea or double louis dors is preferable to that of the half Johannes for the large gold pice. The small of one cannot well be of any other will of course be of the size than of the Spanish piece of Eight of the same metal.\nAs it is of consequence to fortify the idea of the Identity of the Dollar, it may be best to let the form & size of the new one as far as the quantity of matter (the alloy being less) permits agree correspond with the form & size of the old one present.\nThe tenths may be in a mean between the Spanish 1/8 & 1/16 of a Dollar.\nThe diameter of the Cop\nThe Cents Copper coins may be formed merely with a view to good appearance; as the degree of their wearing cannot does not merit particular consideration.\u2003\u2002 The weight of a which woul fine copper to be contained in the Cent ought in the opinion of the Secretary to be  In this, the idea of intrinsic value is no further departed from than is necessary to indemnify for the expence of coinage and to avoid a too cumbrou rendering the pieces too bulky and cumbrous. species of small change. The first cost and charges of fine copper will be about  \u214c Ton. Adding  \u214c Cent for the expence of Coinage, the value of  of  is exactly a Cent. No sufficient inducement can remain to hazard the penalties of counterfieting; especially as it is hoped that means may be found to render the wormanship too perfect for ordinary imitation.\u2003\u2002 The devices on the Coins are evidently not matters of indifference. The Secretary will content himself with remarking that as far as may consist with due ornament they ought to be simple as well as significant and emblematical.. The more sharp points & angles are multiplied the more is lost by the wearing of the Coins.\u2003\u2002 Whether foreign Coins &c is the point next in order to be considered.\nAs Manifest inconveniences would attend the sudden discontinuance of the Circulation of the foreign Coins; it seems prudent, that certain kinds of them at least should be permitted to circulate for a certain period after the Mint shall be in activity to afford an opportunity to supply their place with the Coins. In that interim, the sums arising from the public revenues can undergo a Coinage before they are reissued; together with such others as may be voluntarily brought to the Mint. But all the reasons which operate in favour of the institution of a Coinage dictate that the foreign coins shall not be permanently current.\u2003\u2002 It is\u2003\u2002 Two years after the operations of the Mint should commence would probably\u2003\u2002 The kinds of foreign Coins, of which it would be convenient to permit the circulation, (because they are those now in general currency) are the\nThe English Guinea or duplica double Guinea Guineas & its subdivisions Gold Coins\nThe Spanish Gold & Silver Coins\nThe French Gold & Silver Coins\nThe Portugal Gold Coins\nThe ducats of Germany\nThe rates at which they may be received ought to correspond with their intrinsic value that is to the quantity of fine gold and silver in each, which will appear in the Table which forms the Schedule.\n\u2003\u2002Whether these\u2003\u2002 How far the consideration that their circulation is to be so temporary may ought to induce to leaving them upon their present footing is submitted.\nThe Copper coins may be formed merely with a view to good appearance as the any difference in the wearing that which can result from the difference of form cannot be of material little consequence in relation in reference to that metal.\nIt is conceived, that the weight of the cent ought to be may be 11 pennyweight, which deducting the expence of coinage will answer pretty will about correspond well or pretty exact proportion to with the value of the copper and the expence of coinage. \u27e8This\u27e9 will be to conform \u27e8to\u27e9 the ideas rule of intrinsic \u27e8val\u27e9ue as far as due \u27e8regard\u27e9 to the convenient \u27e8size\u27e9 of the coins will \u27e8per\u27e9;mit and the \u27e8deduc\u27e9tion of the \u27e8expe\u27e9nce of coinage \u27e8in\u27e9 this case will \u27e8be\u27e9 the more \u27e8pro\u27e9per as the copper coins which have been known in circulation in this country till the late confusion of late ha have current hitherto have passed been current till very lately at till lately for much more than their intrinsic value. Taking the weight as has been suggested the size of the Cent may be nearly that of the piece herewith transmitted which weighs 10dw.11gr.10.m Two thirds of the diameter of the Cent will suffice for the diameter of the half Cent.\nIt might may perhaps appear be thought expedient according to general practice to make the derive profit from the copper coinage an object of profit; but where this can be done to any considerable extent, it is hardly possible to have any effectual security against counterfiets. This consideration & concurring with the soundness of the principle of preserving the intrinsic value of the money of the a country seems to outweigh the consideration inducement of profit. Perhaps the Legislature may\nThe foregoing suggestions respecting the sizes of the several coins are made on the supposition that the legislature may think fit to regulate this matter. Perhaps however it may be judged not unadviseable to leave it to executive discretion.\nThere is a species With regard to the proposed size of the cent it is to be confessed that it is rather greater than might could be wished if it could with propriety and safety be made less: And if should the value of copper continued to decrease decline as it has done of late for sometime past it is will not long be qu very questionable whether it will long remain a fit metal for money. This has led to considering a consideration of the expediency of uniting substituting to that a composition of silver and copper intermixing a small proportion of silver to with the copper, to increase the value and lessen the bulk in order to be able to lessen the bulk of the small coins inferior coins. For this, there are precedents in different several parts of Europe. In France, this composition the composition, goes under the denomination of which is called billion, and consists how for has has consisted of one part silver and four parts copper; according to which proportion a cent might contain  defraying out of the material the expence of the coinage. The conveniency of this size is no inconsiderable argument for a recommendation of such a species of coin but the Secretary is deterred from proposing it by the apprehension of counterfiets. The effect of so small a mass of quantity of silver in comparatively so large a quantity of copper, comparatively, could easily be imite imitated by an intermixture of other metals of little value and the temptation to doing it would not be inconsiderable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0334-0003", "content": "Title: Second Draft of the Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nThe Secretary of the Treasury having maturely considered the subject referred to him by the order of the House of Representatives of the   day of  last relatively to the establishment of a Mint most respectfully submits the result of his inquiries investigation and reflections.\nA plan for an establishment of this nature involves a great prodigious vast variety of considerations intricate nice and important. The general state of debtor and Creditor; all the relations and consequences of price; the essential interests of trade and industry; the value of all property the whole income both of the State and of revenues of the Country, as well of the public as of the individuals; are liable to be sensibly influenced, beneficially or otherwise injuriously, by the injudicious or injudicious regulation of this important matter. very interesting object. It is one likewise not more necessary, than difficult to be rightly adjusted; one, which has much repeatedly occupied the meditation and researches of politicians, without having harmonised their opinions on some of the most important of the principles which enter into its discussion. Accordingly different systems continue to be advocated and the systems of different nations, after much investigation, continue to vary differ from each other.\nBut if a right adjustment of the affair matter matter be truly of such nicety and difficulty, a question very naturally arises whether it may not be most adviseable to leave things, in this respect, in the state in which they are. Why it might might it be asked, since they have so long proceeded in a train, which has caused no general sensation of inconvenience, should alterations be attempted, the precise effect of which cannot with certainty be calculated?\nThe answer to this question is not perplexing embarrassing. The immense disorder which actually reigns in the matte so delicate and important a concern, and the still greater disorder, which is every moment possible, call loudly for a reform. The dollar, originally contemplated in the money transactions of this Country, by successive diminutions of its weight and fineness, has d sustained a depreciation of about 10 \u214c Cent. And yet the new dollar still passes has a currency in all payments in place of the old, with scarcely scarcely any attention to the difference between them. The effect of this operation of this, in depreciating the value of all property, depending upon past contracts, and of all other property (as far as inattention to the alteration in the coins may be supposed to leave prices uninfluenced stationary) and uninfluenced of all other property, is too we is apparent. Nor can it require argument to prove, that a Nation ought not to suffer the value of the property of its citizens to fluctuate with the fluctuations fickle undulations of a foreign mint, and at the pleasure of a foreign power. and to change with the changes in the regulations of a foreign power sovereign.. This nevertheless is the condition of every country one, which having no standard coins of its own adopts with ul unlimite implicit confidence those coins of an other countries.\nThe unequal values allowed in different parts of the union to coins of the same intrinsic worth, the defective species of them, which embarrass the circulation of some of the states and the dissimilarity of in their several monies of account, are inconveniences which if though they cannot generally either if they are not in some measure to be ascribed to the want of a national coinage will at least be most effectually remedied by the establishment of one; a measure which will at the same time give additional security against con impositions by counterfiet as well as by base currencies.\nIt is was with great reason therefore that the house of representatives have entered upon the business of establishment ing a mint the attention of Congress under the late confederation was repeatedly drawn to the establishment of a Mint; and it is with equal reason that the house of representatives have resource resumed the subject subject has been resumed; now that the improvement in the favourable change, which has taken place in the state of public affairs admits of its being carried into execution.\nBut though the difficulty of devising a proper establishment ought not to deter from undertaking so necessary a work; yet it cannot but inspire diffidence in one, whose duty it is made to propose a plan for the purpose; and may perhaps be permitted to be relied upon as some excuse for any errors which may be chargeable upon it, or for any deviations from sounder principles which may have been suggested by others, or even in part acted upon by the former Government of the United States.\nIn order to a proper conclusion, the following particulars require to be discussed\u2014\n1 What ought to be the nature of the money unit of the United States?\n2dly What the proportion between gold and silver, if coins of both metals are to be instituted established established?\n3dly What the proportion and composition of alloy in each kind?\n4thly Whether the expence of coinage shall be defrayed by the Government or ought out of the material itself? and if the last\n5ly. The What shall be the number denominations sizes and devices of the Coins\n6thly. Whether foreign coins shall be permitted be to be current or not; if the former at what rate of value and how long for what time duration period?\nThe A ascertainment of as far as may be practicable what is the present money unit of the United States is a necessary prerequisite preliminary to the determination of what it ought to be.\nA prerequisite to determining with propriety what ought to be the money unit of the United States is to endeavour to form as accurate an idea as the nature of the case will admit of ascertain as wha far as may be practicable what it now is. The pound, though of various value, is the unit in the money of account of all the states. But it is not equally easy to pronounce what ought to be considered as the unit in the Coins. If the mode of adjusting foreign exchanges As there is no formal regulation on the point it can only be inferred collected from usage or practice. The manner of adjusting foreign exchanges would be seem to indicate the dollar as best intitled to that character. In those, the old seville piece of eight old piaster of Spain or old seville piece of 8 reals of the intrinsic value of 4 Shillings and six pence Sterling is evidently contemplated. Accordingly The computed par, of exchange between Great Britain and Pensylvania, will serve as an example. According to that, 100 pounds Sterling is equal to 166 pounds and two thirds of a pound in Pensylvania Currency; which corresponds with the proportion between 4/6 Sterling and 7/6; the current value of the Dollar, by immemorial usage, in Pensylvania: And as far as the information of the Secretary goes the same comparison holds in the other states.\nBut this circumstance, in favour of the dollar, loses much of its weight from two considerations. That species of Coin has never had any settled or a standard value according to weight or fineness; but has been permitted to circulate by tale, without regard to either; very much as a mere money of convenience; while gold has had a fixed price by par by weight and in some instances with an eye to its fineness. This greater stability of value of the gold coins is an argument of force force for considering the money unit as having been a hitherto virtually attached to gold, rather than to silver.\nAnd it is found It appears by comparison and calculation that Twenty four grains and 6/8 of a Grain of fine gold have corresponded with the nominal value of the dollar in the several states; without regard to the successive diminutions of its intrinsic worth. But If if the Dollar should notwithstanding be supposed to have the best title to being considered as the present money unit in the Coins, it would remain to ascertain ascertain determine what kind of dollar ought to be understood, or, in other words, what precise quantity of fine silver.\nThe old piastre of Spain, which appears to have regulated our foreign exchange, weighed 17 dwt. 12 grains and contained 117 386 grains & 15 Mites of fine silver. But this piece has been for a long since time past out of circulation. The dollars now and for several years past in common currency are of recent date and much inferior to that both in weight and finess. The average weight of them upon repeated different trials in large masses, has been found to be 17.8 dwt grains. Their finess is less precisely ascertained; is the results of various assays made by different persons, under the direction of the late Superintendant of the Finances and of the Secretary himself are being as various as the assays themselves. The difference between their extremes is not less than 24 grains in a dollar of the same date weight and of the same or nearly the same age; which is too much for any probable difference in the pieces. The reference want of proper apparatus and of practice must account for it. It is rather to be presumed that a degree of inaccuracy has been occasioned by the want of proper apparatus and perhaps of practice. Those which appear to have the best pretensions to accuracy exactness would make the new dollars to contain from a small fin 370.933 to 376.133 grains of fine pure silver.\nAccording to an authority, on which the Secretary places reliance, the standard of Spain for its silver coin in the year 1761 was 261 parts fine and 27 parts alloy; agreeably to at which proportion, a dollar of 17 dwt. 8 grains would consist of 377 grains of fine silver and 39 grains of alloy. But there is no question that the standard has been lately altered for the worse; to what precise point is not as accurately ascertained as could be wished; but from a computation of the value of the new dollars in the markets of Amsterdam & London (a criterion which cannot materially mislead) the new dollar is does not appear to contain more than about 368 grains of fine silver and its immediate predecessor about 374 grains. This too is rather in some degree confirmed by the assays which have been mentioned. He has no other evidence of a posterior debasement degradation of that standard, than results from those assays; but he is inclined to believe, that there has been an alteration for the worse.\nIn this state of things there is some difficulty in defining the Dollar, which ought to be considered as corresponding with the present money unit, on the supposition of its being most applicable to that species of coin. The old seville piece of 417 386 grains and 2 15 Mites fine comports best with the computations of foreign exchanges & and with the more ancient contracts respecting land property but far the greater number of existing contracts still in operation and concerning that kind of property and all those of a pers merely personal nature now in force being must be referred to a dollar of a different kind. The actual dollar at the time of contracting is the only one which can be supposed to have been contemplated and it has been seen that as long ago as the year 1761 there had been a material degradation of the standard. And even in regard to the more ancient contracts no person has ever had any idea of a scruple about receiving the dollar of the day as a full equivalent for the nominal sum which the dollar originally imported.\nA recurrence therefore to the ancient dollar would be in the greatest number of cases an innovation in fact and in all an innovation in regard respect regard to opinion. The actual dollar in common circulation has therefore evidently a much better claim to being regarded as the actual money unit.\nAn equation of the to decern find\nThe mean intrinsic value of the kin different kinds of known dollars has been suggested as an expedient intimated as affording a the proper standard. But when it is recollected, that the more antient and more valuable kinds ones are not now to be met with at all in circulation that those of a more modern not more than thirty or forty years standing are only occasionally to be seen and that the mass of those generally current is composed of the newest and most inferior kinds, it will be perceived that even such an equation of that kind nature in the would be a considerable innovation upon the real present state of things; which it will certainly be prudent to approach as far as may be consistent with the permanent order which it is the design of the government designed to be introduced.\nIt is conceived that it will be a better compromise of the different considerations which ought to be attended to, to take as a rule the\nascertained standard of 1761 and to apply it to what has been found to be a the average weight of the dollar in circulation namely 17 dwt. 8 grains which as already observed will make the dollar to consist of 377 grains of fine silver. If this should exceed, as it probably does the real quantity of fine silver in the prevailing dollar, the excess will not be great; and the state of degradation in which the degraded value of this dollar is a reason for inclining to a more liberal standard. A minute departure however from this rule cam cannot be very objectionable; if there shall be found any collateral inducements to it or any motive of collateral  advantage or utility should dictate it.\nAn additional reason for considering taking the value or nearly the value of the now prevalent prevailing dollar, which now prevails, or something near it, as the standard of the present money unit rather than the ancient dollar is that the proportion which it will bear a more just proportion to the present established value of gold which is and that has been so long annexed to gold will not only be more conformable it will be not only be more conformable to the true existing proportion between the two Metals in this Country but will be more conformable to that which obtains in the rest of the Commercial world. Europe. the rest of the commercial world, generally.\nThe difference, established by custom in the United States between coined gold and coined silver has been stated upon another occasion, to be nearly as 1 to 15.6. This, if truly the case, would imply that gold was extremely overvalued in the United States, for the highest actual proportion in any part of Europe very little if at all does not exceeds 1 to 15 and the average proportion throughout Europe is probably not more than about as 1 to 14\u00be 14.8 8. But that statement has proceeded upon the sup idea of the ancient old dollar. One penny weight of coined gold of 22 Carats fine at 6/8 and the old seville piece of 386 grains and 15 mites of pure silver at 7/6 furnish the exact proportion ration of 1 to 15.6262. But this does not coincide with the actual real difference between the metals, in our market or which is with us the same thing in our or rather  currency. To determine this, the dollar in common circulation the average the quantity of fine silver in the general mass of the the rate of the late Dollar of dollars now in circulation must afford the rule. Taking the rate of the late Dollar of this to be 374 277 Grains (which is a lage allowance) the proportion would be as 1 to 15.1123. 15.11 Taking it at the mean of the new rate of the newest dollar as it appears by the assays, is 374 Grains and a half grain the proportion be would then be as 1 to 15.134 14.84 The mean of the two would afford the proportion of 1 to 15 very nearly; less somewhat less\nThis last proportion, though perhaps not exact precisely what it ought to be, approaches much nearer to it than that which has been supposed than the legal proportion in the coins of Great Britain which is as 1 to \u27e8\u27e9 Fifteen & 2 tenths; though the market but somewhat more than the actual or market on be not more, often less, than proportion which is less than not quite 1 to 15.\nThough this The preceding view of the subject does not indeed afford a precise or certain definition of the present unit in the coins yet but it furnishes data which will serve as guides in the progress of the investigation. It ascertains at least that the sum correspo in the money of account of each state corresponding with the nominal value of the dollar in such state, corresponds also with 24 Grains and \u2076\u2044\u2088 of a grain of fine gold and with from something not very distant from between 368 & 374 near 376 375 Grains 375 & 376 Grains of fine silver.\nAnother preliminary discussion towards a right determination\nThe next inquiry towards a right determination of what ought to be the future money unit of the United States involves turns upon this question\u2014Whether it ought to be peculiarly attached to either of the Metals, in preference to the other, and, if to either, to which of them?\nThe suggestions hitherto have had for object the annexing fixing of it rendering of the silver dollar emphatically to the mon silver Dollar. A resolution of Congress of the 6th of July 1785 declares that the money unit of the United States shall be a dollar, and another resolution of the 8th of August 1786 fixes that dollar at 375 Grains and 64 hundredths of a grain of fine silver. The same resolat resolution however determines that there shall also be two gold coins one of 246 grains and 268 parts of a grain of pure gold equal to ten dollars, and the other of half that quantity of fine pure gold, equal to five Dollars; and it is not explained whether either of the two species of coins, of gold or silver, shall have any greater legality in payments than in ot the other. Yet it would seem that a preference in this particular is necessary to execute the idea of attaching the unit to one or the other of the metals exclusively to one kind.. If either each of them is as equally valid as with the other in payments to any amount, it is not obvious in what effectual sense either of them can be deemed the money unit, rather than the other.\nIf the general declaration, that the dollar shall be the money unit of the United States could be understood to give it a superior peculiar legality in payments, the institution of coins of gold and the declaration; that each of them shall be equal to a certain number of dollars would appear to destroy that inference: And the circumstance of making the dollar the unit in the money of account seems to be more rather matter of form than of substance.\nIt may be a doubt, whether this is not the best footing on which the matter can be put\u2014to establish a formal correspondency between the unit in the money of account and some one of the coins, but in fact to annex that unit to neither of the metals exclusively.\u2003\u2002 The Secretary, nevertheless, is rather inclined to a different opinion; and though not without much hesitation, produced increased by a deference to the ideas of others which have hitherto prevailed, he is disposed upon the whole to believe, that it will be expedient to attach the money unit essentially, to gold.\nContrary to the ideas, which have hitherto heretofore prevailed, in the suggestions & discussions concerning a Coinage for the U States though not without much hesitation, arising from a deference for those ideas, The Secretary is upon the whole inclined to the opinion, that if the a preference is to be given to either of the Metals for the money unit, it out to be to gold rather than to silver.\nHis reasons are these\u2014It is certainly manifestly a primary object in the establishment of the money The inducement to a preference of that kind is to render the unit to render it as little variable and fluctuating as possible; because on this depends the steady value of all contracts and indeed in a certain sense of all other property. in a relative sense. And this object would seem to be best attainable, by annexing it in preference to one of the metals; and that the least liable itself to variation. or fluctuation. If And it is truly observed that if it it belong indiscriminately to both the metals or to either of them, it is evidently subject to all the variations which fluctuations and changes that happen in the relative proportional value which they bear to each other: If it be attached or if annexed peculiarily preferably to one of them, it will as evidently be more or less stable, in proportion as that to which it is annexed is the one, which has itself most or least stability. But the same reason would lead to annexing it to that particular one metal which has the greatest pretensions to stability which is itself the least liable to variation; if there is be in this respect any discernible difference between the two.\nGold may perhaps in certain senses be said to have more greater stability, than silver: As being of superior value, fewer liberties have been taken with it in the regulations of different countries. Its standard has been remained more uniform and it has in other respects been subject to undergone less fewer fewer changes: As being less a Merchandize in an article of than silver both America and in Europe on account of the demand for use made of the latter in the Trade owing to the nature of the intercourse with China and the East Indies, it is less liable to be affeced by the vicissitudes of Commercial demand. As being not so much an article of Merchandize as Silver, on account of the considerable owing to the use made of the latter \u2003silver in the Trade with the East Indies and China, it is less liable to be influenced by circumstances of Commercial demand. And, if reasoning by analogy, it could be added, without the appearance of too much refinement, that there is a physical probability of greater proportional proportional increase, in the absolute quantity of silver, than in that of gold, it would afford an additional argument of reason for calculating on greater steadiness stability steadiness\u2003\u2003 firm in the value of the latter.\nAs long as gold, either from its intrinsic superiority as a metal, from its greater rarity, or from the prejudices of mankind maintains retains so great a superiority vast considerable a preeminence in value over silver, a natural consequence of this seems to will be that its condition will be more stationary. The revolutions therefore wi which may take place in the comparattive value of gold and silver will be changes in the state of the latter rather than of the former. And in this view, the money unit of the Unit of the United States, if affixed to silver, would would be continually or frequently varying in relation to the money of the world: A circumstance which cannot hardly be deemed an either a convenient or an immaterial one; when it is considered how what extensive interests are affected by every change in the value of the money unit and how quickly the intercourses of Commerce would cause any such change, as it affec regarded the money in relation to the money of other countries in the relation which has been stated of the in reference to the money of other Countries in relation to other coun to be felt in the or at least to be operated be operative in the interior or domestic concerns of a the a community.\nSome of these ideas may appear too abstract. They may possibly not be very solid; but taken collectively they at least afford circumstances against attaching the giving the preference to silver and in favour of giving it to gold; if either is to be preferred to the other. firstand most impressions do It may be assumed too that the most simple and obvious view first and most simple impressions of of the subject does not naturally incline to annexing the unit peculiarly to the least inferior or valuable of the two metals.\nIf there should be an appearance of too much abstraction in any of these ideas it may be remarked that the first & most simple impressions do not naturally incline to giving a preference to the inferior or least valuable of the two metals.\nIt is sometimes observed that silver ought to be encouraged rather than gold as being more conducive to the extension of Bank Circulation, from the greater difficulty, and inconvenience, which its greater bulk, compared with its value, occasions in the transportation of it. But bank circulation is desireable rather as an auxiliary too than as a substitute for that of the precious metals; and it ought to be left to its nature course without the aid ought to be left to its natural course. Artificial expedients to extend it the former in exclusion or diminution of the latter by opposing obstacles to the latter other kind are at least not recommended by any very obvious advantages. And in general it is the safest rule to regulate every particular institution or object according to the principles which in relation to itself appear the most sound. and to abstain from incorporating in it any portion of imperfection. In In addition to this, it may be observed that the inconvenience of transporting either of the metals is sufficiently great to induce a preference of th Bank paper whenever it can answer the purpose equally well.\nThe sense in which it is here meant, that the unit ought to be attached peculiarly to gold is this\u2014that gold only shall be a legal tender, in payments between individuals except for sums a sums less than that the value of the standard principal gold coin; or where there they may be a special contract in writing reserving a right to pay in in either metal. in gold or silver.\nThis it is conceived but would substantially annex the unit to gold; and whenever it should be found that the market proportion between the two metals steadily differed from that in the coins, a neces a correspondent alteration in the regulated value of silver co would restore the proper equilibrium without breaking in upon any rights or involving any material inconvenience. But it is not proposed that this superior legality of preference of gold should should be extended to payments.\nA more complete and exclusive annexation of the unit to one of the metals has been frequently recommended. This is to leave the one to which it is not attached to find its level consider the one to which it is not attached as mere bullion.\nBut the effect of this would be to destroy the utility of one of the Metals as money\nBut upon the whole it seems to be most adviseable not to attach the unit exclusively to either of the metals because this cannot be done effectually, without destroying the office and character of one of them as money, and reducing it to the situation of mere bullion; And which accordingly, this at different times has been proposed from different and very respectable quarters; but which would probably be a greater evil than occasional fluctu variations in the unit from the fluctuations in the proportional relative value of the metals; especially if care be taken in the to regulate of the that proportion between them with an eye in conf with an eye to their average commercial value.\nTo annul the use of either of the metals as money is to abrige the quantity of circulating medium and is liable to all the objections which arise from a comparson of the benefits of a full with the evils of a defective scanty circulation.\nIt is not a satisfactory answer to say that none but the favoured metal would in this case find its way into the country as in that all ballances must be paid. The practicability of this would in some measure would in a great measure depend on the abundance or scarcity of it in the country paying. Where there was but little it either would not be procurable or it would cost a premium to obtain it, which in every case of a competition with others in a branch of trade would constitute a deduction from the profits of the party receiving. Perhaps too the embarrassments which such a circumstance might sometimes create in the pecuniary liquidation of ballances might lead to additional efforts to find a substitute in commodities and might so far impede the introduction of the metals. Neither could the exclusion of either of the metals them be deemed in other respects favourable to commerce. It is often in the course of trade as desireable to possess the kind of money as the kind of commodities best adapted to a foreign market.\nIf then the unit ought not to be attached exclusively to either of the metals, it becomes the proportion which ought to be established between them in the coins becomes a preliminary inquiry in order to its proper adjustment,. a matter which This proportion appears  to be in several views of no inconsiderable moment.\nOne consequence of overvaluing either metal in respect to the other is the banishment of that which is undervalued. If two countries are supposed, in one of which the proportion of between Gold and to Silver is as 1 to 16, in the other as one to 15; as in the firmer one gold will be being worth more silver less in one than in than in the other, it is manifest that in their reciprocal payments each will select that species which it values least to pay to the other which where it is valued it more most. Besides this, the dealers in money will, an of from the same cause, often find a profitable traffic in an exchange of the metals between the two countries. And hence it would come to pass, if other things were equal, that the greatest part of the gold would be collected in one, and the greatest part of the silver in the other. The course of trade might in some degree counteract the tendency of the difference in the legal proportions legal disproportions by the market value; but this is so far and so often influenced by the legal rates, that it does not prevent their producing the effect which is s inferred. Facts too verify the inference. In Spain & England, where gold is rated higher than in other parts of Europe, there is a scarcity of silver; while it is found to abound in France and Holland, where it is is rated higher, in proportion to gold, than in the neighbouring nations. And it is consi continually flowing from Europe to China and the East Indies from the compartive cheapness of it in the former and dearness of it in the latter.\nThis consequence is deemed by some not very material and there are even persons who from a fanciful predilection to gold are is willing to invite it even by a higher price. But just ideas of utility general utility will best be promoted by a due proportion of both metals. If gold be most convenient in large payments silver is best adapted to the more minute and ordinary circulation. And each is best adapted to certain foreign payments\nBut it is to be suspected, that there is another consequence more serious than the one which has been mentioned. This is the diminutionabrigement of the total quantity of specie which a Country would naturally will possess.\nIt is evident that as often as a Country, which overrates values either of the metals higher than ought to be the usual proportion receives a payment in that metal it gets a less actual quantity than it ought to do, or than it would do, if it were rated at a due proportion. It is also equally evident that there will be a continual effort to make payments to it in that species to which it has annexed an exaggerated value wherever it is current at a less proportional value. And it would seem to be a very natural effect of these two causes, not only that the mass of the precious metals in the country in question would consist chiefly of that kind to which it had given an extraordinary value, but that it would be absolutely less that if they had been duly proportioned to each other.\nA conclusion of this sort however is to be drawn with great caution. In such matters, there are always some local and many other particular circumstances, which qualify and vary the operation of general principles, even where they are just; and there are endless combinations very difficult to be analized, which often render principles, that have the most plausible pretensions unsound and delusive.\nThere ought, for instance, according to those which have been stated to have been heretofore formerly to be a greater quantity of gold in proportion to silver in the united States than there has been; truly is; because the actual value of gold in this country compared with silver was is perhaps greater higher than in any other. But our situation with regard to the West India Islands, into some of which there is a large influx of Silver directly from the mines of South America occasions an extraordinary supply of that metal and consequently a greater proportion of it in our circulation situation than might have been be expected from its relative value.\nWhat influence the proportion under consideration may have upon the state of prices and how far this may counteract qualify its tendency to increase or lessen the quantity of the metals are points not easy to be devellopped: And yet they are very necessary to an accurate judgment of the true operation of the thing.\nBut however impossible it may be to pronounce with certainty that the possession of a less quantity of Specie is a consequence of overvaluing either of the metals, there is enough of probability in the considerations which seem to indicate it, to form an argument of weight against such overvaluation.\nA third ill consequence resulting from it is a greater & more frequent disturbance of the state of the money unit by a greater and more frequent and more considerable diversity between the legal and the market proportions of the metals. This has not hitherto been experienced in the United States but it has been verified elsewhere. And from its not having been felt by us hitherto it does not follow that it will not be so felt hereafter; when our commerce shall have attained a to great maturity which will place it under the influence of and more fixed principles.\nIn establishing fixing a proportion between the Metals there seems to be an option of one of two three things\u2014\nTo approach, as nearly as it can be ascertained, to the mean pro or average proportion between the Metals in what may be called the Commercial world\u2014Or\nTo retain that which now exists in relation to the coins the  current in the U States. A coincidence of these will obviate all danger of error. As far as these happen to coincide they will render the path plainer, and more certain.\nOr to seek some intermediate point term which may be supposed better adapted th without too great a departure from the one latter may bring us nearer to the other.\nTo ascertain the first with precision would require better materials, than are possessed, or than could be obtained, without an inconvenient delay.\nSir Isaac Newton in a representation to the Treasury of Great Britain in the year 1717 gives it h after stating the particular proportions in the different countries of Europe concludes thus\u2014\u201cby the course of trade and exchange between nation and nation in all Europe fine gold is to fine silver as 14 4/5 or 15 to 1.\u201d\nBut however accurate and decisive this authority may be deemed, in relation to the period, to which it applies, it cannot be taken, supposed to furnish an exact rule at the distance of more than seventy years. The alterations however which have since taken The result of the investigation which has been bestowed in the present case upon this point by the secretary would rather incline to estimating the proportion in question at this day at about nearly 14 6/10 to 1 which has the greater probability of being the just one, as it coincides with that which exists in Holland, the greatest money market in the world. as a rule for determining the existing proportion. Alterations have been since made, in the regulations of their coins, by several nations; The last accurate account of the legal st which have a certain influence on the market which as well as the course of trade have an certain influ: on the Market.. Nevertheless, there is reason to believe, that the state of the matter as represented by Sir Isaac Newton, does not materially vary different from its actual present state. In Holland the greatest money market of Europe gold was to silver in December 1789, as 1 to 14.88 and in that of London it has been for some time past but little different approaching perhaps something nearer 1 to 15.\nIt has been seen that the existing proportion between the two metals in this country is about as not remote from that of 1 to 15 2/10. \nTo descend from this to that of 1 to 14 6/10 would be a very considerable innovation; greater it is conceived than could prudently be hazarded. It is fortunate in this respect that the innovations of the Spanish Mint have imperceptibly introduced Its effect in respect to those who should be possessors of that species of money at the time of the change would be very considerable\u2014and perhaps its effect upon the general state of Debtor and Creditor, to the benefit of the one and the dteriment fo the other may be such as to merit serious attention. The disadvatage of it a proportion so analogous as this is to that which prevails in among the principal commercial nations, as it greatly facilitates a proper regulation of the matter.\nThe But the particular state of our Trade furnishes an additional reason against it This proportion of 1 to 15 is recommended by the particular state of our Trade. The foreign ballances we pay are essentially to Great Britain. In her market the proportion of silver to gold is about as 1 to 15. This proportion of 1 to 15 is recommended by the particular situation of our trade; as it is being very nearly that which obtains in the Market of G B; to which nation our specie is principally exported. A lower rate for either of the metals, in our market than in hers might If A gold were lower in ours, it would might not only afford a motive the more in some certain cases, to remit in gold specie rather than in commodities but it might cause her to receive in some others cause us to pay a greater quantity of it for a given sum than we should otherwise do.. It is possible too that this state of things might occasion If the effect should rather be to occasion cause a premium to be given for gold in our market the metal which was underrated, this would obviate those disadvantages; but it would involve imply another, a difference between the market and legal proportions, which would amount to a disorder in the national coinage.\nLooking forward to the payments of interest which will hereafter be to be made to Holland, the same proportion does not appear less eligible ineligible. The legal rat proportion in the coins of Holland is stated to be 1 to 14 9/10. That of the market varies somewhat at different times but seldom widely from this point.\nWith regard to the second option\u2014to retain the proportion which now exists between the two metals gold and silver in the United States\u2014it is not evident, that it will not be the most prudent course.\nThere can hardly be a better rule in any country for the legal than the market proportion; if this can be presumed supposed to have been produced by the free and steady course operation of Commercial principles. The presumption in such case is, that each metal finds its true level according to its intrinsic utility in the general system of money operations operations.\nBut it may reasonably be doubted whether this has been the case in regard must be admitted that this argument in favour of continuing the existing prop is not applicable to the state of the Coins with us. There have been too many artificial and heterogeneous ingredients too great much want of order in the pecuniary transactions of this the country to authorise a reliance on the effects authorise the attributing the effects which have appeared to the regular operations of Commerce. A proof of this is to be drawn derivable deducible from the variations alterations which have happened in the proportion between the metals merely by the unnoticed degrati successive degradations of the dollar in consequence of the regulations by the authority of variations of a foreign Mint. It The value of silver gold to silver appears to have has declined wholly from this cause from 15 6/10 to 1 to its original state to about 15 2/10 to 1. its present state. Yet as this last proportion however produced approxim coincides so nearly with that what may be deemed the Commercial average it seems to furnish as good a rule as can be pursued.\nNeither is there any discernible relation of Commerce which acco can account for a higher different proportion in our p market than in from that of Great Britain. The ballances we have na continually paid to her ought naturally to have produced un conformity in this respect. in the two markets. The force of custom and opinion seconded by the considerable demand for specie, which has rendered it easier the easier more easy to maintain an artificial ratio, can alone have occasionned the deficiency difference.\u2003\u2002 When these things are considered in conjunction with and the reasons which operate against overvaluing either of the Metals, in respect to the other, are duly weighed the disinclination to innovate in a point so delicate in itself and so little reducible to any certain rule of to certain principles determination adjustment, which is inspired by a due degree of caution is in a great measure overcome; so far indeed in the mind of the Secretary that his judgment, though not with the assuance of perfect conviction is strongly inclined to an establishment of the proportion between relative value of gold and silver in the Coins of The United States at the proportion of 1 to 15. This if the prevailing dollar be not more that 373 grains of fine silver, as some of the assays indicate, would very little vary from the actual proportion, which in this case would be as 1 to 15.07.\u2003\u2002 This proprotion of 1 to 15 is recommended by its near approximation to the actual proportion in the market of that country the payments to which constitute the chief outlet of our specie. This circumstance seems to render it safe and to afford a security against its proven having an unfavourable influence in regard to the exportation of the metals. Silver will be then exportable Remittances in silver will then be attended with less advantage than heretofore & gold with no prof profit will arise on gold to render it an object of speculation. Approaching more nearly to the average of the Commercial world, the money unit of the U States will be less likely to be disturbed by fluctations in the market\u2014the supply of each metal there will be a better prospect of an equal a due supply of each both metals and less prob loss from danger of loss from the overrating of one either of them. And the alteration is not great enough materially to affect any particular interests.\nThe old only question seems to be whether the value of gold ought not to be a little lowered to bring it to a more exact conformity with the markets which have been mentioned. But as all innovation in so delicate an article ought to be avoided unless for some object of evident utility, and as the pro ration of 1 to 15 is so nearly conformable in that respect and as all innovation in so delicate a concern circumstance ought to be avoided unless for some object of evident utility it seems to be preferable to adhere to the existing state of things. If it be true as the Secretary is informed it is the proportion of the market of Spain continues to annex a higher value to Gold as it has done in time past than that which is recommended, there will be some advantages in a middle station.\nA further preliminary to the adjustment of the future money unit is to determine what shall be the proportion and coposition of alloy in each species of the Coins.\nThis The proportion first by the the by the resolution of the 8th of August 1786 already before referred to is regulated placed at one one a twelveth, part or in other words at one part alloy to 11 parts of fine, gold or fine silver whether gold or silver: which appears to be a convenient and eligible rule. proportion for both. The Its correspondency in regard to both metals is a recommendation of it, because it contradic interf a difference could answer no purpose of utility calls for a difference and the similarity is favourable to order.\nThis proportion ratio as it regards gold coincides with the proportion real or professed of in the most of the European coins of Portugal England France and Spain. In those of the two former it is real; in those of the two latter, there is an allowance remedy deduction for what is called remedy of weight and alloy, which is in the nature of an allowance to the Master of the Mint for unavoidable errors and imperfections in the process rendering the coin either lighter or baser than it ought to be. The same thing is known in the theroy theory of the English Mint where 1/6 of a carat is allowed. But the difference seems to be, that there, it is merely an occasional indemnity within a certain limit to that extent for real and inevitable unavoidable errors and imperfections whereas whether in the practice of the Mints of France and Spain it amounts to is a stated and regular deviation departure from the nominal standard. Accordingly the real standards of France and Spain are something less worse than 22 carats or 11/12 fine or 11 parts in twelve fine.\nThe principal gold coins of Germany Holland Holland Italy Sweden Denmark Poland and Italy are finer than those of England and Portugal in different degrees from 1 Carat and \u00bc to nearly 1 Carat & 7/8 which last is within 1/8 of a carat or 24th part of pure gold.\nIn the standards of the silver coins of Europe there are much greater\nThere are similar diversities in the standards of the  silver coins of the different nations parts countries of Europe. That of Great Britain is 222 parts fine to 18 parts alloy:\nThose of the others European nations vary from that of Great Britain proportion as widely as from about 17 of the same parts better to 75 worse.\nThe principal reasons, which are assigned for the use of alloy, are the saving of expence in the refining of the metals, (which in their natural state are always mixed with a portions of the coarser kinds) and the rendering of them harder as a security security against too great waste by friction or wearing. The first reason drawn from the original state composition of the metals is strengthened at present by the practice of alloying their coins, which has obtained among so many nations.\nThe truth reality of the effect to last reason position on which the last reason is founded applicable has been denied and experience has been appealed to as proving that the more alloyed coins wear faster than the purer. The true state of this matter may be worthy of future investigation, though first appearances are in favour of of the effect ascribed to the intermixture of a portion of alloy. and In the mean time the saving of trouble and expence are good sufficient inducements to following those examples of those nations who those examples which suppose its the expediency of introducing alloy into Coins. And the same considerations leads to taking, as our models, those nations, with whom we have most intercourse, and with whose coins are most prevalent in our circulation. These are Spain Portugal England & France. The relation, which the proposed proportion bears to the respective standards of their Gold coins has been explained. In respect to their silver coins, it will be not be very remote far from a the mean to of their several standards.\nThe component ingredients of the alloy in each metal will also require to be regulated. This In silver, copper is the only kind in use, and it is doubtless the only proper one. In gold there is a mixture of silver and copper; in the English coins consisting of in equal qua parts in the coins of some other countries varying from 1 thir \u2153 to \u2154 of silver.\nThe reason of this union of silver with copper is this\u2014the silver counteracts the tendency of the copper to injure the color or beauty of the coin, by giving it a coppery hue, which a small quantity will produce; and the copper prevents the too great whiteness which silver alone would occasion confer confer. It is apprehended, that there are circumstances in the situation of the state considerations, which may render it prudent to establish by law by law that the proportion of silver to copper in the gold coins of the United States shall not be more than \u00bd nor less than \u2153; leaving vesting a discretion in some proper place to regulate the matter within those limits as experience in the execution may recommend.\nA third point remains to be discussed, as a prerequisite to the determination of the money unit, which is whether the expence of Coinage coining shall be defrayed by the government Public, or ought out of the material itself; or, as it is sometimes stated, whether coinage shall be free or shall be subject to a duty or imposition? The discussion of this po This forms, perhaps, one of the nicest questions in the doctrine of money.\nThe usages of practice of different nations is dissimilar in this particular. In England, Coinage is intirely free: the Mint price of the metals in bullion is the same with the value of them in the coins. In France, there has been is a duty which has been, if it is not now of Eight per Cent. In Holland there is a difference in between the mint price and the value in the coins which has been computed at \u00bd \u214c Ct or something m less than one. .96 . \u214c Cent \u214c Cent upon gold and at 1.48 at or something m less than 1 & a half \u214c Cent upon silver. The resolution of the 8th of August 1786 proceeds upon the ida idea of a deduction of \u00bd \u214c Cent on from gold and of two per Cent from silver as an indemnification for the expence of coining. This is to be inferred from the a report of the late Board of Treasury upon which that resolution appears to have been founded.\nUpon the supposition that the expence of coinage ought to be defrayed out of the metals, there are two ways in which it may be effected, one by a deduction from the quantity of fine gold and silver in the coins; the other by making a difference between the value of them in the coins and the mint price of them in bullion.\nThe first method appears to the secretary altogether inadmissible. He is unable to distinguish an operation of this kind from that of raising the denomination of the coin; a measure which has been disapproved by the wisest mean men of the nations in which it has been practiced and condemned by the rest of the world. To declare that a less weight of gold or silver shall pass for the same sum which before represented a greater weight or to ordain that the same weight shall pass for a greater sum are things substantially of one nature. And The consequences of either of them, if the change can be realized, is are, to degrade the money unit below its intrinsic value; obliging to depreciate the val to oblige creditors to receive less than their just dues\u2014and indeed to depreciating property of every kind: For it is manifest that every thing would in this case be represented by a less quantity of gold and silver than before.\nIt is sometimes observed on this head, that though every spe any article of property might in fact be represented by a less actual quantity of pure metal it would nevertheless be represented by something of the same intrinsic value. Every fabric or manufacture it is remarked is worth intrinsically the price of the raw material and the expence of fabrication; a truth not less applicable to a piece of coin than to a yard of cloth.\nThis position well founded in itself is here misapplied. It supposes that the coins now in circulation are to be considered as bullion or in other words as a raw material. But the fact is, that the adoption of them as money has caused them to become the fabric. It has invested them with the character and office of coins and has given them a sanction and efficacy equivalent to that of the stamp of the sovereign. The prices of all our commodities at home and abroad and of all foreign commodities in our markets have found their level in conformity to this principle. The foreign coins may be divested of the privilege they have hitherto been permitted to enjoy and may of course be left to find their value in the market comparison with the national coin as a raw material. But the quantity of gold and silver in the national coins corresponding with a given sum cannot be made less than before heretofore without disturbing the ballance of intrinsic value; and making every acre of land as well as every bushel of wheat of less actual worth than in time past. If the United States were insulated and s cut off from all intercourse with the reas rest of mankind the world this reasoning would not be just equally conslusive. just. But it appears when considered with a view to. the relations which Commerce has created between us and other countries.\nThe probability however is that the effect meditated would be defeated by a rise of prices not be produced; that prices would not rise in proportioned to the diminution of the intrinsic value of the coins. This might be looked for in every enlightened commercial country; but perhaps in none with greater certainty than in this\u2014because in none are men less liable to be the dupes of sounds names\u2014in none has authority so little resource, for contravening the natural course of things substituting names to things.\nSuch a revolution in prices\nA general revolution in prices though only nominally and in appearance could not fail to would distract the idea of community and would be apt to breed discontents as well among all those who live on the income of their money as among the lo poorer classes of the people to whom the necessaries of life would seem to have become dearer. In con the confusion of such a state of things ideas of value would be most likely to adhere to the old coins; which from that circumstance instead of feeling the effect of the loss of their privilege as money, would probably from that circumstance, consequently bear a price in the market corresponding with the relatively to the new ones eg answering to the difference of weight. in ea in exact proportion to weight. The frequency of the demand for the metals to pay foreign ballances would contribute to this effect.\nAmong the evils, attendant on such an operation, are these\u2014Creditors both of the public and of individuals would lose a part of their property\u2014Public and private credit would receive a serious wound\u2014the effective revenues of the government would be materially diminished. There is scarcely any point, in the \u0153conomy of national affairs, of greater moment than the uniform preservation of the intrinsic value of the money unit. On this the security & steady value of property essentially depend.\nThe second method therefore of defraying the expence of the coinage out of the metals is greatly to be preferred to the other. This is to let in practise to let the same quantity of gold and silver in the new coins, represent the same sum of money continue to represent in the new coins exactly the same quantity of gold and silver as it now does in those old now current\u2014to allow at the Mint such a price only for those meta for those metals as will admit of profit just sufficient to defray the expence of coinage\u2014to abolish the legal currency of the foreign coins both in public & private payments\u2014and of course to leave the superior utility of the coin national coins for domestic purposes to operate the difference of market value which is necessary to induce the bringing of bullion to the Mint. In this case, all property and labor will continue still be represented by the same quantity of gold and silver as formerly, and the only change will which will be made wrought will consisting in annexing the office of money exclusively to the national coins; consequently and in withdrawing it from those of foreign countries and suffering them to become as they ought to be mere articles of merchandize.\nThe arguments in favour of a regulation an arrangement of this kind are\u2014\nThat the want of it occasions an extra expence, there being then, no motive of individual interest, to distinguish between the National Coins and bullion; which accordingly are indiscriminately melted down and exported; that from the same cause when the\nFirst, That the want of it is as a a source cause of extra expence:, in two ways. There being then no motive of individual interest to distinguish between the national coins and bullion, they are, it is alleged, indiscriminately melted down for domestic manufactures and exported for the purposes of foreign Trade: and when the coins become it is added that when the coins become light by wearing the same quantity of fine gold or silver bears a higher price in bullion than in the coins; whence in which situation state of things, the melting down of the coins to be sold as bullion becomes a becomes profitable traffic is attended with considerable profit: and in both ways from both causes the expence of supporting and maintaining the specie capital of the Nation the Mint is very materially augmented. or in other words the expence of maintaining the specie capital of the Nation is materially augmented.\nSecondly That the existence of such a Regulation promotes a favourable course of exchange and benefits Trade, not only by from that circumstance, but by obliging foreigners, in certain cases, to pay dearer for domestic commodities, and to sell their own cheaper.\nAs far as relates to the tendency of a free coinage to produce an increase of expence, in the different ways that have been stated\u2014the argument must be allowed to have foundation both in reason and in experience. It describes what has been exemplified in great Britain.\nThe effect of giving an artificial value to bullion is not at first sight obvious; but it actually happened in the years  in the country just named. A pound troy in gold bullion of standard finess was then from 19/6 to 25/ dearer than an equal weight of guineas as delivered at the Mint. The phanomenon It is thus accounted for. The old guineas were more than two per Cent lighter than their standard weight. This weight therefore in bullion was truly worth two per Cent more than those guineas. It accor consequently had in respect to them a correspondent rise in the market. And as Guineas were then current by tale, the new ones, as they issued from the mint, were confounded in circulation with the old ones; and, by the association, were became depreciated below their intrinsic value, in comparison with bullion. It became, of course, a profitable traffic, to sell bullion for coin, to select the light pieces ones and reissue them in currency and to melt down the heavy ones and sell them again as bullion. This practice besides other inconveniences cost the government large sums in renewing the coin the renewal of the coins.\nBut the remainder of the argument stands upon ground, far more questionable. The truth of It depends upon very numerous and very complex combinations, in which there is infinite latitude for fallacy and error.\nThe most plausible part of it is that, which relates to the course of exchange. Experience, in France, has shewn, that the market price of bullion has been influenced by the mint difference between that and coin, sometimes to the full extent of the difference; and it would seem to be a clear inference, that whenever that the difference in the market was cons. was con materially exceeded the charges of remitting bullion, from the country where it existed, to another, in which coinage was free, exchange would be in favour of the former. The reason of this will best appear from a statement of the\nIf, for instance, the ballance of Trade, between France and England, were at any time equal, their Merchants would naturally have reciprocal payments to make to each other to an equal amount; which as usual of course would be liquidated by the means of bills of exchange. If, in this situation, the difference between coin and bullion should be in the market, as at the Mint of France, 8 \u214c Cent; if also the charges of transporting money from France to England should not be above two per Cent; and if exchange should be there at par, it is evident, that a profit of six five per Cent might be made, by sending bullion from France to England and drawing bills for the amount. One hundred louis dors in coin would purchase the weight quantity of 108 in bullion; one hundred of which would suffice remitted to England would suffice to pay a debt of an equal amount: and two being paid for the charges of insurance and transportation, there would remain 6 for the benefit of the person, who should manage the negotiation. But as so large a profit could not fail to produce competition; this competition would cause the bills in consequence of this  from the effect of this, would to decrease in price till the profit was reduced to the minimum of an adequate recompence for the trouble and risk. And as the amount of 100 louis d\u2019ors migh in England might be afforded for 96 in France, with a more profit of more than 1 & \u00bd \u214c Cent, to the exchanger or broker, bills upon England might fall in France to 4 \u214c Cent below par; yielding still a sufficient profit to compensate one per Cent being deemed a sufficient per Cent profit to the exchanger or broker for the management of the business.\nBut it is admitted that the advantage is lost is against when the ballance of Trade is against the nation which imposes the duty in question; because by increasing the demand for bullion it brings this to the a par of with the coins: And it is to be suspected that where commercial principles have their free scope and trade is well in are well undersood, the market difference between the metals in coin and bullion will seldom approximate to that of the Mint if the latter be considerable. The It must be not a little difficult to keep the money of the world, which can be employed to equal purpose in the commerce of the world can with difficulty can with difficult be kept in a state of degradation in comparison with the money of a particular country.\nThis alone would seem sufficient to prevent it: whenever the difference price of coin to bullion, in the market, materially exceeded the par of the metals, it would become an object to send the bullion abroad, if not to pay a foreign balance, to be invested in some way or other way in foreign countries, where it had bore a superior value: an operation, by which immense fortunes might be amassed, if it were not, that the exportation of the bullion would of itself restore the intrinsic par. But it that circumstance would naturally certai have this effect; and hence the supposed advantage supposed would contain in itself the principle of its own destruction. As long, however, as the exportation of bullion could be made with profit, it could be practiced with advantage, which is, as long as exchange should could remain below par, there would be a drain of the gold and silver of the country. And thus\nIf any thing can maintain for any a length of time a material diffenece between the value of the Metals in Coin and in Bullion, it must be a constant and considerable ballance of trade in favour of the country in which it is maintained. In one situated like the United States, it would in all probability be a hopeless attempt. The frequent demand for gold & silver to pay forei ballances to foreigners would tend powerfully to preserve the equilibrium of intrinsic value. The prospect is, that it would occasion foreign coins to circulate by common consent nearly at par with the national.\nTo say, that as far as the effect of lowering exchange is produced, though it be only occasional and momentary, there is a benefit the more thrown into the scale of public prosperity is not satisfactory. It has been seen, that it may be productive of one evil, the investment of a part of the national capital in foreign countries; which can rarely only be beneficial except in a situation like that of the United Net Holl Netherlands, where an immense capital and a decrease of internal demand for it, renders it necessary to find employment for money it in the wants of other nations. And perhaps on a close examination other evils may be descried.\nOne allied to that which has been mentioned is this; supposing France for greater taking France, for the sake of more concise illustration, as the scene. Whenever it happens that French Louis d\u2019ors are sent abroad from whatever cause, if there be a considerable difference between coin and bullion in the market of France, it will constitute an advantageous traffic to send back these louis d\u2019ors and bring away bullion in lieu of them; an upon all of which exchanges France must sustain an actual loss of a part of its gold and silver.\nAgain, such a difference between coin and bullion must naturally counteract the a favourable ballance of Trade. Whenever a foreign merchant is the carrier of his own commodities to France for sale, he has a strong inducement to bac bring back specie instead of French commodities; because a return in the latter may afford no profit, may even be attended with loss; in the former it will afford a certain profit. The same principle must be supposed to operate in the general course of remittances from France to other countries. The principal question with a Merchant naturally is\u2014In what manner, can I realise a given sum with most advantage, where I wish to place it? And, in every case, in which other commodities are not likely to produce a greater profit than bullion, it may be expected that this will be preferred: The to which the greater certainty which attends an operation with the metals attending the operation must be an additional incitement. There can hardly be imagined a circumstance less friendly to trade, than the existence of an extra inducement, arising from the possibility of a profitable speculation traffic in upon the articles themselves, to export from a country its gold and silver, rather than the products of its land and labour. But happily for nations, in which in which an erroneous policy, calculated to produce such an effect, may exist, the evil brin brings its own cure\u2014the nature of things frustrates the mistaken devices of the politician: In the instance, under consideration, bullion in a variety of ways finds its due level, and the effect which has been stated ceases.\nThe other supposed advantage supposed of obliging foreigners to pay dearer for domestic commodities and to sell their own cheaper are applied to a situation which includes a favourable ballance of trade.\nIt is understood in this sense\u2014 thus explained\u2014Domestic The prices of domestic commodities (such at least as are peculiar to the country) remain attached to the denominations of the coins. When a favourable ballance of trade which realizes in the market the mint difference between coin and bullion, foreigners who must pay in the latter are obliged to give more of it for such commodities than they otherwise would do. Again the bullion which is thus procured now obtained at a cheaper rate in the home market will procure the same quantity of goods in the foreign market as before; which is said to render foreign commodities cheaper.\nBut the first of these inferences seems to be drawn from a partial view of the matter and the last involves a fallacy.\nIf it be true that foreigners pay more for domestic commodities, it must be equally true, That they get more for their own when they bring them themselves to market. If peculiar, or other domestic commodities, adhere to the denominations of the coins foreign commodities of a like character no reason occurs why foreign commodities of a like character should not do the same thing. And in this case the foreigner though he receive only the same value in coin for his merchandize as formerly can convert it into a greater quantity of bullion. Whence the nation is liable to lose a greater quantity of its gold and silver than if their intrinsic value in relation to the coin coins were preserved. Here is disadvantage against advantage; and which would may preponderate would appear to depend on the question, which of the two countries had the greatest proportion of active commerce with the other.\nIt In the last case, it is evident that the nation pays as much gold and silver as before for the goods which it procures abroad; and whether it obtains this gold and silver cheaper or not, turns on the solution of the question just stated. suggested above.\nBesides these considerations, this, it is admitted, in the reasoning, that the advantages supposed, which depend on a favourable ballance of Trade, tend have a tendency to affect that ballance disadvantageously. injuriously. Foreigners, it is allowed, will in this case, seek some other vent for their commodities and some other market where they can supply their wants at an easier rate. A tendency of this kind, if real, would be a sufficient objection to the regulation. Nothing which contributes to change a beneficial current of trade can well compensate by particular advantages for so injurious an effect. It is far more easy to translate transfer Trade from a less to a more favourable channel, than whence once transferred, to bring it back into its old one. Every source of artificial interruption to an advantageous current, is therefore cautiously to be avoided.\nIt merits attention, that the able Minister who lately and so long presided over the Finances of France does not attribute to the duty of coinage in that Country any peculiar particular advantages in relation to Trade and Exchange and Trade.. Though he rather appears an advocate for it, it is this \u2019tis on the sole ground of the revenue it affords, which he represents as a in the nature of a very moderate duty on the general mass of importation.\nAnd it is probable, that to the peculiar singular felicity of situation of that Kingdom is to be ascribed its not having been sensible of the evils, which seem incident to the Regulation. There is perhaps no part of Europe, which has so little need of other countries, as France. Comprehending a variety of soils and climates, an immense population, its agriculture in a state of high improvement, it possesses when within its own bosom most if not all the productions of the earth, which any of its most favoured neighbours can boast. The variety, abundance and peculiar excellence of its wines constitute a peculiar advantage in its favour. Arts and manufactures th are there also in a very advanced state\u2014some of them of considerable importance in a state of preeminent higher perfection, than elsewhere. The Its contiguity to Spain, the intimate nature of its connection with that country; a country with few fabrics of its own, consequently the numerous wants, and the immediate receptable of the treasures of the new world. These circumstances concurs in securing to France so uniform and so considerable a ballance of Trade as in a great measure to counteract the natural tendency of any errors, which may exist in the system of her Mint, and to render inferences from the operation of that system there, in reference to this Country, more liable to mislead than to instruct. Nor ought it to pass unnoticed that with all these advantages, the government of France has a found it necessary, been obliged on some occasions, to employ very violent methods to compel the bringing of bullion to the Mint; a circumstance, which affords a strong presumption of the inexpediency of the Regulation, and of the impracticability of executing it in the United States.\nThis point has been the longer dwelt upon not only because there is a has been a considerable difference of opinion among speculative men concerning it and a difference in the practice of the most considerable commercial nations but because the acts of our own government under the confederation have proceeded upon the expeditiency expediency of deducting one defraying the expence of the coinage out of the metals themselves and upon this idea they have first both, made a deduction from the weight of the coins and established a difference between their regulated value and the mint price of bullion. This double operation, in favour of a principle so questionable in itself, has made a more particular investigation of it a duty.\nIt is however more rather the intention of the preceding remarks to prove that the expectation of commercial advantages ought not to decide in favour of a duty of coinage and that if it should be adopted, it ought not to be in the form of a deduction from the intrinsic value of the coins\u2014than absolutely to explode the expediency of any difference whatever between in the value of the metals in coin and in bullion. It is not clearly discerned that a small difference between the Mint price of bullion and the regulated value of the coins would be pernicious, or that it might not even be adviseable in the first instance by way of experiment merely as a preventative to the melting down and exportation of the coins. This will now be somewhat more particularly considered.\nThe arguments for a coinage intirely free are that it preserves the intrinsic value of the metals; that it makes the expence of fabrication a general instead of a partial tax; and that it tends to promote the abundance introduction of gold & silver, which it is alleged will flow to that place, where they find the best that price, and from that place, where they are in any degree undervalued.\nThe first consideration has not much weight as an objection to a plan which without does not diminishing the quantity of metals in the coins but merely allows a less price for them in bull bullion at the national factory or Mint. No rule of intrinsic value is violated by considering the raw material as worth less than the faber fabric in proportion to the expence of fabrication.\nThe second consideration has perhaps greater weight. But it may not amount to an objection, if it is be the best method of preventing disorders, in the coin, which it is in a particular manner, the interest of those, on whom the tax would fall, to prevent. And it is in the judgment of the secretary the least exceptionable expedient that has occurred for obviating The practice of taking gold by weight, which has of late years obtained in Great Britain, has been found in some degree a remedy; but this is inconvenient and may on from that account circumstance get fall into disuse. Another circumstance has had a remedial operation. This is, the delays of the Mint. It appears to be the practice there, not to make prompt payment for the bullion, which is brought to be exchanged for coin; but to receive it, and deliver out an equal weight in coin, when it can have been prepared. The fulfilling of prior engagements of course postpones the receipt of coi coin in exchange for the bullion delivery of the coin in lieu of the bullion. And this creates a difference in the market price of the two things. For some years past, an ounce of standard gold, which is worth in coin \u00a33.17.10\u00bd Sterling is has been in the Market of London in bullion only \u00a33.17.6 which is within a small fraction of a a a half \u214c Cent less. Whether this be management in the mint to accommodate the bank in the purchase of bullion or to effect indirectly something equivalent something equivalent to a formal difference of price, or whether it be the more natural course of the business thing furnishes room for conjecture.\nIt, at the same time, indicates, that if the Mint were to make prompt payment, at about half per Cent less, than it does at present, the state of bullion in respect to Coin would be precisely the same as it now is. And it would be then certain that the government that the government would save half per Cent in the expence of in the coinage of gold; since it is not probable, that the actual delay in preparing it time actually lost in preparing it in the course of the year in preparing it can be worth in converting bullion into Coin can be computed as an equivalent to half \u214c Cent on the advance; and there will generally be in the Treasury a considerable sum of money waiting for some periodical disbursement which without hazard might be applied to that advance. This idea will be resumed.\nThe tendency of a free coinage to favour the introduction of gold and silver, if it be admitted to\nIn what sense, a free coinage may can be said to promote the abundance favour the introduction of gold and silver, may be inferred from the instances, which have been given of the tendency of a contrary system to promote their exportation. It is, however, not probable, that a very small difference can have an effect in this respect between the value of the metals in the of value between coin and bullion can have any effect, which ought to enter into calculation. There can then be no inducement of positive profit to export the bullion, because the expence of transportation as long as the difference of price is exceeded by the expence of transportation. And the prospect of less loss when it is but little less upon the metals, than upon commodities, when the difference is minute, will be frequently overballanced by the possibility of doing better with the latter from a rise of markets. It is, at any rate, certain, that it can be of no consequence in this view whether the superior rate price pr value superiority of coin to bullion in the market be produced, as in England, by the delay of the Mint, or by a formal difference in the discrimination in the regulated prices values.\nUnder an impression, that a small difference between the value of the Coin and the Mint price of bullion is the least exceptionable expedient for restraining preventing the melting down or exportation of the former\u2014and not perceiving that if it be a very moderate one it can be hurtful have any ill effiect in other respects The Secretary is inclined to an the experiment of \u00bd \u214c Cent on each of the metals. The fact, which has been mentioned, with regard to the price of gold bullion, in the English Market, seems to demonstrate that such a difference may safely be made. In this case there must be prompt paym immediate payment for the gold and silver offered to the Mint. How far \u00bd per Cent this will go towards defraying the expence of the coinage cannot be determined before hand with accuracy. It is presumed probable that \u00bd \u214c Cent on gold will on an \u0153conomical plan it will suffice in relation to gold. for the expence of the coinage of coining gold. that Metal\u2014But it is not calculated, that the same rate on silver will be sufficient to defray the expence of coining that metal attending the coinage of that metal. Some additional provision must of course be made, if this limit be adopted.\nIt does not seem appear to be expedient adviseable to make any greater difference, in regard to silver than to gold: Besides Because it is desireable, that the proportion between the two Metals in the Market should correspond with that in the coins, which would not be the case if the mint price of one was comparatively lower than that of the other; and because also silver being proposed to be rated rather lower in respect to gold somewhat rather lower than below its general true Commercial value, if a further disparity shou there should be a disparity, to its disadvantage, in the mint prices of the two metals it would obstruct too much the buying of it to be coined and would add too much to the an inducements to export it. Nor does it appear to the secretary safe to make a greater difference between the value of coin and bullion than has been mentioned. It will be better to have to increase it hereafter if this shall be found, expedient found the experiment shall recommend its being done than to have to recede from too considerable a difference in consequence of evils which shall have been experienced.\nIt is sometimes mentioned as an expedient, which consistently with a free coinage may serve tend to prevent the evils desired to be avoided, to incorporate in the coins a greater proportion quantity of alloy than is usual; (regulating their value nevertheless according to the quantity of pure metal they contain). This, it is supposed, by adding to the difficulty of refining them would cause bullion to be preferred both for manufacture and exportation.\nBut strong objections lie against this scheme\u2014These are\u2014an augmentation addition of expence\u2014an actual depreciation of the coin\u2014a danger of still greater depreciation in the public opinion\u2014a greater facility of counterfieting the facilitating of counterfiets\u2014while it is questionable, whether it would have the effect expected from it.\nNo value lies\nThe alloy being considered as of esteemed of having no value attached to it, an increase of it is evidently an increase of expence. This in relation to the gold coins particularly is a matter of moment. It has been noted stated that the alloy in them consists partly of silver. If to avoid expence, the addition should be of copper only, this would spoil the appearance of the coins and give it them a base countenance. Its beauty would indeed be injured though in a less degree, by the increase of even the proposed increase even if the usual proportions of silver and copper should be maintained in the increased additional quantity of of the alloy.\nAnd however inconsiderable an expend additional expenditure of copper, in the coinage of a year, may be deemed, appears in a series of years it would become of consequence. In regulations, which contemplate the lapse and operation of ages, a very small item of expence acquires importance.\nThe actual depreciation of the coin, by an increase of alloy, results from the very circumstance, which is the motive to it\u2014the greater difficulty of refining\u2014In England, it has been is customary for goldsmiths and others those concerned in manufactures of gold to make a deduction in the price of four pence sterling per ounce of fine gold for every carat, which the mass containing it is was below the legal standard. Taking this as a rule, a difference an inferiority of a single carat or 1/24 part in the gold coins of the United States compared with the English standard would cause the same quantity of pure gold in them one of our coins to be worth nearly 4/10 ths ths per Cent less than in the coins of Great Britain. This circumstance would be likely in process of time to be felt in the market of the U States.\nA still greater depreciation of the Coin in the public opinion would be to be apprehended from the apparent debasement of the Coin. it. The effects of imagination and prejudice cannot safely be disregarded in any thing that relates to money. If the beauty of the coin be impaired it may be found difficult to satisfy the generality of the community, that what appears worse is not really less valuable; and it is not altogether certain, that an impression of its being so may not occasion an unnatural augmentation of prices.\nGreater danger of imposition by counterfiets is also to be apprehended from injury which will be done to the injuring of the appearance of the Coin. It is a just observation that\nAnd it is evident that beauty the colour as well as the excellence of the workmanship is an ingredient in the perfection of coin. The intermixture of two too much alloy, particularly of copper, in the gold coins at least, must materially lessen the facility of distinguishing by the eve, the genuine, from a baser kind.\nIf gold plate in the United States,\nThe inefficacy of the arrangement to the purpose intended to be answered is rendered probable by different considerations. If the standard of gold plate in the U States should be regulated according to that of the national coins, it is to be expected that the Goldsmith would prefer these to the foreign coins; because he would he would find them prepared to his hand it its is already in the state which he desires; whereas he and he would have to add to the foreign coins expend an additional quantity of alloy to bring the foreign coins to that state. If the standard of plate by law or usage should be superior to that of the national coins, there would be a possibility of the foreign coins bearing a higher price, in the Market; and this would not only obstruct their being brought to the Mint, but might occasion the exportation of the national coin in preference. It is not understood that the practice of making an abatement of price for the inferiority of standard is applicable to the English Mint; and if it be not, this would also contribute to frustrating the expected effect from the increase of alloy. For in this case a given quantity of the pure metal in our standard would be worth as much there as in bullion of the English or any other standard.\nConsidering, therefore, the uncertainty of the success of the expedient and the inconveniences wh which seem incident to it, it would appear preferable to submit to those of a free coinage. It is also observable that additional expence which is one of the principal of these is also applicable to what is pro the proposed remedy.\nIndeed, the judgment of the Secretary though inclined upon the whole to a small difference between the Mint price of bullion and the regulated value of the coins as a remedy for the inconveniences of a free coinage, is not without considerable hesitation on the point. He is far from feeling a thorough complete assurance that the latter ought not rather to be preferred.\nIt will have been perceived\nThe It is now proper to resume and finish the answer to the first question; the first question and to give the answer to it;; which has necessarily caused in order to which the three succeeding ones have necessarily been anticipated. The conclusion to be drawn which the from the observations which that have been are designed to establish made on the subject is is this that the United in the Coins of the U States ought to correspond with 24 Grains and \u00be of a grain of pure gold and with 371 Grains and \u00bc of a grain of pure silvereach answering to a dollar in the money of Account.. The former is exactly agreeable to the present value of gold and the latter is within a small fraction of the mean of the l two last emissions of dollars; the only ones which are now found in common circulation and of which the newest is in far the greatest quantity. abundance.\nThe alloy in each case to be 1/12 of the total weight which will make the Unit 26.8125 grains of standard gold & 402.1875 Grains of standard silver.\nIt Each of these, it has been remarked will answer to a dollar in the money of account. It is conceived that nothing better can be done in relation to this than to pursue the tract marked out by the resolution of the 8th of August 1786. This has been approved abroad as well as at home; and it is certain that nothing can be more simple or convenient than the Decimal subdivisions. There is every reason to expect that the method will speedily grow into general use when once seconded by it once comes to be seconded by corresponding coins. On this plan the Unit in the money of account will continue to be as established by that resolution a Dollar, and its multiples, dismes, cents, milles, or tenths, hundredths, thousands.\nWith regard to the number of different pieces which shall compose the coins of the United States two things are to be consulted\u2014convenience of circulation and cheapness of the coinage. The first ought not to be sacrificed to the last; but as far as they as they can be reconciled to with each other it is desireable to do it. Numerous and small (if not too minute) subdivisions assist circulation; but the multiplication of the smaller coins kinds increases adds to the expence of coining; the same process being necessary to a small as to a large piece.\nAs it is easy to add, it will perhaps, be most adviseable to begin with a small number till experience shall decide whether when any other kinds species species proportions are necessary. The following it is conceived will be sufficient in the commencement\u2014\n1 Gold piece equal in weight and value to ten Units or Dollars\n1 Gold piece, equal to a tenth part of the former, and which shall be a the a unit or Dollar\n1 Silver piece which shall also be the United a unit or Dollar\n1 silver piece which shall be in weight and value a tenth part of the silver Unit or Dollar.\n1 Copper piece which shall be of the value of a hundredth part of a dollar.\n1 other Copper piece which shall be of half the value of the former.\nIt is not proposed, that the lightest of the two gold coins should be in the first instance numerous; as in large payments, the larger the pieces, the shorter the process of counting, the less the risk of mistake, and consequently the greater the safety and the convenience; and in small payments, it is not perceived that any inconvenience can accrue, except in the event of a scarcity of silver, which the relative from leaving an intire dependence on the silver and copper coins. The chief inducement to the establishment of the small gold pice is to have a sensible object, in that metal, as well as in silver, to express the unit. One hundred thousand may be as much as ought to be at any time in circulation.\nThe tenth part of a dollar is but a small piece and with the aid of the copper coins will probably suffice for all the more minute purposes of circulation. It is less than the least piece of the silver coins of England.\nThe largest copper piece will nearly answer to the half penny sterling and the smallest of course to the farthing. Pieces of very small value are a great accommodation to the poor; by enabling them to purchase in smaller proportions and at a more reasonable rate, the necessaries of which they stand in need. If there were only cents, the lowest price for any vendible commodity, however inconsiderable in quantity would be a cent; if there are half cents, it will be a half cent; and in a great number of cases, exactly the same things will be sold for a half cent, which if there were none would cost a Cent. But a half cent is low enough for the minimum of price. Excessive minuteness would defeat its object. To enable the poorer classes to procure necessaries cheap is to enable them with more comfort to themselves to labour for less; the advantages of which need no comment.\nThe devices of the coins are far from being matters of indifference; as they may be made the vehicles instruments of useful impressions. They ought therefore to be emblematical, but without losing sight of simplicity. The fewer sharp points and angles there are, the less will be the loss by wearing. The Secretary thinks it best on this point to confine content himself to with these concise and general concise general remarks.\nThe last point to be discussed respects the currency of foreign Coins.\nThe abolition abrogation of this in proper season time is a necessary part of the system contemplated for the national coinnage. But this must of necessity be deferred till some considerable progress has been made in preparing a the substitute for them. A gradation may therefore be found most convenient.\nThe foreign coins may be suffered to circulate precisely upon their present footing for one year, after the mint shall have commenced its operations: The privilege may afterwards then be continued for another year to the gold coins of Portugal England and France and to the silver coins of Spain: And these may then still be permitted also be allowed to be current for one two years more at the same rates which shall be allowed to be given for them at the Mint; after the expiration of which the circulation of all foreign coins to cease.\nIn this mode\nThe monies which come shall are brought will be paid into the Treasury during the first year being recoined before they are issued anew again will form a partial supply to circulation before any interruption is given to it afford a partial substitute previous to even a partial giving any any interruption being given to the usual supplies of circulation. The revenues of the succeding year, and the discontinued coins which will naturally be brought to the Mint in consequence of the discontinuance of their circulation currency will materially extend the substitute during in the course of that year, and its extension will be considerab so far increased during the third year by the effect of facility which the diminution of the current diminished values of the remaining foreign coins will give to procuring them for the purpose of recoinage the facility of procuring the remaining for recoinage the remaining species on account of to be recoined \u27e8\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u27e9 by reason the diminution of their current values, as to enable the dispensing afterwards with the use of the foreign coins as a circulating medium wholly with the circulation use currency of the foreign coins after that period.\nThis arrangement, besign besides avoiding a sudden stagnation of circulation will cause a considerable proportion of whatever loss may be incident to the fal establishment in the first instance to fall as it ought to do upon the government public and will probably tend to di distribute the remainder of it more equally among the community.\nThe Secretary for the Department of State, in his Report to the House of Representatives, of on the subject of  has proposed that the weight of the Dollar should correspond with the unit of weight. This was done, on the supposition, that it would require but a trifling alteration addition to the quantity of metal, which the Dollar, ought independently of the object he had in view, ought to contain; in which he was guided by the resolution of  fixing the dollar at . The Taking this as the proper standard of the dollar, a small alteration for the sake of incorporating so systematic and idea would appear desireable. But if the principles, which have been reasoned from, in this report, are just, that idea cannot be pursued the execution of that idea becomes more difficult. It would certainly not be adviseable to make, on that account, so considerable a change in the money unit, as that of adding would be implied in the addition of six five grains of silver to the proper weight of the dollar, without any increase on the gro without a proportional augmentation of its relative numerary value. And to make such an augmentation would be to abandon the advantage of having the do proposed dollar considered present preserving the identity of the dollar or rather to speak more accurately of having the proposed one received and considered as a mere substitute for the present.\nThe end may however be attained without either of those inconveniences by increasing the alloy in proportion of alloy in the silver coins. And it is not perceived that any positive evil would attend this. But this would destroy the uniformity in that respect between the gold and silver coins. It remains therefore to elect which of two systematic ideas shall be pursued or relinquished. And it may be remarked that it will be more easy to convert the present silver coins into the proposed ones if these last have nearly the same or nearly the same proportion of alloy than if they have less.\nAll which is humbly submitted", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0334-0004", "content": "Title: Final Version of the Report on the Establishment of a Mint, [28 January 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, January 28, 1791Communicated on January 28, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury having attentively considered the subject referred to him by the Order of the House of Representatives of the fifteenth day of April last, relatively to the establishment of a Mint most respectfully submits the result of his enquiries and reflections.\nA plan for an establishment of this nature involves a great variety of considerations, intricate, nice, and important. The general state of Debtor and Creditor; all the relations and consequences of price; the essential interests of trade and industry; the value of all property; the whole income both of the State and of individuals are liable to be sensibly influenced, beneficially, or otherwise, by the judicious, or injudicious regulation of this interesting object. It is one likewise, not more necessary, than difficult to be rightly adjusted; one which has frequently occupied the reflections and researches of politicians, without having harmonised their opinions on some of the most important of the principles, which enter into its discussion. Accordingly, different systems continue to be advocated, and the systems of different Nations, after much investigation, continue to differ from each other.\nBut if a right adjustment of the matter be truly of such nicety and difficulty, a question naturally arises, whether it may not be most advisable to leave things, in this respect, in the state in which they are. Why might it be asked, since they have so long proceeded in a train, which has caused no general sensation of inconvenience, should alterations be attempted, the precise effect of which cannot with certainty be calculated?\nThe answer to this question is not perplexing. The immense disorder, which actually reigns in so delicate and important a concern, and the still greater disorder, which is every moment possible, call loudly for a reform. The dollar, originally contemplated in the money transactions of this country, by successive diminutions of its weight and fineness, has sustained a depreciation of 5 \u214c. Cent. And yet the new dollar has a Currency in all payments in place of the Old, with scarcely any attention to the difference between them. The operation of this in depreciating the value of property, depending upon past Contracts; and (as far as inattention to the alteration in the Coin may be supposed to leave prices stationary) of all other property, is apparent. Nor can it require argument to prove, that a Nation ought not to suffer the value of the property of its Citizens to fluctuate with the fluctuations of a foreign Mint, and to change with the changes in the regulations of a foreign sovereign. This, nevertheless, is the condition of one, which having no Coins of its own, adopts with implicit confidence those of other Countries.\nThe unequal values allowed in different parts of the Union to coins of the same intrinsic worth; the defective species of them, which embarrass the circulation of some of the States; and the dissimularity in their several Monies of account, are inconveniencies, which if not to be ascribed to the want of a National Coinage, will at least be most effectually remedied by the establishment of one; a measure that will at the same time give additional security against impositions, by counterfeit as well as by base currencies.\nIt was with great reason, therefore, that the attention of Congress, under the late confederation, was repeatedly drawn to the establishment of a Mint; and it is with equal reason, that the subject has been resumed; now that the favorable change, which has taken place in the situation of public affairs, admits of its being carried into execution.\nBut though the difficulty of devising a proper establishment ought not to deter from undertaking so necessary a work; yet it cannot but inspire diffidence in one, whose duty it is made, to propose a plan for the purpose, and may perhaps be permitted to be relied upon as some excuse for any errors which may be chargeable upon it, or for any deviations from sounder principles, which may have been suggested by others, or even in part acted upon by the former Government of the United States.\nIn order to a right judgment of what ought to be done, the following particulars require to be discussed.\n1st.\u2014What ought to be the nature of the money unit of the United States?\n2ndly.\u2014What the proportion between gold and silver; if coins of both metals are to be established?\n3dly.\u2014What the proportion and composition of alloy in each kind?\n4thly.\u2014Whether the expence of coinage shall be defrayed by the Government, or out of the material itself?\n5thly.\u2014What shall be the number, denominations, sizes, and devices of the Coins?\n6thly.\u2014Whether foreign Coins shall be permitted to be current or not; if the former, at what rate and for what period?\nA prerequisite to determining, with propriety, what ought to be the money unit of the United States, is to endeavour to form as accurate an idea, as the nature of the case will admit of what it actually is. The pound, though of various value, is the unit in the money of account of all the States. But it is not equally easy to pronounce what is to be considered as the unit in the Coins. There being no formal regulation on the point (the resolutions of Congress of the 6th. of July 1785 and 8th. of August 1786, having never yet been carried into operation) it can only be inferred from usage or practice. The manner of adjusting foreign exchanges would seem to indicate the Dollar as best entitled to that Character. In these the old piastre of Spain; or Old Seville piece of eight Rials of the value of four shillings and sixpence sterling is evidently contemplated. The computed par between Great Britain and Pennsylvania, will serve as an Example. According to that, One hundred pounds sterling is equal to One hundred and sixty six pounds and two thirds of a pound Pennsylvania Currency; which corresponds with the proportion between 4/6 sterling and 7/6 the current value of the dollar in that State, by invariable usage. And as far as the information of the Secretary goes, the same comparison holds in the other States.\nBut this circumstance, in favour of the dollar, loses much of its weight from two considerations. That species of coin has never had any settled or standard value, according to weight or fineness, but has been permitted to circulate by tale, without regard to either; very much as a mere money of convenience; while gold has had a fixed price by weight and with an eye to its fineness. The greater stability of value of the Gold Coins is an argument of force for regarding the money unit as having been hitherto virtually attached to Gold rather than to silver.\nTwenty four grains and \u2076\u2044\u2088 of a Grain of fine gold have corresponded with the nominal value of the dollar in the several States; without regard to the successive diminutions of its intrinsic worth.\nBut if the dollar should, notwithstanding, be supposed to have the best title to being considered as the present unit in the coins, it would remain to determine what kind of dollar ought to be understood, or, in other words, what precise quantity of fine silver.\nThe old piastre of Spain, which appears to have regulated our foreign exchanges, weighed 17 dwt. 12 grains and contained 386. grains and 15 Mites of fine silver. But this piece has been long since out of circulation. The dollars now in common currency are of recent date, and much inferior to that both in weight and fineness. The average weight of them, upon different trials in large Masses, has been found to be 17 dwt. 8 grains. Their fineness is less precisely ascertained; the results of various assays made by different persons, under the direction of the late Superintendent of the Finances and of the Secretary, being as various as the assays themselves. The difference between their extremes is not less than 24 grains in a dollar, of the same weight and age; which is too much for any probable differences in the pieces. It is rather to be presumed that a degree of inaccuracy has been occasioned, by the want of proper apparatus and in general, of practice. The experiment which appears to have the best pretensions to exactness, would make the new dollar to contain 370 grains and 933 thousandth parts of a grain of pure silver.\nAccording to an authority, on which the Secretary places reliance, the standard of Spain for its silver Coin in the year 1761. was 261 parts fine and 27 parts alloy; at which proportion, a dollar of 17 dwts. 8 grains would consist of 377 grains of fine silver and 39 grains of alloy: But there is no question that this standard has been since altered considerably for the worse; to what precise point is not as well ascertained as could be wished; but from a computation of the value of dollars in the Markets both of Amsterdam and London (a criterion which cannot materially mislead) the new dollar appears to contain about 368 grains of fine silver and that which immediately preceded it about 374 grains.\nIn this state of things, there is some difficulty in defining the dollar, which is to be understood as constituting the present money Unit; on the supposition of its being most applicable to that species of Coin. The old Seville piece of 386. grains and 15 Mites fine, comports best with the computations of foreign exchanges, and with the more ancient contracts respecting landed property; but far the greater number of Contracts, still in operation concerning that kind of property, and all those of a merely personal nature, now in force, must be referred to a dollar of a different kind. The actual dollar at the time of contracting is the only one which can be supposed to have been intended, and it has been seen, that as long ago as the year 1761. there had been a material degradation of the standard. And even in regard to the more ancient contracts, no person has ever had any idea of a scruple about receiving the dollar of the day, as a full equivalent for the nominal sum, which the dollar originally imported.\nA recurrence therefore to the ancient Dollar would be in the greatest number of cases an innovation in fact, and in all, an innovation in respect to opinion. The actual dollar, in common circulation, has evidently a much better claim to be regarded as the actual money unit.\nThe mean intrinsic value of the different kinds of known dollars has been intimated as affording the proper criterion. But when it is recollected, that the more ancient and more valuable ones are not now to be met with at all in circulation, and that the mass of those generally current is composed of the newest and most inferior kinds, it will be perceived, that even an equation of that nature would be a considerable innovation upon the real present state of things; which it will certainly be prudent to approach, as far as may be consistent with the permanent order, designed to be introduced.\nAn additional reason for considering the prevailing dollar, as the standard of the present money unit, rather than the ancient one, is, that it will not only be conformable to the true existing proportion between the two Metals in this Country, but will be more conformable to that which obtains in the commercial world, generally.\nThe difference established by custom in the United States between coined Gold and coined Silver, has been stated upon another occasion, to be nearly as 1 to 15.6. This, if truly the case, would imply that Gold was extremely overvalued in the United States; for the highest actual proportion in any part of Europe very little, if at all, exceeds 1 to 15. and the average proportion throughout Europe is probably not more than 1 to 14\u2158. But that statement has proceeded upon the idea of the ancient dollar. One pennyweight of Gold of 22 Carrats fine at 6/8 and the old Seville piece of 386 grains and 15 mites of pure silver at 7/6 furnish the exact ratio of 1. to 15.6262. But this does not coincide with the real difference between the Metals, in our market, or, which is with us the same thing, in our currency. To determine this, the quantity of fine silver in the general Mass of the dollars now in circulation must afford the rule. Taking the rate of the late dollar of 374 Grains, the proportion would be as 1 to 15.11. Taking the rate of the newest dollar, the proportion would then be as 1 to 14.87. The mean of the two would give the proportion of 1 to 15 very nearly; less than the legal proportion in the coins of Great Britain, which is as 1 to 15.2; but somewhat more than the actual or market proportion which is not quite 1. to 15.\nThe preceding view of the subject does not indeed afford a precise or certain definition of the present unit, in the coins, but it furnishes data, which will serve as guides in the progress of the investigation. It ascertains at least, that the sum in the money of account of each State corresponding with the nominal value of the dollar in such state corresponds also with 24 Grains and \u2076\u2044\u2088 of a grain of fine gold, and with something between 368 and 374 Grains of fine silver.\nThe next enquiry towards a right determination of what ought to be the future money unit of the United States turns upon these questions. Whether it ought to be peculiarly attached to either of the Metals, in preference to the other, or not; and, if to either, to which of them?\nThe suggestions and proceedings hitherto have had for object the annexing of it emphatically to the silver dollar. A resolution of Congress of the 6th. of July 1785 declares that the money unit of the United States shall be a Dollar; and another resolution of the 8th. of August 1786, fixes that dollar at 375 Grains and 64 hundredths of a grain of fine silver. The same resolution, however, determines, that there shall also be two Gold Coins one of 246 grains and 268 parts of a grain of pure Gold, equal to ten dollars, and the other of half that quantity of pure Gold, equal to five dollars: and it is not explained, whether either of the two species of Coins, of Gold or Silver, shall have any greater legality in payments, than the other. Yet it would seem, that a preference in this particular is necessary to execute the idea of attaching the unit exclusively to one kind. If each of them be as valid as the other, in payments to any amount, it is not obvious, in what effectual sense, either of them can be deemed the money unit, rather than the other.\nIf the general declaration, that the dollar shall be the money unit of the United States could be understood to give it a superior legality in payments, the institution of Coins of Gold, and the declaration that each of them shall be equal to a certain number of dollars would appear to destroy that inference: And the circumstance of making the dollar the unit in the money of account seems to be rather matter of form, than of substance.\nContrary to the ideas, which have heretofore prevailed, in the suggestions concerning a Coinage for the United States, though not without much hesitation, arising from a deference for those ideas, The Secretary is upon the whole strongly inclined to the Opinion, that a preference ought to be given to neither of the Metals for the money unit: Perhaps if either were to be preferred, it ought to be Gold rather than silver.\nThe reasons are these. The inducement to such a preference is to render the unit as little variable as possible; because on this depends the steady value of all contracts, and in a certain sense of all other property. And it is truly observed, that if the unit belong indiscriminately to both the Metals, it is subject to all the fluctuations, that happen in the relative value, which they bear to each other: But the same reason would lead to annexing it to that particular one, which is itself the least liable to variation; if there be, in this respect any discernible difference between the two.\nGold may perhaps, in certain senses, be said to have greater stability than silver: As being of superior value, less liberties have been taken with it, in the Regulations of different countries. Its standard has remained more uniform, and it has in other respects undergone fewer changes: As being not so much an article of Merchandize, owing to the use made of silver in the trade with the East Indies and China, it is less liable to be influenced by circumstances of Commercial demand. And if reasoning by analogy, it could be affirmed, that there is a physical probability of greater proportional increase in the quantity of silver than in that of Gold, it would afford an additional reason for calculating on greater steadiness in the value of the latter.\nAs long as Gold, either from its intrinsic superiority, as a Metal, from its greater rarity, or from the prejudices of mankind, retains so considerable a preeminence in value over silver as it has hitherto had, a natural consequence of this seems to be that its condition will be more stationary. The revolutions, therefore, which may take place, in the comparative value of gold and silver, will be changes in the state of the latter, rather than in that of the former.\nIf there should be an appearance of too much abstraction in any of these ideas, it may be remarked, that the first and most simple impressions do not naturally incline to giving a preference to the inferior or least valuable of the two Metals.\nIt is sometimes observed, that silver ought to be encouraged rather than Gold, as being more conducive to the extention of Bank circulation, from the greater difficulty and inconvenience, which its greater bulk, compared with its value, occasions in the Transportation of it. But Bank circulation is desireable rather as an auxiliary to, than as a substitute for that of the precious metals; and ought to be left to its natural course. Artificial expedients to extend it, by opposing obstacles to the other, are at least not recommended by any very obvious advantages. And in general, it is the safest rule to regulate every particular institution, or object, according to the principles, which in relation to itself, appear the most sound. In addition to this, it may be observed, that the inconvenience of transporting either of the metals is sufficiently great to induce a preference of Bank paper, whenever it can be made to answer the purpose equally well.\nBut upon the whole, it seems to be most adviseable, as has been observed, not to attach the unit exclusively to either of the Metals; because this cannot be done effectually without destroying the office and character of one of them as money, and reducing it to the situation of a mere merchandize; which, accordingly, at different times has been proposed from different and very respectable quarters; but which would probably be a greater evil than occasional variations in the unit, from the fluctuations in the relative value of the metals; especially if care be taken to regulate the proportion between them, with an eye to their average commercial value.\nTo annul the use of either of the metals, as money, is to abridge the quantity of circulating medium; and is liable to all the objections, which arise from a comparison of the benefits of a full, with the evils of a scanty circulation.\nIt is not a satisfactory answer to say, that none but the favored metal would in this case find its way into the Country, as in that all balances must be paid. The practicability of this would in some measure depend on the abundance, or scarcity of it in the Country paying. Where there was but little, it either would not be procurable at all, or it would cost a premium to obtain it; which in every case of a competition with others, in a branch of trade, would constitute a deduction from the profits of the party receiving. Perhaps too the embarrassments, which such a circumstance might sometimes create, in the pecuniary liquidation of balances, might lead to additional efforts to find a substitute in commodities, and might so far impede the introduction of the metals. Neither could the exclusion of either of them be deemed, in other respects, favorable to commerce. It is often in the course of trade as desireable to possess the kind of money, as the kind of commodities, best adapted to a foreign market.\nIt seems, however, most probable, that the chief, if not the sole effect of such a regulation, would be to diminish the utility of one of the metals. It could hardly prove an obstacle to the introduction, of that which was excluded, in the natural course of Trade; because it would always command a ready sale for the purpose of exportation to foreign markets. But such an effect, if the only one, is not to be regarded as a trivial inconvenience.\nIf then the unit ought not to be attached exclusively to either of the metals, the proportion which ought to subsist between them, in the coins, becomes a preliminary inquiry, in order to its proper adjustment. This proportion appears to be, in several views, of no inconsiderable moment.\nOne consequence of overvaluing either metal, in respect to the other, is the banishment of that which is undervalued. If two countries are supposed, in one of which the proportion of Gold to silver is as 1. to 16. in the other as 1. to 15. gold being worth more, silver less in one, than in the other, it is manifest, that in their reciprocal payments, each will select that species, which it values least, to pay to the other, where it is valued most. Besides this, the dealers in money will, from the same cause, often find a profitable traffic, in an exchange of the Metals between the two Countries. And hence, it would come to pass, if other things were equal, that the greatest part of the Gold would be collected in one, and the greatest part of the silver, in the other. The course of Trade might in some degree counteract the tendency of the difference, in the legal proportions, by the market value; but this is so far and so often influenced by the legal rates, that it does not prevent their producing the effect, which is inferred. Facts too verify the inference. In Spain and England where gold is rated higher, than in other parts of Europe, there is a scarcity of silver; while it is found to abound in France, and Holland, where it is rated higher in proportion to gold, than in the Neighbouring Nations. And it is continually flowing from Europe to China and the East Indies, owing to the comparative cheapness of it in the former, and dearness of it in the latter.\nThis consequence is deemed by some not very material; and there are even persons, who from a fanciful predilection to Gold, are willing to invite it, even by a higher price. But general utility will best be promoted by a due proportion of both metals. If gold be most convenient in large payments, silver is best adapted to the more minute and ordinary circulation.\nBut it is to be suspected, that there is another consequence more serious, than the one which has been mentioned. This is the diminution of the total quantity of specie, which a Country would naturally possess.\nIt is evident, that as often as a Country, which overrates either of the Metals, receives a payment in that Metal, it gets a less actual quantity than it ought to do, or than it would do, if the rate were a just one.\nIt is also equally evident, that there will be a continual effort to make payment to it in that species, to which it has annexed an exaggerated estimation, wherever it is current at a less proportional value. And it would seem to be a very natural effect of these two causes, not only that the mass of the precious metals in the country, in question, would consist chiefly of that kind, to which it had given an extraordinary value, but that it would be absolutely less, than if they had been duly proportioned to each other.\nA conclusion of this sort, however, is to be drawn with great caution. In such matters, there are always some local and many other particular circumstances, which qualify and vary the operation of general principles, even where they are just; and there are endless combinations, very difficult to be annalized, which often render principles, that have the most plausible pretensions unsound and delusive.\nThere ought, for instance, according to those which have been stated, to have been formerly a greater quantity of Gold in proportion to silver in the United States, than there has been; because the actual value of Gold in this country compared with silver was perhaps higher than in any other. But our situation with regard to the West India Islands, into some of which there is a large influx of silver directly from the Mines of South America, occasions an extraordinary supply of that Metal, and consequently a greater proportion of it in our circulation than might have been expected from its relative value.\nWhat influence the proportion under consideration may have upon the state of prices, and how far this may counteract its tendency to increase or lessen the quantity of the Metals are points not easy to be developed; And yet they are very necessary to an accurate judgment of the true operation of the thing.\nBut however impossible it may be, to pronounce with certainty, that the possession of a less quantity of Specie is a consequence of overvaluing either of the Metals, there is enough of probability in the considerations, which seem to indicate it, to form an Argument of weight against such overvaluation.\nA third ill consequence resulting from it is, a greater and more frequent disturbance of the state of the money unit, by a greater and more frequent diversity between the legal and market proportions of the Metals. This has not hitherto been experienced in the United States, but it has been experienced elsewhere: And from its not having been felt by us hitherto, it does not follow that this will not be the case hereafter, when our Commerce shall have attained a maturity, which will place it under the influence of more fixed principles.\nIn establishing a proportion between the Metals, there seems to be an option of one of two things.\nTo approach as nearly as it can be ascertained, the mean or average proportion, in what may be called the Commercial world, Or\nTo retain that which now exists in the United States: As far as these happen to coincide, they will render the course to be pursued more plain and more certain.\nTo ascertain the first, with precision, would require better materials, than are possessed, or than could be obtained, without an inconvenient delay.\nSir Isaac Newton, in a representation to the Treasury of Great Britain, in the year 1717, after stating the particular proportions in the different countries of Europe concludes thus\u2014\u201cby the course of trade and exchange between nation, and nation in all Europe, fine gold is to fine silver as 14 4/5 or 15 to 1.\u201d\nBut however accurate and decisive this authority may be deemed, in relation to the period, to which it applies, it cannot be taken, at the distance of more than seventy years, as a rule for determining the existing proportion. Alterations have been since made, in the regulations of their coins by several Nations; which as well as the course of trade have an influence upon the Market values. Nevertheless, there is reason to believe, that the State of the matter, as represented by Sir Isaac Newton, is not very remote from its actual state.\nIn Holland the greatest money market of Europe, gold was to silver in December 1789 as 1 to 14.88; and in that of London it has been for some time past but little different, approaching perhaps something nearer 1 to 15.\nIt has been seen, that the existing proportion between the two metals in this Country is about as 1 to 15.\nIt is fortunate, in this respect, that the innovations of the Spanish Mint have imperceptibly introduced a proportion so analogous, as this is, to that which prevails among the principal commercial nations; as it greatly facilitates a proper regulation of the matter.\nThis proportion of 1 to 15 is recommended by the particular situation of our trade, as being very nearly that which obtains in the market of Great Britain, to which Nation our Specie is principally exported. A lower rate for either of the Metals, in our Market, than in hers, might not only afford a motive the more in certain cases to remit in specie rather than in commodities, but it might in some others, cause us to pay a greater quantity of it for a given sum, than we should otherwise do. If the effect should rather be to occasion a premium to be given for the Metal, which was underrated, this would obviate those disadvantages; but it would involve another, a customary difference between the Market and legal proportions, which would amount to a species of disorder in the natural coinage.\nLooking forward to the payments of Interest hereafter to be made to Holland, the same proportion does not appear ineligible. The present legal proportion in the coins of Holland is stated to be 1 to 14\u2079\u2044\u2081\u2080. That of the Market varies somewhat at different times, but seldom very widely from this point.\nThere can hardly be a better rule, in any country, for the legal, than the market proportion; if this can be supposed to have been produced by the free and steady course of commercial principles. The presumption, in such case, is that each metal finds its true level, according to its intrinsic utility, in the general system of money operations.\nBut it must be admitted, that this argument in favour of continuing the existing proportion, is not applicable to the state of the coins with us. There have been too many artificial and heterogeneous ingredients, too much want of order in the pecuniary transactions of this Country, to authorise the attributing the effects, which have appeared, to the regular operations of Commerce. A proof of this is to be drawn from the alterations, which have happened in the proportion between the metals merely by the successive degradations of the dollar, in consequence of the mutability of a foreign Mint. The value of gold to silver appears to have declined, wholly from this cause, from 15\u2076\u2044\u2081\u2080 to about 15 to 1. Yet as this last proportion, however produced, coincides so nearly with what may be deemed the commercial average, it may be supposed to furnish as good a rule as can be pursued.\nThe only question seems to be, whether the value of Gold ought not to be a little lowered to bring it to a more exact level with the two markets which have been mentioned. But as the ratio of 1 to 15 is so nearly conformable to the state of those markets, and best agrees with that of our own, it will probably be found the most eligible. If the market of Spain continues to give a higher value to Gold (as it has done in time past) than that which is recommended, there may be some advantage in a middle station.\nA further preliminary to the adjustment of the future money unit is to determine what shall be the proportion and composition of alloy in each species of the Coins.\nThe first, by the resolution of the 8th. of August 1786, before referred to, is regulated at one twelfth, or in other words, at one part alloy to 11 parts fine, whether Gold or Silver: which appears to be a convenient rule; unless there should be some collateral consideration, which may dictate a departure from it. Its correspondency, in regard to both metals, is a recommendation of it, because a difference could answer no purpose of pecuniary or commercial utility, and uniformity is favorable to order.\nThis ratio, as it regards gold, coincides with the proportion, real or professed, in the Coins of Portugal, England, France and Spain. In those of the two former, it is real, in those of the two latter, there is a deduction for what is called remedy of weight and alloy, which is in the nature of an allowance to the Master of the Mint for errors and imperfections in the process; rendering the coin either lighter or baser than it ought to be. The same thing is known in the Theory of the English Mint, where 1/6 of a Carat is allowed. But the difference seems to be, that there, it is merely an occasional indemnity within a certain limit, for real and unavoidable errors and imperfections; whereas in the practice of the Mints of France and Spain it appears to amount to a stated and regular deviation from the nominal standard. Accordingly the real standards of France and Spain are something worse than 22 Carats or 11 parts in 12. fine.\nThe principal Gold coins of Germany, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Poland and Italy, are finer than those of England and Portugal in different degrees from 1 Carat and \u00bc to 1 Carat and \u215e, which last is within \u215b of a Carat of pure Gold.\nThere are similar diversities in the standards of the silver coins of the different Countries of Europe. That of Great Britain is 222 parts fine to 18 alloy: Those of the other European Nations vary from that of Great Britain as widely as from about 17 of the same parts better to 75 worse.\nThe principal reasons assigned for the use of alloy, are the saving of expence in the refining of the metals, (which in their natural state are usually mixed with a portion of the coarser kinds) and the rendering of them harder as a security against too great waste by friction or wearing. The first reason, drawn from the original composition of the Metals, is strengthened at present by the practice of alloying their coins, which has obtained among so many Nations. The reality of the effect, to which the last reason is applicable, has been denied, and experience has been appealed to as proving that the more alloyed coins wear faster than the purer. The true state of this matter may be worthy of future investigation, though first appearances are in favour of alloy. In the meantime, the saving of trouble and expence are sufficient inducements to following those examples which suppose its expediency. And the same considerations lead to taking as our models those nations with whom we have most intercourse, and whose coins are most prevalent in our circulation. These are Spain, Portugal, England and France. The relation which the proposed proportion bears to their Gold Coins has been explained. In respect to their silver coins, it will not be very remote from the mean of their several standards.\nThe component ingredients of the alloy in each Metal will also require to be regulated. In silver, Copper is the only kind in use, and it is doubtless the only proper one. In Gold there is a mixture of silver and copper; in the English coins consisting of equal parts, in the coins of some other Countries varying from \u2153 to \u2154 Silver.\nThe reason of this union of Silver with Copper is this\u2014the silver counteracts the Tendency of the Copper to injure the Color or Beauty of the Coin, by giving it too much redness, or rather a Coppery hue; which a small quantity will produce; and the Copper prevents the too great whiteness, which silver alone would confer. It is apprehended, that there are considerations, which may render it prudent to establish by law, that the proportion of Silver to Copper in the Gold Coins of the United States shall not be more than \u00bd nor less than \u2153; vesting a discretion, in some proper place, to regulate the matter within those limits, as experience in the execution may recommend.\nA third point remains to be discussed, as a prerequisite to the determination of the money unit, which is, whether the expence of coining shall be defrayed by the public, or out of the material itself; or, as it is sometimes stated, whether coinage shall be free or shall be subject to a duty or imposition? This forms, perhaps, one of the nicest questions in the doctrine of Money.\nThe practice of different Nations is dissimilar, in this particular. In England coinage is said to be intirely free: the Mint price of the Metals in bullion being the same with the value of them in coin. In France, there is a duty which has been, if it is not now, Eight per Cent. In Holland, there is a difference between the Mint price and the value in the Coins, which has been computed at .96, or something less than one per Cent, upon Gold; at 1.48 or something less than one and a half per Cent; upon silver. The resolution, of the 8th. of August 1786, proceeds upon the idea of a deduction of half perCent from Gold, and of two perCent from silver, as an indemnification for the expence of coining. This is inferred from a report of the late Board of Treasury, upon which that resolution appears to have been founded.\nUpon the supposition, that the expence of coinage ought to be defrayed out of the Metals, there are two ways in which it may be effected; one by a reduction of the quantity of fine Gold and silver in the Coins; the other by establishing a difference between the value of those Metals, in the Coins, and the Mint price of them in bullion.\nThe first method appears to the Secretary inadmissible. He is unable to distinguish an operation of this sort from that of raising the denomination of the Coin; a measure, which has been disapproved by the wisest men of the nations, in which it has been practised, and condemned by the rest of the world. To declare, that a less weight of Gold or silver shall pass for the same sum, which before represented a greater weight, or to ordain that the same weight shall pass for a greater sum are things substantially of one nature. The consequence of either of them, if the change can be realized, is to degrade the money unit; obliging creditors to receive less than their just dues\u2014and depreciating property of every kind: For it is manifest, that everything would in this case be represented by a less quantity of Gold and silver, than before.\nIt is sometimes observed on this head, that though any article of property might in fact be represented by a less actual quantity of pure Metal, it would nevertheless be represented by something of the same intrinsic value. Every fabric, it is remarked, is worth intrinsically the price of the raw material and the expence of fabrication; a truth not less applicable to a piece of Coin, than to a yard of Cloth.\nThis position, well founded in itself, is here misapplied. It supposes that the Coins, now in circulation, are to be considered as bullion, or in other words, as a raw material. But the fact is, that the adoption of them, as money, has caused them to become the fabric. It has invested them, with the character and office of Coins, and has given them a sanction and efficacy equivalent to that of the stamp of the sovereign. The prices of all our commodities, at home and abroad, and of all foreign commodities in our Markets, have found their level, in conformity to this principle. The foreign Coins may be divested of the privilege, they have hitherto been permitted to enjoy, and may of course be left to find their value in the market, as a raw material. But the quantity of Gold and Silver in the National Coins corresponding with a given sum cannot be made less, than heretofore, without disturbing the balance of intrinsic value; and making every Acre of Land, as well as every bushel of Wheat, of less actual worth than in time past. If the United States were isolated, and cut off from all intercourse with the rest of mankind, this reasoning would not be equally conclusive. But it appears decisive, when considered with a view to the relations, which Commerce has created between us and other Countries.\nIt is however not improbable, that the effect meditated would be defeated by a rise of prices, proportioned to the diminution of the intrinsic value of the coins. This might be looked for in every enlightened commercial Country; but perhaps in none with greater certainty than in this; because, in none, are men less liable to be the dupes of sounds\u2014in none has authority so little resource for substituting names to things.\nA general revolution in prices, though only nominally, and in appearance, could not fail to distract the ideas of the community, and would be apt to breed discontents as well among all those who live on the income of their money, as among the poorer classes of the people, to whom the necessaries of life would seem to have become dearer. In the confusion of such a state of things, ideas of value would not improbably adhere to the Old Coins, which from that circumstance, instead of feeling the effect of the loss of their privilege as money, would perhaps bear a price in the market, relatively to the new ones, in exact proportion to weight. The frequency of the demand for the metals to pay foreign balances would contribute to this effect.\nAmong the evils, attendant on such an operation, are these\u2014Creditors both of the Public and of individuals would lose a part of their property\u2014Public and Private Credit would receive a wound\u2014the effective revenues of the Government would be diminished. There is scarcely any point, in the \u0153conomy of national affairs of greater moment, than the uniform preservation of the intrinsic value of the money unit. On this the security and steady value of property essentially depend.\nThe second method, therefore, of defraying the expence of the Coinage out of the Metals, is greatly to be preferred to the other. This is to let the same sum of money continue to represent in the new Coins exactly the same quantity of Gold and silver, as it does in those now current\u2014to allow at the mint such a price only for those metals, as will admit of profit just sufficient to satisfy the expence of coinage\u2014to abolish the legal currency of the foreign coins, both in public and private payments\u2014and of course to leave the superior utility of the national coins, for domestic purposes, to operate the difference of market value, which is necessary to induce the bringing of bullion to the Mint. In this case, all property and labor will still be represented, by the same quantity of Gold and Silver, as formerly; and the only change, which will be wrought, will consist in annexing the office of money exclusively to the national coins; consequently, withdrawing it from those of foreign countries, and suffering them to become, as they ought to be, mere articles of Merchandize.\nThe arguments in favor of a regulation of this kind are\u2014First\u2014That the want of it is a cause of extra expence: there being then no motive of individual interest to distinguish between the national Coins and bullion, they are, it is alleged, indiscriminately melted down, for domestic manufactures, and exported, for the purposes of foreign trade: and it is added that when the Coins become light by wearing the same quantity of fine Gold or silver bears a higher price in bullion than in the coins; in which state of things the melting down of the coins to be sold as bullion is attended with profit; and from both causes the expence of the mint, or in other words the expence of maintaining the specie Capital of the Nation is materially augmented.\nSecondly\u2014That the existence of such a regulation promotes a favorable course of exchange, and benefits Trade, not only by that Circumstance, but by obliging foreigners, in certain cases, to pay dearer for domestic commodities, and to sell their own cheaper.\nAs far as relates to the tendency of a free coinage to produce an encrease of expence, in the different ways that have been stated\u2014the argument must be allowed to have foundation, both in reason and in experience. It describes what has been exemplified in Great Britain.\nThe effect of giving an artificial value to Bullion is not, at first sight, obvious; but it actually happened at the period immediately preceding the late reformation in the Gold Coin of the Country just named. A pound troy in gold bullion of standard fineness was then from 19/6 to 25/. sterling dearer than an equal weight of guineas, as delivered at the Mint. The phenomenon is thus accounted for\u2014The old guineas were more than two perCent. lighter than their standard weight. This weight therefore, in bullion, was truly worth two per Cent more, than those guineas. It consequently had in respect to them a correspondent rise in the market. And as guineas were then current by tale, the new ones, as they issued from the mint, were confounded in circulation with the old ones; and by the association, were depreciated below the intrinsic value, in comparison with bullion. It became of course, a profitable traffic to sell bullion for coin, to select the light pieces, and reissue them in currency, and to melt down the heavy ones, and sell them again as bullion. This practice, besides other inconveniencies, cost the government large sums, in the renewal of the coins.\nBut the remainder of the argument stands upon ground, far more questionable. It depends upon very numerous and very complex combinations; in which there is infinite latitude for fallacy and error.\nThe most plausible part of it is that, which relates to the course of exchange. Experience, in France, has shewn, that the market price of bullion has been influenced by the Mint difference, between that and Coin; sometimes to the full extent of the difference; and it would seem to be a clear inference, that whenever that difference materially exceeded the charges of remitting bullion, from the country, where it existed, to another in which coinage was free, exchange would be in favour of the former.\nIf, for instance, the balance of Trade, between France and England, were at any time equal, their Merchants would naturally have reciprocal payments to make to an equal amount; which as usual would be liquidated by means of bills of exchange. If in this situation, the difference between coin and bullion should be in the Market, as at the Mint of France, 8 \u214c. Cent; if also the charges of Transporting money from France to England should not be above two \u214c. Cent; and if exchange should be at par, it is evident, that a profit of six per Cent. might be made, by sending bullion from France to England, and drawing Bills for the amount. One hundred louis dors in coin would purchase the weight of 108 in bullion; one hundred of which remitted to England would suffice to pay a debt of an equal amount: and two being paid for the charges of insurance and transportation, there would remain 6 for the benefit of the person who should manage the negociation. But as so large a profit could not fail to produce competition; the bills in consequence of this would decrease in price, till the profit was reduced to the minimum of an adequate recompence for the trouble and risk. And as the amount of 100 louis dors, in England, might be afforded for 96 in France, with a profit of more than 1 and \u00bd \u214c Cent, bills upon England might fall in France to 4 \u214c. Cent. below par; one \u214c. Cent being a sufficient profit to the exchanger or broker for the management of the business.\nBut it is admitted, that this advantage is lost, when the balance of trade is against the Nation, which imposes the duty in question; because by encreasing the demand for bullion, it brings this to a par with the coins: And it is to be suspected, that where commercial principles have their free scope, and are well understood, the market difference between the metals in coin and bullion will seldom approximate to that of the Mint, if the latter be considerable. It must be not a little difficult to keep the money of the world, which can be employed to an equal purpose, in the commerce of the world, in a state of degradation, in comparison with the money of a particular country.\nThis alone would seem sufficient to prevent it. Whenever the price of coin to bullion, in the market, materially exceeded the par of the Metals, it would become an object to send the bullion abroad; if not to pay a foreign balance, to be invested in some other way, in foreign Countries, where it bore a superior value: an operation, by which immense fortunes might be amassed, if it were not, that the exportation of the bullion would of itself restore the intrinsic par. But as it would naturally have this effect, the advantage supposed would contain in itself the principle of its own destruction. As long however, as the exportation of bullion could be made with profit, which is as long as exchange could remain below par, there would be a drain of the Gold and Silver of the Country.\nIf any thing can maintain for a length of time a material difference, between the value of the Metals in Coin and in Bullion, it must be a constant and considerable balance of trade, in favor of the Country, in which it is maintained. In one situated like the United States, it would in all probability be a hopeless attempt. The frequent demand, for Gold and Silver, to pay balances to foreigners would tend powerfully to preserve the equilibrium of intrinsic value.\nThe prospect is, that it would occasion foreign coins, to circulate by common consent, nearly at par with the national.\nTo say, that as far as the effect of lowering exchange is produced, though it be only occasional and momentary, there is a benefit the more thrown into the scale of public prosperity is not satisfactory. It has been seen, that it may be productive of one evil, the investment of a part of the national capital in foreign Countries; which can hardly be beneficial, but in a situation like that of the United Netherlands; where an immense capital and a decrease of internal demand render it necessary to find employment for money, in the wants of other nations: And, perhaps, on a close examination, other evils may be descried.\nOne allied to that, which has been mentioned, is this:\u2014taking France, for the sake of mere concise illustration, as the scene. Whenever it happens that French louis d\u2019ors are sent abroad, from whatever cause, if there be a considerable difference between coin, and bullion, in the market of France, it will constitute an advantageous traffic to send back these Louis d\u2019ors and bring away bullion, in lieu of them; upon all of which exchanges, France must sustain an actual loss of a part of its Gold and Silver.\nAgain, such a difference between Coin and Bullion may tend to counteract a favorable balance of Trade. Whenever a foreign Merchant is the carrier of his own commodities to France for sale, he has a strong inducement to bring back specie, instead of French commodities; because a return in the latter may afford no profit, may even be attended with loss, in the former, it will afford a certain profit. The same principle must be supposed to operate in the general course of remittances, from France to other Countries. The principal question with a Merchant naturally is\u2014In what manner, can I realise a given sum, with most advantage, where I wish to place it? And in cases, in which other commodities are not likely to produce equal profit with bullion, it may be expected, that this will be preferred; to which the greater certainty attending the operation must be an additional incitement. There can hardly be imagined a circumstance, less friendly to trade, than the existence of an extra inducement, arising from the possibility of a profitable speculation, upon the articles themselves, to export from a Country its Gold and Silver, rather than the products of its land and labor.\nThe other advantages supposed of obliging foreigners to pay dearer for domestic commodities, and to sell their own cheaper, are applied to a situation, which includes a favorable balance of Trade. It is understood in this sense. The prices of domestic commodities (such at least as are peculiar to the Country) remain attached to the denominations of the coins. When a favorable balance of trade realizes in the Market the Mint difference between Coin and Bullion, foreigners, who must pay in the latter, are obliged to give more of it for such commodities, than they otherwise would do. Again, the bullion, which is now obtained, at a cheaper rate in the home Market, will procure the same quantity of Goods in the foreign Market as before; which is said to render foreign commodities cheaper. In this reasoning much fallacy is to be suspected: If it be true, that foreigners pay more for domestic commodities, it must be equally true, that they get more for their own, when they bring them themselves to market. If peculiar, or other domestic commodities, adhere to the denominations of the coins, no reason occurs why foreign commodities of a like character should not do the same thing. And in this case, the foreigner, though he receive only the same value in coin for his merchandize, as formerly, can convert it into a greater quantity of bullion. Whence the Nation is liable to lose more of its gold and silver, than if their intrinsic value in relation to the coins were preserved. And whether the gain or the loss, will on the whole preponderate would appear to depend on the comparative proportion of active commerce of the one Country with the other.\nIt is evident, also, that the Nation must pay as much Gold and Silver as before, for the Commodities which it procures abroad; and whether it obtains this gold and silver cheaper, or not, turns upon the solution of the question just intimated, respecting the relative proportion of active commerce, between the two countries.\nBesides these considerations, it is admitted in the reasoning, that the advantages supposed, which depend on a favorable balance of trade have a tendency to affect that balance disadvantageously. Foreigners, it is allowed, will in this case, seek some other vent for their commodities, and some other market, where they can supply their wants, at an easier rate. A Tendency of this kind, if real, would be a sufficient objection to the regulation. Nothing which contributes to change a beneficial current of trade, can well compensate, by particular advantages, for so injurious an effect. It is far more easy to transfer Trade, from a less to a more favorable Channel, than when once transferred, to bring it back to its old one. Every source of artificial interruption to an advantageous current is, therefore, cautiously to be avoided.\nIt merits attention, that the able Minister, who lately and so long presided over the Finances of France, does not attribute to the duty of Coinage, in that Country, any particular advantages, in relation to Exchange and Trade. Though he rather appears an advocate for it, \u2019tis on the sole ground of the revenue, it affords, which he represents, as in the nature of a very moderate duty on the general mass of exportation.\nAnd it is not improbable, that to the singular felicity of situation of that Kingdom is to be attributed its not having been sensible of the evils which seem incident to the regulation.\nThere is perhaps no part of Europe, which has so little need of other Countries, as France. Comprehending a variety of soils and climates, an immense population, its agriculture in a state of mature improvement, it possesses within its own bosom most, if not all the productions of the earth, which any of its most favored neighbours can boast. The variety, abundance and excellence of its Wines constitute a peculiar advantage in its favor. Arts and Manufactures are there also in a very advanced state\u2014some of them of considerable importance in higher perfection than elswhere. Its contiguity to Spain, the intimate nature of its connection with that Country; a Country with few fabrics of its own, consequently numerous wants, and the principal receptacle of the treasures of the new world. These circumstances concur, in securing to France, so uniform, and so considerable a balance of Trade, as in a great measure to counteract the natural tendency of any errors, which may exist in the system of her Mint; and to render inferences from the operation of that system there, in reference to this country, more liable to mislead, than to instruct. Nor ought it to pass unnoticed, that with all these advantages, the Government of France has found it necessary, on some occasions, to employ very violent methods to compel the bringing of Bullion to the Mint; a circumstance, which affords a strong presumption of the inexpediency of the regulation, and of the impracticability of executing it in the United States.\n\u261e This point has been the longer dwelt upon, not only because there is a diversity of opinion among speculative Men, concerning it, and a diversity in the practice of the most considerable commercial nations; but because the acts of our own government, under the confederation, have not only admitted the expediency of defraying the expence of coinage out of the metals themselves; but upon this idea have both made a deduction from the weight of the coins, and established a difference between their regulated value and the Mint price of Bullion greater than would result from that deduction. This double operation, in favor of a principle so questionable in itself, has made a more particular investigation of it a duty.\nThe intention, however, of the preceding remarks is rather to shew, that the expectation of commercial advantages ought not to decide in favor of a duty of coinage, and that if it should be adopted, it ought not to be in the form of a deduction from the intrinsic value of the coins\u2014than absolutely to exclude the idea of any difference, whatever, between the value of the Metals in coin and in Bullion. It is not clearly discerned, that a small difference between the Mint price of Bullion, and the regulated value of the Coins would be pernicious, or that it might not even be adviseable, in the first instance, by way of experiment, merely as a preventive to the melting down and exportation of the Coins. This will now be somewhat more particularly considered.\nThe arguments for a coinage entirely free are, that it preserves the intrinsic value of the Metals; that it makes the expence of fabrication a general instead of a partial tax; and that it tends to promote the abundance of gold, and silver, which it is alledged will flow to that place, where they find the best price, and from that place, where they are in any degree undervalued.\nThe first consideration has not much weight, as an objection to a plan, which without diminishing the quantity of Metals, in the Coins, merely allows a less price for them in bullion at the national factory or Mint. No rule of intrinsic value is violated, by considering the raw material, as worth less than the fabric, in proportion to the expence of fabrication. And by divesting foreign coins of the privilege of circulating as money they become the raw material.\nThe second consideration has perhaps greater weight. But it may not amount to an objection, if it be the best method of preventing disorders, in the coins which it is in a particular manner, the interest of those, on whom the tax would fall, to prevent. The practise of taking Gold by weight, which has of late years obtained in Great Britain, has been found in some degree a remedy; but this is inconvenient, and may on that account fall into disuse. Another circumstance has had a remedial operation. This is, the delays of the Mint. It appears to be the practice there not to make payment for the bullion, which is brought to be exchanged for Coin; \u2019till it either has in fact, or is pretended to have undergone the process of recoining.\nThe necessity of fulfilling prior engagements is a cause or pretext for postponing the delivery of the coin in lieu of the bullion. And this delay creates a difference in the market price of the two things. Accordingly for some years past, an Ounce of standard Gold, which is worth in coin \u00a33.17.10\u00bd sterling has been in the Market of London, in bullion, only \u00a33.17.6, which is within a small fraction of one half per Cent. less. Whether this be management in the mint to accommodate the Bank in the purchase of Bullion or to effect indirectly something equivalent to a formal difference of price, or whether it be the natural course of the business is open to conjecture.\nIt, at the same time, indicates, that if the Mint were to make prompt payment, at about half per Cent. less, than it does at present, the State of bullion in respect to coin would be precisely the same as it now is. And it would be then certain that the Government would save expence in the Coinage of Gold; since it is not probable, that the time actually lost in the course of the year in converting bullion into coin can be an equivalent to half per Cent. on the advance; and there will generally be at the command of the Treasury, a considerable sum of money, waiting for some periodical disbursement, which without hazard might be applied to that advance.\nIn what sense, a free coinage can be said to promote the abundance of gold and silver, may be inferred from the instances, which have been given of the tendency of a contrary system to promote their exportation. It is, however, not probable, that a very small difference of value between coin and bullion can have any effect, which ought to enter into calculation. There can be no inducement of positive profit, to export the bullion, as long as the difference of price is exceeded by the expence of transportation. And the prospect of smaller loss upon the Metals, than upon commodities, when the difference is very minute, will be frequently overbalanced by the possibility of doing better with the latter, from a rise of markets. It is at any rate certain, that it can be of no consequence, in this view, whether the superiority of coin to bullion in the Market be produced, as in England, by the delay of the Mint, or by a formal discrimination in the regulated values.\nUnder an impression, that a small difference between the value of the coin, and the Mint price of bullion is the least exceptionable expedient for restraining the melting down, or exportation of the former, and not perceiving, that if it be a very moderate one, it can be hurtful in other respects\u2014The Secretary is inclined to an experiment of \u00bd \u214c. Cent on each of the Metals. The fact, which has been mentioned, with regard to the price of Gold bullion, in the English Market, seems to demonstrate that such a difference may safely be made. In this case, there must be immediate payment for the Gold and Silver offered to the Mint. How far \u00bd \u214c. Cent will go, towards defraying the expence of the coinage cannot be determined, before hand with accuracy. It is presumed, that on an \u0153conomical plan, it will suffice in relation to Gold. But it is not expected, that the same rate in silver will be sufficient to defray the expence attending that Metal. Some additional provision may therefore be found necessary, if this limit be adopted.\nIt does not seem to be adviseable, to make any greater difference, in regard to silver than to gold: Because it is desireable, that the proportion between the two Metals, in the Market, should correspond with that in the Coins, which would not be the case, if the mint price of one was comparatively lower, than that of the other; and because also silver being proposed to be rated in respect to Gold, somewhat below its general commercial value, if there should be a disparity, to its disadvantage, in the Mint prices of the two Metals, it would obstruct too much the bringing of it to be coined, and would add an inducement to export it. Nor does it appear to the Secretary safe to make a greater difference, between the value of Coin and bullion, than has been mentioned. It will be better to have to increase it hereafter, if this shall be found expedient, than to have to recede from too considerable a difference in consequence of evils, which shall have been experienced.\nIt is sometimes mentioned, as an expedient, which, consistently with a free coinage, may serve to prevent the evils desired to be avoided, to incorporate in the coins a greater proportion of alloy, than is usual, regulating their value nevertheless according to the quantity of pure metal, they contain. This it is supposed, by adding to the difficulty or refining them, would cause bullion to be preferred both for manufacture, and exportation.\nBut strong objections lie against this Scheme: An augmentation of expence; An actual depreciation of the Coin; A danger of still greater depreciation in the public opinion; the facilitating of Counterfeits: While it is questionable, whether it would have the effect expected from it.\nThe alloy being esteemed of no value, an increase of it is evidently an increase of expence. This in relation to the Gold Coins particularly, is a matter of moment. It has been noted, that the alloy in them consists partly of Silver. If to avoid expence, the addition should be of copper only, this would spoil the appearance of the coin, and give it a base countenance. Its beauty would indeed be injured, though in a less degree, even if the usual proportions of Silver and Copper should be maintained, in the encreased quantity of alloy.\nAnd however inconsiderable an additional expenditure of Copper, in the Coinage of a year, may be deemed; in a series of years it would become of consequence. In regulations, which contemplate the lapse and operation of ages, a very small item of expence acquires importance.\nThe actual depreciation of the Coin, by an increase of alloy, results from the very circumstance, which is the motive to it\u2014the greater difficulty of refining. In England, it is customary for those concerned in manufactures of Gold to make a deduction, in the price, of four pence sterling, per ounce, of fine Gold, for every carrat which the mass containing it is below the legal standard. Taking this as a rule, an inferiority of a single carrat or \u00b9\u2044\u2082\u2084 part in the Gold Coins of the United States, compared with the English Standard would cause the same quantity of pure Gold in them to be worth nearly \u2074\u2044\u2081\u2080ths \u214c. Cent. less than in the Coins of Great Britain. This circumstance would be likely in process of time to be felt in the Market of the United States.\nA still greater depreciation in the public opinion would be to be apprehended from the apparent debasement of the Coin. The effects of imagination and prejudice cannot safely be disregarded, in any thing that relates to money. If the beauty of the coin be impaired, it may be found difficult to satisfy the generality of the community, that what appears worse is not really less valuable; And it is not altogether certain, that an impression of its being so may not occasion an unnatural augmentation of prices.\nGreater danger of imposition by Counterfeits is also to be apprehended from the injury, which will be done to the appearance of the Coin. It is a just observation that \u201cThe perfection of the Coins is a great safeguard against counterfeits.\u201d And it is evident that the colour as well as the excellence of the workmanship is an ingredient in that perfection. The intermixture of too much alloy, particularly of Copper, in the Gold Coins at least, must materially lessen the facility of distinguishing by the eye, the purer from the baser kind, the genuine from the counterfeit.\nThe inefficacy of the arrangement to the purpose, intended to be answered by it, is rendered probable by different considerations. If the standard of plate in the United States should be regulated according to that of the national coins, it is to be expected, that the Goldsmith would prefer these to the foreign coins; because he would find them prepared to his hand, in the state which he desires; whereas he would have to expend an additional quantity of alloy to bring the foreign coins to that State. If the standard of plate, by law, or usage, should be superior to that of the national Coins, there would be a possibility of the foreign Coins bearing a higher price in the Market; and this would not only obstruct their being brought to the Mint, but might occasion the exportation of the national coin in preference. It is not understood, that the practice of making an abatement of price for the inferiority of standard is applicable to the English Mint; and if it be not, this would also contribute to frustrating the expected effect from the increase of alloy. For, in this case, a given quantity of pure Metal in our standard, would be worth, as much there, as in bullion, of the English or any other standard.\nConsidering therefore, the uncertainty of the success of the expedient, and the inconveniencies, which seem incident to it, it would appear preferable to submit to those of a free coinage. It is observable, that additional expence, which is one of the principal of these, is also applicable to the proposed remedy.\nIt is now proper to resume and finish the answer to the first question; in order to which the three succeeding ones have necessarily been anticipated. The conclusion, to be drawn from the observations, which have been made on the subject, is this, that the unit in the coins of the United States ought to correspond with 24 Grains and \u00be of a Grain of a pure Gold and with 371. Grains and \u00bc of a Grain of pure silver, each answering to a dollar in the money of account. The former is exactly agreeable to the present value of Gold, and the latter is within a small fraction of the mean of the two last emissions of dollars; the only ones which are now found in common circulation, and of which the newest is in the greatest abundance. The alloy in each case to be 1/12 of the total weight, which will make the unit 27 Grains of standard Gold and 405 Grains of standard silver.\nEach of these it has been remarked will answer to a Dollar in the money of account. It is conceived that nothing better can be done in relation to this, than to pursue the tract marked out by the resolution of the 8th. of August 1786. This has been approved abroad, as well as at home, and it is certain, that nothing can be more simple or convenient than the decimal subdivisions.\nThere is every reason to expect that the method will speedily grow into general use, when it shall be seconded by corresponding Coins. On this plan, the unit in the Money of account will continue to be, as established by that resolution, a Dollar, and its multiples, dimes, cents, and milles, or tenths, hundredths, and thousandths.\nWith regard to the number of different pieces which shall compose the coins of the United States, two things are to be consulted\u2014convenience of circulation and cheapness of the coinage. The first ought not to be sacrificed to the last; but as far as they can be reconciled to each other, it is desireable to do it. Numerous and small (if not too minute) subdivisions assist circulation; but the multiplication of the smaller kinds increases expence; the same process being necessary to a small as to a large piece.\nAs it is easy to add, it will be most adviseable to begin with a small number, \u2019till experience shall decide whether any other kinds are necessary. The following, it is conceived, will be sufficient in the commencement.\n1 Gold piece, equal in weight and value to ten Units or Dollars.\n1 Gold piece, equal to a tenth part of the former, and which shall be a unit or Dollar.\n1 Silver piece, which shall also be a unit or dollar.\n1 Silver piece, which shall be in weight and value a tenth part of the silver unit or Dollar.\n1 Copper piece, which shall be of the value of a hundredth part of a dollar.\n1 other Copper piece, which shall be half the value of the former.\nIt is not proposed, that the lightest of the two Gold Coins, should be numerous; as in large payments, the larger the pieces, the shorter the process of counting, the less the risk of mistake, and consequently the greater the safety and the convenience; and in small payments, it is not perceived, that any inconvenience can accrue, from an entire dependence on the Silver and Copper Coins. The chief inducement to the establishment of the small gold piece is to have a sensible object, in that Metal, as well as in silver to express the unit. Fifty thousand at a time in circulation may suffice for this purpose.\nThe tenth part of a dollar is but a small piece, and with the aid of the copper coins will probably suffice for all the more minute uses of circulation. It is less, than the least of the silver Coins, now in general currency in England.\nThe largest copper piece will nearly answer to the halfpenny sterling and the smallest of course to the farthing. Pieces of very small value are a great accommodation and the means of a beneficial \u0153conomy to the Poor; by enabling them to purchase, in small portions, and at a more reasonable rate, the necessaries of which they stand in need. If there are only Cents, the lowest price for any portion of a vendible commodity, however inconsiderable in quantity, will be a Cent; if there are half Cents, it will be a half Cent; and in a great number of cases exactly the same things will be sold for a half Cent which if there were none would cost a Cent. But a half Cent is low enough for the minimum of price. Excessive minuteness would defeat its object. To enable the poorer classes to procure necessaries cheap is to enable them with more comfort to themselves to labor for less; the advantages of which need no comment.\nThe denominations of the silver Coins contained in the Resolution of the 8th. of August 1786. are conceived to be significant and proper. The dollar is recommended by its correspondency with the present coin of that name, for which it is designed to be a substitute; which will facilitate its ready adoption as such in the minds of the Citizens. The disme or tenth, the Cent or Hundredth, the Mille, or thousandth are proper, because they express the proportions, which they are intended to designate. It is only to be regretted, that the meaning of these terms will not be familiar to those who are not acquainted with the language from which they are borrowed. It were to be wished, that the length, and in some degree the clumsiness of some of the corresponding terms in English did not discourage from preferring them. It is useful to have names which signify the things to which they belong; and, in respect to objects of general use, in a manner intelligible to all. Perhaps it might be an improvement to let the dollar have the appellation either of Dollar or Unit (which last will be the most significant) and to substitute \u201ctenth\u201d for disme. In time, the Unit may succeed to the Dollar. The word Cent being in use in various transactions and instruments will without much difficulty be understood as the hundredth, and the half Cent of course as the two hundredth part.\nThe Eagle, is not a very expressive or apt appellation for the largest gold piece, but nothing better occurs. The smallest of the two Gold Coins may be called the Dollar or Unit, in common with the silver piece, with which it coincides.\nThe volume or size of each piece is a matter of more consequence than its denomination. It is evident, that the more superficies or surface, the more the piece will be liable to be injured by friction or in other words the faster it will wear. For this reason it is desireable to render the thickness in proportion to breadth as great as may consist with neatness and good appearance. Hence the form of the Double Guinea, or double louis d\u2019or is preferable to that of the half Johannes for the large Gold piece. The small one cannot well be of any other size than the Portuguese piece of Eight of the same Metal.\nAs it is of consequence to fortify the idea of the identity of the dollar, it may be best to let the form and size of the new one, as far as the quantity of matter (the alloy being less) permits, agree with the form and size of the present. The diameter may be the same.\nThe tenths may be in a mean between the Spanish \u215b and \u00b9\u2044\u2081\u2086 of a dollar.\nThe Copper Coins may be formed merely with a view to good appearance as any difference in the wearing that can result from difference of form can be of little consequence, in reference to that metal.\nIt is conceived, that the weight of the Cent may be eleven pennyweight, which will about correspond with the value of the Copper and the expence of Coinage. This will be to conform to the rule of intrinsic value, as far as regard to the convenient size of the Coins will permit; and the deduction of the expence of Coinage in this case will be the more proper as the copper coins, which have been current hitherto, have passed \u2019till lately for much more than their intrinsic value. Taking the weight, as has been suggested, the size of the Cent may be nearly that of the piece herewith transmitted, which weighs 10 dwt. 11 grs. 10 m. Two thirds of the diameter of the Cent will suffice for the diameter of the half Cent.\nIt may perhaps be thought expedient according to general practice to make the copper coinage an object of profit; but where this is done to any considerable extent, it is hardly possible to have effectual security against counterfeits. This consideration, concurring with the soundness of the principle of preserving the intrinsic value of the money of a Country seems to outweigh the consideration of profit.\nThe foregoing suggestions respecting the sizes of the several coins are made on the supposition, that the Legislature may think fit to regulate this matter: Perhaps however it may be judged not unadviseable to leave it to executive discretion.\nWith regard to the proposed size of the Cent, it is to be confessed, that it is rather greater, than might be wished, if it could with propriety and safety be made less: And should the value of Copper continue to decline, as it has done for some time past, it is very questionable, whether it will long remain alone a fit metal for money. This has led to a consideration of the expediency of uniting a small proportion of silver with the copper, in order to be able to lessen the bulk of the inferior coins. For this, there are precedents in several parts of Europe. In France, the composition, which is called billion, has consisted of one part silver and four parts Copper; according to which proportion a Cent might contain seventeen grains; defraying out of the material the expence of coinage. The conveniency of size is a recommendation of such a species of coin, but the Secretary is deterred from proposing it by the apprehension of Counterfeits. The effect of so small a quantity of silver, in, comparatively so large a quantity of Copper, could easily be imitated by a mixture of other metals of little value, and the temptation to doing it would be inconsiderable.\nThe devices of the Coins are far from being matters of indifference, as they may be made the vehicles of useful impressions. They ought therefore to be emblematical, but without losing sight of simplicity. The fewer sharp points and angles there are, the less will be the loss by wearing. The Secretary thinks it best on this head to confine himself to these concise and general remarks.\nThe last point to be discussed respects the Currency of foreign Coins.\nThe abolition of this, in proper season, is a necessary part of the system contemplated for the national coinage. But this, it will be expedient to defer, \u2019till some considerable progress has been made in preparing substitutes for them. A graduation may therefore be found most convenient.\nThe foreign coins may be suffered to circulate, precisely upon their present footing, for one year after the mint shall have commenced its operations. The privilege may then be continued for another year to the Gold Coins of Portugal, England, and France, and to the silver coins of Spain. And these may still be permitted to be current, for one year more, at the rates allowed to be given for them at the Mint; after the expiration of which the circulation of all foreign coins to cease.\nThe monies, which will be paid into the Treasury, during the first year, being recoined, before they are issued anew, will afford a partial substitute before any interruption is given to the preexisting supplies of circulation. The revenues of the succeeding year, and the coins which will be brought to the Mint, in consequence of the discontinuance of their currency, will materially extend the substitute, in the course of that year, and its extension will be so far increased, during the third year, by the facility of procuring the remaining species to be recoined, which will arise from the diminution of their current values, as probably to enable the dispensing wholly with the circulation of the foreign Coins, after that period. The progress, which the Currency of Bank bills, will be likely to have made, during the same time, will also afford a substitute of another kind.\nThis arrangement, besides avoiding a sudden stagnation of circulation, will cause a considerable proportion of whatever loss may be incident to the establishment, in the first instance, to fall as it ought to do upon the Government, and will probably tend to distribute the remainder of it more equally among the community.\nIt may nevertheless be adviseable in addition to the precautions here suggested, to repose a discretionary authority in the President of the United States to continue the Currency of the Spanish dollar, at a value corresponding with the quantity of fine silver contained in it, beyond the period above mentioned for the cessation of the circulation of the foreign coins. It is possible than an exception in favour of this particular species of coin may be found expedient: And it may tend to obviate inconveniencies, if there be a power to make the exception in a capacity to be exerted when the period shall arrive.\nThe Secretary for the Department of State, in his Report to the House of Representatives on the subject of establishing a uniformity in the weights, measures and coins of the United States, has proposed that the weight of the Dollar should correspond with the Unit of Weight. This was done on the supposition, that it would require but a very small addition to the quantity of Metal, which the dollar, independently of the object he had in view, ought to contain, in which he was guided by the resolution of the 8th. of August 1786. fixing the dollar at 375 Grains & 64 hundredths of a grain.\nTaking this as the proper standard of the Dollar, a small alteration for the sake of incorporating so systematic an idea would appear desireable. But if the principles which have been reasoned from, in this Report, are just, the execution of that idea becomes more difficult. It would certainly not be adviseable to make, on that account, so considerable a change in the money unit, as would be produced by the addition of five grains of silver to the proper weight of the dollar, without a proportional augmentation of its relative value. And to make such an augmentation would be to abandon the advantage of preserving the identity of the dollar, or to speak more accurately of having the proposed one received and considered, as a mere substitute for the present.\nThe end may however be attained without either of those inconveniencies, by encreasing the proportion of alloy in the silver coins. But this would destroy the uniformity, in that respect, between the Gold and Silver coins. It remains therefore to elect which of the two systematic ideas shall be pursued or relinquished. And it may be remarked, that it will be more easy to convert the present silver coins into the proposed ones, if these last have the same, or nearly the same proportion of alloy, than if they have less.\nThe organization of the Mint yet remains to be considered.\nThis relates to the persons to be employed, and to the services which they are respectively to perform. It is conceived that there ought to be\nA Director of the Mint, to have the general superintendance of the business.\nAn Assay Master, or Assayer, to receive the Metals brought to the Mint, ascertain their fineness and deliver them to be coined.\nA Master Coiner, to conduct the making of the Coins.\nA Cashier, to receive and pay them out.\nAn Auditor, to keep and adjust the Accounts of the Mint.\nClerks, as many as the Director of the Mint shall deem necessary, to assist the different Officers.\nWorkmen, as many as may be found requisite.\nA Porter.\nIn several of the European Mints there are various other Officers, but the foregoing are those only, who appear to be indispensable. Persons in the Capacity of Clerks will suffice instead of the others, with the advantage of greater Oeconomy.\nThe number of Workmen is left indefinite, because at certain times, it is requisite to have more than at others. They will however never be numerous. The expence of the establishment, in an ordinary year, will probably be from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars.\nThe remedy for errors in the weight and alloy of the Coins must necessarily form a part in the system of a Mint, and the manner of applying it will require to be regulated. The following account is given of the practice in England, in this particular.\nA certain number of pieces are taken promiscuously out of every fifteen pounds of Gold coined at the Mint, which is deposited for safe keeping in a strong Box called the pix. This box, from time to time is opened in the presence of the Lord Chancellor, the Officers of the Treasury and others; and portions are selected from the pieces of each coinage, which are melted together, and the mass assayed by a jury of the Company of Goldsmiths. If the imperfection and deficiency both in fineness and weight fall short of a sixth of a Carrat or 40 Grains of pure Gold upon a pound of standard, the Master of the Mint is held excuseable; because it is supposed that no workman can reasonably be answerable for greater exactness. The expediency of some similar regulation seems to be manifest.\nAll which is humbly submitted.\nAlexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0336", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, 31 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Church, Angelica\nPhiladelphiaJany 31. 1791\nMy Dear friend\nThere is no proof of my affection which I would not willingly give you. How far it will be practicable to accomplish your wish respecting your father is however very uncertain. Our republican ideas stand much in the way of accumulating offices in one family. Indeed I doubt much whether your father could be prevailed upon to accept. I do not however urge this point till I can better ascertain the ground. There is as yet no certainty here of the mission from England; which must precede one from this Country.\nMy official labours so far have not been unsuccessful though they have not issued exactly as I wished, but it is said much better than could reasonably have been expected. I look forward to a period, not very distant, when the establishment of order in our Finances will enable me to execute a favourite wish. I must endeavour to see Europe one day; and you may imagine how happy I shall be to meet you, and Mr. Church there.\nGod bless you\nAH", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0337", "content": "Title: Conversation with George Beckwith and William Macomb, 31 January 1791\nFrom: Beckwith, George,Macomb, William,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nPhiladelphia. January 31. 1791\nA Conversation: Mr. Hamilton, Mr. William Macomb of Detroit, and Lieutenant Colonel Beckwith.\nLt. Colo. B. Mr. Macomb, I think it for the honor of the King\u2019s government, for its interests, and I really believe it for the interests of this country also, that the true state of things in the western Country should be known, and if there are any misconceptions, or errors arising from misinformation, it seems desirable that they may be explained; under these impressions, and with Mr. H_____\u2019s permission, I shall ask you a few questions, and if you have no objections to them, I hope you will answer them in as far as may be consistent with your knowledge.\nMr. H. I shall be very happy to hear every thing Mr Macomb may have to say on this subject.\nMr: Macomb. A conversation on this subject passed between Lt. Colo Beckwith and me on our journey from New York to this place a few days ago: I am perfectly disposed to communicate every thing I know on the subject.\nLt. Colo B. You have lived several years at Detroit?\nMr M. Yes I have.\nLt. Colo. B. When did you leave it?\nMr M. The 28th: of September last.\nLt. Colo B. Have you a general knowledge of the Western Country? and of the different Indian Tribes?\nMr: M. I have a general knowledge of that part of it which lies towards Detroit, but am quite ignorant of the Country as you approach the Ohio; I know something of the Indians in general, and have a particular acquaintance with several tribes.\nLt. Colo. B. Were you ever at the Miami settlements which have been destroyed by Brigr. Harmar? and do you know what tribes live in that neighbourhood?\nMr. M. I have been there, and know the country round it very well; it lies about two hundred and forty miles from Detroit; there are not more than about one hundred and twenty five men, who reside on that point of land described by General Harmar, in the neighbourhood there are other Indians who obtained permission to settle there about two years ago for the purposes of trade.\nLt. Colo B. Are you acquainted with the traders established there?\nMr M. Yes I know them very well, and I am very sorry to observe the language used by General Harmar in his public letters, relative to those gentlemen, for such I must call them, and shall ever so consider them; these towns were the principal trading posts in the whole western territory, and six or seven very respectable houses were established there; three of the gentlemen are magistrates, and all of them men of unblemished reputation; ever since the commencement of the disturbances on the frontiers of the States by the Wabach Indians, which took place I believe the very year after the peace, these gentlemen on all occasions recommended pacific measures to the Indians, in the neighbourhood of the Miami Towns, and I do believe they have rescued many prisoners, and have in the course of some years past laid out to the amount of four hundred pounds in this way, without the smallest idea of recompence of any sort, as they liberated these prisoners immediately, and sent them through a friendly Indian country to Fort Pitt.\nLt. Colo B. Do you think it possible that those gentlemen have at any time either directly or indirectly induced any of the savages to commence or to continue a warfare with this country.\nMr M. Impossible, it would be the ruin of their trade, and the present Indian war will cause many bankruptcies at Detroit.\nMr. H. This is a strong circumstance in opposition to the idea entertained by our military men, but however prejudicial a war may be to that part of your trade laying towards the Ohio, may it not operate otherwise on your fur trade to the Northward and Westward?\nMr M: We have only one trading post in the direction of Michilimackinac and that is of no great importance; the great Northwest trade is unknown to us at Detroit.\nMr. H. The savages may have been induced to continue their depredations on our frontiers by the ready sale of their plunder, and in this the traders may have had an interest, may they not?\nMr. M. Certainly not, the Indians who have for years past been occasionally down on your frontiers, have I dare say, carried off a variety of articles from the settlements, it is their practice to carry away every thing they find, but all articles of household furniture that are bulky they throw into the rivers, and such clothing as they cannot use; they are fond of finery, they wear silk shirts made of gowns, handkerchiefs, and other parts of womens apparel, and with respect to horses they retain them for their own use.\nLt. Colo B. Do you think that any presents have been made to the Indians at the Miami Towns during the last autumn? or did you ever hear that presents were made them by order of Government at that place?\nMr. M. Never I am persuaded.\nLt. Colo B. Where are they usually made?\nMr. M. At Detroit formerly, but of late years, it has been found inconvenient to deliver them there, and it has been the regular practice, to give them at the mouth of the Miami River, where it falls into Lake Erie, nearly forty miles from Detroit, and two hundred from the towns lately destroyed.\nLt. Colo. B. Do you think that presents can be given in any shape to the Indians by our Indian Department at Detroit without the order or approbation of the Officer Commanding there.\nMr. M. You know very well that nothing can be issued from the King\u2019s stores, without the approbation of the officer commanding the troops, and no presents can be made but in the presence of a certain number of officers belonging to the Garrison ordered on that duty, this was the case last summer when Sir John Johnson was there; I was with him on that occasion, at the mouth of the Miami river already mentioned, when the sale of a large tract of Country was compleated; Sir John Johnson took every opportunity of recommending peace in the strongest terms, I cannot help also observing that General Harmar did not attack the most hostile tribes, on the contrary, I think that the majority of the Indians settled round the Miami Towns were disposed to be quiet.\nMr H. We sent to the Miami Towns during the summer and made several offers to them, to which they gave hostile replies and this determined the pointing the expedition against them.\nMr M. I must think that the Indians settled on the Wabach were infinitely more hostile, and I have understood that Major Hamtramock found them so.\nMr. H. That officer destroyed certain towns, and spared others from the ideas entertained of the dispositions of their owners.\nLt. Colo B. I have one question more and it is a question of opinion altogether. What do you suppose will be the effects of the late expedition on the Indian tribes in general?\nMr M. Their uncommon success, their having lost one man only, in the first action, and nine in the second lead me to believe, that they will become infinitely more troublesome than formerly, and those tribes who have suffered may be expected now to join the others, whatever may have been their former dispositions.\nMr H. This will be so, and we have already found the effects of it, by the latest accounts from that country.\nMr M. If General Harmar when he reached the Miami Towns, had instead of attacking and destroying them sent a message and desired the Indians to make peace, he might have easily effected it in my opinion, and this would have been a better way than the sending a single messenger.\nMr H. I think that not improbable, this conversation has given a new light to many things in the western country and I am much obliged by it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0338", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 31 January 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] January 31, 1791. Transmits a \u201cContract (which has been submitted to the President and received his approbation) between Joseph Whipple, for the Secretary of the Treasury and, Titus Salter, to provide for the keeping and supply of the Light House at the entrance of Piscatiqua River in the State of New Hampshire.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0339", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 31 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury Department, January 31, 1791. \u201cThe President of the United States being about to appoint the 1st. 2d. & 3d. Mates of the revenue Cutters, it will be of public service to obtain the names of some persons of your State suitable for those duties.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0340", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 31 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] January 31, 1791. Approves contract for supplying the lighthouse at Portsmouth, New Hampshire.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0341", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Lamb, January 1791\nFrom: Lamb, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, January, 1791. \u201cPrompted by a sense of duty, to the Public, and Friendship to you, I am induced to acquaint you, that, from my own observation, and the best information, I can possibly obtain, I find the Merchants here, are much disgusted, at the additional Duties, which Congress, mean to impose on Spirituous liquors; and from hints, which have been dropped, it appears to me, that many of them, have it in contemplation, to smuggle, if possible. It will therefore, be absolutely necessary, to employ a Cutter, between Hell-Gate, and Connecticut River; between which places, smuggling may be done with as much ease, as any part of the Continent. I have made it a point (of late) to sound the Merchants, and others, of my fellow Citizens, on the subject of a Stamp-duty; and I have found them, very generally, in sentiment with me, that it would be an eligible tax, provided, it did not embrace News-Papers, Almanacs, or, other literary productions, for the improvement of knowledge. You will therefore, be pleased to permit me, my dear Sir, to suggest to you the propriety, of your conversing on this subject with the Members of Congress, from the different States, with whom you are in habits of intimacy, as the best mode to pave the way, for introducing a Tax, of this nature. A Tax, which cannot possibly be evaded by any species of artifice.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-0342", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Tillary, [January 1791]\nFrom: Tillary, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, January, 1791]\nSir\nI have several times within these few weeks been almost tempted to break in a Moment on your time to give you a hint of the present complexion of our City politics, & I believe I may add those which will soon become prevalent in our State. I should indeed be nothing solicitious about the little party Jugglings which prevail among us, if it did not appear to me, that the Head of Wild misrule in this City, seems disposed to fall in with a few of those other powerful Malcontents, in some of the Neighbouring States, with a view to disturb the operations & happiness of the Union.\nI should intrude too long on your time devoted as it is at this moment to concerns of the greatest moment, were I to attempt to particularise the present combinations in our leading Men in this quarter. Strange unions have been brought about by our artful persevering Chieftain, by whose management & connivance we have lately had a Council of Appointment chosen by bargain, & hear of vacancies filled up by anticipation. Many who were Federalists sucked into his Excellencys Vortex, & the Chancellor\u2019s family become one of the principal Satellites of this noxious planet. Hence it is that a blessed accession of strength will be added to the Senate of the U. States in the person of Col. A. Burr.\nA Coalition of Interests from different principles produced his Election. He is avowedly your Enemy, & stands pledged to his party, for a reign of Vindictive declamation against your measures. The Chancellor hates, & would destroy you. Nay so incautious was he at a public Masonic Dinner last St Johns Day that he declared himself to me without any Stipulation of Secrecy, that he was not only opposed to your Funding System, but that R. Morris & several other well informed Influential Characters, viewed it as a system of public injustice. From a mean sacrifice of sentiment & judgement made at the Shrine of power to serve personal purposes, I have serious fears, that this State will soon appear Conspicuous for its opposition to the Federal Government.\nWe have scarcely any sensible Independent Man in the Legislature who dare seize an occasion to rouse the reflection of the people, & not a Man in the City who has ventured to give such a sketch of the present Manouvres as would set the Citizens a thinking. We want a Head, to repress & keep down the machinations of our restless Demagogue, but alas where is he to be found? Duer never can prop the good old cause here. He is unfit as a Leader, & unpopular as a man, besides with all his address, he is duped by some Characters without ever suspecting it. Removed as you are far beyond the limited sphere of State Influence, you may possibly view with perfect indifference the paultry schemes of our present Coalitionists, & I sincerely wish that such may be your real sentiments concerning them. But if it should in some degree be otherwise, & if you still think the Ghost of Antifederalism that here & there is seen stalking abroad in different shapes, & in different States, may yet assume an animated form would it not be proper to alarm the people, against impending danger? It appears pretty clearly to me, that between those who hate the Government, & those who are jealous of & hate the principal persons who administer it, mischief is intended, & may be effected.\nMay I be permitted to hint that the presence of Genl Scuyler would revive a drooping party here, & rouse the people from a Lethargy which is at once degrading to themselves, & destructive of the Common Interests of the Country. Excuse these Disjointed reflections & allow me to subscribe myself with all respect and without the least variableness or shaddow of changing Your most faithful & hubl\nJames Tillary\nI must presume (tho\u2019 I have no information of that kind) that you are minutely informed of what passes here; and this Circumstance may in certain cases oblige you to make some reply. It is not my design by such a volunteer scrap as this, to detach your Ideas for a moment from far more weighty concerns, nor to lay a trap to catch Evidence of your politeness: But while I am honest in this declaration, I am equally so when I assure you that no man can be more pleased than I am, with whatever tends to your private happiness & public prosperity.\nLong may you successfully fend off the Maddisons of the South & the Clintons of the North.\nGood Night & God bless You\nJ.T.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-07-02-9003", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] January 13. 1791\nDear Sir\nI inclose you copies of the printed papers you desired: also a letter I recieved last night. This paper I will thank you to return by the bearer when you shall have perused it, as it is yet to be translated & communicated to the President. It is evident that this matter will become serious, & tho\u2019 I am pointedly against admitting the French construction of the Treaty, yet I think it essential to cook up some favour which may ensure the continuance of the good dispositions they have towards us. A nation which takes one third of our tobacco, more than half our fish oil & two thirds of our fish, say one half of the amount of these great staples and a great deal of rice & from whom we take nothing in return but hard money to carry directly over & pour into the coffers of their enemies, such a customer, I say, deserves some menagemens. I would thank you sincerely to suggest any thing better than what I had thought of. I am Dear Sir \u2003 Yours affectionately & respectfully\nTh. Jefferson\n\u27e8Secretary of the Treasury\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0001", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury DepartmentFebruary 1st. 1791.\nSir\nThe Trustees of the sinking fund have thought fit to commit to you the making of purchases of the public debt to the amount of fifty thousand Dollars pursuant to the Act making provision for the reduction of the public debt.\nTo enable you to execute this trust (which I doubt not you will chearfully undertake) I have directed the Treasurer to forward to you fifty thousand dollars in Notes of the bank of North America, payable to yourself on order. You will not only receive these particular notes on the terms heretofore prescribed, but you will exchange them for any specie which may at any time be in your hands, though a return may have been made of it to this office.\nYou will observe by the Act a copy of which accompanies this that the purchases are to be made openly and at the market price.\nThe first has been construed to mean that they are to be made by a known agent acting avowedly on behalf of the public. Other Circumstances have been considered as matters of discretion and accordingly have been varied. Sometimes the Treasurer (who has been charged with the business at the seat of Government) has gone to the Coffee house and purchased such as offered at the price of the day; at other times he has advertised for proposals and taken the lowest except where special reasons have recommended a small variation from that rule &ca. With these intimations the mode is left to your judgment.\nBy the market price has been understood the most common rate at which securities are sold at the time and place when and where the purchases are made. On this point it has been deemed most consistent with the general view of the act to be liberal, rather than to manifest a disposition unfavourable to the Creditor.\nOne of the objects of the Act is to raise the funds. And when it is considered, that every penny at which foreigners purchase our debt below its value is absolute loss to the Community, and that what is gained by the Government in its purchases is lost to the Citizens of whom they are made, it must appear, that there is a greater national Interest in the rise of the funds, than in the saving to the Government. Hence it has been deemed not expedient to act in a manner which should evince that the Government was not disposed to press the object of profit at the expence of the Creditor.\nThese hints can only serve to indicate to you the spirit with which the purchases heretofore made have been conducted. Their Application must be left to your discretion.\nYou will observe that the purchases are to be confined to the debt of the United States which cannot comprehend the State debt \u2018till it has been subscribed and new certificates given for it.\nYou are also to keep an exact account of the disbursements and purchases made by you specifying the place where, the times when, the prices at which, and the parties of whom they are made.\nThe manner in which you shall dispose of the securities which you shall purchase shall be the subject of a future instruction.\nI am sir \u2003 your obedient servant\nAlexander Hamilton Secy of the Treasy\nP.S. It has been suggested to me that Persons desirous of making Remittances to Philadelphia will be disposed to furnish specie for these Notes to facilitate their Remittance hither. You will be pleased to accommodate them with such exchanges when applied for.\nBenjamin Lincoln Esq.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0002", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 2 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lee, Charles\nTreasury DepartmentFebruary 2d. 1791\nSir\nI have made a remittance to William Heth Esq. Collector of Bermuda Hundred in Notes of the Bank of North America, made payable to him, which I request you to exchange for specie should any of them be offered by the holders. The Cash included in your returns as well as that received in the current week may be used for that purpose, if requisite.\nI am Sir, \u2003 your obedient servant.\nA Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0003", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Arthur Fenner, 3 February 1791\nFrom: Fenner, Arthur\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence Feby. 3 1791\nSir\nYour letter of the 14th Jany. I recd. In February 1786 a Committee appointed by the Legislature of the State of Rhode Island settled the Accounts with the Agent for the Rhode Island line of the late Army. There appeared in his hands certificates to the amount of three thousand seven Dollars and seventy three Ninetieths which were delivered over and lodgd in the Treasury of this State to be deliverd to the absentees or their representatives when called for. Since their being lodged in the Treasury the greatest part I am informed have been deliverd either to the original Proprietors or their representatives. The exact amount (if any) remaining in the Treasury I cannot at present ascertain the Treasurer living at Newport. I have wrote him on the subject, and as soon as I receive his Answer shall forward to you the amount.\nWith sentiments of esteem your Obedient Friend\nA Fenner Govr\nS R\nA Hamilton SecryTreasury U States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0004", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 3 February 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 3d February 1791\nDear sir\nThe note you inclosed to Mr Troup for discount was immediately done & passd to your Credit. The dft to Mr. Francis has not yet appeared, but should have been punctually attended to & honored at all Events. Your present ballance in Bank including the discount is 2907 Dolls. & \u2074\u2074\u2044\u2081\u2080\u2080. Therefore the 3000 Dolls. dft will overrun 92. Do: \u2075\u2076\u2044\u2081\u2080\u2080 which I mention for your Government. The letters you entrusted to my Care relating to our Senator were duly delivered as you would find by the answer our friend D\u2014\u2014 wrote you, but the point had been absolutely decided long before as the other party had been undermining for Months & the Coalition between the G\u2014\u2014 & C\u2014\u2014 secured the Election. All your friends here lamented it, foreseeing the impediments it would throw in your way. Some say he will act otherwise, but what is bad in the bone will appear in the flesh. I anticipate (tho\u2019 no politician) great opposition to every salutary system.\nThe Goldsmiths inform me (contrary to your expectation & contrary to what would seem reasonable) that the Standard they mean in their Assays is British Standard, which is 11 parts fine Gold & 1 part alloy.\nI am induced from motives of friendship to a very valuable Character, to take a liberty with you that I can scarcely justify to my own feelings considering our two situations, but friendship will sometimes lead a man beyond the bounds of discretion.\nThere is a Gentleman in business residing at Leghorn of the Name of Philip Feliechj who married in this City a Miss Cowper. A worthier or more respectable Character in the mercantile Line does not exist. (I have some faint idea that he is personally known to you). He has done a great deal of business with this Country & still continues to do it, is every way attached to it, & few men his Superiors in abilities. I conceive it would be of great advantage to my friend if he could get the appointment of Consul for The United States of America to Leghorn, or say the Duke of Tuscanys Dominions. I am convinced no man would do more honor to the appointment; perhaps it may be in your power to procure me this favour or to point out to me what path to pursue to obtain it. I hope you will pardon this liberty & believe me ever\nYour devoted Hule Svt\nWm Seton\nP.S. Of the last Bills on Amsterdam we have sold 81,000 Guilders, hope to run off the remainder of the 200,000 in a few days.\nAlexr. Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0006", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 5 February 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Boston] February 5, 1791. \u201cI wrote you 26 Ulto. This serves to inclose Duplicate Receipt for Certificates received from the Register dated 22d Jany 1791\u2014also first receipt for Certificates dated 29th. Jany 1791. By this Post I transmitt to the Auditor an Abstract of Certificates Indents & Bills of Old Emission, recd into the Office in the Month of November last for which Certificates of the Funded Debt have been issued agreeably to the Act of Congress 4 August 1790.\u2026 The Loaning is so fast & the Transfers so many that I find myself unavoidable much behind hand in my returns & am very apprecencive that the month of April, when there is a universal expectation of Interest, will be upon me before it will be possible to get all the abstracts registered & the Book posted up, unless I have a sessation of business from abroad, longer then the fourteen days mentioned in your instructions. I think the whole month of March will be little enough to get the Books into a readiness to discharge the Interest by the first of April when I am sure of having a croud of applicants. Therefore unless I shall receive your orders to the contray, I propose to inform all applicants to Loan or to Transfer That no Certificates can be Loaned or Transfers made in the Month of March.\u2026 I have seen the Secrety of War\u2019s advertisement that Pentions are to be paid at this Office in the month of March. If that should be the case it is an additional reason why Loaning & transfers should be suspended during that month. All which is humbly submitted to your opinion. Permitt me to express my earnest hopes That Congress will speedily make some provision for Clerks otherwise I cannot see how the public buisness can be carried on.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0007", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Sherman, 5 February 1791\nFrom: Sherman, Isaac\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[February 5, 1791. On January 23, 1792, Sherman wrote to Hamilton: \u201c\u2026 subsequent to my letter of 5th of February last.\u2026\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0008", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 5 February 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth, New Hampshire, February 5, 1791. \u201cIn compliance with the directions given in your Circular letter of the 20th. January 1790 I enclosed you the 18th. of February following a Statement of the emoluments of the officers of the Customs in this district for one year; but as that Statement was founded partly on Calculation it could not be accurate. I flattered myself however that such dependence could be had upon it, as would make Some impression on Such Committees of the Legislature as might have matters of that kind before them. I have now enclosed a precise accot. of those emoluments accruing in the Year 1790, which I beg you will please to make such use of as you conceive proper & which I hope will be productive of the end proposed in troubling you with it. In the early times of the Revolution it was not an uncommon thing to see Services performed without reward & fortunes Sacrificed to the great objects then in Contemplation. But at this period when necessity does not call for such Sacrifices, when a peaceful & happy establishment of government is effected & a fortunate System of Revenue established and improving, it will not be expected that those employed in the execution of the Laws will be left without an adequate support. The office to which I am attached requires constant and diligent attention. It has my exertions that it shall be executed according to Law. It will be needless for me to Say after refering you to the Statement enclosed that I am oblig\u2019d to draw from other resources the greater part of my Support.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0009-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 7 February 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAmsterdam. Feb. 7. 1791.\nSir\nI have lately recieved a letter from M. de Montmorin in which he informs me that at the request of Messrs. Schweizer &c. he had given instructions to M. Otto respecting that business, with which I have already made you acquainted. He sends me a copy of these instructions which I don\u2019t doubt M. Otto will have already communicated. You will see by them the dispositions of the French ministry on this subject with which you will be perfectly satisfied, as every thing is rendered entirely subservient to the views of the President. I suppose it certain that the minister has no idea the plan proposed by Messrs. Schweizer &c. will be entered into.\nI beg leave to refer you to my letter of this day to the Secretary of State for information respecting the change of duties on American oils imported into France. Opinions were much divided but a majority were for increasing to an excessive degree these duties, so far as related to American oils, & prohibiting entirely those of other countries. The Nantucket fishermen settled in France may be considered as the principal cause of this measure\u2014others conspired also to effect it. I have no doubt however that as soon as the French shall have organised their government they will correct many errors into which the parties that now rage in the assembly, force them. Each decree may be considered as a resolution carried by storm in which of course there is much chance work. Until they change this manner of proceeding no regulations that they adopt with respect to themselves or others can be considered as permanent. The article of tobacco is now under their discussion. The opinions are divided between admitting it to be cultivated freely in France & imported subject to a duty & prohibiting the culture & confining its importation to a monopoly. It is impossible to conjecture which will predominate. Appearances vary daily with respect to it.\nI have &ca\nThe Honble Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0009-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Comte de Montmorin to Louis G. Otto, 9 January 1791\nFrom: Montmorin, Comte de\nTo: Otto, Louis G.\nParis le  Janvier 1791\nJe vous adresse, M, plusieurs pi\u00e9ces qui m\u2019ont \u00e9t\u00e9 envoy\u00e9es par les Srs. Jeanneret et Schweizer, Banquiers \u00e0 Paris; vous y verrez l\u2019offre que ces particuliers ont faite de Se charger de l\u2019emprunt que le Congr\u00e8s a ouvert en hollande, principalement pour acquiter notre cr\u00e9ance; vous verrez \u00e9galement la correspondance qu\u2019ils ont suivie sur cet objet avec M. Short; les motifs qui ont d\u00e9termin\u00e9 ce dernier \u00e0 ne pas accepter leur Soumission, et le parti qu\u2019il doit avoir pris de demander les ordres du Pr\u00e9sident des Etat-unis.\nVous voudrez bien, M, entretenir M. Jefferson sur la proposition des Ms. Jeanneret et Schweitzer. Nous devons d\u00e9sirer naturellement, v\u00fb la position g\u00ean\u00e9e de nos finances, qu\u2019elle puisse entrer dans les vues de M. le Gnal Washington et qu\u2019il se d\u00e9termine \u00e0 l\u2019agr\u00e9er: mais vous observerez que nous Subordonnons notre convenance \u00e0 celle des Etats Unis, et que, si, ceque je ne saurois juger d\u2019avance, l\u2019op\u00e9ration propos\u00e9e y est contraire, notre intention n\u2019est point d\u2019y insister. Lorsque l\u2019on a voulu nous engager \u00e0 transmettre notre cr\u00e9ance \u00e0 des \u00e9trangers, nous nous y sommes refus\u00e9s de crainte de faire chose d\u00e9sagr\u00e9able au congr\u00e8s: le cas pr\u00e9sent n\u2019est pas le m\u00eame, puisqu\u2019il s\u2019agit simplement de remplir un emprunt que cette assembl\u00e9e \u00e0 elle m\u00eame d\u00e9cret\u00e9. Je recommande, M, cette affaire \u00e0 votre Z\u00eale et \u00e0 votre prudence.\nJe suis &a.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0010", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 8 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury Department, February 8, 1791. Announces that Appleton has been selected by the President to pay \u201cPensions to Invalids for the space of one year.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0011", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Delany, Sharp\nTreasury Department,February 8. 1791\nSir,\nI received yesterday an application from Messrs. R & J Potter, Knox, Henderson & others, relative to the claim of additional duties on Goods \u214c the ship Kitty from London. Having no statement of facts from your office, I am uncertain how far all those things, that may concern the rights of the United States, have occurred to the Applicants, & can, therefore, only give a conditional instruction to you.\nIt is proper in this & similar cases, that the concerned be requested to adduce all such testimony as you or they conceive to affect the question. If, on a careful examination into the facts, it shall appear that the vessel was within the United States (& if in this case the Ship Kitty shall be proved to have been within the Capes of Delaware bay) on the thirty first of Decemr last, I do not conceive that the additional duties can be lawfully demanded. The Goods, tho\u2019 not entered will be to be considered as those brought into the United States, which is the language of the Act of Congress.\nI must repeat to you, on this occasion, my wish that no application, in any case arising within your district, be made to the Treasury, with your knowledge, without a statement of facts from your office. Matters very interesting to the United States, & decisive upon questions, may often be overlooked, misconceived or omitted by the parties.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your Obedient Servant.\nAlexander Hamilton\nSharp Delany esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0012", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, 8 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Smith, Thomas\n[Philadelphia, February 8, 1791. On February 14, 1791, Smith wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am honored with your favor of 8th Inst.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0013", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 8 February 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore, February 8, 1791. Explains apparent discrepancy in \u201clast Weekly return of monies received and paid \u2026 from the 29th January to the 4. February 1791.\u201d States that the \u201ccredit for Forfeitures\u201d in \u201cthe preceeding return, to wit from the 22nd. to the 28 January \u2026 arises upon the Sales of two parcels of condemned Merchandize which ought to have been credited last year.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0014", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 9 February 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, February 9, 1791. \u201cAs I understand all public papers must pass under cover to you, this incloses a duplicate receipt for Certificates received from the Registers and letter to the Auditor respecting cancelled Certifts & Indents forwarded to him by this Post.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0016", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Marchant, 10 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Marchant, Henry\nTreasury DepartmentFebruary 10. 1791.\nSir\nYou will find under this cover an act remitting the forfeiture in the case of the Schooner Fly, on the petition prefered to your court by Wm. Brightman.\nThis vessel being under thirty tons cannot be employed in the importation of goods from foreign ports. Nor can she pursue the coasting trade without the burden of the foreign tonnage duty. She may, however, with any papers that she may have brought in, export a cargo to some foreign place in which vessels of her size are enterable and may there be sold. It is not probable that the legislature will at any time put vessels, that shall be granted to their former owners, on a footing better than that on which they were before.\nI am, Sir, very respectfully \u2003 Your obedt. servant\nAlex Hamilton\nThe Honorable Henry Marchant Esq.District Judge of Rhode Island Newport.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0017", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Paterson, 10 February 1791\nFrom: Paterson, Samuel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nEdinr. 10 Feby. 1791\nRespectd. Sir\nWhen I wrote you formerly, It was Just when a Trunk was packing up for my freind Robt. Campbell Bookseller. My hasty Scrawll & Dr. Prices Pamphlet, in the way it was Sent, I hope youll Excuse. Their is No clean Copy of it to be got. At that Period I did not know that the inclosed State of the British Custom house Dutys &c. was published. Youll Notice this now Sent is by Authority of the British Government. Their is no other List of the Inland Taxes but that by Kearsly which is Said to be very exact. Youll receive along with these Two Vollumes of Sir John Sinclair upon the Revenue of Great Britain. He is a Member of the British House of Commons or Parliment.\nI by no Means wish to engage your Most valuable time, by answering me, but I have to Sollicitt you upon an affair, that if it is not hurtfull, Very hurtfull to the Intrests of the United States, I know your own humanity will be a powerful Agent in My behalf. This will I find Make My letter longer then I intended, But it is Respected Sir On the footing that a Bystander will often Notice what reall Actors doe not discern. Nay Solomon, that Wise King, Says \u201cthat a fooll May teach a Wise man wisdom at a time\u201d. I theirfore doe it with that deference, that becomes me when writing you on any affair belonging to the United States, and with a Sense of that Ignorance I must have at this distance of the true Intrests of America.\nI beg to Sollicit you, in behalf of the Poor, hard wrought, half fed Inhabitants of Europe And would humbly propose, as they are Utterly unable to pay for a Passage to America, the only thing that Stopts thousands of them from Emigrating. I beg theirfore, that you would Imploy & use you Intrest to procure a Grant of Some Bounty or Relaxation of the Duties, to European Shipping bringing over Poor Industrious workmen to America.\nSuppose the Tonnage Duty, upon Foreign Vessells Should be relaxed, to answer as a Bounty. Suppose for every 15 or 20 Passengers Brought from Europe the Vessell was to have an Exemption of the Tonnage Duty upon 100 or 130 Tons & So on. Nay not only that But as Passengers often want to goe to a Certain Port, Say Philadelphia for Instance, & the Owners of the Vessell want to bring a Cargo of Tobbacco from Virginia, The foreign Vessell or the Extent of Tonnage in proportion to the passengers she brought, Might be allowed without any duty to take in goods for the Port she designed to Load at. This or some other Plan is Neccessary to assist Emigrants from Europe to America, Journeymen of all Professions (a few of the fine arts exceptd) are unable ever to Collect or save out of their Wages, a Sum equall to paying their whole freight to America, From Greenock or Glasgow to America. It is Six Guineas for a Steerage Passenger.\nIt may be answered Why not grant, priviledges or Bounties to the American Bottoms, only for bringing over tradesmen? In answer I say its impossible for the American Ships, to Carry over emigrants from Europe So well as Foreign Ships. The Penalties & Forfeitures, are so very heavy & so easily incurred, that No person Unacquaint with the Laws durst Venture upon Such a Measure. But the European Captain & owners know how to agree with Passengers so as to Escape the Penalties. In Britain the Penalties are \u00a3500 Str. & 6 mo. imprisonment for every person Indented to goe out of the Kings Dominions, & I know not the Laws of Ireland, far less of any other Part of Europe, with regard to this.\nI have hitherto only Mentioned the Poor of Britain but in other parts of Europe I am informed, their working people are in a Worse State, & less able to pay for their Passage to America. The Germans are a most Industrious people, the United States, would I hope be greatly benefeted by a Number of Germans imported every Year. I think the draining one part of Europe of these Industrious poor, that may be said to be able with every exertion they Can make only to be able to Keep Soull & Body together would have a Beneficiall effect upon the Treatment the poor would have in other Parts. No Doubt a few would goe also from Britain if encouragement was given, & I hope they would be found also Very industrious Subjects for here we are overstocked with people.\nO Let the Name of the United States Rise high in the Annalls of Fame, by Extending her Bounties to enable the Industrious Poor of Europe to Sitt down on her fruitfull Soill, & be feed liberally by produce of her Lands. But as the Proverb says a Word to the wise is Enough.\nI hope Respected Sir that filled with admiration of your Conduct, as Exhibited in Congressionall Register &c. youll pardon this freedom. My Zeall for the good of Mankind, & my Esteem for one who endeavours to Remove a Load of Debt from a Rising Nation of Free Men, have emboldened me to write this. Again I will Not trouble you Nor engross your Valuable time. If you knew the State of the Laborious Poor in Europe, as well as I, your own Compassion & humanity would not need to be desired to Remember them. by Respected Sir, Yr. Most hle Sert\nSaml. Paterson\nPS. A half penny or even a farthing, upon every pound of Tobbacco Exported from the United States, would not affect the Consumpt. & would be a good Fund for Bounties to Emigrants. If the United States Cannot impose it, the States that export Tobbacco Might by such a Tax, provide an Excellent fund for Publick Roads, Canalls &c. & the Sale would never be a Singlue pound less in Europe.\nMany people here are of opinion, That the Prosperity & flourishing State of Britain, Is owing far more to the Establishment of Bank\u2019s then to the Nationall Debt. Certain it is that Scotland alone owes allmost all its Improvement in Agriculture, Commerce & Manufactures to the Institution of Banks. Their Are about Fifty Banks in England and about Thirty Banks in Scotland, that Issue out Notes.\nS. Paterson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0018", "content": "Title: Report on the Petition of the Merchants of Philadelphia Trading to India and China, 10 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, February 10, 1791Communicated on February 10, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the House of representatives of the twentieth day of January last referring to him the petition of the Merchants of Philadelphia trading to India and China;\nRespectfully reports:\nThat the subject of the said petition involves the consideration of the general policy, which ought to be pursued by the United States, in relation to the trade with India and China; concerning which, questions of equal delicacy and importance arise, requiring a more careful and deliberate investigation, than can be performed consistently with the view of the House of Representatives, respecting the termination of their present Session.\nThat, under this impression, the Secretary, if permitted by the House, will defer a report on the said subject, generally, till the next Session of Congress, and will confine himself, for the present, to a particular article of the said trade, namely, Teas.\nThat it appears, upon enquiry, that considerable quantities of Bohea tea have been brought into the United States, from Europe, notwithstanding the additional duties laid upon that article, when so imported, by the laws heretofore passed: which have contributed both to overstock the market, and to reduce the price below the standard, at which it can be afforded, by the merchants trading to China; producing, consequently, a material discouragement to the trade with that country: in which the article of Bohea-tea is one of principal importance. As an additional and extensive field for the enterprize of our merchants and mariners, and as an additional outlet for the commodities of the country, the trade to India and China appears to lay claim to the patronage of the Government. And it\u2019s proceedings hitherto have countenanced the expediency of granting that patronage; in pursuance of which principle, the fact, which has been stated, would seem to render it advisable for the present, that a farther duty should be laid on Bohea-tea, brought from Europe: Three Cents per pound, it is conceived, would be an adequate increase.\nBut to form a satisfactory judgment of the propriety, either of pursuing or extending the system of granting particular favors to the trade in question, it is necessary that a full and accurate examination should be had into the nature and tendency of that trade, in order to ascertain the extent, to which it may require, or be entitled to encouragement.\nAll which is humbly submitted.\nAlexander Hamilton,Secretary of the Treasury\nTreasury-Office,February, 10th. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0019", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Rodney, 10 February 1791\nFrom: Rodney, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPoplar Grove [Delaware] Feby. 10th 1791.\nDr. Sir\nIt is very True that I was not an advocate for the Fed\u0153ral Government being adopted so soon altho I was very sensible of great defects in the Old confederation, Yet I was apprehensive it would be dangerous to Our Independance to attempt Changing that principle of Government which had conducted us Safe through the Revolution, because I was persuaded that the local attachment of The people to their State governments would prevent their consenting to a Regular & Uniform General government and that if a partial form was Established the peoples local attachment to their State government would operate Strongly against it so as to render its Operations weak & in Effectual. I find in both Instances my apprehensions well founded. The States have deligated great powers to Congress but have reserved Enough to them selves to keep up their Old local attachments and indeed to increase them. And we already see that the State legislatures of Virginia and Pensylvania are attempting to controle Congress in the Exercise of their Constitutional powers, and as the locale Attachments of the people will natural\u27e8ly\u27e9 incline them to Side with their State governments, \u27e8such\u27e9 conduct however unconstitutional will have a Tendency to weaken the general Government; for no resolut\u27e8ion\u27e9 of the States unless agreed to by all the States ought to have any Controle on the General Government. The Fed\u0153ral powers being Established by all the States, cannot be constitutionally controled by any number of them less than all. Therefore Such conduct in the Seperate States Should have no Other weight with the general Legislature than as Counsels Advising them to Consider the Subject, they Object to, with the greatest wisdom and impartiallity always giving, in their results, the general welfare of all the States the preference.\nSince all the States have adopted the Fed\u0153ral Constitution and it is now the Only existing principle of Union, The same reasons that induced me to be against it now induces me as Strongly to support and maintain it. Being a firm Unalterable friend to the Revolution; and believing that the Union of the States is the Only thing that can secure their Independance for a long time; I consider every measure that Indangers this Union as Adverse to the Welfare of America. Therefore I was against the Fed\u0153ral Constitution on Account of the danger of its having this Effect, but Since it has become the only principle of Union it is plain that the same reason induces me to be a firm friend to it. And Certainly every friend to the Liberty and Independance of America ought to consider the Subject in this point of view. The Opinion and information of the Several States would Certainty be of great use to the general government if Communicated in a proper manner as advisce or Counsel but may have a very different Effect if Couched in Terms of Censure. The legislature of Pensylvania for Instance Might have advised Congress in the most friendly manner that they considered the Excise Law as prejudicial to the Liberties of the peoples & desiring them if posible to prefer Some other Subject of revenue that would answer their purpose less adverse to the private liberty and rights of Individuals and without pointing out what other Subject the legislature of the State prefered to the Excise. Such Counsel as this would Not be adverse to; but useful to the general government. There is no Law more adverse to the rights & liberty of a free people than excise Laws for however gentle they be in their Commencement it will be found that they Cannot be Executed without a great number of petty officers, and those Officers vested with powers greatly adverse to the Liberty and private rights of Individuals. I therefore as an Individual would prefer a Land Tax or poll Tax far before an Excise. Yet perhaps the great Councils of the nation may be induced by Sufficient considerations to think other wise. In England where the rights of Individuals are more respected and better secured by the Laws then ever they were in any other nation, they have long had excise Laws and altho the petty officers of excise are vested with frightful powers yet if we may Judge by the quiet Acquiessence of the people the Exercise of them are not So adverse to the people as the appearance of them Seem to indicate. Atho there is greater Objections to excise Laws than to Imports & duties on commerce yet there is the same reason in Support of them. It is difficult to draw Sufficient revenues from the pepole for the support of the government of a great nation by direct Taxation therefore it is found necessary to apply to Subjects that afford it by indirect Taxation, and upon this principle perhaps the Excise may be as necessary as the Impost. Yet in my Own Opinion direct Taxation is absolutely necessary in every government for this calls forth that information from Society which is necessary to direct the Government; And I am fully convinced that the annual Support of the Civil Government of every free State ought to be by direct Taxation; I mean the Annual support of all the Civil Officers of Government. This is without doubt an Essential principle in a free Government; How much further it might be prudent to pursue direct Taxation must always depend on the wisdom of the Legislature, and the information and Sentiments of the Community Which would naturally flow on that Subject; beside if direct Taxation was felt and carried as far as the people would Chuse to bare it according to the Exigences of the Nation; they would the more willingly submit afterwards to indirect Taxation, where more revenue was Necessary, and this in all probability is the True reason that indirect Taxation is so quietly Acquiessed to in England. It therefore appears advisable to Charge the Whole Support of Civil government on direct Taxation and if the people did not Chuse to bare more in this way, then they would naturally become Advocates for Indirect Taxation. I am therefore pursuaded that to propose a Direct Land Tax and Poll Tax for the Support of Civil government would Set the People right with respect to Taxation, for this would draw forth the True Sentiments of the people towards what kind of Taxation they would prefer, and for this reason every kind of Taxation ought to be pursued at the same Time because the Sentiments of the people would then plainly direct the Minister to those kinds where they would Chuse he should Seek the most revenue. A free people will always grumble at every Species of Taxation but nevertheless will always bare What appears Necessary to answer the purposes of government if wisely conducted.\nI am Sir with great respect \u2003 your most Obedient\nThomas Rodney\nHonble Alexandr. Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0020", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 10 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentFebruary 10th 1791.\nSir,\nA petition from Mr John Hollins, of Baltimore, to the House of representatives has been refered to me on which I shall report that in my opinion the existing law admits of the relief desired by the petitioner. Annexed to the petition are legal Testimonies that the Schooner John was before the first of January 1791. within the Capes of Chessapeak bay, whence it follows that the Cargo on board her was \u201cbrought into the United States\u201d before the expiration of the 31st December 1790. You will therefore only claim from Mr. Hollins the duties imposed by the impost Act of the first of June 1789.\nI am sir \u2003 Your Obedient Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nOtho. H. Williams Esquire", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0021", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to \u2014\u2014\u2014, 11 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nTreasury DepartmentFebruary 11. 1791\nSir\nThe Treasurer has been directed to draw in favour of the Commissioner of Loans for your State in order to the payment of the Pensions to Invalids which will become payable the fifth of March next. His drafts however will not in the first instance be directed to any particular Collector; but will be transmitted with blanks to be filled up by the Commissioner. This is mentioned lest the manner of the Direction should occasion suspicion of Counterfeit. Such as may be presented to you you will of course pay with whatever money may be in your hands.\nIn order that the Commissioner may know how to address the bills it is requisite that you should inform him immediately on the receipt of this of the Specie in your hands and of the sums which you may receive from time to time \u2018till the end is answered. This being a matter in which humanity is concerned I shall be glad that there may be as little delay as possible.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Obedt. servant\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0022", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Habersham, 11 February 1791\nFrom: Habersham, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[February 11, 1791. In a letter to Hamilton, dated May 20, 1791, Habersham referred to \u201cmy letter of the 11th. of February last.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0026", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\n[Philadelphia, February 12, 1791. In a letter dated February, 1791, Randolph referred to Hamilton\u2019s \u201cletter of February, 12th: 1791.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0027", "content": "Title: Report on the Petition of John Hollins, 12 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nTreasury Department; February 12th: 1791.[Communicated on February 12, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the Order of the House of Representatives of the 4th Instant, relative to the petition of John Hollins, of the Town of Baltimore, Merchant,\nRespectfully reports;\nThat after duly examining the late and existing laws imposing duties on goods imported into the United States, with a view to their application in the case, wherein the said John Hollins has sought relief, he is of opinion, that the additional duties, from which the petitioner prays to be exonerated, are not legally demandable from him, and that he has transmitted an explanatory instruction to the Collector of Baltimore. He, therefore, humbly submits to the House, the propriety of giving leave that the said petition be withdrawn.\nAll which is humbly submitted,\nAlexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0028", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 13 February 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, February 13, 1791. \u201c\u2026 I hope by next Post to be able to transmitt you the amount of the Certift of Funded Debt issued in the month of December & Jany last for your information tho\u2019 I shall not be able to send a regular Abstract of the Same.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0029", "content": "Title: Election to American Philosophical Society, [14 February 1791]\nFrom: American Philosophical Society\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, February 14, 1791]\nTo all Persons to whom These Presents shall come,\nGreeting.\nThe American Philosophical Society held at Philadelphia for promoting useful Knowledge, desirous of advancing the Interest of the Society by associating to themselves Men of distinguished Eminence, and of conferring Marks of their Esteem upon Persons of literary Merit, have Elected The Honourable Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the United States for the Department of the Treasury. a Member of the said Philosophical Society, hereby granting unto him all the Rights of Fellowship, with all the Liberties and Privileges thereunto belonging.\nIn Testimony whereof the said Society have caused the Seal of their Corporation to be annexed to this Certificate, and the same to be attested by the Names of the proper Officers this fourteenth Day of February in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety One.\nAttested\nJames Hutchinson\nSecretaries\nDavd. Rittenhouse\nPresident\nR. Patterson\nJohn Ewing\nVice Presidents\nSam. Magaw\nWilliam Smith\nJono Williams\nTh: Jefferson\nElected 21 January 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0030", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Marchant, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Marchant, Henry\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewport, Rhode Island, February 14, 1791. Encloses the petition of Hezekiah Usher and George Usher, captain and mate of the brigantine Ruth, who had been prosecuted for landing goods which they did not declare. States that the \u201csaid Hezh. Usher, Master of sd. Brige. is a young Man, twenty six years old, and, that this was first Voyage he was ever Captain, that the Mate, is but twenty three years old, and this was but the second Voyage he was ever Mate.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0031", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, February 14, 1791. \u201cThe enclosed Letter to the Treasurer, covers the second Moieties (the first being transmitted the 10th. instant) of Two Bank Notes, amounting, \u214c triplicate List herewith, to 127 Dollars.\u2026 I have \u2026 received your Letter of the 31st. Ulto., relative to the appointment of Mates to the Revenue Cutters. I have in view Two or Three Persons whom I could recommend as suitable for those births; and if, on conversing with them, I find they will accept thereof, you shall be made acquainted with their Names by the next Post.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0033", "content": "Title: Report on Compensation to the Commissioners of Loans, 14 February 1791\nFrom: \nTo: \nTreasury Department,February, 14. 1791.[Communicated on February 15, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the Order of the House of Representatives, of the 13th. Ultimo, relative to compensation to the Commissioners of Loans for the extraordinary expenses, that may, in the first instance, be incurred by them in the execution of the Act making provision for the public debt;\nRespectfully reports,\nThat as the allowances to the several Commissioners of loans must be considered, as intended to compensate them for their services, and for those expenditures only, which are ordinarily incident to the execution of their respective offices, it may be deemed reasonable and just, that they should be indemnified for all such extraordinary expenditures, as shall appear to have been necessarily incurred, in the first stages of the business.\nThat these extraordinary expenditures will consist of additional Stationary, and additional Clerk-hire.\nThat with regard to the first, as the quantity of Stationary, which will be consumed in a common year, after the first will bear a very inconsiderable proportion, to that which will be necessarily provided and consumed during the first year, and as much additional labor and exertion, on the part of the Commissioners themselves, will be required, during the same period, it is humbly conceived, that it will be proper to reimburse those officers, for whatever expense they shall necessarily have incurred, in procuring Stationary for the use of the first year of their service.\nThat with regard to the second part, namely, additional Clerk-hire, it is presumable, from the rates of the compensations, that it was in contemplation of the Legislature, that some of the Commissioners would stand in need of Clerks, and that others of them would be able to perform the requisite services, themselves. The first Class may be supposed to include only the Commissioners of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia; a Clerk to each of whom will, probably, be indispensable, at all times; perhaps, to some of them, more than one may be found so. If this supposition be well-founded, the rule for determining the extra-Clerk-hire may be, to consider, in this light, all that may have been necessarily paid by the several Commissioners, except the wages of one Clerk, by each of the Commissioners of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.\nIf these suggestions shall be appproved by the House, it will be proper, that provision should be made by law, for admitting to the credit of the several Commissioners of Loans, in the settlement of their respective accounts, all such sums as shall appear to have been necessarily expended by them in the purchase of stationary, and for the hire of Clerks, in relation to the execution of their offices, from the commencement of the same to the first day of October next, deducting the salary of one Clerk, in respect to each of the Commissioners of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.\nAll which is humbly submitted.\nAlexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0034", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Smith, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLoan Office [Philadelphia] Feby. 14th 1791\nSir,\nThis accompanys Abstract of Certificates Old Emissions & Indents received on subscriptions to the Loan proposed by act of Congress 4 Augt 1790 from the 1st to the 31st January inclusive.\nThe subscriptions are encreassing very fast, which with the payment of Indents to the Citizens of this State to enable them to possess themselves of their original Certificates in order to fund them; together with the great number of Transfers that are daily making encreases the business of this office to so great a degree that without great assistance whilst the pressure of business continues it must be much retarded if not greatly embarrassed. I am honored with your favor of 8th Inst. also with Genl. Knox\u2019s of 9th with his Instructions & Warrant for the payment of the Invalids. I shall most chearfully execute that & every other duty in the power of\nSir your &c.\nHonble Alex. Hamilton Secy. Treasy. U.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0036", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore 14th February 1791\nSir\nIn answer to remarks of the Comptroller, on my account Current, ending the 30th September last, I have had occasion to reply at some length. There will not probably be any essential difference between the final Opinion of the Comptroller and my own, on the subjects of his remarks, unless it may be on a charge for the rent of a publick warehouse. On that subject I had the honour to address you in October last. In addition to what I have written to you, Sir, and to the Comptroller, permit me to remark that the want of a publick wharf, and Warehouse in this place, subjects the Officers of the Customs to very great inconvenience, and sometimes, even distress, in the execution of their duty.\nFor want of a publick landing place, particular places must be mentiond in the permits for landing, or Owners are exonerated, in some respect, from the penalty for removing goods without permission; and the weigher is occasionally to remove his scales from Wharf to Wharf, make use of others, or to subject importers to an extraordinary expence for retransportation of their Merchandise; and the Gauger is, in like manner, to go from place to place, to perform his duty. The Surveyor \u27e8is\u27e9 necessarily much on board Vessels; the Connection however between that Officer and the Collector, and the reciprocal duties of the latter, and the Naval Officer, make it requisite that they should be often together. It is to be regretted that their several duties and Compensations are not more distinct. But in any case the having all their Offices in the same house, would be a very Considerable Convenience, as their Official documents ought reciprocally to check each other.\nInspectors are, in certain cases, Comptrollers of the Customs; they are together with the Collector, and Naval Officer, to examine and sign all manifests after delivery of the Cargos. And their duty on Other Occasions requires their attendance at the Custom House; which is a consideration in favour of a place both commodious and Convenient to the Harbour. The Measurer is, at this Port, an unnecessary Officer. There is no regular tide to bring into Port the inward bound Vessels, and they are often detained by contrary Winds, until multiplied to a fleet of a dozen, or more. If three, or four happen to have salt, and Coal, which is not uncommon, it becomes necessary to prevent delays, and expence to Importers, that more than One or two Measurers be apointed and more than one Cannot be reasonably rewarded for the service by all that is allowed by law for the measuring all the salt and Coal imported to this place.\nEvery vessel must be in charge of an Inspector, and a vessel having salt, or coal, only, must have a measurer also on board. Two Officers are therefore, in such Case, on board the same Vessel, and for the same purpose.\nInspectors are, in every respect, as well qualified for the service as the nature of it requires, and the quantity of Coal or Salt, or other thing, could certainly be as truely ascertained by an Inspector constantly employed, as by a Man occasionally appointed. The terms of the allowance to an Inspector, which is not to exceed One Dollar and One fourth \u214c day for \u201cevery day he shall be employed in aid of the Customs.\u201d implies that he may on some days be not employed. The nature of the service, in this District, where there are many ports, and landing places, requires that Inspectors should be constantly employed, and considering the manner of their creation, and conditions upon which they hold their appointments, I believe that to allow them fixed Sallaries, payable monthly, would be no less eligible on account of their industry, and integrity than the present plan: and might all things considered, be more to the advantage of the revenue.\nThose considerations are not all perhaps strictly pertinent to the Subject upon which this letter was particularly intended, but if any of them afford you information you will excuse the trouble of them. My wish to see the department of the Customs upon an eligible and respectable establishment must be my apology.\nI am \u2003 Sir Your most Obedient \u2003 Humble Servant\nAlexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0037", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 15 February 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom House [Newport, Rhode Island]Feby. 15th 1791\nSir,\nI received your letter of the 31st. of last month on the 12th of this. It will be impossible for me to give the names of persons of this State suitable for 1st. 2nd. & 3d. mates of the Cutter now building in Connecticut by this Post. I will do it the next.\nWhen I sent forward a statement of the Cases of Hezekiah Usher & George Usher I was unacquainted with some circumstances which appeared on the examination of the Inspector of Bristol before the District Judge. I mean that upon his discovering the Hhd of Rum not mentioned in the Permit, and mentioning it to the Capt., the Capt. said it might be water, and that the said Rum, and the three bags of Coffee were unladed in the absence of the Inspector, that he had locked up the hatchways, and taken the key with him, and that when he returned he found the Hatchways had been open\u2019d, and the Rum and Coffee stored. If these circumstances had been known to me at the time I wrote I should most certainly have mentioned them in the Statement.\nInclosed is a weekly return of Cash on hand; and also a List of one Bank note and of two Post notes of the bank of North America amounting to eighty dollars, Moieties of which are now transmitted to the Treasr. The other moieties of them were transmitted by the last Post.\nI have the honour to be \u2003 Sir \u2003 Yr. most obedt. servt.\nW Ellery Collr\nSecry of the Treasy.of the U. States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0038", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Cyrus Griffin, 15 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Griffin, Cyrus\n[Philadelphia, February 15, 1791. \u201cI am under the necessity of returning you the papers in the cases of Messrs. McRae and Morrison, which you will find enclosed. There is no legal proof that the goods have ever paid duty. The Collectors & Deputy Collectors of the customs are not vested with the general power of administring oaths. The Deposition of Mr. Fraser before the Deputy Collector of Baltimore however true it may be is not therefore legal testimony. The Deposition moreover should have been that the goods were the contents or part of the contents of certain specified packages under specified marks and Numbers imported in specified vessels the same on which the official documents shews the duties had been paid or secured, and should have been taken before a Magistrate or Judge authorized to administer Oaths. It is observable that the deposition and manifest given as it is presumed after the seizure do not say when the goods were shipt, and that there is no proof or statement of the time of said seizure.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0039", "content": "Title: Reports on Exports for the Year Ending September 30, 1790, 15 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nTreasury Department, Feb. 15, 1791.[Communicated on February 15, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nSir,\nI do myself the honour to transmit thro\u2019 you to the House of Representatives, a General Return of the Exports of the United States, abstracted from Custom-House Returns, commencing on the various days in August, 1789, whereon they were respectively opened, and ending on the 30th of September last. From inadvertence in some of those offices, the space of time prior to the 1st of October 1789, was blended with the quarter following, which prevented an uniform commencement of this abstract on that day; and there is yet a deficiency of many of the returns for the last quarter of the year 1790, which confines the abstract to the 30th of September last. The progress which was made in this form of statement of the exports, prior to the order of the house, and the impossibility of having it completed in the form directed by them before the fourth of March next, have occasioned me to offer it in its present shape.\nI have the honour to be, \u2003 With the greatest respect, \u2003 Sir, your most obedient and \u2003 Most humble servant.\nAlexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.\nThe Hon. the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0040", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 15 February 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth New Hamp. Feb. 15th 1791\nSir\nYour letter of the 23rd Ulto. I have received and in pursuance of your directions have agreed for the Hull of a Vessel for a Cutter for this Station of 44 feet Keel payable (say 46 Straight rabbet) 15 Beam & 6\u00bd hold at 9 Dollars pr. Ton.\nI could find no person on whom I could depend for a good Vessel that would undertake the whole equipments fit for Sea at 22\u00bd Dollrs. per Ton, or indeed at any rate, it not being customary in this port ever to connect the Carpenters with all, or any other bills. I hope I shall be able to finish the Vessel at your limits but this must depend on the prices of Materials in the purchase of which no pains shall be spared in the exercise of the aconomy which you recommend. I found it of advantage in my agreement with the Carpenter to make him a payment of 100 Dollars.\nIt is the opinion of some sea men that a Sloop rigged Vessel would answer better the purpose than a Schr. If any directions on this point should be thought proper or if it may be left to the officer who is to command her, be pleased to direct me. The Vessel is to be delivered the 10th of May next.\nI am Sir, very respectfully \u2003 your Most Obedt. servt.\nHonble. Alex Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0042", "content": "Title: Conversation with George Beckwith, [16 February 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander,Beckwith, George\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, February 16, 1791]\nThe Secretary of the TreasuryFebruary 16th.\nLt. Colonel Beckwith. The newspapers of yesterday and of this day mention communications to the two Houses, from The President, on the subject of a commercial treaty with us, and although no particulars are stated, yet enough is expressed to convey an impression to the public mind, that we are not disposed to form any such treaty.\nI have in former conversations had the honor of declaring my sentiments with respect to Mr. Morris, I continue in the same way of thinking concerning this gentleman, I believe him to be a man of genius, of knowledge and of discernment, but like other men of strong faculties, I suspect him liable to be led away by his vivacity, to form tenacious opinions and to act upon them; I assume it as a fact, that the information laid before your Legislature, is founded on Mr. Morris\u2019s communications, and as there have been no late arrivals from England, I am further led to conceive, that this information is not recent, and that it refers to accounts from thence, pending our negotiations with Spain; without pretending to more than an ordinary share of discernment, I am induced to consider the motives, which have led to such communications by your Executive at this period, in preference to a more early one, and to reflect on the public questions now before Congress, particularly the House of Representatives; I am carried to the following conclusions.\nThe measure either stands alone, or it is connected with others; if the latter, I find two which attract my observation; the Indian War\u2014and an application from another Foreign Power; it is my duty and my wish to speak in terms of the highest respect of the Chief Magistrate of this country, as well as of the government itself, but I should be guilty of insincerity, if I did not declare, I cannot avoid suspecting, that this communication (tending as it does to convey an impression of there being a coldness in our Administration towards The States) has been made in order to influence gentlemen in a popular Assembly with ideas which may operate on other questions; whether this may have been the effect of accident or of design, I do not presume to determine.\nMr. _____ I have frequently mentioned to you that there was a difference of sentiment with us, respecting our having a strict national or commercial friendship with Great Britain, my opinions as I have told you, are directly in favor of it, because I think it for the best interests of this Country; your ideas of the communications from The President to the two Houses, being founded on Mr. Morris\u2019s letters are natural and just, undoubtedly the information comes from this gentleman; he tells us, that there is a great diversity of opinion in your Cabinet on the subject of American commerce,  that he does not think a commercial treaty attainable unless it shall be formed or bottomed upon a treaty of Alliance offensive and defensive, and that on the most extended scale; but from his letters although the thing will not succeed without it, yet we have no assurances that it will be secured by it.\nI told you on a former occasion, that we have no treaty whatever with France, but the printed one universally known, and whatever construction may be put on that treaty; we do not view it here, as binding us down to grant any peculiar advantages to that Power, to the exclusion of other Nations: there are indeed certain stipulations in favor of prizes in time of war, which are particularly expressed, but nothing on the former subject.\nI cannot bring myself to believe that The President\u2019s mind is the least influenced by any set of prejudices whatever; he indeed is of opinion from Mr. Morris\u2019s letters, that no commercial treaty is attainable with England, but I am sure he is not led to make these communications to the Legislature at this time, from any idea of assimilating this with other questions, yet I do not pretend to say that such views may not have struck the minds of certain persons, who have recommended this measure; whether I personally approved of this business or not it is neither necessary, nor would it be proper in me to express.\nIt is difficult to speak with precision of what may be the determinations of a popular Assembly, but I am strongly inclined to think, no immediate warmth will arise from it, on the contrary; and in the Senate, I am sure, none will be effected.\nIn the present state of things, nothing has happened between us and France, to give a tolerable pretence, for breaking off our treaty of Alliance with that Power and immediately forming one with you. A regard for National decorum, puts such a decisive step as this, out of our reach, but I tell you candidly as an individual, that I think the formation of a treaty of commerce, would by degrees have led to this measure, which undoubtedly that Party with us, whose remaining animosities and French partialities influence their whole political conduct, regard with dissatisfaction.\nLt. Colonel Beckwith. It is essential to remark, that these communications are the opinions of Mr. Morris, formed whilst we were on the eve of a war; is it quite clear that this gentleman is really thoroughly acquainted with the intentions of our government? For my own part my instructions from Lord Dorchester authorise me to think and to say, that we have the most friendly dispositions towards the States, of which our liberality in Commercial matters is a decisive proof, notwithstanding the existing difficulties, relative to the treaty of peace; I know that gentlemen in a French interest, are not disposed to admit the force of this, as they do not view our commercial conduct in this light, but I am instructed to hold a different language on this subject.\nI cannot help viewing the present communication as an attempt to check the growing friendship, evidently likely to take place between us, to prevent possibly a mutual ministerial appointment, and to give a bias to a French interest. Hitherto, I have thought it my duty to be silent on all political matters, and have shunned explanations even to gentlemen in your Legislature, but in the present moment, I should think it wrong to adhere to this, I feel myself compelled to speak out, and I wish to have my sentiments on this subject known, where they ought to be, for this reason I shall write you a letter on this important question, of which you may make what use you please, I shall state my sentiments candidly and I trust in a way not to give any offense to your government.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0044", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Newton, Junior, 16 February 1791\nFrom: Newton, Thomas, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNorfolk [Virginia] February 16, 1791. Proposes that a \u201ccomfortable house\u201d be built for the keeper of the Cape Henry lighthouse.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0045", "content": "Title: Notes on Edmund Randolph\u2019s Opinion on the Constitutionality of an Act to Establish a Bank, [16\u201321 February 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, February 16\u201321, 1791]\nPower to lay & Collect taxes\nascertain subject of taxation\ndeclare Quantum\nprescribe mode of Collection\nThis an infinite chapter\nordain the manner of accounting\ncreation of districts & ports\nof officers\nduties powers & capacities\ncompensation\npenalties\nexemption\nwhat places to be paid at\noaths\n\u261e in what to be paid\nDrawback\nCutters\nMode of recovery\n\u261e Farming Revenue\nPower to borrow Money\n1 Stipulate a sum to be lent\n2 An interest or no interest to be paid\nconsideration to be paid or performed including collaterateral conditions & inducement. Lottery Tickets\n3 The time & manner of repayt. unless irredeemable\nNo Dutch Loans\n1 exemption from taxes\n2 from sequestration in time of war\n3 mortgage of all lands\nFund by way of security\nthis Fund may be vested in lenders & they may be made a Corporation\nInstitute a lottery\nRegulation of Trade with foreign Country\nomissions\n1 To prohibit foreigners or their commodity\nprohibition of exports\n2 to impose duties\nregulate the characteristics & privileges of American Vessels\n3 to subject them to custom house Regulation or\n4 To grant them any exemp~ or privileges which policy may suggest\nThe manner in which they shall be navigated\nThe inspection of our Com~ with a view to exportation\nBetween the States\nBounties upon ships or goods\n1 to establish the forms of com~ Intercourse\nInternal trans of foreign goods\n2 to preserve the prohibitions in the constitution\npolicies of Insurance\nbills of exchange from\nf Coun & between states\nSalvage\nlight house pilots\nransom Contracts\n\u261e medium of exchange\nWith the Indians\n\u261e To erect trading Companies\n1 To prohibit the Indians from coming into or trading with the U States\n2 To admit them with or without restrictions\n3 To prohibit Citizens from Trading with them or\n4 To permit it with or without restrictions\nRules & Regulations concerning property\n1 To exert an Owner over Territory & institute a Government therein\n2 To exert ownership Over other property which may signify\n3 \u2003 1 personal property however acquired or\n2 \u2003 2 real property aptly denominated territory\nBut it cannot signify\n1 Debts due from the U States\n2 Nor money arising from the sources of Revenue. The disposal and regulation of money is the final cause for raising it", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0047", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 16 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia Feby. 16th: 1791\nSir,\n\u201cAn Act to incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of the United States\u201d is now before me for consideration.\nThe constitutionality of it is objected to. It therefore becomes more particularly my duty to examine the ground on wch. the objection is built. As a mean of investigation I have called upon the Attorney General of the United States in whose line it seemed more particularly to be for his official examination and opinion. His report is, that the Constitution does not warrant the Act. I then applied to the Secretary of State for his sentiments on this subject. These coincide with the Attorney General\u2019s; and the reasons for their opinions having been submitted in writing, I now require, in like manner, yours on the validity & propriety of the above recited Act: and that you may know the points on which the Secretary of State and the Attorney-General dispute the constitutionality of the Act; and that I may be fully possessed of the Arguments for and against the measure before I express any opinion of my own, I give you an opportunity of examining & answering the objections contained in the enclosed papers. I require the return of them when your own sentiments are handed to me (which I wish may be as soon as is convenient); and further, that no copies of them be taken, as it is for my own satisfaction they have been called for.\nGo: Washington\nThe Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0049", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 17 February 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, February 17, 1791. \u201cIn conformity to your Letter of the 31st. of January I now beg leave to make Jeremiah Greenman and Daniel Bucklin Junr., both of this Town, as Persons well qualified to fill the stations of First and Second Mates onboard the Revenue Cutter building in Connecticut.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0055", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, February 23, 1791. Acknowledges receipt of Hamilton\u2019s letters of February 8 and 14, 1791. Will carry out instructions in those letters. Encloses \u201cDuplicate rec\u2019t for Certifts received from the Registers 12 instant & first receipt of Ditto rec\u2019d 23 instant.\u201d Will \u201cinquire respecting the Sale of Bills on New York or Philadelphia.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0056", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Higginson, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Higginson, Stephen\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, February 23, 1791. Wishes to obtain a position in the executive branch of the government, but will not accept a post that pays less than two thousand dollars. Congratulates Hamilton on the success of Hamilton\u2019s \u201cmeasures & projections.\u201d Has heard that Hamilton plans \u201cto establish deposits of Cash here & in york, at least, to exchange the Notes of the Proposed Bank.\u201d Approves of this plan, for without it \u201cthe notes will never answer all the purposes of money, or be equal to those of our own Bank.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0057", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, February 23, 1791. \u201cSince my return I have attended to the subject matter of your letter of the 22nd ultimo. The Gentleman with whom I contracted for the Cutter being in this Town, he lives at Newbury-port. I have had a good opportunity thus early to review the whole proceeding and to know from him that he could not now alter his plan, that he would take her to himself, though he thought the loss to him would be three hundred dollars at the least.\u2026 On the whole he has concluded to finish the vessel, hopeing she will be received. If I was now to contract for a Vessel of fifty tons to be built in this Town, she would cost I am very confidant as much as this will finally cost us.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0058", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Lewis, [23 February 1791]\nFrom: Lewis, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, February 23, 1791]\nI am of opinion, that by the death of the Administratrix, the power which the husband had by his intermarriage acquired in her right, to intermeddle with the effects of the Intestate, immediately and without notice ceased; and that as the power was only in consequence of the marriage, and of but equal duration in point of time with it, it was incumbent on all Persons indebted to the Intestate to inform themselves whether she was alive or not before making payments to the Husband. I therefore think that in the case stated the Administrator de bonis non &c. is clearly entitled to a Settlement and Certificate.\nWm Lewis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0059", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [23 February 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, February 23, 1791]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President and sends him the opinion required which occupied him the greatest part of last night.\nThe Bill for extending the time of opening subscriptions passed yesterday unanimously to an order for engrossing.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0060-0002", "content": "Title: Draft of an Opinion on the Constitutionality of an Act to Establish a Bank, [23 February 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nThe Secretary of the Treasury has perused with great attention the opinions of the Secretary of State and of the Attorney General concerning the constitutionality of the bill for establishing a National Bank and proceeds to execute the order of the President for submitting the reasons which have induced him to view the subject in a different light.\nIt will naturally have been expected anticipated that in performing this task he must feel uncommon solicitude. Personal considerations alone,arising from suggested by from the reflection that the measure originated with him would be were sufficient to produce it. The sense which he has manifested of the great importance of the institution to the successful administration of the Finances, department under more particularly hunder his care charge committed to his care the conviction, which he entertains that its failure will materially retard the appreciation of the public debt and the rise of public debt credit and will be an occasion the serious and extensive consequences which he believes would attend the failure of the plan measure would do not permit him to be without anxiety on a public accounts. ground account. But his chief solicitude arises from a persuasion that if the principles of constitut construction which are insisted upon the regulate foundations of the opinions of the Secretary of State and the Attorney General should prevail, the just and indispensable authority of the government of the United States must receive a deep and dangerous serious wound. The Its future operations must be fatally clogged. And of the government must be fatally clogged. And it must in the end find itself incapable of answering the endspurposes for which it has been instituted.\nIt was frequently under the confeder\nIt has often been regretted by the decided friends of an efficient national government that Congress in the early stages of the American late revolution exercised the powers entrusted to them with too sparing and a feeble a hand. It is earnestly to be hoped, after so much has been done for retrieving the prostrate affairs of the Union, that no similar cause of regret may be again furnished.\nIt may be laid down as an incontrovertible position indisputable truth, that all the powers contained in a constitution of Government, which concern the general administration of the affairs of a country its finances its trade its defence &c ought to be construed liberally, for the in advancement of the general good. This maxim does not depend on the particular form of the government oror  on on the definition particular particular delineation or definition or boundariesdemarkation of the boundaries of its powers but on the state condition of of human society, on the nature and objects of all government itself. The means by which national exigencies are to be satisfied, national inconveniences obviated, national prosperity promoted are of such infinite variety extent and complexity, that there must of necessity be great latitude of discretion in those selecting and applyingthe selection and application of those means. It is necessaryessential to the public good that the power of providing for it should be commensurate in these respects as little fettered as possible coextensive with the variety diversity of circumstances by which it may be affected\u2014and consequently that the authorities confided to the government should be exercised according to the rules of a liberal construction. on principles of liberal considera construction. The only exception to this rule is of cases in which priva the security of private property and personal liberty is concerned.\nThe Attorney General admitting the rule here laid down takes a distinction between a state and the F\u0153deral constitution and thinks the latter ought to be construed with greater strictness because there is more danger of error in defining partial than general powers.\nBut if the reason of the rule is resortedadverted to to it must be concluded that this distinction cannot be admitted. That reason is founded on the variety and extent of national public exigencies and public concerns, and public exigencies; comparing the objects of the F\u0153deral with those of a state government a muchfar greater proportion of which and of a much more interesting kindfar more critical and important nature kind are objects of National andthan of State administration. If therefore the supposition of greater danger of error be acceded to it could only operate as a prudential motive to greater caution in administering the powers of the National government not as a principle of restrictive interpretation.\nIt will be shewn hereafter that the rule abovementioned has prevailed in governed in a variety of cases the various acts of Congress which have received the Sanction of Congress the Chief Magistrate; and it is not to be doubted that every days experience will evince it to be indispensable to the con prosperous conduct of the affairs of the Union.\nAnother position equally incontrovertible is this\u2014That though the Government of the United States Union does not possess complete and intire sovereignty in every respect it nevertheless possesses a variety of sovereign powers in a variety of respects; and these of a high and transcendent nature. Such as are are true the indefinite power of taxation Of these the most important are the powers of taxation, that of regulating commerce with foreign nations, between the several states and with the indian tribes, that of making war and as a incidents to this it of raising supporting and governing armies and fleets, of making trea and that of making treaties. If it were not evident that government and sovereignty as applied to a nations are were not convertible terms; if the idea of sovereignty were not necessarily included in the powers which have been statedmentioned\u2014if it were necess requisite to confirm the position which has been advanced by proof, there is a clause in the constitution w which would put the matter out of all doubt. It is that which declares that the Constitution, and the laws of the United States made in pursuance of it and all treaties made or which shall be made under their authority shall be the Supreme Law of the Land. The power which can create the Supreme law of the land, in any case, is doubtless sovereign as far as it goes in relation to such case.\nThe plain inference to be drawn from this position is this, that in carrying into execution the powers vested in the national Government, it has a right to employ all the means which are calcu fairly and truly calculated to effect the objects of those powers, in as full and ample a manner as can be done by any Government whatever; or in other words it can do, in relation to those objects every thing that which is implied in the idea of Sovereign power authority; subject only to the not contrary to limitations and exceptions which are specified in the constitution\u2014or which is not in itself immoral or subversive of the personal rights or inconsistent with the ends of political society.\nThis idea enters into the very definition of sovereignty or government; and though that Government of the United States cannot do all that some other governments can do it can do all that any other government can do in relation to the objects entrusted to its management; except so far as these may be express specified restrictions.\nIf this be not the true rule there is then no rule at all. It must become impossible to determine what can or cannot be constitutionally done. The legality of the means to be made use of in each case must be a subject of vague and endless controversy; and in which caprice and prejudice must have much greater swayinfluence than than reason or principle. To urge as an objection to this, that \u201call powers not delegated to the US by the constitution, nor prohibitted by it to the states are reserved to the States or to the People\u201d is to do nothi is to do nothing. This is only saying in another form that Congress possess no the United States possess no powers not delegated to them; a position equally alike applicable to all popular constitutions of Government and to that of each state equally with that of the United Union. It resolves itself into this fundamental general maxim, of republican Gov liberty that all government is a delegation of power. How much is delegated in any case is always a question of fact to be made out from determined resolved by the particular tener provisi\u27e8ons\u27e9 of a constitution and by fair construction up\u27e8on\u27e9 those provisions.\nIt certainly will not be pretended that the proposition which has been quoted was designed to exclude the use of doctrine of implied powers. There is nothing in the manner of expression which indicates such a meaning and it is known that it was not the intention of it these the proposed amendment.\nHence no inference can be drawn from it against the position which has been deduced from the nature of sovereign power.\nTo say that such things only are tomay lawfully be done as are \u201cnecessary and proper\u201d would amounts to nothing. This is in truth only to say that all requisite and fit means may be employed; which brings the matter precisely to the point issue of a right to do whatever is fairly and truly calculated to effect the objects of the powers vested in the government.\nThe Secretary of State has annexed a more strict sense to the word necessary which he considers as restricting the government to the employment of those means without which \u201cthe grant of the power would be nugatory.\u201d In this however he is neither warranted by the grammatical nor popular meaning sense of the word, nor by considerations of political expediency nor by the most obvious aspect aspect import of the clause which contains by the word expression nor by the practice of the Government upon it.\nNot by the grammatical sense because this, in many, and in relation to political subjects in most cases makes establishes the word necessary as equivalent only to requisite or needful or conducive to a particular end. Thus if it should be said that it is necessary to France be observed \u201cthat it is necessary to France to maintain her connection with Spain\u201d this would only imply that that connection is in a conseq to Great Britain to maintain a good understanding with Holland\u201d this would only mean that the maintenance of that good understanding is a thing useful to her or conducive to her interests. It would not signify it that it it is essentially or indispensable or absolutely requisite; or a thing without which she could not exist or prosper as a nation.\nNeither does the popular such a signification accord with the popular use of the term. It is often said for instance A man will often say for instance \u201cIt is necessary that I should breakfast before I go to business.\u201d This would not mean that he could not do business without having first breakfasted; but merely that his habits are such as to render it inconvenient to him to enter upon the business of the day before he has made that meal.\nConsiderations of political expediency do not favour such a construction; because it tends to create a disability in the government to pursue measures which though highly useful may not be absolutely absolutely essential; and of course abriges its power of doing good even in respectreference to the objects which are particularly confided to it.\nIt must ever be a matter of infinite uncertainty when a measure is necessary in the sense in which the word is understood by the secretary of state Many very intelligent men have contended that all regulations of trade are pericious. pernicious. There are many in this country who now maintain that all burthens extra burthens\nThat That construction does not consist with the most obvious import of the clause in question containing the expression. Placed at the end No person who should read it without an eye to any particular question that might give a bypass to his judgment but would be inclined to infer that it was intended to give latitude to the enumerated powers rather than to confine their operation. Placed at the end of them it is couched in these comprehensive terms \u201cTo make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by the constitution in the government of the United States or in any department or officer thereof.\u201d The turn of the expressions as well as the familiar and popular sense of the words forbids a restrictive interpretation.\nIf it were proper to go out of the instrument into what passed in the course of the debates in the Convention or even to resort to the minutes of that body ample confirmation would be found of the reasonings sense here contended for. But a recourse of that kind is not admissible. Nor iscan it be at requisite. The clause itself speaks a language not easily to be mistaken. It is evidently inten designed to ena to place on an unequivocal footing the power of the government to employ all the means appertaining to the fairly relav relative to the execution of its specified powers and to the fulfilm most prosperous conduct of the affairs entrusted fulfilment of the objects entrusted to its direction.\n\u261e The Attorney General indeed appears to concedes that no such restrictive effect ought to be ascribed to the clause; and defines the word necessary thus\u2014\u201cTo be necessary is to be incidental or in other words may be denominated the natural means of executing a power.\u201d\nAs on the one hand the sense put upon the clause by the Secretary of State cannot be admitted to be just\nThe practice of the government has contradicted such an interpretation. The act for the establishment and support of light houses beacons buoys and public piers may be cited as an example. This doubtless must be reported referred to the power which respects the regulation of trade and it is certainly fairly relative to it. But it cannot be affirmed that it was absolutely necessary that provision should be made for this object by the National Government or that the interests of Trade would have essentially suffered if it had been left upon its foot former footing or that the power of regulating trade would be nugatory without that of regulating establishments of this nature. The states continue  competent All that can be said is that as establis such establishments relate to & are relative and useful to trade, were they were a proper object of the care of that authority which is charged with the trust of promoting its interests.\nTo affix the sense advocated by the Secretary of State to the word necessary would lead to infinite uncertainty. There are persons who maintain for instance that all regulations of Trade are pernicious. It is notorious that There are others who are of opinion that measures privileges the favours immunities which have been granted to certain branches of trade and the restrictions restraints which have been laid upon others are hurtful to the general interests of trade commerce. There exist are wide differences of opinion about the measures which are or are not necessary and proper to the promote of our the navigation of this country\u2014How shall it be determined what is strictly necessary? because it seems nothing else is to be deemed supposed to be included in the power to regulate trade.\nNothing can better shew the fallacy of the doctrine espoused by the Secretary of State than some of the arguments which he makes use of to enforce it. One of these is that there are existing banks in some of the states which may serve the purposes of a National Bank, and therefore render the establishment of one unnecessary. Here the constitutional right of exercising a power is made to depend on certain arrangements which happen to have been made by particular States and which may ere long totally disappear cease may disappear. Surely the rights & powers of a government cannot depend upon such adventitious fortuitous and casual and foreign circumstances. Surely a right to establish a Bank cannot be less inherent in a Government which does not exist to day can because institutions of that kind in which the Government has had no agency happen to exist, will cannot be created to morrow by their disappearance. Surely therefore a principle which turns on such an argument cannot be just well founded.\nThe Attorney General indeed concedes that no restrictive operation is to be ascribed to the word necessary. He defines it thus \u201cTo be necessary is to be incidental and may be denominated the natural means of executing a power.\u201d\nBut while on the one hand the construction of the Secretary of State cannot be allowed, it will not be contended on the other that the clause in question confers any new or substantive power. It is conceived to have been only intended to obviate the embarrassments which had been experienced under the confederation from the clause declaring  and to give an express recognition that sanction to the exercise of implied powers fairly incli incidental or relative to the declared ones. And This however it is conceived, is equivalent to an admission that of the proposition that the Government as to its specified objects has sovereign and plenary authority, except so far as restrictions appear where no restrictions are annexed to them has sovereign and plenary authority; in some cases paramount to that of the states in others coordinate with it. Indeed as has been remarked this principle seems inseparable from the idea of a legislative or sovereign power.\nIf this principle be a just one\nIt is no valid objection to this principle to say that it would lead to might be extended lead to an extension of the powers of the general government throughout the intire sp[h]ere of state legislation. The same thing has been said and may as justly be said with regard to the exe every exercise of power by implication or construction. Wherever the literal meaning is departed from there is a chance of error and abuse. And yet an adhererence to the letter of its powers would speedily bring the arrest the motion of the government to a full stop. and destroy its utility. It is agreed on all hands that the exercise of implied or constructive powers is indispensable. Every act that has been past is more or less an exemplification example of it. That which declares the Power of the President to remove the officers at pleasure is a signal one.\nThe truth that is that difficulties on this point are inherent in the nature of the National Constitution which which is founded on a division of the legislative power assigning certain powers portions of sovereignty to the Union and leaving the rest with the particular members. The consequence of this will be that there will be some cases clearly within the power of the National government such as the right to lay duties on imported articles; some clearly not within its power such as a provision to convey water by pipes through the city of Philadelphia for the accommodation of its parti inhabitants, which is a matter purely local; and there are others which will admit of room for dispute and difference of sentiment and in regard to which a sound reasonable discretion must be exercised.\nThe position which has been stated does not assert that the National Goverment is sove[re]ign in all respects, but that it has sovereign powe[r] to a certain extent; that is as far as its specified objects extend.\nThere is therefore always a criterion of what is constitutional and what is not constitutional. This criterion is the object end to which the measure relates as a mean.. If the object end is one clearly entrusted to the National Government and if the measure has any obvious reference relation to that object end and is not forbidden by any particular provision of the constitution\u2014it may be deemed to be within the compass of the National authority. These are these other critalso these criteria which ought to have great weight in the decision. Does the proposed measure abrige a preexisting right of any state or of any individual?\u2014if this question can be answered in the negative it will always affords a strong presumption in favour of the constitutionality of the thing measure and slighter relations to any declared object of the constitution may be permitted to turn the scale.\nThe objectors to the rule which has been stated may be confidently asked what other can be adopted? What is there in the nature of things to render the declared powers in the national constitution less sovereign than the powers in the state constitutions? What are the characteristics which definedistinguish the means that sovereign or legislative power may employ to end committed attend attain an attain and end within its acknowleged allowed province from those which it may not employ?\nIt is observable that both the Secretary of State and the Attorney General build their objections wholly upon a supposed inability in the National government to erect a Corporation; The Attorney General indeed allows acknowleges that if there be any and this not in the particular case only but in every case whatever. Indeed the Attorney General acknowleges \u201cthat if any part of the bill does either encounter the constitution or is not warranted by it, the clause of the Corporation is the only one.\u201d\nHow it has come to pass that the power of erecting corporations has been conceived to be of so peculiar or transcendent a nature, as to form an implied exception to every power granted to the United States and in every case is not easy to be conjectured and remains unexplained. Why it should not be as much an incident to legislative authority to erect a corporation, if a necessary and proper, or a requisite and fit mean to ana given end, as to do any other thing, is, to say the best of it, not obvious.\nCongress for example have power to regulate Trade with foreign nations. This power is not supposed to be confined merely to the prescribing of rules for the ordering orderly conducting of Commerce between the United States and other Countries; but it is agreed agreed on all hands to mean extend to the adoption of proper measures for the advancement of Navigation & foreign commerce. To this end are various regulations in the revenue laws that have been passed. Let it be supposed that it were demonstrable that there was a particular an opportunity for opening a particular branch of Trade with some foreign country, which would be particularlyhighly beneficial to the United States; but that in order to entering upon it, it was absolutely necessary there should be an union of the capitals of a number of Individuals; let it be added to this thatand that in order to engage those individualsproper persons to embark on it it was indispensable equally necessary that they should be incorporated & should for a certain time be permitted to enjoy certain peculiar privileges and exemptions\u2014in such a state of things as this, can there be any reasonable ground of doubt that it would be within the compass of the general power of regulating an commerce with foreign nations to erect such a corporation and to grant to it the requisite privileges and immunities? It is apprehended that there cannot be any such ground of doubt.\nThe It would not be a good answer to say that such a case cannot be supposed. It is certainly a possible one. It has been believed to exist in other countries, and has produced such institutions of the kind contemplated which remain to this day. The possibility of it is enough for the argument. It would doubtless be expedient to be well assured that the circumstances were such as to require and justify it; but this would be a mere question of expediency not of right or power.\nIf the sense of a number of the state conventions acts of the different state Conventions which who be consulted it will be pere\nAs far as the sense of the different state Conventions can be supposed to have weight on this pointin the question, it will appear that there was a prevail prevalent idea that Congress had power to erect trading companies or corporations. Hence is found among the amendments proposed by them, generally, a clause to this effect \u201cThat Congress shall not grant monopolies nor erect any company with exclusive advantages of commerce.\u201d thus tacitly admitting the power of Congress to erect such Corporations or companies, and objecting no further than to the grant of exclusive privileges. The existence of such a power is indeed a natural and obvious inference from that of regulating Trade.\nNeither the Origin of the power of erecting corporations nor the practice respecting in it in the couuntry from which we have borrowed our ideasnotions of it are of a nature to warrant the conclusion that it is of so preeminent a nature as to lie be beyond the reach of the ext portions of sov powers of the United States.\nIts origin is traced to the Roman empire where a voluntary association of individuals was alone sufficient to produce a Corporation. In England the power of erecting corporations forms a part of the executive authority and the exercise of it may even be delegated to that Authority to other persons. Certainly then it may be fairly presumed there is no colour to supposethere is something not a little forced in the supposition that the whole Legislative power authority of the Unit Union is unequal to incapable of it.\nThe Secretary of State affirmsasserts indefinitely that the power of erecting corporations is ex remains exclusively with the states; but he certainly has not provdd it. The arguments already produce adduced are sufficient it is presumed to shew that this is at least a very questionable position. But there are that it is not true in the extent in which he advances is advanced may be reduced to absoluteprecise demonstration. And it is not doubted in that in the progress of the investigation the progress ofcontrary of it will appear more and more clearly.\nCongress are empowered \u201cto exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever ever over suchthe district which shall become the seat of of the Government of the United States and over all places purchased for the erection of forts magazines arsenals dockyards and other needful buildings\u201d By what process of reasoning can it be made a doubt that a power of exercising exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever must include that of erecting a corporation within the limits which is are embraced by it? There can be none.\nHere then are cases in which it is certain that Congress may erect corporations. And if they a direct power of erectinginstituting a Bank in other places is denied to the government it has only to establish one at one some place which it may have acquired exclusive legislationjurisdiction and the matter may be so managed as to have the administration of it where it shall be found may be most convenient. Doctrines which lead to suchlike consequences like these are at least to be embraced with caution suspected of error.\nThere is indeed a case in which Congress have exercised the power of erecting a Corporation and that, one of the most important kind; and one not less important than the establishment of a Government. The \u201cAct for the Government of the Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio\u201d is here alluded to. A constitution of Government is a Corporation of the highest nature\u2014and that act establishes one; proceeding as is presumed upon\nIf then it can it ought to be admitted that the Gov of the U States have has the power of erecting Corporations in cases relative to the objects entrusted to it, it remains to see\nthe 2d. Clause of the 3d. Section of the Constitution which declares that Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States.\nLet it now be seen what are the objections to the power of erecting corporations generally.\nThe sum of them as respects the Secretary of State seems to be that they contain certain capacities properties or attributes; which are against the laws of mortmain against the laws of Alienage which change the courseagainst the law of descents, which are against the laws of forfieture and escheat against the law of distribution, and as respects the particular institution contemplated against the laws of Monopoly: And it is added to the rest that a power is given conferred to make laws paramount of to the laws of the States. Nothing but a necessity invincible by others means, can justify it is said such a prostration of laws which constitute the pillars of our whole system of jurisprudence and are the foundation laws of the State governments.\nLet it first be seen, how far these observations are correct, and then what force they have.\nThe law & bill is said to be again\nThe power of erecting Corporations is nothing more than that of giving individuality to a number of persons. The common When once this individuality is created the Common law of every state annexes to it those incidents which produce the effects above-mentioned as they as far as they reality really exist. It establishes that foreigners may hold lawsAliens in the artificial capacity thereby created may hold lands notwithstanding the laws of Alienage \u2014 that the lands shall be transacte transmitted to the successors of the first holders in theircorporators in the same capacity not to the heirs of the individuals\u2014notwithstanding the laws of descents\u2014that the corporate property in case of the dissolution of the corporation shall revert to the donors, not to the sovereign, notw as in the case of a failure of heirs of private persons\u2014notwithstanding the law of escheat & that it shall not be forfieted for the crimes of the individual members; notwithstanding the laws of foreigners forfietures.. All these circumstances too are mere consequences of the creation of an artificial person. The distinction between citizen and alien can only apply between naturalreal persons. Such an artificial person may have successors but can have no heirs\u2014therefore the laws of descent cannot reach it, and, for the same reason, it is equally out of the reach of the law of escheat which relates wholly to a failure of heirs. An artificial personperson cannot commit a crime\u2014therefore its property cannot be liable to forfieture.\nThis shews that it is inaccurate incorrect to say, that a the erection of a corporation is against those different heads of the state laws. It is in fact only to create a certain Artificial or legal entity, to which the fundamental law maxims of the law of every state itself, annexes an emptio exemption from the operation of the rules that fall under those heads, as being inapplicable to it. It is only to put a certain number of individuals with their own consent in a situation with which subjects their property to a different regulation from that which would attend it if they had not consented to enter into this State.\nBut if the thing were not truly to be viewed in this right\u2014if the creation of a corporation were really against those different heads of the state laws, if it really really made an alteration in them laws in those respects the particulars which have been mad mentioned\u2014what would be the consequence of all this? Is it meant to be maintained that Congress cannot make alterations in no case in the state laws. If this is intended all the powers of the national government become nugatory. For almost every new law must isbe an alteration in some way or other other of one su one or more old laws some other law either common or statute.\nThere are laws concerning bankruptcy in several states\u2014several states have laws concerning the values of foreign Coins\u2014Congress are empowered to establish uniform laws concerning bankruptcy throughout the United States and to regulate the value of foreign coin. The exercise of either of these powers, by Congress, necessarily involves an alteration of the laws of those states; and in respect to bankruptcies in cases that affect real property and involve penalties of the highest nature.\nAgain Congress under every person by the common-law of each state may now export his property commodities property to foreign countries at pleasure. But Congress may without doubt in pursuance of the power of regulating Trade prohibit the exportation of commodities; in doing which they would certainly alter the common law of each state in abrigement of individual rights.\nThis being the case it can never be good reasoning to say\u2014the doing of this or that act is unconstitutional because it alters this or that law of the states. It must always be shewn that the thing which makes the alteration is unconstitutional in its own nature not because it makes the alteration. Hence an argument which objects the such an effect makes that circumstance an objection  to the ex constitutional right of exercising any power must be rejected.\nTwo things are advanced by the Secretary of State which are peculiarly incorrect. These are that the proposed incorporation is against the laws of monopoly and that power is given by it to make laws paramount to the laws of the states. As to the first the only part of the bill which can give colour to the suggestion is that which stipulating stipulates that the U States will not not erect any similar institution or grant similar privileges to any other. But does this prohibit any state from erecting itself a bank. Does it even prohibit any number of individuals from associating themselves to carrying on other the banking business? It does neither and consequently is altogether free from the charge of establishing a monopoly. A The supposition of a consequential interference with the Banks of other states if founded would not make good a charge\u2014For Monopoly implies a legal impediment to the carrying on of the Trade by others than those to whom it is granted. That supposition however would be a forced one. Such an interference indeed might tend to prevent rather than to create monopoly by dividing the business\u2014But it is not probable that the but whether any species of competition in this way will exist is altogether problematical.\nThe idea of the Corporation having power to make laws paramount to those of the states is still less colourable. Their Its bye laws of regulations from the nature of the institution can operate only upon the members themselves its own members can relate only the disposition of its own property & can be little more than the private will essentially resemble the private rules of a mercantile partnership. They are expressly not to be contrary to law\u2014and this law here must necessarily mean the law of each state so far as it dos not contravene that of the U States as well as of the U States so far as the formerly does not improperly contravene the latter. If there should be a repugnancy between any state law and that of the U States the Courts as in every similar case must decide between them on the their respective validity. There may be questions between an interfering law of a state & that of the U States but there can be none between a state and a law of a state and a law of the Corporation.\nThe sum of the Arguments of the Attorney General against thea power of incorporation in the National Government generally are to this effect.\nFirst that it is not expressly given to Congress.\nThis is admitted. There are no war is no clause of the constitution declaring in direct terms express terms that Congress may make corporations.\nIt was said upon this point in argument in the House of Representatives\u2014that if a power of so transcendent a nature was meant to be conferred upon Congress it would have been expressly mentioned.\nBut this idea of the transcendant nature of the power is all exageration. It has been seen that it is only to give individuality to a number of persons voluntarily associated for a particular purpose or to substitute an artificial to a natural capacity person. It has been seen that in its origin a voluntary association of Individuals was capable of producing itthe effect without the help of a particular act of positive law\u2014And that in England it is a part of the Executive authority.\nPerhaps the best definition that can be given of a Corporation is this. It is a legal person or a person created by act of law, to hold property or a franchise in succession consisting of one or more individuals natural persons capable ofempowered to holding property or a franchise in succession in a legal as distinctas contradistinguished from their a natural, capacity. According to this definition idea of it, of legislation if the United States should declare that all bonds for duties should be given to the Collector of each district by the name of the Collector of the District of A or B and that the saievery such bond should enure to such Collector and his successors in office, in trust for the U States, this would be to constitute a Corporation in each district; and it is presumed, that if it had been thought expedientproposed to put the Collection of the duties in this train, however the expediency of it might be called in Question, the constitutional right of doing it would never have been disputed.\nA still plainer case is this\u2014Congress are empowered to establish post roads. Let it be supposed that it were to be resolved to establish a turn pike road throughout the united States under the direction of certain Commissioners by a Certain denomination to be appointed as other officers are; and that certain funds including a portion of Western lands should be vested in them and their successors in office to be disposed of for the purpose of defraying the expences of making the road\u2014this certainly would be a corporation; and can it be doubted that it is within the constitutional power of Congress to make such an arrangement. It is repeated that the expediency of doing it or not doing it is never a test of constitutional right; for the consequence of such a principle would be that every inexpedient or injudicious measure which a government may adopt is unconstitution[ally] an absurdity of the first magnitude.\nAgain: There are certain The Western lands are pledged for as a fund to sink the public debt. Suppose in order to render the application of the fund still more inviolable, as has been repeatedly proposed by able men by giving it the character and sanction of private property, as has been repeatedly proposed by able men in Great Britain & if rightly recollected practiced upon in the the a late instance, it had been judged expedient expedient by Congress to vest those lands in certain Commissioners to be appointed as off other officers and in their successors in office to be disposed of & the proceeds applied to the redemption of the public debt, could have an could any objection have been made to the constitutionality of the measure? Certainly none\u2014probably none would have even been thought of from the obvious futility of it. And yet here would have been most manifestly a corporation.\nInstances of a similar kind may be multiplied without number in which a natural construction of the powers of Congress would authorise the erection of Corporations as very simple means to declared ends the specified ends of the governt.\nIt is therefore plainly The erection of a Corporation is plainly then one of those incidental things, one of those ordinary operations objects one of those mere means to an end, which was best left to be implied as an ingredient in a general power. Particularly as there might exist prejudices on the point. And it was not prudent to encounter any by unnecessary specifications.\nThis is not an improper place to take notice of an observation made by the Secretary of State concerning a the proposition in the Convention to insert specifically a power to make Corporations which he uses as an argument against the power.\nWhat the precise nature, or extent of the proposition, was or what the reasons for refusing it is not ascertained by any authentic document. As far as any such document exists it only specifies canals. The memories recollections of individuals do not correspond either as to the import of the proposition or the reasons for not adopting it. Some affirm that it there was an objection to granting power to erect corporations others that it was thought unnecessary as being incidental to the powers granted and migh inexpedient to be specified as involving a new topic of objection; others that the purposes of it, being canals and obstructions in rivers were thought irrelative to f\u0153deral objects regulation. Thus stands the manner, and certainly in this situation there is no inference to be drawn from the fact.\nThe Secretary of State also knows, that whatever may have been the true state of that fact it is of no weight in the question, that whatever may have been the intention of the framers of a Constitution, or of a law, that intention must be sought for in the instrument itself and must be gene deterdiminedmined by general principles of construction & the applied to the tenor & objects of the such instrument. Nothing is more com~ than for laws to express & effect more or less than was intended. If then a power to erect corporations is deducible by fair inference from the whole or any part of the constitution of the United States the intention of the Conven arguments drawn from extrinsic circumstances regarding the intention of the Convention must be rejected.\nThe Attorny Gener\nThe power of making corporations not being expressly granted The Attorney General proceeds to infer that it can only exist from one of three causes\n1 Because the nature of the F\u0153deral Government implies it or\n2 Because it is involved in some of the specified powers of legislation or\n3dly. Because it is necessary and proper to carry into execution some of the specified powers.\nWith regard to the first he argues that to be implied in the nature of the F\u0153deral Government would beget a doctrine so indefinite as to grasp every power.\nLet it be remarked in the first place that neither of these provisions propositions is essentially precisely or substantially that which has been relied upon is relied upon here\u2014This is that the right of erecting corporations is incidental to sovereign power, not to the particular nature of the f\u0153deral Government. None of the reasonings of the Attorney General do therefore reach this proposition.\nBut let it be supposed that he would consider the two propositions in the same light and that the answer which has been stated as given to the one is to be applied to the other.\nThen the answer to that is, that it is not true that the Doctrine would be so indefinite as to grasp every power\u2014Because the quality qualification which has stated to the Doctrine is that it must be in relation to the objects confided to the government. A general legislative power includes a is a power to erect corporations in all cases where they shall appear necessary or expedient to the legislature. A legislative power as to certain objects includes a power only to erect corporations in relation to those objects\u2014not in relation to other objects. Hence therefore to contend that the legislative power of the U States extends to the erection of Corporations in relation to the objects of the F\u0153deral Government does not imply a claim that it shall extend to things not relative to the objects of that Government. Thus a power to erect a corporation relatively to Trade is not a power to erect one relatively to Religion. The first is a declared and leading object of the Regulation of the F\u0153deral Government. The last it has no power concerning.\nThe object therefore is in every case as already remarked to test and characterise the proper exercise of the power. As reasonably might be argued that a right to prescribe penalties for a breach of the laws of Trade is a right to prescribe penalties for violations of the laws of Chasting Chastity.\nThe Attorney General after combating the first proposition relatively to the nature of the F\u0153deral Government which has been just examined in its true sense proceeds next to shew that it is not within the power of erecting corporations is not involved in any of the specified powers of legislation.\nIn order to accomplish this, he makes an enumeration according to his own ideas of the particulars which are included in his opinion, are for so only it must be considered are comprehended in several of the principal general powers; and including inexcluding from this enumeration only such particulars only as appeared to him the very particular in controversy as well as many others that may be imagined and many more that no imagination can anticipate reach in perspective and that occasions only can suggest he fairly begs the question.\nIt is not meant to represent this as intentional. It is a natural consequence of attempting to try a power by a fallacious test a general power by an enum which always includes an infinite number of particulars by anprecise enumeration. Every such enumeration must be more or less important imperfect; because the human imagination is inadequate to the detail. Even every particular that may be specified must be in itself a general that must include a vast variety of other particulars. The intent of this enumeration is doubtless to shew what is contained in each power & then to infer that the power of incorporation not corresponding with either of the specified particulars does not exist. The force of this conclusion must depend on the accuracy of the enumeration\u2014the pointing out of inaccuracy and defects must therefore destroy it. It was from a Conviction of this very difficulty that the Convention forebore to attempt such a specification.\nA critial critical examssion examination of the detail into which he enters would involve too voluminous a discussion. It will be sufficient to destroy all possiblsuffice the effect intended to be produced by this enumeration to state certain palpable defects and omissions\u2014some lessnot equally palpable or certain but still probable ones. and In the couse of this to corrobarate but some new & particular view, the more general doctrines which have been advanced.\nThe first power descanted upon is that of laying and collecting Taxes which indeed is the most accurately subdivided.\nOne subdivision of it is \u201cto prescribe the mode of Collection\u201d\u2014an immense chapter which involves a variety of details and among others the very power thing in question. It includes\u2014the establishment of districts and ports\u2014the creation of officers and the appointment of their duties powers and legal capacities, modes of proceeding, exemptions penalties modes of prosecution & recovery\u2014species of money or other thing in which the taxes are to be paid\u2014And it may legally include the erection of a corporations charged with the Collection, upon certain conditions stipulated between the Government and them.\nThis last point shal\nIt has been already statednoted in what manner the Officers of the customs might be made a Corporation for the purposes of taking bonds & receiving the monies payable upon them. It shall be explained in another place how far the power of establishing the species of money in which the taxes shall be paid is connected with the institution of a Bank. It shall now be shewn that by a fair construction of the power of laying & collecting taxes a corporation may be instituted charged with the collection upon certain conditions stipulated with the Government.\nIt is a common practice in some countries and has been practiced in this\u2014to farm particular taxes. This is to sell or mortgage the product of them to an individual or company for a certain spef specified sum, leaving it the collection of it to that individual or company. Let it be supposed that it was was manifest that this mode of proceeding was in any case the most eligible to the government in the view of revenue and equally convenient & safe for the citizens\u2014let it also be supposed that a number of individuals were disposed to undertake the matter upon condition of being incorporated. An incorporation, if a number of individuals persons were concerned would be a natural and a necessary ingredient in the arrangement\u2014butfor it would be essential to the security of the undertakers that the property in the fund should be definitively vested in them and that they should have an easy method of recovering and managing the taxes\u2014to which a corporate capacity would be indispensable. It must be extremely difficult to assign a reasy why the Legislature Congress might not adopt this mode of Collection as well as any other, and might not as a necessary ingredient in it incorporate the undertakers. It would not be doubted that this could might be constity. be done by any an other government and why not by that of the United States which has as plenary a power of taxation as any in the world except with respect to duties on exports & with these with only two qualifications shall all duties that direct taxes shall be apportioned according to a fixed determinate rule & that no dut a certain ratio of population.\nThe next specification of particulars incident relates to the power of borrowing money, and is materially defective. It confines that power to three points\u2014the stipulation of a sum to be lent, of an interest or no interest to be paid and of the time and manner of repayment.\nA palpable omission strikes the eye at once the pledging or mortgaging of a fund for the security of the money lent. Here is a common & in most cases an essential requisite which is overlooked.\nThe idea of a the stipulation of an interest or no interest is too confined. The phrase should have been to stipulate the consideration of the loan. Individuals often borrow upon considerations different from the payment of interest sometimes in addition to it sometimes independent of it\u2014So may governments, and so they often find it necessary to do. Every one recollects the lottery tickets and other douceurs often given in Great Britain as collateral inducements to the lending of money to the government.\nThere are also frequently collateral conditions not falling within any of the enumerated particulars. Every Contract for monies borrowed in Holland, stipulates that the sum due shall be free from all taxes and from sequestration in time of war and mortgages all the lands & property of the United States for the reimbursement.\nIt is also known that a lottery is a very common expedient for borrowing money, which is certainly not included under either of the specified heads.\nThese things are mentioned to shew the defectiveness of the specification & that any inference drawn from them not comprehendingargument built upon them against the power of erecting a corporation must be unfun unfounded. It is reserved in the sequel to shew the relation between this power and the institution of a bank.\nThe enumeration respecting the power of regulating trade is still more defective and inconclusive.\nFirst as it relates to the Trade with foreign Countrys Here is a total omission of every thing that regards the Citizens of the United States\u2014their vessels and Merchandize.\n1 \u2003 The power of prohibitting the exportation of domestic commodities of which there cannot be a shadow of doubt and which in time of war it would be necessary to exercise, sometimes temporarily in athe shape of an embargo sometimes altogether\u2014as with reference to Naval and other warlike stores which might be wanted at home\n2 \u2003 The prescribing rules concerning the characteristics and privileges of an American bottom and the manner in which she shall be navigated as to the composition of her Commander and Crew what proportion of Citizens to foreigners.\n3 \u2003 The prescribing of regulations concerning the terms on which persons shall be engaged & the police of Ships on their Voyages &c as by the \u201cAct for the Government & regulation of Seamen in the Merchants service.\u201d\n4 \u2003 The granting of bounties to certain species of vessels and certain kinds of Merchandize. This has been actually done in respect to dried & pickled fish & salted provision.\nThere are other things which occur that appear to be within the power of regulating trade though not as certainly as those which have been mentioned.\nThese are the regulation of policies of insurance\n1 \u2003 The prescribing rules for the Inspection of Commodities to be exported. Though the states individually are competent to this there appears no reason in point of authority why a general System might not be adopted for the purpose by the United States.\n2 \u2003 The regulation of policies of Insurance\n3 \u2003 The prohibition of wearing as well as importing foreign Commodities\n4 \u2003 The Regulation of salvage upon goods found at Sea\n5 \u2003 The Regulation of pilots\n6 \u2003 The Regulation of bills of Exchange drawn by a Merchant in one State upon a Merchant in another.\nAnd as it respects the Trade between the Fe states y The power of\nHence is seen the imperfection of the enumeration under the second head and the impossibility of deducing from it any argument against the power of incorporation contended for and which it is presumed has been shewn to exist leaves in full force the arguments that have been offered to shew that it exists & particularly in relation to Trading Companies\u2014which therefore ought to be classed under as one of the particulars comprehended in the power of regulating Trade. The relation which it has to a Bank in particular is reserved to be shewn future discussion.\nThe last specification relates to that clause which empowers Congress to dispose of & make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the U States.\nThe remaks here will relate less to the defectiveness in the enumeration of particulars than to some errors of reasoning.\nIt is admitted as one of the Items of this head of powers\nThe institution of a Government in the western Territory is admitted to belong to this head of the powers of the F\u0153deral Government. Now to admit the right of instituting a Government and to deny that of erecting a corporation appears to be a contradiction in terms. For a Government as already remarked is a Corporation of the highest nature. It is a Corporation which can itself create other corporations.\nHow it could be imagined that the National Legislature could institute a government in the Western Territory and cannotcould not erect ana incorporation for clearing obstructions in its Ri in the Rivers which run through it, or for any other purpose there confounds all conjecture. It directly overturns Or how it can be admitted that there is a power to institute a goverment and denied that there is a power to erect a Corporation requires to be reconciled.\nHere then by an express express concession of the Atty General is a power to erect a Corporation in one case at least; a power too which has in fact been carried into operation.\nIt is said that the property contemplated in the clause may signify personal property of the United States however acquired; and yet it is affirmed that it cannot signify money arising from the sources of revenue pointed out in the Constitution.\nThis opposition in terms is not remarked for the sake of any verbal critical criticism. It is only meant to make use of what is conceded to oppose it to what is denied.\nThe concession is that property in the general sense of the clause extends generally to personal as well as to real property.\nThe denial is that it extends to money raised by taxes me which therefore is to be considered as excepted out of the general term property though comprehending personal property.\nFor this exception the reason given is\u2014. \u201cThat the disposal and regulation of money is the final cause of for raising it by taxes\u201d But this reason is not satisfactory. This reason which is rather subtile, and against the letter of the clause, must be combatted by reasoning that may perhaps itself seem to savour of subtilty and refinement.\nIt would certainly be a more accurate and more just mode of expression to say \u201cthat the object to which money is intended to be applied is the final cause for raising it\u201d than that the disposal and regulation of it is such. Now the objects for which the Constitution authorises the raising of money are common defence and general welfare. The actual disposition and regulation of it when raised are therefore the steps by which it is app in fact applied to the objects for which it was raised. Hence therefore the money to be raised by taxes as well as any other personal property may be supposed to be comprehended within the meaning as they certainly are within the letter of the provisio authority to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations concerning the property of the U States\u2014for that is to say, the purposes of the common defence and general welfare.\nThe terms general welfare are of very comprehensive import. They must necessary necessarily embrace every object of general concernment\u2014whatever has a general operation, relating either to the general order of the national finances or to the general interests of Trade Agriculture or manufactures.\nA case will make this plainer. Certain revenues are now established, in relation to the public debt. Suppose the whole or a considerable part of this debt discharged & the funds now pledged for it or a considerable part of them liberated. Here then would be monies in the public Treasury to be disposed of and regulated. It is true In such a case the taxes might be repealed; but in some and in certain instances cases it might be wise to do so but in others it will might be more wise to retain them, as the repeal might injure our own manufactures and industry. It would then remain to cause such a disposition as might would consist with general utility or general welfare. Here then would be monies to be disposed of & regulated in the strictest sense of the clause.\nWhat then would there be in such case to prevent,under this clause, the investiture of those monies in a Bank, if such an institution should appear calcuted calculated to promote the general good? welfare? Evidently the want of a power to erected a corporation would not be an obstacle. For what is equivalent or more, the power to erect a government is admitted to exist and has been exercised under it.\nHere then is plainly a case\nHence it is evident, that under this clause alone a Bank may be erected. For as has been before remarked the existence of a constitutional power cannot depend on times & circumstances; onlyunless the Constitution explicitly marks out the conditions on which it is to begin to exist.\nHitherto except in this last instance the arguments which have used have been intended designed to prove that designed to establish the general proposition that the Government of the U States has power to erect Corporations in certain cases. This it is confided has been satisfactorily done and all the objections to it satisfactorily removed. And as all the Arguments of the Secretary of State & Attorney General are built on a denial of that proposition, as far as their objections are concerned there might be no necessity to proceed further.\nBut something more is proper to be done to satisfy the judgment of the President of the United States. It remains to shew is desireable to illustrate still further that there is a power to erect such a species of Corporation as a Bank by shewing that it has a fair relation to some one or more of the specified powers. This indeed has been in part done\nPrevious to this it will be useful briefly to analise A few preliminary observations may be proper.\nThe proposed bank willis to consist of an association of persons to certainfor the purpose of creating a joint capital to be employed chiefly and essentially in loans. There is no doubt that it is lawful for any number so to associate of individuals so to associate and dispose of their money or property. The Bank of New York is an example of this. That Bank is not incorporated. The Bill proposes in respect to the government that it shall become a joint proprietor in this undertaking; that it shall permit the bills of the Bank payable on demand & that to be received in payment of its Revenues, and that it will not grant a similar privilege to any other Bank.\nAll this is indubitably within the wise compass of the discretion of the Governt. The only Question is has it a right to incorporate this company the more effectually to enable it to accomplish ends which are in themselves lawful.\nIts power of making Corporations in all the cases relative to its proper objects has been proved. Let it now be examined to which of those objects the proposed institution relates.\nNo person who reads with an impartial eye the powers vested in the National Government but must be satisfied that it is intended by its constitution to vest it with all the powers that which are necessary for the what may be called the Administration of its Finances.\nIt is authorised to raise money by taxes to an indefinite extent to borrow money to an indefinite extent, to coin money, regulate the value thereof and of foreign coin, to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations concerning the property of the United States and to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution those powers.\nIt has a direct relation to the power of collecting taxes; to that of borrowing money, to that of regulating Trade between the States and to that and as a consequence of the two first to that of raising supporting and maintaining fleets and armies for the common defence. And it is within the letter of the clearly within the provision which respects the disposal and regulation of the property of the U States as the same has been practiced upon by the Government.\nIt relates to the collection of taxes in two ways, indirectly by the facility which rep increasing the quantity of circulating medium\u2014indirectly by creating a convenient species of medium in which they are to be received.\nIt is undeniably within the power of providing for the collection of the taxes to appoint the money or thing in which they are to be paid. Accordingly Congress have declared that in the Collection law that they shall the duties on imports and tonnage shall be payable in gold and silver at certain rates. But while it was a necessary part of the work to declare in what they should be payable, there was cert it was mere matter of discretion what that medium of payment should be. It might have been, though inconvenient, in the commodities themselves. Taxes in kind are not without precedents even in the United States. It might have been in the paper emissions of the several States; and it or it might have been in the bills of the Ban It might have been in notes issued under bills or it might have been in the bills of the Banks of North America New York Massachusettes all or any of them or it might have been in bills emitted issued under the immediate Authority of the United States.\nIt is presumed there is not a tittle of this which can be controverted. The appointment then of the money or thing in which the taxes are to be paid is an object within the powerdiscretion of the Government as incident to the power of Collection. And among the expedients which occur is that of bills issued under the authority of the United States.\nNow the manner of issuing these bills must be again matter of discretion. There must be agents employed for the purpose. These Agents may be stand officers of the Government or they may be Directors of a Bank. If the notes of the Bank Bank of North America were made receiveable in the taxes, the Directors of that Bank would thereby become ipso facto Agents of the Government for this purpose.\nSuppose it were judged deemed a necessary to preservemean of preserving the Credit of the bills that they should be made payable in gold and silver on demand and that in order to this a sum of money should be it were thought expedient to appropriated and set apart a sum of money as a fund for answering them; Certainly all this would be clearly within the power of designating certain officers of the Government who were to issue the bills and administer the fund. The constitutionality of all this could certainly not be called in question. And yet it would amount to the institution of a Bank, with a view to the more convenient collection of taxes. For a Bank in the simplest idea of it is a deposit of money or other property as a fund for circum circulating a credit upon it as equivalent to money. The reality of this character would become the more obvious if the officers place in which the fund was kept should be made the receptable of the monies of all other persons who should incline to deposit them there for safe keeping; and if in addition to the rest the officers of this fund were authorised to make discounts at the usual rate of interest upon good security. The first would be an operation within the discretion of the officers themselves and to deny the power of the Government to authorise the last would be to refine away all government.\nThis process serves to establish the natural and direct relation between the Institution of a Bank and the Collection of taxes and to shew that it is a mean which may with constitutional propriety be employed in reference to it.in reference to that end. It is true that the species of Bank which has been just designated does not involve the idea of incorporation. But the argument intended to be founded upon it is this, that the institution or thing comprehended in the definition of a Bank being one immediately relative to the collection of taxes, as it regards the appointment of the money or thingmedium in which they are to be paid, the sovereign power of passing all laws necessary and proper for the collection of taxes includes that incorporation of a Bank of incorporating such an institution as it a requisite to its greater security utility and more convenient management.\nSomeA further process will still more clearly illustrate this point. Suppose when the species of Bank which has been described was about to be instituted it were to be remarked urged that in order to securing to it a proper degree of confidence, the fund ought not no only to be set apart and appropriated generally, but ought to be specifically vested in those who were to have the Direction of it and in their successors in office, to the end that it might become of the nature of private property incapable of being touched without invading the sanctions by which the rights of property are protected and occasioning more serious and general alarm, the apprehension of which might operate as a check upon the Government. Such a proposition might be opposed by arguments against the expediency of it or the solidity of the reason assigned for it; but it is not easy to conceive what could be said against the constitutionality of it, unless it should be by a general denial of the power of incorporating in any case. But this it is presumed has been satisfactorily refuted. Here then by a very simple and natural step the quality of a corporation would be given to the institution.\nLet the argument proceed a step farther. Suppose a Bank of the foregoing nature with or without an incorporation had been instituted; and that experience had demonstrated as it is very probable it would op that it wanted the confidence requisite to the Credit of its bills Suppose at this conjuncture also being wholly on a public foundation. Suppose in this state of things that by some of those adverse conjunctures which occasionally attend nations there had been a very great drain of the specie of the Country so as to cause general distress for want of an adequate medium of circulation & defalcation in the product of the revenue as a consequence of it. Suppose also that there was no Bank instituted in any state\u2014in such a stateposition of things would it not be manifest most manifest evident that the Incorporation of a suchBank on the general principle of that proposed by the Bill namely the Union of the Capitals of a number of individuals under a private manage  would be a measure immediately relative to the effectual Collection of the taxes?\nIf it be said that such a state of thing would render that necessary and therefore constitutional which is not now so now. The solid answer to this is that circumstances may affect the expediency of the a measure but not the constitutionality of it.\nIt has been shewn that the word necessary is not to be taken in so strict a sense. An addition Though the Attorny General in fact concedes this, yet it he falls into a use of the word in the sense he regrets in relation to this particular point. Of this a further illustration may be given here. Congress are to appoint the medium mediumthe thing in which the taxes are to be paid. This as has been remarked may be commodities or gold & silver or various kinds of paper. If Congress are authorised to do nothing but what is strictly necessary they cannot require the payment of taxes in gold or silver only because som other commodities may answer\u2014nor can they allow them to be necessary received in paper, unless there wasbe no gold andor silver.\nThe institution of a Bank such as that proposed is directly relative to the borrowing of money. It Its main designbusiness is to lend money. It is essential, especially in a Country like this, to the obta procuring of loans in sudden imergencies. It is the usual instrument relied upon for this purpose in different nations.\nA nation is threatened with a war. Considerable sums are wanted on a sudden to make the requisite preparations. Taxes are laid for the purpose; but it requires time to obtain the benefit of them. A loan is Anticipation is indispensable. If there isbe a Bank the supply can at once can be had. If there isbe none individ loans of individuals must be resorted to. The progress of these is often too slow for the exigency. In some situations indeed they are not practicable. Often when they are it is of great importance to be able to anticipate the product of them by advances from a Bank.\nThe essentiality of this institution as an instrument of loans is exemplified at this very moment. An Indian expedition is to be prosecuted. all the The only fund out of which the money can arise consistently with the public engagements is a tax which will only begin to be collected in July next. The preparations were are instantly to be made. The tax mu money must therefore be borrowed. And of whom could it borrowed if there were no public banks?\nIt happens that there are institutions of this kind but if there were none it would be indispensable to create one. And can it be believed that the Government would be destitute of the power of doing it?\nLet it then be supposed that the necessity existed (as but for a casualty it would) that proposals were made for a loan that a number of individuals came forward and said\u2014We are willing to accommodate the Government with this money\u2014with what we have in hand and the Credit we should be mightcan raise upon it, we sho doubt not of being able to furnish the sum required but in order to this it is absolutely necessary that we should be incorporated in order to be established & be with the capacity of a bank. This will not only be a consideration with us for the loan but it is", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0061", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] Wednesday noon 23d. Feby. 1791.\nSir\nI have this moment received your sentiments with respect to the constitutionality of the Bill \u201cto incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States.\u201d\nThis bill was presented to me by the joint Commee. of Congress at 12 o\u2019Clock on Monday the 14th. instant. To what precise period, by legal interpretation of the constitution, can the president retain it in his possession, before it becomes a Law by the lapse of ten days?\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0062", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia] Feby. 23d. 1791.\nSir\nIn answer to your note of this morning, just deliver\u2019d me, I give it as my opinion that you have ten days exclusive of that on which the Bill was delivered to you, and sundays. Hence in the present case if it is returned on Friday at any time while Congress are setting, it will be in time.\nIt might be a question, if returned after their adjournment on Friday.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 with perfect respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 Yr. most Obedt. Servant\nA. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0064", "content": "Title: Report on the Holland Loan of Three Million Florins, [24 February 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, February 24, 1791Communicated to the House on February 25, 1791Communicated to the Senate on February 25, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the orders of the President of the United States as signified in his speech at the opening of the present session\nRespectfully informs the Senate and House of Representatives\nThat the terms of the Loan of Three Millions of florins mentioned by the President as having been negotiated in Holland are as follow.\nThe rate of Interest is five per Cent, but the charges form a deduction from the principal sum of 4\u00bd per Cent which will occasion the real interest to be paid on the sum actually received by the United States to be equal to five and a quarter per Cent nearly.\nThe reimbursement is to be made in six equal installments commencing in the Year 1800 and ending in the Year 1804. But it is in the option of the United States to reimburse the whole or any part of the sum borrowed at any time they may think proper.\nThat the disposition which has been made of the above mentioned sum is as follows.\nOne Million five hundred thousand Florins has been applied pursuant to the directions of the President of the United States as a payment to France.\nA further sum of about One hundred and sixty thousand Florins will also have been appropriated towards a payment on account of the Dutch Loans, which became due on the first day of February last, including a premium of Seventy thousand Florins.\nThe residue is in a situation to be disposed of as may be judged expedient.\nA doubt arises how far this loan may be within the meaning of the Act making provision for the reduction of the public Debt on account of the limitation of the rate of Interest, which taking the charges of the loan into calculation would be somewhat exceeded; and though it is presumed that that limitation was not intended to exclude the addition of the ordinary charges, yet a point of so much delicacy appears to require Legislative explanation.\nThe Secretary of the Treasury begs leave to observe that it is in his judgment highly expedient and very important to the general operations of the Treasury that the abovementioned loan should be deemed to be included within the meaning of the aforesaid Act. The residue may in this case be applied with material advantage to the purposes of that Act and the part which has been otherwise applied may be hereafter replaced.\nAll which is humbly Submitted.\nAlexander Hamilton Secy of the Treasy\nTreasury DepartmentFebruary 24th. 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0067", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [24 February 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, February 24, 1791]\nSir,\nThe Bill supplementary to the Bank bill passed the House of representatives yesterday. General Schuyler informs me that the friends of the Bank proposed that it should pass to a second reading immediately, and that Mr. Carroll opposed it, and moved that it should be printed\u2014that by rule of the House it was of necessity to comply with Mr. Carroll\u2019s objection, a departure requiring unanimous consent. That accordingly the bill was deferred till to day, & in the mean time ordered to be printed.\nIt will doubtless pass, if there are not studied delays on the part of the opposers of the Bank.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 With perfect respect Sir \u2003 Your Obedt. Servt.\nA. Hamilton\nThursdayFeby. 25th. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0068", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 24 February [1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nPhiladelphia Feby 24. [1791]\nSir\nI have just heared from the Senate that the Bill supplementary to that for incorporating the Bank went through a second reading and a question was taken upon it & only three or four dissentients: among these, Mr. Carrol and Mr. Monroe.\nIt would have been passed this day without doubt; but the opponents insisted on the rule of the House, which made it impossible. It will be passed the first thing tomorrow.\nThe Yeas and Nays were taken in order to pledge the members.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 Most respectfully & Affecty. \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedt. Servant\nA. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0069", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 February 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nFrom the Collector of BostonFebry 25d 1791.\nSir\nI have completed the business you assigned me and purchased up so much of the public debt as could be bought for the fifty thousand dollars Bank Bills which you put into my hands for that purpose. I have carefully attended to your instructions & have I presume neither lowered or raised the price. I have received a number of six per cents and other paper, all nearly on the same principles, 6 per cents @ 18s/ 9d Defered & interest @ 9/9. Some friends here wish to exchange Some loan office certificates of other States for the Six pr cents & other Stocks at the rate they were received. I cannot comply with their wishes while I attend to my instructions. I therefore wish to know, whether such may be made or not.\nTo Secy of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0070", "content": "Title: Report on Certificates of Debt Issued After January 1, 1790, 25 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, February 25, 1791. An entry in the Journal of the House for February 25, 1791, reads as follows: \u201cThe Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, covering his report respecting certificates or evidences of debt issued after the first of January, one thousand seven hundred and ninety; which were read, and ordered to lie on the table.\u201d Letter and Report not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0071", "content": "Title: Supplement to the Report on Exports for the Year Ending September 30 1790, 26 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nTreasury Department February 26th. 1791.\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nSir,\nIn obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the 24th. Instant, I have the honor to transmit to you a supplement to the return of the exports of the United States of the 15th. of the present month. This contains the substance of the several quarterly returns, which have been received at the Treasury, since the day, on which the former abstract was completed. Quarterly returns from some inconsiderable districts are yet to be transmitted by the Collectors.\nI have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your most obedient and \u2003 Most Humble Servant\nAlexander Hamilton.\nThe HonorableThe Speaker of the House of Representatives.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0072", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 27 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury DepartmentPhiladelphia Feby 27. 1791\nSir\nMr. H LeRoy informs me that he will probably have a sum of money in Boston for which he will be glad to receive an equal sum here. I have told him that if he will cause it to be placed in your hands you will receive it and give duplicate receipts upon one of which the amount received will be reimbursed here. This you will accordingly do to the extent of thirty thousand dollars.\nIf you should have on hand bills of the Treasurer as far as they go, you will deliver them in payment directed to either Cashier of the Bank of North America or New York as may be desired of you. In this case any receipt you give will of course only be for a ballance \u2003 I am Sir \u2003 Your Obedient servt\nAlexander Hamilton\nN Appleton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0073", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, [28 February 1791]\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, February 28, 1791]\nSir\nThe President has commanded me to transmit the enclosed to you from Mr. Thatcher and request that you will give it the consideration it may merit. The President also requests that you will take occasion to converse with some others of the gentlemen from Massachusetts on this subject and to mention it likewise to some from New Hampshire.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 very respectfully & sincerely \u2003 Your Most Obedt. Servant\nTobias Lear", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0074", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 28 February 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, February 28, 1791. Asks Hamilton\u2019s opinion on the \u201cConstruction of the Law, relative to the 12 \u214c Cent allowed for Tare on Sugars &c.\u201d Asks if the same \u201cdeduction for Tare is allowed\u201d for \u201cCocoa in Bags\u201d as for coffee.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0076", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, [February 1791]\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, February, 1791]\nThe Attorney General of the United States does himself the honor of replying to the questions propounded to him by the Secretary of the Treasury, as follows:\n\u261e 1st. To the statement in the letter of February, 12th: 1791.\nIt does not appear whether the deceased Administrix be interested personally in the estate of her deceased husband. If she were so, although the whole legal right vested in her as administratrix, yet if she had an equitable right in a part, the administrator de bonis non. ought at any rate to liberate the Treasury so far as that part goes.\nI mention this, however, not from a supposition, that you will have any difficulty. For as money paid through mistake, may be recovered, so may an engagement to pay money through mistake, be cancelled. Therefore the administrator de bonis non, ought to have a settlement made with him, and a certificate granted accordingly.\nBut I think it would be proper immediately to have a suit instituted against the husband, and publication made, to prevent sale and deception.\n2d. To the statement in the letter of the 14th: February.\nBy a general power of attorney is, I presume, meant a power to do all things in the transfer of stock, which the principal might do, were he personally present. Now the principal might transfer it, were he present, to the person who is his attorney. But can a man with his right hand perform an act to his left? When two rights concur in the same person, they are on the same footing, as if they were in different persons. The attorney subscribes the name, or affixes the seal of the principal. He accepts in his own mere character. The law then does not seem to forbid the transfer; and altho\u2019 the attorney has a great opportunity for fraud, by being permitted to sell to himself, yet the principal declares his confidence in him by the letter of substitution, and the difference between an immediate transfer to himself, and a circuitous one thro\u2019 a third person, presents little or no difference of difficulty in committing fraud. The power thus exercised, will indeed be scanned with more rigor; but it is not therefore unexerciseable.\n3d: To the letter from the Comptroller, dated February 10th.\n1791. inclosed in Secry\u2019s letter of 14th. February.\nAn Additional fact has been stated to me: that before Willing, Morris, and S. accepted the original Certificates, Mr. Milligan the Comptroller under the former government of the United States was consulted upon their genuineness, and that he affirmed them to be genuine. I mention this circumstance as one, which may seem to have real weight, and for a moment had some with me. But the United States not being bound by extra-official opinions, at least by opinions on points, which it was not the actual duty of their officers to answer, I discard it from my consideration.\nThe important ingredient, is, that registered certificates were issued upon the forged ones to W. M. & S.\nBut I must take the liberty of witholding my opinion, until I can receive a reply from you on the following hints.\nI have been told that W. M. & S. refused to take original certificates from young, until the continental officer had transferred their amount to them; and that they were thereby prevented from pushing Young, and recovering from him a debt, which but for the transfer, they might perhaps have secured some other way. Now altho\u2019 I cannot say, that in every case, the United States can investigate the genuineness of the original certificates, it is no less impossible for me to assert, that there is no case, in which this investigation ought to be made. I wish to try each case by itself; and I must therefore beg you to add by what means the cancelled certificates can now be proved to have been counterfeited?\nThe secretary knows that the foregoing was written some time ago; and nothing has prevented it from being sent earlier, but some public calls, which seemed more pressing, and prevented, an earlier transcription by his clerk.\nEdm. Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0077", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [1\u20134 March 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, March 1\u20134, 1791]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to The President of the United States. He has just ascertained that General Matthews would not accept. His son is older than was believed 29 years of age & has a family. As he will have the benefit of his fathers influence which is considerable and is a young man of real merit & as the appointment of any other candidate would be subject to the uncertainty of acceptance or not, the nomination of the son is perhaps the best thing that can be done.\nMajor Butler has just called on me to say that he has reason to believe General Huger the present Martial if appointed Supervisor would accept, & he is of opinion would give popularity to the measure. Should this appear adviseable Stevens may be Marshall & would in all probability discharge the office well. But this communication is for the information of the President merely, not from any conviction that an alteration of the first arrangement would be an improvement. It [is] however admitted on all hands that General Huger is a worthy man & has claims on the public on the score of sacrifices.\nSince writing the above the inclosed has come to hand.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0079", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Amsterdam, March 1, 1791. \u201cYou\u2019ll thereby see, that after deducting\n2 Pr. Cent Premium\n\u00bd \u214c Ct. Brokerage\n\u00bd \u214c Ct. for Seals, Notary\u2019s Signatures, Charges &c. Advertisements, Papers for the Bonds and other incidental Expences, there remains but\n1 \u201c \u2003 \u201c for our Commission\n4 Per Cent that We fixed with Mr. Short to do the Business for: We at that time calculated to give but 1\u00bd per Cent Premium to the Undertakers, But when It was question of only a Sacrifice of our Interest, to accelerate Mr. Short\u2019s Wish to open the Loan immediately, We did not balance a Moment to make it, by allowing Two per Cent premium, the least We could obtain the Money for.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0080", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 2 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury Department March 2. 1791.\nSir\nYou will find enclosed LeRoy and Bayard\u2019s first bill at five days sight on Stephen Higginson for ten thousand dollars dated Philadelphia the 28th. of February payable to my order as Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, with which you are charged in the Books of the Register. This sum is to be applied to the discharge of the interest on the public debt that will be payable at your office on the 1st. of April.\nYou will present the draught for acceptance, and if not accepted you will cause it to be duly noted and transmit me a notarial copy of the protest. Should it be accepted and not paid the same precaution must be observed as to the protest for non payment. You will acknowledge the receipt of this bill by the first post after acceptance.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt. servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nNathaniel Appleton Esq.Commissioner of LoansBoston.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0082", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 2 March 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, March 2, 1791. \u201cI had the honor to write you 23d Ulto. since which I have received Drafts from the Treasury for fifty thousand Dollars. I find they will meet with a ready Sale. I have already sold & Engaged 24000 Dollr. The drafts on the Collector & the Massachusetts Bank are recd. & deposited in the Bank to my credit by which I am supplied with means to pay the Pensioners which business commences the 5 instant.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0083", "content": "Title: Report on the Petition of Conyngham, Nesbitt and Company, and James Crawford, [2 March 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nTreasury-Department.March 2nd. 1791.[Communicated on March 2, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the Order of the House of Representatives of the nineteenth Ultimo, relative to the petition of Conynghame, Nesbitt & Co., and James Crawford, of the City of Philadelphia, Merchants;\nRespectfully reports\nThat he has examined into the facts, stated in the said petition, and has had the same under consideration.\nThat it is admitted by the Collector of the District of Wilmington, that the Deputy-Collector had mistaken the time of enacting the Tonnage-law, of the fourth of August 1790, for the commencement of it\u2019s operation, which was the first day of October. That in this interval, the several vessels, mentioned in the petition, arrived under orders to proceed to the District of Philadelphia, without stopping at New Castle, to land the passengers, with which they were principally occupied. That these orders had been given in consequence of their having been subjected to tonnage, both in Wilmington and Philadelphia in their former voyages. That they were induced by the acknowledged misinformation of the Deputy-Collector to enter in Delaware, and proceeded afterwards, without taking in any goods, to Philadelphia, where they were again subjected to tonnage.\nOn due consideration of these circumstances, which shew that the lawful intentions of the petitioners were frustrated by the oversight of the officer, the Secretary humbly conceives, that it will comport with the justice of the House, to authorize a return of the duties of tonnage, on the vessels specified in the petition, which were collected in the District of Wilmington.\nAll which is humbly submitted\nAlexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0084", "content": "Title: Report on the Petition of Elias Hasket Derby, [2 March 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nTreasury DepartmentMarch 2nd. 1791.[Communicated on March 2, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to an order of the House of Representatives of the 26th. Ulto. relative to the petition of Elias Hasket Derby, of the town of Salem Merchant;\nRespectfully reports\nThat he has duly considered the allegations contained in the said petition, and the prayer thereof.\nThat he finds an insuperable difficulty in recommending to the consideration of the House, an act of particular indulgence, relative to the public dues, in favor of an individual.\nThat, however, it is true, that the importers of Teas, in the year 1790, have been embarrassed and injured by the difficulty of immediately obtaining prices adequate to cover the duties which have been imposed on those articles.\nThat an apprehension of such difficulties had induced him, to suggest to the House, in his report of the thirteenth of December last, the extension of the credit for the duties thereafter to accrue upon this Article.\nFrom a view of the cases of the petitioner and other importers of Teas, by whom representations have been made to him, the Secretary begs leave to suggest, for the consideration of the House, the propriety of giving a retrospect to that clause in the pending Bill, which extends, in future, the credit allowed upon the Impost on Teas, in favor of all the Importers of that Article in the last Year.\nAll which is humbly submitted\nAlexander Hamilton,Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0085", "content": "Title: Report on the Petition of Gosuinus Erkelens, [2 March 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nTreasury-Department,March 2nd. 1791.[Communicated on March 2, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred the petition of Gosuinus Erkelens,\nRespectfully reports thereupon;\nThat authentic documents produced by the petitioner shew, that, at an early period of the late Revolution, he espoused with zeal the cause of this country, and became a medium of communication between Governor Trumbull and Livingston; and one or more distinguished political characters in Holland, which contributed to the events that finally connected the United Netherlands and the United States in a common cause.\nThat, in the course of this agency, it is presumable, expenses were incurred; but to what extent, is not explained; neither is it easy, at this time, to ascertain all the circumstances, which ought to decide the propriety of indemnification.\nThat the petitioner concedes, that the services, which were rendered by him, were originally without a view to reward, and pleads his distresses as the reason for his departure from that ground, and as a motive to the United States for conferring gratuitously what is not claimed as matter of obligation on their part.\nThat in this state of things, and at this late period, the Secretary does not perceive any ground sufficiently definite or precise to justify, on his part, a suggestion favorable to a compliance with the prayer of the petitioner.\nAll which is humbly submitted,\nAlexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0086", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] March 3, 1791. Encloses a letter to the President \u201cfrom the Senators \u2026 of Rhode Island recommending Mr. Thompson as a proper person for Supervisor of excise in that District.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0087", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, March 3, 1791. \u201cEnclosed are my Weekly Return of Cash No. 30, and Monthly Schedule of Bonds for Feby.\u2026 I have also just received your Letter of the 18th. of December last, together with the Hydrometer, intended as a substitute to Dycas\u2019s, the Directions for their use.\u2026 Particular attention shall be paid to your Directions relative to this Instrument.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0088", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 4 March 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAmsterdam March 4th. 1791\nSir\nI had the honor of informing you on the 17th. of the last month of the loan of 2\u00bd. millions of guilders being brought on the market & on the 22d. I inclosed you a prospectus of that loan. It is not till now that I have been able to get a copy of the bonds which are to be given on the part of the U.S. & of which I forward you one at present by the way of England, for your examination, & to obtain on it the promised ratification. A duplicate & triplicate will be sent by other conveyances.\nYou will find the instrument verbose & of a barbarous style. This is occasioned by the profits of those employed being proportioned to its length & on its being a translation from the Dutch in which it is thought necessary to conform literally to the original. It is the form to which the money lenders here are accustomed & which it is neither necessary or proper to change. The conditions of the loan being clearly expressed in it I suppose you will consider its form & language as of little importance.\nYou will have seen by the letter of the two houses employed here which I inclosed you in mine of the 15th. of January, as well as by several letters I have written you since, that the commission on this loan is to be \u00bd p. cent lower than on that made in Jan. 90.\nI learn from the agents that about one fourth of the money on this loan has been already subscribed viz during the month of February & that of course agreeably to constant usage the interest on it will commence from the 1st. of that month. I can add nothing here which will not occur of itself to you on the propriety of your views being made known to me as soon as possible, with respect to this loan. One circumstance however which I cannot omit is that the committee of finance of the national assembly are informed of your late draughts & that these, probably much exagerated as to their amount & as explanatory of your future intentions, excited there disagreeable reflexions. I learn this only by a private letter, & shall say nothing unless I should be applied to officially. If you will consider that I have not had the honor of hearing from you since the 1st. of Sep. 90. & that I have no other data whatever on which to form my conjectures as to your intentions, you will readily concieve that I should wish as much as possible to avoid going into explanations on the subject: The more so as explanations, in such cases, which are not complete, produce the same effect as those which are dissatisfactory.\nI am waiting now only for the printing of the bonds in order that I may sign them, & shall then return immediately to Paris. I am promised them for the day after to-morrow, so that I shall probably leave this place in five days.\nYou will have seen by my letters to the Secretary of State of the 22d. & 25th of february, the decision of the national assembly respecting tobacco. He will have recieved also from Paris the debates of the national assembly on this question. The preference given there to French vessels & which if it subsists will exclude entirely the American, was produced by a combination of hazard & design. It was proposed to the assembly during the debate & adopted without examination. It was suggested by those merchants probably who are owners of vessels. The assembly certainly were not aware that the difference in the duty was more than the full freight, & of course that as to this article, they were passing with respect to us a navigation act more severe than that of their neighbors which they consider so unjust. I have taken measures to engage them to change this decree as well as that with respect to the oils, & on my return to Paris shall pursue those measures in person. I must add however what you will easily concieve that in an assembly which is composed, & which deliberates like that, it is impossible to foresee the steps into which they are often unavoidably surprized, or to conjecture whether they may be induced to return on them. You know also that they have adopted as a kind of principle that the assembly cannot change its decrees; yet they violate this, as well all the other principles they have adopted, when they find it convenient. I have no doubt that time & experience will correct the errors into which the national assembly have been drawn with respect to our commerce. If I could go into a full explanation of their causes, you would see that accident & the circumstances of the moment have contributed principally to them.\nI have the honor to be with sentiments of perfect respect & attachment \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your most obedient & most humble servant\nW: Short\nThe Honble Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0089", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 5 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury Department March 5th. 1791\nSir\nYou have been instructed fourteen days before interest becomes due in each quarter, to close your office and balance your books.\nAs the provision for the payment of interest in each state for the ensuing quarter must be regulated by the sums which shall appear on the books of each Commissioner at the period of closing them either as \u201cfunded\u201d or \u201cunfunded\u201d stock or in other words as stock subscribed to the proposed loan or as stock for which certificates shall have been issued to non-subscribers, I am to desire that you will immediately after your office shall be closed as abovementioned transmit to me the total amount of the different kinds of stock funded and unfunded which shall be borne on your books distinguishing each kind under a separate head.\nAs this is only for my information towards a general arrangement, the transmission is not to wait for the revision of your books but is to be made without delay from the first face of them.\nYou will at the same time inform me of the amount of the cash which you will then have in hand from whatever source; together with the amount of the Treasurer\u2019s draughts if any which then remain undisposed of.\nMy wish is that as far as practicable the Bank of Massachusetts may be the place of deposit of whatever money you may have and the medium of your payments.\nThe day for closing your office will be the seventeenth instant. On that day the post leaves Boston and arrives here the 25th. You will forward the statement required by that post.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt. servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nNathanl. Appleton Esq.Commissioner of LoansBoston", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0091", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 5 March 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury Department,5 March 1791\nSir,\nThe arrangements towards the payment of the ensuing Quarters interest to the public Creditors within your state require that the Commissioner of Loans for your state should be advised by every opportunity of the monies in your hands. This you will not fail to do by every post, & even by every private opportunity which shall present. I shall count on your punctuality.\nYou will also pay to the order of the said Commissioner whatever specie may be in your hands at any time during the present month.\nYour returns to the Treasury will continue with exact punctuality.\nI remain with great consideration sir, \u2003 your obt servant\nA Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0092", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 7 March 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom HouseNewport [Rhode Island] March 7th 1791\nSir,\nInclosed is a weekly return of Cash on hand, and also a Certificate of Registry No. 13 issued at the Port of Dighton by H Baylies Collector Mh. 27th 1790, and delivered up on account of transfer of property.\nThe Genl. Assembly of this State met at East Greenwich the last week. Previous to their meeting I requested two of the Deputies of this town to move for a cession of the right of the State to the Light-House and the Dwelling House adjoining; but a House was not formed until Thursday, and the Assembly rose on Saturday night, so that, it seems, there was no opportunity to bring this matter on the carpet. The Assembly will sit in course the first Wednesday in May next.\nI have not as yet had an opportunity to sound Mr. Bowers who claims the land on which the Light House and Dwelling House stand. When I last wrote respecting this matter the Surveyor of this Port was about going to Swansey where Mr. Bowers lives, and through him I hoped to learn his sentiments; but he did not go. Since that time One of my Sons was at his House, but he was at Boston attending the General Court of which he is a member. I shall embrace the first opportunity for obtaining the information you desired.\nIn a Statement and remarks on my accounts I find monies I have furnished for the Light-House are carried to my account as Superintendantof Light House. I wish to know in what relation I stand to the Light-House.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Yr. most obedt servant\nW Ellery Collector\nA Hamilton EsqrSecry &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0094", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Brown, 8 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Brown, John\nTreasury Department, March 8, 1791. \u201cIn answer to your Enquiry, I am to inform you that the Contract for the Supply of Articles in the Quarter Masters Department was made with Messrs. Elliot & Williams. That they are considered as the persons to whom the Government is responsible for all purches of such Articles.\u2026 That accordingly very liberal advances of money for all those purposes have been made to them \u2026 no accounts having been yet rendered in relation to the Expenditures for the late Expedition. I stand ready the moment any balance shall satisfactorily appear to be due, to pay it.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0095", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Catharine Greene, 8 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Greene, Catharine\nPhiladelphia March 8. 1791\nYour letter of the 26th of January did not reach me till the 4th instant, the day after the adjournment of Congress; of course it was impossible that I could obey your wish, by making a report on your Memorial.\nBut my dear friend, I love you too well not be be very candid with you. I am afraid my report will not promote your interest. I had too much reverence as well as friendship for General Greene, ever to admit any supposition injurious to his fame without a degree of proof of misconduct which I am confident will never be possible. The labouring point therefore in my judgment is this\u2014It does not appear that General Greene gave notice at the time of the engagement, he had entered into, to any of the public departments. In proportion as he stepped aside from the authorised path, it became incumbent upon him to notify the proceeding and assign the reasons. The not having done it opposes a tremendous bar to the claim of indemnification. The precedent of granting such indemnification upon a subsequent disclosure of facts, when the danger of loss had already exploded would be of a most delicate and hazardous kind.\nColonel Wadsworth is the only person beside yourself to whom I have hinted this difficulty. He promised to have a search made in the Offices and among General Greenes papers; but has not informed me of the result. I fear it will not have been successful. As far as regards the public Offices my attention shall not be wanting.\nYou are at liberty to communicate this letter to Mr. E. Rutlege. I wish he may be able by proof or argument to obviate the objection I have stated. I should be glad to be convinced that it is not valid, that it is consistent with my duty and reputation to surmount it. It is impossible that I can have stronger motives than I have to view the matter in conformity to your Interests. At the same time I confide in Mr. Rutleges candour that if he sees the point in the same light, [as] I at present do, he will tell you so. For of all things I desire to stand justified in your judgment and feelings.\nWhen shall we have the pleasure of seeing you this way? I need not tell you how much Interest I should take in it; as I am sure you do not doubt the attachment of\nYour sincere friend", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0097", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Hazard, [9 March 1791]\nFrom: Hazard, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, March 9, 1791]\nSir\nMr. White Matlack, who is one of our first Ale Brewers in this City, goes to Philadelphia on Business, of what Nature I know not, which I understand, will lead him to wait upon you. One Part of his private Business he tells me, is to review the Operations of a Steel Furnace which he erected there, & has lain d\u27e8or\u27e9mant for some Months. This Article is of very great Consumption in America. It is made of various Kinds, as good as english, & afforded cheaper. There are some Kinds not yet introduced, particularly that of the german Mode & Temper, which may easily be done. Mr. Matlack is not averse to a moderate Excise on american, provided, a proportionably heavy one, is laid on foreign Steels. I have been for several Years, Agent for the Sale of that made at Matlack\u2019s Furnace. I apprehend the Consumption of Steel in America is little short of 3000 Tons per Annum. The Use of american Porter & Beer is rapidly increasing, particularly in the Southern States. The Vend of Snuff is not inconsiderable, & confined to the Northern, principally. Of these Articles I speak professionally, or occupationally; having dealt extensively in them for several Years. Of Course, I have been led to examine the principal Markets for them, from Boston, \u27e8to\u27e9 Savanna, with Attention. Mr. Maxwell has no Objection to Ten Cents pr. Pound Weight of Snuff, which I think however too high, for a Beginning. Mr. Lispenard has none to a moderate Excise on Porter; nor Mr. Matlack to one on Ale & american Steel. If capital Manufacturers do not object, I conceive others cannot complain. I have Minutes on these Subjects in my Possession, that have lain by me many Months, which I wish to arrange & compress, & submit to your leisureable Inspection. In August last were published in Childs\u2019s Paper, \u201cHints &c on an american Excise\u201d signed \u201cColumbianus\u201d containing Sentiments, exactly similar to mine on that Subject; they were republished in Carey\u2019s Museum for September last. I can furnish from my own Experience, Facts, which appear to me convincing Data, that a Revenue may be raised of above 80,000 Dollars per Annum, from the Articles I have mentioned, & they be excised agreeably to the Makers Wishes. Mr. Matlack is a Man of Candor, Enterprize & Information, & nearly related to Mr. Haines a considerable Brewer in Philadelphia. Perhaps it may not be useless to converse with him on this Subject, as he has other Business he tells me, which will lead him to wait upon you. I am Sir with as much Truth, Esteem & Respect, as Talents, Virtue & Perseverance combined, alone ought to excite, in the Hearts of honest, unambitious, independent Men, who only can judge of, & do Honor to real Merit, your Friend & most obedient Servant\nNathl. Hazard\nNewyork 9th. March 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0099", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 March 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nFrom the Collector of BostonMarch 9th. 1791\nSir\nBy the 32nd. Section of the late Collection Act, no exporter of Goods, wares & merchandise imported could be allowed the Draw Back of Duties paid, unless the goods were exported in the same casks &c & from the Port or District into which they were originally imported, these restrictions very much embarrassed trade & were a source of daily complaints of the Merchants, especially that part, where the exportation must be from the Port or District into which the Goods were originally imported.\nThe existing law is penned differently, but how far, even in this the Merchant is relieved, I cannot determine; permit me Sir, to state to you a case. Suppose a Merchant of Salem comes into Boston & here purchases twenty chests of Tea, imported originally into this District, enters it here for exportation in the Ship America of Salem for London & complies in all respects with the Law. After this the Collector causes the Goods to be inspected & finding them to correspond with the notice & proof concerning the same, can a permit be granted for lading them and an officer be appointed to see them on board the Ship in Salem? If this cannot be done, can a Captain receive part of his Cargo in Salem & come into this District & complete his load? In short, is there any method whereby a Merchant loading his Cargo in one District can secure the Draw back on Good exported in the same Vessel which were imported into a different District.\nTo Secy of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0101", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Meletiah Jordan, 10 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jordan, Meletiah\n[Philadelphia, March 10, 1791. On July 1, 1791, Jordan wrote to Hamilton and referred to \u201cYour letter of March the 10th.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0102-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 11 March 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAmsterdam March 11. 1791\nSir\nI have the honor of writing to you at present for the last time from this place. I am now signing the bonds as fast as I recieve them from the notary. It is possible they may be finished to-morrow & in that case I shall set out the day after for Paris.\nIn my last of the 4th. inst. sent by the way of England was inclosed a translation of the bonds of the present loan. I now add a copy of the original in the Dutch language. Duplicates will be sent by the bankers.\nIn a former letter sent by the way of England I mentioned to you a letter which I had recieved from M. de Montmorin relative to the offers of Jeanneret & Co. You will recieve enclosed at present a copy of the same No. 1. together with the instructions therein alluded to No. 2. It is probable M. Otto will have previously communicated them. I have learned lately what I had before reason to suspect that Jeanneret & Co. are entirely without capital or credit & further of a character which shews it would be unsafe to treat with them their offers being supported by the minister is the only circumstance which entitles them to any kind of attention. They are besides of a nature which there is no probability of your being disposed to accept. You will observe by the instructions of M. de Montmorin that the ministry is in the disposition you would desire with respect to this affair.\nI mentioned in my last that the committee of finance might be led into a different disposition by those who have an interest in the purchase of the American debt. The day after I wrote that letter I recieved from the Charg\u00e9 des affaires of France at the Hague, one of which I inclose you a copy No. 3. & my answer No. 4. I am persuaded that this letter was written at the instigation of the committee of finance. They had been told that your draughts were for the loan now making. Those who wish to make this purchase & of whom some are probably in that committee imagined that if this could be ascertained that the assembly would perhaps force the government to treat for the sale of the debt, & that they would treat on more favorable terms on finding that the loans made here by the U.S. were destined for other purposes. My complete ignorance of your views on this subject disabled me from giving any other answer to M. Caillard. I know not as yet whether it will be thought satisfactory at Paris, where so much is done at present by intrigue & corruption, & where there are so many who are endeavouring to speculate on this debt. So far as it depends on the ministry I have no apprehension of any thing being done contrary to your wishes but the ministry have no weight against a decree of the assembly & these decrees are easily surprized by a committee, or a few members of a committee.\nI have lately recieved from Mr. Grand of Paris a letter of which I inclose a copy No. 5 & my answer No. 6. These letters will suffice to explain themselves & the present situation of the subject which gave rise to them. They are submitted to you Sir that you may give such instructions relative thereto as you may think proper. Mr. Grand will probably persist in his complaint & carry it to the cognizance of the government of the United States. I have learned since I wrote my letter to him that the house here in which I supposed him interested has the name of Grand from his son\u2019s being one of the partners & that he himself is not concerned in it.\nThe moment for making loans at present has been found so favorable that Russia has opened one for six millions of guilders instead of three as was intended; & it is already filled. The policy of Hope who conducts the business of that country with much propriety has always been never to bring on a loan at an improper moment & never to let slip unemployed one that was favorable. By the date of the bonds used in the late loan it appears that it was to have been made in August last. He found it proper to hold them up until now notwithstanding the exigencies of the Court of Petersburg. It is by the prudent & judicious conduct of this house that the credit of Russia has been maintained here throughout the war, & in such a manner that it is much superior now to what it was when the war begun. Hence it is that the services of Hope, for which however he is most extravagantly remunerated, are considered as more essential to Russia than an alliance with any of the secondary powers of Europe.\nThe city of Amsterdam have lately made a loan here of six millions of guilders to restore order to the affairs of their bank which have for some time appeared in an alarming posture. The interest is only 3\u00bd. p cent. The principal merchants have taken the most of it on themselves so that it was soon filled. This produced a good effect for a few days on the paper of the bank. It is again declining, which would seem to indicate that the root of the evil is deeper than had been supposed.\nThe price of foreign stock on this market is as when I wrote you on the 22d. of February. That of the loans made on the liquidated debt of the U.S. varies from 1 to 40 p cent above par, according to the conditions of these loans. In them the liquidated debt is alienated at different prices according to the time at which the loan was made. The present rate of the loan is graduated accordingly & will follow the rise of the funds in America.\nI have had several occasions of observing during my stay here that the distance of the United States is a considerable drawback on their credit in the minds of the people in general. The idea of this distance consisting for the most part in the communications from thence being rare. The inconvenience would be much diminished if authentic papers & information were regularly sent here & published in the gazettes in the Dutch language. This might be done by some of your clerks & an arrangement made here with a gazetteer. The people being thus accustomed to have something respecting the U. S. before their eyes regularly two or three times a week would insensibly suppose America nearer to them\u2014they would necessarily become better acquainted with the real situation of the U.S. & of course be more disposed to judge for themselves. This would contribute more than any thing else to emancipate your foreign operations from a dependence on the agents employed here. At present it cannot be denied that a combination among a few of the more powerful & more enlightened would much embarass, perhaps totally defeat any loan the U. S. might wish to make. I have formerly explained to you in what manner their influence operates on the money lenders, which will have convinced you also that the best manner of counteracting such inconveniences is to unfold the U.S. fully to the public view, & keep them constantly in their sight. You will easily believe that the houses here who recieve the most constant information from America, & who are four or five only, can have no inducement to disseminate the knowlege they thus acquire, & of which the principal value consists in the exclusion.\nThere has been an apprehension, here some time past that the states of Holland intended laying a tax of 2\u00bd p. cent on foreign loans negotiated in the province. The idea is abandoned for the present year at least & it is thought it will not be again resumed. Yet if the exigencies of the country should increase, by their being drawn into a war, of which the probability has become greater within a day or two, I should not be surprized that this resource should be tried on foreign loans made in future. If adopted in Holland it wd of course be extended to the other provinces.\nI beg leave to refer you to my letters to the secretary of State, (one of this date, which goes by the way of England & to one which I shall write to him to-morrow to go by the American vessel which carries this) for information relative to some decrees of the national assembly on navigation & commerce, & also relative to the present alarming situation of the affairs of that country. You will easily see from thence that there is little probability of the exchange rising for some time & that the payments which you may order to be made in future will be on as advantageous terms as the last.\nI have the honor to be with sentiments of the most profound respect, \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your most obedient & most humble servant\nW Short\nThe Honble. Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0102-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Comte de Montmorin to William Short, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Montmorin, Comte de\nTo: Short, William\nA Paris le 24. Janvier 1791.\nJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019\u00e9crire le 19. du mois.\nLes Srs. Jeanneret et Schwietzer en me communiquant la r\u00e9ponse\nque vous leur avez faite, m\u2019ont pri\u00e9 d\u2019appuyer aupr\u00e8s du Pr\u00e9sident des Etats-Unis la proposition que vous vous \u00eates d\u00e9termin\u00e9 \u00e0 lui transmettre. J\u2019ai fait d\u2019autans moins de difficult\u00e9 de me pr\u00eater \u00e0 leur demande, que je l\u2019ai entierement subordonne\u00e9 aux convenances du Congr\u00e8s: Vous en jugerez par la copie qui je joins ici des instructions que je viens d\u2019addresser \u00e0 Mr. Otto. C\u2019est \u00e0 vous \u00e0 juger, Monsieur, si vous croyez \u00eatre suffisamment autoris\u00e9 pour prendre d\u00e8s \u00e0 pr\u00e9sent des arrangemts conditionels avec les Srs. Jeanneret et Schweitzer.\nJe suis tr\u00e8s sincerement, Monsieur votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s affectionn\u00e9 serviteur.\nMontmorin\nJe crois devoir vous informer, Monsieur, que le Roi vient de nommer Mr. de Ternant Son Ministre pl\u00e9nipre aupr\u00e8s des Etats-unis de l\u2019am\u00e9rique.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0102-0003", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Antoine Bernard Caillard to William Short, 4 March 1791\nFrom: Caillard, Antoine Bernard\nTo: Short, William\nLa Haye le 4 Mars 1791.\nMonsieur\nLe Gouvernement de france a grand interet de Savoir Si l\u2019emprunt que font en ce moment \u00e0 Amsterdam les Etats unis de l\u2019Amerique par votre ministere a pour objet le reboursement d\u2019une partie des sommes qu\u2019ils doivent \u00e0 la france, et il me charge de vous demander un mot d\u2019eclaircissement \u00e0 ce Sujet. J\u2019ose vous prier, Monsieur, le vouloir bien m\u2019honorer d\u2019une reponse Sur cela\u2014et de me mettre en etat de donner au Ministere l\u2019information qu\u2019il desire le plus promptement qu\u2019il sera possible. Je me felicite de cette circonstance qui me met a port\u00e9e de Correspondre avec vous. J\u2019espere que vous ne quitteres pas la Hollande sans venir Faire un tour \u00e0 La Haye. Je Serai enchant\u00e9 de vous y recevoir et de vous donner des preuves des Sentimens distingu\u00e9s et da la haute consideration avec la quelle j ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre Monsieur Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissant Serviteur Caillard\nM. Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0102-0005", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Ferdinand Grand to William Short, [25 February 1791]\nFrom: Grand, Ferdinand\nTo: Short, William\n[Paris, February 25, 1791]\nJaime a croire Monsieur que vous ne vous etes pas rappelle les conditions du trait\u00e9 pass\u00e9 dans le temps entre le roi & Monsieur Francklin il porte que le remboursement des Sommes pret\u00e9es aux etats unis Seront faites a mon domicile pour etre ensuite vers\u00e9es au tresor royal, j\u2019ai appris avec peine que cette condition na pas \u00e9t\u00e9 observ\u00e9e dans le payement qui S\u2019est effectu\u00e9 dernierement, independament du droit que j\u2019ai a ce quelle Soit execut\u00e9e, c\u2019en est un aussi de justice puisque cest moi Seul qui ait Sollicit\u00e9 & obtenu tous les Secours de notre gouvernement & que depuis l\u2019origine je nai cess\u00e9 de rendre avec le Zele le plus actif & le plus Soutenu les Services les plus Importans en tous le genres. & Successivement a tous les Ministres des Etats unis jusqua ce quils aient \u00e9t\u00e9 re\u00e7us a la Cour. Je ne puis croire dapres cela que L\u2019intention due Congr\u00e8s fut daller contre Ses engagemens vis a vis du banquier quil a adopt\u00e9 a paris & qui la bien merit\u00e9, cependant S\u2019il en etoit autrement je vous prie Monsieur de vouloir bien m\u2019en Informer & de me croire plus que personne.\nVotre Tres Humble & \u2003 Tres Obeissant Serviteur\nGrand\nParis le 25 fevr 1791\nP. S. \u2003 Je desirerois Savoir Si nous n\u2019aurons pas bientot le plaisir de vous voir, comme aussi Si dans l\u2019emprunt actuel on re\u00e7oit des papiers, & de quelle nature.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0102-0006", "content": "Title: Enclosure: William Short to Ferdinand Grand, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Grand, Ferdinand\nAmsterdam le 3. Mars 1791\nVotre lettre du 25. du mois dernier, Monsieur, m\u2019est parvenue hier. Les remboursements dont vous me parlez ont et\u00e9 faits depuis plusieurs moi & d\u2019apres les mesures prises de concert avec M. le Directeur du Tr\u00e9sor Royal selon le desir du Ministre des Affaires \u00e9trang\u00e9res. Les seules parties que me paraissoient interesse\u00e9s s\u2019etant ainsi concerte\u00e9s, je suis oblig\u00e9 de vous avouer, Monsieur, que je ne m\u2019attendois pas aux reclamations que vous venez de faire, & cela d\u2019autant moins qu\u2019un terns considerable s\u2019est pass\u00e9 depuis & qu\u2019une partie de ces remboursements a et\u00e9 faite par l\u2019intermedaire m\u00eame de votre maison etablie ici. Quand \u00e0 l\u2019intention du Congr\u00e9s dont vous desirez \u00eatre inform\u00e9 je ne puis en juger que par les ordres que j\u2019ai recu & qui ont regl\u00e9 ma conduite dans cette affaire. Je vous prie Monsieur de me faire la justice de croire que je suis tr\u00e9s sinc\u00e9rement votre tr\u00e9s humble & tr\u00e9s obiessant serviteur.\nW. Short\nP. S. \u2003 Je conte partir la semaine prochaine pour Paris & y aller en droiture. Dans l\u2019emprunt dont vous me parlez on ne re\u00e7oit pas de papiers.\nM. Grand", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0103", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia Mar. 12. 1791.\nDear Sir\nThe President has thought proper to appoint Colo. David Humphreys, minister Resident for the U.S. at the court of Lisbon, with a salary of 4500. dollars a year, and an outfit equal to a year\u2019s salary. Besides this, by a standing regulation, he will be allowed his disbursements for gazettes transmitted here, translating & printing papers where that shall be necessary, postage, couriers, & necessary aids to poor American sailors. An opportunity ocurring, by a vessel sailing for Lisbon within a few days, to send him his commission, I shall be obliged to you to enable me to convey to him at the same time the means of recieving his outfit in the first instance, and his salary & disbursements above described in quarterly paiments, afterwards.\nAn act of Congress having authorised the President to take measures for procuring a recognition of our treaty from the new Emperor of Morocco, arrangements for that purpose have been decided. The act allows 20,000 Dollars for this object, but not more than 13,000 Dollars will be called for in the first instance, if at all, and these, or the means of drawing for them not till six weeks hence. I thought it proper however to apprise you of the call at the earliest day possible, and while the President is here, and to ask your attention to it. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & esteem Dear Sir \u2003 your most obedt. & most humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson\nThe Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0104", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nPhiladelphia March 12. 1791\nDr Sir\nPersuaded that there was nothing better to be done with Mr Chaloner, I approve the arrangement you have made as far as Mr Church\u2019s interest is concerned.\nYrs with great regard\nA Hamilton\nPhiladelphiaJeremiah Wadsworth Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0105", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury DepartmentMarch 12th. 1791\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United States a contract which has been recently transmitted from South Carolina for the Keeping of the Light house in that State. The terms are some what less than those of the Lighthouse Keeper at Cape Henlopen, and considering the expences of living in South Carolina it is humbly conceived they are not immoderate at this time. The Secretary, however, begs leave to suggest the expediency of confirming the Contract for one year only from its commencement, as there appears some reason to expect a diminution of the highest of this class of compensations.\nAlex: Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0106", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury DepartmentMarch 12th. 1791\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United States a Contract made by the Collector of New London, with Nathaniel Richards for supplying the Light house belonging to that Port.\nThis Contract not having been originally made in a manner sufficiently explanatory of the business, was returned for the purpose of being put into such form as should place before the President the particulars on which he is to decide. The Secretary humbly offers an opinion that the terms are not unfavorable to the United States.\nAlexander HamiltonSecy. of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0108", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 13 March 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, March 13, 1791. \u201c\u2026 Mr. Higginson presented me with a letter from you of 27 Feby. Agreably thereto I shall recei\u27e8ve of\u27e9 him whatever he inclines to pay me to the extent of thirty thousand Dolls.\u2026 I am in hopes to be ready to pay Interest on the 1st April but it will require our utmost exertions to accomplish it, for on the last of Feby they crowded upon me very large sums to Loan & transfer, & the payment of the Pensioners immediately commenced.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0110", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [14 March 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, March 14, 1791]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President of the United States and sends him the Draft of a power concerning the intended Loans. If any thing more particular should occur to the President it may be the subject of a distinct instruction.\nMonday", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0112", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 15 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Harison, Richard\nTreasury DepartmentMarch 15. 1791\nSir\nYou will find under this cover a letter of particular importance to this department, the business of which will I doubt not receive your early attention.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Obedient servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nRichard Harison Esqr.Attorney of the United Statesfor the district of New York", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0114", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jones, Brockholst Livingston, and John H. Livingston, 15 March 1791\nFrom: Jones, Thomas,Livingston, Brockholst,Livingston, John H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, March 15, 1791. \u201cMr. Philip Henry Livingston of this City together with his Father in law Walter Livingston having assumed certain debts due from us as administrators on the estate of the late Philip Livingston deceased, we have agreed to execute to him an assignment of his Father\u2019s bonds & mortgage to our Testator. To perfect this Assignment we are advised that it is essential that you should join in the execution of it. We therefore enclose one for that purpose.\u2026 As we have now a prospect of settling our testators Affairs we are afraid we shall often be under the disagreable necessity, of troubling you upon that subject & thereby diverting your attention from the more important & useful pursuits in which you are engaged. We know not any way of preventing this interruption but by an application to our Legislature which is now sitting: If an application of this kind be agreeable to you, & not otherwise, we will make it.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0116", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [15 March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, March 15, 1791]\nHaving thought fit, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Act intitled \u201cAn Act repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from abroad and laying others in their stead, & also upon spirits distilled within the United States and for appropriating the same\u201d to divide the United States into the following fourteen districts, namely one to consist of the state of New hampshire, another to consist of the State of Massachusetts another to consist of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations another to consist of the State of Connecticut another to consist of the State of Vermont another to consist of the State of New York another to consist of the State of New Jersey another to consist of the State of Pennsylvania another to consist of the State of Delaware another to consist of the State of Maryland another to consist of the State of Virginia another to consist of the State of North Carolina another to consist of the State of South Carolina and another to consist of the State of Georgia, and having by and with the advice and consent of the Senate appointed the following persons to be Supervisors of the said Districts respectively, that is to say\u2014for the District of New hampshire Joshua Wentworth, for the District of Massachusetts Nathaniel Gorham, for the District of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations John S. Dexter, for the district of Connecticut John Chester, for the district of Vermont Noah Smith, for the district of New York William S. Smith, for the district of New Jersey Aaron Dunham, for the district of Pennsylvania George Clymer, for the district of Delaware Henry Latimer, for the district of Maryland George Gale, for the district of Virginia Edward Carrington, for the district of North Carolina William Polk, for the district of South Carolina Daniel Stevens, and for the district of Georgia John Matthews.\nI do hereby in further execution of the said powers make and establish the following supplementary arrangements, viz:\nFirst\u2014That the Compensations to the said Supervisors respectively shall be as follows:\nTo the Supervisor of New hampshire a Salary of Five hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half \u214c Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Massachusetts a salary of Eight hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations a Salary of Five hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Connecticut a Salary of Six hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Vermont a Salary of Four hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of New York a salary of Eight Hundred dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of New Jersey a salary of Four hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Pennsylvania a Salary of One thousand Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Delaware a Salary of Four hundred Dollars and a Commission of one per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Maryland a Salary of Seven hundred Dollars and a Commission of one per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Virginia a Salary of One thousand Dollars and a Commission of One per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of North Carolina a Salary of Seven hundred Dollars and a Commission of One per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of South Carolina a salary of Seven hundred Dollars and a Commission of one per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Georgia a Salary of Five hundred dollars and a Commission of One per Cent.\nSecondly\u2014That the States hereafter-mentioned shall be distributed into the following Surveys of Inspection and under the dispositions and regulations which follow, viz:\nThe districts of New hampshire, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, of Connecticut, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland for the present, and Georgia shall severally form each one survey and the duties of Inspector of each Survey shall be performed by the Supervisor of the district comprehending the same.\nMassachusetts shall form three Surveys No. 1. 2. & 3, the first consisting of the province of Maine, the second of the counties of Essex, Middlesex, Worcester, Hampshire and Berkshire, the third, of the residue of the State.\nThe duties of Inspector of the Survey No. 1 shall for the present be performed by the Supervisor.\nFor the Survey No. 2. there shall be an Inspector, whose compensation shall be a Salary of Five hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent. To this Office I shall appoint Jonathan Jackson.\nFor the Survey No. 3 there shall also be an Inspector whose compensation shall be a Salary of Five hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent. To this Office I shall appoint Leonard Jarvis.\nPennsylvania shall form four surveys No. 1. 2. 3 & 4: the first consisting of the City and County of Philadelphia and the Counties of Bucks and Montgomery. The duties of Inspector of this Survey shall for the present be performed by the Supervisor. The second consisting of the Counties of Berks Northampton, Luzerne & Northumberland; the third, consisting of the Counties of Delaware, Chester, Lancaster, York, Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Mifflin and Huntington; the fourth consisting of the Counties of Bedford, Westmoreland, Fayette, Washington and Alleghany. To each of the three last Surveys there shall be an Inspector whose compensation shall be a Salary of Four hundred and fifty Dollars and a Commission of one per Cent. I shall appoint for No. 2 James Collins, and for No. 4 John Neville. It is my wish to appoint for No. 3 Edward Hand. But as his acceptance of the office is doubted and some inconveniences might attend a refusal, I have concluded to leave a Commission with a blank for his name; desiring that you will take measures to ascertain the disposition of the said Edward Hand, and if this should appear to be in favour of an acceptance that the blank be filled with his name; if against it with the name of John McDowel.\nWith regard to the district of Virginia I shall postpone any further arrangement till my arrival within that State.\nNorth Carolina shall form five Surveys No. 1. 2. 3. 4 & 5, the first consisting of the Counties of Wilmington, Onslow, New Hanover, Brunswick, Bladen, Duplin, Anson, Richmond, Moore, Cumberland, Robertson and Sampson. The second of the Counties of Carteret, Hyde, Beaufort, Pitt, Craven, Jones, Dobbs, Johnson, Wayne; the third of the Counties of Kurrituck, Cambden, Pasquotank, Perquimans Chowan Gates Hartford Tyrrell; the fourth of the Counties of Northampton Martin Hallifax Nash Edgecomb Warren Franklin Caswell Orange, Randolph Grandville Wake & Chatham; the fifth of the Counties of Mecklenbergh Montgomery Roan Iredel Surrey Stokes Rockingham Gilford Lincoln Rutherford Burke Wilkes. I shall appoint for the present the Collector of Wilmington as Inspector of Survey No. 1. The Collector of Newbern as Inspector of No. 2. The Collector of Edenton as Inspector of Survey No 3. And the compensation in each case shall be a Commission of two per Cent. To each of the Surveys No. 4 and 5 there shall be an Inspector whose compensation shall be a Salary of Four hundred and fifty dollars and a Commission of One per Cent. It is my present intention to appoint for No. 4 John Whitaker and for No. 5 John McDowell. But as I shall have an opportunity of further enquiry in the course of my Journey through the State I shall leave Commissions with blanks which are not to be filled up till after the tenth day of June next; but if nothing to the contrary is learned from me by that day, the blanks are severally to be filled with the names above mentioned.\nThe State of South Carolina shall form three Surveys No. 1. 2 and 3, the first consisting of the counties of Colleton Berkley, Washington, Marion Bartholomew Charleston, Granville Hilton Lincoln Shrewsbury, Winton Orange Lexington and Lewisburgh; the second consisting of the Counties of Winyaw, Williamsburgh Liberty Kingston, Darlington, Chesterfield, Marlborough Clarendon Clermont Lancaster Kershaw Richland Fairfield, Chester, York; the third consisting of the counties of Edgefield Abbeville Newbury Laurens Union Spartanburgh Greenville Pendleton. The duties of Inspector of Survey No. 1 to be performed by the Supervisor. The Collector of Georgetown to be Inspector of No. 2 with a salary of Three hundred dollars and a Commission of two per Cent. And for Survey No. 3 there shall be an Inspector whose compensation shall be a Salary of Five hundred and fifty dollars and a Commission of One per Cent. To this office I shall appoint Andrew Pickens.\nThe Commission in each case shall be computed upon the Nett product of the duties, distilled within the United States and within the jurisdiction of the Officer to whom it is allowed; which nett product shall be determined by deducting at each Stage of the computation all antecedent charges.\nThirdly\u2014That at every port where there is a Collector and Surveyor, the Surveyor shall be an Inspector, and at every port where there is a Collector only he shall be an Inspector and at every port where there is a Surveyor only he shall be an Inspector. The duties of these Inspectors except in the cases hereinbefore specified shall extend only to Spirits imported from Foreign Countries.\nFourthly\u2014That for the sake of uniformity the Officers to be appointed by the respective Supervisors shall be denominated Collectors of the Revenue.\nFifthly\u2014That the compensation to those Officers respectively shall be a Commission on the sums which shall from time to time be collected by each, of two per Centum on the duties arising on spirits distilled from foreign Materials and of four per Centum on the duties arising on spirits distilled from Materials of the Growth or production of the United States.\nHaving thus made known to you the arrangements which I have thought fit to adopt, you will proceed to notify them to whomsoever it may concern. And you will add such instructions to the respective officers in conformity to the law and to the tenor of these presents as shall appear to you necessary.\nGiven under my hand at the City of Philadelphia \u2003 the fifteenth day of March \u2003 in the year One thousand seven hundred and ninety one.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0119", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 16 March 1791\nFrom: Huntington, Jedediah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New London, Connecticut, March 16, 1791. On April 10, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Huntington: \u201cI observe in your letter of the 16th. ultimo.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0121", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Harison, Richard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 17 March 1791\nSir,\nI have been honored by your Letter of the 15th., and beg Leave to assure you that the Business it alludes to, & every other Subject in which the Public is interested will at all Times command the Attention of\nSir \u2003 Your most obedt Servt.\nHonble. A. Hamilton Esqr.Secry Treasury &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0122", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, March 17, 1791. \u201cI have received your Letter of the 5th. instant, relative to the Payment of Money in my hands to the Commissioner of Loans for this State: Your directions therein shall be punctually attended to.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0123", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Commissioners of Loans\nTreasury DepartmentMarch 17. 1791.\nSir\nIt has been represented to me by the officers of this department, that some of the Commissioners of Loans, who have received on loan certificates of the Register of the Treasury, have issued new loan certificates therefor, without a previous transmission of them to the Treasury for examination. You will find by a recurrence to the circular letter of the 16th September, that it is therein directed \u201cthat all certificates issued by the Register of the Treasury and all other certificates of which you have no checks or registers, or of the authenticity of which you entertain doubts are previously to a settlement in your office to be transmitted to the Treasury for examination,\u201d to accomplish which with safety and dispatch the form (I) was prepared and forwarded to all the Commissioners.\nConsiderations which regard the public safety, dictated this precaution. It is still deemed indispensible, and it is much feared that injury or inconvenience may arise from the deviations, which may have taken place. The danger to the loan officer is no less serious than to the public, for if a certificate, which has been received in a manner contrary to the instructions, should prove to have been counterfeited or altered, responsibility in the receiving Commissioner will necessarily take place.\nThe importance of the above caution has induced me to make it circular, though it is not said that you have overlooked the instructions.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 your Obedt Servant.\nAlex Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0124", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 18 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury DepartmentMarch 18th. 1791.\nSir\nYour Letter of the second Instant is before me. I trust mine of the 5th. will have duly reached you and I doubt not you will have paid an exact attention to its contents.\nLest other resources might fail of placing in time in your hands the requisite funds for payment of the ensuing Quarters interest I have obtained a Credit with the Bank of Massachusetts for any sum you may want not exceeding Fifty-thousand dollars.\nBut as it is desireable to avoid incurring a charge of Interest to the United States, unless it be indispensable to preserve punctuality, which is a primary consideration, you will before you make application to the Bank examine the State of your means, and if they are found sufficient you will forbear to make it, or if a deficiency appear you will confine your application within the limits of that deficiency. Towards this examination you will obtain information of the Bank of Massachusetts of the sum in their possession on account of the United States, arising from remittances from the Collectors of the Customs and you will know from the Collector of Boston, (whom you will do well to consult as to the necessity of having recourse to the aid of the bank) what sums can be certainly depended upon from him to the close of this month and early in the ensuing. I mention early in the ensuing; because some little delay in paying the dividends will be unavoidable, and it is to be expected that a part of the Creditors may not come immediately forward to claim their Interest. So that the Custom House Receipts within the first ten or fifteen days of April may probably be reckoned upon.\nBut while I give this intimation I would have nothing put to the hazard, as it concerns strict punctuality in the payment of the Interest. To this, other considerations must yield. I am nevertheless in great expectation, that the extra aid of the bank will not be wanted.\nThe bank is authorized to pay to you any sum, they may have received on account of the United States, to the end of the Month and such further sum as you may require not exceeding One hundred thousand dollars. The Collector of Boston is also authorized to pay to you any Sums, which shall have been received by him up to the 15th. of April next.\nBut you will of course understand that you are not to draw into your hands from any of the resources put within your reach any greater sum than is necessary to satisfy the ensuing quarters interest and to enable you to comply with what is mentioned below.\nYou will lose no time in ascertaining and giving notice to the bank whether you will stand in need of aid from that institution and to what extent. And you will without delay advise me of all the steps you have taken including a statement of your receipts and from what sources. You are to give duplicate Receipts for whatever sums you may receive either from the bank of Massachusetts or from the Collector of Boston.\nI have authorized William Gardner commissioner of Loans for New Hampshire to draw upon you for any sum he may want not exceeding ten thousand dollars; to do which he is at Liberty either to direct to you some Treasurers bills which have been remitted to him or to draw himself. These drafts whether of the one kind or of the other you will accordingly satisfy; and you will take this sum into your calculations; though I do not expect you will be called upon for any part of it.\nI am sir, \u2003 your obt. servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nNathl. Appleton Esqr.commr. of LoansMassachusetts.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0125", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Daves, 18 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Daves, John\nTreasury DepartmentMarch 18th 1791.\nSir,\nThe President of the United States may have occasion to direct one of the Gentlemen of his family to apply to you for Cash, in exchange for notes of the Bank of North America, in the course of a tour which he intends to make thro\u2019 the Southern States. Should any such application be made, you will immediately furnish the money for the notes, which the President may desire to have exchanged, out of the funds in your Office, whether the same shall have been included in your Weekly Return to this department or not.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Obt. Servant\nA. Hamilton\nJohn Daves Esqr.CollectorNew Bern N. C.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0127", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 18 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Harison, Richard\nTreasury DepartmentMarch 18. 1791\nSir,\nThe President of the United States having under consideration the petition of Samuel Dodge, an inspector of the Customs in the District of New York, I have to request that you will consent, on the part of the United States, to the suspension of the judgment in the case of the petitioner, \u2019till you shall be further advised.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your Obedt. Servant\nA Hamilton\nRichard Harrison Esqr.Attorney of the U States,for the District of New York,New York", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0128", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 18 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lee, Charles\nTreasury Department, March 18, 1791. Directs Lee to supply funds for any notes George Washington may desire to exchange on the President\u2019s southern tour.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0131", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 18 March 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Commissioners of Loans\n[Philadelphia, March 18, 1791. On March 30, 1791, Nathaniel Appleton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am this Evening favourd with your Circular Letters of 17th and 18 instant.\u201d Circular of March 18 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0132", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 18 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTreasury Department,March 18th. 1791.\nGentlemen,\nThe Treasurer of the United States has been directed to draw upon you, a Bill, at ten days sight, in favor of the Secretary of State, for ninety nine thousand Guilders, which you will dispose of, according to directions to be given you by, Mr. Jefferson.\nI am &c.\nAlexander Hamilton.\nMessrs. Willink, Van Staphorst and Hubbard.Amsterdam.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0133", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Jarvis, 19 March 1791\nFrom: Jarvis, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, March 19, 1791. Applies for \u201cthe appointment \u2026 to go and reside within the Emperor of Morrocco\u2019s dominions.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0134", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [19 March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited States of America [March 19, 1791]\nPay or cause to be paid to the Secretary of State Forty thousand Dollars to be applied to the purposes of the Act, intitled \u201cAn Act providing the means of Intercourse between the United States and foreign Nations,\u201d for which this shall be your warrant.\nGiven under my hand at Philadelphia the nineteenth day of March, in the year one thousand seven hundred & ninety one.\nG: Washington\nTo the Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0135", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 19 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentMarch 19th. 1791.\nDupe\nSir\nI have placed in the hands of the Commissioner of Loans in the State of Maryland sundry draughts the direction of which he is instructed to fill with the name of the Cashier of either of the Banks of North America or New York or with your name as he may find the demand of the purchasers to be. The bills drawn upon you which were suspended when you were last here will continue to be suspended. It is my wish that on the receipt hereof you give Mr. Harwood immediate advice of the Monies in your hands, and that you can pay any of those bills which he may fill up with your direction to such amount\u2014also that you are instructed to pay him any sum over the draughts he may have, not exceeding Five thousand Dollars provided you have or shall have the same within the time of his making payment of the ensuing April quarters interest.\nYou will keep him advised by post and by good private opportunities of the State of your Cash till he informs you that he has sufficient provision for the interest which he is to pay.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Obedt. servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nOtho H. Williams Esqr.Collector of the CustomsBaltimore.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0136", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 20 March 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, March 20, 1791. \u201cI wrote you twice the 16 instant.\u2026 I now send you copy of the same lest the original should miscarry.\u2026 I have issued no Certificate to non-subscribers or for Deposits.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0137", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edward Carrington, 21 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Carrington, Edward\n[Philadelphia, March 21, 1791. \u201cThe compensation annexed to that office is to consist of a Salary of One Thousand dollars per Annum and one per Cent of the product of the duties on the Spirits which shall be distilled within your district.\u2026 The subdivision of your district into surveys of Inspection has been deferred by the President, to be done, in the course of his journey. He will write to you from Georgetown fixing a period at which you are to meet him at Richmond.\u2026 The law contemplates three descriptions of Officers; a Supervisor, who is to have chief direction within a district, Inspectors, who under him are to manage the business within certain Surveys.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0138", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edward Carrington, 21 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Carrington, Edward\n[Philadelphia, March 21, 1791. On April 4, 1791, Carrington wrote to Hamilton: \u201cThe private letter which you was so good as to accompany your Official communication with.\u2026\u201d Private letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0139", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 21 March 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom HouseNewport [Rhode Island] Mh. 21 1791\nSir,\nThis will be accompanied by my weekly return of Cash, the copy of a memorandum of the change of master on a Certifict. of Registry No. 5 which issued from this Office, and with a draft No. 728 dated 9th Novr 1789 drawn upon me by Saml. Meredith Tr. in favour of the Cashr. of bank of New york for one hundred Dollars.\nYour letter of the 5th. of this month did not come to hand until the 18th. On the day I recd. it, by a private opportunity, I advised the Commr. of Loans of the money in my hands, and will by every post and by every private opportunity, give him similar advice, and will pay to his order whatever specie may be in my hands at any time during the present month; and my returns I will continue with exact punctuality.\nOn the 17th. instant I recd. a letter from the Commr. of Loans dated the 16th. in which, agreeably to your direction, he inquired of me what monies I should probably have in my office the last day of this month, and to which I gave an immediate answer.\nI have the honour to be \u2003 Sir \u2003 Yr. most obedt servt.\nW Ellery Collr\nA Hamilton Esqr.Secry of Treasy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0140", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 21 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia, March 21, 1791. In his letter to Hamilton on March 28, 1791, Seton referred to \u201cthe Bond endorsed in your letter of the 21st.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0142", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Alexander J. Dallas, [22 March 1791]\nFrom: Dallas, Alexander J.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, March 22, 1791]\nSir.\nIn compliance with the Resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, approved the 23d of September 1789, the Legislature of this Commonwealth passed a law, to provide for the custody of Prisoners, committed under the authority of the United States, in which the respective Gaolers were directed to transmit a Calender of such prisoners to the Executive, that order might be taken for the payment of the allowances and expences, on the part of the United States, agreably to the assumption contained in the above mentioned resolution.\nI have now the honor, in obedience to the orders of the Governor, to inclose a copy of the Calender which has been transmitted to him, by the Gaoler of the Debtors apartment of the prison of the City and County of Philadelphia, and to request, that measures may be taken for discharging the sum, that appears to be due from the United States on this account.\nI am, Sir \u2003 Your mo: obedt hble Servt.\nA J Dallas.\nPhilada., March 22d., 1791.\nAlexander Hamilton, Esquire,Secretary of the Treasury, &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0143", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jones, Brockholst Livingston, and John H. Livingston, 22 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jones, Thomas,Livingston, Brockholst,Livingston, John H.\n[Philadelphia, March 22, 1791. On the back of a letter dated March 15, 1791, from Jones and Brockholst and John H. Livingston, Hamilton wrote: \u201cAnswered 22d March 91.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0144", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Beale Bordley, 23 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Bordley, John Beale\nTreasury Department, March 23, 1791. \u201cThe President having been pleased to appoint you one of the Commissioners to receive subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, you will find in this in-closure his commission.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0145", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 23 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nTreasury DepartmentMarch 23d. 1791\nSir\nI find it necessary to request of you the Commissions of the several gentlemen, whom the President was pleased to appoint as Commissioners to receive subscriptions to the Bank of the United States. The persons appointed are\nThomas Willing\nof Pennsylvania\nDavid Rittenhouse\nSaml. Howell\nJohn Beale Bordley of Maryland andLambert Cadwalader of New Jersey.\nYou will oblige me by procuring the Seals to be affixed and the Commissions sent to this Office by two oClock this day.\nI am sir \u2003 Yr. most Obt. Servt.\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0146", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 23 March 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] March 23, 1791. \u201cI have the honor to transmit you agreeably to your request the five commissions for the Commissioners to receive subscriptions to the Bank of the United States.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0148", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 24 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\n[Philadelphia, March 24, 1791. On April 9, 1791, Appleton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour special Letter 24th March \u2026 and also your Circular Letter 25th March are this minute come to hand.\u201d Letter of March 24 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0149", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Cochran, 24 March 1791\nFrom: Cochran, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, March 24, 1791. On March 28, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Cochran: \u201cYours of the 24th is just come to hand.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0150", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 24 March 1791\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, March 24, 1791. \u201cThe Legislature of this State have incorporated the Bank, limiting its capital to a million of Dollars and its duration to twenty years. The Treasurer is authorised to subscribe to the Loan proposed to Congress all the Continental paper in the Treasury and by a bill that passed the Legislature this morning, he is directed to take in behalf of the State, one hundred and ninety shares in the National Bank. I have seen a letter from Mr. John Taylor of Albany which has created some uneasiness on account of our frontier settlements. He says \u2018there is great reason to apprehend danger from the Indians in this quarter;\u2019 but does not mention, nor have I been able to learn the grounds of this apprehension. You are sensible that almost every person here is interested in our Western Lands; their value depends upon the settlement of the frontiers, these settlements depend on Peace with the Indians, and indeed the bare possibility of a war with the six Nations, would break up our whole frontier. It is from this state of things that the war with the Wabash Indians is so much disrelished here. The Legislature have authorised the Governor to draw money from the Treasury and to take such measures as he may judge suitable to preserve the good will of the neighbouring Indians. I have said, and I presume it will be the case, that all prudent steps will be pursued to keep the six Nations quiet; that we were embarked and that it had become necessary to go forward with the War, if peace could be obtained by no other means; but I am more and more convinced that it behoves the government if practicable to finish this Indian business, in the course of the summer.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0151", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Nicholson, 24 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Nicholson, John\n[Philadelphia, March 24, 1791. On March 25, 1791, Nicholson wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour favor of the 24th with which I was honored.\u2026\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0152", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham Wilkerson, [24 March 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wilkerson, Abraham\n[Philadelphia, March 24, 1791]\nSir\nI left in the hands of Robert Troupe Esquire all the papers relative to the business of Mr. Charles Godwin which he was directed to deliver to you, in conformity to Mr. Godwin\u2019s request. If you have not yet received the papers, you may have them by applying to Mr. Troupe. I am \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your Obed. & \u2003 hum. Servt\nA. Hamilton\nMr. Abraham Wilkerson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0153", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Beale Bordley, 25 March 1791\nFrom: Bordley, John Beale\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, March 25, 1791. Acknowledges receipt of commission to receive subscriptions to the stock of the Bank of the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0154", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Nicholson, [25 March 1791]\nFrom: Nicholson, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, March 25, 1791]\nSir,\nYour favor of the  with which I was honored had placed the certificates of Registered debt the property of Penna. but not yet assigned into as good a situation I thought as we could have desired, but it hath been since suggested to me that the arrangement with the bank is to be considered as payment of one quarter Interest, whether the party apply for it or not. If this should be the case and when these Certificates come afterwards to be assigned they should be granted for one quarters Interest less. Altho the party would be debared from receivg. his interest the state would likewise be preclued therefrom. A power of attorney would be wanting from the persons who appear as the creditors on the books. Altho I flatter myself that this is the case, yet the possibility of a measure which so much concerns the interest of this state must plead my excuse for troubling you again on the subject, as it may be possible now to devise some remedy which could not be done when the business shall be farther advanced.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 &ca.\nJ N\nThe Honble Alex. Hamilton Esqr.Secy. Try.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0155", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 25 March 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, March 25, 1791. On April 9, 1791, Nathaniel Appleton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour special Letter 24th March \u2026 and also your Circular Letter 25th March are this minute come to hand.\u201d Circular of March 25 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0156", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Burrall, 26 March 1791\nFrom: Burrall, Jonathan\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nGeneral Post OfficePhila Mar. 26th 1791\nSir\nIn the absence of the Postmaster General I have received your letter respecting a Balance due from the Estate of Edwd Davies late Depy. Postmaster in Savannah.\nThe situation in which the late P. M. G. left his business, makes it peculiarly necessary, in my opinion, that he should be called upon for a settlement of his Accounts.\nThere are balances due from his Deputies to the Amount of 15,000 Dollars, or upwards, a considerable part of which will be lost. The Ordinance of Congress of the 18th October 1782 Vests the postmaster General with the power of appointing his Deputies, and makes him responsible for their conduct. He has generally taken Bonds as security for their fidelity, which are made payable to him, his Heirs Executors &c. It may therefore be a question whether suits can be commenced against them on behalf of the United States, as Debts due to the public. In several instances however those Bonds are greatly short of the Sum due. One Deputy in particular owes 4000 Dollars, and the Bond given by him is for 1,000 Dollars.\nEdward Davies\u2019s Account is closed in the Books. It appears that he never rendered any Accounts from the time of his appointment to the Day of his Death. That Mr. Watt the present postmaster at Savannah, examined his Books and informed the Postmaster General, that there was 632 44/90 Dollars due from him\u2014that the late Board of Treasury drew a Warrant on the late Postmaster General for this sum in favor of the Commissioner of Loans\u2014and his order on the Representative of Mr. Davies was taken in payment. In June last this order was returned to the Treasury Office unpaid and the Amt carried to the Debits of Mr. Hazards Account. The Bond given by Mr. Davies is for 300 Dollars. There are no Documents in this Office from which an Account can be formed against his Estate and it appears to me very doubtful whether any thing more than the Penalty of the Bond can be recovered.\nThe Postmaster Generals responsibility for the fidelity of his Deputies will doubtless be considered as a qualified responsibility and the public Interest requires that the matter should be brought to a decission and effectual means be taken to secure as much of the money as possible.\nI am sir &c\nJ B.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0157", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, [26 March 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lear, Tobias\n[Philadelphia, March 26, 1791]\nDr: Sir\nI have just received information that General Hand will serve as Inspector of the revenue, in which case it was the Presidents pleasure that his name should be inserted in the Blank commission, which was to be left for the purpose. You will please accordingly to have the name of Edward Hand inserted, & to get the commission completed. I shall be glad to receive it this forenoon.\nYrs. sincerely\nA Hamilton\nPhilada. March 26. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0159-0001", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 27 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia] March 27, 1791. \u201cI have embraced the first moment of leisure to execute your wish, on the subject to which the enclosed notes are applicable. They are neither so accurate nor so full, as I should have been glad to make them; but they are all that my situation has permitted. Nothing new has occurred in my Department worth mentioning. I thought that the following extract of a letter from Mr. King might not be wholly uninteresting, and I therefore make it.\u2026 The clue to Mr. Taylors apprehensions seems to be a late murder of some friendly indians within the limits of this State; the particulars of which I take it for granted will be made known to you by the Secretary at War.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0159-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Notes on the Advantages of a National Bank, [27 March 1791]\nFrom: \nTo: \n[Philadelphia, March 27, 1791]\nThe Report to the House of representatives proposing the plan of a Bank, enters fully into the advantages attending institutions of this nature. They are summarily these.\n1. They tend to increase the active or productive capital of a country by keeping it in more constant employment and by adding to the real, an artificial capital in the credit of the Bank which answers equally with specie the purpose of money.\n2. They increase and quicken circulation from the foregoing cause from the introduction of Bank notes as money, from the greater facility of remittances in notes than in money, from their obviateing the necessity in a great number of cases of transporting specie backwards and forwards, from their rendering it unnecessary to lock up specie for the periodical payments of interest &c. whence a greater plenty of specie is left in circulation and an additional medium is furnished. And thence\n3. They assist industry and Trade. This they also do by facilitating loans to individuals within the spheres of their immediate operation. Accordingly whereever they have been established they have given a new spring to Agriculture, Manufactures & Commerce. This has been most remarkably exemplified of late years in Scotland & Ireland; and has been confirmed by the experience of the United States.\n4. They facilitate the payment of taxes by keeping the circulation more full and active every where, and by direct loans to the Merchants to pay their duties.\n5. They aid the Government in ordinary, by facilitating the Collection of taxes; by rendering remittances to and from the Treasury more easy, safe, and free from expence, and lastly, in extraordinary cases by being an instrument of loans in sudden emergencies. The drawing a large capital to a point, and the vast credit annexed to it enable Banks to come at once to the aid of the Government in a manner that no individual resources are equal to. This was felt during the latter periods of the late war in the most important operations; and even at this moment it is the only resort for whatever pecuniary aids may be found necessary for carrying into execution the measures taken for the defence of the frontier.\nBut it is said admitting the utility of Banks in general, why establish a new one, since there are such institutions already in being? The answers to this are,\n1. That all these institutions now rest on state foundations and may cease to exist if the State Legislatures shou\u2019d not be inclined to continue. That of Pennsylvania has virtually surrendered its old charter by accepting a new one incompatible with it. It is therefore neither compatible with the dignity nor interest of the United States to suffer so important an engine of its administration to depend on so precarious a tenure & one so foreign from itself.\n2. By being mere local institutions they cannot serve as engines of a general circulation. For this they have neither sufficient capital nor have they enough of the confidence of all parts of the Union. As local institutions they are rather objects of jealousy.\n3. They would be improper foundations on which to rest the security of the Public revenue by suffering their paper to be receivable in all payments to the public.\n1.\u2003Because they have not adequate capital.\n2.\u2003Because their continuance or discontinuance does not depend on the will of the U. States.\n3.\u2003Because the Government of the Union can have no inspection of their proceedings, consequently no security for their prudent administration of their affairs.\n4. They are too limitted in their capital to afford such extensive aid to the United States as they may require in future emergencies. They may answer well enough for an Indian War; but in a War with an European power they could do nothing adequate to the public necessities.\n5. Their constitutions have not those precautions which are calculated to guard against the abuses to which such institutions are subject. They are therefore in this light also insecure reliances for national circulation.\nBut admitting a National Bank ought to be instituted, the Duration is said to be too long, and contrary to precedent; too long because the affairs of this country from its peculiar situation must change so rapidly as to render it questionable, whether a good thing now will continue to be a good thing for twenty Years. With regard to precedent it is presumed that the matter is mistaken. The Banks of Venice, Genoa, Hamburgh & Amsterdam are understood to be indefinite in point of duration. The Bank of England indeed has been limitted to different periods under different circumstances: the assertion that it was in its first creation limited to 11 years is not founded. It was incorporated for an indefinite period; but there was a right reserved to the Government at the end of eleven Years to pay off the Debt which constituted its Capital and thereby to dissolve the corporation. But it could not be dissolved nor was it to cease in any other way.\nWith regard to the argument drawn from the changing situation of the Country, the answer is, that Banks are not novel institutions. They have been long tried, and in different Countries. They had eleven years experience in their favour in this Country: their effects therefore can now be perfectly judged of and pronounced upon with certainty. They are necessary in Countries little advanced in wealth; they have been found very useful in Countries greatly advanced in wealth.\nIn a Country like this, which having vast tracts of vacant land and few manufactures, can have no great abundance of specie; the auxiliary circulation of Banks must be peculiarly useful. Though the Country may advance in manufactures & in wealth considerably in the course of twenty years, yet very obvious causes must leave it, during all that period, in a condition to stand in need of the same auxiliary. Besides as has been remarked, Banks are at this day found useful in the wealthiest Countries\u2014Holland, England, France.\nIf the nature of the institution is attended to, it must be perceived that its relations to the future are as easy to be comprehended and pronounced upon, as its relations to the present. Its operation must be always of the same tendency, and there is no more difficulty in pronouncing that it will be good for twenty Years to come, as easily as that it is good at the present moment.\nHow far one place or another may be the proper seat of it, may be a thing variable by time: but the time which can vary this must evidently be more than twenty years. It is manifest that a large commercial City with a great deal of capital and business must be the fittest seat of the Bank. It is morally certain that for twenty years to come Philadelphia will continue to have as good pretensions as any of the principal trading Cities now established. And with regard to the future seat of the Government, it is morrally impossible that it can become in less than twenty years a place of sufficient trade and capital to be the principal scene of the operations of the National Bank. Governments must always act upon reasonable probabilities and in doing so, they can hardly fail to do right.\nThe motives to a considerable duration to the Charter of the Bank were these\u2014to strengthen the inducement to men of property throughout the United States to embark in it, and to enhance the value of the public stock by a prospect of greater advantage.\nThis last idea is of great moment. All those acquainted with the operation of the thing will admit that the institution in question has been a main cause of the rise of the public Debt. It operated upon it like a charm. Now it is evident that its effect in this way must have been greater or less in proportion to the prospect of advantage which a long or short duration afforded.\nThe raising of the public Debt is a circumstance of immense importance in the affairs of the Country. It is tantamount to the establishment of public credit. No man can be in credit whose Bonds are selling for one third or one half their value: the same thing in respect to a Government. Besides, while the Debt is low, foreigners become possessed of the property of the Citizens of this Country greatly below its true value. And every shilling which they pay less for the Debt than its true value is so much loss to the Country. The distress to this Country would have been prodigious in time to come if it had had to pay millions to foreigners for which they had given little or no value. And the existence of a public Debt would have been truly a curse.\nAs far as this essential object might have been made to give way to the speculative possibility of a better arrangement of the Bank in reference to future changes in the situation of the Country, it would have been to sacrifice substance to shadow, reality to supposition.\nObjection. The advantages of the Bank will not be equal in all the States.\nThis is hardly even an objection to a measure of Government, because there is scarcely one to which it may not be objected. Is there a law for the advancement of Navigation? It will benefit most those states which have most aptitudes for Navigation. Is there a Law for the encouragement of manufactures? The same thing may be observed\u2014Is there one for the encouragement of particular objects of Agriculture? The same observation applies. What is the duty upon foreign Cotton? As far as its operation may correspond with its intention it will be a direct bounty upon the Industry of a few of the States. For there are only particular states adapted to the raising of Cotton.\nIn short such is the state of human affairs that public measures unavoidably benefit or injure some part more than others. Consequently, that must be a good public measure which benefits all the parts of a Country, though some more than others. If all gain, the general mass of public prosperity is promoted, though some gain more than others.\nIt is certain the operations of the proposed Bank will be most directly useful to the spot upon which they are carried on; but by aiding general circulation, and establishing a convenient medium of remittance & exchange between the States, all will be benefitted in different degrees.\nIf branches are established the immediate benefit will be diffused still more extensively.\nObjection. It will interfere with the several State Banks. This cannot happen, unless branches are established in the same States. If this is done no inconvenience to the community can accrue. Either the State Bank and the branch of the National Bank can go on together, and then Trade, & Industry will be promoted by larger supplies, or the one will subvert the other. If the state Bank subverts the branch the injury is at least temporary. If the Branch subverts the State Bank, it furnishes to the commerce & industry of the place a better substitute; one which, to all the common advantages, will add this peculiar one, the affording a medium of circulation which is useful in all the States and not merely on the spot, and can of course be employed in the intercourse with other States.\nBut in fact all this is exaggerated supposition. It is not probable, except at the immediate seat of the Bank, where the competition will be compensated by obvious advantages, that there will be any interference. It can never be the interest of the National Bank to quarrel with the local institutions. The local Institutions will in all likelihood either be adopted by the national Bank or establishments where they exist will be foreborne.\nLastly an attentive consideration of the tendency of an institution, immediately connected with the national Government which will interweave itself into the monied interest of every State, which will by its notes insinuate itself into every branch of industry and will affect the interests of all classes of the community; ought to produce strong prepossessions in its favor in all who consider the firm establishment of the National Government as necessary to the safety & happiness of the Country, and who at the same time believe that it stands in need of additional props.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0161", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 28 March 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom HouseNewport [Rhode Island] Mh 28 1791\nSir,\nInclosed is my weekly return of Cash and a Certificate of Registry No. 15, dated at the Port of Dighton March 30 1790, and delivered up on account of transfer of property.\nOn the Twenty first day of this month I received a letter from the Commr. of loans informing me that on inquiry of Col. Olney he found, that he would be able to furnish as much money as would be wanted to pay the first Quarters interest, and that it would be therefore unnecessary for me to furnish him with any further account of the State of my funds.\nOn the 25th. of this month I recd. a letter from the Assist. Secry expressing your wish that I would transmit as soon as might be convenient the most exact returns of decked vessels built in this District &c., and that I might forward from time to time as they may come into my hands any documents that have relation to the commerce navigation, fisheries, manufactures or productions of this State &c. I have put matters in train to obtain information on the first object, and shall attend to the last. Letters &c similar to those I have heretofore inclosed to you I will in future put into the mails addressed to the Comptroller the Treasurer, and Auditor.\nI am \u2003 Sir \u2003 Yr. most obedt. servant\nWm Ellery Collr\nA Hamilton EsqrSecry of Treasy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0163", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 28 March 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBank of New York 28 March 1791\nSir\nMr. William Hill with two competant Surities have duely executed the Bond endorsed in your letter of the 21st. and I have deliver\u2019d to him the Contract. As you do not desire the Bond to be returned, I hold it for your further orders. Mr. Hill expected he was to receive immediately from this Bank a payment of Five thousand Dollars, but he was informed your orders did not extend to the payment. The letter for Amsterdam goes by the Brig Rebecca, Captn Codwise, now waiting for a wind; those for London went by the Packet. I have the honor to be &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0164", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 30 March 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, March 30, 1791. \u201cI wrote you 20 instant when I transmitted a duplicate Statement of the Stock apparently standing on my Books. I am this Evening favourd with your Circular Letters of 17th & 18 instant. In answer to the former, I have recd Register Certificates & admitted them upon the new Loan persuming that your instructions of 19th November permitted it. In evry case I have conformed to the mode therein prescribed. If I am wrong in this, I materially mistook your design. Your instructions of 18 instant respecting powers Attorney shall be duely attended to. I am also favoured with your special Letter 18th. I have disposed of all the Treasurer Drafts & I have since my last recd. of Mr. Higginson on account of Mess Le Roy & Bayard 2500 Dollrs all of which is deposited in the Bank.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0165", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Playfair, 30 March 1791\nFrom: Playfair, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo the Honourable\u2014Hamilton\nParis 30th March 1791\nSir\nI take the liberty of writing to you on an affair which concerns a great number of Idividuals as well as myself which liberty I would not take if it were not that from the total want of letters in answer to mine to Mr Duer of Newyork I am left in the most Cruel Situation Possible as well as a great number of individuals who have their near Relations in America.\nI undertook eighteen Months ago to lay the Foundation of a Colony on the Sioto Lands for the Sale of which M: M: Cutler, Sergent & Duer had given a Procuration of Mr Barlow who himself was without Any of the Means necessary to put in Practice Such a Plan. The Lands were not paid to congress; Mr Barlow had never seen them & knew little about them; he had no money to Expend on the affair, no connexions and did not Speak french. He was made known to me by a third Person & told me his Plan was to sell 3 millions of acres of Land. This was certainly an Idea formed without Reflection as neither an Individual nor any Company could be supposed to pay 18 millions for lands uninhabited & unknown & which did not belong to the Persons who were to sell them. It was three Months after I knew Mr Barlow before I conceived that their was any Means of Undertaking such a thing with any degree of success but the Revolution in France gave me the Idea that an Emigration would be possible & that Individual purchasers might be found. To abridge the History I undertook for 15 Pr cent on the Sales to begin the affair at my own Expence. It was begun but it appeared necessary to give facilities to the First Purchasers who might set an Example to the others, this was done upon the Idea that the affair would go on which in the fact it did for several months in an astonishing Manner but was stoped short by the want of preparations in America as was promised & Expected. Our Errors in the Prices of Cattle & other things have created great discontents great Expences & merited complaints. The Total want of Letters from America has suspended the affair. There are several hundreds of People who have their Relations in America & who are in the most unquiet state which as I have nothing to show respecting their Relations who are gone is rather an ill looking piece of business. Add to that that Mr Barlow who was here has Run away in debt without informing me or any other Person.\nI have on all sides heard the Best character of Mr Duer & I am informed that he Runs a great Risque of Being Burned by the advances he has made. It is Clear likewise that the whole Colony will suffer if the affair stops where it is but I am afraid it will do so as there has been a Mr Walker here who said he was commissioned by the Company to look into things but who Refused to shew his power of attorney or procuration and who Refused to Enter with any degree of frankness or Candor into the Nature of the affair but who would considder it as goods bought & sold at a fixed Price on Each side. The fact is that he was disappointed as to some personal views & that from Mr Barlows want of Informing Mr Dewer the quantity of sales Mr Dewer had immagined when Walker left new york that there were one million of acres sold when their was not one hundred & fifty thousand acres & one 4th of that not paid for in values that are yet Realized.\nI know that the Engagement taken with the Treasury of the United States by the company at New-york is not, nor cannot be fulfilled in the original terms therefore I am Ignorant Whether Messrs Duer & Co continue in the affair or not. I have the honour therefore Sir to adress myself to you & to send a memoir on the subject which is in French & which I take to be a justification of My Intentions & of my Conduct viewing the affair in its whole Extent which I did & I am surprised that any Person can do otherwise as the small affairs done were but to begin a colony and I will venture to say that if that Colony is in a thriving State & the People Contented and if at the same time a method is taken to Sell here without any great derangement in the Present form of sales there will be more than half the lands sold in Six months & Sold upon advantageous terms. If so then the United states would gain a number of Inhabitants, their Treasury would be paid amply for the Lands & Messrs Duer & co after being Repaid their advances would gain a large sum.\nTo accomplish these Points it would be well to renew the Arrangement with Messrs Duer & Co on other terms that the names may not appear to change & as it has already been Announced in a new Prospectus here which has been distributed every where that 9/10ths of the Price will be deposited untill possession is given it is not possible that any Risque can be Run of Giving Possession of Lands that will not be paid for so that the affair is Simple Plain & without any inconveniency. The Fears that Walker Pretends to have about not being Paid are as ill founded as they are unjust. It is impossible to touch here the 9/10ths in question & surely the 10th that remains is not more than is necessary to cover the Expences and pay whoever sells it. With Regard to the Plan that Walker has to Endeavour to Substitute Some of his Freinds in my Place, it is impracticable & in justice to all concerned as well as to My self I must say so. I have done nothing that merits such treatment. I have begun the affair & suffered the disagreable part & Run all the Risques. I have a Correspondence with & know the most Part of those who would go out the First upon good news ariving and as I have Contracted debts to support the thing till the news that arives shall determin whether in itself it is good or bad, I cannot think of submitting to so great an Injustice as it would be to substitute Mr Morris or any other of those Persons who have all along been the Enemies of the affair in My Place. I should therefore make my apeal to the Public & defend myself in the tribunals at the same time. The Affair would then be stopt as till the Bye past were settled nothing could go on and that it would take a prodigious time to do as none of the affairs here have been done in the Name of individuals but of a Fictitious Company which Circumstance alone would involve & render prodigiously Expensive & Tedious all the operations of a law suit. In a word this affair is only to be Carried on with Faith & Confidence. Nothing will be more agreable to me than that a Person should be sent over to verify & sign every sale & to Receive into his own hands the Titles to the deposit of the 9/10ths. In short there is no precautions possible for the surety of the affair that I would not with the Greatest Eagerness embrace; neither do I insist upon the Portion of Profit which by my original agreement with Mr Barlow was ceded to me for future sales. I only demand a Confidential honourable arrangement on both sides for the Carrying on the affair.\nIf on the Contrary it is determined to Stop short where we are, I have titles to deliver & quittances for money paid, which, deduction being made of the Percentage that was allowed to me by the original agreement do more than Balance the account for Lands Sold and which account I have Ready, tho\u2019 as I told Mr Walker we could not with any degree of Propriety or common sence Balance the account untill the affair was stopt or the Plan of going on was settled. I nevertheless should have at the last agreed to settle with him if he would have shewn his Procuration & declared his intentions. I was obliged to summons him to shew them; he did not make any Answer. A Messanger waited upon him to obtain a verbal answer at least & to the messanger he only said that he had an advertisement Ready to put in the News papers against me & that his powers were deposed with a notaire whose name he gave. I went to the Notaire to see the Powers & took the Messanger with Me but Mr Walker had been there half an hour before & withdrawn the Powers which the Notaire declared he had not Read. After that I had nothing to do with Mr Walker & if he chuses to insert his advertisement he may do it but it will be answered in a Manner that will be more disagreable to him than he Expects because No Man has a Right to come and act as he has done in Paris. The circumstance of Mr Barlows evasion is sufficiently disagreable & disgracefull to his constituents without adding the Ruin of the affair by a Public Explanation of all the difficulties under which the affair lyes.\nI know that Mr Duer has been told lyes on My Account & as he does not know me I cannot wonder at his believing them this has been the Cause of his not writing to me but he can never give a Reason for not writing to some one Else to prevent those Ruinous mistakes that have been made and of which he himself will probably be the first victim.\nI have taken the liberty to trouble you with this long letter. I send inclosed the account up to the time that the sales stopt and I have done the same to Mr Jefferson to whom I had the honour of being known when he was in France and I request your Interference in the affair in order to Enable some arrangement to take Place that will not Prevent the affair from terminating in the Ruin & disgrace of those who have begun it.\nI am Sir \u2003 with Respect \u2003 your most obedient \u2003 & most humble servant\nWilliam Playfair\nParis 30th March 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0166", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 30 March 1791\nFrom: Smith, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLoan Office [Philadelphia] Pennsa March 30th 1791\nSir,\nThe amount of the several kinds of Stock on the books of this office on which Interest is payable is as follows with Interest Calculated to 1st April 1791 Viz.\nPrinciple\nInterest\nFunded 6 \u214c Cent\nFunded 3 \u214c Cent\nDeferred 6 \u214c Cent\nNon subscription Stock\n\u2003\u2002 Interest\nThe abstract at large &c. will be compleated this Night & delivered in to-morrow morning.\nI have the honor &c.\nHonble. Alex. Hamilton Esqr. secy of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0167", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Thacher, 30 March 1791\nFrom: Thacher, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBiddeford [District of Maine] March 30, 1791. \u201c\u2026 The Bonds which Mr. Cutts gave the Collector for the port of Biddeford & Pepperellborough will become payable about the 10th of May, & he is anxious to have your opinion on the justice of paying them as early as possible.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0169", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Habersham, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Habersham, John\n[Philadelphia, March 31, 1791. On May 20, 1791, Habersham wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st of March last.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0170", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDepartment of state Mar. 31. 1791.\nSir\nThe publication of the laws of the U.S. and the purchase of those of the several states call on us immediately for about five hundred dollars, for which sum I must ask a warrant from you to be accounted for. The contingent expenses of my department to the 1st. inst. are now stated and will be settled with the Auditor tomorrow. I have the honor to be with great esteem & respect \u2003 Sir\nYour most obedt \u2003 & most humble servt\nTh: Jefferson\nThe Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0171", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, March 31, 1791. \u201cI have received Mr. Coxe\u2019s circular Letter of the 10th. instant. The Returns of Vessels built in this District, within the periods therein mentioned, shall be forwarded as soon as I can obtain a competent knowledge thereof. And should any Documents, relative to the Commerce, Manufactures &c. of this State, fall into my hands, they shall be transmitted agreeable to his directions.\u2026 I now enclose Seven \u2026 Drafts of the Treasurer, in favor of Jabez Bowen Esquire, dated the 15th of Feby. last.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0172", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia, March 31, 1791. On April 4, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton concerning \u201cthe request expressed in your letter of the 31st.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0173", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentMarch 31st 1791\nSir.\nThe device intimated to me in your letter of the 26th. of January, I consider as a mere evasive expedient, which ought not to protect the owner of the vessel from a prosecution for perjury. It is my desire therefore that if any such case should occur you may direct proceedings on that ground against the offender.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt. Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nOtho H Williams Esqr.Collector.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0174", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 1 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Harison, Richard\nTreasury Department1 April 1791\nSir,\nYou will find in this inclosure two copies of a contract with John McComb junr, of New York, for building a light house on Cape Henry. I request the favor of your sending for Mr McComb & procuring his execution of them. It will be necessary that the inclosed bond be also executed by Mr McComb, & two competent Sureties. The Persons offered to me were Messrs Nicholas Cruger & Peter Kemble, whom I approve: but as Mr. Cruger is absent from New York, I must ask the favor of your selecting out of the names that may be offered by Mr. McComb one in lieu of Mr. Cruger; whom you shall deem sufficient.\nThe requisite provision for the first payment will be made at the Bank of New York; to obtain which Mr. McComb\u2019s exhibition of the contract executed by me will be sufficient. But this, of course, you will not deliver to him \u2018till the bond has been excuted to your Satisfaction.\nI am, sir, \u2003 With great consideration, \u2003 Your Obed Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nRichard Harrison Esqr.Atto. for the United States,New York", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0177", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 1 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia, April 1, 1791. On April 11, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have to acknowledge the honor of your Letter of the 1st. instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0178", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 2 April 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, April 2, 1791. \u201c\u2026 I have now to inform you that I began yesterday morning to pay Interest on the Public Debt agreeably to the Act of Congress making provision for the same. I have compleated the Dividend book in which are Stated 863 Stockholders. The Duplicate Receipts are also prepared agreeably to the Instructions.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0179", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Hopkins, 2 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hopkins, John\n[Philadelphia] April 2, 1791. Authorizes Hopkins to send Thomas Williams to Hillsboro, North Carolina, to testify in a case concerning the alteration of North Carolina certificates. States \u201cThe expences of his Journey will be repaid to him.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0180", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, 2 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Smith, Thomas\n[Philadelphia, April 2, 1791. On May 10, 1791, Smith wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am honored with your favor 2nd April.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0181", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Mathew Carey, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Carey, Mathew\n[Philadelphia] April 4, 1791. Presents his compliments to Carey and declines an invitation to a dinner of the Hibernian Society.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0183", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, April 4, 1791. \u201cAgreeable to the request expressed in your letter of the 31st. Mr. William Hill has been paid Five thousand Dollars.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0184", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nMount Vernon April 4th. 1791\nDear Sir,\nYour letter of the 27th. Ult. came duly to hand. For the information contained in it and for the notes which accompanied the same, I thank you.\nEvery expedient, as I believe you know, is in operation to avert a War with the hostile Indian tribes and to keep those who are in treaty with us in good temper; but I am nearly thoroughly convinced that neither will be effected, or, if effected, will be of short duration while land jobbing and the disorderly conduct of our borders is suffered with impunity; and whilst the States individually are omitting no occasion to interfere in matters which belong to the general Government.\nIt is not more than four or five months since the Six Nations or part of them were assured (through the medium of Colo. Pickering) that thence forward they would be spoken to by the Government of United States only and the same thing was repeated in strong terms to the Cornplanter at Philadelphia afterwards. Now, as appears by the extract from Mr. King, the Legislature of New York are going into some negotiations with these very people. What must this evince to them? Why, that we pursue no system, and that our declarations are not to be regard. To sum the whole up in a few words\u2014the interferences of States, and the speculations of Individuals will be the bane of all our public measures.\nSincerely & Affectionately \u2003 I am Yrs.\nGo: Washington\nColo. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0185", "content": "Title: George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander,Jefferson, Thomas,Knox, Henry\nMount Vernon, April 4. 1791.\nGentlemen,\nAs the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen interruptions it will be regulated (including days of halt) in the following manner.\nI shall be on the 8th. of April at Fredericksburg\nRichmond\nPetersburg\nHalifax\nTarborough\nNewbern\nWilmington\nGeorgetown, south-Carolina\n2nd. of May\u2014\u2014\u2014\nCharleston, halting five days.\nSavannah, halting two days.\nHence, leaving the line of the mail, I shall proceed to Augusta, and, according to the information which I may receive there, my return, by an upper road will be regulated. The route of my return is at present uncertain, but in all probability, it will be through Columbia, Camden, Charlotte, Salisbury, Salem, Guilford, Hillsborough, Harrisburg, Williamsburg to Taylor\u2019s ferry on the Roanoke, and thence to Fredericksburg by the nearest and best road.\nAfter thus explaining to you, as far as I am able at present, the direction and probable progress of my journey, I have to express my wish, if any serious and important cases should arise during my absence, (of which the probability is but too strong) that the Secretaries for the Departments of State, Treasury, and War may hold consultations thereon, to determine whether they are of such a nature as to require my personal attendance at the seat of government\u2014and, if they should be so considered, I will return immediately from any place at which the information may reach me. Or should they determine that measures, relevant to the case, may be legally and properly pursued without the immediate agency of the President, I will approve and ratify the measures, which may be conformed to such determination.\nPresuming that the Vice-President will have left the seat of government for Boston, I have not requested his opinion to be taken on the supposed emergency. Should it be otherwise I wish him also to be consulted.\nI am, Gentlemen, \u2003 Your most obedient Servant\nGo: Washington\nThomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, andHenry Knox EsquiresSecretaries of the United States for the Departments ofState, Treasury, and War.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0186", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth, New Hampshire, April 4, 1791. Acknowledges receipt of Hamilton\u2019s \u201cletter of the 18 Decr. last together with Dycas\u2019s & Colles\u2019s Hydrometers.\u201d States that Colles\u2019s hydrometer may not be \u201ctruly graduated\u201d and that there is a defect in the bulb of Dycas\u2019s hydrometer. Requests a new bulb.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0187", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 5 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Delany, Sharp\nTreasury Department,5 April 1791\nSir,\nThe section of the collection law relative to the tares to be allowed at the Custom house upon the several species of goods therein mentioned appears to require that the allowance \u214c Centum upon\nCoffee in bags\nbe computed upon the hundred pounds,\ndo. in bales\ndo. in casks\npepper in bales\ndo. in casks\nand that the allowance \u214c centum upon sugars (other than loaf) in hogsheads & boxes be computed on the 112 pounds.\nYou will perceive that the above arrangement applies to articles, sold universally by the pound, the tare \u214c 100 lbs, and that it applies to articles sold \u214c the hundred weight, the tare \u214c 112 lbs.\nAs I find the customs in trade in various parts of the United States differ considerably, I think it necessary to inform you that the above is only my present idea. I shall take measures to obtain that accurate Statement of facts which will be necessary to a confirmed & settled construction of the act.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nAlex Hamilton\nSharp Delany Esqr.Collr. Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0190", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Francisco de Miranda, [5 April 1791]\nFrom: Miranda, Francisco de\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[London, April 5, 1791]\nmon Cher Tresorier Gen\u00e8ral.\nAyez la bont\u00e9 d\u2019agreer mes Complimens, et mes Respects, dans I\u2019ocasion du depart de notre mutuel ami le Col: Smith, qui a pass\u00e9 quelques Semaines dans cette Capitalle ici: qui m\u2019a fait l\u2019amiti\u00e9 de passer bien des moments ensamble; et a qui, J\u2019ai \u00eau le plaisir de voire parffaitement acueilir par tout le monde qui l\u2019a connue ant\u00e8rieurement, et vue dans l\u2019ocasion actuelle.\nIl pourr\u00e1 vous dire l\u2019etrange Sistheme Politique que l\u2019Angleterre poursuit actuellement &c. et je peut vous assurer que vos Plans des finances; de Banc-nationalle; des colection des Taxes &c. non seulement ont merit\u00e9 l\u2019admiration des gens de la plus grande consideration ici; mais ills ont donn\u00e9 aussi la plus haute id\u00e9e du Nouveaux Gouvernement, qui se conduit a cet egard, par des principes d\u2019honeur, et de dignit\u00e9 tres peu comuns dans les gouvernemens modernes! Je vous en felicite de tout mon C\u0153ur, en atandant que les progres Repides des vos institucions produisent une prosperit\u00e9 general dans ce Pais-fortun\u00e9, et votre bonheur eternel qui est le prix immancable!\nPortez-vous bien toujours, donnez moi des vos nouvelles (si vos ocupations vous le permetent), et croiez moi sincerement\nLe votre,\nF. de Miranda.\n\u00e0 Londres ce 5. Avril. 1791.\nThe Rig: Hon: Alexander Hamilton.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0191", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 6 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ellery, William\n[Philadelphia, April 6, 1791. On April 19, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have received your letter of the 6th. of this month.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0192", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, 7 April 179[1]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Duer, William\nTreasury DepartmentApril 7th 179[1]\nSir\nIn consideration of the moderate terms of Mr Fowler\u2019s contract with the public and from a disposition to give all requisite aid to the Contractor in order that the public service may be effectually & certainly performed, I accede to the requests contained in your letter, as explained in conversation\u2014that is to say\u2014I will advance immediately to you as Agent to Mr Fowler thirty thousand Dollars, and a further sum of twenty thousand Dollars at the expiration of forty five days from the date of this letter.\nIf upon the first of October next there is a satisfactory evidence that the public service has called for supplies (which have been furnished) to an amount sufficient to entitle the Contractor to the additional sum of thirty thousand Dollars they shall be paid; though he should not be then ready to comply with the forms of the Treasury.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Obedt. Servt.\nAlexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury\nWilliam Duer Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0193", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 April 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nFrom the Collector of BostonApril 7th 1791\nSir,\nI have the pleasure of enclosing a return of all the vessels built within this District from March 4th 1789 to March 4th 1791 collected & made agreeably to your wishes communicated by Mr Coxe your assistant the 10th ult. You will find the number exceedingly small and is not I think, more than one third of what was built in the years 1784 and 1785. I will attempt to assign some reasons why the business has suffered so great a deminution. As in this statement I may suggest some peices of information as you have often requested.\nIn the first place, at the close of the war, we were destitute, almost of shipping of any kind especially of those suitable for the fishing business, we very soon increased our numbers and by 1787 or 1788 we were fully supplied with vessels of this kind & with a sufficient number for our other purposes had we no regard to the carrying trade. We early discovered that although our number of fishing vessels was far short of the number employed in that business before the war, yet that we had too many and that more fish were caught than could find a market at a price which would save the taken of them free from loss, this has induced many to quit the business, while others have lessened their capital employed in it. The embarrasment which we have experienced from the unfriendly disposition of the Algerines and the partiality which the French Nation discovered to their own fisheries have been checks upon the sale of our Cod Fish and induced many to employ these vessels in an-other channel, while our Mackrel business has been ruined, entirely, by a diversion in a great measure of those Fish from our coast. The state of our fisheries and the delay some of our vessels have experienced and the disappointment of others in obtaining freights in the Southern States damp our ardour for building and are among the causes which may be assigned that so few vessels have been built the last two years in this District. I say that these are among the causes, they are not the sole causes. The scarcity of Ship Timber near the Sea Coast in this District is a check upon our building, as in time it must unless some especial measures are adopted to prevent it, a circumstance which should it become general would be pregnant with the most dangerous consequences.\nIf we take a survey of the Eastern States we shall find that their timber trees are greatly reduced and totally gone in many parts from the shores to a line thirty miles perpendicular there to, and that through the Country in general they are destroyed as fast as it is for the interest of the husbandman to do it without regard to the existance of a marine hereafter. If we reflect on the tenure by which our lands are held, that they cannot be secured in the same family, by the possessor of them for more than one or two lives at the most, that thereby is destroyed one of the greatest motives, which seems to have actuated mankind, who have been seen when there was no prospect of their enjoying the fruit of their labours, while in old age tottering in the field aided by the staff and imploying their time in planting the achorn strengthened and \u27e8animated\u27e9 by a belief that they were laying a foundation for the happiness & support of their offspring, if we consider that it requires a term from fifty to one hundred years from planting the Achorn to the tree becoming of sufficient size for planks & the largest timber and when we contrast the state of the timber now, with what it was only fifty years past, we cannot be at a loss to pronounce that unless some measures are adopted by the public & those immediately that the day will come and that many of the children now living will see it when we shall no longer command the means of commerce or defence; where then will be that jewel for which we have so long contended? I think it would not be more laughable to hear a man without hands boasting of his freedom and independence, than to see this country supposing itself on strong grounds among the nations of the earth while to others she owed the means of her defence.\nIf it may be said that we need not be anxious, that Britain has, long since, been deprived of most of her timber, but, that she always found a supply from the neighbouring nations, it is true that She has received a very ample supply from a broad, notwithstanding She would put nothing at hazard. She always cultivated with the utmost care a certain proportion of the Island with trees always sufficient at all times in cases of accident to have Kept up that force for which she has been so distinguished & which has been so necessary to her own safety. But where shall the United States look for \u27e8supplies of Ship Timber,\u27e9 without their own limits? None \u27e8can be found on this\u27e9 side of the atlantic. The whole Country Northward & Eastward of the State of New Hampshire, with a few exceptions only, where an indifferent Oak is to be found, is principally covered with what is called the black growth the pine, the spruce, the hemlock &c. In some parts will be found the maple, the beach, the white birch, & the yallow birch, with this timber some vessels have been built in this State and many by the British since the close of the war in the Province of New Brunswick. There has not been sufficient time since the war to ascertain the value of such timber; if however upon trial it should be found to answer the purpose we cannot promise our selves a supply of it long for when once cut off a different kind of wood generally springs up viz a growth of the black kind or the white birch which is a very indifferent wood. If on the whole we are convinced that the succeeding generations will have a demand for shipping and we cannot point out a source from which they will be able to draw a supply of timber for building other than by our attention, at this day, to the culture of trees and that measure suitable therefor when grown should be neglected by us we shall be highly reprehensible for the neglect and justly chargable with a criminal improviding.\nWe should not be in The same critical situation respecting this matter as we now are did we hold our land on the same tenure as are the estates held in England; there the grand sire who plants the achorn knows that his child or grand child will reap the benefits of his labours; but the case is very different here where there is no public security that lands shall remain any given time in the same line, hence a very different kind of improvement takes place and one the most unfriendly to the culture of trees for timber.\nSecretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0194", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jacob Cuyler, 8 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Cuyler, Jacob\n[Philadelphia, April 8, 1791. On May 10, 1791, Richard Cuyler wrote to Hamilton: \u201cMy Father (Mr. Jacob Cuyler). has shewn me your polite Favor to him of 8th. Apl.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0195", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 8 April 1791\nFrom: Harison, Richard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 8 April 1791\nSir,\nImmediately upon the Receipt of your Letter of the 1st. Instant, I sent for Mr. McComb, and proposed his executing the Contract transmitted to me, and that a proper Surety should be substituted in the Place of Mr. Cruger. Upon the latter Subject I am informed that no Difficulties will arise, but with Respect to the Contract itself Mr. McComb alledges that a Mistake has taken Place. The first Payment he says was to have been four thousand Dollars, and he does not think that a less Sum will furnish the requisite Materials. He proposes therefore, if it meets your Approbation, to give a Receipt for an additional Sum of One thousand Dollars in Part of the third Payment, which he supposes will be conformable to the original Agreement & enable him to complete the Undertaking. I find another small Mistake in the Contract as to Mr. McComb\u2019s Occupation, he being a Bricklayer, not a Carpenter; but I should think that Accuracy upon this Head is not essential.\nIn Consequence of the Communications which accompanied your Letter of the 15th of March & other information from New Jersey such Measures have been taken that Francis Crane and Israel Fuller, two of the supposed Criminals, have been apprehended and diligent Search is making for others who are accused of the same Offences. Unfortunately the Evidence which we were in Possession of was too loose in it\u2019s Nature to warrant even an Indictment by the Grand Jury. Crane, therefore, applied to the Circuit Court for his Discharge, but without Success. It will be absolutely necessary that before the next Sessions, I should either have sufficient Evidence upon which to proceed, or that the Prisoners should be sent to Places where the Crimes were committed and the Witnesses reside. I doubt whether any Crime cognizable by the national Courts can be fixed upon Fuller, and propose, if you do not object, to deliver him up to the Judicatories of the State.\nDuring the last Circuit Court two Persons have been convicted upon Indictment for Offences against the Revenue Laws. One of them, Captn. Josiah Gorham Junr: had been guilty of false Swearing as well as smuggling. His Mate was the principal Witness, whose Conduct in many Respects has been very meritorious. It appeared that the Captn. ordered him to land Goods upon the Arrival, & before the Entry of the Vessel. This from false Ideas of the Respect and Fidelity which he owed the Captain he was induced to comply with. In Consequence, an Action was commenced against him for the United States upon the  Section of the last Collection Law. Being Unable to find Bail He has been in Confinement upwards of six Months where his Health has suffered greatly and I fear that his Life may be lost, unless he is speedily released. Had he continued silent, it is beyond a Doubt that the Captain\u2019s Villainy would not have been brought to Light, and therefore it is much to be wished that some Plan may be devised for remitting the Penalty to which he is subject, & wh. at any Rate he is unable to pay.\nI am, with the highest Respect \u2003 &ca. \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obedt. & most humb. Servt.\nHon. A. Hamilton Esqr.Secry Treasy. U. S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0198", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 8 April 1791\nFrom: \nTo: \n[Philadelphia, April 8, 1791. On May 3, 1791, Nathaniel Appleton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour circular Letter 8th April is received.\u201d Circular not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0199", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, 9 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Adams, John\nTreasury DepartmentApril 9th. 1791.\nSir\nI have just received a letter from Mr. Short which I wish to submit, in order to certain measures being taken upon it, to yourself and the heads of the executive departments, in pursuance of the President\u2019s letter of the 4th. instant, which I take it for granted has been communicated to you by the Secretary of State.\nI request therefore that you will please to name a time and place for the meeting; and that it may be as early as will be convenient to you after tomorrow.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 With the most respectful attachment, \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your Obedient servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nThe Vice President of the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0200", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 9 April 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia April 9. 1791\nSir\nI have received the Letter you did me the honor to write me this morning and as the Secretary of State accidentally fell in before I had opportunity to answer it, we agreed to propose a meeting at his House at two o\u2019Clock on Monday next. If that time and place are agreeable to you, and the Secretary at War, they will be particularly so to me who have the honor to be with great regard, Sir your most obedient and most humble Servt.\nJohn Adams\nThe Secretary of the Treasury of the U.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0201", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 9 April 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, April 9, 1791. Sends \u201cNames of persons to whom some of the \u2026 [Treasury] drafts were directed.\u201d States that Hamilton\u2019s \u201cspecial Letter 24th March \u2026 and \u2026 Circular Letter 25th March are this minute come to hand.\u201d Has complied with the instructions in Hamilton\u2019s letter of March 17, 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0202", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Simon Gross, 9 April 1791\nFrom: Gross, Simon\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[April 9, 1791. On April 20, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Gross: \u201cI duly received your letter of the 9th. instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0203", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 9 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lee, Charles\nTreasury DepartmentApril 9th. 1791\nSir\nMr. Lowrey a Merchant in your district presented at the Treasury some time ago the within certificate of your Deputy when he was informed that the direction to refund at the office where the Tonnage was received had been given in a circular letter to the Collectors of the 20th. August 1790. To prevent further difficulty a memorandum of the date of the letter was made on the back of the certificate. Application has been again made at the Treasury for a settlement of the matter. I have therefore to enclose you a copy of my circular letter of August 20th. 1790, being entirely at a loss to know why the money is not repaid. If any other reason than what is expressed in the certificate obstructed the repayment, I presume it would have been communicated to me.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedient servant\nAlex Hamilton\nCharles Lee Esqr.Collector Alexandria", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0205", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Wylly, 9 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wylly, Richard\nTreasury Department, April 9, 1791.\nSir:\nThe acting Paymaster General of the Treasury has reported to me the circumstances under which the certificate of the late Paymaster General, for $123, 283 70/90, mentioned in your letter of the 1st ultimo, was issued. I find that it is already passed to the credit of the State of Georgia, in the books of the Pay Office, and that it will be included in the statement of the general board of commissioners for settling the accounts of the several States with the United States. You cannot, therefore, receive that certificate in payment of subscription to the loan proposed by the act of Congress of the 4th of August, 1790.\nI am, sir, &c.\nA. Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.\nRichard Wylly, Esq.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0207", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Henshaw, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Henshaw, Samuel\nPhiladelphia, April 10, 1791. \u201cYour letter of the 15th of March duly came to hand.\u2026 I wish you not to consider it as mere compliment, when I say, that the light in which your character stands could not fail to have brought you into view in that arrangement. And could you be minutely acquainted with every circumstance that in the President\u2019s mind inclined the ballance a different way, you would find no reason to be dissatisfied with the estimation in which you have been held. You are well aware that in a comparison of the pretensions of men of merit collateral considerations may often be justly allowed to turn the scale.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0208", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Huntington, Jedediah\nTreasury DepartmentApril 10th. 1791\nSir\nIt is certainly incumbent upon every master of a vessel to make report to the Collector of any district, into which he may go for whatever cause, within twenty four hours, and (if the vessel should remain so long in the district) to make an entry. The officers of the customs who do the duty consequently become entitled to a compensation. It is not however extraordinary that another opinion should have arisen with respect to the intention of the legislature, as different parts of the act countenance a different inference. In such cases such construction must be adopted as will best reconcile them (prefering express directions to implied meanings) and such as will be most conducive to the security of the revenue without oppressing trade. The danger to the revenue would be excessive, if the first report and subsequent entry were dispensed with. But there is no inconvenience to trade as it is immaterial where the tonnage is paid, and the cargo may be carried to any other district without paying or securing to pay the duties in the first.\nWhen it is decided by the vessel\u2019s departure, that she will not unlade in the district into which she has gone or in which she is detained, it is proper that the manifest be forwarded to the Collector of the District to which she is bound.\nShould any vessel come within your [district from another] which has not her name painted upon the fixed work of her stern, which is nailed or screwed to her, [it will I think be adviseable to demand] from her foreign tonnage [and if disputed to let it be persisted in to a judicial determination.]\nIf it appears necessary to you I shall be satisfied, that you procure for the Surveyor of Middletown a cheap boat fit for harbour service, and that you procure the necessary scales and weights.\nI observe in your letter of the 16th. ultimo you mention, that \u201cthe merchants have never failed so much in punctuality as at this period.\u201d The uncertainty that would arise in the operations of this department, and in the most momentous affairs of government from defaults at the custom house obliges me to refer you to my instructions on this point which must be strictly executed. Should any bonds which are now due remain unpaid you will place them in the hands of the Attorney of the District.\nI request to be informed how much lighter than their due weight were the dollars you mention, and whether there were any peculiar circumstances to which their lightness is to be attributed; as the dollars generally to be met with are of full weight.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedient servant\nA Hamilton\nJedediah Huntington EsqrCollector New London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0209", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [10 April 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, April 10, 1791]\nTh. Jefferson has the honor to send to the Secretary of the Treasury a note just received from Mr. Otto with copies of a correspondence between certain bankers desirous of lending 40 millions of livres to the U.S. the French ministers & mr Short. He will ask the Secretary of the Treasury\u2019s consideration of these papers, & that he will be so good as to return them to him with the substance of the answer he would wish to have given to mr Otto. It is probable indeed we shall soon receive the same correspondence from mr Short with his observations on the offer made.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0211", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury DepartmentApril 10 1791.\nSir\nI have the honor of your letter of the 4th. instant addressed to the Secretary of State the Secretary at War and myself; to which due obedience shall be paid on my part.\nA letter from Mr. Short dated at Amsterdam the 2d. of December has just come to hand giving me an account of his proceedings to that period; a copy of which will be forwarded by the tuesday\u2019s post. He informs me, among other things, that he had concluded with the Bankers of the United States to open a loan in February for two millions and a half of Guilders, at five per Cent interest and four per Cent charges, which is a half per Cent less than the last. The term of reimbursement fifteen years, beginning at the end of ten, with liberty to the United States to reimburse at any time sooner.\nYou will recallect that by a particular instruction from you to me, no succeeding Loan is to be opened, until that preceding has been submitted to you, and received your approbation. As it is very desireable that no delay may attend the progress of the business, both as it regards payments to France and the domestic operations, to which the loans may be applied, I have concluded to submit Mr. Shorts letter tomorrow to the Vice President, and the heads of Departments, that they may consider, how far the case is within the purview of your letter; and whether it will not be expedient to authorise Mr. Short to proceed upon a further loan to the amount of three millions of guilders, which is the sum to which the money lenders have been accustomed, and that recommended by our Bankers as the most proper to consitute each Loan.\nI request nevertheless to receive your instruction as soon as possible upon the subject. And I submit whether it will not be adviseable to change the restriction above mentioned so as to leave Mr. Short at liberty to open his loans successively for three millions of Dollars each; no new one to commence till after the preceding one has been filled; but without waiting for a ratification from this Country; provided the terms be not in any case less advantageous than those now announced. There is always danger of considerable delay in waiting for approbation from hence, before a new loan can be undertaken; and favourable moments may be lost, for there are periods more or less favourable.\nI think there is no probability for some time to come that loans can be obtained on better terms. And I may add that as far as I can judge, Mr. Short has conducted himself in the affair with judgment and discretion: and there will be safety in allowing him the latitude proposed. I believe also it will be adviseable to apply the present loan in the same manner as the former, that is to say one half, or perhaps 1,500,000 guilders to the use of France, and the residue to the purchase of the Debt here; on this point also I request your direction.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 with the most perfect respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most Obedient \u2003 & humble servant\nAlex: Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0212", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ellery, William\nTreasury DepartmentApril 11th. 1791\nSir\nThe law has not provided for the payment of drawbacks, except the prescribed proofs of landing in some place, without the United States, be adduced. Goods exported for drawback cannot be landed again in the United States, without again paying the impost, under the existing laws, though it \u27e8is no\u27e9t improbable the legislature will provide a remedy in some future act for this inconvenience to trade.\nYour proceeding in the case of the Charming Sally, Reed, is conformable with law, and I do not see fit to interfere. Her case must have a legal decision.\nThe new act for registring vessels will probably provide for the making American bottoms of vessels condemned and actually sold for breaches of the laws, but at present such a vessel cannot be registered. She may sail under her old papers, and the Marshall\u2019s certificate, but will be subject to foreign tonnage.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt. servant\nAlex Hamilton\nWilliam Ellery Esq.Collector Newport", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0213", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Harison, Richard\nTreasury Department,11 April 1791\nSir,\nMr. Abijah Hammond has informed me that he delivered to the Grand Jury, before whom was brought the case of Christopher Bancker, the certificate, on which the charge against him was founded. I wish to know the present state of that affair.\nI am, sir, \u2003 With great consideration, \u2003 Your Obedt Servant\nAlex Hamilton\nRichard Harison Esqr.Atto. of the United States,New York", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0214", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury Department,11 April 1791\nSir,\nThe carriage of the Teas to Salem, as stated in your letter of the 9th Ultimo is a mere transportation & not an exportation of them. The outward entry must be made in due form at Salem where the Ship America was lying, and can only be made there. That outward entry is the first operation in the business of exportation, and as it will appear by the public books & papers that the goods were shipt from a district other than that into which they were imported, the drawback cannot be obtained. Nothing however in the law occurs to me, which will prevent the America from receiving part of her cargo in Salem, & proceeding to Boston to complete it. No tonnage will arise on an American Vessel trading in one district & proceeding to another, with Goods not deliverable in the latter. By means of this proceeding dutiable goods may be exported from Salem & Boston in the same Vessel so as to obtain the drawback on both.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nAlex Hamilton\nBenjamin Lincoln, Esqr.Collr. Boston", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0215", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury DepartmentApril 11th. 1791\nSir\nIn answer to your letter of the 27th. of December I have to observe, that under the existing laws, I consider it as indispensible to an entry at any customhouse, that the vessel be actually within the district appertaining to it. The question has occurred in the port of Philadelphia, where cases of the nature you mention, frequently happen.\nThe legislature at a late stage of their session directed me to consider and make report upon the compensations and emoluments of the officers of the customs. It was my wish to have done it, but the difficulty of making amidst so many other pressing objects a proper arrangement, and the shortness of the Session put it out of my power to form a satisfactory report. This business will however receive due attention the next Session, and I recommend to you not to think of a resignation till you have seen the issue of it.\nIn regard to the small articles mentioned in your letter of the 17th. January, the law does not contemplate the exemption of any dutiable goods, except sea stores and certain articles belonging to emigrants, and it will be most proper that you adhere to those two exemptions and make no other.\nThe deduction of 7\u00bd per Cent from a Captain\u2019s or owner\u2019s account in lieu of due measurement is not a legal mode of ascertaining the duty on goods imported. Due examination into the case will be immediately made. In all cases of goods to be gauged, weighed, measured &c. to ascertain the duties no other mode can be legally adopted.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt. servant\nA Hamilton\nJerh. Olney Esqr.Collector Providence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0216", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Pendleton, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pendleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury Department11 April 1791\nSir,\nI return herewith the proceedings on the petition of Duncan Manson, for the same reason, which has occasioned the remission of those in the case of Wm Backhouse.\nThe circumstance of excuse, for not complying with the law, is the change of Masters in the harbour of Charleston. The time of this change, and the time of departure ought to be known in order to a judgment whether any hurry or disconcertion on this account was the probable cause of omission.\nAs a general rule, the payment of the duties ought to be brought more to a point, by Shewing in what Vessel they were imported, and producing a certificate of their having been paid or secured, from the custom house. But as this may not always be practicable, it cannot always be regirously insisted upon.\nI have the honor to be, \u2003 with very great consideration, \u2003 sir; Your Obed Hbe Servant\nAlex Hamilton\nJudge Pendleton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0217", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBank of New York 11th Apl. 91\nSir\nI have to acknowledge the honor of your Letter of the 1st. instant. Whenever Mr. John McComb Junr. exhibits the contract signed by you & him the Three Thousand Dollars shall be paid to him as you desire and passed to the Debit of the United States in the Seperate Accounts.\nOn the 16th. of Feby. agreeably to your desire we stopt the sale of the Treasurers Bills on the Collector then in Bank, as well those that had been Credited to his account as those that were not. They have remained in this state of Suspence ever since. The Treasurer\u2019s last post has sent Bills on the Collectors for 18700 Dollars Desiring the Bank to give him immediate Credit for them, which is done. I must therefore request that you will honor me with instructions what I am to do with the former bills.\nI am with great respect", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0219", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, April 11, 1791. On May 7, 1791, Washington wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have received \u2026 the opinions offered in your letters of the 11th.\u201d Second letter of April 11 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0221", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Troup, 12 April 1791\nFrom: Troup, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, April 12, 1791. \u201cI recd. your last letter with \u2026 your account current with the Lees.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0223", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 13 April 1791\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nRichmond, April 13, 1791. Encloses list of proposed inspectors of revenue for Virginia. Asks Hamilton to \u201csuspend issueing the commissions\u201d until Edward Carrington indicates \u201cthe determinations of the gentlemen who are appointed Inspectors.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0224", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 13 April 1791\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nRichmond, April 13, 1791. \u201cThe President of the United States commands me to request your attention to the enclosed memorandum.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0225", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 13 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Short, William\nTreasury DepartmentApril 13th. 1791\nSir\nI have recently received your letters of the 2d. December and the 25th. of January. The others to which they refer have not yet come to hand.\nThe manner in which you have proceeded, as detailed in your letter of the 2d. of December, is entirely satisfactory to me and I doubt not will be equally so to the President, when known to him. He is now absent on a journey through the Southern States.\nIn consequence of the arrangement which has been made by the President relative to cases occurring in his absence, I am at liberty to authorise you as soon as the loan you announce is filled, to cause another to be opened for three millions of guilders, which I accordingly do.\nOne million and a half of the loan you have set on foot is destined as a payment to France, and you will please to take as early measures as possible to have the million remitted to Paris; the half million will wait for a further direction. I observe that the remittance of the million and a half of the last loan has been effected with considerable advantage to the United States. I presume that a similar advantage will for some time to come attend succeeding remittances.\nThough your letters, detailing the nature of the offers for a transfer of the debt due to France, are not arrived, a communication through the Charg\u00e9 des affaires of France to the Secretary of State has given me the requisite information. There is however one proposition of Messieurs Schweizer, Jeanneret & Co. which I do not understand. It is the fourth, to this effect, \u201cThe difference of exchange upon the forty millions to be furnished at Paris, & upon the same sum to be received in contracts of the United States shall be regulated according to the tariff announced in the law of Congress.\u201d What is meant by this tariff I am wholly at a loss to determine, there being nothing in the law of Congress to which I can apply the term.\nThis being the case the propositions with the sole advantage of a prolonged period of reimbursement would leave the debt at the same rate of interest, and involve the disadvantage of making it payable at Amsterdam instead of Paris (subjecting the United States thereby to the loss arising from a less favourable course of exchange) together with the further disadvantage of a premium of five per Cent instead of four.\nIn this view of the matter the propositions are inadmissible. Your letter however by explaining the one I have quoted may possibly throw new light on the subject. But I do not despair that offers will be made better corresponding with the terms you are at liberty to accept.\nThe domestic debt of the United States has reached the following prices in our market.\nSix \u214c Cent funded Stock bearing Interest from the 1st. instant 17/ \u214c \u00a3 or 85 \u214c Cent, and much in demand.\nDefered Six \u214c Cent Stock 9/ \u214c \u00a3 or 45 \u214c Cent\nThree per Cents bearing Interest from the 1st. instant 9/ \u214c \u00a3 or 45 \u214c Cent, much in demand and rising.\nI have the honor to be, \u2003 with perfect consideration & esteem, \u2003 Sir Your obedient servant\nAlexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury\nWm. Short Esq.Amsterdam.\nP.S. I omitted to make you my acknowledgments for the returns of exports from St Petersburg, which I beg you now to accept. Such documents will always be most acceptable, and whenever they can be obtained without trouble or expence, I would request your transmitting to me copies of such as you may be able to procure. I have at present to ask of you the favor of obtaining for me the best information in your power concerning the establishment of the mint in the United Netherlands; the different offices, compensations to the persons engaged in it, the standards, weights, values &c. of the coins and such other particulars as are ever communicated, will all be desirable.\nThe situation of our East India trade renders it an object to obtain an account of the state of that branch of commerce in foreign countries. If you could with convenience furnish me with any thing relative to that of the United Netherlands it may be very useful at the present moment. I am particularly drawn to enquire about the affairs of the Dutch East India company by the circumstance of their borrowing money and at an high interest.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0227", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Harison, Richard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 14 April 1791\nSir\nThe Affair of Christopher Bancker having been previous to the Promulgation of the Law of the United States respecting Crimes, was not cognizable by any of the national Tribunals. It was therefore laid before a State Grand Jury which was sitting when Mr. Hardy was in this Place, and both Mr. Hammond and that Gentleman were examined upon the Occasion. To my great Surprise no Indictment was found; & having taken an Oppy. to enquire the Reason, One of the Grand Jury informed me that Mr. Hardy could not identify the Certificate produced to be one of those stolen from the Treasury. His Evidence was, that the Number of the Certificates stolen was either the same as that of the one in the Hands of Mr. Hammond or another specific Number which he mentioned. This Testimony I am told was supposed to be too uncertain to afford Ground for a Prosecution of so serious a Nature & perhaps Sentiments of Pity for a respectable but unfortunate Family were suffered to mingle themselves with other Considerations upon this Subject.\nI have the Honor to be with very great Deference, Sir\nHonb. A. H. Secy Treasy. U. S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0228", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nTreasury Department 14th. April 1791\nSir\nIt was the intention of the President that you and myself should take such measures as appeared to us eligible towards carrying into execution the Resolution empowering him to procure Artists from Europe towards the establishment of a mint.\nIt appears to me of great importance, if still practicable, to acquire Mr. Droz, And the terms mentioned in the enclosed note when applied to so preeminent an Artist do not seem extravagant. Mr. Droz however ought to be bound to give his service for not less than a year after his arrival in the United States. I should think it advisable too that some determinate allowance should be concerted with him as an equivalent for the expences of himself and servant. It may be per day.\nWith regard to instruments, such as are indispensable and difficult of execution ought to be procured in Paris.\nThe having a person who is practically and accurately skilled in the assaying of metals is of course an essential part of the establishment meditated. None such has hitherto been found in the United States. If one can be procured from France on terms not immoderate, I am of opinion that it will be expedient to procure him; unless it should appear upon inquiry that Mr. Droz is himself perfectly equal to this part of the business also. The requisite apparatus for making the assays ought in the first instance to be brought from Europe.\nIn the engagement of such a person it is highly important that no mistake should be made. He ought to be a man not only well skilled in the business, but altogether trust worthy.\nIf the payment of compensations could be deferred \u2018till after the services have been performed it would give security to the United States.\nThe requisite dispositions will be made to enable Mr. Short to possess himself of the funds which the execution of this trust may require.\nI have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem. \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedient humble Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nThe Honble. Thomas Jefferson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0229", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury DepartmentApril 14. 1791.\nSir\nOn considering your letter concerning the Revenue Cutter, I believe it will be on the whole best that the builder proceed with her, attending as far as possible to the other hints in my letter, other than relative to her size. It seems now too late to make any alteration that would lessen her dimensions.\nI am Sir \u2003 Your Obedt Serv\nBenjamin Lincoln Esqr.Collector of the CustomsBoston", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0230", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Daniel Ludlow, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ludlow, Daniel\n[Philadelphia, April 14, 1791. On April 23, 1791, Ludlow wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am indebted to the Honor of your esteemed favor of the 14 Inst.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0232", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury DepartmentApril 14th. 1791.\nSir\nThe House of Representatives having been pleased to direct me to examine and report upon the emoluments of the several Officers of the Customs, I find it necessary to enable me to form a satisfactory judgment upon the subject, that I be furnished with an accurate account, as much as possible in detail, of all the Monies received in the four quarters of the year 1790 by every Officer of the Customs, who, conceives himself to be insufficiently compensated. You will therefore, if you think it proper to have your case taken into consideration, transmit me such an Account, and you will exhibit in detail likewise in the same paper the expences of every kind, which you have actually paid during the same year. The sooner this information is received the more early I can enter upon the formation of a report. Should you think proper to make any observations, they will be acceptable. For the greater clearness I wish the letter inclosing the above account to be confined to the subject.\nI am, Sir \u2003 Your Obedt. Servt.\nA Hamilton\nP.S. This letter will be accompanied by a letter from the principal Clerk in the Office of the Comptroller to which you will be pleased to pay the same attention as if it had been signed by the Comptroller himself.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0233", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury DepartmentApril 14 1791\nSir\nI have the honor to send herewith a copy of my letter of the 10 inst: and of that from Mr. Short of the 2d. of December to which it refers; and also the copy of another letter from Mr. Short of the 25 of January.\nThe result of my submission to the vice president and the heads of Departments has been, that they have unanimously advised me to instruct Mr. Short to proceed to open a second loan as soon as the first shall be filled, and to extend this sum from two and a half to three millions of Guilders. I nevertheless request your direction concerning the alteration in his instruction, generally, which is proposed in my letter.\nFinding on recurring to it, your instruction to me competent to the disposition of the sum borrowed; I have directed Mr. Short to apply one million and a half of the loan which was to commence in February, as payment to France. The exchange between France & Holland afforded a benefit of more than ten \u214c. Cent. to the United States on the last payment.\nI thought it adviseable to dispose of a principal part of the loan to this object, not only from the general considerations which operate in the case, but from a desire to counteract the success of some Negotiations with the French Court for the purchase of the Debt due from us, which are not for the interests of the United States.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 with the most perfect respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most Obedt. \u2003 & most hble servant\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0234", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 15 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nTreasury Department, 15 April 1791\nSir,\nThe letter you sent me from Mr. Short & others which I have received, since mine to you, confirm the view of the subject therein taken. This you will perceive from the following passages extracted from one of them\u2014\u201cSince then (speaking of former overtures) another Company has presented itself for the same object, with a scheme by which the United States are to make the sacrifices on which they count for their profits.\u201d \u201cThe object of this company is, as you will see, to pay livres tournois in their present depreciated State & to receive from the United States florins at the usual exchange\u2014by this means France would receive from them as much as she is entitled to receive from us, but we should be obliged to pay the Company much more than we are obliged to pay France.\u201d \u201cHad I had powers competent to the purpose, I should not have thought myself justified to have opened such a negotiation where there was all loss and no prospect of advantage to the United States.\u201d \u201cI must also add that the house which makes these propositions is entirely unknown here & that I never heared even their names at Paris, which proves that it must be an inconsiderable one.\u201d Consequently the credit of the United States would be in imminent danger of suffering in their hands.\nI have authorised Mr. Short to apply a million & a half of florins of the loan he has opened to the use of France, and shall press as large payments, as may be practicable, to her.\nI take it for granted that the Court of France will not attempt any operation with the debt, without the consent of the United States. Any thing of this sort, considering the efforts which are making on our part, to discharge the debt, would certainly be very exceptionable. Indeed I do not see how any valid disposition of the debt of a sovereign power can be made without its consent; but it would be disagreeable to have to use this argument. I trust it will never be rendered necessary.\nI have the honor to be, \u2003 With great respect, Sir, \u2003 Your Obed Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nHonble Thomas Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0235", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Keais, 15 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Keais, Nathan\n[Philadelphia, April 15, 1791. On May 6, 1791, Keais wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYours of the \u2026 15th Ulto I have duly received.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0236", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 16 April 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Commissioners of Loans\n[Philadelphia, April 16, 1791. On April 27, 1791, Nathaniel Appleton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am this minute favoured with your Circular Letter 16th instant.\u201d Circular not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0237", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 17 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury DepartmentApril 17. 1791\nSir\nI am very sorry to have to inform you, that the Comptroller of the Treasury departed this life yesterday. His loss is sincerely to be regretted as that of a good officer & an honorable & amiable man.\nWith the most perfect \u2003 respect, I &", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0238", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 17 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nPhiladelphia April 171791\nPrivate\nSir\nYou will probably recollect that previous to your departure from this place, anticipating the event which has taken place with regard to the death of Mr Eveleigh, I took the liberty to mention to you that Mr. Woolcott the present Auditor would be in every respect worthy of your consideration as his successor in office.\nNow that the event has happened, a concern as anxious as it is natural for the success of the department united with a sentiment of Justice towards Mr. Woolcott leads me to a repetition of that Idea. This Gentleman\u2019s conduct in the station he now fills has been that of an excellent officer. It has not only been good but distinguished. It has combined all the requisites which could be desired; moderation with firmness, liberality with exactness, indefatigable industry with an accurate & sound discernment a thorough knowlege of business & a remarkable spirit of order & arrangement. Indeed I ought to say that I owe very much of whatever success may have attented the merely executive operation of the department to Mr. Woolcott. And I do not fear to commit myself, when I add, that he possesses in an eminent degree all the qualifications desireable in a Comptroller of the Treasury\u2014that it is scarcely possible to find a man in the United States more competent to the duties of that station than himself, few who would be equally so. It may truly be said of him that he is a man of rare merit. And I have good evidence that he has been viewed in this light by the members of Congress extensively from different quarters of the Union, and is so considered by all that part of the public, who have had opportunities of witnessing his conduct.\nThe immediate relation too, which his present situation bears to that of Comptroller is a strong argument in his favour. Though a regular gradation of office is not admissible in a strict sense in regard to offices of a civil nature and is wholly inapplicable to those of the first rank (such as the heads of the great executive departments) yet a certain regard to the relation, which one situation bears to another is consonant with natural ideas of Justice and is recommended by powerful considerations of policy. The expectation of promotion in civil as in military life is a great stimulous to virtuous exertion: While examples of unrewarded exertion, supported by talent & qualification, are proportionable discouragements. Where they do not produce resignations, they leave men dissatisfied & a dissatisfied man seldom does his duty well.\nIn a government like ours, where pecuniary compensations are moderate, the principle of gradual advancement, as a reward for good conduct, is perhaps more necessary to be attended to than in others where offices are more lucrative. By due attention to it, it will operate as a mean to secure respectable men for offices of inferior emolument and consequence.\nIn addition to the rest, Mr. Woolcotts experience, in this particular line, pleads powerfully in his favour. This experience may be dated back to his office of Comptroller of the State of Connecticut and has been perfected by practice in his present place.\nA question may perhaps Sir arise in your mind whether some inconvenience may not attend his removal from his present office. I am of opinion that no sensible inconvenience will be felt on this score; since it will be easy for him as Comptroller, who is the immediate superior of the auditor to form any man of business for the office he will leave in a short period of time. More inconvenience would be felt by the introduction of a Comptroller, not in the immediate train of the business. Besides this it may be observed that a degree of inconvenience on this score cannot be deemed an obstacle, but upon a principle which would bar the progress of merit from one station to another. On this point of inconvenience a reflection occurs which I do not think I ought to suppress. Mr. Woolcott is a man of nice sensibility, not unconscious of his own value; and he doubtless must believe that he has pretensions from situation to the Office. Should another appointment take place & he resign, the derangement of the department would truly be distressing to the public service.\nIn suggesting thus particularly the reasons which in my mind operate in favour of Mr. Woolcott, I am influenced by information that other characters will be brought to your view by weighty advocates, and as I think it more than possible that Mr. Woolcott may not be mentioned to you by any other person than myself, I feel it a duty arising out of my situation in the department to bear my full & explicit testimony to his worth; confident that he will justify by every kind of substantial merit any mark of your approbation, which he may receive.\nIn contemplating the appointment of the Auditor as Comptroller, a question naturally arises concerning a substitute for the former. In forming your Judgment on this point you would probably desire to know what may be the pretensions of the next officer in the department below the Auditor namely the Register. I say nothing of the Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer, because neither of them I presume would think the place of Auditor an eligible exchange for that which he now has & because I regard them both as distinct & irrelative branches of the department. The Register is a most excellent officer in his place. He has had a great deal of experience in the department, is a perfect accountant & a very upright man. But I cannot say that I am convinced he would make as good an Auditor as he does a Register. I fear he would fail on the score of firmness & I am not sure that his mind is formed for a systematic adherence to principle. I believe at the same time that he is perfectly content to remain where he is.\nThere will therefore be no difficulty in adjusting this matter to any collateral calculation which may be deemed requisite. A number of persons well qualified occur in this Quarter; but you probably will prefer directing your inquiries to the South on the principle of distribution. There is a circumstance which on this point I ought to mention. If I am rightly informed Mr. Nourse is originally from Virginia.\nThere is another circumstance which I ought not to conclude without mentioning to you. Mr. Coxe has signified to me his wish to be considered for the Office of Comptroller. On this point I have answered him & very sincerely to this effect \u201cI am well convinced that the office under your direction would be in perfectly good hands. On the score of qualification my preference would not incline to any other man & you have every reason to believe that on personal accounts none would be more agreeable to me. But I am equally well satisfied on the other hand that no man ought to be preferred to Mr. Woolcott on the score of qualification for the office, and this being the case, I am of opinion that the relation which his present station bears to that in question gives him pretensions superior to any other person.\u201d He then asked me whether it would be disagreeable to me to make his wish known to you. To this my answer was in substance that I could have no possible objection to his doing it and that I would even do it myself [but that I apprised him it should be done in such a manner as would make it clearly understood to you that all circumstances considered, I thought, that Mr. Woolcott had a decidedly preferable claim.\nI trust Sir that in thus freely disclosing my Sentiments to you, you will be persuaded that I only yeald to the suggestions of an honest zeal for the publick good, and of a firm conviction that the prosperity of the department under my particular care (one so interesting to the aggregate movements of the government) will be but promoted by transfering the present Auditor to the office of Comptroller of the Treasury.\nI have the honor to remain \u2003 with the most respectfull Attachment Sir Your Most Obedient & humble \u2003 \u2003 Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nP.S. If you should be of opinion to appoint the Auditor as Comptroller and the Register as Auditor, There would be a choice of valuable characters in the department well qualified to take the Station of the register should you think it adviseable to persue that Course.] That I may not be misapprehended, I beg leave to observe that though I do not think the Register well qualified for an Auditor in all respects, I do not think him so defective as to be a bad appointment.\n[The President of the United States]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0239", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Campbell, Thomas Withers, M. R. Willkings, Auly Macnaughten, George Hooper, 18 April 1791\nFrom: Campbell, William,Withers, Thomas,Willkings, M. R.,Macnaughten, Auly,Hooper, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nWilmington [North Carolina] April 18, 1791. Ask for instructions concerning construction of the Cape Fear lighthouse.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0240", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 18 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Harison, Richard\nTreasury Department,18 April 1791\nSir,\nAs the confinement in which Charles Seely, the late Mate of Cap. Joseph Gorham junr. now is, appears likely to affect his life, I request you to take such measures in regard to the case, as will certainly prevent a consequence so extreme. The President being absent, no relief can be derived from him. I am fully persuaded both his humanity & justice would induce him, as far as in his power, to prevent a Sacrifice of the life of even an ill intentioned Citizen in a case wherein the extremity of the law is limited by an inconsiderable pecuniary penalty.\nI presume you concur in opinion with me that the case is not so far free from wilful negligence & intention of fraud, as to give him any chance of relief under the mitigating Act.\nI am, sir, \u2003 with great consideration, \u2003 Your Obedt. Servant\nAlex Hamilton\nRichard Harison Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0241", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury Department, April 18, 1791. States that it is impossible at this time to give a definitive answer to the questions raised by Lincoln\u2019s letter of March 18, 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0243", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 19 April 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom HouseNewport [Rhode Island] 19th. Apl. 1791\nSir,\nI have received two pressing letters, one from the Surveyor of the Port of Warren & Barrington and the other from the Surveyor of the Port of East-Greenwich respecting boats for their Ports, extracts from which I now present to you.\n\u201cAgreeably to your request, (writes Mr. Phillips) I shall describe the Port of Warren and Barrington, and the parts adjoining. The Port of Warren lies on Palmer\u2019s river about two miles up its mouth, trending about NE and SW Warren laying on the Eastside & Barrington on the West. (NB. the Extracts referred to after I began to write this I thought it would be best to send inclosed in separate papers). It appears to me that a boat for each of these ports would be useful, a small two mast boat for Warren and Barrington, and a boat of one mast, to carry a sail occasionally for East-Greenwich. The two mast boat belonging to this Port is too small for it, and I think will suit Warren & Barrington, and may be from thence employed at times in the North part of this District to advantage. If you should approve of it, I will get a suitable boat built for this Port, station our present boat at Warren, and furnish East Greenwich with what I conceive would be a proper boat for that Port. The cost of both boats equipped will be about 160 dollars. I daily expect applications from Bristol, and Pawcatuck for boats, and perhaps from North Kingstown, neither of them having a Custom House boat.\nI have received your letter of the 6th. of this month respecting the Schooner Fly, and, when Mr. Brightman comes to town, if what you have written should not fully convince him I will, altho\u2019 I shall despair of success, endeavour to contribute to his conviction. He desired me to write to you to obtain your consent that his goods might be excused from paying duties, and that his Schooner, altered, and enlarged as She was, might be Registered. I told him that convinced, as I was, that the duties had legally accrued, and that the vessel had not by the alterations and additions made to her become American I could not with any propriety comply with his request. What alterations and changes are required to metamorphose a foreign built vessel into an American built vessel the Laws of the United States do not inform me. I wish to know whether the purchaser of a foreign built vessel seized and legally condemned, being a citizen of the United States, would be entitled to a register for such vessel. The law is silent here; but if vessels so circumstanced are not admitted to the privileges of American built vessels, few if any citizens will bid for them.\nYou will receive with this a weekly return of monies on hand, the copy of an endorsement of the change of master on a Certife of Regr. No. 64. granted at this Port, Decr. 3. 1790 and the copy of a similar endorsement on Enrollment No. 19 granted at this port Sepr. 10 1790.\nI am Sir yr. most obedt. servt.\nW Ellery Collr\nSecry of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0244", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Nicholson, 19 April 1791\nFrom: Nicholson, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nComptroler Generals Office [Philadelphia] April 19th 1791\nSir\nAltho many of the Certificates the property of the State of Pennsylvania were not yet assigned thereto for which you have directed such provisions to be made as fully secures her interest therein, Yet there are also Certificates that appear to the Credit of the same State on the Treasury Books which individuals are intitled to on their delivering up the New Loan Certificates of Pennsylvania in their possession. This business hath been done by my Power of Attorney to transfer to the Individual so much of this Registered Debt as they are severally intitled to and went on with great satisfaction to the Individuals, but since the late quarters Interest hath been payable on their species of Debt a difficulty arises, and I find that such as have since been transfered, will when they come to fund their paper notwithstanding the appearance of the Registered Certificate and commencement of Interest expressed thereon is the same as expressed in the former leaves One quarters Interest behind which remains to the Credit of and is receivable by the State of Pennsylvania, altho the whole Interest is in part their property. To Obviate this inconvenience if it can be Obviated is the design of my present application. From this information you will see our situation and alone can direct relief in the premises. The State of Pennsylvania have by a law thereof determined to fund their paper according to the terms prescribed by Act of Congress, of August 1790. It would therefore be to us the most agreeable to receive no Interest upon any of the Registered Debt in the shape it now is, and untill funded. If therefore all that appears to the Credit of the State were added to those contained in the List made to the Register and to the bank and which are already excepted from the Quarters payment now making, it would at once remove the difficulty. The next practicable mode appears to me to be to frame my power of Attorney to transfer so as to include a power to receive also said Quarterly payment of Interest. However as I observed before, you are best Able to devise the method in which it should be done and I have great confidence that you will order it in such way as will accomodate the State and the individuals.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 with high respect. \u2003 Sir your most Obt. Very Hbl \u2003 Servant\nJ. N.\nThe Honorable Alexe Hamilton Esqr.Secrety Treasury U States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0246", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Gibbs, 20 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Gibbs, Caleb\n[Philadelphia, April 20, 1791. On May 16, 1791, Gibbs wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have been honored by your much esteemed favour of the 20th. Ulto.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0247", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Simon Gross, 20 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Gross, Simon\nTreasury Department:20th. April 1791\nSir,\nI duly received your letter of the 9th. instant about which time I transmitted to you the Commissions of all the officers of the Maryland Revenue Cutter, whom the President has yet thought proper to appoint.\nThe provisions and necessary small articles of Ship Chandlery will be provided for you by the Collector. I wish from him, after confering with you, a minute of the arms and ammunition that are thought necessary. You will be exceedingly careful not to proceed, without clear orders, in expenditures. I mention this the more particularly, because I perceive you mistook my request to have names sent me to submit to the President, for an authority to make the appointments. This is a power that I could not give you, and which can be exercised only by the president of the United States.\nI presume from your manner of writing that the rigging and sails are prepared. If the latter are not, and Boston sail cloth cannot be procured in Baltimore as low as foreign I will immediately direct the necessary quantity to be Sent you from Boston.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your obedient Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nCaptain Simon Gross", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0250", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 21 April 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, April 21, 1791. \u201cI have been Honor\u2019d with your favour of 11th Inst.\u2026 I am much obliged Sir, by your friendly communication and advice Respecting the Future prospect of a further Compensation to be made the Officers of the Customs.\u2026 I will Continue to execute the Duties of my Office, presuming, that it cannot be the Interest or Intention of the Legislature to appoint a person as principle in an Office of Considerable National importance, without annexing to it an adequate and decent support.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0252", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Ludlow, 23 April 1791\nFrom: Ludlow, Daniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, April 23, 1791. \u201cI am indebted to the Honor of your esteemed favor of the 14 Inst & though it was not in your Power, consistent with the Regulations, you had established to Accord to my Request, I am not the less Obliged to you for the favor of a Reply & ye pains you have taken, to prevent in future the like Inconvenience.\u2026 I have now taken my Passage for Europe & expect to embark by the 15th next month.\u2026 My Acquaintance in Europe not being sufficiently Extensive to Accord with my Views, induces me to trespass on your Friendship to Solicit \u2026 Letters of Introduction.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0253", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John M. Pintard, 23 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pintard, John M.\nPhiladelphia April 23. 1791\nPrivate\nDr Sir\nYour letters of the 7th of December & 19 of January have come duly to hand.\nWhat you mention concerning manifests and certificates of drawbacks certainly merits consideration. When the Collection law originated consuls were not yet appointed. You will oblige me by freely intimating whatever occurs to you for the benefit of our Trade and Revenue laws; whether arising from your observations on the practice of other countries, or from your own reflections.\nI thank you for your attention in shipping me a pipe of Madeira, which I have received, and anticipate from its excellent quality, a regale in due time to my friends and myself. Mrs. Hamilton joins me in compliments to Mrs. Pintard.\nI remain with much regard \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your Obed ser", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0255", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Moses, 24 April 1791\nFrom: Moses, Isaac\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, April 24, 1791. \u201cWhilst Congress was in Session I would not disturb you, I now beg leave to Remind you of your promise, in giving me a Deed for the House and I will execute a Mortage for \u00a3800, you will greatly Oblige me by Condecending to this mode, as I think all the Mony I have paid On a Very loose foundation.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0257", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 25 April 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom HouseNewport [Rhode Island] Apl. 25th. 1791\nSir,\nThe 21st. of this month I received a thermometer which by your direction was sent to me from New york by Mr. Lamb. By some accident the bulb was broken in its way from Philadelphia to this place. It came broken to me. As it was made at Philadelphia, and I suppose the maker is furnished with spare tubes I have remitted it to Mr. Lamb with a request that he would transmit it immediately to you. The graduated plate had I observed suffered some defacement.\nI should be happy to receive your direction respecting a prosecution of the master of the Ship Warren, and on the case of William Almy a statement of which I transmitted to you on the 17th. of Jany. last, and also on the case of James Munro junr. which I stated in my letter of the 28th. of March last.\nThis letter will be accompanied by my weekly return of Cash & by two Certifes. of Regy. the one No. 21 granted at Dighton, and dated Apl. 22nd. 1790, the other No. 15, granted at this Port, and dated Augt. 3d. 1790. The first was delivered up on account of a transfer of property, the last on account of the Sloop\u2019s being built upon.\nI had the honour to receive your letter of the 11th. of this month, and am\nSir \u2003 Yr. most obedt. servt.\nW Ellery Collr\nA. Hamilton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0258", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 25 April 1791\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nWilmington [North Carolina] April 25, 1791. States that the President thinks that Joseph McDowell, Sr., \u201cis perhaps, in all regards, the most proper person to be appointed Inspector of the survey No. 5\u201d in North Carolina and that Captain William Cooke should be appointed captain of the revenue cutter at Wilmington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0259", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 April 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, April 25, 1791. \u201cFrom a difficulty which arises to git an old Millitary officer of Reputation to take Command of the Company to be raised in this State, I have been under the Necessity of Recommending Jeremiah Greenman to the Secretary of War, as a Gentleman that would do honor to the appointment. You will doubtless recollect that I Recommended this Gentleman as first mate of the Cutter Building in Connecticutt, but his appointment not being made, and a Millitary life being more Congenial to his wishes, I have under these Circumstances taken the Liberty to name him to the Secretary of War.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0260", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 25 April 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, April 25, 1791. \u201cPermit me to introduce to your acquaintance the Bearer\u2026 John S. Dexter, who has been honored by the President with the appointment of Supervisor of Excise for Rhode Island\u2014he now goes forward as a Delegate from this State Society to attend the General meeting of the Cincinnati to be holden in the City of Philadelphia.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0261", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Van Rensselear, 25 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Rensselear, Stephen Van\n[Philadelphia, April 25, 1791. The description of this letter in the dealer\u2019s catalogue reads: \u201cRegarding \u2018several powers of attorney for the receipt of final settlement certificates\u2019 presented by Abijah Holbrook \u2018about whom reports of an unfavorable nature have been circulated;\u2019 the certificates being those of soldiers in Colonel Marinus Willet\u2019s regiment.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0262", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Habersham, 26 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Habersham, John\n[Philadelphia, April 26, 1791. On May 20, 1791, Habersham wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have \u2026 received your letter of the 26th. ultimo.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0263", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 26 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Harison, Richard\nTreasury DepartmentApril 26th. 1791.\nSir\nYou have been advised of the application of Samuel Dodge to the President for a Pardon. You know also that he is convicted upon the 26th section of the last Collection Law.\nA question arises concerning the extent of the power to pardon. There is a general rule that a power to pardon cannot be exercised so as to divest Individuals of a right of action for their sole benefit, or of a vested right which they have in conjunction with the sovereign; as where there is a penalty part to the use of the Public and part to the use of an informer. The inquiry consequently is how far the penalties within the 26 Section are liable to the distribution contemplated by the 68 section of the same Act and what difference the mode of proceeding by Indictment instead of a popular action may make.\nI wish your opinion after deliberate investigation on the points which arise out of the general question here made so as to exhibit principles which may guide in other cases as well as in this. I wish also your opinion whether the case of Dodge would be within the relief of the law concerning the Remission and Mitigation of Penalties.\nIf it should appear that the Presidents pardon may remit a part and not the whole of the penalties incurred by Dodge, it will remain to inquire whether the pardon ought to be general leaving the Court to make the exception of what it cannot opererate upon or special remitting only so much as concerns the Public. What process of execution would be proper to enforce part of a penalty?\nAnother case has occured, concerning which, I also wish your opinion. It is whether the officers of the Customs are intitled under the 68th Section to a share of the penalty prescribed by the 65th for false swearing. Distinctions on this point have been taken. If you should be of opinion, that the Officers of the Customs are intitled to nothing, it will be satisfactory to me to be informed of the ground of that opinion, or in other words, of the principle by which exceptions to the generality of the expression of the 68 section are to be governed.\nWith great consideration \u2003 I have the honor to be, Sir \u2003 Your Obedt servant.\nAlexander Hamilton\nRichard Harison Esqr.New York", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0264", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 26 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: McHenry, James\n[Philadelphia, April 26, 1791. On May 3, 1791, McHenry wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI did not receive your letter of the 26th till the morning of the 2d.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0265", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 27 April 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, April 27, 1791. \u201cI wrote you 9th instant. I am this minute favoured with your Circular Letter 16th instant. I have disposed of all the Treasury Drafts.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0266", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 27 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ellery, William\n[Philadelphia, April 27, 1791. On May 9, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have received your letter of the 27th. of last month.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0268", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 28 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury Department28 April 1791\nSir,\nThe bills of the old emmissions enclosed in your letter of the 22d December are now returned to you. Those which you have crossed are found to be counterfeit. That which remains unerassed is a true bill.\nIt will derange the established plan of operations to draw a warrant on you for your Salary & expenditures. It will be best that you appoint, as heretofore, an agent to receive your Salary at the Treasury. You have been directed by my letter of the 16th instant to deposit any money which remains in your hands in the Massachusetts Bank.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your Obedt. Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nNathanl Appleton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0269", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 29 April 1791\nFrom: Harison, Richard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 29th. April 1791\nSir,\nI had the Honor of receiving your Letter of the 26th. and shall pay due Attention to the Contents. The Questions proposed, are in themselves of great Importance & not free from Difficulties. They must therefore require mature and deliberate Consideration.\nInclosed you will find the Contract entered into with John McComb Junr. & a Bond to secure the Performance of it. Mr. Cruger not having left proper Authority to execute an Obligation for him, I consented to accept of Messrs. Barrow and Boyd in his Stead, both of whom I suppose possess some Property. Either of them with Mr. Kemble, would, I think, afford sufficient Security to the Public.\nI did not judge it necessary to have the Contracts copied over as the Alterations were very minute, and a Vessel being on the Point of Sailing for Cape Henry a Delay would have been inexpedient.\nI am, with great Respect, \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obedt. & most \u2003 humb. Servt.\nHon. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0272", "content": "Title: Account with John B. Church, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia] May 1, 1791. A record of Hamilton\u2019s administration of Church\u2019s affairs \u201cas \u214c Account transmitted J B Church.\u2026 Dates not to be relied on. Entry having been subsequently made for memorandum.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0273", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 2 May 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Commissioners of Loans\n[Philadelphia, May 2, 1791. On May 15, 1791, Nathaniel Appleton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am favoured with your circular Letter 2d. instant. Circular not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0274", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Ward, 2 May 1791\nFrom: Ward, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Boston, May 2, 1791. On May 26, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Ward: \u201cI duly received your letter of the 2d instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0275", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 3 May 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, May 3, 1791. \u201cYour circular Letter 8th April is received. An Account agreably to the form sent shall be transmitted as soon as possible. I now inclose you a Statement of the United States Act Current as it stands in my Book the balance of 26385.83 is deposited in the Massachusetts Bank.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0276", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 May 1791\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Baltimore] 3 May 1791.\nMy dear Sir.\nI did not receive your letter of the 26th till the morning of the 2d. I immediately after saw Gen. Williams and made such communication of your wishes as I thought most likely to be attended with success. You know his ambitious cast, and that he thinks he could be more serviceable at the head of a great department than collector of a district. I mentioned the death of the comptroller, and the probability in my opinion that the President from the knowlege he had of the present auditors habits experience and capacities for business would fix upon him for a successor; in which case the auditorship which was a very important office would become vacant. I observed on the advantages of a residence at the seat of Congress if he still inclined to mount higher, that he knew your power and disposition, and said I would take upon myself to make the necessary suggestions. The idea of the auditors office being a step to a still more desirable one had its weight, but he finally declined, alledging his ill state of health, and the recent death of a brother in law Col. Stull which has devolved upon him the care of his children and estate. In short he was not to be induced to be auditor, tho\u2019 I thought could I have said comptrouller he might, notwithstanding his present state of health would unfit him for discharging the duties of either.\nI then called on Mr. Wm. Smith who with less shew of talents will make a much better auditor. He will have as little to learn as the General; is as systematic, a more correct and perfect accountant, of great respectability and of longer standing in society. I found also here that the comptrollership was a more darling object. My first conversation was yesterday, and it was not till about half an hour ago I got him to consent to use my discretion, so you may use yours. I was obliged to intimate, that from the opinion you had of him, I could entertain no doubt but his appointment would be certain unless the President got entangled to the Southward.\nYou judged right. Nay, should even what I once thought of take place, and my present temper of mind continue, I would remain where I am. My mind in the loss of a brother has received a severe shock. My wife like yours is every thing that is kind good and excellent, and was there only one man more in the world I should be the happiest man in it.\nAdieu and believe me yours most sincerely \u2003 and most affectionately\nJames McHenry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0277", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 4 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Delany, Sharp\nTreasury DepartmentMay 4th. 1791\nSir\nI am informed, that a doubt has been made, whether in order to obtain the Credit for two years, for the duties on Teas, according to the Act making provision for the collection of the Duties by law, imposed on Teas and to prolong the term for the payment of the duties on Wines, it is necessary that the Teas be deposited in conformity to the regulations prescribed in the Act\u2014it being contended that the parties will be intitled to the benefit of that Credit on giving Bond, with surety, as in other cases, conditioned for the payment of the duties in two years.\nAs I have no doubt that the true construction of the law makes the deposit of the Teas an indispensable condition to the allowance of that Credit, I am to desire that you will govern yourself accordingly.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Obedt. Servt.\nAlexander Hamilton\nSharp Delany Esqr.Collr. Philada.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0278", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury Department,4 May 1791\nSir,\nInstructions relative to the collection of the Duties on Teas are now preparing, and will be very soon transmitted.\nThe papers relative to the Suffolk of Weymouth were returned some time since to the District Court of Massachusetts, as they were not in such form as to enable me legally to decide upon the case.\nI am, sir,\nB Lincoln Esqr.Boston", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0279", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 4 May 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis May 4 1791.\nSir\nSince my last of April 9. I have received a letter from M. de Montmorin in which he informs me that he had recieved a second letter from Schweizer & Jeanneret relative to the reimbursement of the American debt & their proposals respecting it, & that he had answered them that they must apply to me, being unable himself to interfere in the matter notwithstanding the favorable opinion he entertained of their proposals. They had previously applied to me to have something definitive done with respect to their terms, as not being willing or able to keep so large a sum unemployed upon an uncertainty & also as being limited as to time by the Genoese capitalists for whom they acted. I told them that I had done all that I was authorized to do, which was to send you their proposals & that as soon as I was made acquainted with your sentiments I would communicate them. Since then & since their letter to M. de Montmorin I have heard nothing further from them.\nThe Genoese Minister has as yet no answer from Genoa but he seems well persuaded that the U.S. may make loans advantageously there particularly since I have made him acquainted with the present situation of their debt, government, & revenue. In support of this it is indispensable that you should send here proofs of the amount of the taxes appropriated to foreign loans, properly authenticated. I have given him a copy of the act making this appropriation & also the amount of the revenue to last October as taken from the newspapers. I have mentioned also the augmented duties to take place. I think it highly probable by having a credit as well at Genoa as Amsterdam & by putting them in opposition with each other the U.S. may very soon reduce their rate of interest. The greatest obstacle to this would be the heavy arrears we owe France, & which it is supposed we shall immediately make loans to pay off. It is for this reason that it is doubly desirable to convert their arrears by some negotiation or other into a new form\u2014or pay them off by loans made here which would of course not interfere with those to be made at Amsterdam or Genoa. The depreciation of assignats continuing I think it probable the U.S. might make such loans & particularly by securing the lenders against further depreciation. It is possible also that it might be an agreeable circumstance to them to render them bonds for these loans or any part of them receivable in the land office of the U.S for the purchase of lands agreeable to the prices fixed by law. This is only an idea which occurs as being an additional security against depreciation.\nI am promised an account in detail of the loans made at Genoa for twelve months past & will send it to you.\nI have the honor to be with perfect respect & attachment \u2003 Sir, your most obedient \u2003 humble servant\nW: Short\nThe Honble Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0280", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 5 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\n[Philadelphia, May 5, 1791. On May 15, 1791, Appleton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am \u2026 favoured with your particular Letter 5th instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0281", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [5 May 1791]\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, May 5, 1791]\nSir.\nOn the 28th. of Augt. 1788, the late Board of Treasury of the U.S. under the authority of a Resolution of Congress accepted the proposals which were made to them, on the 7th. of July preceding, by the Delegates in Congress from Pennsylvania on behalf of this State, for the purchase of a tract of Land, belonging to the U.S., contained in the interval betwixt a Meridian Line, run between Lake Erie and the state of Pennsylvania, and the boundaries of the States of New York and Massachusetts, at the rate of three fourths of a Dollar per Acre; payable in gold or silver, or in public securities of the U.S., bearing Interest.\nAs I understand that the quantity of land contained in the above mentioned tract has been ascertained by actual survey, it is proper to inform you that I am ready, on the part of Pennsylvania, to comply with the terms of the contract. Permit me, therefore, to request that on the part of the U.S. you will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements, and to appoint an early day for closing the transaction. I am, sir, yr most obd \u2003 & hble serv\nT. M.\nTo Alexr Hamilton EsqrS.T.U.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0283", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Forrest, John Nicholson, and Others, Public Creditors, 6 May 1791\nFrom: Forrest, Thomas,Nicholson, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, May 6, 1791. In a letter dated May 27, 1791, and addressed to \u201cThomas Forrest, John Nicholson and others, Public Creditors,\u201d Hamilton wrote: \u201cI have received your letter of the sixth instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0284", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Hardy, 6 May 1791\nFrom: Hardy, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nTreasury Department, Comptroller\u2019s Office, May 6, 1791. \u201cOn examining the Accounts of John Halsted, Collector of the Customs, for the District of Perth Amboy, from 1st. October to 31st. December 1790, it appears, that he has collected duties on American coasting Vessels, under 20 Tons burthen, at the rate of 6 Cents per Ton, per annum, to the amount of 29 Ds. 04 Cts. with which he has credited the United States. As the Collection of those duties, seems to have been made, contrary to the intent of your circular Letter to the Collectors of the 30th. November 1789; I conceive it to be my duty to communicate the circumstance for your consideration.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0285", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Keais, 6 May 1791\nFrom: Keais, Nathan\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollectors OfficePort Washington [North Carolina] May 6th: 1791\nSir\nYours of the 14th & 15th Ulto I have duly received together with the last Acts of Congress. I shall as Soon as Possible and on the best terms I am able Contract with Some Person of Ability to build & Compleat the revenue Cutter. In your Letter of the 14th Ulto. you Say, on the receipt of this Letter you will Proceed to Contract with Suitable Persons for the erecting or fixing and Keeping up Setts of Stakes Which are Requisite to mark out the Several Channels that was formerly furnished with them. As no Particular Part of this Business is mentioned it has the appearance that you intended that I Should have the Management of all the sounds and Channels that was Ordered to be Stak\u2019d by the Laws of this State.\nWhich I cannot think was your intentions, as the Waters of Cape Fear is so remote from all the Other Parts of this State the Legislature Gave them a Priviledge of Appointing Commissioners for that River alone. The Stakeage of the Swash and Royal Shoal in Pamplico Sound, was under the Directions of the Commissioners of Newbern Washington and Edenton; the Other Channels running into Pamplico & Albermarle Sounds under their Respective Commissioners.\nThis Method of Putting the Management of the Swash and Royal Shoal under the Care of three commissioners So remote from each Other was attended with Ill Consequences. I think this Business Ought to be put under the direction of One Person. I Shall Proceed to Hire Out the Stakeage of the Swash Royal Shoal and Pamplico Sound and All the Other Parts Within my District and Shall Wait your Instruction before I Proceed Further.\nI am With Respect \u2003 Your Obedient Servant\nNath Keais", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0286", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury Department,6 May 1791\nSir,\nI have transmitted the accounts enclosed in your letter of the 27 Ultimo to the Auditor of the Treasury. The stock which you fund in the Massachusetts office you will cause to be transferred to the Treasury, and for this purpose you will make application to Mr Appleton, the Commissioner of Loans. As the loan office certificates can be funded at the Treasury, it will be best that you transmit them hither for the purpose, taking great care to do it under such circumstances and with such precautions, that in case of accident you can clearly prove their transmission.\nI am, sir, with great consideration, \u2003 Your Obedt Servant\nA Hamilton\nBenjamin Lincoln Esq.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0287", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nTreasury DepartmentMay the 7. 1791\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to inform the Secretary of State that there are in the bank of North America Bills at ten days sight for the sum of 32.175 Guilders, which the Cashier is directed to hold for him. A warrant is enclosed for the sum of 13000 dolls. in his favor, the money for which is intended to procure those bills for the purpose of obtaining a recognition of the treaty with the new Emperor of Morocco.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0289", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joshua Wentworth, 7 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wentworth, Joshua\n[Philadelphia, May 7, 1791. On September 7, 1791, Wentworth wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour letters of the 7th May & 22d June were duly received.\u201d Letter of May 7 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0290", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 8 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCharleston [South Carolina] May 8, 1791. \u201cMr. Cogdell, the Collector of Georgetown appearing on enquiry a proper person to be appointed Inspector of Excise for that Survey, you will signify his appointment to that Office.\u2026 Capt. Robert Cochran seems in all respects best qualified to command the revenue Cutter on this station, and I have in consequence appointed him to that Office.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0292", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Pierpont Edwards, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Edwards, Pierpont\nTreasury DepartmentMay 9th. 1791\nSir\nYour account being allowed and certified by the District Judge must be forwarded to the Auditor of the Treasury, who will put it in a course of adjustment according to the forms of the Treasury.\nYou ought also to empower some person on the spot to receive and remit to you the amount of your account. The remittance can commonly be negotiated by a draught on one of your Collectors.\nI am with great consideration \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obed serv\n\u27e8Alexander H\u27e9amilton\nPierpoint Edw\u27e8ards\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0294", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Andrew Porter, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Porter, Andrew\nTreasury DepartmentMay 9th. 1791\nSir\nI have concluded to comply with the request contained in your Letter of the 23d of April last and have given directions Accordingly.\nIn doing this I merely yield to a disposition to Accomodate as much as may be in my power to the wishes of Individuals, convinced that what is directed to be done can make no difference in the legal effect of the Transaction.\nI am Sir \u2003 Your Obedt Servant\nA Hamilton\nMr. Andrew Porter", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0295", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\nTreasury Department,9 May 1791\nSir,\nI am desirous of making a further payment to Mr William Hill, of five thousand Dollars on account of his contract for cloathing for the Troops. The Bank of New York will oblige me by making him a payment of that sum, & taking his receipt for the same, as on that account. This sum will be charged, during the vacancy of the Comptroller\u2019s Office, to the seperate account for the United States, as in the former payment.\nI am, sir \u2003 Your Most Obedt Servant\nA HamiltonSecy of the Treasury\nWm Seton Esqr.Cashier of the Bk of N Yk\nPS. The Treasurer has been directed to send you for sale Two hundred thousand Guilders to be disposed of on the same terms with the last\u2014that is at 36\u2074\u2044\u2081\u2081 ninetieths per Guilder payable in sixty days, or in Ninety with the discount for thirty. Instead of two good names or two firms, one good name and a deposit in any species of the Stock of the United States, at its lowest current value, to an amount equal to the sum purchased will suffice.\nA Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0296", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Short, William\nTreasury DepartmentPhiladelphia May 9th. 1791\nSir\nSince mine to you of the 13th. of April, I have received your several letters of the eighteenth and thirtieth of December, the fifteenth of January, the seventh, seventeenth and twenty second of february.\nThanking you for the copious information they contain, I assure you, that the further developement of the business has increased my satisfaction with the course you have pursued. The issue of the loan set on foot by you, is too favourable to the credit of this Country not to be particularly pleasing.\nI was apprehensive, that inconvenience might attend the restriction by which you are required to defer opening a new loan, till the preceeding one has been communicated and approved. And I doubt not, that the President will readily consent to remove it on perceiving that it has occasioned embarassment. He is expected to return to this place by the middle of June; though as I have written to him on the subject, it is probable that I shall, before his return, receive orders to give you greater latitude.\nMy letter of the 13th. of April will have enabled you to open a second loan, either in Holland, or in the place to which Mr. Morris alludes\u2014if the supposed opportunity shall have been found real and shall not have passed by. It certainly would be very desireable to be able to resort to more markets than one and if one of those markets should happen to be England it would not be the worse on that account. I think there is a train of good consequences involved in the idea of opening the purses of monied men in that Country to the Government of this. I suspect nevertheless, that it would not be long tolerated.\nMy objections to the negotiation you announce for obtaining a transfer of the debt due to France, have been confirmed by your subsequent communications.\nYou are informed that a million and a half of the last loan is destined for France and authorised immediately to apply a million. I am now to inform you that directions have been given to the Treasurer to draw for Eight hundred thousand. Leaving funds for answering this sum, you are at liberty to complete the payment of the whole sum destined for France, as speedily as you think fit.\nWhen the President returns I shall take with him a definitive arragement, and give you a general view of the dispositions intended to be made.\nWith great consideration and esteem \u2003 I have the honor to be \u2003 Sir Your obedt. servt.\nAlexander Hamilton\nWilliam Short EsquireCharg\u00e9 des affaires of the United Statesat the Court of France", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0297", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Smith, Thomas\n[Philadelphia, May 9, 1791. On June 8, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Smith: \u201cYou will perceive on reexamination that you have misconceived the instruction contained in my letter of the 9th Ulto.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0299", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Weissenfels and George P. Weissenfels, Junior, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Weissenfels, Charles,Weissenfels, George P., Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, May 9, 1791. Seek to obtain either a Government appointment or a pension for their father.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0300", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth, New Hampshire, May 9, 1791. \u201cI this day recd from the Collector Benj Lincoln Esqr. of Boston 12 ps Canvas which I presume are intended for Sails for the Cutter. I had engaged the Canvas of the Mafactory here but have now Countermanded it.\u2026 Be pleased to advise what articles for equiping the Vessel or for Stores are to be forwarded that I may avoid making unnecessary purchases.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0301", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore, May 9, 1791. \u201cI transmit you a copy of a report of the Surveyor of this district respecting a compari[s] on of Dycas\u2019s Hydrometer with the Substitute. This is the first report which I have received upon the subject, and in consequence have directed the Surveyor to discontinue the use of the Substitute.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0303", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Cuyler, 10 May 1791\nFrom: Cuyler, Richard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlbany, May 10, 1791. \u201cMy Father (Mr. Jacob Cuyler). has shewn me your polite Favor to him of 8th. Apl. by which observe you continue to hold his Application in Veiw, but that nothing had yet Occurred. With Regard to an Office, of Collector of the Revenue, would with pleasure Accept, should I be so fortunate, as to be favored therewith.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0304", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 10 May 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, May 10, 1791. Encloses returns \u201cof the Vessels built within this District.\u201d Acknowledges receipt of \u201cOne of Dicas\u2019s Hydrometers.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0305", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 10 May 1791\nFrom: Smith, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] May 10, 1791. \u201c\u2026 I am nearly out of Indents, the Comptroller of this State informs me that about 300,000 Dolls. more will pay the Interest on the Certificates belonging to Individuals yet remaining in his Hands. I am honored with your favor 2nd April.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0306", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 10 May 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Portsmouth, New Hampshire, May 10, 1791. On May 17, 1791, Whipple wrote to Hamilton and referred to \u201cMy last letter (May 10th).\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0307", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 12 May 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, May 12, 1791. Encloses \u201cweekly Return of Cash\u201d and \u201cTwo Drafts of the Treasr.\u201d Acknowledges receipt of a \u201cThermometer, forwarded by the Collr. of New York.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0308", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury Department,May 13th, 1791.\nSir,\nI find instances that have occurred in some of the Custom-houses, of receiving the duties on goods by estimates formed upon the invoices, or the statements of the Masters and Owners of the vessels, and by other means than actual gauging, weighing, measuring, &c. This, it is manifest, is not conformable to law, and may lead to practices very injurious to the revenue. Neither is it necessary to the accomodation of the Merchant, who, by the last Collection Act, is at liberty to carry his goods from one district to another, paying the duties in the districts for which they are destined, upon the goods only that are landed in each. I have therefore to desire that the duties on goods may, in no instance, be ascertained but on the actual landing thereof, and by no means but by the measuring, weighing and gauging, in all cases wherein those operations are required by law. If vessels bound to other places put into your district, the mere securing there of the duties to be paid in the district for which the goods are destined, is to be done by estimation in the manner prescribed by law, but no estimation is to be accepted when the duties are to be paid to you.\nA question has also been stated for my determination, whether the Inspector put on board a vessel in one district to go to another, is to superintend the landing of the goods in the last district. I am of opinion that he is not, and that his authority on board the vessel terminates the moment she reports herself in the last district.\nI find that a considerable difference, as well in the custom of Merchants as in the practice of the Custom-houses, in regard to the mode of calculating the Tare of goods, prevails through the Union: I have therefore to request that you will inform yourself accurately, what Tare is customary among Merchants in your district, upon the following goods\u2014that is, whether they make their allowance per 112 lb or 100, and whether it be 2, 10, 12 or 15 per cent. viz\u2014On sugars in hogsheads,\u2014ditto in barrels\u2014ditto in boxes; coffee in barrels\u2014 ditto in bags,\u2014cocoa in ditto and ditto, and in hogsheads; piemento in bags and barrels,\u2014pepper in ditto and ditto, and in bales; and so of any other goods, and in any kind of package usually imported.\nI also request that you will inform me what has heretofore been your mode of allowing the Tares on the several kinds of goods abovementioned, and in the several kinds of packages, under the Collection Law.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 \u27e8your obedient Servant,\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0309", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 15 May 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited States Loan OfficeBoston 15 May 1791\nSr.\nI wrote you 10 instant, at which time I drew on the Treasury for the amount of my last Quarters Salary & expenditures for the two first Quarters\u2014Since which I am favoured with your circular Letter 2d. instant. In answer I have to inform you that I have never issued a single Certificate to a nonsubscriber in exchang for Old Emisso. money or Indents of Interest. I have issued only one Certificate to a non subscriber for Certificates of public Debt which took place the present Quarter. I think there will not be another nonsubscriber in this State. I am also favoured with your particular Letter 5th instant. I note your directions to the Treasury to transmit me Drafts for twenty thousand Dollars. When they are received I shall dispose of them agreably to your orders. The money arising from the Sale thereof shall be placed in the Massachusetts Bank as the former money was for its greater security &c. With great Respect \u2003 I have the honor to be Sr Y Servant\nN A", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0310", "content": "Title: Conversation with George Backwith, [15 May 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander,Beckwith, George\nTo: \n7 \u2003 \u201cIf the United States were at war with a great or respectable nation, the case would be different, a foreign mediation under certain circumstances might be desirable; in that case, the manner of the application would be official, and of course not to any public officer of that country abroad, but to the administration at home; on the present occasion, the thing in its existing shape is inadmissible, and I could not submit such a paper to the President\u2019s consideration\u2014the objects of warfare are certain vagrant Indian Tribes who cannot be considered to be on the footing in which such a system as this would place them, however it may be our interest and policy to close hostilities, which are attended with trouble and expence, and which indeed may be excited by our frontier people, from interested motives: as an Indian war leads to the spending money in their country as well as to the gratification of their individual resentments.\u201d\n[Beckwith] \u2003 In suggesting the measure of an interference or rather of a pacific recommendation on the part of Lord Dorchester, I acted altogether as an individual, and my judgment led me to this from the sense of the thing, and from my conceiving the fomenting such a war could never be any object for such a government as yours. On the contrary I have concluded from those explanations which I have received by your means, of matters in the western Country, that your trading interests would be advanced, by the re-establishment of peace. We shall take occasion in the course of the summer to mark a pacific disposition to the Indians in general and to those hostile tribes in particular. We shall suggest to them the idea of a meeting to discuss the objects of difference, and if Lord Dorchester would suggest that a friendly accomodation and settlement would be a pleasing circumstance to your Government, it might have a tendency to promote it; in all this, I do not speak ministerially to you, although I am sure the thing is so, and that it would not only advance this object but tend to forward the establishment of those greater national points which I have frequently touched upon in our different conversations.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0311", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 15 May 1791\nFrom: Schuyler, Philip\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlbany May 15th 1791\nDear Sir\nA few days after the receipt of your favor covering letters for the Supervizor of Vermont and Mr Jacob Cuyler I wrote you and my Eliza, but as I have not had a line from you since I fear my letters have not come to hand. I entreated Eliza to let me know when she would set out from Philadelphia for this place, that I might engage a good and discreet master of an Albany Sloop to bring her to this place, and begged her to bring all the children and their nurse with her. I fear If she remains where she is until the hot weather commences that her health may be much injured. Let me therefore intreat you to expedite her as soon as possible.\nI have hardly enjoyed a day without pain since I left you, the Gout continues to torment me in feet & wrists. I impute much of It to the very \u27e8rain\u27e9y weather we have hitherto experienced.\nMrs. Schuyler Joins me in love to all with you, adieu.\nI am Dr Sir \u2003 Affectionately Yours &c &c\nP Schuyler\nHone. Alexr Hamilton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0312", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Gibbs, 16 May 1791\nFrom: Gibbs, Caleb\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBarre [Massachusetts] May 16th. 1791\nMy best friend\nI have been honored by your much esteemed favour of the 20th. Ulto.\nWith the most pungent greif did I read your Letter respecting Mr. Tracy\u2019s affair. It is to much for me to relate. Nay My good Hamilton (excuse the freedom) it fairly unmanned me. And what is still more effecting to me, to see my amiable wife looking over the Letter and exclaiming is it possible, is it possible Mr. Gibbs that you have lost that hard earned money you friendly lent that wicked man. Indeed my friend it was too much for her to bear. And more particularly so, considering her situation we have been almost ever since in a state of dispair for I have all along held up to her the Idea, that there was hopes of recovering my property more especially as we thought it was in your hands\u2014but now forever lost\u2014not only so but good money which I borrowed of you to bear my expences thrown away in pursuit of what he owes me & god only knows when I shall ever be able to pay you.\nPray for gods sake my friend speak to the President for me. The Surveyorship of the Port of Boston is now vacant, cannot you befriend me. Every one who knows (& I know you do) that the great Oeconomy used in the Expenditures of the Generals family was in a very great degree owing to me. Speak peace to me. Drop but one drop of the balm of Comfort & Consolation. If I am worthy of another line from you, give me it as a Comforter.\nI pray god to preserve you & believe me yours \u2003 devotedly\nC Gibbs\nP.S. Remember I am always ready to obey your Commands.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0313", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 16 May 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, May 16, 1791. \u201cThere being but one Public Boat in this District and that Constantly employed by the Inspector at the Port of Pawtuxet and so down the Bay, I find it Necessary that a Suitable one with Sails should be provided for the use of the Surveyor and Inspectors of this Port, to go on Board of Vessels, and particularly such as are frequently detained (by head winds &c.) for Several days, some miles below the Town.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0314", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 16 May 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBank of New York 16th May 1791\nSir.\nAgreably to your desire Mr Hill has been paid Five thousand Dollars for which enclosed you have his receipt. Of the Bills on Amsterdam 23,000 Guilders are sold; and offer is now made to take to the amount of 100,000 Dollars worth, for the one half of which a Deposit of Stocks would be made and for the other half Notes with sufficient Endorsers. To comply with this proposition, we shall want nearly 100,000 Guilders more, if agreeable to you to direct the Treasurer to send them on.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0315", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Van Rensselaer, 16 May 1791\nFrom: Van Rensselaer, Stephen\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlbany May 16 1791\nDear Sir\nYour letter of the 25 of April I received and have endeavoured to obtain the information you required. Respecting John Burk he was a Soldier in Col. Willets Regiment & did on the 8 of March execute a power of Attorney to A. Holbrook but says that he received only two Dollars & wishes to revoke the power if possible.\nWith respect to E. Lewis I could not learn whether he gave a similar power he being from Home but I know the man & that he was a Soldier.\nI am D Sir Your Obt Servt\nS. V. Rensselaer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0318", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 17 May 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth, New Hampshire, May 17, 1791. \u201c\u2026 My last letter (May 10th) Stated the amount of the first moiety of Invalid Pensioners in New Hampshire at 1661 \u2079\u2078\u2044\u2081\u2080\u2080 Dolls. This Should have been 1660 \u2079\u2076\u2044\u2081\u2080\u2080 Dolls. which last mentioned Sum is the precise amount of the Said moiety deducting the Sum of 376 \u00b3\u2075\u2044\u2081\u2080\u2080 Dolls. paid by the State to those Pensioners.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0319", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Wylly, [17 May 1791]\nFrom: Wylly, Richard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[May 17, 1791.] \u201cI have the honor of enclosing you the affidavit of Mr. John Wereat, Auditor of this State, respecting the late Edward Davies, who issued sundry Loan Office certificates, without, I believe, any authority: as I can receive no answer from our Governor, to whom I writ long since on this subject.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0320", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Habersham, 20 May 1791\nFrom: Habersham, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom House,Savannah, May 20th, 1791.\nSir,\nI have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st of March last.\nI shall observe what you have directed in regard to Captain Backhouse, should the decision be against him.\nWhen the Legislature have their next meeting, I shall use my best endeavors to obtain a Cession of the Light House to the United States. In the mean time I have to inform you, that the additions and repairs to that building are compleated, and that as no Person had been appointed to take charge of it, I applied to the President of the United States on the 14th Inst., to authorize a temporary appointment, until I should hear from you on the subject, which he did, and I have accordingly given one to Mr. Ichabod Higgins, the Person who I recommended to you in my Letter of the 14th Novemr. 1789. Be pleased to inform me, whether it is agreeable to you that Mr. Higgins should be continued, and what compensation he is to receive; and also how I am to conduct myself with respect to obtaining the necessary supplies of Oil and Wick. For the present I shall lay in a small quantity of each to answer immediate purposes. It is with regret I inform you, that the expence of this business will considerably exceed what I mentioned in my letter of the 11th. of February last. It became necessary to procure many Articles which I was not apprized of when that letter was written. I have had a survey of the work which has been done, and it is pronounced to be substantial and every way equal to the terms of the Contract.\nI have also received your letter of the 26th. ultimo, and shall lose no time in complying with the orders therein given, with respect to the transmission of all my Accounts to the 31st. of March last, and of Duplicates of my Weekly Returns, in the manner you have directed.\nYou will herewith receive a Weekly Return of monies received and paid by me, from the 8th. to the 14th. Instant, amount on hand being Twenty seven thousand two hundred & ninety nine Dollars and seventy nine and a half Cents, in Specie.\nI am, Sir, very respectfully, \u2003 Your Obedient Servant.\nJohn HabershamCollector of the Customs for Savh.\nAlexr Hamilton, Esqr., Secry. of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0321", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John H. Livingston, 20 May 1791\nFrom: Livingston, John H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, May 20, 1791. \u201cI am very sorry to be under the necessity of troubling you with inclosed paper to which your signature is necessary. Our Legislature broke up so soon after we recd. the necessary document for freeing you from this, that it was not in our power to get an Act for that purpose, but it shall be done at the next Sessions. In the mean while we will tresspass upon your time and friendship in this way as little as possible.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0322", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 20 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAugusta [Georgia] May 20 1791.\nSir\nWhile at Charleston I appointed Robert Cochran of that place to command the revenue cutter for the station of South Carolina, & empowered him, with the approbation of the Governor & general Moultrie, to appoint his mates.\nI have appointed John Howell Commander\u2014Hendricks Fisher, first mate, and John Wood second mate of the revenue cutter to be stationed on the coast of Georgia. You will transmit the commissions and your instructions to these Gentlemen.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your most Obedt. Servt.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0323", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 23 May 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Newport, Rhode Island] May 23, 1791. \u201cOn the 16th. of this month I received your Circular letter of the 14th. of Aprl. last.\u2026 The Tare allowed in this District is calculated upon every One hundred and twelve pounds, and this was the practice in this State before it adopted the new Constitution. The merchants here have lately objected to this mode of taring, and say that the allowance ought to be made on every One hundred pounds, and that it is so allowed in New york.\u2026 Uniformity in this as well as every other respect should exist in the proceedings of the Custom Houses in the several States, and the merchants in each should be placed on the same foot.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0325-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 23 May 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore 23 d. May 1791\nSir\nI have the honor, now, to enclose you an acct. of the emoluments and disbursements of my office for the year 1790. The compensation of the Collector, you will observe, is small; and, when compared to the multifarious duties required of him, disproportioned to his services. A general view of the laws respecting duties will show that the Collector is, in his district, principally responsible for the due execution of those laws, and whoever will take the trouble to examine the detail of the business must discover that an unreasonable portion of the labor is allotted him. The alternative, which the law allows the Collector, to receive the Naval officers fees, or to permit the Naval officer to receve the Collectors fees seems not founded in necessity, or convenience. It has been and may again be a source of mutual dissatisfaction. Each should be at the trouble of receiving their own fees, which ought to be proportioned to the service required of them, and each should be responsible for his own conduct therein. The relative connections, duties, prerogatives and powers of the several officers of the customs seem not perfectly understood. They are certainly not understood by all alike. It would be painful to be making representations of misconduct resulting perhaps merely from error in judgment, if to be any how tolerated, or excused\u2014But as I do not understand that it is in contemplation to revise the Collection law which is certainly susceptible of some improvement I need not to be more explicit at present.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your most obedient Humble Servant\nO H Williams Collr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0325-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Account Statement, [23 May 1791]\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAccount of Fees and Commission being \u201call the monies received in the four quarters of the Year 1790,\u201d by the Collector of Balte. District\nFees from the 1 January to the 31 March inclusive\nCommission as allowed in a/c at the Treasury\nFees from 1st April to the 30 June inclusive\nCommission allowed in a/c at the Treasury\nFees from 1st July to the 30 Septr. inclusive\nCommission\u2014in a/c at Treasury\nFees from 1st October to 31 Decemr. inclusive\nCommission\u2014in a/c at Treasury\nDisbursements\nPaid for records other\nStationary & blanks\n1st quarter\nDitto\nditto\n2d. quarter\nDitto\nditto\n3\u2007 quarter\nDitto\nditto\n4\u2007 quarter\nFuel and Chandlery for 1 year\nOffice rent, Collectors proportion\nOne Servant hire and Subsistence\nDeputy Collector, and Clerk\u2019s Wages\nCompensation to the Collector\nO. H. Williams Collr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0327", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 24 May 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nWar Department, May 24, 1971. \u201cI have the honor to inform you, that Messrs: Smith and Shepherd have completed their contract of clothing for the levies, and that Mr: Hodgdon, the quarter master, has receipted to them for the same.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0329", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 24 May 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, May 24, 1791. \u201cI have been favored with a Letter from Mr. Coxe of the 13th instant, covering a copy of a circular Letter, relative to Tare &c., intended to be transmitted to the several Collectors. The Contents of which, tending to establish an uniform Practice in the collection of the Revenue, afford me much pleasure; and I shall speedily forward the Information required, respecting the Custom of the Merchants in this District, and my own practice, relative to the allowance for Tare on the several Articles therein mentioned. From repeated Experiments made by the Surveyor of this Port, it appears that Dycas\u2019s Hydrometer makes the proof of Spirits about One quarter of a \u214c Cent lower than the Substitute: As the difference is so small, he purposes, in ascertaining the proof of Spirits, generally to use the latter, which is much more simple and convenient.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0330", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 24 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Short, William\nTreasury DepartmentMay 24, 1791.\nSir,\nThe President of the United States has signified to me his pleasure, that I should revoke that part of your instructions which confines you to opening loans for no greater sum, at a time, than one million of dollars and which restrains you from opening a subsequent loan till the one preceding has received his approbation; and has also instructed me to authorise you to open each future loan for three millions of florins, and as soon as one loan shall be filled or subscribed to open another, till the sum necessary for fulfilling the act entitled, An Act making provision for the Reduction of the Public Debt and for paying the arrears of interest and instalments of principal which shall have become due to France, to the end of the present year, shall have been completed. Provided however that the terms be not less advantageous than those upon which the last loan has been effected.\nWith regard to the application of the monies that shall arise from the loans you may make subsequent to that, which has been already announced, it is to be as follows\u2014Reserving in the hands of our Bankers one million and a half of the next succeeding loan and a million of the one immediately succeeding that for completing the purpose of the Act abovementioned, the residue of each and the whole of the future loans are to be applied in payments to France; unless directions shall at any time be given to the contrary. The first monies which shall be paid in upon the two loans, out of which reservations are to be made to the extent contemplated, are, nevertheless, to be applied towards the payments to France; which you will accordingly cause to be done.\nYou will, doubtless continue to keep me punctually advised of your operations.\nWith very great consideration and the most cordial esteem,\nI have the honor to be \u2003 Sir. \u2003 Your obedt. Servant\nA HamiltonSecy of the Treasury\nWm. Short Esqr.Charg\u00e9 des Affaires &caAmsterdam", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0331", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jabez Bowen, 25 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Bowen, Jabez\nTreasury Department,May 25, 1791\nSir,\nI have directed the Treasurer to forward to you drafts payable to you or your order for six thousand Dollars towards paying the ensuing Quarters Interest.\nThese drafts, which will be transmitted with proper blanks, may be directed either to Tench Francis Esquire, Cashier of the Bank of North America, or to William Seton Esquire, Cashier of the Bank of New York or to the respective Collectors of New Port & Providence.\nThere are at this time in the hands of the Collector of New Port seventeen hundred Dollars, and in the hands of the Collector of Providence two thousand two hundred Dollars, ready to answer the Drafts which are to be sent to you. You will do well to open a communication with those Collectors to obtain information of the sums they shall have received subsequent to the date of this letter to the end of the quarter; which, in addition to the above-mentioned sums will be left in their hands to answer your drafts.\nBut it will be equally agreeable to me that you negotiate the drafts sent you, upon the two banks or either of them, if you find a demand for them.\nThe Directions given to you in other respects in relation to the drafts transmitted for the last quarter\u2019s interest are of course to be observed in the disposition of those of which you are now advised.\nYou will give me as soon as possible your opinion whether any greater sum is likely to be called for, in order that provision may be made accordingly. And you will send me a summary of the Stock standing on your Books when they are closed for the ensuing quarter at the same time, & in the same manner as was done in relation to the last.\nExact punctuality being essential to the support of public credit, I shall rely that you will always take your arrangements so as to be ready at the day, and that in the detail of your payments you will give all possible facility & dispatch as far as shall consist with your instructions.\nI shall be glad to be advised weekly of the disposition of the drafts.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your Obed Servant\nA Hamilton\nJabez Bowen Esqr.Commr of Loans for Rhode Island & Providence &cProvidence.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0332", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 25 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nTreasury DepartmentMay 25. 1791.\nSir\nPursuant to instructions from the President of the United States, I am to request that you will cause some of the blank commissions left with you to be filled as follows: one with the name of John Whitaker as Inspector of the revenue for Survey No. 4. in the District of North Carolina, one with the name of Joseph McDowell the elder, as inspector of the revenue for survey No. 5. in the same District, one with the name of William Cooke, as Master of a revenue Cutter in the service of the United States.\nI have the honor to be, with great consideration & regard Sir \u2003 Your Obt. Servant\nAlex. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0333", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 May 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, May 25, 1791. \u201cBy an act made to explain and amend \u2018an act making farther provision for the payment of the Debts of the United States\u2019 It is enacted that the duty of 7\u00bd \u214c Ct ad valorem laid by the act aforesaid on chintses and coloured calicoes shall be deemed and taken to extend to all printed stained & coloured goods, or manufactures of cotton, or of linen, or of both, which hereafter shall be brought into the United States from any foreign port or place. When I read the law I supposed that all goods of Cotton &c painted stained and coloured, (coloured by painting or staining) should be subject to a duty of 7\u00bd \u214c Cent but the law is read differently by others; Mr. Ames and the District Atty are of opinion that all cotton good all linen goods & goods of Cotton & Linen united which have but a stripe in them are embraced by this act, such as bed ticks, checked linings for shirtings &c. These they consider as coloured goods. I pay, as I ought, great respect to the opinion of these Gentm. yet as I am the only responsible person I wish your sentiments on the Law.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0334", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 25 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury Department,May 25 1791\nSir,\nIt will be agreeable to me that the Officers of the Customs in the District of Providence make return of the emoluments of their respective Offices for one year following the time of their entering upon their duty instead of the year mentioned in my circular letter of the 14 of April. You will be pleased to give them an early intimation of this.\nI shall not object to a small boat fit for harbour service for the Port of Providence, but as your district will then be as well provided as some of much greater extent and trade I hope it will not be necessary to go to greater expence.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your Most Obed Servant\nA Hamilton\nJerh Olney Esqr.Collr Providence.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0335", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Arthur St. Clair, 25 May 1791\nFrom: St. Clair, Arthur\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nFort Washington [Northwest Territory] May 25th. 1791\nSir\nA few days ago Mr. Ludlow presented to me the Instructions he had received from you for compleating the Surveys of certain Tracts of Land in this Territory contracted for with the late Board of Treasury and requested an Escort of Troops to enable him to comply with those Instructions. The situation of Affairs, and the present weakness of this Garrison put it out of my power to furnish him with the necessary Escort; but, on perusing the Instructions, to my astonishment, I found that the purchase made by Judge Symmes did not extend farther up the Ohio than twenty Miles from the mouth of the Great Miami River. He had given out and published indeed to the World, that he had contracted for all the Lands, to a certain distance northerly, which were contained between the little and the great Miamies as eastern and western Boundaries. On my first arrival in this part of the Territory I found the Judge here, and a number of People settled already, to whom he had sold Lands far to the eastward of the twenty Miles. It never could have entered into my Head that any person, much less one invested with a respectable public Character, had published a falsehood, was persisting in it, and availing himself of the pecuniary advantages flowing from it. The Settlement therefore met with all the Countenance which I could give it, which I conceived to be a duty I then owed to the adventurers and to the united States; but I see I was wrong, and find myself in a very disagreeable predicament, having cloathed many Persons with civil and military authority, whom it was more properly my duty to have removed, and so far sanctioned their intrusion on the Lands of the united States. As soon as possible after this discovery I wrote a Letter to Judge Symmes of which the enclosure No 1 is a copy and No. 2 his Answer, which I received this day. The Answer does not appear in any wise satisfactory, for it is clear that, tho\u2019 there had been a proposal for a Contract different from that entered into, it had never been more than a proposal, and he has been selling the Lands of the united States upon the little Miami, which he had not Contracted for, to pay for Lands his Agents had contracted for in his name upon the great Miami. As soon as it is practicable Mr. Ludlow shall be enabled to fulfill your Orders. In the mean time I am much at a loss what Course I ought to hold with those Settlers, neither do I know very well where to address myself for Directions. If it is a Business that falls within the Sphere of your Office I shall be happy to receive, and carry into execution any which you may think proper to give. If it does not fall within your Office, may I request the favour of your friendly Advice. It seems to me that all I can do at present, and it may be proper to do it, is to publish a Proclamation warning all Persons against further intrusion, and permitting the occupancy of the present Settlers until the Pleasure of Congress shall be known. To remove those if it could be done, would be ruin to them, and they are innocent not wilful trespassers; and to revoke the Commissions that have been granted would leave them in a State of Anarchy. Excuse I entreat you the Liberty I have taken to trouble you with the Dilemma I am caught in and believe me with every Sentiment of Respect and Esteem \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your very humble Servant\nAr. St. Clair\nThe honorable Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0336", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 25 May 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, May 25, 1791. On June 7, 1791, Jeremiah Olney wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have received your two circular letters of the 25th. and 26th of May.\u201d Circular of May 25 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0337", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 25 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentMay 25th. 1791.\nSir,\nIt is necessary for the Government of the Commissioner of loans in the disposition of some Treasury drafts which have been sent him that he should be informed weekly of the monies which you shall have received subsequent to the date of your last return namely the 20th instant.\nFourteen hundred Dollars of the ballance then in your hands together with the amount of your subsequent receipts, to the extent in the whole of 8000 Dollars, will be left to answer the drafts sent him towards paying the ensuing Quarters interest; though he is at liberty to negociate them upon the two banks of North America & New York if a demand occurs.\nI am \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most Obedt Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nOtho H. WilliamsCollectorBaltimore", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0340-0001", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 26 May 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury Department,May 26 1791\nSir,\nInclosed you will find for your information, generally, and Government, in certain particulars, certain explanations & instructions concerning the two Acts, severally entitled \u201cAn Act repealing after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States and for appropriating the same,\u201d and \u201cAn Act making further provision for the collection of the duties by law imposed on Teas, and to prolong the term for the payment of the duties on Wines.\u201d\nI am, sir, \u2003 your Obedt Servant.\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0341", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Ward, 26 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ward, Joseph\nTreasury Department,May 26 1791\nSir,\nI duly received your letter of the 2d instant. The species of paper you mention presents an embarrassing question. Being issued upon the funds of individual states with a stipulation for the payment of interest by the United States, and a contingent guarantee of the principal, it is not easy to pronounce under what denomination of public debt it properly falls. It is however not in my opinion provided for by the Act making provision for the debt of the United States. It is not comprehended within the enumeration of the kinds of certificates receivable upon loan as debt of the United States; and if it is to be considered as on state foundation, it seems to come under the description of paper money, which has not been understood as within the meaning of the words certificates or notes which \u201cwere issued by the respective states as acknowlegements or evidences of debt by them respectively owing.\u201d\nThis question has been rendered the more embarrassing by some steps taken in the house of Representatives during the last session concerning it which however did not issue in any provision.\nIt is with regret I find myself thus circumstanced on the subject; as there is nothing more my wish than to see the interest of every class of public creditors equitably embraced.\nI am, sir \u2003 with consideration, \u2003 Your obdt Servant\nA Hamilton\nJoseph Ward Esqr.Boston.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0342", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 May 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollectors Office Baltimore 26th May 1791\nSir\nYour circular letter came to hand last evening.\nI do not apprehend, Sir, that you allude to any illegal, or improper receiving of duties in this office. The laws of Congress, according to my comprehension of their meaning, have always been adhered to here, with the utmost possible exactness; But as my conception of some parts of the \u201cact to provide more effectually for the Collection of the duties\u201d &c differs very much from the literal meaning of your circular letter of the 13th, it is proper for me to reply particularly to that part.\nYou \u201cdesire that the duties on goods may in no instance be ascertained but on the actual landing thereof, and by no means, but by the measuring, weighing, and gauging in all cases wherein those operations are required by Law.\u201d\nAltho\u2019 it is impracticable to perform those operations without landing the goods, the act prohibits the landing any goods before the duties are paid, or secured to be paid: and that upon \u201ca gross estimate of their amount\u201d (see s. 25.) \u201cand then, and not otherwise it shall be lawful to land\u201d &c. which gross estimate, after further process, according to the directions of the act, is to be revised, and the duties finally adjusted\u2014section 28.\nWhy Congress thought proper to require this double labor of the Collector, the advantages of the mode do not well explain, and possibly some, who think it might as well be omitted, may consider your instructions as intending to dispence with the previously securing the duties according to \u201ca gross estimate,\u201d and may give permission to land goods, which I think contrary to the obvious direction of the act.\nYour decision, respecting the service of Inspectors going from one district to another, is a confirmation of the propriety of the instructions heretofore given by me in such cases.\nThe custom of Merchants here has been very much governed by the customs of those places from whence they import. The general rule of allowing tare on a Hogshead of Sugar, or on a Cargo of Casks &c is twelve pounds per hundred weight (12 \u214c 1 cwt or 12 \u214c 112 lbs.) But they have had some few instances of clean Hhds, with cane hoops, from port au Prince containing 18 cwt, to 20 cwt. where the tare did not exceed ten per Centum, or one tenth part of the whole nett pounds weight. Sugar Barrels are always tared according to their make, to wit, French flour barrels, used for Sugar, 28 lbs tare\u2014American flour barrels, most in use for this markett, 20 lbs\u2014and the same distinction is applied to barrels containing Coffee Cocoa, Pimento, Pepper &c. Casks containing Rice, or Casks or boxes containing Indigo are always tared according to their actual weight, ascertained before the commodity is put in them; where it happens otherwise ten perCent, or 1/10th of the nett hundred is usually allowed.\nMerchants very seldom allow tare for baggs unless damaged, and then not exceeding three pounds \u214c bagg. This is the general practice, but in many cases the merchants in selling, as well as in buying, abide by the tare expressed in the invoice. The practice at the Custom House is Similar, except where the law directs otherwise; where the law is explicit it is implicitly followed. But as the term \u214c Cent is some times used in referrence to the nett sum of one hundred, and some times to the gross weight, or One hundred and twelve, doubts arise whether Congress mean that the allowance shall be from the nett weight, uniformly, or from the gross as the case may be. The duties are imposed \u214c pound upon Sugars, Coffees, Tea, Coccoa, Candles, Cheese, Cotton, Indigo, Lead & Shott, Nails, Pepper, Pimento, Soaps. and Manufactured Tobacco and \u214c cwt. on Cables, Cordage, Hemp, Steel & Twine. There is no tare allowed from articles taxed \u214c Cwt. And the tare which is allowed from articles taxed \u214c pound is \u214c Centum. The terms made use of in the law raises a doubt whether Congress intended the tare to be analagous to the duty or merely an abatement from the gross hundred, some of the articles taxed \u214c lb. being invoiced and sold by the gross, and some by the nett hundred. All, however, are weighed and returned to the Customs House by the Gross and the tare calculated accordingly. This mode was induced by the custom of Merchants here; But I am not confident that I have not thereby done them injustice in allowing less tare than the law entitles them to. Any given quantity of Sugars or other Article will, no doubt, have the same certain abatement for tare \u214c centum\u2014whether the operation of the numbers allowed for \u214c Centage be upon the gross weight (that is \u27e8either\u27e9 cwts grs & lbs) or upon the same given quantity reduced to nett pounds. But the doubt is whether by the term \u214c Centum is meant 100 or 112. It is variously used, or applied, in the acts of Congress and makes a real difference in calculations.\nI understand, by Merchants that the Spanish 100 lbs is equal to the U States 104 lbs; that the French 100 lbs is Equal to the United States 108 lbs; and we differ in calculation almost from every other Nation, except the British. Yet the term one hundred pounds weight, is used to express all alike. Congress make use of the words per centum to signify by the hundred and merchants and public Officers some times differ in making the application of that term. So long as a definite number, as ten, or twelve, is allowed as a discount from an indefinite number (Centum, as it may be understood to signify 100\u2014104\u2014108\u2014112 &c &c) so long there will be various modes of calculation, and different conclusions, in respect to relative numbers.\nWould it not render the business extremely simple, and each deduction more certain, if a proportional part of an Article, or of any given quantity of an Article and its package were allowed for tare? Say one tenth instead of ten \u214c Cent; which, on a nett hundred, is the same thing, but more on 1 cwt., or 112 lbs; One twentieth instead of 5 \u214c Cent; One thirty three and a third part instead of three \u214c Cent; One fiftieth part instead of two \u214c Cent. The rule of proportion would operate invariably upon Invoices, actual weights, or tale of Merchandize, or money, whereas a definite number must have a contrary effect when applied indiscriminately, as a scale of abatement, to indefinite sums, or quantities, agreeing in denomination only.\nBut to reply more particularly to your request respecting the mode of allowing tare, heretofore, at this office, I am to add, that upon Sugars (other than Loaf) in Hogsheads, Tierces, Barrels, I have allowed twelve pounds out of the hundred weight, or one hundred and twelve pds,\nSame in Boxes, fifteen pounds out of the hundred weight;\nCoffee in Casks, twelve pounds out of the hundred weight;\nSame in Bags, two pounds Same ;\nSame in Bales, three pounds Same ;\nPepper in Casks .. twelve pounds Same ;\nSame in Bales .. five pounds Same ;\nTea in Chests, and boxes, according to the Specific directions of the Act, section 34.\nLoaf Sugar, and on all other goods according to Invoice Saving to the importer, or consignee, the privilege of estimating the tare by Invoice in all cases.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your most Obedient and Most Humble Servant\nO. H. Williams Collr.\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0343", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Forrest, John Nicholson, and Others, Public Creditors, 27 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Forrest, Thomas,Nicholson, John\nTreasury DepartmentMay 27. 1791.\nGentn\nI have received your letter of the sixth instant and have paid careful attention to the contents of it. But notwithstanding my earnest desire to meet the wishes of every class of the public Creditors, my judgment of the true construction of the law in the point in question remains as disclosed in my first letter.\nThe fact is, that the Certificates issued by the Register of the Treasury do express a certain principal sum of specie, though without calling it so, and stipulate an interest of six per Centum per annum on that precise sum. The Certificates requested would express a certain principal sum, of nominal not specie value, and though they would also express, incidentally, the specie sum due, they would stipulate interest not on that sum but on the nominal sum. In the first case the rate of six per cent would be payable on the specie value, in the last on the nominal value; though in both cases the principal sum to be redeemed by the Public would be the specie value only. Here then are contracts of a nature substantially different; and certificates, which should import such different contracts, would necessarily be of tenors substantially different from each other.\nAllow me to add Gentlemen that the very application you make to me, with an earnestness which in your situation is not unnatural, is itself an illustration of the truth of the construction given to the law by the officers of the Treasury. They are willing to give you certificates precisely of the tenor of those which have been accustomed to be issued by the Register of the Treasury. You demand others, and consider those offered as a violation of your rights. Can those you require be substantially of a like tenor with those you reject? If they were, your good sense would have restrained you from making a serious question of the matter. You certainly would never have been so strenuous for a difference merely formal and immaterial, in the tenor of a certificate.\nAdmitting, as you contend, that the construction insisted upon by me is not conformable to the main or general intent of the Act it will not follow that it is eroneous. It is no uncommon case for the general design of a law to fail of its full effect by some particular provisions in it. The inference would only be in the present case that there has been an omission in regard to the Species of public debt in which you are interested. This inference will I apprehend be far more agreeable to rules of legal interpretation, than a construction, which would annul the effect of so important a directory clause, as that which declares that the \u201cnew certificates shall specify the specie amount of those in exchange for which they are given and shall be otherwise of the like tenor with those theretofore issued by the Register of the Treasury for the Registered Debt.\u201d\nI remain with great consideration \u2003 Gentn. \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nAlexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury\nMessrs Thomas ForrestJohn Nicholsonand others, Public Creditors", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0344", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 27 May 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, May 27, 1791. Encloses \u201ctwo commissions for the inspectors of Surveys No. 4 and 5 in the District of North Carolina.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0345", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Pettit, 27 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pettit, Charles\nTreasury Department May 27. 1791.\nSir\nI have enquired into the subject of your letter of the 30th. of April, and according to the reports made to me by the proper Officers, it appears that the State of Pennsylvania has received its full proportion, namely, six tenths of the whole sum struck upon the security of its funds being 1495000 Dollars.\nThe balance of 78642 Dollars stated by the Comptroller General of the State, as unissued, arises on the 4/10 of the above sum, reserved for the use of the United States.\nI have the honor to be, Sir, \u2003 Your Obedt. & humble Servant\nAlexander Hamilton Secy. of the Treasury\nCharles Pettit Esqr.Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0346", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 27 May 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Commissioners of Loans\nTreasury Department,May 27 1791\nSir,\nBy the 18th Section of the Act, making provision for the debt of the United States, it is declared that the payment of interest, whether to States or to Individuals, in respect to the debt of any State which may have exchanged its own securities for those of the United States, shall be suspended until a reexchange shall have taken place or a surrender be made of the last mentioned securities.\nI request therefore that you will inform me whether any thing of the above kind has been transacted in your State. If it has, due attention must be paid to the restriction concerning it.\nYou will not, I presume, have failed to advert to that part of the 10th section of the same act which limits to the first of June the exchanges of certificates in the case of non-Subscribers. The issuing of new certificates to non-Subscribe[r]s for old ones, not produced previous to that day, will, of course, be forborne.\nI am, sir, \u2003 with due consideration, \u2003 Your Obed Servant\nA Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0347", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 29 May 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, May 29, 1791. Encloses a proposal for a mint which had been sent to President Washington by John H. Mitchell.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0349", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 30 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ellery, William\n[Philadelphia, May 30, 1791. On June 13, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have received your letters of the 26th. and the 30th. of May last.\u201d Letter of May 30 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0350", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Massachusetts Bank, 30 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: President and Directors of the Massachusetts Bank\nTreasury DepartmentMay 30th. 1791.\nGentn.\nWith a view to the accommodation of those in your quarter, who may incline to become subscribers to the Bank of the United States, I have concluded on the following arrangement.\nThat for any sums which shall be deposited in the Bank of Massachusetts to the Credit of the United States, to an amount not exceeding in the whole sixty thousand Dollars, I will cause equal sums to be paid in the City of Philadelphia towards the subscriptions which such persons respectively, or their respective representatives shall make to the Bank of the United States.\nIn order that this arrangement may be carried into execution it will be necessary that the sums paid in be duly passed to the Credit of the United States; and that the parties or their Agents produce certificates from the Cashier of the Bank specifying the sums paid in and that they have been passed to the Credit of the United States.\nAnd it is to be clearly understood that the operation to be for the sole purpose of subscriptions to the Bank as no money will be paid here in lieu of that deposited but on account of such subscriptions.\nI take it for granted that your Direction will chearfully cooperate in a measure, so exclusively dictated by a desire to accommod\u27e8ate\u27e9 and so convenient to all concerned.\nI have not thought fit to make any public annunciation of this arrangement, but it is my wish that it be informally communicated as extensively as may be.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 Gentn. \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nThe President and Directorsof the Bank of Massachusetts.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0351", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of New York, 30 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: President and Directors of the Bank of New York\n[Philadelphia, May 30, 1791. On June 7, 1791, William Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI \u2026 acknowledge the honor of your letter of the 30 May.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0352", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 30 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury DepartmentMay 30th. 1791.\nSir,\nHaving considered the case of the Ship Warren, Capt Smith belonging to Messr. Brown & Francis, I find it necessary to communicate to you some remarks concerning it.\nI find from the letters of the Collector of Newport that this ship had departed from his district for India before my letter directing him to proceed against the Captain was received: and I learn from the papers that several days after her departure from Providence when the warren was out of the limits of your district the owners obtained from you a licence, a certified manifest, and a permit to proceed to Newport in which district she then actually was. The acquisition of these papers arms the Captain & vessel so strongly, that they render the issue of any legal proceedings, which otherwise it might have been proper to institute, too uncertain to risque. I have not therefore hitherto directed any proceedings to be commenced against the Ship or Captain on the Warren\u2019s return. You will perceive, that a certified manifest of the Cargo with which the ship left your district could not be given with certainty requisite to satisfy your own mind nor with safety to the revenue. Similar observations occur in regard to the licence and permit. It is fit that you pay more than ordinary attention to the vessels of Messr. Brown & Francis and particularly to that commanded by Captain Smith, since a disposition to disregard the revenue laws has manifested itself in them on this occasion.\nI do not find that Mr Jeremiah Greenman is appointed to a military command. If therefore he is willing to accept the station of second mate of the revenue cutter building in Connecticut, I will submit his name to the President for that place, which, as well as that of the third mate, yet remains unfilled. The Captain and chief mate have been appointed some time. I wish to know whether you think Mr. Daniel Bucklin Junr. would take the birth of third mate. The President will be at Mount Vernon the last week in June when at soonest he might consider the fitness of these two appointments.\nCoasting Vessels arriving in your district whose licences have expired, are to be treated precisely as if they had never been licenced, for those official papers are of no force after the expiration of the year for which they were granted. The nature of the Cargo\u2019s and the places from whence they came are to determine the fees &c to which they are subject, exactly as in the cases of Vessels never having been Coasters.\nI have already taken measures for the regulation of the tares of various kinds of goods of which you have been informed.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obed. Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nJeremh. Olney Esqr.Collector of Providence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0353", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Hardy, 31 May 1791\nFrom: Hardy, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nTreasury Department, Comptroller\u2019s Office, May 31, 1791. \u201cThe enclosed Letter from William Benson, containing his resignation of the Office of Surveyor of the Customs, at the Port of Windsor, in the district of Edenton and state of North Carolina, was just now received at this Office; and I consider it, to be my duty, immediately to transmit it, for your consideration.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0354", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Pettit, 31 May 1791\nFrom: Pettit, Charles\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia 31st. May 1791.\nSir.\nI have this morning had the honor to receive your letter of the 27th instant. The application of the 30th. of April was made on a supposition of the facts being as you state them. But the Legislature having made provision for the redemption of the whole sum of 1,495,000 dollars, it is supposed that the State is credited by the United States for the whole of the 4/ 10ths which were reserved in their hands, and that whatever part thereof shall be delivered up as unissued, will be debited in return so as to make a fair liquidation. Having nearly collected all that was in circulation, and wishing to know with precision what remains to be collected, the Legislature have directed this application to be made, with a view as well to ascertain the amount of this kind of money which remains to be redeemed from the channels of circulation, as to become fairly possessed of such part of the proportion reserved by the United States, as yet remains unissued, and which it is supposed must hereafter remain useless.\nConsidering the Application I had the honor to present to you the 30th. of April, in this point of view, you will perceive it is not yet fully answered.\nI have the honor to be, sir, \u2003 Your most obedt. and most humble servant\nCharles Pettit\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0355", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 31 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentMay 31st. 1791\nSir,\nIt is my wish that you make the Bank of Maryland, which is established in the Town of Baltimore the place of depositing the Cash belonging to the United States which may be from time to time in your hands as collector of the District of Baltimore.\nI shall transmit a circular letter with respect to the receipt of its Notes, to which I must refer you on that point.\nI am, Sir \u2003 Your most Obedt Servant\nAlexandr Hamilton Secy of the Treasy\nOtho. H. Williams EsqrCollr.Baltimore", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0356", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Blanchard, May 1791\nFrom: Blanchard, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia May 1791\nGentlemen\nI enclose you a Letter Similar to a Number that have been Sent to the Officers of the Late Continental army and I beg Leave to give you the reason of its being done.\nWhen Government under the new Constitution was making arrangements for the payment of the public debt the officers from the Massachusetts Line prefered a Memorial to Congress praying some mode might be adopted to ascertain the value of the Certificates they received for their pay and Subsistance at the Conclusion of the war (as other depretiated Curency heretofore had been done) and they be debeted on the public Books for what they had received and the residue be Still due to them.\nThe representatives of the Southern States Urged the Justice of the Claim and the impropriety of one Class of men accumelating such Large sums for so Small Considerations from the failure and delay of the public to the distress and ruin of another Class of men to whom they were so much indebted for the Freedom and Independence they then Enjoyed.\nBut the Gentlemen from the Northern States having been purchasers of Final Settlements were of a different opinion and their petition was rejected and a Funding Law passed which ascertained a Note given for \u00a370.18 that had in Seven year accumelated \u00a329.12. to be worth \u00a382. or there abouts.\nThe Massachusetts officers waited on their representatives on their return to the State, who Informed them that a Funding Law had passed by a Majority and the value of their Certificates were Ascertained by the said Law, but if the public paid their debts to Individuals on the Same principles that one Individual was compelled by the Laws of the Country to pay to another, there was a residue that could be paid to the original Creditor.\nThe Officers wishing for Tranquility & every possible means of Justice, observed that notwithstanding they had alienated their Certificates Similar to all other Bills of public Credit that had been reduced by a scale of depretiation to the Current value and their assigns had received a Retribution from 200. to 500. perCent in Specie by a Law on their purchase, they would be Contented with the residue at it Stood on the public books.\nBut Last Sessions a remonstrance was presented to Congress under the fictitious Signiture of Original Creditors against the Injustice of the Funding Law in delaying to pay the said residue to the present possessors of Certificates.\nThis representation come forward at an Unseasonable Time and in such Indecent & Illiberal Terms that Only Mr Morris from the Senate and three Gentlemen from the House of representatives voted for the adoption of it.\nAnd as it was declared by Mr Sedgwick in Congress the 12th. of February 1790 and Confirmed by a Majority of the members that the Army had been fully paid Exclusive of the final Settlements\u2014and that Justice could not be done to other public Creditors, because the greatest part of the public debt was in fictitious Certificates and Mr Beudinot and Other members of Congress had Large Sums of that Species of paper\u2014and it was declared and placed upon record that the Army were a description of men that any farther payment would do them an Injury.\nThe Officers from different States and at different meetings Signifying their uneasiness from a different Opinion requested the Letter might be Circulated and by the Advice and direction of a Number of respectable Officers I have done it.\nI am Gent Your Humble servt\nJames Blanchard\nN.B. I beg leave to refer you to the Journals of Congress Feby. 12. & 16.& 19. &C &C.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0357", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Berrien, 1 June 1791\nFrom: Berrien, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSavannah, June 1, 1791. \u201cI have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of my appointment as Inspector of the Revenue for the port of Savannah.\u2026 I take the liberty to inform you, that the excise is by no means a popular measure in this Country\u2014people urge a variety of arguments against it\u2014and it will require propriety & stability in the execution of the several Offices, to carry the Law into effect. Our Supervisor, Mr. Matthews is a gentleman whom I never saw. I presume he is not acquainted with the nature of the business to wh: he is appointed. From its being intirely new to him & as he resides in the upper Country, One hundred & Seventy or Eighty miles from this City (and in this District I imagin nine tenths of the business of the whole State will be transacted) I shall not have an opportunity of geting his advice or support when occasions may require. I shall therefore Sir, if you will permit me, take the Liberty of asking your direction & advice very frequently, wh. I trust you will excuse, when you view my responsibility to the public, & to the individual.\u2026 I perceive, that my Commission expresses, that I am appointed for the port of Savannah. I presume the district is intended to be included, Yet as there are several ports in the district an explanation will be necessary.\u2026 I further beg leave to inform you, that in the use & trial of Dycas\u2019s & Colles\u2019s hydrometers, they appear to exceed the true proof of Spirituous liquors.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0358", "content": "Title: Circular Letter from the Officers of the Massachusetts Line of the Late Army, 1 June 1791\nFrom: Officers of the Massachusetts Line of the Late Army\nTo: \n[Boston, June 1, 1791. On February 28, 1792, a committee appointed by the \u201cOfficers of the Massachusetts line of the late Army\u201d wrote to Hamilton: \u201cBy a letter bearing date June 1, 1791, you were informed of the measures adopted in persuing that object.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0359", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 1 June 1791\nFrom: Dayton, Jonathan\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[June 1, 1791. In a letter to Dayton on June 6, 1791, Hamilton referred to \u201cyour letter of the first instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0361", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 1 June 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] June 1, 1791. \u201cIn compliance with your request, I \u2026 transmit the commissions filled with the names as you directed.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0362", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 1 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury Department, June 1, 1791. \u201cYour letter of the 24th Ultimo has been received. I approve the intention of the Surveyor to use generally the substitute for Dycas\u2019s Hydrometer, the difference being so small. Yet, in any case, where that difference would convert one class of proof into another, Dycas\u2019s must govern; unless it should appear by any imported Hydrometer of Dycas\u2019s, which you may be able to borrow, that the other is more accurate, or unless it should better correspond with what is stated in the instructions for using those instruments, to be the usual proofs of spirits from different Islands.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0363", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Captains of the Revenue Cutters, 1 June 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Captains of the Revenue Cutters\nTreasury DepartmentJune 1, 1791\nSir,\nI have already communicated to you some general instructions to govern you in the execution of your duty as the Commander of the revenue cutter for the [Massachusetts] Station. I have now to inform you that your vessel will be under the management of the Collector of [Boston] as to supplies of provisions, stores, and occasional repairs, and I shall write him to that effect this day. You will on receipt of this letter, communicate to him such information relative to these objects as it would be necessary to give your vessel\u2019s owner, were you in the merchants service, with due attention to such variations as the nature of the cutters employment will require. I shall send him a list of what was allowed in one instance and shall be particular otherwise in my instructions to him. I will therefore only add to you that while I am disposed to have the cutter supplied with all real necessaries of such kinds as are requisite to the safety and comfort of the Officers & Men, and the execution of the service, I am very solicitous that the public money may in no instance, nor in any, the smallest degree, be expended for superfluous articles, or such as are extravagant by being shewy or more costly than is necessary.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your Obed Servant\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0365", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 1 June 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury DepartmentJune 1. 1791\nSir,\nThe Bank of Maryland being in operation, and its paper having gone into circulation, it is my desire, that the cash notes (that is those payable in specie on demand) be received by you in discharge of all duties of impost and tonnage, arrising in your district under the laws of the United States, and that you will exchange whatever specie you may at any time have in your hands for those notes. In order to guard you against counterfeits in this instance, I shall request the directors of that Bank to send you the signatures of the President and Cashier, together with a description of the marks of their notes.\nYou will also remit, from time to time, whatever money may come to your hands, in specie or the notes of the Bank of Maryland, to that Bank, taking duplicate receipts from its cashier for each deposit, specifying that it is on account of the United States, one of which you will transmit to this office, and retain the other yourself. These receipts will discharge you at the Treasury, for what sums you shall remit. It is my wish, that whenever you have a sum amounting to one hundred dollars, over and above what may be requisite for current expences, that you forward it by the first \u27e8safe\u27e9 conveyance to the Bank. Your weekly returns must specify your remittances.\nThese measures are intended to enable me as far as possible to avail the public of the revenues arising in your state, without drawing the money out of it, by facilitating the negotiation of draughts, for which there is rarely any demand up\u27e8on\u27e9 your place.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nAlexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0366-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [2 June 1791]\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, June 2, 1791]\nSir,\nInclosed I transmit a copy of a letter from the Register General of Pennsylvania, proposing an arrangement relative to the subscription of the State Certificates to the loan of the United States; in which, as it will expedite the business, and furnish the proper checks to the State Officer, I hope it will not be inconvenient to acquiesce at the Treasury of the Union.\nI am, Sir \u2003 Your most obed Hble Servt.\nPhila. 2d. June 1791.\nTo Alex Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0366-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: John Donnaldson to Thomas Mifflin, [1 June 1791]\nFrom: Donnaldson, John\nTo: Mifflin, Thomas\n[Philadelphia, June 1, 1791]\nSir\nAs the time for subscribing the State Certificates to the loan of the United States has arrived, I think it my duty to submit to the consideration of your Excellency a plan of arrangement that may probably expedite the business & furnish the proper checks to the State Officer with but little trouble to the Creditors of this State intitled to the benefit of the Act of the 9th April last.\nThe form already prescribed by the Treasury of the United States requires that such State Certificates proposed to be loaned shall be particularly described as to number, date, payee, period to which interest hath been paid & by whom loaned.\nIn addition to which I beg leave to propose:\nThat the Secretary to the Treasury be requested to direct That the Certificates to be issued for the proportional part of said loan in 3 \u214c Cent & deferred debt, express by endorsement or otherwise the number of the receipt given at the time of subscribing.\nThat the Creditors holding said receipts to enable them to receive the compensation proposed by the Act of the 9th of April must produce the said receipt to this office where they shall be credited (in Books to be kept for the purpose) with the proportion of 3 \u214c Cent & deferred debt on which they will be entitled to receive a further allowance from the State & on presenting the Certificates of the United States for the same they shall receive by themselves or their Attornies a Certificate or Certificates payable at the Treasury agreeably to said Act.\nI am with great respect &c.\nJ.D.\nReg. Gen. OfficeJune 1st. 1791\nTho. Mifflin Esq.Governor", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0367", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin, 3 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Mifflin, Thomas\n[Philadelphia, June 3, 1791. The catalogue description of this letter reads \u201cLetter concerning a proposition made by the Register General of Pennsylvania.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0368", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin, 3 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Mifflin, Thomas\n[Philadelphia, June 3, 1791. \u201cThe want of the return of survey of the tract on Lake Erie purchased by Pennsy, from the United States, has hitherto prevented my adopting the measures you have desired for the completion of that business.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0369-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 3 June 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis June 3. 1791\nSir\nI have had the honor of recieving a few days ago, the 3d & 4th. of your letter of April 13th.\u2014one by the way of England, the other by the way of Holland. This is the only letter I have recieved from you since that of Sep. 1. 90. The 1st. & 2nd. have not yet arrived.\nIt gives me infinite pleasure Sir to find that the manner in which I proceeded in the business you confided to me, has met your approbation. It is the strongest & most agreeable presumption I can have that it will meet also that of the President.\nI have the honor of inclosing you Sir, the copy of the letter of the bankers of the U.S. to me covering your 4th. of April 13 mentioned above. This will shew you the present situation of the loan lately opened there, the present value of American stock, & their hope of being soon able to reduce the rate of interest on loans there. I have written to them to inform me with as much precision as they can when they think a loan at a reduced rate of interest may be proposed. It may be proper to observe that I understand they mean 4\u00bd p. cent as the reduced rate. Until I recieve their answer then it is impossible for me to say what measures I shall take in consequence of your authorisation to open a new loan. To proceed immediately to make a loan at 5. p. cent, after the opinion of the bankers that by postponing it it might be done at 4\u00bd would seem highly improper, & yet I must own to you that I do not enter fully into the opinion of the bankers, notwithstanding the desire I shall have to see it realized. I think it necessary to mention this circumstance as well as the following considerations that you may not be misled by the enclosed letter of the bankers.\nWhen I was at Amsterdam the 5. p. cent obligations of the Emperor sold at 2 or 3. p. cent above par, & still I never heard it supposed & am sure it was not supposed by any body that he could borrow at a lower rate of interest. If he could have done it he certainly would in order to have redeemed such as he had a right to reimburse.\nThe United States are in a less favorable situation than the Emperor for reducing their rate of interest because it is known at Amsterdam that they have a large debt to France of which a considerable part is already due & must be paid without regard to terms & that the price & interest of their domestic debt is such as to present them great advantages in purchasing it up by loans made abroad at 5. p. cent.\nBut it may be asked why have the bankers, to whom these considerations must have presented themselves, held out an opinion that the rate of interest might be reduced by postponing future loans? 1. It is possible that it may be their real opinion, & if so it is useless to search for any other reason for their holding out. 2. But if it was not their opinion or if they had doubts respecting it, still there are reasons which may have induced them to wish that we should be persuaded of it. They are acquainted with attempts which have been made to purchase our debt to France. They know that the consent of the U.S. will be necessary to the success of any of these attempts. The better the terms on which we suppose we can make new loans, the less we shall be disposed to consent to those which are asked by the persons wishing to purchase. It is possible also that they may be informed by means of the Genoese correspondents at Amsterdam of some disposition in them to make loans to the U.S. A hope that we could borrow at Amsterdam at a lower rate of interest would be the most effectual means of preventing us from giving the present rate at Genoa. Besides the business of loaning on the domestic debt of the U.S. is still carried on at Amsterdam. The house of V. Staphorst is immediately & ostensibly interested in them\u2014that of Willink also indirectly in all probability. It is desirable therefore for them to postpone the loans of Congress as long as this business lasts, provided however that they should ultimately be made there. (It was calculated when I was in Amsterdam that this business would cease when the domestic debt rose to 75. p. cent, but as they alienated them proportionably higher in these loans, they were continued notwithstanding the rise in the domestic debt as mentioned in my letter to you of Jan 15.) Further the bankers contemplate a rise in the commission in proportion as the rate of interest is lowered. This rise in the commission they mentioned to me as being altogether in favor of the undertakers\u2014whether so or not I cannot say, but I have no doubt they would prefer making a loan at an increased rate of commission & decreased rate of interest, to the inverse.\nThus enabled to appreciate fully the circumstances attending the opinion of the bankers you will not be surprized if the reduced interest should not take place as soon as they seem to hope. Still you may be persuaded Sir, that I shall cherish the idea & do whatever depends on me to have its realisation accelerated.\nI shall have the less difficulty in delaying the proposition for a new loan also in order to see whether the rate of interest can be reduced, because I find that you use more delay in employing the money borrowed than I had supposed you would. It would have been an advantage if the last loan had been opened two or three months later, since the interest paid on a great part of it for four months viz from Feb. 1. till now might have been avoided, as well as that which has accrued on the rest from the time of the bonds being delivered. Such losses may be avoided on future loans if you were to give more early directions for the employment of the money as recieved. If on the contrary you do not give directions until you have notice of the loan being opened there will be always three or four months interest at least, as in the last instance, unnecessarily paid. I have already mentioned to you that when a loan is opened, constant usage obliges the bankers to recieve the money immediately, if the undertakers chuse to deposit it, & to allow interest from the first of the month. Three months after that, must be allowed for the notice going to America & orders being recieved thereon; so that four months interest, on a moderate calculation, will always be paid before the money is used. In the last loan 600,000 florins, I think, were recieved in the latter part of February\u2014of course interest paid on them from the 1st. of that month although employed only now.\nThere is another inconvenience also with respect to the part which is intended to be paid this country. As they are always acquainted with the loans opened at Amsterdam & of course know that the U.S. have money there at their disposition, they cannot account for its not being paid them. They take up various ideas with respect to the delay & some of them far from being favorable to the U.S. As the exchange is becoming every day more disadvantageous in proportion as the assignats depreciate, many of them suppose it is a speculation, to hold back the payment as much as possible in order to take advantage of this depreciation. You will easily see how impossible it would be to convince of the contrary those who know that the U.S. have had at their disposition large sums for three months past during which time the assignats have gone on regularly depreciating.\nIf only the ministry meddled with this matter there would be much less inconvenience in it, but in the new organisation of affairs a great number of new people are brought into action, all of whom cast themselves to become as conspicuous as possible in clamouring for the public interest. The American debt has particularly excited the attention of a number of them & above all of the six new commissioners of the treasury. They have made several visits to M. de la fayette respecting it. They have sent me several messages through him, & one of them, M. de Condorcet, lately wrote him the letter inclosed No 1. which he sent me. He added that as an American, he could not help telling me how much he wished that the U.S. should do whatever they could to satisfy these exclamations. This was eight or ten days before I recieved your orders to pay the million of florins.\nFrom this letter & some other circumstances I feared there would be difficulty made by the new commissioners of the treasury in recieving their payment at the present rate of exchange, particularly as they desire it to be put into the hands of their bankers at Amsterdam, & as a part of it is to be applied to the loan made there by France for the U.S. On recieving your orders I informed M. de Montmorin that I was now ready to have another payment made. He desired I would take arrangements with the Director of the treasury; who without hesitation requested that it should be made in the same manner as the last & He will of course send his reciept to the bankers for the sum in livres equal to the million of florins according to the present rate of exchange which is much more favorable than it was at the time of the former payment, & which you are informed was highly advantageous to the U.S.\nWith respect to the \u00bd million of florins which you destine ultimately for this country & which are to wait for further directions, as I am not acquainted with the reasons which induced you to postpone these directions, I cannot conjecture when they will be given, & of course shall avoid being questioned about them here as much as possible. It is tautology to add that as this sum is already in the hands of the bankers the U.S. will be paying an unnecessary interest on it until employed.\nThere is another consideration also which is worthy of being taken into the account. The depreciation of the assignats so long as they continue to be a circulating medium is an advantage to those who have debts to pay to France by remittances from abroad. But this depreciation has been such for some time past as to give serious apprehensions that the time may come & that ere long, when it must be forced out of circulation. In that case the exchange would unavoidably turn in favor of France on account of the immense sums of specie which have been sent out of the country & the effort which would be then made to restore the equilibrium by their return. In such an event you will readily see the loss which the U.S. will sustain from having not extended to the utmost their payments under present circumstances.\nIt is impossible to give as certain any conjecture respecting these assignats & of course what I have said must be understood with that limitation. You will be able to form a more satisfactory opinion yourself perhaps from the following observations. The lands by which they are to be redeemed are selling every where without opposition. It becomes every day more evident that their mass exceeds the highest estimation\u2014the assignats arising on those sales are entering regularly into the treasury & are publicly burnt. Upward of 120. millions (one tenth of the whole emission) have already gone through this process, & yet the depreciation continues regularly. There was one extraordinary moment when the difference between this paper & specie was 19. p. cent. It was brought back to ten & is now at twelve p. cent, with the probability of continuing to encrease. It is to be observed that this takes place in a time when they have not war either foreign or domestic, & before the experiment is made on the new system of taxation. To those who think with me, that the greater part of the taxes proposed would not be paid soon under any system of perception, & that the system adopted is the one the least likely to raise taxes of any kind whatever, the experiment when made cannot be considered as favorable to the credit of the assignats. There seems no doubt now that there will be a necessity for a new emission of assignats before the taxes voted some days ago (as you will see by the Journals sent to the Secretary of State) can be collected under the most favorable supposition. If to this cause of discredit should be added intestine dissensions & civil war which in the present state of parties & weakness of the government, cannot be considered improbable, it is impossible to say that the assignats will not so far depreciate as to be no longer capable of answering the purposes of a circulating medium.\nI have thought it my duty to mention these circumstances to you as they may serve instead of a better guide, in examining the French debt & the mode of repaying it under the several aspects to which it will be presented to you. I gave you several ideas on this subject in my letter of April 9. As they consisted in transferring the debt from the French government to individuals either in France or Genoa, or some other foreign country, & as the assignats would be the necessary vehicle for that operation it is essential that you should be made acquainted with their present, & as far as can be done, their future situation. So long as they continue in circulation, the fall in their value & the rise of American credit will necessarily facilitate any such translation & render it more advantageous for the U.S. But should any disaster, or any of the circumstances mentioned above throw them out of circulation, before orders could be recieved from you, it of course would defeat any plan formed on them. It will be necessary therefore I think, if you should judge proper to make use of any of the ideas suggested to you either in this or a former letter, & adopt any system in consequence of them, to do it with a view to the possibility of the assignats ceasing to be a medium of circulation before your orders could be recieved & executed.\nI have spoken to Mr. Grand the son (one of the house of that name which has always acted for the U.S., & which perhaps has as little confidence in their credit as any house in Paris) with respect to the plan of making loans in assignats here in order to pay off the French debt, & giving bonds to secure the lenders against further depreciation. He took time to consider of it. We have since spoken of it & he seems fully persuaded it might be done. I mentioned to him that I had no authority to set such a plan on foot\u2014of course that I did not chuse it to become a matter of public consideration here\u2014but that if after a proper examination he considered there was a probability of carrying such a scheme into effect for the advantage of the U.S., I would recommend it to your consideration. The caution he considered himself bound to use in his enqueries, has prevented his consulting with as many of the monied people as he would have chosen; still the opinion he seems to have founded on his own observations & those of a few others, induces me to renew to you my wishes that you would take the subject into consideration.\nIt is useless to mention that the advantages resulting from this plan would be to relieve the U.S. in a short period from the part of their debt already due to France\u2014the placing it probably in a more advantageous rate of interest & the leaving the loans to be made in Holland free to be employed in the sinking of the domestic debt. In that case Congress would certainly find it advantageous to extend the operation beyond the two million of dollars already embraced by their act.\nSuch foreigners, Dutch, Genoese, or others as are reimbursed here by this country in assignats, would probably prefer recieving the bonds of the U.S. payable either at Amsterdam or Genoa. In that case the assignats they would lend the U.S. would be estimated according to the existing rate of exchange & of course would be an advantageous operation for the U.S. The instructions you give must necessarily be such as to authorize the embracing the several combinations which may take place so as to sieze the most favorable. This will require that your instructions should be very full & very much in detail with respect to each contingent. It will be necessary also that your views with respect to the necessity of discharging without delay the foreign debt due & the propriety of changing that to become due & that this may [be] judged of, your ideas with respect to the operation of purchasing up the domestic debt, should be known. And after all the latitude which must still be left is such as no individual probably would be bold enough to act in. I mention this because I feel as to myself a total incapacity to act alone in a case of so much delicacy & where there would be so much room for censure, as that of changing entirely the nature of the foreign debt. It would seem to me essential in order that every advantage under every change of circumstances should be made use of, that those to whom this business may be confided should be at least two. They will be more likely in proportion to their number, to lose no opportunity of acting for the advantage of the U.S., from the timidity which every individual must unavoidably be influenced by in such a case. The several ministers which the U.S. have or may have at the courts of Europe might very well act together in this business either by assembling at Paris if it was thought necessary or by correspondence. The latter mode would most probably suffice; as after having decided on a view of the circumstances of the moment, which might be done by letter, what measures were proper to be taken, their execution might be left to the person who may reside here.\nThe following alternatives will probably present themselves to their examination & choice. 1. To pay off the French debt due or to become due, by loans made here in assignats, giving the bonds of the U.S. payable here for a certain sum of specie, either in weight or in crowns of six livres. 2. By loans made here giving bonds payable either at Amsterdam, Genoa, or elsewhere as may be agreed on with the lenders, & expressed in the money of that country agreeably to the value of the livre Tournois according to the then rate of exchange. 3. To open loans at Amsterdam Genoa or elsewhere & to recieve bills on Paris, or French stock such as the Government should agree to recieve, the bonds of the U.S. being expressed in the money of the country agreeably to the value of the bills or stock recieved. 4. To open such loans recieving part in cash, to be transmitted to you, & part in bills or stock of the above kind. Other alternatives may also present themselves; but these I think you may consider as sufficiently probable to merit your examination & instructions thereon. The circumstances of this country however are necessarily so unsettled & so subject to change, that it is impossible to say how long they will continue thus favorable for an operation much to be desired & highly beneficial for the U.S. It is for that reason Sir that I have taken the liberty of thus urging it on your consideration. You would no doubt regard it as an abuse of your time if I were to detain you longer by adding the propriety of discharging without delay, at least that part of the debt to France which has become due & the advantages of employing the loans made in Holland at 5. p. cent or lower, to the purchase of the domestic debt. The certainty that so long as money can be placed in the domestic funds at an high rate of interest by purchasing them under par, considerable sums will be diverted from the productive operations of agriculture & commerce to that kind of barren speculation, suffices alone to demonstrate the public benefit which would result from raising them at least to that point.\nMy letters which you mention having not recieved will not change your determination with respect to the offers of Schweizer & Jeanneret. The tariff to which they allude & of which you desire the explanation is that fixed by Congress for the rate at which foreign coin is to be recieved in the collection of the duties.\nSince my return to Paris I have been obliged to see these people because they were referred to me by the Minister as mentioned in my letter of May 4 although their character and reputation could not but render such interviews disagreeable. I told them at once that I did not think their propositions would be accepted. They urged me much to treat with them adding they had been informed that I had sufficient powers to treat conditionally subject to the ratification of the President. They offered in that case to change their terms for the advantage of the U.S. As I had every reason to believe that they were not in a condition to fulfill their engagements, & that they were made the ostensible persons merely that if the bargain turned out a bad one, it might be avoided on their part & further that they meant to make use of any conditional agreement they might induce me to sign, in order to draw after them those people on whom they counted for support, I declined any kind of treaty, adhering to what I had previously told them, that I would communicate to you any terms they might offer, & that if I thought them acceptable I would add my recommendation for their acceptance.\nI observed to them however the propriety of their employing M. de Ternant who was about to embark for America, & who might recieve instructions from the minister to take definitive arrangements on this subject. I added that in order to insure the success of the operation it would be necessary 1. That M. de Ternant should be authorized to say that it was desired by the ministry. 2. That he should be fully satisfied that they (Schweizer & Jeanneret) had sufficient powers & a sufficient capital either of themselves or of those for whom they acted, to fulfill such engagements, & should be able to say so to the government of the U.S. 3. that the terms they offered should be acceptable, & therefore that a considerable latitude should be left to M. de Ternant in fixing them.\nThey had told me that they were willing now to change their former offers so as to give up entirely the commission asked & to diminish the number of florins to be recieved so as to give up to the profit of the U.S. one million on the whole operation provided the debt of the U.S. amounted to 40. million of livres, or at that rate for a smaller sum. I added that I would recommend to your acceptance, such proposals provided the conditions abovementioned with respect to M. de Ternant were fulfilled by them.\nThey accordingly sent me a supplement to their former offers accompanied by the papers marked No. 2. & herewith enclosed. On my observing to them that they mistated in their supplement their conference with me, they abolished that statement & sent me a new supplement together with the papers marked No. 3. This supplement therefore is to be considered as containing the terms they offer at present. They are 1. to obtain from the French government the bonds of the U.S. & to recieve from the U.S. in lieu of them at the rate of 18 millions of florins for 40 millions of livres, for the part already due & at the rate of f. 7,000,000, for 40,000,000 \u20b6, for the part to become due.\nBy the standard fixed by Congress the calculation of these people makes 40,000,000 livres equal to f. 18,974,359\u2014of course in fixing their demand at 18 millions they state this sacrifice at nearly a million, whereas in truth according to the par between Paris & Amsterdam 18,-000,000 florins are equal to 40,000,000 \u20b6.\nI saw M. de Ternant after they had written to me that they had satisfied him with regard to their powers & their ability to perform their engagements, & he told me they had given him no such satisfaction. M. de Montmorin told me also that he had recommended the plan of these people because M. Lambert the then Comptroller general approved it, but he seemed to think now that M. Lambert had adopted the opinion without examination, that these people had the funds to make good their engagements.\nOn the whole I believe myself, that they are two adventurers who have gone on this principle; that if they could engage the ministry to bind themselves to recieve assignats & the U.S. to give their bonds at par there would be such a gain that the Capitalists of Genoa, Paris or elsewhere would gladly support them as the fall in the value of the assignats would leave an immense profit, that if on the contrary they entered into a contract which should turn out ill, they having nothing to lose had nothing to fear. You will be able to learn from M. de Ternant how far these powers & abilities extend & to him alone I must refer you as they have given me no other proof of them than the letter of M. Lambert written last fall & forwarded to you from Amsterdam.\nThis affair will after all present itself to you under the following conditions. 1. M. de Ternant will not undertake to answer for the abilities of Schweizer & Jeanneret, which I think will certainly be the case, & of course, it must end there. Or 2. he will answer for them & offer to enter into negotiation with you, & in that case, he will be authorized to give more advantageous terms than those proposed in the supplement. The exchange between Paris & Amsterdam is now more than 20. p. cent in favor of the latter. This is the real standard by which you should be guided. The expences of commission & the profit which the lenders of such a mass would have a right to expect must of course be taken into the account. In such a case I should think it highly advantageous for the U.S. to accept the terms, as it would be effecting at once a measure of which I have stated the benefit above. You may insist also on a part of the bonds being made payable at Genoa or elsewhere than Amsterdam, wch. you will certainly consider as desirable for the U.S.\nI mentioned to you in my letter of Feb. 17. what had passed between Mr. Morris & myself respecting a loan for the U.S. in the low countries. I have lately satisfied myself that I had been mistaken in supposing that foreign powers were not allowed to borrow there. I am waiting now therefore with much impatience for your sentiments on that subject, which I may now expect without delay. I have no doubt myself that it would be advantageous for the U.S. to open a loan there for the money to be remitted to France, even if the terms were the same with those at Amsterdam, on account of having a credit at more than one place. Still as I may so soon expect to hear from you on that subject I have determined not to make the experiment there until then, unless I find that a loan can be obtained at an inferior rate of interest; which however is not to be hoped. As soon as I recieve an answer from the bankers therefore to whom I have written to know when they think the U.S. could with propriety propose the loan at the reduced rate they mention, I shall take measures for informing myself if I could now make a loan in the low countries at 4\u00bd p. cent & in that case I shall think myself warranted to set it on foot. Should I find however that this could not be done at less than 5. p. cent, & should no answer come from you, I shall not think myself fully authorized to transfer your loans thither, as I am sure of being able to obtain the one ordered by you, at that rate at Amsterdam.\nI have not for some time seen the Genoese minister who is now in the country. I imagine his constituents are making the proper inquiries with respect to the present situation of the credit of the U.S. & I take it for granted they will be fond of making them loans.\nThe information which you desire respecting the establishment of the mint in the United Netherlands, I fear it will be difficult to acquire with exactitude without being on the spot. The time of my being there will depend of course on the time of a new loan being made. Still I shall endeavour to collect the best information I can from thence whilst absent & will forward it, as also that which you desire concerning their E. India company. When I was there it was considered that their affairs were in the most declining posture, & since I have left that place, they have authorized individuals to partake in that commerce with them except only I think as to gun powder, arms, & some other articles, which is a proof that they do not consider the company\u2019s resources as adequate to it. With respect to the present situation of the affairs of the Eng. East-India company you will see the most authentic details in their present Parliamentary debates which you recieve of course.\nI inclose you an Appercu of the revenue & expences of this country for the present year & also a plan of Tontine which I have not yet read & of course know not whether it is worthy of your attention.\nMy former letters have said so much of the advantage of recieving from you authenticated copies of the revenues of the U.S., the state of their commerce & other papers of the kind, that I will not repeat it at present, as I do not doubt you will be fully convinced of it.\nI have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect esteem & respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 your most obedient & most humble servant\nW: Short\nP.S. The letters which I have written to you since those mentioned in that of Jan. 25. of which last you acknowlege the reciet are as follows: Feb. 7, 17, 22. March 4, 11. from Amsterdam\u2014April 9, May 4. from Paris.\nThe Honble. Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0369-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard to William Short, 23 May 1791\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTo: Short, William\nAmsterdam 23 May 1791\nSir\nWe have the honor to inclose a Letter We received for you this Morning \u214c the English Mail, which brought us late Intelligence from America.\nIt is with satisfaction We inform you, that We have delivered near all the Bonds of the Loan of March, and that the actual Price for them is \u00be \u214c Cent above Par. They will probably still rise, and We flatter ourselves sufficiently high, by postponing yet some time any proposals for a new Loan, to enable us to obtain the Subscription for the next Loan for the United States at a reduced rate of Interest. Every thing promises fair to bring about this desirable Point, and You know You can rely upon our utmost Exertions, to improve, the favorable Circumstances to the benefit of the United States.\nWe are respectfully \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obdedient and very humble servants.\nWilhem & Jan WillinkN & J. Van Staphorst & Hubbard\nWillm. Short Esqr. Paris", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0370", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 4 June 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, June 4, 1791. \u201c\u2026 Your Circular Letter 27th May is received. It has not been in my power to see the Treasury of this State since your Letter came to hand but I am very confident that this State never redeemed a Continental public security by issuing their own obligation. This State has loaned considerable Sums of Old paper money which was recd. for taxes & public Securities which were received for the Sale of Lands which I presume was not contrary to the Act of Congress. I duely noticed the first of June as it respected non-scribers & it has turned out as I expected. I have only one of that discription & I don\u2019t know but he will recant before the Quarter Closes.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0371", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Captains of the Revenue Cutters, 4 June 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Captains of the Revenue Cutters\nTreasury DepartmentJune 4 1791.\nSir\nAs you are speedily to enter upon the Duties of your Station, it becomes proper briefly to point them out to you. Accordingly I send you a copy of the Act under which you have been appointed & in which are contained your powers, & the objects to which you are to attend & I shall add such observations as appear to me requisite to guide you in fulfilling the intent of that Act.\nIt may be observed generally that it will be, in a particular manner, the province of the Revenue Cutters to guard the Revenue Laws from all infractions or \u27e8br\u27e9eaches either upon the Coasts or within the Bays, or \u27e8up\u27e9on the Rivers & other Waters of the United States, pre\u27e8vi\u27e9ous to the anchoring of Vessels within the harbours \u27e8for\u27e9 which they are respectively destined.\nHence it will be necessary for you from time to time to ply along the Coasts in the neighbourhood of your Station, & to traverse the different parts of the Waters which it comprehends. To fix yourself constantly or even generally at one position would in a great measure defeat the purpose of the establishment. It would confine your vigilance to a particular Spot, & allow full Scope to fraudulent practices every where else.\nThe 63d. section of the Act herewith transmitted declares that the Officers of the Revenue Cutters are to be deemed Officers of the Customs & enumerates certain powers with which they are to be invested. The 30th. section specifying two of the same powers that of demanding Manifests & that of Searching Vessels, enters into some details concerning them. These two sections require particular attention as marking the outline of your authority & duty. But in the capacity of Officers of Customs you will possess some other powers & be bound to perform some other duties which are not mentioned in these sections. You will have a right for example & it will be your duty to seize Vessels & Goods in the cases in which they are liable to seizure for breaches of the Revenue Laws, when they come under your notice. But all the powers you can exercise will be found in some provisions of the Law, & it must be a rule with you to exercise none with which you are not clearly invested. In every case of doubt you will follow the advice of the Officer to whom you will be refered in a separ\u27e8ate\u27e9 Letter. On points of importance which admit of delay, you may correspond with the Secretary \u27e8of\u27e9 the Treasury.\nThe 9th. 10th. 11th. & 12th. sections which re\u27e8late\u27e9 to manifests will also require your particular attention. The due observance of the provisions of these sections is considered as of material consequence to the security of the Revenue, & ample time having been allowed for them to be generally known & complied with, it is now indispensible that they should be strictly enforced.\nYou will perceive that they are only required in respect to Vessels belonging wholly or in part to a \u201cCitizen or Citizens, Inhabitant or Inhabitants of the United States.\u201d It is understood that by Inhabitant is intended every person residing in the United States whether Citizen or Foreigner. The reason of this limitation is, that Citizens & resident Foreigners are supposed to be acquainted with the Laws of the Country; but that foreign Citizens residing in foreign Countries have not the same knowledge & consequently ought not to be subjected to penalties in regard to a thing which they might not know to be necessary.\nBut since you cannot be presumed to know before hand what Vessels are owned in whole or in part by Citizens or Inhabitants, it will of course be your duty to demand the Manifests of all indiscriminately, & to report those from which you do not receive them, to the Collectors of the Districts for which they are respectively first destined. You will also keep a record of all the Vessels from which you demand Manifests, not only of those from which you receive them, but of those from which you do not receive them, & of the Districts for which they are bound, & you will at the end of every month (pursuing the division of the year by the Calendar) send me an abstract of your Record.\nCareful attention is likewise due to the 13th. & 14th. sections of the Act. It is of importance that Vessels should not break bulk, or put out any part of their cargoes, even temporarily, previous to a regular entry & permission obtained, except in cases of real necessity to be duly reported & proved. You will observe that besides the penalties on the Master & Mate of the Vessels from on board of which any Goods shall have been illegally removed, the Master or Commander of the Vessel or boat into which they may be received, & all Persons aiding in the removal, are liable to a forfeiture of treble the value of the Goods removed, & the Vessel or boat into which they may be received is also subject to forfeiture. It is well known that one of the most extensive cases of illicit trade is that which is here intended to be guarded against, that of unlading Goods before the arrival of a Vessel into Port in Coasters & other small Vessels which convey them clandestinely to land. Hence the bare removal of Goods from one Vessel to another is made penal, though they may not have been landed. Nor will the pretext of their being intended to be replaced avail any thing. The provisions of these sections admonish you to keep a very careful eye upon the motions of coasting Vessels without however interrupting or embarassing them unless where some strong ground of suspicion requires that they should be visited & examined.\nThe execution of the 15th. section of the Act must essentially depend on the Revenue Cutters. It is easy to see that it would be dangerous to the Revenue for Vessels to be permitted to go at pleasure from one part of the United States to another, without announcing themselves to some proper Office. Hence though each may proceed on her voyage from a more exterior to a more interior District to which she may be bound, yet none can go back from a more interior to more exterior District or from one part of the United states to another, without first reporting herself to the Collector of the District in order that she may come under the notice & precautions of the Law. Nor can this be deemed a hardship seeing her report will not oblige her to unlade any part of her cargo, but she may afterwards proceed with it wheresoever she pleases.\nI have now noticed to you the principal parts of the Law which immediately relate to the execution of your duty. It will however be incumbent upon you to make yourself acquainted with all the Revenue Laws which concern foreign Commerce or the Coasting Trade, a knowledge of the whole spirit & tendency of which cannot but be a useful Guide to you in your particular sphere. You will observe that the Law contemplates the Officers of Cutters in certain Cases remaining on board of Vessels until they arrive at their places of destination, & with a view to this it is, that so many Officers have been assigned to each Cutter. It is not however expected that this will be done in every case, & it must be left to the discretion of the commanding Officer when it shall be done. Where there is a Vessel, the lading of which is of very great value or which has any considerable quantity of Goods on deck or in other situations from which they can readily be removed, or where the nature of the Cargo is such as to admit more easily a clandestine landing, or from the highness of the duty to afford a more than ordinary temptation or where any suspicious circumstances appear; in these & the like cases it will be well to let an Officer accompany the Vessel to her place of destination. The want of a Manifest will be a circumstance in favour of so doing. It will not however be adviseable to make known the circumstances under which it is deemed most peculiarly proper to use these precautions; as it might sometimes unnecessarily give offence. It may be always left to be understood that it is the practice whenever the state of the Cutter renders it convenient. You are empowered among other things to affix seals on packages found in certain situations. For this purpose proper seals will be prepared & transmitted. Till they are received any others may be made use of. The principal design of this provision is to identify the packages found in such situations.\nIt will be expected that a regular journal be kept in each Cutter in the same manner as far as circumstances are applicable, as is practised in Sea voyages; & that all occurences relative to the execution of the Laws & to the conduct of all Vessels which come under their notice be summarily noted therein, & that a copy of this journal to the end of each month be regularly forwarded to the Treasury.\nIt has also occurred that the Cutters may be rendered an Instrument of useful information concerning the Coast, inlets, bays, & rivers of the United States & it will be particularly acceptable if the Officers improve the opportunities they will have (as far as shall consist with the Duties they are to perform) in making such observations & experiments in respect to these objects as may be useful in the business of navigation communicating the result from time to time to the Treasury.\nWhile I recommend in the strongest terms to the respective Officers, activity, vigilance & firmness, I feel no less solicitude that their deportment may be marked with prudence, moderation & good temper. Upon these last qualities not less than upon the former must depend the success, usefulness, & consequently continuance of the establishment in which they are included. They cannot be insensible that there are some prepossessions against it, that the charge with which they are entrusted is a delicate one, & that it is easy by mismanagement to produce serious & extensive clamour, disgust & odium.\nThey will always keep in mind that their Countrymen are Freemen & as such are impatient of every thing that bears the least mark of a domineering Spirit. They will therefore refrain with the most guarded circumspection from whatever has the semblance of haughtiness, rudeness or insult. If obstacles occur they will remember they are under the particular protection of the Laws, & that they can meet with nothing disagreeable in the execution of their duty which these will not severely reprehend. This reflection & a regard to the good of the service will prevent at all times a spirit of irritation or resentment. They will endeavour to overcome difficulties, if any are experienced, by a cool and temperate perseverance in their duty, by address & moderation rather than by vehemence or violence. The former stile of conduct will recommend them to the particular approbation of the president of the United states, while the reverse of it, even a single instance of outrage, or intemperate or improper treatment of any person with whom they have any thing to do in the course of their duty, will meet with his pointed displeasure, & will be attended with correspondent consequences.\nThe foregoing observations are not dictated by any doubt of the prudence of any of those to whom they are addressed. These have been selected with so careful an attention to character as to afford the strongest assurance that their conduct will be that of good Officers & good Citizens. But in an Affair so delicate & important it has been judged most advisable to listen to the suggestions of caution rather than of confidence & to put all concerned on their guard against those sallies to which even good & prudent men are occasionally subject. It is not doubted the instruction will be received as it ought to be, & will have its due effect. & that all may be apprised of what is expected, you will communicate this part of your orders, particularly, to all your Officers & you will inculcate upon your Men a correspondent disposition.\nThe 5th. Section of the act transmitted you requires that all Officers appointed pursuant to that Act should take a certain Oath therein specified. The act of the 1st. day of June 1789 requires that you should also take the oath to support the Constitution of the United states. These oaths each of your Officers must take before some Judge of the United States, if access can conveniently be had to one, if not before some other Magistrate, duly empowered to administer oaths, & a certificate from him of the taking it must be transmitted to the Comptroller of the Treasury.\nI am Sir your obedient servant.\nAlexander Hamilton.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0372", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 4 June 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Commissioners of Loans\nTreasury DepartmentJune 4. 1791.\nSir\nYou will by the post immediately succeeding the closing of your books, preparatorily to the payment of interest, in each quarter, transmit to the Treasury a summary of the amount of each kind of stock then standing on your books, in order to the requisite provisions for making such payment.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt. servant\nAlex. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0373", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 4 June 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmth. New Hamp. June 4. 1791\nSir\nIn consequence of a Circular letter of the Asistant Secretary dated the 10th. of March last a few weeks since received, I herewith inclose you Returns of the decked Vessels built in the District of Portsmouth N. H. for two Succeeding years, the first commencing the 4th. of March 1789.\nThe Same letter Signifid to me your wish to have forwarded from time to time as they may come into my hands \u201cany documents that have relation to the Commerce, Navigation, Fisheries, Manufactures, or Productions of the State, either in the time of the province, or in that of the Commonwealth.\u201d This request shall be carefully attended to, & such documents forwarded, should any come to my hands. In the meantime, conceiving that such circumstances respecting those objects, which may have fallen under my own observation, or that have otherwise come to my knowledge would be acceptable, in lieu of such documents, I will now mention them generally.\nCommerce & Navigation commenced at the earliest period of the Settlements on the River Piscataqua increasing gradually till the year 1775. From the year 1720 to 1760 there was a Considerable trade with Spain to which Nation were Shiped large quantities of Fish, Oak Timber, plank & Staves. From 1760 to 1775 Shipbuilding had so much greatly increased & there were annually built 30 to 40 Sail of two decked Vessels of 180 to 350 tons, besides Smaller ones, with one deck. The two decked Vessels were principally employed in supplying the English West India Islands with Sundries whence they proceeded to England freighted with the produce of the Islands & were sold in England. Many Vessels also going directly to different ports in England loaded with Lumber were there sold. A great Number of Ships were also built on acct of British merchants residing in England & Scotland. The Single decked Vessels (rigged Sloops, Schrs. & Brigs) were employed also in supplying the Islands with Lumber & Fish, which Supp[ly] voyages extended to the Dainish & Dutch Islands & Settlements on the main & also to those of France & Spain when they could get admittance into their ports. The Vessels taking freight for England remitted the proceeds of their Lumber Cargoes to Europe in Bills or to America in produce, & those returning bringing with them the different productions of those Islands & Settlements which were vended partly at home, & the residue exported to the neighbouring provinces, chiefly to the Carolinas, Virginia & Maryland in exchange for Corn & other provisions. Agriculture was little attended to, the Settlemts. being circumscribed to the limits of 30 or 40 Miles from the Sea Coast & the Settlers employed in procuring lumber, neglected their attention to Farming.\nThe Productions of New Hampshire in provisions was not Sufficient to Support the inhabitants till after the peace between France & England which took place in the Year 1762. Since that period, the Settlements have been extended to the Western boundaries of the State, & so far, that the procuring of Lumber on account of the distance for its transportation has ceased to be an object with the Settlers, they have therefore been confined in that article to the amount of their own consumption for building their Houses &c, & have bent their attention to the cultivation of their Lands.\nThe Manufactures of New Hampshire tho\u2019 considerable, are without System\n   Among our Manufactures however may be enumerated, Several Forges, Works for Manufacturing Bar Iron, One Furnace, One Rolling & Slitting Mill, 4 or 5 Oyl Mills, A Number of Fulling Mills & one Manufactory of Sail Cloth.\n or Patronage.\n   In exception [to] these remarks, it must be Noted that the Sail Cloth Manufactory is a well regulated undertaking of a Single proprietor & the Rolling & Slitting Mill had the Assistance of the Legislature by a generous grant.\n More or less has been done in Linnen, Woolen & Cotten for many years. This is principally performed in private families in the Country, every Farmhouse having its Utensels for manufacturing the wool & flax produced by its proprietor together with a proportion of imported Cotton. These manufactures are of great use in the families where they are carried on, Serving in part for their cloathing; but too much of them are exchanged for foreign Superfuities. About the Year  a number of families from the North of Ireland came into the State & settled about 40 miles from the Sea, who being acquainted with the Manufacture of Linen have carried it on in a greater degree of perfection than any other in the State, which their descendents continue to this day. These people were very usefull & had the emigrations continued, great benefit would have derived to the Country from their example of Industry & Economy, but the ill judged policy of the day, founded on Superstitious opinions, put a Stop to the migration of all foreigners to the State.\nThe productions of New Hampshire had been almost confined to its Lumber & its Fisheries till since the peace of 1762 above mentioned. The produce of Beef, Wheat, Rye, Indian Corn & Pulse have since that period increased with the Settlement of the inland Townships & are now produced in great quantities; but wheat is produced only in the more distant Towns from the Sea Coast. Pot & Pearl Ashes is now also become an article in our Manufactures of great importance.\nThe greater part of the produce of the new Townships are transported by Land to Massachusetts, whence many of the Settlers emigrated. The Situation of the Roads admitting of a conveyance equally eligible & the Seat of government or rather the Sessions of the Legislature shifting from place to place & not being confined to, or indeed scarcely ever held in the Capital of the State, but little commercial intercourse is formed between it & the back Country. Hence the productions of the State are carried to & exported from Massachusetts & the Foreign Articles here consumed imported into & purchased from the Importers in that State, a Circumstance greatly prejudicial of our own State though probably of no national consequence.\nThe present State of Commerce & Navigation being perfectly known to you from the Returns continually making, no observations there on are necessary. I have the Hn to be &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0377", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jonathan Dayton, 6 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Dayton, Jonathan\n[Philadelphia, June 6, 1791. \u201cMy determination on the subject mentioned in your letter of the first instant is still suspended on the answer of the Attorney General, which has not yet been given.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0378", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 6 June 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom-HouseNewport [Rhode Island] June 6 1791\nSir,\nI received a letter from the Surveyor of the Port of Warren some time ago inclosing a letter from you of the 13th. of Decr. 1790. relative to the lawful portion of the compensations the Surveyors are respectively to receive for their services. It is I am sensible my duty to pay them their lawful portions of fees received by me; but a dispute has arisen between the Surveyors of Warren & Barrington and the Surveyor of this Port respecting their rights to the fees arising on Registers, Enrollments and Licenses which they wish you would decide. The dispute seems to turn upon the meaning of the expression such fees as shall arise, in the 31 Sec: of the Coasting Act. The distributory part of the Sec: which relates to this question runs thus \u201cand where there is more than one Surveyor in any District, each of them shall receive his proportionable part of such fees as shall arise in the port for which he is appointed.\u201d The Surveyor of the Port of Warren & Barrington claims a right to a proportionable part of the fees for Registers, Enrollments and Licenses of Vessels belonging to the Port of which he is Surveyor, and the Surveyor of this port says that he alone is entitled to them; because all vessels belonging to this District are registered, enrolled and licensed in this port, and of consequence the fees arise in this port. The Surveyor of Warren &c e contra says that the fees arise in the port where the vessel belongs, that he doth not consider the Surveyors as entitled to any part of the fees for registering, enrolling and licensing vessels on account of any services they perform relative to those acts; especially since an allowance has been made to them for the admeasurement of vessels; but as intended as a part of their compensation for services in general.\nThis letter was framed some time ago, and would have been sent to you, if the Surveyor of this Port had not informed me that he had written to you on the subject.\nI have lately received a letter from the Surveyor of North Kingstown, in which he writes thus \u201cit will be necessary for me to come to Newport as there are some monies in your office that I am interested in vizt for Enrollments, Clearances &c of vessels belonging to this Port, as thereby I shall be able to make a complete Statement of the Emoluments of my office.\u201d The other Surveyors in this District may make similar claims.\nIt is not only the wish of the Surveyors, but mine also that you would be pleased, as early as may be convenient, to communicate your sentiments on this matter; for until this dispute is decided by you there will be an uneasiness, and the Surveyors will not be able it seems to exhibit complete accounts of their Emoluments.\nI am Sir \u2003 Yr. most obedt. servant\nW Ellery Collr.\nA Hamilton EsqrSecry of the U. S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0379", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 6 June 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom HouseNewport [Rhode Island] June 6th 1791\nSir,\nOn the 3d. instant I recd. your circular letters of the 13th. & 25th of May last. I do not recollect that in any instance duties on goods brought into this district have been ascertained otherwise than on the actual landing thereof, and by the measuring, weighg. & gauging, where those operations are required by law. A particular attention will be paid to your direction in that respect.\nYour opinion relative to the termination of the authority of Inspectors put on board of vessels in one district to go to another I am happy to know, because the law is not explicit on that head.\nI will inform myself as accurately as I can what tare is customary among merchants in this District &c and will communicate such information by the next Post. Before the receipt of your letter on the preceding subjects, I wrote a letter to you dated May 23. 1791 in which I mentioned generally the custom of merchants here, and the practice of the Custom-house in regard to the mode of calculating the tare of goods, requesting your opinion on that part of the Collection Law.\nI have delivered your letters directed to the Navl. Officer and Surveyor of this Port, and intimated to them that it would be agreeable to you that their returns of the emoluments of their respective offices should be for one year following the time of their entering upon their duty, instead of the year mentioned in your circular letter of the 14th of April; and have given the same intimation to the Surveyors of the other ports in this District in letters in which I have inclosed your letter to them respectively. This letter will be accompanied with a weekly return of monies received and paid and a monthly schedule of bonds, with a draft upon me by the Treasr. in favour of the Cashr. of the bank of N. A. No. 1460 for Five Hund. dolls., and the copy of an Endorsment of the change of Master, on a Certif: of Reg. No 2, granted at this Port.\nI am, Sir, yr. most obedt. servt.\nW Ellery Collr\nSecry of Treasy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0380", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 6 June 1791\nFrom: Smith, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLoan Office [Philadelphia] Pennsa: June 6th 1791.\nSir\nAs the holders of Certificates in the Debt of this State are now presenting them at this Office for deposit agreable to the Act of the 4th Augt. 1790 I think it my duty to apply to you for any farther Instructions you may judge necessary in the execution of this business the situation of which appears as follows. This State has been Issuing consolodated certificates for a number of small ones but as some of those Certificates are dated since the first of Jany. 1790, altho\u2019 the holders of them say they were prior to that Date, I have refused them as I think the Act of Congress precludes them.\nThe Interest is endorsed on those Certificates paid to Jany. 1st 1792. at the State Treasury but no signature. The method I have taken with what has been presented has been to send them to the Comptroller of this State for examination. He declares them right but puts no mark of Approbation on them. The Checks he says are necessary in his Office and Cannot therefore be spared. This method is attended with great loss of Time and risque which at this time is particularly inconvenient.\nIf a method could be devised for the holders of them to present their accounts of them to the Comptroller of this State & he would certify they were genuine & assumable it would be safe & convenient.\n  I wish for the Safety of the Office I could be permitted to make an Office mark on each Certificate of State Debt received such as striking a mark thro\u2019 with a sharp Iron thus  which it would make without taking a piece out. As the people are possessed of Certificates Issued by this State under the late funding law in lieu of Certificates Issued by the United States have it in their power to possess themselves of their original Certificates on refunding the Interest they have received from the State by returning Indents in Lieu thereof, I have therefore received no such state Certificates on Loan to the U states. People who had Loaned before your orders 9th May for making endorsement on the back of their Certificates if required viz. Issued in Lieu of Certain Loan office Certificates which were issued between 1st Septr. 1777. & the 1st of March 1778 are applying for similar endorsements. Is it proper I should make them if required?\nMr. Tench Francis Cashier of the Bank has applied to me for a form similar to that furnished by the register of the Treasury for payment of Interest at the Bank. I informed him of my readiness to accomodate and comply with any orders I might receive from you but did not think myself authorized to make any Alterations of the present forms without express orders. If Sir you chuse to gratify him I shall most chearfully execute any form in the power of Sir \u2003 Your &c.\nHonble. Alex. Hamilton Esqr. Secy of Treasy. U. S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0381", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 6 June 1791\nFrom: \nTo: \nTreasury DepartmentJune 6th. 1791\nSir,\nIn consequence of an enquiry made of me, I think it necessary to inform you that I consider the holders of Certificates received from the Government of any State in lieu of certificates of the federal debt, as having a right to subscribe those State Certificates to the Loan of the Assumed debt, and I consider the State as having a right to subscribe the continental Certificates which they have obtained by the exchange to the Loan proposed by the Act of the 4th. August 1790; but no interest is to be paid on the Assumed debt of the State either to the State or to individuals, until you shall be informed, that I am satisfied, that all the certificates so issued by the State have been reexchanged or redeemed, or that all those, which shall not be re-exchanged or redeemed, have been surrendered to the United States.\nTo distinguish in a clear and striking manner this description of New Loan Certificates from all others, I have determined to have a hole, of about one fifth of an inch, cut through a part near the centre, being at the end of the blank left for the creditors name immediately before the word \u201cis\u201d and directly over the letter \u201ct\u201d in the word \u201camount\u201d.\nWhen the Stock represented in these certificates shall be transferred from and to the Loan Offices or the Treasury, the transfer certificates must have this central hole cut or punched through them in like manner.\nIn order to full information, on this subject, I request you to transmit to me a copy or sufficient extract from any laws passed by the Legislature of the State in which you reside, relative to the exchange of federal Certificates for those of the State, and to the re-exchange of those of the State for federal Certificates, in doing which you will be careful to collect whatever there may be.\nYou will also communicate such observations as may appear necessary for the perfect understanding of the course, which the business has taken.\nI am Sir \u2003 Your Obedt. servt.\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0382", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury DepartmentJune 7th. 1791\nSir\nBefore the receipt of your letter of the 25th. of May the question concerning the true intent and meaning of the Act to amend and explain the last impost law, relative to printed, stained, and coloured goods had arisen from another quarter.\nIn determining the articles to which the amendatory act will apply the defect alledged to exist in the original law seems proper to be had fully in view. The clause to be explained and amended was that which laid a duty upon chintzes and coloured calicoes, which are printed goods, and it should therefore seem, that it was intended for the purpose of including all those goods, which are of the nature and resemblance of calicoes and chintzes, and which belong to the printing branch, some of which being of linen, and of cotton and linen mixed were not deemed within the letter of the original clause. Those goods, which are fabricated out of different coloured linen or cotton yarns such as Haerlem stripes, British checks &c. and which are not appurtenant to the printing branch do not appear to me to be included.\nThere is manifestly considerable doubt concerning the true meaning of this clause from the two respectable opinions, which you mention in your letter. This circumstance alone is sufficient to justify you in not requiring the duty of 7\u00bd from the importers of striped and checked goods not appurtenant to the printing branch, for it is conformable with law, and with sound policy that dubious clauses should be construed favorably to the importer.\nI am, Sir,\nBen. Lincoln Esq.Boston.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0383", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 7 June 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, June 7, 1791. \u201cI have received your Two circular Letters of the 25th and 26th of May. The information contained in the first, relative to the Emoluments of the Officers of the Customs, I have communicated to the Naval Officer and Surveyors of this District, agreeable to your request. I shall attend to what you say in providing for the Boat wanted for the Service of this Harbour.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0385", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 8 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nTreasury DepartmentJune 8th 1791.\nSir\nIt has occurred to me that it would be productive of very useful information if some Officer of the United States in each foreign Country, where there is one, were instructed to transmit, occasionally, a state of the coins of the Country specifying their respective standards weights, and values, and, periodically, a state of the market prices of gold and silver in coin and bullion, and of the rates of foreign exchange, and of the rates of the different kinds of labour as well that employed in manufactures as in tillage.\nI would beg leave to request if there appears to you no inconvenience in the thing that an instruction may be sent for the above purpose and that copies of the statements which shall from time to time be received in consequence of it may be furnished to the Treasury.\nI have the honor to be with great respect \u2003 Sir, \u2003 your obedient servt.\nAlexander Hamilton\nThe Secretary of State.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0386", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John McComb, Junior, 8 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: McComb, John, Jr.\nTreasury DepartmentJune 8. 1791\nSir\nI have this day written to Col. Thomas Newton of Norfolk in Virginia on the subject of your letter of the 23rd of May. It is my wish that you may proceed without delay upon the terms mentioned to him. I doubt not you will carefully and justly estimate the extra work in the foundation (should it prove necessary to go deeper than is stipulated in the contract) but as the matter is placed by law under the ultimate direction of the President, your charge with the contract you make must be submitted to him. In case your demand should appear too high in the judgement of the President a condition will be admitted that the value of that extra work may be determined by three indifferent persons.\nI am sir \u2003 Your Obed. servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nMr. John McComb Jun.Princess Ann CountyVirginia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0387", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Newton, Junior, 8 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Newton, Thomas, Jr.\n[Philadelphia, June 8, 1791. On June 8, 1791, Hamilton wrote to John McComb, Jr.: \u201cI have this day written to Col. Thomas Newton.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0388-0001", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Pettit, 8 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pettit, Charles\nTreasury Department June 8th. 1791.\nSir\nI have received your letter of the 31st. of May. Inclosed are two statements shewing the precise sums of New Emission money, which have been paid over to the State of Pennsylvania, those which have been disposed of as on account of the United States, and the sum which is understood to be now in the Treasury.\nThese statements will, I presume, answer every purpose, which can be desired, in regard to the settlement of accounts between the United States and the State of Pennsylvania.\nIt is not perceived in what manner the surrender of the sum now in the Treasury can contribute to that end; and while such a surrender is not required by the original form of the business, it would be wholly inexpedient, as involving the possibility of an encrease of the mass of floating paper; and this without necessity, or utility.\nPennsylvania is not the only state which might make a similar claim, if a precedent for it were furnished. Measures are now in train for cancelling all paper of this kind.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your most obedt. Servt.\nAlexander Hamilton\nCharles Pettit Esquire.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0388-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Memorandum, [4 June 1791]\nFrom: Freeman, Ezekiel\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, June 4, 1791]\nMemorandum of monies specified in a warrant No. 35 dated 30th. July 1790 drawn on Thomas Smith Esquire. Vizt.\nfor Pennsylvania bills of credit of the new Emissions struck\nin pursuance of the Act of Congress of the 18th March 1780\nloose money in ditto\nAmount of new Emission of Pennsylvania of 18th March 1780\nditto\nof Maryland\nditto\nof New Jersey\nditto\nof Massachusetts\nditto\nState Money of Pennsylvania\nDollars\nStatement of the United States quota of 4/10ths. of bills emitted on the Funds of the State of Pennsylvania in March 1780. Vizt.\nOn account of which Thomas Smith Esqr. Commissioner of Loans has made the following charges. Vizt.\nWarrants drawn by the Board of Treasury, the Superintendant of Finance, and the Presidents of Congress\nCommissions\nContingent Charges\nCarried to the United States Account Current for which the Commissioner is to Account\nRemitted to the Secretary of the Treasury in July 1790\nDollars\nExtracted from the books of Thomas Smith Esqr. Commissioner for Pennsylvania.\nAuditors Office June 4th. 1791.\nEzekl. Freeman Clk.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0389", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Platt, 8 June 1791\nFrom: Platt, Richard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York June 8th. 1791.\nColonel Hamilton\nDear Sir\nWhen I had last the pleasure of seeing you in Philada.; I told you, that our mutual friend Col Smith, had gone to Europe on his & my business, in order to try the experiment of borrowing money on the principles or plan of Cassineux & others\u2014our Six \u214c Cents being then at 14/ & the other parts bearing a ratio thereto\u2014but the sudden rise so instantaneously succeeded his departure, as to leave no room for Speculation on our intended Operation & my friend took his departure wisely for America & is now on the spot to embrace his appointment. Altho\u2019 we have been foiled in our Object as we had projected, yet I am persuaded that public good as well as private emolument will flow from his voyage. To these conclusions I am led by Documents in his possession as well as concurring facts & Circumstances from Sources of good Information\u2014the former of which, will no doubt be opened to your view, & the latter daily unfolding themselves in Confirmation. If then my good friend such impressions should be made on your enlightened mind on this subject, as it\u2019s importance requires, his merits in my opinion justly entitle, & the seeming partiality of some leading Characters in the British Administration apparently warrants, I ask whether our friend might not be named among the Candidates who will probably soon be exhibited, for Employ at Foreign Courts. But as I am told that England intends very soon to send an Ambassador to this Country, & in fact has for some time past, delayed it only with a view to find out, what man will be most agreeable to us in that Capacity; common civility and propriety would require a similar attention to that Country and this is the focal Point, I wish Smith to be seen at, being persuaded that he is perfectly agreeable, & in my partial view, very superior to most of our Countrymen for such a mission. I wish you will give the thing a fair revolution in your mind & contrast a patriotic polish\u2019d man, with others who may be led astray by contracted habits, fatuous prejudices & party views, however celebrated they may be for science & Literature. I apprehend Chancellor Livingston, Bingham Governeur Morris & such kind of men will pit themselves on this occasion & if so I am certain you will agree with me that neither of them can do any National Good abroad. I know well your friendship for both of us & assure myself that as far as policy & justice authorise so \u27e8far\u27e9 you will heartily cherish & support his favorite wish. I am Dr. Sir\naffectionately yours,\nRichd: Platt\nP.S. Your wishes respecting the wine shall very soon be realized and I believe it will not be inferior to any in Philada.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0390", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Smith, 8 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Smith, Thomas\nTreasury DepartmentJune 8th. 1791\nSir\nYou are right in considering yourself not authorized by Law to accept on the Loan of the assumed debt Certificates of the State of Pennsa. dated on or after the 1st day of January 1790. It is however my wish that you minute in a Book to be kept for that purpose the amount of such Certificates offered by any person together with the name of the person offering them.\nIt will not be proper that you commit the examination & checking of the Certificates of the assumed debt to any person who does not actually belong to your Office. It cannot be deemed a legal execution of your duty to rely upon any person not duly authorised. You will receive these Certificates and give, on the delivery of them to you and before comparision with the checks, a descriptive receipt for them, which will amount to no more than an acknowledgment, that such Certificates are placed in your hands with a view to the Loan. The subscribers will be sensible that the receipt cannot be deemed final because the subscriptions may exceed the Assumption and the Certificates may prove counterfeit or forged. Having recd. them in the manner above mentioned you will commit to some person competent to so nice and important a business the comparison of the Certificates with the registers & checks in the offices of the State, to which no doubt the easiest access will be given, should however any unexpected impediment occur you will make it known to me.\n  I do not perceive any objection to your striking a Mark in the form you have exhibited , upon all the Certificates deposited with you towards the Loan of the assumed debt, which however should be done in such manner as not to obliterate the printed or manuscript Words. You will be careful to select a proper place for the Mark, which as far as possible should be uniformly made that the eye may instantly perceive it. I do not consider you as justifiable in refusing the Certificates of the State of Pennsa. (which are in all other respects assumable) because they have been recd. of the State in lieu of Continental Certificates. It will not however be improper to use your endeavours to persuade the holders to exchange them, but you cannot if they persist to offer refuse to receive them.\nYou will perceive on reexamination that you have misconceived the instruction contained in my letter of the 9th Ulto. in regard to Loan office Certificates issued prior to March 1778. It applied to those only pointed out in the 10th. section, that is to the Nonsubscribed & not to those that should be Loaned. You will discontinue the practice of marking such indorsements on those Loaned, and you will, when transfers take place of such Stock as has arisen from Loans of those Certificates take care not to make a similar endorsement on the new Certificate to be given. I do not think any person making a Loan has a right to do it in any other manner than that which is deemed perfectly conformable to Law. In regard to such Nonsubscribers Certificates as have not that endorsement on them I have no objection to your making it if desired, but great care must be taken to be correct.\nI am sir \u2003 Yr Most Ob servt\nAlexander Hamilton\nThos. Smith EsqrCommr. of LoansPennsa.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0391", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 8 June 1791\nFrom: Smith, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] June 8, 1791. \u201c\u2026 Abstract of Certificates Indents & old Emission money received on the loan proposed by the act of Congress of 4th Augt. 1790 from the 1st to 31st May inclusive the Certificates old emission money and Indents are this day forwarded to Oliver Wolcott Esqr Auditor.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0392", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 9 June 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmh. New Hamp. 9 June 1791\nSir\nYour Circular letter of the 14th. of April came to my hands the 20th Ultimo. Availing myself of the indulgence of the house of Representatives in committing to your examination and report, the emoluments of the Officers of the Customs I do myself the honor to transmit you here with a Statement of the emoluments of my office as Collector of the Customs District of Portsmouth for the four quarters of the Year 1790: not having a doubt but your report will be founded in the Strictest Justice, & that it will have the approbation & confidence of the Legislature.\nIn this Statement the Article of fees is precisely the Amount received taken from an accurate account kept of them. The Amount of Commission is taken by Calculation on the foot of each quarterly account, tho\u2019 not half the Sum Stated has yet been received. In the account of expenses the charge of office Rent is the result of an accommodation between the Naval Officer & myself, & the building occupied which belongs to him, is stated at the rate for which it would Rent & the charge for Clerks Service is the amount of payments made in Money together with the value of gratuitous compensations not equal to the amount of the Services performed according to the usual Rate of Clerks wages.\nBy this Statement it will appear that  Dolls. is the Net Amount of my emoluments for the year, a Sum not equal to one third the real value of the Services incumbent on the Office, inclusive of its responsibility. Conceiving of the impossibility of prejudging of an equitable reward for every officer of the Revenue under the circumstances of its Sudden establishment, I have presumed on the justice which I flatter myself will be the result of a candid enquiry, Such as I am persuaded will be made, for a reasonable reward, as well for the past as the future Services. It will naturally occur that the first who are in the exercise of these offices will have the greatest difficulties to encounter\u2014having unbeaten paths to explore & to reconcile a people accustom\u2019d almost to no law but their will, to strict observance of Revenue Laws, which are generally in their nature obnoxious to Such a people & I have the Satisfaction to believe the fewest Successfull attempts have been made to evade the Revenue Laws in this district of any in the United States that are so conveniently situated for that purpose.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 Sir \u2003 very respectfully \u2003 Your Mo Obt. servt.\nHon. Alex. Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0394-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 10 June 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis June 10. 1791\nSir\nSince my last letters of the 3d & 5th. inst. I have recieved a letter from the commissioners at Amsterdam of which I have the honor of inclosing a copy as well as of mine to them which occasioned it. I have not yet recieved their answer to mine written in consequence of theirs of which I inclosed you a copy in my letter of the 3d. but this letter serves as an answer as you will see by the contents. I am taking measures therefore to know whether the U.S. can now make a loan in the low countries at 4\u00bd p cent interest. In that case I shall suppose there can be no doubt as to the propriety of making there that which your letter of April 13 authorizes me to open. I have hopes that whilst acquiring this information I shall be happy enough to hear from you as to the propriety of obtaining a credit for the U.S. somewhere out of Holland. Until then I cannot know whether you consider the subject in the same light that I do, nor whether it has presented itself to me in all the aspects in which you may think it should be examined; & of course I shall postpone for that purpose making the experiment unless tempted to it by being offered better terms than can be procured at Amsterdam.\nYou will observe also that the commissioners added to the opinion which I mentioned to you of the necessity of augmenting the commission if the rate of interest is diminished. It is possible this may be found necessary but I am not fully convinced of it. Of course it would not be done without a further conviction of the necessity. If the elimination of the interest cannot be effected on any other terms, a very little calculation will shew the advantage of adopting them.\nIn anxious expectation of hearing from you fully on these subjects I have the honor to be Sir, your most obedient humble servant.\nW: Short\nP.S. I have just learned that the Dutch E. India company, have recalled the Governor of the Cape of Good-hope & determined to send there commissaries in order to examine into the state of affairs & restore order in them. This confirms the opinion of their extreme disorder.\nThe Honble. Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0394-0003", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard to William Short, 3 June 1791\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTo: Short, William\nAmsterdam 3 June 1791\nSir\nIn reply to your respected favor of 26 Ultimo, We acquaint you, that the Order You purpose giving us to pay One Million of Florins unto the Director-General of the Finances of France, shall be punctually complied with, in the Mode that Minister will desire.\nAll the Bonds of the Loan of March last are now delivered; And We do not doubt, We should be able in the present Moment, to procure a New Loan for the United States, at the usual rate of Interest.\nBut, having cherished the Idea, of improving the present favorable Circumstances of the United States and their consequent growing Credit, to operate a Reduction of Interest on their future Loans, and exerted ourselves to accomplish it, We have the pleasure to see our Efforts so far succeed, as that the actual Price of their Bonds is Three Quarters to One per Cent above par, with the probability of going still higher; so that if the Proposal for a New Loan was postponed for Two, Three or Four Months, and no unfavorable Events should intervene, We have good ground to flatter ourselves, We might obtain the next Loan to an Amount not exceeding Three Million of Florins, at the rate of Four and an half per Cent Interest per Annum: To effect it, an Augmentation of One per Cent in the Charges would be necessary; but this is an Object of no Moment, compared with the annual saving of One half per Cent on the Interest, and the honor accruing from such an Increase of Credit and Confidence.\nWe shall take care to advise you, when We think a Loan at 4\u00bd per Cent, might be offered to our Undertakers, with the probability of succeeding; And in the mean time We hold ourselves ready, for the execution of what you may judge most conducive to the Interest and Conveniency of the United-States.\nWe are respectfully \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obedient and very humble servants\nWilhem & Jan WillinkN. & J. Van Staphorst & Hubbard\nWillm. Short Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0397", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 11 June 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence 11th. June 1791.\nSir\nI Have been honored with your Letter of 30th Ulto. & in reply to that part of it respecting the appointment of the Second and Third mate of the Cutter building in Connecticutt I beg leave to remark that Mr. Jeremiah Greenman is exceedingly mortified (after throwing himself out of the best Imploy in this Town and waiting four or five months with a reasonable expectation of Receiving an appointment to the office of first mate of the Cutter, to which he was Early recommended) to find that he must now accept the Station of Second mate, or continue out of business. Since the late expected millitary appointment Seems to be delaid and remains uncertain, (which I regret exceedingly as I know he was an officer of Excellent Character in the late army & is the most Suitable for the present command, of any that can be obtained in the State,) he is therefore from the necessity of the case induced to accept the Appointment of Second mate of the Cutter, presuming that his rank and pay will commence as early as that of the Gentlemen already appointed, having for nearly five months held himself in constant readiness for public Service. From a Consideration of the merits of this Gentleman and the agency I have been called upon to take in this Business, I feel a particular Interest in his favour, I therefore take the Liberty Sir, to request your powerfull influence in his behalf. Mr. Daniel Bucklin Junr. having waited now four months with an Expectation of receiving the appointment of Second mate to the Cutter, & a Vessell offering a few Weeks past he accepted the Command of her to Virginia and is expected to return in Ten days when I will consult him on his acceptance of the Station of Third mate of the Cutter and acquaint you with the Result.\nI have the honor to be Respectfully \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your Most Obed. & Most Hum serv.\nJereh. Olney\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0398", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 11 June 1791\nFrom: Smith, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] June 11, 1791. \u201cThis accompanys abstract of Certificates received by me from non subscribers to the Loan proposed by act of Congress of the 4th of Augt 1790 from 1st to 31st May 1791 which closes the whole of the non-subscription business.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0399", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 13 June 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom-House [Newport, Rhode Island]June 13th. 1791\nSir\nI have received your letters of the 26th. & the 30th. of May last. To the explanations and instructions, and the act respecting further provisn. for collecting the duties on Teas, and for prolonging the term for the payment of the duties on Wines inclosed in the first I shall pay attention. In answer to the last, Capt. Smith left his coasting papers with me agreeably to law, and his license was remitted to the Collector of the District of Providence.\nA Disposition to disregard the Revenue laws, will, and it is natural that it should, excite a jealous attention to the vessels of those in whom it is discovered. Be assured, Sir, that it is my wish, and the wish of the other Offrs. of this port, by a faithful discharge of their duty, to merit your approbation and the approbation of their Constituents.\nAgreeably to my letter of the 6th. of this month I will now give you the best information I have been able to obtain of the tare customary among merchants in this District.\n\u2003\u2002 Tare on Sugars in hogsheads is\n12 lb on each 112 lb.\n\u2003\u2002 ditto on barrels (if in American flour barrels) is\n11 lb on each 112 lb\n\u2003\u2002 if in French bbls.\n14 lb on \u2003 ditto\nThere has been only one importn. of\u2003\u2002 Sugars in boxes since this Office was\u2003\u2002 opened.\nThe mode of Taring coffee in barrels is the same as that used in taring sugar in barrels; but the deduction is made from each 100 lb. (Coffee being sold by the pound and not by the hundred). No tare is allowed on coffee in bags.\nThe same mode is pursued in taring barrels of Cocoa, but Cocoa is sold by the long hundred as it is called here or 112 lb. and not by the pound and the tare is taken out of each 112 lb. No tare allowed on Cocoa in bags.\nIt is not usual to import Cocoa in hogsheads, nor has there been a single hogshead of that article imported since this Office was opened. Neither has there been any importation of Piemento, or Pepper. Our mode of allowing tare before and since the New Collection Law, has been,\nOn Sugar in Hogsheads\nditto in barrels, if American flour barrels, before the Law took place was\n\u200722 lb on each bbl\n\u2003\u2002 if French\n\u200728 lb on each bbl\nsince the new Law it has been\n\u200712 lb on each 112 lb.\nThe mode of taring Coffee in bbls before the New Law was the same as\u2003\u2002 that used with regard to Sugar in barrels; since that time it has been\n\u200712 lb on each 112\nditto in bags before the new Law was from 2 to 3 lb upon 112 lb according to the quantity of the stuff of which the bag was made.\n\u2003\u2002 Since that time it has been\n\u2007\u20072 lb on each 112 lb\nDitto of Cocoa in barrels and in bags, has been the same both before & since the New Law, as in the case of Coffee in barrels and in bags.\nNo Cocoa has been imported in hogsheads; nor Piemento, nor Pepper since this office was opened.\nOn Cotton in bales or bags we allow a tare of\n\u2007\u20073 lb on each 112 lb\nThere has been only two importations of powdered Sugars, the first was in Augt. 1790 in white Oak Hogsheads fully hooped\u2014the tare allowed on each hogshead was\n136 lb on each Hhd.\nThe last was in boxes and the tare allowed was\n\u200715 lb on each 112 lb.\nThe information I have given of the tare customary among merchants in this District can hardly be called customary. No Commercial Society is established here. The merchants proceed on separate ground. Each consults his particular interest, and makes the best bargain he can with regard to the tare as well as the price of his goods. The Grocers frequently insist upon goods being started and weigh the cask, case or box to determine the tare.\nInclosed is a weekly return of monies received and paid. A list of a Ten dollar note of the North American bank No. 7573, one moiety thereof is now transmitted to the Treasr., a Certife. of Regy No. 32. issued at the Port of Dighton May 24th 1790 and delivered up on account of transfer of property, Copy of a memorandum of the change of master of the Sloop Industry endorsed on Rege. No. 11, issued at this Port, a like copy endorsed on Cert. No. 37. dated 24th. Sept. 1790; a like copy on Cert. No. 45 dated Oct. 12 1790, & a like copy on Certif. No. 5 dated 1791.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Yr. most obedt. servt.\nWm Ellery Collr\nA Hamilton Esqr.Secry of Treasy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0400", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 13 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n(private)\nMount Vernon, June 13. 1791.\nMy Dr. sir\nI am arrived at this place and just in time to acknowledge (in a hasty manner by this days post\u2014the first opportunity that has offered of writing to Philada. since I left Savanna)\u2014the receipt of your private letter of the 17th. of April by Mr. Smith who lodged it at Cambden, through which it was known my rout would be on my return to the seat of the Government.\nMr. Wolcott may be informed that it is my intention to appoint him to the office of Comptroller. With respect to his successor, as auditor, I shall suspend any determination, (if no manifest inconvenience will result from it) until my arrival in Philadelphia, which however is not likely to happen before the 5. or 6 of July as (by appointment at the last meeting) I am to meet the Commissioners, undr the residence Act on Monday the 27th. inst: at Georgetown, and may, for aught I know to the contrary, be detained there several days, and afterwards must move slowly, on account of the exhausted condition of my horses.\nNo letters from the Northward or Eastward of this, bearing date between the 15th. & 30th. of May have come to my hands\u2014and having abundant evidence before I reached Charleston of the slow movements of the mail through the three Southernmost States, I did, before I left that place on the 9th. of that month direct that all letters which might be for\u2019d following me to be returned to Fredericksburgh as the first place I should touch the post line upon my return. But these directions not arriving in Richmond in time (as I conjecture) the letters of that interval, agreeably to the superscriptions which I am informed were on them, were forwarded from that place to Taylors Ferry, in expectation of meeting me there, but to this circumstance, which was unknown to me, and to finding from better information than I set out with, that it would be more convenient to cross James river higher up than at Taylors; is to be ascribed my missing the communications which were made between the 15 & 30. of May as mentioned before. These dispatches I may be long without, & perhaps never get; for there are no cross posts in those parts and the letters, which will have to pass through many hands, may find some who are not deficient in curiosity.\nMy return to this place is sooner than I expected; owing to the uninterruptedness of my journey by sickness, from bad weather, or accidents of any kind whatsoever. Having obtained before I left Philadelphia the most accurate account, I could get there, of the places & roads through, & by which I was to perform my tour; and the distances between the former; I formed my line of march accordingly; fixed each days journey & the day to halt; from neither of which have I departed in a single instance, except staying, from a particular circumstance, two days in Columbia, and none at Charlotte, instead of one at each and crossing James river at Carters ferry in place of Taylors, as was the original intention. But the improbability of performing a tour of 1700 miles (I have already rode more), with the same set of horses without encountering any accident by which a deviation would be rendered unavoidable appeared so great that I allowed eight days for casualties, and six to refresh at this place when I should have returned to it. None of the former having happened, account for the 14 days I shall remain here before the meeting with the Commrs.; one of whom Mr. Johnston chief Justice of the State of Maryland, & living at a pretty considerable distance from Georgetown; having made his arrangements agreeably thereto, would not be able to meet me sooner.\nI mention this matter, that if there is anything pressing in either of the Departments it may be known where I am.\nwith affectionate regard \u2003 I am sincerely yours\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0402", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Wylly, [13 June 1791]\nFrom: Wylly, Richard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[June 13, 1791.] \u201cI have, without success, applied a second time to the Governor, to know, by what authority Mr. Davies acted as Loan Officer. I am well assured, he had none.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0403", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 June 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Boston, June 14, 1791. On June 23, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Lincoln: \u201cI have received your letter of the 14th instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0404", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 14 June 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom House,Providence 14th June 1791.\nSir.\nI have recd. your Two Letters of the 30th. of May and First instant. The Surveyor will attend to your directions in the use of the Hydrometers.\nAll the Papers furnished by me for the Ship Warren were dated Four Days after She had committed a breach of the Law by proceeding to Newport without them, of which particular, perhaps, you have not been apprised. Misconstruction of the Tonnage Act, (an acknowledgemt. of which I have since made, by repaying the Duty) and Mr. Brown\u2019s expectation, signified to me by him, of her returning to this Port, induced me to grant the Licence; and a desire to obtain an Accot. of her Cargo, which I no other way could, and which I then thought essential, prompted me to give the Certified Manifest and Permit. Tho\u2019 these might as well have been omitted, yet I should suppose, they could not affect the Penalty incurred by a previous transaction. I wish not however, to Criminate Messrs. Brown & Francis, but to justify myself; for this purpose, I beg leave further to observe, that the Manifest, presented and sworn to by the Master, is the only Evidence I can have of the Cargo on board any outwardbound Vessel, excepting the Articles which may have been Entered for Exportation: the one therefore, delivered and sworn to by Captain Smith, tho\u2019 the Warren was then at Newport, possessed all the requisites towards the satisfaction of my Mind, that it would had it been presented before She sailed from this District. I shall not relax, in my attention, to the Vessels of Messrs. Brown & Francis, nor to those of any other Person\u2019s; I may err in Judgement, but my Intention shall always be right.\nI do not Sir, comprehend your meaning, when you say, that \u201cthe nature of the Cargoes and the places from whence Coasting Vessels come, with expired Licences, are to determine their Fees &c. exactly as in the cases of Vessels never having been Licenced.\u201d The former have generally arrived here from adjoining States without any kind of Clearances; but the latter, when from any of the United States, always with such as the Law requires, which exempts the Cargoes from Duty, tho\u2019 the Fees, excepting to the Surveyor, are the same as if they were from foreign Ports. Now if the former are to be viewed in the same light as Vessels never Licenced, should they have any Goods on board subject to Duty, it must be demanded, & the Surveyor\u2019s Fees be in proportion to the size of the Vessels. I have never taken any more Fees on the Entry of such Vessels than the Law allows for Coasters; but before they departed from the Port, I have obliged the Masters to renew their Licences, and pay the Tonnage Duty; this Practice, not being pointed out in the Law, I was doubtful of its propriety, and therefore wished to have your opinion on the Subject.\nI enclose copy of a Certificate endorsed on Register No. 5, granted by me in 1790.\nI have the Honor to be, \u2003 Very Respectfully Sir, \u2003 Your Most Obedt. & Most Huml. Servt.\nJereh. Olney Collr.\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0405", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Cochran, 15 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Cochran, John\nTreasury Department,June 15, 1791.\nSir,\nI am of opinion that the law under which you act does not justify the Commissioners in the payment of interest on any new loan certificate issued for the certificates of any state, which certificates were issued by that state in exchange for those of the federal debt, until the whole of the identical state certificates, so issued, have been exchanged or redeemed, or the continental certificates shall be surrendered to the United States. It does not appear to satisfy the law that an equal sum of state certificates have been redeemed. Those that went forth, by means of the exchange, are to be redeemed or reexchanged, or the continental certificates, received for them, are to be surrendered.\nThe Treasurer of New York is right in the opinion that the certificates for claims on forfeited Estates are not included in the assumption.\nI am sir, \u2003 Your Most Obedt. Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nJohn Cochran Esqr.Commr. of Loans,New York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0406", "content": "Title: Conversation with George Beckwith, 15 June 1791\nFrom: Beckwith, George,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nPhiladelphiaJune 15th. 1791.\nConversations with a gentleman in Office\nMr. \u2014\u2014 I believe I told you during the winter, that Colonel Smith went to England on private business altogether, in part for his Father in Law the Vice President, and he had other personal objects in respect to our funds. Whether it was conceived in London that Mr. Smith had political objects there or not, I cannot say, but after certain explanations, he had a conversation of some length with Lord Grenville, the general scope of which was pleasing and promising; it placed in a decided light, its being the determination of your Cabinet to enter on the consideration of Commercial subjects between the two Countries, and after declaring that Mr. Elliot had declined his appointment as Minister to this Country, his Lordship informed Colonel Smith, that it was the determination of Administration to have a Minister here at a very early period; his Lordship then asked Colonel Smith what sort of Minister would be most pleasing to America? who replied,  One part only of this conversation was of a nature to excite some regret, or rather of doubt on our part; Lord Grenville turned the conversation on our present war with the Savages in the Western Country; his Lordship said he was sorry to find from our newspapers, it was more than insinuated that Great Britain indirectly encouraged those depredations; his Lordship disclaimed this in its utmost extent, observing that it had already proved injurious to your Commerce, and if protracted would become infinitely more so; that he hoped the idea of totally extirpating those nations was not seriously entertained in the States as Great Britain could not view this with indifference. Colonel Smith said to this, that those Savages had committed a variety of depredations, and that The States were compelled to make War on them, in their own defence or words to that effect; to which his Lordship replied, he hoped The States would consider of it.\nThis part of his Lordship\u2019s conversation, is liable to two interpretations; the one, conveys the idea of its being merely the wish of your government, that those hostilities should be brought to a close, as they injure your trade, to a certain extent; the other, goes further and suggests its being your intention to take a certain part in the progress of this business.\nI feel no difficulty in declaring it to be my opinion, that it is our interest to make peace with the hostile Indians, whenever we can do it on proper terms, but in the present condition of affairs, we have no other part to take but to proceed, our very safety requires it, and I should feel extremely concerned, if a fair prospect of a happy settlement of the affairs of the Two Countries, should be prevented by a consideration of this comparitively trivial nature.\nThe conversation then turned on a late application from Mr. Key, the Collector of the Customs at Alburgh; Mr. \u2014\u2014 said, I have received a letter from Mr. Key, he had no authority whatever for the application You mention, and I have reason to consider him as one of those busy characters, who are anxious to shew their own consequence; I have written to him in such terms, as will I trust obviate any sort of inconvenience in the discharge of his duty. I understand that the place fixed upon by law for the Custom house is at least thirty miles from Pointe au fer, being situated at the mouth of Onion river; I am not acquainted with the country myself, not have I any plans of it; I expect to hear from Mr. Key in a few days.\nSome circumstances relating to the conduct of persons in the neighbourhood of Pointe au fer were then mentioned to Mr. \u2014\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0409", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 16 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\n[Philadelphia, June 16, 1791. On June 24, 1791, Appleton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour favour 16th instant is received.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0410", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Hardy, 16 June 1791\nFrom: Hardy, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nTreasury DepartmentComptroller\u2019s Office16th. June 1791.\nSir,\nOn examining the Accounts of George Bush, Collector of the Customs, for the District of Delaware, from the 1st. of January, to 31st. March last; it appears, that he has collected duties on American Coasting Vessels, under twenty Tons burthen, at the rate of six Cents per annum, to the Amount of Five dollars, and twenty two Cents.\nAs the Collection of those duties, seem to have been made, contrary to the intent of your Circular Letter to the Collectors of 30th. November 1789, I conceive it to be my duty to submit the circumstance to your consideration.\nI have the honor to be &c.\nJ H. \u2003 P. Clk.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0412", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 16 June 1791\nFrom: Heth, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollectors OfficeBermuda Hundred [Virginia] 16th June 1791\nDr Sir\n(Private)\nThis will be accompanied with a public letter, enclosing a statement of outward tonnage.\nHaving readily complyed with your wishes in this instance; and as I ever shall be, to furnish you with any information in my power, or which the books or files in this office can afford, you will not I trust be displeased at my asking yr private opinion of the legality of such requests. Is it not requiring extra services of Collectors wch. are quite independent of the defined duties of their offices, such as are not contemplated in the law under which they were appointed, and for which, consequently, no compensation is provided? Ought the labor or time of any man to be ask\u2019d by the public for nothing? The Collectors, not having, like the favorite officers of Congress, the Loan Officers, who were on handsome salaries; any thing allowed them for Clerks wages, office rent, or extra services & expences, I consider every thing required of them, which is not defined, or comprehended in the latter part of the 6th. sectn. of the Collection law, as unjustifiable and oppressive, and with which, they are not obliged to comply. \u201cThey are to keep their books agreeably to forms prescribed &c.\u201d This we do. \u201cThey are also to submit their books &c. to the Inspection of such persons as may be appointed.\u201d Very different this, from being called upon to furnish such returns or statements from time to time, as those books & papers might afford to such Officers of Inspection and which, are no ways connected with the accounts, which are to be transmitted as often as required for settlement. They have no emoluments whatsoever, but what arises from business actually performed (for much of which, they are mainly paid) and are subject to all expences incidental to their Offices. How unjust then, that they should be liable, to be called upon to do something for nothing?\nThese questions and observations are now, with great respect and humility, submitted to you, in order to enforce the propriety & equity, nay, the absolute Justice, of allowing the Collectors something in the way of Salary, as a compensation for extra services rendered to government, and for extra expences. For tho\u2019 I am well convinced that your duty has & will frequently oblige you to call upon the Collectors to do things out of the line of their current, or defined duty (and in wch. I trust you will never be disappointed), yet, I am as well assured that, if you think me right, you have too much candor not to confirm my opinions, and too much Justice to withhold you endeavors to obtain proper & equitable provisions. If I am wrong, I feel a persuation, that your friendship for me, will not suffer me to remain so. And you know the great respect wch. I have, and ever shall be, disposed to pay to your opinions.\nBeing with the most sincere esteem, respect and friendship \u2003 Dr sir \u2003 Yr obt Srt\nW Heth\nThe Hnble Alex Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0413", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 16 June 1791\nFrom: Heth, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Bermuda Hundred, Virginia, June 16, 1791. On June 16, 1791, Heth wrote to Hamilton: \u201cThis will be accompanied with a public letter, enclosing a statement of outward tonnage.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0414", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Keais, 16 June 1791\nFrom: Keais, Nathan\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nWashington [North Carolina] June 16, 1791. States that the contract for \u201cerecting and Keeping up the Stakes\u201d has been let for two hundred and twenty-five dollars, which was the lowest bid submitted.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0415", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 16 June 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth N H. June 16th. 1791.\nSir\nYour Circular letter of the 13th. Ulto. respecting duties having been received on estimates of Cargoes &c, and respecting the Custom of Merchants & practice of Custom Houses in calculating the tare on goods was received the 3rd. instant.\nIt has been my invariable practice to receive duties only on actual weighing, gauging & measuring, when the articles were of a Nature, which rendered it in my opinion necessary, that is all kinds of West India goods which pay duty on the weight, Liquors & Salt; but on goods arriving from England accompanied with regular and unsuspected Invoices, I have taken duties on the weight charged in Such Invoices to avoid an expence of weighing which appeard unnecessary, Such as Nails, Lead Shot, Bar & Sheet Lead, China, twine & in some instances Hemp, & there can be much greater dependence on the truth of the weight of those articles from the Size of the package, than on the Value of goods contained in Trunks, Bales &c which are never examined but under circumstances of Suspicion. When Nails, Cheese, Cordage, Hemp &c have been purchased by Masters of Vessels & not accompanied with a proper Invoice or when Imported from other Countries than England whose weights were not so well known I have caused them to be weighed also. Altho\u2019 I conceive your directions to weigh has referrence to such goods only as I have weighed, yet as the direction is expressed in positive terms, I could wish to know your further opinion respecting the weighing of goods not subject to waste & accompanied with Invoices that can be relied on.\nThe Custom of Merchants for allowing tare on the kinds of goods enumerated in your letter is nearly as follows\non\nSugar in\nhhds\n10 pr.Cent (that is 10 pr. 100)\nbbls\nBoxes\u2014none imported\nCoffee in\nhhds\ntare generally marked on the Cask\nbbls\nbags\u2014nothing, on common thing bags\nCocoa in\nhhds\ntare marked\nbbls\nbags\u2014on thin bags nothing\nPiemento none imported\nPepper in bbls, brot. from other Am. States, tare marked in Bags none imported, but from London, where the tare allowed is 4 lb. pr. bag\u2014& trett is also allowed by the Seller in Londn. 4 lb pr 104, but this trett is not allowed by the Seller here in any instance that I have known.\nMy practice in allowing tare under the present Collection law has been precisely as designated by the  Section of that Law. Under the first collection law in which no rate was established my allowance for tare of Sugar in hhds was 12 lb pr. 112, on bbls 10 pr.Ct. This difference was made to give Satisfaction to merchts. as well as to do more equal Justice as there was a manifest difference between a clumsy French hhd, & barrels, often American flour bbls & I conceived 10 pr.Ct. on hhds was not equal to the tare. When barrels were full hooped & appeared heavy, I allowed 12 pr. 112 on them also. My allowance for tare on Coffee in hhds was 12 \u214c Ct., on Cocoa 15 \u214c Ct. When this was not satisfactory to the importer, I gave him the option of taking the tare allowd, or to determine it by shifting & weighing the Cask.\nI have the Honor to be &c\nThe Hon. Alex. Hamilton Esq.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0417", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, [17 June 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia, June 17, 1791]\nDr Sir\nA considerable time since Mr. Francis Cashier of the Bank of North America delivered me the inclosed piece of Metal which has Mr. Brasiers stamp and is alleged to be less valuable than the Stampt piece of equal weight to which it was intended to correspond by 8/10 Pa. Currency.\nThis estimate is formed according to the specific gravity of the piece as ascertained by the Hydrostatic Ballance.\nIn the hurry of business I misplaced the piece and it has only turned up within a few days. As the circumstance is worthy of attention I now send it forward with what has been alleged. When you have made the proper investigation you will please to return it.\nWith great regard \u2003 I remain \u2003 Your Obed Servamt\nA Hamilton\nPhiladelphia June 17 \u201891\nWm. Seton Esqr Cashier", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0418", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 18 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Davidson, John\nTreasury DepartmentJune 18th 1791\nSir\nIt has been stated to me by the principal clerk of the Comptrollers Office, that on examining your accounts from October 1st to December 31st 1790 it appears that you have collected from American coasting vessels under twenty tons burthen the sum of two Dollars and forty cents.\nThe collection of this sum being as I conceive unauthorized by law, and contrary to my circular instruction of Nov 30 1789, it will be proper that you refund the same to the owners of the several vessels from whom you may have collected it.\nI am Sir \u2003 Your Obedt Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nJohn Davidson EsqrCollectorAnnapolis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0419", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Abishai Thomas, [18 June 1791]\nFrom: Thomas, Abishai\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, June 18, 1791]\nSir\nCongress having appropriated Money for payment of the Invalid pensioners commencing with the 4th March 1789, and payment for the whole of that year having been made by the State of North Carolina to all the pensioners on the returns of that State, prior to the appropriation aforesaid, or at least prior to the knowledge thereof being obtained within the State, it follows that the money sent pursuant to the appropriation remains in the hands of Mr. Haywood the Gentleman who was appointed to make the payments for account of the United States. As Agent for the said State in settlement of her accounts with the United States, the documents and vouchers of the aforesaid payments by the State will necessarily pass through my hands, and I conceive it would be neither proper nor just to exhibit them as charges against the union on the same principles with those for services and supplies rendered during the late war, but rather that as actual money has been paid by the State for the purpose for which the appropriation was made by the U, S, She ought to be reimbursed in actual money, under this impression I take the liberty to solicit that instead of withdrawing the money from the hands of Mr Haywood and appropriating it to other purpose, you cause it to be paid into the hands of the Treasurer of the State on his producing proper vouchers that payment has been made to the invalids by the State aforesaid.\nI have the honor to be &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0420", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 18 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Whipple, Joseph\nTreasury DepartmentJune 18, 1791.\nSir\nI have received your letter of the 4th. instant and am much obliged by the historical Statement of the Trade of the State of New hampshire contained it.\nI consider a Coasting Licence as rendered void as to the remainder of the year, whenever a vessel departs from the United States upon a foreign Voyage.\nThe Act of Congress of the 20th day of July 1790 intitles the owner of the Vessel you mention to restitution of the Foreign Tonnage (reserving however the six Cents) altho it may have a bad effect in this Case wherein it appears that the Master shewed a very unbecoming disposition.\nIt will be proper that you return the defective Hydrometer on Dicas\u2019s construction to the Collector of New York or Mr. Christopher Colles of that place, informing them of the reason and advising me of it. The last of Dicas\u2019s I presume you have received.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Obedt. & Hble. servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nJoseph Whipple Esqr.Collector of the Customs,Portsmouth N. Hampshire.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0421", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 19 June 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis June 19. 1791\nSir\nI had the honor of addressing you by M. de Ternant three letters dated June 3. 5 & 10. In the first of them I informed you that the million of florins you had destined for this country would be paid immediately by the desire of this government to their bankers at Amsterdam. A difficulty has since arisen between them & the commissioners of the U. S. which it is necessary to explain to you, as well as what has led to it.\nYou will recollect that last fall a part of the reimbursement made to this country was by bills of exchange, & that the government had written to request that the rest should be paid to their bankers at Amsterdam. M. du Fresne\u2019s letter went further & requested that in future the commissioners of the U. S. would pay such sums as might be destined for France, to the same bankers instead of remitting it by bills of exchange. The rate as you know was settled agreeably to that which was then current. It was evident that the commissioners were not pleased with this mode of payment & desired to have the remitting of the sums by bills. Still it appears to me so especially just & proper to comply with the request of the French government & so impossible to refuse it, the rate of exchange being settled agreeably to the common course that I did not hesitate to have the payment made in that manner. The commissioners made no other observations than that by remitting these sums gradually, the U. S. might derive advantages which they could not have by paying the whole sum at once at Amsterdam. I was not of the same opinion with respect to the advantage accruing to the U. S. because large remittances though made gradually must effect the exchange somewhat (as happened on the small part they remitted last fall) before completed, whereas if paid on the spot it may be regulated according to the rate of the moment. Besides even if this mode exposed the U. S. to the loss of small advantages, I am persuaded they would not think themselves justified truly in refusing this request of the French government, since the payment is of sums which became due long ago & at a time when the exchange was very different from what it is at present.\nIn order however that there might be no risk of disadvantage to the U. S. by any time elapsing between the moment of this reimbursement being made known & that of its being effected (as artificial means might be used for giving a momentary rise to the exchange) I thought it advisable to give previous notice to the commissioners that they might take the precautions which should appear to them proper if any were judged necessary. Accordingly on the 26th. of May I wrote to give them notice of this intended payment, adding that I should not mention it to the minister unless it became necessary, before recieving their answer; but if necessary I should do it supposing it could not possibly be attended with inconvenience. Having found it necessary & proper to mention this reimbursement to the minister, I wrote to the commissioners on the 29th informing them of it, authorizing them at the same time if they found it proper, to make the payment to the French bankers at Amsterdam, which they had a right to do under M. Dufresne\u2019s letter of last year. M. de Montmorin had desired I would concert the present payment with him also. His absence in the country prevented his sending me his answer to my letter on this subject until the day after (the 30th.) in which he renewed his request to have this payment made to the French bankers at Amsterdam. By the next post therefore I wrote to the commissioners to make this payment. They recieved my letter on the evening of the 7th. of June at the same time that the French bankers recieved that of M. Dufresne. The rate of exchange had undergone a precipitate fall which had astonished every body, the more so as it far exceeded the progressive depreciation of assignats. The commissioners inform me in their letter of the 9th that on the day before they recieved my letter it had been 42\u00bd. The post from London bringing an account of a rise in the exchange between that place & Paris, it rose immediately at Amsterdam to 44. When the commissioners offered this money to the French bankers it was from 45 to 46, as quoted on the certified rate of exchange. Still the bankers refused recieving the money at less than 46. The commissioners refused paying it at that rate without express orders from me & wrote to me on the 9th. desiring instructions. In that letter they hint that this rise was owing in some measure to artificial measures. Probably they thought it in consequence of the intended reimbursement & they had no doubt it would immediately fall again. They add that they are determined not to make the payment without my orders & hope I may settle the matter so that they may remit it to Paris, not doubting but that in a very few posts the whole would be placed in the public treasury. On the 10th. they wrote me \u201cAfter the departure of our respects of yesterday for the ordinary post Messrs. Hogguer Grand & Co. proposed to furnish us their draught for one million of guilders hence, leaving the course of exchange to be settled between you & M. Dufresne, which obviating all objection on our part we this evening remit this bill for that amount on the public treasury to M. Dufresne, with whom you will please adjust the sum the United States are to be credited for the same.\u201d\nI was much mortified to learn the difficulty which had taken place at Amsterdam & still more so to find that the commissioners had thus thrown it on me. They must have been sensible that it was much less proper for me to litigate the rate of exchange with M. Dufresne, than for them with Messrs Hogguer, & also that I had much fewer data than they for ascertaining what the usages of the exchange of Amsterdam would entitle us to insist on in such cases.\nIn consequence of their letters to me & those of the French bankers to M. Dufresne we have had a meeting. He insists on 46. being taken as the rate of exchange, & thinks there can be no doubt that should be rate since it is certified as current at the time of the draught being dated. As the payment was not made as soon as it might have been on account of the difficulty between the American & French bankers & as the former protested formally against the rate being fixed at 46 I told him it was impossible for me to take on myself to fix it having no data for that purpose\u2014that I know not what was the usage of the exchange of Amsterdam in such cases, but that it appeared to me there was no other way of settling the difficulty than by having the rate ascertained by indifferent persons on the spot, & that therefore we should refer it to the American & French bankers to be settled in that manner. He neither rejected or accepted this proposition but said he would write to Messrs Hogguer & Co. for further information & in this manner we separated. I have written to Messers Willink &c to make them acquainted with this circumstance & to express to them my mortification at their having thought it advisable to force me to dispute a matter of this sort with the French ministry.\nM. Dufresne gave me his word that he had not used any means for having this momentary rise in the exchange effected in consequence of our intended payment to them & agreed it would have been unfair & beneath the dignity of government. It is evident also that the rise cannot be owing entirely to this circumstance since the letter of Messers. Willink &c of the 9th. informs me that the first start took place in consequence of the exchange of London on Paris coming quoted to Amsterdam at \u00be d Stlg per crown higher than the preceding post; & this was before our intended payment was known. It is possible however that the French bankers who recieved M. dufresne\u2019s letter at the same time that my second one arrived for Messrs Willink &c may have made it known before the order was made for the purpose of contributing to the rise. If it is found that this was the case I have no doubt the French ministry will agree that the rise occasioned thereby should not be used to the disadvantage of the U.S. & you will certainly think that as far as the use was independent of that circumstance the U. S. should in justice submit to it. The more so as it is evident that the fall of the exchange at Amsterdam to 42\u00bd. was artificial & local since the exchange at Paris on Amsterdam did not fall to the same point but remained I think always above 44. I should mention also that one of the principal causes of the sudden fall of exchange caused at that time, viz the large sums that this government found it necessary to have brought from abroad in Specie. I suppose it useless to add that the exchange has gone on regularly declining for some time so that 46, the rate which M. Dufresne insists on for this payment is much below that at which the payment was made last fall & which you considered with reason as highly advantageous\u2014it having been if I do not mistake about 50.\nI hope you will excuse these minute details, Sir & that you will be of opinion with me; first that I ought not to have refused making this payment at Amsterdam being requested thereto by the French government, they agreeing to the current rate of exchange\u20142: that I take all reasonable precautions for avoiding the disadvantage of a sudden rise in the exchange on account of this payment\u2014& 3. that if finally the French ministry agree that the rate should be settled at what impartial people may think it would have been independent of this payment, as I am persuaded they will, you will consider that the U. S. deserve all the advantages from it to which they are entitled. I will take care that for future payments there shall not be the pretext of a difficulty.\nHaving said so much in explanation of what concerns myself, it is but justice that I should add with respect the bankers of the U. S., that although they were certainly not satisfied with the mode of payment which I thought myself obliged to prescribe, still I am persuaded they have in this instance acted agreeably to what they considered the interest of the U. S. in making the difficulty. Considering the rise as artificial & momentary on the day after recieving the order for payment, they refused to make it at the rate Messrs Hogguer & Co. insisted on\u2014this was the 8th.\u2014finding that the rise continued on the 9th. & 10th. & not knowing where it would stop, they determined to make the payment, thus extricating themselves from the embarrassment & leaving me to dispute the rate at which it should be settled. I have the honor to be with perfect respect Sir your most obedt. humble servt.\nWm. Short\nThe Honble Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0423", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Fitzgerald, 20 June 1791\nFrom: Fitzgerald, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Alexandria, Virginia, June 20, 1791. On June 30, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Fitzgerald: \u201cYours of the 20th of June came duly to hand.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0424", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 20 June 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBank of New York 20th June 1791\nSir\nI have the honor to inform you that in the course of half an hour this day, deposits were offered & received at this Bank for the entire Sum of Sixty thousand Dollars towards the Subscriptions to the Bank of the United States agreably to the latitude given in your Letter of the 30th May. Further Deposits on the same principle have already been offered to the amount of Twenty thousand Dollars more, and if it is agreable to you to extend the Sum to be received here to Sixty Thousand Dollars more, am convinced it would be immediately filled up.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect \u2003 Sir, Your Obedt. Hum Sert.\nWm Seton Casr.\nAlexr. Hamilton EsqrSecy. of the Treasury of the U.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0426", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 21 June 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom-House,Providence 21st. June 1791.\nSir.\nMr. Welcome Arnold of this Town imported in the Ship Genl. Washington, which arrived and Entered here from Canton on the 7th instant, a quantity of Teas, which were deposited, and a Bond taken according to Law, for about 1,700 Dollars: Since which, on the 13th. instant, a Bond of his for upwards of 1,000 Dollars became payable, it was not discharged, and the next Day transmitted to the District Attorney, who has put it in Suit. A question now arrises, whether the Bonds directed to be taken by the Inspector of the Revenue for the ascertained Duties on Mr. Arnold\u2019s Teas, are to be considered as an after Credit, or only a completion of the Bond first taken by me? He has applied to remove some of the Teas; as the point appeared doubtful, and as refusing Credit to a Merchant of considerable Eminence was a delicate Matter, I have advised the Inspector to permit him, for the present, to take out a small quantity, securing the Duties to his satisfaction. As he will probably wish to take out more in a short time, I beg leave Sir, to intreat your speedy reply to this Letter, with your Opinion upon the subject, and directions for the conduct of the Inspector relative to the remainder of Mr. Arnold\u2019s Teas until his Bond shall be satisfied; which was put in Suit at the stated District Court in August, and the Execution returnable in November next.\nI have the honor to be, \u2003 With great Respect, Sir, \u2003 Your Most Obedt. & Most Huml. Servt.\nJereh. Olney Collr.\nAlexandr. Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0427", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 21 June 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom House,Providence 21st. June 1791.\nSir.\nIn conformity to your circular Letters of the 14th. of April and 25th of May, I now enclose an Account of all the Fees and Commissions received, and the Expences paid, by the Officers of the Customs in this District, the latter in detail, and the former as much so as, I hope, will prove satisfactory. By the Statement in the Tenth page, it will appear how the Account stands at the end of the Year with myself, the Naval Officer, and the Surveyor of this Port: the balance of mine, you will perceive, is 56 Dollars and 8\u00bd Cents against me! You Sir, I am convinced, do not, and I flatter myself that Congress will not, expect me to execute the disagreeable Duties of my Office without an adequate Compensation, much less for Nothing. I have therefore no doubt but my Case will, at the next Session, be taken into consideration, and a handsome Provision made for me in future, and an equitable allowance for the Year past.\nIn what way this can best be done, must be left to your superior Judgement to Report, and the Wisdom of the Legislature to determine.\nThe Naval Officer and Surveyor, will address you in their own behalf, by this Post.\nI have the Honor to be, \u2003 With great Respect and Esteem, \u2003 Sir, Your Most Obedt. & Most Huml. Servt.\nJereh. OlneyCollector.\nAlexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0429", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joshua Wentworth, 22 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wentworth, Joshua\n[Philadelphia, June 22, 1791. On September 7, 1791, Wentworth wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour letters of the 7th of May & 22nd June were duly received.\u201d Letter of June 22 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0430", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Adams, [23 June 1791\u20131794]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Adams, John\n[Philadelphia, June 23, 1791\u20131794]\nMr. Hamilton will have the honor of Dineing with the Vice President on the 30th. of June agreeably to his Obliging invitation.\nJune 23th", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0431", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Heth, 23[\u201324] June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Heth, William\nPhiladelphiaJune 23 [\u201324] 1791\nMy Dear Sir\nI have before me your letter of the 16th instant.\nMy opinion is that there is and necessarily must be a great number of undefined particulars incident to the general duty of every officer, for the requiring of which no special warrant is to be found in any law. The test of what he is obliged to do and what he is not must be the relation which the thing required bears to his prescribed or specified duties. Thus it is the duty (for instance) of every officer employed in every department of the Revenue to give the Treasury all the information which arises out of his official documents and opportunities, though it is not his duty to furnish dissertations on midwifry or witchcraft.\nWhat law could ever define the details of the duty of a Secretary of the Treasury? It is evident these must be an endless variety of things unexpressed which are incident to the nature of his station & which he is bound in duty to perform at the call of the President. One of these duties is to give information concerning all matters which are ascertainable by the course of proceedings at the custom houses relating to the Trade of the Country. And how is he to perform this duty if he has not a right to call on each officer of the customs for the materials in his possession?\nIf it be said the law should then require this, I answer that the detail would be endless. And surely it would not answer to say in respect to any officer that he must do whatever he is required to do. And if all that he is to do is to be defined the Statutes of the United States must be more voluminous than those of any Country in the world.\nThere is a large chapter of duties between Executive Officers which grow out of the Nature of Executive power and which the natural relations of things can alone determine.\nConsult, my Dear Sir, the Code of any nation whatever and examine the practice in relation to the point in question and you will find there is no law providing for a thousandth part of the duties which each officer performs in the great political machine & which unless performed would arrest its motions.\nThe mode of compensation can make no difference whether by salary Commission fees some or all. In whatever shape each of them is only a compensation for performing the duties of a certain office and what the officer is bound to perform must be tested by the nature of the Office not by the nature of the reward.\nI am aware that I have in different instances called for services which were not incident to the nature of the offices of the persons from whom they were asked. But I have been pretty careful to the best of my judgment to distinguish them from those which were incident to the Office & even in cases which would justify it to procure for them some special emolument. The instance which produced your letter is in my opinion fairly within the line of office.\nI acknowlege however that it is possible even to make duties which are applicable to offices oppressive by calling for too much. Whether I have done this, I will not undertake to say. It is certain that it has not been my intention. That I have required nothing which has not been of real importance.\nThere is no doubt that the compensations whatever shape they assume ought to be adequate. It is to be admitted that though in some instances those allowed under the National Government are ample, in others they are deficient. They have in most cases however in regard to the Officers of the Customs been progressive & a further progress is in the nature of the thing.\nDo not mistake any thing I have said. I am not dissatisfied with your appeal nor unfriendly to its object, though my judgment in the particular case is decidedly against yours.\nYou will I doubt not on your part receive what I have said as I intend it & believe me always to be as I truly am\nYour real friend & humble ser\nA Hamilton\nCol W Heth", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0432", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 23 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury Department, June 23, 1791. \u201cI have received your letter of the 14th instant, inclosing three certificates of public debt in the names of the Trustees of the sinking fund. Two of them are herewith returned, that they may be cancelled, and certificates of Transfer to the books of the Treasury, issued in lieu of them.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0433", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 23 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia, June 23, 1791. On June 24, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am this moment favored with your Letter of the 23rd.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0434", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 24 June 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited States Loan OfficeBoston 24th June 1791\nSr.\nCircular Letter 6th instant is received. The Treasurer of this State informs me that this State never issued any of their own Obligations in exchange for Continental Securities, all the Federal securities which they are, or have been possessed of, were received either by Taxes or by the Sale of Lands &c. so that I presume the precautions which you point out will not be necessary in this State. Your favour 16th instant is received as also the Treasurer\u2019s of same date inclosing his draft on the Cashier of the Massachusetts Bank for 40,000 Dollars. I believe this sum with the 20,000 recd. before will be sufficient for the Interest due next Quarter. If it should appear otherwise when the Books are ballanced I shall give you the earliest notice.\nwith great respect I have the honor to \u2003 be Sr. \u2003 y most humble Servant\nN A", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0435", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Berrien, 24 June 1791\nFrom: Berrien, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDistrict of Savannah June 24th. 1791\nSir\nI observe in the Excise Law, that all Casks & other Vessels containing spirituous liquors imported into the United States &c. are to be mark\u2019d with the Number, Quantity, proof, name of the Vessel in wh. it is imported, & Port of Entry. I will thank you to direct me whether the idea extends to each Jug of Ginn wh: contains only one quart, or every basket of Annisseed wh. contains only one Gallon. The law does not except them in the clause wh. directs that all spirits shall be marked & yet I conceive that it cannot be the intention to include them. I shall be much oblig\u2019d by your direction on the subject, & am Sir \u2003 very Obediently \u2003 Your Most hume Servt.\nJohn Berrien\nI. R.\nAlexr. Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0436", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 24 June [1791]\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBank of New York 24 June [1791]\nSir\nI am this moment favored with your Letter of the 23rd, saying it will be agreable to you that deposits be received towards subscriptions to the Bank of the United States to the extent of Forty thousand Dollars more upon the same principals with those for the Sixty thousand.\nThis extention of Forty thousand Dollars is already all engaged, and I have applicants names set down for Thirty three thousand seven hundred Dollars more, that I have not the least doubt Sixty thousand beyond the Forty thousand would be immediately taken up. If it is agreable to you to grant this extention it will be doing a favor to the Citizens of the State.\nI have the honor to be.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0437", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 25 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia June 25, 1791.\nSir\nYour favour of the 8th. inst. could only be recieved on my return here, and I have this morning been considering of it\u2019s contents. I think with you that it will be interesting to recieve from different countries the details it enumerates. Some of these I am already in a regular course of recieving. Others when once well executed, will scarcely need to be repeated. As to these I already possess what may answer your views in part. \u27e8I\u27e9 must therefore give you the trouble to call on me in some \u27e8of your walks\u27e9, in order that after seeing what I possess, \u27e8we\u27e9 may decide on the proper supplement. I think it advi\u27e8seable\u27e9 not to trouble gentlemen abroad with sending what we have already, because the less we give them to do the more secure we shall be of having it done.\nI am with the most respectful esteem Dr. Sir \u2003 Your most obedt & most humble servt\nTh: Jefferson\nThe Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0438", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 25 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\nTreasury Department June 25th 1791.\nSir,\nYou will find from my Letter of the 23rd instant that I have extended the sum that may be received by the Bank of New York of persons intending to become subscribers to the Bank of the United States as far as 100,000 Dollars, which supercedes in a degree the requisition with regard to the Notes of your institution.\nI could not engage in the arrangement proposed by means of that paper because I [should] not [be] able to limit the extent [of the operation.]\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your most obedt servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nWillm Seton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0440", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Supervisors of the Revenue, 25 June 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Supervisors of the Revenue\nTreasury DepartmentJune 25 1791\nSir,\nIt appears proper that a notification to the distillers and importers of distilled spirits be published in the Gazettes, containing information of the Office of inspection in which they are (in the three first days of July) to make entry of the spirits by them respectively distilled or imported, which shall be on hand on the 1st day of July next.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your Most Obedt Servant\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0441", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 25 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury Department,June 25 1791\nSir,\nThe Commissioner of Loans for the state of Maryland, after allowing for the Eight thousand dollars with which you furnished him, and a sum of five thousand dollars remitted him, in notes of the Bank of Maryland, would be deficient about five thousand five hundred Dollars of the sum requisite for the payment of the interest which will be payable in your state, upon the public debt on the first of next month; unless he should have been able to dispose of some drafts sent him upon the Banks of North America & New York.\nI have desired him, in case of deficiency, to apply to the Bank of Maryland on the presumption, that funds will be there on the public account to meet the demand. But there is a possibility that this may not be the case, to the extent of about four thousand dollars. Deducting the amount of all the drafts, which have been drawn upon you from the Treasury, it appeared by your return of the 18th instant, that you would have a surplus of seven thousand one hundred & sixty six Dollars, ninety four cents, to be applied to the purposes of the Commissioner of Loans. The eight thousand Dollars, with which you have furnished him, somewhat exceeds that surplus; but whatever you shall have received after the date of the above mentioned return, over and above the difference between the then surplus and the eight thousand dollars furnished to the Commissioner is open to a disposition. This, therefore, to an amount not exceeding four thousand Dollars,you will pay into the Bank of Maryland to be passed to the Credit of the Treasurer of the United States; taking duplicate receipts for what you shall pay, and forwarding one of them to this Office. And I shall be glad to be immediately advised how much of this sum you will be able to pay into the Bank by the first of July.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your Obed Servant.\nAlex Hamilton\nOtho H Williams Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0442", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 26 June 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewport [Rhode Island] June 26, 1791. Encloses weekly return and requests Hamilton \u201cPlease to inform me for what ports or places Consuls are appointed, and of the names of the Consuls for the respective places.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0443", "content": "Title: Alexander J. Dallas to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Thomas Jefferson, 27 June 1791\nFrom: Dallas, Alexander J.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander,Knox, Henry,Jefferson, Thomas\nPhiladelphia, June 27, 1791. \u201cIn Obedience to the directions of the Governor, I have the honor to present to you, a Copy of the Laws of this Commonwealth, passed at the last Sessions of the General Assembly.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0447", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Supervisors of the Revenue, 27 June 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Supervisors of the Revenue\nTreasury DepartmentJune 27 1791\nSir,\nInconveniencies have been apprehended by some of the holders of distilled spirits, other than importers and distillers, from the want of the Mark of \u201cOld Stock\u201d on the spirits they may have in store on the first day of July next. It appears advisable to let it be understood among the holders of spirits that if they desire their stock on hand to be examined and marked, their wishes will be complied with. At the same time it may be well to observe to them that it was within the original plan, to apply the safeguard, of thus marking the Old Stock as well to that held by purchasers, as to the stock of importers and distillers. This and other parts of the law wherein the alterations it underwent might, without circumspection, give rise to hardships and inconveniencies, may be so noticed to the dealers in spirits, and will recommend \u27e8to\u27e9 all the Officers of the Revenue great prudence in their operations under it, particularly in respect to seizures merely for want of certificates. An early opportuni\u27e8ty\u27e9 may be taken to correct some parts of it, and others, like that respecting Old Stock, will be merely occasional.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Most Obedt Servant\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0448", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, [28 June 1791]\nFrom: Allibone, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, June 28, 1791.] Reports on the condition of navigational aids in the Delaware River in the vicinity of Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0449", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Clement Biddle, 28 June 1791\nFrom: Biddle, Clement\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] June 28. 1791\nI have on your behalf engaged the House & Lot in Market street of Mr. stein for One Year. The House to be furnished in about six weeks from this Date & he is to erect a frame stable for Six Horses & Coach House for the Rent of Two hundred & fifty pounds for the year.\nC B", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0450", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 28 June 1791\nFrom: Harison, Richard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, June 28, 1791. \u201cInclosed is my Account against the United States as far as the same has been audited. There are some services relating to Persons still in Confinement which will be included in my future Accounts when their Fate is ascertained.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0451", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Gouverneur Morris, 28 June 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLondon 28 June 1791.\nMy dear Sir\nI have lately been compelled to take some of your three per Cent Stocks in order to cover Part of a large Debt very disagreably circumstanced and to replace a Portion of heavy Advances have sold it again and am bound in heavy Penalties to have the Transfer immediately made. This Stock consists of the Arrearage of Interest to the last Day of the last Year on $382.878..60 Cts of liquidated Debt standing in the Treasury Books at the Credit of Messrs. Francis Baring, Edmund Boehm and Thomas Henchman of this City; which Arrearage amounts to $68918 .. 15 Cts. I have some Reason to believe that Difficulties have arisen in the Treasury Offices upon this Subject heretofore and that they have objected to seperating the three perCents from the omnium unless the whole were subscribed to the new Loan. But this which is a Kind of compulsory Proceeding will have a very bad Effect on our Credit which is still exposed to many Attacks every one of which is more or less injurious. But as to these Things in general I will not pretend to judge leaving them entirely to you and applying only to my own particular Affair which will prove exceedingly injurious should I be disappointed in the Hope that this Transfer may immediately take Place. The Attorney appointed to transact the Business is Mr. George Fox of Philadelphia and I have requested my friend Mr Morris who will deliver you this Letter to attend to it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0452", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 28 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia, June 28, 1791. On June 30, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have been honored \u2026 with your Letter of the 28th.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0453", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 28 June 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 28 June 1791\nSir\nI am just honored with your Letter of the 25th and hope tomorrow to hear from you in answer to mine of the 24th as the applications to pay in Money towards the Subscriptions to the Bank of the United States have now increased to the sum of 41775 Dollars beyond the last extention of forty thousand.\nI have the honor to be with great respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your Obed. Humb Ser", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0454", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Taylor and Abishai Thomas, [28 June 1791]\nFrom: Taylor, James,Abishai, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, June 28, 1791]\nSir\nOn the 18th. Instant Mr. Thomas had the Honor to address you on the Subject of the pensions paid to invalids by the state of N. Carolina, since which we have found that payments made by that State to Widows & orphans of deceased officers are in the same predicament. We therefore respectfully request that with your answer to Mr. Thomas\u2019s letter you will favour us with your sentiments on the propriety of presenting all claims for payment under the latter head subsequent to the fourth March 1789, at the Treasury of the United States for reimbursment in money.\nWe are &c\nA. T.\nAgents\nJ. T.\n28th June 1791\nHone A HamiltonSec. Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0455", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 28 June 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth New Hampe. 28 June 1791\nSir\nThe Carpenter who undertook the Hull of the Revenue Cutter building in this port having been Sick Several Weeks the Work was unavoidably delay\u2019d. She will be launched in 8 or 10 days. The Station of 3rd Mate being Still vacant I would beg leave to name Samuel Hobert, a young man of whom I have heard a good Character, & the Nomination of him is made by Capt Yeaton.\nI now transmit you An Act lately enclosed to me by the President of the State making a Conditional Cession to the United States of the Lighthouse together with 1\u00be Acre of Ground which takes in the Old Fort on the eastern point of the Island of New Castle. There is Still half an acre of land remaining, claimed by the State, which would be a useful addition should any fortification on this Spot be thought necessary hereafter. It has been customary heretofore to hoist Colours on the approach of any Vessels, the expence of which having been supported under the Military establishment continued at this Fort more than a Century past, has now ceased, on the Cession of the Fort & discharge of its keepers, & it cannot be continued without a small additional expence to the Lighthouse to which it was before connected. It would be a gratifying conveniency to the Trade to have these Signals continued.\nIf any particular form is required in the Statement of the Lighthouse Accounts & the introduction of them into my Account Current be pleased to advise me. I shall compleat my payments to the Contracter on the last day of this Month & form a new Contract. I shall be obliged to increase the Sum given in order to enable the Contractor to furnish the best quality of Oil which could not be done under the first contract.\nThe first years pensions of Invalids directed to be paid by me, is discharged except the pensions of 4 Invalids who have not yet appeared, & who are probably removed out of the State, or dead. Your directions to retain monies in my hands for these payments and also the Secretary for the Department of War\u2019s \u27e8warrant\u27e9 specifies a larger Sum than I have, or shall pay. I wish to be informed to whom the vouchers of payment shall be transmitted, & how the charge is to be Introduced into my general Account with the United States.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 Sir, \u2003 very respectfully \u2003 Your Most Obedt servt.\nJoseph Whipple\nHonble. Alexander Hamilton Esquire", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0458", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Haywood, 30 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Haywood, John\nTreasury DepartmentJune 30th. 1791\nSir,\nI duly received your letter relative to the payment of the invalid pensioners of the State of North Carolina, and the two remittances, which have been made to you for the purpose of discharging the same. On receipt of this letter it is my desire that you pay to William Skinner Esqr. the Commr. of Loans or to his order the specie in your hands, and that you deliver to him the Treasurers draft on the Collector of Newbern, endorsed by you payable to him or his order. You will also furnish him, if you please with the original or copies of the letters of instruction, and the originals of any other papers \u27e8you\u27e9 may have received from this department or that of War relative to this business. If you will take the trouble to procure duplicate receipts for the Cash draft and papers and will transmit one of them \u27e8to\u27e9 this office, its reception here shall be duly acknowledged.\nI am, Sir with great consideration \u2003 Your most Obedt Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\n\u27e8John Hay\u27e9ward Esqr\u27e8Treasurer\u27e9 of the State of No CarolinaHillsborough", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0463", "content": "Title: Agreement with Titus Salter, 1 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander,Salter, Titus\nTo: \nPortsmouth, New Hampshire, July 1, 1791. Salter agrees to \u201csupport, maintain and attend the Lighthouse at New Castle\u201d from July 1 to December 31, 1791, for $158.60.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0464", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Meletiah Jordan, 1 July 1791\nFrom: Jordan, Meletiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nFrenchman\u2019s Bay [District of Maine] July 1, 1791. \u201c\u2026 Your letter of March the 10th enclosed a copy of Return of Vessels built in this District. There has been no business of that sort.\u2026 Your Letter (Circular) of the 21st March observes I should inform you what Post Office would be most convenient for me to get my Letters from. I could wish to have them left at the Post Office at Beverly & if it is proper to address them to the care of Captain Robert Haskell of that Place who generally trades to this and the neighbouring District. The Boat I had your sanction to procure for the use of the Office I expect in a few days. The detached situation of the District interspersed with waters and abounding with a Number of Islands which afford commodious harbours and some of them as far distant as thirty miles from the Office will occasion my sending a Boat sometimes to visit the District throughout for I not only have reason to supsect that defrauding the Revenue is practised among the Island part of the District but have been informed of many little parcels of Goods landed on the Coast part of the District, it was impossible for me to prevent, all which difficulties a Boat will in a great measure remedy. The harbour of Cranberry Island particularly is distant from the Office about 25 Miles & is a standing thoroughfare & anchorage for British Vessels bound to & from St. Johns & other parts of the British Provinces of New Brunswick which I have great reason to suspect at times carries on the smuggling Trade. In my letter of the 1st Jany. 1791 I requested you would inform me whether my salary commenced with the date of my Commission or the passing of the Law respecting it. If it should occur to your mind in your first letter to this Office Sir I will be particularly obliged.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0465", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Mercy Warren, 1 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Warren, Mercy\nPhiladelphia, July 1, 1791\nMadam,\u2014In making you, thus late, my acknowledgements for the honor you did me, by presenting me with a volume of your poems, I dare not attempt an apology for the delay. I can only throw myself upon your clemency for a pardon.\nI have not however been equally delinquent towards the work itself, which I have read, more than once, with great interest. It is certain that in the Ladies of Castille, the sex will find a new occasion of triumph. Not being a poet myself, I am in the less danger of feeling mortification at the idea, that in the career of dramatic composition at least, female genius in the United States has outstripped the Male. With great consideration and esteem I have the honor to be, Madam, Your most obedt and humble Servant,\nA. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0467", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 2 July 1791\nFrom: Heth, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPrivate\nDear Sir\nShillelah [Virginia] 2. July 1791\nThe close application which I have been obliged to pay to the duties of my office, added to the unhealthyness of the place, has confined me at home some days, with a bilious intermittent fever. To this circumstance it is owing, that I have so soon received your very friendly answer of the 23d. Ulto.\nBelieve me Dear Sir, had you been less frank in delivering your Sentiments and opinions\u2014tho they might have been more flattering perhaps\u2014they would not have been recd as such strong proofs of your friendship for me. I feel myself much indebted to you, for your condescension in replying to me so fully, & for treating me with so much candor & familiarly.\nI fear that, I must have expressed myself very illy, in my private letter of the 16th. Ulto or you never could have supposed that, I lookd for laws to define minutely, or even particularly, the duties of any officer of government; much less, could I possibly question the propriety, necessity, and, consequently the Right\u2014in one sense of the word\u2014of your calling upon the Officers of the Customs for such information as\u2014to comply with your duty\u2014was essential to obtain. The propriety of every syllable which you have said on this subject, never formed any doubt in my mind. I have little doubt also, but I used the word \u201cright\u201d improperly, without duly considering the construction it would give to the Sentence, of which it was a member. The object of my suggestions, you readily, & clearly enough comprehended. And, my true meaning was this. It appeard to me, to be inconsistent with Justice, & the Spirit of Freedom, for any Legislative Body, to enact such laws, as must in their operation, draw services from the free Citizen, without compensation and therefore it was, and is still my opinion, that Congress had no right to do so. Do I receive any thing from the U States as a compensation for a single Sheet of paper, used out of the current, & clear line of Duty? Commissions & fees of Office, are recd for special services actually performed, & clearly defind. To the aforegoing opinion, I do not find a single remark in your address repugnant. Indeed\u2014so far from it\u2014that I am convinced you think every Collector ought to receive an annual allowance\u2014equal to his stationary at least\u2014if not for such extra Services, as the nature of his Office, and the business which he does, must necessarily subject him to. To obtain such provision, a provision, which Justice & equity demands, was the objct of my address, and to which, you are pleased to say, you are not unfriendly. Sure I am then, you will\u2014being the most proper person\u2014ask it of Congress.\nHowever widely you may have misunderstood me in one respect, persuaded I am, you could not in another. The promptitude with which I have complyd with every request from you, within the scope of my abilities and secluded situation\u2014whether immediately in the line of my duty, connected therewith, or independent thereof, must have convinced you, that I never thought you calld for \u201ctoo much\u201d or, \u201cunimportant information.\u201d Could I for a moment suppose, my Dear Sir, that my zeal, pride, & ambition on this Score, had not been long perceived by you, the mortification which I should feel, would be great indeed!\nThe indisposition of which I flatter myself I have so far recovered, as to be able to go to the office on Monday to engage in making up my quarterly accounts, urges me to make an observation here, which ought to have been noted in my letter accompanying a statement of the emoluments of my office for the year 1790. Viz\u2014that my emoluments ought to be such, as to enable me to employ a Clerk qualified to do the business of the office in every respect, in case of sickness or absence. You will have perceived that the charge for the wages of a clerk, his board &c in that Statement, is very low. He is an honest, faithful servant, of great integrity and application, but is possessed of so little genius, or capacity, that he is totally lost whenever a case occurs, in the least deviating from the current business\u2014nor could he post up & close the accounts in the Ledger, & render the present quarterly returns, if his salvation depended upon it. Had my present indisposition happend in April or May or Sept. Oct. or Novr. last, I question whether my office would not have been protested against. You are the best Judge, whether the importance of this District to the revenue is such, as that I ought to be enabled to guard against such casualties. Suppose I was obliged to give 400 Dlls \u214c ann to a Clerk, instead of 250\u2014and which must have been the case, if I had not been able to pay such close attention, & to perform the greatest part of the duty myself\u2014what a pittance I should have had left, for my own labor, responsibility &c, the aforesaid statement will shew.\nI had thoughts of, and still wish to pay my respects to you in person, some time this month or next\u2014being vacation season\u2014to consult with you on the eligibility of continuing in my present office, in hopes of Superintendents of the revenue being appointed, on the propriety of the office being moved to a place more healthy, & more desireable to the Merchants of the District, or on the prudence of my offering my services to fill an office more immediately under your eye. On these subjects, I wrote a letter to you some time in May last, but concluding that I might be thought too impatient as to the first, Doubting of the propriety of the second to Richmond, or to any other place in the District but Broadway, And being diffident of my qualifications as to the latter, I declined to forward it, And I should not now, have hinted at them, if I had not formed a resolution to resign my office after next session of Congress, should it not prove so productive as to enable me to settle nearer to it or to pay me better than it has done, for the great sacrifice which I make of my domestic enjoyments; and for my own labor, responsibility and risque. Persuaded that you will receive these communications, as made in confidence by a friend, I remain Dear Sir, with the greatest esteem & respect,\nMost truly & sincerely \u2003 Your obliged friend and \u2003 Very hble servant\nWm Heth\nThe Honble Col Alex Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0470", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 3 July 1791\nFrom: Lee, Charles\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlexandria [Virginia] July 3, 1791. \u201cIn answer to your letter of the 13th of May, I shall make the following observations. Within this District the practice has been to ascertain the Duties, by Guaging, Weighing and Measuring in all cases where those operations are required by Law. The Authority of an Inspector put on board a vessel coming from an other District into this, has been considered as ceasing with the report of the Vessel at my Office, when another Inspector has been placed in the room of him who attended the Vessel into this District. The Customary Tare allowed by the Merchants here is upon 100 lbs and not 112 lb.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0472", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 4 July 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom HouseNewport [Rhode Island] July 4th. 1791\nSir,\nInclosed is my weekly return of monies received and paid, and a monthly return of bonds a certife of Regy. No. 66 granted at this port, & a Cerf. on account of transfer of propy., the copy of an endorsment of the change of master on Regy. No. 4 and a like copy on Enrollment No. 9, also four draughts made on me by the Treasr. of the U. S. in favour of Jabez Bowen Commr. of Loans viz No 1616, & No 1617, for four hund. and fifty dollars each, and No 1624 & 1625 for three hundred dollars each.\nPermit me to ask the following question and to request your answer to it. Should not every vessel receive her first Certificate of Registry &c from the Collector of the District where She is built? What hath given rise to this question is this, a vessel built in this District for and to be delivered to citizens residing in the District of Providence was moved thither without papers, and there was first Registered.\nIt was convenient for them it seems to move her there a hull before she was masted and rigged.\nThe denomination of vessels is I believe commonly fixed before, and their names given at the time of launching; yet in the case stated the Surveyor of the Port where She was built might find a difficulty in certifying the number of her masts; and the advantages which merchants may find in moving new vessels unmasted & unrigged from one district to another in the same State or from one adjoining State to another, especially in bays & rivers, may be greater than the disadvantages which might possibly result to the Revenue from such vessels passing from one adjoining district and from one adjoining State to another.\nThe General Assembly of this State sat and rose the last Week, but nothing was done respecting the Light-house. I spoke to some members of both houses, and to a gentleman who is near the Governor, on the subject. They were of opinion that as the United States had Enacted that the expences for the support &c of all Light houses &c shall continue to be defrayed by them until the first day of July 1792, and allowed to the States respectively which had not ceded them, that time to make cessions, a revival of the former motion would prove unsuccessful at present, and that it was best to let it rest.\nThe Keeper of the Light House informs me that the top of the Light House leaks very much. I shall enquire further into this matter, and give you the necessary information.\nI am \u2003 Sir \u2003 Yr. most obed servt.\nWm Ellery Collr\nA Hamilton EsqrSecry of Treasy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0473", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 July 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, July 5, 1791. \u201cYour letter covering instructions to Cap Williams has been received. I have caused a copy of them to be made. I will attend particularly to his supplies.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0475", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 7 July 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] July 7, 1791. \u201cBy the Presidents command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury a letter from Capt. Cochran of Charleston (S. C.) respecting the building of a cutter at that place.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0477-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, July 8, 1791. \u201cUpon the receipt of your circular Letter, of the twenty seventh Ultimo, I directed the Comptroller General of this State, to furnish me with the information which you requested; and I have now inclosed his answer upon the subject.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0477-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: John Nicholson to Thomas Mifflin, [2 July 1791]\nFrom: Nicholson, John\nTo: Mifflin, Thomas\n[Philadelphia, July 2, 1791]\nsir,\nThrough the secretary of The Commonwealth I have received a copy of a letter circular from the secretary of the Treasury of The United States addressed to your Excellency on the subject of Certificates of state debt issued for Certificates of Continental debt and relative to the assumption thereof. As the regulations and provisions of this state enable such creditors to repossess themselves of the Continental Certificates received for them by the state I apprehend that the case of such creditors of penna. is fully provided for. However in case the secretary of the Treasury wishes to be informed of The quantity Issued by Penna. and now out of this kind, and your Excellency should chuse to lay the same before him; I beg leave to represent that the whole quantity so issued was 5.167 695 33/90 Dollars of which 316,864 30/90 Dolls. were redeemed by The state, and upwards of \u2154ds. of the remainder have been returned in exchange for the Continental Certificates, and, that the residuary sum is diminishing Daily by farther applications and exchanges thereof.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 sir \u2003 your Most Obed servant\nJno NicholsonCompt Genls OfficeJuly 2d 1791.\nHis Excellency Thos Mifflin Esqr Governor of Penna.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0478", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Newton, Junior, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Newton, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNorfolk [Virginia] July 8, 1791. \u201cA long absence from home has been the cause of your letter of the 8th Ulto not being answered sooner. The business shall be attended to as you requested.\u2026 The business has not been in the least retarded, Mr McComb is ingaged in getting up the stone formerly lodged there, for the same purpose, to make the foundation with.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0479-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis July 8. 1791.\nSir\nIn my last of the 19th. of June I mentioned to you a difficulty which had arisen between the French & American bankers at Amsterdam relative to the payment of the million of florins ordered by your letter of the 13th. of April. I have now the satisfaction to inform you that it is removed & that the payment is probably completed agreeably to the basis proposed by our bankers viz. at the rate of exchange existing at Paris before the sudden rise at Amsterdam. This was 44\u00bd\u2014a rate much more advantageous for the U. S. than that at which the payment was made last fall. I was glad that the French ministry came to these terms as well because I was sure it was all the U. S. could have any shadow of right to claim, since it was the proposition of our own bankers as because it spared the disagreeable circumstance of appearing difficult with so just, & patient a creditor as France has been.\nI had the pleasure of recieving yesterday Sir, your letter of the 9th of May & am rendered extremely happy by finding that you continue to be satisfied with the course I have pursued in the business confided to me. My late letters will have given you further information with respect to the rising credit of the U. S. & the additional resources which might probably be made use of for exonerating them from their debt to France. I shall add nothing on the subject at present except that the opportunities formerly mentioned continue equally promising.\nI have made no direct application for a loan at Genoa & have recieved as yet no direct answer or information with respect to the subject from the minister of Genoa. Still he seems persuaded that a loan might be made there & expects greater lights from his friends to whom he has written & who are the most powerful & richest people of the Republic\u2014the first loan being made would remove all other difficulties. I think it probable they have written to the Genoese consul lately sent to America, for particular information with respect to our situation, government & present resources. Their perfect ignorance of us is certainly the greatest obstacle we should meet with. It is for that reason Sir that I cannot help repeating to you how essential it is that constant, if possible, weekly details should be sent here of the progress of the U. S. in whatever concerns their revenue, commerce, manufactures or agriculture\u2014such things being frequently presented to the public eye would make them acquainted with the U. S. & what is much to be desired make them forget their distance.\nI have not yet proposed the loan authorized by your letter of the 13th. of April, because not knowing when your disposition of it would arrive I supposed a short delay could not be disadvantageous, & also because our bankers holding out the idea that by it the rate of interest might possibly be reduced, I could not think myself authorized to neglect such an idea although I did not consider it absolutely to be relied on. This was fully developed in my letters by M. de Ternant. I am now waiting for their explicit answer to my enquiries contained in my letter to them of the 24th. of June, & of which I inclose you a copy. I may now expect this answer daily which will decide what steps I shall take.\nMr. Morris has just returned here from London. He tells me he expects daily an answer from his friends in the low countries to his enquiries made at my request whether they would engage to obtain a loan for the U. S. at 4\u00bd p. cent interest. He seems now to think that they will insist on 5. p cent but adds that he can say nothing certain. As soon as I recieve the information expected from these two places I shall communicate it, & in the mean time shall proceed according as circumstances may dictate relative to the loan.\nIf I were acquainted with the proportion which you intend for this country I should find it advisable perhaps to open the loan on the condition of recieving that part payable in assignats or such of the French effects as the ministry should be willing to accept. Such a measure could not fail to facilitate a loan whether opened at Amsterdam, Antwerp or Genoa. It is understood that the bonds of the U. S. given in such a loan should be calculated agreeably to the present advantageous rate of exchange on Paris.\nIn my researches on the subject of American loans I shall not lose sight of London particularly as I find that you contemplate a credit there as promissory of good consequences.\nI shall take measures for having the additional payment of f500,000 made as speedily & as advantageously as possible for the U. S.\nI beg you to be persuaded of the sentiments with which I have the honor to be \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your most obedient servant\nW: Short\nThe Honble.Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0479-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: William Short to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 24 June 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Hubbard, Nicholas\nParis June 24. 1791.\nGentlemen\nSince my last I have not seen M. Dufresne & of course have nothing new to say to you concerning the disagreeable affair of the rate of exchange for the million of florins paid by you. I fear he will not consent to any other mode of settling it than that of the current rate ascertained by sworn brokers agreeably to the data of Messrs. Hogguers & Co\u2019s draught furnished you. I hope you will furnish me with proper grounds for contesting this matter since you have thought it proper to throw it on my hands\u2014these can only be by ascertaining the moment of your tender of the million of florins & the then rate of exchange. It would be however much more agreeable & more suitable to the interests of the U. S. if you & Messrs. Hogguer & Co. settle this matter agreeably to the usages of the exchange of Amsterdam.\nI will thank you to let me know also the progress of your opinion with respect to the loan at 4\u00bd. p. cent\u2014the present price of the 5. p. cent bonds\u2014& also whether it will be absolutely indispensable to augment the commission as you say. As it may become essential for the U. S. to make a new loan before the time may arrive when one at 4\u00bd. p. cent can be insured\u2014or rather as it may under certain circumstances be judged proper to open a loan at 5. p. cent instead of awaiting the contingency of one at 4\u00bd. p. cent, it becomes proper to have your ideas with respect to the commission in that case. Supposing the value of the bonds had continued as when the last loan was opened I should have been of opinion that it would have been most for the advantage of the U. S. to have put the commission of the undertakers on the former footing viz 1\u00bd. p. cent instead of 2 p. cent given on the last loan, as this would have been an economy of \u00bd. p. cent, for the U. S. without risking the success of the loan, & would have been the same thing for you. As the value of these bonds has now risen above par, I suppose you will consider it perfectly just that the commission should be paid out of this incident value; & particularly as this value is increasing I suppose it will be still more agreeable for the undertakers. The current value of the bonds I think was 99\u00bd p. cent at the opening of the last loan. The commission was then 4. p. cent of which 2. p. cent went to the undertakers\u2014reducing this 2. p. cent to its former standard of 1\u00bd.\u2014it would be equally advantageous for you to open the next loan at 3\u00bd. p. cent commission provided the bonds had remained at 99\u00bd. I suppose then that the U. S. have a right to expect to open their next 5 p. cent. loan at 3\u00bd. p. cent commission, estimating the value of the bonds at 99\u00bd. so that whatever their value may be above that at the opening of the loan will be diminished on the 3\u00bd. p. cent\u2014thus if they are at 101.\u20141\u00bd. p. cent will be diminished, so that the U. S. will have to pay only 2. p. cent commission, although you receive 3\u00bd.\u2014& so in proportion. I suppose there will be no difficulty in this matter as your profits will remain the same as in the last loan. I shall wait for your answer & hope to recieve it by the return of post that I may decide according as circumstances may arise here whether to wait for the contingency of the 4\u00bd. p. cent loan or directions (if it becomes indispensable) at 5. p. cent. The former will of course be waited for as long as possible & would be much prefered as being much for the interest & credit of the U. S. I am with the utmost sincerity, Gentlemen, your most obedt. servt.\nW: Short\nMessers. W & J. Willink &c Nas. & Job. Van Staphorst & Hubbard.Amsterdam", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0480", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury DepartmentJuly 8th. 1791.\nSir,\nI have already written to you in regard to the disbursements of the Revenue Cutter on your station, except the pay of the officers and men, and have now to request that you will duly attend to that business also, so as to have in your hands the entire agency. A form will be transmitted to you, in which you will make your quarterly returns at the same periods (though distinctly) as in the Custom house department; and in the mean time, as some arrears of pay are due, you will discharge the demands of the officers from the dates of their commissions and of the seamen from the time when they were shipt, taking sufficient vouchers for your payments.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your most obedt. servant\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0481", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, [8\u201312] July 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury DepartmentJuly [8\u201312] 1791.\nSir,\nIn consequence of two questions lately proposed to me, the first upon the impost Act., and the 2nd. upon the 41 section of the Collection law, I signify to you my opinion on the following points.\n1st. That the teas called \u201cYoung Hyson\u201d and \u201cHyson skin,\u201d are not subject to the duties which, in the several cases are laid on Hyson, but to those only which are imposed on other Green teas; namely twenty Cents, if from China and India in Ships or vessels of the United States. Upon inquiry it appears to me that those teas are not in mercantile language comprehended under the denomination of Hyson; and from inferiority of quality & lowness of price they are not within the spirit of the duties on Hyson.\n2ndly. That any merchant who imported teas during the year 1790, and prior to the 4th of August in that year and whose bonds for the duties upon such teas have not expired on paying the duties upon such as have been sold may deposit the residue, with an allowance of further credit not exceeding in the whole eighteen months, pursuant to the 41st. section of the Collection Law. In order to this the identity of the teas ought to be ascertained to the satisfaction of the Collector; In some cases, perhaps, this may be done by comparing the marks of the Chests &ca. with documents in the Office. Where this fails, the Oaths of the parties may be received and it is reasonable and proper that they should be required, as well as the production of such original documents, invoices &ca. as may be in their power.\nThis being an indulgence susceptible of abuse, it is confided that it will not be allowed without due caution and competent evidence.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt. servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0482", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [8 July 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, July 8, 1791]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the president of the United States, and has the honor to enclose a Dispatch which he has just received from Georgia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0484", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury DepartmentJuly 8, 1791.\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United States, a contract between the superintendant of the establishments on Delaware river, & John Wilson, for building a Beacon-boat to be anchored on the shoals of the said river. On a comparison of the estimate of the said Wilson with that of Warwick Hale herein enclosed, and after due enquiry into the proportional value of a similar Beacon-boat heretofore built for the same purpose, as also into the present rates of building vessels in Philadelphia\u2014the Secretary is humbly of opinion, that a contract, more beneficial to the United States with a workman of competent ability would be difficult to effect.\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0486", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of New York, 9 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: President and Directors of the Bank of New York\n[Philadelphia, July 9, 1791. On July 14, 1791, William Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cThe President & Directors desire me to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 9th instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0487", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia July 9. 1791\nSir\nIn answering your communication of the 10th. of december last, I cannot do better, than acknowledge my conviction from the reasoning of Mr. Dayton. That reasoning being in your possession, I beg leave to refer to it, as the groundwork of my opinion, that military rights to land ought to be received on account of his that is Judge Symmes\u2019s contract in the manner, contended for by him.\nI have the honor, sir, to be with real esteem and respect yr. mo. ob. serv.\nEdm: Randolph\nThe Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0488", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Daves, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Daves, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew Bern [North Carolina] July 10, 1791. \u201cLast year when the Law passed laying duties on imported Spirits to be ascertained by Dycas\u2019s Hydrometer, not knowing I should be furnished with that Instrument, I sent by a gentleman to London, for one of Dycas\u2019s patent Hydrometer\u2019s complete which I received in December last just before the law took place requiring the use of that instrument, which one I have made use of ever since. The Hydrometer sent me from your Office I received some time in February last and Fahrenheits Thermometer I never received until the last of March following. That Hydrometer being incomplete when received I never made use of it until the other day I made a tryal with that & the pattent one, and to my very great surprise found a variation of ten degrees between the two. The pattent Hydrometer appears to be a very complete one and corrisponds as near as may be with the different kinds of spirits agreeing with the different rates of proof contained in your letter accompanying the Hydrometer.\u2026 Should the pattent Hydrometer meet with your approbation, would be glad of your permission to charge it in my account, it cost three and half Guineas in London, which I paid no more than the first cost & charges. It is incumbent on me to acquaint you of the difficulty some of the Officers of the Customs labour under in this District, that is, there are two ports of delivery on the sea board, being each about forty miles from this town, and about twenty-five miles distant from each other, where trade is carried on, there being a Surveyor and Inspector at each port, they not having any Hydrometer to ascertain the Spirits by as yet, I have directed a bottle to be sealed up and sent me of each Cargo, which appears to be a very precarious mode.\u2026 These Officers are also without Scales & weights or even a very large pair of Steelyards, nor is there any to be borrowed in either place.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0489", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 11 July 1791\nFrom: Delany, Sharp\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, July 11, 1791. On September 8, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Delany: \u201cI have considered the case proposed to me in your letter of the 11th. July.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0490", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 11 July 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewport [Rhode Island] July 11, 1791. \u201c\u2026 Inclosed is a statement of the case of the Brig Seven Brothers, and of the case of Joseph Finch late master of her. I have applied to the Carpenter who covered the Light-House to examine the condition of it. He could not attend this business the last week, but said he will attend it this and make report.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0491", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Beverley Randolph, 11 July 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Beverley\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCouncil Chamber, RichmondJuly 11th. 1791.\nSir,\nI have had the Honour to receive your Favour of the 27th. of the last month. In answer to which I have to inform you, that this State never issued her own Certificates in exchange for those of the United States. And am respectfully &c. Beverley Randolph.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0492", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 12 July 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, July 12, 1791. \u201c\u2026 I improve the first oppo. to inform you of the amount of the dividend of Interest made up to 30th June last, it appears at present to be 55.768 \u2078\u2070\u2044\u2081\u2080\u2080.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0493", "content": "Title: Conversation with George Beckwith, 12[\u201330] July 1791\nFrom: Beckwith, George,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nPhiladelphiaJuly 12th. [\u201330] 1791\nLieutenant Colonel Beckwith. \u2003 The gazette of the United States, published this morning gives us a detailed account of certain recent proceedings in the Western territory and at Detroit, communicated at Pittsburgh, by a person of the name of Ray, who had been made prisoner by the Savages, and having, as it is stated been purchased by an officer in The King\u2019s Service, obtained his freedom, was conveyed to Niagara, and from thence, returned to Fort Pitt; the whole account is so improbable, so incompatible with our system, and so diametrically opposite to my communications from Lord Dorchester, that I feel it incumbent on me to declare, I consider the information to be little better than a fable.\nMr. _____  \u2003 I have not seen the Newspaper account, but I am acquainted with the communications to which you refer; from those, Ray appears to be a very illiterate man, and his intelligence is very improbable in many respects; he is however extremely particular; he says he saw a Colonel or Mr. McGee in the Indian Country, a Mr. Elliot and some others whose names he mentions, and he goes into details respecting these gentlemen and their objects at the Indian Towns; no decisive opinions can be formed from his communications but of course they attract attention.\nLt. Colonel Beckwith \u2003 Insofar as Ray\u2019s declarations may have a tendency to excite any suspicions of an unfriendly nature on the part of the King\u2019s government, they are totally devoid of truth, and as such, I trust will not be credited.\nThere are accounts from different parts of the Indian Country within these few days; they mention, that your treaty with the Five Nations is concluded, that you have made a peace with them and that they are determined to maintain a strict neutrality.\nMr. _____ \u2003 Yes, it is so stated; Colonel Pickering however is not yet arrived in Town; he is expected daily with the particulars of the Treaty, which are not yet fully known.\nLt. Colonel Beckwith \u2003 Colonel Procter was sent to these Tribes, about the end of last March; it was reported at that time, that this gentleman\u2019s message was to induce them to join your forces, against the hostile Indians; I never took particular notice of this, as it did not seem well authenticated.\nMr. _____ \u2003 Colonel Proctor was sent about the time you mention, but not with that object. You may recollect some of our frontier people, committed a murder on certain Indians of the Five Nations, and this gentleman was sent to those Tribes by The President, to dissuade them from joining the hostile Indians, in consequence of that atrocious proceeding, individuals might have wished them to have taken a part in The War, but Colonel Proctor was not charged with any such message by our government.\nI have read the speech of one of the Indian Chiefs, at the late treaty with the Five Nations respecting the political conduct of your government in relation to them; this speech is replete with sound sense, and carries with it the most convincing proofs of your influence being extended to promote pacific purposes.\nLt. Colonel Beckwith \u2003 It is precisely in the spirit of the declarations I have uniformly made you, and the same views are extended to all the other Tribes in the Western Territory.\nI have read General Scott\u2019s report of his expedition against The Wabash Tribes, and his message to them, subsequent to the destruction of their Towns; from the general aspect of things at present, I am inclined to hope a peace may take place during the Autumn.\nMr. _____ \u2003 We are disposed to pacific measures with those Indians, and if they shew any symptoms of such being their wish, we shall be ready to meet them on fair terms of accomodation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0494", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 12 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Whipple, Joseph\nTreasury DepartmentJuly 12. 1791\nSir,\nThe Act of the legislature of New Hampshire, inclosed in your letter of the 28th June, is received. The name of Mr Samuel Hubert will be placed before the President when he is filling the Station of the 3d Mate of the Cutter.\nYou will be pleased to inform in what particulars the hoisting of the flag at the fort is convenient or useful to the trade and navigation, and the annual expence which will attend the continuance of it. Your account, as Superintendant of the light house, must be kept distinctly and rendered separately from that in your capacity, as Collector of the Customs, as also must be that as paymaster of the invalids. They are to be transmitted with the vouchers to this departm\u27e8ent\u27e9.\nJoseph Whipple Esqr.Portsmouth.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0496", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, 13 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Harison, Richard\nTreasury DepartmentJuly 13, 1791.\nSir,\nThe account taxed by the Judge of the District Court and rendered by you, on the 28th Ultimo, against the United States has been transmitted to the Auditors office, and when passed by that Officer & the Comptroller, will be discharged by the Treasurer on my warrant. That which relates to the opinions given by you on cases arising in this office will be paid to you when there shall be an appropriation for those objects. This however will not be until the next session of Congress.\nI am, sir, with great consideration \u2003 Your Most Obedt Servt.\nAlex Hamilton\nRichd Harison Esqr.Atto of the U States,New York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0498", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Lowder for the Board of Assessors of the Town of Boston, 14 July 1791\nFrom: Lowder, William,Board of Assessors of the Town of Boston\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, July 14, 1791.\nSir,\nThe assessors of the town of Boston are now apportioning a large tax on the inhabitants. Their duty obliges them to take every measure in order to ascertain the quantum of taxable property each citizen holds, that the assessment may be just, and the burthen equal. They have already ascertained the full amount of the property in trade, in such a manner as can scarcely fail of being right, by appealing to the public impost-office; this class of citizens, together with the industrious mechanics, have so long born the burthen of public taxes, without an equal aid, from the new funded interest, that they have become clamorous, and indeed unless the taxes are more equally distributed in future, will not be able to discharge their several assessments.\nIn relief, therefore, to this useful part of the community, we are called upon by every principle, to use every means to come to a true knowledge of the property of those citizens who live upon the interest of their monies in the public funds. For that purpose the committee of the assessors have officially waited upon Mr. Appleton here, and desired him to suffer them to inspect his books of loans: he has hitherto declined a compliance (or rather doubted his authority to comply) with their request. The object of the board in this request is as much with a design to do justice to the stock-holders, as the community at large; for should we be refused this reasonable request for the purpose of doing public equity, it will throw us into the disagreeable necessity of taxing the stock-holders according to their reputed property in the funds, which in very many instances may be greater than they really possess. We therefore should esteem it a particular favor in the Secretary of the Treasury to direct the loan commissioner here to expose the public books of loan to the inspection of the assessors of the town of Boston, whenever they shall officially think it necessary. Not doubting that so reasonable a request will be readily complied with. In behalf and by order of the assessors,\nI have the honor to subscribe myself your most obedient and very humble servant,\nWilliam Lowder, Chairman.\nP.S. Shall esteem it a favor to have an answer to this as soon as may be, as the business of this office must necessarily be at a stand until we hear from you.\nTo the hon. Alexander Hamilton, esquire, Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0499", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 14 July 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 14 July 1791\nSir.\nThe President & Directors desire me to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 9th instant inclosing a List of the Certificates for money deposited at this Bank towards the Subscriptions to the Bank of the United states which have been paid at the Treasury amg. to 159675 Dolls.\nThis List exactly agrees with the record of the Certificates granted at this Bank\u2014excepting\nOne to Bernard Hart of\nDoll \u2003 75\n& one to Peter Kemble of\nwhich would compleat the sum of 160,000 Dollars directed by you to be received.\nWhen these two Certificates appear the money shall be refunded & the remaining 159675 Dolls. passed to the credit of the Treasurer of the United States agreably to your Letter of the 2d. instant.\nThere was but one Certificate granted for each Deposit.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0500", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Welcome Arnold, 15 July 1791\nFrom: Arnold, Welcome\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence 15th July 1791\nSir\nThe Collector of this district has this day Furnished me with an Extract of your letter to him requiring notice to be transmitted to the Collectors from Boston to New York of my delinquency in the payment of a Bond given in his Office, to Prevent my obtaining Credit Elsewhere \u201cin Evasion of the Law.\u201d This official Direction Sir, to the Collectors of this port I presume could not be given without coming to a Judgment in the dispute Subsisting between him & myself.\nI cannot believe Sir that you would knowingly countenance a Public Office under your department, being used as an Engine of Pique, or Resentment; and being Ignorant of the facts & Circumstances Stated to you (except that they were Ex parte)\u2014I was no less Astonished, then wounded, at the order from the Secretary of the Treasury f\u27e8or\u27e9 an official Stab at my reputation without any Conditional referrence to the Circumstances of the Case. Is it not possible Sir that a Collector may Err? That he may put a bond in Suit when it is not due? That he may demand a Greater Sum than is due?\nWhen he is convinced of this last, and offers to remit the Surplussage shall he be justified in demanding the cost which may have arisen on the Suit? This cost I take to be the only Obstacle which prevents the duties your letter Alludes to being paid\u2014and Convinced as I am Sir, of the unjustifiable Motives from which it has been Incurred; of my own uprightness towards the public revenue, actually, and Intentionally, and from which No Ill-treatment by the Collector shall provoke me to depart \u27e8there\u27e9 is no Consequence of Property or Reputation, that it can Involve, which I shall not hazard with Chearfulness; in Preference to a Voluntary Complyance with what I deam so Injurious to the rights of a Citizen. Colo. Olney has this moment acquainted me that 127 dol will be deducted from the bond on which I am Sued. The Remainder is ready for him, and has been, I shall pay him no Cost except by Execution. What the Law will determine I know Not, but I am at no loss what will be the feelings of my fellow Citizens. Shall a merchant be placed in the disagreeable Alternative of having his credit destroyd, or of paying every demand which a Collector thro\u2019 mistake, or Design shall Exhibit against him? No Sir, I ask your pardon \u27e8then\u27e9 for offering, thus late, some Reasons for my Conduct in a case in which it may Seem, to Some, you have given your opinion; But it is the first moment of my knowledge it was before you in judgment; And I rely with Confidence upon your known Character both in Public & \u27e8in\u27e9 Private life, that the moment you are apprised it was a disputable Case, you will no Sooner decree a Severe penalty upon one party, unheard, in a case between a Citizen and a public Officer, than between Citizen, & Citizen.\nI have the Honour \u2003 to be With all due Respect \u2003 Sir your most obt Ser\nW A\nHon. Alexander Hamilton Esq.Secretary of the TreasuryPhiladelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0502", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 18 July 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewport [Rhode Island] July 18, 1791. \u201c\u2026 The Light-House has been examined by the Carpenter, who covered it, accompanied by the Surveyor of this Port, and the former reports that the Lead upon the Platform in which the Lanthorn stands, is cracked in several places, that the water passes through the crack and falls upon the Wall and inside Wooden work, & that fifteen pieces of sheet lead three feet long & six Inches wide with necessary nails will secure the platform, and some paint & putty the Lanthorn against rain & snow, and that the whole expence of repairs will amount to about thirty dollars. Please to give me your directions whether the repairs shall be made or not.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0503", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Newton, Junior, 18 July 1791\nFrom: Newton, Thomas, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNorfolk [Virginia] July 18th. 1791\nSir\nSince I wrote you of the 8th I have been to Cape Henry & took a veiw of the place for fixing the Light house. The Sands are much shifted since laying of the two acres. I had some conversation with Mr. McComb on the subject of going deeper; it is not yet certain that it will be necessary. I will attend to the business & do all in my power for the best, but shall be at a loss, how to act without a copy of the agreement or some instructions, to know in what manner the work is to be done, which you\u2019l please to send on as soon as possible as Mr McComb thinks of beginning the foundation in a fortnight. He mentiond that sheds were to be built for holding of oil, I am apprehensive that they wou\u2019d be coverd with sand in a short time, one gale of wind might effectually prevent the keepers getting at oil, if cesterns were fixed in the Light house they wou\u2019d be safer & more convenient & I suppose no extra charge wou\u2019d attend it, they should be lined with lead. Mr. McComb also mentiond a wooden cornice; if it is the case I am afraid it will soon want repairs, the exposed situation of the place woud soon destroy any wood that cou\u2019d be fixed there & shou\u2019d it want repairing, the scaffolding alone will cost more than the differance between a stone & wooden Cornice.\nIn what manner is the pavement to be laid? If it is to be done on the loose sand without a wall to keep it up, it will be of little use, but if a wall is run about three feet deep and ten feet from the light house, it wou\u2019d add greatly to the safety of the house & the pavement. I thought it my duty to give these informations; but shall follow whatever directions you shall give. I am\nRespectfully \u2003 Yr. Obt Servt\nThos. Newton Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0505", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 19 July 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, July 19, 1791. \u201cI have received your Letter of the 6th. Instant, relative to Mr. Arnold\u2019s Teas &c. and it affords me pleasure to inform you, that I have reason to expect he will discharge his Bond tomorrow; if he does, it will prevent the transmission of the Notice you mention. I enclose my quarterly Return of Exports, amounting to One Hundred and Twelve Thousand Five Hundred and Ninety-three Dollars & 14 Cents.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0506", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 19 July 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis July 19. 1791\nSir\nI had the honor of writing to you on the 8th. of this month by the French packet & of acknowleging the reciept of your letter of the 9th. of May.\nThe commissioners at Amsterdam have since then informed me that all difficulties being removed they have consummated the payment of the million of florins to the French bankers there & recieved their bill on this government for its amount 2,696,629 \u20b6. 4. This you will find a much more advantageous rate of exchange than that of the payment made last fall, which was also advantageous.\nIn consequence of your letter of the 9th. of May which authorized me after leaving f800,000 in the hands of the commissioners, to complete the payment of the million & an half of florins of the last loan destined for France I wrote to them informing them of this disposition\u2014adding that before the intended payment was made known I would settle with the present commissioners of the treasury (who have succeeded to the Director general) a basis for fixing the rate of exchange. I had no knowlege of the late loan being otherwise disposed of than as to the f800,000. mentioned in your letter. In answer to mine I have just recieved one from them of which I send you an extract. It is dated Amsterdam July 14. 1791.\n\u201cYour calculation of our having funds in hand to discharge this order of f800,000 is erroneous, the disposals of the Secretary of the Treasury having absorbed the balance of the U.S. up to about f350,000. Thus we shall be in advance about f150,000\u2014besides which there will be due for interest in\nFebruary next on\nloan of\n2. mills \ndo.\ndo.\nMarch\ndo.\nso that the U.S. will have to provide here in a few months f505,000\u2014\nwhich considering the employ there appears to be yet in America for monies negotiated here, we presume the Secretary would desire to face by a loan, preferably to making us remittances for it.\u201d\nAs it appears to me from your letter that you expected the payment of f500,000 to be made out of the loan I shall write to the commissioners that such appears to me to be your wish & of course that I do not direct a payment beyond what the loan furnishes viz. about f350,000. I have not fixed any term of payment or any sum with the commissioners of the treasury but have desired them to authorize their bankers to recieve such sums as may be offered them by the commissioners in proportion as they may have monies in their hands & to fix the rate of exchange agreeably to that which prevails at the time of payment. The commissioners of the treasury like M: Dufresne desire the payment to be made at Amsterdam, but proposed that the exchange should be fixed according to a mean rate taken on eight days prior & eight days posterior to the payment. I have told them that this was inadmissible because it subjected us to the loss accruing from any artificial rise which might be occasioned in consequence of such payments & remittances being made known. They have agreed individually that the observation was just & have promised to settle it otherwise at their first meeting. I am waiting only for the result in order to give orders to our commissioners.\nIn answer to my letters with respect to a loan at 4\u00bd. p. cent interest & also a diminution of the charges in case of the interest being continued at 5.p.cent, they continue to say that the reduced interest can be hoped for only from delaying the loan & augmenting the commission. And as to the loan on the same interest they persist in assuring that no diminution of the charges can take place. They say that the bonds will inevitably fall to par on such a loan being proposed, the rise to 101 having taken place only from its having been believed that no other 5. p. cent loans would be proposed & that the bonds may be now had [at] 100\u00bd in parcels. They add that it would be highly impolitic to sink the goodwill of the undertakers by reducing them \u00bd p.cent on their commission as I proposed. I own I am not of the same opinion & am persuaded that if they pleased, they might carry through a loan at 3\u00bd p.cent commission. I have not informed them of my intention to open soon a loan either there or elsewhere, but only have given them to understand, which they know however full as well as I do, that Congress will soon have occasion for further loans: & so the matter stands with respect to them.\nMr. Morris is in correspondence with his friends at Antwerp respecting a loan as mentioned to you in a former letter. He shewed me a letter from them in which they say that they think a small sum might be raised at 4\u00bd. p. cent by allowing sufficient time, but that the commission must be 6. p. cent. I have authorized Mr. Morris to propose to them a commission of 4. p.cent. & to say that in that case I would contract with them. He is now waiting for their answer though I have little hopes they will take so low a commission. As it would be highly advantageous however to make such a loan even as they offer, I may perhaps be tempted to accept it if nothing better can be done\u2014but in that case, as the solidity of the house would be much less known to me than that of the houses at Amsterdam I should think it most advisable to have the sums remitted here in proportion as they recieve them, taking it for granted you would approve such precaution although you have not given orders for the payment. By it the U.S. will reduce the interest of their debt & will also gain considerably by the advantage of the exchange on making the payment.\nI have had a further conversation with Mr Grand on the subject of paying off a part of the French debt by loans here. He thinks now that it will be necessary to fix the interest at 5. p. cent & also to recieve the assignats at 10. p. cent depreciation, although in fact it is 14. He has taken up this opinion from an idea that the holders of assignats think they will appreciate & of course would not place them for eight or ten years at their full depreciation. If so it will be much more advantageous to make loans abroad for the payment of the French debt, as the exchange which in that case operates as depreciation is much more considerable.\nUnder these circumstances I shall wait somewhat before opening a loan unless it should be that at Antwerp at 4\u00bd p. cent interest. The probability of peace taking place to the north increases: should it be realized it may perhaps enable the U.S. to make a loan also at Amsterdam at a reduced rate of interest. If however I were authorized to complete the payment of the whole sum due France I should prefer the certainty of doing it immediately by 5. p. cent loans abroad to waiting for the smaller sums to be raised by degrees at 4\u00bd. p. cent, because the present advantageous rate of exchange would counterbalance the \u00bd. p. cent interest.\nThe bankers at Amsterdam have written to me that they have no doubt that a loan opened there the middle of next month might be pushed to six millions of florins, at 5. p. cent. The same interest would unquestionably procure loans also at Antwerp & perhaps at Genoa. These resources being used, the French debt as far as due might be immediately paid & large sums remitted you for purchasing up the American funds, which bearing an higher interest & selling considerably below par present great advantages for the public credit. The benefit of such measures depending on a general combination of your plans, no steps of course can be taken towards it but by your orders. The view however in which this subject has long presented itself to me makes me regret that such advantages should be lost or delayed. It is useless to mention to you the effect which our domestic funds being at par would have on the credit abroad.\nI have never known the reason why the Senate threw out the bill for paying off the foreign officers. It would certainly have had an happy influence on our credit & particularly here. Its not being done could thwart much any design of borrowing money in Paris to pay off the French debt or at least would render the terms less advantageous.\nI have thus made you acquainted Sir with the present position of affairs & shall take care to inform you of every step that is taken respecting them.\nVarious circumstances have prevented the directors of the mint here giving me as yet the information they promised. As soon as obtained it shall be forwarded to you.\nIn the mean time I beg you to be fully persuaded of the", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0507", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Arthur St. Clair, 21 July 1791\nFrom: St. Clair, Arthur\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nFort Washington [Northwest Territory] July 21st 1791\nSir,\nOn the 26th. of May last I had the honour to address you on the Subject of the purchase which Judge Symmes had made of the public Lands and enclosed Copies of Some Correspondence between him and me relative thereto. The Boat by which those papers were Sent was Attacked by the Indians on the Ohio River and defeated, and the dispatches were thrown over Board. I have now taken the Liberty to forward Duplicates.\nThe Letter I mention to the judge, has been the fruitful Mother of Thousand more, and produced a Lengthy Correspondence which must be laid, I believe, before you, or the Secretary of State; but it could not be got ready for the present Occasion. It has Issued in the publication of the Proclamation I alluded to, in which the Boundaries of the Contract are set forth, and a piece of Land round the Fort is laid out for the Use of the Garrison\u2014notwithstanding, that I Shewed him the Orders for laying out that Ground, he has gone on Selling it every Since; and there is very little that has not been Appropriated: whatever may be done with the rest of what is without his Bounds, which he has laid Claim to, and sold, this round the Fort will I hope be reserved: I have not now ground to form a Battalion upon nor can I pay so much attention to the health of the few Troops that are here, as to change the ground of their encampment, for they are not enough to take a position at any distance in the Woods.\nGeneral Butler (nor any of the levies) has not yet arrived, and three Companies only of the recruits. I am at my Wits end about it, for much will be to be done after they do arrive and the Season is passing\u2014from every appearance it will be September at Soonest before it will be possible to move, and then there is not much time left for the operations of the Campaign.\nMr. Duer has not put the affairs of his department in that Certain State they ought to be with respect to the transportation; Mr. Laidlow has some agency in it but he tells me he has not sufficient authority to procure Horses. In hopes of hearing from Mr. Duer I directed him a fortnight ago to make conditional Agreements which if neither he nor me had information, in a Short time, that might render it improper, I would direct him to make final\u2014if that information does not reach me I must take it upon myself.\nI have the Honour to be \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obedient Servant\nAr. St. Clair\nThe honorable Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0508", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Welcome Arnold, 22 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Arnold, Welcome\nNew York, July 22. 1791\nSir\nI have before me your letter of the 15 instant, which first apprised me of any controversy between the Collector and yourself, about the validity of any part of the demand on you.\nFrom the simple statement of the fact to me, I had been led to conclude that there had been a delay of payment of an acknowleged and undisputed debt, and as I had understood that your situation precluded the supposition of want of resource, I was left to suppose, that there was a voluntary delinquency, on some mere motive of convenience. Hence the instructions I gave.\nBeing now informed that there is a controverted demand, I write to the Collector of Providence to suspend, if not too late, the notifications he was directed to give, and to state particularly to me the circumstances. I shall be glad also to receive them from you; as it is my earnest wish to see the laws executed with equity and moderation, as well as exactness.\nI am Sir with all due consideration \u2003 Your obedient servt.\nAlexander Hamilton\nWelcome Arnold Esquire", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0509", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 22 July 1791\nFrom: Huntington, Jedediah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New London, Connecticut, July 22, 1791. On August 25, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Huntington: \u201cI have considered the case you State in your letter of the 22nd July.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0510", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 22 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nNew York July 22d. 1791\nSir\nHaving received a letter from Mr. Arnold informing me that the delay of payment of his bond had proceeded from a part of the demand being controverted, I am to desire that, if not already given, you will suspend the notifications you were required to give to the Collectors out of your state, and that you will inform me particularly of the nature and circumstances of the controversy. I have requested Mr. Arnold to do the same, and I shall be glad if possible, that there may be no disagreement in the statement of facts.\nYou will also forbear any further proceeding upon the bond until you hear again from me.\nI am with consideration \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your Obed ser\nAlex Hamilton\nJeremiah Olney Esqr&c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0511", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Skinner, 22 July 1791\nFrom: Skinner, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited States Loan Office [Hillsboro]North Carolina, July 22nd. 1791.\nSir,\nThe Governor of this State with the advice of his Council two days past, Entered into a Resolution directing the Comptroller to subscribe for; and Deposite in my Office in behalf of the State, all the Certificates of this States Debt, which are in the Comptroller\u2019s office, as well those punched as unpunched; This I consider to be in direct opposition to a paragraph in your circular Letter of the first of November last which says that it is an Erroneous Idea that a State can become a Subscriber for a proportion of that part of the Debt which has been Assumed; from the construction which I put on this part of your Letter. I think I can by no means admit of such a Subscription; I therefore wish your imediate direction how I am to govern myself in this matter.\nI am most respectfully \u2003 Your most Obedient Servant.\nW Skinner.\nThe Honble. Alexander Hamilton Esqre.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0512-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Skinner, 22 July 1791\nFrom: Skinner, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nThe 22nd. of July 1791. from Hillsbo. [North Carolina]\nSir,\nSince writing you on the Subject of the States becoming a Subscriber, the inclosed. was handed me by the Governor Private Secretary which I do myself the Honour of inclosing you to which please to give me an imediate answer.\nI am most Respectfully \u2003 Your most obedient Servant\nW Skinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0512-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: From Thomas Rogers, 20 July 1791\nFrom: Martin, Alexander\nTo: \nState of North CarolinaIn Council July 20th. 1791.\nA Proposition of His Excellency the Governor. Having received information that the States of New York and South Carolina have funded their Public securities by Subscribing them on Loan to the United States, pursuant to an Act of Congress passed in their second Session intituled an Act \u201cfor making provision for the debt of the United States,\u201d I consider it the duty of the Executive as the General Assembly will not meet till after the time limited by said Act for taking in Subscriptions to said Loan to lay this important subject before you on so urgent an occasion. I submit to your deliberations and advice the propriety of Subscribing at this time all the State Certificates and Public Securities thereof fundable by said Act now in the possession of the Treasurer Comptroller or other Public Officers of the State as a Loan in the Office of the Commissioner of Loans of the United States for this State. Please to signify your advice accordingly and should the measure meet your approbation the manner and by whom the same is to be effected. As these Certificates are of a negoceable nature and the property of the State acquired by taxation and purchace it appears that she has a right to dispose of them as she pleases. Should the public accounts be never settled as is suggested by some a saving of the interest will be made to the State by subscribing these Certificates as aforesaid. Should a Settlement take place which is ardently wished for this State it is presumed will be a large Creditor State. She will have it in her power to deduct from the ballance due her the sum subscribed or so much thereof as will be an equivalent to said Ballance and the residue if any will be on Loan to the United States. Should the State contrary to all expectations be a debtor, she will still have it in her power to transfer the Subscription by her made in payment of part or in full of the Ballance that may be due the United States.\nAlex: Martin\nThe Council taking the proposition of his Excellency the Governor under consideration conceive it a subject of great magnitude in which the State is much interested having maturely considered the fourth Section of the Act of Congress for making provision for the debt of the United States are of opinion that the words \u201cBody Politic\u201d mentioned therein give this State, being the first Political corporate Body by which we are governed in a State capacity a right to Subscribe to the United States a Loan of its Public Securities equal to a person or persons therein mentioned. And as the reasons set forth in the Governor\u2019s pro[po]sition together with the emergency of the occasion seem to call for the immediate interposition of the Executive Resolved they do recommend and advise that His Excellency the Governor authorize and empower Francis Child Esquire Comptroller of the public accounts of this State to subscribe or cause to be Subscribed on or before the last day of September next for and in behalf of this State in the Office of the Commissioner of Loans of the United States for this State all Certificates and other Public Securities the property of this State fundable by said Act now in his possession or that may come into his possession before that time: And that the said Comptrollor obtain a Certificate or Certificates or a receipt or receipts for the same from the said Commissioner of Loans and make return thereof to the Governor by him to be laid before the next General Assembly that the State be enabled to derive from the said Loan the advantages mentioned in said act.\nExtract from the Journals of the Council of State.\nTest. \u2003 Tho. Rogers C C.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0513", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Foster, 23 July 1791\nFrom: Foster, Theodore\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[July 23, 1791. On September 1, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Foster: \u201cI have had the pleasure of receiving your two letters of the 23rd July & 4th of August.\u201d Letter of July 23 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0514", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 23 July 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston July 23d: 1791\nSir\nAgreeably to your orders I here send you a description of the Cutter Massachusetts built at Newbury port in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year 1791. She has on deck two masts her length is sixty feet above her upper deck her depth is seven feet Eight inches her breadth seventeen feet Eight inches she measures seventy tons \u2074\u00b3\u2044\u2089\u2085. She is a square sterned schooner has quarter badges & an Indian head she has a long quarter deck & a deep waist.\nYou will Observe that the Cutter is much biger than I contracted to have her. This is caused by her being much deeper than is mentioned in the contract. When Captain Williams went to inspect her I wrote to the builders and permitted them to make any little alterations in finishing her, diverse from the plan, given them which Captain Williams should direct but so as never to augment the price of the vessel. The first wish Captain Williams Expressed was to lay the deck eight inches higher than in the original plan with this request the Carpenters complied hence the vessel is much biger than was expected or wished for.\nThe builders notwithstanding my letter to them, directing that they might not do any thing which should increase the price of the vessel, had hopes as they now say that an allowance would be made them now finding this to be inadmissible they propose to build an other vessel of the size first contracted for & receive this back when the other shall be fitted for the Sea. I hope they will pursue their present intentions for this vessel is biger than is necessary.\nI find that the Masters of the Cutters are allowed three rations \u214c day & the mates two. The officers will take care & supply themselves & receive the money of me. What must they receive for each ration? I have allowed them twelve cents a ration, the same price which is given for the supply of the Soldiers here, for time back.\nThe officers complain that while at Newbury fixing the vessel they were involved in an expence much above the value of twenty four Cents \u214c day. Can I make them any allowance & can they be allowed any thing besides their pay while working on board the vessel before fitted for the Sea?\nIs it expected that the Sailors be confined to the same ration to which the soldiers are? If they are to have rations in manner of land troops by whom are they daily to be issued?\nI have the pleasure to return the two certificates in a form which I hope will be agreeable.\nSecretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0515", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 23 July 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, July 23, 1791. \u201cI have recd. your circular Letter of the 8th instant, relative to Teas. The Duties on the Hyson-Skin, imported in the Ship Genl. Washington, were ascertained at 20 Cents a pound; it appearing from all accounts, to be less costly than even Souchong and inferior in quality, I judged it could not properly be classed higher than \u2018other green Teas\u2019.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0516", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 23 July 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth, New Hampshire, July 23, 1791. Acknowledges receipt of the \u201cCommissions of the three first officers of the Revenue Cutter.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0517", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Marshall, [24\u201331 July 1791]\nFrom: Marshall, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir\nFrom the Nature of your enquiries on Saturday I have ventured to presume so far on your time and Candour as to Solicit your perusal of the following lines.\nAfter you have made choice, Sir, of a person for the Directorship, the first Necessary Consideration may be that of obtaining Mechanics from England, (if they cannot be got here) for the purpose of making Machinery and assisting in the Conducting of the Manufactory. A Man for the Brass Work, or fileing up business will be very Necessary; a Person Accustom\u2019d to Superintend the Drawing in the Capacity of \u201cMaster of the Room\u201d will be of infinite Utility; a Man who is Master of his business in the weaving branch, and in possession of all or most of the Fashionable Patterns now worn in England will be very Useful. If the Bleaching business is not intended to be confin\u2019d solely to the Cotton Manufactory, a person Competent to the Undertaking, wou\u2019d I doubt not, well answer the Expence of Importation. If any of these men shou\u2019d have Children Accustom\u2019d to work in the Mill their Utility wou\u2019d be greatly Increased.\nIf the above steps are approved, Sir, it may next be proper to direct the attention towards an Eligible Spot for Erecting the Manufactory upon, in the Judicious choice of which very much indeed depends. The grand Object in this point is Water, and too much precaution and Circumspection in this particular is Impossible, especially upon the very Extensive scale at present Contemplated; for if there is not a regular and constant Supply of Water in the driest of Seasons Sufficient to work the Mill 23 hours pr Day, the Interest of the Subscribers will severely suffer. To prevent this, Sir, it will be Necessary to be Acquainted with the Scource (if easily possible) of the River, the Situation of the Country through which it runs, the Number of other streams that empty themselves into it, and from whence or by what means they are supplied. From these and Similar Observations together with the best Information that can be obtained from those who have long known the River & its particularities, a Judgment may be form\u2019d what Effect a Dry or Wet Season has on it; that is, Sir, wether in a drought there will be a Sufficiency of Water to Supply the Works, and when heavy or continued rains happen, what Effects are to be Apprehended either from its Overflowing, or the Accumulated Impetuosity of its Current, which if not known and guarded against may prove totally destructive to the Buildings. Next fixing on a place where the Natural Current, (within a reasonable distance) is not impeded by Mills, Bridges, Projections or Eddies: the Speed of the Water must be taken (by which the Interior heavy Wheels are regulated) together with the Quantity of Water it is capable of delivering in a given time: the Fall must likewise be measured.\nIf the Person employ\u2019d in this Business is satisfied about the above particulars, the next Object is the Exact Spot for the Building, and he shou\u2019d consider that not only the common requisites which belong to Mills in General, such as the Convenience of good head Water, Tumbling Bays, and a Sufficient clearance or decent for the purpose of carrying off the back Water & preventing the Wheel from Sludging, is Necessary; but also that particular regard be paid to the Natural Foundation on which he is about to Build. An Amazing Weight stands on the Ground, therefore it is absolutely Necessary that the Strata to a Considerable Depth Shou\u2019d be of a disposition proper to sustain the Burden, such as Stone Gravel or hard Clays; without this precaution, however Judicious \u27e8ever\u27e9y other step, the building must Inevitably be in Imminent danger of having its foundation undermined by the Water, or giving way and falling to pieces.\nIf the above Obstacles are done away, Sir, the next Step may be that of entering into Agreement with the most able and Experienced Mill Wright to be met with, but as the Nature and Extent of his Employ depends much upon the particular Situation of the Spot &c no decisive rule can at present be laid down. The Building follows next, and perhaps, Sir, you might approve of the Smiths & Carpenters Shops being run up first, which wou\u2019d enable the Machine makers to have some parts ready for setting up by the time the Mill was finish\u2019d. The last thing is the market for the raw Material of Cotton.\nIf, Sir, I have mistaken the Information you wish\u2019d to Obtain, I have humbly to Solicit your pardon for the truble I have here given you, and beg leave to remain,\nYour Most Obedient Humble Servant\nThos: Marshall", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0518", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 24[\u201325] July 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir\nSince my last of the 19th inst. in which I gave you an account of the then prospects with respect to loans at Amsterdam or Antwerp, Mr. Morris has recieved an answer from his correspondent at the latter place. He still assures that a loan for the U.S. being opened there for a million of florins at 4\u00bd. p. cent might successively be carried to greater amount. He insists however on the commission of 6. p. cent: as he seemed to do this more fully in his last letter I have authorized Mr. Morris to offer him 5. p. cent commission, & to tell him that if he would accept it he might set on foot immediately a loan for any sum not less than a million of florins & might extend it as far as three million\u2014taking care however not to commence it without having full certainty of its success.\nMr. Morris assures me that the house with which he corresponds (Wolfe of Antwerp) may be relied on for solidity and prudence, & is particularly regarded as having the best influence among the money lenders. It was formerly employed by Russia in loans made there. At present Hope obliges that power to concentrate its loans at Amsterdam.\nShould this loan succeed I shall go to Antwerp to sign the bonds if thought necessary. Hitherto I have thought it best to let Mr. Morris negotiate this business by his correspondence so that the U.S. might not appear in it unless it should be brought to effect.\nIt is easy to see that such an event would be attended with a variety of good consequences for the credit & interest of the U.S. If they are able to make loans at this reduced rate of interest at Antwerp there is no doubt that that will enable them to do the same at Amsterdam in a very short time.\nThere is however one aspect in which this subject may be considered differently. Should the U.S. be able to borrow a small sum only a 4\u00bd. p. cent, as it is certain they might immediately make large loans at 5 p. cent, it may be questioned whether the advantages arising from paying off the French debt with the present immense profit of exchange, or from purchasing up the domestic debt at its present price, would not more than counter-balance the \u00bd. p. cent additional interest. The privilege which the U.S. reserve to themselves of re-imbursing their loans would have weight in deciding that large sums at 5. p. cent were more for their advantage at present than a small one at 4\u00bd. Still it would be necessary to be much better acquainted with your general plan & views on these subjects than I am, not to make this experiment of a loan at a reduced rate of interest. You shall be kept regularly informed of its progress.\nM. Durezzo of Genoa, one of the richest & most influential citizens of the Republic, is now here. I have put him fully in possession of the present situation of the government and resources of the U.S. He seems highly satisfied with them & in the present situation of affairs in Europe considers the U.S. as a new treasure found for the capitalists of Genoa: viz. for all the men of property of the country. He does not return to Genoa before October or November next, & he thinks that the information which he shall carry there & the zeal which he should use in person would insure loans for the U.S., particularly if in the beginning by the way of inducement they would recieve a part in the French funds to be set off by the ministry here against the American debt. He says the months of October & November are favorable also for loans. I rather think however he has fixed on that season because he expects before that time to recieve further information from the Genoese Consul in America to whom he has written on the subject. It is natural that information coming from that source should be more relied on by the Genoese & for that reason I am happy that M. Durezzo has taken measures for collecting it. Should the Consul shew any desire to resort to administration in his researches I don\u2019t doubt you will consider it proper to give him every facility, as it is certain the more the real situation of the U.S. is exposed to the Genoese the greater will be their confidence. I think it highly probable that the U.S. will in time find considerable resources at Genoa & that these will be followed by commercial advantages also.\nThe commissaries of the treasury having not yet changed the principle on which they had desired the payment at Amsterdam to be made, it is probable I shall find it necessary to desire our commissioners to remit the balance in their hands to Paris, as otherwise we should be exposed to the artificial rise in the exchange which our payments would enable the French bankers or other persons interested, to make.\nI have the honor to renew the assurances of attachment & respect with which I shall ever remain \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obedient humble servant\nW: Short\nP.S. July 25. The commissaries of the treasury have just come to desire I would have the payment made at Amsterdam & have agreed to fix the rate of exchange according to what it may be to day at that place. The exchange has been rather on the rise for some time viz from 44\u00bd to 44 7/8. I shall desire our bankers to comply with this request.\nThe Honble. Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury. Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0519", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 25 July 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewport [Rhode Island] July 25, 1791. \u201c\u2026 A person usually residing in this District, is in the District of Boston & Charlestown and there purchases a vessel; is he obliged to take the Oath or Affirmation, required by law previous to the making a Registry or granting a Certificate, before the Collector of this District omitting in said oath or affirmation and inserting what is to be omitted and inserted according to the Proviso in the 7th. Sec. of the Coasting Act, and to produce a Certificate thereof to the Collector of the District in which he and the vessel are, in order to obtain from him a Certificate of Registry for such vessel? Please to favour me with an answer to this question.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0520", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Martin, 25 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Martin, William\n[Philadelphia, July 25, 1791. On March 14, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Martin: \u201cSince mine to you of the 25 of July 1791.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0521-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 26 July 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis July 26. 1791.\nSir\nAfter closing & forwarding my letter to you yesterday I recieved one from the bankers at Amsterdam of which I think it necessary to send you a copy. It is for the most part in answer to one from me in which I had repeated the arguments, already communicated to you, in favor of our right to reduce the rate of commission in the case of a new loan being opened at 5. p. cent. You will see that the bonds of the U.S. instead of rising have taken a considerable fall. This is so different from the expectation of every body that it is to me quite unaccountable unless indeed it should be intended as a means of removing all grounds for reducing the charges of loans in future.\nIt is possible also they may have had at Amsterdam some hint of the intended experiment at Antwerp & may wish to make it fail. It would be unjust to adopt suspicions of this kind & to propagate them. Still taking it for granted that the present fall in the price of the bonds is not in the actual course of things, & searching for what may be the artificial cause, I own I see none so probable as the desire of those interested in the American loans at Amsterdam to prevent their being carried elsewhere & to keep the charges from being reduced. I had hoped the loan would be published at Antwerp before it were known at Amsterdam (& I am not yet certain that it is known there) as I feared a coalition at that place among the bankers, brokers & undertakers might be formed in order to counteract if possible our designs elsewhere.\nI shall be anxious to know what effect this fall will produce at Antwerp & it seems highly probable that it will render impossible the reduction of interest there. If so & a loan can be effected at 5. p. cent I shall suppose it better to make it there than at Amsterdam for the sake of having a credit in two places & of course being less dependent on the speculations of those employed in the loans. I hasten to send this letter in hopes of its overtaking that sent yesterday to Havre. I have the honor to assure you of the attachment & respect with which I am,\nSir, \u2003 Your most obedient, humble servant\nW: Short\nThe Honble. Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury\u2014Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0521-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard to William Short, 21 July 1791\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTo: Short, William\nAmsterdam 21 July 1791\nSir\nWe have your respected favor of 15 Instant, in consequence of which We have confirmed to Messr. Hogguer Grand & Co. our having received your Order to pay them f500,000.\u2014.\u2014. on account of the U.S. and our readiness to fulfill it. They will apply to us for the Money so soon as they shall be authorized by the Commissaries of the Treasury; When We will endeavor to fix the Exchange at a just and equitable rate.\nThere are some Truths difficult to be seized and especially at a Distance: This is the case, with the American Bonds being at present only at par in very small Quantities, and obtainable in Numbers at 99\u00bd per Cent; Such a State of Things, while far from having any bad We have none but the best and most encouraging News of the Government and Finances of that Country, baffles all reasoning, entirely overturns your Hypotheses grounded upon the Price of Bonds at 100 per Cent, and is almost impossible to be impressed unto the Conviction of any Persons not well acquainted with our Local, altho\u2019 It is perfectly visible and feelingly experienced by the Holders of these Effects. In these Circumstances, to secure a Loan at any rate would be an hard Task, We however hope It will still be possible to have one undertaken after the Middle of next Month; But We cannot consent to any Reduction in the Charges, after their having been reduced by you to the very lowest pitch, below what they ought to have been in reason & Justice, or than the Custom of this Place has sanctioned to Transactions of this Nature.\nAs any thing interesting will occur, We shall not fail communicating it to you, in the Interim We are with great Esteem and Respect\nSir \u2003 Your most obedient and very humble Servants\nWilhem & Jan Willink\nN & J. Van Staphorst & Hubbard\nLes Obligations sur le Liquidated debt ont emalemt. declin\u00e9, ceux de 5\u00bd \u214c Cd\u2019inter\u00eat j\u2019achettent a 99\u00bd \u214c Ct.\nWillm. Short Esqr. Paris.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0522", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 26 July 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth [New Hampshire] July 26, 1791. Describes the case of \u201cthe Brig Polly Wentworth R. Miller Master,\u201d which arrived from France on October 1, 1790. States that \u201ca quantity of plaister of Paris which is exempted from duty was inserted in the Manifest,\u201d but that the manifest did not include \u201ca quantity of Bur Stone.\u201d Points out that Miller did not appear \u201cto be acquainted with the exemption of duty on Plaister of Paris & could not therefore \u2026 have any intention to conceal the Bur Stone.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0525", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 27 July 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis July 27. 1791.\nSir\nMr. Morris has just recieved a letter from his correspondent at Antwerp in which he informs him that since his last of which I mentioned to you the subject he had recieved an express from the Russian ministry authorizing him to open a loan for the Empress at 5. p. cent interest with a considerable advantage in the exchange. He of course declines undertaking the American business for the present (he had not then recieved Mr. Morris\u2019s letter in which I propose 5. p. cent commission & 4\u00bd. p cent interest) & begs Mr. Morris to endeavour to secure it for him when he shall have completed this loan for Russia. The matter will rest in status quo for the present & consequently not become public. The reduction of interest at Antwerp will be impossible to be effected so long as Russia keeps a loan open there at 5. p. cent with the high commission she gives, & until the obligations of the U. S. at Amsterdam shall have taken a rise. Under present circumstances therefore it will be necessary to give still 5. p. cent interest & probably without a diminution of the charges\u2014still however I shall use every endeavour to effect it.\nRussia having ordered a loan at Antwerp shews that she is endeavouring to extricate herself from the house of Hope; unless indeed it should be with their consent. As there is no longer any probability of a rupture with England I rather think the Russian ministry will continue to place their whole confidence in that house.\nI write to-day to the Secretary of State by the way of the English packet but I think it best to send this letter by the way of Havre in order to avoid its being read in the English port, as it is possible it may still arrive in time for a vessel that sails from thence.\nI beg you to be assured of the sentiments of attachment with which I have the honor to be\nSir, \u2003 Your most obedient & very humble servant\nW: Short\nThe Honble. Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0526", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited States July 29. 1791.\nBy the Presidents command T. Lear has the honor respectfully to transmit to the secretary of the Treasury the enclosed obligation of J. G. Blount & Chas. Cook for the stakage of certain shoals & channels within North Carolina which has been approved of by the President. Also a letter from Mr. Short to the Secretary of the Treasury, & instructions for Mr. Short on certain points relative to Loans.\nTobias LearS.P.U.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0527", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston July 29 1791\nSir\nI have been honoured with the receipt of your circular letter of the 8th. instant. I will aim at that discharge of the duties therein required which shall give satisfaction.\nA few days since I had a hint that a vessel from the Bahama Islands had touched into tarpaulin cove, in one of the Elizabeth Islands, and had there landed a few bags of Cotton. The same vessel came into this port and entered without reserve. The surveyor afterwards mentioned to the master the hint we had received. At first he absolutely denied the fact, but afterwards finding us possessed of certain facts he acknowledged his error. Thereon we brought an action against him & his mate for the fine of one thousand dollars as directed in the Statute. The Captain gave bond, & the mate was committed. The Captain, I suppose, has been advised to attempt a justification on the ground of distress. To this purpose he yesterday took the depositions of all his men & a passenger or two. Of this the Captain in the first place made no mention. How far a Jury may carry the necessity of landing two bags of Cotton weighing both about five hundred after making almost her whole passage I know not. At the time of taking these depositions the Attorney of the district was present & it so fully turned up in the course of this business that the Cotton was landed and as the master had not made any mention of it at the time of entery but swore to the contrary Mr. Gore thought it his duty to prosecute the Captain & have him bound over to answer to the Circuit Court for false swearing.\nI wrote immediately to the officer at Martha Vineyard in whose district is tarpaulin cove that he might put hand on the cotton so landed. Since I have received the following answer. \u201cOn the receipt of yours of the 12th. inst. I immediately went to tarpaulian cove and applied to Mr: Nye who informed me that about a fortenight before there was a Schooner came in there the Master of which asked of him the favour to leave two bags which he granted. He thereupon landed two bags which he took to be cotton containing as near as he could guess 200 each. The bags were in his Garrot where they remained five or six and were carried off unbeknown to him. Neither did he know the man that landed the same. The foregoing is the whole of the information which I could obtain respecting the cotton.\u201d\nI am &c\nMr. Secretary Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0528", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom-HouseProvidence 29th. July 1791.\nSir.\nI am astonished that Mr. Arnold, to excuse the non-payment of his Bond, should have recourse to a subterfuge so wholly unfounded, as \u201cthat the delay was occasioned by part of the demand\u2019s being controverted\u201d! Permit me Sir, to assure you, upon my honor, that no Controversy ever existed between Mr. Arnold and me, relative to this Bond, after its amount was first ascertained; before which, indeed, he disputed the value of the Rix Dollar of Denmark, as stated by Law. But on my receipt of the Act repealing that Law, which was about Six Weeks before his Bond became due, application was made to him for Documents to ascertain the real value of the Rix Dollar, that a Statement might be made, and the difference in the amot. of Duties allowed in payment of the Bond; which, in this case, was the only proper mode of refunding, and to which Mr. Arnold never lisped an Objection, until after the Suit was commenced. The delay, therefore, could not proceed from this cause; and in fact, the only one he pretended to aledge here, was a disappointment in a Remittance he expected from Philadelphia. This, if necessary, can be proved by a number of Witnesses. In short Sir, it appears, upon reflection, to be my Duty to inform you, that Mr. Arnold has said, in the presence of several Persons, that he had made a Calculation, and found it would be no disadvantage to let the law take its course; and that he did not mean to pay the Money until he was obliged to. And I have no doubt but your Instructions to notify his delinquency, was the sole cause of his discharging the Bond on the 20th instant, to which Day I had limitted the payment, as the only condition that would prevent a compliance with your directions. That Mr. Arnold should have no shadow of complaint, the Money to be refunded on account of the Rix Dollar, was repeatedly offered to him, first on the Day his Bond was transmitted to the District Attorney, and about a Week afterwards, in my Office, before the Naval Officer and Surveyor; but he refused it, and threatned a Prosecution; which, however, he thought proper to omit. Upon his refusing the Money, I acquainted Mr. Charming with the amount, requesting him to see that Judgement should be made up for so much less. I also not only gave him the usual Ten Days notice, but on the Evening of the Day his Bond became due, I called at his Store, and he being out, desired his Clerk to request him to send the Money on opening my Office the next Morning. Hearing nothing from him in the Morning, and being extremely unwilling to commence a Prosecution, I requested the Surveyor to call on him and let him know, that if the Bond was not discharged before a Packet sailed for Newport, I should be under the necessity of sending it to the District Attorney; but there appearing from his reply no probably of his paying the Money that Day, I conceived it to be my Duty, in compliance with the Law and your possitive Instructions, to transmit the Bond by the Packet, which departed about an hour after; but it was not put in Suit until Four Days had elapsed, which afforded him abundant Time, had he been so disposed, to have stopped the Process by Payment of the Money.\nIf Mr. Arnold should represent any other Matters unfavorable to the rectitude of my Conduct, in the execution of my Office, I have no doubt you will, by a communication thereof, afford me an opportunity of justifying myself.\nI have the honor to be, \u2003 Very respectfully, Sir, \u2003 Your Most Obedt. & Most Huml. Servant\nJereh. Olney Collr.\nAlexr Hamilton Esqr.Secy. of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0531", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited States July 29. 1791.\nUpon a full consideration of the reasons offered by Mr. Short, in his correspondence with you, for removing the restrictions laid upon him by his present instructions, so far as relates to his not opening a loan for more than a certain sum and not being allowed to open a new Loan until the terms of the preceding one shall have been ratified here, I have thought it expedient, & for the interest of the United States that those restrictions should be removed. And I do hereby authorise you to inform Mr. Short that he may open at his discretion loans for the United States, at such times & places, & for such sums as he may find adviseable within the limitations of the respective Laws authorising these Loans.\nGo. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0532", "content": "Title: Receipt from George Parkinson, 30 July 1791\nFrom: \nTo: \nPhiladelphia July 30th. 1791\nReceived from Alexander Hamilton Esquire Forty eight Dollars, being for three months subsistence to wit; from the 20th April 1791 to the 20th instant.\nGeo: Parkinson\nDollars 48.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0533", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 31 July 1791\nFrom: Ames, Fisher\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston July 31. 1791\nDear Sir\nI gave your letter addressed to Mrs Warren into the hands of her husband, and tho, you inform me, something pretty was in it, I cannot believe it was a love letter. I told him that I was desired to subscribe for you to her poetical work. I shall take half a dozen Books, which, I presume, will be as much poetry as you will consume, and will carry the compliment as far as it will bear with any appearance of sincerity.\nMrs Walker lives in the country. I have sent your Letter to her. I hope your enquiries will find proper ground to allow her petition.\nYou make mention of the Bank in your favor of the 2 July. The eagerness to subscribe is a proof of the wealth and resources of the country and of the perfect confidence reposed by our opulent men in the Govt. People here are full of exultation and gratitude. They know who merits the praise of it, and they are not loth to bestow it. But with all this good temper, many lament that the Philadelphians have engrossed so much of the stock, & have so divided the shares as to multiply their votes. They believe that there was management and partiality in the commissioners. They wonder that of the five, the three Philadelphians only attended. Suffer me to write unreservedly.\nMr Willing\u2019s name is mentioned for Prest. It is said that he is Prest. of the N. Ama. Bank, that his name will be useful to the circulation, that his appointment would quiet, perhaps destroy, a faction in the city &c. Allow me to state the other side of the question.\nThey urge here, that the Prest. ought to be free from all suspicion of management\u2014above the influence of favorites\u2014that Mr Morris, whom they fear as a man of talents & intrigue, with his connections, will make a property of this man & govern him at their pleasure. I fear that his appointment would create a faction here. His friends will not pretend that he has talents to make him worth forcing upon the stockholders in the eastern quarter. An idea that the Bank will be hazarded by partiality to men who will make desperate speculations would be a bad one to get a currency. The Prest. & Directors should be solid and fair. I only wish to have you possessed of the fact that our prudent and respectable stockholders will entertain the opinions I have suggested, and I leave it to your judgment whether Mr Willing is a proper man for Prest.\nIf the Bank would do business for five per Cent, they would do a great deal more & with safer people. They would overpower the state Banks by giving borrowers better terms. I have had my fears that the state Banks will become unfriendly to that of the U.S. Causes of hatred & rivalry will abound. The state banks will narrow the business of the U.S. Bank & may become dangerous instruments in the hands of state partizans who may have bad points to carry. I will not expatiate. The occasion is a favorable one. The Bank & the U.S Govt. at this moment possess more popularity than any institution or Govt. can maintain for a long time. Perhaps no act of power can be done to destroy the state banks, but if they are willing to become interested individually, I mean the state stockholders, and to establish Sub Banks so as to absorb the funds & contract the business of the local Banks, why should any measures be adopted to support the local Banks to the prejudice of my hypothesis? Or why should cold water be thrown upon the plan of Sub Banks? Mr Willing & the Philadelphians are thought unfriendly to this idea. Perhaps it may be attended with some hazard. But if it must fail, let it not be charged to local prejudice, but to solid reason.\nI have lately conversed with a judicious respectable friend on the subject of the Bank in this town. The justness of his sentiments or their coincidence with my own induced me to request his ideas in writing. He has complied and I inclose them. They are the offspring of a moment & were intended for me only. You will read them with due allowance for the manner of their production.\nThe success of the Govt. of the U.S and especially of the measures proceeding from your department has astonished the multitude & while it has shut the mouths it has stung the envious hearts of the state leaders. All the influence of the monied men ought to be wrap\u2019d up in the union and in one Bank. The State Banks may become the favorites of the States. They, the latter, will be proud to emulate the example of the union & to shew their sovereignty by a parade of institutions like those of the nation. I intended to be concise, & by writing in haste I have been lengthy.\nThe Distillers here have answer\u2019d a letter from New York, desiring them to shut up their Distilleries &c, with proper disapprobation. Some increase of the duty on W. I. Spirits & some amendment of the excise system, I presume would be proper. It is what they expect & their late conduct has a claim to merit.\nYour plan relating to Manufactures is not yet generally known here. I think it will be popular. Have you any objection to a similar incorporation in New England? Some object that agriculture better merits encouragement, & that domestic manufactures will be injured by the company. I do not think these topics unanswerable.\nI regret it that when the funding Act passed, the Stock had not been declared free from tax. Some inconvenience & vexation I fear will spring from this neglect. The Assessors are, in some places, disposed to pry into the entries at the Custom House, and the Loan Office Books.\nI write meaning that you only should read but I am not sure that the sentiments deserve your perusal. I will not desire an answer. I know your time is occupied sufficiently. I am, dear Sir, with sentiments of esteem and regard\nYour very Obedt. hble servant\nFisher Ames\nMr Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-08-02-0534", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Elizabeth Hamilton, 31 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Elizabeth\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Albany, July 31, 1791. On August 10, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton: \u201cI received your precious letters of the 31 of July & 3d. of August.\u201d Letter of July 31 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0001-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Nett Amount of Duties on Goods Wares and Merchandize Imported into the United-States from the 1st. October 1789 to the 30th. of September 1790, 16 February 1791\nFrom: Nourse, Joseph\nTo: \nStates\nNett Amot of Duties\nNew Hampshire\nMassachusetts\nRhode-Island\nConnecticut\nNew-York\nNew-Jersey\nPennsylvania\nDelaware\nMaryland\nVirginia\nNorth-Carolina\nSouth-Carolina\nGeorgia\nTotal Dollars\nThe above Summary agrees with the General Accot. of Impost as rendered to Congress. It will receive an addition of about 30,000 Dollars upon the receipt of the quarterly Return commencing the 1st. July and ending 30th. Septr. 1790 for the district of Charleston So. Carolina and of two or three of the smallest quarterly Returns from the State of Massachusetts.\nJoseph Nourse Regr.\nTreasury DepartmentRegisters Office 16th. Feby 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0003", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 2 August 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollector\u2019s OfficeNewport [Rhode Island] Augt. 2nd. 1791\nSir,\nThis will be attended by a weekly return of monies received and paid, a monthly schedule of bonds; a List of a Post-note of the North American Bank for One hundred and ninety five Dollars, No. 8080, dated Philadelphia 9th. July 1791, one moiety whereof was transmitted by the last post, and the other moiety is now transmitted by this.\nThe District Court which met here this day adjourned to the 15th of this month, the Atty. of the District and the other Lawyers being obliged to attend a Court of the State, which this day sits at Providence; so that nothing has been done respecting the case of the Brig: Seven Brothers, and her late master, a Statement of which was transmitted to you on the eleventh of the last month. Since that time we have had an account of the Death of Capt. Browning.\nLast Saturday I seized the Sloop Betsy of which Thomas Cotterell was formerly sole Owner, and James Bissell Master on a complaint made to the Surveyor of the Port of North Kingstown, which excited a strong suspicion that on her arrival from Cape Francois a twelve month ago the 10th. of this month, She had unladed, without a permit, goods of the value of four hundred Dollars. I received a letter from him dated July 27th, from which it appears that we shall be able to prove beyond a doubt, that goods were landed out of that vessel without a permit, and I think we shall be able to prove also that they were of four hundred Dollars value and more. The Surveyor had committed to writing the accounts which had been given to him of this transaction; but they were too long, to be copied and it would have been imprudent to have transmitted them. It is impossible for me to give a regular Statement of this case untill I shall have seen him.\nIf these vessels or either of them, or any other should be seized, condemned and exposed to sale I have reason to apprehend that the principal merchants in this District would not bid at the vendue, and that others might combine to favour the late owner or owners; in this case unless the Offrs. of the Customs should interfere in the sale forfeited vessels would be struck off, at a price which instead of discouraging would tend to encourage transgressions of the Revenue Laws. I wish for your instructn in this respect and am Sir\nYr. most obt servt.\nW Ellery A Hamilton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0004", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 2 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hamilton, Elizabeth\n[Philadelphia] Aug. 2, 1791\nI thank you my beloved Betsey for your letter announcing your safe arrival; but my satisfaction at learning this has been greatly alloyed by the intelligence you give me of the indisposition of my darling James. Heaven protect and preserve him! I am sure you will lose no time in advising me of any alteration which may happen. I trust he will not be in danger.\nRemember the flannel next his skin, and If he should not be better when this reaches, try the bark-waiscoat. Remember also the benefit he received from Barley water with a dash of brandy. Be very attentive to his diet. Indulge him with nothing that will injure him. Not much fruit of any kind. Be sure that he drinks no water which has not been first boiled in some iron vessel. I hope he will have had some rhubarb or antimonial wine. Paregoric at night in moderation will do him good & a little bark will not do him harm.\nTake good care of my Lamb; but I need not recommend. It is among my consolations that he has Doctor Stringer with him.\nI am myself in good health & will wait with all the patience I can the time for your return. But you must not precipitate it. I am so anxious for a perfect restoration of your health that I am willing to make a great sacrifice for it. Remember me affectionately to your Father, mother & all the family & love me always as I do you.\nYr. ever tender\nA Hamilton E Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0005", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Skinner, 2 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Skinner, William\n[Philadelphia, August 2, 1791. On August 12, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Skinner and referred to \u201cmy letter to you of the 2nd instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0006", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Cooper, 3 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Cooper, William\nPhiladelphiaAug. 3, 1791\nDear Sir\nMr. Lincklaen, the bearer of this, is a Young Gentleman of Holland, nephew of Mr Cazenove, of whom you have heard.\nHe is about to travel through the part of the Country in which you reside and has among other objects that of Examining what can be done with regard to the manufacture of the Maple Sugar. I have told him that you could give him more light on the subject than any other person and have assured him that you will do it with pleasure. The Connexion can bring with activity any Capital that may be necessary for the purpose.\nWith great regard \u2003 I remain Yr Obed Sr\nA Hamilton Judge Cooper", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0007", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Elizabeth Hamilton, 3 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Elizabeth\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Albany, August 3, 1791. On August 10, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton: \u201cI received your precious letters of the 31 of July & 3d. of August.\u201d Letter of August 3 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0008", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 3 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth\nPhiladelphia August 3d 1791\nDear sir\nIt is a cause of no small regret that there appears in a considerable part of the citizens of South Carolina a strong disinclination to the law laying a duty on distilled spirits; and that in consequence of it, difficulties occur in obtaining proper characters to carry it into execution.\nThis was the more unexpected as the duty in question has been rendered necessary by a measure peculiarly interesting to South-Carolina (I mean the assumption of the state Debts) and its operation, as far as concerns the part objected to, falls with very trifling weight upon the state. While I console myself that in almost every other part of the united States, the law has thus far gone into operation with much greater facility than could have been expected, I rely that the citizens of South Carolina will not be long in discovering that their honor and their interest conspire with their duty to demand a ready acquiescence in the measure; and by affording it, will supersede the necessity of coercive expedients.\nIn the mean time impediments exist, and it has become necessary, on account of distance, to empower the Supervisor of the Revenue for the District comprehending your state to nominate definitively the Inspectors of Surveys. This has accordingly been done, with only this restriction that he shall previously consult Mr Edward Rutledge, the Attorney of the District, and yourself, or such of you as may happen to be at any time accessible. In giving him this instruction, the President as well as myself has relied upon your zeal for the Support of the national laws, that it will not be disagreeable to you to afford your advice upon the occasion.\nThe Supervisor from the difficulty of procuring proper characters within the Surveys, has suggested the idea of deputing persons from Charleston. This appears a very questionable expedient, and I incline to think that rather than have recourse to it, it will be well to submit to a little delay. Nevertheless he has been left at liberty to pursue the idea, if upon a full consideration of circumstances it shall be thought eligible, as well by the Gentlemen to whom he is referred as by himself.\nI am with very great consideration and esteem, Dear Sir \u2003 Your obedient Servt\nAlexander Hamilton General PinckneyCharleston, South Carolina", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0009", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 4 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury Department August 4th 1791\nSir,\nThe Treasurer has received directions to remit you a draft for six thousand, two hundred and ninety four Dollars to enable you to pay a half years pensions to the Invalids of your State, which according to a notification from the Department of war is to be paid on the fourth day of September ensuing. You are to pay under such regulations as shall have been communicated to you from that department as heretofore. The draft sent you is not to be presented for payment \u2019till a day or two before the period above mentioned.\nI am sir \u2003 Your obedient servant\nAlexander Hamilton Nathl Appleton EsqrCommr of LoansMassachusetts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0010", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 4 August 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, August 4, 1791. \u201cAgreeably to your directions I now improve the first oppo. to transmit an Account Current of 6 \u214c Ct. & 3 \u214c Ct. Stock funded in this Office to the 1st April 1791. They should have been sent forward sooner but a few errors occasion great delay in examining so many Accounts. The Acct. of the defered Stock shall be forwarded as soon as possible. About 1,300,000 Dollrs. have been subscribed by 450 persons to the Loan payable in Certificates of this State Debt. This branch of the business occasions much labor & attention as the endorsment of Interest on State Certificates are very various.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0012", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Theodore Foster, [4 August 1791]\nFrom: Foster, Theodore\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[August 4, 1791. On September 1, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Foster: \u201cI have had the pleasure of receiving your two letters of the 23rd July & 4th of August.\u201d Letter of August 4 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0014", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 4 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia, August 4, 1791. On August 15, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am honored with your Letter of the 4th.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0016", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 5 August 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury Department,August 5th, 1791.\nSir,\nInformation has been given to me, that the Sloop Lurana, of Washington in North-Carolina, lately commanded by Thomas Eastwood, has been sold in Hispaniola to a person unknown, and there is some reason to apprehend that her certificate of registry has been disposed of with her, or retained for illicit purposes by the Captain. This certificate is numbered 28, and bears date at the port of Washington on the 9th day of December 1790. It states the vessel to be fifty three feet and one inch keel, eighteen feet two inches in breadth, five feet nine and a half inches in depth, and of the burden of forty six and two-thirds tons; that she has a round house, a billet head, and but one deck. Her late owner\u2019s name is James Eastwood. Should this vessel arrive in your district, you are to detain the certificate of registry till you receive my instructions, and to withhold from the Sloop and cargo the allowances and benefits granted to Vessels of the United States. If Captain Thomas Eastwood should be on board, you will proceed against him, after the expiration of eight days, for the nondelivery of the register on the occasion of the change of property, agreeably to the 9th section of the registering act. It is said, however, that he has gone to France, and it is not therefore probable that he will appear in your district.\nI have also received information, that the certificate of registry of the Schooner Fortitude, of New-York has been lost. The vessel having been stranded, and there being a possibility that the certificate of registry may have fallen into improper hands, it is necessary for me to put the Collectors on their guard, and to desire, that, if any vessel should enter with the certificate, it may be detained. It is No. 30, purports that the Schooner is of the length of fifty three feet, the breadth of seventeen feet four inches, the depth of six feet nine inches, and the burden of fifty two tons and one quarter, square sterned, round tucked, without badges, galleries or head, the property of George Scriba of New-York, commanded first by Roderick Latesta, afterwards by Christian Geerman, and registered in NewYork on the 24th of October 1789.\nThe papers which the legislature have directed to be prepared against their meeting, relative to the commerce of the United States, render it particularly necessary, that the returns of inward and outward tonnage, of decked vessels built in the several districts, of exports, and imports, should be made with as much expedition as may be found practicable, and that they be transmitted from time to time as soon as made up. No time ought to be lost in forwarding such as may be in arrear.\nHaving received information that the instruction communicated in my circular of the 30th November 1789, transmitting the opinions of Messrs. Jones and Harison, has not been universally complied with, it becomes necessary to ascertain in what instances there have been deviations. If any such therefore have taken place within your district, it is my wish to be made acquainted with them, and with the considerations upon which they have been founded.\nIt has also been stated to me, that in some districts a practice has obtained of measuring vessels of the United States previously registered, and of charging for such admeasurement. This, though perhaps within the letter of the law, does not appear to be within what may reasonably be supposed to be its true intent, and is of a complexion to excite dissatisfaction. It is with difficulty presumable, that the legislature could have intended to withhold credit from the acts and certificates of its own officers, so as to render an admeasurement in each district into which a vessel might happen to come necessary, and to subject the merchant to a repetition of the expence incident to that idea. The case of foreign vessels is different, because the documents they can produce are the acts of officers of another government. This practice therefore wherever it may have obtained is to be forborne; though if any reasons shall be offered in support of it they will be duly considered.\nIt will be satisfactory to receive a copy of the table of fees at each Custom-House, which is directed to be set up by the 54th section of the Collection Law. Uniformity in practice as to the article of fees is particularly desirable. The want of it has already been a source of complaint, and is of a nature to produce both discontent and censure. I am, Sir \u2003 Your most obedient servant,\nAlex Hamilton\nEnclosed is a return of the Consuls and Vice-Consuls of the United States for the use of your Office.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0019", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Newton, Junior, 8 August 1791\nFrom: Newton, Thomas, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNorfolk [Virginia] August 8, 1791. \u201cOn monday last the foundation of the Light house was laid on Cape Henry; it was found necessary to go twenty feet deep below the water table, at the depth of thirteen there was nothing but loose sand, at twenty it appeared solid & firm.\u2026 I cou\u2019d come to no others terms with Mr. McCoomb than what is enclosed.\u2026 He is perserving & merits much for his industry, the drifting of the sand is truly vexatious, for in an instant there came down fifty cart loads at least, in the foundation after it was cleansed for laying the Stone, which he bore with great patience & immediately set to work & removed it without a murmer. As to the time of payment for the additional work, it must be left to your determination. He has now above fifty hands at work & proceeds as fast as can be expected, but from a Conversation with him he does not think he will finish until October next, twelve months.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0020", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 8 August 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis Aug. 8. 1791.\nSir\nThe letters which I have lately had the honor of writing to you are of the dates of July 8.\u201419\u201424\u201426\u201427. In them I informed you of what had been done with respect to the intended loan. Since then I have recieved your letter of the 24th. of May, which increases my powers both as to the repetition of the loans & the disposition of the sums arising from them. At the time of its receipt a sudden & unexpected fall had taken place in the bonds of the U.S. at Amsterdam, & previously to that, as already mentioned to you, the house at Antwerp had declined undertaking a loan at 4\u00bd. p. cent interest. Our bankers have since informed me that the fall was owing to local circumstances, which they do not explain, & not to any discredit of the bonds which are again on the rise.\nThus situated I had to chuse between the certainty of a loan at Amsterdam & the experiment of one at Antwerp. I should have preferred the latter, for the reasons formerly mentioned to you, if it had not been that I were advised to put off opening a loan there until that for Russia should be completed, so as not to enter into competition with a power which gives such high premiums, & also informed that I must begin with small sums at first so as to insure success. The sums on the market of Antwerp being inconsiderable when compared with those at Amsterdam seemed to render such precautions proper. When I considered therefore the amount of those which the U.S. stood in need of & the advantageous mode of their present employment either at home or abroad I thought it most for their interest at this moment to secure them at Amsterdam where they were offered with certainty & without delay, on the terms of the last loan. As the bonds were above par it seemed to me just & reasonable that the charges should be somewhat reduced, but the bankers refuse it absolutely & say that the bonds will immediately fall to par as soon as a new loan is brought on the market. I am exceedingly sorry not to have been able as I expected, to reduce these charges; but the bankers, undertakers &c. are all so well acquainted with our position & the advantages we derive from the loans made there, & know so well that they depend on them in a great measure that I apprehend they would hold out against any attempt to reduce them lower.\nI have thought it therefore, after an examination of the business in all its parts, most for the interest of the United States to subscribe to those terms for the present, & have accordingly authorized the bankers at Amsterdam to open a new loan in the beginning of the next month for three millions of florins on the conditions of the last loan.\nIn their last letter they state that time as the proper one & add a desire that I should leave them at liberty to extend it as far as six millions in case the moment should be favorable. I have not done this as yet because I thought it best to make it the condition of their abating \u00bd p. cent on their charges in which case I have told them that I should have no objection to extending the loan, & added at the same time that it was to be understood that I allowed the 4. p. cent charges only on the condition that the undertakers still exacted 2. p. cent. I did not know but that they might have reduced them to 1\u00bd p. cent as in the loan they formerly made, without allowing the U.S. the benefit of this reduction. If however I find that they persist in the 4. p. cent charges I shall probably authorize them under your last letter to go as far as the six millions & this as well because it will be easier, if the moment is favorable, to push it then to that amount than to make a new loan soon after, as because it will leave a greater space of time between this & the next loan at Amsterdam which I should hope might be made, with a sufficient interval, at 4\u00bd. p cent interest. The balance which will remain due to France after the payment arising from this loan, may perhaps be provided for elsewhere either at Antwerp or Genoa. I leave Paris out of the question at present because I find from enquiry that although loans might be made here, they would afford less advantage to the U.S. in the payment to their debt to France than is derived from the rate of foreign exchange. Besides the foreign officers being not paid their interest here would of course prejudice the business of loans. I think it a misfortune the bill did not pass for re-imbursing them as it might have been done with much advantage on account of the exchange, & the application which M. de Ternant is to make in the names of the officers have been thus avoided.\nI will take care Sir to keep you regularly informed of what is done with respect to the loan & shall desire the bankers also to announce it to you immediately on its being brought on the market, that no time may be lost with respect to the part which you intend to draw for. I suppose you find it most advantageous to receive these sums by drawing, otherwise there would have been less time lost perhaps in having the specie sent out.\nI do not go to Amsterdam previous to the loan being made because it is not impossible that my presence there which would be known to the whole class of brokers & undertakers, by proving the want of a loan, might make them rise in their terms or render delay necessary in order to beat them down\u2014or at least might furnish a pretext to the bankers for playing a game of that sort. Besides I do not see that any inconvenience can possibly arise from not being there at present. I shall go there to sign the bonds & at the same time stop at Antwerp in order to examine with more accuracy into the real situation of affairs at that place.\nAn offer has been lately made me indirectly, through Mr. Swan of Boston & of course I suppose it comes from Schweizer & Jeanneret, of furnishing the U.S. with all the money they want for paying off the French debt due & to become due & of taking their obligations in Amsterdam. The source & chanel of this offer rendered it impossible for me to have any confidence in it & as the terms they offered were less advantageous than those found in borrowing at Amsterdam to pay off this debt, I did not think it worth while to go into a particular enquiry. They proposed to allow the U.S. 10. p. cent for the exchange & 4. p. cent for the commission & asked charges on the re-imbursement of their bonds. The exchange at present procuring an advantage of 20. p. cent, this offer was of course inadmissible, besides that they insisted on the debt to become due being included, which was beyond my powers. I mentioned among other things that I would not give the bonds payable at Amsterdam where our credit was already established & where it might be injured by such an operation. Mr. Swan said the persons in question would consider whether they would take the bonds payable at Genoa & London. I mention this to you merely that nothing may be omitted, & have no idea that any thing can be done in that way with the persons in question as I suppose it merely an enterprize of some adventurers who have nothing to lose may risk any thing\u2014who would be supported by people of capital if this bargain was advantageous & abandoned if it should turn out the contrary. It is possible however as I have formerly mentioned that in the crisis of the affairs of this country, the moment may arrive when many may be disposed to withdraw their fortune from the funds here by means of the American debt & thus put it in the power of the U. S. to derive advantage from anticipating the payment of their debt not yet due; as could be the case if such a change should take place as should threaten bankruptcy, & render the circulation to specie alone. In this situation the stockholders would be glad to get out of the funds with the present rate of exchange, which would be much more advantageous probably for the U.S. than that which would prevail after the abolition of the assignats. Such a crisis & such a turn in affairs is by no means impossible though I cannot undertake to assert its probability, as it depends on foreign as well as domestic operations.\nThe Honble. Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury\u2014Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0024", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 10 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ellery, William\n[Philadelphia, August 10, 1791. On August 23, 1791, Ellery referred to Hamilton\u2019s \u201cletter of the 10th of this month, requesting the particular circumstances that led to a remeasurement of the Brig Sally.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0025", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [10 August 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hamilton, Elizabeth\n[Philadelphia, August 10, 1791]\nThis day, my beloved, on my return from Brunswick I received your precious letters of the 31 of July & 3d. of August. I was surprised to find you had received none from me; as without recollecting dates, I think one, which I wrote you, before my departure from New York, ought to have got to hand previous to your last.\nYou will easily imagine how much pleasure it gives me to learn that my Dear James was better: but then My Betsey, your health had suffered by your anxiety and you were not so well as when you left me! Think how afflicting an alloy this is. For Heaven\u2019s sake, do not yield too much to the little adverse circumstances that must attend us in this pilgrimage. Exert your fortitude. Keep up your spirits. Never forget for a moment the delight you will give me by returning to my bosom in good health. Dear Betsey\u2014beloved Betsey\u2014Take care of yourself\u2014Be attentive to yourself\u2014Use every mean that promises you benefit.\nYou say you have not forgotten your bark & Vitriol. But have you constantly remembered it? Have you used the other remedy also?\nI have a wish that you would try the Cold bath, beginning by degrees. Take the air too as much as possible and gentle exercise.\nI am myself in good health & only want you with me, & in health also, to be as happy as it is reasonable to wish to be. But I charge you (unless you are so anxious as to injure you, or unless you find your health declining more) not to precipitate your return. I cannot help hoping that your native air if taken long enough will be of service to you.\nAdieu My angel. Assure yourself always of my tenderest affection & unceasing prayers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0026", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 11 August 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, August 11, 1791. \u201cA Sailor belonging to the Ship Providence, Entered here on the 5th Instant from Cape Francois, started out of a Barrel (which was included in the Manifest of her Cargo) about Eighty pounds of brown Sugar, and while she was unloading, attempted to carry it off in a Box before it was weighed; but the Surveyor meeting him some distance from the Wharf, seized and deposited it in the Custom-House Store. This Sugar being forfeited by its removal without permission, with an evident design to defraud the Revenue, I purpose to proceed against it in the same manner as if it was an Article of greater value; and I hope it will prevent similar Practices in future.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0027", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Skinner, 11 August 1791\nFrom: Skinner, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited States Loan Office [Hillsboro] North CarolinaAugust 11th. 1791.\nSir.\nIn about eight or ten days after my inclosing you the Extract from the Council Books, the Comptroller of the State agreable to his instructions came forward with a small part of the Certificates collected from his office, with an intent to begin the business of subscribing in my office in behalf of the State for the Certificates in his and the Treasy. offices; this Subscription I considered it my duty to refuse admiting until I should receive your particular directions respecting that business, In consequence of my refusal another attempt was made two days past by the Comptroller to subscribe for the Certificates in his own name, this Subscription I also considered it my duty not to admit of, as it was going expressly contrary to the advice of the Council, and in a manner might be deemed sporting with the public property, for an individual to fund the Pub Securities in his own name; I am apprehensive the Governor of the State (who has the business much at heart) will perhaps throw the Certificates into several hands that I may not suspect, and by that means obtain his wishes, however I shall be as much on my guard as possible to prevent the Subscription taking place until I receive your particular orders, but it is possible it may be accomplished by hands which I may not mistrust. The Checks to the small indents issued Mr. Jas Green for the May & April Money, I am told is in the possession of the Admr. of Mr. Green but will not be delivered up without your orders and that cannot be accomplished so as to answer any good purpose before the first of October.\nI am most respectfully \u2003 Your most obedient Servant\nW Skinner.\nThe Honble. Alexander Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0028", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 11 August 1791\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nTreasury DepartmentComptroller\u2019s Office11th: August 1791.\nSir,\nOn examining the Accounts of Daniel Benezet, Collector of the Customs, for the district of Great-Egg-harbour, from the 1st: of January to the 31st. of March last; it appears, that he has collected duties on American Coasting Vessells, under 20 Tons burthen, at the rate of Six Cents per Ton, per annum, to the amount of one dollar & Eighty six Cents.\nAs the Collection of those duties, seems to have been made, contrary to the intent of your circular Letter to the Collectors, of 20th. November 1789, I take the liberty of submitting the circumstance to your consideration.\nI am &ca:\nO: W: Jr:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0029", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Arnold and Others, 12 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Arnold, Thomas\nTreasury DepartmentAugust 12 1791\nGentlemen\nIn the month of July last Mr Thomas Arnold left at the Treasury a note relative to the tonnage and impost on the Sloops Betsy & Peace, stating that those duties had been paid at the foreign rates by their Captains on entries at Wiscassett and Bath subsequent to the adoption of the federal Constitution by the Convention of Rhode Island. On examination it appears that the entries were made in the month of April, which, it will be perceived, puts it out of my power to direct a refund. Should there by any mistake in regard to dates, in either case, further attention will be paid to the matter, on your transmitting an accurate statement, with such original papers in proof as may be in your possession.\nI am, Gentlemen, \u2003 Your Most Obedt. Servant\nAlexander Hamilton Messrs Thomas Arnold & Others,Owners of the Sloops, Peace& Betsy, Providence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0030", "content": "Title: Conversation with George Beckwith, 12 August [1791]\nFrom: Beckwith, George,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nPhiladelphiaAugust 12th [1791]\nAn Officer at the Head of an Executive Department\nMr. \u2014\u2014 Since I saw you, we have got Mr. Ternant, the minister pleniopotentiary from France; I have seen him for a few minutes only. You will find him a man of easy, pleasing manners, and very fit for the objects of his appointment. There has been a sort of alarm in France, and a degree of jealousy of your having lately turned your attention more towards this Country than formerly.\nFrom the nature of our government foreign affairs are totally in the department of the Secretary of State; we have no Cabinet, and the heads of Departments meet on very particular occasions only, therefore I am a stranger to any special views, that may be in the contemplation of the French government from the appointment of this Minister, but I think it probable, that a revision of their whole commercial condition with us may be in agitation, in the Hope of acquiring thereby some share in the trade and consumption of this country; he is a fit man in many respects for such purposes.\nMonsieur de la Fayette has written several letters by Mr. Ternant; they contain his opinions of the state of France, and declare his expectation of a completion of the Revolution without a civil war.\nGeo. Beckwith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0031", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, 12 August 1791\nFrom: Duer, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, August 12, 1791. On August 17, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Duer: \u201cI have received your two letters of the 12th and 16th.\u201d Letter of August 12 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0032", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 12 August 1791\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlexa. [Virginia] 12th August 1791.\nMy dear sir\nOur parting conversation has deeply employed my mind & I continue to lament exceedingly the existence of any event which puts us even politically opposite.\nNo man is more warmly attached to his friends than I am; among the first of whom my heart places you. I thoroughly confide in the unstained purity of your principles, altho I feel enmity to the measures flowing from them. I am solicitous for your encreasing fame & yet cannot applaud your system. The superiority of your understanding I am not a stranger to & therefore very often am led to doubt the accuracy of my own conclusions; my consequent apprehensions introduce re-deliberation which always terminates in confirmation of my opinions.\nIn one thing I am nearly decided, to advocate a patient trial for a few years of the fiscal plan, because by this the harmony of the community will be undisturbed & such alterations may be effected as will go to banish from among us bickerings & discord. Amendments of this nature yourself would surely patronise, because the undivided confidence of a nation is not only highly gratifying to a public minister but is the best foundation for complete success to just & wise measures. I wish I could know your mind on this subject & whether you cannot project a mode which will in our day gradually extinguish a debt which so many abhor & dread. This would cure the hurts of thousands, allay the fury of faction & re-laurel your brow.\nI have partly contracted for your riding horse & as soon as I can will forward him to you.\nSince my return, in consequence of a conversation with Mr. Cazinove I have received a large sum in funded paper & shall send the same as soon as I get the transfer to Mr. Leroy & Bayard recommended to me by Mr C to turn into cash.\nThe money being soon wanted & the price allowed by me very high, disappointment in the agency will be injurious & distressing. Therefore do I take the liberty to request you the moment you read this ltr. to walk to Mr Leroys, see my letr. to him & urge him to do the business in the best manner for me, as I am a stranger to him.\nBy return of the post I expect to receive your reply; if you will then enclose Graysons bond, I shall be able to put it on a probable road to paymt.\nmost affy. yours always\nHenry Lee Col. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0034", "content": "Title: Conversation with Thomas Jefferson, [13 August 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, August 13, 1791]\nAug. 13. 1791. Notes of a conversn between A. Hamilton & Th: J.\nTh. J. mentioned to him a lre recd. from J. A. disavowing Publicola, & denying that he ever entertd. a wish to bring this country under a hereditary executive, or introduce an hereditary branch of legislature &c. See his lre. A. H. condemning mr A\u2019s writings & most particularly Davila, as having a tendency to weaken the present govmt declared in substance as follows. \u201cI own it is my own opn, tho\u2019 I do not publish it in Dan & Bersheba, that the present govmt is not that which will answer the ends of society by giving stability & protection to it\u2019s rights, and that it will probably be found expedient to go into the British form. However, since we have undertaken the experiment, I am for giving it a fair course, whatever my expectns may be. The success indeed so far is greater than I had expected, & therefore at present success seems more possible than it had done heretofore, & there are still other & other stages of improvemt which, if the present does not succeed, may be tried & ought to be tried before we give up the republican form altogether for that mind must be really depraved which would not prefer the equality of political rights which is the foundn of pure republicanism, if it can be obtained consistently with order. Therefore whoever by his writings disturbs the present order of things, is really blameable, however pure his intentns may be, & he was sure mr Adams\u2019s were pure.\u201d This is the substance of a declaration made in much more lengthy terms, & which seemed to be more formal than usual for a private conversn. between two, & as if intended to qualify some less guarded expressions which had been dropped on former occasions. Th: J. has committed it to writing in the moment of A.H.\u2019s leaving the room.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0036", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 13 August 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, August 13, 1791. Asks that Jeremiah Greenman be appointed \u201cSecond Mate of the Cutter fitting in Connecticut.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0037", "content": "Title: Promissory Note from William Adams, 13 August 1791\nFrom: Adams, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAugst. 13th, 1791\nOne Month after Date I Promise to pay to Alexr. Hamilton Esq Or Order fifteen pounds for Value Red.\nWm. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0038", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular, 13 August 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nPhiladelphia Augt. 13. 1791.\nDear Sir\nSome investigations in which I am engaged induce a wish to be able to form as accurate an idea as can be obtained of the usual product in proportion to the value of cultivated lands in different parts of the United States.\nAs I am persuaded no person can better assist me in this object than yourself, I take the liberty to ask the favor of your assistance.\nIt has occurred to me that if the actual product on cultivated farms of middling quality could be ascertained with tolerable precision, it might afford as good a rule, by which to judge as the nature of the thing admits of.\nWith this view I have prepared a form with a number of Columns under heads specifying the different kinds of produce usual in your quarter in order that they may be filled in each case according to the fact and as the nature of each head shall require.\nThere are besides some additional Columns which respect the Total value of the farm and the different kinds of Land of which it consists.\nThe value of the farm must be determined not by what it would fetch in Cash on a forced or sudden sale, but by what it would sell for at a reasonable and usual credit or perhaps by what the opinion of the neighbourhood would compute to be its true value.\nThe quantity of each kind of land must conform to the actual quantity in cultivation at the time for which the product is taken.\nIt is submitted to your judgment according to circumstances whether to determine the product by the average of a series of years, three or more, or by what has been considered as a year of middling fertility.\nThe price ought to express the value of each Article on the farm. Perhaps to determine this there is no better rule than to deduct the expence of transportation from the price at the nearest usual market. The high price of an extraordinary year would not be a proper criterion; but that which is deemed by intelligent and reasonable farmers a good saving price.\nIf not inconvenient to you to execute my present request, you will add to the favour by explaining in each case the rule by which you have proceeded; and if it would not be attended with too much trouble the extension of the inquiry to two or three different farms would be satisfactory.\nIn a matter with which I am not very familiar, it is possible I may have omitted circumstances of importance to the object of my inquiry. The supplying of such omissions will be particularly acceptable.\nAs whatever comes from the Treasury is apt to be suspected of having referrence to some scheme of taxation, it is my wish that the knowlege of this request may be confined to yourself. And I think it not amiss to add that in truth it has not the most remote referrence to any such purpose.\nWith great consideration & esteem \u2003 I remain \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your Obedt. servant\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0039", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 13 August 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore 13 August 1791\nSir\nThe Brigantine Hawke, Robert Hathaway, Master, arrived at this Port the 28th February last from Havre de Grace, having on board sundry articles of Merchandize, the duties on which amounted to sixty one dollars and eighty four Cents agreeable to the enclosed abstract.\nThe Brigantine Hawke was registered ninety eight tons, but some circumstance induced the Surveyor of this Port to remeasure her, and she was found to be of one hundred and ten Tons burthen as will appear by the enclosed certificate of admeasurement; she was not registered anew, but the tonnage duty and fees were charged agreeable to her actual tonnage, which I conceive to have been the intention of Congress, and which has invariably been the practice at this port.\nI have enclosed an authenticated copy of the Act of the Legislature of Maryland that was ratified by Congress the eleventh day of August last, and which authorizes the collection of two Cents \u214c Ton, for the benefit of this port.\nI am, Sir", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0040", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Randall, 14 August 1791\nFrom: Randall, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York August 14th 1791\nSir.\nAgreeably to your request, I shall endeavor to communicate, in as clear a manner as my abilities will admit, the ideas which result to me, from my experience in the trade from this country to Canton.\nIt is needless to a gentleman of your historical information to make any remarks on the representation given by writers, on the government of China, as they must be merely speculative, and would not in the least elucidate those points of information, which you wish to consider from the noble motive that actuates you, of endeavoring to promote and secure a happy and prosperous trade to your country; but, it may be necessary to detail to you, how the merchants from this country trading to Canton, actually feel and suffer under the operations of the Chinese government, and which injuries, perhaps, may be remedied by regulating the mode of conducting the trade from hence to that port. I shall therefore begin with a recital of events & facts.\nIn the year 1784, on the 22d of February, the ship Empress of China, being the first ship that ever sailed from the United States for China, was sent to Canton by a company of American Merchants; her cargo consisted of Spanish dollars, about four hundred peculs of genseng, a pecul being 133\u2153 lb English Avoirdu poids, some cordage, wine, lead, iron a few furs, with other trifling articles not worth enumerating. In this ship I went as a joint supercargo with Samuel Shaw Esq, the present Consul at Canton. Our reception from all the European nations who had factories there, viz the English, Dutch, French, Danes, Swedes, and imperialists, was friendly and polite. From them we endeavoured to obtain all the information we could respecting the Chinese, and the mode of transacting business with them. We were informed that our ship must be measured in order to Ascertain the port duties she would have to pay, that the trade was put by the Chinese government in the hands of a body of Merchants, then eight in number, called Hong Merchants, that we must obtain one of these merchants as a security merchant whom the Mandarines\n   Mandarine a term for every Officer of government whether civil or military.\n considered as responsible in his own person and fortune for all the improper conduct or trade that might be committed by the ship, that this was expensive, and no one would accept it, unless we dealt with him, and the appearance of our trade promised him a handsome profit. But, in this instance, on our application to the first Hong merchant named Pankikoa, he consented to become Trader, or Security merchant for the ship. However, it may be here necessary to remark, that when the funds of a ship are small, and that every Hong merchant declines the Office, the whole body of them under the name of the cohong are considered as security for said ship, and they name the first merchant of their number to act in that capacity, each paying their portion to him of the loss he sustains, in consequence of the trade of the ship not being sufficient, to enable him to pay the extra fees extorted by the mandarines. This merchant grants all your permits for either discharging or taking in your cargo. Our business of a Security merchant being settled, and our ship measured, we conceived ourselves at liberty to trade with any individual of the Cohong, or whom else we pleased, but in this pursuit we soon found ourselves exposed to intrigues of which we were not apprized. We experienced that this body of Hong merchants possessed more power than we were aware of; that they had an influence over all the other merchants in Canton, who are obliged to trade under the Chop, or permission of one of these Hong merchants, who each of them had their class of friends; and that private merchants could not ship any goods they might vend, or bring up any they might purchase, or even go to look at goods, without the Chop, or particular permission of one of the Hong merchants; that Pankikoa our security merchant was a mandarine, as well as a merchant of great opulence, and had an influence over all the rest of the Hong Merchants; and that not one of them would make us an offer equal to Pankikoa, who himself offered us but one hundred & fifty dollars the pecul, a price we thought far inferior to what we could get, if we could obtain a freedom in our trade. Perhaps Pankikoa in conjunction with the other Hong Merchants, had monopolized the business of purchasing our genseng, the only article of much consequence in our cargo, and over awed the other merchants not of the cohong from making us any offers, for future experience has led me to conclude, and the fact been verified, that this body of Hong merchants sometimes have agreed together to affix a price at which they would purchase merchandise, and that each individual of them has broke his engagement to the other, by giving a higher price, perfectly relying on the integrity of the European, that he would not betray him in the price given, but the fact being discovered, they have come to open rupture, broke their compact, and by court or mandarine influence, if I may be allowed the term, in gratification of their revenge ruined the weak hong merchant of their body, who has been so unfortunate as to be detected, although every one of them had been guilty of similar conduct.\nIn further confirmation of what I have writ, I must add that we were applied to by private merchants, who did go down to the ship to examine the genseng, came up, and offered us conditional prices according to the quantity we might sell, and that they would leave us earnest money to secure the purchase of our genseng at the price agreed on, which merchants have had the assurance and baseness to return next day, breaking their agreement & telling us they would give but one half of the price they had actually agreed to purchase for the preceding day, and others told us, they would, but could not purchase for fear of drawing on them the resentment of the Hong merchants. Thus situated, new adventurers in this commerce, anxious for the interests of our employers, and our minds agitated with doubts, we advised with an European friend, who told us, he knew of no remedy, but to wait and exhaust the Chinese patience, a difficult thing to do, if we had not resources independant of that article for our return cargo, especially as we had a larger quantity of genseng than ever had been brought to the Chinese market. Thus circumstanced we delayed selling our genseng from the time of our arrival which was the 27th August, \u2019till the 22d of September, when we sold to Shykinkoa, a hong merchant, for one hundred & fifty five dollars the pecul, but were afterwards obliged to abate five dollars on the pecul in consequence of it not all proving equal to the sample given.\nI shall now make a few remarks on the article of genseng, and the quantity at Market that season, and observe upon the sales of the remainder of the Cargo.\nQuantity of Genseng at market in the year 1784\nbrought by ship Empress of China\nPortuguese ships\nEnglish ships\nabout ten peculs of old genseng remaining at market\n890 Peculs.\nThe whole of this genseng was sold according to quality, and at various prices, from one hundred & fifty, to three hundred & fifty dollars the pecul, but in the year 1783 it had been sold for three thousand dollars the pecul.\nI have further to observe that after the sale of our genseng to Shykinkoa, he offered to release us from our engagement from which we judged that he had no idea himself of its being a very lucrative bargain to him, and he did return us a small quantity of six or seven peculs belonging to the officers of the ship of better quality, and which we afterwards sold for them, at one hundred & eighty, and two hundred dollars the pecul. The remainder of our cargo sold for about the cost, the cordage and wine being bought by Europeans, the lead, iron, furs &c by the Chinese. Lead, is an article though it seldom yields any profit, will always sell for Cash; ours sold at four taels\n10 Cash makes a candareen\n10 Candareen a mace\n72 cand. = Spanish dollar\n10 Mace a tael\n per pecul. There was but three or four tons of iron belonging to the officers & I imagine it would have been very difficult to have got rid of a larger quantity.\nI shall now proceed to relate a second and third voyage.\nMy second voyage commenced in February 1786 and we returned 2d August 1787. There is scarcely anything new worthy remarking in the course of this voyage, than that there were four American ships at Canton of about three hundred tons burthen each, that the quantity of genseng brought that season to market was upwards of two thousand peculs, which sold from one hundred & fifty, to two hundred dollars the pecul, according to the quality, and the extortion of the mandarines for fees of every kind had rather increased. Our funds were small, and quite inadequate to the voyage. We were therefore obliged to obtain credit, and was defrauded in the quality of the teas, they not proving equal to the samples tried, and for which we in our next voyage obtained an abatement. I shall therefore without delaying your time proceed to relate my third and last voyage, which commenced in December 1787 and was intended for India & China in one season, but some unexpected delays taking place at Madeira and finding on my arrival at Madrass the markets glutted with wine, the article of which my cargo was chiefly composed, but however having sold a part of the wines, I proceed to Batavia, where they granted me permission to sell the remainder of my wine, which I could not effect the market being glutted, and leave to purchase sugars, which I did, and carried to Bombay, where I sold the remainder of my wine, and obtained a handsome profit on the sale of my sugars. From Bombay I took a freight of cotton for Canton where I arrived the 16th of October 1789 and from thence took in a Cargo for this port where I arrived the 29th July 1790.\nFrom Batavia by an English East India company\u2019s ship, I shipped my genseng to China, which arrived there in the beginning of the year 1789, which was sold by my agent there for 65 dollars the pecul, and to take bohea tea in payment. Large quantities of genseng also arrived in the year 1789, say upwards of two thousand peculs, and the price fell to fifty five dollars, to receive teas in payment, and I believe genseng of a tollerable good quality, would not have sold for Cash, for more than forty dollars the pecul. However, to conclude my remarks on the article of genseng, it appears to me from what I have observed respecting it, that there might be shipped to Canton annually from this country five or six hundred peculs, & perhaps a larger quantity, even to nine hundred peculs, provided none was exported from this country to Europe, although the Hong merchants say two hundred peculs annually, would be sufficient for the supply, and for that quantity they could contract to give a high price, that is four hundred dollars the pecul. This genseng however should be of the best quality, and well garbled, in this situation, and the quantity not exceeding five hundred peculs: I believe it would bring readily four hundred dollars the pecul, especially as teas would be received in payment.\nIn Canton it is customary, unless a contrary agreement is made, for the Chinese to pay all duties either of import, or export, owing to the difficulty the Europeans have of determining what the duty realy is, or perhaps there is none, but what depends upon the caprice of the Mandarines, and varies very often the same year. They say genseng pays a duty to the Emperor of sixty dollars the pecul. They therefore start into bags all the genseng they purchase from the Europeans, and Americans, previous to their bringing it up from the ship to Canton, as the Mandarines in weighing it, would make little or no abatement for tare if brought up in Casks. It is also to be observed that bad genseng pays a duty the same as good, and the bad being mixed with the good, it is a work of time to seperate it. Therefore every pecul of bad genseng adds to the cost of the good. For this last season although they bought the whole, good & bad together, yet after its being weighed to ascertain the quantity, and having allowed the price agreed for, yet they desired the worst to be thrown away, as not being worth the amount of the duty paid on it.\nI am led from an examination of the Tartary genseng, which still sells for nearly its weight in gold, to conclude that this country produces two species of genseng, one of them nearly of equal quality to the Tartary genseng, provided proper pains was taken to gather it in due season, and care taken in properly drying it. But this I think cannot take place at present, as the trade is on the decline, and probably may be totally lost in the hands of individuals, it requiring too much capital for a single merchant to risque, and when a company is formed, it is made up in such a hasty manner, that they are obliged to purchase such genseng as is at market, and have never carefully attended to have it well garbled. Genseng shipped from England, though originally from this country, is in higher repute on this account, for they more carefully cull it.\nThis year immense quantities of cotton was shipped by the English, on board their own & foreign bottoms from Bombay and a small quantity from Madrass to Canton, estimated to be near one half more than the annual demand, which, however, had increased, it was said owing to the failure of the Chinese crops, and the increased demand for tea, making them attend more to the culture of that article. Near fifty thousand bales of cotton arrived, averaging about four hundred pounds English weight per bale. This reduced the price from fourteen and fifteen taels the pecul, down to eleven and twelve taels cash. The cotton being at a high price, and freight at Bombay, the shippers suffered considerable loss, and were obliged also to credit the Chinese merchants a season over for large balances due them, on account of the sales of their cotton to them. These cotton ships, as well as other ships from Bengali, and other parts of India, (commonly called Country ships) do not frequently get all money for their cargoes, and as they take but little merchandize in return, they therefore sell to the Chinese, and transfer the debt to the English East India company, and receive bills from them on London, at twelve months sight, at 5/3, to 5/6, Stg for the dollar. However this exchange varies, and the rate is declared by the English company\u2019s supercargoes at Canton every season. The English company therefore guard as carefully as they can, against English subjects trading to China, purchasing bills of any other person, as it saves them from making a considerable remittance in specie, but, it is what they cannot intirely prevent.\nI shall now relate a few things respecting the sale of the sea Otter skin, that has been lately sold in China, both by the English and American vessels.\nThe ship Columbia, Robert Grey, Commander, a vessel fitted out from Boston, arrived in Canton November 18th 1789. with about fifteen hundred sea Otter skins of various sizes and quality, the Commander of which ship, valued upon me for the transaction of his business, and I expected to have made a very advantageous sale of those skins, from there being much wanted by the Mandarines. Pinqua, a Hong merchant, and others informed me, that probably, I should eventually obtain my price, if I waited with patience, as the Cohong, or body of Hong Merchants would be obliged to purchase them & present the best to the Viceroy of Canton, and the other Mandarines of rank, that the hong merchants would have to divide the cost of this involuntary present with each other, and that the remaining number of small skins would sell but for a trifling sum, also that no private merchant would dare to purchase them, as they were known to be wanted by the mandarines for their own use. I therefore, in order to make the best of the market, as Captain Gray had no other funds, advanced the necessary money to refit his ship to take in a cargo for America, and upon an estimate of the highest price I might probably obtain for the skins, found the sum would be insufficient, after defraying the expences of the ship, to load her fully with bohea teas. I then determined to fill her up on my own account with that article on freight, in order to render the voyage as lucrative as possible to the owners. With this idea, I contracted for the amount of bohea teas I intended to load on board the ship, and no part of my business as yet suffered any delay. After some difficulties in obtaining a security merchant for the ship, owing to the nature of her cargo, and the smallness of her funds, I was at last informed by the linguist, that she was secured in the name of the Cohong, and that Monqua, the then head hong merchant, would grant a chop for landing my skins at the factory. This was accordingly obtained, but produced an Altercation between Pinqua and myself, who said it would be a great injury to him, as he rented me the factory, the other part being occupied by himself; that on the skins being landed there, the Mandarines would come to look at them, and whatever they took he must pay for, and from policy must give them as a present, or it would draw upon him their resentment if he did otherwise, that I might land them at an European factory, where no Chinese merchant resided, and in that case he would be on a footing with the other Hong merchants, who would have to divide the amount of whatever skins the mandarines might take, and each pay his part of it. Being unwilling to injure Pinqua, with whom I was on friendly terms, I obtained a factory for the purpose. The skins were brought up, and accordingly stored there.\nMy patience was now exhausted by the various and continued applications to examine the skins, offers made to purchase, accepted by me, and then broke upon the part of the Chinese, who informed me they could not buy for fear of the mandarines. Matters continued thus through the months of December and January, when a private Chinese merchant offered to buy them, provided the Hong merchants would grant me in writing permission to sell them, which I applied for but could not obtain. He then made another proposition, that he would buy them, provided I would secure him from there being taken away afterwards by the Mandarines, or the hong merchants. There appeared to me something insidious in this proposition, and I answered I could not undertake to protect him against his own government. Pinqua soon after informed me, the Viceroy had given orders to Monqua the head hong merchant to purchase them, in order that he might make choice of the best, and there came out from the city a Mandarine of rank, who I was informed was an Officer in the Viceroy\u2019s family. He had them sorted, and made choice of about one hundred of them, and desired me by the interpretation of the linguist to fix my price for them. I told him I meant to sell them altogether, as parting with the best would injure the sale of the remainder. He then desired me to set my price for the whole, and if reasonable he would take them all. I accordingly did, and after some abatement he concluded to buy them, and desired permission to take those he had chose with him into the city. I replied that I could not suffer one of them to go from under my care \u2019till I was paid for the whole. He appeared incensed, and desired me to name the hong merchant who should pay me for them, which I declined, upon which he mentioned Pankikoa, the son of the Pankikoa named in the commencement of this letter, who was dead, and was succeeded by this son. Knowing him to be an opulent hong merchant, I made no objection. The Mandarine then asked me whether I would consent to have the bundle of skins carried to Pankikoa\u2019s house, and he would see me paid for the whole. I consented and accompanied them there. Pankikoa was at home, and as the Mandarine and he conversed in the Chinese language, I can only conjecture their conversation and trust to the inquiries I made for an interpretation of it. Pankikoa expostulated upon his being obliged to purchase the skins, not having sold me any goods; a reason that did not appear to satisfy the Mandarine, who left him, and went in his Palanquin into the City, after making some remarks which indicated that an incompliance with his request, would be attended with serious consequences. After his departure, the Chinese porters by the direction of Pankikoa took up the bundle of skins, with an intention of carrying them into the city, but I opposed it, and they laid the bundle down again, upon which Pankikoa appeared much agitated, told me I knew not the Chinese government nor what I did, that this was a great disgrace to him, and to use his own broken English expression, said it was, \u201ca kill business\u201d\u2014in fact, what I understood by the tenor of his language was, that the insult offered the Viceroy, was as much as his life was worth, and that it would ruin me, as well as himself, if the skins were not in the city that night, before the gates of it were shut. He asked what I would take for that bundle of skins now in his factory. I told him they were the most valuable part, and I must have half the price I demanded for the whole, which would amount to upwards of ten thousand dollars. And I thought he meant to comply with my demand and pay me the money, for he called for the key of his treasury, but recollecting himself he sent for Monqua, Pinqua, and some other Hong merchants, and the result of a long and passionate conversation, mixed at times with a good deal of adulation towards Pinqua, was, as they interpreted it to me, that they had agreed to settle the matter amicably among themselves, and that Pinqua with whom I had contracted for the bohea tea shipped on board the Columbia, would pay me the price I demanded for the whole of the skins, which Pinqua assented to. As these were Hong merchants whose faces I was familiar with, who dealt for large sums, who trusted, and were trusted by every European, I thought it would be impudent to hesitate longer. I accordingly consented, and they took the skins into the city. The next morning I applied to Pinqua for settlement, who referred me to Pankikoa, and they trifled with me by referring me back to each other for payment. At last Pinqua offered to settle with me for the whole of the skins provided I took four thousand dollars less than the price agreed on before, observing that he would not furnish me with the passport for the ship Columbia to depart, and that I might remain at Canton \u2019till the next season for ought he cared, that he had been deceived by Pankikoa, and the other Hong merchants who had promised to pay him their respective proportions of the price of the skins taken by the mandarines, that they had broke their promise, saying as he had sold me tea, he must buy the skins and take the profit & loss together, and that he should lose fifteen thousand dollars by the business in consequence of the Mandarines taking away all the best skins, and that I must also suffer some loss. I waited a few days longer in hopes of Obtaining a more favorable conclusion to this business, when chance favored me with an opportunity of seeing the same Mandarine from the City, who had promised to see me paid for the skins. He was at a Mr Beales factory, looking at some other skins of the same kind. I made application to him for redress, but could obtain none. I therefore from necessity was constrained to accept Pinqua proposition, upon which he obtained for me my grand Chop, or permit for sailing, and I left Canton the 15th of February 1790 for America being among the last ships that sailed. Had I refused Pinqua last offer, the ship would probably have lost her passage for that season round the Cape of Good Hope, for on the 17th February their holy days commenced, during which time their Public offices are shut, and no business transacted for near three weeks.\nThe demand in China, for sea otter skins, and other furs of the best quality is very great, and if you do not depend upon that article for your return Cargo, and can wait the season over you may obtain a good price, but transient merchants are subject to many more frauds and impositions in Canton, than those who have an established residence there. However, the English company are not exempt from them, for in the year 1784 they united with the other supercargoes in Canton in complaint to the Hoppo\n   The mandarine who superintends the trade at Canton.\n against the increased extortions & delays in trade, and were promised redress, but an unfortunate accident prevented. An English Country ship in saluting Killed one Chinese and wounded two others. This brought on an event of a serious nature, for the Chinese seized the supercargo of the ship, Mr Smith, and carried him into the City, declaring their laws required blood for blood, and that unless the person who fired the gun was delivered up, they would detain Mr Smith. In this instance also all the foreigners united, and I must say attempted to frighten the Chinese, and had they possessed firmness adequate to the undertaking, I believe they would have succeeded, for in point of real force or consequence, the Chinese are considered by most persons who have seen them, as very contemptible, however importantly they think of themselves. But to proceed. The Europeans brought up to the factories between four & five hundred seamen armed, we also had an armed boat up from our ship. On their passage up from Wampoa to Canton, a distance of twelve miles, they were opposed by so trifling a resistance on the part of the Chinese, as only slightly to wound but one man, the boats passing in the night without returning their fire. On the arrival of the boats from the ships the Chinese Citizens deserted the suburbs, and the Mandarines of war next morning, drew up an Armed force in the Common boats of the river, opposite the factories, their arms consisting of Bows & arrows, swords, spears, and Match lock fusees, with two or three Cannon of about one pound caliber, mounted on a kind of three leg stools, and the boats which contained their soldiers were sculled by the women, who ply on the river for maintenance; the Chinese soldiers preserved the most perfect silence, and paid a ready obedience to orders. Negotiations for settleing the matter amicably now took place, and the Chinese had the address to detach the other foreigners from the English, who at last thought it most prudent to compromise the matter by delivering up the gunner, whom they now said should only be tried by their laws, and as it was well understood to be an accident he would be returned unhurt. In the interim they restored Mr Smith, and trade took place again, but they basely broke their promise with respect to the gunner, for soon after the sailing of great part of the European ships, they hanged him, nor did they afterwards remove any of the impositions on the trade complained of but rather increased them.\nI shall now mention an instance to point out the necessity of a nation showing an active protection to their subjects trading to China. The Mandarines for some illicit act of a hong merchant, confiscated all the property in his possession, to whomever belonging, and sent him into banishment in an interior part of the country, nor could the English Country supercargoes get any restitution of their property \u2019till the British nation sent a frigate, the Sea horse, Capt Panton, with orders officially to demand and insist upon redress, and take such steps as he should think likely to obtain it. Captain Panton by a spirited conduct produced the desired effect, for the Mandarines after giving Captain Panton a hearing, directed the Hong Merchants to compromise the matter with the English company\u2019s supercargoes, which they did, and settled the debt by installments.\nTheir mode of increasing their impositions upon all strangers is by stopping your trade, and even your supply of fresh provisions, knowing that the delay in your business as the season wears away, would eventually be more expensive to you, than to comply with their demand.\nIt is supposed that the Emperor is a stranger to this mode of conduct. An Ambassador was lately sent out from England, with an intention to obtain an audience with the Emperor and have some general laws established for the regulation of the English trade at Canton, but the death of the Ambassador during the passage, occasioned the ship to return, there being no successor appointed to carry the commission into execution, but it is expected they will again send one.\nThe English of late have shipped from England to Canton a quantity of tin, which they say the Chinese prefer to the Calin that the Europeans procure from the different Malay settlements. However, it is my opinion, that the Americans might also make a profit on procuring Calin, and other Articles from the Malays if they were sufficiently united in pursuing the Commerce to China to enable them to extend their views to the different objects of commerce that would present themselves.\nI shall enclose to you extracts from the English companies directions to their supercargoes, also a list of the articles of import & export of the port of Canton, with a list of all the ships at China in the year 1789. I must remark that the two ships at Canton in the enclosed list, viz the Washington, and the Moise, were totally foreign property\u2014the Washington & the Moise were I believed owned by Merchants at the Mauritius. The Moise, I had purchased of the Commander, Capt Oriolle, but finding it inconvenient to send her to America, I afterwards resold her to him. The other ship, the Washington, was commanded by an American, but from every inquiry I believe the property belonged to the French, and the American flag used to guard against the French Agent at Canton. The American Schooner Grace, was sold to an English subject, who sailed with her for the Northwest coast of America under American Colours. The unauthorized use of American Colours, may require some particular directions to the Consul at Canton, for his conduct on such an occasion, in the present instance, I thought it most prudent to pass it unnoticed, as a want of instructions upon the subject, might have rendered an interference productive of more evil than good.\nOn considering the disadvantages, the Americans trade under to Canton, owing to their seperate interests, and their not having an established factory there, it appears to me they require greater encouragement for the prosecution of it, by laying heavier duties on teas imported from Europe, for we still receive a considerable quantity of bohea tea from Amsterdam, although the Dutch are now prohibiting any teas being received in their ports from America. Bohea tea is an article of great consumption here, and being bulky would enable us to employ larger ships in the Canton trade, by which we should save considerably in port expences at Canton, as each ship however small, is obliged to pay besides her other expences, the present to the Hoppo, which is about two thousand eight hundred Spanish dollars.\nWith respect to Spanish dollars, the only kind of specie which answers to export to China, and the command of which will always give you the preference of the Market, I feel myself unable to judge of the amount that it would be necessary to annually ship, for want of information of the Consumption of teas yearly in this country, and the quantity of Silks, Nankeens Porcelain & other Chinese merchandize that would be requisite for a full supply for the United states. Great quantities of raw silk are bought by the English dutch & french, and would also be an article of import to us, if we established any silk manufactories in this country. You will, with the information you possess of the trade of this country, and observing in the extracts from the English companies directions, the quantity of specie shipped by them, be enable to judge how much it may require to carry on the trade from this country. The danes & Swedes trade principally with money, and I think it probable we should save in the export of specie, considerably by a direct trade to China as we otherwise should be obliged to pay higher by purchasing the Merchandize of China from any other nation.\nI shall now close this letter with remarking that frauds and impositions are practised by the Chinese on every nation trading there, but on these being detected in Europe they redress the established companies there who have been cheated, the hong merchants declaring the fraud has been committed on them by the Country merchants, but individuals are much more exposed to them than those companys, from the idea that if they make a losing voyage they will not be able to return and of course will be obliged to bear the loss, nor can individuals obtain redress always, from want of property, and an idea that the Chinese have, that being transient merchants they cannot redress themselves. And of course they can oblige them to suffer the loss.\nI know a respectable and opulent mercantile house in this city, who have been greatly defrauded in the quality of their teas and nankeens, and as they owe the Chinese money are determined to retain sufficient in their hands to redress themselves. This leads me to remark the failure of the Imperial company at Canton, who owe the Chinese nearly two hundred thousand dollars, and they attempted to detain the cargo of an English country ship, which came consigned to Mr Reid, the imperial consul, and Chief-supercargo of their company; but on the interference of the English supercargoes it was paid for. How far, one American individual, may be made to pay the debts contracted by another, and thus annihilate the trade, future events may determine. It has been a maxim with the Chinese that when they could find redress at home, never to seek it abroad, and I have heard remarks made by them, that in case of a long & great delay in payment, that it was probable they would seize the property of one American to answer for the debt of another. They therefore to avoid this evil, express their wishes to see the trade carried on by a steady body of Merchants from this country. But supposing no accident of this kind should happen, the act of one American individual may expose the trade of all the rest to be injured. I shall mention an instance respecting the English. A country ship from Bengali, being unable to make an advantageous sale of her cargo, attempted to go away without paying her port duties, upon which the Hong Merchants told the English company\u2019s supercargoes that they would stop the trade of their nation \u2019till the duties were paid, upon which they interfered & obliged the Country Captain to settle his account. How far these may be guarded against by instructions to a Consul resident at Canton, your good judgement can determine.\nI have prolonged the subject of this letter beyond my intention, led by an ardent desire to communicate every thing, I thought might be worthy your perusal. I must confess it is my opinion, that the trade to Canton will never flourish, but in the hands of a well regulated company, which will not be easily formed without the protection of government\u2014for individuals have neither influence, nor consequence enough with the Chinese to withstand the rivalship of established companies. My own experience and situation in the trade enables me perhaps to pursue it with equal advantages to any private merchant, from which I might be excluded by an established company, but the desire of seeing the trade of my country prosper, supersedes every private interest. If what I have communicated should prove any way serviceable, it will afford great pleasure to\nSir \u2003 Your most respectful, \u2003 very obedient \u2003 And most humble servant\nTho: Randalllate Vice Consul atCanton in China\nP.S. \u2003 I last Saturday night received a letter from Mr. William Whitesides, informing me that he had discovered one chest of Hyson Skin\nout of some sold him by me, contained a black leaf\u2014something resembling tea, but of no possible use, a fresh instance of fraud in the Chinese, and an additional distress to the individual, who pays a duty here on an Article of no value, and whose poverty might prevent his return to obtain satisfaction in Canton. I applied once for Doctor Hunt of the Ship Hope, who was cheated in Nankeens, but could get no satisfaction in Canton from the Chinese who sold it to him. However if I detect no further fraud in the sale of the remainder of my teas it will be lucky. We never examine every chest we purchase, only a few, as opening or boring the Chests, injures the tea.\nHonorable Alexander Hamilton EsquireSecretary of the TreasuryPhiladelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0041", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 15 August 1791\nFrom: Ames, Fisher\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston August 15th 1791\nDear Sir\nI have heard that the Bank of N York propose to reserve a number of their shares for the acceptance of the U. S. Bank, so as to create a kind of partnership. Tho\u2019 little seems to be known of the particulars, yet it is insinuated that the idea is suggested under your patronage. When I wrote you last, I was ignorant of all this. Tho\u2019 the Bank is to govern itself, yet your opinion of the proper arrangements will, & ought to, have weight.\nIt is proper you should know how pliant our Massa. Bank wd. probably be found, & what is thought here of blending the general and local Banks. This is all the use that I suppose can be made of my letters\u2014for you are so much and I so little an actor in this Affair that I do not ask your correspondence.\nI think that any connection between the Banks wd. be generally disagreeable in this quarter.\nI think also that this (Massa) Bank is in the best disposition in the world, ready to give up the ghost, and take a chance for a resurrection as a branch, which will be a joyful one, because the stockholders have a sure & certain hope of getting more Money in their future than their present state. Tho\u2019 a few receive the idea of abolishing the Mass. Bank with great repugnance, yet so many more own shares in the U. S. Bank to a greater Amot., they hope so much from the one and despond so totally of the other, that the present sanguine moment seems to be the critical one. Tho\u2019 this Bank never had much popularity, yet it may hereafter be courted by a certain faction to give weight & activity to their party, by their reputation & property. Other passions & persons may displace the present & change the aspect of things. I draw my information from persons who well know the temper of the stockholders & who have great merit in having prepared them for dissolution. Indeed, with their connections, they are able to carry a major vote.\nI know that you are as much an Unitarian in politics as I am, and therefore the reflections which this representation has produced in my mind will rise in your\u2019s without my suggesting them.\nNo proper means of strengthening the Govt. shd. be neglected. The Bank has been justly considered as one of the best. But it\u2019s efficacy will essentially depend on events posterior to it\u2019s legal establishment. It\u2019s uses to trade and to the Govt. can exist in the highest degree only in case of it\u2019s engrossing the whole business. The state Banks by dividing, not only take away part, but by opposing they will impair the value of the remainder. They are at liberty to issue Bills at pleasure. Their power, used ever so discreetly, will be an evil, and overcharge the channels of circulation, inasmuch as the issues of the U. S. Bank will be sufficient to fill them. If the latter should forbear, it\u2019s capital will lie idle, and it\u2019s rivals will fill the space it may have chosen to leave vacant. But suppose these rivals should want discretion, and, eager for profit, should multiply their bills unduly. This, it is true wd. be at their own risk, perhaps loss, and perhaps ruin. They wd. do a great deal of mischief, however, in the mean time. They wd. pour forth a torrent of paper money as baleful as a pestilence. Industry wd. sicken.\nBut without proceeding to extremes so hazardous to themselves, they might increase their paper to a point that wd. be injurious to the national Bank. The Massa. Bank under less favorable circumstances has acted this part. With a capital, buildings &c included, of 100,000 Dols., it has pushed it\u2019s operations as far as possible. The dividend of 16 or 18 per Cent proves that they have done much with little. The seeds of public confidence in banks have been lately sown and the state institutions will not fail to gather part of the crop. They may issue bills very freely without much risk. So cheap an augmentation of capital wd. enable them to give longer credit and better terms than heretofore\u2014and, if the national paper should be exchangeable only at Philada, in some measure to exclude it\u2019s currency. In that proportion, the U. S. Bank wd. lose part of it\u2019s profits, trade of it\u2019s facility & Govt. of it\u2019s resource. For the capacity of the Bank to aid Govt. must be measured by the prosperity of the former.\nIt is true that the increased paper of the state Banks might be rapidly returned upon them because of it\u2019s limited currency. But that may also be equally true of the national Bank paper. The latter, if managed with prudence & skill, wd. probably gain the ascendant at last. The political good effects wd. be delayed however, and some of them might never take place. The scramble of rival Banks wd. sharpen the acrimony of party humours, which at this moment are dulcified by the cream of speculation.\nMy corollary, or to proceed like a divine, my impr\u27e8ove\u27e9ment from all this preaching is, that the present is the most fa\u27e8vo\u27e9rable time for making progress with the Bank\u2014that Sub\u27e8-Banks,\u27e9 if a safe plan for establishing them could be devised, and \u27e8this\u27e9 I am told some knowing ones have no doubt, wd. be adequate to the object in view\u2014and that any union connection of the general and local Banks wd. be inauspicious. It wd. give life, too long life, to those who are ready & willing to die. Like parasite plants having no root of their own they wd. subsist by sucking the sap from their supporter. They are rivals and I think cannot be partners. To apply a remark of your\u2019s on another occasion not dissimilar, it is establishing a qualified Anarchy\u2014and that too in a system whose perfection is simplicity.\nI make no doubt that you wll discern in my remarks that I have not the best means of judging of my subject, and that I have not made the best use of what I possess. For in truth I do not know the principles on whh the supposed \u27e8union\u27e9 of Banks is to be contemplated. I am sure however that you will hold my leading principle as important as I do.\nAs I impose upon you the task of only reading my letter, you see I do not scruple to make it a long one.\nThe late rise of paper and bank stock, tho now declining, has excited no small share of envy among those who might have made money by it, yet did not. But the fact redounds to the honor of the public counsels; and in that view, it seems to have it\u2019s full effect.\nThe price of paper being above par evinces the solidity of the principle on whh you founded your system of finance\u2014as it shews the reduction of the rate of interest to be in fact as well as theory a fair ground of bargain with the creditors. I congratulate you on the vindication of the basis of your plan which some, even of your friends, treated as untenable. But a triumph of a nobler kind is found in the situation of our country. The body politic is certainly in high health. It\u2019s enemies, it\u2019s friends, chance & design seem to have conspired in it\u2019s favor. The very poison of the amendments has been food to it. Weak men feel their fears subside, sanguine men their hopes realized. The federal tree was in blossom almost as soon as it was planted. It is very lately that they have seen it bear fruit\u2014and such fruit as makes their mouths water. They see too that tho every Antifederal puff has shaken it, the motion has given new vigor to the roots.\nBy seeing the effects of your public duties, you get rewarded for having performed them. With sentiments of respect and attachment, I am, dear Sir, Yr very hble. Srvt\nFisher Ames Mr. Hamilton\nP.S. \u2003 The subscription for Mrs W\u2019s poetry is closed and the Books are on sale for the Booksellers benefit. Tho I had told her husband that you had desired me to subscribe to the work on your behalf, yet I think it wd. be a departure from your intention to do anything in the matter, under these circumstances.\nWe have you exhibited here in Wax. You see that they are resolved to get money by you in every form.\nYour\u2019s &c\nF A", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0042", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, [15 August 1791]\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] Monday Evening. [August 15, 1791]\nThe fall of Bank certificates may have some good effects, it will operate to deter our industrious citizens from meddling in future with the funds, & teach them contentment in their proper vocations. So far as I am informed, the loss will be divided among a great number of individuals, and where it is heaviest, the sufferers will generally be characters who will neither excite nor deserve commiseration. The Fall having been hitherto gradual, the most timid have had an opportunity to retire with something less money, & much more wisdom, than they brought into the market. I see no reason to apprehend an alarming depression of the Stocks; they have risen within the last two months faster, & higher, than any prudent calculation would justify, but notwithstanding the pressing demands for cash, to discharge the contracts for Bank Certificates, as well as to support their credit under the present Check, & in opposition to the united exertions of some of the Dealers to tumble them lower, the other Stocks have not been greatly depressed. The 6 pr Cts. sold this evening for cash at 21/. the three per Cts. & deferred at upwards of 12/. and the Bank certificates at 160 Dollars. If they do not fall below these prices, perhaps we may think ourselves fortunately extricated. The Business was going on in a most alarming manner, mechanicks deserting their shops, Shop keepers sending their goods to auction, and not a few of our merchants neglecting the regular & profitable commerce of the City. A check was necessary, the explosion will restore order, and we shall return to our regular pursuits. Several of the Speculators sold their Bank Certificates from 50 to 100 Dollars. The subsequent rise mortified them, and they don\u2019t fail among other means employed to depress the Stocks, to quote your opinion, that the Stocks are all too high. They go further and mention prices, below the present market, as the value sanctioned by your authority. It can scarcely be believed that these gentlemen have any foundation for their assertions, but the fact will suggest to you the utmost caution on this subject. I know you must have regretted the late extravagance, but at the present juncture, the most unfair advantage may be made of your remarks, and consequences ruinous to individuals, and quite foreign from your wishes, may proceed from them.\nIn regard to our Bank, although some specie has been drawn from us, and sent to the other States to purchase Stock, and the discounts are large; yet you are sensible of the prudence of the direction, and that they must be extremely well acquainted with the Circumstances of all the Dealers with the Bank. I understand that it has been reported, that the late check has been produced by the bank\u2019s having refused their usual discounts. This has by no means been the case. The Bank has continued, & will continue, to discount as far as their safety will authorize. The present agitation will render them cautious, but they will not under the influence of that temper withold those accomodations, which may be made with safety to the Bank, and which may likewise be essential in preventing a violent depression of the funds.\nYrs affectionately\nR King\nI think Duer has been injured in being supposed to have been particularly engaged in raising the Bk Certificates. So far as I can learn his conduct has been as correct as any Buyer\u2019s & seller\u2019s could be.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0043-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 15 August 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited StatesAugust 15. 1791.\nBy the Presidents command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury a letter from Mr. Governr. Morris to the president respecting the Debt of the United States in France; which the President requests the Secretary to take into consideration, and to draft such an answer as will be proper for the President to give to Mr. Morris on this subject.\nTobias LearS.P.U.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0043-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Gouverneur Morris to George Washington, 27 May 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Washington, George\nParis 27 May 1791\npublic\nDear Sir\nI have the Honor to enclose a Letter and sundry Papers relating to it from Messieurs Schweizer Jeanneret & Co. I have referred these Gentlemen to Mr. Short telling them that it is most fitting in many Respects that they should apply to him.\nAs it is possible however that this Business may come before you, I think it a Duty to convey some Observations which occur to me, and which may not perhaps strike you because Matters of that Sort have not I believe much occupied your Attention. Previous thereto I beg Leave however to give you a History of my Acquaintance with it. In a Letter to Colo. Hamilton of the 31 of January 1790 I mentioned what had passed between Mr. Necker and me respecting the Debt due by the United States to France and I hinted at the means of turning to useful Account a very precipitate step of the public Agents in Holland. About this Time I received your orders to communicate with the british Ministers and altho I did by no Means consider that in the Light of an Appointment to office yet from Motives of Delicacy I determined to extricate myself from the Affair of the Debt as speedily as I could with Propriety. Various applications were made to me from different Quarters to which I replied evasively but on my Arrival in this City last November I informed the Parties that I had Reasons of a private Nature which deterred me from holding any share in their Speculation. I conversed with Mr. Short on the same Subject and communicated to him confidentially my Reason for declining an Interest as well as my Opinion respecting the use which might be derived from such Negotiation. A few Days after the President of the Committee of Finance happening to meet me at the Count de Montmorin\u2019s mentioned some Proposals then before them which to the best of my Remembrance were extravagant. I declined giving an Opinion without previously seeing and considering the terms upon which he and Mr. de Montmorin agreed together that before any thing was concluded the various Propositions which might be made should be submitted to my Examination. Here the thing dropt and the enclosed Papers shew the Reason why, for it appears from them that a Bargain was made shortly after by the Controleur general with a different Company. Mr. Short mentioned this to me on his Return hither in the End of March telling me that the Parties concerned were as he was informed in Amsterdam Men of no Credit nor Capital. I of Course agreed with him in Opinion that if so it was not worth while to listen to them. A few Days after one of them called on me, and after giving a History of the Affair begged me to make Use of my good Offices. I told him at once that it was ridiculous to ask a Commission of 5 \u214c % on changing the Nature of our Debt. That it was quite as convenient to owe France as to owe the Subjects of France and further that before any treaty was offered Persons of Credit and Capital should appear. As soon as I made this last Observation he drew out the Letter of the Comptroller general and shewing me the second Clause of it replied that after what was there contained no man had a Right to question the Solidity of the Society. He then added that for my private Satisfaction he would prove that People of the first Fortune were connected therein, and indeed he gave me such Proof. I told him upon this that they must apply to Mr. Short or to their own Ministry whose support would be much more efficacious than the Sentiments of any private Individual. I mentioned nevertheless to Mr. Short the Substance of this Conversation. While he was in the country the enclosed Letter was received. He returned to Town Yesterday and called on me in the Evening when I communicated to him the Purport of it.\nI have ever been of Opinion that as we are not in Condition to pay our Debt to France a Bargain by which the Period can be prolonged without Loss to either Party is desirable. I say without Loss because the Conduct of this Nation has been so generous to us that it would be very ungrateful indeed to take Advantage of those Necessities which the Succor afforded to America has occasioned. Such Bargain must be either with the Government or with Individuals. But after the repeated Delay on our Part, to ask longer Time now would not look well. Indeed no such Treaty could be made without the Consent of the Assembly, and their Observations would not be pleasant. A Bargain with Individuals has the Advantage of bringing in the Aid of private Interest to the Support of our Credit, and what is of very great Consequence it would leave us at Liberty to make Use of that Credit for the Arrangement of our domestic Affairs. And on this Head I must mention to you my dear Sir that it has been my good fortune to prevent some publications which would have been particularly injurious to us. Their Object was to complain of the United States for speculating in their own Effects with the Funds of France; Urging that while we owed heavy Installments already due here, all the Loans we obtain in Holland ought to be applied to the Discharge of them and therefore that the Speculations in our domestic Debt were a double Violation of good faith, &ca. &ca. &ca. The present State of things here has occasioned so great a fall in the Exchange that Money borrowed in Holland is remitted with great gain consequently Loans made there just now answer well, & it is evident that the Parties who are endeavoring to contract count on a considerable Profit from that Circumstance. Much however is to be said on this Part of the Subject. First it is questionable whether our Reputation may not be a little affected for you will recollect that about one third of our Debt to France arose from a Loan made on our Account in Holland of five Millions of florins for which the King paid us here ten Million of Livres without any Deduction for Charges of any Sort. The Nation is now obliged to pay these five Millions in Holland and for us to borrow that Amount there and then squeeze them in an Exchange which distresses both their Commerce and Finances looks hard. There was a good Deal of murmuring about it when the last operation of F 1.500,000. Guilders took Place and I should not be at all surprized if some Patriot by way of shewing his zeal should make a violent Attack in the Assembly when the next Payment is made. There are many of these patriots who if they can inculpate Ministers and distress those of different Sentiments don\u2019t Care a Jot for Consequences. But supposing this not to happen it is not possible for a Nation to make the Advantage which Individuals do in such Things because they must employ Individuals each of whom will be too apt to look a little to his own Advantage. There is a Difference also between the Gain made upon Parts and that which would arise on the whole for even if we could borrow all at once so large a Sum there can be no Doubt that the Remittance of it hither would greatly alter the Exchange. But it is not possible to borrow it speedily and the present unnatural State of Things will in all Probability be changed. In fact the leading Characters are very seriously alarmed at it. If their Paper-Currency should be either redeemed or annihilated or abolished To Morrow the Exchange would immediately turn in favor of France and then we should loose on Remittances. So much for this Affair in it\u2019s little Details, but there is a great View of it which forcibly strikes my Mind. If we were at Liberty to turn all our Efforts towards our domestic Debt we should by raising it\u2019s Value prevent Speculations which are very injurious to the Country if not to the Government. Millions have already been bought at low Price and afterwards negotiated in Europe. Neither is that all, for if we can borrow at five per Cent and buy up our six per Cent Debt at Par we gain at once by that operation one fifth of the Interest or twenty per Cent which besides all the other good Consequences is much more than ever we shall get by any Management of our Debts on this Side of the Water.\nI have given you my dear Sir these Hints in Abridgement because my Time will not permit of dilating them. Attribute them I pray you to the true Cause and believe me always very sincerely yours", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0044", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 15 August 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited States August 15th. 1791\nBy the President\u2019s command T Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the treasury the proposals which have this day been submitted to the President, for rebuilding the lanthorn story & wooden work of the Light House in South Carolina which has lately been consumed by fire, and likewise proposals for plastering the same\u2014All of which have been approved by the President of the United States.\nTobias LearSecretary to the Presidentof the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0046", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 15 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\nTreasury DepartmentAugust 15. 1791\nSir\nInclosed is a resolution of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund appropriating a certain sum for the purchase of public Debt within certain limits therein specified.\nIn consequence of that resolution I have concluded to apply One hundred and fifty thousand dollars towards purchases in the city of New York and to ask you to undertake the execution of the business. In thus forbearing to employ some officer of the United States and having recourse to your aid, I am governed by the consideration that your situation would lead to such an execution of the business as might at the same time best consist with the accommodation of the Bank of New York.\nInclosed is a letter to the Directors of the Bank requesting them to pay to you the abovementioned sum. You will of course however only avail yourself of this authority in proportion to the actual purchases you shall make, and you will please to advise me weekly of such as you may be able to effect.\nThe Trustees have never yet determined on any allowance to the persons who have been employed in similar purchases, nor is it clear how much is in their power on this point. I can therefore only say that the same rule will govern in your case, as in that of others.\nWith great consideration \u2003 I am Sir \u2003 Your obed servant\nAlexander Hamilton William Seton EsquireCashier of the Bank of New York", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0047", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 15 August 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 15 Aug. 1791\nSir\nI am honored with your Letter of the 4th. From the very sudden turn that Speculation has taken We have only now remaining in Bank of the Treasurers Bills on Collectors undisposed of\nNo.\nfor\nDollars\non I. Gregory, Cambden\non G. Biscoe, Nottingham\nIt is certainly of considerable importance & a great accomodation to the mercantile Interest of this City that the Bank be furnished with a proportion of the Treasurers Drafts on the Collectors in the different States. I therefore hope we shall continue to receive that favour from you. The Bills on the Eastern States we can more readily dispose of, but it is also very convenient to have a proportion of those upon the Southern.\nI have the honor to enclose a Return of the Disposal of the Bills on Amsterdam for 300,000 Current Guilders amounting to Dollars 121984 71/100.\nMr Brasher the Goldsmith begs that I will hand to you the Letter he has wrote to me upon the subject of the Dublon. I wish it may exonerate him in your opinion, for I am convinced he is a thorough honest Man. I return the piece of Metal enclosed agreeable to your desire and have the honor to be with the greatest respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your Obedt Hum Serv", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0052", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 16 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\nPrivate\nPhiladelphia Aug 16. 1791\nMy Dear Sir\nI send you herewith an official letter. This private one I write as explanatory of it.\nI hardly expect that you will be able to procure the debt within the limits prescribed\u2014And yet I do not know what effect the imprudent speculations in Bank Script may produce. A principal object with me is to keep the Stock from falling too low in case the embarrassments of the dealers should lead to sacrifices; whence you will infer that it is not my wish that the purchases should be below the prescribed limits. Yet if such should unfortunately be the state of the market it must of course govern.\nThe limits assigned for the purchases of Three per Cents and deferred debt are founded on a calculation of the Government rate of interest being 5 \u214c Ct. The same rule has not been extended to the Stock bearing an immediate interest of 6 \u214c Ct because the Government have a right to redeem it at par in certain proportions; and though to individual purchasers it is worth more than par, because a part only can be redeemed, yet it is not at present the interest of the government to give more than par for it, because of the right to redeem a part. Indeed the law limits the Commissioners in this particular.\nYou recollect that the act requires that the purchases should be made openly. This has been construed to mean by a known agent for the public. When you make a purchase therefore it will be proper that it should be understood that it is on account of the United States but this need not precede the purchase, and it will be best that there should be no unnecessary demonstration lest it should raise hopes beyond what will be realised.\nYrs. \u2003 with great regard\nA Hamilton Wm Seton Esqr.\nP S If the prices of Stocks should exceed the prescribed limits, you may retain the letter to the Directors.\nIf there are any Gentlemen who support the funds and others who depress them, I shall be pleased that your purchases may aid the former. This in great confidence.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0054", "content": "Title: Contract with Thomas Marshall, 17 August 1791\nFrom: Marshall, Thomas,Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, August 17, 1791. The minutes of the proceedings of the directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures for December 9, 1791, read: \u201cThe Governor laid before the Board a Letter from Collo Alexander Hamilton, enclosing an Agreement entered into by the said Colo Hamilton in behalf of the Society\u2026 and Thomas Marshal dated 17th. August 1791.\u201d Contract not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0056", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [17 August 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: King, Rufus\n[Philadelphia, August 17, 1791]\nYour letter of Monday Evening has a good deal tranquillized me. I am glad to learn that the mischiefs from the over rise of scripts are not likely to be very extensive.\nI observe what you say respecting the quotation of my opinion. I was not unaware of the delicacy of giving any & was sufficiently reserved \u2019till I perceived the extreme to which Bank Script and with it other stock was tending. But when I saw this I thought it adviseable to speak out, for a bubble connected with my operations is of all the enemies I have to fear, in my judgment, the most formidable\u2014and not only not to promote, but as far as depends on me, to counteract delusions, appears to me to be the only secure foundation on which to stand. I thought it therefore expedient to risk something in contributing to dissolve the charm.\nBut I find that I have been misquoted. Speaking of sales on time at twenty four shillings for 6 \u214c Ct. &c. I think it probable, I may have intimated an opinion that they went faster than could be supported. But it is untrue that I have given as a standard prices below those of the market as mentioned by you. On the contrary my standard on pretty mature reflection has been and is nearly as follows\u2014\nfor Bank Script\n6 \u214c Cents\n3 \u214c Cents\nDeferred now\nI proceed on the idea of 5 \u214c Ct. interest\u2014taking at the same time into calculation the partial redeemability of the 6 \u214c Ct.\nI give you my standard that you may be able if necessary to contradict insinuations of an estimation on my part short of that standard for the purpose of depressing the funds.\nYrs. sincerely & Affect\nA Hamilton\nAug. 17\nR King Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0057", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 18 August 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 18 Aug: 1791\nSir\nI am desired by the President & Directors to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 16th. They have ordered the Sum of 150,000 Dollars to be paid to me as it may [be] required for the purchases of public Debt for the Trustees of the Sinking fund agreeable to your request.\nThe Return of the Sale of the Bills on Holland was furnished last Monday.\nI have the Honor to be &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0059", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 18 August 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Commissioners of Loans\nTreasury DepartmentAugust the 18th. 1791\nSir\nI have directed the Treasurer to remit you drafts for Sixty five thousand Dollars towards payment of the quarters interest ending the last of September next. These Drafts are with blanks for the direction as heretofore, and may be filled with the name either of the Cashier of the Bank of Massachusetts or of New York or of North America or with the name of the Collector of Boston.\nOne half of these drafts may at once be disposed of, if a demand occurs, upon either of the Banks of North America or New York. The Residue it is presumed will find sufficient sums to answer them in the hands of the Bank of Massachusetts and of the Collector of Boston. You will do well however to consult with the latter in order to ascertain what sum you may rely upon from him in time and you will inform me without delay of the result.\nYou will also inform me as soon as possible how the probability stands of the sum remitted being adequate to the object, and you will report to me weekly the amount of the sales you may make.\nI am, with consideration, \u2003 Sir, \u2003 your obedient servant\nA Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0060", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 19 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury Department Aug 19th 1791\nSir\nYour Letter of the 11th instant has come to hand.\nYour intended proceedings with regard to the seizure of Sugar You mention, appear to be proper, and conformable to the 13th Section of the Collection Law.\nI am, sir \u2003 Your obedt Servt\nAlex Hamilton Jere Olney EsqrCollectorProvidence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0061", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 19 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury Department August 19th. 1791\nSir,\nIn the documents which you transmitted to me concerning the goods of MacRae and Morrison which have been seized, I observe\u2014\nThat one of the cases of Hats both in the Bill of Sale and deposition of Mr Frazer is numbered 12 and that no such number appears in the statement of the packages imported and of which the Goods seized are alleged to have been a part.\nThe numbers of all the cases stated to have been imported are 11. 10. 9. 11. 13. \u2003 1. 3. 4. The numbers of the cases seized are 1. 3. 4. 11. 12. 13.\nI presume that this has arisen from some mistake not difficult to be explained, but a due regard to accuracy requires that an explanation should be called for.\nI am Sir: \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nAlex Hamilton Otho H. Williams EsqrCollectorBaltimore", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0062", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jabez Bowen, 20 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Bowen, Jabez\n[Philadelphia, August 20, 1791. \u201c\u2026 It is a rule necessary to be strictly adhered to that the certificates of any state which have once been surrendered to such State shall be deemed to be extinguished and shall cease to be considered as a part of its debt, assumable on the principle of the Funding Act.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0063", "content": "Title: Contract with William Hall, [20 August 1791]\nFrom: Hall, William,Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, August 20, 1791]\nAgreement between AH on behalf of a certain Society or Comp for establis Manufactures in the state of N Jersey &  Hall.\nThe said  Hall shall superintend and carry on for the said Society or Company the business of printing staining and bleaching of Cottons and Linnens, in all its parts, upon the like principles and in the like method, as the same is now carried on in the Kingdom of Great Britain, and to construct or direct the construction of all such machines as are in use in the said Kingdom in and about the said business; with all which, the said  Hall doth hereby declare himself to be well acquainted.\nThe said Society shall confide to the said  Hall the superintendence of the said business at such Factory as they shall establish and shall allow & pay to him for his services so long as they shall think fit to continue him in their employment, and he shall so continue, the yearly salary of 600 \u00a3 Sterling money of G B per annum together with a share in the nett profits of the said business at the rate of five per Centum of the said profits. In determining such nett profits no deduction shall be made for the interest of the Capital employed except such part of it as may be actually invested in the funds of the United States or in the stock of some public bank or as may be actually borrowed for the carrying on of the said business. The salary aforesaid shall commence from the time of the Incorporation of the said Society.\nThe said Society shall make a reasonable compensation to the said  Hall for such machines as he shall introduce and furnish to their use, towards the prosecution of the said business\u2014which compensation shall be agreed upon between the said Alexander Hamilton & the said  Hall, or if not so agreed upon, shall be ascertained by indifferent persons to be appointed by the parties.\nFor the performance of all which agreements severally & respectively the said parties do mutually and respectively bind themselves each to the other in the penal sum of Ten thousand Dollars.\nIn Witness whereof the said Alexander H  & the said  Hall have hereunto respectively subscribed & set their hands & seals the  day of August 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0066", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Polk, 20 August 1791\nFrom: Polk, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nWilmington [North Carolina] August 20th. 1791\nSir\nWhen I wrote you last from Hillsborough I suggested to you that I was doubtfull of the Instrument for stamping the Certificates for the Inspectors would not be received before it would be incumbent on me to deliver them to the different Officers. In this I have not been deceived. No such instrument has yet been received & I have delivered to the Inspectors the Certificates without Stamping. No inconvenience will I hope insue, untill such time as the instrument may arive, more especially if the Officers in the different Districts are advertised of the same.\nThe Collectors in more than half the Counties are appointed & am now on my rout to finish the same. The prospect is but gloomy. The lower Country have but few Stills & distill nothing but fruit, which there is none of this year and [in] the Western Counties many of the people have pulled down their Stills. Some threats have been thrown out; however, disregardless of them I have & will execute the Law with all my power. This will be handed you by Colo. Read, Inspector of Survey No. 1. To him I have committed some communications to be submitted to you, of the necessity of having Inspectors or Collectors with the powers of Inspectors at the Towns of Fayetteville Tarborough & Halifax for the greater security of the revenue & to prevent frauds.\nThere has [been] some charges for printing & paper already accrued & no means has been provided for the payment. Untill the first is made, which will not be before the last of January, could an order be given for draughts on the Collectors or any of them for such sums as may be wanting to satisfy these claims?\nIf it is admissable I would be glad to draw my Sallary from the Collector of the Customs at this place. It is contiguous or at least more so than any other in the District. If it could, I wish a form; if not I would wish to know where it is to be paid & the manner of application.\nThe forms of accounts & Books I have not yet recd. Indeed I have not had any information or instructions from you since Mr. Coxe\u2019s letter of the 14th. of May.\nI can never learn whether Inspectors for the Surveys No. 4 & 5 have been made by the President when passing thro\u2019 this State or at any other time.\nI have the Honor to be with \u2003 consideration your most \u2003 Obedient and very \u2003 Hbe. Servt.\nWill: Polk", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0067", "content": "Title: Receipt from William Pearce, 20 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pearce, William\n[Philadelphia, August 20, 1791. \u201cReceived Philadelphia Aug. 20, 1791 of Alexander Hamilton, one hundred dollars towards providing the use of Society for the establishment of Manufactures in the State of New Jersey certain machines & models of Machines to be delivered to the said Alexander Hamilton.\u201d Receipt not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0068", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 20 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia, August 20, 1791. On August 25, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 20 & 22d.\u201d Letter of August 20 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0070", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 21 August 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia August 21st. 1791\nSir\nIn the opinion, given by Mr. Bradford and Mr. Ingersoll, I find the case of Mr. Robert Buchanan to be accurately stated; but after paying a respectful attention to the sentiments of those gentlemen, I am compelled to say, that I differ in the conclusion drawn from that statement: for I cannot agree, that any interest is to be received upon \u27e8the\u27e9 certificate for the year 1791.\nI acknowledge that the certificate was issued in conformity with the Act of Congress, passed on the 4th. of August 1790; and that it\u2019s silence as to interest is no objection to such a claim, if that Act warrants it.\nA subscription to a loan is therein proposed, payable in certificates issued for the domestic debt. Among these are some bearing an interest of six per cent; and others, called indents of interest, bearing no interest at all. Mr. Buchanan\u2019s certificate is founded upon indents of interest; and had they been subscribed, he would have been entitled to a certificate, purporting that the United States owe to him, as the holder, or his assigns, the sum of 7500 dollars, bearing an interest of three per centum per annum.\nHe has not, however, subscribed those indents; but obtained the certificate from the Register of the Treasury before the first day of June 1791; to wit, on the sixteenth of February 1791; in pursuance of the tenth section of the above-mentioned Act. Upon the construction of that section the decision depends.\nThe opinion asserts the first part of that Section to be a substantive clause; and yet in the next sentence it connects that clause with the following parts of the section. The truth is, that the section itself forms one integer. The term, creditors, comprehends all holders of the domestic debt, which might be subscribed to the loan, and was not. It is immediately afterwards directed, that such of them as possess the original certificates, should exchange them for others, to be issued by the Register of the Treasury. Consequently all the non\u27e8sub\u27e9scribing creditors are under the necessity of making this exchange; and being so, must submit to the conditions prescribed for it.\nOne of these conditions is, that the new certificate shall not only specify the specie amount of those which are cancelled; but shall be otherwise of the like tenor with those heretofore issued by the Register of the Treasury for the registered debt. These import that the debt bears an interest of six per centum; and it is not denied, that a new certificate given in lieu of cancelled indents, cannot carry an interest of six per centum. The question then is, whether a new certificate, which is not upon the most sanguine construction, capable of a higher interest than three per centum, is of the same tenor with one granting an interest of six per centum?\nIt does not seem to be correct, to resort to the popular & common acceptation of the words \u201clike tenor,\u201d when they are known to be peculiarly technical. Nor can I admit that this acceptation would establish, in this instance, a likeness of tenor between two papers, so substantially different as in three per cent: per annum. The gentlemen by confining their exposition to popular acceptation, virtually concede the interpretation of law to be against them. And without entering into prolix authorities, I take the liberty of saying, that in every law-proceeding which I can call to mind, it would be decided, that there is a material variance between two such documents; and therefore that they could not be of the same tenor.\nBut let us not content ourselves with resting on the criticism of single words; let us rather examine the context.\nIt is not for me here to estimate the merit of any scheme of finance. My office is to ascertain the sense of Congress. It strikes me then immediately, that the principal was far more respected than the interest; and that the higher interest allowed to the former, was intended to correspond with that stipulated by the old certificates; whereas no interest was originally stipulated on the latter. It appears probable, that being anxious that all the indents of interest should be subscribed, they might have satisfied themselves of the propriety of distinguishing between subscribed and unsubscribed indents; because interest not being demandable on the face of them, might in some measure be considered as a gratuity, which the Legislature might apportion at pleasure.\nThat such was the meaning of Congress, is confirmed by the first clause in the tenth section itself, which gives to non-subscribing creditors, interest during the year 1791, including interest to the last day of December 1790; thus shewing, that creditors whose demands would carry interest to that time, by force of the contract, were the persons contemplated. Of this kind were indents for interest. And this idea receives confirmation from the care, used in the third section, to be explicit as to certificates carrying no interest, when they are really designed.\nUpon the whole, I cannot persuade myself, that with these strong features, indicating the purpose of Congress, the Courts of the United States would embarrass a system of finance, by a determination in favor of interest to Mr. Buchanan for the year 1791.\nI have the honor, sir, to be \u2003 with great esteem & respect \u2003 yr. mo. ob. serv\nEdm: Randolph Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0071", "content": "Title: Contract with Joseph Mort, 22 August 1791\nFrom: Mort, Joseph,Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, August 22, 1791. The minutes of the proceedings of the directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures for December 9, 1791, read: \u201cThe Governor laid before the Board a Letter from Collo Alexander Hamilton, enclosing an Agreement \u2026 with Joseph Mort dated 22d. August.\u201d Contract not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0073", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Keyes, 22 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Keyes, Stephen\nTreasury Department, August 22, 1791. \u201cI now request that you will endeavour to procure a Map which delineates the North Western parts of your State from actual Survey \u2026 and that you will send me a sketch protracted upon a larger scale \u2026 of so much of those parts including Alburgh and its vicinity as will serve to give an accurate idea not only of the situation of that Township but of any other place or places where in your opinion the office may be established with the greatest degree of propriety and utility free from the inconveniences of the situation which has been fixed upon.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0074", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [22 August 1791]\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Alexandria, Virginia, August 22, 1791]\nMy dear friend.\nMr Cox was about taking to you my riding horse, but my apprehension of yr. necessary hurry & my wish to compare him with a horse I have sent for, concluded a procrastination of my execution of your request & my ardent desire. No other consideration could have induced me to postpone a measure you reckon essential to your health.\nNor shall time be lost in presenting you with this trivial testimony of the zeal with which I engage in any matter which goes to your comfort.\nMay success & happiness attend you.\nYours affy\nHenry LeeAugust 22d. 1791Alexra\nI wrote to you some time ago on the business of some of my friends.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0076", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 22 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\nTreasury Department Aug 22d 1791\nsir\nI have to acknowledge the receipt of Yours of the 18th instant.\nThe Transfers of the stock, which You have purchased on account of the united states, must be made to the vice President, the Chief Justice, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General for the time being. In all future purchases, it will be most convenient to have the stock in the first instance transferred as here directed.\nI am, sir \u2003 Your obedt Servt\nAlex Hamilton William Seton EsqrCashier of the Bank of New York", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0077", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 23 August 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollrs Off. [Newport, Rhode Island] 23d. Aug: 1791\nSir,\nThis will be accompanied by a weekly return of monies recd. and paid, and the copy of an endorsment on Certife No. 22 granted Apl. 23d. 1791 at this Port.\nTo your letter of the 10th of this month, requesting the particular circumstances that led to a remeasurement of the Brig Sally &c I would answer; that the property of said Brig having been transferred to Messrs Lyon and Lawrance citizens of this District, and by them, before a new Register was granted, to Peleg Clark, a citizen of this Town, as appeared by regular bills of sale, it became necessary that she should be remeasured by the Surveyor of this Port where she then lay. The tonnage at which she was registered in the Port of New Bedford Decr. 18 1789, as will appear by the Certife. of Registry No. 40 which was transmitted to you on the 18th. of July 1791 was sixty six tons; and this also appeared by a Certife. given by the Collector of New Bedford to one of the former Owners of the Brig Sally of the tonnage paid by him, which Certife. was handed to me by Mr. Lyon. The length, breadth and depth of said Brig as taken by the Surveyor of the Port of New Bedford appears in the Certife. of Registry transmitted as before mentioned. Her length as taken by the Surveyor for this Port is Sixty eight feet nine inches, her breadth twenty feet, her depth eight feet, and she measured Ninety five tons and a half, which was twenty nine and one half tons more than the tonnage at which she was registered in New Bedford. This great difference led me to write to Col. Pope on the subject, to which he returned the following answer \u201cOn examining the papers in my office find that in making out the Regr. I took the [papers] of another vessel, which was consented to, signed and sworn to by one of the owners of said Brig prior to making out the Register. Whether he did it designedly or ignorantly I know not. William Gordon measured all the vessels within my District as soon as conveniently could be after the Act for Registering Vessels &c took place: And the Certifs. of admeasurement he put on file in the Office, that whenever application was made for a Regr. I might resort thereto. In registering the above Brig I took a wrong Certife. I have sent you inclosed copies of the two Certifs that you may see how nearly Mr. Lymans measurement and Gordons agree. The Registry in your office must rectify the mistake.\u201d Inclosed are the copies referred to by Col. Pope. Upon the receipt of this answer I advised him to inform you of the mistake and how it arose; but have not received an answer to my letter. Thus, Sir, I have given you all the information I am possessed of respecting this matter, and more perhaps than your letter implied. I would only beg leave to observe that admeasurements of vessels anew conduce to an accurate ascertainment of their tonnage, and to correct errors. I have heard that in the reported amendment to the Act for Registering and Clearing vessels, Regulating the Coasting Trade &c it is proposed that on the transfer of the property of a vessel to a person or persons residing in a district different from that in which her former owner or owners resided, she is not to be admeasured anew; but the first admeasurement is to be inserted into every subsequent Certife. of Registry. If this should take place the present form of Certifs. must I conceive be altered, and there will be no check in any case.\nOn the 11th. of July I transmitted a Statement of the case of the Seven Brothers, and of Joseph Finch her late master, on the 2nd. of this month I advised you of the death of Capt. Browning of whose testimony I hoped to avail myself on the trial of that Brig: of the adjournment of the District Court, of my having seized the Sloop Betsy, and of my apprehensions that vessels condemned would sell for a meer trifle unless the Offrs. of the Customs interfered in the sale.\nA Special Court was ordered for the trial of the Betsy on the day after that to which the District Court had adjourned. The Courts have met. Every method was taken to serve summons on persons whose evidences were material in the case of the Seven Brothers; but methods more successful were taken as I suppose by the claimant and others concerned, to elude the service of them. Unfortunately the absence of the Marshall from the State, and the sickness of the Deputy Marshall prevented the summons going out as early as was wished. The Witnesses having secreted themselves, or gone out of the State, the District Atty. moved for a continuance, which was not allowed, and on the Sixth day of the term the claim of Topham was withdrawn and the Libel United States vs Brigantine Seven Brothers John Topham Claimant was discontinued. The cause United States vs Joseph Finch was tried, and the Jury gave a Verdict in favour of the Plaintiffs for Four Hundred Dollars and Cost.\nThe Libel of the Betsy has been tried, and I believe She will be condemned; if not, and the Atty. of the District should judge it proper, an appeal will be made to the Circuit Courts, there being some Persons absent whose evidences would I think ascertain the quantity of goods delivered from her without a permit, to be of four hundred Dollars value and more. That she did run goods the Witnesses at the trial placed beyond a doubt. These trials in my opinion, and in the opinion of others, will have a beneficial effect. The masters of vessels, and their owners will I think learn from them to pay a strict regard to the Revenue Laws, if they should not no pains will be spared to detect the violations of them. A Writ was issued against the Capt. of the Betsy, but he had departed from the State before the Depy. Marshall was well enough to serve it. It will be served upon him when he returns.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Yr. most obedt. servant\nW Ellery Collr A Hamilton EsqrSecry of Treasy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0078", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 23 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury Department, August 23, 1791. Sends commission for Jeremiah Greenman as second mate for the revenue cutter \u201cfor the Connecticut & Rhode Island station.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0079", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 23 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n[Philadelphia, August 23, 1791. On August 26, 1791, Pickering wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have received \u2026 your letter of the 23d instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0080", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 23 August 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis August 23. 1791.\nSir\nI acknowleged the reciept of your letter of the 24th. of May in my last of the 8th. of August. I have now the honor of acknowleging that of the 30th. of June inclosing one of the 25th. of the same month (both duplicates) which came to my hands yesterday by the way of the French packet.\nMy former letters will have informed you of the progress & issue of the affair of the reduction of interest. Although abandoned for the present I have hopes that this flattering idea may be realized ere long either at Amsterdam or elsewhere. Every preparation should be made for effecting it at latest in June next, when the first reimbursement is to take place on the loans made at Amsterdam. The proper previous steps seem to me to be for the U. S. to get as soon as possible all the money which they are in absolute want of, so as to leave a considerable term without making loans before the month of June. This being done gives time to their bonds to appreciate which will of course happen on the probability of no more loans being made at so high a rate of interest, & particularly if the U. S. shall have been able in the mean time to have established a credit in some other place.\nThe sums which may be considered as indispensable to the U.S. are those due to France\u2014the interest of the debt to foreign officers\u2014the interest due on the loans in Amsterdam next february\u2014& as the 2\u00bd million of florins to be sent to America are to be taken out of the loans made, they may be considered of the same description. Supposing these sums to be provided for in the early part of the next winter so that the U. S. may be presented to the view of money jobbers as free of the necessity of making loans for some time, the practicability of reducing their rate of interest for June next at latest seems to me assured. Its being possible sooner will depend on the resources the U. S. may in the mean time find out of Holland. Their aspect is promising at present, but it would be wrong to rely too much on them until the experiment shall be fully made.\nI informed you in my last on what footing the intended loan at Amsterdam stood. Since then I have heard nothing from the bankers on the subject although I expected it long before this. The only mode I had of attempting to reduce their charges was by leaving them the alternative of doubling the loan in the case of their fixing them at 3\u00bd instead of 4. pc. I expected then to have recieved their answer early enough to have authorized them (as the loan was not to be opened before the beginning of the next month) to extend it even without the reduction of the charges. They know that you were satisfied with the late reduction of them to 4 pr c. They know also the advantages the U. S. derive from the payments they make at present to France, on the purchase of their own funds, by means of these loans: of course I fear much they will refuse the reduction. Still I thought it my duty to try it by every means in my power as well for the interest of the U. S. as my own personal satisfaction. I gave them to understand the possibility which the U. S. had of liquidating their debt to France by arrangements independent of loans at Amsterdam so as to make them suppose that we were not absolutely in their power at present. I did not chuse to say any thing to them about an idea of loans elsewhere. This would be dangerous so long as the U.S. are in the indispensable necessity of procuring so large sums as those at present in arrears. In such a case I should fear the malevolence of a combination of those concerned either directly or indirectly in our loans at Amsterdam, & know not what effect they might produce on our credit in other places. I do not precisely see what they would or could do, but still I should have apprehensions of them if they knew our wants of money to be great & so our credit not firmly established. The more we shall have obtained from them & the less we shall be in arrears with our debt to France, when they come to know our desire of making loans elsewhere the less we shall have to fear from their attempts or their power to injure us.\nWith respect to the practicability of our making loans in other places I have every reason at present to believe they may be ere long obtained either at Antwerp London or Genoa. It must be observed however that my information on these subjects coming only from persons who are employed in making loans & who of course have hopes of being preferred if the U.S. should determine to make them, must be recieved with much caution & cannot be absolutely & unconditionally relied [upon]. It is however the only source of information that can be opened previous to actual experiment.\nI have already put you in possession of this subject as far as it regards Antwerp. I wrote some time ago to a person in London, Mr. Alexander Donald, partner of a rich house established there, informing him that it had been hinted to me that it was not improbable that moneyed men of that country would be disposed to place their cash in loans if such were opened there for the U.S. & desiring him to give me his opinion on the subject. Mr. Donald though not personally known to me, seemed the most proper person to be applied to in such a case as well on account of his commercial connexions with the U.S. as the high opinion which I know to be entertained of him by the Secretary of State to whom he has been long known & who will be able to tell you how far his information is to be relied on. I therefore send you in his own words the answer which I have this day recieved from him\u2014it is dated London Aug. 19.\n\u201cI have had several conversations with the money brokers upon the subject of a loan to the U.S. From all of which I am inclined to think that the thing is practicable, but this cannot be ascertained unless I was empowered to make some specifick proposal. I said that I had no authority for doing so, nor did I even know if application would be made for a loan, that I was only desired by a friend to enquire if such application should be made whether it could be accomplished & upon what terms. All the brokers I have spoken to are of opinion that the regular payment of the interest must be guaranteed to be paid here\u2014one more shrewd than the rest observed that men who had money to spare would rather purchase into the American funds, which he observed allowed an interest of 6. p. cent p. ann. & could now be purchased for 17. to 18/. in the pound. I could only say in reply to this observation, that if the moneyed men of this country were to turn their attention that way, that the 6. p. cents would soon rise to 120 or perhaps 130. I do think that the credit of Congress stands so well & money is so very abundant in this country that a loan for half a million could be done provided the terms are made agreeable. If any further steps are taken in this business, the first to be adopted here will be inserting an advertisement in the publick newspapers intimating the business & calling a meeting of those who are disposed to lend the money at which time proposals will be laid before them for their consideration. I believe sir that the guarantee of Donald & Burton would be accepted for the payment of the interest which they have no objection to do upon being allowed a reasonable commission for their trouble.\u201d\nI shall write to Mr. Donald & inform him that the U.S. being able to make loans at Amsterdam at the present rate of 5. p. cent interest, the great inducement to make them elsewhere would be a reduction of that rate, & desire him to ascertain whether that can be done at 4\u00bd p. cent p. ann. on a loan inferior to the one he proposes\u2014& also to see if the advertisement he speaks of cannot be dispensed with, as it would be disagreeable in the extreme to take such a measure until the success was insured & then it would be useless. I have no idea of the commission which he would consider reasonable, but it will be necessarily higher than at Amsterdam where there is no guarantee. In England the loans cannot be opened in the name of a foreign power & of course the houses who undertake it must render themselves responsible to the lenders. I shall propose therefore to Mr. Donald in the case of this business being begun to join some other rich banking house with his, as presenting an additional security. If it were not for this security one house alone would be to be preferred for the reasons I have formerly mentioned to you.\nMr. Grand has written also to his correspondent at Genoa to sound him about the practicability of the U.S. making a loan there. He has just recieved an answer which gives hopes that one might be made for about a million of dollars at 5. p. cent interest, the whole of the revenues of the U.S. being pledged in general as well as some sufficient part in particular. This difficulty however I have no doubt might be got over. Should it be possible to effect a reduction of the interest in England or at Antwerp one of course would not be undertaken at 5. p. cent at Genoa. I have wished such inquiries to be made however as well to make us acquainted with the ground, without committing the U.S., as to excite the attention of those concerned in loans who being thus pushed on to be acquainted with the resources of America will necessarily consider them in a more favorable manner. I have formerly mentioned to you the inquiries that would be made by a relation of the Minister of Genoa at this court. These circumstances will of course facilitate the business should the U.S. find it for their advantage to open them in that country. I shall take care to keep you progressively informed of these several matters.\nIt seems difficult to obtain particular information respecting the mint of Holland. It is kept at Dordrecht & carried on by contract. I have as yet been able to get only the inclosed account of the alloy, sent me from Amsterdam with a promise of further lights, which will be forwarded to you when recieved.\nYou will have learned from the secretary of State that Drost agrees to go to America to establish the mint agreeably to your wishes. You will find him useful I think in other parts of the subject as well as those which are merely mechanical. He seems to have considered it with a good deal of attention both in its theory & practice. I communicated to him the result of your enquiries & reflexions. He approves much the decimal division you propose & the values annexed to the several pieces\u2014except the small piece of gold. I mentioned to him your object in adopting it & the small number you purposed having struck. He thought it would be injurious, on account of its extreme diminutiveness, to the beauty & regularity of proportions which might otherwise be observed & that it would be wrong to have dyes made on purpose & as the U.S. have an entirely new ground to begin on he thinks they may with ease by avoiding the errors & abuses of the mints of all other countries, have the most perfect coin that has ever existed. He seems to be well acquainted with these errors & abuses & will be able to point them out.\nOne which he considers as among the most considerable is the introducing alloy into money. He has fully examined all the arguments on both sides of the question & is well convinced of the propriety of money being struck only of pure metal. I have spoken on the subject with others supposed to be skilled in it. There is variance in their opinion but the soundest among them are in favor of pure metal & say that nothing introduced or has so long supported the doctrine of alloy, but the facility which it gives to those employed in the mints to fraud government. The principal argument which I observe in favor of alloy, is that it hardens the metal & also that the part which is lost by rubbing & usage being mixed the loss is less. You mention doubts on the subject & Drost insists that the loss is less when the metal is pure. In this he is supported as well by his own experience as the opinions of the learned here. The other advantages which he attributes to pure metal are the security against counterfeits (as the eyes of every one, in a simple experiment of putting them in a common fire will immediately discover impurity without affecting the substance) & the superior value of the metal since the same weight when pure is intrinsically worth more than when joined to others. He agrees that an observation which I made to him has weight & that is that our coin, being to be taken from the monies of other countries which are alloyed, the purifying them will be an object of trouble & expence. On the whole I am much too ignorant of this subject to appreciate the various ideas of Mr. Drost, but should your determination be suspended until his arrival you will perhaps find some of them useful.\nYou seem to be fully convinced of the propriety of attending to beauty in coinage. Mr. Drost observes that it is important before the diameters be fixed that it should be known what are the subjects that are to be represented that they may be proportioned thereto\u2014as well as thickness of the piece. He is much in favor of the idea of representing an eagle on the coins & particularly the large gold piece. This bird all the artists consider as the most proper for presenting a fine form. For that purpose however it would be necessary to remove those heraldic parts which cover the body in the arms of the U.S. It is probable I think you will find it proper to employ Mr. Drost to engrave the dyes of the several pieces of money. He has much merit in this act & has applied himself to study it in its relations to coinage much more than engravers in general. What has happened here lately shews the necessity of the engravers having this kind of knowlege. The artist they have employed as the engraver for their new coinage is considered as the most eminent engraver of medals. By an error which he has committed for want of this practical knowlege the dyes have failed & been obliged to be renewed already several times & it is not yet certain whether the new figures represented on that money by his advice, though handsome & well adapted to a medal, can be executed in coinage, on account of the multiplication of the pieces. On one side is the effigy of the King with his constitutional title\u2014on the other the genius of France in the figure of an Angel writing down the constitution on a table placed perpendicularly before it. The pieces which have been hitherto struck are somewhat better executed than their former coinage (they are of silver only & are of six louis & of fifteen sols) but are infinitely inferior to copper pieces struck by Drost\u2019s machine in England for Bolton & Co.\nI have the honor to be with perfect respect & attachment \u2003 Sir Your most obedient humble servant\nW. Short Alexander Hamilton secretary of the Treasury, Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0081", "content": "Title: Conversation with George Beckwith, 24 August [1791]\nFrom: Beckwith, George\nTo: \nPhiladelphiaAugust 24th [1791]\nAn Officer at the Head of an Executive Department.Extract\nMr. \u2014\u2014 The National Assembly of France passed a decree a short time before Mr. Ternants embarkation, authorizing the formation of a new treaty of commerce with this country; if the influence of La Fayette and his friends, shall finally prevail in The French Councils, their general dispositions towards us, will tend greatly to forward this object.\nGeorge Beckwith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0082", "content": "Title: Election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, [24 August 1791]\nFrom: American Academy of Arts and Sciences\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Cambridge, Massachusetts, August 24, 1791]\nTo all Persons to whom these Presents shall come,Greeting.\nThe American Academy of Arts and Sciences, established by a Law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, at a Meeting held the twenty fourth Day of August One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety one for the purpose of promoting the design of their institution, elected Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury of the United States of America a Fellow of their Society, and have granted unto him all the rights and privileges of a Member.\nAnd In Testimony thereof, have affixed their Seal to this certificate and caused the same to be duly attested.\nJohn Adams \u2003 President\nJoseph Willard \u2003 Vice Presidt.\nAttest\nSecretaries\nEliphalet Pearson\nJohn Clarke", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0083", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 24 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ellery, William\n[Philadelphia, August 24, 1791. Ellery endorsed the letter book copy of his letter to Hamilton of August 8, 1791, \u201cAnswered Augt. 24th 1791.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0084", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joshua Wentworth, 24 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wentworth, Joshua\n[Philadelphia, August 24, 1791. On September 7, 1791, Wentworth wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI was honored by your\u2019s of 24th Ulto.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0085", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 24 August 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth, New Hampshire, August 24, 1791. \u201cThe Revenue Cutter being ready for Sea will proceed on a Cruize immediately; no arms or Military Stores having yet come to hand, I will borrow for the first Cruize Such as may be necessary. The person named for 3rd mate Should have been Samuel Hobart instead of Saml Hubert as copied in your letter of the 12th. Ulto. Herewith is inclosed a description of the Cutter received from the Surveyor. She will be accompanied with a Certificate from the Custom House by the Name of the  till the instrument intended in lieu of a Register with Such Name as you will be pleased to give her Shall be received. I find that notwithstanding my Utmost endeavors to compleat this Vessel within your limitations the cost will exceed them.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0087", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Cabot, 25 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Cabot, George\n[Philadelphia, August 25, 1791. On September 6, 1791, Cabot wrote to Hamilton: \u201cBeing absent from home when your letter of the 25th ultimo arrived, it has been out of my power to answer the enqueries it contains until this day\u2019s post.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0088", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 25 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Huntington, Jedediah\nTreasury Department August 25th 1791\nSir,\nI have considered the case you State in your letter of the 22nd July respecting the repairs of a french vessel.\nI am of opinion that she will not be entitled to an American register if rebuilt in any manner whereby the identity of the Vessel is preserved. But if she be wholly taken to pieces, I perceive there can be no impropriety in making use of her Timber in the building of a new Vessel.\nI am Sir \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nA Hamilton Jedh Huntington EsqrCollr New London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0091", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 25 August 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 25 Augt. 1791\nSir\nI have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 20 & 22d. Agreeable to your desire Mr. William Hill has been paid 4000 Dollars on account of his Clothing Contract & enclosed you have his receipt for the same.\nThe Transfers of the Stock purchased on account of the United States shall be made in the names you point out. Since my last I have only purchased 6810 30/100 Dollars of the deferred debt @ 12/6. The transfers are not all made but will be between this and Monday when I shall transmit a proper return.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0092", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 25 August 1791\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Amsterdam, August 25, 1791. On August 29, 1791, Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard wrote to William Short: \u201cBegging leave to confirm our Respects to you of 25 Instant, We have now the honor to inclose you Triplicate of our Letter of same date to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United-States.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0093", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 26 August 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollector\u2019s Office [Newport, Rhode Island]Augt. 26th 1791\nSir,\nAgreeably to my expectation the Sloop Betsy is condemned, and is to be sold on the 14th. day of the next month. I should be happy to receive your direction with respect to the conduct of the Officers of the Customs as to the sale of said Sloop, prior to the day of sale; and it would add to my happiness if at the same time you would give me your opinion how the monies arising from the sale should be distributed among the Offrs. of the Customs. The forfeiture of the Betsy was for a breach of the old Collection Law made at a time when the Surveyor for North Kingstown had not received his Commission; nor I believe any other Surveyor for this District excepting the Surveyor for this Port; and there is a difference between the old and new Collection Law with regard to the manner of distribution. By the old Law the United States are to receive one moiety, and the other moiety is to be divided into three equal parts, and paid to the Collector Naval Offr. and Surveyor of the District wherein the same shall have been incurred &c. By the new Law the moiety which falls to the Offrs. is to be divided into equal parts, and paid to the Collector and Naval Offe. of the District, and Surveyor of the Port, wherein the same shall have been incurred, or to such of the sd. Offrs. as there may be in the said District. Has any Offr. a right to a share of the moiety to be distributed in the present case, beside the Collr. & Naval Offr., and if any what Surveyor?\nI am Sir \u2003 Yr. most obedt. servant\nW Ellery Collr A: Hamilton Secry of Treasy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0095", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Le Roy and Bayard, [26 August 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Le Roy and Bayard\n[Philadelphia, August 26, 1791]\nGentlemen\nBeing informed that you are drawing bills, if it is convenient to you to let me have 1000 pounds Sterling at 4 \u214c Ct above par payable in London on my note at thirty days, including the discount, you may remit that sum by the Packet to John Barker Church Esquire & on notice of its being done my note shall be given accordingly.\nI remain with much consideration & esteem \u2003 Gentlemen \u2003 Your Obed ser\nA Hamilton\nMessrs. Le Roy & Bayard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0097", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Brown, John Graham, and George Pickett, 27 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Brown, James,Graham, John,Pickett, George\nTreasury DepartmentAugt 27 1791\nSir\nI learn, with real regret, the disappointment you experienced in your intended subscriptions to the Bank of the United States. It was very much my wish that the property in the Stock of that Bank should be generally diffused throughout the States.\nBut its not having been foreseen, any where, that so rapid a subscription would take place, has been the cause that adequate provisions were not made in the law: which might have been favorable to greater distribution.\nI am sorry to be obliged to add that I do not at present perceive any mode by which the object of your letter may be attained.\nWith great consideration, \u2003 I am, Gentlemen, \u2003 Your obed Servant\nA Hamilton Messrs Geo Picket, John Graham & James Brown,Richmond", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0098-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [Account on the State of Argriculture], 27 August 1791\nFrom: Peters, Richard\nTo: \nThe farms I have selected keep on an average 16 head horned Cattle, 4 horses, 12 Sheep & 12 Swine.\nDr. Farm\nTo annual Int: on capital 200 a[cre]s \u00a3 8 \u214c acre \u00a31600 @ \u00a3 6 \u214c cent\nStock and implements.\n4 horses at \u00a3 15 each\n8 Cows at \u00a36. do.\ncart, waggon, ploughs Harrows, geers &c\n12 Swine\non the above \u00a3180. I only charge \u00a36 \u214c ct.\ntho\u2019 the annual loss in some articles is \u00a320 \u214c Ct. & in none less than \u00a310. decrease in value by age in Horses & cattle, accidents, wear & tear, are the causes. I have made no accot. of annual Losses by wear of buildings, or accidents to stock.\nAnnual expenditures besides the personal labour of the farmer & family, and the produce & cash used for their support.\none hired man & his maintenance\nExtra wages at hay & harvest, & expences\nDays hire for occasional business\nSmith\u2019s bill\nall the hay consumed by the Stock\nRye 30 bls. at 4/6\nBuckwheat 100 @ 2/6\nPotatoes 80 bls. @ 1/6\nFire wood 20 cords @ 5/.\nSeed Wheat 15 bls. @ 7/6 rye 5. @ 4/6\nPotatoes 12 bls. @ 1/6\nCorn & Buckwheat\nDirect Taxes of various descriptions have in some years been \u00a320. now perhaps\u2014but these are lessening\nContra\n  By\n  175 buckwheat @ 2/6\n  100 potatoes @ 1/6\n  Roots & other vegetables in the garden\n  2 Cattle raised annually\n  Wool of 12. Sheep 36 lbs @ 2/.\n  Poultry in value\nDairy 8 Cows\n\u2003\u2002 6 Calves sold @ 20/. each\n\u2003\u2002 (memo.\u2014I allow 2 Calves raised).\nAs to offal, milk &c. except a small part for the family, it is consumed by the calves & pigs, & accounted for in their value.\nFlax 150 lbs @ 7d.\ndeduct \u00bd for breaking &c.\n4 Bls. of seed @ 5/. to be added\nBalce. agt. farmer\nN B. about 8 bushls. wheat pr. acre is a full allowance for the better kind of Farms in these parts. Some do not yield 6., and 8 out of 10 do not come up to 8 bushls. per acre. The farms I have selected sow from 15 to 20 a[cre] s. winter Grain. The average of actual crops is however less than 8 bushls. to the acre.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0099", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollectors Office [Newport, Rhode Island]Augt. 29th 1791\nSir,\nI wrote a letter to you by the Post, last Friday, because I wished to receive as early an information on the subjects mentioned in it as might be convenient.\nI am informed that the situation and circumstances of Thomas Cotterell late owner of the Sloop Betsy are such that if the prosecutions to which he is liable should be commenced against him, and be successful he and his family would be utterly ruined. Not long after he had transgressed the Law, he sold said Sloop for six hundred Dollars, and the purchaser has since laid out upon her between two and three hundred Dollars, which Cotterell must repay. He must also pay for the detention of the vessel, and a bill of a cost arising from the trial of the Libell against her amounting to about one hundred and fifty dollars. The intention of the Law, in inflicting fines, penalties and forfeitures in the violation of Law will, I think, by the seizure and condemnation of the Sloop Betsy be fully answered with regard to Cotterell, and it will restrain others, if there should be others, disposed to perpetrate like offences. I would therefore submit it to your better judgment whether prosecutions against him may not be suspended for the present.\nI forgot to mention in my letter of the 23d: of this month, that the Ushers submitted judgment, and their Council said that their causes would be carried up to the Circuit Court by writ of Error, to gain time that an application might again be made to you to mitigate the penalties they have incurred.\nI have received your circular Letter of the 5th. of this month, and shall carefully attend to the several matters contained in it.\nI have not deviated in any instance from the instruction communicated in your circular Letter of the 30th. of Nov. 1789, unless the taking of ninety cents for the Licenses of vessels under twenty tons should be considered as such, and this was done for the reasons which I assigned in my letter of the 12th of July 1790, and because I found that such fees were taken in the District of Boston and Charlestown.\nIn this District a practice has obtained of measuring vessels of the United States previously registered, and of charging for such admeasurement; but only where there has been a transfer of property of the vessel from citizens of another District to Citizens of this, and the Vessel has been in this District at the time of Registry; and the remeasurement in such cases has been thought proper for the reasons suggested in my letter of the 23d. of this month, and has not excited any dissatisfaction here. Permit me to be more explicit by adding to the reasons suggested in that letter that Sec. 8 of the Act for Registering and clearing vessels &c expressly requires the Surveyor previous to the registering or granting of any Certife. of Registry &c. to deliver a true account in writing of the built &c of every vessel to the person authorized to make such Registry and grant such Certificate thereof: and the form of the Certife. of Regy. expresses that  Survey or of this District having certified to Us &c. Where no Certificate under the hand of a Surveyor of a port or District has been delivered to the Collector of a District in which a subsequent Register made, would it not be improper to issue a Certife. of Regy. expressing that the Surveyor of another District had certified to Us what he had not certified. Must not defacements by erasements and interlineations take place in subseqt. Certifs. of Regy. if new admeasurements should not be made, and would there be any check upon tonnaging? Perhaps the paragraph referred to doth not extend to admeasurements in the cases mentioned. There may have been admeasurements in Districts where vessels may have happened to come.\nInclosed is a copy of the table of fees set up in my office, No Offr. of the Customs is more desirous than I am, that Uniformity may take place with regard to fees, and all proceedings in the Custom Houses of the United States.\nThis letter is accompanied by a weekly return of monies received and paid, By a List of eight bank notes of the bank of N. York amg. to eight hundred dollars, one moiety of which is now transmitted to the Treasr.\nI am, Sir, yr. most obedt. servant\nWm Ellery Collr A Hamilton EsqrSecry of Treasy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0100", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Hall, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Hall, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 29th Augt. 1791\nSir\nMr. Mort & myself have examin\u2019d the Delaware as high as Pequest about 94 miles above Philadelphia & have found several good situations. On the Raritan there are none. Our Money running short oblig\u2019d us to come to New York for a supply. We propose going up the Pasaic in a few Days, after which you shall receive a report of our observations.\nI call\u2019d on Mr. Marshall and deliver\u2019d your Letter. He answered very freely every question I put to him. He seems to understand the theory of the Business but I am very doubtful if He is much acquainted with the practice. The Modells He is making will not work & I much fear some money will be expended and delays ensue on that acct. Mr. Mort I expect will be in Philadelphia in 6 or 8 days. To him I beg leave to refer you for particulars. He was present during the conversation but did not see the Modells. Mr. Marshall might have made the Modells to have worket much easier than larger Machines.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obed. Servt.\nWilliam Hall No. 57 Maiden Lane", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0101", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Keais, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Keais, Nathan\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nWashington [North Carolina] August 29, 1791. \u201cInclosed is a Copy of John Braggs & Stephen Tinkers Bond, taken in Consequence of a Contract for Staking out the Channel of news River leading to New Bern. I have also Contracted with John Payne for Staking out the Channel leading to Edenton for Fifty dollars.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0102", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 29th Augt. 1791\nSir\nI have the honor to enclose a Return of the Stock I have purchased on account of the United States to this day inclusive, being 13291 8/100 of 3 \u214c Cents & 173708 88/100 Deferred, amounting to Dollars 116542 69/100 which Sum has been \u27e8received\u27e9 from this Bank. I expect in a day or two to compleat the whole investiture of 150,000 Dollars.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect \u2003 Sir &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0103", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Skinner, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Skinner, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited States Loan Office, [Hillsboro] NorthCarolina August 29th. 1791.\nSir\nI have heretofore at different times taken the liberty of communicating to you the desire this State had of subscribing to the Loan for the Certificates in the Treasury and Comptroller\u2019s offices, and that attempts had been made for that purpose, in behalf of the State, That not answering their wish, That another attempt had been made to subscribe for them in the name of the Comptroller, this much I believe I have heretofore communicated to you;\nWishing your particular directions respecting that business; None such having as yet come to hand, I take the Liberty of observing further that I have sufficient reasons to believe, a third attempt is intended, and indeed in part has been accomplished. A young man, a stranger whom I did not suspect, on the 20th. Curt. became a Subscriber on my Books for 22,415. dolls. 10 Cents, for which he obtained a rect. in the name of a Merchant at Fayetteville; Since that the same young man came forward a second time with Certificates to a larger amount; Previous to his coming in I had reasons to believe a Deception had been made use of. I observed to the young man my suspicions, and wished to be satisfyd. whether the Certificates by him handed in were not the Pubs: he evaded giving me any satisfactory answer, the Business rests here, the young man has no rect. for the last Deposit nor have I suffered him to Subscribe. I shall keep him off until the close of the Subscription in expectations of your directions. I wish I might be ordered to administer an Oath, to suspected persons, which if it should not come to hand before the close of the Subscription, it might be complyd. with before issuing the Certificates on Interest. I expect the young man to come forward a third time (hourly). At present there dont appear to be a probability of the Loans being filld, in this State, as the whole Sum subscribed at this day amounts to only 991.600 Dollars & 90 Cents.\nThe Governor of this State since taking the advice of Council has observed to me, that he had [been] misinformed; that New York has not Subscribed to the Loan but to the Bank.\nI am most respectfully \u2003 Your most obedient Servant\nW Skinner\nThe Honble Alexander Hamilton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0104-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Bucks County Pennsylvania, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Wynkoop, Henry\nTo: \nQuantity. 200 acres. value 3.200 Ds.\nTwo hundred acres being nearly the average quantity of the Farms in this quarter, have taken that as the most convenient portion from which to form the required Estimates.\nArable land 125 acres.\nThe arable Land divided into five fields of twenty five acres each, makes in the whole 125 Acres.\nPasture 50 acres\nThe course of cropping pursued here requiring three fields to be under tillage\u2014two of course will be left for pasture, which make 50 acres.\nOrchard &c. 10 ac.\nOrchard, Garden, House & barn yards, lanes &c. supposed to occupy ten acres.\nMeadow 15 acres.\nThe natural meadows in this part of the country being few\u2014yet as every farmer finds means for alloting some portion of his land for that use, suppose the nearest average 15 acres.\nWoodland 50 acres.\nTimber being an article indispensably necessary for fuel, fencing, building &c. have allowed fifty acres for that use.\nWheat 200 bushls. 90 Cents 180 dolls.\nOne of the aforesaid fields is alloted in rotation for wheat & rye, suppose twenty thereof to be sown with wheat, will yield, communibus annis, ten bushels per acre\u2014for altho\u2019 in seasons, on well improved grounds twenty, thirty and even thirty five bushels may be produced from the acre\u2014yet from the many casualties to which land tillage is exposed, so that in some seasons the best improved grounds may not produce even five bushels, have from my own observation, and that of an intelligent neighbouring farmer, taken the above as the nearest supposed medium\u2014making two hundred bushels, which at 90 cents pr. bushl. is 180 Dollars.\nRye 50 bushels @ 60 cents. 30 dolls.\nRye likewise ten bushels to the acre, the remainder of the field being five acres will yield fifty bushels, which at 60 cts. pr. bush: makes 30 dollars. N.B. the field on which the wheat & rye is sowed, is generally also put in with grass, and lays for pasture two years.\nCorn 300 bushs. 40 cents 120 dols.\nOne field is generally alloted to Indian corn & Buckwheat in the same proportion with wheat & Rye. The twenty acres of Corn will average fifteen bushels pr. acre making in the whole 300 bushels at 40 cts. \u214c bush: is 120 dolls.\nBuckwheat 75 bushs. 30 cents 22\u00bd dols.\nThis Grain is so precarious in it\u2019s growth that it is extremely difficult to form an estimate of its general produce; but suppose 15 bushs. pr. acre, which from five acres, being the remainder of that field occupied by the Corn, will be seventy five bushels, valued at thirty cents pr bushl. is 22 dollars 50 cents.\nBarley.\nSo little of this Grain is raised here, that I did not think it worth notice.\nOats 100 bushs. @ 20 cents is 20 dolls.\nBy the course of cropping commonly used here, this Grain is sowed, for the sake of ease & convenience to the Farmer, upon some part of the fallow intended for wheat, to which it generally proves injurious\u2014therefore is not largely propagated\u2014have only allotted five acres which will average twenty bushels \u214c acre\u2014making in the whole one hundred bushls. at 20 cents pr. bushl. is 20 dollars.\nFlax & Seed. 30 dolls.\nThis is also generally raised on part of the fallow\u2014suppose two\u2014which on an average may yield two hundred and fifty pounds of swingled Flax, & twelve bushels of Seed, which both together may be worth 30 dolls.\napples & cyder 30 dolls.\nEvery Farm has more or less of orcharding. Eight acres allowed for that use\u2014the product whereof in apples & cyder cannot be worth less than thirty Dollars.\nHay 20 tons @ 6. dols. each. 120 Ds.\nAltho\u2019 fifteen acres only are allotted for meadow, which probably on an average will not yield more than that number of tons, yet as the farmers by sowing grass seed on their arable land, improved with dung, plaister of Paris &c., annually mow more or less of those, I have allowed 20 tons, worth 6 dollars each\u2014120 Dollars.\nCattle annual product 70 Dolls.\nI suppose a Farm of two hundred acres will on an average support twelve head of cattle. Of those I suppose five milch cows, which will each yield per annum one Calf; two of them to be raised and three fatted, the latter worth 6 dollars. Five milch cows will produce fifteen pounds butter pr. month each, for seven months which makes in the whole 525 lb. at nine cents pr. pound\u2014is 47. Dollars & 25 cents. Five months allowed for their being farrow, or fatting the Calves. Two calves annually raised, affords opportunity for disposing of that number of Cattle annually, either in Beef or milch Cows, which being worth 16 dollars each, makes 32 dollars: making in the whole 79 dollars 25 cents. Deduct for accidents &c. 9 Dollars 25 Cents\u2014leaves an annual product of 70 Dollars.\nHorses. \u261e\nWhatever these may produce must be considered as included in the general product of the Farm, for the cultivation of which they are made\u2014by the propagation of this animal\u2014unless it be in the more interior parts of the country where no market can be procured for Grain &ca.\nSheep annual product 28. dolls.\nTwenty store-sheep may be conveniently kept on a 200 acre farm. Their wool will average forty pounds per year, worth 23 Cents per pound, which makes 10 Dollars. Their increase in Lambs twelve\u2014this number being to be disposed of annually either in Lamb, or fatted Mutton\u2014they may be worth 1\u2153 dollars each\u2014makes 18 Dollars. Thus the whole annual product on Sheep will be 28 Dollars.\nHogs annual product 80 Dollars\nTen Hogs may be considered as the average number raised annually on a two hundred acre farm\u2014weighing 200 lb. nett each; making 2000 lb., @ 4 cents per pound. The value of the annual product will be 80 Dollars.\nPoultry ann. prot. 10. Ds.\nSuppose on an average ten dozen may be raised, worth one Dollar per Doz: their product will be Ten Dollars.\nWood consumd. in fuel 25 Cords.\nAllowing one Kitchen fire which burns, more or less, the whole year; and one other fire during the winter, for the convenience of the Family, I suppose the two fires will consume twenty five cords.\nConsumed by Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Hogs and Poultry\u2014Indian Corn 200 bushels. Rye 25 do\u2014Buckwheat 40 do.\u2014Potatoes 75. do.\u2014Hay 20 Tons.\nThe family consumption may be estimated by what will support nine persons vizt. the man, his Wife & three Children, one man hired by the year, one bound boy & Girl, the extra hiring of hands in harvest, & Hay making, spinsters, Visitors &ca equal to the maintenance of one person more during the year.\nTax paid annually for defraying the expences of the Country, supporting the poor & repairing the Roads, will average about 8 Dollars.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0105", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis Aug. 30. 1791.\nSir\nI make use of this conveyance by the English packet merely to announce to you that the bankers at Amsterdam have in consequence of my letters to them had a loan contracted for in behalf of the U.S. for six millions of guilders. The celerity with which it was taken up, as they inform me, shews the continuance of the high ground on which the credit of the U.S. stands at that place.\nThe bankers inform me that, agreeably to my desire, they announced this loan to you immediately on its being contracted for. It will be considered as a double loan & appropriated as directed in your letter of the 24th. of May.\nHaving an opportunity by the way of Havre to-morrow I defer till then the details respecting the commission on this loan as contained in a letter of the bankers to me of the 25th. inst.\nI have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient servant\nW: Short The Honble.Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury\u2014Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0107", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [31 August 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia, August 31, 1791]\nMr. Hamilton presents his compliments to the Secretary of State. He would think the turn of expression on the whole safer, if instead of what follows the words \u201cdepreciated medium\u201d the following was substituted\u2014\u201cand that in the final liquidation of the payments, which shall have been made, due regard will be had for an equitable allowance for the circumstance of depreciation.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0108", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, [31 August 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lear, Tobias\n[Philadelphia, August 31, 1791]\nDr. Sir\nThe only person definitively concluded upon by the President, is Philip Thomas, as Inspector of the revenue for Survey No. 2, in the District of Maryland, comprehending the counties of Alleghany, Washington, Frederick, & Montgomery.\nIt is his intention also to appoint Mr. Morris, the now 3d. mate of the Cutter at N.Y., to the Office of first mate, Mr. Boudenot having written me a letter of resignation; but, as he has not yet sent in his commission, the execution is suspended.\nMr. Carrington wishes that a duplicate commission for Colo. Marshall of Kentuckey may be forwarded through him, for fear of accident. I did not mention this to the President, but I believe it will be right to do it. Will you take the President\u2019s directon?\nYours wth great regard\nA. Hamilton\nAugust 31st. 91.\nBe so good as to deliver the papers herewith to the President.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0109", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 31 August 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston Aust 31 1791\nSir\nWhen I reported to you that I had contracted for the Cutter to be built in this State I mentioned that she was to be compleated fit for the sea that is with riging sails boats &c for 1440 dollars. After Captain Williams was appointed master he suggested to me his wishes that there might be some deviation from the plan I had given and on which the agreement was founded. On this I wrote to the builders that they might gratify the wishes of Captain Williams but that they must always bear it on their minds that they must not as they regarded their own interest do any thing to augment the expence for no additional allowance could be made them. Notwithstanding this caution they attended so far to the request of Captain Williams as to increase the size of the vessel about seven tons besides she is orniminted with a handsom head, quarter badges and a considerable carved work about her stern. By building a larger vessel it not only increased the expence of the hull but also of the riging. After the vessel was finished the builders wished me to see their accounts. I told them as I could not make any allowance it would not be of any importance and therefore declined examining them. I understood however that the vessel cost them about two thousand & fifty dollars (six hundred more than the contract). As I could not make them any allowance for their extra expences, they wished to build an other vessel smaller and receive this back when the second should be finished & delivered. I did not feel my Self authorized to close with them on their proposition. I think notwithstanding that It will be for the interest of the United States to do it. This vessel is really too heavy for the number of hands assigned her. A vessel of the size I first mentioned of about 58 tons would in my opinion be much better than the one we now have all circumstances considered. She would be big enough to answer every purpose and the expences of repairs much smaller. If the builders should build a smaller one they will, I think, build her at the rate of 1440 dollars for 63 tons & 63/95. This will reduce the expences and bring them nearer to your wishes.\nOn receiving directions to compleat the light house at Portland I employed for this purpose the same Gentlemen who had been appointed by this state to inspect the building of it in the first instance. The business being compleated I called for a settlement of their accounts. They have given them in & have charged to the United States the whole expence of the whole Light house and given credit for the sum they received in pay from this common wealth from which there is a large ballance due to them. I do not feel my self authorized to settle this account as stated. I do not consider the U. S. chargable with any expences prior to the Cession of the light house. The trustees are not satisfied with this decision. If I am wrong your suggestion of it will lead at once to close their accounts as stated. If right, your confirmation will end the dispute.\nYou mention in yours of the 20 inst the importance of prosecuting the receiver of run goods. How will this do after we have been obliged to use them as witnesses in a cause?\nHere with you will receive my accounts for the last quarter, the exportation return is making out, and also my weekly return.\nSecretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0110-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 31 August 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis August. 31 1791\nSir\nI had the honor of announcing to you yesterday by the way of the English packet the loan contracted for at Amsterdam for six millions of florins. I thought it best to give you the details of what has happened with respect to the charges & commission by this conveyance which is a person going to embark at Havre.\nMy several letters will have informed you of the several attempts I made to bring the bankers to undertake the loan at a rate of commission lower than the last. As I was unable to persuade them by arguments drawn from the interests of the U.S. I endeavoured to prevail on them by considerations of their own advantage & therefore making use of the authority given me in your late letters of repeating the loans, I agreed they should extend it to six millions, as they had asked to do; provided they would reduce the commission \u00bd. p. cent\u2014adding that if they refused this they must confine the loan to three millions only. It was possible that apprehending the U.S. might find other means of liquidating their debt to France through those who they knew wished to speculate in it, they might consider it more advantageous to make a loan of six millions at 3\u00bd. p. cent commission, than one of three at four p. cent. This was the only means left me of attempting to reduce them & I intended as I mentioned to you, that if they continued to refuse the reduction, then to authorize the extension of the loan to six millions, as I was persuaded at that time that it was the most advantageous measure that could be adopted for the U.S.\nThe bankers however, making use of their knowlege of the present situation of the U.S. & the advantages they derive from monies borrowed at Amsterdam, counting from past experience on the approbation of government, & supporting the measure by reasons of a local & momentary nature which they observe were necessarily unknown to me, have made this loan for six millions of florins & insist absolutely on the commission of four p. cent for the whole, notwithstanding the express condition of the contrary in the authority I gave them.\nThey have written me a voluminous letter to prove their right to this commission in consequence of their agreement as mentioned in their letter to you of Dec. 23. 90. approved & forwarded by me & also to shew that their present conduct cannot fail to be applauded. I do not send you a copy of this letter on account of its immense length & because I am persuaded they will have forwarded it to you as it contains all the reasons they could collect for their approbation.\nIt is dated the 25th. of August & came to my hands by the last post so that I have not yet answered it. They assert that they acquired a right to insist on 4. p. cent commission on all future 5. p. cent loans & produce the clause of their letter of Dec. 23 to you, & my forwarding it as evidence of this right. My letter to you of Jan. 15. will explain that circumstance & shew that I did not suppose myself authorized to make any contract for any other loan than the one immediately undertaken. I even had the clause of their letter changed & forwarded it in the form you received it (as mentioned in my letter to you of Jan. 18.) because what they told me was their reason for inserting it was to shew that they had not engaged to accept 4. p. cent commission on loans at a lower rate of interest. I made the less difficulty in forwarding their letter in the corrected form because as was understood necessarily between us every future loan was to be an object of future discussion & the more so as I could not know whether I should be employed to negotiate them. I own however I had no idea at that time of the commission\u2019s being reduced as it appeared to me certain that the profits of those employed were reduced as low as the usage of that place could admit of. Still I thought it useful to leave the subject open, that the U.S. might take such advantages as experience or their improved situation might give them & proper, that if any other person should succeed me in this business he might have the free exercise of his exertions for serving the U.S. in attempting to reduce the charges. Besides, a permanent engagement for the rate of commission wd. have been impolitic as it would have been binding on government & not on the commissioners, & of course never would have been consented to by me under any circumstance & particularly when I did not know how long I should continue to negotiate these loans for the U.S.\nAll the right which they claim therefore under their letter of the 23d. of Dec. I consider as groundless & their conduct in thus extending the loan contrary to the authorization contained in my letters, as by no means justifiable.\nThe reasons which they give for thus precipitating the loan as derived from local circumstances unknown to me, & which they say would have removed all their doubts of being approved if those mentioned above had left any, are 1. that the Province of Holland is to bring a loan immediately on the market for eight or ten millions of guilders for the service of the East India company & that it was therefore necessary to contract previously with the undertakers. 2. that it is now certain a tax is to be laid of 1. p. cent on all loans negotiated in Holland by foreign powers & that it will probably commence about the beginning of the next year, & of course it was to be desired to commence this loan immediately so as to make another before the new tax takes place. 3. that experience has shewn that a loan for six millions can be filled in nearly the same time as one of half of that sum.\nThese considerations add to my former persuasion that it is much for the advantage of the U.S. to push their loans at present, on the terms of the last as to charges, if they cannot be reduced (the probability of success in London not being yet so established as to authorize the abandoning the resources of Amsterdam) yet they will not prevent me from still endeavouring to bring the bankers as to the present loan to the conditions proposed in my letters. I fear much however they are too fully masters of our situation to consent to the reduction, being fully persuaded the wants of government would prevent their disapproving a loan otherwise agreeable, on account of \u00bd p. cent commission. They will certainly have taken their precautions with the undertakers in the case of my accepting the loan only for three millions, or if they have recieved or should recieve the money they would pay it to the French government probably counting on your approbation, which they would see you in the impossibility of refusing under those circumstances.\nThus it would be imprudent for me to reject altogether the latter three millions of this loan; besides that would prevent me from announcing to you at present the sums at your disposal, since if the loan were three millions only, 1\u00bd. would be the part you destine for your service at home & if the whole six millions are accepted it will be 2\u00bd. And farther as matters stand at present, the question whether it is for the interest of the U.S. to accept the whole of this loan on the terms proposed, if they cannot be reduced, leaving no doubt I have thought it best to announce to you that you may consider 2\u00bd. millions of florins at your disposal as soon as you shall recieve this information, & without informing the bankers of this endeavour, by all the means in my power to bring them to the conditions of my letters, finally assenting to those they insist on, if they persevere. In the mean time the cash as recieved by them will be immediately paid to this government that there may be no double interest. I will inform you regularly of the progress of this business.\nThe bonds for this loan will be the same as those for the last, the conditions of re-imbursement &c. being the same. I shall go to Amsterdam to sign them. The bankers recommend it to me to go there towards the end of this year for that purpose as they observe that by then signing the bonds for a new Loan, the tax may be avoided. I shall defer my journey until I know fully what may be hoped for in London or Genoa as our proceedings in Amsterdam will of course be directed by the prospects elsewhere. The undertakers have until the end of January to complete their engagements, being obliged however to pay an equal proportion of the sums they have contracted for, in each month. The bankers are persuaded that they will for their own advantage anticipate the epochs agreed on.\nI omitted mentioning to you in my letter of the 23d. inst. that the f 350,000 balance in the hands of the bankers had been paid to this government under your order for extending the payments out of the last loan, to 1\u00bd. million of florins\u2014this payment in addition to the f 1,000,000 already paid out of the same loan making f 1,350,000. I formerly mentioned to you the amount in livres of that million of florins. The f 350,000 produced agreeably to the exchange agreed on with the commissaries of the treasury 941,175\u20b6. 9s.\nI have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect \u27e8respect\u27e9\nThe Honble.Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury, Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0110-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard to William Short, 25 August 1791\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTo: Short, William\nAmsterdam 25 August 1791\nSir\nWe had the pleasure to address you the 22nd. Inst. and now come to reply particularly to your respected favors of 12 & 14 ditto.\nWe must confess to you Sir, that your sticking to reduce the Charges We fixed with you for the Five per Cent Loans of the United-States, after We had placed them upon the very lowest footing, is truly surprizing to us, more especially as It is striving to recede from a Bargain already agreed between us, and approved by the Secretary of the Treasury of the United-States, as well as militating against the Mode ever practised here, in agreeing for the Charges in this Line of Business by the Lump; From which We informed you personally and You knew thro\u2019 the Communication of our Letters to the Treasury, It ought not to be expected We should depart.\nTo demonstrate the Truth of these Assertions, and thereby to convince you, that our Charges of Four per Cent for all Expences on the Five per Cent Loans, are already fixed, and independant of any Change in the Premium We may pay to the Undertakers, We beg leave to refer you to this Part of our Letter of 23 Decbr last to the Secretary of the Treasury,\n\u201cMr. Short informed us It was expected also, He should be able to fix more advantageous Conditions for the Charges of the future Loans, and notwithstanding We assured him the last Loan at Four and an half per Cent for Commission, Premiums, Brokerage and all other Expences was as reasonable as It ought to be, as well as much cheaper than Russia and the other Powers of Europe paid, He stuck to this Point, with a Perseverance We must confess not to have a little surprized us: But considering the Relation We already have with the United-States, and the Injury any Application to others, would certainly have caused to their Credit and Interests, We consented to negotiate the future Five per Cent Loans, at Four per Cent, for Commission, Premiums, Brokerage & all other Charges, thereby offering a most unequivocal Testimony of the Value We set upon our Connexion with the United-States, and our Desire to satisfy and accomodate their Government all in our Power. Mr. Short having assented to the Offer authorised us &c.\u201d\nThe aforesaid Letter We delivered open to you\u2014Sir, inclosed in One directed to yourself, with this Request, \u201cWe take the liberty to inclose you open, our Letter of this Date to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United-States, entreating you to peruse same, and approving the Contents to forward it.\u201d The bare Inspection of this our Letter of 23 Decbr to the Secretary of the Treasury, wherein We tell him, You had consented to allow us Four per Cent, for Charges of Negotiation on the Five per Cent Loans, and your full Approbation in forwarding it without any remark, much less reclamation, establishing most incontrovertibly, that the Charges of Four per Cent were fixed for all the future Loans at Five Per Cent Interest; We shall now proceed a Step further, and wave for a Moment only, our Right to decline entering into any disenssion upon (the premium) an abstract Part of a general & compound Arrangement, moulded by our Agreement with you into a single Result, by evidencing in an equally strong Light, that this Agreement was however as well by you as ourselves, concluded upon the Basis, that the premium upon the American Loans would be more than 1\u00bd per Cent; Which We do by a Reference to our Letter of the 1 March last to the secretary of the Treasury, that was approved of by you here in all its Parts; We therein merely satisfy the Secretary of the Treasury (as He confesses) of the Mode of conducting and closing the Business of Loans here, dissected the Charges upon the last Loan of March as follows\n\u201cYou\u2019ll thereby see, that after deducting\npr. Cent Premium\n\u214c Ct. Brokerage\n\u214c Ct. for Seals, Notary\u2019s Signatures, Charges &c. Advertisements, Papers for the Bonds and other incidental Expences, there remains but\n\u201c \u201c for our commission\nPer Cent that We fixed with Mr. Short to do the Business for:\nWe at that time calculated to give but 1\u00bd per Cent Premium to the Undertakers, But when It was question of only a Sacrifice of our Interest, to accelerate Mr. Short\u2019s Wish to open the Loan immediately, We did not balance a Moment to make it, by allowing Two per Cent premium, the least We could obtain the Money for.\u201d\nIn the aforegoing Instance, We to hasten the Accomplishment of your Wishes, by giving up One half per Cent in the Premium, reduced the Compensation for each of our Houses, below the Basis upon which was calculated the Agreement between You and Us, and even to what is paid for Brokerage only; An Allowance too disproportionate in every respect, the Brokers having but very little Trouble and none of our great risques & responsibility, to be just in any degree, and much less to be rendered permanent, thro\u2019 your endeavors to establish our Resignation and Surrender of our Rights in one Instance, to be a Precedent for our being stripped of them in future Transactions, notwithstanding they are guaranteed to us by express Agreement.\nBeing most fully persuaded, that the aforegoing Eclaircissements, are more than abundantly sufficient, to convey irresistible Conviction to your Mind, of our being incontestably entitled to four per Cent Charged on the future Five per Cent Loans for the United States, and thus removing all Objections to extending the Loan You order us to open; We have presented it for Six Millions of Guilders at Five per Cent per Annum Interest, to be dated the First Day of September next, and reimbursable in Five Instalments of f 1,200,000\u2014.\u2014 each, commencing the First Day of September 1802 and ending the First Day of September 1806. Which Loans by means of our preparatory Measures, has been immediately undertaken with all the Eclat You can wish, and has exhibited a new Proof of the Degree which the Credit of the United-States has attained here, to the great Satisfaction of their Friends, and Astonishment of some Persons, To whom the Prosperity and rising Power of the United-States, are by no means pleasing prospects.\nHad We entertained any the least Particle of Doubt, of this our Conduct, meeting your hearty Approbation and securing us your Thanks, It would have been removed by the following Reflexion, The most important of which You could not know, and the others perhaps You were not perfectly acquainted with.\nBefore the Fifth Day of next Month, a Loan will be determined upon, to be raised by the Province of Holland for the Service of our East-India Company, to the large Amount of Eight or Ten Million of Guilders; To precede which was essentially necessary for the Success of the Loan for the United-States, and there every Moment was precious, to conclude the Bargain with the Undertakers.\nIt is now reduced to a Certainty, that One of the new Taxes to be laid upon this Country, and that will it is presumed take place about the Commencement of the ensuing Year, is a Duty of One per Cent upon the principal of all Loans that will be raised here for Foreign Powers, A very heavy Incumbrance; to spare which as much as possible for the United-States, demanded every exertion, to bring as soon as could eligibly be effected, the greatest Amount of Loans for the United-States upon our Market that might be practicable, especially as exclusive of the Honor and Advantage, of reimbursing at once all the Arrears of Interest and Reimbursment of the Instalments due upon the principal of their Debt to France; The United-States are subject to no useless Interest, as the Payments can be made to the National-Treasury of that Country as fast as We receive the Monies.\nExperience has demonstrated by the last Loan of March, that It will be possible to launch a new Loan upon the Market for the United-States, as soon or very nearly so after the present Loan for Six Millions, as if We had confined it to half that Sum; Wherefore as the Credit of the United-States justifies our entertaining the hope, to have it in our Power to raise another Loan for them, towards the end of the present or Commencement of the New Year, We may flatter ourselves, that by arranging your Journey, so as to remain here about that Period, You may at same time as You sign the Bonds for the Loan of next Month, pass those for another Loan, so as to save the new Duty upon that also; An Economy much more essential and important than a triffling Difference upon our Charges.\nBesides Sir, We have taken into consideration, What probably has not yet attracted your Attention, that the Time is now fast drawing near, when the United-States will have to reimburse the Instalments of the first Loan they borrowed here, and that those will gradually become consequential.\nThus, the United-States having to provide here for\nThe Reimbursment of the Arrears of Interest & Instalments due on the principal of the French Debt.\nThe Payment by anticipation of the Instalments of ditto not yet due, to avail the United-States of the actual unprecedented favorable Exchange.\nThe large Sums annually to be paid here, for Interest upon the Loans raised in Holland, and which the Secretary of the Treasury, has given us a standing Order to discharge from the Monies in our hands.\nThe Reimbursments of the Instalments upon the Dutch Loans as they fall due.\nAnd It being highly probable, the Secretary will wish to provide for all these Objects by Loans here, until the full Organisation & complete Operation of the Bank of the United-States, and until the produce of the Taxes already laid or that yet are to be laid, to face the Civil List, Interest upon the Domestic-Debt, Interest upon the State-Debts assumed & other Objects of Expenditure of the United-States, shall yield a Surplus, to be remitted here to the Discharge of their Foreign Engagements; We cannot but judge, You will be deeply impressed as We are, with the propriety nay the absolute Necessity, of letting slip no Opportunity, to raise Monies for the United-States, to secure the punctual Fulfilment of all these Objects, since the Reimbursments to France, can be made to such immense Advantage to the United-States, without subjecting them to any useless Interest; And consequently fully approve our Zeal & Exertions to promote their Interests, and to facilitate the Plans of the Secretary of the Treasury; Who has in the most flattering Terms, sanctioned the whole of our Conduct in the Management of the Affairs of the United-States, and done Justice to our Moderation, in fixing the Conditions with you, for negotiating the future Five per Cent Loans.\nThe Bonds of the Six Millions Loan will be dated the First of next Month; But It would not have been possible to deviate from the constant practice here, of leaving to the Underwriters the faculty to receive them immediately after their signing a Contract or whenever they please, with the Enjoyment of the running Month\u2019s Interest as customary, that is, They benefit of the Interest upon the Months they take their Bonds in, and thus pay no more for them the last Day of the Month than they would have done the first Day; The reason, Why by far the major Part nay almost the whole Receipts of Monies, are on the very last Days of Months; Thus, by allowing Interest only from the First Day of September, We should have postponed the Opening of the Loan and Receipts of Money as for whole Month, without any good purpose whatever; But on the contrary, We should thereby have subjected the United-States, to a longer risque for profiting of the favorable French Exchange, and protracted for a Month, the Opening of a fresh Loan for the United-States, Which might have precluded the possibility to effect it, timely to save the Duty upon Foreign Loans. The Undertakers are allowed until the last Day of next January to receive their Bonds in, an equal Portion however in each Month. But You may depend Most of the Capital ones, will avail themselves of their priviledge to furnish their Monies as soon as they choose, to call for large Parcels of them early, and thus that our Receipts of Money will be important in the first Months: We even do not doubt, We shall have a good Sum the Commencement of next Month at your Disposal, About which We shall therefore expect your immediate Orders. At present the Exchange at Paris is more favorable for the United-States than at this place: Perhaps You may be able to fix with the Commissioners of the Treasury, the Course as at Paris, at which the United-States shall have credit, for our Payments to Messrs. Hogguer Grand & Cy. Or, if You prefer leaving the Settlement of this Point to us, or that We should make Remittances for the Monies, You may depend upon our utmost Attention, to fulfill your directions, to the greatest advantage of the United-States.\nBy a Vessel on the point of sailing for New-York and likewise by way of England, We communicate to the Secretary of the Treasury as You desire, the Success and particulars of this Loan, at our Charges fixed with you and approved of by him, for the future Five per Cent Loans.\nYour draft on us advised in your Letter of 18 August for f 220\u2014.\u2014 order Grand & Co: for your Salary, will meet usual punctual Honor.\nWe are respectfully \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obedient and very humble Servants\nWilhem & Jan Willink\nN & J. Van Staphorst & Hubbard\nWillm. Short Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0111", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [31 August 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, August 31, 1791]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to transmit herewith to the President of the United States the result of the enquiry on the subject of Mr. Drayton.\nAugust 31.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0113", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Guest, August 1791\nFrom: Guest, Henry\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New] Brunswick [New] Jersey, August, 1791. Urges Hamilton to establish at New Brunswick \u201cthe public Manufactory\u201d of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0114", "content": "Title: Prospectus of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, [August 1791]\nFrom: Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, August, 1791]\nThe establishment of Manufactures in the United States when maturely considered will be fo\u27e8und\u27e9 to be of the highest importance to their prosperity. It \u27e8is\u27e9 an almost self evident proposition that that com\u27e8muni\u27e9ty which can most completely supply its own w\u27e8ants\u27e9 is in a state of the highest political perfection. \u27e8And\u27e9 both theory and experience conspire to prove that a nation (unless from a very peculiar coincidence of circumstances) cannot possess much active wealth but as the result of extensive manufactures.\nWhile also it is manifest that the interest of the community is deeply concerned in the progress of this species of Industry, there is \u27e8as\u27e9 little room to doubt that the interest of individuals may equally be promoted by the pursuit of it. What \u27e8is\u27e9 there to hinder the profitable prosecution of manufact\u27e8ures\u27e9 in this Country, when it is notorious, that, independent of impositions for the benefit of the revenue and for the encouragement of domestic enterprise\u2014the natural commercial charges of the greater part of th\u27e8ose\u27e9 which are brought from Europe amount to from fiftee\u27e8n to\u27e9 thirty per Cent\u2014and when it is equally notorious that provisions and various kinds of raw materials are ev\u27e8en\u27e9 cheaper here than in the Country from which our principal supplies come?\nThe dearness of labour and the want of Capital are the two great objections to the success of manufactures in the United States.\nThe first objection ceases to be formidable when it is recollected how prodigiously the proportion of manual labour in a variety of manufactures has been decreased by the late improvements in the construction and application of Machines\u2014and when it is also considered to what an extent women and even children in the populous parts of the Country may be rendered auxiliary to undertakings of this nature. It is also to be taken into calculation that emigrants may be engaged on reasonable terms in countries where labour is cheap, and brought over to the United States.\nThe last objection disappears in the eye of those who are aware how much may be done by a proper application of the public Debt. Here is the resource which has been hitherto wanted. And while a direction of it to this object may be made a mean of public prosperity and an instrument of profit to adventurers in the enterprise, it, at the same time, affords a prospect of an enhancement of the value of the debt; by giving it a new and additional employment and utility.\nIt is evident that various fabrics, under every supposed disadvantage, are in a very promising train. And that the success has not been still more considerable may be traced to very obvious causes.\nScarcely any has been undertaken upon a scale sufficiently extensive or with a due degree of system. To insure success it is desireable to be able to enter into competition with foreign fabrics in three particulars\u2014quality, price, term of credit. To the first, workmen of equal skill is an essential ingredient. The means employed have not generally been adequate to the purpose of procuring them from abroad and those who have been procureable at home have for the most part been of an inferior class. To cheapness of price, a capital equal to the purpose of making all necessary advances, and procuring materials on the best te\u27e8rms\u27e9 is an indispensible requisite\u2014and to the giving of \u27e8Credit\u27e9 a Capital capable of affording a surplus beyond wh\u27e8at\u27e9 is required for carrying on the business is not less indispensible. But most undertakings hitherto have been bottomed on very slender resources.\nTo remedy this defect an association of the Capitals of a number of Individuals is an obvious expedient\u2014and the species of Capital which cons\u27e8ists of\u27e9 the public Stock is susceptible of dispositions which will render it adequate to the end. There is good reason to expect that as far as shall be found necessary money on reasonable terms may be procured abroad upon an hypothecation of the Stock. It is presumeable that public Banks would not refuse their aid in the same way to a solid institution of so great public utility. The pecuniary aid even of Government though not to be counted upon, ought not wholly to be despaired of. And when the Stock shall have attained its due value so that no loss will attend the sale all such aids may be dispensed with. The Stock may then be turned into specie without disadvantage whenever specie is called for.\nBut it is easy to see that upon a good Capital in Stock an effective Credit may be raised in various ways which will answer every purpose in specie, independent of the direct expedient of borrowing.\nTo effect the desired association an incorporation of the adventurers must be contemplated as a mean necessary to their security. This can doubtless be obtained. There is scarcely a state which could be insensible to the advantage of being the scene of such an undertaking. But there are reasons which strongly recommend the state of New Jersey for the purpose. It is thickly populated\u2014provisions are there abundant and cheap. The state having scarcely any external commerce and no waste lands to be peopled can feel the impulse of no supposed interest hostile to the advancement of manufactures. Its situation seems to insure a constant friendly disposition.\nThe great and preliminary desideratum then is to form a sufficient capital. This it is conceived, ought not to be less than Five hundred thousand Dollars. Towards forming this capital subscriptions ought immediately to be set on foot; upon this condition that no subscriber shall be bound to pay until an Act of Incorporation shall have been obtained\u2014for which application may be made as soon as the sums subscribed shall amount to One hundred thousand Dollars.\nAs soon as it is evident that a proper Capital can be formed means ought to be taken to procure from Europe skilful workmen and such machines and implements as cannot be had here in sufficient perfection. To this the existing crisis of the affairs of certain parts of Europe appears to be particularly favourable. It will not be necessary that all the requisite workmen should be brought from thence. One in the nature of a foreman for each branch may in some branches suffice. In others it may be requisite to go further and have one for each subdivision. But numbers of workmen of secondary merit may be found in the United States; and others may be quickly formed.\nIt is conceived that there would be a moral certainty of success in manufactories of the following articles\u2014\n1st\nPaper and Pasteboard\n2nd\nPaper hangings\n3rd\nSail cloth and other coarse linen cloths, such as sheetings, shirtings, diaper, oznaburgs &ca.\n4th\nThe printing of Cottons and linens; and as incident to this but on a smaller scale the manufacturing of the article to be printed.\n5th\nWomens shoes of all kinds.\n6th\nThread, Cotton and Worsted Stockings.\n7th\nPottery and Earthen Ware.\n8th\nChip Hats\n9th\nRibbands & Tapes\n10th\nCarpets\n11th\nBlankets\n12th\nBrass and Iron wire.\n13th\nThread and Fringes.\nIt will be unnecessary to enter into the det\u27e8ails\u27e9 of the execution further than to observe that the employment of the labor-saving mills and machines is particularly contemplated.\nIn addition to the foregoing a brewery for the supply of the manufacturers, as a primary object, may be thought of.\nWhen application shall be made for an act of Incorporation it ought to include a request that provision may be made for incorporating the Inhabitants of the district within a certain defined limit which shall be chosen by the Company as the principal seat of their factories and a further request that the Company may have permission to institute a lottery or lotteries in each year for the term of five years for a sum or sums not exceeding in one year One hundred thousand dollars. The State of Jersey if duly sensible of its interest in the measure will not refuse encouragements of this nature.\nAn incorporation of this sort will be of great importance to the police of the establishment. It may also be found eligible to vest a part of the funds of the Company in the purchase of ground on which to erect necessary buildings &c. A part of this ground divided into town lots may be afterwards a source of profit to the Company.\nThe lottery will answer two purposes. It will give a temporary command of Money and the profit arising from it will go towards indemnifying for first unproductive efforts.\nThe following scheme for the organisation of the Company will probably be an eligible one\u2014\n1.\u2007 The Capital of the Company as before remarked to consist of Five hundred thousand dollars, to be divided into Five thousand Shares, each share being One hundred Dollars, [The Company nevertheless to be at liberty to extend their capital to one Million of Dollars.]\n2.\u2007 Any person Copartnership or body politic may subscribe for as many shares as he she or they may think fit. The sums subscribed to be payable\u2014One half in the funded six per Cent Stock, or in three per Cent Stock at two dollars for one, and the other half in deferred Stock. The payments to be in four equal parts. The first at the time of subscription, the second in six months after, the third in six months after the second, and the fourth in six months after the third. Those who prefer paying in Specie to be permitted to do so, computing the funded six per Centum at par, and the deferred according to its present value at the time of payment discounting the interest thereupon during the suspension of payment at the rate of Six per Centum per annum.\n3rd.\u2007 The affairs of the Company to be under the management of thirteen Directors to be chosen annually on the first Monday of October in each year by plurality of suffrages of the Stockholders. The Directors by plurality of voices to choose from among themselves a Governor and Deputy Governor.\n4th.\u2007 The number of votes to which each Stockholder shall be intitled, shall be in proportion to the number of shares he shall hold that is to say one vote for each share. But neither the United States nor any State which may beco\u27e8me\u27e9 a Subscriber shall be entitled to more than One hundred votes. The United States or any State nevertheless, which may subscribe for not less than One hundred Shares may appoint a Commissioner who shall have a right at all times to inspect the proceedings of the Company and the state of its affairs but without any authority to controul. Every Subscriber may vote by Attorney duly constituted.\n5th.\u2007 There shall be a statea meeting of the Directors on every first monday of January, April, July and October at the place which is the principal seat of the Manufactory. But the Governor for the time being or any three Directors may by writing under his or their hands, directed to the other Directors and left at their respective places of abode at least fourteen days prior to the day for Meeting, or by advertisement in one public Gazette printed in the State where the Corporation shall be established and in another public Gazette printed in the City of Philadelphia, and in another public Gazette printed in the City of New York for the space of thirty days prior to the time of Meeting convene a special meeting of Directors, for the purpose of transacting business of the company.\n6th\u2007 No Director shall receive any emolument unless the same shall have been allowed by the Stockholders at a General meeting. But the Directors may appoint such Officers and with such compensations as they shall think fit.\n7th\u2007 Not less than seven Directors, if the Governor or Deputy Governor be not one shall constitute a Board for the transaction of business. But if the Governor or Deputy Governor be one four shall suffice. In case it should at any time happen that there are two separate meetings of five or more Directors each, but both less than a majority of the whole, one having the Governor, and the other the Deputy Governor, that at which the Governor shall be present shall be the legal one.\n8th.\u2007 The Directors to have power to make all Bye-laws, rules and regulations requisite for conducting the affairs of the Company.\n9th\u2007 At every annual Meeting of the Stockholders for the purpose of choosing Directors the Directors shall lay before them a general state of the affairs of the Company exhibiting the amount of its Stock, Debts and Credits, the different kinds of Manufactures carried on, the number of persons employed in each and their respective compensations together with an account of profit and loss.\n10th.\u2007 [The persons not exceeding five in number who at any general meeting shall have next after the Directors chosen the highest number of votes for Directors shall by force thereof be a committee of Inspection and shall have a right of access to all the books of the Company and of examination into all its affairs, and shall at each succeeding meeting report all such authentic facts as shall come to their knowlege to the Stockholders for their information.] The Stockholders may [also] if they think fit at any general meeting appoint by plurality of suffrages any five of their number for the purpose of making such inquiries and investigations as they may think necessary.\n11th.\u2007 The Stockholders at a General meeting may annul or alter any of the Regulations established by the Directors and make such others as they may think necessary.\n12th.\u2007 Any Board of Directors or either of the Committees above-mentioned may at any time call a general meeting of Stockholders; giving thirty days previous notice thereof in three Gazettes, one published in the state in which the Factory shall be established another in the City of Philadelphia and another in the City of New York.\n13th.\u2007 Every Cashier or Treasurer of the Corporation shall before he enters upon the duties of his Office give Bond with one or more sureties to the satisfaction of the Directors for the faithful execution of his duty in a sum not less than Twenty thousand Dollars.\n14th.\u2007 So much of the Capital Stock of the Company as may consist of public Debts shall be placed on the Books of the Treasury of the United States in the name of the Corporation; and every Stockholder shall be entitled to a license under the Seal of the Corporation to inspect the account of the said Stock at his pleasure as far as may comport with the rules of the Treasury. This however shall not prevent the investment of the said Debt in Stock of the Bank of the United States, reserving to each Stockholder the like right of Inspection in relation to the Stock of the Company so invested.\n15th\u2007 There shall be a yearly dividend of [so much of] the profits of the Company [as the Directors shall think proper] for the first five years, and after that period a half yearly dividend.\n16th\u2007 The Stock of the Corporation shall be assignable and transferable according to such rules as shall be instituted in that behalf by its laws & Ordinances.\n17th.\u2007 The Corporation shall be at liberty to make and vend all such Articles as shall not be prohibited by law: Provided that it shall only trade in such articles as itself shall manufacture in whole or part or in such as shall be received in payment or exchange therefor. Provided nevertheless that this shall not prevent the investment of any sums paid in specie in Stock of the United States or in Bank Stock.\n18.\u2007 It shall be understood that a Majority of the Stockholders may at any time dissolve the Corporation; but this shall only be done at a general meeting which shall have been specially summoned for the purpose with public notice of the intent. And upon such dissolution the Directors for the time being shall be ipso facto trustees for settling all the affairs of the Corporation disposing of its effects paying its debts and dividing the surplus among the Stockholders in proportion to their respective interests in the Stock; [unless the Stockholders at a General Meeting previous to such dissolution shall have nominated other persons as trustees; in which case those persons shall be trustees for the purposes aforesaid.]\n19.\u2007 The Stock and other property of the Corporation to be exempt from Taxes.\nThe management of the Affairs of this Company will require that an Agent should be appointe\u27e8d\u27e9 to Superintend all the different works and the disposition of the Articles manufactured in conformity to the general regulations of the Directors. This Agent ought to have such a compensation as will command the services of a man every way competent and trustworthy. Such a man may doubtless be found. It is not necessary that he should be a technical man in any of the branches of manufacture; but a man of information, thoroughly a man of business, of probity, and diligence and energy.\nWe the Subscribers for ourselves respectively and not one for the other and for our respective heirs, executors and administrators do severally covenant promise and agree to and with each other and with the heirs Executors and Administrators of each other that we will respectively contribute and pay in the manner and at the times specified in the plan hereunto annexed the respective sums against our respective names hereunder set for the purpose of establishing a company for carrying on the business of manufactures in one of the States of New York New Jersey and Pennsylvania (giving a preference to New Jersey if an incorporation can be obtained from the said State on advantageous terms) according to the general principles of the plan aforesaid, but subject to such alterations as shall be agreed upon at any time previous to the obtaining an Act of Incorporation either in the principles or details thereof by the major part of us whose names are hereunto subscribed, or in the details thereof only, as shall be thought fit by the major part of the persons hereinafter named. And we do hereby jointly and severally constitute and appoint  one and each of our Attornies who or the major part of them or the major part of the survivors of them are hereby empowered as soon as the sum of One hundred thousand Dollars shall be subscribed hereto to make application on our behalf to either of the States aforesaid (giving such preference as aforesaid to the State of New Jersey) for an Act or Acts of Incorporation according to the principles of the plan aforesaid with such alterations in the details thereof as shall appear to them eligible, or with such alterations whatsoever, as shall be previously agreed upon by us; And further to take such measures at our joint expense as shall appear to them necessary and proper for engaging workmen in the several branches of manufacture mentioned in the said plan.\nIn testimony whereof We have hereunto subscribed and set our hands and seals, the  day of  in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and ninety One.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0115", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Boston, September 1, 1791. On September 27, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Appleton: \u201cYou observe in your letter of the first instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0116", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Foster, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Foster, Theodore\nPhiladelphia, 1 Sept., 1791.\nDear Sir:\nI have had the pleasure of receiving your two letters of the 23rd July & 4th of August. You concluded rightly that it could require no apology for entering into the detail with which you have favored me. On a subject so interesting to your State, your desire to communicate information was indulged with peculiar propriety, & on any subject I shall always esteem myself obliged by your sentiments. Thoroughly impressed with the hardship of a decision against the certificates which had been surrendered to the State by their Proprietors, I did not come to it without a serious struggle between my Judgment & my Wishes; but after mature deliberation I saw no way of allowing those Certificates to be received on the proposed loan which would not involve inextricable embarrassment. All the States have called in large portions of their respective Debts.\nThere is good reason to believe, that on a close investigation Rhode Island might not be found to be the only State in which they had been so called in for a very inadequate consideration. And tho\u2019 it might be urged to distinguish the case, that Rhode Island alone compelled the surrender, on pain of forfeiture, it might be answered that in sound equity, there is no very material distinction between obliging Persons to surrender their property for less than its value, under the penalty of confiscation and laying them under a necessity of doing the same thing, from the total and deliberate neglect of a better provision. Be this as it may, I saw no safe rule, that would be admitted to be such by even the candid part of those, whose interest it might be to dispute it, by which I could pronounce that Certificates surrendered and cancelled by the Mutual Acts of the Creditor and Debtor should be permitted to receive and acquire validity in respect to one State and not in respect to another. And without such rule, all the extinguished portions of the Debts of all the States might, if they should think proper to make it so, acquire a capacity of being subscribed towards the assumption. Where this would lead it is not necessary to say. The two Carolinas have actually passed laws for subscribing the portions of their respective Debts which have been extinguished by them\u2014the only answer I can give is that a Bond surrendered as discharged constitutes no Debt and that in every such case, there is no Debt to be assumed.\nI cannot allow an after act of a State to create a Debt within the meaning of the funding Act, which it cannot be admitted to have contemplated as then in existence. It may be asked, How then shall the Certificates which remained in the hands of Individuals, but which were forfeited by the law of the State, be admitted upon the Loan, any more than those which were surrendered? This is a question not wholly free from difficulty; but if I had found no distinction satisfactory to my own mind, I should have been obliged to reject the whole. Such a distinction, however, was in my opinion to be found. Upon principle, it is a general rule, that the dissolution of a contract by one party without the concurrence of the other, is void.\nThe Creditors who did not concur may claim the benefit of that rule and it is to be supposed that it was the intention of Congress, they should have it. It may be said to be a legal presumption that Congress, at the time of passing the funding Act, was acquainted with the laws of Rhode Island respecting the Certificates. And in point of fact the generality of them were so at least in substance. They must, therefore, have been apprised, that if the forfeiture annexed in those laws to the not bringing in the certificates for payment was to prevail, there was no debt of the State of Rhode Island to be assumed. By assuming a Sum of 200,000 Dollars, a sum by the way nearly corresponding with the amount of the outstanding Certificates, the clear inference is that they meant to consider those Certificates as in force, and the forfeiture as far as regarded the assumption, as inoperative. But it is not a reasonable presumption, that they could have intended to comprise the surrendered Certificates, which could not even be repossessed by the individual proprietors without a subsequent act of the State.\nI have made some suggestions in this letter, which I should perhaps have omitted if I had considered it as strictly official, and therefore request that it may be received as a private and in some sort a confidential communication.\nI cannot lose the opportunity of expressing to you that I feel myself truly and very much indebted to the Senators of Rhode Island for the very flattering manner in which they have made mention of the Secretary of the Treasury in their late communication to the State.\nThe measure of their approbation certainly exceeds that of his services or pretentions.\nWith respectful consideration and real regard, I have the honor to be \u2003 Dear Sir \u2003 Your obedient Servant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0117", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Le Roy and Bayard, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Le Roy and Bayard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewyork 1 Septber 1791\nDr Sir!\nYour Esteemed Favor of the 26 Ulto. only reached us this day, and that after the Sailing of the Packet. We were done drawing, or Should have been happy in Supplying you with a bill for \u00a31000. Stg. We desired Mr. Mc.Evers to Spare you whatever he had left of those, we sent him for Sale. The Exchange we sold at was from 4\u00bd to 4 p ct Cash. Probably we may again Shortly be drawing, when we will cheerfully furnish you with the Sum required if Still wanted. Constable is drawing now at 4\u00bd p ct. We have this day received a Letter from a Committee chosen by the Subscribers [to the] National Bank, requesting that a meeting of the Stockholders may be called here, in order to devise some plan of coopperation as to voting for Directors. An opinion here we think Seems prevalent, as to the choice of Electors, wch. if we recollect, was what you wished to take place. We presume that a meeting Shortly will be called here. We Subscribe ourselves respectfully & with much Esteem \u2003 Dr Sir. \u2003 Your humble Servants\nLeRoy & Bayard Alexander Hamilton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0118", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [1 September 1791]\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, September 1, 1791]\nMr. Wolcott respectfully informs the Secretary of the Treasury, that Stephen Drayton Esq: of south Carolina, is charged on the Books of the Quarter Master Department, with between, three & four Millions of Dollars in old emissions recd. by him, principally during the years 1779. & 1780. Also that certificates of Specie value, to a large amount, were issued by said Drayton & his assistants, which have been settled by the State of So. Carolina, & for which the said Drayton will be held accountable.\nOn enquiry I have full reason to believe that no accounts or documents have been transmitted to the late commissioner for the Quarter Master Department, or to the Treasury, respecting the expenditure of moneys, or the applications of supplies for which certificates were issued; & therefore no opinion can be given of the manner in which Mr. Drayton will account.\nThursday Sept. 1. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0119", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 2 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Short, William\n(Duplicate)\nTreasury DepartmentSeptember 2. 1791\nSir\nSince my last to you of the first of August I have received your several letters of the 3d. 5. 10 & 19th of June.\nMost of the points mentioned in those letters will find sufficient answers in my several communications of the 9th & 24th of May, June 25 & 30th & the 1st of August, all of which having gone, by duplicates at least, and some by triplicates, I take it for granted have gotten or will get safe to hand.\nPrevious to saying any thing further, by way of answer, it is proper to inform you of a circumstance which has recently taken place here. Mr. Ternant, shortly after his arrival, made a representation against the payment of the monies due to France in its depreciated paper or assignats. You will readily conclude that the answer to such a representation could only be, that was not the intention of the United States to take advantage of the circumstance of depreciation, and that an equitable allowance would be made for that circumstance in the final adjustment of the payments which shall have been made.\nIt therefore becomes important to distinguish mere depreciation from rate of exchange. To illustrate my meaning, I observe, that you state in your letter of the 3d of June the exchange between Amsterdam and Paris as upwards of twenty \u214c Ct (say 20) in favor of the former. You also state the rate of the depreciation of Assignats at Paris, or in other words, the difference between equal sums in specie & Assignats, at 10 \u214c Ct. Here then the rate of exchange, exclusive of depreciation, was 10 \u214c Ct above par, in favour of Amsterdam.\nTwo modes of adjusting this matter occur\u2014one, to note at each period of payment the rate of exchange and the rate of depreciation and to pay the money, if desired, in Holland at a rate of exchange corresponding with the difference; the other, to sell bills on Amsterdam for specie, and pay the proceeds into the French Treasury.\nAs it may hereafter be questioned whether the rate of depreciation can be distinguished from the rate of exchange, it will be well to endeavour to put this point out of doubt. If circumstances permit the sale of bills at Paris, in specie, at a rate of exchange, which is nearly a mean between the nominal or declared rate of exchange and the actual rate of depreciation, (which on the data noticed above ought to be 10 \u214c Ct) this would afford an incontestable criterion. For Paris being the stipulated place of payment there could be no colorable claim upon us to make payments at Amsterdam, when we could make them in gold or silver at Paris, at 10 or any other rate per Cent (which might correspond with the above mentioned mean) less.\nThe management of this point will require delicacy. It is probable that the French Ministry will not choose to mark formally a rate of depreciation. And it is not wished to create any embarrassment on the point. It is hoped that you will be able so to conduct the thing as to conciliate a due regard to equity with the interest of the United States, and the scruples which the conjuncture may impose on the French Ministry.\nIf the sale of bills for specie will afford the equitable line of demarkation, it would seem the simplest operation for the French Administration to purchase your bills on our Bankers at Amsterdam at the market specie rate of exchange; in case, as I understand to be the fact, they wish to remit to Holland.\nI observe the expectation of our bankers of a reduction of the rate of interest on the loans of this Country, and your reasons for doubting that their expectation will be realized. Those reasons have great weight. Yet the accounts from this Quarter, of the progressive rise of our Stock, and the rapid filling of the national bank must, ere this, have given a strong impulse to whatever causes might exist favorable to a reduction of interest. And without expecting sanguinely, I do not despair of the event having happened, or speedily happening.\nAn increased premium, though not desirable, ought not, as you intimate, to be an obstacle; if within limits that, on calculation, shew that more is gained in the reduction of interest than lost in the increase of premium. And it is probable enough that an augmentation of benefit to the Undertakers may induce them to exert efficaciously their influence to persuade the money lenders to be content with a rate of interest which will considerably overbalance to the United States the additional compensation given to them. The observations in my first instructions, which have relation to this point, had an eye chiefly to the sacrifices which in the loan of two millions of florins at 4 \u214c Ct were made to a mere appearance of low interest; and which, if I remember right, in fact gave to the lenders about 7 \u214c Ct. A small additional premium, which would be an object to Agents or Undertakers, would be easily overbalanced by a slight diminution of the rate of interest.\nThe course marked out in my letter of the 24th of May will obviate, in future, any injurious delay in the employment of the sums borrowed\u2014if, as I have no doubt will be the case, I am accurately advised of the time of commencing each loan and the prospects concerning it; in order that I may regulate the drafts for the parts, which are intended to be applied here.\nThe probability of an extension of loans abroad for the purchase of public debt beyond the limit of 2 000 000 of Dollars depends on that of a fall of interest. When I inform you that I expect in future to be able to borrow in the United States at 5 \u214c Ct, you will perceive, that it cannot long be their interest to give 5 in Europe.\nAs you have now a latitude of discretion coextensive with the whole amount of our foreign debt, and indications of my opinions on various points, I forbear to multiply details which perhaps would only serve to perplex. I shall therefore content myself with barely adding, that, in regard to places of payment for monies borrowed my speculations on the probable course of exchange, resulting from the future relations of commerce, would lead me to prefer, on equal terms, first Paris & next Amsterdam. Neither any of the Italian States, nor the Austrian Netherlands, nor London appears to me equally eligible. But too much stress ought not be laid on such a preference, the grounds of it being far from certain.\nThe affair of Shweizer Jeanneret & Co is more & more out of the Question. Mr Ternant discountenances instead of promoting it. And the President has sanctioned the dasapprobation of the measure.\nThe Postcript to my letter of the 2d of August is to be construed with a reference to what is said in this letter concerning the adjustment of the payments to France.\nI thank you for the different documents you have forwarded me, and assure you of the increasing consideration & esteem with which I have the honor to be, \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your Obed Servant.\nA Hamilton\nA ratification of the contract for the loan by the President has been sent to Messrs Willinks & Van Staphorsts by a direct opportunity which has been deemed safer than a circuitous one through you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0120", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Breck, 3 September 1791\nFrom: Breck, Samuel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston Sept. 3d. 1791\nDear Sir\nIn conformity with your wishes it wou\u2019d afford me great pleasure to make you acquainted with the exact State of the Duck & Glass manufactories in this Town, but an Account of the former having already been communicated, by our Agent, to Mr Gorham to be forwarded to you will render any observations on that branch unnecessary except that the demand for our Sail Cloth far exceeds the quantity made, which indeed might be augmented if the Country produced plenty of Flax. The high price however which is now given cannot fail of encouraging the Farmer to raise enough for that & every other object. If the representation above refered to has not reached you I will procure a Copy & forward it. We wait only for Workmen, which are engaged & probably on their passage, to commence making Sheet and other Glass. The director, who appears competent to the business, has prepared every thing. The Ovens, Furnaces & implements of every Kind are in perfect order. Their Cost including the building materials &ca, about Eleven thousand Dollars. It is supposed the quantity capable of being manufactured at these Works will more than supply this Commonwealth, indeed as the materials are abundent in this Country, it may be so extended as to furnish many other States with that necessary article. The bounty given by this State for raising Hemp is ample & will, I presume, render our dependence on Rushia much less, & probably in a few years anihilate that Commerce. If the bounty on Duck should be continued after January next, it must produce the same effect, but as the Act for that purpose expires in December we fear it will not be revived; however there is much consolation in the reflection that it is always within the power of the united States to secure these great objects. I know how precious your time is & therefore will not occupy more of it, except to request you will present Mrs & the Miss Brecks best regards to Mrs. Hamilton & beleive me to be with sentiments the most sincere\nDear Sir \u2003 Your Obedient Servant\nSaml Breck Honble. Alexander Hamilton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0121", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Delozier, 3 September 1791\nFrom: Delozier, Daniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimoreCollector\u2019s Office, Septr. 3d. 1791\nSir\n  It appears by the books and Invoices of this Office, that Mr Thomas Fraser imported in the Ship Hope, Andrew English, Master, from Liverpool the 23 June 1790 five Cases hats marked  and numbered from 9 to 13 inclusive.\nCases, number 9, 10, 11 & 12 were assorted alike and cost \u00a326..9..3 sterling each, and number 13 cost \u00a354. 13..9 Sterling.\nMr. Fraser avers that in his acco. of packages imported, he inserted No. 9 instead of number 12 which was one of the Cases he sold to McRea and Morrison, and was actually shipped on board the Sloop Polly, for Petersburg.\nI am, Sir \u2003 Your very Hble Servant\nD. Delozier, Dep. Collr. Alexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0123", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 3 September 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] September 3, 1791. \u201cThe enclosed letter, which I have the honor of transmitting to you by the President\u2019s order, will shew the necessity of making a change in the commissions for the Port of Charleston.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0124-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 3 September 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis Septr 3. 1791.\nSir\nI received last night the inclosed copy of a letter from the bankers at Amsterdam which they desire me after perusal to forward to you. In my two last of the 30th & 31st ulto I announced to you the loan therein mentioned & informed you it would be appropriated agreeably to your directions\u2014so that from the time of your recieving this information you may consider the 2\u00bd million of florins at your disposal. I take it for granted it will be from three to four months from this time before bills which you may draw could be presented. I know not at what usance you generally draw, but imagine it will always leave time for allowing the receipts to answer them & particularly as you will not probably be able to dispose of bills for the whole sum at once. I shall continue to have the sums recieved, paid to this country until I hear from you that there may be as little double interest as possible.\nIn my last I informed you of the circumstances of the charges on this loan. I did not then send you a copy of the letter of the commissioners to me on this subject, on account of its length & because I supposed you would have recieved it from them. From this letter however herein inclosed I infer that they did not send you a copy of theirs to me. I therefore transcribe that part of it which relates particularly to their commission\u2014the rest, relative to the propriety of pushing the loans at Amsterdam & of taking up six millions at present instead of three, is contained literally in their letter to you. I therefore save myself the trouble of copying it here.\n\u201cAmsterdam 25. August 1791.\n\u201cSir\nWe had the pleasure to address you the 22d. inst. & now come to reply particularly to your respected favors of 12 & 14 ditto. We must confess to you, Sir, that your sticking to reduce the charges we fixed with you for the five p.cent loans of the U.S. after we had placed them upon the very lowest footing, is truly surprizing to us, more especially as it is striving to recede from a bargain already agreed between us & approved by the Secretary of the Treasury of the U.S., as well as militating against the mode ever practised here, in agreeing for the charges in this line of business by the lump; from which we informed you personally, & you knew through the communication of our letters to the treasury, it ought not to be expected we should depart.\nTo demonstrate the truth of these assertions & thereby to convince you that \u2026 others perhaps you were not perfectly acquainted with.\u201d (here follows the several objects mentioned in their letter to you).\nI enclose you a copy of my answer thereto written by the post of to day. It is an effort I make in order to bring them to the reduction of \u00bd p.cent on the charges which I think the U.S. have in strict justice a right to insist on, although I think at the same time that it is much for their advantage to push the loans even without this reduction if it cannot be effected. When I shall have done whatever depends on me to reduce it, if I should not succeed, I flatter myself you will approve its being granted. Perhaps the bankers may desire that this contestation should be referred to you. If so I shall not refuse it, as I should be better satisfied that they should recieve this \u00bd. p.cent from governmental munificence (if judged proper) than from my compliance with what they insist on.\nNothing new has been recieved from London since I had the honor of writing to you on the 23d. of August respecting our prospects there.\nI am with perfect respect Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nW: Short The HonbleAlexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0124-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: William Short to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 3 September 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas\nParis Sep 3 1791\nGentlemen\nYour letter of the 22d of August informed me that you had opened a loan for six millions of \u27e8florins\u27e9 & it gave me real pleasure as it never could have entered into my mind that any other conditions than those presented & repeated in my several letters authorizing the loan could have been adopted. Your letter of the 25th informs me that you have \u27e8presented\u27e9 other conditions for this loan not only different from but in \u27e8opposition\u27e9 to those prescribed in the authority I gave for the opening the loan. Upon examining the subject \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 the result of my judgment was that I should subscribe to the conditions of the last loan if they could not be ameliorated \u27e8limiting\u27e9 its amount in that case to three millions of florins determining however to take on myself to extend it to six millions if the charges could be reduced \u00bd \u214c cent\u2014this was what my view of the situation of the U. S. dictated to me as proper. You have had a different view of the subject it seems & have of your own accord opened a loan of six millions\u2014but it was absolutely of your own acct. & I suppose you will readily agree since I not only did not authorize it but stipulated precisely against it in the \u27e8directions\u27e9 I gave. Your letter informs me that you consider yourselves entitled to \u27e8charges\u27e9 to this measure \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 because you had a right to 4 p. cent commission \u27e8in the case of\u27e9 future 5 p. cent loans as appears by your letter to the sec of the Treasury approved of and forwarded by me\u2014 \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 because it is advantageous for the U. S. at present to make a loan of six millions at 5 p. cent.\nAs to the first part, I think you will easily see how far it is from being grounded if you will recollect what past at the time of that letter being written. You shewed me the rough draught of it desiring my observations as stated in your letter. I approved all except the clause relating to the commission, which indicated that the commission was to be raised \u27e8\u2013 \u2013 \u2013\u27e9 I objected absolutely to this clause & insisted on its being struck out on the principle of my having no right to take such an engagement \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 not knowing whether I should be \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 employed at that time I could not have taken \u27e8it\u27e9 on me to prescribe terms to those who might succeed me. I mention particularly that \u27e8any\u27e9 loan must fix its own terms & certainly it would be \u27e8observed\u27e9 in any government to fix terms in this manner, where from the nature of the case they would be binding only on the government not on the commissioners. You promised therefore to strike out the clause. You will here recollect that you shewed me the rough draught of the letter because you were so excessively pressed at that time that the writing the letter twice would have been troublesome. You kept the rough draught a considerable time after my observations & then sent me the letter corrected & drawn up in the form you quote. I still observed that I did not see the use of the clause & observed that I expected it would have been left out altogether instead of its being changed to its present form. Your observation then was that it was intended to shew that if in future the rate of interest could be lowered by augmenting the profits of the undertakers; that \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 taken was not to affect you; that you were not to be expected to make loans at \u27e8\u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013\u27e9 at the same rate of commission. I still mentioned to you that the clause was obscure, but on your giving this explanation of it &c, its being fully understood that I could not undertake to bind the U.S. as to the conditions of the future loans & as I know also the \u27e8United States\u27e9 have no right to expect that you should make loans at a lower rate of interest for the commission of 4 \u214c cent (which you assured me to be what the clause was intended to provide against), I saw no inconvenience in forwarding the letter to the Sec. of the treasury \u27e8therefore not\u27e9 obliging you, in the press of business which you then told me you were, to write it over again so as to express this \u27e8\u2013 \u2013 \u2013\u27e9 more clearly. I therefore forwarded it & gave the secretary of the treasury at the same time the explanation which I since have repeated to you. I certainly did not expect at that time that this clause was to have been thus interpreted to suppose that I had been guilty of the absurdity of binding the United States as to the terms of all their future 5 \u214c cent loans when I could not know whether I should be employed even to make a second\u2014& also when no one good consequence could be derived from being so bound.\nSo much is the right supposed to be derived from your letter to the Secretary of the treasury forwarded by me. As to your \u27e8views on\u27e9 the advantages of the U.S. resulting from making the loan of six millions your observations & view of that subject may be just & might be proper for those who have sufficient powers to act in consequence of them\u2014you will recollect however that I do not consider myself in that class since when I was at Amsterdam at the time of the last loan, the same arguments were used \u27e8\u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013\u27e9 2\u00bd millions further in \u27e8\u2013 \u2013 \u2013\u27e9 in case of my refusal \u27e8\u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013\u27e9 all humours of the undertakers. You will remember I allowed \u27e8\u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013\u27e9 & yet judged it proper not to take it on me to extend it on that account\u2014what I then \u27e8\u2013 \u2013\u27e9 your view of the subject taken at Amsterdam may have induced you to have supposed yourselves authorized to adopt this measure\u2014from the same view I thought differently at the time of the last loan\u2014from my view \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 at this time I thought \u27e8\u2013 \u2013 \u2013\u27e9 & in consequence prescribed a different amount \u27e8\u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013\u27e9 debt to France must have been known to me which could not be to you. If I had thought it proper to extend this loan to six millions at 4 \u214c cent commission I should probably have told you so\u2014my silence therefore must have been proof of the contrary\u2014but I went farther to express my disapprobation of it. This \u27e8sight\u27e9 of the arguments which determined what it appeared proper to me to be done, \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 and charged I can only refer you to the authority then given & which stipulated expressly that the loan should be limited to three millions unless the commission was reduced. I must therefore insist on a compliance with the conditions then presented not only for the interest & credit of the U.S. but for my own justification in this case.\nI have gone into this full discussion of the subject to shew that the U.S. have an unquestionable right to insist on the charges of 2\u00bd \u214c cent of the loan if extended to six million & that you may see that it is not my wish that you should have less profits on this than the last loan. I will ask your attention to a single consideration which will shew that there will be no undersirable conditions agreeable to the state of your letter.\u2026", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0125-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Daniel Stevens, 3 September 1791\nFrom: Stevens, Daniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCharleston [South Carolina] 3rd. September 1791\nSir\nAgreeable to your request, have wrote a circular Letter to the most leading Characters, throughout the State, relative to the Manufactures that may be carried on in the several Counties. As yet, have only two Letters on the subject, one contains some small Samples of the Cotton and Linen manufacture carried on in families for their own wear. As any others come to hand, I will transmit them to you, and shall shortly give you some account of what Manufactures are carried on in Charleston.\nI am With regard Sir Your Most Obt. Servt.\nDanl. Stevens", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0125-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Silvanus Walker to Daniel Stevens, 1 September 1791\nFrom: \nTo: \nSeptr 1st 1791\nSir.\nAgreeable to your request I am to inform you that there is no manufactories carried on in the interior parts of this State only in private families; and they in general manufactor as much as they commonly wear a few samples of which I have enclosed you but am convinced from the small knowledge I acquir\u2019d of that business and situation of that part of the country if the people could meet with proper encouragement even from having a tolerable market that manufactor might be carried on to great advantage and perfection as there is the most convenient Mill seats I have ever seen in that part of America which have been acquainted with and flax cotton & Hemp grow exceedingly well and very good sheep is raised here and might be much improved also silk is very easy raised in this country I am Sir with due Reverance your Obliged Servt\nSilvs: Walker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0126", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Hall, 4 September 1791\nFrom: Hall, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 4th. Sepr. 1791\nSir\nLast night Mr. Mort & myself return\u2019d from the Pasaic Falls. One of the finest situations in the world (we believe) can be made there. The quality of the water is good & in sufficient quantity to supply works of almost any extent. Every thing nescessary as to situation is here to be found. The Lands ly well are shelter\u2019d from the winds & are not subject to inundations. This situation so far exceeds our expectations that we are very desirous you shou\u2019d see it. If convenient shou\u2019d wish to meet you there with any other person you think a judge & explain to you our reasons for prefering this situation, after which we flatter ourselves you will agree with us in opinion. We have seen Coll. Duer. He says He will write you on the subject by this Post & will accompany us to the Falls. We think it unnesscessary to trouble you with our report of the Delaware till we have the pleasure of seeing you.\nShall be happy to hear from you as soon as convenient.\nI have the honor to remain \u2003 Sir Your most obedt. Hble Servt.\nWilliam Hall No. 57 Maiden Lane", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0127", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [4 September 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hamilton, Elizabeth\n[Philadelphia, September 4, 1791]\nMy beloved Betsey\nI hoped with the strongest assurance to have met you at Eliz Town; but this change of weather has brought upon me an attack of the complaint in my kindneys, to which you know I have been sometimes subject in the fall. So that I could not with safety commit myself to so rude a vehicle as the stage for so long a journey. I have therefo\u27e8re\u27e9 prevailed upon Mr. Meyer to go to Elizabet\u27e8h\u27e9 Town to meet you in my place. He will b\u27e8e\u27e9 there on Tuesday Evening; when, or the day f\u27e8ollowing\u27e9 I hope it will be convenient to you to \u27e8be\u27e9 there. For as the moment of seeing you ap\u27e8proaches\u27e9 my impatience increases. I am pained beyon\u27e8d\u27e9 measure, that I cannot execute my intention of meeting you.\nBut dont alarm yourself nor hurry so as to injure either yourself or the children. I am not ill though I might make myself so by the jolting of the carriag\u27e8e\u27e9 were I to undertake the journey. I am indeed better than I was, this Evening, and if I can get a proper machine I shall make use of a warm bath to which I am advised and from which I am persuaded I shal\u27e8l\u27e9 receive benefit.\nInclosed my angel yo\u27e8u\u27e9 will find 200 Dollars in bank Notes. You will have to put your name upon them before you pass them. If you find any difficulty in passing them you can send to Mr. Seton who I dare say will find means to accommod\u27e8ate\u27e9 you.\nGive my Love to Peggy. I hope she will come on with you\u2014as I shall be very glad to see her.\nGod bless you my beloved\nA Hamilton\n\u27e8Sun\u27e9day Evening 4 Sep\nIf wind & weather serve, you had better come by water. Otherwise engage a carriage or carriages to carry you to E Town where you will find one to bring you on, under the care of Mr. Meyer. Mr. Meyer is desired to inquire for you at Mr. Boudinots.\nMrs. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0128-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Answers to Queries, 5 September 1791\nFrom: Campbell, William,Smith, Benjamin,Toomer, Henry,Hooper, George,Willkings, M. R.,Macnaughten, Auly,Withers, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nQuere 1st.\nWhen was the building commenced?\nAnswer.\nAbout the 1st. June 1788.\nQr. 2d.\nIs there any the least appearance of its suffering from the winter or winters it has sustained since it was built and in what parts?\nA.\nNot materially. Indeed the brick work not at all but the frames of the windows a little, the Lumber on the beach which was provided for the light house and not yet made use of is how ever suffering very much.\nQ. 3d\nWhat parts of the building are of stone and particularly as to the foundation, water tables Cills of the doors and windows, and the Curbs?\nA.\nNone of stone, The Cills of the doors and windows are of yellow pine. There are no Curbs.\nIs the lime used Stone lime or Oyster shell lime?\nA.\nOyster shell lime.\nAre the frame and sashes of the Lanthern to be of Iron or wood?\nA.\nOf wood.\nWhat is the thickness of the base in feet and inches the plan calls it 7 bricks thick, but it is not known wether it is seven times the length, the breadth or the thickness of a brick?\nA.\nThe plan already sent is wrong in this instance. The foundation walls in parallell lines is ten feet through at the extremity of the foundation but being octagonal inside, at the angles is eighteen feet six inches through.\nQuere 7.\nWas there a solid bottom in the Earth on digging down for the foundation?\nAnswr.\nThere was a bank of drifted sand about 20 feet in height which was cut down thus far to bring it on a level with the adjacent land, after which 5 feet more was dug down for a foundation, it was apprehended that going deeper would have brought the workmen to a quick sand.\nIs the spot an eminence or is it a level with the land for 100 or 200 yards around it?\nAnsw\nExclusive of the sand bank before mentioned it is a level for several hundred yards around.\nIs it in any degree a drifted sand hill and if it is did the workmen take care to go down thro it to the solid Earth?\nAnsr.\nSee answer to query 7th.\nIs there any frame work laid under the foundation as proposed and what is its construction and the kind of timber used?\nAnsr.\nThere is no frame work for this purpose.\nWhat are the several thicknesses of the walls of the pyramid in feet and inches in those parts above the foundation which are represented to be six bricks, five bricks and four and half bricks?\nAnswr.\nThe part of the pyramid represented as six bricks thick is four feet 8 inches through, five bricks three feet 11 inches, and four and a half bricks, three feet 6 inches. In short the bricks are 9 inches long.\nQuery 12.\nIs the diameter the same at the top of the Story in which the doors are as at the bottom of that Story and what is that diameter from outside to outside?\nAnsr.\nThe diameter of the story in which the doors are is the same at the top as bottom, which is 32 feet from out to out.\nQuery 13.\nWhat is the diameter of the top of the masonry immediately under the Lanthern proposed to be?\nAnsr.\nThe building immediately under the lanthern is twelve feet diameter.\nQuery 14.\nWhat is the diameter and height of the lanthern exclusive of the dome roof and what is the height of the dome or roof?\nAnsr.\nThe diameter of the lanthern is 12 feet, the height 16 feet, the height of the dome exclusive of the ball 8 feet.\nQuery 15\nWhat is the height of the building from the Earth to the ball on the top of the Lanthern?\nAnsr.\nThe Building from the Earth to the ball is 125 feet.\nQuery 16.\nWill the thickness of two bricks which I suppose to be 17 inches be sufficiently strong at the height of 75 to 90 feet from the Earth and will the thickness of six bricks (or 4\u00bd to 5 feet) be thick enough for the lower part of a building of so great height?\nAnswer.\nIt appears to us that the dimensions of every part of this building be sufficient for the height.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0129", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, [5 September 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lear, Tobias\n[Philadelphia, September 5, 1791]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury presents his compliments to Mr. Lear and sends the two commissions for south Carolina. He would wait on the president to day but is prevented by a slight attack of a disorder common to him at the change of weather usual at this season.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0130", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 5 September 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 5th Sep 1791\nSir\nHaving compleated the full investiture of the 150,000 Dollars directed by you to be laid out in the purchase of Stock for acct. of the United States, I have the honor to enclose a Return of the same, & your account in Bank is debited with the amount.\nI am with great respect", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0131", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 5 September 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 5 Sept 1791\nDear sir\nBy my Public Letter you will see I have compleated the investiture of the 150,000 Dollars in the purchase of Stock\u2014in fact it was finished the middle of last week but I could not get some of the Transfers passed till this day. The whole stands now in the Name of the Vice President &ca. I wish to know if I am to take out the Certificates & forward them & to whom. Great as this relief has been to the holders, it is far short of preventing that universal panic & want of money which now prevails. Deffered debt was actually sold under 12/ to day & Scrip at 150\u2014merely to save credit. Was it possible to extend your purchase here to 150 M Dollars more\u2014even 2d or 3d under the Acct limitts (if that is to be wished) it would be of immense consequence to this Community, & I believe would readily fill.\nWe have a great demand for the Treasurers Bills on the Southard particularly Virginia & Maryland of which we have not had any for some time.\nI hope you will excuse the liberty I take in mentioning these things to you, & believe that I am with the highest respect & esteem\nDear sir \u2003 &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0133", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 6 September 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewport [Rhode Island] September 6, 1791. \u201cI have recd. your letter respecting the article of Pumpings, and shall attend to your directions. Please to favour me with an answer to my letter of the 6th. of June relative to the lawful portion of the compensations Surveyors are to receive for Regrs &c., to the question in my letter of the 4th. of July Should not every vessel receive her first Certife. of Registry from the Collector of the District where she is built? to my letter of the 18th. of July relative to repairing the Light-House, and to the question in my letter of the 25th. of July touching what is to be performed by a person usually residing in one District, who being in another there purchases a vessel, in order to entitle him to a Register of such vessel. Joseph Finch to gain time, as I suppose, has purchased a writ of Error to the next Circuit Court.\u2026 An iron chest is very much wanted for the Custom House. If you approve of it, I will purchase one and charge it to the United States.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0134", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, [6 September 1791]\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, September 6, 1791.] Transmits Isaac Holmes\u2019s commission \u201cappointing him collector of Charleston in South Carolina.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0135", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Le Roy and Bayard, [6 September 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Le Roy and Bayard\n[Philadelphia, September 6, 1791. On September 11, 1791, Le Roy and Bayard wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour esteemed favor of the 6 Instt has been complied with.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0136", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 6 September 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, September 6, 1791. \u201cThe missing Certificate of Registry for Schooner Nicholas, mentioned in my Letter of the 25th Ulto. proves to have been all the Time in the Collector\u2019s Office at Newport: Capt. Potter, who is now here, says he took it from thence to bring up with him, but left it at Home through forgetfulness. He promises to send it hither on his return, which will be in a few Days. I enclose the Certificate of registry No. 25, granted by me in 1790, for Brign. Trinanada; she having been lately sold at a foreign Port.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0137", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 7 September 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited StatesSept: 7, 1791\nBy the Presidents command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury for his information a letter from Colo. Ballard, Inspector of the port of Baltimore, stating the trouble & expence attending the execution of the duties of his Office, for which there is no compensation.\nAt the same time the President directs the enclosed letter from Genl. Lincoln to T. L. (which has been submitted to the president\u2019s inspection) to be laid before the Secretary, as it points to the same subject relative to the Inspector of the port of Boston.\nTobias Lear.S. P. U. S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0138", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of New York, 7 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: President and Directors of the Bank of New York\nTy Dept. 7th Sepr. 1791\nGent.\nI request you to furnish the Cashier of your Bank with the further Sum of Fifty thousand Dollars to be by him applied towards purchases of the Public Debt on acct. of the United States.\nP. S. A Warrant will issue tomorrow to cover the 150,000 Dollars already advanced for the same purpose.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0139", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 7 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury DepartmentSeptember 7 1791\nSir\nIt has been represented to me that a Brig, called the Trinidada, lately belonging to Messrs. Brown & Francis of your district, has arrived in the district of Wilmington on Delaware with a copy of a register issued from your Office which does not agree with the vessel in two material particulars. The register, which is No 25 & bears date on the 25th of Augt. 1790, appears, from the copy, to describe the vessel as having \u201ca head\u201d and as being \u201cpink sterned,\u201d and the copy in this Office agrees with that, but the brig has not a head, and tho\u2019 said to be narrow abaft, is square sterned. This case naturally excites extraordinary attention, as the bill of sale of the Agents of Brown & Francis, which the present Owner possesses, is confirmed by other information, that the vessel was actually sold by the persons named as Agents, and to the person appearing to be the purchaser.\nIt is my request that you will immediately transmit to me a copy of the Surveyors certificate to you, on which you issued the Register, No 25, and, if you have it, the original register under the State of Rhode Island which was delivered up to you when the register in question under the United States was obtained by Mr Brown. I also wish to be informed whether the Trinidada ever had a head, and if she had, when and for what reason it was taken off\u2014also whether any vessels are called pink sterned in the State of Rhode Island, the ends of whose after planks are not actually butted against the Stern post. Any circumstances which will throw light upon the fact relating to the place at which the Trinidada was built you will also communicate: or if a mistake has happened any circumstances tending to ascertain and explain it will be acceptable.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Obedt Servant.\nA Hamilton The Collector of the Customs,Providence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0141", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 7 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\nTreasury DepartmentSept. 7. 1791\nSir\nI write herewith to the Directors of the Bank of New York to advance you a further sum of fifty thousand Dollars, towards purchases of the public Debt \u27e8on\u27e9 account of the United States, on the \u27e8sa\u27e9me principles with the sum heretofore advanced to you for the like purpose.\nWith great consideration \u2003 I am Sir \u2003 Your Obed servt\nA Hamilton Wm. Seton EsquireCashier of the Bank of New York", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0142", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 7 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\nPhiladelphia Sepr. 7. 91\nMy Dear Sir\nI regret though I am not surprised at what you disclose in your private letter of the 5th. I have for sometime foreseen the effects of a too sanguine disposition in the dealers of your City; particularly in relation to Bank Script; and have anticipated that it would lead to a necessity of sacrifices injurious to the funds. We got beyond the force of our own capital & beyond the point to which foreigners were yet prepared to go.\nI trust however the evil is temporary. The Bank is as good a thing as it ever was. The United States are as solid as they were. The provision for the debt appears every day more and more ample. In short every thing promises well. And the timid will soon rally.\nYou will find by the letters herewith that you are furnished with a further sum of 50000 Dollars for purchases. I wish I could have gone further but my hands are tied by the want of a majority of the Trustees being present\u2014Mr Jefferson being just gone to Virginia. The 50.000 now authorised & the sum appropriated here for the same purpose complete what has yet determined to be applied.\nYou may however make it known that the Treasurer is purchasing here.\nYou need never make an apology for any intimation you give me. The truth is however that for some time past drafts have been suspended to let money accumulate for the payment of the accruing Quarters interest. Considerable sums will be to be drawn for in the course of the next Month. I remain with great regard & truth\nYr. friend & serv.\nA Hamilton William Seton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0143", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joshua Wentworth, 7 September 1791\nFrom: Wentworth, Joshua\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmo. New Hamps. Septr. 7th. 1791.\nSir\nThe 2d Instant I was honored by your\u2019s of 24th Ulto. inclosing five forms of the System for the government of the Revenue, those Compleats my receipt of the whole. And inclosed is a return of form No. 1. This I shou\u2019d have forwardd. some time past, but supposing others might be necessary to accompany it, delayed transmiting this return until the whole of the System had reached me, to which and your explination of the Act I shall pay every attention.\nThe opperation of the Law meets with no Embarrassment nor have I reason to suppose any will ensue in the execution of it, in this District.\nAgreeably to the power vested in me by the Law I have appointed Mr George Wentworth Collector of Revenue, an Inhabitant of this Town, formerly a Ship Master in the Merchants Service, and their being but one Distillery in this District at present, Mr. Wentworth\u2019s is the only appointment taken place.\nThe necessary Oaths of Office were attended to, and are forwarded to the Comptroller of the Treasury as the Law prescribes. A Bond likewise is taken of the Collector of Revenue agreeably to your Directions.\nYour letters of the 7th May & 22d June were duly received & every attention are paid to their Contents. With all possible convenience I will transmit a reply to your enquiries of the latter. Remaining respectfully \u2003 Sir yr most obedient \u2003 & very hble servt.\nJosh. Wentworth Alexander Hamilton Esquire", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0144", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 8 September 1791\nFrom: Ames, Fisher\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston Sept 8, 1791\nDear Sir\nThe immoderately long letter which I took the liberty to write you some time ago, will, probably, have surprised you. You will wonder why I should take pains to establish opinions which you have never held in dispute. I will confess to you that the rumour of the intended connection between the U.S and NY. Banks gave me some uneasiness. My friend Mr Gore will leave this town next week, and you will learn from him that the good disposition of the Massa. Bank proprietors, at the time when that report was diffused, made it very unwelcome. Everything had gradually ripened their minds to an acquiescence in the Unity of the Bank and it\u2019s branches. I think you are acquainted with Mr Gore, and as he will not fail to converse with you, it is unnecessary for me to notice any further the causes and circumstances of my apprehension respecting the Bank of the U. S.\nThe arrangements of the Bank are expected with some impatience. Here the general wish is to have Branches. I hope they may be safely adopted, not so much with a view to the profits of the stock, (tho\u2019 that is a thing to be noticed) as for reasons which I have formerly given. Mr. Gore is one of the few men whom I consider as sound and thorough patriots. Tho a great Stockholder, you will find him national. The possession of an ample fortune has not contracted his heart, nor twisted his intellects. He will leave this place for Philada next week, and as he will, probably, represent a great many proprietors, with whom his opinion and reputation will weigh a great deal you will find him able to inform of the views of the eastern stockholders. I confess I have my fears that party schemes will be nursed in the City. Should any improper designs be formed, you will naturally reckon upon his steady opposition to them. In short as your acquaintance with him is slight, I think it will be useful & almost necessary that you should know him. Few Men are so worthy of esteem and confidence.\nThe distillers here are framing a petition to Congress for a reduction of the duty on home made Rum 3 Cents and an augmentation of 3 Cents on imported Rum &c. You may possibly think this immoderate, and a symptom of discontent. Tho\u2019 I wish they had thought fit to ask for less, I will venture to vouch for their good dispositions. Some change of the ratio of duties would be highly acceptable to them and favorable to their manufacture. But they will not make a clamor against the Excise Act as it is.\nYou will doubtless remark that I am writing confidentially.\nI very much approve the Letter you wrote to our Assessors. But many country gentlemen have thought less favorably of it. They say why not tax property equally. The spirit of envy, an evil spirit! in times of prosperous adventure can bear the day light. That spirit would rejoice in the spoil of the possessors of public paper by assessment. Assessments are so arbitrary, so various in the different states, and even in different towns, and so much applause would be secured in many towns by acts of rapine in the shape of a tax, that the value of property in paper may be made eventually, very insecure. The inequality of it\u2019s operation on different proprietors, and the bad policy of holding such a terror over opulent citizens whom we may wish to fix as residents would, if dilated on, make some impression upon the public. At present, no uneasiness seems to subsist in this town on that head. But when the state valuation shall be settled, as it will be within a year, I apprehend the seeds will sprout again.\nI am, dear Sir, with sentiments of esteem &c your most obedt. hble servant\nFisher Ames Mr Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0145", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Delany, Sharp\nTreasury DepartmentSeptemr. 8th 1791\n(Private)\nSir\nI am informed there is reason to believe, that a vessel belonging to Elizabeth Town in New Jersey has been employed by a merchant in Philadelphia to run a cargo of rum, by carrying the hogsheads in the hold and a quantity of shingles on the Deck.\nThe intelligence comes to me in such a way as to render it proper that you know it for the purpose of giving the necessary intimation to the officers of your District.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt. Servt.\nAlexander Hamilton Sharp Delany EsquireCollector Philada.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0146", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 8 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Delany, Sharp\nTreasury DepartmentSept. 8. 1791.\nSir\nI have considered the case proposed to me in your letter of the 11th. July, and do not find myself authorised to instruct you to set off the drawback against the bond of the importer Mr. Telles. The legislature had not seen fit to make any provision of this nature in the first collection law, and in the existing act they have only extended it to the importer, and not to the purchasers from him which you state Messrs. Willing Morris & Swanwick to be. [And the outward entry at the Custom House is the only admissible evidence of who is the Importer.]\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt. servant\nA Hamilton Sharp Delany Esq.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0147", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 8 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia] Sep 8, 91\nD Sr,\nI wrote you a private letter last Evening which went by a private opportunity. Its principal object was to inform you\u2014\nThat I could not exceed the sum now directed to be advanced for want of authority\u2014the present 50000 completing the sum heretofore appropriated by the Trustees & there not being here a sufficient number for a board.\nThat purchases by the Treasurer were going on here.\nThat there had been for some time past a suspension of drafts on Collectors in order to the payment of the accruing Quarters interest.\nBut that in the course of the next month there would be considerable drafts of which N York would have its share.\nYrs. with great regd.\nA Hamilton Wm. Seton Esq", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0148", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Skinner, 8 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Skinner, William\nSeptember 8th. 1791.Treasury Department\nSir\nYour letter of the 29th. of August is just come to hand. My circular of the first of November which you had received required that you should not admit on loan the Certificates of the State of North Carolina upon its own account. The reason of this would operate in regard to the Comptroller or any other Officer of the State, or any individual who might be the acknowledged or secret Agent of the State, or to whom the State might have disposed of such Certificates. For if they are not receivable from the State itself on loan, it is on the principle that a Bond once surrendered to the Debtor, as satisfied or discharged extinguishes the Debt; and consequently there is in such case, no debt in existence, to be assumed. A transfer of the Certificates therefore to any other person even if real can make no alteration in the thing. You were of course right in refusing to receive them, in the name of the Comptroller and you were not less right in your objection to the Gentleman whom you did not name who effected the first and offered the second subscription you speak of, if by his conduct or other circumstances there was good ground to believe that the certificates he tendered were of the kind above mentioned. Were it not for the suspicion you express it would never have entered into my imagination that the Government of your State could resolve by any secret or indirect method to effect the receipt by you of certificates which you were not at Liberty from your instructions to receive. And even after what you communicate, I am obliged to suppose, either that your suspicion is without foundation or that some subordinate officer, whose zeal for the interest of the State makes him forgetful of what is due to its dignity to propriety and to fair dealing, has without authority or instruction resorted to so improper an expedient. Confiding that the Governor will be anxious to arrest a proceeding so exceptionable in every view, I desire that you will immediately make known to him your suspicion and the grounds of it, in order that being appraised of the thing he may take measures to prevent a repetition of the attempt. In my letter of the 12th. of August a copy of which accompanies this, you are authorised to receive the certificates in question from the State in order to their being submitted to me. This I did from a disposition to give the matter every possible chance which could result from the fullest consideration and with a view to taking finally the opinion of the Attorney General after hearing whatever might be offered on the part of the State. This you are still at liberty to do. But as you appear to think secret means were taking to pass the certificates upon you\u2014you will do well to continue upon your guard. You will however receive the Certificates offered; giving a descriptive receipt for them as in other cases\u2014but inserting in that receipt expressly that they are to be specially submitted to the decision of the Secretary of the Treasury whether receivable or not upon the loan. You will understand also that none of the receipts you have given in any case for certificates deposited are to be considered by you as conclusive upon the public. The Certificates are all liable to revision and may be rejected if they appear forged, or in any other respect not proper to be admitted on the loan. The only reason for a distinction between the forms of the receipts to be given for suspected certificates, and those to be given for such as are not suspected is to put purchasers on their guard.\nThe attempts you have announced are of such a nature as to oblidge me to desire; that before you issue any certificates of Stock in lieu of the State debt deposited, you advise me of the total amount of the sums subscribed, noting all such cases in which you have reason to believe the Certificates are of the kind not properly admissible on the loan. In making this communication you will use all possible dispatch.\nI am yours &c\nWilliam Skinner EsquireCommissioner of Loansfor North Carolina.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0150", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 September 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston Sept. 9th: 1791\nSir\nThe day before yesterday came on the trial at Salem of Capt Davis & yesterday his mate charged with landing good at tarpaulien cove as mentioned to you July 29. Although the fact was clearly established to the satisfaction of the Court, and so far as I can learn, to every by stander even the defendants Council gave up the matter Yet the Jury did not in either case find a verdict though sent out repeatedly by the Judge. They said they could not agree. It has been hinted that they were satisfied with regard to the fact but would not say so because the penalty they said was too high. The next term the cause will be given to a jury in this County.\nSecy of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0151", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 9 September 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmo. [New Hampshire] Sep. 9th. 1791\nSir\nWith my letter to you of the 24 Ulto. I inclosd a description of the Cutter & gave a name for her which was handed to me at the Moment of closing the letter. Since which I have been informed there is a British public Vessel of the Name of the Ferret in Nova Scotia or Newfoundland. I conceive there woud be an impropriety in giving a Cutter of the United States the Same Name & therefore request that you will be pleased to direct the insertion of such other name in the instrument intended in lieu of a Register as will be more proper.\nI directed Cap. Yeaton to deal out the Provisions at the rate of 1. lb B[r]ead & 1 lb Beef or \u00be lb Pork \u214c. man \u214c. day and to assure the people, whatever may be the established Rations, whether of liquers or other articles would be made up to them on Settlement, when Such Rations Shoud be known. At present they furnish their own Liquers, which is an article they expect will constitute a part of their Rations. On this point be pleased to give me instructions.\nThe Cutter Sailed the 26th Aug having on board a few borrowed Small arms & other Military Accoutrements.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0152", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 10 September 1791\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 10 Septr 1791\nDear Sir\nI send you Copies of a Letter of 3 Augt. from Jacob Cuyler, and of my answer of this Date. It is natural for men circumstanced as he is, to be anxious; and as adversity too often begets neglect, marks of attention are doubly acceptable to men in his Situation. I fear you will find it difficult to do much for his Son. A little will to him be much. At any Rate write to him, and let him percieve that altho you cannot create opportunities of serving him, yet that you wish him well.\nadieu \u2003 Yours sincerely\nJohn Jay Col. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0153", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Eliphalet Pearson, [10 September 1791]\nFrom: Pearson, Eliphalet\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Cambridge, Massachusetts, September 10, 1791]\nSir,\nI feel myself happy in the honor of acquainting a gentleman of Mr. Hamilton\u2019s merited distinction that the American Academy of Arts & Sciences has elected him a Fellow; of which the instrument, herewith transmitted, is a Certificate executed in the usual form.\nWith sentiments of highest esteem, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient & \u2003 very humble servant,\nEliphalet PearsonCorrespg. Secretary.\nCambridge 10 Septr. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0154", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 10 September 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollectors Office Portsmo. New Hamp. Sep. 10. 1791\nSir\nYour Circular letter dated the 5th. of August respecting two missing Certificates of Registry, Enjoining the Seasonable transmission of Returns, Noticing the failure of complying with the opinions of Messrs. Jones and Harrison, The Information Stating a practice of Measuring Vessels of the United States previously Registered, And requesting a Copy of the Table of Fees, was received the 25th. Ulto.\nBeing Apprehensive that the possibility of a failure in the Conveyance of returns thro\u2019 the post offices or erroneous informations may have led to the forming unjust Ideas of the proceedings in Custom Houses which a conciousness of not falling under the imputations does not fully Satisfy, I think it necessary and judge it will be also more Satisfactory to you that answers be given to the Several paragraphs of that letter, except those respecting the Registers.\nAll Returns hitherto directed have been regularly transmitted from this District as soon as they could be made up. The quarterly & Monthly returns have in no instance exceeded the Month Suceeding the periord to which the Returns extended, and the Shorter delays have been Occasioned by unavoidable detentions in ascertaining duties & liquidating Bonds or in the nonpayment of Tonnage Duties which it was desirable Should be comprehended in the returns for the term in which they Occurd.\nThe Instructions on the Opinions of Mess. Jones & Harrison have been carefully attended to & complied with, excepting the Opinion respecting the receiving the fee of 60 cents on the 27th Section of the Coasting Act, which has not in all instances been received. As no penalty is annexed to a failure of Coasters making entry as directed by that section, it is seldom complyed with by Coasters, nor do I perceive in what manner they can be compelled unless by an action of debt for the fee, which if proper would be a disagreeable method when this trifling fee only is depending & it is not enjoined as an official duty.\nThe Measuring of Vessels of the United States previously registered and receiving a fee for such Admeasurement has never been considered in this district as a possible intention of the Legislature, or Construction of the law & the Charge for the like fee on Foreign Vessels, before measured in the port and known to have undergone no alteration of Tonnage has in some instances been given up, tho\u2019 the Same Idea is entertaind of its proprity as conveyed in your letter.\nA Copy of the Table of Fees fixed up in the Custom House is enclosed.\nI beg leave upon this Occasion [to] take notice that the exemption from entering & clearing of certain descriptions of Coasters exposes the Revenue to frauds\u2014as also does the manner of entering Coasters as directed by the 28th. Section, in which case a master is under no restraint by his oath, from receiving Smuggled goods on board after clearing & before his arrival at another port, as no oath is required at his entry at which time rather than at his clearing I conceive it would be proper.\nI will also take the Occasion to observe that the term of 15 days allowed by law for the discharge of Vessels from foreign ports is subject to abuse, by increasing the expence of Inspectors attendance & affording opportunities for Smuggling. Was the clause in the Act qualified by a proviso that the No. of hands of which the Vessel consisted Should be dayly employd till such discharge, these delays would be prevented without Subjecting the owner to any hardship. Instances have happened in which a Cargo consisting of 30 or 40 hhds Molases & 300 or 400 bushels of Salt only has been detained on board 12 or 15 days, the hands being discharged on the day of arrival & the Vessel employed as a Store.\nThe Hon. Alex Hamilton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0155", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 11 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lee, Charles\nTreasury DepartmentSeptember 11 1791\nSir\nAn application has been made to me for a boat for the use of the Customs at one of the ports on the Potomack below Alexandria. I am informed that the boat belonging to your district is found too large for harbour service, and that it would be more convenient to the Surveyor to have a small boat fit for the purpose to board vessels within a short distance of the Town. I wish to be informed if such an exchange appears to you expedient, and, if so, I wish to have a Seamans inventory of the boat you now have, specifying her dimensions and all her appurtenances.\nThe admeasurement of foreign vessels at every entry into your District is a practice that ought to be observed, as there can be, otherwise, no certainty of the identity of the vessel, nor of her remaining unaltered. The documents they produce are from Officers not amenable to our laws, and whose deviations from fact, therefore subject them to no penal consequences from the United States. I am, with consideration, Sir,\nYour Obed Servant\nA Hamilton \u27e8Ch\u27e9arles Lee Esqr.Alexandria", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0158", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 12 September 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 12 Sep. 1791\nSir\nI am desired by the President & Directors to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 7th. They have directed 50,000 Dollars to be paid to me agreeable to your desire, and the same is invested in the purchase of Stock, on account of the United States, as specified in the enclosed return. I have the honor to be with great respect &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0159", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 12 September 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 12th Sept. 1791\nDear sir\nI had the pleasure to receive your Letter of the 7th by Mr. Eddie on fryday morning, but not early enough to answer you with propriety by that post. The bearer of the Letter I apprehend knew or conjectured at the Contents as it flew over the Town like Wildfire that I had orders to purchase, therefore before I got to the Coffee House at Noon, every one was prepared, and no one would offer to supply at less than the former prices. I thought it prudent to accept at that, and to diffuse the benefit I divided the purchases into 5000 Dollar Lots, and held them at that, so long as to give every one a chance, and be assured it has been a very great relief. Scrip since I wrote you last has been down to 110 and great sacrifices made, Saturday and today they have gone at 135 to 145 and rather bear the appearance of rising. They are now getting into the proper hands and I have no doubt will soon come up to their real value, if the price of the other funds can be now & then supported by your purchases. You have the blessings of thousands here, and I feel gratified more than I can express, at being the dispenser of your benevolence.\nI am with the greatest respect \u2003 Dear sir \u2003 Your obliged Obedt Humble Sert\nWm Seton Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0160", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 13 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lee, Charles\nTreasury DepartmentSeptr. 13. 1791\nSir,\nAs it is possible The President of the United States may have occasion for some Money in Alexandria, you will retain for his own use one thousand Dollars. The receipt of any of the Gentlemen of his family for such part of the said sum as he may desire, when transmitted to this office will be duly covered with a warrant.\nI am, \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nA Hamilton Charles Lee EsquireCollectorAlexandria", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0161", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Fox, 14 September 1791\nFrom: Fox, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilada. Septemr. 14th. 1791\nSir\nI did myself the honor of waiting on you to mention some difficulties which have occurred in transacting business at the Treasury under a Power of Attorney received from some Gentlemen in London.\nAs I was not fortunate enough to meet with you I will beg permission briefly to state the circumstances of the case in hopes that some mode may be suggested to enable me to fulfill their intentions.\nIn consequence of a purchase made by Mr. W. T. Franklin of Mr. Gouvr. Morris, Messrs. Baring Boehm & Henchman transmit me (at the request of Mr. G. Morris) their Power of Atty. (accompanied by authenticated copies of several certificates) to receive the Interest due on 382,878 60/100 Drs. with instructions to transfer 66,666\u2154 Drs. to Mr. Franklin & the remainder thereof to Mr. G. Morris. At the same time Messrs. Willing Morris & Swanwick receive A Power of Attorney from the same Gentlemen to loan to the United States 226,460 42/100 Dollars being I presume a part of the 382,878 60/100 Dollars mentioned before; in consequence of this power & the Instructions he had received, Mr. Swanwick transferred to my Credit 40,762 87/100 Drs in the 3 \u214c Ct. Stock being the whole of that Stock to which those Gentlemen were intitled upon the Sum which Mr. Swanwick had subscribed to the Loan in their name\u2014a deficiency of near 26,000 Drs. in the sum which they had directed me to transfer to Mr. Franklin appearing & Mr. Gouvr. Morris having engaged under a Penalty that the said sum of 66,666\u2154 Dolls. should be vested in the name of Mr. Franklin in the 3 \u214c Cent Stock on or before the 15th day of Septemr. 1791 I am desirous of learning if any means could wth safety be adopted to prevent Mr. G. Morris from incurring that Penalty by securing Mr. Franklin in due time the sum directed to be transferred to him.\nI have the honor to be &c\nThe Honble The Secretary of Treasury of the United States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0162", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Marchant, 14 September 1791\nFrom: Marchant, Henry\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nRhode Island DistrictNewport Sept. 14. 1791\nIn pursuance of an Act of the Congress of the United States \u201cto provide for mitigating or remitting Forfeitures and Penalties accruing under the Revenue Laws, in certain Cases therein mentioned\u201d I have recd. the Petition of Peleg Saunders hereto annexed, and thereupon caused William Ellery Collector, Robert Crooke Naval Officer, and Daniel Lyman Surveyor of Newport District, the Persons claiming a moiety of the fifteen Hogshead of Rum and one Keg of Medecines upon forfeiture thereof upon their Libel filed before me, if such forfeiture should take Place, and also William Channing Esqr. Attorney of the United States for said Rhode Island District to be noticed to appear before me and shew Cause if any they had against the mitigation or remission thereof, and who declar\u2019d they had no Cause to offer against the Remission prayed for by the said Petitioner, nor had They any Reason to disbelieve the Facts and Circumstances as stated and set forth in said Petition. Whereupon I proceeded to examine into the Truth of the Facts so set forth by the said Petitioner in a summary Manner And by the Report by him openly made signed and deliverd to the said Collector, of the said Goods, by the Declaration of the said Petitioner under solemn Oath to me made, As also by the Testimony of Oliver Burdick of Westerly within sd. District, who also under Oath declared that he was no way interested in said Vessell or Goods, but was a Hand on Board said Vessell in the Employ of the said Petitioner &c at the Time said Effects were taken on Board and hath so continued ever since. As also by the Certificates of the Inspector of New London mentioned in said Petition, and which the said Danl. Lyman Surveyor for the District of Newport acknowledgeth, strictly compares and agrees with the Marks &c upon the said Hogsheads. It appears The Facts and Circumstances stated and set forth in said Petition are true. All which I do hereby certify to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.\nHenry MarchantJudge of Rhode Island District", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0163", "content": "Title: George Washington to George Clinton, 14 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Clinton, George\n[Philadelphia] September 14, 1791. Discusses the possibility of the British establishing a post south of Lake Champlain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0164", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 15 September 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom-House,Providence 15th September 1791.\nSir.\nOn the Thirteenth instant Entered here, from Bordeaux, the Brigantine Betsey, John Arnold Master, the Property of Mr. Stephen Dexter of this Place: In her were imported Ten Kegs of Brandy, consigned to James Johnson of New-York; which, together with the Vessel, being forfeited by the 33 Section of the Excise Act, I have requested the District Attorney to proceed against them as the law directs; tho in justice to the Master, I declare that I have no suspicion of his having the least Intention to defraud the Revenue, and that I believe the forfeiture had been incurred through ignorance of the Law in both him and the Shipper.\nI have the Honor to be &c.\nJereh. Olney Collr. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secy of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0166", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 16 September 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] September 16, 1791. \u201cT: Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury a Commission for Benjn. Cudworth, Inspector of Survey No. 2. in South Carolina.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0167", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 16 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury Department.Septr. 16th. 1791\nSir,\nThe practice of the Surveyor of Boston in measuring American vessels (not new) only when they are transferred into your district, as also in measuring foreign vessels at every entry is perfectly regular.\nIt will be agreeable to me that the builders of the cutter receive her back on delivering a vessel equally good, and well fit, and not exceeding the rate of 63 63/95 tons for 1440 dollars. The Cutter constructed at the district of Portsmouth New Hampshire is of 51 81/95 Tons and she is deemed equal to the service on that coast and Massachusetts.\nIn thus expressing myself however I do not mean to preclude a different Judgment of yourself and others on the spot. For the sufficiency of the vessel is of primary consequence. But I shall be glad to find that, on full consideration, one short of the dimensions you propose may be found adequate to the object. The smaller the vessel, if of competent size, the more cheaply she may be kept in good condition, the more manageable she will be with the number of hands allowed and the more certain I shall be of not exceeding the pecuniary limits prescribed by the Legislature.\nYou are right in your ideas that only such expenditures as have been incurred in relation to the Portland light house since the time of your authorising the gentlemen you refer to, in your letter, to superintend the completion of the building under the authority and for the account of the United States are to be admitted. By exhibiting the act to the Gentlemen you will find no difficulty in convincing them it does not apply to any expenditures prior to its date.\nMy ideas on the subject of prosecuting the receivers of run goods are not intended to preclude exemption in favor of those whose testimony has been previously made use of, with hopes of exemption.\nYou will find enclosed a copy of a return of the Surveyor of Portsmouth, containing the Dimensions of the Cutter.\nI am with great consideration \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nAlex. Hamilton Benjn. Lincoln EsqrCollr.Boston", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0168-0001", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [16 September 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, September 16, 1791]\nSir,\nI have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Mr. Brown of Kentucke, to Genl. Irvine, giving an account of some interesting particulars in the Western Country. Part of the letter, I have understood, has been forwarded to you, but not the whole. Genl. Irvine is of opinion that the waters will be still so far practicable as to permit the progress of the Troops under Genl. Butler; by the expedient of dragging the Boats in the shallowest places.\nWith perfect respect &c. &c.\nA: Hamilton\nPhilada.16th. Septr. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0168-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: John Brown to William Irvine, [22 August 1791]\nFrom: Brown, John\nTo: Irvine, William\n[Danville, Virginia, August 22, 1791]\nSir,\nAn Express from Gen: Wilkinson has this moment reached this place informing of his success. He has destroyed a large Indian Town situated at the banks of the Wabash; also a Kichapoo town containing about 30 houses, & has killed & taken 42 of the enemy. His loss two men killed & one wounded. I have not as yet heard where the Express left him, but expect he has repassed the Ohio before this time. Genl. St. Clair is now here endeavouring to procure aid from the Kentucke militia. His regular force, as yet, does not exceed 500 or 600 men & the river is too low to admit of Boats descending from Fort Pitt. I fear he will meet with great difficulty in obtaining assistance from this Country as the Militia are extremely averse to a co-operation with the regulars, & I am doubtful whether they can be compelled by the Laws of this State, especially as the Executive of Virginia has given no orders upon the subject to the Lieutenants of this District. The Bearer will only allow me time to assure you that,\nI am \u2003 With very great respect \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your Mo: Hble Servt.\nJ: Brown\nDanville22d. Augt. 1791\nP. S. Have lately received two packets from you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0169", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [16 September 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Head of Elk, Maryland, September 16, 1791]\nDr. Sir,\nWhilst I was in Wilmington waiting breakfast to day, I made the best enquiry time & circumstances would permit, for some fit character to fill the office lately held by Doctr. Latimer. Several persons were mentioned, but the weight of information was in favor of one Andrew Barratt. He was spoken of by Mr. Vining as a man of respectable character, of decision and temper. He now is, or lately has been high Sheriff of the county of Kent; & no man, it is said, could have discharged the duties of that Office better. Mr. Bedford, though he had another person in view, (Majr. Jacquet), accords in this opinion of Barratt. Doctor Latimer, whom I afterwards called upon, at New port, for the purpose of enquiry, also speaks well of Barratt. He did indeed, before I mentioned the name of Barratt to him, say that he thought Majr. Patten of Dover the best person that readily occurred to him for this office, but yielded a ready assent to the qualifications of Barratt. None knows whether he would, or would not accept the appointment. Among other things, urged in his favor by Mr. Vining, are his living near the centre of the State\u2014amidst the Stills, and where the most discontent is said to be. To Mr. Chew of Philada. Mr. Vining particularly appeals for the character of Mr. Barratt.\nIf his testimony is in favor of this character, I think it will be an eligible appointment. A blank commission, signed, has been left with Mr. Lear for the Supervisor of the Delaware District.\nWith much esteem & regard \u2003 I am Dear Sir, \u2003 Your Mo: Obt. Servant\nG: Washington\nHead of Elk16th. Septr. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0170", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 16 September 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth [New Hampshire] September 16, 1791. \u201cThe Dicas\u2019s Hydrometer forwardd me to replace the One first Sent which proved defective came to hand but having found a workman who has effectually repaired the defective one, I have two on hand one of which I will direct as you will please to order. The Thermometer that was forwardd from the Treasury is by Accident broken. It was in the hands of one of the Inspectors, a very careful man, who was assisting the Surveyor. A Similar Accident befel a Neat Thermometer before in use which was borrowd of a Physician, (& wch. I have Sent to London to repair). I have endeaverd to procure one in Boston & Other places in this Vicinity without Success\u2014be pleased to order one from Philadelphia for the use of this District. I have the pleasure to enclose you herewith the State of a Manufactory of Sail Cloth lately established in New Hampshire.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0172", "content": "Title: Receipt from William Pearce, 17 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pearce, William\nPhiladelphia Sepr. 17. 1791\nReceived of Alexander Hamilton, Fifty Dollars, towards procuring Machines for a Cotton Manufactory.\nWm. Pearce", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0173", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 19 September 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollrs. Office Sept. 19th: 1791Port of Newport [Rhode Island]\nSir,\nThe Schooner Lydia Peleg Saunders master burthen 34 26/95 tons arrived here from the Port of Stonington in the District of New London on the 12th. of this month, with a cargo consisting of fifteen hhds. of West India Rum, One box and one kegg of medicine and eight cords of oak wood; without a manifest or permit. The Schooner was duely enrolled and licensed. The master produced to the office Certificates of the Rum subscribed by the Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Stonington, which, when comparison made by the Inspector of the Revenue of this Port, agreed with the marks on the hogsheads. It appeared upon examining the master and the shipper of the Rum, that the Schooner was bound from Connecticut river with a Load of firewood for this port, that she stopped at Stonington, that the master was perswaded to land there the wood on his deck, and take thereon the Rum and medicine and proceed with them to this Port, that through ignorance he departed from the Port of Stonington for this Port without a manifest and permit and that he had no intention to defraud the Revenue. Indeed his coming to the office on his arrival, and producing certificates of the Rum showed that he had no fraudulent design. But by Sec. 29 of the Act for Regg. & Clearing Vessels, Regulating the Coasting Trade, and for other purposes, the said goods being subjected to seizure and forfeiture, and the master to forfeit & pay the sum of four hundred Dollars, and the office not being invested with any discretionary powers in this regard, I seized the goods, and they are libelled, and a suit is instituted against the master. He has petitioned the District Judge, and the Judge will transmit the facts stated and annexed to the attestor\u2019s petition by this Post.\nThe Sloop Betsy, Thomas Cottrell claimant, was sold on the 14th. of this month at public auction for five hund. and sixty three Dollars, which was nearly her value. I should be very happy to have your sentiments as to the manner of distributing the moiety which doth not appertain to the United States.\nThis will be accompanied by a weekly return of monies received and paid, by a Certife. of Registry No. 3. granted at the Port of Washington dated Apl. 13th 1790, and delivered up on a transfer of property, and a Copy of endorsment of change of master on Regr. No. 34. granted at this Port 20th. Sepr. 1790.\nI am Sir \u2003 Yr. most obedt. Servant\nWm Ellery A Hamilton EsqrSecry of Treasy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0174", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 19 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Whipple, Joseph\n[Philadelphia, September 19, 1791. In a letter to Hamilton dated October 7, 1791, Whipple referred to \u201cyour letter of the 19th. Ulto.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0175", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Terence O\u2019Neill, [20 September 1791]\nFrom: O\u2019Neill, Terence\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, September 20, 1791]\nSir\nA plan having been suggested to establish a Cotton as well as other Manufactories in the United States, on principles devised by your wisdom, and in consequence of which a subscription is set on foot, Mechanics encouraged, and Machines imported to put this National work into execution. Notwithstanding that artists well qualified in every branch necessary to promote the undertaking may be procured, yet it is as essential that persons qualified to superintend these several Manufactures and who may have a general knowledge of the Manufacturing business should also be engaged. Having been bred for many years to the Business of superintending & keeping the Books of a very extensive Cotton Manufactory in Ireland, together with my experience in the Manchester trade, acquired by carrying on business extensively in that line for some years on my own account; I am induced from these qualifications to offer myself as a person capable of Conducting the Cotton Branch in every particular whatever. I\u2019ll assert myself capable of planing the Books for this business, in a suitable and concise manner and in such order that the accounts shall correspond so as to shew the disposition of every ounce of the Raw Materials and the several operations at one view which will be a means of preventing fraud in any part of the business, if any shou\u2019d be attempted. The prime cost of every article shall also be calculated, that the Commissioners who may be appointed to make the sales, cannot be imposed on in any respect. In short, I think I may without arrogance assert myself qualified to observe & correct any errors that may occur in any part of this branch of business, as well as to detect any fraud or defect that might appear either thro\u2019 neglect or design. Should I on this occasion, Sir, meet with your approbation, as doubtless yours will be necessary for every person who may be employed in this undertaking, I shall deem myself highly gratified, and in the mean time shou\u2019d you wish to have any conversation with me on the subject, I shall do myself the honor to wait on you, whenever it may suit your Convenience. Such security for my good conduct shall be given as may be required. In case you would favor me with your sentiments in this occasion, I beg leave to inform you I lodge at the corner of Front and Race Streets, No. 137.\nI have the honor to be Sir, your most obedt. very humble servant\nTerence O Neill\nPhiladelphia 20th, September 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0176", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 20 September 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury DepartmentSept 20th 1791\nSir,\nIt has been suggested to me that the Grocers in one of the Seaport Towns of the United States have received applications from Persons concerned in foreign trade for the purchase of their Casks marked \u201cOld Stock.\u201d It will be quickly perceived that such a measure affords the strongest reason to suspect, that illicit practices, evasive of both the Revenue and impost are intended. To prevent the mischiefs which would arise from such purchases, I recommend that due notice be given to the Dealers in Rum, and others concerned, that on application to the Revenue offices, an officer will attend at their Rumstores for the purpose of seeing the marks of \u201cOld Stock\u201d &c. completely dubbed or taken off, and receiving the certificate, which had accompanied the Cask into their hands. These certificates should be cancelled by cutting a hole thro the signers name and should be returned and filed in your office. The Casks may then be sold or used for any other purpose, which will prevent the necessity of selling them.\nI am with consideration \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nAlex Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0177", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 21 September 1791\nFrom: Lee, Charles\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlexandria [Virginia] 21st. Septr 1791\nSir!\nYour letter of the 12th. shall be duly attended to. The Scale Beam and Chains, Scale plates and Triangle intended for the Collector of George Town have arrived and will be forwarded to him by the first opportunity.\nThe inclosed is a copy of a claim in favour of Charles Page which is submitted to you for your direction as to the payment expected from me. Without further authority from the Treasury Department I do not conceive myself authorized to discharge it.\nI am Sir! with respect \u2003 Your most Obedt. Servant\nCharles LeeCollector at Alexandria", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0178", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury DepartmentSepr. 21 1791\nSir\nYou will pay into the Bank of Massachusettes whatever monies may be in your hands, on the last day of this month, over and above what it may be necessary for you to retain to satisfy any Treasury drafts which you may have accepted and to fulfil any services which have been committed to your superintendence. For the sum you may pay in, you will take duplicate receipts, one of which you will forward here as a voucher for covering the payment with the usual warrant.\nBenj Lincoln Esqr &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0179", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of New York, 21 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: President and Directors of the Bank of New York\n[Philadelphia, September 21, 1791. On October 1, 1791, William Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am desired by the President and Directors to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 21 & 24 Sepr.\u201d Letter of September 21 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0180", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jean Baptiste de Ternant, 21 September 1791\nFrom: Ternant, Jean Baptiste de\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphie 21 Sepre. 1791\nMr.\nUne revoke dans les atteliers de la partie francaise de st. Dominque m\u2019oblige d\u2019y faire passer sans delay des secours de tous les genres dont le Gouvernemen annonce avoir le plus pressant besoin. Mes moyens ne pouvant Suffire aux achats indispensables dans cette occasion, je vous prie de vouloir m\u2019accorder sur le Tresor federal un credit de 40 mille dollars \u00e0 valoir en \u00e0 compte de ce que les Etats unis doivent \u00e0 la france.\nLe cas est si urgent, et je suis tellement convaincu de votre sincere attachement aux interets de ma patrie que je ne doute nullement de votre empressement \u00e0 accueillir ma sollicitation. Je ne manquerai pas de la mettre au plutot sous les yeux du President des Etats unis, et je suis persuad\u00e9 qu\u2019il ne desapprouvera pas le parti que vous aurez pris d\u2019acquiescer \u00e0 ma demande.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honeur d\u2019etre &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0181", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jean Baptiste de Ternant, 21 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ternant, Jean Baptiste de\nTreasury DepartmentSept. 21st. 1791.\nSir\nRegretting most sincerely the calamitous event announced in your letter of this day, it is with real pleasure, I find myself in a condition to inform you, that the sum you desire is at your command to operate as a payment, on account of the debt due to France.\nIt will be most convenient to the Treasury if you can accommodate the objects you have to fulfill to the following installments\u2014of a sum of Ten thousand dollars immediately\u2014of a further sum of fifteen thousand dollars at the end of thirty days\u2014and of the remaining fifteen thousand at the end of sixty days, the whole advance to be completed in sixty days.\nI presume you will find this arrangement not less favorable to your purposes than the immediate possession of the intire sum. But you are, nevertheless, at liberty to draw for the whole or any part of it as fast as you may find it necessary. I reserve to myself, only the option of paying either here or at New York.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your most obed s\nAlex Hamilton His ExcellencyThe Minister Plenipotentiary of France.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0182", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 21 September 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury DepartmentSeptember 21 1791\nSir\nIt being necessary to fix the rates at which the additional rations for the Officers of the Cutters are to be paid for, I have determined, on consideration, to instruct you to allow to the Captain & other Officers of the Cutter, under your Agency, the sum of nine Cents for every ration which they shall not draw, and for which they shall prefer to receive payment in money. It will also be agreeable to me that you should allow the Captain the like sum for all other rations, whether for himself, the Officers or the hands, provided he will engage to furnish for the same a sufficiency of the component parts of the Rations (not less than those underwritten) to the several persons belonging to the Cutter who shall be entitled to draw the same.\nIt will readily be understood that this arrangement has for object a due supply of the Seamen, (as far as it relates to them) and that it is expected that the whole sum to be allowed in lieu of the ration be expended in the Supply.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Most Obedt. Servant\nAlex Hamilton\nComponent parts of a Ration\u2014\nOne pound of beef or 3/4 lb of pork\nOne pound of bread or flour\nHalf a jill of Rum, brandy or whisky.\nOne quart of Salt\nper 100 Rations\nTwo quarts of vinegar\nTwo pounds of Soap\nOne pound of Candles", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0183", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 21 September 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury Department,September 21, 1791.\nSir,\nIt being necessary to ascertain correctly the state of the public monies in the several Custom-Houses, I enclose you a form of a return of bonds which may not be paid with punctuality, which it is my desire that you regularly transmit at foot of every monthly return of bonds, though there should be none unpaid, noting in the proper column that the fact is so.\nThose parts which are printed in Italic characters, are proposed to be varied as the dates, parties, names, sums, &c. shall, in the future course of business, require. In order to shew the state of things at the time of commencing the transmission of these returns, it will be proper that the first monthly schedule of bonds, which you shall send forward after the receipt of this letter, shall be accompanied with a general return of bonds unpaid (if any such there be) from the opening of the Custom-House in your district to the time of making up the return.\nIt will be proper in future that all draughts of the Treasurer upon you have a hole cut or punched through his signature, about one half of an inch in diameter, prior to your transmitting them to this office.\nThe following regulation is proposed hereafter with respect to cancelled certificates of registry and enrolment. When a master or owner of a vessel, or any person in their behalf shall deliver a certificate of registry or enrolment to any Collector from whose district the same shall not have been issued, the said certificate or enrolment is before filing to be punched or cut through, in the place of the signature of the Secretary of the Treasury or Collector, with a hole of not less than half an inch diameter. After which the said certificate is to be transmitted by the first post to this office, where the margin containing the subscription and seal of the Custom-House officers will be cut off, and transmitted with the requisite memorandums for cancelling the bond, and may be filed in your office.\nIn regard to the admeasurement of vessels I think it necessary to give the following instructions. 1st. All foreign vessels are to be admeasured whenever they shall arrive in your district under circumstances, which occasion the tonnage duty to accrue upon them, and 2d. all vessels of the United States are to be admeasured anew upon every change of property, or upon their introduction as vessels belonging to your district from some other district in which they were before owned; or in other words whenever it is necessary to grant a new register.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedient Servant,\nAlex HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.\nP.S. It is much wished that the returns of duties on Tonnage and goods imported for the quarter ending the last of Septr. may be forwarded with all possible dispatch; in order to prepare for Congress early in the session a general return for the year preceding.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0184", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 22 September 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollrs OfficePort of Newport [Rhode Island] Sepr. 22 1791\nSir\nI am informed by the Surveyor of the Port of No. Kingstown, that it is common for fishing Vessels belonging to that Port to bring grindstones, and the masters of them declare that the rough Stones are taken from shores in the Brith. Dominions as ballast and manufactured by the hands on board on their passage home. On this information permit me to raise the following questions. Supposing on Inquiry it should turn out that Grind-stones said to be so obtained and manufactd. were purchased of the British? or that the raw materials were given by or purchased of them, and manufactured by fishermen on shore; or that the materials should in fact be taken from British shores without purchase, and be manufactured as before mentioned what penalty or forfeiture would be incurred in either of these cases?\nThe 23d. Sec: of the Coastg. Act requires that bond shall be given that such vessels shall not be employed in any illicit trade or commerce. I am in doubt whether the expression illicit trade and commerce comprehends either of the cases mentioned. If it should, then the bond in that case would be forfeited, and the goods liable to forfeiture: if not I would then ask, is any penalty or forfeiture incurred and what? or are the goods subject only to the payment of duties? If the Sec: referred doth not touch the cases put, I have not been able to find any one that doth.\nI conceive that articles manufactured of foreign materials by the cits. of the U. S. on foreign shores are to be considered as foreign, and on importan. in Licensed vessels are subject to the same penalties, forfeitures or duties, as if manufactured by and purchased of foreigners, but I am doubtful whether raw materials of foreign growth manuf. by cits. of these States in foreign ports or places on board Licensed vessels of the U States, and imported in them are in the same predicament. Cabinets made any more than vessels built by such citizens of foreign materials in foreign territories would not I imagin be deemed to be of the manufe. of the U. S.: but might not cabinets or grind stones made of such materials on board such vessels by such citizens in foreign ports or places be considered as of the manufacture of the U. S.?\nI hope I shall not be thought too particular in my enquiries; and it gives me pain to divert an attention engaged in the most important objects; but a wish to know my duty and to be prepared to perform it must be my apology for desiring your sentiments as soon as may be convenient on the foregoing questions. I will only beg leave to add that the arrival of several fishing vessels in this District is daily expected, and they may be under one or the other of the circumstances I have stated.\nI am \u2003 Sir \u2003 Yr. most obedt. servant\nWm Ellery Collr A Hamilton EsqrSecry Treasy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0186", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [22 September 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, September 22, 1791]\nSir,\nI have received a letter from the Minister of France, of which the inclosed is a copy. Having full authority from you in relation to payments to France, & there being funds out of which that which will constitute the succour requested may with propriety be made; and being fully persuaded that in so urgent & calamitous a case, you will be pleased with a ready acquiescence in what is desired, I have not hesitated to answer the Minister that the sum he asks is at his command.\nWith the most perfect respect and truest attachment, I have the honor to be \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your Most Obedient & Most Hble Servant\nA: Hamilton\nPhiladelphia22d. Septr. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0188-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 23 September 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis Sep. 23. 1791.\nSir\nMy letters lately addressed to you by different chanels were of Aug. 8, 23, 30, 31, & Sep. 3. They will have informed you of the loan lately opened at Amsterdam for six millions of florins\u2014the success with which it was attended & my attempts to reduce the charges on it. In my last I inclosed you a copy of my letter to the bankers on this subject. I have since recieved from them a letter of the 8th. by which it appears that they adhere to their claim of the 4. p. cent charges. I save myself the trouble of copying it as they will forward it to you. I inclose here a copy of my answer to them. As it has not become indispensable for me to accede to their demands I have not done it. Of course the rate of their charges is left a matter of discussion between the U.S. & them. As a matter of right they certainly cannot claim more than 3\u00bd. p. cent & since in my letters authorizing the loan I stipulate expressly & repeatedly that the loan shall not be extended beyond three millions unless the charges are reduced & in strict justice they ought not to claim it since their profits are greater at 3\u00bd. p cent, the loan being six millions, than they would have been at 4. p. cent (the terms they agreed to) if the loan had been only three millions. I have thought it proper that you should have our correspondence on this subject, because finally it may be to be settled by you, to whom they will probably appeal from my refusal\u2014if so it will be when they come to state their accounts with the U.S. I thought it possible they might insist on my accepting their terms before they paid the monies arising on this loan & in that case I should have thought it for the advantage of the U.S. to have assented to them. As yet however I have discovered no symptom of this intention.\nThey have already made two remittances out of this loan amounting to 1,723,771. 2. 3 livres tournois. They do not inform me at what rate of exchange these remittances are made. I have written to ask this information of them, which may be necessary to me in the case of the commissaries of the treasury desiring any part of this loan to be paid at Amsterdam. As yet they say they prefer having remittances made here.\nMr. Donald left London soon after writing me the letter communicated to you in mine of the 23d of August. His partner has since informed me that it does not appear to him possible that a loan could be effected in London for the U.S. at less than 5. p. cent, although he thinks it might be done at that rate. He observes that it being necessary that the agents there should guarantee the loan & the payment of interest, no house of any solidity would do this, & particularly if the loan is to continue ten years, for 5 p. cent commission. They would expect also a commission on paying the interest, which he estimates \u2153 p. cent for recieving & \u00bd p. cent for paying. He observes also that the proper time to attempt a loan would be in the spring after Mr Pitt shall have brought forward his budget. This is a less favorable view of the subject than that presented by Mr Donald. I am the more sorry for it as it leaves me in a doubt of what is proper to be done, not knowing how far you would desire a sacrifice should be made in the charges of a loan in order to effect it in London where you contemplate other advantages from its being made. I still hope however that it will be found that if it is practicable for the U. S. to make a loan there at all that it may be done at a reduced rate of interest so as to compensate the increased commission which will be indispensable on account of the guarantee. I shall continue my correspondence on this subject & inform you of the result. I learn that the domestic funds of the U S have been sold in London & that the six p. cents went as high as 10s.\nI have heard nothing for some time from Antwerp. The Russian loan brought on there will of course prevent the U.S. from attempting one at a reduced rate of interest until it shall have been completed.\nYou will recieve by the way of Havre in a box addressed to the Secretary of State several books & pamphlets on the subjects of mint & coinage. I was advised to procure them & send them to you which I have done on the authority of others, having not sufficient knowlege of the subject to judge of their merit myself. I am told by M. Drost & the Abb\u00e9 Rochon one of the members of the monetary commission here, that they will be useful to you in the researches you are making.\nMr. Brantsen late Ambassador from Holland here & employed in the mint of that country promises to give me an account of their manner of proceeding & the establishment of their mint. If he keeps his word I will forward you the information I may collect from him.\nI have the honor to be with the most perfect respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obedient humble servant\nW: Short The Honble.Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the treasury Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0188-0003", "content": "Title: Enclosure: William Short to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 16 September 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas\nParis Sep 16 1791\nGentlemen\nI received after the departure of the last post your letter of the 8th inst. \u27e8I\u27e9 am really sorry to find that you persist in pretensions which I should have hoped must have been removed by the observations contained in mine of the 3d. instant & of which you acknowlege the receipt. It becomes useless for us to discuss this subject longer. For my part I examined it in all its parts not so much to establish the right of the U. S. to the reduction of the charges (for that right is uncontestable as will appear from reading over my letters on the authorizing this loan) as to shew that it was just in them to exercise that right.\nLeaving the circumstance of the commission you give to the undertakers out of the question, as being a matter of indifference as to the right of the U. S. to fix the conditions on which they will open loans, I think you cannot deny that Congress were at liberty to open this last loan or not to open it at Amsterdam\u2014& also at liberty to employ your house or not to employ them in making it. If then they had this right they had also that of fixing with you the terms on which they would open it. Where are those terms to be found if it is not an authority given for opening the loan? In perusing my letters containing this authority the extension of the loan to six million is so expressly stipulated to be authorized only on the condition of the charges being reduced & others so often repeated that it is difficult to say how a pretension of the contrary could ever be taken up. So far I think you yourselves will not object to and must admit to the right of the U. S. to insist on a reduction of the charges on the 2\u00bd million loan. It only remained therefore to put in question whether it would be just in them so as to use this right. I know nothing wch. would render it unjust except its being burthensome to those they imploy. This can only be understood by considering the terms on which you acknowlege you were willing to make the \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 the profits which you yourselves consider as competent in this business. According to your own statement your profits on the 2\u00bd million loan were \u215b p cent each. You object however to the raised commission of the undertakers being taken in to the acct. wch. was a sacrifice you made of yourselves\u2014leaving that out of the question then the profits to wch. you consider yourselves as just would have been \u00be p cent each. If then the U. S. had chosen to employ your houses separately each to make a loan of three million & offered you 1 p cent clear commission you would certainly have accepted it or at least have considered these profits sufficient. As it is you have the appearance of acting jointly but not being bound for each other & may be considered as separately & your profits on the six million loan produce the same result. You object to this view of the subject as comparing your agency to mechanic labor. I cannot see the justice of this objection, but see on the contrary that you cannot have grounds to complain of the U. S. exercising an incontestible right where it is evident that instead of your being injured your profits are greater than those stated by you as being just on the 2\u00bd million loan.\nThe right of the U. S. to insist on the charges of the loan of six million being reduced to 3\u00bc p cent being thus put beyond the possibility of a contradiction & the justice of exercising this right being also demonstrated, I cannot flatter myself that I shall be able to contribute to induce you to acknowlege them if these observations should not satisfy you. I hope therefore you will excuse me from a repetition of them. I have discussed them thus fully because I am desirous that you should be convinced that the U. S. in this instance not only claim a right, but one which it is highly just they should exercise. This consideration I should hope would induce you in your next to enable me to inform the Secretary of the Treasury that you retreat from the pretensions hitherto mentioned. Although this circumstance does not affect the right of the U. S. yet it is necessary for other reasons that there should be no further delay in this business.\nYou say you shall comply with my request to send to the Sec. of the treasury a copy of your letter to me of the 25th of August on having my approbation to send likewise a copy of that of the 8th inst. I do not see the necessity of having waited for this approbation as you might have taken it for granted that I would not have had any objection to your sending a copy of that or of any other of your letters to me, but on the contrary must have wished him to be furnished with whatever could give him lights in this business. I hope therefore you will transmit the copy of the letter in question or any other that you may suppose may have that tendency.\nYou mention the advantages resulting from the present rate of charges render the probability of the rise as being much greater for the U. S. than any saving in the charges on the loan. I can only repeat in answer to this what I have formerly mentioned, that although it may be just I do not consider myself or my powers competent to judge of it in consequence of such considerations & that I gave you a strong proof of this at the time of making the 2\u00bd million loan in refusing to extend it notwithstanding the same observations were then made use of. I cannot help however thinking it a little singular that you should at that time have been so urgent for extending the loan so far as it could be carried: whilst the high commission of the undertakers left you only \u00bd p cent each & that you should now make so much difficulty about receiving the same rate on the whole.\nI am sorry that you did not mention to me at what rate you made the remittance mentioned in your last letter of 642,896 \u00a39. 9. I will thank you to inform me of that circumstance & the rate of future remittances as well as the rate of exchange, The day of the departure of your letters & your ideas as to the rise or fall. These circumstances will be essential to me in treating with the commissioners of the treasury & settling with them agreeably to what I may suppose most for the advantage of the U. S. whether the payments shall be made at Amsterdam & on what terms\u2014or by remittances here.\nYou informed me in your last that you were already able to remit the 1\u00bd p ct. loan of florins desired. I now desire you to continue the remittance as far as 1\u00bd millions more (3 millions on the whole) in the manner you may suppose most for the advantage of the U. S. but not to exceed that sum until you hear further from me. In the mean time I shall hope you will keep me regularly informed of the progress of this business that I may know how to meet the commissioners of the treasury in the case of their desiring to change the rate of payment. I am gentlemen very sincerely yours\nW Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0189", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 24 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lee, Charles\nTreasury DepartmentSeptember 24. 1791\nSir\nYou were right in declining to pay the order which was made upon you by the District Court in relation to Charles Page. It was altogether irregular, and of course I cannot authorise its being complied with.\nI am with consideration \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedient ser\nA Hamilton Charles Lee EsqrCollector Alexandria", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0190", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of New York, 24 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: President and Directors of the Bank of New York\n[Philadelphia, September 24, 1791. On October 1, 1791, William Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am desired by the President and Directors to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 21 & 24 Sepr.\u201d Letter of September 24 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0191", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 24 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury DepartmentSeptr. 24. 1791\nSir,\nYour letter of the 15th. instant, respecting ten Kegs of Brandy imported in the Brigantine Betsey from Bordeaux in violation of the thirty third Section of the act of the 3rd of march last, has been received.\nThere appears to be reasonable ground for a presumption that the importation of the Brandy in kegs proceeded from ignorance of the law, and if no legal process is yet instituted with regard to the forfeiture, it is my wish that you will forbear to proceed further against it. The vessel and Brandy may of course be released. If a prosecution has been commenced the course of relief will be by petition through the district Judge.\nI am with consideration \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nAlex Hamilton Jeremh. Olney Esqr.Collr Providence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0192", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Eliphalet Pearson, 24 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pearson, Eliphalet\nPhiladelphiaSepr. 24, 1791\nSir\nI have the honor of your letter of the 10th. instant transmitting me a testimonial of my election as a fellow of the Society of The American Academy of Arts of Sciences. I entertain too high and respectful opinion of that Society not to esteem myself particularly flattered by so honorable a mark of their distinction; for which I request you to make my most cordial acknowlegements to them; permitting me at the same time to thank you for the obliging manner in which you communicate their act.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 With great consideration Sir Your Obed ser\nA Hamilton Eliphalet Pearson EsqrCorresp Secretary", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0193", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [24 September 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Treasury Department, September 24, 1791]\nSir,\nI have the honor to transmit you a letter of the 8th. of August from Governor St. Clair, together with sundry papers which accompanied it; the whole relating to the subject of the Settlements which have been made under purchases from Judge Symmes.\nA: Hamilton\nTreasy. Departmt.24th. Sep. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0194", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [24 September 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Mount Vernon, September 24, 1791]\nSir,\nI have received your letter of the 22d. inst: enclosing a copy of one from the French Minister; I have to inform you, that your proceedings with respect to the request of the Minister of France, meet my entire approbation.\nI am Sir \u2003 Your hble Servt.\nG: Washington\nMount Vernon24th. Septr. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0195", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 24 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentSeptember 24 1791\nSir\nAn account has been transmitted by Mr. Porter, One of the Officers of the Cutter, for the time prior to the date of his Commission. It will be proper that you transmit to the Treasury some information, carefully taken, of the time when each of the Officers commenced effectual and continued service in the preparations for & fitting of the Cutter.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your most Obed servant\nAlexander Hamilton Otho H Williams EsqrCollector of the Customs, Baltimore", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0196-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [26 September 1791]\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, September 26, 1791]\nSir.\nUpon receiving information, that a difference of sentiment had arisen between the Comptroller of the Treasury of the U.S. and the Comptroller General of Pennsylvania, as to the mode of paying for the tract of Land on Lake Erie, agreably to the terms of the Contract, I referred the subject to the Attorney General of this Commonwealth; and I have now the honor of transmitting to you a copy of his opinion.\nAs the accomplishment of this purchase has been long suspended, and appears to be anxiously desired by the Legislature, permit me to hope, Sir, that you will either concur with me in making the settlement conformably to the principles of Mr. Ingersoll\u2019s opinion, or suggest some other mode by which the ground of dispute may be speedily removed.\nI am, with great respect, \u2003 Sir, Your most obed Servt.\nPhila. 26. Sept. 1791\nTo Alexr. Hamilton, Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0196-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Jared Ingersoll to Thomas Mifflin, [25 September 1791]\nFrom: Ingersoll, Jared\nTo: Mifflin, Thomas\n[Philadelphia, September 25, 1791]\nDear Sir\nI have carefully examined and considered the documents transmitted me on the twenty second instant respecting a doubt that has arisen between the Comptroller of the Treasury of the United States and the Comptroller General of Pennsylvania as to the manner of paying for the Tract of Land on Lake Erie agreeably to the Contract between the Members of Congress from this State and the late Board of Treasury.\nThe Instructions to our Delegates in Congress their proposals to the Board of Treasury, and the Boards acceptance of the Terms\u2014offered, I have not seen, I give my Sentiments upon the papers furnished, I presume the others are unimportant.\nI am of Opinion that all the Securities of the United States bearing Interest at the time the Contract was executed, are payable agreeably to the Terms of the Contract.\nI conceive that Indents of Interest funded at three prCent or to express myself in General terms the three per Cent stock is not payable agreeably to the Terms of the Contract.\nIt appears to me however that the arrears of Interest on the unfunded Certificates, as well previous as subsequent to January 1788 are admissible and ought to be computed in discharge of the said debt equally as the principal.\nThe distinction attempted by the Comptroller of the Treasury of the United States between the arrears of Interest before and after January 1788 does not appear to me to be well founded the seperation of Interest of Principal in the antecedent period was at the option of the holders and in the hands of many may be found united.\nAs I am exceedingly pressed for time preparing for the Circuit, I beg the the favor of you to presere a Copy of this Letter for me as I have not time to transcribe it myself.\nI am Dear Sir \u2003 With much esteem \u2003 Your Most O[b]edient Humble Servant\nJared Ingersoll.PhiladelphiaSeptember 25th 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0197", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 27 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury DepartmentSept. 27. 1791.\nSir\nYou observe in your letter of the first instant which did not strike me on the first perusal, or it would have been sooner noticed, that \u201cyou think it probable the sum remitted will be sufficient for the payment of the next quarter\u2019s interest, though it must be matter of conjecture only till the close of the loan.\u201d\nThe last clause leads me to conclude, that you have misapprehended a late instruction of the Comptroller, directing you to continue to receive subscriptions to the several loans to the end of the month. But this was not meant to alter the preceding instruction, to close your books as to transfers fourteen days previous to the termination of each quarter, and to make up your dividends of interest according to the then state of the stock on your books. Any deviation from this rule will necessarily interfere with the punctuality of payment, and with the order of the business, and will be particularly unfortunate.\nWith consideration, I am, Sir \u2003 Your obedient servant\nAlexander Hamilton Nathaniel Appleton Esq.Commissioner of LoansMassachusetts.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0198", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 27 September 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth New Hamp Sep. 27, 1791\nSir\nInclosed herewith I transmit you my Account of payment for the Support of the Lighthouse Establishment in this district from the commencing of that expence on the 15th. of August 1789 to the 30th. of June last. This Return has been detained with a view of accompanying it with a plan of the Lighthouse and the Land Adjacent lately Ceded by this State to the United States, but the Surveyor who took it, having mislaid the rough minutes has not yet furnished me with the draughts.\nI also now inclose for the approbation of The President, a New Contract for the Support of the Lighthouse for Six Months commencing the 1st. day July 1791.\nThe usefulness & conveniency to trade and Navigation attending the hoisting the Flag at the Fort as answered by Merchants whose opinions I requested are\n1st. \u2003 That when it appeard by such Signal a Vessel (the different Colours as Ensign, pendant &c designating the kind of Vessel whether Ship Snow or Brig) was approaching the harbour, an owner expecting such Vessel was enabld to Stop her coming up the River, if the Cargo was intended for any other port for a Market.\n2nd. \u2003 That it was an inducement to suspend orders for Insurance whereby they might Sometimes Save the premium.\n3rd. \u2003 That it gave Notice to the pilot whose Residence did not admit of his seeing the Vessel so soon as a person Stationd at the Fort.\n4th. \u2003 That it Shows a respect to Strangers which has been in practice Since the first Settlement of the Country. To which I would add as it respects the public, that notice of a vessels appearance in the offing would excite the attention of the Officers of the Customs, especially the Inspector residing at New Castle, to whom I have given directions to observe the Conduct of Vessels approaching the harbour, whose entrance in it, would probably be in the Night, & to attend to their proceedings after such entrance. To this I was induced from having heard that Vessels had dallied off the harbour, with intention of entering in the Night unseen, & after coming to Anchor in the harbour, have attempted and probably sometimes effected their fraudulent purposes.\nThe Expence of hoisting the Flag as demanded by the person who now attends the light woud be 25 Cents pr. day which I conceive to be more than its Value & am of opinion that a much less sum aded to the expence of the Lighthouses after the present Contract is expired would obtain the Service.\nI would take this Occasion to observe that the former practice under the State Government of hailing Vessels on their passing the Fort & the Authority for bringing them too when necessary, & subjecting those to punishment who did not give true answers, was found to be a useful regulation, and would be so under the General Government as it respects the Revenue, if Authorized by Law. The entrance of the harbour is so narrow that no Vessel can escape the command of the Fort, or pass out of hearing. Many Vessels from foreign ports enter the harbour, bound to different ports of Massachusetts, & a greater Number of Coasting Vessels passing between the districts of Maine & Massachusetts, meeting a head wind put in for Shelter at all times of day & night, many of the latter description, having the appearance of foreigners are visited by the Inspector while entering the harbour, or when laying at Anchor within, which is attended with a considerable expence that in many instances might be preventd if enquiry was made of the destination &c of Vessels at their passing the Fort.\nUnder any new regulation respecting the Fort I conceive it would be a Saving of expence & a Security to the Revenue if the persons employed at the Fort Should be connected with the Custom House. They might be selected from the Military Invalids now entitled to a pension, from whom boatmen might be appointd & a person to attend the Lighthouse.\nI am, Sir, very respectfully \u2003 Your Most Obedt. hume. servt.\nJoseph Whipple Honble. Alexander Hamilton Esq.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0199", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 27 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentSeptr. 27. 1791\nSir\nYou will retain, in your hands, such monies as you shall receive after this letter reaches you \u2019till the whole sum shall amount to ten thousand Dollars; which is destined as an advance to Messrs. Elliot and Williams, and for the payment of which you will receive directions as soon as their bond with the proper sureties shall be received by me.\nI remain with great consideration \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your Obed ser\nAlexander Hamilton Otho H. Williams EsqrCollector of Baltimore", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0200", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 28 September 1791\nFrom: Allibone, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, September 28, 1791. Encloses estimates for \u201cthe Present quarter\u201d and for \u201cone year comencing the 15th of August.\u201d Reports that the navigational aids in the Delaware River \u201care now in good order.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0203", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to \u2014\u2014\u2014, [30 September 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, September 30, 1791]\nDear Sir:\nIf you can conveniently let me have twenty dollars for a few days, be so good as to send it by the bearer. I have just put myself out of cash by payment of Major l\u2019Enfants\u2019 bill.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0204", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Hazard, [30 September 1791]\nFrom: Hazard, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, September 30, 1791]\nDear Sir\nMr. Wolcott going sooner than I expected, gives me little Time. The Council of Appointment met Yesterday, & appointed Willett Sheriff again. The Governor it is thought, gained Webster. Miles Hughes, tried for it. I negotiated for him, with I. Roosevelt; Tillotson we suppose was for Willett. Peter Schuyler was sick at Home. Miles\u2019s Practice I apprehend is not large. Mel. Smith & N. Lawrence countenance Hughes\u2019 Views; all three dislike Clinton. Burr keeps his State Attorney-ship, he wants to put it into Nat Lawrence\u2019s Hands. Clinton wants to give it to Ned Livingston, this must not be; he will propagate wrong Policy thro\u2019 out the State. Lawrence looks up to Burr with Veneration, has formed a favorable Opinion of you, but is shy. He is honest, but very wary & cold blooded for a young Man. He has suspected Harrison wished the State Attorney-ship. Harrison however respectable, is no Statesman. I believe it would be good Policy to give it to Lawrence. It would be deemed so far as you could countenance it, an indubitable Proof of your sincere Good Will to Burr & himself. Allow me for Brevity Sake to conclude with a Word which means like all lengthier Subscriptions of Address, Nothing or everything just as this Heart feels\u2014to say cordially\nVale\nN. H\nP.S. Clinton is staggered, he is afraid to turn Burr out, & Burr wont resign untill a new Council, if he can avoid it. We want to make Dr. Minima Sheriff of Queens County.\nSeptr. 30th. 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0205", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 30 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia, September 30, 1791. Letter listed in dealer\u2019s catalogue. Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0206", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Supervisors of the Revenue, 30 September 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Supervisors of the Revenue\nTreasury DepartmentSeptr. 30. 1791\nSir\nIncreasing embarrassments concerning the seizure of spirits for want of being accompanied with Certificates render it necessary that the ideas communicated in particular cases should be made general. I therefore make them the subject of this Circular letter.\nA disagreable dilemma presents itself. This is either to forbear seizures for want of marks and certificates, which will materially impair an important check designed by the law, or to give something like just ground of complaint for seizing the property of Citizens for the want of a thing, which in many cases is not made necessary by the law.\nIt is required by the law that all the old Stock on a certain day in the hands of importers and distillers from foreign materials generally and in Cities Towns and Villages, from domestic materials should be marked and certified; but it omits to extend this requisition to old Stock in the hands of dealers who are not importers, and of distillers from Stills, rated according to the capacity of the Still, and indeed of all other descriptions of persons except the two which have been mentioned. It equally omits to provide for marking and certifying Spirits made after the commencement of the law, at Country distilleries of domestic materials, and altogether for the case of Spirits drawn off from one Cask and put into another, in the course of retail dealing.\nAttempts have been made to supply these deficiences; by special regulations depending on the consent of parties; but these have not been capable of embracing all the differences of circumstances and on a full reflexion, it does not appear practicable to adopt any plan, which not being authorised by law can effectually provide for all the cases which require to be provided for, so as to render it proper to enforce vigorously by the provision which authorises the seizure of Spirits, not accompanied with marks and Certificates.\nIn a situation like this a great relaxation appears unavoidable; and it is deemed preferable to weaken the efficacy of the provision respecting certificates than to give just cause of complaint of the rigorous execution of the law in a particular in which it is improvident in its provisions.\nIt is therefore my wish that the want of Certificates may in general rather be considered as a ground for careful enquiry and examination than of itself a sufficient cause for seizures; and that the Officers of Inspection under you may have an instruction to this effect.\nWhen the spirits, if of the imported class, are in Hhds. of upwards an hundred Gallons, or from any evident marks, in the original packages, in which they are imported; or when they can be traced to have been brought from any distillery of foreign materials, or of domestic materials in a city, town or Village, in every such case, the presumption of fraud from the want of certificates will be strong enough to justify a seizure. But it ought to be impressed upon all concerned, that great circumspection is to be used in every instance in making a seizure on the mere score of want of marks and Certificates.\nWith great consideration \u2003 I am Sir, \u2003 Your obedient servant\nA Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0208", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from \u2014\u2014\u2014, [September\u2013October 1791]\nFrom: \nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[September\u2013October, 1791]\nSir\nI have had the honor to transmit to you a sketch, which you appeared to desire of the arrangements necessary for the execution of the plan chalked out in your prospectus. I confined myself to class the objects with which you propose to begin the business on each of these heads. I might have entered into more particular details, and given, if not an exact estimation, at least an Idea of the expense of their Establishment, their support, their consumption and produce. I have occupied myself with this business, at least as much as one Could, who has only a general Knowledge, but not the exact information which a Workman only can possess.\nNow that I see, Sir, the business ready to begin, I will take the liberty of communicating to you my private opinion on the subject; and my reason for not expressing it in the paper I transmitted to you was, that it differed in some degree from the ideas contained in the prospectus. I had at first with you the idea That an Establishment comprehending a dozen different objects well chosen, conducted by an able direction, enlightened and honest managers and skillful Workmen might have the greatest success, and I think so still; but would not the union of so many qualities, on which the success entirely depends, be an absolute miracle? and would it be prudent to depend upon it? But if one of them is Wanting, you will find bad goods come out of the hands of unskillful workmen; dishonest managers make a fraudulent advantage at the expense of their employers, which in such a multitude of details will escape the eye of the directors; and directors who for want of particular knowledge of each of the different branches conduct well that with which they are best acquainted, and be continually exposed to be decived in all the others. The more I think on This affair, the more I am persuaded that there is a great risk in pursuing it in the manner in which it is proposed, and its advantageous execution must depend on fortune, more than on reason. I have seen in Europe individual manufacturers employ two or three hundred hands, but in the same branch, and the undertakers had occasion only to be acquainted with that branch; besides they were employed for their own profit, and not as hirelings, and after all were often cheated in the details. In the establishment proposed we must in the first place [have] as many faithful and enlightened directors as there are different branches; then a number of managers each capable of following the branch entrusted to him with the eye of a real and intelligent manufacturer, without which it will be necessary to depend absolutely on the head-Workmen, who, even if they should be all honest, can never be stimulated by that interest which animates those who work for themselves. The expense of such an establishment is immense in buildings, machines, looms, the purchase of raw-materials of so many kinds, the Wages of workmen, Salaries of managers, Directors &c. These articles alone, without counting the purchase of lands and unforeseen expenses, will demand an immense capital if they are calculated in a reasonable manner, and present in their details a multitude of means of loss to The Corporation. I repeat it, Sir, unless God should send us saints for Workmen and angels to conduct them, there is the greatest reason to fear for the success of the plan.\nI am far from thinking, however, that there are not other means to accomplish the object in your view which, if I understand it right, is 1st. to encourage and protect the establishment of the manufactures necessary for This country. 2dly. To take advantage of The crisis in which affairs now are in several country of Europe, to Engage as many manufacturers in as many different Branches as possible to Emigrate to this country. It seems to me that these objects may be equally accomplished by the corporation undertaking three or four of the principal branches, and Which I Should Chuse connected together that The Details may be more easy to follow. 3dly. by becoming partners in the other branches with undertakers of known abilities and charac\u27e8ter\u27e9 on the terms that may be thought proper.\nA General spinning house, and the employment of its prod\u27e8ucts\u27e9 are in my opinion Worthy of pr\u00e9f\u00e9rence. The extent to Which th\u27e8ey\u27e9 may be carried is sufficiently great while their connection makes The Business easy to be followed. These two articles require ot\u27e8hers\u27e9 as accessary, viz. the dying of cotton, Wool &c. before they are manufactured. I am perfectly convinced that it would be much \u27e8more\u27e9 easy to manage well 600 hands in such a manufacture, Th\u27e8an\u27e9 200 divided among different branches which have no depen\u27e8dence\u27e9 on each other.\nAs to the proposal I make of engaging the corporation as pa\u27e8rtners\u27e9 with private manufacturers, it is not a new idea. I have seen in France the gouvernement concerned in many private undertakings in Which they appointed a commissary to take care of their interests. This was one of the means of encouraging and protecting manufactures. Here it has another advantage, that of procuring able Workmen from Europe. The corporation might engage in Such undertakings in several ways; either by advancing the necessary capital to individuals; by building and renting to them the necessary works; or by taking upon them selves the expenses of the first establishment, always in proportion to the solidity and talents of The undertakers.\nSuch are the observations which I take the liberty to lay before you. I know that to you I have no occasion to develope them more particularly, and I hope that you will consider the freedom With Which I venture to discuss your opinion, as a new Tribut of Esteem paid to your private Character, and patriotic Virtues.\nI am with respect,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0209", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Playfair, [September\u2013December 1791]\nFrom: Playfair, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Paris, September\u2013December, 1791]\nSir,\nI must once more request your Pardon for the liberty which I again take of writing to you about the affairs of the Sioto but they are in So extraordinary a State and the Interests of Such a Number of Individuals are at Stake that I hope you will excuse me.\nI have written to Mr Dewer by this Same Packet and have Entered into the affair at great length but as it would be very improper to trowble you with these details and Reasonings I shall confine Myself to what is Realy Matter of Importance.\nThe Present Moment is become from the State of affairs in France exceedingly favourable for the Emigration Much More so than Ever. A Mr Gervais Who is a very honest intelligent Man who lived 9 Months on the Sioto lands is Returned & has brought Such letters & Gives Such a favourable account of the Establishment that the Public opinion has Changed and is actually favourable to that enterprise. All Persons agree that if this Winter is let Slip it will Run hard to Ruin the Affair. Several other Sales of Land in America are opening or opened & this derives its great advantage from having been the First French Colony. Should Another get footing then that advantage is at an End. At the Same time that things are in so favourable a Situation for Selling there Are infinit difficulties occasioned by former Transactions the Procuration which the Company of Mr Dewer Sent here having Sold the Whole of the Land 2ce neither of which Sales indeed have been consummated but likewise Neither has been undone Regularly. There is however a possibility of going on with a Sale for Some Months in Spite of all & the Plan I propose is\u2014One tenth of the Price of the Land to be paid here four Tenths at Philadelphia by the Purchaser when he arives either to the Public Treasury or to a Person whom Mr Dewer May appoint and the Remaining five tenths or half to be paid in 2 years & till paid to Remain a Mortgage upon the Land Sold. Thus No Single acre will be delivered without touching \u2074\u2044\u2081\u2080th in Cash & \u00bd in obligation on the land itself. Mr Dewer never Expected better than that & according to the arrangements his Procuration made he never could have had near so much therefore his Interest is Secured And it gives Confidence here to the Buyers.\nAs the Matter will in 10 days from this time be begun in that Manner which with Regard to the Persons who are interrested in America is Unexceptionable I have written to Mr Dewer to Send over New Powers limited & to the purpose of Selling on these terms. The Unlimited Powers which have hitherto been Sent Should be Annulled certainly & when the powers Go No farther than to Sell upon the Above Conditions Mr Dewers interests will be Secured let the Seller be well or ill inclined. With Regard to myself I have allways considdered My Interest as being included in the general one & therefore have not in any case bargained for Myself but as I have contracted obligations which it will be difficult for Me to pay if the affair does not go on And as the Courts of Justice have decided that I Personally Am bound to pay whatever is owing for that affair, If any Procuration Should come that will tend to Stop the operation I shall be obliged tho\u2019 with Reluctance to have the Effect of Such Procuration Suspended & to go on with the Sale if that Shall Still continue to be possible after a Law Suit shall have been begun. I beg of you Sir to have the Goodness Not for My Sake because I have not the honour to be known to you but in general for the Sake of all those who are embarked in that Enterprise to Use Your Endeavours with Mr Dewer & others concerned to the Purpose of Powers being Sent over in that limited Sence so that the Sale may go on without interruption.\nYou will probably have a letter from Monsieur Duval D\u2019\u00c9sprimenel the Famous Member of the Ancient Parliament who intends going to America with his Family & A Number of other Families Next Spring. All the French Nobility Are in the Intention of Emigrating to One place or Another & Most of the Clergy add to that the Best Part of the Artists Are Ruined as trade And Manufactures are at a low Ebb. If things are well Managed America will gain More in Population and Imported Wealth in three years to come than She would otherwise in thirty for let things here take what turn they may one quarter of the Inhabitants must be discontented & a great portion of them will leave the Country.\nWere I to permitt my self Another liberty after that which I take of writing the present letter it would be to Request your taking the trowble of throwing your Eyes over the letter which I have Sent to Mr Dewer by this Same Packet which letter explains many things that it would be impertinent to trowble you with in this letter.\nThe Sooner that Mr Dewer takes a Party in this affair the better it will be for all concerned and thus for the Sale in general & certainly he has Nothing to dread from Sending the Procuration in the Way I mention.\nI have the honour to be Sir, \u2003 Your Most Obedient \u2003 and Most humble Servant\nWilliam Playfair To Hamilton Esqr a New yorke", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0210-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [September 1791]\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, September, 1791]\nObservations on the question, whether it is expedient for the Bank of the United States to operate by Departments?\nIt is first necessary to determine, whether any limitations in the constitution of the Bank of the United States, render it improper for the Corporation to operate by departments. A fair construction of the law must decide this point.\nThe only limitation in the act of incorporation which can affect this inquiry, is contained in the ninth section of the Law, and is expressed in these words. \u201cThe total amount of the debts which the said corporation shall at any time owe, whether by bond bill note or other contract, shall not exceed the sum of ten millions of dollars over and above the monies then actually deposited in the bank for safe keeping, unless the contracting of a greater debt shall have been previously authorised by a Law of the United States.\u201d\nIt is presumed to be the effect of this provision, that the debts of the bank ought to be so limited that the debts due for deposits may at all times be for such amounts only as can be satisfied, out of the deposits, and the debts contracted on account of the capital Stock, such as the capital Stock will satisfy. There is no limitation with respect to the debts which may be due for deposits, which may rise to any amount that individuals, may intrust to the Bank. The profits of the Bank can in no sence be said to result immediately from debts due from the Bank. The profits will always result from operations which will occasion debts to be due to the Bank, and in this respect the bank of the United States is not limited by Law. From this view of the subject, it is evident, that nothing in the Law, forbids the bank of the United States to lend the whole of the Specie part of its capital and the whole of the deposits\u2014though it is not contended that it will be consistent with the exercise of a good discretion to lend or discount to this extent.\nThe Bank being therefore at liberty to lend or discount to an indefinite amount taking care that the debts due by the bank, in no instance exceed its credits; it follows, that no restriction in the Law, forbids the establishment of departments.\nThe next enquiry is, can the right of establishing departments be excercised, so as to render it expedient?\nTo solve this question it is necessary to consider how banks operate & from what sources their profits result.\nIt is presumed that the capital Stock of a bank, is principally intended to serve as a pledge to its customers, that any losses which it may suffer, shall not impair its ability to satisfy the demands of those who may deposit money in its coffers. A bank may indeed trade on its capital Stock, but it is not for this purpose that banks are incorporated. If the capital Stock of a bank is considered seperately from the deposits, the former, instead of being rendered more profitable is rendered of less value, by being employed in a Bank of discount & Deposit by the tendency which such banks ever have to reduce the rate of interest and by the increased expences of management which attend such institutions. If such a bank receives deposits without being permitted to lend them the capital is charged with the risque of safekeeping which is an additional expence. Hence it follows that the capital of a bank need not and ought not in most cases to exceed what is necessary to insure against all contingencies\u2014and hence the importance of wisdom, prudence and integrity in the administrators, which being the chief causes of credit, by diminishing the chances of loss, render the less capital necessary.\nIn every community there is a sum reserved in the hands of individuals which is to them an unproductive or dead Stock. The amount of this Stock is continually varying with every change in society, and can only be calculated by observation. As this stock can never be profitably employed by the proprietors, it will be deposited in a bank, if sufficient assurance is given, that it will be refunded on demand. The inducement for making these deposits will in the first instance be, to avoid the risque of safe keeping. After the effect of a bank for discounts and deposits is perceived, such deposits will be continued from motives of private advantage, for by the aids received, every man in business, will find, that he can trade on the whole amount of his capital, by paying interest to the bank, on that part thereof, which would otherwise be unproductive.\nThe administrators of such a bank, will soon find, a sum of money continually remaining in their Coffers, which though demandable at a moment, will never be called for, while the bank retains its credit, and which they may safely lend on Interest. From lending this money, the chief profits of the bank will arise.\nFrom these data the inference results, that an institution which should be able to produce satisfactory security of its ability to indemnify its customers from all losses & also to make payments on demand and also deservedly possess the confidence of the community, in respect to wisdom, prudence, & integrity, might excercise the business of banking with the fullest success, without employing one dollar of money as a capital. It is presumed that a capital of ten millions of Dollars is sufficient to ensure against all losses in any prudent negociations which may be made, in the United States and the sagacity of the individuals who are interested in the capital Stock, may be safely trusted to call into their service the most able and upright administrators.\nIt is also presumed that the plan for establishing departments, which is herewith submitted, is attended with no risque, which would not attend the operations of a single bank, which should operate to the extent of the principal bank & the departments.\nIf the plan now proposed is observed, the debts can never exceed the resources of the bank; compleat information will be attainable by the Directors of the Bank of the United States, of all the business done by the Departments & the operations of the Bank may be extended wherever the deposits will amou[n]t to such a sum, that the interest of that part which may be loaned out, will defray the expences of a proper establishment. The profits resulting from an extensive operation upon this plan, appear to be sufficiently alluring to the corporation of the Bank of the United States and the advantages which will result to the community from banks well conducted, render it important, that the benefits should be extended to as wide a scene as possible.\nRespectfully submitted by\nOliv. Wolcott.\nPhila. Sept. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0210-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Plan for Establishing Departments of the Bank of the United States, [September 1791]\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, September, 1791]\nPlan for establishing departments of the Bank of the United States, submitted to the Secretary of the Treasy. by Oliver Wolcott.\n1st.\nThe Directors of the Bank of the United States shall appoint   directors for each Department.\nThe Directors for each department shall choose one of their number for President of the directors of each respective department.\nThe Directors of the Bank of the United States shall appoint the Cashiers of departments.\n4th.\nThe Cashiers of departments shall appoint their respective Tellers & Clerks & the surities of said Tellers & Clerks shall be approved by the Directors of the Bank of the United States.\n5th.\nThe Cashiers of departments shall be responsible for all deficiencies which shall finally appear either by the default of themselves, their Tellers, or Clerks.\n6th.\nThe compensations to the Presidents Cashiers Tellers & Clerks of departments shall be established by the directors of the Bank of the United States.\n7th.\nThe manner of keeping stating and rendering the accounts of departments, shall be prescribed by the Directors of the Bank of the United States, and the observance of the rules established, shall be enforced by the President of the Bank of the United States, to whom the accounts of departments shall be rendered.\n8th.\nThe Capital Stock of the Bank of the United States consisting of 6 \u214c Cent funded Stock, shall not be divided, but shall remain under the controul of the Directors; and the Departments shall trade and discount only on such part of the Specie Capital of the sd. Bank as the Directors shall apportion to them together with such part of the deposits which shall be lodged with them from time to time, as the directors of departments shall judge safe and expedient.\n9th.\nAll Notes to be issued at the Departments, shall be numbered, signed and registered by the President of the Bank of the United States and shall be delivered to the Cashiers of Departments, who shall sign duplicate Receipts for the same, for which they shall be accountable\u2014one of which receipts shall be lodged with the President for the Department and the other with the President of the Bank of the United States.\n10th.\nNo Notes shall be issued at the Departments, except for money lodged with the Cashier of the Department or except for Notes which shall have become worn or unfit for circulation and which shall have been previously cancelled in the presence of the President and  directors of the department and said Notes so cancelled shall be forthwith transmitted to the President of the Bank of the United States.\n11th.\nAll Notes to be issued at the Departments shall be countersigned by the Cashier for the department and shall contain each a promise to be payable at the Department from which they issued.\n12th.\nNo contract to charge the Bank of the United States or any department thereof shall be made, unless in pursuance of some rule established by the Directors of the Bank of the United States; and all such contracts shall be signed by the President of the Bank of the United States and shall be countersigned by the Cashier of the Department where such contract is to be fulfilled.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0211", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 1 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Davidson, John\nTreasury Department, October 1, 1791. \u201cBy a circular instruction of March 30 1790 you have been directed to transmit all paid draughts of the Treasurer to this office. A deviation from this rule has taken place in your remitting draughts to the Treasurer. You will in future adhere to the Instruction.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0212", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Meletiah Jordan, 1 October 1791\nFrom: Jordan, Meletiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollectors Office. Frenchman\u2019s Bay [District of Maine]October 1st. 1791\nSir\nYour circular Letter of the 14th. of April I have but very recently received which will apologize for so late an answer. As you have been good enough to give me liberty to disclose my sentiments to you on the subject, You will I hope pardon the freedom of my answer to your Circular. I will answer as particularly respecting myself as possible. The salary of fifty dollars a year commences but the 1st. of October 1790 which is granted I presume by the eligibility of such a Salary appearing to the House of Representatives due to me & persons of my situation for services to the State. As one year has elapsed previous to the granting such salary and in which it must be supposed I must be put to an extraordinary expense in hiring an Office, Books &c with the additional expense of jaunting round the District which by the by is very detached and difficult destitute of Roads or any convenience for travelling but by water exclusive of my services for that year I should imagine that consequently my salary ought to be paid as well as the year subsequent thereto. Agreeable to your request I have herewith inclosed a minute of the money paid by me on account of the United States for the year 1790. From the tenor of your letter I dont understand that you wish to have an account of what money I paid away on Official account they being already forwarded with the different Vouchers. But I conceive you mean any extraordinary expense that has accrued in the course of the business but of which no charge could be made by me with propriety to the United States. I have therefore taken the liberty to inclose you also such minutes. If upon an investigation of the matter an addition of salary should take place or extra expenses take place I for my part shall be very happy & grateful and I hope upon an impartial judgement it will appear that the present Salary will be thought inadequate to the purpose intended. But should it be determined otherways I also am content to render every service my poor abilities will admit to the United States.\nI beg leave to subscribe myself \u2003 Your humble Servant\nMeletiah Jordan. Honble. Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0213", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Meletiah Jordan, 1 October 1791\nFrom: Jordan, Meletiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nFrenchman\u2019s Bay [District of Maine] October 1, 1791. \u201c\u2026 I am sorry to observe that the last Quarter has been so unproductive of profit to the Revenue. The unusual demand of Lumber from the different parts of the State has drained the Country so much as to prevent Foreign Vessels loading. You will observe a manifest difference between the Account Current and Abstracts of Duties on tonnage which you will give me leave to elucidate. The Schooner Goodintent Benj. Pierce Master who entered the 12th. of July, some time after she drifted from her moorings in bad weather and bilged\u2014the Master has since endeavoured to repair her but want of money to do it effectually has obliged him to go back to St. Johns to procure money for that purpose and to discharge his Duties at this Office. I have got the Register and the Vessel is in such a situation that she cannot float until she has a thorough repair and the Revenue secured. I have adopted this method in preference of entering a process at Law knowing the money to be secure, the Vessel in distress and conceiving that a lawsuit would by no means expedite the business. From Mr. Lamb of New York I have to acknowledge the Receipt of a Thermometer and a Hydrometer which came to hand but two days ago, and the Thermometer in such a situation as to render it useless the Glass Globe at the Bottom being broken and the Mercury gone.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0214", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 1 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lee, Charles\nTreasury DepartmentOctober 1 1791\nSir\nAn enquiry was made at this Office, during your absence from Alexandria relative to the case of Teas arriving in your district not accompanied with certificates. In consequence of which I request that you would inform the Surveyor, that in all cases wherein the marking of the packages or other circumstances prove the Teas to have been imported since the first of April last, the production of a certificate is to be required, and, if not produced, that the package or packages are to be seized. But in cases wherein there is no ground to believe that the Teas were imported since the 1st April 1791, after a very careful examination into circumstances, the Teas must be permitted to pass.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Most Obedt Servant\nA Hamilton Charles Lee Esqr. Collr Alexandria", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0215", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 1 October 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia October 1. 1791.\nSir\nI have done myself the honor of calling at your house and office, with a view to say a word to you, on the claim, which the holders of a certain description of certificates have set up. But being disappointed in meeting you, I beg leave to give you the result of my reflections on that subject.\nWhat degree of obligation lies upon the United States to gratify them, is at this time immaterial, Because I am opposed to their pretensions, in a principle, not connected with such an inquiry.\nThe secretary of the Treasury is to execute the funding law. In that are contained his text and rule of conduct. From that therefore those creditors must derive the support of their pretensions. I shall not repeat, what I wrote to you on a former occasion; altho\u2019 it would constitute a considerable part of what I should now write, were I minute. I shall also waive those reasons, which weigh with me in addition. For the creditors sent me your correspondence with them; and in your construction of that law, as expressed therein, I wholly acquiesce. I make this reference; because my observations, being intended solely for your own satisfaction, are as explicit by such a reference, as they would be by a particular repetition. I certainly can add nothing to the sentiments in those letters.\nAs the time of subscription was running out so rapidly, one of the creditors desired to know, what opinion I should forward to you. I did not hesitate to inform him, that it would square with the foregoing; as I thereby gained more time to settle my judgment upon the questions, by rendering an immediate answer unnecessary.\nYou forgot to return the rough original of my last letter.\nI have the honor, sir, to be, with real esteem \u2003 yr. mo. ob. serv.\nEdm: Randolph The Secretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0216", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 1 October 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 1 Oct 1791\nsir\nImmediately upon the receipt of your Letter of the 30th. I informed the Commissioner of Loans that the Sum of 20,000 Dollars should be passed to the credit of his Account in Bank agreeably to your desire.\nI have the honor to be &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0217", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 1 October 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 1 Oct. 1791\nSir\nI am desired by the President and Directors to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 21 & 24 Sepr\u2014the first requesting a payment to be made of Ten thousand Dollars to Mr. De la Forest Vice Consul of France, which was immediately complied with & enclosed. I have the honor to transmit his receipt for the same. Your directions respecting ballancing the weekly Returns of the Treasurers Account with this Bank shall be punctually attended to; we have closed the Account to the 30th Sepr. inclusive of which I now transmit a State which will precisely shew the Cash in hand belonging to the United States. I have the honor to be &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0218", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Beckwith, 2 October 1791\nFrom: Beckwith, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, October 2nd. 1791.\nSir.\nHaving received from Lord Dorchester, a copy of his Lordship\u2019s answer to a late address from deputies of the confederated western nations of indians, I am induced to transmit to you herewith an authenticated copy of that paper for the information of the Executive Government, in the hope that it may have a tendency to dispel the remaining prejudices of individuals, and to promote the peace of the frontiers.\nI have the honor to be \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your most obedient, and most humble servt\nGeo: Beckwith Alexander Hamilton Esqr: &c &c &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0219", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [2 October 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Church, Angelica\n[Philadelphia, October 2, 1791]\nBetsey according to your hint cries \u201cAtlantic\u201d and defies any thing that either of us can say or do. She consents to every thing, except that I should love you as well as herself and this you are too reasonable to expect.\nBut I do not know how far I shall avail myself of her generosity if you do not mend your manners. You hurt my republican nerves by your intimacy with \u201camiable\u201d Princes. I cannot endure that you should be giving such folks dinners, while I at the distance of 3000 miles can only console myself by thinking of you.\nBut I pray you dont let your Vanity make you forget that such folks are but men and that it is very possible that they may not be half as worthy of the good will of a fine woman as a parliament man or a Secretary of the Treasury.\nYou are not however to conclude from what I have said that I am in a violent fit of dudgeon with you. If it will give you pleasure, assure yourself that you are as much in my good graces as ever and that you must be a very naughty girl indeed before you can lose the place you have in my affection. I earnestly join Betsey in the favourite wish that we may meet again\u2014And heaven permitting, it shall be so.\nAdieu very dear sister in law\nA Hamilton\nOctober 2d. 91", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0220", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Marshall, 2 October 1791\nFrom: Marshall, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nOctr. 2d: 1791. Newark [New Jersey]\nSir\nAt the particular desire of Coll. Duer I Yesterday visited the great falls of the Pasaic, Accompanied by a Monsieur Allon of this Town. I was requested not to make enquiries on the Spot, for fear of my design being discover\u2019d, which being known Col: Duer thought wou\u2019d Affect the Price of Land. I am fearful that it will be found Impossible to take the Necessary steps, however cautious the persons may be, without their design being discover\u2019d. Col: Duers recommendation of Monr: Allon for a Companion was attended with some particular Circumstances. This Gentlemen is totally unacquainted with English, and I Ignorant of French, and of course our Conversation for 32 Miles was very Interesting to the Society. On our arrival at the Falls I concluded Monsr. A. wou\u2019d have conducted me to the place destin\u2019d for the Canal, but after a Bewilder\u2019d ramble in the Woods, I found he had mistaken the Side of the River. Being Inhibited from Enquiries I found myself in an awkward Situation. At length we gain\u2019d the Falls, still I was dissatisfied as this appear\u2019d not to be the place destin\u2019d for the Cut. I Understood that Col. Duer had requested him to take me to the Exact Spot. I used every means in my power to make him sensible of this and I thought he was proceeding to the place, when after persuing the run of the Pasaic for about four hundred yards above the falls thro\u2019 thick woods, at length we were stopt as we found them Impenetrable any further. I must confess Sir, I found myself much at a loss how to Account for the Events of the Day. If there was a design or wish for me to fix upon a spot without being apprized of the Choice of others, I shou\u2019d have been permitted to have follow\u2019d my own Inclinations and not to have been led by Monsr: Allon, but I really think Sir, \u2018twas nothing more than the Forgetfulness of my Companion. I therefore took every means in my power to relieve the Anxiety his mind was evidently in, but was obliged to return with only a transient View of the Falls and Aspect of the Country. The Body of Water is beyond Compare, and that it may be drawn off in any Quantity appears extreemly probable from the Situation of the Adjacent Country. The Expence of the Canal I understand from Col. Duer, Mosr. Allon estimates at 2000\u00a3. The Navigation he asserts may be brought within a small distance of the Works at a very trifling Expence, but I have some reasons to differ in Opinion on the latter Subject as far as concerns Expence but cannot speak positively. Stone is in abundance, and some of it I think doubtless good, tho\u2019 what I Saw had no very powerful recomendations. The Country about the Falls is cover\u2019d with Wood, Consequently that Article cannot be very dear; Beef & Mutton at 3\u00bd and 4d. pr Lb; by Land exactly 10 Miles from N York and 16 from Newark. This, Sir, is all I am enabled to say at present, but must confess that I am favourably imprest from the Transient view I had of things. The Expence attending the Canal and making the Pasaic Navigable for such a distance are Objects Sir that I respectfully recommend for your Consideration, and when the Pasaic is froze Land carriage for such a distance will fall heavy. If Sir, these Objections are nothing compared to its requisites, I am of Opinion it will be found to be the best Situation, that is Sir, it will have more Water, & the Land may be had cheaper here than at Second River. In point of Water Second River bears no Comparison with the Pasaic, but it has almost every thing else to recommend its preeminece over the latter. Thus Sir, I venture to differ in Opinion from others who have gone before me, and if I am wrong in my Statements it arises from Ignorance only, for I think myself as warmly attatch\u2019d to the Prosperity and Interest of the Society as any individual directly or indirectly concern\u2019d and have endeavour\u2019d to guide my conduct by these Sentiments in the little concerns that have hitherto fallen to my lot. If Sir, I receive no other Commands I shall proceed from Trenton to Pitts-Town on Tuesday, and am Sir with the utmost respect\nYr. Most Obedient \u2003 Humble Servant\nThomas Marshall The Honble: Alexr Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0222", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 3 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Knox, Henry\nPhiladelphia, October 3rd. 1791.\nSir.\nI transmit you, as relating to your department, a letter just received by me from Lieutenant Colonel Beckwith forwarding a copy of a paper purporting to be a speech of Lord Dorchester, in answer to an address of the deputies of certain indian tribes.\nYou will observe that the object of this communication is stated to be \u201cthe information of the executive government.\u201d In conversation, a reliance on the candor of all comprehended in that description has been expressed, that no use will be made of it which might be disagreeable to Lord Dorchester; and it has been particularly intimated, that any promulgation of it in the papers, or the furnishing of any copy to any officer in the western country would be undesireable.\nI consider myself as having received the paper with these qualifications, and generally under the idea of a discreet and delicate use of it.\nI have the honor to be very respectfully, \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your obedt: servant.\nA Hamilton The Secretary for theDepartment of War.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0223", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 3 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury Department, October 3, 1791. \u201cAs letters to and from the Treasurer now go free of postage, there is no longer a necessity for enclosing them to me. You will therefore in future transmit them directly to him.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0225", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 3 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Short, William\nTreasury DepartmentOctober 3. 1791\nSir\nI acknowlege the receipt of your letters of the 26th and 27 of July.\nThe fall which you announce in the price of the effects of the United States was certainly artificial. The cause ere this will have been better ascertained to you. \u2019Tis open to various conjectures.\nI have thought it adviseable to drop a line to our Bankers in Holland (of which a copy is inclosed) merely to mark my attention to the circumstance.\nIt will deserve to be further considered whether it be expedient to press any more the reduction of charges. Perhaps the principal effort ought hereafter to be towards a reduction of the rate of interest. But you, who best know the ground, can best judge.\nI shall be anxious to know the issue of your experiment at Antwerp.\nI have the honor to remain with great consideration and regard \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most Obedient servt\nA Hamilton William Short Esquire &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0226", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 3 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Whipple, Joseph\nTreasury DepartmentOctober 3rd. 1791.\nSir,\nAnother Thermometer will be sent on to you, but I request that you will enjoin on the Inspectors great care in the handling of it.\nThe spare Hydrometer of which you are possessed may be delivered to the Supervisor of the Revenue for the District of New Hampshire for the use of the officers in his Department. It will be proper that, his receipt for the instrument be transmitted to the Treasury.\nI am \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nA Hamilton Joseph Whipple EsqrCollectorPortsmouth", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0227", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 3 October 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore 3d. October 1791.\nSir\nThere have lately been two importations of Horses from England into this port\u2014two in each.\nIt was customary, under the laws of this state, which were silent on the subject, to consider live Stock as neither goods, wares nor merchandize; and they were consequently admitted duty free. The Laws of Congress are silent also, and the custom is continued. But I am not confident enough to rely upon custom only for my justification. The reasons which were urged in favor of this indulgence, to wit, that the importation of Live Stock improved the breed of our Cattle does not always apply. In one of the late instances a pair of Geldings for a Gentleman\u2019s carriage were imported. I request your opinion whether Horses, or any other live animals, may be legally imported without payment of duties.\nYour most Humble Servant.\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0228", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 3 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTreasury DepartmentOctober 3d. 1791.\nGentlemen\nI have learnt with some surprise, through Mr. Short, that the price of the effects of the United States had undergone a sudden depression in the market of Amsterdam.\nThis is so different from the tenor of the hopes I had built upon those expressed by you, and so contrary to all the calculations I can form on the natural course of the thing, that I cannot but be curious for a particular devellopment of its cause.\nIt will therefore be satisfactory to me to receive from you, as early as may be, a full explanation of the circumstances which shall appear to you to have occasioned so unexpected a turn of the thing.\nWith great consideration, I remain \u2003 Gentlemen \u2003 Your Obedt. servant\nMessrs. Willinks, VanStaphorsts & HubbardAmsterdam.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0230-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Carrington, 4 October 1791\nFrom: Carrington, Edward\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nRichmond. October 4th. 1791\nSir\nThe enclosed papers contain parts of the information which I expect to furnish upon the subject of Manufactures in Virginia, and are transmitted agreeably to your request. These papers have come from the two lower Surveys of the District; the information they contain as to the particular Neighbourhoods from which they are drawn, may be applied, with propriety to the whole of those Surveys: indeed, so equally do the people of Virginia go into Manufactures within themselves, that the application might be made to the whole Country, with only a few allowances, from a consideration of their respective staples which I will in some degree enable you to make, upon the following principles. In regard to staples, Virginia is contemplated under three divisions, the Lower, the Middle, & the Upper: the first is comprehended between the Sea and the falls of our great rivers; the Second, between these falls and the blue ridge of Mountains; the latter takes all the Country beyond the Mountains.\nThe staples of the first are Indian corn principally, small crops of indifferent Tobacco, small crops of wheat, &, in some parts, lumber.\nThe Middle Country produces our great exports of Tobacco & wheat.\nThe Upper Country produces Hemp, Flax & wheat principally, and small and indifferent crops of Tobacco.\nI have observed that the people of the whole Country, are in habits of Domestic Manufactures pretty equally, except that some allowances must be made on Account of field labour upon their respective staples. These are as follow; the staples of the lower country require moderate labour, and that at particular seasons of the year. The consequence is, that they have much leisure and can apply their hands to Manufacturing so far as to supply, not only the cloathing of the Whites, but of the Blacks also.\nThe great staple, Tobacco, in the Middle Country requires much labor when growing, and, what with fitting it for market, and preparing land for succeeding Crops, leaves but little time for the same hands to Manufacture. The consequence is, that the latter business is carried on only by the white females in poor families, and, in wealthly families, under the Eye of the Mistress, by female slaves drawn out of the Estates for that purpose, aided by the superfluous time of a superabundance of house-servants; the consequence is, that less is manufactured here than in the lower Country, yet the difference is, I beleive, no greater than as to the cloathing of the field slaves, for which purpose Kendal Cotton, oznabrigs, & hempen rolls ar[e] purchased, but the owner of every plantation tans the hides of the Cattle which are killed or casually die, and, by that means, supplies the slaves in shoes for winter.\nThe staples of the upper Country require somewhat more field labour than those of the lower, and much less than those of the Middle, & having however but few slaves, and being distant from foreign intercourse, the people depend principally upon home Manufactures, and, at least, equal the lower Country in them.\nAs to raw materials, no Country under the sun, is capable of producing more than Virginia. The lower Country, produces fine Cotton & Wool, and, both might be increased even to satisfy great foreign demands\u2014in many parts good flax is also made. The Middle Country produces fine Cotton, but the more valuable staples of Wheat and Tobacco, confine the production to the demands of the private Manufactures of the Country itself. It is also well adapted to Hemp & Flax: of the first, some is produced for market; of the latter, every family makes for its own use: to the same extent Wool is also produced. The Upper Country supplies our Markets with great quantities of hemp, said to be equal to any in the World. Flax is also here produced in high perfection, and in great quantities, the people using it for purposes to which Cotton is applied below. For supplying the article of Wool this part of Virginia is so favorable that large droves of sheep go from it, to the lower Town Markets.\nThe mountainous parts of Virginia, abound in Iron Ore, from which most of the Iron, and some of the steel, used in the state, are supplied, and the productions of both might be so increased as to make great exports. We have also a valuable lead mine, in the Southwestern part of the Upper Country, from which new Manufactures are daily coming into practice, such as sheet lead for roofing, shot &c. There is a shot factory in Richmond, well established by the present worker of this Mine, and the same hand has furnished the lead for covering the roof of our Capitol, or State House. This mine was, during the War, worked under the public direction of this state, and supplied all the lead used in the Southern service; supplies of it, also went to the Main Army, but whether for the whole service, I will not undertake to say.\nAs to regular Trades we have but few. They are, however, increasing daily. In the upper Country, there are several fulling Mills, from which good Cloth is seen. I will endeavour to obtain samples.\nI have now endeavoured to give you, in addition to the enclosed papers, such information as will furnish a general idea of the Manufactures throughout this Commonwealth, and having been tolerably attentive to these circumstances, for several years, as I have passed through the various parts of the Country, am persuaded you may rely upon it, as well founded. I have been led to do it, from a consideration, that the approach of the session, requires an early communication, and from the information expected from the upper Inspectors, having not yet arrived. When I receive their reports, they shall be forwarded immediately.\nI beg you to be assured, that this business has been attended with no material trouble or inconvenience, and that it has given pleasure to both myself & the Inspectors that you requested our assistance in obtaining the desired information.\nI have the Honor to be \u2003 with great respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your Most Obt. sr.\nEd CarringtonSupervisor D: Virga.\nN.B. \u2003 D. Ragsdales return is made upon 20 Families in one neighbourhood, comprehending all classes in life from the richest to the poorest. Upon my Census returns of the district of Virga. (exclusive of Kentucky) 70,825 Families appear. This note is made upon a supposition that it may possibly be useful in calculations which the Secretary may wish to make.\nAlexr. Hamilton Esq.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0230-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Thomas Newton, Junior, to Edward Carrington, 28 September 1791\nFrom: Newton, Thomas, Jr.\nTo: Carrington, Edward\nNorfolk [Virginia] 28. Sept. 1791.\nDear Sir,\nHaving been much hurried by my private affairs since I left you at So. Hampton Court, prevented my information of the State of Manufacturies in this port of my Survey. The inhabitants of Princess Anne County makes most of their Negroes Cloathing & their coarse Cloaths, with Shoes & Stockings. The Counties of Norfolk & Nansemond the Same. In the Town of Norfolk there is a very extensive Tannery, which supplies most of the lower Counties with Leather, together with the little that is made by the Country people at their Own Houses & but few but have a Vat or Trough to tann the hides of the Cattle they kill themselves. There is also a Ropery carried on here to a Considerable extent, but the owner thinks the Duty laid on imported Cordage is not Sufficient to encourage him as most of the Ships are British & give a preference to English Cordage at 10 \u214c Ct. higher than American made, altho the last is best being prejudiced in favor of their Own Manufactury. We have plenty of Shoe-makers, Taylors Blacksmiths, House & Ship Carpenters, Cabinet makers, Carriage makers & Wheel wrights, that with what they do & what comes in from the Northern States, we cou\u2019d do very well without any thing from Europe that they can make. In Portsmouth there is a small Tannery, but is not carried on with Spirits, Shoemakers &c Sufficient to make for their Consumption. I endeavored to Comply with your request in making a return According to the form sent me, but found the people averse to giving in. I Judged it improper to say more & have given you to the best of my knowledge a true State of our Situation as to Manufacturies here.\nam with respect \u2003 Yr. Obt. Servt.\nTho Newton Jr Colo. Carrington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0230-0005", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Drury Ragsdale to Edward Carrington, 29 September 1791\nFrom: Ragsdale, Drury\nTo: Carrington, Edward\nKing William County [Virginia] Sept. 29. 1791\n\u201cInclosed you will receive a return of Cloth &c. manufactured in my Neighbourhood.\nIt may not be amiss to inform you that it is my opinion that the manufactures in my Survey carried on in private families consist principally if not all together of Cotton and Wool, most of the fine cloth is of cotton alone, made into such Cloth as Table linnen sheeting, Jeans for Breeches and Waistcoats, in imitation of the Manchester manufactures, Bed ticking much superior to the cheap and common imported from Europe, Muslings in immitation of those from Scotland, striped cottons for Womens gowns; some patterns hansomer and more durable than the printed imported cottons. There being a scarsity of Wool it is generally mixed with Cotton, the warp being filled in with wool makes the cloathing of the Young and Domestic Negroes, and, though not yeilding equal warmth with the cheap Kendal Cotton, is generally, when wove double, more durable than those Cottons, as they are called. Fine Stockings are knit to every degree of perfection, principally of Cotton. Course Stockings are knit generally of Cotton & Wool & the Negroes prefer these to those imported.\nAs to the Article of leather there seems to be a scarsity owing to a distemper that has been very fatal for some years amoung the horned cattle, but what there is in the Country distant from Towns, are generally manufactured by the families themselves tho\u2019 it may be supposed from the manner of carrying on this business in the Country, that it cannot be in any great state of improvement.\nThe manufacturing of Iron seems to exceed all the manufactures carried on amoung us; most of the Blacksmiths in the Country are capable of making every Article Necessary for Domestic use of the planter, as hoes, axes, Plows, shovels, spades, tongs, wrought hand irons, nails, (this article can be imported cheaper than we can make them owing to the want of slitting mills) in short, almost every article in iron (except the more refined cutlery) can be made as cheap and I think of Better quality than what is imported to us from Europe, but it may be necessary to remark that Iron comes dear to us in the Middle Counties, generally retail\u2019d at 4d \u214c lb. and considered as a cash article.\u201d\nYards of Cloath.\nStockings Value\nHeads of Famileys\nWhite Male Tithes\nW. Female Tithes\nWhite Children\nMale Slave Tithes\nF. M. Slave Tithes\nChildren\nTotal no. in Familey\nFine such as Familey Cloathing. Beding Table Linnins &c.\nCourse such as Negroes Cloathing Blanketing &c.\nTotal No. of Yards.\nValue of fine Cloath \u214c yd.\nValue of Course.\nFine \u214crs\nCourse.\nFine\nCourse.\nTotal Amount of Value of Cloath &c.\nGeneral remarks.\nThomas Avera\nThis return contains the Quantity of Cloath &c Manufacturd in the Famileys it contains from the 1st. day of Janry. 1790 to the 1st. day of January 1791. King William Virginia. Drury Ragsdale Sept. 29th. 1791\nJames Ruffin\nSterling Ruffin\nDavid Pannell\nJohn King\nHickerson Bagwell\nNathaniel Fox Junr\nWm. Towler\nBernard Lipscomb\nMathew Towler\nJames Howard\nSamuel Howard\nWm Starke\nJohn Hollins\nMrs. Hawse\nCharles Lipscomb\nPeter Richeson\nEdward P. Chamberlayne\nWm Newman\nDrury Ragsdale\nTotal amt. of the whole", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0231", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 4 October 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollector\u2019s Office [Newport, Rhode Island] October 4th 1791\nSir,\nI have received your letter of the 16th of Septemr. on the 27th of the same month, and am much obliged for your answers to my several questions, and for the consent you have given respecting the sales of vessels of which may be condemned. If measures had not been taken the Sloop Betsy would not have sold so high as she did.\nI told the Council for the Ushers, that their case having been fairly stated to you, and received your determination, I thought they had no reason to expect that an application to you for a mitigation of the penalties they had incurred would prove successful.\nAs the District attorney will without doubt write to you on that part of your reflexions which relates to the service of summonses, I will only observe here, that, if it had been conceived that summonses could be served by other than Officers I should have taken them out of the Clerk\u2019s office and delivered them to persons who, not being suspected of being charged with such processes, might have probaly served them. He will also doubtless inform you what he suggested in his motion for a continuance. I was occasionally absent when the motion was made, but was present when the District Judge gave his opinion. He observed that there was no \u27e8lack\u27e9 on the part of the Officers of the Customs, but as there was no evidence of collusion between the claimant and the Witnesses in his opinion the cause was continued. This as well as I can recollect was the substance of what he said.\nOn Saturday last I reseized the Brig Seven Brothers; and immediately delivered a summons to the Depy. Marshall to be served on a person who had heretofore eluded the service, and who, I presume will be a material evidence in the case. After much difficulty the summons has been served, and this day at 10 o clock his deposition is to be taken before the Judge of the District Court. The substance of it I will communicate to you by the next post. A writ is ready to be served on Cotrell, I only wait to hear from the Marshall, to whom I have written respecting a witness who I presume is at Providence.\nThis will be accompanied by a Certificate of Registry No. 41. granted at the Port of Dighton Novr. 6 1790 and delivered up on a transfer of property, a Certife. of Regy. No. 19th. granted at this port Apl. 6 1791 and delivered up on a transfer of property, and a copy of an endorsment of change of master on Regr. No. 38. granted at this Port Augt. 2nd 1791: a weekly return of monies received and paid.\nI am, Sir, yr. obedt. servant\nWm Ellery Collr A Hamilton EsqrSecry Treasy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0232", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 October [1791]\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston 4 Octr [1791]\nSir\nI received your circular Letter of the 21st. Ulto and your letter respecting a cancelled register by the last post.\nKnowing sir how anxious you are to \u0153conomise the public money and how just your expectations are that all officers of the revenue will aid you in a measure so important to the general interest I take the liberty to suggest, as the weather will soon be so inclement as to prevent our boat going out of the harbour, that we may without injury to the revenue dismiss three out of four of our boat men. One is quite sufficient to take care of the boat & at all times, when we want to put an officer on board a vessel in the harbour a man can be obtained for a small consideration compared with the constant pay of a man. These boat men cannot be wanted again untill the next April.\nInclosed is a receipt from the bank of Massachusetts for twenty five thousand dollars. This I had on hand On the first instant after retaining a like sum for Mr. Appleton and a sum necessary for other demands.\nBy the next post I shall be able to state to you what the rations for the men on board the cutter have cost us. The rations as state will not keep one New Englander on board. I, at first, attempted to confine the men to the fixed ration. The consequence was that they instantly deserted.\nI have seen Mr. Searl the builder of the present Cutter & he has informed me that he will build a smaller vessel and at the rate \u214c ton as he engage to build the present one.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0233", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 4 October 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, October 4, 1791. \u201cI have recd. your Letter of the 24th of September. A Libel had been previously filed agt. the Brigt. Betsey and the Ten Kegs of Brandy; and the Owners are pursuing the Steps of the Law for relief, which I hope will be attended with no great Expence.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0236", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 5 October 1791\nFrom: Delany, Sharp\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, October 5, 1791. On October 10, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Delany: \u201cYour letter of the 5th instant has been received.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0238", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Bingham, 6 October 1791\nFrom: Bingham, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladia Oct 6th 1791\nDear sir\nI received your Letter of yesterday with your Remarks on what I wrote to you.\nIf any Person has offered the sum that you mention to be the price of the Lot, & will make the Same Payment, I certainly will not hesitate a Moment in giving it to you.\nAt any Rate, we will Settle the Matter whenever you come to Town.\nI am \u2003 Dear sir \u2003 Yours Sincerely\nWm Bingham A. \u27e8Ham\u27e9ilton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0239", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elliot and Williams, 6 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Elliot and Williams\n[Philadelphia, October 6, 1791. \u201cThe Collector of Baltimore is authorized to advance to you immediately Ten Thousand Dollars, and is informed that it is my intention to make you a like advance, on the first of January next.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0242", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 6 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nT D October 6th 1791\nSir,\nIn pursuance of the intimation in a former letter I am to request that you will pay to Messrs Elliot & Williams as an advance upon the Contract lately entered into with them, out of the amount of the duties accruing in your district, ten thousand Dollars.\nIt is my intention to make them a further advance, on the first day of January next of an equal sum.\nWith great consideration \u2003 I am Sir \u2003 Your obedt Servt\nA H Otho H Williams EsqrCollector &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0243", "content": "Title: Conversation with Jean Baptiste de Ternant, [7 October 1791]\nFrom: Ternant, Jean Baptiste de,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, October 7, 1791] \u201c\u2026 M. Hamilton m\u2019ayant parl\u00e9 fort longuement de l\u2019importance que les Etats unis attachoient \u00e0 l\u2019extension de leur commerce avec nos colonies, je lui ai observ\u00e9 que la France avoit d\u00e9j\u00e0 beaucoup accord\u00e9 \u00e0 cet \u00e9gard, qu\u2019elle \u00e9toit la premiere puissance qui au prejudice de ses n\u00e9gocians, et par un pur motif de bienveillance de la part du Roi, eut ouvert ses ports des Antilles aux Americains, que de nouveaux avantages, ne pouvoient \u00eatre raisonnablement sollicit\u00e9s de la part de ces derniers que dans le cas o\u00f9 ils auroient \u00e0 offrir une compensation convenable, et qu\u2019enfin si le Gouvernement f\u00e9d\u00e9ral avoit quelque chose de cette nature \u00e0 me communiquer, je m\u2019empresserois surement de mettre ses propositions sous vos yeux. Comment, des propositions! a-t-il dit moiti\u00e9 d\u2019un ton serieux et moiti\u00e9 en riant, que veut donc dire le d\u00e9cr\u00e8t du 2 de Juin? \u2018Ce decr\u00e8t,\u2019 ai-je repliqu\u00e9, \u2018est l\u2019expression des sentimens d\u2019inter\u00eat et d\u2019attachement dont la nation fran\u00e7aise est anim\u00e9e envers les Etats unis, et une assurance des dispositions de l\u2019Assembl\u00e9e Nationale \u00e0 accueillir tous les arrangemens de commerce que le Gouvernement pourra juger \u00e0 propos de conclure avec vous, pour l\u2019avantage reciproque des deux peuples.\u2019 Vous savez que cette reciprocit\u00e9 d\u2019avantages est la base du trait\u00e9 de 1778, et que le Roi ne s\u2019en est \u00e9cart\u00e9 que pour vous accorder par l\u2019\u00e9dit de May 1784, de nouveaux avantages sans compensation, tandis que le Gouvernement f\u00e9d\u00e9ral a agi dans un sens absolument contraire, soit en \u00e9tablissant entre les batimens americains et fran\u00e7ois une difference d\u2019impots \u00e0 l\u2019importation qui n\u2019existe point en France, soit en faisant pay\u00e9 \u00e0 nos batimens un droit de cabotage qui n\u2019est point exig\u00e9 des americains dans nos ports. M. Hamilton a fort bien senti que je voulois lui rappeller les reclamations infructueuses faites par M. Otto conform\u00e9ment \u00e0 vos ordres, et il s\u2019est efforc\u00e9 de me prouver que des circonstances imperieuses et dont pouvoit d\u00e9pendre le succ\u00e8s de la nouvelle constitution f\u00e9d\u00e9rale, avoit empech\u00e9 le Congr\u00e8s de faire dans ses loix fiscales les exceptions qu\u2019il avoit e\u00fb d\u2019abord intention d\u2019etablir en faveur du commerce de France. Les raisons qu\u2019il m\u2019a donn\u00e9es \u00e9tant les m\u00eames que celles dont M. Otto a d\u00e9j\u00e0 eu l\u2019honneur de vous rendre compte, je crois pouvoir me dispenser de les rapporter ici. J\u2019observerai seulement que dans nos discussions sur le sens de l\u2019article 5. du trait\u00e9 il m\u2019a fait esperer qu\u2019en prouvant l\u2019exemption du droit de grand cabotage pour les Americains en France, je parviendrois probablement \u00e0 en faire exempter aussi les Fran\u00e7ois dans les ports des Etats unis, et m\u00eame \u00e0 obtenir le remboursement des sommes reclam\u00e9s par le commerce de France sur cet objet.\u2026 Je reviens \u00e0 mon entretien avec M. Hamilton \u00e0 la suite de ses dernieres observations, il m\u2019a dit qu\u2019il seroit possible de lever toutes les difficult\u00e9s par un nouveau trait\u00e9 qu\u2019il en desiroit vivement la conclusion, et que si elle avoit lieu, il n\u2019h\u00e9siteroit pas \u00e0 proposer lui m\u00eame toutes les exceptions fiscales en faveur de la France qu\u2019exigeroit la teneur de ce nouveau trait\u00e9, ou que le seul principe de la reciprocit\u00e9 poirroit justifier. Apr\u00e8s lui avoir temoign\u00e9 l\u00e0-dessus le z\u00e8le ardent avec lequel je m\u2019occuperois dans toutes les circonstances d\u2019am\u00e9liorer et de consolider les liaisons de politique et de commerce qui subsistent entre la France et les Etats unis, j\u2019ai cru devoir encore lui faire sentir qu\u2019il importait avant tout que le gouvernement federal se montrat religieux observateur des premiers trait\u00e9s, et que de l\u00e0 d\u00e9pendroit probablement la conclusion du nouveau qu\u2019il paroissoit d\u00e9sirer. M. Hamilton a beaucoup cherch\u00e9 \u00e0 decouvrir ce que mes instructions pouvoient me prescrire \u00e0 cet \u00e9gard, mais il n\u2019a pas \u00e9t\u00e9 satisfait. Il m\u2019a parl\u00e9 ensuite de la nomination de M. Hammond \u00e0 la place de Ministre d\u2019Angleterre aupr\u00e8s des Etats unis, et il m\u2019a assur\u00e9 qu\u2019il seroit rendu \u00e0 Philadelphie dans les premiers jours de novembre. L\u2019indifference que j\u2019ai montr\u00e9e sur l\u2019arriv\u00e9e prochaine, ainsi que sur les n\u00e9gociations de ce ministre, a paru surpendre M. Hamilton, ce qui l\u2019a probablement engag\u00e9 \u00e0 entrer avec moi dans quelques d\u00e9tails sur les vu\u00ebs de l\u2019Angleterre. Il m\u2019a paru persuad\u00e9 que le gouvernement f\u00e9d\u00e9ral ne consentiroit \u00e0 un trait\u00e9 de commerce avec cette puissance, qu\u2019autant que les batimens americains seroient admis dans tous ses ports des Antilles indistinctement: Ce sera l\u00e0 assure-t-il, une condition sine qu\u00e2 non. Quant \u00e0 un trait\u00e9 d\u2019alliance le Secr\u00e9taire de la Tr\u00e9sorerie pense que l\u2019Angleterre voudra le conclure en m\u00eame tems que celui de commerce, et en faire une n\u00e9gociation indivisible, mais que cette proposition sera rejet\u00e9e ici, et que l\u2019on y demandera m\u00eame comme une autre condition sine qu\u00e2 non, de n\u00e9gocier et de conclure izol\u00e9ment le seul trait\u00e9 de commerce. M. Hamilton m\u2019a fait au reste les plus grandes protestations d\u2019attachement \u00e0 la France, et il a beaucoup cherch\u00e9 \u00e0 me convaincre, de la persuasion o\u00f9 il \u00e9toit que le veritable inter\u00e8t des Etats unis excluoit toute autre alliance politique que celle qu\u2019ils avoient avec nous. J\u2019ai cru m\u2019apercevoir aureste qu\u2019il n\u2019\u00e9toit pas entierement venu de lui m\u00eame, et que le President avoit bien pu le charger d\u2019avoir avec moi quelques entretiens. Nous nous sommes quitt\u00e9s grands amis, et avec promesse mutuelle de nous voir souvent et de mettre toujours loyaut\u00e9 et franchise dans nos entretiens.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0244", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury DepartmentOctr. 7. 1791\nSir,\nThe account rendered by Capt. Williams will be transmitted for Examination to the accounting officers of the Treasury, of which I request you to inform him.\nThe account you give of the Conduct of the Jury in the Cases of Capt. Davis and his mate is such as to create great uneasiness. I approve your intention of having a jury for the next experiment from Suffolk. It is certainly proper that on occasions when there is an appearance of favor or partiality in the Jury of one County the cases be tried by a Jury of some other County.\nBenjn. Lincoln EsqrCollector Boston", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0245", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 7[\u20138] October 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston Octr 7 [\u20138] 1791\nSir\nI was very unhappy the last evening on the receipt of your letter by the post to find that the papers I forwarded in April last respecting my purchase of the public securtes had not answered your wishes. Before I forwarded them I examined the law & your instructions and intended fully to comply with both. I therefore was induced in the statement of my account of my transactions in the business to mention in each charge the time of purchase, the person of whom purchased, the different species of the public debt, the amount of each security, the sum I paid for each kind, and the full sum paid to each person of whom I purchased, with this statement I forwarded my vouchers.\nAt the time of transacting the business I supposed I had nothing more to do in order to bring it to a close than to forward to you the different kind of public securites received. This caused some delay, but on finding they were to be changed I immediately attempted it and sent as soon as they could be obtained transfers to the Commissioners of the sinking fund of the public stock amounting to fifty thousand & twenty odd dollars estimating the 6 \u214c Cents at 18/9 & the 3 \u214c Cents & the deffered debt at 9/9 the price I gave saving about nine dollars in the whole\nThe ballance is in my favour saving a little interest the amount of which with a transfer in the name of the Commissioners I now inclose with a new statemen of the whole business which I hope will meet your approbation.\nIn my letter to you, covering my accounts, in April last, I mentioned this matter of interest and requested your direction whether it should be forwarded in Cash or whether I should, with it, purchase public securities as with the sum I received from the treasury.\nI have been this particular in this representation to remove if possible from your mind any impressions which may have been made that the delay in compleating this business has arisen from an unjustifiable inattention on my part.\nSaturday Octr 8 \u2003\u2003\u2003 I am just returned from Mr. Appletons Loan office, I find there that the interest due on the public securities which have been transferred in his office to the Commissioners of the Sinking fund purchased by me stands part credited to me & part to the said Commissioners. A doubt arises in Mr. Appletons mind how the interest which stands Credited to them shall be discharged. He wishes your direction on the subject. As the whole interest stand precisely on the same bottom, the whole being public property, and as you may wish the same line of Conduct should be pursued, respecting that Cr. to me & that Credited to the Commissioners I think it best to postpone any farther proceedings respecting it until I shall have your directions so that you will not find the transfer inclosed which I yesterday intended should be.\nSecy of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0247", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 7 October 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 7 Oct 1791\nSir\nI had the honor to write you by last nights post enclosing a Duplicate of the Return of the investment in Stock of the last 50,000 Dolls.\nThis morning I called upon the Commissioner of Loans to know what was requisite to be done to comply with your orders respecting a transfer of the whole amount of the Debt purchased to the Books of the Treasury. He informs me that as the whole stands now in the Name of the Vice President, the Chief Justice, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of State and the Attorney General for the time being, it will be necessary that I should have a Power of Attorney from them to enable me to transfer it to the Books of the Treasury.\nI have the honor to be &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0249", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 7 October 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmo New Hamp. Octo. 7 1791\nSir\nMr. Flag who was appointed 1st mate of the Revenue Cutter having been absent ever since his appointment has lately returned home, & having enterd into engagements in the Service of a Merchant as Master of a Vessel declines the Acceptance of his Commission which I now return inclosed herewith.\nI beg leave to name John Parrot the 2nd Mate to fill the Station of 1st. Mate, his Conduct since he has been in the Service intitles him to this recommendation.\nI also beg leave to name John Adams as a suitable person to take the place of Mr. Parrott as 2nd Mate, he is a young man of a reputable Family, has been Several Voyages as Mate of a Vessel & is recommended by several respectable persons\u2014as there was only one Mate on duty, at Capt. Yeatons request I consented that Mr. Adams shoud go on board the 27th. Ulto. & if it shoud please the president to appoint him I hope there will be no impropriety in his Commissions bearing date on the day of his entering on duty.\nMr. Hobert who was recommended for 3rd Mate is at Sea & is soon expected home.\nBefore the Cutter sailed on the first Cruize I proposed to Cap. Yeaton his supplying the People with Bread & meat at the rate Specified in the Army Rations\u2014and desired him to inform them that the residue of articles or their Value, shoud be made up in Settlement & in the Mean time money shoud be advanced them for the purpose of supplying themselves, with which they were perfectly Satisfied. During the Cruize they fell in with the Cutter Massachusetts whose people they found were furnished with provisions of Bread & Meat & Peas without restriction & with Coffee So this had Such effect on Cap. Yeatons people that he was obliged to dismiss three of them on his return into port. I mention this circumstance to show the Necessity of a Uniformity in the Supplies to these Vessels, as they will have communication with each other. The Scammels Crew caught Fish & were therefore well off for provisions, but Cap. Yeaton is of opinion that without the Aid of Fish which is an uncertain Supply, the quantity of Meat is not Sufficient for people at Sea who cannot be Supplied constantly with Vegetable. I have therefore been under the Necessity of consenting that Cap. Yeaton should Supply his people for the present in the Same manner that Capt. Williams\u2019s people are Supplied managing the Same with prudence. The result of this experiment shall be laid before you.\nIn consequence of the P.S. to your letter of the 19th. Ulto. I have consulted, what rate pr. Ration in lieu of articles would be satisfactory to the Seamen & find it would greatly exceed the Value of a Sufficient Supply of Provisions, & I do not conceive that any engagements of the Seamen for Supplying themselves would be safe for the Service as no dependence can be had in their providing a sufficient quantity for the Cruize. A person on whom I can depend has proposed to supply the 4 Seamen at 12 Cents \u214c Ration with a quantity of Provisions which Cap. Yeaton is of opinion would be Satisfactory to the People & which he conceives in necessary, but this quantity exceeds the rations fixed by Law & are as follow.\u2014for 4 Men a Week or 28 Rations\n    lb Beef\n    lb Pork\n    lb Bread\n    lb Coffee\n    pints Molases\n    Qts. Peas\n    Jills Rum\nThis will give one & half pound Beef or one pound pork in lieu of the Army Ration & adds Coffee Molss. & Peas instead of Vinegar Salt & Soap. This Might be Contracted for, for a year or any less term.\nIn conformity with your Circular letter of the 21st. Sep. I have proposed to Cap Yeaton & he agrees to receive Nine Cents for the Ration which he is entitled to draw for himself & boys as well as his extra Rations, to which proposal his Mate Also Accedes, So that no rations will be drawn but for the 4 Seamen. Capt. Yeaton would furnish the Component parts of the fixed Ration for 9 Cents but insists on the impossibility of Satisfying the people therewith.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0250-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Carrington, 8 October 1791\nFrom: Carrington, Edward\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nRichmond October 8th. 1791\nSir,\nSince mine of the 4th. Instant, covering some information upon Manufactures, I have received an additional report from General Stevens, Inspector of Survey No. 2, which, together with his letter, and a Copy of one he received from one of his Collectors I now do myself the pleasure to enclose. It was my intention, at first, to have obtained the Reports of all the Inspectors, and then have made a general one, with certain allowances, and remarks, for you. This would have been attended with but little trouble, and although you was good enough to desire that it might be dispensed with, yet I should have done it. The detached manner in which my information comes, & the late period at which I should be enabled to communicate it to you, were I to delay for this purpose, dictates the greater propriety of complying with your dispensation, and giving you the information by parts, as it comes in. You find that Genl Stevens & Mr. Ragsdale, have, both, reported the domestic manufactures made in twenty families, comprehending the various classes of life, from the richest to the poorest. This is done in consequence of a request I made of each Inspector, in order to form a principle of calculation upon the whole number of families in the State, expecting that, as these Gentlemen reside in different parts, such reports might enable us to judge how far a general principle of calculation might be relied upon, or what deviations might be proper to lead the nearest the truth. You will observe that each of these reports already received, take in the whole year 1790; the others will do the same, and as they come to my hands, they shall be forwarded to you.\nThe enquiries upon this subject gave rise, at first, to suggestions from the Enemies of the Government, that the object was, a Tax upon manufactures. This led to the necessity of the Inspectors effecting their inquiries in such manner as would not favor such an alarm; and this they have been so judicious in, that there is nothing said about it now. Indeed it is generally viewed in the true light, as leading to some project for the encouragement of home Manufactures.\nI am with the greatest respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your Most Ob st.\nEd CarringtonSupervisor D V.\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0250-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Edward Stevens to Edward Carrington, 6 October 1791\nFrom: Stevens, Edward\nTo: Carrington, Edward\nCulpeper Court House [Virginia] October 6th. 1791\nSir\nExpecting this to be nearly about the time you would wish to be receiving the reports respecting the manufactures of this State, I have made Out and now Inclose you such a one as (I conceived) you required of me; at least as nearly so, as was in my power, And I hope it may be such as will answer. You will understand the information was taken entirely from persons of this County, indeed I found great reluctance in many of my Acquaintances and refusal from others, at least their conduct produced the same effect, as they never could find a proper time to detail to me or set down an Accot. themselves. I trust it will make no diference my geting this intelligence entirely from persons of this County, as I think the circumstances of all the Countys in my Survey is nearly similar, as to Cultivation Produce and Domestic manufactures; except perhaps one or Two of the little County\u2019s in the Lower parts of it. In averaging the Prices of the diferent Articles, I governed myself from the information, as well as by the following Principles. The Linnen Cloth made by the Rich is generally for their negroes which is coarse, that made by the midling Kind, a great proportion is also used in the same way, and that by the lower Sort for their own wear. Therefore a greater part of theirs would be some what of a finer Quality. In the Woolen Cloth both the Rich and the middling by what I could learn was nearly the same Kind, for negroes, and Children some of it mixted colours & others, in the Shape of a Stuff which is imported from Britain and called Jersy\u2019s. The poorest people among us raise few or no Sheep, and what wool they commanly have I fancey is mostly made into Stockings. The Cotton Cloth made by the Rich, a great proportion is for Coverlets, Bedtyckes, Mens wear Jeans &c which is valuable. It is also nearly the case with the middling or at least what they may be deficient in Coverlets Jeans &c they make up in Womens fine Gowns. The Poorest is generally coarse. With respect to Stockings and Shoes, The Rich commonly purchase the greater part of the fine Kinds which they wear and the other Classes dont make such use of them, therefore after taking into Accot. that the largest Quantity are for negroes and the poorest people, think I may be pretty near the value of these Two Articles.\nI have received one report of the Stated Trades, or rather a List \u27e8of\u27e9 the names of the diferent Tradesmen, distinguishing whether living in Town or Country; from Mr. Adams of Loudon, he says it was not in his Power to do more, he seems to be of a disposition to oblige and has the Character of a very active attentive, Industrious good man. I have also received from Mr. Yancey of Lousia by way of a Paragraph of a Letter something on the Subject, but in order to give you a better Knowledge of it, than a description, I have taken the Liberty to inclose you a Coppy. In what manner do you wish me to hand them to you? I mean as to waitg until they all come forward to me, and make a General report. I am with very much respect\nSir \u2003 Your most hum. Servt\nEdward Stevens InspectorRevenue Survey No. 2\nACCOUNT of Manufactures made in Survey No. 2 by Twenty Families from the Richest to the Poorest in the Space of One Year from the 1st. January to 31st December 1790\nClasses of Four Families in each Class\nLinnen Cloth Yards\nYarn Cloth Yards\nCotton Cloth Yards\nStockinges dift. Kinds Pairs\nShoes dift. Kinds Pairs\nAverage Price of Each Article wch. was obliged to be conjectural\nLin. Cloth\nYarn do\nCotton do\nStockgs\nShoes\nFirst\nSecond\nThird\nFourth\nFifth\nNote in some instances their was a little mixted Cloths. I should have made a Column for it but as it was not taken notice of in your request, was apprehensive it might derange your System, therfore I proportioned it according to the Stuff it was made of\nEdward Stevens Inspector\nRevenue Survey No. 2\nOctober 5th: 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0250-0003", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Charles Yancey to Edward Stevens, [1\u20135 October 1791]\nFrom: Yancey, Charles\nTo: Stevens, Edward\n[Louisa County, Virginia, October 1\u20135, 1791]\nInclosed you will receive a list of the Stills with their Contents in our County you will please to excuse any Inaccuracies in the want of form as I have greatly hurried in the Business oweing among other causes to the want of Health and being anxious to make my return by the time you directed having found it a very fatigueing troublesome Business. However I have been happy to find the People willing to submit to the duties though not without some disapprobation of the Law through Ignorance of the true meaning, but after explaining the same appear to be tolerably satisfied. And agreeably to your directions I have appointed persons to receive the returns of all the Stills within ten Miles of each of them, to wit Capt James Dabney in the lower part of the County, and Mr William Wash in the upper part of the said County, so that at present, there are Offices opened within ten Miles of every Still in the County and, in order to give the Business the greater Credit the persons I have appointed are of the best Credit & Character. With respect to the other requisitions of the Secretary I do not well know what to say as I have so little time and their being no publick manufactures In Our County except one gun Smith to wit Francis Giddins who Works part of the Year at that Business, And one Wheel rights Shop, to wit Butler Bradburn, though their Are several Persons that do some thing at the Business in the Winter Season, when their Crops are Secured &c. We have a Considerable Number of Carpente\u27e8rs\u27e9 Joiners and Blacksmiths. The latter is Cheifly done by Blacks but little more is done then Working and farming Tools &c. Manufactures of Common home Spun is very Considerable in private Families, but we have no fulling Mills in our County, a pretty deal of Cotton & Flax is raised; wool is on the Increase And the Culture of Tobo is on the decline; The farming Business is gaining the assendencey among our People, and upon the whole we are on riseing Ground & becomeing more wealthy and Independent. As to the defects of the Excise Law, I have ha\u27e8d\u27e9 very little leasure to peruse it or to spend much thought about \u27e8it\u27e9 but think if the Collectors in the deferent Counties were Aided \u27e8by\u27e9 Assistants it would be convenient. And that the profits at present are no ways equal to the expence and trouble & suppo\u27e8se\u27e9 few in the Country can find their Account in holding their Appointsments. You will please to signify to me any furthe\u27e8r\u27e9 Instructions that may be necessary as I shall be happy in rendering any service I am able while in my present Office I am &c.\nP S \u2003 The Price of Mr Giddins Rifles is \u00a34 and smooth Boars \u00a33. The Price of Cart & Waggon Wheels are various from 30/ to 50/ According to their size. Tanner\u2019es we have none but in private families since Mr Culp has removed. The time I have marked against the Stills being employed is as near as we could guess at the usual time, Though few of them will be employed this Year as we have very little fruit. There are also some few Stills in the Country not noticed, as they are not intended to be used and are not in furnicies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0252", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 8 October 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom HouseProvidence 8th. Octr. 1791\nSir\nThere has lately been instituted in this Town a Bank which will Commence discounting on Tuesday Next, the plan or Constitution of which I have the Honor to enclose you. The President and others, are very desirous that the public monies Received in my office should be Deposited therein, and that Bank notes should be received by me in discharge of Bonds taken for duties. Tho I am Fully sensible of the many advantages that a measure of this sort would afford to the Public and Merchantle Interest, yet as I am not authorized to enter into any Negotiations with the President and directors, I am induced Respectfully to request your particular advice and Instructions on this Subject.\nI have the Honor to be with Esteem \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most Obed. Hum Serv.\nJereh Olney Collr. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secy. of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0253", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 8 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\nTreasury DepartmentOctr. 8th. 1791\nSir,\nIt is necessary to inform you that the Treasurers check or order for thirty thousand dollars of the first instant in favor of John Cochran Esq the Commissioner of loans for New York was intended to include your payment of Twenty thousand Dollars on the 1st instant, and the further sum of ten thousand Dollars. I think it proper to apprize you of this lest you may suppose that the Thirty thousand Dollars were to be additional to the Twenty thousand.\nThe duplicate receipt for Ten thousand Dollars of the 29th Ulto. by the Vice Consul General of France (and Mr. de la Forest) is at hand.\nI am \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your obedt Servant.\nA Hamilton\nWillm. Seton EsqrCashier of the Bank ofNew York", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0254", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Vincent Gray, 9 October 1791\nFrom: Gray, Vincent\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Alexandria, Virginia, October 9, 1791. On November 10, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Charles Lee: \u201cMr Gray\u2019s letter of the 9th Ultimo \u2026 has been received.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0255", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Cochran, 10 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Cochran, John\n[Philadelphia, October 10, 1791. On October 10, 1791, Hamilton wrote to William Seton that he was sending a letter to the commissioner of loans for New York State. Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0256", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 10 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Delany, Sharp\nTreasury Department, October 10, 1791. \u201cYour letter of the 5th instant has been received. The requisite instructions relative to the boat have been forwarded to the Collector of Wilmington.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0257", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 10 October 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollector\u2019s Office [Newport, Rhode Island] Oct 10th: 1791\nSir,\nI have received your Circular of the 21st. of last month, and shall observe your directions contained in it. I have also received your letter of the 23d. of the same month with the marginal part of Certife. of Registry No. 60.\nI wish to know whether cancelled bonds for Registers may be delivered up to the obligors, or destroyed. I don\u2019t know that they can be of any use after cancelment, and the keeping of them in the office, if useless, will only serve to accumulate papers, which collect very fast. I should be glad too to be informed whether upon Licenses being delivered up, the bonds which relate to them are to be cancelled, and whether such Licenses and bonds, if to be cancelled, or either of them are to be preserved in the office after being delivered up and cancelled. A licensed vessel may have been employed in some illicit trade, and it may not be known until after the License is delivered up, in this case if the bond is cancelled on the delivery of the License, the obligors are discharged from the penalty of the bond.\nThe substance of the Deposition which in my last I promised to communicate in this, was that he was certain that twenty barrels of sugar, two barrels of Molasses, and between twenty and thirty bags of Coffee were landed from the Brig Seven brothers about 10 or 11 o\u2019clock of the night he arrived in Newport, the value whereof is more than four hundred dollars.\nAt the same time that a summons issued for the Deponent, the Substance of whose Deposition I have just given, a Summons issued for another person who was also a seaman on board the Seven Brothers in the voyage at the close of which goods were landed from her without a permit; but he has avoided the service and gone to Sea. Indeed if the Deponent had not been hunted and harrassed by the Officer, and influenced by the strong perswasions of his father, who is Inspector of the Port of Bristol, he would not have submitted to a service of the Summons.\nA Writ is served on Thos. Cottrel, and a summons issued for a Seaman, who lives in Providence, to appear forthwith before the Judge of the District Court at his Dwelling house to give his deposition in that case. I suspect the Marshall will not be able to serve it, and if he should he cannot compel him to appear in the first instance; and before a compulsory process could issue he would probably be gone. A summons issued for the same man to give evidence at the trial of the Sloop Betsy, and he avoided the service, as the other Seaman referred to did the summons for him in the case of the Seven Brothers.\nPermit me on this occasion to observe, that, considering Custom-House Officers, and Informers are, on account of their being interested, not admissible as Witnesses, and seamen are strongly attached to their employers, and under their influence, unless a law is passed by the United States, admitting a capias to issue in the first instance, and to be served by persons other than Officers, it will be extremely difficult to prosecute transgressors of the Revenue Law to Conviction. Marshalls and Depy. Marshalls are almost universally known and whenever a seizure is made, or a prosecution commenced and they appear in any place suspicions are excited, the alarm given, and they who could give testimony disappear.\nI send by this post a weekly return of monies received and paid, a monthly schedule of bonds, an Abstract of distilled Spirits exported from 1st. of July to 30th Sept. 1791. Register of Ship Ascension No. 2 granted at Sagg Harbour Decr. 26 1789 Copy of an endorsmt. on Regr. No. 57. granted at this port Novr. 23 1790, a like endorsmt. on Regy. No. 41. granted at this Port Oct. 1 1790, and a like endorsement on Regr. No. 5 granted at this Port 1791, also my quarterly returns, and copies of Certifs. of Registry and Enrollments for the Quarter ending Sept. 30th 1791, and a list of a bank note amg. to One hundred Dollars, one moiety whereof is now transmitted to the Treasy.\nI am Sir, \u2003 Yr. most obedt. servt.\nWm Ellery Collr A Hamilton EsqrSecry of Treasy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0258", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 10 October 1791\nFrom: Huntington, Jedediah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New London, Connecticut, October 10, 1791. On November 22, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Huntington: \u201cI do not think, it will be necessary to require a refund from the officers of the revenue cutter \u2026 as mentioned in your letter of the 10th. October.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0259", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [10 October 1791]\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, October 10, 1791]\nSir.\nThe Register General of Pennsylvania, conceiving, that the possession of an accurate list of the State Debt subscribed to the Loan of the United States, would be a considerable improvement to the arrangement of the public accounts in his office has made a request upon the subject, which I beg leave to submit to your consideration; with a view that, if it will not be improper or inconvenient, your acquiescence may be obtained.\nI am, with great esteem \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your most obedient sevt.\nThomas Mifflin.\nPhila: 10 Oct. 1791\nTo Alexander Hamilton EsqrSecret. of the Ts of the U. S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0260", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Newton, Junior, 10 October 1791\nFrom: Newton, Thomas, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNorfolk [Virginia] October 10, 1791. Reports that John McComb, Jr., has completed the foundation of the Cape Henry lighthouse.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0261", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 10 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\nTreasury DepartmentOctober 10. 1791\nSir\nThe duplicate return of your last purchases has come to hand.\nThe Commissioner of loans might have issued the requisite Certificate in order to a Transfer to the books of the Treasury, upon the strength of your original Agency; especially as the Transfer was to be in the same names.\nBut as a different idea has struck him I have written to him the enclosed to obviate difficulty.\nWith very great consideration \u2003 I remain \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedient servt\nA Hamilton William Seton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0262-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: William Short to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 30 September 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas\nParis Sep. 30, 1791\nGentlemen\nI have barely time to acknowledge by the extraordinary of tomorrow the receipt of yours of the 22d. inst. in which you propose that the sec. of the Treasury should settle the rate of commission on the last loan. It would seem that the rate at which any business is to be transacted should be looked for in the powers authorizing the transaction of that business\u2014still if you think this matter will be settled more to your satisfaction by the Sec. of the treasury I can have no objection to your addressing yourselves to him & I can assure you very sincerely that if he & you are well satisfied in whatever manner it may be terminated I shall be perfectly so. The correspondence which has passed between us on the subject will put him fully in possession of the circumstances attending it. I am persuaded that the decision which he will form thereon will be completely conformable to the rules of justice & of course free from objections of any kind. I have the honor to be very sincerely Gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant\nW. Short Messrs. W & J Willink N. & J Van Staphorst & Hubbard\u2014Amsterdam", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0263", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [10 October 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Mount Vernon, October 10, 1791]\nSir,\nYour letter of the 30th. September enclosing a Contract entered into by the Collector of Wilmington in North Carolina with James McStephens & Henry Toomer for the stakage of the shoals of Cape Fear river, I have duly received. As I approve of the Contract, I have transmitted the same with my approbation to the Collector of Wilmington.\nI wrote to you from the head of Elk, informing you of my having made enquiries for a proper character to fill the Office of Supervisor of the District of Delaware, & that the weight of information which I collected, was in favor of one Andrew Barratt &c. Whether a commission was ever filled up for him, or what was done in the matter, you have not informed me. I now however, transmit to you a letter from the Hone. Jno: Clayton Esqr., by which it appears that no person has been appointed, & that he has recommended his son to you as a fit character to fill that office. I wish you to look into this business, and to let me know what, or whether anything has finally been done therein.\nI am Sir, \u2003 Your Most hble Servt.\nG: Washington\nMount Vernon10th. Octobr. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Chester, 11 October 1791\nFrom: Chester, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Wethersfield] Connecticut, Office of Supervisor,October 11th 1791.\nSir.\nIn compliance with the request in your Circular of 22d June last, herewith are forwarded a number of letters, which have been recieved, & relate to the subject of Manufactures carried on in this State; together with sundry samples.\nAfter having revolved in my mind several plans for obtaining the necessary information, none was thought of which afforded so flattering prospects, as that which was adopted, of writing to each member in the upper branch of our legislature, as well as to many of the principal manufacturers. The most of my letters have been answered; and if the information is not so full, & complete, as could be wished, still it is the best which could be obtained, & may possibly be of some service.\nAccounts of the silk manufactured at Wallingford, and of the linnen & cotton made at N Haven, also letters from several gentlemen on this subject are expected, and shall as soon as they are recieved be transmitted.\nI am with the greatest consideration, \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your most obedt servant.\nJohn Chester.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Peter Colt to John Chester, 21 July 1791\nFrom: Colt, Peter\nTo: Chester, John\nHartford July 21. 1791\nDear Sir\nThe conversation which I had with you some days past on the subject of the Secretarys Letter respecting our manufactures, has given occasion the imperfect History of that Business which accompanies this. I shall leave it to your judgment to make such use of it in your correspondence with the Secretary as you may deem proper\u2014or wholly to suppress it; I am not possessd of sufficient documents on which to ground any details or calculations as to the amount of the products of our different Manufactures or their annual value, a very superficial History of them is all I can pretend to, & this I trust you will find to be the Case with other Gentlemen to whom you may apply for information on this Subject. I have only to subjoin the Names of those persons most likely to give you information respecting this Business in the different parts of the State.\nMr. Josiah Burr of New Haven is the Manager of the Linen manufacture, & is a person of good information. Mr. Robert Walker of Stratford will probably be best able to inform you of the present Situation & Extent of the Duck Manufacture established in that Town. James Davenport Esq of that at Stamford, Mr. Saml Richards that at Farmington, Chaney Whitelsey Esq that at Middletown, Mr. W. Hubbard that at Colchester, Mr. Job. Tabor that at N London, Mr. Daniel L. Coit that at Norwich, Coll. J. Trumbull that at Lebanon & Maj Daniel Putnam of Brooklyne that at Killingsly & its neighbourhood. If it should be judged necessary, I believe I can procure you an accurate return of the Wool purchased & worked up into Cloth & the quantity of each kind manufactured at Hartford since the Commencement of the Business.\nI am dear Sir \u2003 with very sincere regard \u2003 your most obedient hume servant\nP. Colt\nColo Jno Chester.\nJuly 1791\nA succinct account of the Manufactures carried on in the State of Connecticutt.\nThe Manufactures of this State naturally present themselv to our view under the following Heads; Those carried on in Families merely for the consumption of those Families; Those carried on in like manner for the purpose of barter or sale; & those carried on by Tradesmen, Single persons, or Companies for supplying the wants of others; or for the general purposes of merchandise, or Commerce.\nThose which come under the first description, & which are purely domestic, are the most extensive & important; there being Scarcely a Family in the State either so rich or so poor as not to be concerned therein. These domestic Manufactures are of Linen, of Cotton & of Wool, in their various modifications. Out of those raw materials are made an abundance of Linen, Cotton, Woolen & woosted Hose, worn by all ranks of people; so as greatly to lessen the Importation, particularly of the more ordinary kinds, notwithstanding our increased population & wealth has greatly increased the consumption of those articles. Next to those Branches may be reckoned those of tow cloth, coarse Linens, Linen & Cotton for Shirting & Sheating, table Linen, checked & Striped Linens, and Bedticks; also coarse fustians & Jeenes for mens wear, & white Dimity for the Women. The manufactures of Wool are of various kinds of Cloth for Servants and the ordinary wear of the whole class of our Farmers & most of those who follow any of the usual Trades or labourous occupations. This branch of domestic manufactures is extending itself very fast, both as it respects the Quantity & Quality of the Goods. A great proportion of our most substantial Farmers and mechanicks appear dressed on Sundays and holy days in the manufactures of their Wives & daughters; & this is becoming every day more reputable. We may add to the foregoing list thread, both white & colourd, Lace & fringe for various purposes, and of late sewing Silk.\nThere is manufactured also large parcels of allmost all the denominations afore recited for the purpose of barter, or sale to the merchants, who export them out of the State\u2014within these few years attempts have been made to extend our manufactures, & for improving the fabricks. This has been attempted either by single persons or by companies, with various success. Of this discription is the Linen manufacture established at New-Haven, from whence large parcels of coarse Linens have been Shiped to the Southern States & to the West Indies. The same kind of manufacture has more recently been established at Middletown and New-London; the Stock at all those places being raised by Subscription, & managed by an Ajent for the benefit of the adventurers. To these may be added the manufacture of Cottons set up by merchants at Glastenbury & Lebanon, on rather a small Scale; & that at Norwich on a more extensive plan, backed with a larger capital. At Farmington there is a small manufacture of checks, both Cotton & Linen, of Bedticks, and of Fustians & Jeenes. The Same person has made some attemps in the Woosted and Woolen Branches, but his Stock is too limited to make much progress. At Stamford is a similar manufacture. All these are carried on by Single persons or merchants trading in Company; and their Stock is generally small. To these may be added the manufacture of Duck in Stratford (which however is principally confined to Families) & that established at Colchester, on the plan of those at Boston. That is both warp & woof are spun, not on wheels, but drawn out in the same Manner as the Yarns for Riggin are in Rope walks.\nAt Killingly there is a small Manufacture of Woolens begun under the care of a Mr. Kundall, who has received Some encouragement from Goverment, I believe he has only made coarse cloths & Coatings; & those only narrow. I believe neither his capital or knowledge of this Business will justify our expecting much from this attempt, untill he connects himself with persons of more information, & who shall be possessed of the Means of carrying their projects into effect.\nI have purposly omited mentioning the Woolen Manufacture which has been established, or rather attempted, at Hartford, as being on the most extensive plan, & which has the fairest Prospect of Succeeding. This Manufacture commenced about three years agone, with a Capital of \u00a31200, raised by voluntary Subscription in shares of \u00a310. each; some of the Subscribers taking more, Some less, as their patriotism or circumstances dictated. This Stock being found too small to effect the veiws of the Company (which were to determin the Question if American Wool would make Cloths equal to British Cloths out of British Wool, & at reasonable prices) was extended by new Subscriptions to \u00a32800. which is the amount of their present Capital. This Stock has been employed in buying Wool, & working it up into Woosted Goods, Narrow & Broad Coatings & Cloths after having been Sorted & prepared in the Manner practised in Great Britain. This Company have received Some aid from Goverment\u2014viz a trifling bounty the first year on Spining\u2014then an exemtion, for two years, of their Workmen from a Poll Tax; & their work Shops from all taxes for the same term of Time. These Same priviliges were extended to the manufactures established at Farmington, New Haven & Killingly. But this indulgence is no longer continued to any of them.\nThe Company at Hartford had expended So much of their Small capital in Buildings, Impliments &c that they found themselves under the necessity of applying to Goverment for Some Aid. The Legislature being sensible of the Importance of encouraging this infant establishment, granted them a Lottery to raise \u00a31000 to enable them to procure a more compleat Set of machinery, & for extending their Business. This Lottery will probably Net them three Thousand Dollars & enable them to make a further tryal in this laudable attempt, to establish so valuable a manufacture. The Event is yet, hower, very problematical. Those persons concerned in seting up new Manufactures have every obsticle to Surmount which can arrise from clashing Interests, or ancient prejudices; as well as from the smallness of our capitals, the scarcity of Materials & workmen, & the consequent high prices of both. In this respect the obsticals which are opposed to the Woolen manufacture are the greatest. The reasons are too obviouse to need reciting. Some kind of aid therefore, from the General Goverment of the United States will be necessary in order fully to establish Manufactures, for the purpose of Barter or merchandize. Those for domestic purposes only, will be continued from mere necessity. How this is to be effected, those who administer the Goverment must determin. In addition to the foregoing List should be subjoined the manufactures in Wood, in Iron & in Leather, both for home consumption & for exportation. Household Furniture & wheel Carriages of all kinds are made in plenty & prety good Stile, & considerable is exported to the Southern States & to the west Indies. The manufactures of Iron are variouse & extensive & exceed our demands for home consumption, except Cutlery & some part of the Tools used by Tradesmen. Our manufactures of Leather are considerable; so as to make a full supply of Shoes & Boots; Saddles, Bridles, Horse Harness &c even for Exportation. We make also stuff & Silk Shoes nearly Sufficient for the consumption of the State.\nAs to the quantum of all these manufactures, either those used amongst ourselves, or those exported; or the value of them in Money, I dare not hazard an oppinion, not having the details on which to make the calculation, or ground such an oppinion. But considering the Number of our laborious & active Citizens, & our modes of Living, it cannot otherways than be considerable & it is yearly increasing. The manufactures carried on in our Families may be calculated to increase the value of the products, beyound that of the raw materials as three to one. Those established in factories, such as the woolen manufacture at Hartford, not less than four to one, or even five to one.\nWhen the active Stock of the Citizens shall no longer be embarked in paper Speculations, then we may expect to see part of it turned to the promoting & extending our manufactures & then those which languish and dwindle for want of being supportd with proper Capitals may be expected to prosper & this Country freed from a disgracefull dependance on Europe for their ordinary Cloathing.\nP.S. I might have mentioned Tin men, pewterers, Hatters &c & Silver Smith in a great plenty\u2014Braizing Brass founders\u2014& of late Button makers. This last Business is of a recent date, but promises to become extensive.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0005", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Benjamin Huntington to John Chester, 24 August 1791\nFrom: Huntington, Benjamin\nTo: Chester, John\nNorwich [Connecticut] August 24th 1791\nSir\nYour Letter of the 10th Instant has been Recd but being Necessarily Abscent last week could not Attend to the Subject you mention untill Monday last and being on the same Business this Day I found Col Leffingwell on the Same Employ through the Request of Mr. Learnand & we have agreed on a Report as near as we can state one, not only for this Town but for the whole County N London (exceptd) which you will Receive in a Short Time from him. It is Impossible to State the amount of Articles Manufactured in the Several Branches with Accuracy but have done it as near as we can.\nThere are no Manufactures of Consequence in Stonington Groton Lyme Colchester Franklin Lisbon or Montville saving such as are mentioned in Mr. Leffingwells report. Ship Building and the Cod fishing are the Principal in Stonington but I Suppose these are what the Secretary has had a better account of than we can Collect. The Domestic Manufacture of Coarse Linins and Wollens is very considerable more than Sufficient for the Consuption of farmers Families. As to Inpediments and Encouragements I know of None but what you are Perfectly Acquainted with. The Impediments Complained of by the Mechanics are the assessments on the Trade of Facutised Persons, the Poll tax on apprentices, Equipments & Loss of Time for Military Service and the want of an Increase of Duties on Goods Imported which might be manufactured here.\nI will Remember the Design of Congress in Directing the Secretary to Report was the better to Enable the Next Session of Congress to judge what Manufactures to Encourage and to adopt measures for that Purpose (This will extend Principa\u27e8ll\u27e9y to Articles Imported which might as well be made here) and to Increase the Commerce between the Northern & Southern States & by that means at once to Increase our Internal Trade & Strengthen the Union as also to promote an Acquaintance and assimulation of Manners among the People in the several States. The good Effects of this Design when accomplished were very Obvious.\nI am sir with Esteem & Regard \u2003 your Friend & Hume Servt\nBenj Huntington Col. Chester", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0007", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Christopher Leffingwell to John Chester, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Leffingwell, Christopher\nTo: Chester, John\nNorwich [Connecticut] 30th Augt 1791\nDear Sir\nSince forwarding Statement of Manufactories have discoverd an Omission of the Manufactoring of Carding Machines and Jennys for Carding & Spinning on the large Scale. Those in Mr Lathrops works were wholly made here by an Inhabitant of this Town who is a Great Mechanical Genius. Machines for Cutting doubling & Crooking Card wire for making Common Cotton & Wool Cards are also made in this Town. Those at Philadelphia & Several in Boston were made by a Nathan Cobb of this place.\nI am your most Obed sert\nChrisr Leffingwell Colo Chester", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0009", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Joseph P. Cooke to John Chester, 12 September 1791\nFrom: Cooke, Joseph P.\nTo: Chester, John\nDanbury [Connecticut] Septr. 12th. 1791.\nSir\nIn pursuance of your request communicated in your letter the 10th. ult. I have endeavoured to obtain the best information in my power respecting the several manufactures in the northern parts of the County of Fairfield, expecting you will receive from Mr. Davenport all necessary information from the towns upon the Sea-coasts. The inland parts of this County, not yet overstocked with inhabitants, afford the people the means of persuing Agriculture very generally which is their favourite employment, consequently the spirit of manufacturing has not much prevailed, except in the domestic way; that however in the aggragate is very considerable, as their families are principally cloathed in their own manufactures, but to what amount cannot be ascertained with any degree of precision. Making of Nails is also become part of the trade of almost every blacksmith, whereby the importation of that article is entirely at an end. The manufacturing of Hats of all kinds is prosecuted upon a large scale in this town; from the factory of O. Burr and Co. which is probably the largest of the kind in this State, large quantities of hats are sent abroad, as also from several others, although to a much less amount. I took the liberty to communicate your letter to Mr. White one of the partners of that company, and desired him to give such a Statement of their business as would correspond with your ideas; he engaged to do it; and I doubt not he will give a satisfactory account of this business in a letter addressed to you, which I expect will accompany this.\nA Cotton manufacture has also been carried on in this town for about two years past, but not to any considerable degree; a company however has been formed this summer past for that purpose; they have purchased a Jenny for spinning and a Carding Machine, have manufactured several pieces of cloth which meet with a ready sale; the prospect is somewhat promising; the greatest difficulty as present is in procuring good workmen that will be steady in business.\nThe manufacturing of Pot and Pearl Ashes is carried on in much the same manner as I suppose it is in other parts of the State; one or more works in almost every town: the owners complain of too great an interference in this business, perhaps some general regulations on that account might be proper.\nThe manufacturing of Bar Iron has made a rapid progress within a few years: four years ago there was not a single Forge for that purpose in this County, and I believe never was; within that time eight or nine Iron Works have been erected, in most of which there are two Forges producing upon a mean about twenty tons of bar iron annally, of which a large quantity, after supplying the home consumption which is very great, is exported to New-York, where it meets with a quick market at about 70 Dollars \u214c ton. These works are supplied with Ore of a good quality from an inexhaustible Bed about seven miles from this town just within the limits of the State of New-York. This important branch of business, being liable to many disasters, requires the unremitted exertions of the Proprietors, and demands public encouragement. A Sliting Mill has for some time been in contemplation, but nothing as yet done, such works would be of great utility to this part of the Country, but they ought not to be too frequent.\nWith great respect and esteem \u2003 I am Sir \u2003 your most obedient Servant\nJoseph P. Cooke Honble. John Chester.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0010", "content": "Title: Enclosure: O. Burr and Company to John Chester, 12 September 1791\nFrom: O. Burr and Company\nTo: Chester, John\nDanbury [Connecticut] Sept 12. 1791.\nHonble. J. Chester Esqr\nSir,\nYour circular Letter of the 10th. ult., desiring Information respecting the Rise & Progress of Manufactures, was handed to us by the Honble. Joseph P. Cooke Esqr & as you observe, that any Communications by Letter, will answer your Purpose, we have taken the Liberty of addressing this to you, stating the Rise & Progress of our Hat Manufactory, & that of the Saddle Cloth under the Care of Judson White.\nAnd we have subjoined several Impediments under which we concieve, the Hat Manufactory labors.\nPerhaps from local & contracted Views, we have not given the Subject that extensive Consideration, which it demands. If we have given any Hints which maybe serviceable to the manufacturing Interest, our Purpose will be answered. Such as they are, we submit to your Candour.\nWe began the Hatting Business in Janry 1787, with only one Journeyman & one Apprentice. You will see the Progress of it, by the Statement on the other Page. We now employ seven Journeymen & ten Apprentices.\nThe Price affixed to each Quality of Hats, is at what they now sell by the Dozen, in Lawful Money.\nFelt Hats\nGirls Do.\nplain Castors\nNapt Rorums\nBeavers.\nBeaveretts\nPlain Rorums\nNapt Castors\nLadies\nThe Article of Muskrats of which we use large Quantities in napping our Rorum Hats, have advanced in Price within 15 or 16 Months 30 \u214c Cent at least, & Hats have fallen in Market full 20 \u214c Cent in the same Time, owing in a great measure to Persons setting up the Business who never served for the Trade, & not being Judges, have bad Work done which goes to Market, & has injured the Credit of American Hats very much, & must in Time ruin it entirely, except Government adopts some method to prevent such injurious Practices, & make it necessary for Men to serve such a number of years as shall perfect them in the Business. Our Trade is not learned by Observation nor by mathematical Calculation, but by practical Experiments.\nThis Practice of setting up the Business without serving an Apprenticeship, has the hurtful Tendency to make Apprentices discontented in their Master\u2019s Service, as they see those who have not served at the Trade more than one or two years, employed as Journeymen at full Wages in these Shops: therefore as soon as they have learned to form a Hat, they will say; \u201cif we can by any means get clear of our Masters, we may be Journeymen on Wages too, as we can work as well as those who are employed by these Men.\u201d Hence we see the great Propriety of the English Laws which no doubt have been the means of the Improvements which have brot their Manufactures to such Perfection. What Improvement can be expected in a Shop where the only Person interested is ignorant of the Business?\nThe Rise of Stock & Fall of Hats, makes it necessary for us to enlarge our Business & as Journeymen are scarce, we are obliged to take a Number of Apprentices; the Poll Tax on these will be a heavy Burden; add to this, the Assessments on Mechanicks which the Listers think must be laid on, in Proportion to the Business appearing to be done. Now as our Hats must be sold in New York by the Dozen, & the Price is from 30 to 50 \u214c Cent. below what they are sold for by Retail at the Hatters Shops in the Country, this Assessment, you will readily see is very unequal on us.\nThe Principal Reason of the high Price of Furrs, is \u27e8our\u27e9 not having the Command of the Furr Trade; & a great Part of \u27e8the\u27e9 Furrs which come into this Part of the Country is purchased in Canada by a Person in New York & shipped to England, & from there to that City. And as there is no other Person in that Business at present, he is able to engross the whole of the Furrs, & command the Price.\nSome kinds of Furrs are lately imported from Germany & other Parts of Europe, which we hope may be a Relief to us; & together with our Improvements in extending the Stock, will enable us to continue the Business to the Advantage of ourselves & Country, should Government make such Regulations or to encourage Improvements by those who are capable of making them, & prevent Practices which are hurtful to the Credit of the manufactoring Interest.\nWe are with great Respect, Sr Your \u2003 obedt humble Servts\nO. Burr & Co.\nJudson White began the Saddle Cloth Manufactory in Septr 1790. Since that Time he has manufactured 1258 Yards which sells from 3/6 to 3/9 \u214c Yard by the Piece, Several Samples of which, we inclose. As it is not convenient to send a Sample of the Hats, we would just inform you, that they may be seen either in our shop in Danbury, or in New York Maiden Lane where we expect to open a Shop sometime this Month.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0011", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Amasa Learned to John Chester, 14 September 1791\nFrom: Learned, Amasa\nTo: Chester, John\nNew London [Connecticut] 14th Septr 1791\nDear sir,\nAgreeably to your request, I have written to several Gentlemen in each Town, in this County, to collect and forward to you, before the 20th Septr, such information on the subject of Manufactures in their respective Towns as the Secretary required.\nThe domestic manufactures of this Town are the same kind that you find in every other Town; but rather inferior to most, in quantity & quality. The incidental trades, such as Boat-building, sailmaking, Ropemaking, Blockmaking &C &C. varies as the Tide of Business ebbs or flows. They need no laws directly in their favour, depending wholly on the State of Commerce. There are two Saddlers in this Town, who make about 500 Saddles each every year & as many bridles. The prices vary according to the quality from 8 dollars to 20. Most of them are exported to the West Indies some to the Southern States, where they meet the same wares from England. These manufacturers, suppose that the duty on imported Saddles is not sufficiently high. Some Complaint there has been that the duty on tanned leather is too low. In the Island of Hispaniola from whence they formerly brought many raw hides the tanning business has greatly increased & leather is imported instead of hides. I know of no other trades in this Town that labor under any impediment which it is in the power of Government to remove. To enter into a particular detail of all the incidental & domestic trades of this Town, of thier origin, annual produce & State of improvement would be an arduous task and as useless as difficult. Norwich will be able to furnish more necessary information than all the rest of the County. I wrote to Colo Leffingwell, Coit & Lathrop, Gentlemen deeply interested in Manufactures.\nWith Sentiments of Esteem \u2003 Dear sir, your Obedt & hble Sert\nAmasa Learned", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0012", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Jonathan Palmer, Junior, to John Chester, 15 September 1791\nFrom: Palmer, Jonathan, Jr.\nTo: Chester, John\nStonington [Connecticut] Sept. 15th. AD 1791\nSir\nAt Mr. Learneds request with respect to Manafactures have to state to you, That we have No regular Established. Factories in this Town, and therefore no pecuniary Incouragements. Our Domestick Are Considerable but to what amount is very doubtfull. The business of Hattmaking has been caryed on long in this Town, but for about One Year has been followed with peculiar Attention And perseverance. They Manafacture enough for the Use of the Town of different Qualities, and which Are I think preferable to ye English. These Hats are Caried, Many of them, to differant States in ye Union for Sale, but ye Hattars Complain that foreign Importations Yet, very Much Injure the business here. Cabinett making has been followed here time Immemorial, and for many years Sufficiently for ye use of this Town and Considerable Shipd. to ye southern States for sale. Our Wollen Manufactory is wholly of the family kind and Judge Sufficent to furnish the Inhabitants, of there Corse wairing aparel, those of a fine Quality are chiefly of Foreign Inportation. Of Coarse Lining in the family way we Manafacture Sufficent for Our Own Inhabitants but our fine, as in the case of wollen we Import from Forigners. The above is the best Statement can at present make as particular valuations would be Intirely matter of gess.\nAm sir with Sentiments of Esteem & Friendship \u2003 Devotedly Yours\nJona. Palmer Junor Colo. John Chester", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0014", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Roger Newberry to John Chester, 16 September 1791\nFrom: Newberry, Roger\nTo: Chester, John\nWindsor [Connecticut] 16th Septr. 1791\nSr\nSince I received yours of the 10th. of August My Son on whome my dependance has been has been sick and unable to assist me in my business, so that I have been unable to pay much attention to the Subject of your letter. I have wrote to several Gentlement and have recd. no answer except from Alexander King Esq of Suffield whose letter I herewith send you.\nThe Manufactures of this Town are Mostly in the domestic way such as most of our coarse Woolens & Linnens, chec\u2019d Linnens we import none they are all of home manufacture as are all Linnens under 2/ per yard, and notwithstanding the great increase of population there is not one quarter part of coarse imported Woollens used that there were four year ago. Our Axes Siythes, Hoes, and many other of the large & heavyer kind of edged tools are manufactured among our selves. The Prisons at New Gate will probably manufacture from 15 to 20 Tons of Nails in a year which are sold by large quantities at 6d per pound by retaile at 7d. There is usually in the country large quantities of Tow cloth from 1/ to 1/3 per yard made in the domestick way, brought to market and sent to the Southen States, but this year there has been but little more made than is necessary for home consumption, owing I suppose to moderate crop of Flax last year and the great demand for that article for Sail Cloth and Cordage. It is difficult to fix any time when the above mentioned Manufactures began. They have been gradually increasing ever since the first Settlement of this Country, but have been rapidly improveing ever since the commencement of the late War but more especially since the conclusion of it. And what farther incouragement is necessary I am unable to say. The two cloth is sold according to the labour and expence about it, very low, and I could wish some better incouragement might be given to that manufacture as it imploys a great many women in the country. I am very sorry I have not been able to pay greater attention to the subject, as it is a subject of importance and in which this State is deeply interested. If I shall receive any answers from the other Gentlemen to whome I have wrote I will forward them to you, and am\nYour Obedient \u2003 Humle Serv\nRoger Newberry Honle John Chester Esq", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0015", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Alexander King to Roger Newberry, 12 September 1791\nFrom: King, Alexander\nTo: Newberry, Roger\nSuffield [Connecticut] 12th. Septemr. 1791\nSir.\nIn Compliance with your Request of 29th August last, I have sent as Accurate an Estimate as at present can be obtained of the State and produce of the Manufactures of this Town.\nWool The Wollen Manufacture is the Principal and the most Beneficial to the Inhabitants of any that is carried on in this Place. There are in Suffield about 400 Families and about 5 Thousand grown Sheep, which will produce about 25 lb wt. to a Family on an Average. This is all manufactured in the Domestic way except Fulling and Dressing which is done at the Cloathiers Works.\nWe have One Cloathier in Suffield who carries on a pretty large Branch of Bussiness. In the year 1788 he fulled and Dressed 1500 yd of Wollen Cloath; besides Dying and pressing half as much More; in the year past he has fulled & Dressed 3500 yds of wollen and dyed and presd. about 1800 more which was not fulled; the Cloath thus made is consumed by the Particular Families who manufacture it. The late Premium granted by the Legislature of this State, has in my Opinion contributed to the Increase of Sheep. They have doubled in Number in this Town in less than Four Years; and by proper Attention may yet for a long Time become an increasing Source of Wealth to the Farmer and Manufacturer.\nCotton Of this Article no great Quantities are manufactured in this Place. Some particular Families do a little.\nFlaxAbout 20 Thousand Wt. of Flax is Annually manufactured in this Town which is Another important Article of Manufactures, and is done like the Wool in the Domestic Way. The whole of this however is not the Produce of this Town, perhaps One Quarter is purchased from other Places, the usual price of Flax is from 4d to 6d pr lb.\nHempThe Culture of Hemp has been attempted this year by some of Our Farmers, how it will produce or how far Succeed is yet unknown. The growth of this year may be Estimated at Two Tuns.\nIronThere is a Forge for making Iron Shovels, the Plates are drawn under a Trip Hammer carried by Water. Two Workmen have made the year past One Hundred Dozen. They compute Two & \u00bd Tuns of Iron and 2500 Bushels of Coal to make 100 Doz. The Owners are now erecting Works upon a larger Plan, to carry Three Trip hammers. They calculate to make 300 Doz yearly for the future and intend to use better Iron than what was work\u2019d last year which was but indifferent. The Price from 7 to 9 Dollars per Doz.\nCotton & Wool Cards Mr Thompson has lately set up making Cotton & Wool Cards in the year past he has made about 12 Hundred pair, he intends to enlarge his Works and expects to make Three Thousand pair a Year.\nNails Very little of this Business is carried on here possibly a Tun of Nail Brads may be worked up in a Year.\nOur Black Smiths furnish the Husbandry and Mechanic Tools for the Inhabitants.\nMr Taylor is noted for makeing the best narrow Axes many of which are carried out of the State to Vermont. He makes about 300 a Year Price 6/.\nAbout Ten Tuns of Iron is annually workd up in Suffield & about 10 Thousand Bushels of Coal.\nHides & Tallow 400 Head of Beef Cattle are commonly Bucherd. in Suffield Annually exclusive of those which are killed by perticular Families for their own Consumption. The Hides are manufactured chiefly in Town. Mr Phelps carries on a large Branch of Bussiness and has a very convenient Yard and proper Buildings for the Works, he Usually Tans about 600 grown Hides & 400 Calf Skins besides Sheep and Other Skins. The Other Tanners in Town about 200 grown Hides and one Hund Calf Skins. The price of Hides 2\u00bdd calf Skin 5d Seal Leather \u2153 pr lb wt. The Tallow is usually sold to the Tallow Chandler and Soap Boilers in Hartford, fetches about 4d Ruff.\nSaddles There are made about  more than what the Inhabitants want for their own Use which are mostly sold out of the state.The Other Branches of Leather Manufactures are mostly made in Town & consumed by the Inhabitants.\nWool Hats Mr Swan commonly manufactures 5 or 6 Hundred wt. of Wool into Hats Yearly. He has made very considerable improvments in making Wool Hats. I have not seen Handsomer or better made Felt Hats either imported or manufactured in America. The price of Hatters Wool is about \u2154 pr lb. wt. Hats from 5/ to 12/.\nPotash This Manufacture was early introduced into Suffield in the Year 1761. Mr Zuell and Others Coy of Merchants in Glascow Scotland, Erected Works in this Town to make Potash, which they managed pretty largely for some Years. The Potash then Sold for 60 \u00a3 Sterling pr Ton (whether the Bounty was included in that Sum I am not able to say). Since those works were thrown up the Bussiness has been carried on by some of the Inhabitants. To this Time it is computed about 600 Bushels of Ashes will make a Tun after the Old Manner & Process. The New has never yet been tried here. The average price of Ashes about 7d delv\u2019d at the Works. They make about 5 Tons a year which sells in New York for 30 or 31 lawful Money.\nLumber Grangers & Elys Mill erected on the west Bank of Connecticutt River, saws about 300 Thousand feet of Boards Plank and Other Stuff a year. There are 5 or 6 Other Mills in Town which Alltogether probably saw half as much more. Most of the Timber is white Pine floated down connecticutt River in the Spring Freshets. The average price of Boards about 33/ Lawful Mony pr Thousand. 400 Thousand Shingles are made Annually from Timber which comes down the River likewise price about 12/ pr Tousand.\nWheel Carriages Mr. Dewey is noted for making the Best Wheels for Carriages of all Sorts. He makes some Chairs and Chaises every year but generally this kind of Work is for the Use of the Inhabitants and Also ye Cabinet work which is made in Town.\nCasks There may be a Thousand Casks made in Town yearly besides what the Inhabitants use for Cyder.\nSalt Petre Has been manufactured in the Time of the War, but is now imported cheaper than we can make it.\nEarthern Ware A Small Quantity of this Article is made in Town about 9 Kilns a year valued at 12 \u00a3 pr Kiln. This Bussiness was first set up here in 1782.\nWooden Dishes The Ancient Characteristic Manufacture of Suffield is Over. Our Materials are gone.\nPerhaps I have enumerated Articles in the foregoing Account, which were not expected if so you will use them or not according as you think proper. I am Sir with Respect & Esteem\nYour Humble Sert\nAlexr. King Honble: Roger Newberry Esquire", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0016", "content": "Title: Enclosure: John Treadwell to John Chester, 21 September 1791\nFrom: Treadwell, John\nTo: Chester, John\nFarmington [Connecticut] Septr. 21st AD 1791\nSir\nPursuant to your request I wrote to a Gentleman in each of the towns of Southington Berlin and Bristol for the necessary information on the subject manufactures in those towns, but have received no answer except from Mr Andrews of Southington. The account he has given and the estimates he has made I have reason to conclude are pretty correct, and with very little variation, as to common manufactures, will apply to the towns of Berlin and Bristol whose circumstances are very simular to those of Southington regard being had to the number of inhabitants in the respective towns, and indeed for substance will apply to this Town, though I believe a greater proportion of foreign Cloths are used here than in those towns, and from a general view of the Subject I should conjecture that something more than one third of the whole expense of clothing the inhabitants of this town is laid out in foreign Articles.\nThe manufacture of articles of clothing in this town has hitherto been carried on in the family way chiefly and these manufactures particularly the woollen have of late, in some families attained a good degree of perfection. The woollen manufactuory at Hartford has contributed much to the defusion of knowledge in this branch to the people particularly in the vicinity, and in that respect, at least, has been highly useful, but the woollen & cotten manufactures of various fabrics and various qualities are carried on with apparent success, by a Mr. Brownson of this town as a regular trade. He has employed for a year or two past perhaps about fifty persons in his Business though not all or the most of them at his factory. He expects the present year to make about ten thousand yards of cloth of woollen & cotten. Some of his fabrics are very fine and good, and generally his cloths, are found for service to excell those of like fineness that are imported, but he has not as yet been able to give them that complete finish which foreign cloths have, and consequently, they do not command that ready market in cash that imported cloths do. He finds a market for them however in the way of barter, but it commonly takes two or three turns before he can convert them into money and this is an inconvenience he cannot remove for want of proper machinery to give a high finish to his cloths, which his property will not enable him at present to procure. His profits however notwithstanding this disadvantage are sufficient to enable him to pursue the business, and he seems to be in a state of gradual progression toward perfection.\nMr Martin Bull of this Town a Goldsmith \u27e8for\u27e9 about two years past set up the manufacture of Coa\u27e8t\u27e9 buttons being I suppose the first who has set up the business in this State. This manufacture is in its infancy but is however by no means unworthy of Notice in its present state. The buttons are made of hardned tin, very serviceable and of a good appearance, and in no respect inferiour to a great proportion of imported buttons. He has made several thousand dozen, and informs me that a boy of sixteen may make 200 Gross in a year, the profits would be considerable were it not for the exceeding \u27e8low\u27e9 price of some of the Matthewman buttons import\u27e8ed from\u27e9 Europe. He can afford them for 10/ pr gross for co\u27e8at \u27e9 for vest buttons but it seems the Merchant will not take large quantities at that price as imported ones are something cheaper, a sample of the buttons is inclosed.\nThe manufacture of Hats is about to be carried on here upon a pretty large Scale. About twenty persons are expected to be employed in the House erected for that purpose but what success the Undertakers will have is uncertain. The furr branch of that business be sure labours under great embarrassments at present which cannot be removed without the aid of Government, whatever may be done with it.\nSince the receipt of your Letter I have been wholly occupied in business I was appointed to do by the General Assembly in October last, and on that account have found it impracticable to pay that attention to this Subject, which was necessary to afford you the expected information or to do it within the time requested, add to this the failure of two of the Gentlemen to whom I wrote for information, I presume it will not be thought strange that the Information I am able to give you on the Subject is so very imperfect.\nI am \u2003 Sir \u2003 your most obedt humbe Servt\nJohn Treadwell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0017", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Elezur Andrews to John Treadwell, 14 September 1791\nFrom: Andrews, Elezur\nTo: Treadwell, John\nSouthington [Connecticut] Septemr. 14th. 1791\nsir\nAgreeable to your Request I have endeavoured to obtain such Knowledge as to give you as Just a statement as I possibly could as to the Manufactories in this Town.\nIt is not in my power to give you accurate account as I could wish. The greatest part of Woolen & Linen Cloaths wore in this Town are Manufactured by different Families in this place. (A very Small proportion of Foreign cloaths are made use of.) Silk is made by a number of Families in this Town. Hatts Chiefly worn by the Inhabitants are made in Town. Boots and shoes are mostly made of Leather Tanned in Town and by Shoemakers who reside here. We have an Oil Mill nearly compleated owned by Mr. Asa Barns which I believe will make a very considerable of oil from Flaxseed.\nI have made an estimate not fully found on my own Judgment but the opinion of some Others of the undermentioned articles Manufactured in this Town & their prices.\nyards fulld.\nCloath\nDo. not fulld.\nDo\nDo. Linin\nDo\nHatts\nDo\np. Boots\npr Shoes great & small\nruns Silk\nI am sir with Respect your huml servt.\nE Andrews", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0018", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Chauncey Whittelsey to John Chester, 27 September 1791\nFrom: Whittelsey, Chauncey\nTo: Chester, John\nMiddleton [Connecticut] Septr. 27th. 1791\nCol: Chester\nSr:\nI have recd. but two Letters in answer to those I wrote, in Consequence of your Application upon the Subject of Manufactures, one from Chatham, the other from Killingworth; the one from Killingworth was accompanied by one from Mr. Elliot to Mr. Lane, which I forward you as it contains some Information, upon the Subject of manufacturing Steel, which may eventually prove of some Consequence.\nIn the Town of Chatham are the two distilleries one of Rum, the other of Geneva, the one lattle set up, the other about eighteen years since, but did but little, untill last year; when the former distilled about 30,000 Gals, the latter about 10,000. There is likewise a forge for Iron, sett up thirty years agone, or more, but is at such a distance from the place of Landing, & the owners so poor, it is not carried on to very great Advantage, it produces but about twenty Tuns of Iron annually; which is sold for 25/. pr. hundd. There are two Quarries of Freestone, the one worked for a great Number of years, the other lately opened; from thence are obtained Stones for every use, for which those kind are proper, & which are there worked, for the various purposes for which designed. Parhaps it is the best Quary in this part of America.\nIn this town is a Snuff Mill, first set to work last fall, which has done some Business; what it is annuall produce will be is not easey to determin; the Snuff is sold in Bottles of half a pound each, for 30 Dolrs pr. Gross; the works are carried on under the protection of a Patent, granted to a Company at East Hartford.\nThe Business of making pot & pearl Ashes, is carried on in several parts of this State; but as I have recd. no particular Information, I can only observe, that in this Town one sett of works makes about five Tuns annually.\nWe have in this Town a Stock of about 250\u00a3\u2014L Money employed in a Linnen Manufactory. It is a temporary Matter sett agoing about two years & an half ago, for the purpose of an Experiment, by a Number of Subscribers; and will probably fail, when the term of their Subscription expires. The articles principally made, are coarse Linnens under the name of oznaburgs, of which are made about 4000 Yds in a Year, which are sold on an Average @ 10d. pr. Yd by the Bolt.\nChecks sold @ 1/6 and upwards by the piece\nStriped Linnens @ 1/6\nSheetings from 1/6 to 1/9\nOf the last Articles no large Quantities are made.\nThe difficulty of disposing of the Goods for Cash in hand; & of getting a price that will afford a small profit on the Stock, is an embarrisment upon any Business of this kind.\nThro\u2019 out the County we are furnished with Tanners who supply Leather for almost if not quite every Use, for which it is wanted. This is wrought up by different Tradesmen, into the various Articles which are wanted by their several Customers, such as, Shoes, Boots, Saddles, Harnesses &c &c. Most of our riding Carriages are likewise made by our own Mekanicks.\nThe Smith supply us with Scythes & Axes, in Abundance; one Shop in this Town, turn out about one hundred Dozen of those Articles in a Year, which he sells for ten Dollars pr. dozen. This is done beside the other Smith work, he carries on.\nThe Articles of Nails is principally made among ourselves, and sold by retail 9d. pr. lb. The Business is carried on by our common Smiths; I am not acquainted with any, that make it their capital Object.\nAs to the domestic Manufactures from Woollen, Flax, Cotton, I can add nothing to the observations, you read to me when last at your house; The Subject is such as not to admit of vary exact Calculations, without more labour and expence than can be expected under present Circumstances. I can only observe in general, That our farmers are mostly clothed by the produce of their farms, improved by the labour of their Families; and those Woollens which are made in this, are parhaps equal to any in the World, for the use of the day-Labourer. Considerable Quantities of Cloth are made for the purposes of barter; in that Way as well as for private Cloathing the Manufactures of this State, appear to be continually extending themselves.\nI omitted in its proper place to mention an Iron works in Killingworth set up in 1763 which manufactures about eight Tuns pr. Annum, and sells @ 30/. pr. C. In the same Town are three Works for Pot and Pearl Ashes, which manufacture, one that was erected in 1766, 3\u00bd Tuns pr. Annum, one 1786, 26 Tuns, one lately set up, has worked but one Tun.\nI am Sr: with Respect \u2003 Your Obedient Humble Servant\nChauncey Whittelsey", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0019", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Hezekiah Lane to Chauncey Whittelsey, 16 September 1791\nFrom: Lane, Hezekiah\nTo: Whittelsey, Chauncey\nKillingworth [Connecticut] Sept. 16th. 1791\nSir\nSince writing the Letter respecting Manufactures I have received this which I send you for more particular Information about the Steel Works.\nHezh: Lane Chauncey Whittelsey Esq.Middletown", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0020", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Aaron Elliott to Hezekiah Lane, 14 September 1791\nFrom: Elliott, Aaron\nTo: Lane, Hezekiah\nKillingworth [Connecticut] Sept 14th Ad 1791\nSir\nAgreeable to your request of information, respecting the Steel Furnace, from the Supervisor of Middlesex County; for the information of the Secretary, of Congress; I would Observe\nThe Furnace, was built by My Father Colo Aaron Elliot, about Fivety, Yeares past, for the purpose of Manufacturing Blistered Steel. It was at first but small, for the sake of Experiment: afterwards inlargd, so as to contain about 25 Ct: (And was the only one in the New England States at the time of the act of Parlement prohibiting aney others being built) And remaind in that cituation untill the commencement of the War, between Great Britain, & the Colonies; at which time the demant became so great, that my Father found himself under the necessity if Inlarging it; which was accordingly done, so as to contain about 2 Tun 10 Ct.\nMy Father, usd commonly to Manufacture, about 40. or 50. Tuns pr. Year: The price he commonly sold at; was \u00a342 Y: Mony, pr Tun. It might now be afforded at \u00a332: as I have made sundry improvements,& lately, at considerable expence, Inlargd the Works to contain 4 Tun, at a blast; & with but small additional expence is manufacring of it. And were there sufficient encouragemt might easily, inlarge it now so as to contain 10. or 12 Tun.\nAs to encouragement from this State; there is none; of a bublik nature.\nMy circumstances, are such, that I am not able, to carrey it on extensively; I have manufatured this Year 4 Tun only; but the Works, is capable of Turning out One Hundred Ton, with Ease, Yearly.\nAs to Quality; I make Blister, & Faggt, Steel, which answers well, for all kinds of Country use. And had I encouragement, coud make German, Steel, equal in quality to aney made in Germaney.\nIn hast, am Sir, your Friend. & Humb. Servt\nAaron Elliott Hezekiah Lane Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0021", "content": "Title: Enclosure: William Williams to John Chester, 29 September 1791\nFrom: Williams, William\nTo: Chester, John\nLebanon [Connecticut] 29 Sepr 1791\nSir\nIn answer to your Letter of ye 10th Augt Ulto. thro the multiplicity of Business & avocations, I am able to give you a very imperfect account of Manufactures in this County, & I suppose quite inadequate to the Secretarys Wishes. There are manufactures of Linnen Cloths carried on in very many Families in this Town & County, & large quantities are made, many private Looms for weavg in Families beside what is wove by those whose stated business it is, the Cloths are of perhaps every quality below superfine; and are sold at about the prices which foreign Linnens of the same fineness are, but generally more durable. Also large quantities of wool is spun up in Families, & generally wove by professors of that are, & dressed & prepared by the Clothiers of which there are three or four in this Town, & ye same proportion I believe in other Towns of ye County of Windham. The Cloths are of good qualities & various, most of them of the midling kind, very durable; Colours fixed & hansome of almost every hue are given them by the Dyers. There is one Cargill at Pomfret who carries on the Clothier Business to a very considerable degree, one Condall at Killingley. They manufacture large quantities of Woollen Cloths, many of them in Colour & quality fit for Gentlemen of any Character, also at Windham & such other Towns, Workmen who have considerable skill in the business. These Cloths, considering their quality & durability, are sold lower than imported Cloths, the particular quantities it is impossible for me to assertain, without more time & expense than can be afforded by one, who has spent almost all his hitherto Life in public Service with little emolument to himself thereby. The high price of Labour, & plenty of Lands prevent greater progress & perfection in these & other \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 of Manufactures. What is done in this County is by Individuals at their own cost & risque. The Genl Assembly granted a small Lottery for the encouragement of Condalls Works, which I believe is not yet drawn. The Silk manufacture in this County is principally at Mansfield the best Information I can give you respecting that & sample of ye work, is contained in a Letter from Consnt Southworth Esq. which is inclosed. There is a Cotton Manufacture in this Town set up about a year since by Majr Tilden & 2 or 3 Partners. They have made considerable quantities of Fustian, Jeans & various Cloths, equal in Color & quality to the wishes of ye Consumers, & they are not deficient in Pride & ambition, they are I trust more durable than imported of the same quality, & are sold rather under. They have no public encouragement, & I fear will not be able to prosecute the business, to advantage much longer, without some public aid, their Buildings & Machinery having been expensive, & they not yet sufficiently furnished.\nThere [are] also almost every kind of Handy Crafts men among us professing the several Trades. Edge Tools of every kind are made in great perfection & the prices of all kinds of Manufactures are very much governed by that of imported, as the makers (think they) can\u2019t afford their articles under & cant get more.\nI had ye fullest assurance of Col. Grosvenor, of a particular Information relative to Cargill & Condalls, Woolen Factories, & have delayd writing you on ye Acco. in daily expectation of it, but have yet recivd nothing.\nAll the Information I am able to give at prese\u27e8nt\u27e9 will be of little advantage to the Secretar\u27e8y\u27e9 I trust, but I hope & doubt not, but \u27e8what\u27e9 he will obtain, aided by his own Genius \u27e8and\u27e9 penetration will enable him to make a Report as satisfactory useful, & acceptable as they have hitherto been.\nI am Sir with esteem & regard, your \u2003 most obedt & very humble Servant\nWm. Williams\nPS if I sho\u2019d. not attend ye Supreme Court of Errors, it will be on acco. of my concern with my two Sons, who were lately innoculated for ye small Pox at N London.\nHappen to be out of paper, fit to use.\nHonble Jno. Chester Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0022", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Constant Southworth to William Williams, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Southworth, Constant\nTo: Williams, William\nMansfield [Connecticut] Septr 1st 1791\nSir\nThe manufactures carried on in this Town, are in the domestic way, and differ very little from those of other Towns in the County, except in the Article of Silk; Woollens and Linens are made here in most Families for domestic Use, and are many of them nearly equal in beauty to European Cloths of the second rate, and far exceed them in strength and durability.\nThe culture of the Mulberry tree and raising of Silk has been attended to, by a considerable number of people in this Town for some years past. It was first set on foot by Messrs. Hanks and Aspenwall, natives of this place, who became inspired with a sort of Agricultural enthusiasm, on reading the late \u261e Doct Elliots Treatise on Field Husbandry, with great pains and after many disappointments they at length introduced the White Mulberry, which is now cultivated with great facility in a high and free Soil; low and marshy ground being unfavourable to this tree, by its exposure to the late, and early frosts in Spring and Autumn, which prove fatal oftener than the severity of Winter: there is made in this town the present year about Two hundred pounds weight of raw silk after being properly wound from the cacoons and dried; on which there is a Bounty given by Government of two pence per Ounce, to continue to the year 1794. The business of Winding, or as it is commonly called realing the silk, is now well understood, though at first it was very indifferently performed. Silk is made from twelve pounds weight in a family, down to the Smallest quantity, without much detriment to other Business; two or three weeks however of laborious exercise, and Strict attention is necessary, for those who raise the largest Quantities. The Silk is of a good Quality, and might be wrought into the most Useful and elegant fabrics in the Silkway, could persons Skilled in the business be Obtained\u2014by the force of genius and application Some have been produced; particularly handkerchiefs of the Barcelona Wale, Buttons in imitation of the Imperial, and ribbands of the Padusoy kind, all of which are very durable. As you Sir desire this information for the benifit of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, I have inclosed a sample of the Sewing Silk and buttons, into the former of which the raw silk is chiefly manufactured, and sold at much the same price with that imported. A number of persons concerned in this business applied to the Legislature of this State and Obtained a Charter of Incorporation in 1789 with ample powers; and exemption from taxation of public works they might erect, for the term of twelve years under the Name and Firm of the \u201cDirector, Inspectors and Company, of the Connecticut Society of Silk Manufacturers.\u201d No special advantage can be derived from this grant, however generous, until workmen can be obtained Skilled at least in some One branch of the silk manufacture, I imagine that of Stockings would be the most advantagious as the Silk is capable of being so wrought as to make them both elegant and serviceable, and I think there are few gentlemen who would not be fond of Wearing American silk in that way. I have not a sample of the ribband by me, but you may be assured sir that it is the most durable of any thing possible that can be wrought, which has flexibility enough in it, to tie up the hair, for which purpose they are worn by the Honorable Mr Wadsworth Representative in Congress, and by the Honble Mr Chester and other gentlemen in this State.\nThe culture of the Mulberry tree is increasing, and I believe it would be very easy in a few years for most families in this State to produce annually each one pound weight of raw silk without injury to other domestic business, this, with the larger quantities that would naturally be raised by many, whose situation was favourable in a particular degree, would find employment for Some, and amusement for others, and supersede the necessity of importing an Article which has long drained this State of her money and richest commodities. But you will pardon me Sir for presuming to hazard any Opinion on a Subject so diffuse, and be pleased to accept the above Information from \u2003 Sir your most Obedient \u2003 and very humble servant\nConstant Southworth Honorable William Williams Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0264-0025", "content": "Title: Enclosure: John Mix, Junior, to John Chester, 7 October 1791\nFrom: Mix, John, Jr.\nTo: Chester, John\nNew Haven [Connecticut] October 7th 1791\nRespected Sir\nBeing in a very Great hurry and a Croud of business I did not give You so Perticular an account of the Skelleton Rimd. Buttons, (when I wrote you on the subject of the Button Manufactory.) as I could have wished. I therefore take this Opportunity to inform you Sir.\nThe Skelleton Rimd. Buttons are of those kinds which I gave you a Sample of some with Cloath with white Rims, and some with yallow, and some White Hard metal Buttons with white Rims, and some with Yallow. They are a kind of Button much Approved of, by the first Class of People, and are used on Superfine and Midling Cloaths. The Manufacturing of them is attended with a Considerable Expence and I never have hear\u2019d of thier being made in any other Button Factory on the Continent of America but ours. The ground work of these Kind of Buttons are made much in the same manner as our Common white metal Buttons are But the makeing of the Rimms is attended with much the greatest Labour. The white Rimms. are made with Silver Plated on Copper which is thick; this goes through the Plating Mill a great number of times untill it is very thin. Then Mashienery is Constructed for Cuting out the rimms, another for Raising them and a second & third and so on that the Button and Rimm is Carried through upwards of Twenty hands or \u27e8o\u27e9therwise handled as many times before it is fit for Market, the Stock is but trifeling the Labour and Mashienery is much the greatest on those Kind of Buttons. The Yallow Rimd is much the same Except Puting on the Silver onto the Copper. We are now Enlarging this Branch of Buttons and mean to Carry it on Exstensively with the others if we Can have Incouragement. It must of Course be a great Saving to the Country by keeping the money with us which Otherwise would be sent away in Large Quantities for the high pris\u2019d Buttons which are not equal in Beauty goodness & Doration to those we make. There has been great Quantities of Rimd. Buttons Import from Europe which have been Sold for One Dollar & a Quarter per Dozen (Coat Buttons) which are far Inferior to ours of the Same Kind which we Sell for Six Dollars per Gross.\nSir I would Likewise Inform you that we are making Preparations for Manufactorying the Common Horn Button, and the Best Kind of Horn Buttons. Also the Paper Japand. Butt\u27e8on\u27e9. We have a Person Lately from Europe who has the Skill perfectly who is a Gentleman who is able and has Engaged to Instruct and teach us every thing Necessary in the making of them, and the Constructing the Tools and Apparatus to Carry on the same to advantage, Provided we Can have the Patronage and Support of Goverment.\nI am Sir with Esteam and Respect, Your most \u2003 Obedient & very Humble servant\nJohn Mix Junr.\nP.S. For perticular reasons I said nothing to you Sir on the Subject of the Last mentioned Buttons, neither would I wish to have it Communicated at present to any this Side of New York.\nHonle. John Chester Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0265", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Hazard, [11 October 1791]\nFrom: Hazard, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, October 11, 1791]\nSir\nMy Friend Robert Fearon Esquire, will have the Honor of delivering this to you. He is the Nephew of John Foxcroft Esquire, the late British Post Master General. He has Business in Virginia to transact, respecting the Affairs of a Coll. Mercer, in which the President of the United States had some personal Agency, so far back as 1773.\nHe wished to know from me, in what Mode he could with most Propriety, introduce private Business, to so distinguished a public Character. I advised him to get a Line from some of his numerous respectable Acquaintances, to the Secretary of the Treasury, whose Politeness to his Countrymen of all Ranks, who wish Access to him, would doubtless be readily extended to an European Gentleman.\nWhen we were together at Philadelphia, he learned from me, that I had paid my Respects, Sir to you, as a revered, former Fellow Citizen, & had received those Civilities, which are uniformly shewn to all such of them, as waited upon you for your Commands.\nMr. Fearon\u2019s Selection of me, as a Favor to him, is what I should wish for as an Honor, if personal Acquaintance would warrant it.\nTo a Desire solely, of gratifying the Wish of a Gentleman in a strange land, I am indebted for both the Occasion, & the Honor of, subscribing myself, at this Time,\nWith the highest Respect \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obedient, & very humble servant\nNathl. Hazard\nNew york 11th. Octor. 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0266", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Hazard, [11 October 1791]\nFrom: Hazard, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, October 11, 1791]\nSir\nI should not have so soon addressed you again but to apologize for a Freedom, I reluctantly took, & would not have done for any American. An english Gentleman Robert Fearon Esqr. has Business respecting the Estate & Affairs of a Coll. Mercer in Virginia, in which in 1773 the President had a personal Agency. At his Request, I barely present him for official Information. He is the Gentleman who dined with me in Company lately with Dr. Johnson & Mr. Wolcott. He has been regularly bred to the Law at the Temple, & came out from England to Virginia, from whence his Uncle John Foxcroft Esqr. I believe originally came, I mean the late Postmaster General. He has Letters from Governor Franklyn & others to distinguished Characters in America. He is here much caressed by the English. He does not admire however I find Sir John Temple. I became acquainted with Mr. Fearon on my late Journey to Philadelphia, I found him a polite amiable young Gentleman, & was flattered with the Attachment he shewed me after I had apprised him, to prevent Misapprehension, that I was a plain Citizen & not a fashionable Man. He hurried from Philad to return with me. We had a gay & agreeable Tour especially on our Way to Philad, attended with some very odd & laughable Adventures. He had Letters to the British Consul, & several eminent Merchants in Philad. He barely made his Bow to the Consul. His Wish is an american Introduction, & no Doubt he has Curiosity to see the American Premier. The Earl of Wycombe\u2019s three Curiosities are to see New England, the President, & Premier. Mr. Fearon who returns to England in the Spring, will give a better Account of America, I suspect, than the Marquis of Lansdowne\u2019s Son. He staid a very few Days in New york. Dr. Johnson dined one Day with him at Sir John\u2019s; he said he was a well behaved young Gentleman & appeared to be fond of Information. Sir John asked Leave of Coll. Burr to introduce him, he I believe never went. He travelled Post thro\u2019 New England. Dr. Dwight (who was lately in Town) marvelled that he left New haven, on Commencement Day. He is to go from Boston to Virginia by Sea. If this is the british Mode of acquiring Information\u2014God help them! I presume this young Lord will be a proper Bureau Aid du Camp to Lord Sheffield; who I pray fervently will attack Mr. Coxe. I should glory in volunteering with him, as an Aid.\nMr. Fearon returns to America to settle in his Profession in Virginia. He is an unbiassed young Englishman, offers well as to at least decent Abilities. His Billetts discover Wit, as well as Politesse. I mean to correspond with him, when he settles, & learn truly the Interior of So. Politics. He is domestic with a Number of principle People there. An ill Impression has been attempted upon him, as to the President\u2019s Inacessibility & Distance; it was done by a Refugee Officer. I effaced it. Fearon is domestic with Governor Franklyn, yet appears to be a Whig. He is observant, & I dare say the British Premier will catechise him.\nI go to Connecticut to attend the Assembly with my fraternal Friend, Mr. Maxwell on Business, he has Edwards our Advocate & Pilot. I will press Turn Pike Roads & the national Manufactures in Jersey upon my Connecticut acquaintance. Laurence will I beleive try it here in January. I will write from New haven.\nVale\nP.S. I am afraid you will think me intrusive in Fearon\u2019s Business. A Letter to Mr. Coxe, would not have gratified him. He told me, thus \u201cBond will I know, present me in Form, but I want to reconnoitre \u2018en famille\u2019 both President & Premier.\u201d I also feel uneasy at my last, unguarded, written Chat. As a public Man, I respect you more highly than any Man living, Ledyard\u2019s Death, as a Friend, ought to wound me more deeply that any private Man\u2019s in Existence. I know your Time is more than filled up. I wish barely Three Words \u201cAll is well\u201d & two Letters\u2014thus, A.H.\nInclosed is Peter Pendulum. It came from the East. O. W. when here said Halt! on that Business. I have wrote Halt! & I mean to say Halt! next Week. I have sent unknown to Fenno \u201cVentoso.\u201d It is a general & liberal Squib. There is a Parson Palmer at Philadelphia, an Universalist. I will borrow your Envelope. Please to read the next Letter, I write to him, & suppress it, if you think best.\nBogert can explain, why I trouble you now with my Letter to him, if an Apology is necessary.\nOctor. 11th. 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0267", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 11 October 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom HouseProvidence 11th. October 1791\nSir.\nIn directing the District Attorney to file a Libel against the Brigt. Betsey, John Arnold Master, from Bordeaux, and then acquainting you with the Case and the favorable circumstances attending the breach of the Law, I acted, in my Idea, so perfectly consonant to a plain and positive Law, and your Instructions, that I thought Malice itself could not blame me; but some Interested Men (particularly Welcome Arnold Esquire, who was before much offended with me for putting his Bond in Suit) have clamoured loudly against me, with a view of exciting Prejudices in the Minds of some Persons unfavorable to the executive part of my Conduct: They say I had no right, when it appeared there was fraud intended, to have given the information to the Attorney, until after I had received your directions to do it; That after the information was given, it was my Duty, on application of the Owner, to have taken a Bond, and released the Vessel; That even after the Libel was filed and a special Court ordered by the Judge to be held on the 17th instant in this Town, it was in my power to withdraw the Action; and which, on the receipt of your Letter of the 24th ulto., it was my Duty immediately to do, that she might proceed on a foreign Voyage. As neither the Law nor your Instructions submit anything to my discretion in the Case of this Vessel, I conceived myself not warranted to comply with the several particulars above mentioned, the first of which was not Requested, but is now said to be what I ought to have done. I am anxious to do my Duty, and whatever I believe that to be I shall invariably execute, regarless of the Consequences; but then it is certainly reasonable to Hope for, and I flatter myself I shall have, your Approbation and Support. If Sir, it shall appear to you that I have done my Duty in this Affair, I respectfully and earnestly entreat, in order to heal my wounded Feelings, that you would generously signify your Approbation of my Conduct at an early period.\nWith the highest respect, \u2003 I have the honor to be &c.\nJereh. Olney Collr. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secy of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0268", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [11 October 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, October 11, 1791]\nSir,\nThe Post of this day has brought me your letter of the 7th. instant, the commands of which shall with great care & no less pleasure be executed.\nI wrote you on the sixth a letter; of which the enclosed is a copy.\nWith the truest & most respectful attachment, \u2003 I have the honor \u2003 to remain \u2003 Sir, &c.\nA. Hamilton\nPhiladelphia11th. Octo: 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0269", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 11 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nPhiladelphiaOctr. 11. 1791\nSir\nLord Wycomb having mentioned to me his intention to pay you his respects at Mount Vernon, I beg your permission to present him to you.\nThe personal acquirements and merits of his Lordship conspire with a consideration for the friendly dispositions and liberal policy of his father, the Marquis of Lansdown, towards this country, to constitute a claim in his favour to cordial notice.\nI have the honor to be With the most respectful attachment, Sir, Your obedient & humble servant\nA Hamilton The President of the United States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0270", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 11 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentOctr. 11th. 1791.\nSir,\nYour letter of the 3rd instant has been received. There can be no doubt that horses and other live stock imported from foreign countries must be considered as an object of trade, or vendible commodity, and of course as subject to duties.\nTo obviate the adoption of this rule in a general sense, I think it however necessary to observe that I consider negroes to be exempted from duties on importation. A formal question has in another case been put to me on this point.\nI am Sir \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nA Hamilton Otho. H. Williams EsqrCollr. Baltimore", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0271", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 12 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\n[Philadelphia, October 12, 1791. On October 18, 1791, Randolph wrote to Hamilton: \u201cThe attorney-general of the United States does himself the honor of replying to the questions, propounded by the secretary of the Treasury of the United States, in his letter of the 12th of October 1791.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0272-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Gorham, 13 October 1791\nFrom: Gorham, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston Oct. 13th 1791.\nSir\nIn contemplating yours relative to the manufactories of this State, I am apprehensive we shall not make so good a figure as in reality we ought to do and the reason is that the goods & articles made in this State are of such a nature as not to appear in a very conspicuous light, altho they are not the less usefull.\nAbout twenty years ago the importation of European goods into this State was nearly double to what it is at present. This will be accounted for by some People by asserting that the Connecticut trade has taken a turn from hence to N York. This is in a great degree true, but it must be observed that this place never posse\u27e8ss\u27e9ed the whole of it; a considerable part allways going to N York.\nBut it is further to be observed that a great part of New Hampshire & allmost all Vermont has come into existence since the period above mentioned, & a great part of those People come down to Boston to trade especially in the Winter, fully equal in my opinion to those who came from Connecticut\u2014besides which the People in this State have very much increased within twenty Years.\nHow then is it to be accounted for that the Importations are not now so large? I answer because the People in their own Families & for their own use manufacture double to what they did 20 years ago. It is now worth the observation of the curious traveler through N England to observe (more especially out of the great Roads) the cloathing of the Country Family, & he will find their common cloath allmost wholly made by themselves. Let him at night veiw the Bed & beding & he will find it the same from the Bed Tyck to the Pillow case. This has given a most powerful check to the importations, & with other concuring causes has rendered the People of this Country at the present moment the happiest on the face of the Earth & so far as I can recollect historey, does not furnish any instance of a People equally happy. In short I believe it is not in the case of Human nature to be exceeded & the People seem sensible of it\u2014all uneasiness and murmuring being at an end & good humour & chearfullness universally privaling. Those branches of business that are carried on to any effect & of importance are contained in the several inclosed papers. They will some or all of them probably succeed which will be a stimulous to further attempts, & I believe little or no doubt can be entertained but that we shall be manufacturing as fast as circumstances make it necessary or convenient.\nI am with great esteem \u2003 & regard Sir Your Most Humble Servt\nNath Gorham Hon Alexander Hamilton Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0272-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [State of the Sail Cloth Factory in Boston], [13 October 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nThe Sail Cloth Factory in Boston employs about 200 Women & Girls together with about 50 Men, the whole of the latter with a major part of the former depend solely on the factory for a maintenance. At present only 30 Looms are improv\u2019d, which produce from 45 to 50 pieces of Duck \u214c week, though the Works are Capable of turning out 90 or 100 ps \u214c week, provided a sufficient supply of Flax could be obtaind, and at a price that would envisage the prosecution of it to that extent.\nThe Government Bounty of 8/ a ps. (which ceases at the close of this year) enables the Proprietors to give the present high price of 6\u00bdd Le Mony pr. ld for Flax: but should that exorbitant price continue & the Legislature refuse any further aid, the Proprietors must be necessitated, either to advance upon the price of their Cloth or discontinue the Manufacture, as hitherto it has not afforded a profit of one pr Cent (independent of the Bounty) upon the Capital employ\u2019d. In the first case the Merchant who purchases the Cloth would be disgusted, and would again commence the Importation of Russian Canvas and would undersell them so far, as to discourage the use of the American Cloth; so that either alternative must terminate in the Abolition of the Manufacture.\nThe Buildings already erected have cost upwards of 4000 Dollars, and the Tools &ca employ\u2019d have stood them in above 2200 Dollars, so that 6200 Dollars of the Capital remains totally inactive, and Should the Proprietors be reduc\u2019d to the necessity of annihilating the Business they must be subjected to at least the loss of one half the cost of the Buildings & Tools. But on the other hand, Should the General Government or their own State continue to patronize it by affording a Bounty or laying an additional Duty on foreign Duck they may encourage the present Proprietors to continue the Business till such time as the Country may get into the practise of growing three times the quantity of flax they do at present, when, & not till then will the article be obtaind at a rational price, as previous to the Revolution & at the Commencemt: of the Manufacture the best of flax could be bought at 4 d & 4\u00bc d. pr. ld which shews the necessity that the Cultivation of the Raw Material should go hand in hand wth ye Manufactures.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0272-0003", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [State of the Nail Manufacture in This Commonwealth], [13 October 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nThe State of the Nail Manufacture in this Commonwealth is rather discouraging, at present, than otherways, as there is not sufficient brought to the Market to answer the Demand, owing in some measure to ye increas\u2019d cultivation of their farms, as most of the workmen in that Business are Farmers, and attend to the Nail making, only in the Winter season, except in the Towns of Bridgwater, Norton & Taunton, where they have regular & Steady Establishments that affords constant employment to a great number of workmen, one concern only in the latter Town turns out a hundred ton of Nails in a year. And the Deficiency of the business may in some part be owing to an Act of the Legislature, that obliges the several sizes of Nails to be made of a proper length & thickness So as to afford a thousand nails for the weight assignd to each Denomination, which checks their obstinate propensity, to do as they please, and fabricate the Nails So large as to count only 800 for the weight that ought to produce a 1000. The price being advanc\u2019d from 5/9 to 6/8 \u214c m for 10d Nails by the Cask, will induce great exertions in the Manufacture after ye harvest is in.\nPrevious to the Revolution there were annually Imported into this Commonwealth about 7 or 800 ton of Nails, and for several years past very inconsiderable quantities have been brought from Europe. So that insted of depending on a foreign supply they have not only manufactur\u2019d Sufficient for home Consumption but have exported large quantities to the southern states.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0272-0004", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [The Various Manufactories of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts], [13 October 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nThe various manufactories of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, finish upwards of Ten Thousand dozen pair of cotton and wool cards yearly; two thirds of these are exported to the several States; they average at the price of Five Dollars and an half per dozen, and produce Fifty five thousand dollars. Four fifths of the whole are made in the Town of Boston. One house alone completes Six thousand dozen per annum: This gives employment to at least One thousand Six hundred women and children, who stick them: If to them, we add the great number of persons, who are busied in manufacturing Thirty thousand Sheep Skins; those who make eight million of Tacks; others engaged in the wood work; and the hands employed in cutting wire, and completing the cards, this manufacture may be allowed to furnish the principal means of subsistence to Two thousand five hundred people.\nAbout one hundred and fifty casks of wire at Twenty five pounds per cask, are imported annually, which is all that depends on a foreign source. There is a hope, that even this trivial import will shortly cease, as some ingenious mechanicks have in contemplation a work of this kind.\nThe importation of tacks, which at the commencement of these works, was common, is now nearly abolished. The tacksmiths, within Twenty miles of the capital, furnish sufficient for home consumption, and export a great quantity abroad.\nThe manufactory of Mr. Giles Richards and company, is reputed the largest in the Commonwealth. Their improvements in cutting wire have excited the attention of Judicious Europeans; and models of two of their principal machines, were lately purchased by an English Gentleman for nearly one hundred pounds sterling. These Gentlemen are daily profiting by new and happy inventions, which diminish the toil of labor, expedite work, and lessen the price of cards. The present year they have completed machines, for cutting boards, which form both the concave and convex parts, to great perfection, at a very few strokes. A lath, is also invented for turning the handles either oval, flat or round, with great ease and facility. At present the works are in such perfection, that Eight men can turn out Fifty dozen per day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0273", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 13 October 1791\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia Octr. 13. 1791.\nDear Sir,\nWhen I received your letter of the 13th of August, I did not consider it with the attention which would have been necessary if at that time I had attempted to answer the questions you propose. Now it appears to me impossible to do it, with any degree of precision. It then struck me that certain communications to the Society of Agriculture of this city would have furnished the principal documents required, on the subject at large: but upon a review of them (after a lapse of several years,) I find I was mistaken.\nIn my late absence from the city, I meant to have made enquiries, in the counties thro\u2019 which I travelled in this state; but here also I was disappointed; not meeting with any farmers sufficiently informed.\nFrom the farms in my neighbourhood (from which you naturally expected me to collect accurate information) no conclusions can be drawn. Their peculiar situation in respect to title & their quality rendering them exceptions to most of the farms in the United States. Their title being in suspense between the claimants under Connecticut & Pennsylvania, prevents their due cultivation & improvement; and the parts under cultivation are almost exclusively the bottom (or intervale) lands adjacent to the river susquehannah and its branches. The residue of the country is without inclosures, where the cattle range at large, and where, till within four years past, the people cut wood for timber & fuel at discretion, without regarding their own lines of property. This singular state of the Wyoming farms precludes the idea of fixing their value. Their contents, generally are 300 acres, of which, upon an average, not 30 acres are reclaimed from a state of nature. The average produce of their cultivated grounds I estimate as follows\u2014\nWheat\n15 bushels per acre\nWithout manure.\nRye\nOats\nBuckwheat\nIndian Corn\nHay\n\u20071\u00bd ton\nMr. Bordley of Maryland (in a pamphlet published in 1784) remarks, That Mr. Young, the English Travelling farmer, has ascertained, that 289 acres are the average size of farms in England; of which 140 are in grass; & the remaining 149 are called arable; altho\u2019 only 112 give crops; the residue, 37 acres, contains the buildings, orchard &c. Mr. Bordley estimates the average size of Maryland farms at 240 or 250 acres exclusive of woods; and their average produce at 6 bushels of wheat & 12 of Indian Corn per acre. An intelligent Jersey farmer (in a communication to the Agricultural Society here) rated the average produce of wheat in that state to be under 6 bushels. Doctor Tilton thus states the produce of land in the Delaware state \u201can acre of ground will produce of Timothy from one to two tons of dry forage; of red clover, from 2 to 3 tons; of Indian corn, from 15 to 50 bushels; of wheat from 6 to 20 bushels; of barley and rye, from 10 to 35 bushels; of oats and buckwheat from 15 to 30 bushels; of Irish potatoes, from 100 to 300 bushels.\u201d If the doctor meant that the mean quantities should be considered as the average produce, the land in the Delaware state must be more fertile or better cultivated than the land of any of the old states in the union.\nI have made a few enquiries relative to the sizes of farms and their divisions into meadows, pastures, arable & wood land, in this state & Connecticut: but the answers were not satisfactory; and as your application to me respected only land in \u201cmy quarter\u201d it may be useless to state them.\nAs it is thus in my power to give you only such very imperfect information relative to the subject of your investigation, I hope you may have taken measures to obtain from others what will answer your design. I think, however, it will be impossible to ascertain the requisite facts with precision: for I doubt whither one American farmer in a thousand has determined by actual admeasurement, the sizes of his fields and their produce.\nI am & c.\nA. Hamilton Esqr.Secy of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0275", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 14 October 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollector\u2019s Office [Newport, Rhode Island]Oct. 14th 1791\nSir\nInclosed is the form of the bond and oath given and taken by the Exporters of Distilled Spirits in this District. Please to revise, and correct them, and return them, or to furnish me with other forms as soon as may be convenient.\nIt is made a question whether by the addition to the provisions contained in the fortieth and forty-first Sects. of the Act intituled an Act to prove more effectually for the Collection of duties &c the privilege of giving bond with Condition for the payment of the duties on teas in two years from the date of the bond is extended to teas imported from Europe or from any other Country than China. An early solution of this question will greatly oblige &c.\nI am Sir Yr. most obedt: servant\nWm Ellery Collr A Hamilton Esqr.Secry Treasy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0276", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Lowrey, 14 October 1791\nFrom: Lowrey, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlexandria in New Jersey October 14th. 1791.\nSir!\nAgreeably to my promise when I last had the pleasure of seeing you, I am to inform you of the prices of the sundry articles of Provisions, Fuel, Labour &c. in the upper part of Hunterdon County & of Sussex County within this State, from twenty to forty Miles above Trenton in the Neighborhood of the Delaware and Raritan Rivers, & shall proceed in such order as appears to me regular Vizt.\nWheat Flour\nCwt.\nRye \u2003 ditto\ndo.\nIndia Corn.\nBushl.\nBuckwheat\ndo.\nPork\nBeef\nMutton\nVeal\nButter\nPotatoes\n2/. \u214c Bushl.\nTurnips\nPoultry of all kinds very plenty & low Priced.\nThe above quoted prices have been nearly the Average for these many years past, but there are instances of some of the articles rising at certain periods, and some other periods lower than the above quoted prices, particularly wheat flour.\nThe article of Fuel, as Wood, is at present in the above described limits, abundant, and may be purchased standing at the rate of one shilling per Cord, & if delivered at any place of Landing may be had at the rate of, from seven shillings and six pence to Ten shillings \u214c Cord, for I should suppose one hundred years to come, as there are vast quantities of Wood on the Hills adjoining the Delaware for one hundred Miles up, which with ease may be collected & rafted down on the Water. I would further observe the article of Coal as in my opinion worthy of a degree of consideration for a future resource as to fuel, and shall here take the liberty to mention that the Mountains on the Susquhannah in the Neighborhood of Wyoming and up the Lakawanick (which is not far distant from the Delaware, and on the same Direction of Mountains which Cross the Delaware) contain in their Bowels, quantities of Coal, of the Kindly or blazing kind almost inexhaustable. They are found so near the surface as to require very little trouble or expence in mining, & answer effectually every purpose for which coal is usually employed except tempering Scythes &c. and this can be easily remidied by a small addition of Charcoal. From this circumstance as the distance is not very considerable the conjecture is a natural one and far from being improbable that the mountains on the Delaware are also impregnated with this valuable and useful material. To this opinion I am not led merely by conjecture, for in the periodical Floods which we have in the Delaware it has been frequently observed that stumps of Trees which were brought down by the Torrent had small quantities of Stone Coal adhearing to their roots. This then puts it past a conjecture that the Coal exists on the Delaware, and the period I hope is not far distant when the Discovery of its local situation will be made, so as to be a principal aid in the Establishment of Manufactories in this part of the Country.\nAs to the hire of Labour, I shall also give you as exact an account as I am able. The Labour of an able bodied Man may be obtained for, from fifteen to eighteen Pounds per annum if found in provisions and Lodgings, if found by himself, the Labour may be obtained at, from twenty five to twenty eight Pounds per annum. The Labour of a Woman as above from seven to eight Pounds, if found, if on the contrary the same allowance for finding themselves as above. Those prices for Labour it is to be considered is to be applied to prime hands, and the proportion may be easily calculated as to inferiors & youths of both sexes, according to the weight of the Labour.\nWith respect to the transportation of produce down the Delaware, as far as to where the tide meets the Current, or Trenton Landing, is by Boats commonly called Durham Boats, which carry with great safety, from Ten to Twenty Tons burthen down, & will bring from four to eight Tons up. The cause of the difference of burthen in these Boats, is calculated for the purpose of keeping one or both of them employed as the Water Suits. The smaller description are altogether employed when the River is so low as not to admit the large ones to carry a load, but there is a probability of the Navigation of the River being much improved, by the obstructions being removed, which were in several of the falls in the River. This work has been carried into effectual execution in some places last Summer, & it is Thought will be generally so in the event. When this improvment is effected it will admit of Boats of much greater Burthen & will consequently reduce the price of freights. Thes Boats for the most part go down to Philadelphia with almost all the Produce raised in the Country. The average time of these Boats in making their trips is four to five days going and coming. The freight of the large boat for one trip is from seven to eight Pounds and the small one in proportion as the former takes five hands to work it, the latter but three.\nThe soil of the Country is extensively luxuriant. The Hills covered with wood, the Vallies fine arable Land, & largely proportioned with Meadow Ground. The healthy situation of this part of the Country is so well known as not to need any explanation on that head.\nThe situation of Musconectcong River which empties into the Delaware, is not more than 45 Miles from the City of Philadelphia by land, & seventy Miles by Water. Its being so remote from the Cities of Philadelphia & New York, will ever prevent the rise of Provisions and Fuel. The most eligible Stream for heavy Works, or Works of any kind within my knowledge in this State, is the above-mentioned Musconectcong, where materials for erecting Buildings of every kind are in abundance & Cheap. Vizt. Square Timber, Boards, Shingles, Slate, Stone, Stone lime &c &c. Boards of inch & quarter Thick from 50/. to 60/. \u214c M feet. Shingles from 50/ to 60/. \u214c M, first quality. Stone easily to quarry and at hand, good Stone Lime delivered at seven pence \u214c Bushl. Sand also at hand. There is a Mountain sixteen Miles up the River from this situation, which will produce any quantity of Slate.\nI hope to be in Philadelphia in the course of the ensuing Week when I intend to do myself the pleasure of waiting on you in Person. In the interim I beg leave respectfully to submit the foregoing & remain, \u2003 sir \u2003 Your very obedt. & humble Servant\nThomas Lowrey\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr:Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0278", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 14 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nMount Vernon Octr. 14th. 1791\n(Private)\nMy dear Sir,\nWhen I addressed a private letter to you a few days ago I had no more idea that Monday the 24th. instt. was the day appointed for the meeting of Congress, than I had of its being dooms-day until it was mentioned to me in a letter which I have just received from Mr. Lear (who was under the like mistake). It had taken such deep root in my mind that the last monday in the month was the time that I never consulted the Law or made any enquiry about it and meant to move leizurely on in the course of next week for Philadelphia & for that purpose had directed Page to send off his Stage Coach so as to be at George-Town on tuesday the 18th. This discovery, however, will oblige me, as soon as I am provided with the means, to accelerate my Journey, and it induces me at the same time to urge you more earnestly to be prepared against my arrival with what my last requested.\nHow far, in addition to the several matters mentioned in that letter, would there be propriety do you conceive, in suggesting the policy of encouraging the growth of Cotton, & Hemp in such parts of the United States as are adapted to the culture of these articles? The advantages which would result to this Country from the produce of articles which ought to be manufactured at home is apparent but how far bounties on them come within the powers of the Genl. Government or it might comport with the temper of the times to expend money for such purposes is necessary to be considered and without a bounty is given I know of no means by which the growth of them can be effectually encouraged.\nThe establishment of Arsenals in convenient & proper places is, in my opinion, a measure of high national importance meriting the serious attention of Congress; and is one of those measures which ought to be brought to their view.\nYesterday I received the resignation of John Spotswood Moore Surveyor of West Point in this state. I mention it now, that if opportunities should present, you may make the necessary enquiries into the fitness of Alexr. Moore, his Brother whom he recommends as a Successor.\nWith affectionate regard \u2003 I am ever Yours\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0279", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Lowrey, 15 October 1791\nFrom: Lowrey, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlexandria New Jersey 15th: October 1791.\nSir!\nI did myself the pleasure of writing you yesterday and as an immediate conveyance presented itself, I must confess that being eager to come forward with what information lay in my power, as early as possible, through hurry I had omitted one very particular observation which I fully intended to have made. I have therefore taken the Liberty to address you again and shall make my omission the subject of this Letter.\nIn my letter of yesterday the method of transportation down & up the Delaware and also the Price of Freights constituted a part & I should have observed that altho\u2019 this transportation will consequently be attended with expence to a Manufactoring Society, I would here place against such charge the low price at which Fuel can be obtained in this part of the Country, & in order to strengthen a calculation which has been had on that part of the business, a Number of Gentlemen would readily enter into contract, safely to insure & conduct all materials and products of the manufactory to & from the Mouth of Musconectcong to the Landing of Trenton for the consideration of the difference which may be between the price of Fuel & provisions for the supply of the Manufactory, (which may be estimated) between the situation on the Musconectcong and any other situation which may shew a colour of competition. I am induced to observe this in particular knowing that several surveys have been made of the different Streams of Water, within this State, & perhaps several yet about to be made in, or near it.\nAs I mentioned in my letter of yesterday my hopes of waiting on you in Person in the course of the ensuing Week I still hold, when I shall explain myself more fully than the bounds of a letter will reasonably admit.\nI remain respectfully, \u2003 sir, \u2003 Your very obedt. & hum: servant\nThomas Lowrey Alexander Hamilton EsquireSecretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0280", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 October 1791\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore 15 Octbr. 1791.\nThe electors of the Senate of Maryland have chosen me one of the Senate of our State legislature, and many of my friends are urgent that I should accept. As yet I have given no answer. If you still entertain the project you mentioned to me when in Philadelphia it may somewhat influence my determination. Perhaps the complexion of several European powers, as it respects France, and the claims for succours she may bring forward under the 11th article of the treaty of alliance, in case of being attacked, may render the presence of a ministerial character necessary at the Hague, as a spot which can afford a tolerable view of the parties likely to be concerned. Perhaps too it is an eligible situation to forward our commerce with the Northern nations as well as England, at least it would seem a position which might enable a qualified person to watch the course of trade, and improve favorable conjunctures. But if the chief object would be your loans or financial operations I think I could give you entire satisfaction. I have been led thus far into a change of sentiment, since we spoke together on this subject, by an alteration in my health, which I flatter myself would be benefited by the voyage and the new materials with which the employment would furnish my mind. Should things take the turn you wi\u27e8sh\u27e9, you will readily conceive that I ought to be allowed some time for preparations as I must take my family with me.\nBut whether here or elsewhere, in sickness or heal\u27e8th\u27e9 I shall always my dear Hamilton be your sincere friend.\nJames McHenry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0281", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 15 October 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, October 15, 1791. \u201cEnclosed is my Return of Exports from July to September inclusive, amounting to 55,805 Dollars & 33 Cents.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0282-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Skinner, 15 October 1791\nFrom: Skinner, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited States Loan Office, [Hillsboro] NorthCarolina. October 15th. 1791.\nSir\nThe state of North Carolina, (as was expected) continued to press their Certificates on me to be received on Loan, Agreable to your orders, I received them, amounting agreable to Mr. Child\u2019s own calculation, aparently to 409.570. dolls. & 17 Cents, for which I have given a rect. agreable to orders. The 22.415. dolls. & 10 Cents which had been brot. in by Duncan Mc.Rae for Duncan Mcauslen, for which I had given a rect. is no\u27e8t\u27e9 acknowledg\u2019d to be part of the Pubs. Certificates. The inclosd. is in Substance a copy of the rect. given for the Certificates recd. on account of the State.\nI am most Respectfully \u2003 Your most obedient Servant.\nW Skinner.\nHonble. Alexander Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0282-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [Acknowledgment of North Carolina\u2019s Certificates of Debt], 30 September 1791\nFrom: \nTo: \nUnited States Loan Office. [Hillsboro] North Carolina.30th. Septr. 1791.\nThereby acknowledge to have received into my office, of Francis Child Esqr. on account of the State of North Carolina, Sundry Certificates of the said State\u2019s debt, amounting in the whole agreable to Mr. Child\u2019s own Calculation to four hundred & nine thousand, five hundred & Seventy dollars, and Seventeen Cents, which Certificates are to remain in my Office, subject to the Decision of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States; before any further proceedings be had thereon, in consequence of the said Deposit. Given under my hand &c &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0283", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Joy, 16 October 1791\nFrom: Joy, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLondon 16th. Octr: 1791\nAlexander Hamilton Esqre.\nSir\nI know not how far the documents I requested from you before I left America (Vizt. pr my letter 20th Octr: 1790) might have enabled me to obtain such information respecting any arrangements forming here or in Amsterdam, for speculations &ca. in American Debt, as would be worth your attention. Without them, however, little information has occurred wch I was not pretty well assured you must receive advices of from other Channels (or the witholding those documents under an Idea of Impropriety in such Communications would not have prevented my writing you); and the Communication of the opinions I have met with on your financial arrangements were not alone sufficient to warrant my troubling you with a letter wch could not arrive with you until the Effect of your plans should constitute a higher panegyrick than the Encomiums of the best skilled and most experienced in subjects of this Nature; or I might have informed you that on the subject of your Bank Report the Gentn: I have conversed with both here and in Amsterdam have expressed a full approbation and admiration, of that sound Judgement wch could hazard an opinion that the irredeemable quality of the 6 pr Ct stock should be consider\u2019d an equivalent for taking a lower rate of Interest than the Contract entitled the holders to, when the Debt itself was to be bought for less than half it\u2019s nominal value, which opinion the Event has verified; and that the same person who under those Circumstances would hazard such an opinion, wch had so much the appearance of a sanguine and immature disposition, should exhibit such wariness and precaution not to commit himself on the Subject of establishing a plurality of Branches; the Utility of wch will probably be dictated by Experience, but which will grow more naturally and with less danger to the root from being gradually cherished.\nThe recommendation to the Maintenance of the Inviolability of property and Contracts and the truly valuable Consequences expected to be derived therefrom are register\u2019d among the number of Instances of your opinion of the necessity and good policy of literally maintaining the public faith\u2014hardly have the United States escaped the Censure, the most expensive as well as most destructive of all Governments\u2014that of a breach of the public faith. The operation of the funding Bill by new modelling the Debt and particularly by placing the Indents on a three pr Ct. Interest must have been considered compulsory, were it not for the provision in the Bill that the Contracts of those who should not subscribe should not be impaired but remain in full force and virtue; and as it is it has been attended with immense difficulty to Individuals who were so circumstanced that they could not retain their property of this kind until the presumed Ability of the Country should be so fully ascertained by Experience that they could with Confidence make a demand according to the express tenor of their Certificates. I know an Instance in wch principal to a large Amount (say 140 M Dollars) was given in Exchange for Interest upon the terms of 1\u2154 rds Dollars Principal for one dollar Indents; so fully confident was one of the Parties, from the attempts made under the old Government to make an early provision for calling in the Indents, and the common Ideas, that pending the Ability of the Public to pay the Principal they would exert their first Efforts to discharge the Interest. I say I know this fact and \u2019tis to my cost I know it, as the Loss thus sustained by the Party has render\u2019d him incapable of paying his Creditors among whom I myself stand the most formidable and to a very alarming Amount. By loaning more than fifty thousand pounds sterling in the Month of March last at an Interest of 5 pr Ct: free of all Charges I have prevented a sacrifice of near 300 M Dollars of this species of Debt, and a large amot: of the foreign Debt of So: Carolina on wch I have an hypothecation, wch have since risen very much in value; but on the Justice of the Public by making this debt equal to the specific Contract on wch it stands, either by an actual payment or by funding it at such rate of Interest as will bring it up to it\u2019s nominal value, I depend for the means of re-imbursing the sums for wch I am thus Creditor to the Public. You may remember, sir, (if your very important avocations have not intervened to prevent it) a suggestion I once took the liberty to make to you that on a presumption that the revenue granted would pay 4\u00bd @ 5 pr Ct: on the full amount of the Debt; as much might be hired in Europe for 3 @ 5 Years as would make up the deficiency, under Condition, that, if it should be ascertained by an average of that number of years that the revenue was competent to the payment of that Interest without risque of deficiency, you should be intitled to receive such sum from the Parties on a similar Interest as would pay the whole Debt, if required, or such part thereof as the present holders would not choose to subscribe on the same Conditions. In this opinion I am fully confirmed, with this addition that if no Infringement had been made upon existing Contracts, or if the Ability of the Government being now ascertained those who have waited the Event, render an Assurance that their Contracts should not be infringed, should meet that Justice wch the Constitution and the funding Bill, as well as the specific Tenor of their demands entitle them to; the Money might in all probability be hired at a lower rate of Interest even than 4\u00bd pr Ct:\nThere is now an attempt making in this City to loan Money on American security at 4\u00bd pr Ct: I have not yet ascertained whether \u2019tis an accot: of our Government or private speculation and am apprehensive I cannot know until after the sailing of this ship. If it is for Government you will know it of Course; if not such information as I may obtain shall be at your service. The Object, I understand, is either to purchase or pay off the french Loans. \u2019Tis pity that an opportunity for paying that Debt at so very favorable an Exchange as the present should be lost. \u2019Tis probable that the Reflux of Money to France in Consequence of the Completion of the Revolution which is now pretty generally acknowledged to be beyond any material Controversy, will soon induce an alteration in the Exchange favorable to that Country tho\u2019 the general Market Rate of Interest in Europe may not be materially or for any length of time alter\u2019d thereby.\nIt would render me very essential service to be informed by you of any measures adopted or likely to be pursued for the early discharge of the unsubscribed Debt; or for admitting any proportion thereof in payment of Loans of Money at the same or a less rate of Interest than what the U.S. have lately paid; being confident that such a plan might be pursued with advantage to the Character of the U.S. as a people, with a certain ultimate benefit to the finances of the Country and perhaps an immediate diminution of the annual Expenditure or, at all Events, of the just annual claims upon the public. I pretend not to any Claim to such information but such as arises from a sincere disposition to repay the Obligation by any personal services; or (which I know to be more acceptable to you) by any services wch it may be in my power to render you in your official Capacity by the Communication of facts that may come within my knowledge. Were the sum larger I might with Confidence urge such information being early conveyed to me as an Object of Policy. Circumstanced as I am an early arrangement or an early assurance under the Authority of your opinion of the probability of such arrangement may make the difference between 300 M Dollrs (say three hundred thousand Dollars) of this debt and more than \u00a330 M stlg (say thirty thousand pounds sterling) of the foreign Debt of So: Carolina being held by foreigners or a Citizen of the U.S. I have so large a sum to pay in Holland on the first day of April next (for wch I must be providing myself some Weeks before) that in the fullest Confidence and satisfaction that no dishonorable advantage will be suffer\u2019d by you to be taken of my situation to purchase for the Government at an under value I will frankly confess to you that it will not only be impossible for me to hold them unless such arrangement be, at least in a train of formation; but I shall be obliged to abandon them to foreigners at a very low rate perhaps, under the fetters in wch they are held, not more than 10/. pr \u00a3, not only suffering thereby the loss of those benefits wch from an unshaken Confidence in the Magnanimity of the Government, even in the most trying times, and my consequent speculations in the funds, I had a reasonable right to expect; (for any part of wch my prospects of payments are very much clouded) but the loss of very heavy Sums for which I am actually in advance without the prospect of re-imbursement but from the above source. I say were the sum larger I should with Confidence urge this Argument; as it is you may not perhaps think it unworthy your attention. If so, knowing as I do your opinion of the difference in a political View between paying a larger annuity\n   I mean a larger Interest on the sum actually received from a Foreigner.\n abroad or a smaller at home, it would be a needless waste of your time to bring before you any Arguments on the subject. You will readily conceive from what I have written above that I should be able in Case the Funds were put on a more respectable footing to loan such sums on an hypothecation of them as would prevent the necessity of a sacrifice by Sale.\nI have confined myself above to the promise of furnishing you with any information that may occur to me. A cordial aversion from the imputation of having led any of my friends to expect from me what in the Event I may find myself unable to perform prevents my making you a tender of more important services; and I do not feel warranted to assure myself of the Ability to raise large loans for the public (tho\u2019 some Connections I am now forming make it presumeable). I would, however, gladly bring forward in the line of a Co-adjutor such powers as I may possess in aid of such plan; being very desirous of establishing a precedent wch would prevent the advantage naturally taken of your having given a large Interest to ask a large Interest\u2014a Circumstance wch however trifling it must appear to a reasoning mind does actually occasion (especially when combined with the Circumstance of an apparent, magnified by the Money lenders into a real, breach of Contract) a demand for a larger Interest than is paid by States less able to pay their debts and subject to numerous evils operating a greater risque of the Capital than can be supposed to exist with us; and such Precedent I presume may be successfully established by Loans at a lower rate of Interest tho\u2019 the unsubscribed Arrears of Interest or even the 3 pr. Ct. Stock were receivable for a large proportion of the Amount.\nI mention the modification of the unsubscribed Debt in some such way, as perhaps more likely to meet the Concurrence of the Legislature; tho\u2019 for my own part I am clearly of opinion that to fund it according to the express tenor of the Contract redeemable ad libitum would be most profitable as well as on all other accounts the best mode that could be pursued. It would effectually preclude any just Complaint of a breach of Contract and therefore must meet the Concurrence of the Creditors; it would enhance the Credit and respectability of the U.S. and enable them to loan Money in future at as low Interest as any State in Europe; and they might in a very short time avail themselves of the Consequence of those pacific principles resulting from the enlightened and improving State of Society to loan at a much lower rate than your prudence would suffer you to hazard a Conjecture of in your report of Janry 1790.\nAny Apology for the length of this letter would only add to what is already extended far beyond what I intended troubling with. I therefore finish it with the Assurance that I am with perfect Esteem and Respect,\nSir, \u2003 Your obedt. & very hble servt.\nGeo: Joy Address No. 56 Hatton Garden.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0284", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Joy, 16 October 1791\nFrom: Joy, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n(Duplicate)\nAlexander Hamilton Esqre.\nLondon 16th. Octr. 1791\nsir\nI beg leave to submit to you the following Calculations and Observations wch led to the Conclusions in my letter of this date\u2014and first in Corroboration of what I have there said respecting the french debt that \u201c\u2019tis pity the opportunity of paying it at so very favorable an Exchange as the present should be lost.\u201d\nThe sum due to foreign Officers Vizt: 186,427 Dollars\n   I think you contemplate this and all the debt payable in France as redeemable at the pleasure of our Government. I observe there is an express provision for it in the loan of the 16th. July 1782 for 18 millions of livres. I have no Copy of that for 6 millions for 1783 but presume it must contain the same proviso.\n pays an annual Interest of 6 pr Ct; of this debt therefore\n100 Dollrs. now pay\n6 Drs.\n100 Dollrs. @ 22 Excha.\n   0d. Stg pr demi Ecu (the rate here contemplated as the par of Exchange) is the precise rate of Excha: used at our Treasury Vizt: 108 sous pr Dollar of 4/6 Sterlg.\n (say 22d stlg pr demi Ecu or 3 livres) would be equal to or be paid for at 73 Drs. 66\u2154 cents the Interest on wch if loand at 4 pr Ct: would be only}\n2\u201394\u2154 Cents\nleaving a benefit to the U.S. of more than half the Annuity Viz}\n3 Drs 5 \u2153 Cents\u2003\u2002 Pr Ct.\nAgain\n100 Dollrs now pay\n73\u201366\u2154 @ 4\u00bd pr Ct: would pay\nAnnual benefit to the U.S\nThe above Calculations are at what the Excha: has stood at for some time past, it is now risen to 23 \u215b at wch rate the following are computed\nVizt: 100 Drs. now pay\n@ Excha: 23\u215b the principal might be discharg\u2019d for 77\u20138\u2153 Cts loaned at 4 pr Ct\n\u2003\u2002 Annual benefit to the U.S\nAgain\n100 Dollrs. now pay\n77\u20138\u2153 loan\u2019d at 4\u00bd would pay\nbonus\nWe will now suppose the Excha: to rise to 24\n\u2003\u2002 At this Excha: 100 Drs wch now pay\n\u2003\u2002 might be discharged for 80 wch at 4 pr Ct. would pay\nleaving a benefit to the U.S. of\nAgain\n100 Dollrs. pay\n80 Drs. loaned at 4\u00bd would pay\nleaving to the U.S. an annual bonus of\nThat part of the French Debt wch pays 5 pr Ct: may be thus stated\n100 Dollrs pay\nExcha: 22:\n73\u201366\u2154 loan\u2019d at 4 pr Ct: would pay\nAnnual bonus to the U.S.\nAgain\n100 Dollrs. pay\n73\u201366\u2154 @ 4\u00bd pr Ct: would pay\nAnnual bonus to the U.S.\nAgain\n100 Drs. now pay\nAnnual bonus to the U.S.\nAgain\n100 Dollrs now pay\nAnnual bonus to the U.S.\nAgain\n100 Dollrs. now pay\nExcha: 24\n80 Dollrs. loaned at 4 pr Ct: would pay\nAnnual Bonus to the U.S.\nAgain\n100 Dollrs. pay\nBonus to the U.S.\nI cannot but remark here how fully the application of the smallest of those Surpluses to the reduction of the principal would evince the Doctrine in your report of Janry. 1790 that the great secret of Finance is to obtain an Excess of Revenue beyond the Expenditure; and if this were effected in Consequence of the present Government holding inviolable existing Contracts, how fully would it confirm the Assertion in the General\u2019s Circular Letter to the Governors of the different States on leaving the Army that Honesty in States as well as Individuals must ever be found the best and soundest policy. I quote from Memory\u2014perhaps not literally but I am confident I am not mistaking in the substance.\nThe following Calculations are consonant to my Suggestion of benefits to be derived to the U.S. by admitting a proportion of the unsubscribed Debt in part payment of Loans to be contracted &ca:\u2014and I shall confine myself to that part of the unsubscribed Debt wch pending the ascertaining of the Ability of the Government to discharge all its Obligations, and while there was hazard of inability received a temporary provision very inadequate to what was made for other parts of the Debt having on no principle a higher Claim. The advantages to result to the U.S. are on a Comparison of what they now pay (not what the unsubscribing Creditor is entitled to receive) with what they would pay in the Event of loans being contracted on the following principles.\n300 Dollrs. 6 pr Ct Stock now pay\n100 Drs. Indents \u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003 do:\n400 Dollrs. loaned at 5 pr Ct: (\u00bc receivable in Indents) would pay\nbeing less than is now paid\n\u20071 Dr. pr Annum\non 400\u2014equal to \u00bcth pr Ct:\nOn every 100 Dollrs. you pay 2 Drs. pr ann: of the Principal, stopping thereby an Interest of 12 Cents for wch if you hire the Money at 5 pr Ct: you pay 10 Cents\n   If you have an Excess of revenue that will do this so be it; but it does not in any degree alter the principle of Calculation while the Market rate of Interest or the benefit that the Government might derive from the Use of it is not less than 5 pr Ct:\n leaving to the U.S. to operate a reduction of the principal 2 Cts pr 100 Dollrs. whereas by the above mode you would have 25 Cts pr Ann: to apply to this purpose. It will be needless to repeat the Increase of benefit in this View under the following Calculations.\nAgain\nas above\n\u2003\u2002 400 Dollrs. loan\u2019d @ 4\u00bd (\u00bc receivable in Indents)\n\u2003\u2002 being less than is now paid\n\u20073 or \u00be pr Ct.\nAgain\nas above\n\u2003\u2002 400 Drs. loan\u2019d at 4 pr Ct: (\u00bc receivable in Indents)\n\u2003\u2002 being less than is now paid\n\u20075 or 1\u00bc pr Ct:\nAgain\nDollrs. 6 pr Cts now pay\nDrs Indents\nDrs. loan\u2019d at 5 pr Ct: would pay the same Sum\n(a) If this plan should meet the Acquiescence of the Creditors therefore the Object would be valuable but no specific gain on a Comparison with what is now paid\nAgain\nas annex\u2019d\nDollrs. loaned at 4\u00bd pr Ct (\u2153rd payable. in Indents) would pay\nleaving on 300 Drs. Principal an Annuity of\n1\u201350 equal to \u00bd pr Ct:\nAgain\nas above\nDrs. loaned at 4 pr Ct: would pay\nAnnual Bonus\n\u20073 equal to 1 pr Ct\nThe following Calculations apply to that part of the Debt wch now pays 5 pr Ct: Vizt:\nDollrs. 5 pr Ct: foreign Debt now pay\nDrs. Indents\nDollrs. loaned at 4\u00bd (1/5th Indents) would pay\nleaving a Bonus to the U.S. of\nsay \u00b9\u2044\u2081\u2080 pr Ct.\nAgain\nAs above\nDrs. loaned at 4 pr Ct: (1/5th Indts)\nAnnual Bonus\n\u20073 or \u2157 pr Ct:\nAgain\nDrs 5 pr Cts now pay\nDo. Indents \u2003 \u201c\nDrs. loaned at 4\u00bd (\u00bc Indts) would pay the same\n18\u2013 \u2013 so that\n(a) The observation (a) annex\u2019d applies here.\nAgain\nas above\nDrs. loaned at 4 pr Ct: (4\u00bc Indts) would pay\n\u2003\u2002 Annual Bonus\n\u2007 2. equal to \u00bd pr Ct\n118 Dollars Omnium or 100 Dollrs Registered Debt bearing Interest from 31st Decr 1787 have been funded and may be computed as follows Vizt:\n66\u2154 rds pay annually\n4 Dollrs.\ndeferr\u2019d for 10 years computing the value of money at 5 pr Ct: is worth \u2153rd of 61 drs 39 cts & abot: 3/16 of a Cent (this being very nearly the Value of 100 Dollrs. on the above principle) say 20 Drs 46 6/16 Cts wch at 5 pr Ct: (the same rate of Interest) pay annually\nDrs back Interest at 3 pr Ct:\nDolls: thus pay what is equal to an annuity of\nbeing 4 Drs 71\u2074\u2077\u2044\u2081\u2080\u2080 Cts (say 4 Drs. 71\u00bd Cts) pr Ct:\u2014computing the value of Money at 6 pr Ct: and the Interest also wch is nearer the Value at the time of subscribing and (considering the irredeemable quality of the deferred as well as the 6 pr Ct Stock) perhaps a more proper mode of ascertaining the comparative benefit\u2014instead of 4\u201371\u00bd this would amount to 4 Drs. 78\u2079\u2044\u2081\u2080 Cts (say 4\u201379) and without considering the subscribability of a great part of it to the national Bank, the benefit resulting from the irredeemable quality of the Debt under the actual fall that has taken place and the fair prospects of a farther fall in the Market rate of Interest may be fairly computed at 21 Cents pr Ann: at least; making 5 pr Ct:. I will not trouble you with a long round of Calculations on the benefits the U.S. might derive from opening new Loans for the discharge of the unsubscrib\u2019d Debt on a Comparison of such loans with what they have paid as above, but will observe that if loans were opened to the full Amount at 5 pr Ct for those purposes receivable either in specie or in any part of the Debt and any specie received thereon appropriated bona fide to the redemption of such part of the Debt as may not be subscribed and the stock created by these loans made redeemable at the pleasure of the Government; or (wch would on some Accots be better) on one, two or three Years Notice being given to the Creditors; the benefit wch the Government would thus derive from the fall in the Market rate of Interest would very shortly shew this to be far the more profitable Arrangement. Loans at 4\u00bd would be far within either of the above, independent of other advantages; but were it not that the sound of a six pr Ct: Interest might alarm the Legislature and occasion delay, singular tho\u2019 the opinion may appear, had I had as great a propensity to, as I have had aversion from, embarking in political pursuits and had I even acquired reputation therein I should not be afraid to risque it on the opinion, that to fund it at 6 pr Ct: at once redeemable ad libitum, or on short Notice, would have the advantage of every other plan. Among others it would have that of raising them so rapidly as to prevent foreigners getting them at an under value. It would increase and hasten the Ability of the Government to loan at a low Interest from the Circumstance of it\u2019s thus meeting the tenor of the Contract at the moment of their finding themselves able to do it (and I hope and trust that the Government of the U.S. is now in a Condition above asking favors of its Creditors). It would enable the Agents of the U.S. to promote and benefit by a fair Competition of the Money lenders without leaving it in the power of a few interested persons to discourage them by insinuations of broken faith. In short, beside the Convenience of having a large proportion of the debt redeemable on the fall of the Market rate of Interest, it would give that spring to the Credit of the U.S. that can only be derived from the Assurance that the Government is able and ever has been willing to meet it\u2019s Obligations with respectability, magnanimity and honor.\nWith much respect and Esteem \u2003 I remain, \u2003 sir, \u2003 Your very hble servt:\nGeo: Joy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0285", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [16 October 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, October 16, 1791]\nSir,\nI have the honor of your letter of the 10th. instant.\nMine to you of the 6th., which was sent by duplicates, will have informed you of the then state of the business of the Supervisorship of the District of Delaware. I have, within two days, received a letter from Mr. Vining stating that an absence from home had delayed the receipt of my letter, & the ascertaining of Mr. Barratt\u2019s inclination in regard to the office; but at the same time expressing his conviction that it would be accepted. As a further explanation is to be expected, I conclude to defer applying for the Commission; especially as the late Supervisor continues to act, & the public service will not, I presume, suffer.\nGovernor Clayton\u2019s application, thro\u2019 me, in favor of his son, was communicated to you on the day it was received, which was two days before your departure from this place. You reserved the matter for enquiry in the course of your passage thro\u2019 the State; & when you wrote to me respecting Mr Barratt, I concluded that the appointment of young Mr. Clayton had appeared to you inexpedient. He was represented to me as a very young man who had had slender opportunities of being acquainted with business.\nWith the most respectful & truest attachment, \u2003 I have the honor to be &c.\nA: HamiltonPhiladelphia16th Octob: 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0286", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Ballard, 17 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ballard, Robert\n[Philadelphia, October 17, 1791. According to the dealer\u2019s description of this letter, it relates to the \u201cduty on spirits distilled from domestic and foreign materials.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0287", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox, 17 October [1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Knox, Henry\n[Philadelphia] Oct 17th [1791]\nDear Sir\nThe following are the particulars in the Presidents Letter which he expects you to prepare.\nExpeditions against the Indians. Every pacific measure was previously tried to produce accom~ & avoid expence. More pointed laws with penalties to rest\u27e8r\u27e9ain our own people. This & good faith may produce tranquillity.\nTreaties with Cherokees & six Nations & reasons.\nI annex to the first the hints in the Presidents letter.\nYrs. Affect\nA Hamilton\nYou will of course add any other things that occur on any point.\nGen Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0288", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the District Judges, 17 October 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: District Judges\nTreasury DepartmentOctober 17. 1791\nSir,\nA question has occurred whether upon a Petition being presented in order to the mitigation or remission of any forfeiture, which may have been incurred, the Judge to whom it is presented may release the Vessel or goods forfieted, upon taking some proper surety to abide the event.\nI deem it not proper to give an opinion respecting the construction of the law in this particular; but I think it expedient to say that if such a proceeding should appear to the Judge, before whom the matter is brought, legal, I shall have no objection to its being adopted, due care being observed as well with regard to the competency of the sum, in which the security may be taken as of the sureties themselves.\nOn the point of the sufficiency of the sum I should be glad that the Officers interested in the forfieture might be satisfied.\nWith great consideration \u2003 I have the honor to be \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nA Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0291", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [18 October 1791]\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Alexandria, Virginia, October 18, 1791]\nMy dear sir.\nMy assiduity has been exercised to procure for you a riding horse ever since my return. My success has not been equal to my hopes, & indeed it is not easy to accomodate you with a horse as you require one very gentle, which is not commonly a quality to be found in horses of the best sort.\nMr Giles will deliver you the best I could get, & I beleive among the safest & most agreable that this country possesses.\nHe is less addicted to starting & stumbling than riding horses generally are, & is peculiarly well gaited.\nHe excels in a short gallop which to me is the easiest gait.\nBut he is old & subject on long journeys to fail in one of his legs. This latter appurtenance will not be consequential to you as you want him only for daily airings & short rides.\nIndeed he regards the injury in his leg so little as seldom to complain of it even in severe rides.\nIf he suits you he will continue yours. If he does not suit you write to me wherein, that I may in my next choice adapt myself exactly to your taste. This I can readily do while at Richmond & in this case I will exchange for the horse now sent as he is to me very agreeble.\nI hope Mrs. Hamilton has returned to you with restored health & that she may long live to make you happy.\nwith the most sincere \u2003 affection I am always \u2003 yours\nHenry Lee\noct. 18th. 1791 Alexa.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0292", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 18 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury DepartmentOctober 18 1791\nSir,\nThe post of this day brought me your letter of the 7th instant.\nI am pained that my having desired a second return of your purchases of the public debt should have caused you uneasiness. Be assured that an idea of inattention on your part had no share in producing that request. Your first statement with the vouchers was handed over to the Auditor, and was not particularly in my mind, when I wrote. If it had been before me it would have prevented the call upon you (except for a specification of what is hereafter required); to which I was, in some sort, led by a memorandum sent me from the Auditors Office, implying, as I understood it, that those particulars were wanting. Indeed some other enquiries, imperfectly answered, had led to another mistake; which was that the transfers of the Stock itself to the books of the Treasury, had not been completed. The contrary is now discovered.\nThe only imperfection which I at present perceive regards the place or places where the purchases were made. I take it for granted Boston will answer the further enquiry; but as an offical report of a necessary fact by me ought to be founded on some authentic document, I must give you the trouble of noting in your statement the place or places of purchase. And accordingly I return to you, for this purpose, that which you last transmitted.\nAs to the interest I will have the Commissioner of Loans authorised to pay you as well as the dividents which have been struck in the name of the Trustees as those which have been struck in your own name. The final settlement must wait for some future order of the Trustees.\nI request that the statement with the place or places noted may be returned to me as speedily as possible.\nWith great consideration and esteem \u2003 I am, Sir, Your Obed Servant\nAlex Hamilton Benjamin Lincoln EsqrBoston.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0293", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, [18 October 1791]\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, October 18, 1791]\nThe attorney-general of the United States does himself the honor of replying to the questions, propounded by the secretary of the Treasury of the United States, in his letter of the 12th of October 1791, as follows.\n1st. \u2003 The Commissioners, appointed in pursuance of the act, incorporating the bank of the United States, have no power, as such, to superintend the election of directors, or to interfere therein.\nBy the first section of that act, subscriptions towards constituting the stock were to be opened, under the superintendance of such persons, not less than three, as should be appointed for that purpose by the President of the United States; the President was to appoint them accordingly; and the subscriptions were to continue open, until the whole of the stock should be subscribed.\nThe fifth section provides, that as soon as the sum of 400,000 dollars, in gold and silver, shall have been actually received on account of the subscriptions to the said stock, notice thereof shall be given by the persons, under whose superintendance the same shall have been made, in at least two public gazettes, printed in the city of Philadelphia; that the said persons shall at the same time, in like manner, notify a time and place within the said city, at the distance of ninety days from the time of such notification, for proceeding to the election of directors; that it shall be lawful for such election to be then and there made, and that the persons, who shall then and there be chosen, shall be the first directors.\nThese are the only clauses, which relate to the commissioners.\nBy the former clause their authority would have been concluded, as soon as the whole of the stock was subscribed.\nNor was it extended by the latter farther than to enable them to notify the time and place for proceeding to the election of directors, that is, the time and place, when and where the persons, capacitated to elect, should proceed to elect.\nThe commissioners will, I suppose, appear with the Books, that it may be known, who were the original subscribers. But this duty naturally arises from their possession of those books, which are the best evidence of the original rights. The superintendance of the election has no analogy to such a possession.\n2ndly. \u2003 But does the smallest necessity exist, why the commissioners, as such, should become the judges or superintendants of the election, or in any manner intermeddle in it? Is it not familiar to the experience of every day, that persons assemble, with equal priveleges of suffrage, and without the preeminence of any one of them, in order to constitute a body for the management of business? The first step is to appoint a moderator or chairman. In the present instance, the stockholders may with ease choose one or more persons to receive, and count the votes, to report the numbers, minute the proceedings, and notify to the newly-elected directors their nomination. This seems to be a completion of the work.\n3rd. \u2003 Altho\u2019 in the 5th. section of the act, which requires the first election of directors, it is not said, by whom it shall be made; yet is the connection between that and the 4th. section so intimate, as to render it certain that it must be made by the stockholders, or proprietors of the capital stock.\nWhether these terms be synonimous, or not it is immaterial here to examine. It is sufficient to say, that no man can be one or the other, except by virtue of an original subscription, or an assignment duly made of that subscription. Here lies the essence of the difficulty. Can an assignment be made before the first election of directors? The Script, it is true, may be contracted for; may be delivered into the hand of the purchaser; and the price may be actually paid. But it is a creature of the bank-law, and its Mode of transfer depends upon that law. Accordingly it is declared, in the 12th section, that the stock of the said corporation shall be assignable and transferable, according to such rules, as shall be instituted in that behalf, by the laws and ordinances of the same. Now the election of directors preceeds the institution of laws and ordinances concerning the assignment and transfer of stock; and therefore no assignment of transfer can, as yet, be legally made. It is true indeed, that the delivery of Script amounts to an agreement to transfer the stock, when the laws and ordinances shall be instituted; and the seller will be compelled in a court of law to perform all acts, which shall be hereafter necessary to the transfer. But an agreement to transfer is not an actual transfer. Hence I conclude, that no holder of purchased script can be now accepted, (merely in right of his purchase) as a voter for directors.\nIt is proper, however, to take notice of three objections, which may be urged against these positions. The first is, that the giving of a power to the corporation to ordain rules of transfer does not exclude the usual modes of transfering personal property before those rules shall be formed. The second, that the provision, that after the first election no share shall confer a right of suffrage, which shall not have been holden three calender months, previous to the day of election, implies, that at the first election shares assigned confer a right of suffrage; and the Third, that if the present assignees be shut out, either a sufficient number of stockholders may not be found to elect, or the original subscribers, who do not retain a shilling of interest, will be admitted to a vote, without any attachment to the common welfare.\nTo the first objection I answer, that the nature of script must be an acknowledgment of a certain subscription to the bank of the United States: that it does not resemble a corporeal chattle, to which delivery constitutes a complete right but rather a chose in action, concerning which the purchaser cannot without the aid of a statute use his own name judicially, but must use that of the original proprietor. Besides, the third section had already vested the corporation with ample power to regulate transfers; and the twelfth would have been nugatory, had it not been intended to prevent transfers from being full alienations, without an observance of the rules to be established.\nThe force of the second objection is destroyed, when we recollect; that, altho\u2019 it be admitted that at the first election, shares acquired at any time before, howsoever short, would give a vote, yet the clause undoubtedly had in view, what every body expected, that the subscription would be filled by degrees; and therefore that no subscriber, even on the day preceding the first election, should be deprived of a vote. The objection is also founded on too distant an implication, to counteract reasoning, otherwise weighty.\nThe consequence of the foregoing sentiments undoubtedly is, (as a branch of the third objection expresses) that original subscribers, who may have sold out and who no longer have a fellow-feeling for the success of the scheme, will be admitted to vote.\nIs this the genuine construction of the law? If it be, it is not for any man to discuss the propriety of its consequences, I confess, that a consequence, extravagantly absurd, ought to lead us to be confident, that congress never contemplated it. But in many of the States we meet with a similar instance with the present. In certain elections none but freeholders can vote. In this none but stockholders or proprietors of capital stock can vote. Let it be supposed, that the freeholder has agreed in writing to convey to another his freehold, has received the purchase money and delivered the possession; as in the case of Script, the original subscriber may have agreed to sell, has indorsed upon it an assignment and delivered it, so indorsed, to the purchaser. This agreement as to the freehold would be considered in the States, to which I refer, as giving an equitable title only to the buyer, and reserving the legal title to the vendor. So in Script, the purchasers have the equitable while the original subscribers retain the legal title. Who would vote in the case of the freehold? The holder of the legal title. Who by a parity of reason ought to vote for directors? The person, who, being the original subscriber, is alone known, as the holder of the legal title. I have seen none of those indorsements or writings, by which Script has been attempted to be transferred: and therefore will not undertake to say, whether they amount to a substitution of the purchaser, as the proxy of the seller. He, who claims to be a proxy, ought to exhibit, if not a regular letter of attorney, at least some authentic appointment to the office. I have distinguished also between the real interest, and the right of voting at the first election. Hence the conveyance of one does not absolutely insolve the other. But I can concieve, that the words of those indorsements, may perhaps be broad enough, to justify a demand of the rights of a proxy.\n4th. \u2003 The proxies, however, of no subscriber can have more votes, than himself. For example, four shares subscribed by one man, cannot by being divided into the hands of four proxies, confer four votes, as would have been the case, if each of them had subscribed a share. But what is to be done, if a subscriber has appointed several proxies? He may appoint, what number he pleases; but if they are divided, they cannot be called the proxies of an individual (if I may be permitted so to speak) integrally. To be the real proxies then, they must concur. It may perhaps be presumed, that, if the subscriber were in the division of his shares among his proxies to make them representatives respectively of so many, as would give them one or more votes, each might vote by himself. But their power being that of proxies only, they cannot claim separate suffrages; because they spring from the separate holding of stock in one person or in other words from separate subscriptions.\n5th. \u2003 The fifth question being answered in the foregoing observations, I forbear to repeat the answer. But I will now recapitulate the general result.\n1st. \u2003 That the commissioners cannot, as such superintend, or intermeddle in the election.\n2nd \u2003 That the stockholders can easily of themselves provide judges of the election.\n3rd. \u2003 That the original subscribers, whether holding interest or not, or their proxies, have the only right of voting.\n4th. \u2003 That proxies may be made by any authentic act.\n5th \u2003 And that all the proxies of the same subscriber must concur.\nI pass by the possibility of a schism between the original subscribers or their proxies, and the assignees, as they are called, and of the election of two sets of directors. For this makes no part of your enquiry; and would be remedied by the commissioners, delivering up the books and money to that set, whom they think to be duly elected.\nEdm: Randolph To the Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0294", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 18 October 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 18 Oct 1791\nsir\nI had the honor to write you on the 13th. since which, Indisposition has till this day prevented my obtaining from the Office the Certificates necessary to transfer to the Books of the Treasury the Debt purchased by me for account of the United States. They are now enclosed & I hope will be in full time. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect sir &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0296", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 20 October 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, October 20, 1791. \u201cEnclosed is my weekly Return of Cash No. 63, the Balance of which is 4,322 Dolls. & 56\u00bc Cents. Two small Errors in my last Quarter\u2019s Accot., discovered since their transmission, make the Balance due to the United States on the 30th of Septr., stand in my Books, thus\u2014\nIn Bonds uncancelled\nIn Cash on hand\nI enclose a Draft of the Treasurer in favor of Wm. Seton Esqr. No. 2362, for 1,000 Dollars, which I have paid and charged to the United States.\u2026 I have recd. your favor of the 7th Instant. The Explanation of your Meaning, relative to Coasting Vessels without proper Papers, is sufficiently clear and satisfactory.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0299", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Peabody, 24 October 1791\nFrom: Peabody, Nathaniel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAtkinson, New Hampshire, October 24, 1791. Recommends to Hamilton\u2019s \u201cfriendly Notice the Honble Jereh. Smith Esqr. one of the Representatives lately Gone on from this State to the Congress of the united States.\u201d Also recommends James MacGregore for the position of Federal marshal.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0300", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 24 October 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 24 Oct 1791\nsir\nA Circumstance has occured respecting the Treasurers dfts on the Bank of Maryland which I take the liberty of mentioning to you. We negotiated several of them the other day & when the holders presented them at the Bank for payment they deducted \u215b \u214c Cent altho\u2019 the amount was named in their Bank & post Notes. This has occured before with the Collectors to the Southward but not that I have heard of with the Banks, for in fact the Treasurers dfts on the Cashier are the same as the Checks of an individual Depositor, and the partys expect to receive the full value without deduction. There may some reason exist for it of which I am ignorant. I hope therefore you will excuse my troubling you upon the subject, but as it may militate against our disposal of such bills after we have given credit for them to the Treasury, I wish to know whether the mode is right.\nI have the honor to be &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0301", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 25 October 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Newport, Rhode Island] October 25, 1791. \u201cYesterday the Brig: Seven Brothers was condemned, no person appearing to claim her, and defend against the Libell. The person referred to in my letter of the 10th. of this month, who was a seaman on board the Sloop Betsy when the breach of the Revenue laws was made for which she was forfeited, and for whom a summons was issued, appeared before the District Judge and made his deposition, by which he appeared to be utterly ignorant of every thing that took place after the arrival of said Sloop in this District prior to her being entered. I shall summons the man who was mate of the vessel at the time mentioned, and if he should be as ignorant as the person referred to, the success of the cause against Cotrell must principally depend on the testimony of a person who swore in the case of the Sloop Betsy and will swear again in this prosecution that he knew Cotrell\u2019s voice and that he heard him tell the hands who were unlading the vessel in the night not to speak so loud.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0304", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 26 October 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmo New Hamp. Octo. 26. 1791\nSir\nHaving collected & discharged the Several bills against the Revenue Cutter Scammel, I now transmit you herewith Inclosed my Account for the Vessel, & Vessels Stores. The Stores with Some Small disbursments amounts to 157 \u2078\u2078\u2044\u2081\u2080\u2080 Dolls. and the Vessel to 1255 \u2079\u2075\u2044\u2081\u2080\u2080 Dolls. which includes every article applied to her use except 12 pieces of Sail Cloth Sent from Boston by Genl Lincoln of which I have no account nor directions respecting the payment. It will be observed that the Vessel exceeds your limitation by 155 Dolls. besides 12 ps. Sail Cloth not accounted.\nFinding it impossible to Contract with any person on whom I could depend for a good Vessel fitted to the Sea, I proceeded in the usual way in practice here of contracting with the Carpenters for the Hull & in procuring the other articles on the lowest terms given in Cash. I determined on the dimentions for a Vessel whose bills together by calculation would amount only to the Sum limitted. But conceiving it to be conformable to your directions, as well as in my own opinion proper, that Cap Yeaton Shoud give Such directions respecting the Rigging & fitting the Vessel as Should in his Opinion be most conducive to her usefulness, I submitted the directions for masting, rigging, Sails & finishing to him, injoining the Strictest \u0153conomy in the manner of finishing the Vessel, urging the Necessity of not exceeding the apportionment to this Vessel of the Monies for the Service appropriated. But Capt. Yeaton conceiving differently from me in the outfitting of the Vessel submitted to him; the amount exceeds by nearly 300 Dollars my calculation & expectations\u2014which arises principally from an excess in the Sails, rigging & Joyners work according to my Idea of the necessity of them. In the Stores furnished there is a Small deviation from the list transmitted, some articles being left out & not purchased & others added which were more necessary. I conceive It will be proper that colours should be added to the Stores which is yet witheld. I must acknowledge myself disappointed that the Vessel exceeds my calculations which I must impute to my confidence in Capt. Yeaton & his Zeal for the Good of the Service rather than to his extravagancy.\nCap. Yeaton has received from Boston 10 Muskets & 10 pr. of Pistols in bad order which I have caused to be repaired & fitted for Sea use.\nI have paid the Officers & peoples wages and the Officers Rations to the 30th. of September, but omit for the present to transmit the Accounts till the forms intended Shall be forwarded or till final directions shall be given respecting the Seamens rations, to which my letter of the 7th. instant has reference.\nThe Wages & Rations paid to the 30th. Sep. & the Cost of the provisions now on board amount to Dolls. 538.15 which with the Account now transmitted Amounts to Dolls. 1951.98 & is the whole amount of payments on account of the Scammel.\nI have the honor to be &c\nJ. W. Hon. Alex. Hamilton Esqr Secy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0305", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 26 October 1791\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir,\nI take the liberty to request that the opinion of the Attorney General of the United States may be taken on the question arising out of the following state of facts.\nOn the twenty first day of October 1780 congress resolved that the Officers of the Army who should continue in service to the end of the war should be intittled to receive half pay during life.\nOn the 22d. of March 1783. the grant of half pay for life was commuted for a grant of five years full pay, to those Officers who were then in service and should continue therein to the end of the war.\nOn the 23d. of April 1783, Congress expressed it as their opinion, that the time of the men engaged to serve during the war, did not expire untill the ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace.\nOn the 11th. of April 1783. a proclamation for declaring a Cessation of Arms between the United States of America & his Britannic Majesty, was published by Congress.\nIn consequence of resolutions of Congress passed on the 23d. of April, the 26th. of May, the 11th. of June & the 9th. of August 1783. the Army was furloughed & the troops returned to their respective homes.\nOn the 18th. of October 1783 a proclamation was published by Congress, for discharging that part of the Army which had been engaged to serve during the War, from & after the 3d. day of Nov. 1783.\nIn the month of September 1783. an Officer of the rank of Major in the Army who had been previously dismissed on furlough died; and his representatives claim the amount of five years full pay, under the grant made on the 22d of March 1783.\nThe question resulting from the facts before stated, on which the opinion of the Attorney General is requested, is, whether, an Officer who died in September 1783, continued in service untill the end of the war, so as to intittle his representatives to receive the grant of commutation for half pay during life?\nI am Sir with the greatest \u2003 respect your obed ser\nThe Honble Alexr. Hamilton EsqrSecy of the Treas", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0306-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Neville, 27 October 1791\nFrom: Neville, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPittsburgh, October 27. 1791.\nSir,\nHerewith I return your form filled in the best manner I am able at present. I beg leave to mention, that in a new Country like this where farming is not yet reduced to system, it is difficult to form an Estimate as you wish. Our farms are generally new\u2014the eldest not exceeding twenty years.\nIn order to give you as good an idea as possible, I have divided them into three classes\u2014annexing the just value of each class, and have averaged the product. I believe this rule would apply as equally here as any other. I have extended my enquiries to two or three different farms of each Class.\nShould the method which I have adopted not answer your intention, or be too inexplicit; I will with the greatest pleasure make any further enquiries that you may think necessary.\nI have the honor to be, \u2003 Sir, \u2003 With much respect, \u2003 Your Obedt. hble Servt.\nJohn Nevill. Alex Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0306-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [Estimates in Response to Treasury Department Circular of August 13, 1791], [27 October 1791]\nFrom: Neville, John\nTo: \nKinds of Land.\nAnnual Product\nValue of Farm.\nAcres of arable Land.\nAcres of pasture land.\nAcres of Meadow.\nAcres of Wood-land.\nBushels of wheat.\nBushels of Rye.\nBushels of Corn.\nBushels of Oats.\nBushels of Barley.\nBushels of Buck wheat.\nBushels of Potatoes.\nOther roots and Vegetables in value.\nBlack Cattle.\nHorses.\nSheep.\nHogs.\nDozens Poultry.\nlbs Tobacco.\nCords of wood consumed in fuel.\nHay.\nLands divided into three classes.\nConsiderable quantities of pumkins, turnips &c. whose value I cannot ascertain.\na small quty. for own consumption.\nWithout number.\nTons.\n1st Class\u201425/. \u214c acre\naveraged value 16/8.\nKinds of Land & their annual products averaged\nQuantity consumed by Cattle and Poultry\n\u2003\u2002 Prices\n\u214c Ton.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0308", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 29 October 1791\nFrom: \nTo: \nTreasury DepartmentOct. 29th. 1791\nsir,\nMistakes have been frequently made by the Commissioners of Loans, in the certificates directed to me for the purpose of transferring stock from one office to another; either by erroneously indenting the marginal Check, or otherwise. And whenever inaccuracies of this kind have occurred, it has been thought adviseable to return such certificates to the holders, with some indefinite intimation, of their not being in proper order, and that of course they were to be returned to the office where they issued.\nIt being essential to know that the alterations required be actually made by the officer, and not by the parties; it is my desire that in every case, where an error shall be corrected by you, either by issuing a new certificate, in lieu of the one returned; or by making such alteration in the identical certificate itself, you will note the circumstance on the back of it.\nAlthough the want of accuracy here noticed, has been partial only; yet a desire to obviate inconveniencies for the future, induces me to recommend circumspection in the execution of this business to the officers in general.\nI am \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nA Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0310", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Halsted, 31 October 1791\nFrom: Halsted, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPerth Amboy [New Jersey] Octor. 31st: 1791.\nSir\nHaving seen your plan, for the formation of a Manufacturing Company, and the reasons you have assigned for establishing it in this State, with the Idea, that the plan is too extensive to be carried into full effect in one place to the best advantage to adventurers, induces me to request you to propose to the subscribers, this place, or its Vicinity, for one of the places of Manufactory, and the principal place of sale. To encourage which, I take the liberty to inclose a sketch of the Town, the waters Eastward which is the best and principal Harbour, with a Farm of four Hundred Acres, contigious to the Town for sale in whole or in part; and I annex some proposals to the Company respecting the same, which I have to request, you will lay before them, or their Committee, as you shall find most proper.\nThe Proprietors of the Farm, propose to lay out forty acres, in four equal squares, to be divided into such Lots, as the Company shall approve, and to give to the Company on half the same, reserving the other half to themselves, and occasionally to sell to the Company or any other Persons at reasonable rates, such additional lands, as they may incline to purchase, or to sell them the whole Farm, if it shall best suit them on a view of it.\nThe Farm is within three fourths of a Mile of the Town. There are several situations well calculated for erecting a Town on, particular two, very convenient for Transporting by Water, to or from the Town or Elsewhere, the Navigation being little interupted in the severest Winters; There is a good situation for a Tide Mill, on a Creek sufficient to answer all the purposes, of grinding for the Manufactorers, and perhaps some other purposes; The situations are very healthy, pleasant, and conveniently situated to collect the articles at, that may be Manufactured at other places, or to supply them with materials from. On said Farm, there is Clay of the best quality for bricks, which may be made at a landing to save expence of Carting, also Clay, of tried and approved quality for Earthenware. The convenience of Transportation by Water will secure a supply of fuel, provisions, and raw materials for Manufacturing, as well as an easy access, to purchasors of Manufactures, or conveyance of them to other markets.\nThe Owners of the Farm, will be reasonable in their demand, and as they wish to promote every thing, that will tend to advance publick good, they would in case of a Sale, cheerfully subscribe the full amount to the factory.\nThere are some Lots in this Town, the most convenient, and best calculated for Wharves, Warehouses, and dwelling for Superintendants, or others, for sale.\nNot having any safe method of laying the above proposals, and plan, before the subscribers, induced me to Inclose it to you for that purpose, and will I hope be deemed a sufficient excuse for my giving you this trouble.\nI am very respectfully \u2003 Sir \u2003 your most Obedient Humble Servant\nJohn Halsted. The Honble Alexander Hamilton EsquireSecy. of the TreasuryPhiladelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0311", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 31 October 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom-House,Providence 31st. Octr. 1791.\nSir.\nThe Schooner Alice, Jabez Andrus Master, entered here the 29th. instant, from Bonavista, loaded with Salt only, a Manifest, as usual, being exhibited to the Inspector who first went onboard within this District. This Morning I recd. a Letter from Jona. Maltbie, Master of the Argus Cutter, informing me, that One of his Mates went onboard the said Schooner and found no Manifest: This Information, he says, he gives in consequence of Directions from you: I wish Sir, to know whether it is your Meaning that every Master of a Vessel from a foreign Port should be prosecuted agreeable to the 12th Section of the Collection Law, for the Penalty incurred by neglecting to have Manifests onboard on his arrival within Four leagues of the Land? I shall omit the Prosecution of Capt. Andrus until I am favored with your reply.\nI have the Honor to be &c\nJereh. Olney Collr. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secy. of the Treasy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0312", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [31 October 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Senate,House of Representatives\n[Philadelphia, October 31, 1791]\nArrangement made by the President of the United States, with respect to the subdivisions of the several districts thereof into surveys, the appointment of officers, and the assignment of compensations, pursuant to the act of Congress, passed the third day of March, 1791, entitled \u201cAn act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits, imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same.\u201d\nNew Hampshire forms one survey of inspection. The duties of inspector are performed by the supervisor; to this office Joshua Wentworth has been appointed. His compensation is a salary of five hundred dollars, and a commission of one half per centum.\nMassachusetts forms three surveys of inspection. No. 1 consists of the province of Maine; No. 2, of the counties of Essex, Middlesex, Worcester, Hampshire, and Berkshire; No. 3, of the residue of the State. Nathaniel Gorham has been appointed supervisor; his compensation is a salary of eight hundred dollars, and a commission of one half per cent. The supervisor performs the duties of inspector of survey No. 1. Jonathan Jackson has been appointed inspector of survey No. 2, and Leonard Jarvis, for survey No. 3. The compensation to each of these inspectors is a salary of five hundred dollars, and a commission of one half per cent.\nRhode Island forms one survey. The duties of inspector are performed by the supervisor. John S. Dexter has been appointed to this office, with an allowance of a salary of five hundred dollars, and a commission of one half per cent.\nConnecticut forms one survey. The duties of inspector are performed by the supervisor, who is John Chester. His compensation is a salary of six hundred dollars, and a commission of one half per cent.\nVermont forms one survey, of which the supervisor performs the duties of inspector. Noah Smith has been appointed to this office. His allowance is a salary of four hundred dollars, and a commission of one half per cent.\nNew York forms one survey, of which the supervisor acts as inspector. William S. Smith has been appointed to this office, with a salary of eight hundred dollars, and a commission of one half per cent.\nNew Jersey forms one survey. The supervisor performs the duties of inspector. To this office, Aaron Dunham has been appointed. His compensation is a salary of four hundred dollars, and a commission of one half per cent.\nPennsylvania forms four surveys. No. 1 consists of the city and county of Philadelphia, and the counties of Bucks and Montgomery; No. 2, of the counties of Berks, Northampton, Luzerne, and Northumberland; No. 3, of the counties of Delaware, Chester, Lancaster, York, Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Mifflin, and Huntingdon; No. 4, of the counties of Bedford, Westmoreland, Washington, and Alleghany. The supervisor for the district, George Clymer, acts as inspector of survey No. 1. His compensation is a salary of one thousand dollars, and a commission of one half per cent. James Collins has been appointed inspector of survey No. 2, Edward Hand, of survey No. 3, and John Neville, of survey No. 4. The allowance to each of these inspectors, is a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars, and a commission of one per cent.\nDelaware forms one survey, of which the supervisor acts as inspector. His compensation is a salary of four hundred dollars, and a commission of one per cent. Henry Latimer, who was appointed supervisor, has resigned his office.\nMaryland forms two surveys. No. 1 comprehends the counties of St. Mary\u2019s, Somerset, Calvert, Queen Anne\u2019s, Caroline, Kent, Charles, Talbot, Dorchester, Baltimore, Ann Arundel, Worcester, Hartford, Cecil, and Prince George\u2019s. No. 2 consists of the counties of Montgomery, Washington, Frederick, and Alleghany. The supervisor of the district, George Gale, officiates as inspector of survey No. 1. His compensation is a salary of seven hundred dollars, and a commission of one per cent. Philip Thomas has been appointed inspector of survey No. 2, with a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars, and a commission of one per cent.\nVirginia has been divided into seven surveys of inspection. No. 1 consists of the counties of Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, King George, Caroline, Hanover, Henrico, Charles City, James City, Warwick, Elizabeth City, York, Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, Essex, King and Queen, King William, and New Kent; No. 2 of the counties of Stafford, Prince William, Fairfax, Loudon, Fauquier, Culpepper, Orange, Albemarle, Louisa, and Spottsylvania; No. 3, of the counties of Goochland, Fluvanna, Amherst, Bedford, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Halifax, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Amelia, Powhatan, Cumberland, Buckingham, Prince Edward, and Campbell; No. 4, of the counties of Princess Anne, Chesterfield, Norfolk, Isle of Wight, Sussex, Surry, Prince George, Dinwiddie, Brunswick, Greensville, Southampton, Nansemond, Accomac, and Northampton; No. 5, of Frederick, Berkley, Hampshire, Hardy, Monongalia, Ohio, Harrison, Randolph, Pendleton, Augusta, Rockingham, and Shenandoah; No. 6, of the counties of Rockbridge, Botetourt, Montgomery, Wythe, Washington, Russel, Greenbrier, and Kenhawa; No. 7 consists of the district of Kentucky. Edward Carrington has been appointed supervisor, with a salary of one thousand dollars, and a commission of one per centum. Drury Ragsdale has been appointed inspector of survey No. 1; Edward Stevens, of No. 2; Mayo Carrington, of No. 3; Thomas Newton, of No. 4; Edward Smith, of No. 5; James Brackenridge, of No. 6; and Thomas Marshall, on No. 7. The compensations to these officers are, to each, a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars, and a commission of one per cent.\nNorth Carolina forms five surveys. No. 1 consists of the counties of Wilmington, Onslow, New Hanover, Brunswick, Bladen, Duplin, Anson, Richmond, Moore, Cumberland, Robertson, and Sampson; No. 2, of the counties of Carteret, Hyde, Beaufort, Pitt, Craven, Jones, Dobbs, Johnson, and Wayne; No. 3, of the counties of Currituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimons, Chowan, Gates, Hartford, and Tyrrel; No. 4, of the counties of Northampton, Martin, Halifax, Nash, Edgecomb, Warren, Franklin, Caswell, Orange, Randolph, Granville, Wake, and Chatham; No. 5, of the counties of Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Roan, Iredel, Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Guilford, Lincoln, Rutherford, Burke, and Wilkes. William Polk has been appointed supervisor, and a salary of seven hundred dollars, and a commission of one per cent., have been assigned him as a compensation. James Read has been appointed inspector of survey No. 1; John Daves, of No. 2; Thomas Benbury, of No. 3; John Whitaker, of No. 4; and Joseph McDowel, the elder, of No. 5. The compensations to the inspectors of surveys No. 1, 2, and 3, are, to each, a commission of two per centum; those inspectors being also officers of the customs. A salary of four hundred and fifty dollars, and a commission of one per cent., have been assigned as a compensation to the inspectors of surveys No. 4 and 5, respectively.\nSouth Carolina forms three surveys. No. 1 consists of the counties of Colleton, Berkeley, Washington, Marion, Bartholomew, Charleston, Granville, Hilton, Lincoln, Shrewsbury, Winton, Orange, and Lewisburg; No. 2, of the counties of Winyaw, Williamsburgh, Liberty, Kingston, Darlington, Chesterfield, Marlborough, Clarendon, Clermont, Lancaster, Kershaw, Richland, Fairfield, Chester, and York; No. 3, of the counties of Edgefield, Abbeville, Newbury, Laurens, Union, Spartanburg, Greenville, and Pendleton. The duties of inspector of survey No. 1, are performed by the supervisor, Daniel Stevens, to whom a salary of seven hundred dollars, and a commission of one per cent., have been assigned as a compensation. Benjamin Cudworth has been appointed inspector of survey No. 2, and Sylvanus Walker, of No. 3. The compensation assigned to the inspector of survey No. 2, is a salary of three hundred dollars, and a commission of two per centum; to the inspector of survey No. 3, a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars, and a commission of one per cent.\nGeorgia forms one survey. The supervisor, John Matthews, officiates as inspector; the compensation assigned him, is a salary of five hundred dollars, and a commission of one per cent.\nThe commission, in each case, is computed upon the nett product of the duties on spirits distilled within the jurisdiction of the officer, to whom it is allowed; which nett product is determined by deducting, at each stage of the compensaton, all preceding charges.\nWith regard to the ports, the following arrangements have been made: At the ports at which there are both a collector and a surveyor, the latter has been appointed an inspector; where there is a collector only, he has been appointed; and where there is a surveyor only, he has been appointed. The ports at which neither collector nor surveyor resides, have been placed under the inspection of the collector or surveyor of the district to which they belong, as the one or the other is the inspector of the revenue for the port where he resides. The duties of these inspectors are confined to spirits imported from abroad; and, as they bear an analogy to those which they have been accustomed to perform, no compensation has been assigned. The officers, directed by the 18th section of the law to be appointed by the supervisors, have been denominated collectors of the revenue. Their number has been, of necessity, left to the discretion of the supervisor, with these general intimations, that they should be, in all cases, as few as the proper execution of the business would permit; and that, in regard to the collection of the duties on stills, one for each county would suffice; but this regulation necessarily varies as the stills are more or less dispersed. Where they are much scattered, two, three, or more counties, have been assigned to the same person. The compensation to these officers is a commission on the sums collected by each, of two per centum on the product of the duties on spirits distilled from foreign materials, and of four per centum on the product of the duties arising from spirits distilled from domestic materials, whether per gallon, or by the still. This difference was dictated by the different nature of the business.\nBy order of the President of the United States.\nAlexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.\nTreasury Department, October 31, 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0314", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Williams, 31 October 1791\nFrom: Williams, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Richmond, October 31, 1791. On June 19, 1793, Williams wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI rote you the 31 of Octobr 1791.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0315", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 31 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTreasury Department,October 31st. 1791.\nGentlemen,\nI have directed the Treasurer of the United States to draw upon you for one million of Guilders, at the same sight as in the last case. These Bills will be discharged out of the loan of 6.000.000 of Guilders, mentioned in the letters of Mr. Short and yourselves, of August last.\nI am &c.\nAlexander Hamilton. Messrs. Willink, Van Staphorst,& Hubbard. Amsterdam.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0316-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Moses Brown to John Dexter, 22 July[\u201315 October] 1791\nFrom: Brown, Moses\nTo: Dexter, John\nProvidence 22d. 7th Mo. [\u2013October 15] 1791\nEsteemed Friend\nI duly recd, thy Lre, of the 7th Inst with a Copy of a Lr, from the Secy of the Treasury of the 22d Ulo inclosed, and as a subject of promoting Manufactures in this country has been adviseable Object in my view for years past, I shall chearfully give every information in my power which may contribute to further the views of the National Legislature or Assist the Secy. in forming a plan for promoting Manufactures in the United States.\nThe Spermacity Manufactory was extensive here, before the late War, it commenced in this Town about 1754. When Most of the Headmatter Caught in this Country was, with the Oil, carried to England but as Experience was gained in working and an increased quantity thereby got Out of a barrel, the price for saving it seperate from the Oil was increased and the Whalemen incouraged to save the headmatter first before they did the Oil, and the Increase of the Fishery was greatly promoted by the bounty given on the Headmatter above the price of the Body Oils so that from 80 to 130,000 lb Weight of Spermacity candles were Annualy Made here from the year 1760 to 1776 According to the success of the Fishery from this Town and Nantuckett from whence We imported the greater part. The Whale Fishery being broken up by the War; and but little gone into from hence Since, together with the great impoverishment of the people of the Island of Nantuckett by the War, who have not yet rose to One half their Vessels they had before and the Manufacturers of Candles there Working Most of the Heads Caught there, that Valuable Branch seems to be Lost to the Town and I am prety clear there is not half the Quantity of Spermaceti Candles made in America Any One year Since the War as was made in this Town, only, for several years before It. The Spermaceti Whale are Drove from their Usual Feeding Ground so that the Oil caught is principaly from the Right Whale or bone Whale, as is allso the case of the Fisheries from England and France from which Whale, no SpermaCety is Taken but from the Body Oil of SpermaCeti Whale a small proportion is Extracted which is Made Up with the Headmatter & principaly carryed to the West-india Markett as well from England as America.\nThe Distilleries of Spirits have been Antient in this Town One Large One for Spirits and Two for Gin Since the peace but as the Import Laws & Revenue thereby Collected will best shew their present state I shall not add respecting them. We had One sugar house before the war, One erected about or near the Close of it and another Since, the last of these, only is at Present Supplyd or wrought in, probably owing to the Difficulty of Obtaining Stock Sufficient to Make the Business an Object to the Owners, Like Our SpermaCeti Manufacturies.\nIn the Spring of the year 1789 some persons in this Town had procured Made a Carding Mashine, a Jenney and a Spining Fraim to work by hand After the manner of Arkwrights Invention, Taken principaly from Models belonging to the State of Massachusets which was Made at their Expence by Two persons from scotland who took their Ideas from Observation and not from Experience in the Business, These Mashines made here not Answering the purpose & Expectations of the proprietors and I being desireous of perfecting them if possible, and the Business of the Cotton Manufactury so as to be usefull to the Country I purchased them, and by great Alterations, the Carding Mashine & Jenny was made to answer The Fraim with One Other or nearly the same Construction made from the same Moddle and Tryed witout success at East Greenwich, which I allso purchased, I attempted to set to Work by Water and Made a Little yarn so as to answer for Warps, but being so Imperfect both as to the Quality and Quantity of the yarn that their progress was Suspended till I could procure a person who had Wrought or seen them wrought in Europe for as yet we had not, late in the fall I recd a Letter from a young Man then lately Arived at New york from Arkwrights works in England informing Me his scituation, that he could hear of no perpetual Spining Mills on the Continent but Mine & proposed to come and work them. I wrote him & he came Accordingly, but on viewing the Mills he declined doing anything with them and proposed Making a New One Useing such parts of the Old as would Answer, We had by this time got several Gennies and some Weavers at Work on Linnen Warps, but had not been able to get Cotton Warps to a Usefull Degree of perfection on the Jennies and Altho I had found the Undertaking much more Arduous than I Expected both as to the Attention Necessary and the Expence, being Necessitated to Employ Workmen of the most Transient kind and on whom Little Dependence could be placed and to Collect Materials to Compleat the Various Mashines from Distant parts of the Continent however We, I say, We (because I had Committed the Immediate Mannagement of the Business to my son in Law Wm. Almy and kinsman Smith Brown under the firm of Almy & Brown) contracted with the young Man from England to Direct and Make a Mill in his own way which he did and it answered a Much better purpose than the former but still imperfect for want of Other Mashines such as Cards of a Different Construction from those Already Made and remadeover, with various other Mashines preparitory to the Spining, all which with the Necessary Mechanicks Skilled in Working of Wood, Iron, Brass &c &c was more than Twelve month Compleating before we could get a single Warp of Cotton perfected, During this Time Linnen Warps were wove and the Jennie Spining was performed in Different Sellers of Dwelling Houses but finding the Illconvenience of this We have now a Factory House & Dye House Erected and Occupie Other Buildings for the Singing, Callendering & other Mashines. There being a Variety of Branches in the Perfecting of the Cotton Business, as, the Picking, Soaping Pressing, Stoveing or Drying the Cotton, ropeing it by hand or on Mashines, Spining, Bobbin winding, Weaving, Cutting for Velvets or other Cut goods, Singing or Dressing, Bleaching Dying and Finishing, renders it more Difficult and requires longer Time to perfect than many Other Branches of Business in a Country where there are very few acquainted with it, but when Each Branch is Learned it May be Extended to Any length Necessary by Means of the great Advantage of the Mashines in the saving of Labour. There has been Made in this Factory of Almy & Browns Since the 1st of the 1st Mo last Velveteens Velverets, Corduroys, Thicksets a variety of Fancy cutt goods Jeans, Denims, Velures, Stockenets, Pillows or Fustians &c &c as \u214c Acct at Bottom, 326 ps Costg 7823 yards There are allso Several Other persons who Manufacture Cotton & Linnen goods by the Carding Mashines & Jennies but when they Make all Cotton Goods they have the Warps from Almy & Browns Mills, Samuel slater the young Man from England being allso Concernd therein. The Dying and Finishing is allso Chiefly done by their Workmen. There are allso Cotton & Linnen Goods Manufactured at East Greenwich, their Cotton Warps are Made at the Afforesaid Mills, The Quantities Manufactured by those several Persons and Others in the Common way of family Work I expect will be given an Account of by them selves or Collected by the Mechanical & Manufacturing Society in this Town; I therefore refer to them. For the Degree of Maturity Our Cotton Manufactury has Obtained and their Different Qualities I refer to the Pattrons of the Mill yarn and Goods Made from Warps of it herewith sent, the prices sold at are allso Marked.\nAs to the Impediments underwhich this Business Labours I beg leave to Observe. No Encouragement has been given by any Laws of this state nor by any Donation of any Society or Individuals but Wholey began Carried on and thus far perfected at private Expence.\nOur Commencing the Business at a period when from the great Extent of it in England and Ireland, and Other causes, Many became bankrupts, their goods were sold at Vendue and shipt to America in large Quantities, the 2 or 3 last years Lower than Ever before, add to this, which is much the Greatest, Brittish Agents have been Out in this and I presume, some Other Manufacturing Towns with Large Quantities of Cotton Goods for Sale and strongly Solisiting Corrispondence of people in the Mercantile Line to Receive their Goods at a very long Cr say 18 mo, which is 6 and 9 more than has been Usual heretofore, doubtless for the Discouragement of the Manufactory here, This bate has been too Eagerly taken by Our Merchants who from their Activity in Business Mostly Trade Equal to, or beyound their Capital and so are induced by the long Cr, to receive the Goods in expectation of Turning them to Advantage before the Time of payments but the great Quantities which some have on hand we have reason to expect will disappoint them, but Others being induced by the same Motive are supplyd and then the Quantities of Brittish goods of these kinds on hand, Exceeding the Markett Obstruct the sale of Our Own Manufacturys without the Merchant trading in them getting his Usual Proffits by them, this English Trade therefore in time would be reduced for want of Proffits, but when the Actual Sales of British goods fail, of the cotton Manufactury, they are Sent and left here on Commissions. This I am informed by good Authority was the Polacy of the English Manufacturers, formed into Societies for the purpose, about 10 or 12 years ago, when the Cotton Business began in Ireland, Agents were sent Out into the Manufacturing Towns of that Nation to Disperse such goods as was made there at a Less price than they could at first be Made, in order to break up the Business, which it is said would have had the Effect if the Irish parliament and the society for promoting Manufactures had not Taken up the Subject and granted Large Bounties, Such as Effectualy Enabled the Manufacturer Soon to Vie with those of England in Supplying their Own Markett, and they now Export great Quantities. I Mention this Circumstance to Shew the Attention of the people of Ireland to Establish this Valuable Manufacture, and When it is Considered that, Cotton, The raw Material May be raised in the United States and not in Ireland, how Much More Attention Ought Our Legislature to pay to this Object? Which brings Me to the subject of Raising Cotton in Our Southern States which we find by Experience is as Imperfect and more so, than the Manufacturing when raised; This I presume is Much Owing to the promiscuous Gathering and saving of this Article from the podd,\n   The frequent Shifting of the seeds of this as of Most Annual plants not Natural to the place of Raising, would most probably add to the perfection of the produce.\n in which it Grows, some of which like fruit on a Tree are fair and full Grown while Others are not, in the picking of which and takeing the cotton Out of the podd care should be taken that it be kept separate, and the thin membrance which lines the podd and some times comes off with the cotton in it\u2019s Seperation from them, should then be sevor\u2019d and the clean full Grown preserved to Work on the Mashines, the Other will Answer to work by hand, but as the Cotton Must be Clean before it works well on the Mashine the present production in the Mixed Manner in which it is Brought to Markett does not Answer a good purpose, the unripe short and durty part being so inveloped with that which would be good if Seperated propperly at first, so Spoils the Whole as to discourage the Use of it in the Mashines and Obliges the Manufacturer to have his supply from the Westindies Under the Discouragement of the Impost, rather than Work our own production: a Circumstance Truly Mortifying to those who from Motives of Promoting the Produce and Manufactures of Our Own Country as well as from Interest, have been at large Expences & Trouble to Effect so Desireable an Object. I therefore beg leave to suggest the Idea of some Encouragement to the raiseing and Saving of Cotton Clean & good fit for the Manufacturers, as well as some Encouragement on the goods Manufactured, This perhaps may be Effected by Applying a Bounty on the raw Materials of the 1st Quality Suitable for the Business and on the goods Manufactured Equally to be paid Out of Additional Impost on all Cotton & Cotton & Linnen Goods & Cotton Yarn Imported into these states from abroad, May I not allso be permitted on this Ocation to suggest the propriety of Suspending the Impost on the first Quality of Cotton till Our Southern States could supply Such as would Answer to Work on Mashines. I have Mention\u2019d Yarn, as the Importation of that Article from India has been Suggested by the late Manufacturing, Committee in Philadelphia at which time no good yarn had been made fit for Warps, but as the Manufactury of the Mill Yarn is done by Children from 8 to 14 years old It is as near a Total Saving of Labour to the Country as perhaps Any Other that can be named, and there fore no Importation of the yarn Ought to be Admitted without a Large Impost if at all, as the Seccry May be assured that Mills and Mashines may be Erected in Different places in One year Sufficient to make all the Cotton yarn that may be Wanted in the United states both for Warps and for Knitting & Weaving Stockins, Was Encouragement given to protect the Manufacturer from being intercepted in the sale by foreign Importation, but from this Circumstance and that of the Abillities of the Manufacturing Interest of Great Brittain to Intercept the sale of Our Own Goods, at a price as low as theirs has been heretofore sold by Our Importing Merchants, the Actual Combination of them in the case of Ireland and Most probably Our present Circumstance, forms a very great Discouragement to Men of Abilities to lay Out their propperty in Extending Manufacturies, the preparation for which even before they can be perfected Must be lost if they cannot be Continued. I have been lengthy on this subject not only because My family have Engaged in it, but because I conceive from the Advantages of the Mills & Other Mashines and the Raiseing of the Raw Materials Among Ourselves, this Country may avail itself of One of the Most Valuable Manufactures from which every part of the Union May be Supplyed. I apprehend this subject would have been laid before Congress by the United representation of the Cotton Manufacturers had not some states Liberaly Contributed to the promotion of it particularly the Massachusets, and the incorporated Company at Beaverly largely partaken of their bounty in proportion to what they have done, Whether under an Idea that the Assistance they had recd would have Enabled them to go on, while Others would be under a Necessity of discontinuing the Business as some have in fact tho\u2019t best to do for want of that Assistance in the same Government Viz the Factory at Worcester, or what Ever Other Reasons the Beaverly company may have, they have not come forward as Expected. The Publick Spirit of the Massachusets on this subject as well as Pennsylvania Are to be Applauded and in Justice to the Latter I Mention this Circumstance, The Publication of their grant to a Certain person for a Certain Mashine in this Manufactory reaching England & Comeing to the Knoledge of the Workmen at Arkrights Mills Ocationd the workman before mentioned, privately comeing to America and perfecting the first Water Spining in the United states that I have heard of, \u2019tho I am informed a Company from England are now about to Erect Mills near New York for which the Mashinery is Making at Newhaven. It is an Undoubted fact Authenticated to Me by Divers persons from England that the King has frequently made proclamation against any Trademen Leaving the Kingdom & Called on his officers for their most Vigilant Watch against it as well as against any Draughts of Mashinery being carried Out, this allso Should excite Our Attention to those Advantages which they find of so much Consequence to that Country.\nThe Manufactory of Iron into Blisterd steel Equal in Quality to English has been began within about 12 Mo. in this Neighbourhood and is Carried only by Oriel Wilkinson who informs Me he can Make good Business at 10/ \u214c Ct for the steel in Blisters, Returning Weight for Weight with the Iron Manufactured. The Drawing into Barrs to any shape being an Additional Charge.\nBeside the foregoing I had in Contemplation some remarks on Various Other Manufactures carried on within this District such as the Making of Woolen & Linnen Cloths, Riging, Lines & Twine, Pigg & Bar Iron, Sliting it into Rods roleing into plates & Hoops, Makeing it into Shovels & Spades, hot & Cold Nails, Anchors, paper mill & Cloathiers Screws, Wool and Cotton Cards with the Mashines for Cutting 800 Teeth in a Minute, Paper Mills, Fulling Mills Chocolate Mills & Snuff Mills by Water and Ginning of Cotton As well by Water as Improved foot Wheels &C &C. but having been more Lengthy on the subject of the Cotton Business than I Expected and the Time having nearly come when the Secry May want to Apply the Information he gets I delay no longer the Closeing a Letter I had so long ago began, and Omit saying Any thing further upon them, Apprehending the Society here will Include them & others so far as may be Necessary. My Apology for the Delay of My Answer to thy Lre, is only Absence from and Engagements when at home. If any Information worth the Reading Over this Long Letter can be derived I shall be glad and thou Art at Liberty to forward the same to the Secry. if thou thinks propper without further Apology for its incorrect state.\nI am respectfully his & thy friend\nMoses BrownProvidence 15th. 10th Mo. 1791.\nAccount of the Cotton, and Cotton & Linnen Goods Manufactured by Almy & Brown Since the Commencement of the Business say abt. 15th. of 6 Mo. 1789 to the 1st. of 1st. Mo. 1791.\nps. Corduroys\nContg\nyards\nSold from\nto\n\u214c yd.\nps. Royal Ribs Denims &c\nyds\nto\nCottonetts\nto\nJanes\nto\n\u200727 Fustians\nto\nFrom the 1st of the 1st Mo. 1791. to the Date being 10 Months\nps. Velverets\nContg\nto\nps. Thicksets\nto\nps Corduroys\nto\n\u2003\u2002 Fancy Goods Cords &C.\nto\n\u2003\u2002 Royal Ribbs Denims &C.\nto\n\u2003\u2002 Janes.\nto\n\u2003\u2002 Fustians\nto\nContg 7823 yds\nJohn Dexter Esq Supervisor \u2003 Providence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0316-0003", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Report of a Committee Appointed to Obtain Information on Manufacturing in Providence, [10 October 1791]\nFrom: Richmond, William,Committee Appointed to Obtain Information on Manufacturing in Providence\nTo: \n[Providence, October 10, 1791]\nThe Committee appointed on the 19th. July last, to obtain a Statement of the Manufactures in this Town &c. asks Leave to report.\nThat they have obtained from the several Manufacturers the Information contained in the following Statements.\nHat Making.\nQuantity manufactured in the Year 1790.\nBeavers, at 8 Dolls. each,\nCastors, at 18 to 48 Dollrs. pr. Dozen\nFelts, of diff. Qualities, from 5 to 12 Dolls. \u214c Dozen.\nThe Increase of the Business the present Year computed at One Third of the whole Amount of what was manufactured the Year past.\nThis Business was established in this Town in the Year 1730, of late great Improvements have been made and we flatter ourselves, that in a short Time Hats made in this Town will equal any imported in Elegance, as they always have in Durability exceeded them, owing to the Excellency of the Materials. The Quantity manufactured might be greatly encreased (except in Hats made of Beaver) was the Sale sufficiently extensive, and consequently the Prices might be diminished\u2014altho it is allowed that Hats made in America are now sold as low in Proportion to their Quality, as those imported, the foreign Coarse Hats being very unprofitable to the Purchaser. And as the Country abounds with Materials, it is our Opinion that the Manufacture might in a short Time be extended to the full Consumption of the United States\u2014and Hats become a great Article of Exportation if the Impediments were removed\u2014some of which (as it appears to be the Wish of the Hon. the Secretary of the Treasury) we shall take the Liberty to mention. The Scarcity of Beaver and some other Furrs, produced in the Back Country is a great Impediment, which arises not from the Nature of the Country, but from other Nations being principally possessed of the extensive Furr Trade of the vast Continent, which enhances the Prices of Furrs so greatly, that Beaver Hats, which before the Revolution was sold at 5 Dollars, and sometimes at a Guinia, cannot now be afforded at less than 8Dolls. while the Price of Wool Hats are diminished considerably. If this Trade was commanded by the United States, it might prove a great Source of Wealth, exclusive of the manufacture of Furrs among ourselves. The Duty on imported Hats is so small that it does not operate as a Check on Importations, where long practised, especially where Trade is managed by the Agents of Foreigners, who thro regard to the Interest of the Houses which employ them will do all in their Power to discourage the Manufactures of the Country where they acquire their Wealth. The Manufacturers in the Eastern States still feel the good Effects of a heavy Impost which some Years past was laid on foreign Hats, but even in those States Importations are again made, which if attended with success must operate greatly to our Discouragement from which Government alone can defend us.\nThe necessary Trimmings, Bow Strings, &c. which are almost entirely imported, might, in our Opinion, with a small Governmental Encouragement, be manufactured among ourselves.\nAs to the mineral Substances necessary to coloring we pretend not to judge, as we are ignorant of the Expence attending their Preparation.\nBlock-making.\n3496 Feet made in the Year 1790.\nNo return since. Workmen more than get Employ. Materials Plenty, and easily obtained.\nTanning & Currying.\nIn this Town and Vicinity the present Years Stock \nin Hides Tanned\nCalf Skins,\nGoat\nSheep,\nHides curried, for diff Uses,\nCalf \u2003 Do.\nGoat,\n618 pr. of Boot Legs, from 1 to 2\u00bd Dolls. pr.\nCalf Skins, 18 Dolls. pr Doz.\nThe Embarassment on the Business of Tanning and Currying at present and for some Time past hath been very considerable, owing to the large Quantities of Leather imported from the West Indies, the Duty on which is small in Proportion to many other Articles. We hope the Subject will be duly considered by the Hon. A. Hamilton, and such Information given to Congress, as may be proper and beneficial to those who carry on so great and necessary a Branch of the mechanic Business.\nSaddle & Harness-making.\nMade within one Year past.\n999 Saddles, from 6 to 14 Dolls.\n164 Sets Harness, for 4, 2 & 1 Horse Carriages,\nThis Business might be carried on to a much greater Extent, if there were sufficient Sales for the Work, considerable Quantities of which are Yearly exported.\nFringe and Web-weaving\nMade in 1790\u20141100 yd. Girth Webb\u20141350 yds. Fringe, 360 yd Lace. equall to any, and at a lower Rate than can be imported, so that the Maker (Jonathan Hill) wishes for nothing but to be known.\nWoolen Cloth.\nManufactured in this Town & Vicinity, in the Year 1790 in the Factories & private Families, 30,000 yds. of all Qualities\u2014a proportionable Quantity the present Year and was the raising of Sheep duly encouraged, a sufficient Quantity might be manufactured for the whole of the Inhabitants.\nBoot & Shoe-making\nShoes made within one Year past, 15,356 Pair, from \u2154ds to 1\u00bd Dolls. Boots, 215 pr. from 3\u2153 to 8 Dolls.\nThe Embarrassment this Business labours under is the Importation from Europe, which tends to undervalue the Price of our Work to the great Discouragement of our Workmen\nNails.\nManufactured in this Town, in 1790.\nPrices\n20d \u214c. Hund.\nDrs.\nCents\nAs the Materials for carrying on this Business, abounds in the Country; and as many Country Peoples, Boys, as well as Men work at it in the Winter Season, it appears, that Nails have and may still be manufactured cheaper than can be imported, especially since we have Slitting Mills sufficient to furnish the whole Country with Rods.\nEdge Tools\n4500 Scythes, Axes, & Drawing Knives, made in the Year 1790. As to Materials the like Observations may be made as in the foregoing Business.\nClock-making.\nFrom January to August, 1791\u2014has been made 6 Eight Day Clocks, from 33\u2153 Dolls. to 40 Dolls. Might with the same Hands be made 3 Times that Number. There is as many if not more imported from Europe, than made in this Country.\nChocolate Manufacture.\nMade in the Year 1790, 60,000 lbs @ 9d \u214c lb.\nMuch the same Proportion continues to be made, but the Duty on Cocoa so much exceeds the Duty on imported Chocolate, that if continued will discourage my Increase of that manufacture.\nSoap and Candle-making.\nCandles made,\nHand Soap,\nand continues in the same Proportion but labours under Embarrassment by Reason of large Quantities imported into the Southern States, with very little Profit to the federal Chest.\nCoach and Chaisemaking\nMade in 1790\u201456 Carriages of diff. Sorts.\nSilver and plated Work\nMade in 1790\u2014\n\u2007100 pr. Silver Buckles.\n1400 pr. Plated Do.\n\u2007 80 Doz. Silver Spoons diff. Sizes.\nThis Business might be generally extended, especially in plated Work, there being more Hands than are fully employed\u2014and large Sums, are sent to Europe, particularly for Coach & Chaise plated Harness Trimmings, which might be as well made here, and more durable, at nearly the same Prices.\nCard-making.\nMade 1790\u20142550 Pair, and by a Return for 6 Months past, it appears there has been made\n100 Dozen Cotton, @ 8 Dolls \u214c Doz.\nand 120 Doz. Wool, @ 5 D. \u214c Doz.\nAs this is a most necessary Business, so it is most profitable to the Public, as it employs Numbers of poor Children, who, while they are earning Somthing towards their Subsistence, are prevented from contracting bad Habits, and are introduced thereby to a Habit of Industry, by which we may hope to see them become useful Members of Society. It were to be wished that the Wire could be drawn in this Country.\nBrass-founders Work.\nOf all Kinds made in this Town Yearly to a large Amount, but by Reason of the great Variety of Articles, the Prices cannot be ascertained, but the Makers say as cheap, if not cheaper, and as good, if not better, than any imported from Europe.\nEngines for extinguishing Fire!\nThere has been one made this season, equal to any that have been imported, and the Maker Daniel Jackson is ready to receive Orders for any Size, from 266\u2154ds to 933\u2153 Dolls Price.\nJoiner\u2019s & Moulding Tools.\nMade annually to the Amount of 1000 Dollrs, the particular Prices, by Reason of the great Variety cannot be ascertained but are at present sold something higher than those imported\u2014the Workmen not having full Employ\u2014but as the Materials are so easily obtained the Prices might be reduced upon Par with imported Tools if there was Vent for large Quantities.\nPaper Manufacture\nFrom the 1st. of January to 1st. October, 1791 has been made in this Town.\nRh. Writing Paper, the average Price 2\u215b Dolls \u214c R.\nRh. Printing,\nWrapping,\nGroce fine Paste Boards,\n12 Dolls. \u214c Groce.\nlb. Sugar Loaf Paper,\n@ 8\u2153 Dolls. \u214c Hund.\nlb Candle Do.\nlb Sheathing D\nlb Paste Boards}\u2003 Do for Bookbinding\nPaper, at present the most estensive Branch of Manufacture that is carried on in America, labours under great Disadvantages by Reason of the great Importations of the various Kinds of Coarse Paper, such as Paste Board, Sugar Loaf & Sheathing Paper.\nLeather Dressing & Glove-Making.\nFrom the 1st. of January to 1st. October, 1791\nSkins, wash Leather dressed,\n125 Doz. @ 3 Dolls. \u214c Doz.\nDitto, tanned for Card Leather,\nWomen\u2019s long Gloves made,\nDo. Habit,\n583 Doz. @ 3 Dolls.\nSlit & rolled Iron Work\nThere is in the Vicinity of this Town, a Slitting Mill, which in the Year 1790, slit about 50 Tons Nail Rods\u2014at the same Place was made 50 Doz. Iron Shovels, which now sell, the best made at 8 Dolls. \u214c Doz. but if the Business was extended so as to employ 3 Master Workmen there might be enough made to supply all the New England States, and the best Kind sold at 7 Dolls. \u214c Doz. There is also some Iron Hoops rolled at the same Mill.\nCotton Goods\nOf\ndiff\nSorts manufactured from 1st. Jany to 1st. October, 1791.\nIn\nMess Almy & Browns Factory. \u2003 No Return.\nIn\nMr. Wm. Potters,\nM Lewis Pecks\nMr. Andrew Dexters,\nMr Jas. McKerns,\nThe Prices by the Piece are\nDouble twilled Cord,\n\u2154 ds Dolls. \u214c Yd.\nDo. Fancy Cord,\n\u2154 ds Doll.\nJeans, on an Average,\n\u2153 ds. Doll.\nFustians,\n15\u00bd Cents\nAs this Manufacture is growing in Consequence, and engages the Attention of Gentlemen not immediately concerned in the Mechanic Arts we doubt not it will find able Advocates\u2014therefore think it unnecessary to enlarge in this Place.\nThere is large Quantities of Cabinet and Chair Work Cordage, Coppersmiths, Braziers and Pewterers Works made in this Town, of which we have been able to obtain no regular Statement but the Manufacturers of Pewter complain that they labour under a great Discouragement by being obliged to work large Quantities of old Pewter, which being of a base Quality, imported from Bristol and Liverpool, and sold here for London-make, they cannot, by Reason of the Scarcity of Block-Tin, make it equal to the London Standard, and at the same Time work up all the old Pewter in the Country.\nYour Committee have only to remark upon the foregoing Statements, that if there is any Thing expressed, which should be thought forward in pointing out the Impediments attending the Prosecution of any Branch of Manufactures they are persuaded it arises from an honest Zeal for promoting the best Interest of the United States\u2014and in full Confidence in the parental Regard of the Supreme Legislature of the Union. And it is the Boast of Americans, that instead of living under a Government which spurns at the Subject, for the Representation of any Thing that operates as a Grievance, those who fill the first Offices in Government are encouraging them to make such Representations, as may serve to give necessary Information; and we doubt not that altho there are very few in Congress whose immediate Interest is concerned, yet a sincere Regard for the general Interest will animate that truly honorable Body to give all the Encouragement which they can (consistent with a proper Regard to the Revenue) to that Class of Citizens who in Proportion to their Property pay so large a Share of the public Expence.\nSigned by Order and in Behalf of The Committee,\nWilliam Richmond, Chairman\nA true Copy from the Journals:\nB: Wheeler, Secy to the Ass.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0318", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 1 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Short, William\nTreasury DepartmentNovember 1st. 1791\nSir,\nI have barely time by this opportunity to inform you That I have directed the Treasurer to draw for One Million of florins on account of the last loan of six millions and towards the close of the present month shall direct him to draw for another million. I calculate that the whole amount of the loan will have been received before the second set of draughts are presented.\nI remain with great consideration & regard \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedt Servant.\nAlexander Hamilton Willm Short Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0323", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 2 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\n[Philadelphia, November 2, 1791. On November 9, 1791, Randolph wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI do myself the honor of answering your letter of the 2d. instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0324", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 3 November 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom House,Providence 3rd Novr. 1791\nSir.\nEdward Peterson, Master of the Sloop Friendship, burthen Sixty-three Tons, arrived here Yesterday from New-York; from whence, he says, he brought a Certified Manifest and Permit to proceed, stopped at Newport, entered his Vessel, left the Manifest and Permit at the Custom House, landed part of his Freight, and proceeded with the remainder (consisting of the Articles contained in the enclosed copy of the Inspector\u2019s Return) to this Place, without a certified Manifest or Permit. I have taken the Goods into possession; and have acquainted the District Attorney with this Transaction, that he may proceed against the Master and Goods as the Law directs.\nI have also been under the disagreeable necessity of taking into possession Six Chests of Bohea Tea, which, with Forty Bushels of Apples, composed the Freight of the Sloop Clementina, burthen 29 64/95 Tons, Samuel Westcott Master, this Day arrived here from Newport, with neither Manifest nor Permit to proceed; which he says he forgot to call for at the Office to obtain. This information I have likewise communicated to the District Attorney.\nI have the Honor to be &c.\nJereh. Olney Collr. Alexr. Hamilton EsquireSecy. of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0325", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Taylor and Abishai Thomas, 3 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Taylor, James,Thomas, Abishai\nTreasury Department Novr. 3rd 1791\nGentlemen,\nThe measures taken to ascertain the fact, whether the State of North Carolina has ever issued its own certificates in lieu of those of the United States not yet having produced the desired information, as inconveniences would arise from longer delay of a determination of the question which arises on the eighteenth section of the Act making provision for the debt of the United States.\nI take the liberty to request the favor of you to give me such information as you may possess concerning the above mentioned fact together with your opinions of the real state of the thing.\nI have the honor to be, with \u2003 great consideration \u2003 Gentlemen\nYour obedt Servant\nAlexander Hamilton Abisha Thomas & JamesTaylor Esqrs Agents forNorth Carolina", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0326", "content": "Title: Report on the Estimate of Expenditures for 1792, 4 November 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Speaker of the House of Representatives\n[Philadelphia, November 4, 1791Communicated on November 4, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the House of Representatives the Estimates herewith transmitted, No. I, II, III, IV.\nDollars. \u2003 Cents.\nThe first, relating to the Civil List, or the expenditure for the support of Government during the year 1792, (including incidental and contingent expenses of the several departments and offices) amount to\nThe second, relating to certain liquidated claims upon the treasury; to certain deficiencies in former estimates for the current service, and to a provision in aid of the fund heretofore appropriated for the payment of certain officers of the Courts, Jurors, witnesses &c\nThe third, relating to the department of War, shewing the stated expenditure of that department, for the year 1792\nThe amount of a year\u2019s pensions to invalids\nPay and subsistence to sundry officers, for which no appropriation has yet been made,\nArrearages due upon Indian affairs for the year 1791, and the sum supposed to be necessary for the year 1792\nExpenses incurred for the defensive protection of the frontiers for the years 1790 and 1791, and for which no appropriation has yet been made\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Amounting together to, Dollars,\nAs appears by Number 4, which contains a summary of the three preceding ones, exhibiting in one view the total sum, as above stated, for which an appropriation is requisite.\nThe funds, out of which the said appropriation may be made, are, first, the sum of six hundred thousand dollars reserved annually out of the duties on imports and tonnage, by the Act making provision for the debt of the United States, for the support of the government thereof: And secondly, such surplus as shall have accrued to the end of the present year, upon the revenues heretofore established, over and above the sums necessary for the payment of interest on the public debt during the same year, and for the satisfying of other prior appropriations.\nJudging from the returns heretofore received at the Treasury, there is good ground to conclude, that that surplus, together with the above-mentioned sum of six hundred thousand dollars, will be adequate to the object.\nAll which is humbly submitted\nAlexr. HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.\nEstimate of the Expenditures for the Civil List of the United States, together with the Incidental and Contingent Expenses of the several Departments and Offices for the Year 1792.\nNo. I\nDollars. Cents.\nFor compensation to the President of the United States\nThat of the Vice-president\nCompensation to the Chief Justice\nDitto of five Associate Judges at\u2003\u20023500 dollars per annum each}\nTo the Judges of the following Districts, Viz:\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Maine\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003New Hampshire\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Vermont\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Massachusetts\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Rhode Island\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Connecticut\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003New York\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003New Jersey\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Pennsylvania\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Delaware\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Maryland\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Virginia\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Kentucky\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003North Carolina\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003South Carolina\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Georgia\nAttorney General\nMembers of the Senate and House of Representatives and their Officers.\nCompensation to the Members of Congress, estimating the attendance of the whole number for six months, Viz:\nDolls. Cts.\nSpeaker of the House of Representatives,\u2003\u2002at twelve dollars per day\nNinety four members at six dollars \u214c day\nTravelling expenses, computed at\nTo the Secretary of the Senate one years salary\nAdditional allowance estimate for six months, at two dollars \u2003\u2002per day\nPrincipal Clerk to the Secretary of the Senate, for the same time \u2003\u2002at three dollars per day\nEngrossing Clerk to ditto, estimated for the same time at \u2003\u2002two dollars per day\nChaplain to the Senate estimated for six months, at \u2003\u2002five hundred dollars per annum\nDoorkeeper to the Senate, for the same time, at three dollars per day\nMessenger to the Senate for the same time at two dollars per day\nClerk of the House of Representatives, for one year\u2019s salary\nAdditional allowance, calculated for six months at two dollars \u2003\u2002per day}\nPrincipal Clerk in the Office of the Clerk of the House of\u2003\u2002 Representatives, estimated for six months, at three\u2003\u2002dollars per day\nEngrossing Clerk for the same time, estimated at two\u2003\u2002dollars per day\nChaplain to the House of Representatives, estimated for\u2003\u2002six months at five hundred dollars per annum\nSerjeant at Arms estimated for the same time at four\u2003\u2002dollars per day\nDoorkeeper of the House of Representatives, estimated\u2003\u2002for six months at three dollars per day\nAssistant doorkeeper for do. at two dollars per day\nTreasury Department\nSecretary of the Treasury\nAssistant of the Secretary of the Treasury\nNine Clerks, at five hundred dollars each\nMessenger and Office-keeper\nComptroller of the Treasury\nprincipal Clerk\nTen Clerks at five hundred dollars each\nTreasurer\nprincipal Clerk\nAdditional ditto\nMessenger and Office-keeper\nTwo Clerks appointed to count and\u2003\u2002examine the old and new emissions of\u2003\u2002Continental money and indents at 500 dollrs. \u214c Ann.}\nAuditor of the Treasury\nprincipal Clerk\nSixteen Clerks to ditto at 500 dollars per annum.\nRegister of the Treasury\nThree Clerks on the books and accounts of impost and\u2003\u2002tonnage and excise accounts, at 500 dollars each\nTwo ditto on ditto of receipts and expenditures of\u2003\u2002public monies\nTwelve Clerks on the books of the six per cent, three per cent, \u2003\u2002and deferred stocks, of the domestic and assumed debts,\u2003\u2002including those necessarily engaged in filling up certificates,\u2003\u2002forming dividends of quarterly interest, and doing other parts\u2003\u2002of this branch of the Treasury records, 500 dollars each\nTwo Clerks on the books of the Loan Officers and General Loan Officers \u2003\u2002business, 500 dollars each\nThree Clerks on the books of the registered \u2003\u2002or unfunded debt, including a Clerk employed \u2003\u2002on the dividends of interests payable thereon\u2003\u2002at 500 dollars each\nThree Clerks on the books and accounts of the late government,\u2003\u2002at 500 dollars each\nOne for keeping the accounts of the register of ships &c. &c. under \u2003\u2002the Act for registering vessels, regulating the coasting trade \u2003\u2002and other purposes therein mentioned.\nThree Office keepers and Messengers for the\u2003\u2002Comptroller\u2019s, Auditor\u2019s and Register\u2019s Offices,\u2003\u2002at 250 dollars each\nLoan Officers.\nFor,  New Hampshire\n Massachusetts\nRhode Island\nConnecticut\n New York\n New Jersey\nPennsylvania\n Delaware\nMaryland\nVirginia\nNorth Carolina\nSouth Carolina\nGeorgia\nDepartment Of State.\nThe Secretary of State\nOne Chief Clerk\nThree Clerks at 500 dollars each\nClerk for foreign languages\nOffice keeper and Messenger\nDepartment Of War.\nSecretary of the Department\nChief Clerk,\nSix Clerks at 500 dollars each\nPaymaster to the troops and Commissioner\u2003\u2002of Army Accounts,\nThree Clerks to do. at 500 dollars each\nMessenger and Office keeper\nBoard of Commissioners for the Settlement of the Accounts between the United States and the Individual States, viz:\nThree Commissioners at 2250 dollars per annum\nChief Clerk\nEleven Clerks at 500 dollars each\nMessenger and doorkeeper\nGovernment of the Western Territory.\nDistrict Northwest of the River Ohio.\nGovernor, for his salary as such, and for discharging the duties of Superintendant of Indian Affairs\u2014Northern department\nThe Secretary of said District\nFor stationery, office-rent and printing patents for land, &c. &c\nThree Judges at 800 dollars per annum\nDistrict Southwest of the River Ohio\nGovernor for his salary as such, and for discharging the duties of Superintendant of Indian Affairs-southern department\nSecretary of said District\nFor Stationery, office rent &c. &c.\nThree Judges, at 800 dollars per annum\nGrant to Baron Steuben.\nHis annual allowance by Act of Congress\nPensions Granted by the Late Government.\nIssac Van Vert\nA pension of 200 dollars per ann. to each, pursuant to an Act of Congress of 3d. November 1780\nJohn Paulding\nDavid Williams\nDominique L. Eglize, per Act of Congress 8th. August 1782\nJoseph Traverse, per ditto\nYoungest children of the late Major General Warren, \u2003\u2002per Act of 1st. July 1780\nYoungest son of General Mercer, per Act of 8th April 1777, estimated at\nJames McKensie,\nper Act of 10th. of Sept. 1783 entitled to a pension of 40 dollars each, per annum\nJoseph Brussels,\nJohn Jordan,\nElizabeth Bergen, per Act of 21st. August, 1781,\nJoseph De Beauleau, per Act of 5th. August 1782,\nRichard Gridley, per Acts of 17th. November 1775, and 26th. \u2003\u2002February 1781\nLieutenant Colonel Touzaid per Act of 27th. of October 1788\nFor Incidental and Contingent Expenses Relative to the Civil List Establishment\nUnder this head are comprehended firewood, stationery together with printing work, and all other contingent expenses of the two Houses of Congress, rent and office expenses of the three several departments, viz: Treasury, State, War, and of the General Board of Commissioners.\nSecretary of the Senate, his estimate\nClerk of the House of Representatives, ditto\nTreasury Department\nSecretary of the Treasury, per Estimate\nComptroller ditto\nAuditor ditto\nRegister, (including new books for the assumed debt) ditto\nTreasurer ditto\nRent of the Treasury and taxes, ditto\nDitto of an Office taken for the Register and taxes\nWood for the department (Treasurer\u2019s excepted)\nOccasional and extra clerk in the several offices of the Treasury, estimated at 4 Clerks through the year, at 500 dollars each\nDepartment of State.\nIncluding the expense attending the collection of the laws of the several States, for publishing the laws of the first Session of the second Congress of the United States, for the collection of newspapers from different States, and gazettes from abroad, and for an index to the laws passed at the first, second and third sessions\n\u2003\u2003 of the first Congress &c.\nDepartment of War.\nSecretary at War, per estimate\nContingencies for the officers acting as paymaster General \u2003\u2002and Commissioner of Army accounts, per his estimate\nGeneral Board of Commissioners, as per estimate\nDollars\nTreasury Department,Register\u2019s Office, 4th. November 1791.\nJoseph Nourse, Register\nNo. II\nESTIMATE OF THE SUMS NECESSARY FOR DISCHARGING CERTAIN LIQUIDATED CLAIMS UPON THE UNITED STATES, FOR MAKING GOOD DEFICIENCIES IN FORMER ESTIMATES, FOR AIDING THE FUND APPROPRIATED FOR THE PAYMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS OF THE COURTS, JURORS AND WITNESSES, AND FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TEN CUTTERS.\nHis most christian Majesty has a claim on the United States, upon an Account settled at the Treasury, 28th. of February 1791, being for sundry supplies to the ships Confederacy, Dean and Saratoga, from the king\u2019s magazines at Cape Francois, during their stay at said place, in the year 1781.\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003 Amount of said Account\nFrom which deduct a payment made on account from the \u2003\u2002appropriation of 50.000 dollars granted by Congress for the \u2003\u2002discharge of accounts finally settled at the Treasury\nLeaves a balance to be provided for\nOliver Pollock, late Commercial Agent for the United States at \u2003\u2002New Orleans, has a claim on the United States, for sundry supplies, \u2003\u2002for cloathing, arms, and other military stores under \u2003\u2002the acts of Congress of 6th. February 1781, October 22d. 1782, \u2003\u2002and 28th. September 1785, principal sum due 1st. July 1786,\u2003\u2002 as per account settled at the Treasury\nInterest thereon to 31st. December 1791\nTo make good deficiencies in the last year\u2019s estimate for the \u2003\u2002Civil List establishment\nPrincipal Clerk of the Senate from 1st. July 1791, to 31st December, \u2003\u2002184 days, at three dollars per day\nPrincipal Clerk to the House of Representatives, 184 days, \u2003\u2002at three dollars per day\nEngrossing Clerk to ditto, at two dollars per day\nEngrossing Clerk to the Senate from 24th. October to 31st. Decr. 1791, \u2003\u200269 days, at two dollars per day\nCompensation to the Secretary of the Senate, 69 days at \u2003\u2002two dollars per day\nDitto to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, 69 days, \u2003\u2002at two dollars per day\nDeficient appropriation for the third Judge, district south \u2003\u2002of the river Ohio\nDitto for the District of Vermont\nMarshall of said District\nTo the Attorney General, additional allowance to his salary, granted \u2003\u2002by an Act 3d. March 1791, for one year\nDitto to the Comptroller of the Treasury\nDitto to the Auditor\nDitto the the Register\nFor so much short estimated in the last year\u2019s appropriation for the \u2003\u2002Register\u2019s office, the number of Clerks being encreased by the \u2003\u2002funding system, beyond the number then contemplated\nCommissioners of Loans in the several States, for the payment of \u2003\u2002such sums as they shall necessarily expend, for the hire of clerks to \u2003\u2002assist in executing the duties of their several offices, and also for \u2003\u2002stationery, on the settlement of their several accounts at the Treasury, \u2003\u2002under the Act of Congress of 3d. of March 1791, estimated at\nAn additional sum may likewise be computed so as to extend \u2003\u2002the allowance for necessary clerk-hire to the end of the year 1791, should \u2003\u2002such be deemed expedient\nTo make good deficient appropriations in the former grants of Congress for the contingent expenses of the several offices of the\nTreasury Department.\nThe contingent expense of said department from 13th. September \u2003\u20021789, to 30th. September 1791, as per accounts settled at \u2003\u2002the Treasury, to\nFor the discharge of sundry accounts against the \u2003\u2002department and for contingencies from 1st. October \u2003\u2002to 31st. December 1791\nDeduct the actual payment made from appropriations \u2003\u2002heretofore granted }\nLeaves to be appropriated to make good deficiencies of the \u2003\u2002appropriations granted for the years 1789, 1790 and 1791\nAdditional expense which attends the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States\nThe following Marshals have had their accounts settled at the Treasury, Viz;\nFor Maine, amounts to\n New Hampshire\n Massachusetts\n Rhode Island\n Connecticut\n Pennsylvania\n Delaware\n Maryland\n Virginia\n North Carolina\n Georgia\nEstimate of the following States, the accounts whereof have not been settled, Viz:\n Vermont 1 700.\n New York3 500.\n New Jersey3 000.\n Kentucky1 700.\n South Carolina\u2007\u20073 000.\nDeduct this sum provided for by a former appropriation\nRemains to be appropriated as a fund to make good \u2003\u2002deficiencies }\nTo Clerks of Courts, Jurors, Witnesses &c. for so much deficient in the fund provided by the Act which prescribes their payment from the monies arising from fines, forfeitures and penalties.\nAmount of their accounts settled at the treasury\nEstimate for accounts not settled to 31. Decr. 1791\nDeduct this amount discharged from monies arising\n\u2003\u2002from \u201cfines, forfeitures and penalties\u201d\nLeaves to be appropriated\nFor the purchase of Hydrometers for the use of the officers of the \u2003\u2002customs and inspectors of the revenue\nFor arranging and fixing (in numerical order) into books to be prepared \u2003\u2002for that purpose, the negociable certificates of the United States, which \u2003\u2002have been, or may be hereafter, cancelled at the treasury. Three Clerks to \u2003\u2002be employed in preparing, affixing and numbering the books, at \u2003\u2002500 dollars each\n150 books, paper and binding\nContingent expenses\nFor expenses towards the safe keeping and prosecution\n\u2003\u2002 of persons committed for offences against the United States\nFor the support and maintenance, and repairs of lighthouses, \u2003\u2002beacons, piers, stakes and buoys\nA farther deficiency in the approriations heretofore made for building \u2003\u2002and equipping ten Cutters\nTotal Dollars\nTreasury Department,Register\u2019s Office, 4th. November 1791.\nJoseph Nourse, Register\nNo. III\nESTIMATE OF THE EXPENSES OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1792.\nPay of the Troops.\nInfantry\u2014Two Regiments\nDollars. Cents\n\u2007\u2007\u20071 Major General\nat\ndollrs. per month\n\u2007\u2007\u20072 Lieutenant Colonels Commandants\n\u2007\u2007\u20076 Majors\n\u2007\u2007\u20071 Quarter Master\n\u2007\u2007\u20072 Inspectors\n\u2007\u2007\u20071 Aid de Camp\n\u2007\u2007\u20071 Brigade Major\n\u2007\u2007\u20071 Chaplain\n\u2007\u200724 Captains\n\u2007\u200724 Lieutenants\n\u2007\u200724 Ensigns\n\u2007\u2007\u20072 Paymasters\n\u2007\u2007\u20076 Adjutants\n\u2007\u2007\u20076 Quarter Masters\n\u2007\u2007\u20072 Surgeons\n\u2007\u2007\u20078 Surgeons mates\n\u2007\u200796 Serjeants\n\u2007\u200796 Corporals\n\u2007\u2007\u20076 Senior Musicians\n\u2007\u200742 Musicians\n1584 Privates\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Dollrs\nArtillery\u2014One Battalion\n\u2007\u2007\u20071 Major Commandant\nat\ndollrs. per month\n\u2007\u2007\u20074 Captains\n\u2007\u2007\u20078 Lieutenants\n\u2007\u2007\u20071 Adjutant\n\u2007\u2007\u20071 Quarter Master\n\u2007\u2007\u20071 Paymaster\n\u2007\u2007\u20071 Surgeons mate\n\u2007\u200716 Serjeants\n\u2007\u200716 Corporals\n\u2007\u2007\u20071 Senior Musician\n\u2007\u2007\u20077 Musicians\n\u2007264 privates\npay of\nInfantry\nArtillery\n\u2003Dollars,\nThe troops on the old establishment, amounting to 430, for which the difference of pay to be added to the new establishment, which for the aforesaid 430 non commissioned officers and privates, amount to\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Dollars,\n                Cents per month\n                Senior musicians\nFor Hospital Stores.\nnon commissioned officers and privates at 10 cents pr. month\npay of the Troops\nDollars\nSubsistence.\nRations.\n\u20071 Major General\nat\nrations per day\n\u20071 Lieutenant Colonel, Commandant, with\u2003\u2002the emoluments of a Brigadier General\n\u20071 Lieutenant Colonel Commandant\n\u20077 Majors\n\u20071 Quarter master\n\u20072 Inspectors\nAid de Camp\n\u20071 Brigade Major\n28 Captains\n32 Lieutenants\n24 Ensigns\n\u20072 Surgeons\n\u20079 Surgeons mates\nOr money in lieu thereof, at the option of the said Officers a\u2003\u2002the contract price at the posts respectively, where the ration\u2003\u2002shall become due\n2128 Noncommissioned officers and privates, at one ration per day\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Rations\n886.585 rations, at 13 \u00bd cents per ration\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Dollars\nClothing\n2 128, non commissioned officers and privates,\n\u2007 272 Contingencies.\n2 400. Suits of Clothing at 20 dollars per suit\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Dollars,\nForage.\n\u20071 Major General\nat\ndollars per month\n\u20071 Lieutenant Colonel with the\u2003\u2002 emolument of Brig: General\n\u20071 Lieutenant Colonel Commandant\n\u20077 Majors\n\u20071 Quarter Master\n\u20071 Aid de Camp\n\u20071 Brigade Major\n\u20072 Inspectors\n\u20072 Surgeons\n\u20079 Surgeons mates\n\u20077 Adjutants\n\u20077 Quarter Masters\n\u20073 Paymasters\nHospital Department.\nFor medicines, instruments, furniture and Stores for the Hospitals\nQuarter Master\u2019s Department.\nIncluding the transportation of the recruits to the frontiers, the removal of the troops from one station to another, the transportation of clothing, ordnance and military stores for the troops on the frontiers; the necessary removal of ordnance and military stores; the hire of teams and pack horses; the purchase of tents, boats, axes, camp kettles, boards, firewood, company-books, stationery for the troops,\n\u2003\u2002and all the other expenses in the Quarter Masters department\nOrdnance Department.\nFor the salaries of the Storekeepers at the several Arsenals.\nViz:\nSpringfield (Massachusetts)\nFort Renssellaer, and it\u2019s dependencies, (New York)\nSubsistence at one dollar per week\nWest point (New York)\nPhiladelphia (Pennsylvania)\nCarlisle ditto\nFort Pitt ditto\nNew London, (Virginia)\nManchester ditto\nCharleston (South Carolina)\nThree assistants, one at Springfield, one at Westpoint, and one\u2003\u2002at Philadelphia at 15 dollars per month each\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Not included in former estimates\nThe Salary of Storekeeper at Fort Pitt from 15th. of February\u2003\u2002to 31st. Decemr. 1791, at 30 dollars per month\nThe Salary of the Storekeeper at Carlisle from 25th. October 1789,\u2003\u2002to 31st. December 1791, at 5 dollars per month\nRents\nPhiladelphia\nNew London\nManchester\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Not included in former estimates\nRent at Manchester from 10th. June 1787, to 31st. December 1791, is four \u2003\u2002years six months and twenty days, at the rate of dolls. 66. 66\u2154 per annum\nLaborers at the several Arsenals,\nCoopers, armorers and carpenters, employed occasionally \u2003\u2002at the several Arsenals\nTen armorers, at five dollars per month\nTwo conductors of military stores at the rate of twenty five dollars \u2003\u2002per month, including rations,\nDollars,\nInvalids.\nThe annual allowance of the Invalids of the United States, from 4th. March 1792, to 4th. March 1793.\n\u2003\u2003\u2003New Hampshire\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Massachusetts\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Rhode Island\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Connecticut\n\u2003\u2003\u2003New York\n\u2003\u2003\u2003New Jersey\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Pennsylvania\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Delaware\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Maryland\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Virginia\n\u2003\u2003\u2003North Carolina\n\u2003\u2003\u2003South Carolina \u2002conjectural\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Georgia\nDollars\nContingencies of the War Department.\nFor Maps, hiring expresses, allowances to officers for extra expenses, printing, \u2003\u2002loss of stores of all kinds, advertising and apprehending deserters\nMonies due for Former Services, Being Pay and Subsistence of Sundry Officers of the Late Army of the United States, and For Pay of the Late Maryland Line, for Which no Appropriations have been Made.\nPay and subsistence of Jeremiah Green, surgeon\u2019s mate, quota of Rhode Island,\u2003\u2002raised under the Act of Congress of the 20th. October 1786\nSubsistence due to John Elbert, surgeon\u2019s mate to the late 5th. Maryland,\u2003\u2002regiment, for 1782 and 1783\nPay due Lieut. James Simmons of Colo. Washington\u2019s Dragoons, for January,\u2003\u2002February and March 1782\nPay of sundry officers of the late Maryland Line, for balance of pay\u2003\u2002due them for 1782 and 1783, as per statement of 10th. July 1787\nPay for the non-commissioned officers and privates of said line, for balance\u2003\u2002of four months pay of 1783, per said Statement\nDollars\nIndian Department.\nThe expences in the Indian department for the various objects thereof, in the year 1791, \u2003\u2002as per accounts\nBalance on hand of former appropriations, 30th. March, 1791\nBalance to be provided for the year 1791\nFor the year 1792.\nThere will probably be required, for the various objects of the Indian department, \u2003\u2002for the ensuing year, the sum of\nDollars\nEstimate of the Expenses Which have been Incurred For the Defensive Protection of the Frontiers Against the Indians, During the Years 1790 and 1791, By Virtue of the Authority Vested in the President of the United States, by the Acts Relative to the Military Establishment, Passed the 29th. September 1789, and the 30th. April 1790, and for Which no Appropriations have been Made.\nAccounts Actually Produced.\nPennsylvania.\nAlleghany Militia 1791.\nDollars. Cts.\nFrom 22nd. March to 22d. May, 1 Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, \u2003\u20025 Serjeants, 4 Corporals, 76 privates\nWestmoreland Militia 1791.\nThe payrolls, not being correct, were withdrawn, conjectural\nWashington Scouts 1790.\nFour men, aggregate 325 days\nMonongalia Militia 1791.\nFrom 13th. April to 12th. July, 1 Ensign, 2 Serjeants, 19 privates\nN:B: 17 men, who left their posts, not included.\nVirginia\nRandolph Militia 1791.\nFrom 10th. May to 22d. August, 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Ensign, \u2003\u20023 Serjeants, 2 Corporals, 48 privates\nOhio Scouts 1790.\nEight men aggregate, 864 days\nHarrison Scouts 1790.\nEight men aggregate, 808 days\nKenhawa Rangers and Scouts\nMason Scouts 1790.\nTwelve men aggregate 587 days\nThese men were not all in service at the same time\nJefferson Scouts 1790.\nFourteen men aggregate 746 days\nThese men were not all in service at the same time\nLincoln Scouts 1790.\nFour men aggregate, 376 days\nMonongalia Scouts 1790.\nSix men aggregate, 566 days\nMercer Scouts 1790.\nFour men aggregate 394 days\nWoodford Scouts 1790.\nFour men aggregate, 351 days\nRangers 1790.\nFifteen men, 28 days each\nMilitia 1791.\nFrom 29th April to 3d. July, 1 Major, 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant 1 Ensign, \u2003\u20024 Serjeants, 3 Corporals, 56 privates\u2014pay\nMadison Scouts 1790.\nSix men aggregate, 233 days\nBourbon Scouts 1790.\nEight men aggregate, 384 days\u2014Pay\nThe Scouts are a species of patroles, who are the best hunters or woodsmen of the frontiers, and are advanced constantly to discover the traces of the Indians. From the great danger and fatigue of their services, they have been in the habit of receiving from the State of Virginia 5/6ths. of a dollar per day, while employed. They were adopted for a short space of time, by the general government, on an exigency during the spring of the year 1790, as a more efficacious, satisfactory and \u0153conomical expedient, than calling out the militia promiscuously.\nMilitia 1791.\nFrom 6th. May to 11th. July, 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Ensign, \u2003\u20023 Serjeants, 43 privates\u2014Pay\nRations, including the rations for the Militia of Woodford \u2003\u2002above mentioned\nTerritory of the United States Northwest of the Ohio.\nWashington Militia 1791.\nStationed at Waterford\nFrom 1st. July to 25th. July, 1 Ensign, 1 Serjeant, 1 Corporal, \u2003\u200215 privates\u2014Pay\nStationed at Marietta 1791.\nFrom 1st. July to 20th. July, 1 Captain, 2 Serjeants, 2 Corporals, \u2003\u200238 privates\u2014Pay\nStationed at Bellepr\u00e8 1791.\nFrom 1st. July to 22d. July, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Serjeant, 1 Corporal, \u2003\u200220 privates\u2014Pay\nStationed at Marietta 1791.\nFrom 7th. January to 31st. March, 1 Lieutenant, 2 Serjeants, 1 Corporal, \u2003\u200230 privates\u2014pay and rations\n1791\u2014From 1st. April to 1st. July, 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Serjeant, 1 Corporal, \u2003\u200236 privates.\u2014pay and rations\nStationed at Bellepr\u00e8 1791.\nFrom 9th. January to 1st. April, 1 Captain, 1 Serjeant, 1 Corporal, \u2003\u200222 privates\u2014pay and rations\n1791\u2014From 1st. April to 1st. July, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Serjeant, 1 Corporal, \u2003\u200218 privates\u2014pay and rations\nStationed at Waterford 1791.\nFrom 10th January to 31st. March, 1 Ensign, 1 Serjeant, 1 Corporal, \u2003\u200220 privates\u2014pay and rations\n1791\u2014From 1st. April to 30th. June, 1 Ensign, 1 Serjeant, 1 Corporal, \u2003\u200216 privates\u2014pay and rations\nStationed at Fort Harmer 1790.\nFrom 28th. September to 9th. of November, 2 Serjeants, 2 Corporals, \u2003\u200226 privates\u2014pay\nTerritory of the United States North-West of the Ohio.\nLieutenant Colonel Sproat, his pay from 1st. October, to 5th. November \u2003\u20021790, and from 2d. January to 20th. July 1791\nFort Knox Militia.\nThese companies were under the command of Majr. Hamtramck.\n1 Major and 1 Adjutant included.\n26 and 33 days service\u20142 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, 2 Serjeants, \u2003\u200242 privates\u2014pay\n26 and 33 days service\u20141 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Ensign, 2 Serjeants, \u2003\u200245 privates\u2014pay\nTerritory of the United States, South of the Ohio.\nDavidson and Summer. 1790.\nAt different periods\u20141 Captain, 1 Serjeant, 35 privates\u2014pay\nRations . . .\nA conjectural estimate of the expense of the Militia, called out by virtue of the orders of the President of the United States, on the 10th. of March 1791, at a time of great alarm upon the frontiers, and before any arrangements of levies could be raised and brought forward for their protection. The accounts of the actual services not being yet produced.\nThis estimate comprehends the several counties, from Fort Pitt to the falls of the Ohio, the counties of Russell, Wythe, and Washington in Virginia and the counties on the territories of the United States south and northwest of the Ohio, not included in the foregoing estimate,\nDollars,\nRecapitulation\nPay of the troops\nSubsistence\nClothing\nForage\nHospital Department\nQuarter Masters department\nOrdnance department\nContingencies of the War department\nStated annual expenses\nExtra expenses\u2014Annual allowance to invalids,\nMonies due for former services for which appropriations \u2003\u2002have not been made\nIndian department\nExpenses incurred for the defensive protection of the frontiers, \u2003\u2002for which appropriations have not been made\nDollars,\nWar-Office, October 27th. 1791.\nH: Knox. Secretary at War.\nTreasury Department,Register\u2019s Office, November 4th. 1791.\nI certify, that the within Statement is a true copy of the original estimate filed on record in this Office.\nJoseph Nourse, Register.\nNo. IV\nGeneral Estimate for the Services of the Ensuing Year.\nCivil List.\nFor compensation to the President, Vice President, Chief Justice, \u2003\u2002and Associate Judges\nDitto to the District Judges\nMembers of the Senate, House of Representatives and their Officers\nTreasury department\nDepartment of State\nDepartment of War\nBoard of Commissioners\nGovernment of the Western Territory\nGrant to Baron Steuben\nPensions granted by the late Government\nIncidental and contingent expenses of the Civil List Establishments\nExtraordinaries.\nFor discharging certain liquidated claims on the United States\nTo making good deficiencies in the civil list establishments\nClerks of Courts, Jurors, Witnesses &c.\nMaintenance of lighthouses, and repairs\nKeeping prisoners\nArranging the public securities\nPurchase of Hydrometers\nBuilding and equipping ten cutters\nWar Department.\nStated annual expenses\nAnnual allowance to invalids\nFor former deficient appropriations\nIndian Department\nDollars,\nTreasury DepartmentRegisters Office, 4th. November 1791.\nJoseph Nourse, Register.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0327", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 7 November 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewport [Rhode Island] November 7, 1791. \u201cI have received your Letter of the 26th. of October last, delivered the Gin taken into my Custody which was imported in the Bark Polly in Casks under legal capacity, and shall make similar communications where I discover any deviations from the requisitions of the Laws. I would be much obliged to you for an answer to my letter of the 14th. of last month respectg. the form of bond on oath taken and given by Exporters of Distilled Spirits, and respectg. the addn. to the proviss. contd. in the 40 & 41 Sects. of the Act intituled an Act to provide more effectually for the collection of duties &c.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0329", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Marchant, 8 November 1791\nFrom: Marchant, Henry\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nRhode Island DistrictNewport Nov. 8th 1791\nIn pursuance of an Act of the Congress of the United States \u201cto provide for mitigating or remitting forfeitures and penalties, accruing under the Revennue Laws in certain Cases therein mentioned\u201d I have received the Petition of James Maxwell and Dunken Thelley both of said District Traders in Company hereto annexed And thereupon caused William Ellery, Collector, and Robert Crooke Naval Officer of Newport District and Nathl. Phillips Surveyor for the Port of Warren within sd Newport District the Persons claiming a moiety of Three Hogsheads of West India Rum upon forfeiture thereof, if such forfeiture should take Place; and also William Charming Esqr. Atty of the United States for Rhode Island District to be noticed to appear before me and shew Cause if any they have, against the mitigation or Remission of the forfeiture thereof and who have signified to me that they have no Cause to offer against the Remission prayed for by the Petitioners Nor had they any Reason to disbelieve the Facts and Circumstance as stated and set forth in said Petition. Whereupon I proceeded to examine further into the circumstances of the Case in a summary Manner And it appears by the manifest of the Cargo of the Sloop Dolphin Sheffield Weaver Master, delivered to Enoch Sawyer Dy Collr. for the Port of Plank Bridge State of North Carolina, Sepr. 2d. 1791 that said three Hogsheads of Rum were included therein And that the sd. Captain was permitted with said Sloop Dolphin to proceed from that Port for the Port of New York, with the Cargo contained in said manifest the said three Hhd of Rum being part. And which same Manifest and permit He the sd. Capt. did upon his Arrival at the sd. Port of New york deliver to Chs. Tillinghast Depy. Collr. of that Port, or by Copy and certificate thereof from the sd. Chs. Tillinghast Depy Colr. It also appears by the Certificate of Nathl. Phillips Surveyor for the sd. Port of Warren, that the Origl. Certificates (which were also produced to me) given to James Maxwell (one of sd. Owners of the said Rum who went the Voyage with the sd. Capt.) by Isaac Gregory Inspector of the Port of Plank Bridge agrees with the Marks, Numbers &c on each of the said three Hhds. of Rum taken and seized at the sd. Port of Warren. That by Letter to me from the said Nathl. Phillips Surveyor, it appears the Capt. & the sd. Maxwell one of the sd. owners came in very sick, & unable to take any Care of the Vessel or Cargo. That the other Owner immediately of his own accord, mentioned to him the said three Hhds of Rum. That Maxwell Chace Mate of said Sloop on solemn Oath to him by me administered, declared that he well knew all the Matters and Things set forth in said Petition to be true, and that he was not any Ways interested in the Subject Matter thereof. Whereupon it appears to me that the Statement of Circumstances set forth in said Petition are true. All which I do hereby certify to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States of America.\nHy. MarchantJudge of the Dst. Court forRhod: District", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0330", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 8 November 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis Nov. 8. 1791.\nSir\nOf the six million loan lately made, three millions of florins have been remitted & have yielded 8,170,000\u20b6. I had intended that the rest should be kept in the hands of the bankers to answer your draughts for 2\u00bd millions of florins & such other demands as might arise. But some days ago the commissaries of the treasury requested I would direct our bankers to pay theirs f 560,000, in order to face a demand against them at the Hague for that sum in the course of this month. As our bankers wrote to me at the same time that they had informed those of France they were ready to do it on recieving my orders I supposed it proper to give them. The commissaries of the treasury proposed to fix the exchange at 44. which being somewhat more advantageous than the then rate I accepted without hesitation. There still remains of this loan to answer your demands f 2,440,000. Should your bills for the whole amount of 2\u00bd millions arrive before any new loan is made the bankers will undoubtedly find no difficulty in making the temporary advance of f 60,000. They suspect probably that you will draw on them for a part of this loan, but they cannot form an idea of the amount unless they have been informed from America.\nIn their last letter to me of the 24th. of Octobr. they informed me that they had received the greater part of the loan. I suppose it probable it is completed at present. They add that the present high rate of British stocks & favorable exchange had induced great numbers of the Dutch capitalists to sell out & that cash had become so abundant in consequence thereof that they had great hopes the U.S. would be able to make a loan at Amsterdam before the expiration of the year a 4\u00bd p. cent interest. It is much to be desired that this should be effected before the 1st. of January next as I learn from them a tax is to [be] levied on all loans made after that time.\nI mentioned to you in my last of the 10th. ulto that I had authorized the opening a loan at Antwerp if it could be done at 4\u00bd p. cent interest & 5. p. cent commission. Since then there has been an increase of cash & the Emperor has opened a loan at Amsterdam at 4. p. cent (which as I am told has not failed though it has not fully succeeded). These circumstances facilitating the American loans, Mr. Morris recieved for answer from his correspondent at Antwerp that he had taken measures for carrying the loan into effect, I suppose by consulting with the brokers, & should come immediately to Paris to conclude the affair with me. He did not know my intention of going to Antwerp & was to leave that place as soon after his letter that it would have been impossible to have stopped him. He is expected here daily. As soon as any thing is done you shall be immediately informed of it. I shall notwithstanding go to Amsterdam as mentioned formerly & for the reason there given.\nMy last letters from London confirm what had been formerly mentioned & add that it would be improper to attempt a loan there at present, but that one may be counted on in the course of the winter or spring. They add that nothing further can be said before I go there which will be indispensable if the idea is to be prosecuted, & the sooner the better in order to prepare the way. I shall be able whilst in Holland & after knowing the success of new loans there & in Antwerp, better to judge of what should be done with respect to London, bearing in mind that, ceteris paribus, loans in this latter place would be preferred by you. On the whole if the administration of the U.S. continues to have the same success at home their prospects abroad for the next year will become still more bright, as they will be exonerated of their arrears, & enable them to dictate the mode of liquidating their foreign debt. Allow me to congratulate you most cordially on so propitious an event & to assure you at the same time of the sentiments of sincere attachment & profound respect with which I have the honor to be \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obedient \u2003 & most humble servant\nW Short The HonbleAlexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0331", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, 9 November 1791\nFrom: Harison, Richard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 9th: Novr. 1791\nSir,\nIn Consequence of your Directions to the Collector of this Place a Suit was commenced against Anthony Libbey upon the registring Act, for not bringing a duplicate Manifest of his Cargo from the Port he belonged to in the District of Maine. His Cargo had been previously landed and disposed of by Permission from the proper Officers who did not suspect any Misconduct. Upon an Examination into the Circumstances of his Case at Judge Duane\u2019s Chambers in the Presence of the Collector it appeared that the whole Value of the Cargo was not equal to two hundred Dollars, and at the Place of Purchase did not amount to much more than half of that Sum. It appeared also from the Testimony of the Mate that the Error of the Captain (if any) had proceeded from Accident, and the Collector declared that he had long known and always found him a most punctual and honest Man. In this Situation of Things I did not suppose it prudent to proceed any farther against the Captain without your Directions, especially as the 29th. Section of the registring Act confines the Penalty to Cases where the Value of the Cargo is equal to two hundred Dollars.\nI beg Leave also to remind you of the Account which I exhibited some Time ago against the United States. You must recollect Sir that we have no Table of Fees for criminal Cases, the State Government allowing an Annual Salary to it\u2019s Attorney Genl. The National Govt. has not indulged the District Attornies in that Way. Therefore it was thought most proper to adopt similar Allowances to those given in the State Supreme Court for equal Services in civil Causes, tho\u2019 these Allowances in many Instances have been supposed inadequate, and it is usual to recieve additional Compensation from the Clients whose Business we transact. It would be very agreable to know what Government will determine with Respect to their Officers, whose Time and Attention must frequently be employed for the public Service in Cases for which at present there is no Provision.\nI have now completed the Business entrusted to me with Respect to West Point. A Fine with Proclamations has been duly levied, and the Deeds to lead the Uses are with the Secretary of the State to be recorded in his Office. This Precaution I thought proper, tho\u2019 I had no particular Orders for that Purpose. As you have been consulted at different Periods with Regard to this Business I beg to know (if you do not consider it as improper to interfere) what Disposition I am to make of the Title Deeds for this Property. It has been my own Idea that they should be lodged in the Secretary of State\u2019s Office, but as I recollect that Genl. Knox appeared to entertain a different Opinion, I wish to recieve explicit Directions upon the Subject. You can inform me whether it will be necessary to apply to the President, or to whom I should address myself.\nWith the highest Respect &ca. \u2003 I remain \u2003 Sir, \u2003 Your most obedt Servt.\nHon. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secry Treasury. U.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0332", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [9 November 1791]\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, November 9, 1791]\nSir,\nIt gave me great pleasure to receive the report of the Comptroller General of this State, upon the Business of the Lake Erie purchase; from which it appears, that the Comptroller General of the United States has concurred with him, in fixing the Consideration money of that purchase at 151, 640\u00b2\u2075\u2044\u2081\u2080\u2080 Dollars, and in the mode of payment. I have, therefore, referred the papers to the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, with instructions to confer with you, on the proper conveyances to be made; and, as soon as they are compleated, you will receive a warrant, in favor of the Treasurer of the United States, for the above sum. Let me request, that you will be so good as to expedite this last Act of negociation; and believe me to be, with great Respect,\nSir, \u2003 Your most Obedient Servant\nThomas Mifflin.\nPhiladelphia, 9th. November 1791.\nTo Alexander Hamilton, Esquire, Secretary of the Treasury,of the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0333", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 9 November 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia Nov: 9. 1791.\nSir\nI do myself the honor of answering your letter of the 2d. instant upon the subject of the North Carolina certificates.\nThe 13th. section of the funding act admits, that subscriptions may be made to the loan payable in the principal and interest of the certificates or notes which, prior to a certain day, were issued by the respective states as acknowledgments or evidences of debts, by them respectively owing, except certificates, issued by the commissioners of army accounts in the state of North Carolina, in the year 1786. These last certificates are, I presume, now out of the question.\nBut how can redeemed certificates be a subscription of debt? Is a debt once due, but now paid off, still a debt? I cannot comment upon this question, with any hope of making it clearer, than it is at its first appearance.\nFor its redeemed debt of the foregoing description, each state will, I suppose, be a \u27e8creditor\u27e9 of congress. But the great settlement of accounts bet\u27e8ween the\u27e9 United States and the individual States must em\u27e8brace that\u27e9 debt. The subscription excluded it; as may be \u27e8more fully seen\u27e9 by a reference to the 17th. section.\nI have \u27e8the honor\u27e9 to be \u2003 \u27e8with respect\u27e9 & esteem \u2003 \u27e8your obedt.\u27e9 serv.\nEdmd. Randolph To the Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0334", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ellery, William\n[Philadelphia, November 10, 1791. On November 21, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton: \u201cOn the 19th. instant I recd. your letter of the 10th.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0335", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Heth, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Heth, William\n[Philadelphia, November 10, 1791. On November 20, 1791, Heth wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour private favor of the 10th. Inst found me at home.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0336", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lee, Charles\nTreasury DepartmentNovember 10 1791\nSir\nMr Gray\u2019s letter of the 9th Ultimo, relative to the seizure made by you of the Ship Washington, and of five Casks of Brandy, has been received.\nTo obviate inconveniencies which the Owners might suffer by a delay, I have no objection to an immediate restoration of the Vessel and Brandy, provided the parties enter into Bond, with sufficient security, conditioned, that they will abide the event of my decision, when the subject shall come before me, in due course, from the Judge of the District of Virginia.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Most Obedt Servant,\nA Hamilton Charles Lee Esqr.Alexandria.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0337", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston 10th Novr. 1791\nSir\nInclosed is our tonnage Abstract commencing with July and ending with September. By a late instruction from the Treasury department we are called upon to make return to what port the several vessels entered here are destined, in what Kingdom State or Islands such ports are situated. All are in our return which are not in port have left it for places unknown to us. From the peculiar situation of this District, nearly in the center of the State and from it being the great mart thereof, are the Causes of this uncertainty. Vessels from other districts enter and unload here & proceed afterwards in ballast to their own districts. Departing in ballast precludes the necessity of Clearing out and leaves us much at a loss for the destination of so large a proportion of Vessels which enter here. We can only say that all such vessels Saving those mentioned in the return departed since the close of it, are gone coastwise or are in port.\nBy the inclosed abstract of duties you will have, I think, a pleasing view of the productiveness of the revenue in this district. I cannot omit mentioning circumstances as pleasing as interesting that the duties are paid with great cheerfulness & punctuality and that no suit has been brought on any bond for more than a year past.\nSecy Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0338", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, November 10, 1791. \u201cOn the arrival of the Sloop Clementina from Newport, the Third instant, the Master informed me that there were Six Chests of Tea onboard; but there proved to be only Five: my Letter was written before the Inspector, who had orders to Store it, made his Return; which will account for the mistake. The Apples, being of a perishable nature, were delivered to the Consignee, who, in case of condemnation, is to account for them.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0339", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury DepartmentNovember 10 1791\nSir\nI have, on consideration, deemed it expedient to authorize you to receive, in payment of duties, the notes of the Bank of Providence, payable in specie on demand. For the greater safety in so doing I have requested the President of that institution to furnish you with his signature, that of the Cashier and such Checks as may be sufficient to enable you to detect Counterfeits. It is my wish also that you will transmit, once in every week, to the Bank of Providence such monies as appear as the balance of your weekly returns, after defraying the expences of your Office, paying the other Officers &ca. For each of these payments you will obtain duplicate receipts, one of which you will transmit to me, retaining the other in your hands. Any monies that may be necessary to pay such of the undermentioned Bills as are not taken up, you will be careful to retain.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Obedt Servant.\nA Hamilton\nDraughts remaining unpaid\nNo\nin\nfavor of Tench Francis for Dolls\nDitto\nDitto\nWm Seton\nJere. Olney Esqr.Collr. Providence.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0340", "content": "Title: Receipt from William Pearce, [10 November 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pearce, William\n[Philadelphia, November 10, 1791]\nReceived Philadelphia November 10. 1791 of Alexander Hamilton One hundred and fifty Dollars on account of Machines.\nWm. Pearce", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0341", "content": "Title: George Washington to John Kean, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Kean, John\nPhiladelphia, November 10, 1791. Approves of Kean\u2019s decision to remain in the service of the Federal Government in spite of his appointment as cashier of the Bank of the United States. Thinks it will be advisable for him to remain a commissioner until the commission expires in July, 1792.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0342-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Beale Bordley, 11 November 1791\nFrom: Bordley, John Beale\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nWye (on the Eastern shore of Maryland)11 Novr. 1791.\nDear Sir,\nThe method in which I proceeded on the enquiry, was this: In conversation with farmers, I expressed a wish to be informed of several particulars in rural concerns, that seem to me to have been too little thought of by Husbandmen. On explaining my meaning they approved of the design & promised to recollect what they could of those matters, and that they would communicate the result to me. Having thus prepared them, I sometime after delivered to them printed papers containing the particulars of my enquiries, and requested they would fill up the blanks in those papers. The last step was to wait on them at their houses.\nThe information contained in the paper which I have now the honor to deliver to you, is all that could be obtained. The farmers received the papers with hearty intentions to fill up the blanks, without conceiving there was any difficulty in the execution; yet the only reason of there not being other answers to the questions, is solely from the difficulty\u2014to them the impossibility of fulfilling their design & promise; for they kept no minutes, & their attention to the bulk of the articles, as they acknowledged with concern, had been trifling. On this occasion I had the pleasure to hear several of the farmers declare, that being, by the enquiry, led to think on the numerous particulars in the paper, they had determined in future to make some account of them, as they conceive it will be considerably advantageous to them.\nThe little introduction to the piece was meant to soften it from an appearance it might have of an inventory of their Effects; and I think that if the value of things, especially of the Land, can be omitted, the quantities would be more readily, if not also in more numerous instances, obtained: and there would be less danger of a jealousy that the enquiry is meant for political purposes. In one instance only there appeared a suspicion that such a use was intended. It was the last conversation I had on the subject with some farming gentlemen. \u201cIt may be said by some people that Mr: B. is a politician, and that he wants to know the value of Country Estates that they may be taxed.\u201d\nThe value of Lands as reported by the proprietors, probably is less to be depended on, than if it was collected from conversations with the people from the several States. Ask any man what his Land would sell for, or is worth, he cannot find a moderate rate. The land in the present case is fully worth the sum it is rated at; but yet in my opinion, it could not be now sold, on time, for that price. No article is so slow of sale, as Land at this time.\nI have the honor to be &c.\nBeale Bordley. Alex. Hamilton Esquire", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0342-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [Account of a Farm in Talbot County], 11 November 1791\nFrom: Bordley, John Beale\nTo: \nThe following account is of a farm in Talbot County (State of Maryland) of middling goodness; with the medium produce of it\u2019s last four years Crops. It contains about 450 acres, of which 180 are woodland, 270 arable, & of this 110 are pasture. The value of the whole, as it might be expected to sell on time, according to present opinion is \u00a32,500.\nIt\u2019s Produce, in common, the medium of 4 years, follows.\nqt\u2019y.\nvalue \u2003\nWheat\nRye\nCorn\nOats\nBarley\nBuckwheat\n  Potatoes, with fruit, other roots & vegetables in value.\u2014\nTobacco\nWood for fuel, cord\nHay, tons\nPulse (Peas &c)\nHemp\n20 ld\nFlax\nWool\nButter\nCotton, Cheese, fruit\nvalue \u2003\nCattle\ncalves\nannually\nraised\nHorses\nColt,\ndo.\ndo.\nSheep\nLambs\ndo.\ndo.\nHogs,\nanny. killd. or sold\nPoultry pr year\u2014dunghill 400\u2014Turkies 100. Ducks 90.\nThe quantities & values are generally in round numbers, which has a suspicious appearance. But the worthy farmer after considering well each article, stated them partly from memory, partly from notes or scraps of paper, & thought it best to omit fractional quantities & sums as he had not perfect minutes. It is the accot. of an honest, candid man, who wou\u2019d not have given it, if he had not believed it to be generally just.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0344", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 11 November 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollector\u2019s OfficePort of Newport [Rhode Island] Novr. 11 1791\nSir,\nAt the Session of the Genl. Assembly, which ended the last week, I desired a leading member of the Lower House to move for a Cession of the Light House &c to the United States, if he should think the motion would succeed. He conversed with some members of the Upper House upon the subject who had formerly opposed it, they said there was time enough to cede hereafter, and thought it best to hold their right as long as they could. Under these circumstances he deemed it unseasonable to make the motion. In my letter of the 18th. of July last, I gave you an account of the condition in which the Light House was, what repairs were necessary, the estimated expence, and asked your directions whether repairs should be made or not. As this is the season for falling weather, and the Winter is advancing I wish to receive your directions in this regard as soom as may be convenient.\nI am considered as Superintendant of the Light-House, but I have no appointment, and no compensation is allowed for my trouble. The United States are debited in my books for monies advanced for the Use of the Light-House, but no Warrant has issued, by which I could give them Credit. I wish that these matters might be adjusted.\nPermit me, in addition to what I have heretofore written, in my letters of the 31st. of January and the 18th. of July last, respecting an allowance and an adequate compensation for my services as Collector, to observe, that the Collector of this District, on account of the number of ports of delivery in it, is involved in greater difficulty and trouble than they experience who have a smaller number of Officers to superintend. He is obliged to maintain a constant intercourse with the Supervisors by letters, to examin the accounts of a variety of Inspectors, and to rectify errors as they arise, and this you are sensible, Sir, requires much time, care, and attention. While I continue in office, I shall discharge my duty, as far as I know it, with fidelity; and I will not believe that my services will go unrewarded.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Yr. most obedt. servt.\nWm Ellery Collr A. Hamilton EsqrSecry Treasy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0345", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Jones, 11 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jones, Samuel\n[Philadelphia, November 11, 1791. \u201cI do not consider myself as at liberty to authorise anything; and so much are the circumstances effaced from my memory that I do not even feel myself competent to advise.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0348", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 11 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia, November 11, 1791. On November 17, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am honoured with your Letters of the 11th & 14th.\u201d Letter of November 11 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0349", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 11 November 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury Department,November 11, 1791.\nSir,\nAn order having been transmitted to me from the honorable House of Representatives, to make certain returns, relative to the exports, imports and tonnage of the United States, I find it necessary to press your immediate transmission of all such documents as are to come from your Office, to the 30th of September last.\nA case, which has been represented to me, renders it necessary to intimate to the Collectors of the Customs that I do not conceive the allowance for damage, provided in the collection law, can be made to importers, unless such damage shall be certified by the appraisers, appointed as the act directs, \u201cto have taken place during the voyage.\u201d\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedient Servant,\nA Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0350", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 11 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentNovember 11 1791\nSir\nI have, on consideration, concluded to authorise you to allow the Officers and crew of the revenue cutter twelve cents per ration, instead of nine cents, mentioned in my circular letter of the 21st September. But the allowance claimed for expences of board is inadmissible; their pay and rations must be considered as a full compensation.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your Obed Servant.\nAlexander Hamilton Otho H Williams Esqr.Baltimore.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0351", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Daves, 12 November 1791\nFrom: Daves, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew Bern [North Carolina] November 12, 1791. \u201cIn looking out to procure the sundry stores necessary for the Revenue Cutter now building for the North Carolina Station, I find it impossible to procure the whole of the articles in this place or neighbourhood, and not supposing myself justafiable in sending public money abroad to purchase them, I have to request you will be pleased to direct them to be purchased agreeable to the memorandum inclosed, and forward them to this place or Washington as soon as may be convenient.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0352", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 12 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nSir\nTreasury DepartmentNovember 12 1791\nI have received your letter of the 4th Ultimo, inclosing a duplicate receipt, No 345, of the Bank of Massachusetts for a payment of twenty five thousand Dollars, made by you into that Bank.\nWith regard to the boatmen, I fully approve of your idea, upon the strength of what you suggest, that the service will not suffer by dismissing three of them during the winter season.\nI am, Sir, with great consideration, \u2003 Your Most Obed Servt\nBenjamin Lincoln, Esqr.Collector, Boston.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0353", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 12 November 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis Nov: 12. 1791\nSir\nSince my last of the 8th. inst. sent by the French packet, the person expected from Antwerp of whom I then spoke to you has arrived. This letter written in haste & despatched by the post of to-day in the possibility of its arriving at L\u2019Orient in time for the packet, is merely to inform you of the result of my interview with Mr. Wolf of Antwerp the name of the person in question.\nI informed you some time ago that I had authorized his opening a loan at 4\u00bd p. cent interest & 5. p. cent commission. At that time no attempt had been made by the Emperor to reduce the rate of interest & circumstances in general were not so favorable to such an object as at present. Of course as Mr. Wolf had not opened the loan but had desired as a condition that I should stipulate not to open any more in Holland at an higher rate of interest, I thought myself founded to consider my former authorization given him as so far void that I might propose to him new terms of commission determining however to grant the 5. p. cent if the rate of interest could not be lowered without it. He insisted for some time on the necessity of being allowed at least 5. p. cent on account of the loan for the U.S. being a new thing, the greater commission he is consequently obliged to allow the undertakers &c. &c. I found so many arguments however to oppose to all these that he at length consented & seems well satisfied to take 4. p. cent for commission, all charges &c. as at Amsterdam, with which I am well persuaded you will be highly satisfied as being applied to a loan at a reduced rate of interest. I have always considered it proper to have the charges on the loans reduced with the utmost rigour, more for the credit of the borrowing power than on account of a small economy. The rate of interest being for the most part the same, the real criterion by which the well informed judge of the credit of the several borrowing powers is the commission they pay on their loans.\nThis loan will be opened so as to date from the 1st of next month & Mr Wolf assures me that it will be carried through with eclat. He had taken all the preliminary measures in such a manner before leaving Antwerp as to put this matter beyond all question in his own mind. The duration of this loan & mode of re-imbursement will be the same as those made at Amsterdam. Mr. Wolf desired that the U. S. should stipulate not to re-imburse any part before a certain number of years, but as he did not seem to think this essential I have determined to preserve that privilege, although there is little probability of its being made use of within the term of five or six years which he desired. The amount of the loan is to be three millions of florins. Mr. Wolf wished much that I should authorize him to extend it on the same conditions to six millions if, as he was well persuaded, he should find it practicable in the course of a few months. I have not consented to this however because I have thought it best to reserve to the U. S. the right of reducing the rate of interest or commission on the next loan if found practicable, & also because if the bankers at Amsterdam should also make the loan which I have authorized them to open for three millions if it can be done previous to the 1st. of January so as to avoid the tax they mentioned to me, I shall not consider myself at liberty under your letter of the 1st. of Aug. last, to have any additional sum borrowed at 4\u00bd. p. cent interest, exclusive of charges. As you have never said any thing to me expressly about the re-imbursement of the Spanish debt & that to the Farmers-general, I shall wait until I hear further from you unless it should become essential to attend to them sooner in which case I shall suppose myself implicitly authorized to apply thereto the money which may be on hand.\nI know not what effect the opening this loan at Antwerp will have at Amsterdam. It will certainly produce ill humour among those who are employed in our loans there & who have been accustomed to think that their city was entitled to a monopoly of them. As the present situation of the U. S. however with respect to their arrears to the French government & other exigencies puts them above the effects of such ill humour it is probable it will not be shewn.\nI have mentioned to you that the bankers informed me a tax was to be laid by the Dutch government on all loans made after the 1st. of Jany next & that they were of opinion they could have one undertaken at 4\u00bd. p. cent interest previous to that period. I have authorized them in that case to do it provided the commission be fixed at 4. p. cent I have as yet no answer, but you may count on being immediately informed of what shall be done in this as well as the loan at Antwerp.\nMy late letters to you have been of Aug. 8. 23. 30. 31. Sep 3. 23. Oct 10. Nov 8. I have the honor to be most respectfully \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your most obedient humble servant\nW. Short The HonbleAlexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury, Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0354", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Constable, 14 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Constable, William\nPhiladelphia, November 14, 1791. \u201c\u2026 the whole money for interest on the Stock of your friends in Antwerp has been paid as well that on the separate as on the joint stock; in confidence that you will find me a further bond of indemnification respective the separate stock. The truth is that the Gentlemen in Question have not acted like men of business; for, I believe by the law of their country as well as ours a power from A B & C to receive interest upon stock standing in their names is no more a power to receive interest on stock standing in the name of A & B than a power from William Constable to receive interest on Stock standing in his name would be a power to receive interest on Stock standing in the name of Alexander Hamilton. Certain political considerations neverless conspiring with a wish to accomodate you determined me to pass over the obstacle resulting from so radical a defect. But you must tell that Gentlemen that they must transact their business with more accuracy in future.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0355", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 14 November 1791\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, November 14, 1791. On December 5, 1791, Hamilton wrote to Jay: \u201cYour letter of the 14th of November duly came to hand.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0356", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 14 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia, November 14, 1791. On November 17, 1791, Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am honoured with your Letters of the 11th & 14th.\u201d Letter of November 14 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0357", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Taylor and Abishai Thomas, 14 November 1791\nFrom: Taylor, James,Thomas, Abishai\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nOffice of the Agents of No. Carolina [Philadelphia]November 14th 1791\nSir\nThis Afternoon we were honor\u2019d with yours of the 3rd instant, in which you request to be informed, \u201cWhether the State of North Carolina has ever issued its own Certificates in lieu of those of the United States,\u201d together with our \u201copinion of the real state of the thing.\u201d In answer to the first after giving the most ample investigation to the subject which the means in our power would admit, we inform you that there is no public act, record, or document in our possession or within the knowledge of either of us which can induce us to believe that that State hath ever issued any Certificates of that description, and we may add that if such a transaction had ever taken place in that State, we conceive that we could not be unacquainted with it. Our \u201copinion of the real state of the thing\u201d being founded on the result of our enquiries on the subject of the information solicited, we consider the foregoing as fully to include that opinion as any thing we could add on the occasion.\nWe have the honor to be with the utmost consideration \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your very obt Servts.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0358", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 15 November 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewport [Rhode Island] November 15, 1791. \u201c\u2026 At a District Court held at Providence the last week came on the trial United States vs Thomas Cotrell for aiding and assisting in unlading the Sloop Betsy James Bissel Master without a permit when the Jury found a Verdict for the Plaint. for four hundred Dollars, and Cost of Suit.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0359", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tobias Lear, 15 November 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nUnited States 15th. Novr. 1791.\nBy the Presidents command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of the Treasury a letter from Messrs. Triol, Roux & Co. enclosing a copy of a memorial presented by them to the National Assembly of France.\nThe President wishes when the Secretary may have leisure, that he would take the subject of said memorial into consideration & report thereon to the president.\nTobias LearS.P.U.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0360", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 16 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ellery, William\n[Philadelphia, November 16, 1791. On December 5, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have recd. your letters of the 16th & 17th of the last month.\u201d Letter of November 16 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0361", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William R. Davie, 17 November 1791\nFrom: Davie, William R.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nHalifax, No Carolina, Nov. 17th. 1791.\nSir,\nI mentioned to my friend Judge Iredell when I saw him last at Newbern my intentio\u27e8n\u27e9 of moving our next Assembly to address Congress on the subject of receiving our pap\u27e8er\u27e9 money in the revenue of the United States collected in this State; and requested him to have a conversation with you on the business, that I might avail myself of your opinion of its propriety and success.\nThis measure has been suggested to me, by the objections that are made here to the colle\u27e8ct\u27e9ion of the excise in specie; the real difficu\u27e8l\u27e9ty with which I foresee it will be attended, and its certain operation on the value or exchange of our paper currency: but independent of the policy and convenience of such a measure, I think the State may very wel\u27e8l\u27e9 require it of Congress as a matter of Justi\u27e8ce.\u27e9 The first emission of this money was \u27e8made\u27e9 for the express purpose of paying the Continental line; the second to purchase Tobacco to pay the interest of the Federal debt, and to answer these purposes more effectually both emissions were made a tender in discharge of private contracts, and have been so received. It is also to be observed, that both these emissions amounting to two hundred thousand pounds were made several years before the constitution was formed, and that this incumbrance made a part of our political situation at its adoption, and had grown out of the old confederation: so that leaving this State to struggle with the task of supporting the credit of this money, even against the measures of Congress, surely has the appearance of great injustice, especially after a general Assumption of the State debts.\nThe effects of such a measure would I am certain be highly beneficial to the people of this Country, and I think not injurious to the General Government; the paper money which is now generally at ten shillings to the dollar would rise instantly to par, a benefit the people would attribute to its proper cause; the commercial part of the State would be relieved from great and very distressing difficulties, and the demand for specie created by the duties would no longer operate injuriously on the value of our paper money; it would effectually remove the only rational ground of complaint made against the excise, in the interior and western parts of the State, that is the difficulty or as they say impossibility, of procuring specie sufficient to pay that Tax: And would also prevent a very delicate and perhaps dangerous question, that must otherwise soon arise on executions issuing from the Federal Court. These appear to me as objects of some moment, and I take it, form only a part of the good consequences of this measure. There are not more than \u00a3140,000, now in circulation, the balance having been taken up by the sinking fund and destroyed, and as the money would certainly rise to par I think the Federal Treasury would run little risk in receiving it; and I cannot prevail upon myself to entertain the idea, that the General Government is so unwieldy a machine as to be incapable of being accomodated to the interests and situations of the different States.\nOur Assembly meet at Newbern the first monday of December, and should you think proper to write to me on this subject you will please to direct to me at that place. I would undertake that the State shall give the most satisfactory assurances that the sinking fund Tax shall be continued; and that the Assembly will pass any other law that might be necessary to secure the Treasury of the United States.\nI know very well that Gentlemen in official situations are in the habit of respecting no communication, but such as wears the garb of confidence or office. I have no claim to either footing and was I not well persuaded, even from the slight acquaintance I have with you, that you possess a mind of a very different \u27e8cast,\u27e9 I should not have troubled you with this letter.\nI have the Honor to be \u2003 with great respect \u2003 your mo obd\nWilliam R. Davie", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0362", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Ellery, 17 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Ellery, William\n[Philadelphia, November 17, 1791. On December 5, 1791, Ellery wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have recd. your letters of the 16th & 17th of the last month.\u201d Letter of November 17 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0363", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 17 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury DepartmentNovember 17 1791\nSir\nYour letter of the 2nd instant has been duly received.\nYou were perfectly right in charging the Schooner Industry with the rate of foreign Tonnage. As the fact stands, it does not appear that the law authorises a restitution; and the parties, in pursuing a second voyage without a Register, after having been once indulged, and admonished, and after sufficient time and opportunity were given them, to procure the necessary papers, can have no claim to further forbearance, even if there was a discretion to grant it.\nThe 4th Section of the Tonnage \u27e8act allows a\u27e9 restitution of the foreign Tonnage, \u27e8which has\u27e9 been paid on Ships or Vessels of the United States under certain circumstances, prior to the passing of that act, which was in July, and can therefore not apply to any case subsequent to it.\nTo obviate the difficulty in respect to the terms \u201cdying wood and dying drugs\u201d I shall consider whether an enumeration cannot be formed of those articles. In the mean time I incline to a liberal interpretation of the terms in favor of manufactures.\nIn mine of the 12th instant I consented that you might discharge so many of the boatmen during the winter season as in your opinion should be deemed proper.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 with great consideration \u2003 Your Most Obed Servant.\nBenjamin Lincoln Esqr.Boston.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0364", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 17 November 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBank of New York 17 Novr 1791\nSir\nI am honoured with your Letters of the 11th & 14th. The sale of the Bills on Amsterdam shall be arranged at the rate of 6 \u214c Ct Interest for the term of Credit agreeable to your desire, and furnished in a few days.\nMr Hill was this day paid the Seven thousand Dollars, and Inclosed in his receipt for the same which is Charged to the United States. I have the Honor to be &c\nAlexr. Hamilton EsqrSy. of Ty. of the US.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0365", "content": "Title: Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 17 November 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Collectors of the Customs\nTreasury Deparmt.Nov. 17. 1791.\nSir\nOn considering several representations which have been made to me relative to the rations for the cutters, I have determined on the following mode of conducting the business.\nA price not exceeding twelve cents for each man per diem may be agreed for by you with the Captain or any other person, who will contract to supply the necessary articles. It is hoped that this will enable you to conduct the business in a manner which will be satisfactory to the seamen and consistent with a proper execution of the public service. Should you find it practicable to obtain this supply for less than twelve cents per man per day, your concern for the public interests will, I assure myself, prompt you to do it. The officers may receive the same articles with the seamen or the sum stipulated for them as they may prefer the one or the other.\nI have already observed that rations from the date of each commission is all that it is in the power of the officers of the Treasury to admit as compensation for board prior to the officers living on board the cutters. Accounts for the time prior to the date of the commissions may be rendered to the Auditor of the Treasury (in those instances wherein it has not been already done) with such testimonials of their having been engaged and actually in service as in each case they may be able to adduce. It will lie with the examining and accountant officers of this department to determine how far they can be legally admitted.\nThe number of men and boys being limited by law it is not in my power to add to them.\nIt will be proper that quarterly accounts terminating as in the customs should \u27e8be\u27e9 regularly transmitted in your own mode \u27e8un\u27e9til forms shall be sent to you.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt. servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0366", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 17 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentNov. 17. 1791.\nSir\nThere will not be found any provision for the payment of Mr. Edward Swift, whom Captain Gross has shipt to do the duty of Mr. James Forbes now absent, unless Mr. Forbes from a sense of justice and propriety allows it to be done out of his money. It would be well for you to intimate this to Captain Gross, and the more so as he in a former instance made an appointment of his officers, which can only be done by the President of the United States.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your most obedt. servt.\nAlex Hamilton Otho H. Williams Esq.Collector Baltimore.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0367", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 18 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lear, Tobias\n[Philadelphia] November 18, 1791. \u201cThe President has directed that a commission be made out for Mr Morris, now second mate\u2014as first Mate of the N Y Cutter.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0369", "content": "Title: Receipt from William Pearce, 18 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pearce, William\n[Philadelphia] November 18, 1791. \u201cReceived November 18. 1791 of Alexander Hamilton Fifty Dollars on account of Machines for a Cotton Manufactory.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0370", "content": "Title: Report on Imports for the Year Ending September 30, 1790, [18 November 1791]\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nTreasury DepartmentNov. 18. 1791.[Communicated on November 18, 1791]\n[To the President of the Senate]\nSir\nIn pursuance of the order of the Senate, I have the honor to transmit a return of the Imports of the United States so modified as to convey a considerable portion of the information which I conceive they require. I beg leave to observe that this document is a part of a set of papers relative to imports, exports and tonnage, which have been some time in preparation at the Treasury. Some others which are completed will be transmitted to the Senate as soon as they shall have been transcribed.\nI have the honor to be, Sir \u2003 with the greatest respect, \u2003 Your most obedient \u2003 & most humble servant\nAlexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury\nThe Vice President of the United Statesand President of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0371", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 November 1791\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAnnapolis 19th Novr. 1791.\nMy dear Sir.\nSince taking my seat in the Senate, which I have done more in conformity with your opinion than my own, I have used the opportunity it affords of conversing with Mr. Wm. Perry the gentleman I mentioned to you when in Philada. as a person well qualified for Auditor, and have discovered that had he been appointed he would not have refused. I have two reasons for telling you this now. That you may keep him in mind should such a vacancy occur as one that may be fully relied on. That you may also know that beside his being independent or wealthy, he exerted his whole influence to establish our government, continues to exert it for its daily preservation, and possesses a large share of public confidence, especially on the eastern shore where he resides & for which he is a Senator, circumstances which might render him \u27e8pe\u27e9culiarly proper for an officer in the excise \u27e8in\u27e9 case of a new arrangement of the system.\nAn opinion prevails in our house of \u27e8del\u27e9gates that our constitution wants mending and \u27e8now\u27e9 Mercer Pinkney & Craik are to lead in the business. They do not venture I mean the two first for the last is rather federal, to expose their true reason tho\u2019 they have not been able to conceal it. I cannot tell how the project may terminate but I like our constitution as it stands and trust the people having heretofore found it a good one will not easily be brought to any radical alterations.\nAdieu.\nJames McHenry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0372", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Heth, 20 November 1791\nFrom: Heth, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nShillelah [Virginia] 20th. Novr. 1791\nDear Sir\nYour private favor of the 10th. Inst found me at home. The death of a most tenderly beloved, & only daughter and the Peculiarly distressing situation of my dear companion in affliction, has chiefly confined me here for three weeks past. There has been but little to do at the Office.\nIn conceiving that, I had reasons for apologising in the manner I did, for the frequency of my observations; you were right. But you were very wide of the true cause. I never looked for replys to many of my letters. To questions only, I expected answers. But my dear Sir, I dont know, whether I can venture, even in this private way, to tell you why my latter communications have been made with so much reluctance, and that, since June last, I have discontinued making notes on the operations of the Revenue laws, and of such articles, as appeard to be proper objects for higher duties, and of transmitting my observations thereon, as formerly: Because, I have some reason to suspect that the contents of certain letters written by me in May last, as well as I recollect\u2014if not of one of my private letters also, hath been communicated by a certain Clerk in your Office, to a Collector in this State. However, as it is my present intention to see you in January or Feby next I will then, inform you fully of those circumstances, which will enable you to Judge of the propriety of my Suspicions. At present allow me only to say, that, two of my brother Collectors in June last, insinuated to me that my voluminous letters to you, were very troublesome & disagreeable. One of them observed that \u201cby my writing so much, I should be little attended to.\u201d The other declaring, with some degree of self approbation that, \u201che had written but one letter since he had been in Office\u201d\u2014meaning I suppose a letter of observations remarks &c &c. At another conversation, on my Saying that I had perhaps consumed as much paper in pointing out the defects & imperfections of the coasting act, as all my fees under it would purchase\u2014& that I had got quite tired of abusing it\u2014he replyd with a laugh that \u201che understood\u201d or \u201cthat the fear was, that I had long since tired you with my correspondence.\u201d These observations were made to me in a manner which clearly indicated an opinion that I had considered myself as a man of more information & consequence, in the line of my duty, than any body else, and that, I should be full as well esteemed by you, if was less communicative. However sensibly this Idea, affected my feelings\u2014Yet, having ever entertained the most humble opinion of my abilities & consequence, I was readily enough, disposed to think that, their opinions were very Just: especially when I recollected that, I had not received any answers from you on subjects & to questions which appear to me of importance sufficient to require an immediate reply. Such for Instance, as my earnestly beging last spring to be favord with your construction of the short law respecting Lead \u201cprinted & stained or colourd goods\u2014or manufactures of cotton or of linen or both.\u201d (This may not be a correct quotation as it is from Memory. The law is Still differently construed by the Collectors.) I therefore determind never to trouble you as I had done\u2014but barely do my duty\u2014answer such questions as you might ask, &, like my neighbours, trudge thru the business of my office, with as little trouble to myself as possible. But I found, after a long struggle that my pride\u2014ambition\u2014Zeal for the public service,\u2014or, call it what you will\u2014would not suffer me to remain altogether in so negative a character. Hence it was, that I made apologies for some of the many observations which had occur\u2019d to me & which my duty told me was indispensible. You may easily guess the relief which yo\u27e8ur\u27e9 present polite, & condescending favor has given to my feelings.\nMr. Campbell, our present Attorney for this District, has confirmd the opinion of Mr. Nelson respecting certain fees under the coasting act. To this gentlemans great talents & abilities you are doubtless no stranger. His reasonings thereon I will transmit to you, with my first Official letter.\nI am Dear sir, \u2003 With the highest respect \u2003 & most sincere affection Yr very hbe st\nW Heth The HnbleColo Alex Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0373", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Lamb, [20 November 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lamb, John\n[Philadelphia, November 20, 1791]\nDear Sir\nYour private letter of the 11th. instant duly came to hand. The inquiry concerning Mr. Rhinelander\u2019s case has been officially answered.\nThe apples you mention are not yet received, but all the other articles you have been so obliging as to forward have been received; and Mrs. Hamilton joins me in acknowlegements for them. She also desires her compliments to Mrs. Lamb. These marks of friendly attention are particularly acceptable. I only fear they may occasion you some trouble.\nYrs. with great rest\nA Hamilton\nPhil Nov 20. 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0375", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Fitzgerald, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Fitzgerald, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlexandria [Virginia] Novr. 21st. 1791\nMy dear Sir\nIt is with great reluctance I write you particularly as Congress is sitting & I am satisfied you have full employment for every moment of your time, yet I cannot forbear soliciting your kind assistance in favor of establishing a Branch of the National Bank in this town, to effect which a memorial is forwarded to the Directors stating some of the Advantages which would result to the public from it.\nI flatter myself that from the Collector\u2019s returns made to you, the Importance of our trade will justify us in this request; add to this that within these last twelve Months we have had a very great accession of Inhabitants; the Improvements made & making for the accomodation & safety of shipping are very considerable, & no town in the United states has a more extensive & fertile back Country for its support. These reasons join\u2019d with what is set forth in the memorial will I hope induce you to think with me that a Branch of the Bank establish\u2019d here will afford benefit to the public as well as to that part of the Community more immediately connected with the place, & be assur\u2019d that were not these my real Sentiments I would not (interested as I am in the event) request you to support the measure. If time permits I shall be happy in a line from you on this subject.\nBelieve me to be with unfeign\u2019d regard & Esteem \u2003 Dear Sir \u2003 Yr. Mo Obed Servt.\nJohn Fitzgerald", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0376", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Huntington, Jedediah\nTreasury DepartmentNov. 21. 1791.\nSir\nFrom some inadvertence your letter, relative to vessels which put into the district of Newport, was placed among the answered letters, and has therefore lain without due attention.\nIt is the duty of the Collectors of the several districts to pay attention to all vessels arriving within the same by whatever cause they may be led thither. If forty eight hours are likely to elapse after the arrival it becomes a matter of obligation on the master to enter, and of duty in the Collector to see that he does so. In making this entry certain duties fall upon the officers of the customs, for which a compensation is equitably and legally due. By the form of the law the tonnage must be secured to be paid in such district, though the master of the vessel shall have declared his intention to proceed to another port, and the impost must be secured to be paid, either at the port in which the vessel is, or in that to which she shall be destined. This service and certifying the manifest is attended with some care and trouble to the officer, and they are deemed by the legislature necessary to the protection of the revenue. Under these views of the subject I do not perceive that the vessels belonging to any other district, which shall stop at Newport, can, after the expiration of the time prescribed by law, be exempted from entry.\nI am, Sir \u2003 with great consideration, \u2003 Your most obedt \u27e8servt.\u27e9\nAlexander Hami\u27e8lton\u27e9 Jedediah Huntington, Esquire,Collector,New London.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0378", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom-House,Providence 21st. Novr. 1791.\nSir.\nAgreeable to the directions in your Letter of the 10th Instant, I shall on Thursday next, pay into the Bank of Providence, the Balance of my weekly Return of Cash, and continue to do the same, on that Day in every Week, deducting only my Commissions, the Drafts you mention being all paid, and Office Expences are always included in the Return. I wish to be informed Sir, whether the Money thus deposited will be considered at the Treasury as accounted for by me; If so, it will be proper to charge it to the United States, and the retained duplicate Receipt will serve as a Voucher.\nI enclose a Draft No. 2282, for 500 Dolls. which I have paid and charged.\nI have the honor to be &c.\nJereh. Olney Collr. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.Secy. of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0379", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Seton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 21 Novr 1791\nDear sir,\nIt is with reluctance I intrude upon your time, but I feel so interested in what has lately passed at Phia. that I cannot refrain indulging myself with some conversation with you on the subject. No doubt you was informd that our Directors immediately after the Directors at Pa. of the Bank of the U. S. were known, wrote a Letter stating their reasons for reserving the 300 Shares of Stock & making a tender of them to that Institution. It appears to me that some how or other, this Letter was prevented from having its proper effect\u2014for we find Committees were appointed who reported in favour of Branches, but took no notice of the offer or of the State Banks. Last Thursday only our President recd an answer to the Letter, saying that the Directors there had resolved that it was inexpedient for the Bank of the US. to commit any part of its Capital in the State Banks, & politely declined our offer. This with the report of the Committee seems to establish the point, that there will be a branch here independent of this Institution\u2014from which every one inferrs its consequent annihilation & our Stock after having rose to upwards of 50 is fallen to less than 18 \u214c Cent. I cannot bring myself to think it would be either for the general Interest of the public or for the particular interest of the B of the US. that this Institution should clash with their operations, when it is evident that by a juncture we could so essentially aid the Public, to the benefit of both Institutions\u2014\u27e8however\u27e9 it is to be feared that a \u27e8imputation\u27e9 or a wish on their part to destroy us, would revive State Politicks to the prejudice of the General Government & give a handle to party, surely some mode may yet be found out to avert the evil. From the great support the Institution has recd from you I trust you will think the subject worthy your attention & if the mode already pointed out is insufficient, that in your wisdom you will be able to point out some other that will bring about so desirable an object as a union with the \u27e8two\u27e9. The Situation of the Bank is at present highly flourishing, but much will depend upon your fatherly care to keep it so. Too sudden an extinction of the public money would oblige us to check our discounts as too large a proportion for the dealers to be able with ease to pay up, especially if the reception of the Impost was taken out of our hands at the same time tho both [of] them we must expect, yet I hope the mode of doing it will be pointd out by you. I hope you will excuse my intruding upon your time.\nThere are 3 Dividends & the Surplus due to you in Bank, in all amtg to 291 Dolls. Will [you] be so good as to authorize me to sign the Books for you that they may be carried to the credit of your private Account.\nI have the honor to be with the highest respect \u2003 Dear sir \u2003 Your Obliged Obed Hue Ser", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0381", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Amsterdam, November 21, 1791. On February 14, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard: \u201cI am just honored with your several favours of Nov 21st & 24th & December 2d.\u201d Letter of November 21 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0382", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Gerry, 22 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Gerry, Samuel\n[Philadelphia, November 22, 1791. Asks Gerry to secure the papers which belonged to the office of the Marblehead collector of customs and which were in the possession of the estate of the late collector, Richard Harris. Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0384", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 22 November 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nParis Nov. 22. 1791.\nSir\nIn my two last letters of the 8th: & 12th: inst. I informed you of the then position of affairs at Antwerp & Amsterdam. Nothing new can have taken place with respect to Antwerp as I then mentioned to you that a loan was to be opened there for three millions of florins at 4\u00bd. p. cent interest & 4. p. cent commission. I shall leave this place in two days so as to sign the contract there at the end of the month.\nI mentioned to you also that I had authorized the opening a loan for the same sum & on the same terms at Amsterdam. I have just recieved a letter from the commissioners there in which they inform me that they have postponed it in hopes of being able to raise a loan the beginning of the next month at 4. p. cent interest, & ask my authorisation to do it with an augmentation of charges. This has surprised me very agreeably & I shall of course in answering their letter approve what they have done & give them the authorization they desire. I shall be extremely happy to find their hopes realized & shall take care to inform you of the progress of this business immediately on my arrival there. They state the charges as being somewhat above 5. p. cent.\nIt is too late now to stop the loan ordered at Antwerp as the prospectus will have been published two days ago, or I should do it; having some apprehensions it may prevent the bankers opening the one they speak of at 4. p. cent. In that case however I shall really suspect they have held out these hopes merely to have a pretext for saying that the translation of our loans to Antwerp prevented the reduction of the rate of interest to 4. p. cent at Amsterdam. It is unfortunately too true that such strategems are considered as legitimate among the most delicate of those who deal in money in the markets of these countries. A very short time will shew however what opinion is to be formed of the prospect which they thus hold out, & which they say is produced by extraordinary & unexpected circumstances, particularly the immense & unforeseen sales of British stock. Such a reduction in the rate of interest is an event pregnant with such a variety of good consequences that it should be aimed at by every possible means. There was every reason to believe it would be effected in the course of the next year, but I own I did not flatter myself with it sooner.\nSince my last I have recieved your two letters of Sep. 2. & Oct. 3. As it is the intention of the U.S. to make up the depreciation I am glad to have been informed of it thus early. I communicated it to the commissaries of the treasury who intended as they told me making objections to such payments in future. This astonished me the more as it would be objecting to recieve from a debtor what they pay to a considerably greater amount annually to their creditors. It is well to have anticipated their reclamations since the intention of the U.S. is such. I am persuaded the Ministry would have been too prudent to have rendered public such reclamations & should suppose it highly probable Ternant had acted of himself. The commissaries of the treasury were highly pleased with my communication. I desired they would fix some basis which should be equally just for both parties; it was agreed between us that it would be to ascertain what would have been the rate of exchange between Paris & Amsterdam if gold & silver had continued to circulate in France. They said they would consider of this subject, but nothing has been as yet proposed. I did not mention the mode of selling them my bills for specie, because their laws, & the accidental circumstances of the revolution having rendered gold & silver as articles of merchandize considerably dearer in France than they would have been in the ordinary course of things it is not just that the U. S. should support this real & intrinsic increase. In my letter to which you allude the depreciation was stated as about half the value of exchange. Since then depreciation, I mean the comparison difference between assignats & specie, has gone on much more rapidly than the difference of exchange. There are various & obvious reasons for this.\nI have communicated this intention of the U. S. to M. de Lessart who has the interim of the department of foreign affairs. I have not as yet however an answer from him owing probably to the unsettled state of the department.\nI had from a former letter concieved that you would have preferred London to Amsterdam in order to establish a credit there. I shall attend however in the manner you desire to what you say on this subject in your letter of Sep. 2.\nIt gave me much pleasure to find by your last letter that you had noticed to the bankers at Amsterdam the momentary fall in our stock there. The reduction of the rate of interest will of course, as it has hitherto been, be in future the object of our efforts agreeably to your desire, & I am exceedingly happy to have been able to offer you such favorable hopes respecting it, being ever desirous to convince you of my zeal, & give you assurances of the sentiments with which I have the honor to be Sir, you most obedient servant.\nW: Short The Honble.Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury, Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0385", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 22 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury Departmt. 22d. Novr. 1791.\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United States, a Contract made by the Collector of Portsmouth for keeping & supplying the Light house at the mouth of that harbour for six months. It is supposed that this agreement has been confined to the term of six months in order to a future commencement in the beginning of the year. The conditions of it are the same as those of the preceding Contract, provided the supply be made in Hake Oil, & the extra expence of Spermaceti Oil, if it should be found necessary, does not appear liable to exception.\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0386", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 22 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Whipple, Joseph\n[Philadelphia, November 22, 1791. On December 10, 1791, Whipple wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have recd. your letter of the 22 Ulto.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0387", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Wylly, 22 November 1791\nFrom: Wylly, Richard\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLoan Office, Georgia, November 22, 1791. \u201cI have the honor of enclosing you my account against the United States for Stationary, Printers bill and hire of a Clerk.\u2026 As I did most of the business myself until the 25 of June I only employed a Person occasionally to assist me; after which time I found I could not dispatch the business without a Clerk constantly to attend in the Office, to whom I allowed at the rate of 400 dollars \u214c annum, which I hope You will not think too much, as there are Merchants Clerks here who received larger Salaries. I did not keep an exact account of the Stationary, but I suppose it amounted to what I have charged.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0388", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 23 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury Department Novr. 23rd 1791\nSir,\nYour letter of the 11th October has been duly received.\nAlthough, if it had occurred to you to forbear the institution of a suit, until application could have been made in due course for a remission of the forfeiture incurred, I should under the circumstances, of the case have approved of your conduct, yet it is certain, that you were strictly in order in every step you took and have furnished no cause for disapprobation or censure. You would not have been justifiable, in withdrawing the Action, which had been commenced, upon the receipt of my letter of the 24th of September, as has been supposed.\nI feel a persuasion too, from the manner in which you stated the case to me, [as well as my general impression of your sentiments and views,] that you not having proceeded in the mode above intimated, rather than in that, in which you did proceed, was occasioned by an impression on your mind, that the latter was most consonant with your duty.\nWith great consideration \u2003 I remain Sir \u2003 Your obedt Servant\nAlexander Hamilton Jereh. Olney EsqrCollector of Providence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0389", "content": "Title: Report on Imports for the Year Ending September 30, 1790, 23 November 1791\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nTreasury DepartmentNov. 23. 1791.[Communicated on November 24, 1791]\n[To the President of the Senate]\nSir\nI have the honor to transmit to the Senate, in further obedience to their order, an estimate exhibiting the value, at the several places of shipment, of all foreign goods, wares and merchandize imported into the United States, during the year ending on the 30th. day of September 1790. The principal objects of this document are to exhibit the portion of our consumption which is supplied by each foreign nation, and the aggregate value of the whole of our importations.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir, \u2003 Your most obedt. & most humble servt.\nAlexander Hamilton The Vice President of the United Statesand President of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0390", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Constable, [24 November 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Constable, William\n[Philadephia, November 24, 1791]\nDr Sir\nI have examined the draft herewith returned & perceive no objection to it. It can have no effect in severing the joint responsibility of the persons for what remains.\nI infer from the draft & take for granted the fact is that this release to part of the Obligers is pursuant to an arrangement between the whole. This is necessary to the propriety of the measure towards them. They agreeing, the present form of the thing is indifferent to you.\nYrs. truly\nA H\nWm. Constable Esq", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0391", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTreasury DepartmentNov. 24, 1791.\nSir\nThe President has received a petition from the keeper of the light house at Portland (Joseph Greenleaf) setting forth that his compensation is fixed below the rate at which he can afford to perform the service. It is understood that it was not a matter of contract, but that it was fixed at that rate after his appointment to the duty. Your opinion on the sufficiency of the allowance and on the degree to which it may be expedient, if at all, to increase it, are desired.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your most obedt. servant\nBenj. Lincoln Esq.CollectorBoston.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0393", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 24 November 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, November 24, 1791. \u201cThough I have no doubt but that the Schooner Alice was within Four leagues of Land when the Officer from on board the Argus Cutter demanded a Manifest of Captain Andrus; yet I have thought it prudent, before I commence a Prosecution, to put the question to Capt. Maltbie, in a letter which I have written to go by this Post. The Vessel is the property of Messrs. Brown & Francis of this Town.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0394", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 24 November 1791\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Amsterdam, November 24, 1791. On February 14, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard: \u201cI am just honored with your several favours of Nov. 21st & 24th & December 2d.\u201d Letter of November 24 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0395", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Alexander J. Dallas, 25 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Dallas, Alexander J.\nTreasury Department, November 25, 1791. \u201cI request you to make my acknowlegements to the Governor for the Copy of the Laws transmitted to me by his direction.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0397", "content": "Title: Report on Tonnage for the Year Ending September 30, 1790, 25 November 1791 [28 November 1791]\nFrom: Treasury Department,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nTreasury Department, November 25, 1791.[Communicated on November 28, 1791]\n[To the President of the Senate]\nSir:\nIn further obedience to the order of the Senate, I have the honor to transmit a return of the Tonnage of all the vessels employed in the import, coasting, and fishing trades of the United States, for one year, ending on the 30th September, 1790. This document will be found to exhibit the degree in which American and foreign vessels participate in every branch of the commerce of the United States, except the export trade, for which a similar return is now in preparation.\nI have the honor to be, with the highest respect, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,\nAlexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.\nThe Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0398", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Seton, 25 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Seton, William\n[Philadelphia] November 25. 1791\nMy Dear Sir\nI seize the first moment of leisure to answer your letter of the 21st.\nStrange as it may appear to you, it is not more strange than true, that the whole affair of branches was begun, continued and ended; not only without my participation but against my judgment. When I say against my judgment, you will not understand that my opinion was given and overruled, for I never was consulted, but that the steps taken were contrary to my private opinion of the course which ought to have been pursued.\nI am sensible of the inconveniences to be apprehended and I regret them; but I do not know that it will be in my power to avert them.\nUltimately it will be incumbent upon me to place the public funds in the keeping of the branch; but it may be depended upon that I shall precipitate nothing, but shall so conduct the transfer as not to embarrass or distress your institution. I have not time to say more at present except that if there are finally to be two institutions, my regard for you makes me wish you may feel yourself at liberty to take your fortune with the Branch which must preponderate.\nWith great regard \u2003 I remain \u2003 Yrs\nA Hamilton Wm. Seton Esquire", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0399", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 25 November 1791\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir,\nApplications are frequently made respecting accounts which remain dependg in this Office, on which I have already delivered my opinion and made reports while I served in the Office of Auditer of the Treasury.\nIn some cases special appeals were made to my predecessor in Office, & in other cases when no appeals were made; the principles on which the accounts were stated, appear to be interesting to the public & to the claims of individuals.\nAs it was clearly intended by the Legislature in their Act for establishing the Treasury Department that all accounts, should be examined by the Comptroller of the Treasury, for reasons affecting the public, & for the purpose of securing to claimants an appeal from settlements made by the Auditer; I have supposed that considerations of duty to the public & to individuals, as well as motives of delicacy which respect myself, required that accounts of this description should be made subject to some special regulation.\nI therefore have taken the liberty to make this representation & to request that you would cause such arragements to be made as shall in your judgement be suitable & expedient.\nI have the honour to \u2003 be with the greatest \u2003 respect Your obed servt\nO.W. To the Honle A H.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0400", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Hawkins, 26 November 1791\nFrom: Hawkins, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSenate Chamber [Philadelphia] 26 novr. 1791\nDear Sir,\nThe legislature of North Carolina will soon be in Session, and I think it of considerable importance, that they should be informed of the Reasons Why you have refused to that State, the right, claimed by their executive, to subscribe their certificates or notes, issued prior to the first of January 1790, and received into the treasury. I therefore request the favour of you to give me such information on this subject as you may judge proper.\nI request the favour also of your opinion on the 17 sec. of the act making provision for the debt of the United States. That you may clearly comprehend my object in this request, I will state the following Quere; Is the State of North Carolina entitled to receive from the United States, an interest \u214c centum per annum, upon so much of the sum, as shall not have been subscribed, equal to that which would have accrued on the deficiency, had the same been subscribed, in trust for the non subscribing creditors; to continue until there shall be a settlement of accounts between the United States & the individual States &ca.?\nI have the honor to be, very \u2003 Sincerely Dear Sir \u2003 your most obt. servt.\nBenjamin Hawkins Honbe. Alexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0401", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jedediah Huntington, 26 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Huntington, Jedediah\n[Philadelphia, November 26, 1791. Orders Huntington to \u201cpay annually to the Surveyor of Stonington the Sum allowed by the Collection law.\u2026\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0404-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Ross, [29 November 1791]\nFrom: Ross, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, November 29, 1791]\nDear Sir\nThe inclosed is Sent for your peruseal, and the letter Sketched for Mr Flint for your consideration, and to be altered by you if necessary. If however approved to be Sent in its present form, be pleased to Sign it, and I shall, convey it to be signed by the Other Commissioners, at N York & delivered. Excuse my troubling you.\nWith much Respect I am \u2003 Yours &ca\nJ: RossNov. 29th. 1791.\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0404-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Royal Flint to John Ross, 15 November 1791\nFrom: Flint, Royal\nTo: Ross, John\nNew York Nov. 15. 1791.\nSir\nI have before me your favor of the 11th instant and am sorry I can make no reply that will give you satisfaction. The partners of the late firm of Daniel Parker & Co have not yet exhibited their accounts in such a manner as to render a close of them practicable. Nor have I now, any more than I always have had, the least expectation that this object will ever be accomplished. If the Commissioners of the trust think proper I will put the bonds into the hands of an Attorney to be put in suit. The Books of the company are all as forward for settlement, as they can be, with the documents I have already received. Mr Grant who knows more of this business than any other person will be here in ten days; after I have seen him I will write you more fully. In the mean time I have the honer to be \u2003 sir \u2003 with great respect \u2003 your obed srvt\nRoyal Flint Jno Ross Esq", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0404-0003", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Trustees for Daniel Parker and Company to Royal Flint, 30 November 1791\nFrom: Daniel Parker and Company,Flint, Royal\nTo: \nPhiladelphia 30th November 1791\nSir\nOur last to you was dated 23d. of April and having now before us your letter to Mr. Ross of the 15th. Instant informing him that your application to the respective Partners of the late Firm of Daniel Parker & Co. have had no Effect in forwarding the Settlement of their Accots. with each other and that moreover, you have no expectation now of this objects being accomplished. That being the case Sir! we conceive it incumbent on us, as Commissioners appointed in the Act which invest the power and trust in you, to discharge our duty as much as possible, accordingly, we give it as our opinion that the Bonds of the Partners be immediately put in Suit for the Penalty.\nThe Creditors are suffering, and have much cause to complain of Neglect and delays on the part of Daniel Parker & Co. In Justice therefore to them, We do by this further authorize you to pursue every possible Legal measure, under the Powers you are possessed of, to facilitate the Recovery of the Penaltys for their Security. We are\nSir \u2003 Your most humble Servants\nRoyal Flint Esqr.Joint Agent & Trustee forDaniel Parker & Co. & for their Creditors.New York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0405-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 29 November 1791\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nT. DC Off Nov 29th. 1791\nSir\nI have the honour to submit to your consideration and decision a form for regulating the manner of rendering the accounts of expences of the revenue Cutters and take the liberty to request your instructions respecting the rate of Commissions to be allowed.\nI have &\nThe Honble A H", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0405-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [Form Stating the Accounts of the Revenue Cutters], 29 November 1791\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nT.DC. Office\nSir\nEnclosed you will receive a form for stating the accounts of the Revenue Cutters and your direction.\nIt will be expedient that an account should be opened in your books for the expences incurred under this agency, which will be closed quarterly and for the amount of which you will debit the United States in your quarterly account Current as Collector of the Revenue for the district of .\nThe rations of the Officers & Mariners you will please to allow according to such prices as shall from time to time be authorized by the Secretary of the Treasy.\nA Commission of  \u214c Cent is allowed for your extra trouble in this business which you will please to charge in the abstract of expences to be rendered according to the inclosed form, independent of and in addition to, the Commission to which you are otherwise by Law intittled.\nI am &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0406", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 30 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Short, William\nDuplicate\nTreasury DepartmentNovember 30 1791\nSir\nYour letters of the 23rd. and 31st. of August and 3d of September remain unacknowledged. Mine to you of the 1st. of August 2nd. September and 3rd. of October will much abrige what is necessary to be said at this time.\nThe prices of the public debt here rendering it questionable whether it be any longer the interest of the United States to prosecute the idea of purchases with monies borrowed at 5 \u214c Cent, and there being reasons of the moment against beginning the redemption of the six per Cents, I have concluded to forbear drawing for the second Million of Guilders mentioned in my letter of the 1st. instant. Except therefore one million of the last six which has been drawn for, the intire loan is to be applied to European purposes.\nIn directing this application you will bear in mind that there will be payments to be made on account of the Dutch Loans for which the proper reservations are to be made.\nIn your letter of the 23d. of August you mention that \u201cin June next the first reimbursement is to take place on the loans made at Amsterdam,\u201d and the Commissioners in some of their letters speak of the time of that reimbursement as approaching.\nHence I conclude that some mistake has arisen, as by the Contracts in the Treasury it appears that the first payment of principal of the first Dutch Loan namely that for 5,000.000 of florins contracted the 17th of June 1782 is not to take place till the 1st. of June 1793.\nIt will be proper to have an explanation with the Commissioners on this point; lest an error should have crept into the copies of the Contract sent to the Treasury; which however from the whole circumstances appears scarcely possible.\nAll payments for interest or otherwise which shall be necessary to be made upon the Dutch Loans during the year 1792 are intended to be made out of the monies borrowed abroad which will leave in the Treasury here the sums that ought to be remitted for interest as a part of the two millions of Dollars authorised to be borrowed by the act making provision for the reduction of the public debt.\nAfter the year 1792 remittances for interest will go from hence. But it is probable that for some time to come, we shall have to depend on loans abroad for the reimbursement of the installments of principal, which may be falling due.\nI observe the idea that a Guarantee would be necessary, in the case of a Loan made in England. This circumstance I was not apprised of. It appears to me inadmissible.\nI also observe what has passed concerning the charges on the last loan. You will perceive from my letters above referred to the light in which this subject of charges has presented itself to my view.\nWith the truest consideration and esteem I have the honor to be, Sir, \u2003 Your most Obedt servant\nAlexander Hamilton William Short Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0407", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Church, Angelica\nPhiladelphiaNovember  1791\nMy Dear friend\nWhat is the reason that we have been so long without a line from you? Does your affection for us abate? If it does you are very ungrateful: for I think as kindly as ever of My Dear Sister in Law and Betsey has lately given me stronger proof than she ever did before of her attachment to you. Guess if you can what this is. If you can\u2019t guess, you must wait for an explanation until we meet once more.\nYou may think this as remote as a certain day, that pious folks talk so much about. But you will be disappointed\u2014I hope too agreeably. Things are tending fast to a point, which will enable me honorably to retreat from a situation in which I make the greatest possible sacrifices to a little empty praise, or if you like the turn better, to a disposition to make others happy. But this disposition must have its limits.\nWill you be glad to see us in Europe? For you will never come to America.\nThis will be delivered to you by Mr. Morris, son of Robert Morris. He is not a dilatanti fellow; but he is a deserving young man. And you must be civil to him.\nBetsey joins me in embracing you and in assuring you that we are ever most Affectionately Yrs.\nAdieu\nA Hamilton Mrs. Church", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0408", "content": "Title: Memorandum from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [November 1791]\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia November, 1791]. Encloses extract of a letter, dated August 22, 1785, from Nathanael Greene to the President of Congress. Observes that \u201cBaron Glaubeck was allowed pay as a Captain from March 9, 81. to August. 24 1782 & pd.\u2026 A sum far less than Genl. Green had advanced.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0409", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 1 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury DepartmentDecember 1. 1791.\nSir\nI have directed the Treasurer to transmit you draughts for fifty five thousand dollars towards payment of the quarter\u2019s interest ending the 31st. of December. These draughts are with blanks for the direction as heretofore, and may be filled with the name either of the Collector of Boston or of the Cashier of the Bank of North America, New York or Massachusetts. One half of these bills may at once be disposed of, if a demand occurs, upon either of the Banks of North America or New York. For the residue it is presumed you will find sufficient sums in the Bank of Massachusetts and in the hands of the Collector of Boston. There appeared to be on the 13th. of November a balance of twenty two thousand two hundred and fifteen dollars in the hands of the latter. You will however do well to consult with him, in order to ascertain what sum you may rely upon in time.\nYou will without delay inform me how far there is a probability that the sum transmitted, together with the former draughts remaining in your hands, will be adequate to the object, and you will report to me weekly the amount of the sales you shall make.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your obedt. servant\nA Hamilton\nPS \u2003 You will of course understand that you are to make use of the drafts which have remained in your hands, equally with those now announced, as far as may be necessary.\nNathl. Appleton Esq.Commissioner of LoansMassachusetts.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0411", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 1 December 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAntwerp Dec. 1. 1791\nSir\nI arrived here the day before yesterday & learned from M de Wolf that the loan mentioned to you in my letters of the 12th. & 22d of November was already contracted for, except a small portion which he reserved for the public according to the usage of this place & which he should continue open ten or fifteen days. The loan is to be dated from to-day & the undertakers are to have five months to furnish the money in equal portions monthly with the privilege of furnishing it sooner if they please as at Amsterdam. He has no doubt it will be furnished much sooner.\nI passed the act before the Notary yesterday, a copy of which will be forwarded to you with this letter if it can be prepared in time, to obtain on it the ratification promised. The terms of interest & commission have been already mentioned to you.\nThe amount of this loan will be remitted to France in proportion as it is recieved here, as well to avoid double interest as to leave it the smallest time possible at the risk of the U.S. Nothing was settled before I left Paris as to the manner of indemnifying France for depreciation. I mentioned to you why the sale of my bills for specie at Paris would be disadvantageous. The government do not remit this money to Holland, as you had been informed. On the contrary they have specie brought from thence to satisfy such demands in France as exact specie. I imagine that the indemnity must be made them at the close of the payments by estimation formed on principles which it will not be difficult to agree about. The price of exchange is regularly & daily settled. The price of gold & silver is published also daily, but the manner in which this commerce is carried on & its accidental fluctuations render it by no means a true standard or one which would suit the U.S.\nI had the honor of informing you in my late letters of the payments made out of the loan of six millions conformably to my orders. They amounted to three millions of florins which I had desired the bankers of the U.S. to remit to France & f 560,000. paid to the French bankers at Amsterdam. I had supposed of course there would remain in their hands of the 6,000,000, f 2,440,000 which was the part you had directed to be kept at your disposition except the f 60,000 paid above the f 500,000 to the French bankers as formerly mentioned. I have lately recieved however a letter from our bankers in which they state f 2,200,000 as the whole of the balance that will remain in their hands. How this happens I cannot say, but suppose they must have received other orders for disposing of this money as mine extend only to f 3,560,000. Should your draughts be recieved for the f 2,500,000, directed to be reserved, still I do not apprehend any inconvenience, as if no loan should be previously made at Amsterdam, the deficiency may at the worst be supplied from hence.\nYou will have learned from my several letters the progress of affairs here & at Amsterdam. Before having any reason to believe that the U.S. would be able to reduce the rate of interest this year at Amsterdam, & assured by our bankers that all loans made there after that period would be subjected to a tax of 1. p. cent, I authorized a loan here at 4\u00bd. p. cent interest & 5. p. cent commission. Circumstances becoming more favorable before that authorisation was acted under I determined to endeavour to make use of them to ameliorate the terms of commission & succeeded in the manner mentioned to you. During this time the bankers represented to me that the increasing abundance of money at Amsterdam gave them hopes that they might succeed in effecting a loan at 4\u00bd p. cent. early enough to avoid the tax & therefore requested my authorisation for them to sieze the first favorable moment to conclude an engagement with the undertakers at 4\u00bd. p. cent. Nothing was said about charges, but their former letters left me no doubt that they counted on an augmentation, & they wrote me soon afterwards in answer to my letters on the subject that the reduction of interest would of course augment the charges, they could not say how much precisely until authorized to make propositions to the undertakers. As soon as I had fixed the business of the loan at Antwerp I limited them to the same charges of 4. p. cent & authorised their opening a loan at 4\u00bd. p. cent interest for f 3,000,000 if it could be done before the operation of the tax. In answer they say they postpone it in hopes of soon effecting a loan at 4. p. cent interest with an augmentation of charges somewhat above five p. cent, & desire my authorisation as mentioned to you in my last. I mentioned to you also that it was then too late to stop that agreed for here, under circumstances quite different from those then stated at Amsterdam; & the effect I apprehended it might produce on our bankers there to whom it had been notified since their writing above, although it is probable they had either information or suspicions respecting it sooner. I was not mistaken in my apprehensions. On my arrival here I found a letter from them waiting for me in which they express fully their mortification at a loan being opened here. They gave various reasons to shew the impropriety & danger it may be of to the credit of the U.S. & finally desire that if any opportunity should present itself for stopping it that it may be done as being \u201cabsolutely necessary to insure the success of a loan at Amsterdam at 4. p. cent.\u201d\nTheir letter may be reduced to the following substance which I give you in its own order. Their surprize that it did not occur to me from the relation they stand in to the U.S. to ask their opinion upon the measure, that they would then have told me that Antwerp is not a new source of credit to the U.S. as the monied men here place their money in the loans in Holland, that the Undertakers will be piqued at this & avail themselves of any circumstance to shew their resentment, that those who operate a solitary piece of business will not be as well disposed if as able as they are, to advance any monies for regular payment of interests, that borrowing money out of Amsterdam would denote the credit of the U.S. being exhausted there & be a mortifying reflection, though an untrue one, on the respectability of the U.S., that a debtor\u2019s borrowing money here, there & wherever he can find lenders supposes great wants or small means of satisfying them & be a basis of discredit, that borrowing at different places under the same power limited as to its amount, may prevent giving the moral certainty required in such cases where personal respectability & credit are out of the question, of the power\u2019s not being exceeded. They had misconstrued an expression in my letter which I used in notifying to them this loan, so as to infer that the wants of the U.S. were considerable, & that therefore the offers from Antwerp had been accepted; & they say in consequence that if I had deigned to inform them confidentially of the extent of these wants they would have informed me candidly how far they could be supplied there. Whereas I meant that the wants of the U.S. were such that they were sufficiently master of them to execute the design of reducing the rate of interest even at the risk of diminishing the sums loaned.\nI answered their letter yesterday & found no difficulty in obviating the several objections they made. On the whole I continued the authorization of making the loan at 4. p. cent interest informing them that no more would be made at an higher rate, that this was authorised here, as they knew, before any hopes were held out of reducing the interest below 5. p. cent this year at Amsterdam & that it had been too late to have revoked it or I should have done it not from any apprehension that it could prevent a loan at 4. p. cent at Amsterdam, but because it was better raising money at 4. p. cent than 4\u00bd. & that if the loan was not effected at 4. p. cent I should remain fully persuaded that the hopes they had held out had been too sanguine & never believe they had been frustrated by this loan which was already engaged. I observed also that I supposed the dispositions of the undertakers would depend very much on those by whom they were employed, but that if not & they were sufficiently unjust to desire any other monopoly of the loans of a country than that which arises from negotiating them on better terms, I should imagine they (the bankers) would agree with me that it was an additional reason for desiring not to depend solely on their will. I know not what effect my letter will produce though I cannot doubt that if any opportunity presented itself in this moment for exercising their resentment with some degree of efficacity that it would be made use of. As that cannot be done however, interest will probably resume its proper weight & induce them to exert themselves as hitherto. Should they not effect the loan at 4. p. cent it will be an indisputable proof to me, that the suspicions they had entertained of the loan here, had more influence in exciting the hopes they held out than its accomplishment can have had in frustrating them.\nI own however that I wait with some degree of anxiety for the event, for although what I have mentioned, is my firm persuasion yet it is possible you may think otherwise; & even the possibility of the measure which I have taken, procrastinating so desirable an event as the reduction of the interest on the loans to 4. p. cent, would augment much the distrust I have always entertained as to myself in this business & which I took the liberty of communicating to you.\nIn any event however I cannot doubt Sir that you will consider the authorisation given for the loan here, as indisputably proper at the time & under the circumstances it was given, with which you were regularly made acquainted. I must add also in justice to myself that if any doubts could possibly have been entertained respecting the measure at that time, they would have been removed by the confidence of the advantages resulting from it, entertained & expressed by Mr. Morris with so much constancy & uniformity, & whose opinions could not but have weight with me proportioned to the proofs of the confidence reposed in him by the President of the United States.\nThis letter will be sent by the way of London & will be followed soon by another informing you of what shall have been done at Amsterdam, & adding assurances of the respect & attachment with which I have the honor to be Sir, you most obedient humble servant\nW: Short The Honble.Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0412", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 2 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury DepartmentDecember 2 1791\nSir\nI have upon reflexion concluded to authorise You to dispose of the whole of the draughts mentioned in my letter of yesterday upon either of the Banks of North America or New York in preference to the other mode then proposed. But in case you should find no demand for the whole or part of the draughts upon the two banks; it is to be understood that you are at liberty to avail yourself of the alternative first mentioned, as to the residue.\nI am, Sir \u2003 Your Obed Servant.\nAlexander Hamilton Nathaniel Appleton Esqr.Commr of LoansMassachusetts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0414", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 2 December 1791\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan,Van Staphorst, Nicholaas,Van Staphorst, Jacob,Hubbard, Nicholas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Amsterdam, December 2, 1791. On February 14, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard: \u201cI am just honored with your several favours of Nov 21st & 24th & December 2d.\u201d Letter of December 2 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0416", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 3 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTreasury Department December 3d 1791\nsir\nOn the receipt of this letter I request You to deposit in the Bank of Massachusetts for sale, the Bills of the Treasurer of the united States for 55,000 Dollars, (or such of them as remain unsold) which have been transmitted to you agreably to my letter of the 1st instant.\nI am, sir, \u2003 Your Obedt Servt\nAlexander Hamilton Nathl: Appleton EsqrCommissr of loansMassachusetts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0417", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [3 December 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Chaloner, John\n[Philadelphia, December 3, 1791]\nSir\nI request you will not take any step respecting the land mortgaged by Mr. Holker for Mr. Church\u2019s debt without first consulting me.\nI am Sir \u2003 Your obedient servt\nAlex Hamilton\nDecember 3d. 1791\nJohn Chaloner Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0418", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 5 December 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Newport, Rhode Island] December 5, 1791. \u201cI have recd. your letters of the 16th & 17th of the last month, and the contents of them will be duely regarded. The construction you give to the Provision in the Act of the 3d. of March 1791 I am happy to find corresponds with the opinion I had entertained.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0420", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Eager Howard, 5 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Howard, John E.\nTreasury DepartmentDec. 5th. 1791.\nSir.\nIt appearing to me, that the attention of the Legislature of Maryland may be necessary to the removal of an inconvenience under which the subscribers of the debt of that state now lie, I do myself the honor to make the requisite communication to your Excellency.\nThe 18th. section of the act making provision for the debt of the United States suspends the payment of interest in respect to the debt of any State which shall have issued its own certificates in exchange for those of the United States, until it shall be satisfactorily made to appear, that the certificates issued for that purpose by such state have been re-exchanged or redeemed, or until those, which shall not have been re-exchanged or redeemed shall be surrendered to the United States. It is understood that the measure contemplated in this section was adopted by the State of Maryland, that is, that a sum of state certificates was issued in exchange for an equal sum of certificates of the federal debt, and that although a part of those state certificates has been redeemed, others to a considerable amount have not been re-exchanged or redeemed, but that many of them have been subscribed to the loan of the assumed debt. It will conduce as well to the order of the finances as to the convenience of the public creditors, [the payment of Interest to whom must otherwise be suspended,] if measures can be taken by the government of Maryland to make the balance unredeemed and unexchanged to appear, and if they should direct the surrender of the amount of such balance in certificates of federal debt in their old form. Should the surrender of them in that form be impracticable from the circumstance of the subscription of federal debt, which was directed by the legislature, an equal sum of six per cent, deferred and three per cent stock, in such proportions as the balance or deficiency would produce on subscription, may be paid in lieu of the certificates in their old form. This will be at the election of the state, and can be affected by no circumstance but their own convenience, as there can be no pecuniary advantage or disadvantage in either mode.\nShould this subject require further explanation, the Commissioner of Loans, on your signifying your desire to him, can probably possess you of the necessary information, or should any thing occur which he cannot elucidate, it will give me great satisfaction to make the necessary communication.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir. \u2003 Your most obedt. \u2003 & most humble servant\nAlexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury\nHis ExcellencyThe Governor of Maryland.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-09-02-0421", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 5 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jay, John\nPhiladelphia December 51791\nMy Dear Sir\nYour letter of the 14th of November duly came to hand.\nA temporary absence from this place, some ill health, and much occupation have delayed an acknowlegement \u2019till this time.\nAware of the inconveniences, to which you refer, from the want of a proper provision for defraying the expences of the Courts\u2014I inserted in the estimate presented at the beginning of the session a sum for an appropriation in aid of the fund heretofore designated, which has not been found sufficiently productive. I was not consulted when that provision was made or I could have foretold that it would prove inadequate.\nAccounts from all quarters bespeak the same content which you mention as prevailing in the Country which has fallen under your observation.\nThere is I hope no danger of the error you mention, though the passions of some folks would in particular respects lead to it, if they could have their way.\nMrs. H joins in Compliments to Mrs. Jay.\nWith respectful & affectionate attachment \u2003 I remain Dr Sir \u2003 Your Obed serv\nA Hamilton The Honble Chief Justice Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0001-0002", "content": "Title: Tench Coxe\u2019s Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, [Fall] 1790\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: \nTreasury Departmentthe  1790\nThe Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the order of the house of Representatives of the fifteenth day of January last, has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the subject of manufactures, and particularly to the means of promoting such as will tend to render the United States independent on foreign Nations for military and other essential supplies.\nThe expediency of encouraging manufactures in the United States, tho recently deemed very questionable, appears at this time to be generally admitted. The advantages of the Landholder in furnishing raw materials, subsistence, fuel and other supplies to the workmen\u2014the support which the fisheries derive from them by their consumption of articles drawn from the ocean\u2014the assistance given to external commerce by promoting the importation of raw articles and furnishing manufactured commodities for exportation\u2014their favorable effects on population by inducing the emigration of foreign artists and laborers\u2014the introduction of money by offering a new & promising field to capitalists of other nations\u2014the promotion of individual industry & \u0153conomy which naturally result from manufactures and particularly when engrafted upon an extensive agriculture\u2014their encreasing and rendering more certain the means of defence and other articles of prime necessity and lastly the Reduction of the prices of convenient & essential supplies for public & private use, which has already taken place on the appearance of competition from the American manufacturer are among the considerations, which have produced more favorable opinions concerning this object.\nAmong the means devised by the European nations to encourage manufactures protecting duties have been very generally adopted. It cannot be unobserved by those, who are engaged in these pursuits nor will it escape the notice of those capitalists, and workmen who may intend to transfer their property and business to the United States, that the duties already imposed by the legislature, tho principally for the purposes of Revenue, afford very considerable and certain advantages to the American manufacturer. Tho it may be very doubtful whether general addition to these duties be necessary further to encourage the Manufactures of the United States, yet it is humbly conceived a few articles may be very properly aided by a moderate encrease. Among those in View is Sail Cloth which is important to defence, to domestic & foreign commerce, the fisheries &, as it relates to the raw materials, to agriculture likewise.\nProhibitions of rival articles, or duties equivalent, frequently present themselves in the laws of foreign nations. Tho this measure, in most instances, may be of doubtful propriety in the United States, it appears to merit consideration in regard to particular Articles. From the present flourishing condition of some manufactories of military supplies, such as Gunpowder, leaden & iron ball, iron cannon & cartridge paper it may not be deemed hazardous, in a season of profound peace, to encrease the duty so as to prevent the Importation of them. Besides warlike stores there are certain Articles manufactured from materials with which the United States abound, that do not appear unfit Subjects of excluding duties. Among the objects here contemplated are Malt liquors, spirits made from grain of every sort & from fruit, (exepting that made of the grape) the oils of sea and land animals & of flaxseed, the spirits of turpentine, snuff, chewing & smoking tobacco, starch and other things manufactured from such productions of the Earth & of the fisheries as are constantly exported in large quantities which are encreasing on our hands, and for which a sufficient vent is consequently difficult to procure. The wisdom of the house however will render them duly aware of the injuries, that may be occasioned by an indiscriminate & too extended an application of duties equivalent to prohibitions should they be induced to impose them in favor of certain manufactures necessary for defence, or highly and universally beneficial to the landed interest.\nPecuniary bounties upon home made articles have been tried in several European countries with great success. The linen branch in Ireland is a well known instance. [But under the present] circumstances of this country the Secretary cannot discover sufficient inducements to these expensive encouragements to justify a [strenuous] recommendation of them to the consideration of the legislature. This aid to manufactures however is less necessary at [the present moment] in the United States than in any European country, because their fabrics, being generally wanted for hom\u27e8e consumption, are free from the heavy expences of importation, which rival foreign\u27e9 goods sustain to the amount of [fifteen, \u27e8twenty\u27e9 and twenty five] \u214c Cent on their Value according to their bulk. But if it should on consideration be deemed inexpedient to grant bounties in money to encourage manufactures it may nevertheless appear adviseable to reward certain great and useful promoters of them by other means. The United States having a very large quantity of unappropriated lands the Secretary humbly submits to the house the propriety of setting apart the quantity of five hundred thousand acres, of good quality and advantageously situated, for the purpose of rewarding the first introducers or establishers of new and useful manufactories, arts, machines, & secrets not before possessed, known or carried on in the United States. The objects here contemplated, and the mode of applying this landed fund will be more clearly explained by the plan contained in the paper (A) which accompanies this report. A measure of this nature would evince to the manufacturers of Europe the disposition of the legislature to encourage and reward them, and would afford to persons, who may transfer their capitals and establishments \u27e8to the United States, a certain\u27e9 tho \u27e8not\u27e9 an immediate compensation \u27e8even in unsuccessful\u27e9 instances.\nIn addition to these rewards for the Importation of manufacturing Machinery, and secrets of great value, acts may be passed, if sufficiently warranted by the extraordinary utility of the object and the difficulty of attaining it, granting to the introducers such exclusive privileges for a term of years as would have been secured by patent, had they been the inventors. Public Advantage, if derived from each in an equal degree, will justify this favor to the one as well as to the other, and the successful practice of the principal manufacturing nations of Europe establishes the prudence of the measure.\nAs a substitute for pecuniary bounties on particular articles, sufficiently beneficial to the landed interest to merit that expensive and inconvenient encouragement, the revenue may be calculated to assist them by diminishing the use of rival, tho in some instances different, commodities. Thus the Duties on ardent spirits may be rendered a virtual bounty on beer, ale & porter & the impost on foreign spirituous liquors and encouragement to those made at home. By careful attention to regulations of this nature, it is believed very effectual aid may be given to our manufactures without any hazard of public inconvenience or injurious frauds. An examination of the Articles imported for consumption in the United States, and of the capacity of our manufacturers to make succedanea for them out of our own produce, and imported raw Materials will suggest many objects, to which, it is supposed, this Idea may be advantageously applied.\nA drawback of the amount of the duty on the raw Material on the ex\u27e8portation of manufactured Articles\u27e9 is a measure recommended by \u27e8policy,\u27e9 and \u27e8rendered in some degree necessary\u27e9 by the practice of nations, who will hold a competition with us in foreign Markets. The duty on Molasses, if the idea here suggested should meet the approbation of the legislature, might be allowed on the exportation of American rum\u2014that on Muscovado sugars on the exportation of refined\u2014that on Cocoa on the exportation of Chocolate and in such other instances as shall admit of due security against deception & fraud the danger of which is the only objection that occurs to this mode of encouragement.\n\u27e8The promotion of friendly intercourse and fair trade with the indian Tribes will have a favorable effect upon some valuable branches of Manufacture, the raw materials for which are derived from the western Country. Towards these ends the wisdom\u27e9 of the Legislature and of \u27e8the Chief Magistrate\u27e9 have been already successfully directed; but some objects of great consequence to the Indian trade & consequently to the Manufactures dependent on it remain to be obtained. The pursuit of them however rests upon considerations of so much more Importance than any which arise on the present topic, that it is sufficient merely to present them to the attention of the house, as connected with the subject of this report.\nFacility of communication, and cheapness of transportation are matters of primary importance in the business of every country; but under the existing circumstances of the United States they call for the earliest & most efficient exertions of government. The good condition of the post roads, especially where they happen to connect places of landing on the rivers & bays, and those which run into the western country, will conduce exceedingly to the cheapness of transporting and the facility of obtaining raw materials, fuel & provisions. But the most useful assistance perhaps, which it is in the power of the legislature to give to manufactures and which at the same time will equally benefit the landed & commercial interests, is the improvement of inland navigation.\nThree of the easiest and most important operations of this kind are the improvement of the communication between New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island & Boston by cutting a passage thro the penninsula of cape Cod, the Union of Delaware and Chesapeak bays by a canal from the waters of the former to those of the latter, and the junction the Chessapeak bay & Albermarle sound by uniting the Elizabeth and the . The accomplishment of these and other objects of the same nature seem likely to afford greater & more various aids to our growing manufactures than any other measure, that has occured to the Secretary in the investigation, which he has been directed to make.\nA further \u27e8measure\u27e9 to promote the cheap transportation of raw materials & provisions presents itself in the abolition of the duty of Tonnage imposed on coasting vessels. This appears to be a burden on the produce of lands, as substantial as if it were imposed on working waggons, and seems hardly consistent with sound policy.\nThe principal productions of the fisheries may not improperly be considered as articles of the nature of manufactures, & the remainder are of great Utility as raw materials or cheap & wholesome food but as the means of encouraging that important branch of trade have been refered by the house to the Secretary of State, it is unnecessary and improper to enlarge upon it here.\nThe regulation of inland bills of exchange, so as to ensure due caution in drawing them and strict punctuality in paying them, must have a favorable effect on the purchases of raw materials & sales of manufactured Articles in a country so extensive as the United States.\nThe ability to place funds with celerity and ease in every part of the Country for the purchase of raw materials and provisions is a matter of great importance to the manufacturer. To afford the accommodation of a general paper circulation of the nature of Bank Notes, payable with absolute certainty in specie on demand, is therefore very desirable. This benefit will immediately result from a national bank, & from \u27e8such arrangements\u27e9 of Government with that \u27e8Institution as soon\u27e9 as it shall be erected, as may give an universal circulation to their cash notes.\nThe want of sufficient capital being deemed one of the principal difficulties, in a national view, with which the manufactures of the United States have at this time to contend a steady pursuit of such measures as will give full and unfluctuating value to the public funds appears of the utmost importance to the increase and prosperity of American Manufactures. Having enlarged upon the beneficial circulation that ever grows out of a well founded national debt in the report upon public credit, which he had the honor to make in January last, the Secretary conceives it sufficient at this time to repeat his thorough convictions of what is therein stated on that point.\nThe \u27e8Importation of\u27e9 raw materials and ingredients, and of colors, drugs & other articles necessary to complete manufactures, free of duty, is an encouragement of obvious propriety, generally considered; but when it is remembered, that the principal nations of Europe afford this aid to their manufactories, and that we are to meet them, as competitors, in our own and in foreign markets, it appears to be almost indispensible. Proceeding, it is presumed, on these principles the legislature have been pleased to exempt from impost a number of articles of the nature above described, thereby giving their sanction to the principle here contemplated. An extension of this exemption further than has yet taken place particularly to include, cotton & hemp, the Secretary humbly conceives to be necessary to success in the business of manufactures.\nThe particular value to the U.S. of improved implements and machinery for manufacturing, and the inducements to export those we have already obtained or may hereafter procure, which the interest of our competitors obviously creates, \u27e8seem to\u27e9 render a penalty for such exportations an eligible m\u27e8easure.\u27e9 It is manifestly proper to guard carefully against extending this \u27e8fur\u27e9ther than is absolutely necessary to prevent a deprivation of any particular implement or machine, lest in the formation of the law, the export trade of well known articles, applicable in manufactures, may be unfavorably affected.\nBesides the measures for the encouragement of manufactures, which it appears eligible that the legislature should pursue there are some of considerable importance which fall more immediately within the sphere of the other branches of government and on which for obvious reasons arising out of the nature of those measures, the Secretary refrains from enlarging.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0001-0004", "content": "Title: Alexander Hamilton\u2019s Second Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nThe Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the fifteenth day of January 1790 has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit to the subject of Manufactures and particularly to the means of promoting such as will tend to render the United States, independent on foreign nations, for military and other essential supplies.\nThe expediency of encouraging manufactures in the United States, though not long since deemed very questionable, appears at this time to be pretty generally admitted. The embarrassments, which have obstructed the progress of our foreign Trade, have led to serious reflections on the necessity of enlarging the sphere of our domestic commerce, and the success which has attended, in certain valu manufacturing enterprise, in certain some valuable branches, has evinced that greater and more various success ought not to be despaired of the obstacles to the extension of this species of industry are not so formidable as they have been apprehended to be.\nThere are nevertheless still patrons of opinions unfavourable to the encouragement of manufactures. The arguments which support these opinions are of the following nature.\nIn every country, Agriculture is the most beneficial and productive object of human Industry. In the United States this position derives great additional force from the immense tracts of waste lands still uninhabited and unimproved. Nothing can afford so advantageous an employment for capital and labour as the conversion of this wilderness into cultivated farms. Nothing can contribute so much as this, to the rapid increase of the population and real riches of the Country.\nTo endeavour to promote and foster the growth of manufactures by the extraordinary particular particular patronage and favour of the government is to endeavour by a misjudgedmisapplied and artificial impulse to policy to turn aside the nat course of in change the natural current of Industry from a more to a less beneficial channel. It can scarcely ever be wise in a government to attempt to give a direction to the industry of its citizens. This, if left to itself, will under the guidance of individualprivate interest, naturally make its way wherever it can find find out its way to the most profitable employment; and by such employment alone will be the public prosperity be most effectually advanced. The safest and soundest policy therefore is to leave it to itself.\nThis policy is not only recommended to the United States by considerations applicable to all countriesnations, but in a manner dictated artificer to it by an the invincible force of a very peculiar situation. The smallness of their population compared with their territory; the continual allurements to emigration from the settled to the unsettled parts of the country, the facility with which the less independent situation of an \n   artificer\n artisan can be exchanged for the more independent situation of a farmer\u2014these circumspenceand other similar circumstances conspire to produce and for a great length of time must necessarily continue to produceoccasion a scarcity of hands for manufacturing occupations; and a correspondent dearness of labour. These impediments, combined with a deficiency of capital, forbid a successful competition with the manufacturers of Europe. Extensive manufactures can only be the offspring of a redundant, at least of a full population. \u2019Till the latter that shall characterise the situation of this country, tis vain to hope for the former.\nIf contrary to the natural and salutary course of things, a premature and artificial spring should be given to certain manufacturesfabrics, by force heavy duties, prohibitions, bounties or by any other forced and violent expedients, this will only be to sacrifice the interests of the community to those of particular classes. Besides the misdirection of labour, a virtual monopoly will be given to those the persons employed on such fabrics; and an enhancement of price, the inevitable consequence of every monopoly, must be defrayed at the expence of all others. It is far better that those persons should be employed in the cultivation of the Earth, and that we should procure with the surplus products of our soil at the cheapest the commodities with which foreigners are able to supply us on better terms at a cheaper rate and of superior quality.\nThis theory has so much of truth in it, that its principles ought never to be out ought of the view of the Legislators of this Country. And while its extremes ought to be qualified in practice by the exceptions to which every general theory theory is subject, its maxims ought to serve as cautions against all its extremes of any other a different kind. If they do not persuade, us that all legislative countenance aid ought to be witheld from particular branches of industry which appear to stand in need of it \u2014they ought at least to inculcate, that it should be afforded with moderation and \n   pursuits\n measures\u2014that the real aptitudes in the state of things for particular improvements and ameliorations should be carefully consulted\u2014 and that these should be nurtured developped by gradual systematic and progressive efforts \n   gigantic sanguine excessive\n rather than forced into maturity by violentvehement and disproportioned exertions.\nIn order to a right judgment of the policy, which ought to be pursuedgovern in relation to the encouragement of manufactures in the United States, it will \n   take as concise a view as may consist with perspiccuity\n be useful to pass in reviewtake a concise view of the considerations which serve to limit the generality of the maxims that stand opposed to it.\nIn the first place, though it is will readily must without hesitation be readily to be admitted that if a Nation Agriculture, as the great and primary basis of national supply prosperity, as the immediate source of subsistence and nourishment to man, as the originfountain of those materials, which principally give employment and support to other kinds of labour, as involving, perhaps, a state most favourable to the freedom and independence of the human mind is intitled to the first a preeminence in the systemscience of political \u0153conomy; yet it is not equally evident that this species of industry is, as alleged, as alleged, is more productive in any substantial meaning of the term, more productive than every other. ItThe reality of this is not verified by any accurate detail of facts and calculations; & An a general argumentThe argument, commonly made use of to prove it, is rather quaint than satisfactory. It is said that in the productions of the soil nature cooperates with man and that the effect of their joint labour must be greater than that of the labour of man alone. But this appears by no means a necessary inferen inference. It is very conceivable that the labour of man alone bestowed upon a work an object requiring great skill and art to bring it to perfection, may in the estimate of value, be more productive, than the labour of nature and man combined, when directed towards more simple operations and objects. And accordingly when it is considered to what an extent the mechanicalmechanical powers of mechanism are rendered auxiliarysubservient to the prosecution of manufactures, little more than the quaintness of the hypothesis remains. Accordingly it It is certain, that higher wages are given to workmen in most manufactures, than to labourers employed in Tillage, and that in a greater number of cases the undertaker enjoys a larger greater profit upon his Capital than the landho proprietor of land upon his;\n{both which are indications of superior productiveness. And it is not less certain that nations which have made a considerable progress arrived to eminence in manufactures abound more in wealth and resources than those which have made little progress in them.\nIn the second place it may be observed that nothing can be a greater error than to consider manu Agriculture and manufactures as standing in opposition to each other or and to suppose inferring and to suppose that the growth of the one will impede the progress of the other.\nIf a country were to be supposedimagined, having a given extent of territory, requiring a given number of persons to cultivate it,possessing exactly that number of inhabitants, and intirely shut out from foreign Trade there could be little room for question that it would be more its interest and more for the advantage of agriculture to have the necessary the requisite such a proportion of its inhabitants employed exclusively in furnishing manufactures for the whole society as were requisite for that purpose, than to have them all employed as cultivators. and there would be as little room for doubt that its agriculture that the mass\nThis would not arise, either, from thean absolute impracticability ofto the cultivators of land to procuringe those manufactures for themselves; for it is very conceivable by their own labour, the manufactures of which they might stand in need: For it is supposeable conceivable that the same persons in each family might till the ground and make the fabrics which were requisite to the supply of indispensable wants: Or if there are exceptions to the possibility of doing this, they are not numerous.\nBut it w if such a state of things existed any where, it would quickly be discovered that itin any country, it is evident that its was the interest expedient to change it\u2014The lands in a country so situated would be wretchedly cultivated and the whole community miserably badly supplied. The want of a proper division subdivision of labour would prevent improvement and skill in every thing\u2014Husbandry would be in a rude state and the arts in a still ruder. The inducements to make the land productive would be circumscribed to the necessary subsistence of each family. in the simplest The Neither the gratification of those appetites & inclinations which are incident to a state of greater improvement nor the desire of accumulating wealth, by the exchange of thos a surplus producedwon by hard labour from the soil, would prompt exertions to obtain such a surplus. While The interruptions and delays arising from the necessity of passing frequently continually from one kind of labour to another and the want of that skill in execution which can only be acquired by a continual application to the same object business renders would diminishes the effect of it in every operation to which it iswas applied: All And the important inventions, by which machinery is made to abridge and perfect labour, would be excluded; from through the want of adequate motives to excite the a spirit of discovery and contrivance.\nIt is readily perceived, that in a country so situatedsuch a state of things not only the total mass of labour would be much less than if its inhabitants were subdivided in due proportions into cultivators mechanicsand Artizans and manufacturers\u2014but the mass of agricultural industry would also be incomparably less\u2014The superior cultivation of so much of the soill as was cultivatedoccupied in one case would greatly overballance in productivelness the intire quantity occupied in the other, case under circumstances of very inferior cultivation.\nAnd from hence Whence the following inferences mayare to be drawn\u2014that it may be the interest even of a state not fully peopled and consequently having waste and occupied lands, to have a part of its inhabitants abstractedwithhold withdrawn from the cultivation of landthe soil to be employed in mechanic and manufacturing occupu occupations and that the abstraction of thewithdrawing a part of the inhabitants of a state, not fullyof such a state peopled and consequently having waste and unoccupied lands, from agricultural pursuits to those occupations is not only not necessarily injurious to agriculture but may be essential to its prosperity. And it may also be be safely presumedaffirmed that in a country situated as has been supposed the natural interests of the community would of themselves subdivide it into the different classes of cultivators mechanics and manufactures.\nAccordingly shewn history and experience shew that in very early stages of national progress long before the land mechanic and manufacturing arts grow up. Villages are formed from distance to distance by the collection of in which in which those who devote themselves to such arts, collectcollect, for the supply of the neighbouring country, which repays their industry with the progressproduce of the soil. And it is This takes place from two causes the palpable advantages of a subdivision separation and distribution of industrious pursuits and the diversity in the of dispositions and talents of mankindfaculties of the human mind. The importance of giving scope to this diversity, by varying the objects by diversifying the objects of national industry will deserve particular notice in another place.\n   manufactures occasion calls fo new objects of Agriculture\nIt is a remark of long standing all time that the parts of a country country in the vicinity of a manufacturing towns are much better cultivated and more thriving than those remote from them; which is to be accounted for by the great facility of obtaining on better terms those supplies for which the husbandman has occasion\n   Elsewhere\nand by the advantage of a near market for the sale of whatever surplus he may have to dispose of. This fact no affords no inconsiderable illustration of the beneficial influence which the industry of the towns has upon that of the country or in other words which the progress establishment of manufactures has upon the progress of agriculture. \u2003\u2002It were a is manifestly an error to consider the prosperity of Agriculture as in proportion to the quantity of land occupied or even to the number of persons who occupy it or to both. It is rather to be considered as in a compound ration to the quantity of lands occupied and to the degree of improvement.\nBut a reflection naturally arises here, that although however true it may be that a state which possessing large tracts of uncultivatedvacant & fertile territory wasis at the same time secluded from foreign Commerce would find its interest and the interest of Agriculture in devotingdiverting a part of its population, which might be find employment infrom tillage, to manufacturinges pursuits\u2014yet wil it will not follow that the same thing can be advantageous to a community in which having such tracts of vacant territory, can also have the benefit ofat the same at the same time by means of foreignexternal commerce procure from foreign nations on good terms all the fabrics necessary for of which it may have has occasion.\nThis point requires therefore a further and more particular examination.\nIf the free system were the prevailing system of nations, if industry and commerce were generally left to their natural course, the arguments which dissuade a Country situated like the United States from the eager pursuit of manufactures would be more difficult to combat than they now are. It is not certain that they might not safely be permitted to serve as a rule of conduct. Each Country would then have the full benefit of its peculiar advantages to compensate for its disadvantages. That which was invited by its particular situation to direct its attention exclusively to agriculture would be able to furnish the products of the earth on so much better terms than the country which was engaged in an extensive scene of manufactures as to be able to maintain a beneficial exchange of subsistence and raw materials for manufactured articles.\nBut this natural ballance is disturbed and in great measure destroyed by the general policy of nations. The spirit of monopoly which governs most countries is the governing one interrupts that free exchange which would distribute to each party its proportion of benefits; and seconded in some instances by a great superiority bet both of industrious skill and of pecuniary capital would subject any nation which should implicity follow the dictates of the opposite system to disadvantageous very incompatible with its properity. It has, with regard to a Country situated like the United States, in a great degree, the same effect, as an exclusion from foreign commerce.\nEngland, for instance, from which we derive our principal supplies of manufactured articles forbids the importation of our grain into her home market except when its price there is beyond what is considered what is considered as its average or ordinary rate; and thus while we continuallyconstantly take from her her manufactures, she only occasionally takes from us our grain.\nAgain she excludes us either from bringing from her West Inia possessions those products which we stand in need of from thence or from carrying thither those of our products of which they stand in need. thus not only ex It is true that she brings to us in ourher own ships all the different articles produced in her Islands and takes from us in her own ships likewise all the articles of the our productions requisite to their supply; but by preventing us from being our own carriers, she reduces us in this branch of trade to a commerce merely passive, deprives us of all her share in the profits of the carrying trade whatever they may be and substantially of a participation in the profits of the advanced price both of the commodities of her Islands in our markets and of our commodities in the markets of her Islands. While in the trade between her European dominions and the United States she shares fully with us in every species of advantage.\nWith regard to the fisheries which from situation may be considered as the staple of a part of the United States, such the British regulations amount to a prohibition of all but the finer oils of w which find admission into Great Britain in spite of the enormousnotwithstanding the heavy duty of \nIf from England our eyes are turned towards France we shall not see a more favourable Picture. It is the standing has been long the standing policy of France to exclude the introduction of wheat & flour into every part of her dominions. Relaxations in this policy from particular exigencies occasionally take place but it is the prevailing one. And thise exportation of this great staple of our country meets with with a still more formidable bar from the regulations of France than of Britain.\nFrance permits us to bring from her Islands in our own ships Rum melasses  and to carry thither in our own ships  but flour orour wheat & flour cannot be admitted there either in our our own or in French bottoms\u2014nor more than Sugar Coffee or Cocoa can be brought to us in the one or in the other.\nOur The fisheries by a late edict of the National Assembly are placed on a footing still more disadvantageous than that upon which it stands in respect to Great Britain.\nAnd though\nyet being charged with a duty of  per quintal, which amounts to p a prohibition since this apparent distinction in our favour is merely nominal. The state of things in France is not likely to afford us the same advantage with regard to our fine oils as results from the state of things in Great Britain.\nAnother Regulation of the National Assembly of France has placed our Tobacco Trade upon a very disadvantageous footing. The Tobacco of the United States may be carried to France in French or American bottoms but if carried in the former, it is liable to a duty of only  if carried in the latter it is liable to a duty of  a difference which prohibits its exportation in vessels of the United States; and by narrowing the field of commercial enterprise and substituting a less eligible mode of transportation is calculated to incumber and injure the trade in that article.\nUpon the whole it may be affirmed that ineligible as is the footing upon which our Trade with Britain is carried on it stands at this time upon a still less eligible footing in regard to France.\nSpain too and Portugal have regulations injurious to our Trade in Grain. Flour\nWith regard to the Northern Powers of Europe they are in general our competitors in furnishing the articles which constitute our Agricultural staples.\nAnd as to the most Southern Powers parts of Europe, the avenues to them have been almost intirely closed by the hostile dispositions of the Barbary Powers.\nThis view of our external situation is not designed by way of complaint of the policy by which our trade it is embarrassed. It is the right of every independent nation, where not restrained by Treaty, to pursue its own interest, in its own way; so that it does not violate any positive right of another. Tis for itself to judge how far its meer practice may counteract its own object, and, by aiming at too much, may occasion the loss of advantages actually possessed or easily attainable and which by a more natural policy might have been long preserved as in the one case, and with certainty acquired forin the other.\nIts sole intention is to shew that the policy of other countries interferes withou our deriving the full benefit of our Agricultural Industry, placing places us under serious disadvantages in exchanging the surplus of our soil for those foreign productions and manufactures of which we now stand in need, and renders more precarious than might be wished the obtaining in foreign markets a of a regular ready and regular vent for that immense increasing surplus which the inevitable progress must result from the inevitable progress of population and settlement in the United States.\nAnd whilethough no overweening anxiety for the future isought to be indulged\u2014whilethough the experience we have had of an even increasing demand even for those very staples with w for some of our principal productions ought to guard us against a degree of solicitude, which might mislead\u2014though we ought fully to appreciate those powerful causes which counteract, in our favour, those the regulations tending to abrige the advantages of our situation and which are likely to continue to render usthe U States the granary of Europe in those emergencies which its the interests and passions of its various subdivisions will not fail to reiterate\u2014Yet it cre becomes us to consider seriously of the means of rendering our prosperity less dependent on the projects and vicissitudes of foroegn Politics.\nIt is a consolation that, already the measures which have borne hard upon our Trade have accelerated internal improvements which upon the whole have bettered our situationcondition. To diversify, develope and extend those improvements is the surest and safest method of indemnifying ourselves for any inconveniences which those or similar measures have a tendency to occasion, and will be found the most effectual retaliation for any unkindness of disposition (if any there has been) which may have produceddictated them. If Europe will not take the products of our soil, upon such terms as we ought to expect, let us endeavour as fast as possible to cease to have occasion for her manufactures. These considerations shew that in pursuing the free system we should not have the full benefit of its principles from the want of reciprocity\u2014and the policy of foreign countries has in a great measure the effect of an exclusion from foreign Trade.\nThe best of all expedients for the encouragement of Agriculture is to secure an extensive homea certain & sufficient market for that surplus which produced by the labour of the farmer which remains after supplying the wants of himself and family.\nThe foreign market is necessarily a precarious dependence for the vent of this surplus. It is the effort of every nation to be able to supply itself with articles of prime necessity, particularly those which relate to constitute its subsistence. Hence most nations supply themselves in ordinary times supplyfurnish themselves with aut the principal products of the earth. Seasons of particularextraordinary scarcity and times of war only oblige them to resort to foreign supply assistance. And hence also the demand for the surplus of a country merely Agriculture must be liable to injurious stagnations. Plentiful harvests and a state of pretty general peace in the countries with which its Trade is carried on are always likely to interrupt it. And while the wants of such a country for manufactured supplies are pretty constant and uniform, the demand for the commodities which it has to give in exchange is liable to frequent fluctuations. And this will account for the fact which has been already remarked namely that countries merely Agricultural have seldom much active wealth being continually drained of what they acquire by those manufacturing countries with which they trade.\nThis being the case it is consequently of the highest importance to secure an extensive domestic market for that surplus. The superior steadiness and certainty of such a market by rendering the reward of the farmer more certain is the strongest incement to his industry.\nTowards the creation of this domestic market the establishment and extension of manufactures is are indispensable. The manufacturer is a certain customer to the farmer for what he can spare and in return furnishes him with what he wants. This is not the least of the circumstances by which manufactures promote the interest of Agriculture.\nAnother respect in which they do it is this\u2014They not not only render the demand for the surplus productions of the soil in general more certain but they create or extend a demand in cases in which", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0001-0005", "content": "Title: Alexander Hamilton\u2019s Third Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nThe Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the fifteenth day of January 1790 has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the subject of manufactures; and particularly to the means of promoting such as will tend to render the United States, independent on foreign nations for military and other essential supplies.\nThe expediency of encouraging manufactures in the United States, which was, not long since, deemed very questionable, appears, at this time, to be pretty generally admitted. The embarrassments, which have obstructed the progress of our foreign trade, have led to serious reflections on the necessity of enlarging the sphere of our domestic commerce; and the success which has attended manufacturing enterprise in some valuable \n branches th has evincedevinced, that the obstacles to the growth of this species of Industry are, at least, not insurmountable.\nThere are neverthess, still, respectable patrons of opinions, unfriendly to the encouragement of manufactures. The arguments, with which they support these opinions, are substantially of the following nature\u2014\nIn every Country, say they, Agriculture is the most beneficial and productive object of human labour Industry. This general position, in its application to the United States, derives peculiar emphasis from their immense trats of land, still uninhabited and unimproved. Nothing can afford so advantageous an employment for capital and labour, as the conversion of this wilderness into fruitful and cultivated farms. Nothing, so much as this, can contribute to the population and real riches of the Country.\nTo endeavour therefore to accelerate the growth of manufactures, by anthe \n   force and art\n extraordinary patronage of government is, in fact, to endeavour, by force and art, to transfer an artificial power, or impulse, to change the natural current of Industry from a more to a less beneficial channel. Whatever has such a tendency must necessarily be unwise. This certainly certainly cannot be wise. \n Indeed, it can scarcely ever be wise in government to attempt to give a direction to the Industry of its citizens. This, if left to itself, will under the sharpquick-sighted guidance of private interest naturally find its way to wherever there is the most profitable employment; and by such employment onlyalone will the public prosperity be most effectually promoted. To leave it to itself is, consequently, is in almost every situationcase the safest and the soundest policy.\nThis policy is not only recommended to the United States, by considerations, which apply to affect all nations, but is in a manner,\n{dictated to them to it, by the invincible irresitible force of a very peculiar situation. The smallness of their population compared with their territory\u2014the continual allurements to emigration from the settled to the unsettled parts of the country\u2014the facility with which the less independent situation of an Artizan can be exchanged for the more independent situation of a Farmer\u2014these and similar causes conspire to produce, and, for a great length of time, must continue to occasion a scarcity of hands\n{for manufacturing occupations, and a dearness of labour generally. A deficiency of Capital combining itself, With these impediments a deficiency of Capital combines to forbids a successful competition with the manufacturers of Europe. Extensive manufactures can only be the offspring of a redundant, \n at least of a full population. \u2019Till the latter shall characterize the situation of this country, \u2019tis vain to hope for the former.\nIf contrary to the natural course of things, an unseasonable and premature spring can be given to certain fabrics, by heavy duties, prohibitions, bounties, or other forced expedients, this will only be to sacrifice the interests of the community to those of particular classes. Besides the \n misdirection of labour, a virtual monopoly will be given to the persons employed on such fabrics; and an enhancement of price, the inevitable consequence of every monopoly, must be defrayed at the expence of all others. It is far preferrable, that those persons should be employed in the cultivation of the earth, and that we should procure with the surplus of our soil, the commodities, with which foreigners are able to supply us, in greater perfection, and upon better terms.\nThis mode of reasoning is founded upon principles just in the main; but frequently carried by those who adoptespouse them to an erroneous extreme.\n{Carefully guarding attending to the exceptions by which they are qualified and limited, they ought to serve as cautions against extremes of amn opposite kind. If they do not tend to convince, that all legislative aid should be withheld from particular branches of industry, which appear to require it, they at least inculcate, forcibly, that it ought to be afforded with moderation and measure\u2014that the real aptitudes in the state of things for particular improvements and undertakings should be consulted with circumspection and care, and that even these should be unfolded, by gradual, systematic and progressive efforts rather than impelled into maturity by violentprecipitate and violent disproportioned exertions.\nBut in order to an accurate judgment of the true weight of the objections which restrict oppose are urged against the encouragement of manufactures in the United States, it is necessary to take a concise view of the circumstances and \n considerations which seem capable which are to be found in the contrary scale.\nThough it is readily to be admitted that Agriculture, as the primary and most certain source of national supply\u2014as the immediate source of subsistence and nourishment to man\u2014as the principal source of those materials, which give employment and support to other kinds of labour, as involving a state most favourable to the freedom and independence of the human mind, one perhaps most conducive to the multiplication of the human species, has intrinsically a strong claim to preeminence over every other kinds of industry; yet it is not equally evident that it is (as has is alleged) in any substantial meaning of the term more productive than every other kind. The reality of this suggestion has not been verified by any accurate detail of facts and calculations; and athe general arguments which is are made use of to prove it isare rather quaint thansubtil and paradoxical than solid or satisfactory. It is to this effect\u2014that in the productions of the earth nature cooperates with man, and that the joint result of their united labour must be greater than the result of the labour of man alone.\nBut this does, by no means, appear to be a necessary inference. It is very conceivable that the labour of man alone bestowed upon a work, requiring of great skill and art to bring it to perfection may, in the practical estimate of value, be more productive than the labour of nature and man combined; when directed towards more simple operations and objects. And when it is considered to what an extent the mechanical powers are rendered subservient to the prosecution of manufactures, little more than the quaintness of the argument remains. These may be divided into such as are made use of to produce prove that the labour of of artificrs & manufactures is wholly unproductive and that the labour and such as are designed only to the shew that it is less productive than that of Farmers or Cultivators. Of the first kind the principal TheyThe principal of these are in substance to this effect\u2014\u201cLabour, which is bestowed upon the cultivation of land, produces enough not only to replace all the necessary expences incurred towards carrying it on and to maintain those employed in the work\u2014but to afford together with the ordinary profit on the stock employed by the favour farmer, together with the a clear nett surplus or rent for the landlord or proprietor of the soil. But the labour of Artificers and manufactures does nothing more than replace the stock which employs them, or in other words, which furnishes materials tools and wages, and yield the ordinary profit upon that stock. It procures produces nothing equivalent to the rent of the landlord. Neither does it add any thing to the value of the whole annual produce of the land or to the annual value of the whole produce of the land and labour of the country. Whatever additional value is given into those parts of the produce of land which are wrought into manufactures is counterballanced by the value of those other parts of that produced which are consumed by the manufacturers. It can only therefore be by parsimony not butby the positive productiveness of their labour that the classes and of Artificers and manufactures can in any degree add to the Revenue of the countrycommunity. It cannot appear extraordinary either, that agriculture should be more productive than any other species of Industry, when it is considered that in that, nature cooperates with man. The result of their joint labourefforts must be greater than that of the efforts of man alone\u201d\nTo this system which affirms the total unproductiveness of m~ labour it has been very properly answered\u2014that inasmuch as manufacturing labour reproduces an equal value with that which is consumed in carrying it on, and continues in existence the stock or capital employed for that purpose in it, it cannot, on that account alone,ought not to be considered as wholly unproductives:\u2014That though it were admitted to be true, as the system, in question supposes, that the annual consumption of the products of the soil was exactly by the classes of artificers and manufacturers was exactly equal to the additional value given by their labour to the materials upon which it was bestowed; yet it would not thence follow that it added nothing to the revenue of the Society or to the total value of the annual produce of its land or labour. If the consumption duringfor any given period be stated atamounted to a given sum and the additional value value of produce manufactured in the same period during that period at to a like sum, an equal sum the total amount in value of what was produc consumed and produced during that period, would be equal to the two sums, and consequently double the value of the produce agricultural produce consumed. And though the value of what the Artificer or Manufacturer produces should at no time exceed that of his consumption, yet there would be at every moment, in consequence of his labour, a greater value of goods in the market, than would exist independent of it. That it ough instead of saying that the consumption of Artificers and manufacturers is equal to what they produce, it would be more accurate to say that their revenue, or the fund acquired by the value of the product of their labour and destined for their consumption was, in an ordinary way, not more than equal to it. And, thence, it would follow that all the savings of the more thrifty and parsimonious, and from all the surplus acquisitions of superior skill would be positive augmentations of the real ven wealth or capital of the community\u2014ready to give employment to a greater quantity of useful labour. That it is only by similar savings that the cultivators of land can augment the real revenue of a country: For the annual produce of the land and labour of a society can be increased only in two ways\u2014either by some improvement in the productive powers of useful labour actually existing within it or by some augment increase of its quantity. And since the labour of artificers and manufactures, from being capable of greater subdivision and greater simplicity of operation is on those accounts more susceptible of improvement in its productive powers, than that of the cultivators of land, whether it be considered with regard to either as it respects increase of skill in the results from an augemt augmentation of skill or the facility of applying Machinery, than that of the cultivators of land it will follow that the labour employed in Agriculture can in this respect have no advantage over that employed in manufactures. And as far as concerns an enlargementincrease of the quantity of useful labour, this must depend essentially upon an increase of Capital\u2014which again must depend upon the savings that are made of those of a out of the revenue of those who manage or furnish or manage that which is at any time employed; whether in Agriculture or in manufacturing or in any other way.\nBut while it has been thus contended that the labour of Artificers and manufactures ought not to be considered as wholly barren and unproductive it has been, at the same time conceded that it is not equally productive with that of husbandmen andor cultivators; a position which has hadobtained no inconsiderable currency in this country and which being inof great importance as it in its relation of to maxims of public administration effec is not unworthy of an distinct examination of the grounds on which it rests. One of the arguments made use of in support of it is of so sufercial a nature that it shall be little more than mentioned. It is to this effect. That in nature In the productions of the soil nature (it is said) cooperates with man; and that the effect of their joint labour must be greater than that of the labour of man alone. But thisIt is sufficient to say that this appears by no means to be a necessary inference. It is very conceivable that the labour of man alone bestowed upon a work requiring great skill and art to bring it to perfection may in the practical estimate of value be more productive than the labour of nature and man combined when directed towards more \u27e8si\u27e9mple operations and objects. And when it is considered to what extent the mechanical powers are made subservient to the prosecution of manufactures little more remains than the quaintness of the hypothesis remains.\nAnother and the principal argument for the superior productiveness of Agricultural labour turns upon a concession of the fact that manufacturing industry yields nothing equivalent to the Nett surplus or rent of land.\nIn investigating this point The first thing whichthat which strikes the attention in this inquiry is that it is the circumstance which is supposed to constituteat once strikes the attention that the superior productiveness of Agricultural labour seems to turn upon a distinction purely verbal. This species of labour, it is said, besides replacing the expences of carrying on the business, yields the ordinary profit of stock to the farmer (by whom is to be understood the actual tenant of the land) and a nett surplus or rent to the landlord (who is the ultimate proprietor)\u2014While manufacturing labour only replaces the necessary expences of the business carried on together with the ordinary profits of the stock employed, but without any such nett surplus as is produced from land.\nBut in fact, what is separated into two parts in the first case and under the heads of the ordinary profit of stock to the farmer and rent to the landlord are nothing more than what in the first placesecond case is called simply and singly \u201cthe ordinary profits of stock.\u201d To illustrate this idea, let it be supposed that there are two persons\u2014one having, in money, Eight hundred Dollars the other two hundred dollars\u2014Let it further be supposed that the first with his eight hundred dollars purchases a piece of land farm and lets it to the second, for a certain annual rent, who with his two hundred dollars purchases procures the requisite stock and utensils and hires the necessary labours for tilling and planting the ground the land. Here it is evident that the whole Capital employed in order to the cultivation of this farm though belonging to two different persons is 1000 Dollars\u2014the surplus which remains to the tenant after defraying or replacing reimbursing all expences, is the ordinary profit of Stock or Capit his stock or Capital of two hundred dollars and the rent which is paid to the landlord is the ordinary profit of his stock or Capital of 800 dollars: both together are the ordinary profit of a capital of 1000 Dollars employed towards the cultivation of the a farm. All fallacy or confusion This conclusion becomes palpable if instead of considering that sum as an aggregate Capital as divided into consisting of two parts and belonging to two persons, it is considered as one intire under the aspect of one intire capital belonging to one person, who himself cultivates the f is at once the Owner, and cultivator of the farm; an association union of character common in the United States.\nLet it on the other hand be supposed that one person having in money a thousand dollars employs it in a particular manufacture. If the manufacture succeed it will defray or reimburse the expences of carrying it on and will yield the ordinary profit of a stock or capital of one thousand dollars employed in that way. If this capital had been owned by two persons who had united it in the prosecution of the same object, the profit as in the case of landlord and tenant would have been divided been between the two and would resemble what takes place in the other case, in relation to the landlord and tenant. Perhaps however a more exact similitude may be found in the case of two persons\u2014one who who is being the lender of money to another who is the undertaker of a manufacture. What ever profit is made by the undertaker over and above the interest paid by him on the sum borrowed and upon whateverany addition of capital which he may have been able from his own resources to apply to the undertaking would be the ordinary profit of his own labour skill and capital and the interest paid to the lender would be equivalent to the rent paid to the landlord. In The interest in one case and the rent in the other are the ordinary profits of different stocks or capitals furnished one in land the other in money for carrying on different businesses\u2014one in land the other in moneyIn one case, Land is the Organ; in one casein the other\u2014gold and silver. in the other.\nThe rent therefore of the Landlord so far from being a test of superior exclusive productiveness is not even a test of superior productiveness. This last is a question of fact. To decide it it it see is necessary to examine whether a given capital emplowed towards the purchase and culture of a piece of land yields a greater surplus, after defraying all expences, than a like capital employed towards carrying on a particular manufacture, defraying in each case all necessary expences. This examination indeed is not a very simple or easy one. It involves details numerous and complicated. But there is reason to believe that it would not issue in a demonstration of the superior productiveness of Agricultural industry.\nIn England the rent of the landlord is computed at about 3 \u214c Cent on the value of his landed capital, which is itself computed at about one third the gross product of the land. In the same country it is affirmed that the average nett profit of manufacturing Capital is usually estimated at ten per Cent; which if true would be a proofstrong symptom that manufacturing industry is there more productive than Agricultural. This qualified mode of expression is used because\nA partial investigation\nA slight investi\nThe relationresult of a slight investigation of this point in relation to particular parts of the United States and in reference to land owned and cultivated by the same person on the one hand and the brew brueries of Malt liquors prosecuted upon a large scale on the other,, is that the gross annual produce of the Capital employed in the first case is at the rate of  and the gross annual produce of the Capital employed in the second case at the rate of  the nett produce in the first case at the rate of and  and the nett produce in the second case at the rate of  This comparison as far as it can be relied upon is strongly in favour of the superior productiveness of manufacturing industry; but it is acknowleged that it has not been extended far enough nor made with sufficient precision to justify a positive inference of that kind. Another argument which has been made use of to prove the superior productiveness of agricultural labour is of the following. But there are a variety of other lights in which the subject presents itself tending to shew that manufacturing labour is not only not unproductive; but that the establishment of manufactures tends to increaserender the total mass of the useful & productive labour of a community greater even than it could be without them and even to augment the productiveness of Agriculture.\nIn tracing the topics which warrant such a conclusion it will be necesary to resume and review some of the points that have been already touched.\nAs incident to the general doctrine one of the positions \n   Connections observation more particularly examined\n maintained by which belongs to the system which that which thatdenies the productiveness of M Indy which has been stated maintainsis also That the labour of Artificers and Manufactures adds nothing to the total value of the whole annual produce or revenue of the society of the land and labour of a country, asserting that they because they consume (it is alleged) as much in value of the produce of the land as they furnish in as they produce\nThe answer which has been noted as one that has been given to this position is certainly conclusive and satisfactory. The revenue of the society is evidently increased by the whole additional value given to the raw materials which are manufactur manufactured.\nTo render this idea more obvious and favour familiar it may be of use somewhat to dilate it & perhaps even to even place put it to place it into another light.form The consumption of a cou country together with the yearly current savings or accumlations of the industrious and industrious or thrifty may be stated as corresponding with its revenue or income. That consumption The Consumption of a Country has principally relation to principally to does not consist merely of the immediate productions of the earth in a compound of articles of subsistence all articles of cloathing articles of furniture and equita equipage, houses for habitation. Though Some of these objects, particularly to the last, have a degree of permanency, which seem to render it scarcely proper to class them among those of a consumeable nature; yet the gradual wear to which they are subject \n   Note\n will justify and which requires occasions a continual expence in reparations appears to justify their being included\u2014at least for the purpose for which it is done. It is however not material to the argument, whether they are included or not. The value of all these articles in the state in which they are consumed, not in the primitive condition of raw materials determinesd consequently, the total amount in value of the consumption of the society. And for the same The value which each raw material acquires from its conversion it into a fabric enters into the estimate. And by the same rule it constitutes an increase of the Revenue of the Society. The consumption of a community together with and the savings of the industry industrious and thrifty (which go towards increasing the mass of the national capital) may be said in a general sense to correspond with its revenue or income.\nAdmitting it to be true that the manufacturer consumes exactly as much in value of the produce of land as he adds to the value of the raw material which he manufactures, it thisthere would be no more a reason on this account, for considering his labour as unproductive itthan there would be to consider that of the cultivator to be unproduct which producesprovides the surplus he exchanges with the manufacturer, as unproductive, because he consumes the fabric, which he receives in exchange for his provisions and raw materials. \u2003\u2002The allegation that the Manufacturer consumes as much of the produce of land as he adds to the value of the raw materials which he manufactures is of no more force to prove that his labour is unproductive than would\nTo say that the labour of the Artificer or Manufacturer is unproductive, because he consumes as much of the produce of the land, as he adds in value to the raw materials, which he manufactures, is as inconclusive, as it would be to say that the labour of the farmer which produces furnishes the materials exchanged with the manufacturer is unproductive; because he consumes an equal amount in value of manufactured articles. Each furnishes a certain proportionquantum of the product of his labour to the other of a given value and each destroys or consumes an equal proportion ora correspondent quantum of the labour of the other. The But the maintenance of two citizens in the mean time, instead of one, is going on; and they together consume at least double the value of what is produced from the land.\nIf instead of a farmer the artificer, there was a farmer only he would be obliged to devote a part of his labour to producing cloathing and other articles which in the other case he wouldwould procure of the artificer. He would of course produce proportionably less from his land. And the whole quantity of his production, in this case, in provisions raw materials and manufactures, would not exceed in value would be wouldwhat would be produced in the other case in provisions and raw materials only.\nIf there was an artificer as well as a farmer, the latter would be left at liberty to apply his whole labour to the cultivation of his farm. A greater quantity of provisions and raw materials would consequently be produced; equal as has been observed to the whole amount of provisions raw in value of the provisions raw materials, and manufactures which would be produced on the other supposition. The artificer, or manufacturer, at the same time, would produce in manufactured articles like amount in value in manufactured articlesa (deducting the first cost of the materials) a part of which he would give in exchange for the surplus provisions and materials of the farmer, and the remainder he would apply to his own consumption and use. Here then would be two quantities, or values, instead of one, and the revenue and consumption would be double in one case what it would be in the other.\nIf in place of both these suppositions, there were two farmers, and no artificer, each of whom applied a part of theirhis labour to the culture of the land and another part to the fabrication of the manufactures of which theyhe might stand in need, the portion of the labour of each bestowed onupon land would produce the same quantity of provisions and materials would as would be produced in the last case by the intire sum of the labour of one applied in the same manner and the portion of the labour of each bestowed upon manufactures would produce the same quantity of manufactures as would be produced in the samelike case by the intire sum of the labour of one applied in the same manner. Hence the value of the labour of the two farmers would not be more than equal to that of the labour of the farmer and artificer and hence it is perceived that the labour of the artificer as well as that of the favour farmer is positively productive occasionning aa a real au augmentation of the revenue of the community.\nThe labour of the Artificer replaces to the farmer the that portion of his labour with which he produces the materials which heof exchange with the Artificer and which he would otherwise have been obliged to bestow upon manufactures; and while the Artificer thus purch enables the farmer to enlarge his stock of agricultural labourindustry of which he purchases a portion for his own use, he also furnishes himself with the manufactured articles, offor which he has himself occasion. Thus he not only produces and gives an equivalent for the labour of the farmer which he consumes but he produces an additional supply of manufactured articles for his own own consumption & use.\nIn the course of these illustrations the labour of the Artificer and farmer are considered as equal to each other. But while this method of speaking was necessary to the simplicity and perspicuity it will not be understood that it is intended to state equal quantities of the two kinds of labour as precisely equal in value. That of the Artificer may be somewhat less or more valuable without affecting the maid main scope of the argument which only aims at shewing that it occasions a positive augmentation of the produce or revenue of the Society.\nFrom what has been already it said it appears clearly that the labour of the Artificer more than replaces that portion of the labour of the farmer which he consumes; namely by producing an additional supply of manufactured articles for his own use. But it does still more than this. It furnishes a surplus which compensates for the advance of capital either by himself or some other person towards his own maintenance and the providing of materials for his work. This is the ordinary profit on the stock employed in carrying on the business and is as effective an addition to the income or revenue of the society as the rent of land. Hence the labour of the Artifcer may be regarded as consisting of three parts that which pl replaces the so bo labour of the farmervalue of the provisions purchased of the farmer & of the materials of agricultural labour employed in the fabric that which furnishes the Artificer with cloathing and other necessaries of which in he stands in need and that which constitutes the nett profit on the Stock employed. The two last portions seem to have intirely lost sight of in the assertion that ma doctrine do which maintains that the produce of the labour of the Artificer does no more than replace the produce of the land which he consumes.\nBut there are a variety of other considerations from, which it may be inferred that the establishment of manufactures in a country not only manufacturing artificers and manufacturers not only The following But there remain to be enumerated a variety of important circumstances by which extensive manufacturing establishments contribute to the positive augmentation of the Revenue of thea Society; but in fact rinders it itrendering it in fact greater than it can could possibly be without them.\nThese considerations relate to\n1 \u2003 The Division of Labour\n2 \u2003 The extension of the powers of machinery\n3 \u2003 The furnishing to classes not principally to other classes of the community additional employment.\n4 \u2003 The promoting of emigration from foreign countries\n5 \u2003 The giving a greater scope to the difference of talents and dispositions ofamong mankind\n   cheapness of articles raises the value of land\n6 \u2003 The furnishing a more ample and various field for enterprise\n7 \u2003 The creating in some instances a new & securing in all a more certain and steady demand for the surplus produce of the soil\n8 \u2003  The furnishing a more various and abundant market to foreigners.\nThese articles to be taken up elsewhere Quare?{\n9 \u2003 The enlargement of the spere sphere in ought out of which parsimonious savings may be made to increase the permanent capital of the Nation.\nThere is scarcely any thing of greater importance in the \u0153conomy of a nation than the proper division of labour. The separation of different occupations causes each to be carried to a much greater perfection than it could possibly acquire if they b were blended. This arises prin principally from three causes\u20141 \u2003 the greater skill and dexterity which naturally result from an undivided and constant application to the same, object and a single object. It is evident, that these qualities must increase in proportion to the separation and simplification of objects and the steadiness of the attention which is bestowed upon them each\u2014and must be decrease or be less in proportion to the complication of objects and the division of the attention number among which the attention is divided. 2 \u2003 The saving of time, which arises from by avoiding athe loss of it incident to a frequent transition from one operation to another of a different nature. This depends on various circumstances\u2014the transition itself\u2014the putt the arrangements requisite to order, in regard to the implements tools machines or other means employed on the operation which is to be req relinquished\u2014the preparations which must precede the commencement of a new one\u2014the interruption of the impulse or momentum which the mind of the workman derives from having being actually engaged in it a particular operation\u2014the dissipation of the mind,\u2014the hesitations reluctances and saunterings which oftencommonly attend the passage from one kind of business to another. 3 \u2003 An increase of the use of Machinery. A man engaged in a single operation will naturally be more led and will have it more in his power to exercise his imagination and in inventing methods to facilitate and abrige labour than if he is distracted and harrassed by a variety of independent distinct and dissimilar operations. The invention and application of machines will of course be necessarily more multiplied and extended in the former than in the latter case. This will happen too from another cause. The fabrication of machines, in various instances, becoming itself a distinct traittrade, the Artist employed in it act under underhas all the advantages which have been noticed noted att which have been enumerated to lead him to improvements in his particular Art.\nThus it is evident, that the mere division of labour; or the siparation of the calling of the farmer from that of the Artificer or manufacturer has the effect of rendering increases augmenting the productive powers of labour and consequently its the total mass of the produce or revenue of a a Country community. And in this sim single view of the subject the utility of artificers or manufacturers to that end as contradistinguished from cultivators is obvious.\nIf the Cultivators of land werecould themselves to be the fabricators of those manufactured articles, of which they stand in need, the state both of agriculturehusbandry and manufacturesof the arts would be incomparably worse than under a different the opposite arrangement. in the opposite system.\n   Elsewhere\nThe inducements to make the soil productive The quantity of every species of industry would be less and the quality much inferior\u2014the manufactures produced would be coas cour less abundant coarse and bad\u2014the lands would be ill cultivated and the whole community ill supplied. In regard to Agriculture in particular, not only the advantages resulting from the division of labour would be lost, but the inducements to render the land productive would be sup circumscribed to within the narrowest limits. They would be limited to the maintenance of each family in the simplest manner. Neither the gratification of the manu inclinations which are incident to a state of greater improvement, nor the desire of desire of multiplying enjoyments nor of accumulating wealth, by the an exchange of surplus productions of the soil would prompt to exertions for obtaining such a surplus.\nTheir utility to the same end is not less obvious as it relates to an extension of the powers of machinery in the industry.\nThe second circumstance which has been mentioned, namely the extension of the Powers of Machinery by manufacturing establishments has been in part anticipated. But it deserves to be viewed viewed in one or two additional lights.\n   Peculiar turn of the people of this Country towards mechanic arts\nA substitute for domestic manufactures is the existence of foreign ones the products of which can be exten obtained in exchange for those the domestic products of the soil. But Since by this substitute a very great advantage for the increase of the industry of a country is transferred. It is certain that appears not to admit of dispute that manufacturing and pursuits are susceptible of the application admit of the use of machinery in much greater extent and variety than Agricultural ones. The reality of this fact must be referred to observation\u2014nor can this it can appear extraordinary, when it is considered how few and simple are the operations of agriculture and how numerous and complicated are those of Agriculturemanufactures. If true, all the difference in the degree is lost to the countrycommunity, which instead of manufacturing for itself procures the manufactured produce for which it has occasionfabrics necessary to the supply of its wants from other countries. The circumstance of the employment of Mech Machinery froms forms a weight froms an item of prodigious importance in the general mass of national industry. Tis an artificial force brought in aid of the for natural force of man and is to all the purposes of labour an increase of hands an accession of strength. Hence Those occupations therefore in which in can be exerted to most advantage other things being equal must be most conduceconducive to the augmentation which give the greatest scope to it add proportionably to the aggregate momentum of industrious effort and consequently to the aggregate product of industry.\nThe furnishing to other classes of the community additional employment ismean another and a very valuable effect of theand a very valuable mean by which the establishment of manufactures tends to increase the mass of Industry and the Revenue of the Society. In towns and neighbourhoods were where manufactures are established besides those who are regularly and constantly engaged in them bred to them they adopt give occasional& give employment to many persons who would otherwise be idle, either from the bentbyass of their dispositions, the habits they may have acquired infirmity of body or some other cause indisposing or disqualifying them for the toils of the country; and they give occasional employments also to families industrious families who devote the leisure are willing to emplo devote the leisure, which the intermission of their ordinary occupations allows them, to collateral pursuits by which they can increase their acquisitions or their enjoyments. The two classes of Women and Children particularly are rendered more useful and more early useful by means of manufactures than they could otherwise be. Of the number of persons employed in the Cotton manufactories of Great Britain it is computed that nearly \u2074\u2044\u2087 are women and children\u2014of whom the greatest proportion are children. Thus it is one of the recommendations of manufactories that that they give M occasion to the exertion of a greater quantity of industry even by the same number of persons inhabiting a place in which they prevail than if they did not exist\u2014another circumstance by which they serve to increase the sum of the produce & revenue of the society.\nOf a similar nature is their tendency to draw emigrants from foreign country countries. Men are generallycommonly reluctant to quit onethe one course of occupation and livelihood to whic for another unless invited to it by very \n   Quare\n apparent and proximate advantages. Many who would resolve to go from one country to another, if they had a prospect of pursuing with more benefit the callings to which they have been educated will often not be tempted to change their situation by the prospect of doing better in some other way. This consideration is of great importance Manufacturers, who listening to the invitations of a better price for their fabrics or their labour, of greater abundance andgreater cheapness of subsistence, both of provisions and raw materials of an exemption from the greater part of the burthens taxes and burthens which they endure throughout Europe the old world of greater personal independence under the \n operation of a more equal government would flock from Europe to the United States to pursue their own trades and professions, if they were once made to understand the advantages with an assurance of countenance and encoura countenance and employment will not readily be persuaded to transa transplant themselves for the pup purpose of becoming cultivators and husbandmen. If it be true (as it is presumed to be) that it is the interest of the United States to open all the sluices of European emigration and a powerful argument may be derived from this source in favour of the encouragement of manufactures. It will probably be found a fruitful mean of augmenting the population, and with it the useful and productive labour of the country. Here we perceive a resource for the prosecution of manufactures without deducting materially from the hands which would naturallyotherwise be drawn to tillage and we perceive and even for the indemnification of agriculture for those who might be withdrawn or witheld from it. Many whom manufacturing views would in the first instance bring over would afterwards after their arrival yield to the temptations temptations wh which the particular situation of this country holds out to Agricultural pursuits. And while Agriculture would derive many positive and unqualif unmingled advantages from the growth and progress of manufactures in the United States, it is even a problem whether it would gain or lose even in the particular article of the number of persons who would be employed in carrying it on.\nThe giving scope to the varietydiversity of talents and dispositions which distinguinsh mankind discriminate men from each other is a much more powerful mean of augmenting the fund of National Industry than may at first sight appear. It is aan common observation not less just than common that minds of the strongest and most active powers for their proper objects fall below mediocrity and labour without effect, if confined to uncongenial pursuits. Whence it will follow that the results of human enterprise and exertion must be immensely augmented by the diversification of theirits objects when everyall the different species of industry existsprevail in a community each citizen is individual each citizen is then able to find his proper natural element and can there call into activity forth the whole vigour of his geniusnature.. And the community is benefitted by the services of each of the its members in the way in which he can serve it with most effect.\nIf there be any thing in a remark which is every where m to be met with, namely that there is a peculiar aptitude in the genius of of the people of this country for mechanic inventions and improvements it will add great weight to the general reasoning\u2014would afford a strong argument for giving opportunities for thatto the operation of that propensity by the encouragement of manufactures.\nThe benefitseffects of enlarging the field of enterprise, by varying the industrious pursuits of a community, are of a nature allied closely allied to those which have been just attributed ascribed to ex an extension of the opportunities for exercising the different talents and dispositions of men. That a general spirit of enterprise is a fruitful source of national wealth is readily admitted as a general proposition; but the vast differences which are made in the aggregate of public prosperity by situations more or less favourable to it are not easy even to be conceived. Every new sience which is opened to the busy nature of man to rouse and exert itself is the addition of a new energy to the general stock of effort. It might be compared with the discovery of some new power in mechanics. This most useful and prolific spirit must necessarily be contracted or extended in proportion to the simplicity or variety of the occupations which obtain in a society. A nation of mere cultivators will experienc possess less of it an than a nation of cultivators and Merchants\u2014and a nation of cultivators and merchants than one of cultivators artificers manufacturers and merchants.\nOne of the great arts of enriching a nation is to stipul cherish and stimulate the activity of the human mind by multiplying its objects. Things even in themselves not positively advantageous be often become come so by their tendency to increase promote greater exertion. This idea within due limits, is well worthy of the attention of the Legislators. of a Country.\nTo create in some instances a new and to secure in all a more steady demand for the surplus produce of the soil\u2014This is another and a very principal mean by which the establishment of domestic manufactures tends to augment the produce or revenue of a Country. It is evident that the exertions of the husbandman will be steady or fluctuating feeble or vigorous in proportion to the steadiness or fluctuation adequateness or inadequateness of the market to which he can send the surplus produce of his lands; and consequently their produce will be greater or less in the same proportion. A domestic market is for this purpose infinitely more desireable than a foreign one because in the nature of things it is infinitely more to be relied upon. It is a primary object of the policy of most nations to be able to supply themselves with subsistence; and manufacturing nations endeavour as far as circumstances permit to procure from their own soil the raw materials which are necessary for their own workmen. This disposition is not only carried to what may be deemed a reasonable extent and salutary extent; but the spirit of moneymonopoly in many cases begets carries it to an extreme, which defeats the end aimed at.. It seems not to be recollected that nations which have no not mi mines can only procure the precious metals in exchange for the products of their industry\u2014that those which have not mor no manufactures can only neither mines nor manufactures can only procure the manufactured articles of which they stand in need by an exchange of the products of the soil; and that if those nations who can best furnish them with manufactures are not willing, to give a free course to the exchange of those products, they must of necessity endeavour to manufacture for themselves. The consequence of which must be that the manufacturing nations will abrige the advantages of their situation because they are unwilling to permit the Agricultural ones to reap the benefits of theirs. They lose the substance in the vain project of selling every thing and buying nothing.\nBut the effect of the policy which has been stated is, that the foreign demands for the products of the soil of Agricultural country countries (provisions especially) is rather casual and occasional than usual or constant. To what degree any injurious interruptions of the demand for the staple commodities of the United States may have been experienced on this account must be referred to the judgment of those who are engaged in carrying on the commerce of the country. But it is presumed it may be taken for granted that such interruptions have been severely felt; either in a want and that markets have either been wanting or in so low a state as to oblige to rumours sacrifices in respect to the price.\nWhen it is considered how muchfast the increasing settlements of the United States must augment the surplus product of thetheir soil and when the inauspicious symptoms which have appeared in some late regulations of Europe are duly attended to (however the necessary force of circumstances may be counted upon for counteracting an artificial policy and for repellingsilencing an overweening anxiety for the issue) prudence we shall be naturally led to regard the foreign demand for that surplus as too error to contrast manufactures & Agriculture as rivals} precarious a dependence and to a serious consideration of the means of finding a substitute in an extensive domestic market.\nTo have such a market, it is evident, there is no other other way than to promote extensive manufacturing establishments. Artificers and manufactures are the principal consumers of the surplus produce of the soil.\nThis idea of a se an extensive domestic market for the sup surplus produced by the labour of the country is of the greatest importance. It is of all things, that which will conduce most to a flourishing and vigorous state of Agriculture. As far as the number of hands who would be employed in tillage may be diminished by being drawn to manufactures it might possibly occasion a less quantity of lands to be under culture but those which were so would be much better improved and far more productive. And while the condition of each individual farmer would be meliorated the the total mass of Agricultural production would probably be increased. This evidently depends as much perhaps more as well upon the degree of improvement as upon the quantity of land improved.\nThe establishment existence establishment of domestic manufactures depends not only occasionsfurnishes a market wh for those articles which have been accustommed to be produced in abundance in a particular country but it creates a demand for the others which either have not been accustomed to be produced before or in much smaller quantity. Thus the productionculture of silk & the cult production of wool now circumscribed within very nam norrow limits in the UStates would not fail to grow with the growth of manufactures of those articles. A Animals Plants minerals and other fossils are produced and brought into use which were before neglected and Supplies are called for both from the surface and thefrom bowels of the earth which were before neglected. Animals plants & minerals each earths stones are produced acquire an utility and value which were before unknown. to them.\nThe result of the whole is not only an increase of the total mass of productive labour, but an improvement in the state of Agriculture, certainly an amelioration of the condition of those who are employed in it.\n   \u261e Stet\nThe furnishing a more various and abundant market to foreigners\u2014in consequence of the establishment of manufactures is of a nature simil is attended with effects similar to those which have been ascribed to the securing an extensive domestic market for the surplus of the soil.\nBut as there are many additional considerations involved in this circumstance which would be improperly anticapt anticipated here it will be more properly enlarged upon in another place.\nThe foregoing considerations seem sufficient to satisfy the mind that, in the abstract, it is the interest of every communities to diversify the industrious pursuits of the citizens\u2014and that the establishment of manufactures has a tendency not only to increase the total general stock of useful and productive labour; but even the to improve the state of Agriculture, certainly to ameliorate the condition of those who are employed in it. There are other as views of the subject which it is presumed will confirm this inference; previous to which it will be useful to see what can be said against the general doctrinearguments which have been used particularly in in relation to a Country circumstanced like the United States.\nIt maymight be observed with considerable force that however true it may be that a state which possessing large tracts of vacant and fertile territory is at \n the same time secluded from foreign commerce would find its interest and the interest of Agriculture in diverting a part of its population from tillage to manufactures; yet it will not follow that the same thing can be advantageous to a country which having such vacant territory is at the same time in a situation by means of external commerce to procure on good terms from foreign nations all the fabrics which it may want. This all the effects at least secures all the advantages of a division of labour leaving the farmer at liberty to pursue exclusively the culture of his land and to procure the enabling him to procure the manufactured articles requiredrequisite for his use with the surplus of its produce in exchange for its produce. And however true it may be that in settled countries the existin diversification of industry increases the total mass and augments the Revenue of the Society, it can hardly be conceivable that any thing can be of such permanent advantage to an unpeopled country as to turn its wastes into fertile fields. Though the revenue in the mean time may be less the capital must ultimately be greater. And it may be added that as far as foreigners can supply those articles cheaper than citizens, the difference is an enhancement of the value of Agricultural labour; a smaller portion of which will then command a greater quantity of manufactured produce.\nThis objection is worthy of a particular examination.\nIf the free system were the prevailing system of Nations\u2014if industry and commerce were every where left to their natural course, the considerations which dissuade a Country in the predicament of the United States from the zealous pursuit of manufactures would doubtless have very considerable weight. It will not be affirmed that they might not be trusted with a great degree of safety be permitted with few exceptions, to serve as a rule of national conduct; and that the ultimate though some very important advantages might in consequence of it be relinquished or postponed to a distant day. In such a state of things each country would have the full benefit of its peculiar advantages to compensate for its disadvantages or deficiences. or d If one was in condition to produce and supply manufactured articles on better terms than the other the latter might be able to supply the produce of the soil on better terms than the former. And a free exchange mutually beneficial would be carried on between them supporting in full vigour the industry of each. And though the circumstances which have been mentioned and others which will be added render it prop probable that the Nations merely Agricultural would not enjoy the same degree of opulence in proportion to their numbers as those which were both Agricultural and manufactural; yet the progressive improvement of the lands of the former might in the end in compensate for an inferior degree of opulence in the mean time; and in a case where considerations are pretty equally ballanced the option ought perhaps always to be in favour in favour of leaving industry to its own direction.\nBut such a performperfect freedom of intercourse ishas been very far from characterising being the being the policy of Nations. And to judge from recent events the contrary spirit would seem rather to gain than to lose ground.\nThe consequence of it is that the United States are in a great measure in the situation of a Country secluded from foreign commerce. They maycan indeed obtain with ease from abroad without difficulty the manufactured articles which they require; but they experience numerous and very injurious impediments to the emission outlet and vent of their own commodities. Nor is this the case in reference to one foreign Nation only\u2014The regulations of different countries with whom we have the most extensive intercourse, Great Britain France Portugal and Spain & Portugal throw serious obstructions in the way of the several of the principal staples of the United States.\nThe Corn laws of Great Britain shut the European market against our grain except in rare and extraordinary cases; and by a late ex ex intirely against the products of our fisheries. The markets of her Islands are indeed open to all our commodities (except ) but it is under the disadvantage of an exportation in her own ships. \u2003\u2002France also excludes from her European market our  and from her West India markets all her grain our grain, except rice and Indian corn and our Pork. In particular emergencies the exclusion is suspended or relaxed but it is the general policy. Our Tobacc A serious obstacle has also been thrown in the way of the importation of our Tobacco into France by a difference of duties on the article imported in French or American bottoms, which can only not amount to a prohibition of the importation in our own vessels by an absolute a deficiency of French Vessels.\nIn such a postureposition of things the United States cannot exchange commodities with Europe\nIn such a state of things the want of reciprocity would render the principles\nupon equal terms and the want of reciprocity would render them in a great measure the victim of a system which is calculatedpersuades them to confine their views to Agri Agricultural Industry and to refrain from attempting a progress in any other species. manufactures. A constant and increasing necessity on their part for the the commodities of Europe and only on occasional andor partial demand for their own could not but check the progress of their Industry and leave them in a state of impoverishment compared with the degree of opulance opulence to which their faculties and resources and the natural ought to lead them give them a right their political and natural advantages give them a right to aspire pretend.\nIt is not meant by what has been said to complain heap censure on the conduct of any other nations towards the United States stigmatise the policy of other nations. What has been remarked with regard to the conductregulations of certain foreign nations is not designed neither for complaint nor censure. \u2019Tis for them to judge whether by grasping at too much they do not lose the advantages more than they gain; defeating the advantages which relative situations and a more natural policy would secure and long preserve to them. \u2019Tis for the United States to consider by what means they can best indemnify themselves for the impediments to their external course b commerce by giving a new direction to their pursuits and by opening new domestic resources. render their prosperity least dependent on the projects and vicissitudes of foreign policy.\nIt is no small consolation that already the measures which have embarrassed our Trade have accelerated internal improvements which upon the whole have bettered our condition. To diversify develope and extend these improvements is the surest and safest method of indemnifying ourselves for any inconviences which those or in similar measures have a tendency to occasion & will be found the most effectual retaliation, for any unkindness of disposition (if any there has been) which may have dictated them. If Europe will not consent to take from us the products of our soil upon terms consistent with our interest let us contract as fast as possible our wants of her.\nThe transformation of their waste into cultivated lands is certainly an idea of great weight and importance in the \u0153conomicalpolitical calculations of the United States. But the more degree in which this may possibly be retarded by the establishment of manufactures does not appear to counterballance the powerful considerations in favour of the encouragement of manufactures which operate in favour of their encouragement.\nIt is pretty evdsufficiently evident that the it is more the interest of a community even confining the question viewing the question only in relation to the state of its Agriculture to have such of its lands as are under cultivation well cultivated than to have a greater quantity under inferior cultivation. The product of total amount of the product of its soil may even be greater in the first case than in the last. And if manufacturers for the reasons which have been assigned should promote a more steady and vigorous cultivation of the lands occupied than might otherwise be the case, they might abundantly indemnify for any progress diminution of the progress of new settlements. Not only the income but the Capi real capital of the nation may might be greater increased by them. The smaller quantity of lands under good cultivation might be truly worth more than the greater quantity under bad or indifferent culture; independent of the increase of active capital which naturally results from manufacturing industry.\nBut it does by no means follow that even the progress of new settlements would be retarded by the extension of manufactures. The desire of being a propriet proprietyproprietor of lands depends upon such strong principles in the human breast, that where the opportunity of acquiring is so easy as it is in the United States the proportion must be small of those, whose circumstances would otherwise lead to it, that would be diverted from the pursuit toward manufactures. And it is very probable as before intimated that the accessions from Europe of persons who originally drawn over by manufacturing views would abandon them for Acricultural ones would more than compensate for those of our own citizens who might happen to be detained from them.\nIt is any idea of great consequence to the affairs of this Country to open as many avenues as possible to European emigration; which  will \n   said before\n best be affected by multiplying the objects upon which the industrious of all descriptions can be employed. The overflowing of these streams can hardly fail in the result to benefit Agriculture, which is very justly considered asthe common center of attraction and as well as the predominant interest of the United States.\nThe objections which consider represent an impracticability on the part of the United States to make any considerable progress in manufactures require next to be examined. These relate to three points\u2014the scarcity of hands\u2014the consequent dearness of labour\u2014the want of Capital.\nThe circum two first circumstances are in a considerable degree real and ought to be admitted within due limits as obstables to our success in manufactures; especially those of the finer and most costly kinds. But there are various considerations, which diminish their weight, and seemseem to afford an assurance that many very useful and extensive manufactories may be prosecuted with advantage.\nFirst with regard to the scarcity of hands\u2014The fact itself must be applied with material qualifications to certain parts of the United States. There are large districts of country which may be considered as pretty fully peopled; and in which numerous flourishing and increasing towns have grown up; and this notwithstanding a continual drain for distant settlement. If these districts have not already arrived at the point at which the complaint of a scarcity of hands ceases, they appear, at least, to be not very remote from it, and to be still approaching to towards it. And Not being equally happy in agricultural advantages with some other parts of the United States they exhibit a proportionably stronger tendency towards other kinds of industry. In these districts there may be discerned no inconsiderable maturity for manufacturing establishments.\nBut there are circumstances which have been already noticed with another view that lessen the effect of this scarcity every where. These circumstances are\u2014the extensive use which can be made of women and children, on which point, a very pregnant & instructive fact has been stated: the vast extension employment which late improvements have given to the employment of machines which substituting the agency of firer and water \n   Fustians Jeans Bed ticking Muslins Coarse Striped Cottons Jerseys\n to that of manual labour has prodigiously lessened the necessity for manual labour. Of this, the mill for spinning Cotton invented in Great Britain within the last seventeen years is a signal example. In consequence of it, the preparation of the Cotton for spinning and the spinning of it into yarns are performed by the mere force of machinery to a very great extent with only a veryvery small number of persons to attend the process. and collect the results \nHandkerchief B Ribbands Buttons imp}Silk Whence it has happened that Great Britain is not able not only to supply herself with the cotton manufactures which she formerly procured from India, but probably the rest to export any quantity for which a demand can be found.\nThe employmen occasional employment of persons engaged in other occupations during the hours or seasons of leisure. This is not only a resource for procuring an additional supply of labour, but as has been remarked in another give place gives besides giving occasion to the exertion of a greater quantity of labour by the same number of persons and increasing the general stock of labour (as has been remarked in another place) is a materialmay also be mentioned as a resource for carrying on manufactures and obviating the inconveniences of a scarcity of hands for the prosecution of manufactures; though it is of less importance than any other.\nThe attraction of foreign emigrants\u2014This is a very important and efficacious resource for remedying the defect whi of hands. Whoever examines with a careful eye the composition of the population of our towns will be convinced how much this resource may be relied upon. This presents a large number of ingenious and valuable artists and mechanics, who, by expatriating from the old world, have essentially bettered their own condition and materially added to the industry and wealth of the new. It is demonstrated by the fact experience already had, that if the United States should exhibit the countenance of a serious encouragementprosecution of manufactures, considerable numbers of European workmen will be induced to transplant themselves to the United States. How indeed should it be otherwise, considering the numerous and powerful attractions which the situation of this country presents and which address themselves to so many strong passions & interests? The personal equality and independence of condition its citizens the superior price of labour\u2014the actual abundance and cheapness of provisions\u2014the growing abundance and cheapness of raw materials\u2014the \n   Qr\n lightness of taxes\u2014the exemptions from tythes & corporation restraints, would furnish differ allurements to different descriptions of person these and other circumstances, operating differently indeed upon different descriptions of personals but powerfully upon each, would present to foreign Artists & manufacturatures prospects too alluring to be resisted when it was once clearly understood when that the state of things here afforded a certainty of employment in their respective branches.\nIt may be said therefore, in respect to hands for carrying on manufactures, that we should in a great measure trade upon a foreign stock, reserving our own for the cultivation of our lands; as far as as character and circumstances might dictate.\nSecondly. With regard to The dearness of Labour\u2014This depends essentially on two circumstances, that which which has been just discussed namely the scarcity of hands one that which has been just discussed, or the dearness of labour, scarcity of hands\u2014the other the greatness of profits.\nAs far as it depends on the is a consequence of the scarcity of hands, all the circumstances which lessen that this inconvenience have a similar effect upon the other.\nThe disparity indeed, real disparity indeed which exists in this respect between certain parts of Europe and certain parts of the United States is not so considerable as may have been imagined. And the effect of this disparity in the final result is evidently diminished in proportion to the use which can be made of machines. To illustrate this idea let it be supposed that the difference of price in two countries of a given quantity of labour manual labour requisite to the fabrication of a particular commodity is as 10\u2014and that some mechanic power is substituted in both, which performing half the requisite labour leaves only half to be done by hand, it is evident that the difference of in the pricecost of the fabrication of that commodity produced in each country, as far as it is connected with the price of labour, will be reduced to five instead of 10 as it would if have been the case, independently of the employment of that Power. To procure all such Machines as are known as are made use of  in any part of Europe can only require the necessary pains. And some of them To prepare them here is in most cases practicable on nearly equal terms. As far as they depend on water some peculiar advantages may be claimed from the uncommon variety of situations adapted to mill seats with which this many parts of the U States abound.\nAs far as the dearness of labour is a consequence of the greatness of Profits, in any undertaking branch of business, it is no obstacle to its sec success, but because the Undertakers can well afford to pay the Price.\nThere appears to be no doubt that undertakers of manufactures in this Country can at this time afford to pay higher wages to the workmen they may employ than are paid to similar workmen in Europe. Generally speakingThe component parts of The prices of foreign manufactured articles in this country in the market of the United States which will for a long time regulate those of domestic manufacture, may be considered as compounded of these ingredients\u2014the first cost of the materials, wa the wages of the workmen including the taxes w if any, which are laidpaid upon them, the expence of tools and machinery & tools the wages of the workmen by whom they are fabricated, the profits of the stock of the Undertak capital or stock employed in the business, the commissions of an Agent to purchase them where they are made, the expence of transportation from thence to the United States including the taxes if any which are paid upon exportation, the the the taxes or duties on importation\u2014the profits of the importing Merchants who import the articles.\nAs to the first article item, the cost first cost of the raw materials, the \n   Qr\n advantage upon the whole is on the side of the United States and in a little time might be rendered much more so.\nAs to the second, the wages of the m workmen, the comparison is to the disadvantage of the United States; though as already remarked, not in so great a degree as has been commonly supposed.\nAs to the profits of the stock employed in the manufacture these are alike applicable to the domestic as to the foreign manufacture and must be excluded from the calculation.\nBut as to all the succeeding items they are alone applicable to the foreign nat manufacture and constitute a mass of extra charge upon it \n   Qr\n which cannot be les computed at less than 40 or 50 per Cent on the Cost at the foreign factory and which must much more than counterb in the competition between domestic and foreign manufactures must be much more than a counterpoise for the difference in the price of labour. \n   take care that nothing to contradict necessity of extra encouragement\n The statement of the amount of these charges will not appear high when it is considered that the Commissions of Agents & expence of transportation alone amount on different articles from 15 to  per Cent.\nDomestic manufactures therefore can well sustain the extra price of labour as far as it is real, and prosper in defiance of it.\nThirdly. With regard to a want of capital\u2014This objection is of a nature rather indefinite, one which it is not easy neither to maintain nor to refute. It is not easy possible to pronounce any thing cert precise concerning the extent of the active or moneyd capital of the United States, still less concerning the proportion which it bears to the objects whichthat require Capital and invite the employment of Capital. Why might it not as well be objected the same objection be made to foreign Commerce: since it is event evident that our immense tracts of uncultivated land would give employment to more are capable of giving employment to a larger capital than is are actually bestowed upon them? It is certain that the United States offer a boundless field to the advantageous employment of Capital. But it does not follow that there will not be found a sufficiency for the successful prosecution of any species of Industry, which is likely to prove really beneficial.\nThe Effect of money as Capital, or in other words as a medium for putting in motion and circulating the industry of a country may be compared with the momentum of heavy bodies and may be said to be in a compound ratio ration to the quantity and velocity. Every new impulse therefore\nIn every such Question\nIt is not easy to pronounce how far the effect of any given quantity of money as capital or in other words as a medium for circulating the industry of a country may be multiplied or extended by the very si circumstance of giving to it new additional motion by new objects of \n employment. It is very certain that that effect may in many respects be compared with the momentum of descending bodies, and may be regarded as in a compound ratio to quantitymass and velocity. A given sum of money in a situation unaided by the quick impulses of commercial activity would be found inadequate to the circulation of as great a quantity of industry and property as in one in which it felt the full influence of that activity.\nThe establishment and increase of Banks in the United States will tend powerfully to obviate the objection under consideration.\nThe aid of foreign Capital also, in every question of this nature may be safely and with considerable latitude admitted into the calculation. It has been long experienced in our external commerce in the shape of thea credit given to our merchants. \n   Persons who think it an evil\u2014Nat Approbation of our Government\n And it begins to be perceived in various other modes. Not only our funds, but our Agriculture Its operation has of late reached not only our funds; but our Agriculture and other internel improvements\u2014in a few instances it has even extended to particularour manufactures.\nIt is a well known fact, that there are parts of Europe which have much more Capital than profitable domestic objects of employment. Hence the public loans continually made to foreign States. And it is equally certain that the capital of other parts may find more profitable employment in the United States \n   defect material difference\n than at home. And that though there are many weighty considerations which induce men to prefer the employment of their capital in \n   Whatever attracts money \u2003 once introduced may be turned elsewhere good way to detain it is to multiply objects.\n their own country even at less profit to a distant employment of it in foreign countries at greater profit; yet those considered give way, either where there is and an absolute deficiency of employment or where the difference in employment profit is material. As well the former cause as the latter have operated in relation to us. Tis certain that various objects in this Country invite foreign Capital by much greater profits than can be made at home; and under the increasingly favourable impressions which are entertained of our Government the attraction will be \n   advantage of encouraging manufactures to the fisheries\nOne or two points of view only remain, in which to consider the expediency of the encouragement of manufactures in the U States, previous to a discussion of the means, by which it is to be effected.\nIt is not uncommon to meet with an opinion that though the promoting of manufactures may be the interest of a part of the United States, it is contrary to that of another part. The Northern and Southern regions are sometimes represented as having a distinctan opposite interest in thatthis respect. Those are called manufacturing states, these Agricultural\u2014and a species of opposition and contradiction is imagined to subsist between the manufacturing and Agricultural interest.\nIt is not to be denied that particular encouragements of particular manufactures may be of a nature to sacrifice the interestcertain interests of the Landholder to those of the Manufacturer\u2014And hence it can of which examples there are not wanting examples in manufacturing countries. And hence it cannot be admitted as us universally true \u27e8that\u27e9 the interests of Agriculture and manufactures \u27e8are\u27e9 the same, a position which has been in many \u27e8in\u27e9stances abused. But there is no maxim bet \u27e8bet\u27e9ter established by experience or more generally \u27e8ac\u27e9knowleged where there has been sufficient experience, than that the aggregate prosperity of manufactures and the aggregate prosperity of Agriculture are intimately connected. And it is relied upon that the truth of this maxim has been demonstrated by a variety of important considerations in the course of the preceding discussion,\u2014of which the superior steadiness of the steady demand of a domestic market for the surplus products of the soil is alone a convincing argument.\nThe idea of a contrariety of interests between the Northern & Southern regions of the United States ought to be treated without mercyexploded as often as it appears. It is as unfounded as it is mischievous.\nThe diversity of circumstances on which it is foundedpredicated authorises a directly contrary conclusion. Mutual wants constitute one of the strongest links of political connection and these are the reas the extent of these is in bears a proportion to the diversity in the objects of supply.\nIf there are have been appearances of a struggle between contending interests in any cases they it may be confidently affirmed that they have proceeded from erroneous opinions on one part or on the other. It ought to be the effort of patriot\u27e8ism\u27e9 to suppress the suggestions, proceeding from the suppos\u27e8tion of a different\u27e9 interest. It will be the effort of \u27e8enlightened\u27e9 patriotism to extinguish a spirit \u27e8as unfriendly to\u27e9 a concentration of efforts a steady \u27e8pursuit of one\u27e9 great common cause and to the \u27e8perfect harmony of\u27e9 all the parts.\n   Encouragement to Fisheries arising from manufactures\nIn proportion as the mind is accustomed to contemplate trace the intimate u union and connection of interest; between all the parts of a Society, united one under one and the same government\u2014the infinite variety of channels, through which the prosperity of each circulates to and through the rest, will it be little disposed to respect little the ideas of a jealous discrimination. It is a truth as important as it is solid, that everyconsoling as profound as it is simple that every thing which tends to establish substantial & permanent order in the affairs of a country, to increase the greattotal mass of industry and opulence is ultimately beneficial to \n   This great Truth, as profound as it is simple & consoling cannot be too deeply impressed on the minds of all those who are entrusted with the care of the public welfare. It teaches that\n every part of it. On the credit of this truth as profound as it is simple & consoling and invaluable precept may be On the credit of this great Truth an acquiescence be safely given from every quarter to every institution and arrangement which promises a confirmation of public order and an augmentation of national resource.\nBut there are more particular considerations which serve to shew confirm the idea belief that the encouragement of manufactures is the interest of all parts of the Union. If the Northern and middle states should be the principal scenes of such establishments, they would immediately benefit the more Southern by creating a demand for productions; some of which they have in common with the other states and others of which are either peculiar to them or of better quality more abundant or of better quality than elsewhere. These productions principally are, Timber, flax, hemp, cotton, wool, raw silk, indigo, iron, lead, furs, hides, skins and coal. Of these articles, cotton and Indigo are altogether peculiar to the Southern states, and as are hitherto in a great measure lead and coal. Flax and Hemp are or may be raised in greater abundance there than in the more Northern States. And the wool produced in certain parts of Virginia is said to be of better quality than that which is raised in other parts of the United States; a circumstance which is rendered the more probable by the reflection that the finest \n   Ex\n wool country of Europe is in the same latitude with that state. The extensive propagationcultivation of Cotton in particular can perhaps hardly be expected, but from the previous establishment of domestic manufactories of that article, and the surest encouragement and vent fro for the others would result from similar establishments in relation to them.\nThe last remark which remains previous to a specification of the objects to be encouraged & the means of encouragement is this\u2014That the present is the critical moment for entering with zeal upon the important business. Two circumstances conspire to make it so\u2014A considerable and increasing influx of Capital money from foreign speculations in the public Debt, the disorders in Europe.\nWhen The first circumstance not only facilitates the execution of manufacturing projects but it indicates them as a necessary mean to render it an advantage and prevent its being ultimately an evil. It is of great moment to find useful employt. for the increase of num money resulting from foreign purchases of our debt else it will be reexported in consequence of an increased consumption of foreign luxuries and we must suffer hereafter distressing drains of our specie to pay the interest and finally the principal of the purchased debt.\nThis useful employment too must be of a nature to produce solid dome and permanent domestic improvements. If it merely gives an increased activity additional spring to foreign commerce, as it is not cannot procure new and lasting sources of demandoutlets for the products of our country, it will be of no real or lastingdurable advantage. In Agricultural ameliorations as far as it may find its way, it will be prove of solid utility\u2014but it is to be doubted whether in this channel it would find sufficient employment & still more whether many of those who possess it would be as readily attached to objects of this nature as to those of a manufacturing kind which bear greater analogy to their accustomned pursuits.\nTo open the one field as well as the other will at least afford secure a better prospect of useful employment for whatever accession of money their either has been or may be.\nThis is at the present juncture ana certaina certain fermentation of mind activity of speculation and enterprise, which if properly directed may be turned to thevery beneficial purposes but if left wholly to itself may be attended with many pernicious effects.\nThe present disturbed state of Europe inclining its citizens to emigration, the requisite manufacturers will be the more easily acquired at this juncture and the opening new means of employment to them by giving a new impulse to the current may increase the extent of valuable acquisitions to our population & to our industry in every branch.\nIn entering upon a designation of the species of manufactures, which may appear to claim, in a peculiar manner, the encouraging hand of government, it occurs both as an indication of aptitudes in the state of things, and as an assurance of the probability of success, in manufacturing attempts, that already a considerable progress has been made in manufactures of the following kinds\u2014Distill Distilleries of ardent spirits, breweries of malt liquors, various art various articles of iron particularly (including the preparation extraction & preparation of the metal itself) particuly steel, muskets nails  various kinds of le articles of which leather is the basis, particularly, sala sadlery, shoes \n   Lead Cotton Wool Stocking, Glass Books Oils & paints\nPaper and paper hangings\u2014Sail Duck and some other linnens of the coarser kind\u2014Hats\u2014Gunpowder, Carriages, Cordage, Books Some promising attempts are also going onbeginnings have also been made in other branches, in Cott in fabrics of cotton wool lead glass but as yet these have attained toacquired little maturity or extent.\nAn association however has lately been set on foot to carry on the cotton branch with a force of capital and means which with the due countenance of government can hardly fail of success and which promises an acquisition of incalculable value to the United States.\nIn the sectionselection of the proper objects of encouragement the following circumstances deserve peculiar attention\u2014the aptitudes of the country for furnishing the raw material\u2014the degree to which a substitude for manual labour may be found in machinery, the facility of executing the manufacture\u2014the extent of the usues to which it is applied applicable.\nWhere these circumstances unite in favour of a particular object they plead for its encouragement with irresistible force.\nSon\nThe following manufactures are particularly recommended by some or all of the considerations which have been noticed. Of Iron particularly of Of spirits ardent spirits and malt liquors\u2014Of iron particularly\nThese relate immediately to the principal and most valuable staples of the country, grain of different kinds Fruits also are to be comprehended.\u2014It is peculiarly worthy of the cares of the legislature to promote and multiply the means of a profitable \n   See what has been said on other occasions as to ardent spirits\n disposition of that increasing surplus which is resulting from the improvements in agriculture and the continual progress of new settlements in the immense territory of the U States. Of the two objects which have been mentioned malt-liquors are in various lights intitled to a preference; but ardent spirits the domestic manufacture of ardent spirits will deserve encouragement in competition with those of foreign countries. As far as the habits of the country lead to the use of them, it is desirable that they should be of our own making & from our own materials.\nOf Iron particularly\nHere the raw material is an abundant production of our country. Numerous & flourishing foundries are established The process in many particulars is not difficult and it gives occasion to an exten a considerable employedment of machinery & in some cases may be performed by Children.\nOf lead particularly\nIt is known to the Legislature that Mines of lead have begun to be worked, and it is ascertained, that copiedus copious supplies are to be had in various parts of the United States.\nOf Leather particularly\nIt is needless to observe that we produce a\nThe plentiful production of thethe raw material of the manufactures among ourselves, the simplicity of the process, the e in many cases\u2014the extensive uses of ar the article and the maturity which the manufacture of it in certain branches of it has acquired indicate it as one of the best objects of industrious pursuit & public patronage.\nOf paper, paper hangings,\nThe manufacture of pape Manufactories of paper are numerous extensive and have nearly attained to perfection. An encouraging progress has been made in paper hangings, and nothing but adequate skill in the conductors of it is requisite to complete success. In viewing the growth of this manufacture it is a pleasing reflection that the materials of it are an absolute saving of what would otherwise be lost while the demand for them and contributes to the support of the indigent. It is also presumeable that it will be found practicable with advantage to employ in this way the raw materials of linnens in their primitive shape; thus giving a new aid to agriculture.\nSail Duck Cloth& coarse linnens. \u2003 The progress which has been made within a few years in the manufacture of sail Cloth and in other coarse linnen articles, their importance to navigation, in the equipments of fleets and in the appointment of arti armies, their general use as materia for the purposes of apparel, the universal capacity of the States to produce the raw materials, the precious effects of the linnen branch upon individual industry & domestic \u0153conomy recommend all the fabrics of that kind in a peculiar manner to the protection of the Legislature. These fabrics are intitled to peculiar attention. The raw materials Hemp & flax are our own and may be increased to with vast advantage to our agriculture to any requisite necessary extent. The process in each kind is simple and easy. SeveralSome of them are now carried on with great advantage and success in private families. Sail Duck is already made in sev different places in a considerable great degree of perfection. The interests of our nav navigation are materially concerned in the extension growth of this manufacture. Manufactories of Sail are prosecuted with spirit & success at Boston New London & other places: That which is made at Boston is asserted to be of a quality superior to any imported. New York and Baltimore have each an association occupied principally in linnen fabrics. And tow and other household linnens are already made in such abundance in different parts of the U States as alredy to maintain a successful competition with rep rival foreign articles & to occasion a diminution of their prices.\nThe like\nSimilar considerations apply to Cordage. But it is the less necessary to dwell upon this article as it is one which has for some time been in a very prosperous train.\nHats: \u2003 the manufacture of this article as well of wool as of beaver exists in an extent has succeeded in an extent which leaves no doubt of the possibility of carrying it on to a degree completely adequate to the wants of the country. The materials of both kinds are our own and the utility is general.\nCarpets and blankets particularly the latter. \u2003 Manufactories of the first exist but not under the most fav favourable circumstancespresages. It is not known that any of the latter are made in the United States. the But the essential nature, the extensive& general utilityof the article\u2014the facility of its fabrication, the certainty of being able with due exertion to supply ourselves with the raw material\u2014are circumstances which strongly recommend an encouragement of the manufacture of it.\nCarriages \u2003 The manufacture of these is in a train that leaves little more to be desired.\nGlass: \u2003 The chief ingredients the kinds of Earth & Stone called Tarson & the sea Weed called Kali or Kelp and it is believed, of a proper kind, for the manufacture of this article are to be found in the us United States, and the abundance of fuel is particularly favourable to its success. But the result of the experimentsessays hitherto made is not flattering\u2014and it is a question whether future attempts are likely to be more so. The process is difficult and arduous labourious\u2014depending altogether to a very mu requisi requiring too an unusual portion of manuf manual labour; which is in this country the principal obstacle to success in manufactures. Without despairing wholly of the success of manufactories of this article there is no room in indulge such expectations as to authorise anticipations by the Govurme Goverment. It will be time enough to aid when future experiments shall afford better hopes; in which event the vast importance & general usefulness of the manufacture will plead powerfully for all reasonable cooperation.\nGunpowder. \u2003 The progress which has already been made in this article is an earnest of its complete sulphur I success. It is not to be doubted that surpl sulphure a principal ind ingredient in its composition is to be found in sufficient quantity in the United States The manufactory of this article has been rapidly advanced, and principally by individual exertions within the few last years. Though it may be considered as established yet its importance renders its extention very desirable. Sulphur a considerable ingredient in its composition, it is presumeableprobable will hereafter be found in sufficient quantity in the United States; but hitherto no material internal resources have afforded but an insignificant supply. The deficiency may easily be supplied from other quarters. And means may be taken to facilitate the introduction of the other ingredients.\nMuskets and other fire arms\u2014Respec This article might have been properly referred to under the head of manufactories of iron; but its importance intitles it to a distinct viewplace. Manufactories of it exist & the specifi specimens of work which n have been furnished assure success to an attempts to extend them.\n   Books\nThe two last mentioned articles concern so immediately the defence of the country, that they claim the serious attention of the Governments upon considerations not merely relative to the national advantage but to the national safety.\n   next paper\nBooks. \u2003 The printing and binding of books has of late considerably increased. It is evident however that much more might be done in this business than is at present done. The manufactories of paper furnish the principal material to ourselves and the vast number of printing presses disseminated throughout the Union leave no doubt of the adequate means of execution.\nCotton Goods. \u2003 The manufacture of these generally will deserve the particular patronage of the government. The Southern States supply the raw material; and though it is questionable whether that which they produce will answer for the coarser kind of goods, those in most general use, the staple being short and fine, yet there is reason to believe that it will be very serviceable and even preferable to the West India Cotton, in fabrics of the finer kind. And the French Spanish Dutch & Danish West Indies as well as the East Indies will abundantly supply any deficiency in the Material. The reasons which particularly recommend fabrics of this article, are the very great use which can be made of machinery, women and Children in carrying them on. This circumstance has been remarked and dwelt upon in another place. The peculiar texture of It depends on the peculiar texture of the material. An association has lately been formed for carrying on the manufacture of this article with a force of Capital that with the due countenance of government, seems to ensure success, promising an acquisition of incalculable value to the Union.\nIn addition to the foregoing objects, there are others which will be mentioned in the subsequent part of this report as requiring some favouring regulations, which it is unnecessary to present here in a distinct perspective. distant view\nIn order to a judgment of the means proper to be employedresorted by the United States for the encouragement of manufactures, it will be useful to advert to those which have been employed with success in other countries. The principal of these are\n1 \u2003 Protecting duties\u2014or duties upon those foreign articles which t are the rivals of the domestic ones intended to be encouraged.\nDuties of this nature are evidently amount to a virtual bounty on the domestic \n fabrics; enab giving these as since by enhancing the charges on foreign articles, they enable the national manufacturers to undersell their foreign \n   No. II\n competitors. The propriety of this species of encouragement need not be dwelt upon; as it is not only a clear result from the numerous topics which have been suggested entered upon discussed but is sanctionned by the laws of the United States in a variety of instances. Indeed It has the additional recommendation of being a resource of revenue. Indeed all the duties imposed on imported articles, though with an exclusive view to the object of revenue, have the effect in contemplation, and wear except where they fall on raw materials have wear a beneficient benignant aspect towards the manufactures of the country.\n   End Beginning No. III\n2 \u2003 Prohibitions of rival articles, or duties equivalent to prohibitions.\nThis is another and an efficacious mean of encouraging national manufactures; giving a monopoly of the home market to those who are engaged in them. it is one however But in general it is only fit to be employed resorted to when a manufacture has made such a progress and is in so many hands, as as to insure a due competition and an adequate a competent supply, infor the home market, on reasonable terms. Of duties equivalent to prohibitions, there are examples in the laws of the United States\u2014such are those on  \u2014and there are other cases to which the principle may be advantagously extended, but they are not numerous.\nConsidering a monopoly of the domestic market to its own manufacturers as the rei reigning policy of corre manufacturing nations, a similar policy on the part of the United States, in every proper instance is dictated it might almost be said by the principles of distributive justice by the desire of securing to their own citizens retaining certainly by the duty of endeavouring to secure to their own citizens a reciprocity of advantages. by considerations or self preservation and the principles of Justice to its own Citizens. It is dictated by the necessity of aiming at a reciprocity of advantages.\n   End\nIV 3 Pecuniary bounties on home made articles\u2014\nThis has been found one of the most efficacious means of encouraging manufactures; and it is in many some respects the very views the best; though it has not yet been practiced upon been resorted to by the government of the U States (unless the allowance on the exportation of dried & pickled fish & salted pro meat could be considered in that light) and though it is less favoured by public opinion, than some other modes kinds.\nIts advantages are these.\nIt is a species of encouragement more positive and direct, than any other, and for that very reason, it has a more immediate tendency to promote and support new enterprizes; increasing the chances of profit, and diminishing the risks of loss, in first attempts. indemnifying them wholly or in part for the first losses which are commonly usually attend them.\nIt steers clear of either avoids steers clear of the inconvenience of a temporary increase of price, which is incident to thesome other modes, that have been mentioned because or it produces it in a less degree; by either by not increasing the charges on the foreign rival article similar to that to be manufactured or by increasing them in a smaller proportion. less degree. The first happens when the fund for the bounty is drawnderived from another a different object in which case, however, it may or may not increase the price of some other article according to the nature of the object; the second when itthe fund is derived from the same or a similar object of foreign manufacture. production. One per Cent du shilling per cent duty on the foreign article converted into a bounty on the domestic will have t an equal effect with two per Cent duty on the foreign articlle without exclusive of such bounty; and the charge first price of the foreign article commodity is on raised in the one case, in the proportion of one per cent, in the other, of two per Cent. Indeed the bounty when derived from another source promotes a diminution of price cheapness because without laying any new charges on the foreign article, it increases the quan total quantity of the article in the market. and even where the duty is A The bounty has also less tendency to occasion scarcity, of which there is greater danger from than protecting duties; high protecting duties. An increase of price which if high may for a time interfere too much with the profits to be gained on the importation of the articles upon which they are laid: of an the article. For an increase of price is not always the immediate effect of a new though it is generallycommonly the ultimate effect of a new an additional duty, where the progress of a domestic article manufacture does not counteract the rise.\nBounties are sometimes not only the best but the only proper mean of uniting the encouragement of a new object of manufacture with that of a new object of agriculture. It is the interest of the farmer to have the production of a raw material encouraged\u2014of the manufacturer, to have the raw material cheap. If prior to a sufficientdomestic production of the domestic the raw material in sufficient quantity to supply the manufacturer on cheap tern terms, a duty is laid on the foreign raw material with a view to the encouragement of its cultivation at home, it equally counteracts the purpose of the farmer and of the manufacturer and of the farmer. By raising the price of the raw material to the former it to disables him incapacitates from prosecutinge with success the manufacture\u2014and thus defeats the object of the farmer, forlatter; because there being no domestic manufacture to create a demand for his commodity, it is in vain that the competition of the foreign article may have been destroyed. The true way to conciliate both interests is to lay a duty on foreign manufactures of the raw material in question and to apply the product of that duty, in a bounty either immediately upon the production of the article or upon the exportation or the manufacture of that which is produced at home. In this case the manufacturer undertakes his enterprise under every advantage he can desire as far as respects the quantity & the price of the raw material\u2014and where the bounty is directly to the farmer, he can afford to the b undersell the foreign material, or where it is to the manufacturer, on the domestic material he has (prices being equal) a motive of interest to prefer the use of it. prices being equal.\nQr{ The linnen branch in Ireland is a well known instance of the effect of this species of encouragement. And the Cotton branch in England is a no less signal example. At this moment there is a bounty on certain kinds of cotton goods of not about 12\u00bd per Cent.\nExcept in the simplest and most ordinary kinds of manufacturesin respect for which there are transcendent local advantages\u2014pecuniary bounties are a in most cases indispensable to the introduction of a new branch. A stimulous and a support not less powerful and direct is essential to the overcoming of the obstacles arising from the competitions of the superior skill and maturity in foreigners. It is especially essential in those cases where they are themselves in the practice of granting bounties.\nThe continuance of a pecuniary a bountyies on a manufactures long established would be in most cases of questionable utility policy; because a presumption would arise that there were natural and intrinsicinherent impediments to itstheir success\u2014but in new undertakings they are often not only justifiable but necessary. And it would be a highly misplaced parsimony to withold them.\nThere is nevertheless a prejudice with some against bounties which may be traced to a misconstrued appearance of giving away the public money to individuals without an immediate consideration\u2014and to a supposition that it is rewarding a particular class at the expence of the community.\nBut neither of these objections on cool examination can be deemed will appear to have much weight. There can be no purpose to which public money can be more beneficially applied thatn to the acquisition of a new and beneficial branch of Industry. And as to the last objection, as far as it is founded it equally lies against all the other modes of encouragement. \n   Qr. if nothing elsewhere contradictory\n A duty on the foreign article, by raising the price on the community creates to it an extra expence for the benefit of the manufacturer. A bounty does no more\u2014But it is the interest of the community to submit to this expence which is in its nature temporary, because it is more than indemnified in the variety of ways which have been delineated and among the rest in the even in a general increase of industry and of wealth, in an agmentation of its resources and independence\u2014and in what is a more direct compensation, though perhaps an inferior consideration, in the circumstance of eventual cheapness. The Govert. too will find ample retribution for its disbursements in a multiplication of the means from which future supplies are to arise.\n   Qr. how far elsewhere\nThis mode of encouragement, nevertheless, may perhaps be moderated, in its qua degree, by the consideration of the heavy expences, which the distance of the U States from the manufacturing countries of Europe imposes on the introduction of foreign supplies\u2014amounting to 15, 20 & 25 \u214c Cent on their value according to their bulk. Questions have been made concerning the right of the U States to adopt this mode of encouraging the industry of the Society. But.\nNo. IV\nThe\n4 V Premiums.\nThese are of a nature allied to bounties, though materially in some respects distinguishable from them in some important features. Bounties are applicable to the whole quantity of an article produced, or manufactured, or exported, and involve a correspondent expence. Premiums serve to reward some particular excellence or superiority, some extraordinary exertion or extraordinary skill; and are dispensed only in a small number of cases. But their effect is to stimulateex stimulate general effort. Being so contin Contrived so as to be bothboth honorary as well asand lucrative they address themselves to touch different chords and excite different put in motion different passions, touching the chords as well of emulation as of avarice. They are acrdingly a very \u0153conomical mean of exciting the enterprise of a hole community.\nThere are various societies in different countries, the U States included, whose object is the dispensation of premiums for the encouragement of agricuture arts and manufactures and Commerce;; and though they are for the most part, voluntary associations, with comparatively slender funds, their utility has been immense. Much has been done by this mean in this way in Great Britain: Scotland in particular owes materially to this causeit a prodigious mal amelioration of its her condition. From A similar establishment in the U States in the United States supplied and supported by the Government of the Union vast benefits might reasonably be expected. Some further ideas on this head shall accordingly will be submitted in the conclusion of this report. \n   End of IV\n5 \u2003 Drawbacks of the duties which are imposed on f the rawthe materials of Manufactures\u2014\nTheseThis constitutes another and an obviously proper method of encouraging them manufactures. It is in general good policy to forbear the lay taxing of the materials of manufactures raw materials; but there are expect exceptions to the rule. Of these the following are examples instances. Where the raw material is itself an immediate object of general or extensive consumption, and a fit and productive source of revenue. (Such is the article of molasses: As a sweet too it is just that the consumers of it as should pay a duty as well as the consumers of Sugar.) Where the article is in fact the material it has assumed the shape of a munufacture though of a simpler kind, (of which it is proper to prevent a competition with some similar national domestic manufacture) and is yet capable of a further process, by which it may be converted into a manufacture of a different kind which it is desired desireable to encourage. Such may be deemed cottons and linnens in their white states, proper for the purpose of being converted into Callicoes. A duty upon them as an article of consumption is would be proper to favour the manufacture of the article in the same state\u2014A drawback of that duty is would be proper for to encouraginge the printing and staining of them at home.\nThe expediency of such propriety of drawbacks is enforced in similar cases by the consideration, that it is the practice of nations who may be our competitors either in the domestic or in foreign markets. The ideas has been pursued by the U States, in respect to the article of molasses & it will probably be found that it may be advantageously extended to other articles.\nVI \u2003 6 \u2003 The exemption of the materials of manufactures from duty.\nThe expediency of this policy has been already noticed with the exceptions of which it admits. No species of en Nothing certainly can be more obviously proper in itself\u2014and the necessity of it is enforced by the same consideration which has been remarked in relation to Drawbacks namely that it is the practice of the principal manufacturing nations: those whom we are to meet as our competitors both in our own and in foreign markets. This policy has been pursued by the U States in relation to a number of articles but it will probably be found adviseable to extend it to others. Of a nature somewhat allied to this is the exempting from duty the tools and implements of foreign artistsof their trade & the household furniture of foreign artists who come to settle in the United States; an advantage which has been already secured to them in common with other emigrants\u2014and which it will be in every view proper to continue.\nVIII \u2003 78 \u2003 The encouragement of new inventions of machine and improvements at home and (particularly in the article of machinery) and of the introduction of such as have been made abroad.\nThis is among the most important and unexceptionable of the aids that which can be given to manufactures. The most usual means of encouragement \n   Inspections\n are pecuniary rewards and, for a time, exclusive privileges. For the last as far as regards \u201cAuthors and Inventors\u201d provision has been made. \n   Patent Act\n in the existing laws. But in respect to some improvements and secrets of extraordinary utility and value it might be found advantageous to extend them to introducers, though not authors nor inventors, that is, when brought from abroad. But in this as in some other cases there is cause to regret that there is room for qu a question whether the constitutional authority of the United States is competent to the good which might be done by aiding the industry of the Country and promoting a variety of internal domestic improvements of primary magnitude.\nIt ought not to pass unnoticed here that it is a customary policy customary with manufacturing nations to prohibit, under severe penalties, the exportation of those implemen implements and machines which they have either invented or improved. Similar regulations in the U States There are already proper objects of a similar regulation in the U States & they will be multiplied others will doubtless occur from time to time. The adoption of it is dictated by the principle of reciprocity. Greater liberality in such respects would be more congenial with the general spirit which prevailsprevailing in this Country; but a jealous policy every where else will often forbid the indulgence of that spirit.\nX \u2003 8 \u2003 The facilityfacilitating of pecuniary remittances from place to place.\nThis iIs a point of considerable consequencemoment to trade in general, and to manufactures in particular; by facilitating the purchase of raw materials and provisions and the payment for manufactured supplies. As general circulation of Bank paper which is to be expected from the institution lately established will be a most valuable mean to this end. proposed. But much good would also would accrue from some additional sanctionsprovisions to the circulation of concerning respecting inland bills of exchange. If those drawn in one state payable in another were made negotiable, every where, and interest and damages allowed in \n   to make bills drawn in one state payable in another negotiable & to allow interest & damages\n case of protest, it would greatly promote the reciprocal negotiations between the citizens of different states, by rendering them more secure; and, with it, the convenience and advantage of the merchants of all & manufacturers of each. A law of the These which will accordingly be submitted in their proper place\n XI \u2003 9 \u2003 The facility of communication and the ease and cheapness offacilitating of the transportation of commodities.\nImprovements favouring this these objects intimately concern all the domestic interests of a community; but they may without impropriety be mentioned as having an important relation reference to manufactures. There is perhaps scarcely any thing which has been better calculated to fr assist had a more beneficial influence upon manufactures of Great Britain than the ameliorations of the public road of that Kingdom, and the vastgreat progress which has been letel recently of late made in opening canals. Of the former the United States stand greatlymuch in need & for the latter they present uncommon facilities. The symptoms of attention to the improvement of inland Navigation this great object which have appea lately appeared in some quarters and especially particularly in the state of Pensylvania, must fill with pleasure every breast warmed with a true zeal for the prosperity of the Country. The example it is to be hoped will be extented so as to and will stimule the exertions of the government and the citizens of every state. There can certainly be no object more worthy of the cares of the local \n   No. VI\n administrations; and it were to be wished that there was no doubt of the power of the national Government to lend its aid direct aidon a comprehensive plan. This is one of those. There are improvements of this nature which could certainly be prosecuted with more efficacy by the whole than by any part or parts of the Union. Indeed There are cases in which the general interest will be in danger too likely to be sacrificed to the collision of some supposed adverse local interests. Jealousies in matters of this kind are as apt to exist as they are apt to be erroneous.\nThe following remarks are sufficiently judicious and applicablepertinent to deserve a literal quotation \u201cGood roads canals and navigable rivers (says a judicious writer) by diminishing the expence of carriage, put the remote parts of a country more nearly upon a level with those in the neighbourhood of the town. They are upon that account the greatest of all improvements. They encourage the cultivation of the remote which must always be the most extensive circle of the country. They are advantageous to the Town by breaking down the monopoly of the country in its neighbourhood. They are advantageous even to that part of the country. Though they introduce some rival commodities into the old market, they open many new markets to its produce. Monopoly besides is a great enemy to good management, which can never be universally \n   No. VI\n established but in consequence of that free and universal competition which forces every body to have recourse to it for the sake of self defence. It is not more than fifty years ago that some of the Counties in the neighbourhood of London petitioned the Parliament against the extension of the turnpike roads into the remoter counties. Those remoter counties, they pretended, from the cheapness of labor would be able to sell their grass and corn cheaper in the London Market than themselves, and would thereby reduce their rents and ruin their cultivation. Their rents however have s risen and their cultivation has been improved, since that time.\u201d\nSpecimens of a similar spirit similar to that which governed the counties here spoken of present themselves too frequently to the eye of an impartial observer, and m render it a wish of patriotism that the body in this country in whose councils a local or so partial a spirit is least likely to \n   No. VI\n predominate were at liberty to pursue & promote the general pursue the public good interest in those instaces instances in which there might be danger of the interference of such a from that spirit.\nBut if there should be a doubt of the power of the National Government to embrace the whole subject, there is none of its rightcompetency to a provision for the improvement of the Post roads; an object which merits and will doubtless occupy an early attention of the national Government Legislature of the United States.\n   Intercourse with Indians\u2014Inspections\nIt remains to s designate some specific means for the encouragement of specific objects of manufacture in the U States.\n1 \u2003 of Ardent Spirits\nThe differences in the rates of duties heretofore laid on imported and home made spirits afford considerable advantage and encouragement to the latter; yet there appears to be a strong impression on the minds of those who are concerned in distilleries, that even the most candid, that still greater differences are requisite completely to secure the success of the business; and there are reasons which recommend an attention to this impression. are reasons which plead for which to render still greater differences. expedient It hasis agreed that the price of molasses for some years past has been gra successively rising in the West India Market (to putting out of the question the temporary dearness and scarcity arising fromoccasioned by the existing disturbances in the French coloniesIslands) which together with the duty of 3 Cents on Molasses, renders it difficult for the makers of spirits from that article to maintain with adequate profit a competition with the rum brought from the West Indies, the quality of which is naturallyconsiderably superior.\nExperiment only could perhaps decide, with certainty, the point\u2014but it it in so important a branch of manufactures, it would be inexpedient to hazard an unfavourable issue, and better to err on the side of too great than too small a difference in the particular in question.\nThe differ\nThe object to be obtained accomplished may be obtained either by raising the duties on foreign spirits or diminishing that on those made at homethose on spirits made at home. The experience of other countries demonstrates that duties on distilled liquors may be advantageously carried much further than they at present are in the United States; yet it may be a question whether it can be done; with perfect safety, under a system of collection not more coerciv offe secured by no greater precautions, than that which has been devised\u2014a doubt which recommends conspiring with other inducements recommends a diminution the alternative of a diminution of the spe duties on home made spirits.\nIt is therefore proposed that there be an abatement ofin the duties on spirits distilled within the U States; whether from foreign or domestic materials of at the rate of one cent \u214c Gallon of the lowest class of proof and in proportion upon the higher classes of proof.\nIt is probable too that some modification in the form of the duties on spirits made of domestic materials may be found expedient and convenient\u2014but the nature of such modification is not yet sufficiently indicated by experience to be here submitted.\n2 \u2003 of Malt Liquors.\nIt has been truly observed that Malt liquors have a title to encouragement superior to ardent spirits\u2014They constitute a national beverage drink as wholesome and invigorating as it is palatable\u2014leadly rarely to intoxication; while they also give vent to the products of the soil also promote a demand for the surplus productions of the ear Agriculture.\nThere are materials for a tolerable conjecture that (though not an exact computation) that about two thirds of the malt liquors consumed in the \n   Qr\n United States are the product of domestic breweries\u2014the remaining third being imported. This conjecture has reference to the importation of a year ending in the 30th 30th of September 1790. It is desireable and attainable that the whole consumption should be supplied by ourselves.\nA considerable part of the Malt liquors imported is not superior in quality th to thatsthose which isare made at home; and if the same can though the same cannot with truth be said of the whole, yet there is no natural impediment to the attainment of equal perfection throughout. The progress already made is an earnest of what may be accomplished. The growing competition is an assurance of improvement. This will be accelerated by measures tending to invite Capital a greater capital into this modechannel of employment.\nAn increase of the duty addition to the duty heretofore laid will conduce to this end. Instead of the existing rates it is presumed that it will \n   Qr\n be found safe and expedient to lay 8 Cents per Gallon generally. This will probablyIt is to be hoped that this will banish from the market foreign malt liquors of inferior quality; The betterand that the best kind only will continue to be imported, till it shall be supplanted by the efforts of equal skill or care at home. And Till then it will tend to excite exertion to improve be an useful stimulous to improvement. And in the mean time the payment of the increased price, for the enjoyment of a luxury, in order to the encouragement of an useful \n   bounty of 2 Cent \u214c Gall on such as being made in one state shall be exported to another\n branch of domestic industry cannot reasonably be deemed a hardship.\nIron\nThe importance of encouraging manufactures of this article and the probability of success have been strongly insisted upon.\nThe first of these manufactures which presents itself is steel. A considerable progress has already been made in of it and new undertakings are on foot. There is at present a duty of upon its importation of 75 \u214c Ct.Cents \u214c Cwt which is about 7\u00bd \u214c Cent on the value. It is conceived that this duty may be safely & advantageously increased to 100 Cents\u2014And it is desireable to ensure by decisive arrangements the success of the efforts which are making or may be made to \n   Qr. as to bounty on steel exportation \u23ab\u23ac\u23ad\n extend so useful a branch. As an auxiliary to this manufacture it is not perceived that there is any good objection to classing surgical instruments and cutlery generally among the articles which are rated at 7\u00bd \u214c Cent.\nThe Nails & spikes next present themselves to consideration. This manufacture has already attained very considerable maturity. Several of the states \n almost wholly supply themselves and furnish a surplus to the others. There is no doubt that the U States are completely adequate to their own supply in this article. And it is one for which they ought to depend on no other nation.\nIt appears that the importation of this article for a year ending the last of September 1790 was 1579947 lb a quantity which though far f short of the total consumption of the country is too great to be permitted to continue.\nThe present duty is of 1 Cent \u214c lb generally on Nails and spikes which appears not to be sufficient and is perhaps not in the best form there \n   Qr quare if not 2 Cents \u214c lb or 25 \u214c Ct at valorem\n being a very great inequality in the value of the different kinds of the article. Twenty \u214c Cent ad valorem while it obviated this objection would probably be found adequate to the end proposed.\nVarious other manufactures of iron and to a considerable extent are carried on in the U States. The addition of iron wares generally to the class of articles rated at 7\u00bd \u214c Cent would have a very beneficial effect for the \n   Note bounties given by Eng & Ireland on Iron Wares\n manufacture and is in other respects liable to no material objection.\nIt may also be expedient to grant a bounty on the implements of husbandry made in the United States, namely\nScythes\nPickaxes\nspades\nshovels\nhoes\nwhich may be regulated suficicially according to a ratio of 2 \u214c Cent of their value. This would have the double effect of promoting their manufacture \n   note all bounties to be on public factories\u2014\n and of favouring husbandry indemnifying agriculture for the increase of duty on the imported article. A bounty likewise on the exportation of home made Nails m might be found to have a beneficial tendency. The The rate may be 5 \u214c Cent 50 cents \u214c hundred weight.\nIt will moreover deserve the serious consideration of the Legislature whether the importation of Iron in gu pigs and bars ought not to be permitted free of duty. It now pays 5 \u214c Cent. This would certainly tend to encourage manufactures of the article. The doubt only is whether it may not interfere with the production of it, which is certainly of far greater importance. The following circumstances abate if they do not remove apprehension on this score. The price of iron has risen of late years risen in the lowest markets of the United States from 65 to 80 Dollars \u214c Ton. It is therefore presumeable that sufficient profit will remain if foreign Iron is admitted free of duty. The increase of demand also will also serve to counteract the effect of a reduction of price from the competition of foreign iron, below the desireable level. This An augmentation of demand has already taken place proceeded from the Trade to the East Indies and progress of domestic manufactures. The regulations here proposed for their further encouragement will necessarily promote a greater augmentation.\nMuskets and small fire arms of every kind.\nIt would appear adviseable to impose on these a specific duty according to the following rates\n    For every\n    musket\n    Fusee\n    Fowling piece\n    Blunderbuss\n    Carbine\n    p pistols\nAnd it would assist the manufacture to allow a bounty on the exportation of such as are made in the U States which may be regulated uponaccording to the ratio of  \u214c Centum of the value.\nIf in addition to this it were establ provided by law that a certain number annually of muskets manufactured in the U States should be purchased on the account of the government at a liberal determinate price, towards the formation of magazines it would have a considerable effect as a mode of encouragement, by producing a certainty of demand to a given extent. The price  \u214c Musket would be not an extravagant price and it would answer be an adequate one for the manufacturer.\nGun Powder\nThis article is already rated at 10 \u214c Ct. on its importation from abroad. There is no need of any further duty. There seem but three things requisite to complete its progresssuccess which is already considerable. One is to rank surphur which is (a principal ingredient in its composition) among the free articles free goods. Of this article no great quantity has yet been produced in the United States\u2014Another is to establish proper regulations for its inspection; and a third which will deserve to be considered is a bounty on its exportation. For this purpose a dollar for \u214c hundred weight will may be the proper standard. Great Britain allows in the like case 4/6 Stg. The bounty by promoting a foreign demand for the article will tend to ensure the demand necessary to its support.\nThe It is said\nIt is said to be an injunction on the British East India Company to import annually a certain quantity of salt Petre rough or refined in order to assist the manufacture of Gunpowder. A similar regulation with regard to Ships trading to China from the U States proportioned to the Tonnage of each may be perhaps be enacted without inconvenience. No American factories being established in other pla parts of the East Indies the reason requisition a requisition of this nature if made ought to be confined to vessels from the Port of Canton.\nSail Cloath and other coarse Linnens\nConsidering that Great Britain grants a bounty of 2d. Sterling pr. ell on the exportation of British Made sail Cloth and of about 12\u00bd pr Cent ad valorem upon an average on all British made linnens of the value of not less thannot exceeding \u2159 Stg. \u214c yard, and that Ireland grants a still greater bounty on the exportation of her sail Cloth & similar bounties on that of other coarse linnens, it is ess appears necessary to the complete success of similar manufactures in the United States that further encouragements should be given.\nFirst by an increase of duty. It is consequently submitted that the present duty of 5 \u214c Cent be raised to ten on the following articles\nSail Cloth\nOznaburghs\nTicklenburghs\nand upon all other linnens which cost at the place of exportation a rate \n and under pr. yard not exceeding 35 Cents.\nSecondly \u2003 By a bounty on home made sail Cloth at the manufactureFactory, of 2 5 1 Cents per yard, and a similar bounty of 5 \u214c Cent ad valorem on all linnens of the above descriptions made in the U States, upon their exportation to foreign Countries.\nThe bounty on sail Cloth will not only promote the fabric but will be favourable to navigation by counteracting the influence of the increased duty to raiseupon the price of the article.\nCotton Goods\nA Bounty similar to that on linnens and within the same limits as to Pricevalue is allowed in Great Britain upon the exportation of Cotton goods, or goods of cotton & linnen mixed and which are either printed painted stained or dyed;\nThe same reason therefore which applies to linnens calls for a like arrangement in respect to such goods.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0001-0006", "content": "Title: Alexander Hamilton\u2019s Fourth Draft of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nThe Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives, of the 15. day of January 1790, has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the subject of manufactures and particularly to the means of promoting such, as will tend to render the United States independent on foreign nations, for military and other essential supplies: And he thereupon respectfully submits the following report.\nThe expediency of encouraging manufactures in the United States, which was not long since deemed very questionable, appears at this time to be pretty generally admitted. The embarrassments, which have been imposed upon obstructed the progress of our external foreign trade, have led to serious reflections on the necessity of enlarging the sphere of our domestic commerce: the restrictive regulations, which in foreign markets abrige the vent of the increasing surplus of our Agricultural produce, in foreign markets, naturally serve to beget a an earnest desire, that a more extensive demand for that surplus may be created at home: And the complete success, which has rewarded manufacturing enterprise, in some valuable branches, concurringconspiring with the promising symptoms which attend some less mature essays, in others, \n   encourage prompt embolden justify\n justifyauthorise a hope, that the obstacles to the growth of this species of industry are not so less formidable, as than they were apprehended to be; and that \n it is not difficult to find in its further extension a full in its extension, may be found, an indemnification for any external disadvantages for the effects of those external impediments which resist the tide of our prosperity, and obstruct which are or may be experienced; as well as an an accession of resources, favourable to national independence and safety.\nThere still are nevertheless, respectable patrons of opinions, unfriendly to the encouragement of manufactures. The following are, substantially, the arguments by which support these opinions are defendedsupported.\n\u201cIn very country (\u2019tis alleged) (say those who entertain them) Agriculture is the most beneficial and productive object of human industry. This position generally if not universally true, applies with peculiar emphasis to the United States, on account of their immense tracts of fertile territory uninhabited and unimproved. Nothing can afford so advantageous an employment for capital and labour, as the conversion of \n so this [extensive] rude vast wilderness into cultivated farms. Nothing, equally with this, can contribute to the population strength and real riches of the country.\u201d\n\u201cTo endeavour, by the extraordinary patronage of Government, to accelerate the growth of manufactures, is in fact, to endeavour, by force and art, to transfer the natural current of industry, from a more to a less beneficial channel. Whatever has such a tendency must necessarily be unwise. \n Indeed, it can hardly ever [be proper] wise in a government to attempt to give a direction to the industry of its citizens: This, under the quick-sighted guidance of private interest, will, if left to itself, infallibly find its own way to wherever it can meet with[into channels where] the most profitable employment: and \u2019tis by such employment, that the public prosperity will be most effectually promoted. To leave industry to itself, therefore, is in almost every case the soundest as well as the safest of the simplest policy.\u201d\n\u201cThis policy is not only recommended to the United States, by considerations which affect all nations\u2014it is, in a manner, dictated to them \n   Qr\n by the imperious force of a very peculiar situation. The smallness of their population compared with their territory\u2014the constant allurements to emigration from the settled to the unsettled parts of the country\u2014the facility, with which the less independent situation condition of an artisan can be exchanged for the more independent condition of a farmer\u2014these and similar causes conspire to produce, and for a length of time, must continue to occasion, a scarcity of hands for manufacturing occupations, and dearness of labour generally. To these disadvantages for the prosecution of manufactures, a deficiency of pecuniary capital being added, the prospect of a successful competition with the manufacturers of Europe must be regarded as little less than desperate. Extensive manufactures can only be the offspring of a redundant, at least of a full population. Till the latter shall characterise the situation of this country, \u2019tis vain to hope for the former.\u201d\n\u201cIf contrary to the natural course of things, an unseasonable and premature spring can be given to certain fabrics, by heavy duties, prohibitions, bounties, or by by other forced expedients; this will only be to sacif sacrifice the interests of the community to those of particular classes. Besides the misdirection of labour, a virtual monopoly will be given to the persons employed on such fabrics; and an enhancement of price, the inevitable consequence of every monopoly, must be defrayed at the expence of the other parts of the society. It is far preferable, that those persons should be engaged in the cultivation of the earth, and that we should produc procure, in exchange for with its productions, the commodities, with which foreigners are able to supply us in greater perfection, and upon better terms.\u201d\nThis mode of reasoning is founded upon facts and principles, and is espoused which have certainly very respectable pretensions. If it had governed the conduct of nations, more generally than it has done, there is room to suppose, that it mightwould have carried them faster to prosperity and greatness, than they have attained, by the pursuit of maxims too widely far opposite. Most general theories, however, admit of numerous exceptions; and there are few if any of the political kind, which do not blend a considerable portion of error, with the truths they contain inculcate. That, which has been stated, does not, it is presumed, steer clear of this imputation. In order to an accurate judgment how far this may be the case, it is necessary to advert to the considerations which are to be found in a contrary scale, and which appear to recommend the positive and special encouragement of manufactures in countries where they do not happen to prevail and particularly in the United States.\nIn order to an accurate judgment how far that which has been just stated ought to be deemed liable to a similar imputation, it is necessary to advert carefully to the considerations which plead in favour of manufactures, and which, appear to recommend the special and positive encouragement of them; in certain cases, and under certain reasonable limitations.\nIt ought readily to be conceded that the cultivation of the earth\u2014as the primary and most certain source of national supply\u2014as the immediate and chief source of subsistence to man\u2014as the principal source of those materials which constitute are the nutriment of other kinds of labour\u2014as including a state most favourable to the freedom and independence of the human mind\u2014one, perhaps, most conducive to the multiplication of the human species, has intrinsically a strong claim to pre-eminence over every other kind of industry.\nBut that it has a title to any thing like an exclusive predilection in any country, ought to be admitted with great caution\u2014That it is even more productive than every other branch of Industry requires more evidence \n   Qr\n than has yet been given, in support of the position\u2014That its real interests, precious and important as, without the help of exaggeration, they truly are, may be will be advanced rather than injured by the due encouragement of manufactures, may, it is believed presumed, be fairly [clearly] satisfactorily demonstrated\u2014And it is also it is believed that the expediency of such encouragement, in a general view may be shewn to be recommended in other respects by resulting from the by the most\nQr.\u261e\ncogent and persuasive motives of national policy, may be placed in a light, which it is believed, can leave little room for question or doubt.\nIt has been maintained, not only that Agriculture is, not only, the most productive, but the only productive species of industry. The reality of this suggestion in either aspect has, however, not been verified by any accurate detail of facts and calculations; and the general arguments, which are adduced to prove \n it, are rather subtil and paradoxical than solid or convincing.\nThose which maintain its exclusive productiveness are to this effect\u2014\nLabour, bestowed upon the cultivation of land, produces enough, not \n only to replace all the necessary expences incurred in the business, and to maintain the persons who are employed in it, but to afford, together with the ordinary profit on the stock or capital of employed by the Farmer, a nett surplus, or rent for the landlord or proprietor of the soil. But the labour of Artificers does nothing more, than replace the stock which employs them (or which furnishes materials tools and wages) and yield the ordinary profit upon that stock. It yields yields nothing equivalent to the rent of land. Neither does it add any thing to the total value of the whole annual produce of the land and labour of the country. The additional value given to those parts of the produce of land, which are wrought into manufactures, is counterballanced by the value of those other parts of that produce, which are consumed by the manufacturers. It can therefore only \n be by saving, or parsimony, not by the positive productiveness of their labour, that the classes of Artificers can in any degree augment the nett revenue or income of the Society.\nTo this system, it has been answered\u2014\nI. \u2002 That inasmuch as it is acknowleged, that manufacturing labour reproduces a value equal to that, which is expended or consumed in carrying it on, and continues in existence the original stock or capital employed\u2014it ought, on that account alone, ought to escape being considered as wholly unproductive: That though it should be admitted, as alleged, that the consumption of the produce of the soil, by the classes of Artificers or manufacturers, is exequactly equal to the value added by their labour to the materials upon which it is exerted bestowed; yet it would not thence follow, that it added nothing to the Revenue of the Society, or to the aggregate value of the annual produce of its land and labour. If the consumption for any given period amounted to a given sum and the increased value of the produce manufactured, in the same period, to a like sum, the total amount of the consumption and production, during that period, would be equal to the two sums, and consequently double the value of the agricultural produce consumed. And though the increment of value of produced by the classes of Artificers should at no time exceed the value of the produce of the land consumed by them, yet there would be at every moment, in the market consequence of their labour, a greater value of goods in the market, than would exist independent of it.\nThat as far as it is true that the labour of of Artificers can\nII. \u2002 That the position, that Artificers can augment the nett revenue of a Society, only by parsimony, is true in no other sense than in one which is equally applicable to Husbandmen or the Cultivators. It may be alike affirmed of all these different classes, that the fund acquired by their labour and destined for their support is not, in an ordinary way, more than \n   [profits may arise from Sales to foreign Nations]\n equal to it. And hence it will follow, that augmentations of the wealth or capital or wealth of the community (except in the instances of some extraordinary dexterity or skill) can only proceed, with respect to any of them, from the savings of the more thrifty and parsimonious. ext except in the instances of some extraordinary dexterity or skill.\nIII. \u2002 That the annual produce of the land and labour of a country can only be increased in two ways\u2014by some improvement in the productive powers of the useful labour, which actually exists within it, or by some increase in the quantity of that such labour: That with regard to the first, the labour of artificers being capable of greater subdivision and simplicity of operation than that of cultivators, it is susceptible, in a proportionably greater degree, of improvement in its productive powers, whether to be derived from an accession increase of skill or from the applicable application of \n ingenious machinery; in which particular, therefore, the labour employed in the culture of land can pretend to no advantage over that engaged in manufactures: That with regard to an augmentation of the quantity of useful labour, this, excluding adventitious circumstances, must depending essentially upon an increase of capital, which again must depend upon the savings made out of the revenues of those, who furnish or manage that, which is at any time employed, whether in Agriculture, or in Manufactures, or in some any other way.\nBut while the exclusive productiveness of Agricultural labour has been thus denied and refuted, the superiority of its productiveness has been conceded without hesitation. As the prevalent opinion in this country corresponds with this concession, and as it involves a point of considerable magnitude, in relation to maxims of public administration, it seems nece the grounds on which it rests are worthy of seem to require a distinct and particular examination.\nOne of the arguments made use of, in support of the idea may be is not less pronounced both quaint than and superficial. It amounts to this\u2014That in the productions of the soil, nature cooperates with man; and it is inferred, that the effect of their joint labour must be greater than that of the labour of man alone.\nThis however is far from being a necessary inference. It is very \n   art and ingenuity\n conceivable, that the labour of man alone bestowed laid out upon an a work, requiring great skill and art to bring it to perfection, may be more productive in value, than the labour of nature and man combined, when directed towards more simple operations and objects: And when it is recollected, to what an extent the agency of nature, in the application of the mechanical powers, is made auxiliary to the prosecution of manufactures, little more than the quaintness of the suggestion remains the suggestion, which has been noticed, loses even the appearance of plausibility.\nIt might also even be observed, with a contrary view, that in Agriculture the labour of man employed in Agrec Agriculture is in a great measure periodical and occasional, depending on seasons, and liable to various and long intermissions; while that occupied in many manufactures is constant, and regular, incessant, extending through the years, embracing in some instances night as well as day. It is also probable that there are among the cultivators of land more examples of remissness than among artificers. The farmer, may from the peculiar fertility of his land or some other favourable circumstance may frequently obtain a livelihood, even with a considerable degree of carelessness in the mode of cultivation; but the Artisan Greater ingenuity as well as steadiness can with difficulty effect the same objects withoutunless exerting himself pretty equally with all those who are engaged in the same pursuit. And if it may likewise be assumed as a fact, that manufactures open a wider field to exertions of ingenuity than agriculture, it would not be a strained conjecture, that the labour employed in the former, being at once more constant more uniform and more ingenious, than that which is employed in the latter, will be found at the same time moremost pro productive.\nBut it is not meant to lay great stress on observations of this nature \u2014they ought only to serve to as a counter a counter ballance to those of a similar complexion. Circumstances so vague, and general, as well as so abstract, can afford little instructionlight, in a matter of this kind.\nAnother, and that which seems to be the principal argument, that has been offered for the superior productiveness of Agricultural Labour, turns upon the allegation, that labour employed in manufactures yields nothing equivalent to the rent of land; or to that nett surplus, as it is called, which accrues to the proprietor of the soil.\nBut this distinction, important as it has been deemed, appears rather verbal than substantial.\nTo bring it under a more precise view inspection, it may be of use of in this place to restate the proposition, which is to be examined. It is this\u2014\u201cLabour employed in Agriculture, besides replacing the expences of\nthe business, and yielding the ordinary profit on the stock or capital of the farmer or tenant, yields also a nett surplus or rent to the landlord or owner of the land. But the labour employed in manufactures only replaces the expences of the business, and yields the ordinary profit on the stock or Capital of the Undertaker.\u201d\nIt is easily discernible, that what in the first instance case is divided into two parts under the denominations of the ordinary profit of the stock of the farmer and rent to the landlord is, in the second instance case united under the simple general appellation of the ordinary profit on of the stock of the Undertaker; and that this formal or verbal distribution constitutes the whole difference in the two cases. It seems to have been overlooked, that the land is itself a stock or capital, advanced or lent by its owner to the occupier or tenant, and that the rent he receives is only the ordinary profit of a certain stock in land, not managed by the proprietor himself but by another to whom he lends or lets it, and who on his part advances a second capital to stock and improve cultivate the land, upon which he also receives the usual profit. The rent of the landlord, and the profit of the farmer are therefore nothing more than the ordinary profits of two capitals, belonging to two different persons, and united in the cultivation of a farm: As in the other case, the surplus which arises upon any manufactory, after replacing the expences of carrying it on, corresponds with answers to the ordinary profits of one or more capitals engaged in the prosecution of sucha manufactory. It is said, one or more capitals; because in fact, the same thing which is contemplated in the case of the farm, sometimes happens in respect to that of a manufactory. There is one who lends furnishes a part of the capital, or lends a part of the money, by which it is carried on, and another, who carries it on, with the addition of his own capital. Out of the surplus, which remains arises, after defraying expences, an interest is paid to the money-lender for the portion of the capital adv furnished by him which corresponds with exactly agrees with the rent paid to the landlord; and the residue of that surplus constitutes the profit of the undertaking undertaken ce undertaker or manufacturer, which and agrees with what is denominated the ordinary profits on the stock of the farmer. Both together make amount to the ordinary profits of two capitals employed in a manufactory; as in the other case the rent of the landlord and the revenue of the farmer compose constitute the ordinary profits of two capitals employed in the cultivation of a farm.\nThe rent therefore accruing to the proprietor of the land, far from being a criterion of exclusive productiveness as has been argued, is no criterion even of superior productiveness. The question must still be, whether the surplus, after defraying expences, of a given capital employed in the purchase andor improvement of a piece of land is greater or less than that of a like capital employed in the prosecution of a manufactory: or whether the whole value produced from a given capital and a given quantity of labour, employed in one way, be greater or less, than the value whole net value produced from an equal capital and an equal quantity of labour employed in the other way: or rather, perhaps, whether the business of Agriculture or that of Manufactures will yield the greatest product, according to a compound ratio of the quantity of Capital & the quantity of labour, employed which are employed in the one or in the other.\nThe solution of either of these questions is not easy; it involves numerous and capit complicated details, depending on an accurate knowlege of the objects to be compared. It is not known that the comparison has ever yet been made upon sufficient data properly ascertained and analized. To do be able to make it on the present occasion with satisfactory precision, and certainty, would req demand more previous inquiry and investigation than there has been hitherto either leisure or opportunity to accomplish. Some essays however have been made towards acquiring the requisite information; the result of which does b by no means confirm the hypothesis of the superior productiveness which is under examination.\nSome essays however have been made towards acquiring the requisite information; which have rather served to throw doubt upon, than to confirm the hypothesis, under examination. But it ought to be \n   [remissness Skill cases mode] \u261e\n acknowleged, that they have been too little diversified, and are too imperfect, to authorise a definitive conclusion either way; leading rather to probable conjecture, than to certain deduction. They render it probable, that there are various some branches of manufactures, in which a given Capital will yield a greater total product, and a considerably greater nett product, than an equal capital invested in the purchase and improvement of lands; in an already establ which are under previous cultivation, and that there are also some branches, in which both the gross and the nett produce will exceed that of Agricultural industry, according to a compound ratio of capital and labour. But it is on this last point, that there appears to be the greatest room for doubt. It is far less difficult to inferdecide generally, that the nett produce of Capital invested engaged in manufacturing enterprises is greater than that of Capital engaged in Agriculture.\nBut In stating these results, the purchase and improvement of lands, under previous cultivation is are alone contemplated. The comparison is more in favour of Agriculture, when it is made with reference to the settlement of new and waste of lands; but an argument drawn from so for temporary a circumstance could have no weight in determining the course general merits of the question concerning the permanent relative comparative productiveness of the two species Agricultural and manufacturing of \n   \u261e vide\n industry. How far it ought to influence the policy of the United States, on the score of particular situation, will be adverted to in another place.\nThe foregoing suggestionsconjectures are not designed to inculcate an opinion a supposition that manufacturing industry is more productive than that of Agriculture. They are intended rather to shew that the reconverse of this proposition is not ascertained; and that the general arguments which are brought used to establish it are not satisfactory; and consequently that a supposition of the superior productiveness of Tillage ought to be no obstacle to listening to any substantial inducements to the encouragement of manufactures, m which may be otherwise perceived to exist; on the ground if its as having a through an apprehension that they may have atendency to \n   [The two employments will regulate themselves\u2014If manufactures will consume produce, Agriculture must produce for Manufactures.]\n divert labour from a more to a less profitable employment.\nIt is extremely probable, that on a full and accurate developpement of the manner matter, on the basis ground of fact and calculation, it would be discovered, that there is no material difference between the aggregate productiveness of the one and of the other kind of industry in question; and that the propriety of the encouragements, which may in any case be proposed to be given to either ought to be determined upon considerations irrelative to any exclusive of all comparison of that nature.\n   in respect to respecting its encouragement to view the subject\nBut without contending for the superior productiveness of Manufacturing Industry, it may conduce to a better judgment of the policy which ought to be pursued,it would be to omit doing justice to the subject not to place it in some farther light under respecting its encouragement, to view to contemplate the subject under some additional aspects, tending not only  to evince still further not only that it not only to confirm the idea still further that this kind of Industry has been improperly represented as unproductive in itself; but to evince in addition that the establishment to fur shew likewise that the establishment and diffusion of manufactures have the effect of rendering the total mass of the useful and productive labour, in a community, greater than it would otherwise be. In prosecuting this discussion, it may be necessary briefly to resume and review some of the topics which have been already touched.\nTo affirm that the labour of the Manufacturer is unproductive, because he consumes as much of the produce of land, as he adds value to the raw materials, which he manufactures, is not better founded, that it would be to affirm, that the labour of the farmer, which furnishes materials to the manufacturer, is unproductive because he consumes an equal value of manufactured articles. Each furnishes a certain portion quantum of the produce of his labour to the other and each destroys a correspondent portion quantum of the produce of the labour of the other. In the mean time, the maintenance of two citizens instead of one is going on, the state has two members instead of one; and they together consume twice the value of what is produced from the land.\nIf instead of a farmer and artificer, there were a farmer only, he would be under a necessity of devoting a part of his labour to the fabrication of cloathing and other articles, which he would procure of the artificer if there were in the case of there being such a person; and of course he would be able to devote less labour to the cultivation of his farm, and would draw from it a proportionably less product.quantity of produce. The whole quantity of production, in this state of things, in provisions raw materials and manufactures, would certainly not exceed in value the amount of what would be produced in provisions and raw materials only, if there were an artificer as well as a farmer.\nAgain\u2014if there were both an artificer and a farmer, the latter would be left at liberty to pursue exclusively the cultivation of his farm. A greater quantity of provisions and raw materials would of course be produced\u2014equal at least, as has been already observed, to the whole amount of the provisions raw materials and manufactures which would exist on a contrary supposition. The artificer, at the same time, would be going on in the production of manufactured commodities, articles to an amount sufficient not only to repay the farmer, in those commodities, for the provisions and materials which were procured from him, but to furnish the Artificer himself with a supply of similar commodities for his own use. Thus then, there would be two quantities or values in existence instead of one; and the income revenue and consumption would be double in one case, what it would be in the other.\nIf in place of both these suppositions, there were supposed to be two farmers, and no artificer, each of whom applied a part of his labour to the culture of his land and another part to the fabrication of manufactures\u2014in this case, the portion of the labour of both which was each bestowed upon land would produce the same quantity of provisions and raw materials only as would be produced by the intire sum of the labour of one applied in the same manner, and the portion of the labour of both which was bestowed upon manufactures, would produce the same quantity of manufactures only, as would be produced by the intire sum of the labour of one applied in the same manner. Hence the value of the produce of the labour of the two farmers would not be greater than that of the produce of the labour of the farmer and artificer; and hence, it results is manifest, that the labour of the artificer is as positively productive as that of the farmer, and, as positively, augments the revenue of the Society.\nThe labour of the Artificer replaces to the farmer that portion of his labour, with which he provides the materials of exchange with the Artificer, and which he would otherwise have been compelled to apply to manufactures: and while the Artificer thus enables the farmer to enlarge his stock of agricultural industry, a portion of which he purchases for his own use, he also supplies himself with the manufactured articles of which he stands in need. thus producing over and above the equivalent which he gives to the farmer.\nHe does still more. Besides this equivalent which he gives for the portion of agricultural labour consumed by him and this supply of manufactured commodities for his own consumption use\u2014he furnishes still a surplus, which compensates for the use of the Capital advanced either by himself or some other person, for carrying on the business. This is the ordinary profit of the stock employed in the manufactory, and is in every sense respect as effective an addition to the income of the Society as the rent of land.\nThe produce of the labour of the Artificer, consequently, may justly be regarded as composed of three parts; one by which the provisions for his subsistence and the materials for his work are purchased of the farmer, one by which he supplies himself with manufactured necessaries, and a third which constitutes the profit on the Stock employed. The two last portions seem to have been overlooked in the system, which represents manufacturing industry as an barren and unproductive.\nIn the course of the preceding illustrations the products of equal quantities of the labour of the farmer and artificer have been treated as if equal to each other. Simplicity and perspicuity required this mode of expression, but it will not be understood as being indicating an intention to assert an exact equality in the value of the produce of But this is not to be understood as intending to assert any such precise equality. It is merely a manner of expression adopted for the sake of simplicity and perspicuity. Whether the value of the produce of the labour of the Farmer be some what more or less than that of the Artificer is not material to the main scope of the argument which hitherto has only aimed at shewing, that the one, as well as the other, occasions a positive augmentation of the total produce and revenue of the Society.\nIt is now the proper to proceed a step a further, and to enumerate the principal circumstances, from whichwhence it may be inferred\u2014That manufacturing establishments not only occasion a positive augmentation of the Rev Produce and Revenue of the Society, but that they contribute essentially to rendering them greater than they could possibly be, without such establishments. These circumstances are\u2014\n    The effects of a division of Labour\n    An extension of the use of Machinery\n    The Additional employment  to classes of the community not regularly ordinarily engaged in the business\n   [and the acquisition of foreign Capital\u2014]\n The promoting of emigration from foreign countries \n    The furnishing greater scope for the diversity of talents and dispositions which are to be foundamong the citizens of a Country which discriminate men from each other.\n    The affording a more ample and various field for enterprize.\n    The creating in some instances a new, and securing in all, a more certain and steady demand for the surplus produce of the soil.\nEach of these circumstances has a considerable influence upon the total mass of industrious effort in a community: Together, they increase it and enhance add to it a degree of energy force and effect, which are not easily conceived. Some commentsremarks upon each of them in the order in which they have been stated may serve to explain their importance.\nI \u2003 As to the Division of Labour.\nIt has justly been observed, that there is sac scarcely any thing of greater moment,importance in the \u0153conomy of a nations, than the proper division of labour. The separation of occupations causes each to be carried on to much greater perfection, than it could possibly acquire, if they were blended. This arises principally from three circumstances\u2014\n1 One The greater skill and dexterity naturally resulting from a constant and undivided application attention to a single object. It is evident that these properties must increase, in proportion to the separation and simplification of objects and the steadiness of the attention devoted to each; and must be less, in proportion to the complication of objects, and the number among which the attention is destracted.\n2 Another is The \u0153conomy of time\u2014by avoiding that the loss of it, which is naturally incident to a frequent transition from one operation to another, of a different nature. This depends on various circumstances\u2014the transition itself\u2014the ordinary orderly disposition of the implements, machines and materials employed in the operation to be relinquished\u2014the preparatory steps to the commencement of a new one\u2014the interruption of the impulse which the mind of the workman acquires from being engaged in a particular operation\u2014the distractions hesitations and reluctances, which are apt to attend the passage from one kind of business to another.\n3 The third is An extension of the use of machinery. A man occupied on a single object will have it more in his power, and will be more naturally led to exert his imagination, invention in devising methods to facilitate and abrige labour, than if he were perplexed by a variety of independent and dissimilar operations. Besides this, the fabrication of machines, in numerous instances, becoming itself a distinct trade, the Artist who follows it, has all the advantages which have been enumerated, for improvement in his particular art; and, in both ways the invention and application of machinery are extended.\nAnd from these causes united, the meremere [mere] separation of the occupation of the Cultivator, from that of the Artificer, has the effect of augmenting the productive powers of labour, and with them, the total mass of the produce or revenue of a Country. In this single view of the subject, therefore, the utility of Artificers or Manufacturers, towards promoting an increase of productive industry, is apparent.\nII \u2003 As to an extension of the use of Machinery: a point which has been already, in part though partly anticipated, but which requires to be placed in some one or two additional lights.\nThe employment of Machinery seems to forms an item of great \n   [unincumbered too by the expence of Compensation.] \u261e\n importance in the general mass of national industry. \u2019Tis an artificial force brought in aid of the natural force of man; and, to all the proposes of labour, is an increase of hands; an accession of strengths unincumbered too by the expence of maintaining the labourer.. May it not therefore be fairly inferred, that those occupations, which give greatest scope to the use of this auxiliary, contribute most to the general stock of industrious effort, and, in consequence, to the general product of Industry?\nIt shall be taken for granted, and the truth of the position referred to observation, that manufacturing pursuits are more susceptible in a greater degree of the application of Machinery, for than those of Agriculture. If so, all the difference is lost to a country community, which, instead of manufacturing for itself, procures the fabrics requisite to itsthe supply of its wants, from other countries. The substitution of foreign for domestic manufactures is a transfer to foreign nations of the advantages accruing from the employment of Machinery in the modes, in which it is capable of being employed, with most utility and to the greatest extent.\n   a Cotton mill \u261e\nThe Cotton Mill invented in England, within the last twenty years, is a signal illustration of the general proposition, which has been just advanced. In consequence of it, all the different processes for spining cotton are performed by means of machines, which are put in motion by water and attended chiefly by women and children; the a very small number of whom compared with the number requisite in the ordinary mode of spinning, suffices. And it is an advantage of great moment that the operations of this mill continue with convenience during the night, as well as through the day. The prodigious effect of such a machine is easily conceived. To this invention is to be attributed essentially the vast immense progress, which has been so suddenly made in great Britain, in the rela various fabrics of cotton.\nIII \u2003 As to the additional employment of classes of the community, not ordinarily engaged in the particular business\u2014\nThis is not among the least valuable of the means, by which manufacturing institutions contribute to augment the general stock of industry and production. In places two towns and neighbourhoods, where those institutions prevail, they give employment besides the persons regularly engaged in them, they afford occasional and extra employment to industrious individuals and families, who are willing to devote the leisure resulting from the intermissions of their ordinary occupations pursuits to collateral labours, as a resource for the mean of multiplying their acquisitions or their enjoyments. The Husbandman himself experiences a new source of profit and support to himself and family from the increased industry of his wife and daughters invited and stimulated by the demands \n of the neighbouring manufactories. in his vicinity.\nBesides this advantage of additionaloccasional employment to classes otherwise occupied having different other occupations, there is anotherare others of a nature allied to it, and which have of a similar tendency. This is the employment of persons, who would otherwise be idle (and in many cases a burthen on the community); who either from the byass of temper, habit, infirmity of body, or some other cause, indisposing, or disqualifying them for the toils of the Country. and of Children at an earlier period It is worthy of particular remark that in general Women and Children are rendered more useful and the latter more early useful by manufacturing establishments than they would otherwise be. Of the number of persons employed in the cotton manufactories of Great Britain it is computed that 4/7 nearly are women and children, of whom the greatest proportion are children and many of them of a very tender age.\nAnd thus it appears to be one of the attributes of manufactures, and one of no small consequence, importance to give occasion to the exertion of a greater quantity of Industry, even by the same number of persons, wherever they happen to prevail, than would exist, if there were no such establishments.\nIV \u2003 As to the promoting of emigration from foreign Countries.\nMen reluctantly quit one course of occupation and livelihood for another, unless invited to it by very apparent and proximate advantages. Many, who would go from one country to another, if they had a prospect of continuing with more benefit the callings, to which they are have been educated, will often not be tempted to change their situation by the possibility hope of doing better, in some other way. Manufacturers, who listening to the powerful invitations of a better price for their fabrics or their labour, of greater cheapness of provisions and raw materials, of an exemption from the chief part of the taxes burthens and restraints, which they endure with which they are vexed in the old world, of greater personal independence and consequence, under the operation of a more equal government and of what is far more precious than mere the more than religious toleration\u2014a perfect equality of religious privileges;\u2014would probably flock from Europe to the United States to pursue their own trades or professions, if they were once made sensible of the advantages they would enjoy, and were inspired with an assurance of encouragement and employment, will, with difficulty, be induced to transplant themselves, with a view to becoming Cultivators of land.\nIf it be true then, that it is the interest of the United States to open every possible avenue to emigration from abroad it well affords a a procee weighty argument for the encouragement of manufactures; which for the reasons just assigned will have the strongest tendency to multiply the inducements to it.\nHere isare perceived not only an important resource, not only for extending the population, and with it the useful and productive labour of the country, but likewise for the prosecution of manufactures, without deducting from the number of hands, which might otherwise be drawn to Tillage; and even for the indemnification of agriculture for such as might happen to be diverted from it. Many, whom manufacturing views would originally induce to emigrate, would afterwards yield to the temptation which the particular situation of this Country holds out to Agricultural pursuits. And while Agriculture would in other respects derive many signal and unmingled advantages from the growth of manufactures, it is a problem whether it would gain or lose, as to the article of the nu numbers of persons hands employed in carrying it on.\nV \u2003 As to the furnishing greater scope for the diversity of talents and dispositions, which discriminate men from each other.\nIt is a s\nThis is a much more powerful mean of augmenting the fund of national Industry than may at first sight appear. It is a true just observation, that minds of the strongest and most active powers for their proper objects fall below mediocrity and labour without effect if confined to uncongenial pursuits. And it is thence to be inferred, that the results of human exertion may be immensely increased by diversifying its objects. When all the different kinds of industry obtain in a community, each individual can find his proper element, and can call into activity the whole vigour of his nature. And the community is benefitted by the services of its respective members, in the manner, in which each can serve it with most effect.\nIf there be any thing in a remark often to be met with\u2014namely that there is, in the genius of the people of this country, a peculiar aptitude for mechanic improvements, it would operate as a forcible reason for giving opportunities to the exercise of that species of talent, by the propagation of manufactures.\nVI \u2003 As to the affording a more ample and various field for enterprise.\nThis also is of greater consequence in the general scale of national use exertion, than might perhaps on a superficial view be supposed, and has effects not altogether dissimilar from those of the circumstance last noticed. To cherish and stimulate the activity of the human mind, by multiplying the objects of enterprise, is not among the least considerable of the expedients, by which the wealth of a nation may be promoted. Things Even things, in themselves not positively advantageous, sometimes \n become so, by their tendency to provokeexcite exertion. Every new scene which is opened to the busy nature of man to rouse and exert itself is the addition of a new energy to the general stock of efforts.\nThe spirit of enterprise, useful and prolific as it is, must necessarily be contracted or expanded in proportion to the simplicity or variety of the occupations and productions, which are to be found in a Society. It must be less in a nation of mere cultivators, than in a nation of cultivators and merchants; less in a nation of cultivators and merchants than in a nation of cultivators, artificers, and merchants.\nVII \u2003 As to the creating, in some instances, a new, and securing in all a more certain and steady demand for the surplus produce of the soil\u2014\nThis is among the most important of the of all the circumstances, which have been indicated, stated is is perhaps the most important. It is a principal mean, by which the establishment of manufactures contributes to an augmentation of the produce or revenue of a country; It and has in particular an immediate and direct influence upon relation to the prosperity of Agriculture.\nIt is evident that the exertions of the husbandman will be steady or fluctuating, vigorous or feeble, in proportion to the steadiness, or fluctuation, adequateness, or inadequateness of the markets on which he must depend, for the vent of the surplus, which may be produced by his labour; and that [such] that surplus in the ordinary course of things, will be greater or less in the same proportion.\nFor the purpose of this vent, a domestic market is greatly to be preferred to a foreign one; because it is in the nature of things, far more to be relied upon.\nIt is a primary object of the policy of nations, to be able to supply themselves with subsistence from their own soils; and manufacturing nations, as far as circumstances will permit, endeavour to procure, from the same source the raw materials necessary for their own fabrics. This disposition, urged by the spirit of monopoly, is sometimes even carried to an injudicious injurious extreme. It seems not always to be recollected, that nations, who have neither mines nor manufactures, can only obtain the manufactured articles, of which they stand in need, by means of an exchange of the products of their soils; and that, if those who can best furnish them with such articles are unwilling to give a due course to this exchange, they must of necessity make every possible effort to manufacture for themselves; the effect of which is that the manufacturing nations abrige the natural advantages of their situation, through an unwillingness to permit the Agricultural [countries] ones to enjoy the advantages benefits of theirs, and sacrifice the interests of a mutually beneficial beneficial intercourse to the vain project of selling every thing and buying nothing.\nBut it is also a consequence of the policy, which has been noted, that the foreign demand for the products of agricultural and countries, is, in a great degree, rather casual and occasional, than certain or constant. To what degree extent injurious interruptions of the demand for some of the staple commodities of the United States, may have been experienced, from that cause, must be referred to the judgment of those who are engaged in carrying on the commerce of the country; but it may be safely affirmed, that such interruptions are at times very inconveniently felt, and that cases occur in which markets are frequently either wanting, or so narrowed restricted narrowed, as to be very unequal to the supply are much too few and too circumscribed for the supply, which is to be disposed of cases not \n   abundant seasons! \u2003 Independly likewise\n unfrequently occur, in which markets are so confined and restricted, as to render the demand very unequal to the supply.\nIndependently likewise of the artificial impediments, which are created by diminution of demand, which result from the policy that has been mentioned in question, there are natural causes tending which serve to render the external demand for the surplus \n   the changes on this account very disadvantageous to Agriculture \u261e\n of Agricultural countries nations a precarious and flu reliance. The differences of seasons, in the countries, which are the consumers, usually buy, make imense differences in the produce of their own soils, and the degree in different years; and consequently in the degrees of their necessity for ir wants of foreign supply. Plentiful harvests with them, and especially if similar ones occur at the same time they happen in the countries which are the furnishers, neces occasion of course a distressing glut of produce in the markets of the latter.\nConsidering how fast the increasing Considering how fast and how much the rapid progress of new settlements of the United States must increase, in the United States must fast increase the surplus produce of the soil, and weighing adverting to the inauspicious symptoms which characterise some late commercial regulations in various attending seriously to the tendency spirit of the system which has hitherto governed the prevails among most of the commercial nations of Europe; whatever dependence may be placed on the force of natural circumstances to counteract the effects of an artificial policy; there appear strong reasons to regard the a foreign demand for that surplus as too uncertain a reliance, and to desire a substitute for it in an extensive domestic market.\nTo secure such a market there is no other expedient, than to promote manufacturing establishments. Manufacturers, who very constitute the most numerous class, after the cultivators of land, are must for that reason, be the principal consumers of the surplus of their labour.\nThis idea of an extensive domestic market for the surplus produce of the soil is of the first consequence. It is of all things, that which best most effectually conduces to a flourishing state of Agriculture. If the effect of manufactories should be to detach a portion of the hands of which would otherwise be engaged in Agriculture Tillage, it might possibly cause a smaller quantity of lands to be under cultivation; culture, but itbut by would also a by their tendency to procure a more certain secure a steady demand for the surplus produce of the soil, they would, at the same time, cause the lands which were in cultivation to be better improvedcultivated & more productive. And in while by their influence, the condition of each individual farmer would be meliorated by this circumstance, the total mass of agricultural production, would be probably be increased: For this must evidently doubtless depend as much, if not moreif not more, upon the degree of improvement, as than upon the quantitynumber of acres under culture.\nIt merits particu~ observation, that The multiplication of manufactories not only furnishes a market for those articles which have been accustomed to be produced, in abundance, in a country; but it likewise creates a demand for such as were either unknown before, or produced in inconsiderable inferior quantities. The bowels as well as the surface of the earth are ransacked for articles which were formerly beforebefore neglected. Animals a plants and minerals \n   earth fossils\n acquire ana utility and value which were before unknown.unexplored.\nThe foregoing considerations seem alone sufficient to establish, as a general propositions, That it is the interest of nations to diversify the industrious pursuits of the individuals the who compose them\u2014That the establishment of manufactures is calculated not only to increase the general stock of useful and productive labour; but even to improve the state of Agriculture in particular; certainly to advance the interests of those who are engaged in it. There are other views that will be hereafter taken of of the subject, which, it is conceived, will serve to confirm these inferences. Previously to a a furtherprosecution of discussion of the remaining objections to the encouragement of manufactures, which have been stated, previously to entering upon them, it will be of use to see what can be said, in reference to the particular situations of the United States, against the conclusions appearing which appear to result from the considerations which that have been stated; and in the next place what has been already offered.\nIt may be observed and the Idea is of with no inconsiderable weight, that however tur true it might may be, that a state, which possessing large tracts of vacant and fertile territory, was at the same time secluded from foreign commerce, would find its interest and the interest of Agriculture, in diverting a part of its population from Tillage to Manufactures; yet it will not follow, that the same is true of a state, which having such vacant and fertile territory, has at the same abundant time ample opportunity of procuring from abroad foreigners, on good terms, all the fabrics of which it may stands in need, for the supply of its inhabitants. The power of doing this at least secures the principal great advantage of a division of labour; leaving the farmer free to pursue exclusively the culture of his land, and enabling him to procure with its products fruits the manufactured supplies requisite either to his wants or to his enjoyments. And though it should be true, that in settled countries, the diversification of Industry is conducive to an increase in the productive power of labour and to an augmentation of revenue and capital, yet it is scarcely conceiveable that there can be any thing of sosuch solid and permanent advantage to an uncultivated and unpeopled country, as to convert its wastes into fruitfulfertile fields and its deserts into cultivated and inhabited inhabited districts. If the Revenue, in the mean time, should be less. the Capital, in the event, must be greater.\nTo these observations, the following appears to be a satisfactory answer\u2014\n1 \u2003 If the fu system of perfect liberty to industry and commerce were the prevailing system of nations\u2014if they were every where left to their natural course, the arguments which dissuade a country, in the predicament of the U States, from the zealous pursuit of manufactures would doubtless have great force. It will not be affirmed, that they might not be permitted, with few exceptions, to serve as a rule of national conduct. In such a state of things, each country would have the full benefit of its peculiar advantages to compensate for its deficiencies or disadvantages. If one nation werewas in condition to supply manufactured articles on better terms than another, that other might find an abundant indemnification in a superior capacity to furnish the produce of the soil. And a free exchange, mutually beneficial, of the commodities which each was able to supply, on the best terms, might be carried on between them; supporting in full vigour the industry of each. And though the circumstances which have been mentioned and others which will be unfolded hereafter render it probable, that nations merely Agricultural would not enjoy the same degree of opulence, in proportion to their numbers, as those which united manufactures with agriculture; yet the progressive improvement of the lands of the former might, in the end, atone for an inferior degree of opulence in the mean time: and in a case, in which opposite considerations are pretty equally balanced, the option ought perhaps always to be, in favour of leaving Industry to its own Direction.\nBut the system, which has been mentioned, is far from characterising the general policy of Nations. and to judge from some recent symptoms, the contrary spirit would seem rather to gain than to lose ground.\nThe consequence of it is, that the U States are to a certain extent in the situation of a country precluded from foreign commerce. They can indeed, without difficulty, obtain from abroad the manufactured supplies, forof which they are in want; but they experience numerous and very injurious impediments to the emission and vent of their own commodities. Nor is this the case in reference to one[any a single] foreign nation only. only. The regulations of several countries, with which we have the most extensive intercourse, throw serious obstructions in the way of the principal staples of the United States.\nIn such a position of things, the United States cannot exchange with Europe on equal terms on equal terms; and the want of reciprocity would render them the victim of a system, which should induce them to confine their views to Agriculture and refrain from manufactures. A constant and increasing necessity on their part, for the commodities of Europe, and only a partial and occasional demand for their own, in return, could not but expose them to a state of impoverishment, compared with the opulence to which their political and natural advantages authorise them to aspire.\nRemarks of this kind are not made in the spirit of complaint. \u2019Tis for the nations, whose regulations are alluded to to judge for themselves, whether by aiming at too much, they do not lose more than they gain. \u2019Tis for the United States to consider by what means they can render themselves least dependent on the combinations, calculations, right or wrong, of foreign policy.\nIt is no small consolation, that already the measures which have embarrassed our trade have accelerated internal improvements, which \n   [Quere] \u261e\n upon the whole have bettered our affairs. To diversify and extend these improvements is the surest and safest best method of indemnifying ourselves for any inconveniences which those or similar measures have a tendency to beget, and will at the same time be found the most efficacious retaliation for any unkindness of disposition (if any there has been) which may have dictated them. If Europe will not take from us the products of our soil, upon terms consistent with our interest, tis our duty to ourselves our remedy is the natural remedy is to contract as fast as possible our wants of her.\n2 \u2003 The conversion of their waste into cultivated lands is certainly a point of great moment in the political calculations of the United States. But the degree in which this may be possibly be retarded by the establishment encouragement of manufactories does not appear to counteract the powerful inducements to affording that encouragement.\nAn observation made in another place is of a nature to have great influence upon this question. If it cannot be denied, that the interests even of Agriculture may be advanced more by having such of the lands of a state as are occupied, under good cultivation, than by having a greater quantity occupied, under very defective a much inferior cultivation; and if manufactories, for the reasons assigned, must be admitted to have a tendency to promote a more steady and vigorous cultivation of the lands occupied, than would happen without them, it will follow, that they are capable of indemnifying a country for a diminution of the progress of new settlements; and may serve to increase render both the capital value and the income of its the lands, of a nation, greater even though they should even abrige the number of acres under Tillage.\nBut it does, by no means, follow, that the progress of new settlements would be retarded by the extension of manufactures. The desire of being an independent proprietor of land is founded on such strong principles in the human breast, that where the opportunity of becoming so is as great as it is in the United States, the proportion will be small of those, whose situations would otherwise lead to it, wou who would be diverted from it towards manufactures. And it is highly probable, as already intimated, that the accessions of foreigners, who originally drawn over by manufacturing views, would afterwards abandon them for Agricultural, would be more than an equivalent compensate for those of our own citizens, who might happen to be detached from them.\nThe remaining objections to a particular encouragement of manufactures in the United States now require to be examined.\nOne of these turns on the proposition, that Industry, if left to itself, will naturally find its way to the most useful and profitable employment: hence it may be is inferred that manufactures, without the aid of government, will grow up as soon and as fast as the naturalactual state of things and the increase of the community may require.\nAgainst the solidity of this hypothesis, man in the full latitude of the terms, very cogent reasons may be offered. These have relation to\u2014the strong influence of habit and the spirit of imitation\u2014the fear of want of success in untried enterprises\u2014The intrinsic difficulties necessarily incident to the first essays towards a competition with those who have previously attained to perfection in the business to be attempted\u2014the bounties premiums and other artificial encouragements with which foreign nations second the exertions of their own citizens in the very branches, in which they are to be rivalled.\nExperience teaches, that men are often so much governed by what they are accustomned to see and practice, that the simplest and most obvious improvements, in the most ordinary occupations, are adopted with hesitation reluctance and by slow gradations. The adopting ofTo substitute adopt new pursuits by a considerable in a community The spontaneous transition to introduction of new pursuits into a community long habituated to different ones may be expected to must be attended with proportionably greater difficulty. When former occupations ceased to yield a profit adequate to the bare subsistence of their followers, and or when there was an absolute deficiency of employment in them, owing to the superabundance of hands, changes would ensue; but these changes would be likely to be more tardy than might consist with the interest either of individuals or of the society. In many cases they would not happen, while a bare livlihoo support could be ensuredsecured by an adherence to ancient courses; though a resort to more profitable employment might be practicable. It may To produce the desireable changes, as early as may be expedient, may therefore require the invitation and incitement and patronage of government.\nThe dread apprehension of failing in new attempts is perhaps a more serious impediment. There are dispositions apt to be attracted by the mere novelty of an undertaking\u2014but these are not always those best calculated to give it success. To this, it is of importance, that the confidence of cautious \n   [both citizens & foreigners]\n sagacious capitalists both citizens and foreigners should be excited. And to inspire this description of persons with confidence, it is essential that they should be made to see in any project, which is new, and for that reason alone, if, for no other, precarious, the prospect of such a degree of countenance and support from government as may be capable of overcoming the obstacles, inseparable from first experiments.\nThe superiority antecedently enjoyed by nations, who have preoccupied and perfected a branch of Industry, constitutes a more formidable obstacle, than either of those, which have been mentioned, to the introduction of the same branch into a country in which it did not before exist. To maintain, between the recent establishments of one country and the long matured establishments of another country, a competition upon equal terms, both as to quality and of price, is in most cases impracticable. The disparity in the one or in the other or in both must necessarily be so considerable as to forbid a successful rivalship, without the extraordinary aid and protection of government.\nBut the greatest obstacle of all to the successful prosecution of a new branch of industry in a country, in which it was before unknown, on consists as far as the instances apply, in those the bounties premiums and others aids which are granted, in a variety of casesinstances, by the nations, in which it is previously established the establishments to be imitated are previously introduced. It is well known (and particular examples in the course of this report will be cited) that certain nations grant bounties on the exportation of particular commodities to enable their own workmen to undersell and supplant all competitors in those of the countries to which they those commodities are sent. Hence the undertakers of a new manufacture have to contend not only with the natural disadvantages of a new undertaking, but with the gratuities and remunerations wit which other governments bestow. To be enabled to contend with success, it is evident, that the positive the some interference and aid of their own government are indispensable.\nCombinations by those engaged in gen or parti in a particular branch of business in one country to frustrate the first efforts to introduce it into another, by temporary sacrifices, recompensed perhaps by extraordinary indemnifications of the government of such country, are believed to have existed, and are not to be regarded as destitute of probability. The existence or assurance of aid from the government of the country, in which the new business is to be introduced, may be essential to fortify adventurers against the dread of such combinations\u2014to defeat their effects, if formed, and to prevent their being formed by demonstrating that they must in the end prove fruitless.\nWhatever room ground ground there may might be for an expectation that the Industry of a people, under the direction of private interest, will upon equal terms find out its the most beneficial course upon equal terms employment for itself, there is noneno room for a reliance, that it will struggle against the force of unequal terms, or will of itself surmount all the adventitious and artificial impediments barriers to a successful competition, which may have been erected by an artifice either by the advantages naturally acquired from by practice and \n previous possession of the ground, or by by those which may have sprung from positive regulations and an artificial policy.\nThis general reflection alone might alone suffice as an answer to the objection, exclus under examination; consideration; exclusively of the weighty considerations which have been particularly urged.\nThe remaining objections to the pursuit of manufactures in the United States which next present themselves to discussion, are of a nature more local than and peculiar those which have been hitherto discussed. They represent an impracticability of success, arising from these three causes\u2014scarcity of hands\u2014dearness of labour\u2014want of capital.\nThe two first circumstances are to a certain extent real, and, within due limits, ought to be admitted, as obstacles to the success of manufacturing enterprise [factories actually manual] in the United States. But there are various considerations, which greatly lessen their force, and tend seem to afford an assurance, that many they are not sufficient to prevent the advantageous prosecution of many very useful and extensive manufactories.\nWith regard to scarcity of hands, the fact itself must be applied with no small qualification to certain parts of the United States. There are large districts, which may be considered, as pretty fully peopled; and in which, notwithstanding a continual drain for distant settlement, numerous are thickly interspersed with flourishing and increasing towns. are to be If these districts have not already reached the point, at which the complaint of scarcity of hands ceases, they are not remote from it, and they are approaching fast towards it: And being being having perhaps fewer advantages attractions to agriculture, than some other parts of the Union, they exhibit a proportionably stronger tendency towards other kinds of industry. In these districts, may be discerned, no inconsiderable maturity for manufacturing establishments.\nBut there are circumstances, which have been already noticed with another view, that materially diminish every where the effect of a scarcity of hands. These circumstances are\u2014the great use which can be made of women and children; on which point, a very pregnant and instructive fact has been mentioned\u2014the vast extension which given by late improvements to the employment of machines, which substituting the agency of fire and water, has prodigiously lessened the necessity for manual labour\u2014the employment of persons ordinarily engaged in other occupations, during the seasons, or hours of leisure; which, besides giving occasion to the exertion of a greater quantity of labour by the same number of persons, and thereby increasing the general stock of labour, as has been elsewhere remarked, may also be taken into the calculation, as a resource for obviating the inconvenience deficienc scarcity of hands\u2014lastly the attraction of foreign emigrants. Whoever inspects with a careful eye the composition of our towns will be made sensible to what an extent this resource may be relied upon. This exhibits a large proportion of ingenious mechanics and valuable workmen, in different arts and trades, by who, by expatriating from Europe, have improved their own condition and added to the industry and wealth of the United States. It is a natural inference from the experience we have already had that as soon as if the United States shall present the countenance of a serious prosecution of manufactures\u2014as soon as foreign artists shall be made sensible that the state of things here affords a moral certainty of employment and encouragement\u2014competent numbers of European workmen will transplant themselves, effectually to second and execute secure ensure the success of the design. How indeed can it otherwise happen considering the various and powerful inducements, which the situation of this country pres offers; addressing themselves to so many strong passions and feelings, to so many general and particular interests?\nIt may be affirmed inferred therefore, in respect to hands for carrying on manufactures, that we shall in a great measure trade upon a foreign stock; reserving our own, for the cultivation of our lands and the manning of our ships; as far as character and circumstances shall may incline. It is not unworthy of remark that the objection to the success of manufactures deduced from the scarcity of hands isseems alike applicable to Trade and navigation; and yet these are perceived to flourish without any sensible impediment from that cause.\nAs to the dearness of labour (another of the obstacles alleged) this has relation principally to two circumstances, one that which has been just discussed, or the scanty of hands, the other, the greatness of profits.\nAs far as it is a consequence of the scarcity of hands, it is mitigated by all the considerations, which have been adduced as lessening that deficiency.\nIt is certain too that the disparity in this respect between some of the most manufacturing certain parts of Europe and certain parts a large proportion of the U States is not nearly so great as is commonly imagined. It is also much less in regard to Artificers and manufacturers, than in regard to country labourers. And while a careful comparison shews that there is in this particular much exaggeration; it is also evident that and the effect of the degree of disparity which does truly exist is diminished in proportion to the use which can be made of machinery.\nTo illustrate this last idea, which is one worthy of particular attention Let it be supposed, that the difference of price, in two countries, of a given quantity of manual labour requisite to the fabrication of a certain manufacture given article is as 10; and that some mechanic power is introduced into both countries, which performing half the necessary labour, leaves only half to be done by hand; it is evident, that the difference in the cost of the fabrication of the article in question, in the two each countries, as far as it w is connected with the price of labour, will be reduced from 10 to 5, in consequence of the introduction of that power.\nThis circumstance is worthy of the most particular attention. It diminishes in immensely one of the objections most strenuously urged, against the success of manufactures in the United States.\nTo procure all such machines, as are known in any part of Europe, can only require due pains a proper provision and due pains. The knowlege of several of the most important of them is already possessed. The preparation of them here, is in most cases, practicable on nearly equal terms. As far as they depend on Water, some superiority of advantages \n   [& cheapness]\n may be claimed, from the uncommon variety and greater cheapness of situations adapted to Mill seats, with which different parts of the U S abound.\nSo far as the dearness of labour may be a consequence of the greatness of profits in any branch of business, it is no obstacle to its success. The Undertaker can afford to pay the price.\nThere are grounds to conclude that undertakers of manufactures in this country can at this time afford to pay higher wages to the workmen they may employ than are paid to similar workmen in Europe. The prices of foreign fabrics, in the markets of the United States, which will for a long time regulate the prices of the domestic ones, may be considered as compounded of the following ingredients\u2014The first cost of materials, including the taxes, if any, which are paid upon them where they are made in Europe\u2014the expence of grounds buildings machinery and tools\u2014the wages of workmen the persons employed in the manufactory\u2014the profits on of the capital or stock employed\u2014the commissions of Agents to purchase them where they are made\u2014the expence of transportation to the U States\u2014the taxes or duties, if any, which are paid on their exportation\u2014the taxes or duties, which are paid on their importation\u2014the profits of the importing Merchants.\nAs to the first of these items, the cost of materials, the advantage upon the whole, is at present on the side of the United States, and the difference in their favour must increase in proportion as a certain and extensive domestic demand shall induce the proprietors of land to devote more of their attention to the production of those materials. It ought not to escape observation in a comparison on this point, that some of the principal manufacturing countries of Europe are much more dependent obliged on foreign supply for a great part of the materials of most of their principalthan would be manufactures; than would be while the U States, who are capable of supplyingcan easily supply themselves, with \n the greatest part if not the whole of those which they may require.a fra greater abundance as well as a greater variety of the requisite materials.\nAs to the second item, the expence of grounds buildings machinery and tools, an equality at least may be assumed; since advantages on some \n   [temporary]\n particulars will counterballance temporary disadvantages in others.\nAs to the third item, the wages of the pers or the article of wages, the comparison certainly turns against the U States; though as before observed, not in so great a degree as is commonly supposed.\n   It is not unworthy of remarked that the objection to the suce\nThe fourth item is alike applicable to the foreign and to the domestic manufacture. It is indeed more properly a result, than a particular, to be compared.\nBut with regard respect to all the remaining items, they are alone applicable to the foreign manufacture, and in the strictest sense extraordinaries; constituting a sum mass of extra charge on the foreign fabric, which cannot be estimated, at leas less, than  per Cent on the cost of it at the manufactory. This estimate will not appear high when it is considered that\namount of to not less than from  to  per Cent.\nThis sumamount of extra charge may confidently be regarded as more than a counterpoise for the realany real difference which exists in the price of labour; and is a satisfactory proof that domestic manufactures may prosper in defiance of it [in the United States.]. To the general allegation,observation connected with the circumstances of scarcity of hands and dearness of labour, namely that extensive manufactures can only grow out of a redundant or full population, it will be sufficient to answer generally, that the fact has been otherwise. That the situation, alleged to be an essential condition of success, has not beenwas not that of several nations, at a periods, when they had already attained to maturity in a variety ofmade a very considerable progress in manufactures.\nThe supposed want of Capital for the prosecution of manufactures in the U States is the most indefinite of the objections which are usually opposed to it.\nIt is very difficult to pronounce any thing precise concerning the real extent of the monied capital of the a Country, and still more concerning the the proportion, which it bears to the objects, that invite the employment of Capital. It is not less difficult to pronounce how far the effect of any given quantity of money, as capital, or in other words, as a medium for circulating the industry and property of a nationcountry, may be increased by the very circumstance of the additional motion, which is given to it, by new objects of employment. That effect, like the momentum of descending bodies, may not improperly be represented, as in a compound ratio to mass and velocity. It seems pretty certain that a given sum of money, in a situated situation, in which the quick impulses of commercial activity were little felt, would appear inadequate to the circulation of as great a quantity of industry and property, as in one, in which their full influence was experienced.\nIt is not obvious, why the same objection might not as well be made to externalforeign commerce, as to manufactures; since it is manifest that our immense tracts of land occupied cultivated and unoccupied uncultivated are capable of giving employment to more capital than is actually bestowed upon them. It is certain, that the U States offer a vast field for the advantageous employment of Capital; but it does not follow, that there will not be found, in one way or another, a sufficient fund for the successful prosecution of \n   [The same remark applies \u27e8to\u27e9 the hands employed in trade \u27e8or\u27e9 navigation]\n any species of industry, which is likely to prove truly beneficial.\nThe following considerations are of a nature to remove all inquietude on the score of want of Capital.\nThe introduction of Banks as has been shewn on another occasion has a powerful tendency to extend the active capital of athe Country. Institutions of this kind is are becoming Experience of the utility of these institutions is multiplying them in the U States. It is probable that they will be established wherever they can exist with advantage; and wherever they can be supported, if administered with prudence, they will add new energies to all pecuniary operations.\nThe aid of foreign Capital may safely, and, with considerable latitude, be taken into the calculation. Its instrumentality has been long experienced in our external commerce; and it has begun to be felt in various other modes. Not only our funds, but our agriculture and other internal improvements have been animated by it. It has already in a few instances even extended even to our manufactures. and may be expected to do it hereaf\nIt is a well known fact, that there are parts of Europe, which have more capital, than profitable domestic objects of employment. Hence, among other proofs, the large loans continually furnished to foreign states. And it is equally certain that the capital of other parts may find more profitable employment in in the United States than at home. And notwithstandingthough there are weighty inducements to prefer the employment of capital at home, even at less less profit, to an investment of it abroad in foreign countries, though with somewhat greater gain; yet these inducements are overruled either by a deficiency of employment or by a very material difference in profit. Both these causes operate to to produce a transfer of foreign capital to the U States. \u2019Tis certain that various objects, in this country, hold out advantages which are the temptations of greater with difficulty to be equalled elsewhere; and under the increasingly favourable impressions, which are entertained of our government, the attractions will become more and more strong. These impressions will prove a rich mine of prosperity to the country, if they are confirmed and strengthened by the progress of our affairs. And to secure this advantage, little more is now necessary than to foster industry and cultivate cultivate internal order and tranquillity [and peace at home & abroad] peace at home and abroad. tranquillity.\nThere are It is possible [may be] It is not impossible that there may be Whatever may be the objects which persons, [disposed to] who look with a jealous eye on the introduction of foreign capital, as if it were an instrument to deprive our own citizens of the profits of our own industry. But perhaps there never was [could be] a more unreasonable jealousy. Instead of being viewed as a rival, it ought to be considered as a most valuable auxiliary; conducing to put in motion a greater quantity of productive labour and a greater portion of useful enterprise than could exist without it. It is at least evident, that in a country situated like the U States, with an \n   \u261e unexplained undevelloped\n infinite fund of [dormant]undisplayed resources [yet to be unfolded,] every farthing of foreign capital, which is laid out in internal amelioration and in industrious establishments of a permanent nature is a precious acquisition.\nAnd whatever be the objects which originally attract foreign Capital, when once introduced, it may be directed towards any purpose of beneficial exertion, which is desired. And to detain it among us, there can be no expedient so beneficial effectual as to enlarge the sphere, within which it may can be usefully employed. Though introduced merely with views to speculations in the public funds, it may afterwards be rendered subservient to the interests of Agriculture commerce and Manufactures.\n   [Facts which in relation to inland navigation & Bridges & manufactures which have already taken place at once suggest & confirm these expectations]\nBut the [If and] attraction of foreign Capital, wer for the direct purpose of manufactures, ought not to be deemed a chimerical expectation. There are already examples of it, as remarked in another place; and the examples, if the desposition, be cultivated, will can hardly fail to multiply. This expectation will appear the more likely to be fuffilled.\nAnd There are also examples of instances of another kind, a different which serve to strengthen the same expectation. Enterprises for improving the public communications, by opening new channels of by cutting canals, opening the obstructions in rivers and erecting bridges over them have received very material important aid from the same source.\nWhen the Manufacturing Capitalists of Europe shall advert to the many important advantages, which have been intimated, in the course of this report, he cannot but perceive very powerful inducements to a transfer of himself and his Capital to the United States. Among the reflections, which a most interesting peculiarity of situation suggests is calculated to suggest, it cannot escape his observation, as a circumstance of very great moment in the calculation, that the progressive population and improvement of the United States ensure a continually increasing domestic demand for the fabrics, which he shall produce\u2014not to be affected by any external casualties or vicissitudes.\nThere is\nBut while there are circumstances sufficiently strong to authorise a considerable degree of reliance on the aid of foreign Capital, towards the attainment of the object in view, it is satisfactory to have good grounds of assurance that there are domestic resources, of themselves, adequate to it. \n   Quare\n It happens that there is a species of capital actually existing within the United States, which relieves from all inquietude on the score of wanted of Capital. This is the funded debt.\nThe effect of a funded debt, as a species of Capital, has been noticed upon a former occasion; but a more particular elucidation of the point seems here to be required by the stress, which is here laid upon it: This shall accordingly be attempted.\nPublic funds answer the purpose of Capital, from the estimation in which they are usually held by monied men; and consequently from the ease and dispatch with which they can be turned into money. This capacity of prompt convertibility into money causes a transfer of stock to be in a \n   [bank note or to]\n great number of cases equivalent to  a payment in coin. And where it does not happen to suit the party, who is to [receiving]receive, to accept a transfer of stock, the party who is to pay, is never at a loss to find elsewhere a purchaser of his stock, who will furnish him in lieu of it, of with the coin money, of which he stands in need.\nHence in a sound and settled state of the public funds, a man possessed of a sum in them, can embrace any scheme of business, which offers, with as much confidence, as if he were possessed of an equal sum in coin\nThis operation of public funds, as capital, is too obvious to be denied; but it is objected to the idea of their operating as an augmentation of the Capital of the community, that they serve to occasion the destruction of some other capital to an equal amount.\nThe capital which alone they can be supposed to destroy must consist of\u2014The annual revenue which is applied to the payment of the debt interest on the debt, and to the gradual redemption of the principal\u2014And the amount of the coin which is employed in circulating the funds, or in in other words, in effecting the different alienations which they undergo.\nBut the following appears to be the true and accurate view of this matter\u2014\n1 \u2003 As to the Point of the Annual Revenue requisite for payment of interest and redemption of principal\u2014\nAs a determinate proportion will tend to perspicuity in the reasoning, let it be supposed, that the annual revenue to be applied, corresponding with the modification of the 6 per Cent stock of the U States, is in the ratio of Eight upon the to a hundred, that is in the first instance, six for on account of interest and two on account for the redemption of principal.\n   not obvious\nThus far it is evident, that the capital destroyed to that the capital created, would bear no greater proportion than 8 to 100. There would be withdrawn from the total mass of other capitals a sum of Eight dollars to be paid to the public Creditor; whileand he would be put in possession possessed of a sum of 100 dollars ready to be applied to any purpose, to be embarked in any enterprise, which might appear to him eligible. Here then the augmentation of Capital, or the excess of that which is produced beyond to that which is destroyed is as equal to 9296 dollars.\nTo this conclusion it may be objected that the sum of Eight dollars is to be withdrawn, annually, until the whole hundred is extinguished; and it may be inferred the from this, that in process of time as great a capital will be destroyed as equal to that which is at first created.\nBut the answer to this objection is however true this may be, in an absolute sense\u2014in a relative one the it is equally true, it is nevertheless true that to during the whole of the interval, between the creation of the capital of 100 creation of the capital of 100 Dollars and its reductionuntil it is reduced to a sum not greater than that of the annual revenue, appropriated to its redemption, and its final extinguishment, there will be a greater active capital in existence than if no debt had been contracted. existed. The sum drawn from other capitals on any one year will not exceed eight dollars; but there will be at every instant of time, during the whole period, in question, a sum which will correspondingings with so much of the principal, as remains unredeemed, in the hands of some person, or other, employed, or ready to be employed in some profitable undertaking. There will therefore constantly be more capital, in capacity to be employed, than capital taken from employment.\nThe excess for the first year has been stated to be 9296 Dollars; in the second it will diminish yearly, but there always will be an excess anduntil the principal of the debt is brought to a level with the redeeming annuity, that is in the case which has been assumed by way of example to Eight dollars.\nThe reality of this excessThe idea intended to be established becomes palpable, if it be supposed, as often in reality happens, that the Citizen of a foreign Country, imports into the U States 100 Dollars for the purchase of an equal sum of public debt. Here is an absolute augmentation of the mass of circulating coin to the extent of 100 Dollars. At the end of a year, the foreigner is to presumed to draw back Eight dollars on account of his principal and interest; but he still leaves 92 of his original deposit in circulation; At the end of another year he draws back another Eight dollars, leaving still 84 dollars of the primitive contribution to animate the industry of the Country as he in like manner leaves does 84 at the end of the second year drawing back then also the annuity of 8 Dollars. And thus the matter proceeds; the capital left in circulation yearly diminishing each year and coming nearer to the level of the annuity drawn back. There are however some differences in the ultimate operation of the part of the debt, which is purchased by foreigners, and that which remains in the hands of citizens. But the general effect in each case, though in different in degrees, is to add to the active capital of the Country.\nHitherto the reasoning has proceded on a concession of the position principle, that there is a destruction of some other capital, to the extent of the annuity appropriated to the payment of the interest and the gradual redemption of the principal of the debt. But in this too much has been conceded. There is at most a temporary transfer of some other capital, to the amount of the annuity, from those who pay to the Creditor who receives; which he again restores to the circulation to invigorate for resume the offices of a capital. This he does either immediately, by employing the money in some branch of industry, or mediately by lending it to some other person, who does so employ it, or by spending it on his own maintenance. In either supposition, there is no destruction of Capital; there is nothing more than a suspension of its motion it for a time that is, while it is passing from the hands of those who pay into the public coffers, and thence, through the public Creditor into some other channel of circulation. When the payments of interest are quick and periodical and quick, and made by the instrumentality of banks, the division or suspension of Capital is very temporary indeed. may almost be denominated momentary. Hence the deduction on this account is far less than has it at first sight appears to be.\nThere is evidently as far as regards the annuity no destruction nor rathereven transfer of any other Capital, than that portion of the income of each individual, which goes to make up the annuity. The land, which furnishes the farmer with his contribution, share contributory the sum which he is to contributes remains the same; and s the like may be observed of other capitals. Indeed as far as the tax, which is the object of occasions the contribution (as doubtless frequently happens, when it does not oppress by its weight) may have been a motive to greater exertion in any occupation, it may even serve to increase the contributory Capital. This idea is not without importance in the general view of the subject.\nIt remains to see what further deduction is ought to be made from the increase of Capital which is created by the debt existence of the debt, on account of the coin, which is employed in the its circulation. of the debt. This is susceptible of much less precise calculation, than the article which has been just discussed. It is impossible to say what proportion of coin is carried or necessary to carry on the alienations, which. any species of property usually undergoes. The quantity indeed varies, according to circumstances. But it may always still without hesitation be pronounced, from the quickness of the roat rotation, or rather of the transitions, that the medium of circulation always bears but a small proportion to the amount of the property circulated. And it is thence satisfactorily deducible, that the coin employed in the negotiations of the funds, and which serves to give them activity, as a capital, is incomparably less than the sum of the debt negotiated for the purposes of business.\nIt ought not however to be omitted, that the negotiation of the funds becomes itself a distinct business; which employs, and by employing diverts, a portion of the circulating coin from other pursuits. But making due allowance for this circumstance, there is no reason to conclude that the amount effect of the diversion of coin in w the whole operation, is an bears any considerable proportion to the amount of the capital in debt, to which it gives activity. The sum of the debt in circulation is continually at the command of any useful enterprise; the coin itself, which circulates it, is only never more than momentarily from moment to moment suspended from its ordinary functions. It inc experiences an incessant and rapid flux and reflux to and from the channels of industry to those of negotia speculations in the funds.\nThere are strong circumstances in confirmation of this theory. The force of money moned monied Capital, which has been displayed in Great Britain, and the height, w to which every species of industry has grown up under it, defy a solution, from the quantity of coin, which that kingdom has ever possessed. Accordingly it has been, coeval with itsthe funding system of that Country, the prevailing opinion of her the men of business and of the the generality of theher most sagacious therorists of that Country that the operation of the public funds as Capital has contributed to the effect, in question. Among ourselves appearances experience has thus far favours the same conclusion. Industry in general seems to have been reanimated. There are symptions indicating an extension of our commerce. Our nag navigation has certainly of late had \n   Quare this last sentence\n a considerable spring. And There appearsseems to be in many parts of the Union a command of Capital which till lately, since the revolution at least, has been was unknown. But it is at the same time to be acknowleged, that other circumstances have  concurred [(and in a very great degree)] in producing the present state of things, and that the appearances are not yet sufficiently decisive to be intirely relied upon.\nIn the question under discussion, it is important to distinguish between an absolute increase of capital, or an accession of real wealth, and an artifical increase of capital, as an Engine of business, or as an instrument of industry and commerce. In the first sense a funded debt has no pretensions to being deemed an increase of Capital; in the last, it has pretensions which are not easy to be controverted. Of a similar nature is bank credit, and in an inferior degree, every species of private credit.\nBut though a funded debt is not, in the first instance, an absolute increase of capital, or an augmentation of real wealth; yet by serving as a new power in the operations of industry, it has, within certain bounds, a tendency to increase the real wealth of a community; as more in like manner, as money borrowed by a thrifty farmer, to be laid out in the improvement of his farm, may, in the end, add to his stock add furnish an addition of real riches.\nThere are respectable individuals persons who from a just aversion to an accumulation of public debt are unwilling to concede to it any kind of utility; who can discern in it no good to alleviate the ill, with which they suppose it pregnant; who cannot be persuaded, that it ought in any sense to be viewed as an increase of Capital, lest it should be inferred, that the more debt the more capital, the mo greater the burthens the greater the blessings of the community.\nBut it interests the public councils to estimate every object as it truly is; to appreciate how far the good in any measure is compensated by the ill or the ill by the good. Either of them is seldom unmixed.\nNeither will it follow, that an accumulation of debt is desireable, because a certain degree of it operates as capital. There may be a plethora in the political as in the natural body. There may be a state of things, in which any such artificial Capital is unnecessary. The debt too may be swelled to such a size, as that the greatest part of it may cease to be useful as a capital, serving only to pamper the dissipation of idle and dissolute individuals; as that the sums required to pay the interest upon it may become oppressive, and beyond the means, which a government can employ, consistently with its tranquillity to raise them; as that the resources of taxation, to face the debt, may have been strained too far to admit of extensions adequate to exigencies, which regard the public safety.\nWhere this critical point is cannot be pronounced; but it is impossible to \n believe that there is not such a point. There exists a case, happily not in this Country, in which certain certain violent and almost convulsive expedients, seem to indicate a near approach to it.\nAnd as the vicissitudes of Nations beget a perpetual tendency to the accumulation of debt, there ought to be, in a every government, a perpetual anxious and unceasing effort to reduce that, which at any time exists, as fast as shall be practicable consistently with integrity and good faith.\nReasonings on a subject, comprehending ideas so abstract and complex, so little reducible to precise calculation, as those which enter into the questionsubject just discussed, are always attended with a danger of running into fallacies. Due allowance ought therefore to be made for this possibility. But as far as the nature of the subject admits of it, there appears to be satisfactory ground to conclude for a belief, that the public funds operate as a resource of Capital to the citizens of the United States; and, if they are a resource at all, it is an extensive one.\nTo all the arguments which are brought to evince the impracticalbility of success in manufacturing establishments in the U S it might have been a sufficient answer to have referred to the experience of what has been already done. It is certain that several important branches have grown up and flourished with a rapidity which surprises; affording an encouraging assurance of success in future attempts. Of these, it may not be improper to enumerate the most considerable.\nII\nEnumeration of Iron\nof Iron particularly Barr iron and sheet iron steel, Nails rods & nails, implements of husbandry, stoves pots and other household utensils, the steel and iron work ofthe materials for carriages and for shipbuilding, and anchors, the scale beams and weights & various tools of Artificers: also arms of different kinds; though the manufacture of these has of late diminished for want of demand.\nHides of Leather & Skins of Skins\nI\nOf leather particularly Tanned and tawed leather dressed Skins, shoes boots and slippers harness & Sadlery of all kinds harness of all kinds and other leathern materials for carriages, Saddles bridles and other sadlery articles of sadlery, in general, Portmanteaus and trunks, leather breeches, gloves, muffs and tippets. Parchment & Glue.\nShips source of\nGold Silver Of flax & hemp\nIV A\nA{\nShips Cables SailCloth Cordage Sail and tow Cloth, twine and packthread sewing thread sail cloth tow cloth, Sail Cloth coarse shirtings white and checked, shirtings, coarse towelling, bedticks, hosiery.\n   Hats Higher duty Chocolate do\u2014Gold & silver & plated ware\nVII A\nWoollen hats, stockings hosiery, cloths, coatings, serges and flannels, chiefly coarse, some casimirs, linsey woolsey and negro cloth in large quantities. Hats of furr & Wool and of mixtures of both.\nCotton Womens stuff & silk shoes\nVII B\nWomens stuff & silk shoes.\nVI\nWriting & printing Paper, paper hangings, sheathing and wrapping paper, paste-boards, fillers or press papers, paper hangings.\nVIII\nRefined Sugars\nIII Of Wood V\nShips Cabinet wares and Turnery. Wool & Cotton Cards & other Machinery for manufactures and husbandry Mathematical and of late musical instruments. Coopers wares of every kind.\nX\nCopper and brass wares particularly utensils for distillers, brew sugar refiners and brewers, Tea kettles, and Irons and for household use shovels and tongs and of the articles for Household use, pile philosophical apparatus.\nXI\nTin and wares for most purposes of ordinary use.\nV III\nArdent spirits and malt liquors\nXIV\nStarch & hair powder\nIX\nOils of animals and seeds, Soap Spermaceti & Tallow Candles\nXVI\nGunpowder.\nIV B\nPottery, bricks and coarse tiles & Potters Wares\nXII\nCarriages of all kinds\nXV\n Lampblack & other painters colours\nPot ash & Pearl ash\nTarr & Turpentine\nXIII\nSnuff chewing & smoking Tobacco.\nBesides manufactories of these articles, which are carried on, as regular Trades and businesses and may have attained to a considerable degree of maturity, there is a vast scene of hos household manufacturing, which contributes more largely to the supply of the community, than could be have been imagined without making it an [who have not made] without having made it an object of particular inquiry. It is a This observation is the pleasing result of the investigation to which has been occasioned by the subject of this report has led and is applicable as well to some of that as well in the Southern as in to the middle and Northern states. Great quantities of coarse woll cloaths, coatings serges and flannels, linsey woolseys, Hosiery of wool cotton & thread and even \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 silk, coarse fustians and jeans and muslins, cotton checked and stip striped cotton and linnen goods,\nbed ticks coverlets and counterpanes\nTow linnens, towelings, coarse shirtings, sheetings, toweling, & table linnen bed ticks coverlets counterpanes and some other articles and various mixtures of wool and cotton and of cotton and flax, are made in the household way and in some many instances to an extent not only sufficient for the supply of the families, in which they are made, but for sale, and even in some cases for exportation from one State to another andto foreign countries. It is computed in a number of districts that \u2154 \u00be & even \u2158 of all the cloathing of the inhabitants are made by themselves. The importance of so great a progress as appears to have been made in household family manufactures within a few years, both in a moral and political view, renders the fact highly satisfactory interesting.\nNeither does the above enumeration comprehend all the articles that which are manufactured as regular Trades businesses. Many others occur, which are equally well established but which not being of equal importance have been omitted. And there are many attempts still in their infancy, which though they were attended with very favourable appearances, could not have been properly comprised in an enumeration of manufactories already established. which may are to be considered as having already succeeded.\nThose manufactures also There are other manufactures also of the first importance which have been omitted as not being relative articles also of great importance which though strictly speaking manufactures, are omitted as being immediately connected with husbandry; such are flour Pot & Pearl Ash, Pitch Tar & Turpentine and the like.\nThere remains to be noticed an objection to the encouragement of manufactures of a nature different from those which question the probability of success. This is derived from its supposed tendency to give a monopoly of advantages to particular classes at the expence of the rest of the community, who, it is assumed, would be able to procure the requisite supplies of manufactured articles on better terms from foreigners than from our own Citizens, and who, it is alleged, are reduced to a necessity of paying an enhanced price for whatever they want by every measure which obstructs the free competition andof foreign commodities.\nIt is not an unreasonable supposition that measures which serve to abrige the free competition of foreign articles have a tendency to occasion an enhancement of prices, and it is not to be denied that such is the effect in a number of cases; but the fact does not uniformly correspond with the theory: A reduction of prices has in several instances immediately succeeded the establishment of a domestic manufacture. Whether it be that foreign manufacturers endeavour to supplant by underselling our own or whatever else be the cause, the effect has been such as is stated, and the reverse of what might have been expected.\nBut though it were true that the immediate and certain effect of regulations controuling the competition of foreign with domestic [native or national] fabrics was an increase of price, it is universally true that the contrary is the ultimate effect with every successful manufacture. When a domestic [native] manufacture has attained to perfection and has attained to perfection and has engaged in the prosecution of it a competent number of persons it invariably becomes cheaper. Being free from the heavy charges which attend the importation of foreign commodities, it can be afforded and accordingly seldom or never fails to be sold cheaper in process of time than was the foreign article for which it is a substitute. The internal competition which takes place soon does away any thing like monopoly, and by degrees reduces the price of the article to the minimum of a reasonable profit on the capital employed. This accords with the reason of the thing and with experience.\nWhence it follows that it is the interest of a community with a view to eventual and permanent \u0153conomy to encourage the growth of manufactures. In a national view a temporary enhancement of price must always be well compensated by a permanent the posteriorreduction of it.\nIt is a reflection which may with propriety be indulged here; that this eventualmaterial diminution of the prices of manufactured Articles which is the result of domestic internal manufacturing establishments has a direct and very important tendency to benefit agriculture. It enables the farmer to procure with a smaller quantity of his labor the manufactured produce of which he stands in need and consequently increases the value of his income and property.\nThe objections, which are commonly made to the expediency of encouraging, and to the probability of succeeding in manufacturing pursuits, in the United States, having now been discussed; the considerations, recommending that species of industry to the patronage of the Government, which have appeared in the course of the discussion recommending that species of industry to the patronage of the Government will be materially strengthened by a few general and some particular topics which \n have been naturally reserved for for subsequent Notices. not being connected with the answers that naturally suggested themselves to those objections, beenhave reserved themselves for subsequent Attention.Notice.\nI \u2003 There seems to be a moral certainty, that the trade of a country, which is both manufacturing and Agricultural, will be more lucrative and prosperous, than that of a country, which is merely Agricultural. This depends on several circumstances.\nOne of these circumstances is, One reason for this is found in That general effort of Nations (which has been mentioned already taken notice of) to procure, from their own soils, the articles of prime necessity requisite to their own consumption and use, and which serves to rendering their demand for a foreign supply of such articleswhence it happens, that a foreignor external demand for articles in in a great degree occasional and precarious only. and contingent. and fluctuating. Hence while the necessities of the mearly Agricultural State for the fabrics a nations exclusively devoted to Agriculture the cultivation of the soil, for the fabrics of the manufacturing states, from which its supplies are constant and regular, the wants, of the latter of which of the latter experienced of for the products of the former are liable to very considerable great fluctuations inequalities and interruptions. The great inequalities, resulting from difference of seasons, have been elsewhere remarked. This uniformity of demand, on one side, and unsteadiness of it, on the other, must necessarily have a tendency to cause the course of general course of the exchange of commodities between the parties to turn to the prove highly disadvantageous to of the merely Agricultural States. Peculiarity of situation, a soil and climate and soil adapted to the production of peculiar commodities may sometimes produce a contrary effect contradict the rule; but there is every reason to believe conclude, that it will be found, in the main, a just one.\nAnother of the circumstances alluded to as giving which gives a superiority of commercial advantages to states which that manufacture, as well as cultivate, consists in the more numerous attractions, which a more diversified market offers to foreign customers, and in the greater scope, which it affords to mercantile enterprise. It is a position of indisputable truth in commerce, depending too on very obvious reasons, that the greatest resort will ever be to those marts, where commodities, while equally abundant, are most various. Each difference of kind holds out an additional inducement while a general assortment of \u27e8tra\u27e9de can be the more easily \u27e8ex\u27e9cited: And it is a position not less clear, that the field of enterprise must be enlarged to the Merchants of a Country in proportion to the variety as well as the abundance of domestic commodities which they find at home for exportation to foreign markets.\nA third and perhaps circumstance perhaps not inferior to either of the other two, conferringasserting conferring asserting the superiority which has been stated of either of the other two in question, has relation to the stagnations of pr demand for certain commodities which at some time or other interfere more or less with the sale of all. are from time to time experienced. The Nation which can bring to market but few articles is likely to be more quickly and sensibly affected by such stagnations than one which is always possessed of a great variety of commodities. The former frequently finds too great a proportion of its stock of materials, for sale or exchange, lying on hand\u2014or is obliged to make injurious sacrifices to supply its wants of foreign articles, which are numerous and urgent, in proportion to the smallness of the number of its own. The latter commonly finds itself indemnified, by the high prices of some articles, for the low prices of others; while and the prompt and advantageous sale of some articles enables its merchant the better to wait for a favourable change in respect to those which happen not to be in demand. There is ground to believe that a difference of situation in this particular has immensely different effects upon the wealth and prosperity of Nations.\nFrom these circumstances collectively, two important inferences are to be drawn\u2014Th one that there is always a higher probability of a favourable ballance of Trade, in regard to countries, in which manufactures, founded on the basis of a thriving Agriculture, flourish, than in regard to those, which are confined wholly or almost wholly to Agriculture; and the other, the (which is also a consequence of the first) that countries of the formerfirst description are likely to possess more pecuniary wealth, or money, than those of the latter.\nFacts appear to correspond with this conclusion. Let the The importations of manufactured supplies seem invariably to drain the merely Agricultural people of their wealth. Let the situation of the manufacturing countries of Europe which m be compared in this particular, with the situation of thosethat of countries, which only cultivate, and the disparity will be striking. Other causes, it is true, help to account for this disparity between some of them; and among these causes, the relative state of Agriculture; but between some others of them the most prominent circumstance of dissimilitude were arises from the comparative state of manufactures. In corroboration confirmation of the same idea, it ought not to escape remark, that the West India Islands, the soils of which are the most fertile, and the Nation, of Europe which in the greatest degree supplies the rest of the world, with the precious metals, exchange to a loss with almost every other Country.\nAuthentic statements in Great Britan render it more than probable that their exports including their various fabrics have not for many years exceeded a third of the total value of their manufactures. This illustrates the immense importance of the manufactures of that Country as a cause of national wealth. Had they neglected this important branch of domestic industry and consumed foreign articles, in place of those they now make for themselves, it need not be said how different an aspect their case situation would exhibit from that which it at present wears.\nAs far as experience at home may guide, it will furnish a confirmation lead to the same conclusion. Previous to the revolution, the quantity of coin, possessed by the colonies, which now compose the United States, appeared to be inadequate to their circulation: and their debt to Great Britain was progressive. Since the Revolution, the States, in which manufactures have most increased, have recovered fastest from the injuries of the late war; and abound most in pecuniary resources.\nIt ought to be admitted however, in this as in the preceding case, that causes irrelative to foreign from the state of manufactures account, in a degree, for the phenonema remarked. The continual progress of new settlements has a natural tendency to occasion s an unfavourable ballance of trade; though it indemnifies for the inconvenience, by that increase of the national capital, which flows from the conversion of waste into improved lands: And the different degrees of external commerce, which are carried on by the different states, may make material differences in the comparitive state of their wealth. The first circumstance has reference to the deficiency of Coin and the increase of debt, previous to the revolution; the last to the advantages which the most manufacturing states appears to have enjoyed, over the others, since the termination of the late war.\nBut the uniform appearance of an abundance of specie, as the concconomitant of a flourishing state of manufactures, and of the reverse, where they do not prevail, afford a strong presumption of their favourable operation upon the wealth of a Country.\nNot only the wealth; but the independence and security of a country appear to be materially connected with the prosperity of manufactures. Every nation, with a view to those great objects, ought to endeavour to possess within itself all the essentials of national supply. These comprise the means of subsistence habitation cloathing and defence.\n   See if this is not contradicted where a free Trade is spoke of\nThe possession of these is necessary to the perfection of the of the body politic; to the safety as well as to the welfare of the society. The want of either is the want of an important organ of political life and motion; and in the various crises which await a state, it must severely feel the effects of any such deficiency. The extreme embarrassments of the United States, during the late war, from an incapacity of supplying themselves are still matter of commonkeen recollection: A future war might be expected could not fail again to exemplify the mischiefs and dangers of a situation, to which that incapacity is still in too gret a degree it is applicable; unless changed by timely and vigourous exertion.\nTo work effect this change, as fast as shall be prudent, merits all the attention and all the zeal of our public councils. \u2019TisIt is the next great work to be accomplished.\n   Quaere?\nThe want of a Navy to protect our external commerce as long as it shall continue must renders it a peculiarly precarious reliance, for the supply of essential articles, and must serve to strengthens prodigiously the arguments in favour of manufactures.\nTo these more general considerations are added some of a more particular nature.\nOur distance from Europe, the great fountain of manufactured supply, subjects us, in the existing state of things, to inconvenience and loss, in two ways. The bulkiness of those commodities, which are the chief productions of the soil, necessarily imposes very heavy charges on their transportation to distant markets. These charges, in the cases, in which the nations, to whom our products are sent, maintain, with their own commodities, a competition, with uswith our in the supply of their own markets, principally fall upon us; who furnish them to the extent of their deficiency, and form materially diminish deductions from the primitive value of the articles furnished. The charges on manufactured supplies, brought from Europe, are enhanced greatly enhanced by the same circumstance of distance. particularly as to the coarser and more bulky kinds. These charges again, in the cases, in which our own industry maintains no competition in our own own markets, also principally fall upon us, and are an additional cause of extraordinary deduction from the primitive value of our own products; these being the materials of exchange for the foreign fabrics, which we consume.\nThe equality and moderation of individual property, and the growing settlements of new lands districts, occasion in this country an unusual demand for coarse manufactures; the charges of which being greater in proportion to their greater bulk augment the disadvantage, which has been just described.\nAs in most countries, domestic supplies occasion maintain a very considerable competition with such foreign productions of the soil as are imported for sale; if the extensive establishment of manufactories in the United States does not create a similar competition in respect to manufactured articles, it appears to be clearly deducible from the considerations which have been mentioned, that they must sustain a double loss, in their exchanges with foreign nations; strongly conducive to an unfavourable ballance of Trade and very prejudicial to their Interests.\nThese disadvantages press with, no small weight, on the landed interest of the Country. proprietors of land. In seasons of peace, they cause a serious deduction from the intrinsic value of the products of the soil. In the time of a war, which should either involve ourselves, or another nation, possessing a considerable share of our carrying trade, the charges on the transportation of our commodities, bulky as most of them are, could hardly fail to prove a grievous burthen to the farmer; while obliged to depend in so great a degree as he now does, upon foreign markets, for the vent of the surplus of his labour.\nAs far as the prosperity of the Fisheries of the United States is impeded by the want of an adequate market, there arises another special reason for desiring the extension of manufactures. Besides the fish which in many places would be likely to make a part of the subsistence of the persons employed; it is known that the oils bones and skins of marine animals is extensively are of \n   [The fur\u2014the bone spermaceti Skins] \u23ab\u23aa\u23aa\u23ac\u23aa\u23aa\u23ad\n extensive use in various manufactures. Hence the prospect of an additional demand for the produce of the Fisheries.\nOne or two more points of view only remains, in which to consider the expediency of the encouragement ofing manufactures, in the United States; previous to a general dis discussion of the means, by which it is to be effected, and to a specification of the objects, to which it would seem most proper to direct it, in the present actual state of the Country, and the particular measures which may be adviseable in respect to each.\nIt is not uncommon to meet with an opinion, that though the promoting of manufactures may be the interest of a part of the Union, it is contrary to that of another part. The Northern and Southern Regions are sometimes represented as having hostile opposite adverse interests in this respect. Those are called Manufacturing, these Agricultural states; and a species of opposition is imagined to subsist between the Manufacturing and Agricultural interests.\nThis idea of an opposition between those two interests is the common error of the early periods of every country; but experience gradually dissipates it. Indeed they are perceived so often to succour and befriend each other, that they come at length to be considered as one; a supposition which has been frequently abused, and is not universally true. Particular encouragements of particular manufactures may be of a nature to sacrifice the interests of landholders to those of Manufactures.\nBut it is nevertheless a maxim, well established by experience and generally acknowleged, where there has been sufficient experience, that the aggregate prosperity of manufactures, and the aggregate prosperity of Agriculture are intimately connected. In the course of the discussion, which has had place, a variey of various weighty considerations have been adduced, which operating in support of that maxim. Perhaps the superior steadiness of the demand of a domestic market for the surplus produce of the soil is alone a convincing argument of its truth.\n   Qr \u2003 what other\nIdeas of a contrarity of interests between the Northern &Northern and Southern regions of the Union ought always to be indulged with great caution. They as often as they occur are in the main as unfounded as they are mischievous. The diversity of circumstances, on which such contrariety is usually predicated, authorises a directly contrary conclusion. Mutual wants constitute one of the strongest links of political connection; and the extent of these bears a natural proportion to the diversity in the mutual means of mutual supply.\nIt ought\nOught it not to be the effort of enlightened patriotism to suppress Suggestions of an opposite tendency complexion founded on the supposition of a different interest between the states are ever [Interest cause] to be deplored; as unfriendly to the steady pursuit of one great common cause,  and to the perfect harmony of all the parts.\nIn proportion as the mind is accustommed to trace the intimate connection of interest, which subsists between all the parts of a Society, united under one and the same government\u2014the infinite variety of channels which serve to circulate the prosperity of each to and through the rest in that proportion will it be little apt to be disturbed by the solicitudes \n   by the solicitudes arising from local jealousies\u2014spirit of locality\u2014\n and apprehensions which originate in local discriminations. aptdisposed to listen to be influenced by the surmises of a spirit of jealous locality. It is a truth as important, as it is agreeable pleasing encouraging, as profound as it is simple, and one to which it is not easy to imagine an exceptions, that every thing tending to establish substantial and permanent order, in the affairs ofa country, to increase the total mass of industry and opulence, is ultimately beneficial to every part of it. On the credit of this great and precious truth, an acquiescence may safely be accorded, from every quarter, to all institutions and arrangements, which promise a confirmation of public order, and an augmentation of National Resource.\nBut there are more particular considerations which serve to fortify the idea that the encouragement of manufactures is the interest of all parts of the Union. If the Northern & Middle states should be the principal scenes of such establishments, they would immediately benefit the more Southern by creating a demand for productions; some of which they have in common with other states, and others of which are either peculiar to them, or more abundant, or of better quality than elsewhere. These productions principally are Timber, flax, hemp, cotton, wool, raw silk, indigo, iron, lead, furs, hides, skins, and coals. Of these articles, Cotton and \n   Qr Qr.\n Indigo are peculiar to the Southern States; as are hitherto lead and coal. Flax and Hemp are or may be raised in greater abundance there than in the more Northern states. And the wool produced in certain parts of Virginia is said to be of better quality, than that which is raised in of any other state; a circumstance rendered the more probable by the accou reflection that \n   Examine.\n Virginia embraces the same latitudes with the finest wool country of Europe. The extensive cultivation climate of the South is also better adapted to the production culture of silk. The extensive cultivation of cotton can perhaps\nThe extensive cultivation of cotton can perhaps hardly be expected, but from the previous establishment of [native] domestic manufactories of the article; and the surest encouragement and vent, for the others would result from similar establishments in respect to them.\nIf, then, it satisfactorily appears, that it is the interest of the US, generally, to encourage manufactures; it merits particular attention, that there are circumstances which render the present a critical moment for entering with zeal upon the important business. The effort cannot fail to be materially seconded by a considerable and increasing influx of money in consequence of foreign speculations in the funds\u2014and by the disorders, which exist in different parts of Europe.\nThe first circumstance not not only facilitates the execution of manufacturing enterprises; but it indicates them, them as a necessary mean, to turn the thing itself to advantage, and to prevent its being eventually an evil. If useful employment be not found for the money of foreigners brought to the country to be invested in the purposeschases of the public debt, it will quickly be reexported to defray the expence of an extraordinary consumption of foreign luxuries; and distressing drains of our specie may hereafter be experienced to pay the interest and redeem the principal of the purchased debt.\nThe useful employment too ought to be must be of a nature to produce solid and permanent domestic improvements. If the money merely serves to give and a temporary spring to foreign commerce; as it cannot procure new and lasting outlets for the products of the country; there will be no real or durable advantage gained. In Agricultural ameliorations As far as it shall find its way, in Agricultural ameliorations, in opening new or improving old canals, and in similar improvements, it will be productive of substantial utility. But there is reason to doubt whether in such channels it is likely to find sufficient employment and still more whether many of those who possess it would be as readily attracted to objects of this nature, as to manufacturing pursuits; which bear greater analogy to those to which they are accustomed, and to the spirit generated by them.\nTo open the one field, as well as the other, will at least secure a better prospect of useful employment, for whatever accession of money, there has been or may be.\nThere is at the present juncture a certain fermentation of mind, a certain activity of speculation and enterprise, which, if properly directed, may be made subservient to useful purposes; but which, if left intirely to itself, may be attended with pernicious effects.\nThe disturbed state of Europe inclining its citizens to emigration, the requisite workmen will be the more easily easily acquired than at another time; and if the effecting of multiplying the objects opportunities m of employment to those who emigrate, may be an should be to increase of the number of emigrants and extent of valuable acquisitions to the population arts and industry of the Country. To take find pleasure in the calamities of other nations would be criminal; but to benefit ourselves, by opening an asylum to those who suffer, in consequence of them, is as justifiable as it is politic.\nA full view having now been taken of the inducements to the promotion and encouragement of manufactures, in the United States, accompanied with an examination of the principal objections, which are commonly urged [in opposition, there] against it\u2014it is proper, in the next place, to consider the means, by which it may be effected, as introductory to a specification of the objects which in the present state of things appear the most fit to be encouraged and of the particular measures which it may be adviseable to adopt in respect to each.\nIn order to a better judgment of the means proper to be resorted to by the United States, it will be of use to advert to those, which have been employed with success in other countries. The principal of these are\u2014\n   No II\nI \u2003 Protecting duties\u2014or duties on those foreign articles, which are the rivals ones of the domestic ones, intended to be encouraged.\nDuties of this nature evidently amount to a virtual bounty on the domestic fabrics; since by enhancing the charges on foreign Articles they enable the National manufacturers to undersell their foreign competitors. The propriety of this species of encouragement need not be dwelt upon; as it is not only a clear result from the numerous topics which have been suggested but is sanctioned by the laws of the United States in a variety of instances. It has the additional recommendation of being a resource of Revenue. Indeed all the duties imposed on imported articles, though with an exclusive view to the object of Revenue, have the effect in contemplation, and except where they fall on raw materials wear a beneficent aspect towards the manufactures of the Country.\n   No III\nII \u2003 Prohibitions of Rival rival articles or duties equivalent to prohibitions.\nThis is another and an efficacious mean of encouraging national manufactures. But in general it is only fit to be employed when a manufacture has made such a progress and is in so many hands as to insure a due competition and an adequate supply on reasonable terms. Of duties equivalent to prohibitions, there are \n   malt liquors loaf Sugar Carriages Candles\n examples in the Laws of the United States\u2014such as those on\nand there are other cases to which the principle may be advantageously extended, but they are not numerous.\nConsidering a monopoly of the domestic market to its own manufacturers as the reigning policy of manufacturing nations, a similar policy on the part of the United States, in every proper instance, is dictated, it might almost be said, by the principles of distributive justice; certainly by the duty of endeavoring to secure to their own Citizens a reciprocity of advantages.\nIII \u2003 Prohibitions of the exportation of actualcertain staples the materials of domestic manufactures.\nThe desire of securing a cheap and plentiful supply for the national workmen, and, where the article is either peculiar to the country, or of peculiar quality therethere, the jealousy of enabling foreign workmen to rival those of the nation, with its own materials, are the leading motives to this species of regulation. It ought not to be affirmed that it is nev in no instance case proper; but it is certainly one which ought to be adopted with great circumspection and only in very plain cases. It is seen at once, that its immediate operation, is, by exclusion at least, is to abrige the demand and keep down the price of the produce of some other branch of industry; generally speaking of Agriculture, to the prejudice of those, who carry it on; and though it is certain that as far as it is if it be really essential to the prosperity of any very important national manufacture, it may happen that those who are injured in the first instance may be eventually indemnified, by the superior steadiness of an extensive domestic market, depending on that prosperity; if the manufacturing yet in a matter, in which there is so much room for nice and difficult combinations, in which such opposite considerations combat each other, prudence seems to dictate, that the expedient in question ought to be indulged adopted with a sparing hand.\n   [on the manufacture or on the raw material\u2014]\nIV \u2003 Pecuniary bounties\nThis has been found one of the most efficacious means of encouraging manufactures; and it is, in some views, the best\u2014though it has not yet been practiced upon, by the Government of the United States, (unless the allowance on the exportortation of dried and pickled fish and salted meat could be considered as a bounty) and though it is less favoured by public opinion than some other modes. Its advantages are these\u2014\n1 \u2003 It is a species of encouragement more positive and direct than any other, and, for that very reason, has a more immediate tendency to stimulate and uphold new enterprises; increasing the chances of profit, and diminishing the risks of loss, in the first attempts.\n2 \u2003 It avoids the inconvenience of a temporary augmentation of price, which is incident to some other modes, or it produces it into a less extentdegree; either by making no addition to the charges on the rival foreign article, as in the case of protecting duties, or by making a smaller addition. The first happens when the fund for the bounty is derived from a different object (which may or may not increase the price of some other article according to the nature of that object), the second when the fund is derived from the same or a similar object of foreign manufacture. One per cent duty on the foreign article, converted into a bounty on the domestic, will have an equal effect with a duty of two per Cent exclusive of such bounty: and the price of the foreign commodity is liable to be raised, in the one case, in the proportion of 1 \u214c Cent, in the other, in that of two per Cent. Indeed the bounty when drawn from another source is calculated to promote a reduction of price; because without laying any new charge on the foreign article, it serves to introduce a competition with it, and to increase the total quantity of the article in the market.\n3. \u2003 Bounties have less tenden not like high protecting duties, at tendency to produce scarcity. An increase of price is not always the immediate, though, where the progress of a domestic [native] manufacture does not counteract a rise, it is commonly the ultimate effect of an additional duty. In such an the interval between the laying of the duty and a proportional increase of price, it may discourage importation, by interfering with the profits to be expected from the sale of the article.\n4 \u2003 Bounties are sometimes not only the best, but the only proper expedient, for uniting the encouragement of a new object of agriculture, with that of a new object of manufacture. It is the interest of the farmer to have the production of the raw material promoted, by restrainingcounteracting the interference of the foreign material of the same kind. It is the interest of the manufacturer to have the material abundant and cheap. If prior to a the domestic production of the Material, in sufficient quantity, to supply the manufacturer on good terms\u2014a duty be laid upon the importation of it from abroad, with a view to promote the raising of it at home, the interests both of the Farmer and Manufacturer will be disserved. By either destroying the requisite supply, or raising the price of the article beyond what can be afforded to be given for it by the undertaker Conductor of an infant manufacture, it is abandonned or fails; and there being no domestic manufactories to create a demand for the raw material, which is raised by the farmer, it is in vain, that the competition of the like foreign article may have been destroyed. It cannot escape notice, that a duty upon the importation of an article can no otherwise promoteaid the domestic production of it, than by giving the latter greater advantages in the home market. It can have no influence, upon foreign markets the advantageous sale of the article produced, in foreign mater markets; no tendency, therefore, to promote its exportations.\nThe true way to conciliate these two interests is to lay a duty on foreign manufactures of the material, the growth of which is desired to be encouraged, and to apply the produce of that duty, by way of bounty, either upon the production of the material itself, or upon its exportation to foreign countries, or upon its manufacture at home, or upon both. any or all of them. In this disposition of the thing, the Manufacturer commences his enterprise, under every advantage which is attainable, he can desire, as to quantity, or price of the raw material: And the farmer, if the bounty be immediately to him, is enabled by it, byto enter into a successful competition with the foreign material; if the bounty it be to the manufacturer on the so much of the domestic materials as he consumes, the operation is nearly the same; he has a motive of interest to prefer the domestic commodity, if of equal quality, even at a higher price than the \n foreign, if so long as the difference of price is be any thing short of the bounty, which is allowed him upon the article.\nExcept the most simple and ordinary kinds of household manufactures, or those for which there are very commanding local advantages, pecuniary bounties are in most cases indispensable to the introduction of a new branch. A stimulous and a support, not less powerful and direct, is generally speaking essential to the overcoming of the obstacles, in which arise from the competitions of the superior skill and maturity elsewhere. It is Bounties are especially essential in the cases, in whichin regard to articles, those upon which, those foreigners, who have been accustommed to supply a country, are in the practice of allowing granting them the identical species of encouragement.\nThe continuance of bounties on manufactures long established must almost always be of questionable policy; but because a presumption would arise in every such case, that there were natural and inherent impediments to success. But in new undertakings, they are as justifiable, as they are oftentimes necessary. And wherever they appear to be really necessary\nThere is a degree of prejudice against bounties, from an appearance of giving away the public money, without an immediate consideration, and from a supposition, that they serve to enrich particular classes, at the expence of the community.\nBut neither of these sources of dislike will bear a serious examination. There is no purpose, to which public money can be more beneficially applied, than to the acquisition of a new and useful branch of industry; no consideration more valuable, than a permanent addition to the general stock of productive labour.\nAs to the second source of objection, it equally lies against other modes of encouragement, which are admitted to be eligible. As often as a duty upon a foreign article makes an addition to its price, it causes an extra expence to the community, for the benefit of the domestic manufactures. A bounty does no more. But it is the interest of the Society, in each case, to submit to a temporary expence; which we is more than compensated, by an increase of its industry and wealth, by an augmentation of its resources and independence; and by the very circumstance of eventual cheapness, which has been noticed in another place.\nThe species of encouragement, however, may in the United States\nIt would deserve attention, however, in the at the employment of this species of encouragement, in the U States, as a reason for moderating the degree of it, in the instances in which it might be deemed eligible, that these great distance of this country from the manufacturing countriesnations of Europe imposes a very heavy expence\u27e8\u2013\u27e9 charges on all the foreign fabrics which are brought from thence, amounting from fifteen to \n 25 per Cent on their value, according to their bulk.\nV \u2003 Premiums\nA Question has been made concerning the constitutional right of the United Sta Government of the United States to apply this species of encouragement. But there is certainly no good foundation for such a question. The National Legislature has plenary express authority to \u201cTo lay and collect taxes duties and imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defence and general welfare\u201d with no other qualifications than that \u201call duties imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States\u201d that \u201cno capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to numbers ascertained by a census or enumeration taken on the principles prescribed in the Constitution\u201d and that \u201cno tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state.\u201d These three qualifications excepted, the power to raise money is plenary and indefinite; and the objects to which it may be appropriated are no less comprehensive than the payment of the public debts and the providing for the common defence and \u201cgeneral welfare.\u201d The terms \u201cgeneral welfare\u201d were doubtless intended to signify more than were was expressed or imported in those which preceded; otherwise numerous exigencies incident to the affairs of a nation would have been left without a provision. The phrase is as compreh comprehensive an one, as any that could have been used; because it was not fit, that the constitutional authority of the Union, to appropriate its revenues, should have been restricted within narrower limits, than the \u201cgeneral welfare\u201d and because this necessarily embraces a vast variety of particulars, which are susceptible neither of specification nor of definition.\nIt is therefore wisely and of necessity left to the discretion of the national Legislature, to pronounce upon the objects, which concern the general welfare, and for which, under that decription, an appropriation of money is requisite and proper. And there seems to be no room for a doubt, that whatever concerns the general interests of learning, of agriculture, of manufactures and of commerce, are within the purviewsphere of the national councils, as far as regards concerns an application of money.\nThe only qualification of the generality of the phrase, in question, which seems to be admissible, is this\u2014That the objection to which an appropriation of money is to be made be general and not local; its operation extending, in fact, or by possibility, throughout the Union, and not being confined to a particular spot.\nNo objection ought to arise to this construction from a supposition that it would imply a power to do whatever ese should appear to Congress conducive to the general welfare. A power to appropriate money with this latitude (and which is granted too, in express terms) would not carry a power to do any other thing not granted authorised in the constitution either expressly or by fair implication.\nV \u2003 Premiums\n   No. IV\nThese are of a nature allied to bounties, though distinguishable from them, in some important features. Bounties are applicable to the whole quantity of an article produced, or manufactured, or exported, and involve a correspondent expence. Premiums serve to reward some particular excellence or superiority, some extraordinary exertion or skill; and are dispensed only in a small number of cases. But their effect is to stimulate general effort. Contrived so as to be both honorary and lucrative, they address themselves to different passions; touching the chords as well of emulation as of Interest. [interest] avarice. They are accordingly a very \u0153conomical mean of exciting the enterprise of a whole community.\nThere are various societies in different countries, whose object is the dispensation of premiums for the encouragement of agriculture arts manufactures and commerce; and though they are for the most part, voluntary associations, with comparatively slender funds; their utility has been immense. Much has been done by this mean in great Britain: Scotland in particular owes materially to it a prodigious amelioration of condition. From a similar establishment, in the United states, supplied and supported by the Government of the Union, vast benefits might reasonably be expected. Some further ideas on this head shall accordingly be submitted in the conclusion of this report.\n   & implements\nVI \u2003 The exemption of the Materials of manufactures from duty.\nThe policy of such an that exemption, as a general rule, is obvious, particularly in reference to new establishments is obvious. Nothing can be more unwise than to impede a It can hardly ever be adviseable to add the obstructions of fiscal burthens to the difficulties to which naturally embarrass a new manufacture; and where it is matured and in condition to become an object of revenue, it is generally speaking better that the fabric, than the material should be the subject of taxation. Ideas of proportion, between the quantum of the tax and the value of the article can better be more easily adjusted in the former than in the latter case. An argument for exemptions of this kind in the United States, is to be derived from the practice (as far as their necessities have permitted) of those nations, whom we are to meet as competitors in our own and in foreign Markets which is conformable to the principle of such ext exemptions, as far as their necessities have admitted.\nThere are however exceptions to the principle of which some examples will be given under the next head.\nThe laws of the Union afford instances of the observance of the policy here recommended but it will probably be found adviseable to extend it to some other cases.\nOf a nature, bearing some affinity to the exemptions under consideration is that regulation to that policy, is the regulation th which exempts from duty the tools and implements, as well as the books cloaths and household furniture furnis of foreign artists, to who come to reside in the U States; an advantage already secured to them by the laws of the Union, and which it is it is [is conceived to be,] in every view, proper to continue.\nVII \u2003 Drawbacks of the duties, which are imposed on by [on raw] the Materials [on the exportation] of manufactures.\n   It follows that when, for special reasons, duties are laid on such articles\nIt has already been observed, as a general rule, that duties on those materials of manufacture, ought, with certain exceptions to be foreborne. Of these exceptions exceptions three cases occur, which will may deserve our the following examples kinds occur by way of serve as examples\u2014one where the material is itself and object of general, and or extensive consumption, and a fit and productive source of revenue\u2014\nVIII \u2003 The encouragement of new inventions and discoveries, at home, and of the introduction into the United States, of such as may have been made in other countries; Machinery particularly those, which relate to machinery.\nThis is among the most useful and unexceptionable of the aids, which can be given to manufactures. The usual means of that encouragement are pecuniary rewards, and, for a time, exclusive privileges. The first must be employed, according to the occasion, and the utility or importance of the invention or discovery: For the last, as so far as respects \u201cauthors and inventors\u201d provision has been made by law.\nBut it is desireable in regard to improvements & secrets of extraordinary value to be able to extend the same benefit to the Introducers, also, as well as the Authors or Inventors, in regard as well as Authors and Inventors; at least to improvements and secrets of extraordinary value; a policy which has been practiced with advantage in some other countries. Here, however, as in some other cases, there is cause to regret, that the competency of the authority of the National Government to the good, which might be done, it at least questionable is not without a question. Many aids might be given to industry; many internal improvements of primary magnitude might be promoted, by an authority operating extending throughout the Union, which cannot be effected, as well, if at all, by an authority confined within the limits of a single state.\nBut if the legislature of the Union cannot do all the good, that might be wished, it is at least desireable, that all may be done, which is practicable. Means for promoting the introduction of foreign improvements though less efficaciously than might be done accomplished with more competantadequate authority, will form a part of the plan intended to be submitted in the close of this report.\nIt is customary with manufacturing nations to prohibit, under severe penalties, the exportation of implements and machines, which they have either invented or improved. There are already objects for a similar regulation in the United States; and others may be expected to occur from time to time. The adoption of it seems to be dictated by the principle of reciprocity. Greater liberalty, in such respects, might better comport with the general spirit of the Country; but a selfish and exclusive policy in other quarters every where else will not always permit the free indulgence of thata spirit, which would place us upon an unequal footing. As far as such prohibitions tend to prevent foreign competitors from deriving the benefit of the such improvements made at home, they tend to increase the advantages of those by whom they may have been introduced; and so far operate as an encouragement to exertion.\nIX \u2003 Judicious regulations for the inspection of manufactured commodities.\nThis is not among the least important of the means, by which the prosperity of manufactures may be promoted. It is indeed in somemany cases one of among the most essential. To prevent frauds upon consumers Tending Contributing to prevent frauds upon consumers at home and exporters to foreign countries\u2014to improve the quality and preserve the character of the national manufactures, it cannot fail to aid the rea expeditious and advantageous sale of them, and to serve as a guard against successful competitions from some other quarters. The reputation of the flour \n   [& lumber]\n of some ports states and of the Potash inof others has been established by an attention to this point. And the like good name might be procured for those articles wheresoever produced, in all parts of the Union by a judicious and uniform system of Inspection, throughout the ports of the United States. A like system might also be extended with advantage to other commodities.\nAs the immediate obj\nIt is presumed that\nX\n   No V\nX \u2003 The facilitating of pecuniary remittances from place to place\u2014Is is a point of considerable moment to trade in general, and to manufactures in particular; by facilitating [rendering more easy] the purchase of raw materials and provisions and the payment for manufactured supplies. A general circulation of Bank paper, which is\n to be expected from the institution lately established will be a most valuable mean to this end. But much good would also accrue from some additional provisions respecting inland bills of exchange. If those drawn in one state payable in another were made negotiable, every where, and interest and damages allowed in case of protest, it would greatly promote negociations between the citizens of different States, by rendering them more secure; and, with it the convenience and advantage of the merchants and manufacturers of each.\n   No. VI\nXI \u2003 The facilitating of the transportation of commodities\u2014\nImprovements favoring this object intimately concern all the domestic interests of a community; but they may without impropriety be mentioned as having an important relation to manufactures. There is perhaps scarcely any thing which has been better calculated to assist the manufactures of Great Britain than the ameliorations of the public roads of that Kingdom, and the great progress which has been of late made in opening canals. Of the former, the United States stand much in need, and for the latter they present uncommon facilities. The symptoms of attention to the improvement of inland Navigation which have lately appeared in some quarters and especially in the State of Pensylvania, must fill with pleasure every heart warmed with a true Zeal for the prosperity of the country. These examples, it is to be hoped, will stimulate the exertions of the Government and the citizens of every State. There can certainly be no object more worthy of the cares of the local administrations; and it were to be wished, that there was no doubt of the power of the national Government to lend its direct aid, on a comprehensive plan. This is one of those improvements which could be prosecuted with more efficacy by the whole than by any part or parts of the Union. There are cases in which the general interest will be in danger to be sacrificed to the collision of some supposed local interests. Jealousies, in matters of this kind, are as apt to exist, as they are apt to be erroneous.\nThe following remarks are sufficiently judicious and pertinent to deserve a literal quotation\u2014\u201cGood roads, canals and navigable rivers, by diminishing the expence of carriage, put the remote parts of a country more nearly upon a level with those in the neighborhood of the town. They are upon that account the greatest of all improvements. They encourage the cultivation of the remote, which must always be the most extensive circle of the country. They are advantageous to the Town by breaking down the monopoly of the country in its neighborhood. They are advantageous even to that part of the Country. Though they introduce some rival commodities into the old Market they open many new markets to its produce. Monopoly besides is a great enemy to good management, which can never be universally established, but in consequence of that free and universal competition, which forces every body to have recourse to it for the sake of self defence. It is not more than Fifty years ago that some of the Counties in the neighborhood of London petitioned the Parliament, against the extension of the turnpike roads, into the remoter counties. Those remoter counties, they pretended, from the cheapness of labor, would be able to sell their grass and corn cheaper in the London Market than themselves, and they would thereby reduce their rents and ruin their cultivation. Their rents however have risen and their cultivation has been improved, since that time.\u201d\nSpecimens of a spirit, similar to that which governed the counties here spoken of, present themselves too frequently to the eye of an impartial observer, and render it a wish of patriotism, that the body in this Country, in whose councils a local or partial spirit is least likely to predominate were at liberty to pursue & promote the general interest, in those instances in which there might be danger of the interference of such a spirit.\nBut if there should be a doubt of the power of the Government to embrace the whole subject, there is none of its competency to a provision for the improvement of the Postroads, an object which merits and will doubtless occupy an early attention of the Legislature of the United States.\nThe foregoing are the principal of the means, by which manufacturing countries promote the growth of manufactures is ordinarily promoted.. It is, however, not merely only necessary, that the d measures of government, which have a direct view to manufactures, should be calculated to assist and protect them, but that those which relateonly collaterally affect them, in the general course of the administration, should be guarded from any peculiar tendency to injure them.\nThere are certain species of taxes, which are apt to be oppressive to different parts of the community and among other ill effects have a very unfriendly aspect towards manufactures. All Poll or Capitation taxes are of this nature. They either proceed, according to a fixed rate which operates unequally, and injuriously to the labouring [industrious] poor; or they vest a discretion, in certain officers, to make estimates and assessments which are necessarily vague conjectural and liable to abuse. They ought therefore to be abstained from in all but cases of distressing emergency.\nAll such taxes (including all taxes on occupations) unless regulated in the degree by sal which proceed according the to the amount of capital supposed to be employed in a business, or of profits supposed to be made in it, are unavoidably oppressive and hurtful to industry. It is in vain, that the evil may be endeavoured to be mitigated by leaving it, in the first instance, in the option of the party to be taxed, to declare the amount of his Capital or profits. Men engaged in any trade or business have commonly weighty reasons to avoid from forbear disclosures, which would expose, with any thing like accuracy, the real state of their affairs. They most frequently had rather risk will oftenest find it better to risk oppression, than to avail themselves of so inconvenient a remedy refuge. \n   [an alternative]\n And the consequence is, that they often suffer oppression it. The public Those who\nWhen the disclosure too, if made, is not definitive, but controulable by the discretion, or in other words, by the passions and prejudices of the publicRevenue officers, it is not only an ineffectual protection, but the possibility of its being so is an additional reason for not resorting to it.\nAllowing to the public officers the most equitable dispositions; yet wherever where they are to exercise a discretion, without certain data, they cannot fail to be often misled by appearances. The quantity of business, which seems to be going on, will be a usual criterion is, in a vast number of cases, a very deceitful criterion of the profits which are made; yet it is perhaps the best they can have, and it is the one, on which they will most naturally rely. A business therefore which may rather requires aid, from the government, than be in a capacity to be contributory to it, may find itself crushed by the mistaken conjectures of the Assessors of taxes.\nArbitrary taxes, under which confidence denomination are compresed all those, that leave the quantum of the tax to be raised on each person, to the discretion of certain officers, are as contrary to the genius of liberty as to the prece maxims of industry. In this light, they have been viewed, by the most judicious observers on government; who have bestowed upon them the severest epithets of reprobation; upon as constituting one of the worst features usually to be met with in the practice of despotic governments.\nA government, which desires to promote manufacturing\nIt is certain, at least, that such taxes are particularly inimical to the success of manufacturing industry and ought carefully to be avoided by a government, which desires to promote it.\nThe great copiousness of the subject of this report has insensibly led to a more lengthy preliminary discussion than was originally contemplated or intended. It appeared proper to investigate principles, to remove consider objections, and to endeavor to establish the utility of the thing proposed to be encouraged; previous to a specification of the objects which might occur, as meriting or requiring encouragement and of the measures, which might be proper, in respect to each. The first purpose having been fulfilled toit remains to pursue the second.\nIn the selection of objects, four five circumstances deserve principal seem intitled to particular attention\u2014the capacity of the Country to furnish the raw material\u2014the greatdegree in which the nature of the manufacture admits of a substitute for manual labour, in machinery\u2014the facility of execution\u2014the extensiveness of the uses, to which the article can be applied\u2014its subserviency to other interests, particularly the great one of national defence. These are however objects There are however objects to which these circumstances are little applicable, which for some special reasons, may have a claim to encouragement.\nA designation of the principal raw material of which each manufacture is composed will serve to introduce the remarks upon it. As, first in the first place\u2014\nIron.\nThe manufactures of this article are entitled to preeminent rank. None are more essential in their kinds nor so extensive in their uses.\n   [the imps. or Mats. or both]\nThey constitute in whole or in part the implements or and the materials or both \u2003 or both in whole or in part and comm of almost every useful occupation. Nothing is more easy than to begin, nor would be more difficult than to end the enumeration of the cases, in which Their instrumentality is every where conspicuous. It is felt and seen every where.\nIt is fortunate for the United States that they have peculiar advantages for deriving the full benefit of this most valuable article material, and they have every motive to improve it with the most systematic care.\nIt is to be found in various parts of the United States in great abundance and of almost every quality; And fuel the chief instrument in manufacturing it is both cheap and plenty it can in few parts of the world be obtained with equal cheapness and with equal plenty. This particularly applies to Charcoal; but there are productive coal mines facto already in operation and there are strong indications that the in every material is to be found in abundance in a variety of other places. the kind best adapted to certain operations; though a process has lately been discoveredto the refining of some of the metal giving to it toughness and malleability which is said tounder obviate the objections to the fossil equally good for that purposeCoal in these cases. But it is a question whether this process does not too much, diminish the mass of the metal. the material Its operation is, by means of grooved rollers, to expell all seperate and heterogeneoushetero matter: while the effect of the plogiston in the Charcoal is to restore to their metallic state the demetallized parts. The inquiries to which the subject of this report has led have been answered with proofs that manufactories of Iron though generally understood to be extensive are not only very extensive but far more soextensive so extensive than is commonly supposed. The kinds in which the greatest progress has been made have been mentioned in another place and need not be repeated; but there is little doubt that every other kind with due cultivation will rapidly succeed. It is worthy of remark that several of the particular trades, of which it is the basis, are capable of being carried on without the aid of large capitals.\nIron works have very greatly increased in the United States and are prosecuted with much more advantage than formerly. The average price before the revolution \n was about 64 Dollars \u214c Ton; at present it is about Eighty; arise which This rise ought partly is chiefly to be attributed to be attributed to a considerable export to the East Indies is in a very great degree owing but more to the increase of manufactures of the materials.\nThe still further extension and multiplication of such manufactures will have the double effect of promoting the extraction of the Metal itself and of converting it to a greater number of profitable purposes.\nThose manufactures too unite in a greater degree than almost any others the several requisites, which have been mentioned, as proper to be consulted in the selection of objects.\nThe only further encouragement of manufactures of this article, beyond what the existing laws the propriety of which may be considered as unquestionable, seems to be an increase of the duties on foreign rival articles commodities.\nSteel is a branch, which has already made a considerable progress, and it is ascertained that some new enterprizes on a more extensive scale have been lately set on foot. The facility of carrying it to an extent, which will supply all internal demands and furnish a considerable surplus for exportation cannot be doubted. The duty upon the importation of this \n article, which is at present 75 Cents \u214c Cwt or about 7\u00bd \u214c Cent on the value, may it is conceived be safely and advantageously extended to 100 Cents. It is desireable, by decisive arrangements, to second the efforts, which are making in so this very valuable a branch.\nThe United States already in a great measure chiefly supply themselves with nails and spikes. They are able, and ought certainly, to do it intirely. The first and most labourous operation, in this manufacture, is performed by water mills and of the persons afterwards employed a great proportion are boys, whose early habits of industry are of importance to the community to the present support of their families and to their own future support comfort. It is not less curious than true that in certain parts of the country the making of Nails is an occasional family manufacture.\nThe expediency of an additional duty on these articles is indicated by \n an important fact. Upwards of About one a million and a half of 800000 pounds of them were imported into the U States in the course of a year ending the 30th of September 1790.\n   Qr. if no bounties GB Qr. if G B grants no bounty.\nA duty of two Cents \u214c lb would, it is presumeable, speedily put an end to so considerable an importation. And it is in every view proper that an end should be put to it.\nThe manufacture of these articles like that of some others, suffers from the carelessness and dishonesty of a part of those who carry it them on. An \ninspection in certain cases might tend to correct the evil.\nIt will deserve consideration whether a regulation of this sort cannot be applied without inconvenience to the exportation of the articles Nails, either to foreign countries, or from one state to another.\nThe implements of husbandry are made in several States in great abundance. In many places it is done by the common blacksmiths. And there is no doubt that an ample supply for the whole country can with great ease be procured among ourselves. Various kinds of edged tools for the use of Mechanics are also made; and there are instances of the \n   considerable\n manufactures a considerable quantity of hollow wares; though the business of castings has not obtained yet attained the perfection which might be wished. It is however improving, and as there are respectable capitals in good hands, in embarked in the prosecution of those branches of in iron manufactories, which are yet in \n their infancy, they may all be contemplated as within the reach of an objects of easy acquisition not difficult objects not difficult to be acquired.\nTo ensure the end object it seems equally safe and prudent to extend the duty ad valorem upon all manufactures of Iron or of in which iron is the chief article of chief value to ten per Cent.\nFire arms and other military weapons may it is conceived without inconvenience  be placed without inconvenience in the same class \n of articles rated at 15 \u214c Cent. There are already manufactories of these articles, which only require the stimulous of a certainty of demand to render them adequate to the supply of the United States.\nIt would also be a material aid to manufactories of this nature, as well as a mean of public security, if provision should be made for an an annual purchase of the military weapons, of home manufacture, to a certain determinate extent, in order to the formation of Arsenals; and to replace from time to time such as should be withdrawn for use, so as always constantly to have in store the quantity of each kind which should be deemed requisite a competent supply.\nBut it may hereafter deserve well merits legislative consideration whether manufactories of all the necessary weapons of war ought not to be established on account of the Government itself. Such establishments are agreeable to the usual \n   Government to make annual purchase to form arsenals\u2014\n practice of Nations; and that practice seems founded on sufficient reason. There appears to be an improvidence, in leaving these essential instruments of national defence to the casual speculations of individual adventure industry; a resource which can less be relied upon, in this case, than in most others; the articles in question not being objects of ordinary and indispensable private consumption or use. As a general rule, manufactories under the direction on the immediate account of the Government are to be avoided; but this seems to be one of the few exceptions which to that rule admits, depending on very special reasons.\nAll Manufactures of steel, generally or of which steel is the article of chief value, may with advantage be placed in the class of goods rated at 7\u00bd per Cent. As manufactures of this kind have not yet made any very considerable progress, it is a reason for not rating them, as high as those of iron; but as this material is the basis of them and as they may their extension, while it is of great importance, is not likely to be attended with any extraordinary difficulty is not less practicable, than important, it is desireable to promote it by a somewhat higher duty than the present.\nA question arises, how far is might be expedient to permit the importation of iron in pigs and barrs free from duty. It would certainly be favourable to manufactures of the article; but the doubt is whether it might not interfere with its production. The Two circumstances, however, abate if they do not remove apprehension, on this score; one is, the considerable increase of price, which has been already remarked, and which renders it probable that the free admission of foreign iron would not be inconsistent with an adequate profit on the production article to the proprietors of Iron Works; the other is, the augmentation of demand, which would be likely to attend the increase of manufactures of the article it, in consequence of the additional encouragements proposed to be given. But nevertheless caution nevertheless in a matter of this kind will beis most adviseable. \n   Quare as to exemption of Coal from duty.\n The measure suggested seems proper is prop ought, perhaps, rather to be contemplated, subject to the lights of some further experience, than immediately acted upon adopted.\nCopper\nThe manufactures of which this article is susceptible are also also of great of this article are of considerable extent and utility. Under this description, those of brass, of which it is the principal ingredient are intended to be included.\n   Qr\nThe material is a natural and from many symptoms is supposed to be an abundant production of the Country. Mines of copper have actually been wrought and with to the profit of to the undertakers, though it is not known that any are now in this condition. And nothing is easier than the introduction of it from other countries on rea moderate terms and in great plenty. is not difficult.\n   [(the former very much so)] [Reduction of price of copper Qu.]\nCoppersmiths and brass founders particularly the former are pretty numerous in the United States; some many some of whom carry on their respective bussinesses with spirit and latitude business to a respectable extent.\nTo multiply and extends manufactories of the materials in question is Well particularly worthy of attention of attention and effort. In order to this, it is desireable to facilitate an abundanta plentiful supply of those materials the materials.\n   [sp copper]\nThe most effectual foundation, for this purpose, would be laid in an encouragement of the production of the material. This may be done in two ways; either by granting a liberal bounty per quantity on all which shall be produced within a limited certain term of years; or by granting premiums to take effect in a certain number of instances, on the production of a given\n   omissions\nquantity, within a given time and for a given term, and at any one mine; something in the nature of the premiums granted by Great Britain upon vessels employed in the whale fisheries. If the first would be most effectual, it might also be most expensive. In The last mode would have the advantage of assigning a limit to the utmost possible expence: And if the premiums were liberal, the prospect would not be bad of their answering the end.\nAnd a A proper mean to this end independent of a domestic production, to facilitate an abundant supply of the material, will be to place it is to place them in the class of free articles. Copper in plates and brass are already in this predicament, but copper in pigs and bars is not\u2014neither is lapis calaminaris, which together with copper and charcoal, constitute the component ingredients of brass. A The exemption from duty, by parity of reason, ought to embrace as such all of these articles as are objects of importation.\nAn additional duty, on brass wares, will tend to the general end in view. These now stand at 5 \u214c Cent, wh while those of tin, pewter and copper are rated at 7\u00bd. There appears to be a propriety in every view in \n   It may even be worth consid 10 \u214c C\n placing brass wares upon the same level with them; and it merits consideration whether the duty upon all of them ought not to be raised to 10 \u214c Cent.\nLead\nThis there are numerous proofs, that this material certainly abounds in the United States, and requires little to unforl unfold it to an extent more than equal to every domestic occasion. A prolific mine of it has been long been open at in the W S Western parts of the State of Virginia, and under a public administration during the war late war, yielded a considerable supply for the pur military use. This is now in the hands of individuals, who not only carry it on with spirits; but have established a manufactories of it at Richmond in the same state.\n   With\nThe duty duties already laid upon the importation of this article this material both in its either in its manufactured or unmanufactured or manufactured state afford ensure it a decisive advantage in the home market\u2014which amounts to considerable encouragement. If the duty on Pewter wares should be raised, it would collaterally afford further encouragement. Nothing else occurs as proper to be added.\nNothing occurs as proper to be added; unless it should be thought eligible eligible to grant apply the idea of premiums, which has been suggested, in respect to copper, to future enterprises towards the production of this article. Lead.\n   [fossil coal]\nFossil Coal\nThis, as an important instrument of manufactures may without impropriety be mentioned among the subjects of this report. A copious supply of it would be of great consequence to the Iron branch. As an article of household fuel also it is an interesting production [to artificers & all others] ; the utility of which must increase in proportion to the decrease of wood by the progress of settlement and cultivation: And its importance to navigation as an immense article of transportation coastwise is signally exemplified in Great Britain.\nIt is known that there are one or moreseveral coal mines in Virginia now \n   [several]\n worked; and appearances of their existence are familiar in a great number of places.\n   [nil. sit?]\nIt may will well deserve consideration how far it may will may be expedient to stimulate enter attempts to explore and work mines of this very useful metal article article article by premiums of the kind already suggested.\nIt well deserves  examination whether The expediency of a bounty on all co this species of coal, of home production and of premiums on the opening of new mines, under certain qualifications, appears to be worthy of particular examination. The great importance of this article object will amply justify a reasonable expence in this way, if it shall appear to be necessary to & shall be deemedthought likely to answer, the end.\nWood\nSeveral manufactures of this article flourish in the U States. Ships are no where built in greater perfection, and cabinet wares, generally, are made \n little if at all inferior to those of Europe. Their extent is such as to have admitted of considerable exportation.\nAn exemption from duty forof the several kinds of wood ordinarily used in those manufactures seems to be all, that is requisite, by way of to their full encouragement. The doing of this will seem to be of manifest expediency. It is recommended by the consideration of a similar policy being pursued in other countries, and by the expediency of giving equal advantages to our own workmen in wood. The abundance of Timber proper for Ship building in the U States does not appear to be any objection to it. The increasing scarcity and the growing importance of that article, in the European Countries, admonish the U States to commence and systematically to pursue measures for the preservation of their Stock. Whatever may promote the regular establishment of Magazines of Ship Timber is in various views desireable.\nLeather Skins\nThere are scarcely any manufactories of greater importance, than of this article. Their direct and very happy influence upon Agriculture, by promoting the raising of Cattle of different kinds, is a very material recommendation.\nIt is pleasing, too, to observe the extensive progress they have made in their principal branches; which are so far matured as almost to defy foreign competition. Tanneries in particular hav are not only carried on as a regular business in numerous instances and in various parts of the Country; but they constitute in manysome places a valuable item of incidental family manufactures.\nRepresentations however have been made, tending to recommend two species of encouragements importing the expediency of further encouragement to of the Leather-Branch in two ways\u2014one by increasing the duty on imported the manufactures of it, which are imported\u2014the other by prohibiting the exportation of bark. In support of the latter it is alleged that the price has of bark, chiefly in consequence of large exportations, has risen within a few years from  to \nThese suggestions are submitted rather as intimations, which merit consideration than as matters, the propriety of which is manifest. It is not clear that an increase of duty is necessary and in regard to the prohibition desired, there is no evidence of any considerable exportation hitherto; and it is most propert probable that whatever increase augmentation of price may have taken place is rather to be attributed to an extension of the home demand from the increase of Tanneries manufactures, and to a decrease of the supply, in consequence of from the progress of settlement; rather than to the quantities which have been exported. it is liable to the objection that it would pr interfere with an export of some, though not of very great value; and it may admit of question whether the internal demand is equal to the quantity supply which is naturally produced in a new and well wooded country settlements coun continually advancing going forward in settlement.\nIt is mentioned however as an additional reason for the prohibition that one species of the bark usually exported is in some sort peculiar to the country and the material of a very valuable dye, of great use in some other \n manufactures, in which the U States have begun a competition.\nThere may is also be this argument in favour of an increase of duty. The object is of importance enough to claim decisive encouragement and the \n   Qr. is it exempted.\n progress which has been made leaves no room to apprehend any inconvenience on the score of supply from such an increase an augmentation of duty.\nLeather\nIt would be of some benefit to this branch, if glue which is now rated at 5 per Cent were made the object of an excluding duty. It is already now made in large considerable quantities at various tanneries, and like paper, is an entire \u0153conomy of materials, which would otherwise be lost, if not manufactured would be left to perish. It may be placed with advantage in the class of articles paying 12\u00bd15 per Cent.\nFish\nGrain\nManufactures of the several species of this article have a title to peculiar favour; not only because they are most of them immediately connected with the subsistence of the citizens; but because they enlarge the demand for the most precious products of the soil.\nThough flour may with propriety be noticed as a manufacture of Grain, it were useless to do it, but for the subsist purpose of submitting to consideration the expediency of a general system of inspection, throughout the ports of the U States; which, it is presumed if established upon proper principles, would li be likely to improve the quality of our flour every where, and to raise its reputation in foreign markets. Ter These There are however considerations which stand in the way of such an arrangement.\nArdent spirits and malt liquors are next to flour the two principal manufactures of Grain. The first has made a very extensive, and the last a considerable progress in the U States. In respect to both, an exclusive possession of the home market of the United States ought to be secured to the domestic manufacturers; as fast as circumstances will admit. of it. Nothing is more practicable and nothing more desireable\nThe existing laws of the U States have done much towards attaining this valuable object; but some additions to the present duties on foreign distilled spirits and foreign malt liquors and perhaps an abatement of those on home made spirits would more effecttually secure it; and there does not occur any very weighty objection to some further increase of them either.\nAn augmentation of the duties on imported spirits would not favour as well the distillation of spirits from molasses as that from Grain. And to secure to the nation the benefit of the manufacture, even of foreign materials, is always of great, though perhaps of secondary importance.\nA strong impression prevails in the minds of those concerned in distilleries (including too, the most candid and enlightened) of them that greater differences in the rates of duty on foreign and domestic spirits are necessary, completely to secure the successful manufacture of the latter and there are facts which intitle this impression to attention.\nIt is known agreed, that the price of molasses, for some years past, has been successively rising in the West India Markets owing partly to a competition which did not formerly exist and partly to an extension of demand in this Country; and it is evident that the late disturbances in those Islands, especially the insurrection of the blacks in Hispaniola, from which we draw our principle supply of the article must so far interfere with the production of the article it as to occasion a material enhancement of the price. And The destruction and \n   Competitors\n devastation which are said to have been made in Hispaniola attendant on the insurrection in Hispaniola, in particular, must not only contribute very much to that effect but may be expected to give it some duration. These circumstances, and the duty of three cents per Gallon on molasses, may render it difficult for the distillers of that Material to maintain with adequate profit a competition with the rum brought from the West Indies, the quality of which is so considerably superior.\nThe consumption of Gin Geneva or Gin in this country is very extensive. It is not long since distilleries of it have grown among us to any importance. They are now becoming of consequence, but being still in their infancy they require require protection. and aid\nIt is represented that the price of of some of the materials is greater here than in Holland, from which place large quantities are brought, the price of labour considerably greater, the capital engaged in the business there much larger, than those which are employed here, the rate of profits, at which the Undertaker cannot afford to carry it on, much less\u2014and the prejudices in favour of imported Gin strong. These circumstances are alleged to outweigh the expen charges of which attend the bringing of the Article from Europe to the U States and und the present difference of duty\u2014so as to obstruct the prosecution of the manufacture with due advantage.\nExperiment could perhaps alone decide with certainty the justness of the suggestions which are made; but in relation to such important branches of manufacture so important it would seem be inexpedient to hazard an unfavourable issue, and better to err on the side of too great than of too small a difference in the particular in question.\n   Quare rate\nIt is therefore submitted that an addition of two cents per Gallon be made to the duty on imported spirits, of the first class of proof, with a proportionable increase on those of higher proof, and that an abatementa deduction of one Cent per Gallons be made from the duty on the spirits distilled within the U States, beginning with the first class of proof and making a proportionable abatement of the duty on the higher classes a proportionable deduction from the duty on those of higher proof. It is conceived, that this would be likely to answer the end in view, and would not be attended with inconveniences, otherwise.\n   decrease 1 Cent on domestic spirits \u261e \u23a7\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23a8\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23aa\u23a9\nThere are materials for a tolerable conjecture (though not for exact computation) that about two thirds of It is ascertained that by far the greatest part of the malt liquors consumed in the U States are the produce of domestic breweries. This conjecture has reference to the importation of a year ending the 30th of September 1790. It is desirable, and, in all likelihood, attainable, that the whole consumption should be supplied by ourselves.\nThe malt liquors, made at home, though inferior to the best, are equal to a great part of of those which are have been usually imported. The progress already made is an earnest of what may be accomplished. The growing competition is an assurance of improvement. This will be accelerated by measures tending to invite a greater capital into this channel of employment.\nTo render the encouragement to domestic breweries decisive, it may be adviseable to substitute to the present rates of duty 8 Cents per Gallon generally and it will deserve to be considered as a guard against evasions, whether there ought not be be a prohibition of their importation except in casks of a defin considerable capacity. It is to be hoped that such a duty would banish from the market foreign malt liquors of inferior quality; and that the best kind only would continue to be imported till it should be supplanted by the efforts of equal skill or care at home. \u2019Till that period, the importation so qualified, would be an useful stimulous to improvement. And in the mean time, the payment of the increased price, for the enjoyment of a luxury, in order to the encouragement of a most useful branch of domestic industry could cannot reasonably be deemed a hardship.\nAs a further aid to manufactures of Grain, though upon a smaller scale, the dutiesarticles of starch, hair powder and wafers may with great propriety be placed among in the desciption of articlesplaced among those which are rated at 12\u00bd15 \u214c Cent. No manufactures are more simple, nor more completely within the reach of a full supply from domestic resources; and it is a policy, as common as it is obvious, to make them the objects either of prohibitory duties or of express prohibition.\nProvisions\n   Quare?\nSalted provisions may not improperly be placed on the list of manufactured commodities. It is certain, that the U States are not only completely adequate to their own supply but to a most abundant exportation. The expediency of making them them the subjects objects of prohibitory duties has occasionally presented itself under ambiguous shapes, but upon mat the result final result of mature reflection is, in the judgment of the Secretary, in favour offavourable to the measure.\nAs far as an Inspection of commodities of this kind can be pronounced to be useful, the comprehending of them in a general system is recommended by reasons similar to those which operate in favour relation to flour.\nFlax and Hemp\nManufactures of these article have so much affinity to each other and they are so often blend themed that they may with advantage be considered in conjunction. The importance of the linnen branch to agriculture\u2014its precious effects upon the domestic ind household household industry\u2014the ease, with which the materials can be produced at home to any requisite extent\u2014the greater advanta advances, which have been already made, in manufactures of the coarser kinds fabrics of them, expecially in the householdfamily way constitute claims, of peculiar force to are considerations of the greatest weight for of peculiar force, to the patronage of government. of perculiar force.\nThis patronage may be afforded in various ways\u2014by promoting the growth of the materials\u2014by increasing the impediments to an advantageous competition of rival foreign articles\u2014by direct bounties or premiums upon the manufactured articles.\nFirst \u2003 By As to promoting the growth of the materials.\nIn respect to Hemp, something has been already done by the high duty upon foreign hemp. If the facilities for the domestic production of Hemp were this article were not unusually great, the policy of the duty on the foreign raw material would be highly questionable as interfering with manu the growth of manufactures of it. of the article. But making the proper allowances for those facilities, and for the increasing tendencies with an eye to the future and natural progress of the country, the measure does not appear, upon the whole, exceptionable. A strong wish has been entertained naturally suggests itself that some method could be devised, of affording a more direct encouragement to the growth both of Flax & Hemp; such as which would be effectual, and at the same time, not attended with too great inconveniences. To this end bounties and premiums \u27e8are\u27e9 themselves \u27e8a\u27e9 consideration; but no modification of them mode has yet occurred which would not either eithe hazard too much expence or nor operate unequally in reference relation to the circumstances of different parts of the Union; and which would not be attended with very numerous considerable great difficulties in the execution.\n   Omitted\nIn aid of this, it may be considered, whether either bounties or premiums ought not to be added with an extension to Flax.. The latter may be so managed may not prove less effectual than the former, and they it is presumed claims a preference, from the circumstance of their capacity to be so managed, as that to render the expence may be both definite and not great very moderate. \u2003\u2002They may be regulated somewhat of after the following manner. A certain sum and that the largest may be offered to the person who shall raise and send to market the greatest quantity and upon the whole of the best quality; another certain sum of less amount may be offered to the person who shall raise and send to market the greatest quantity, though of inferior quality, and a third sum still less in amount to the person who shall raise the article and send market at least a given quantity to be specified, and of the best quality. These premiums may be multiplied under confined within as few or multiplied to as many discriptions of cases as dee including as many degrees of successful exertion competition as may be judged necessary to the end. A designation of the markets to which some one of which the article should be sent would seem to be a proper precaution to secure the insure the utility subserviency of the production to the manufacture. \u2003\u2002The effect of premiums in stimulating enterprises and experiment has been remarked. It is proper probable that any, which might be established in relation to the objects in question, if sufficiently liberal, would more than compensate for the expence whichthat might be occasionned. An experiment at least may be tried made without inconvenience and at little expence.\nSecondly The desired patronage may be afforded by\nAs to increasing the impediment to an advantageous competition of rival foreign articles\u2014\nTo this, perhaps an augmentation an increase of the duties on importation is the obvious expedient; which, in regard to certain articles of certain descriptions appears to be recommended by sufficient reasons.\nThe principal of these articles is sail cloath; of which a one intimately connected with Navigation and defence; and of which a flourishing \n   Salem\n manufactory is established at Boston and very promising ones at some several other places.\nIt is presumed to be both safe and expedient adviseable to place this in the class of articles which are rated at 10 per Cent ad valorum. A strong reason for it results from the consideration that a bounty of 2d. Sterling per ell is allowed in Great Britain upon the exportation of the Sail Cloth which is \n manufactured in that kingdom: which is equal to  per Cent on the value [of the several Qualities]. And a still greater bounty is allowed in Ireland.\nIt would likewise appear to be good policy to raise the duty to 7\u00bd per Cent on the following articlesarticles namely coarse linnens\u2014Drilling Oznaburghs, \n   Dowlass Canvass Drilling Oil Cloth Sheetings\n Ticklenburghs, Dowlas Canvass Brown Rolls bagging Drilling Oil Cloth and uponall other linnens, which the price value full cost of which, at the place of exportation, does not exceed 35 Cents per yard. A bounty of 12\u00bd \u214c Cent, upon an average, on the exportation of such or similar linnens from Great Britain encourages the manufacture of them in that country and increases the obstacles to a successful competition in the countries to which they are sent.\nThe quantities of tow and other household linnens manufactured in different parts of the U States, and the expectations, which are derived from some late experiments of being able to apply extend the use of labor saving machines, in the coarser fabrics of linnen obviate are induceme lessen the danger of inconvenience from an increase of the duty upon them such articles, and encourageauthorise a hope of speedy and complete success to the endeavours which may be used made for supplying ourselves with them procuring an internal supply.\nThirdly \u2003 As to direct bounties or premiums upon the manufactured articles.\nBut To give still afford more effectual encouragement to the manufacture, and, at the same time, to counteract any detriment to Ship building navigation from a rise promote the cheapness of the article, for the benefit \n   calculate amt.\n of navigation, it will be useful of great use to allow a bounty of two Cents \n   Qr. native\n per yard on all sail Cloth, which is made in the U S, from native materials of their our growth.. An encoura This would also assist the culture of those materials.. An encouragement of this kind nature ought if adopted ought to be established for a moderate term of years, to invite to new undertakings and to an extension of the old. This is an article of so importance enough to warrant the employment of extraordinary means in its favour.\nA bounty too likewise of 5 per Cent on the exportation of all other linnens, of the manufacture of the United States, from domestic materials, the value of which does not exceed 40 Cents per yard, would have a beneficial influence in respect to them. This standard value, in the U Statesof value in our markets, is is adopted as corresponding with that 35 Cents in the Markets of Europe, wh in reference to articles of a similar kind.\nCotton\nThere is something, in the texture of this material, which adapts it in a particular peculiar manner peculiar manner degree to the application of Machines. The signal utility of the Mill for spinning of Cotton not long since invented in England has been noticed in another place; but there are various other machines scarcely inferior in utility, which, in the different manufactories of this article serve as a substitute for manuf manual labour are employed either exclusively, or with more than ordinary effect. This very important circumstance recommends the fabrics of Cotton in a more particular meth manner to a country in which a defect of hands constitutes the greatest obstacle to success.\nThe great variety and extent of the of uses to which the manufactures of this article are applicable is another powerful argument in their favour.\nAnd the faculty of the United States to produce the raw material in abundance, and of a quality which though perhapshitherto alleged to be inferior to some that is produced in other quarters, is never nevertheless capable of being used with advantage in many fabrics, and is probably susceptible, especially in the two states farthest South of being carried, by a more experienced culture, to much greater perfection\u2014suggests an additional, and a very cogent inducement to the vigorous pursuit of the Cotton branch in its several subdivisions.\nHow much has been already done has been stated, in a preceding part of this report.\nIn addition to this it may be announced, that a Society is forming with a capital which will probably not fall short, is expected to be extended to at least half a milion of Dollars; on behalf of which measures are already in train for prosecuting, on a large scale, the making and printing of Cotton Goods.\nThese circumstances conspire to indicate the expediency of removing any obstructions, which may happen to exist, to the advantageous prosecution of the manufactories in question, and of adding such encouragements, as may appear necessary and proper.\nThe present duty of 3 Cents \u214c lb on the foreign raw material, is undoubtedly a very serious d impediment to the progress of those manufactories.\nItsThe injurious tendency of similar duties either prior to the establishment, or in the infancy, prior to the complete establishment of the domestic manufacture of the article, as it regards the manufacture, and their worse than inutility, in reference relation to the home production of it the material itself have been ancipated; particularly in discussing the subject of pecuniary bounties.\nCotton has th not the same pretensions, with Hemp, to form an exception to the general rule.\nNot being, like It is not that Hemp only, not an universal production of the Country and consequently affords less assurance it affords less assurance of an adequate internal supply; but the chief objection arises from the doubts which are entertained concerning the quality of the nation[ve]al Cotton. It is alleged observed that the fibre of it is considerably shorter and weaker than that of some other places; particularly those nearest the Equator and it has been observed as a general rule, that the nearer the place of growth to the Equator, the better the quality of the \n Cotton. That which comes from Cayenne Surrinam and Demarara is said \n   Geo~\n to be preferable, even at a material difference of price, to the Cotton of the Islands.\nWhile it ought not to be a hope may reasonably be indulged, that with due care and attention the nation[ve]al cotton may be made to approach nearer than it now does to that of regions somewhat more favoured by climate; and while facts authorise an opinion demonstrate that very great use may be made of it, and that it is a resource which gives greater security to the Cotton fabrics of this land Country, than can be enjoyed by any which that depends wholly on an external supply\u2014it iswill certainly be wise in every view to let our infant manufactures have the full benefit of the best materials on the cheapest terms.\nIt is obvious that the necessity of having the bestsuch materials is proportioned to the unskillfulness and inexperience of the workmen employed, who will if inexpert will not fail to commit great waste where they the materials they are to work with, are of an indifferent kind. In order And to them To secure to the National Manufactures so essential an advantage, a repeal of the present duty on foreign c imported Cotton appears is indispensable.\nA substitute for this, far more encouraging to domestic production, will be to grant a bounty on all cotton goods manufactured from the native materials of the Country. Two Cents per Yard. defining the  width, would be a strong motive of preference to the national Cotton on the nation[ve]al Cotton when which is consumed wrought at any a home national manufactory; and to thiswhich, a bounty on the exportation of it if deemed may \n be added. Either or both would do much more towards promoting the growth of the article than the ex merely nominal encouragement, which it is proposed to abolish. The first would also have a direct influence in encouraging the manufacture.\nThe bounty which has been mentioned, as existing in G Britain, upon the exportation of coarse linnens, not exceeding a certain value, applies also to certain descriptions of Cotton goods of similar value.\nThis furnishes an additional argument for allowing to the national manufacturers the species of encouragement just suggested, and indeed for extending adding some other aid. and\nOne cent per yard, not less than of a given width, on all cotton goods of Cotton or of Cotton and linnen mixed not exceeding in value 40 cents per yard, which are manufactured in the U States; with the addition of one Cent \u214c lb weight of the Material, if made of nation[ve]al Cotton; would amount to an aid of considerable very great importance, both to the production and to the \n   Computation\n manufacture of that valuable material article. And it is conceived that the expence would be well justified by the magnitude of the object. The limitation in point of respect to the value of the goods ought not to apply to the bounty on the material.\nThe Printing and Staining of Cotton goods is known to be a distinct business from the fabrication of them. It is one material easily accomplished, and which, by addingas it adds materially to the value of the article, in its white state and prepares it for a variety of new uses is of importance to be promoted.\nAs imported Cottons, equally with those which are made at home, may be the objects of this manufacture, it will merit consideration whether the whole or a part of the duty, on the white goods, ought not to be allowed to be drawn back in favour of those, who print or stain them. This measure would certainly operate as a powerful encouragement to the business; and though it may in a slight degree contrac counteract the original fabrication of the articles articles, it would probably more than compensate for this disadvantage, in the rapid growth of a collateral branch, which is of a nature sooner to attain to maturity. When a sufficient progress shall have \n   Oil of Vitriol aqua fortis Madder\n been made, the drawback may be abrogated; and by that time the domestic supply of the articles to be printed or stained will have been extended.\nIf the duty of 7\u00bd \u214c Cent on certain kinds of Cotton goods were extended to all goods of Cotton, or of which it is the principal material, it would probably more than counterballance the effect of the drawback proposed, in relation to the fabrication the fabrication of the article. And no material objection occurs to such an extension. The duty, then, considering all the circumstances which attend goods of this description, could not be deemed inconveniently high & Itit may be inferred from various causes that the prices of them would still continue moderate.\nA manufactory Manufactories of Cotton goods not long since established at Beverly in Massachusettes and at Providence in the State of R Island & not long since established at Beverly in the State of Massachusettes, conducted with a persever perseverance corresponding with the patriotic motives which began them it, seems to have overcome the first obstacles to success; producing corduroy velverets fustians and jeans and other similar articles, of a very good quality, which will bear a comparison with similar the like articles brought from Manchester. The one Manufacto at Providence has the merit of being the first which in introducing the celebrated Cotton Mill; which not only furnishes the materials for that manufactory itself but for the supply of private families for household manufactures.\n   [Provide]\nOther Manufactories of the same Material as a res regular business have also been begun at at different places in the state of Connecticut but, in a general all most if not all of them upon a smaller scale that than those abovementioned. the one at Beverly.\nThat It is at Providence having has in some respect a superiority of advantages & its progress does great credit to the undertakers; who have  the merit of having been the first to introduce into the Country the Cotton Mill, the most valuable of the machines employed in this Manufactory.\nSome essays are also making have also been commenced in the printing and staining of Cotton Goods. There are several a small establishments of this kind at German town in the State of Pensylvania in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia. already on foot.\nWool\nIn a Climate \u2003\u2003 In a climate\nIn a country, the climate of which partakes of so considerable a portion of Winter, as that of a great part of the U States, the woollen branch cannot be regarded as inferior to any, thatwhich relates to the cloathing of the inhabitants.\nHousehold manufactures of various articles this material are carried on, in different parts of the United States, to a very interesting extent; but five branches there is only one branch, which as a regular business, can be said to have acquired maturity. This is the making of Hats.\nHats intirely of wool and of wool mixed with furr are made in large great \n   [in a great Number of Shops]\n quantities, at a number of places[in various parts of], in different states; and nothing seems is wanting but an adequate supply of the materials to render the manufacture supply commensurate with the demand.\nA promising essay towards the fabrication of Cloaths cazimirs and \n other woollen stuffsgoods is likewise going on at Hartford in Connecticut. Specimens of the different kinds which are made, in the possession of the Secretary, evince that these fabrics have attained a very considerable degree of perfection. Their quality certainly surpasses any thing, that could have been looked for, in so short a time, and under so great disadvantages; \n   [compared the prices]\n and conspires with the scantiness of the means, which have been at the command of the Directors, to form the eulogium of theirthat public spirit perseverance and judgment which have been able to accomplish so much.\nTo cherish and bring to maturity this precious embryo engages must engage the most ardent wishes\u2014and proportionable regret, as far as the means of doing aiding it may appear difficult or uncertain.\nMeasures, which should tend to promote an abundant supply of wool, of good quality, would probably afford the most effectual efficacious aid, that present circumstances permit.\nTo encourage the raising and improving the breed of sheep at home would certainly be the most desireable expedient for that purpose; but it may not be alone sufficient, especially as it is yet a problem, wether whether our wool isbe capable of such a degree of improvement, as to render it fit for the finer fabrics.\nPremiums would probably be found the best means of promoting both the domestic and bounties the foreign supply. The first may be within the compass of the institution hereafter to be submitted\u2014the last would may require a \n   Refd bounties\n specific legislative provision. If any bounties are granted they ought of course to be adjusted with an eye be adjusted to quantity different degrees of quantity, and have regard to quality as well as quantity.\nThere is one article of woollen manufacture, which being of the first necessity and of universal use, and a may justify some extraordinary encouragement. This alludes to blankets. A The expediency of a liberal bounty on each blanket, which is made in the U States, in proportion to its dimensions appears to merit consideration. The simplicity of the manufacture, and the great expence of transportation, to which the bulk of the commodity, in proportion to its value, subjects it, are additional reasons, for selecting it as an a fit object of particular encouragement.\nA fund for the purpose may be derived from the addition of 2\u00bd per Cent, to the present rate of duty, on carpets and carpeting; an increase, to which the nature of the article suggests no objection, and which may at the same time conduce to the intern furnish a motive the more to the fabrication of it at home; towards which some beginnings have been made.\nSilk\nThe production of this article is attended with particular peculiar great facility in some most parts of the U States. Some pleasing essays are making in Connecticut as well towards that, as towards the manufacture of what is produced. Stockings, handerkiefs in imitation of the same ribbands and buttons are made; though as yet in but small quantities. A manufactory of lace upon a scale not very extensive has been long memorable at Ipswich in the state of Massachusettes.\nAn exemption of the dutymaterial from the duty, which it now pays on importation, and premiums upon the production, to be dispensed under the direction of the Institution before alluded to, seem to be the only species of encouragement adviseable at so early a stage of the thing.\nGlass\nThe materials for making Glass are found every where. In the United States, there is no deficiency of them. The sands and stones called Tarso, which include all flinty and chrystalline substances generally, and the salts of various plants weeds, particularly of the sea weed kali or kelp constitute the essential ingredients. The An extraordinary abundance of fuel is a particular advantage enjoyed by this U Statescountry for such manufactures. They, however, require large Capitals and involve much manual labour.\n   [and a third in New Jersey] [Quare Albany]\nTwo if not or more Different manufactories of Glass are now on foot in the U States, one in Maryland, another in Massachusettes. The present duty of 12\u00bd per Cent on all imported articles of glass amount to a considerable encouragement to domestic fabrication those manufactories. If any thing in addition is is judged eligible, the most proper would appear to be a direct bounty on window glass and black bottles. The first recommends itself as an object of general convenience; the last adds to that character, the circumstance of being an important item in distilleries and breweries. \n   Qr. if not well to lay 12\u00bd \u214c C to take effect some time hence\n A complaint is made of some [great] deficiency in this respect.\nGunpowder\nNo small progress has been of late is already made on in the manufacture of this very important article: It may indeed be considered as already established; but its high importance renders its further extension very desireable.\nThe encouragements, which it already enjoys, are a duty of 10 \u214c Cent on the foreign rival article, and an exemption of salt petre one of the principal ingredients, of which it is composed, from duty. A like exemption of a Sulphur, another chief ingredient, stands on similar ground would appeal would appear to be equally proper. No quantity of this article has yet been produced, from internal resources. The use made of it in finishing the bottoms of ships, a manufactory, not secondary to that of is an additional inducement to placing it in the class of free goods.\nA regulation exists between the British Government, and the British East India Company, which lays an obligation on the latter, to importion annually from the Indies, a certain quantity of Salt petre rough or refined, which is taken from them at a determinate price and is understood to have for object the encouragement of the manufacture of Gunpowder. How far it may be eligible to impose a similar obligation may be made as the condition which of any advantages which are or may be granted to the trade between the U States and that quarter of the Globe may not be unworthy of reflection. The United States not having factories established in other parts of the East Indies, such a requisition could reasonably only extend to the Port of Canton.\n   Examine [it is continued qu: the principal of this allowance\u2014]\nA bounty of 4/6 Sterling \u214c hundred pounds has hitherto heretofore been allowed in Great Britain (though its continuance at present is not known) on all home made powder exported from that country. A similar regulation here, if judged otherwise expedient would certainly aid the manufacture.\nThe plan\nRegulations having for object for subjecting the article to for for the a careful inspection of the article would have the like a favourable tendency.\nPaper\nManufactories of paper are among those which are arrived at the greatest maturity in the United States and are most adequate to the requisite national supply. That of Paper Hangings is a branch in which a respectable progress has been made.\nNothing material seems wanting to the further success of this valuable branch; what is already proper protected by a competent duty on similar imported articles.\n   [Qu: what would be the effect of a premium on the Collection of Rags in spreading the habit of doing it\u2014]\nIn the enumeration of the several kinds, which are made subject to that duty, sheathing and cartrige paper have been omitted. These, being the most simple manufactures of the kind sort and necessary to military supply as well as shipbuilding, recommend themselves equally with those of other descriptions, to encouragement, and appear to be as fully within the compass of domestic exertions.\nPrinted books\n   [Qu: is there yet sufficient demand?]\nThe great number of presses, desseminated throughout the Union, seem to afford an assurance, that there is no need of being indebted to foreign countries for the printing of the books which are used in the U States. A duty of ten per Cent instead of five, which is now charged upon the article, would have a tendency to aid the in business internally.\n   Quaere?\nIt occurs, as an objection to this, that it may have an unfavourable aspect towards Literature, by raising the prices of books in universal use in private families and Schools and other seminaries of learning. TheBut the difference it is conceived would be without effect. but the objection, as far as it may be one, is capable of being obviated by a small bounty on all such books printed at home according to some specific enumeration.\nAs to books, which usually fill the libraries of the wealthier classes and of professional men, such an augmentation of prices as might be occasioned by an additional duty of 5 \u214c Cent would be too little felt to be an impediment to the acquisition. and in this, as in other cases, the extension of the domestic manufacture would finally conduce to a greater cheapness of the article.\n   exemption of books imported for seminaries of learning & public libraries\nAnd With regard to books which may be specially imported for the use of particular Seminaries of Learning and of Public libraries, a total exemption from duty would be adviseable, which would alsogo far towards obviating the objection just mentioned. They are now subject to a duty of 5 \u214c Cent.\nAs to the more ordinary kinds of books in most general universal family use the constancy & universality of the demand would ensure exertions to furnish them at home and the means are completely adequate. It may also be expected ultimately in this as in other cases that the extension of the domestic manufacture willwould conduce to the cheapness of the article.\nIt ought not to pass unremarked that to encouragement to the printing of books is to encourage must likewise favour the manufacture of paper.\nOils\n   [Qu: do these three want the aid]\nThese generally are now subject to a duty of 10 \u214c Cent. Those of sea and land animals and of flax seed are among the most plentiful objects of internal supply. It is not perceived that any inconvenience could arise from such an increase of the duty upon them as would have a prohibitory operation: and it would have the advantage of promoting some valuable branches objects branches of national industry.\nSpirits of Turpentine may with propriety by placed under a similar RegimeRegulation.\nRefined Sugars and Chocolate\nAre among the objectsnumber of extensive and prosperous domestic manufactories.\n   Chocolate \u20072 Cents \u214c lb\nDrawbacks of the duties upon the materials, of which they are respectively made in cases of exportation, would have a beneficial influence upon the manufacture, and would conform to a precedent, which has been already furnished, in the instance of molasses, on the exportation of distilled spirits.\nCocoa the raw material now pays a duty of one Cent \u214c lb, while Chocolate, which is a prevailing and very simple manufacture is comprised in the mass of articles rated at 5 \u214c no more than five \u214c Cent.\nThere would appear to be a propriety in placing encouraging the manufacture, by a somewhat higher duty, on its foreign rival, than is paid on the raw material. Two Cents \u214c lb on C imported Chocolate would it is presumed be without inconvenience.\nThe foregoing heads comprise the most important of the several kinds of manufactures, which have occured as requiring, and, at the same time, as most proper for public encouragement: and such measures for affording it, as have appeared best calculated to answer the end, have been suggested.\nThe observations, which have accompanied this delineation of objects, supercede the necessity of many suppementary remarks. One or two however may not be altogether superfluous.\nBounties are in various instances proposed as one species of encouragement.\nIt is a familiar objection to them, that they are difficult to be managed and liable to frauds. But neither that difficulty nor this danger seems sufficiently great to countervail the advantages of which they are productive, when rightly applied. And it is presumed to have been shewn that they are in some cases, particularly in the infancy of new enterprises indispensable inadmissible.\nIt will however be necessary to guard with extraordinary circumspection the manner of dispensing them. The requisite precautions have been thought of, but to enter into the detail would swell this report, already voluminous, to a a size too inconvenient a size.\nIf the principle shall not be deemed inadmissible the means of avoiding an abuse of it will not be likely to present insurmountable obstacles. There are useful good guides from practice in other quarters.\nIt shall therefor only be remarked here in relation to this point, that any bounty, which may be applied to the manufacture of an article, cannot with safety extend beyond those Manufactures, at which the making of the Article is a regular business Trade. Besides other objections It would be impossible to annex adequate precautions to a benefit of that nature if extended to every private family, in which the manufacture was incidentally carried on and its being a merely incidental occupation, which engages a portion of time that would be otherwise be lost, it can be advantageously carried on without any so such special an aid.\nThe Possibility of a diminution of the revenue may also present itself as an objection to the arrangements which have been submitted.\nBut there is no truth which may be more firmly relied upon than that the interests of the Revenue are promoted by whatever promotes an increase of National Industry and Wealth.\nIn proportion to the degree of these, is the capacity of every county to contribute to the Public Treasury; and where the capacity to pay is encreased, or even rather is not decreased, the only consequence of measures, which diminish any particular resource is a change of the object. If by encouraging the Manufacture of an article at home, the revenue which has been wont to accrue from its importation should be lessened, an indemnification can easily be found either out of the manufacture itself, or from some other object which may be deemed more convenient.\nThe measures however which have been submitted, taken aggregately, will for a long time to come rather augment than decrease the public Revenues. There is little room to hope that the progress of manufactures will so equally keep pace with the progress of population as to present, even, a gradual augmentation of the product of the duties on imported articles.\nAs, nevertheless, an abolition in some instances and a reduction in others of the duties which have been pledged for the public debt is proposed it is essential that it should be accompanied with a competent substitute. In order to this, it is requisite, that all the additional duties which shall be laid be appropriated in the first instance, to replace all defalcations which may proceed from any such abolition or diminution. It is evident at first glance that they will not only be only adequate to this, but will yield a considerable surplus.\nThis surplus will serve\u2014\n   [Qr: plan of the Board of trade in Engd\u2014] [board]\nFirst\u2014To constitute a fund for paying the bounties which shall have been decreed.\nSecondly\u2014To constitute a fund for the operations of a Board Society to be established, for promoting Arts, Agriculture, Manufactures and Commerce. Of this institution, different intimations have been given, in the course of this Report. An outline of a plan for it shall now be submitted.\nLet a certain annual sum, be set apart, and placed under the management of Commissioners, not less than three, to consist of certain Officers of the Government and their successors in Office.\nLet these Commissioners be empowered to apply the fund confided to them\u2014to defray the expences of the emigration of Artists and Manufacturers in particular branches of extraordinary importance\u2014to induce the prosecution and introduction of useful discoveries, inventions & improvements by proportionate rewards judiciously held out and applied\u2014to encourage by premiums both Honorable and lucrative the exertions of individuals and of classes in relation to the several objects they are charged with promoting\u2014and to afford such other aids to those objects as may be generally designated by law.\nThe Commissioners to render an annual account of their transactions and disbursements; and all such sums as shall not have been applied to the purposes of their trust at the end of every three years to revert to the Treasury. It may also be enjoined upon them, not to draw out the money, but for the purpose of some specific disbursement.\nIt may moreover be of use to authorise them to receive voluntary contributions; making it their duty to apply them to the particular objects for which they may have been made, if any shall have been designated by the donors.\nThere is reason to believe that the progress of particular manufactures has been much retarded by the want of skilful workmen. And it often happens that the capitals employed are not equal to the purpose of bringing from abroad workmen of a superior kind. Here, in cases worthy of it, the auxiliary agency of Government would in all probability be useful. There are also valuable workmen, in every branch, who are prevented from emigrating solely by the want of means. Occasional aids to such persons properly administered might be a source of valuable aquisitions to the country.\nThe propriety of stimulating by rewards the invention and introduction of useful improvements is admitted without difficulty. But the success of attempts in this way must evidently depend much on the manner of conducting them. It is probable that the placing of the dispensation of those rewards under some proper discretionary direction, where they may be accompanied by collateral expedients, will serve to give them the surest efficacy. It seems impracticable to apportion by general rules specific compensations for discoveries of unknown and disproportionate utility.\nThe great use which may be made of a fund of this nature to procure and import foreign improvements is particularly obvious. Among these the article of machines would form a most important item.\nThe operation and utility of premiums have been adverted to; together with the advantages which have resulted from their dispensation under the direction of certain public and private societies. Of this some experience has been had in the \n   name\n instance of the Pennsylvania Society  but the funds of that association have been too contracted to produce more than a very small portion of the good to which the principles of it would have led. It may confidently be affirmed that there is scarcely any thing, which has been devised, better calculated to excite a general spirit of improvement than the institutions of this nature. They are truly invaluable.\nIn countries where there is great private wealth much may be effected by the voluntary contributions of patriotic individuals; but in a community situated like that of the United States, the public purse must supply the deficiency of private \n   Ascertain if British G does not make grants to a similar society\n resource. In what can it be so useful as in prompting and improving the efforts of industry?\nAll which is humbly submitted", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0001-0007", "content": "Title: Alexander Hamilton\u2019s Final Version of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, [5 December 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, December 5, 1791Communicated on December 5, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the order of ye House of Representatives, of the 15th day of January 1790, has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the subject of Manufactures; and particularly to the means of promoting such as will tend to render the United States, independent on foreign nations, for military and other essential supplies. And he there [upon] respectfully submits the following Report.\nThe expediency of encouraging manufactures in the United States, which was not long since deemed very questionable, appears at this time to be pretty generally admitted. The embarrassments, which have obstructed the progress of our external trade, have led to serious reflections on the necessity of enlarging the sphere of our domestic commerce: the restrictive regulations, which in foreign markets abrige the vent of the increasing surplus of our Agricultural produce, serve to beget an earnest desire, that a more extensive demand for that surplus may be created at home: And the complete success, which has rewarded manufacturing enterprise, in some valuable branches, conspiring with the promising symptoms, which attend some less mature essays, in others, justify a hope, that the obstacles to the growth of this species of industry are less formidable than they were apprehended to be; and that it is not difficult to find, in its further extension; a full indemnification for any external disadvantages, which are or may be experienced, as well as an accession of resources, favourable to national independence and safety.\nThere still are, nevertheless, respectable patrons of opinions, unfriendly to the encouragement of manufactures. The following are, substantially, the arguments, by which these opinions are defended.\n\u201cIn every country (say those who entertain them) Agriculture is the most beneficial and productive object of human industry. This position, generally, if not universally true, applies with peculiar emphasis to the United States, on account of their immense tracts of fertile territory, uninhabited and unimproved. Nothing can afford so advantageous an employment for capital and labour, as the conversion of this extensive wilderness into cultivated farms. Nothing equally with this, can contribute to the population, strength and real riches of the country.\u201d\n\u201cTo endeavor by the extraordinary patronage of Government, to accelerate the growth of manufactures, is in fact, to endeavor, by force and art, to transfer the natural current of industry, from a more, to a less beneficial channel. Whatever has such a tendency must necessarily be unwise. Indeed it can hardly ever be wise in a government, to attempt to give a direction to the industry of its citizens. This under the quicksighted guidance of private interest, will, if left to itself, infallibly find its own way to the most profitable employment: and \u2019tis by such employment, that the public prosperity will be most effectually promoted. To leave industry to itself, therefore, is, in almost every case, the soundest as well as the simplest policy.\u201d\n\u201cThis policy is not only recommended to the United States, by considerations which affect all nations, it is, in a manner, dictated to them by the imperious force of a very peculiar situation. The smallness of their population compared with their territory\u2014the constant allurements to emigration from the settled to the unsettled parts of the country\u2014the facility, with which the less independent condition of an artisan can be exchanged for the more independent condition of a farmer, these and similar causes conspire to produce, and for a length of time must continue to occasion, a scarcity of hands for manufacturing occupation, and dearness of labor generally. To these disadvantages for the prosecution of manufactures, a deficiency of pecuniary capital being added, the prospect of a successful competition with the manufactures of Europe must be regarded as little less than desperate. Extensive manufactures can only be the offspring of a redundant, at least of a full population. Till the latter shall characterise the situation of this country, \u2019tis vain to hope for the former.\u201d\n\u201cIf contrary to the natural course of things, an unseasonable and premature spring can be given to certain fabrics, by heavy duties, prohibitions, bounties, or by other forced expedients; this will only be to sacrifice the interests of the community to those of particular classes. Besides the misdirection of labour, a virtual monopoly will be given to the persons employed on such fabrics; and an enhancement of price, the inevitable consequence of every monopoly, must be defrayed at the expence of the other parts of the society. It is far preferable, that those persons should be engaged in the cultivation of the earth, and that we should procure, in exchange for its productions, the commodities, with which foreigners are able to supply us in greater perfection, and upon better terms.\u201d\nThis mode of reasoning is founded upon facts and principles, which have certainly respectable pretensions. If it had governed the conduct of nations, more generally than it has done, there is room to suppose, that it might have carried them faster to prosperity and greatness, than they have attained, by the pursuit of maxims too widely opposite. Most general theories, however, admit of numerous exceptions, and there are few, if any, of the political kind, which do not blend a considerable portion of error, with the truths they inculcate.\nIn order to an accurate judgement how far that which has been just stated ought to be deemed liable to a similar imputation, it is necessary to advert carefully to the considerations, which plead in favour of manufactures, and which appear to recommend the special and positive encouragement of them; in certain cases, and under certain reasonable limitations.\nIt ought readily to be conceded, that the cultivation of the earth\u2014as the primary and most certain source of national supply\u2014as the immediate and chief source of subsistence to man\u2014as the principal source of those materials which constitute the nutriment of other kinds of labor\u2014as including a state most favourable to the freedom and independence of the human mind\u2014one, perhaps, most conducive to the multiplication of the human species\u2014has intrinsically a strong claim to pre-eminence over every other kind of industry.\nBut, that it has a title to any thing like an exclusive predilection, in any country, ought to be admitted with great caution. That it is even more productive than every other branch of Industry requires more evidence, than has yet been given in support of the position. That its real interests, precious and important as without the help of exaggeration, they truly are, will be advanced, rather than injured by the due encouragement of manufactures, may, it is believed, be satisfactorily demonstrated. And it is also believed that the expediency of such encouragement in a general view may be shewn to be recommended by the most cogent and persuasive motives of national policy.\nIt has been maintained, that Agriculture is, not only, the most productive, but the only productive species of industry. The reality of this suggestion in either aspect, has, however, not been verified by any accurate detail of facts and calculations; and the general arguments, which are adduced to prove it, are rather subtil and paradoxical, than solid or convincing.\nThose which maintain its exclusive productiveness are to this effect.\nLabour, bestowed upon the cultivation of land produces enough, not only to replace all the necessary expences incurred in the business, and to maintain the persons who are employed in it, but to afford together with the ordinary profit on the stock or capital of the Farmer, a nett surplus, or rent for the landlord or proprietor of the soil. But the labor of Artificers does nothing more, than replace the Stock which employs them (or which furnishes materials tools and wages) and yield the ordinary profit upon that Stock. It yields nothing equivalent to the rent of land. Neither does it add any thing to the total value of the whole annual produce of the land and labour of the country. The additional value given to those parts of the produce of land, which are wrought into manufactures, is counterbalanced by the value of those other parts of that produce, which are consumed by the manufacturers. It can therefore only be by saving, or parsimony not by the positive productiveness of their labour, that the classes of Artificers can in any degree augment the revenue of the Society.\nTo this it has been answered\u2014\nI \u2003 \u201cThat inasmuch as it is acknowleged, that manufacturing labour reproduces a value equal to that which is expended or consumed in carrying it on, and continues in existence the original Stock or capital employed\u2014it ought on that account alone, to escape being considered as wholly unproductive: That though it should be admitted, as alleged, that the consumption of the produce of the soil, by the classes of Artificers or Manufacturers, is exactly equal to the value added by their labour to the materials upon which it is exerted; yet it would not thence follow, that it added nothing to the Revenue of the Society, or to the aggregate value of the annual produce of its land and labour. If the consumption for any given period amounted to a given sum and the increased value of the produce manufactured, in the same period, to a like sum, the total amount of the consumption and production during that period, would be equal to the two sums, and consequently double the value of the agricultural produce consumed. And though the increment of value produced by the classes of Artificers should at no time exceed the value of the produce of the land consumed by them, yet there would be at every moment, in consequence of their labour, a greater value of goods in the market than would exist independent of it.\u201d\nII\u2014\u201cThat the position, that Artificers can augment the revenue of a Society, only by parsimony, is true, in no other sense, than in one, which is equally applicable to Husbandmen or Cultivators. It may be alike affirmed of all these classes, that the fund acquired by their labor and destined for their support is not, in an ordinary way, more than equal to it. And hence it will follow, that augmentations of the wealth or capital of the community (except in the instances of some extraordinary dexterity or skill) can only proceed, with respect to any of them, from the savings of the more thrifty and parsimonious.\u201d\nIII\u2014\u201cThat the annual produce of the land and labour of a country can only be encreased, in two ways\u2014by some improvement in the productive powers of the useful labour, which actually exists within it, or by some increase in the quantity of such labour: That with regard to the first, the labour of Artificers being capable of greater subdivision and simplicity of operation, than that of Cultivators, it is susceptible, in a proportionably greater degree, of improvement in its productive powers, whether to be derived from an accession of Skill, or from the application of ingenious machinery; in which particular, therefore, the labour employed in the culture of land can pretend to no advantage over that engaged in manufactures: That with regard to an augmentation of the quantity of useful labour, this, excluding adventitious circumstances, must depend essentially upon an increase of capital, which again must depend upon the savings made out of the revenues of those, who furnish or manage that, which is at any time employed, whether in Agriculture, or in Manufactures, or in any other way.\u201d\nBut while the exclusive productiveness of Agricultural labour has been thus denied and refuted, the superiority of its productiveness has been conceded without hesitation. As this concession involves a point of considerable magnitude, in relation to maxims of public administration, the grounds on which it rests are worthy of a distinct and particular examination.\nOne of the arguments made use of, in support of the idea may be pronounced both quaint and superficial. It amounts to this\u2014That in the productions of the soil, nature co-operates with man; and that the effect of their joint labour must be greater than that of the labour of man alone.\nThis however, is far from being a necessary inference. It is very conceivable, that the labor of man alone laid out upon a work, requiring great skill and art to bring it to perfection, may be more productive, in value, than the labour of nature and man combined, when directed towards more simple operations and objects: And when it is recollected to what an extent the Agency of nature, in the application of the mechanical powers, is made auxiliary to the prosecution of manufactures, the suggestion, which has been noticed, loses even the appearance of plausibility.\nIt might also be observed, with a contrary view, that the labour employed in Agriculture is in a great measure periodical and occasional, depending on seasons, liable to various and long intermissions; while that occupied in many manufactures is constant and regular, extending through the year, embracing in some instances night as well as day. It is also probable, that there are among the cultivators of land more examples of remissness, than among artificers. The farmer, from the peculiar fertility of his land, or some other favorable circumstance, may frequently obtain a livelihood, even with a considerable degree of carelessness in the mode of cultivation; but the artisan can with difficulty effect the same object, without exerting himself pretty equally with all those, who are engaged in the same pursuit. And if it may likewise be assumed as a fact, that manufactures open a wider field to exertions of ingenuity than agriculture, it would not be a strained conjecture, that the labour employed in the former, being at once more constant, more uniform and more ingenious, than that which is employed in the latter, will be found at the same time more productive.\nBut it is not meant to lay stress on observations of this nature\u2014they ought only to serve as a counterbalance to those of a similar complexion. Circumstances so vague and general, as well as so abstract, can afford little instruction in a matter of this kind.\nAnother, and that which seems to be the principal argument offered for the superior productiveness of Agricultural labour, turns upon the allegation, that labour employed in manufactures yields nothing equivalent to the rent of land; or to that nett surplus, as it is called, which accrues to the proprietor of the soil.\nBut this distinction, important as it has been deemed, appears rather verbal than substantial.\nIt is easily discernible, that what in the first instance is divided into two parts under the denominations of the ordinary profit of the Stock of the farmer and rent to the landlord, is in the second instance united under the general appellation of the ordinary profit on the Stock of the Undertaker; and that this formal or verbal distribution constitutes the whole difference in the two cases. It seems to have been overlooked, that the land is itself a Stock or capital, advanced or lent by its owner to the occupier or tenant, and that the rent he receives is only the ordinary profit of a certain Stock in land, not managed by the proprietor himself, but by another to whom he lends or lets it, and who on his part advances a second capital to stock & improve the land, upon which he also receives the usual profit. The rent of the landlord and the profit of the farmer are therefore nothing more than the ordinary profits of two capitals belonging to two different persons, and united in the cultivation of a farm: As in the other case, the surplus which arises upon any manufactory, after replacing the expences of carrying it on, answers to the ordinary profits of one or more capitals engaged in the prosecution of such manufactory. It is said one or more capitals; because in fact, the same thing which is contemplated, in the case of the farm, sometimes happens in that of a manufactory. There is one, who furnishes a part of the capital, or lends a part of the money, by which it is carried on, and another, who carries it on, with the addition of his own capital. Out of the surplus, which remains, after defraying expences, an interest is paid to the money lender for the portion of the capital furnished by him, which exactly agrees with the rent paid to the landlord; and the residue of that surplus constitutes the profit of the undertaker or manufacturer, and agrees with what is denominated the ordinary profits on the Stock of the farmer. Both together make the ordinary profits of two capitals [employed in a manufactory; as in the other case the rent of the landlord and the revenue of the farmer compose the ordinary profits of two Capitals] employed in the cultivation of a farm.\nThe rent therefore accruing to the proprietor of the land, far from being a criterion of exclusive productiveness, as has been argued, is no criterion even of superior productiveness. The question must still be, whether the surplus, after defraying expences, of a given capital, employed in the purchase and improvement of a piece of land, is greater or less, than that of a like capital employed in the prosecution of a manufactory: or whether the whole value produced from a given capital and a given quantity of labour, employed in one way, be greater or less, than the whole value produced from an equal capital and an equal quantity of labour employed in the other way: or rather, perhaps whether the business of Agriculture or that of Manufactures will yield the greatest product, according to a compound ratio of the quantity of the Capital and the quantity of labour, which are employed in the one or in the other.\nThe solution of either of these questions is not easy; it involves numerous and complicated details, depending on an accurate knowlege of the objects to be compared. It is not known that the comparison has ever yet been made upon sufficient data properly ascertained and analised. To be able to make it on the present occasion with satisfactory precision would demand more previous enquiry and investigation, than there has been hitherto either leisure or opportunity to accomplish.\nSome essays however have been made towards acquiring the requisite information; which have rather served to throw doubt upon, than to confirm the Hypothesis, under examination: But it ought to be acknowledged, that they have been too little diversified, and are too imperfect, to authorise a definitive conclusion either way; leading rather to probable conjecture than to certain deduction. They render it probable, that there are various branches of manufactures, in which a given Capital will yield a greater total product, and a considerably greater nett product, than an equal capital invested in the purchase and improvement of lands; and that there are also some branches, in which both the gross and the nett produce will exceed that of Agricultural industry; according to a compound ratio of capital and labour: But it is on this last point, that there appears to be the greatest room for doubt. It is far less difficult to infer generally, that the nett produce of Capital engaged in manufacturing enterprises is greater than that of Capital engaged in Agriculture.\nIn stating these results, the purchase and improvement of lands, under previous cultivation are alone contemplated. The comparison is more in favour of Agriculture, when it is made with reference to the settlement of new and waste lands; but an argument drawn from so temporary a circumstance could have no weight in determining the general question concerning the permanent relative productiveness of the two species of industry. How far it ought to influence the policy of the United States, on the score of particular situation, will be adverted to in another place.\nThe foregoing suggestions are not designed to inculcate an opinion that manufacturing industry is more productive than that of Agriculture. They are intended rather to shew that the reverse of this proposition is not ascertained; that the general arguments which are brought to establish it are not satisfactory; and consequently that a supposition of the superior productiveness of Tillage ought to be no obstacle to listening to any substantial inducements to the encouragement of manufactures, which may be otherwise perceived to exist, through an apprehension, that they may have a tendency to divert labour from a more to a less profitable employment.\nIt is extremely probable, that on a full and accurate devellopment of the matter, on the ground of fact and calculation, it would be discovered that there is no material difference between the aggregate productiveness of the one, and of the other kind of industry; and that the propriety of the encouragements, which may in any case be proposed to be given to either ought to be determined upon considerations irrelative to any comparison of that nature.\nII \u2003 But without contending for the superior productiveness of Manufacturing Industry, it may conduce to a better judgment of the policy, which ought to be pursued respecting its encouragement, to contemplate the subject, under some additional aspects, tending not only to confirm the idea, that this kind of industry has been improperly represented as unproductive in itself; but [to] evince in addition that the establishment and diffusion of manufactures have the effect of rendering the total mass of useful and productive labor in a community, greater than it would otherwise be. In prosecuting this discussion, it may be necessary briefly to resume and review some of the topics, which have been already touched.\nTo affirm, that the labour of the Manufacturer is unproductive, because he consumes as much of the produce of land, as he adds value to the raw materials which he manufactures, is not better founded, than it would be to affirm, that the labour of the farmer, which furnishes materials to the manufacturer, is unproductive, because he consumes an equal value of manufactured articles. Each furnishes a certain portion of the produce of his labor to the other, and each destroys a correspondent portion of the produce of the labour of the other. In the mean time, the maintenance of two Citizens, instead of one, is going on; the State has two members instead of one; and they together consume twice the value of what is produced from the land.\nIf instead of a farmer and artificer, there were a farmer only, he would be under the necessity of devoting a part of his labour to the fabrication of cloathing and other articles, which he would procure of the artificer, in the case of there being such a person; and of course he would be able to devote less labor to the cultivation of his farm; and would draw from it a proportionably less product. The whole quantity of production, in this state of things, in provisions, raw materials and manufactures, would certainly not exceed in value the amount of what would be produced in provisions and raw materials only, if there were an artificer as well as a farmer.\nAgain\u2014if there were both an artificer and a farmer, the latter would be left at liberty to pursue exclusively the cultivation of his farm. A greater quantity of provisions and raw materials would of course be produced\u2014equal at least\u2014as has been already observed, to the whole amount of the provisions, raw materials and manufactures, which would exist on a contrary supposition. The artificer, at the same time would be going on in the production of manufactured commodities; to an amount sufficient not only to repay the farmer, in those commodities, for the provisions and materials which were procured from him, but to furnish the Artificer himself with a supply of similar commodities for his own use. Thus then, there would be two quantities or values in existence, instead of one; and the revenue and consumption would be double in one case, what it would be in the other.\nIf in place of both these suppositions, there were supposed to be two farmers, and no artificer, each of whom applied a part of his labour to the culture of land, and another part to the fabrication of Manufactures\u2014in this case, the portion of the labour of both bestowed upon land would produce the same quantity of provisions and raw materials only, as would be produced by the intire sum of the labour of one applied in the same manner, and the portion of the labour of both bestowed upon manufactures, would produce the same quantity of manufactures only, as would be produced by the intire sum of the labour of one applied in the same manner. Hence the produce of the labour of the two farmers would not be greater than the produce of the labour of the farmer and artificer; and hence, it results, that the labour of the artificer is as possitively productive as that of the farmer, and, as positively, augments the revenue of the Society.\nThe labour of the Artificer replaces to the farmer that portion of his labour, with which he provides the materials of exchange with the Artificer, and which he would otherwise have been compelled to apply to manufactures: and while the Artificer thus enables the farmer to enlarge his stock of Agricultural industry, a portion of which he purchases for his own use, he also supplies himself with the manufactured articles of which he stands in need.\nHe does still more\u2014Besides this equivalent which he gives for the portion of Agricultural labour consumed by him, and this supply of manufactured commodities for his own consumption\u2014he furnishes still a surplus, which compensates for the use of the Capital advanced either by himself or some other person, for carrying on the business. This is the ordinary profit of the Stock employed in the manufactory, and is, in every sense, as effective an addition to the income of the Society, as the rent of land.\nThe produce of the labour of the Artificer consequently, may be regarded as composed of three parts; one by which the provisions for his subsistence and the materials for his work are purchased of the farmer, one by which he supplies himself with manufactured necessaries, and a third which constitutes the profit on the Stock employed. The two last portions seem to have been overlooked in the system, which represents manufacturing industry as barren and unproductive.\nIn the course of the preceding illustrations, the products of equal quantities of the labour of the farmer and artificer have been treated as if equal to each other. But this is not to be understood as intending to assert any such precise equality. It is merely a manner of expression adopted for the sake of simplicity and perspicuity. Whether the value of the produce of the labour of the farmer be somewhat more or less, than that of the artificer, is not material to the main scope of the argument, which hitherto has only aimed at shewing, that the one, as well as the other, occasions a possitive augmentation of the total produce and revenue of the Society.\nIt is now proper to proceed a step further, and to enumerate the principal circumstances, from which it may be inferred\u2014That manufacturing establishments not only occasion a possitive augmentation of the Produce and Revenue of the Society, but that they contribute essentially to rendering them greater than they could possibly be, without such establishments. These circumstances are\u2014\n  The division of Labour.\n  An extension of the use of Machinery.\n  Additional employment to classes of the community not ordinarily engaged in the business.\n  The promoting of emigration from foreign Countries.\n  The furnishing greater scope for the diversity of talents and dispositions which discriminate men from each other.\n6. The affording a more ample and various field for enterprize.\n7. The creating in some instances a new, and securing in all, a more certain and steady demand for the surplus produce of the soil. Each of these circumstances has a considerable influence upon the total mass of industrious effort in a community. Together, they add to it a degree of energy and effect, which are not easily conceived. Some comments upon each of them, in the order in which they have been stated, may serve to explain their importance.\nI. \u2003 As to the Division of Labour.\nIt has justly been observed, that there is scarcely any thing of greater moment in the \u0153conomy of a nation, than the proper division of labour. The seperation of occupations causes each to be carried to a much greater perfection, than it could possible acquire, if they were blended. This arises principally from three circumstances.\n1st\u2014The greater skill and dexterity naturally resulting from a constant and undivided application to a single object. It is evident, that these properties must increase, in proportion to the separation and simplification of objects and the steadiness of the attention devoted to each; and must be less, in proportion to the complication of objects, and the number among which the attention is distracted.\n2nd. The \u0153conomy of time\u2014by avoiding the loss of it, incident to a frequent transition from one operation to another of a different nature. This depends on various circumstances\u2014the transition itself\u2014the orderly disposition of the impliments, machines and materials employed in the operation to be relinquished\u2014the preparatory steps to the commencement of a new one\u2014the interruption of the impulse, which the mind of the workman acquires, from being engaged in a particular operation\u2014the distractions hesitations and reluctances, which attend the passage from one kind of business to another.\n3rd. An extension of the use of Machinery. A man occupied on a single object will have it more in his power, and will be more naturally led to exert his imagination in devising methods to facilitate and abrige labour, than if he were perplexed by a variety of independent and dissimilar operations. Besides this, the fabrication of Machines, in numerous instances, becoming itself a distinct trade, the Artist who follows it, has all the advantages which have been enumerated, for improvement in his particular art; and in both ways the invention and application of machinery are extended.\nAnd from these causes united, the mere separation of the occupation of the cultivator, from that of the Artificer, has the effect of augmenting the productive powers of labour, and with them, the total mass of the produce or revenue of a Country. In this single view of the subject, therefore, the utility of Artificers or Manufacturers, towards promoting an increase of productive industry, is apparent.\nII. \u2003 As to an extension of the use of Machinery a point which though partly anticipated requires to be placed in one or two additional lights.\nThe employment of Machinery forms an item of great importance in the general mass of national industry. \u2019Tis an artificial force brought in aid of the natural force of man; and, to all the purposes of labour, is an increase of hands; an accession of strength, unincumbered too by the expence of maintaining the laborer. May it not therefore be fairly inferred, that those occupations, which give greatest scope to the use of this auxiliary, contribute most to the general Stock of industrious effort, and, in consequence, to the general product of industry?\nIt shall be taken for granted, and the truth of the position referred to observation, that manufacturing pursuits are susceptible in a greater degree of the application of machinery, than those of Agriculture. If so all the difference is lost to a community, which, instead of manufacturing for itself, procures the fabrics requisite to its supply from other Countries. The substitution of foreign for domestic manufactures is a transfer to foreign nations of the advantages accruing from the employment of Machinery, in the modes in which it is capable of being employed, with most utility and to the greatest extent.\nThe Cotton Mill invented in England, within the last twenty years, is a signal illustration of the general proposition, which has been just advanced. In consequence of it, all the different processes for spining Cotton are performed by means of Machines, which are put in motion by water, and attended chiefly by women and Children; [and by a smaller] number of [persons, in the whole, than are] requisite in the ordinary mode of spinning. And it is an advantage of great moment that the operations of this mill continue with convenience, during the night, as well as through the day. The prodigious affect of such a Machine is easily conceived. To this invention is to be attributed essentially the immense progress, which has been so suddenly made in Great Britain in the various fabrics of Cotton.\nIII. \u2003 As to the additional employment of classes of the community, not ordinarily engaged in the particular business.\nThis is not among the least valuable of the means, by which manufacturing institutions contribute to augment the general stock of industry and production. In places where those institutions prevail, besides the persons regularly engaged in them, they afford occasional and extra employment to industrious individuals and families, who are willing to devote the leisure resulting from the intermissions of their ordinary pursuits to collateral labours, as a resource of multiplying their acquisitions or [their] enjoyments. The husbandman himself experiences a new source of profit and support from the encreased industry of his wife and daughters; invited and stimulated by the demands of the neighboring manufactories.\nBesides this advantage of occasional employment to classes having different occupations, there is another of a nature allied to it [and] of a similar tendency. This is\u2014the employment of persons who would otherwise be idle (and in many cases a burthen on the community), either from the byass of temper, habit, infirmity of body, or some other cause, indisposing, or disqualifying them for the toils of the Country. It is worthy of particular remark, that, in general, women and Children are rendered more useful and the latter more early useful by manufacturing establishments, than they would otherwise be. Of the number of persons employed in the Cotton Manufactories of Great Britain, it is computed that 4/7 nearly are women and children; of whom the greatest proportion are children and many of them of a very tender age.\nAnd thus it appears to be one of the attributes of manufactures, and one of no small consequence, to give occasion to the exertion of a greater quantity of Industry, even by the same number of persons, where they happen to prevail, than would exist, if there were no such establishments.\nIV. \u2003 As to the promoting of emigration from foreign Countries. Men reluctantly quit one course of occupation and livelihood for another, unless invited to it by very apparent and proximate advantages. Many, who would go from one country to another, if they had a prospect of continuing with more benefit the callings, to which they have been educated, will often not be tempted to change their situation, by the hope of doing better, in some other way. Manufacturers, who listening to the powerful invitations of a better price for their fabrics, or their labour, of greater cheapness of provisions and raw materials, of an exemption from the chief part of the taxes burthens and restraints, which they endure in the old world, of greater personal independence and consequence, under the operation of a more equal government, and of what is far more precious than mere religious toleration\u2014a perfect equality of religious privileges; would probably flock from Europe to the United States to pursue their own trades or professions, if they were once made sensible of the advantages they would enjoy, and were inspired with an assurance of encouragement and employment, will, with difficulty, be induced to transplant themselves, with a view to becoming Cultivators of Land.\nIf it be true then, that it is the interest of the United States to open every possible [avenue to] emigration from abroad, it affords a weighty argument for the encouragement of manufactures; which for the reasons just assigned, will have the strongest tendency to multiply the inducements to it.\nHere is perceived an important resource, not only for extending the population, and with it the useful and productive labour of the country, but likewise for the prosecution of manufactures, without deducting from the number of hands, which might otherwise be drawn to tillage; and even for the indemnification of Agriculture for such as might happen to be diverted from it. Many, whom Manufacturing views would induce to emigrate, would afterwards yield to the temptations, which the particular situation of this Country holds out to Agricultural pursuits. And while Agriculture would in other respects derive many signal and unmingled advantages, from the growth of manufactures, it is a problem whether it would gain or lose, as to the article of the number of persons employed in carrying it on.\nV. \u2003 As to the furnishing greater scope for the diversity of talents and dispositions, which discriminate men from each other.\nThis is a much more powerful mean of augmenting the fund of national Industry than may at first sight appear. It is a just observation, that minds of the strongest and most active powers for their proper objects fall below mediocrity and labour without effect, if confined to uncongenial pursuits. And it is thence to be inferred, that the results of human exertion may be immensely increased by diversifying its objects. When all the different kinds of industry obtain in a community, each individual can find his proper element, and can call into activity the whole vigour of his nature. And the community is benefitted by the services of its respective members, in the manner, in which each can serve it with most effect.\nIf there be anything in a remark often to be met with\u2014namely that there is, in the genius of the people of this country, a peculiar aptitude for mechanic improvements, it would operate as a forcible reason for giving opportunities to the exercise of that species of talent, by the propagation of manufactures.\nVI. \u2003 As to the affording a more ample and various field for enterprise.\nThis also is of greater consequence in the general scale of national exertion, than might perhaps on a superficial view be supposed, and has effects not altogether dissimilar from those of the circumstance last noticed. To cherish and stimulate the activity of the human mind, by multiplying the objects of enterprise, is not among the least considerable of the expedients, by which the wealth of a nation may be promoted. Even things in themselves not positively advantageous, sometimes become so, by their tendency to provoke exertion. Every new scene, which is opened to the busy nature of man to rouse and exert itself, is the addition of a new energy to the general stock of effort.\nThe spirit of enterprise, useful and prolific as it is, must necessarily be contracted or expanded in proportion to the simplicity or variety of the occupations and productions, which are to be found in a Society. It must be less in a nation of mere cultivators, than in a nation of cultivators and merchants; less in a nation of cultivators and merchants, than in a nation of cultivators, artificers and merchants.\nVII. \u2003 As to the creating, in some instances, a new, and securing in all a more certain and steady demand, for the surplus produce of the soil.\nThis is among the most important of the circumstances which have been indicated. It is a principal mean, by which the establishment of manufactures contributes to an augmentation of the produce or revenue of a country, and has an immediate and direct relation to the prosperity of Agriculture.\nIt is evident, that the exertions of the husbandman will be steady or fluctuating, vigorous or feeble, in proportion to the steadiness or fluctuation, adequateness, or inadequateness of the markets on which he must depend, for the vent of the surplus, which may be produced by his labour; and that such surplus in the ordinary course of things will be greater or less in the same proportion.\nFor the purpose of this vent, a domestic market is greatly to be preferred to a foreign one; because it is in the nature of things, far more to be relied upon.\nIt is a primary object of the policy of nations, to be able to supply themselves with subsistence from their own soils; and manufacturing nations, as far as circumstances permit, endeavor to procure, from the same source, the raw materials necessary for their own fabrics. This disposition, urged by the spirit of monopoly, is sometimes even carried to an injudicious extreme. It seems not always to be recollected, that nations, who have neither mines nor manufactures, can only obtain the manufactured articles, of which they stand in need, by an exchange of the products of their soils; and that, if those who can best furnish them with such articles are unwilling to give a due course to this exchange, they must of necessity make every possible effort to manufacture for themselves, the effect of which is that the manufacturing nations abrige the natural advantages of their situation, through an unwillingness to permit the Agricultural countries to enjoy the advantages of theirs, and sacrifice the interests of a mutually beneficial intercourse to the vain project of selling every thing and buying nothing.\nBut it is also a consequence of the policy, which has been noted, that the foreign demand for the products of Agricultural Countries, is, in a great degree, rather casual and occasional, than certain or constant. To what extent injurious interruptions of the demand for some of the staple commodities of the United States, may have been experienced, from that cause, must be referred to the judgment of those who are engaged in carrying on the commerce of the country; but it may be safely assumed, that such interruptions are at times very inconveniently felt, and that cases not unfrequently occur, in which markets are so confined and restricted, as to render the demand very unequal to the supply.\nIndependently likewise of the artificial impediments, which are created by the policy in question, there are natural causes tending to render the external demand for the surplus of Agricultural nations a precarious reliance. The differences of seasons, in the countries, which are the consumers make immense differences in the produce of their own soils, in different years; and consequently in the degrees of their necessity for foreign supply. Plentiful harvests with them, especially if similar ones occur at the same time in the countries, which are the furnishers, occasion of course a glut in the markets of the latter.\nConsidering how fast and how much the progress of new settlements in the United States must increase the surplus produce of the soil, and weighing seriously the tendency of the system, which prevails among most of the commercial nations of Europe; whatever dependence may be placed on the force of natural circumstances to counteract the effects of an artificial policy; there appear strong reasons to regard the foreign demand for that surplus as too uncertain a reliance, and to desire a substitute for it, in an extensive domestic market.\nTo secure such a market, there is no other expedient, than to promote manufacturing establishments. Manufacturers who constitute the most numerous class, after the Cultivators of land, are for that reason the principal consumers of the surplus of their labour.\nThis idea of an extensive domestic market for the surplus produce of the soil is of the first consequence. It is of all things, that which most effectually conduces to a flourishing state of Agriculture. If the effect of manufactories should be to detatch a portion of the hands, which would otherwise be engaged in Tillage, it might possibly cause a smaller quantity of lands to be under cultivation but by their tendency to procure a more certain demand for the surplus produce of the soil, they would, at the same time, cause the lands which were in cultivation to be better improved and more productive. And while, by their influence, the condition of each individual farmer would be meliorated, the total mass of Agricultural production would probably be increased. For this must evidently depend as much, if not more, upon the degree of improvement; than upon the number of acres under culture.\nIt merits particular observation, that the multiplication of manufactories not only furnishes a Market for those articles, which have been accustomed to be produced in abundance, in a country; but it likewise creates a demand for such as were either unknown or produced in inconsiderable quantities. The bowels as well as the surface of the earth are ransacked for articles which were before neglected. Animals, Plants and Minerals acquire an utility and value, which were before unexplored.\nThe foregoing considerations seem sufficient to establish, as general propositions, That it is the interest of nations to diversify the industrious pursuits of the individuals, who compose them\u2014That the establishment of manufactures is calculated not only to increase the general stock of useful and productive labour; but even to improve the state of Agriculture in particular; certainly to advance the interests of those who are engaged in it. There are other views, that will be hereafter taken of the subject, which, it is conceived, will serve to confirm these inferences.\nIII \u2003 Previously to a further discussion of the objections to the encouragement of manufactures which have been stated, it will be of use to see what can be said, in reference to the particular situation of the United States, against the conclusions appearing to result from what has been already offered.\nIt may be observed, and the idea is of no inconsiderable weight, that however true it might be, that a State, which possessing large tracts of vacant and fertile territory, was at the same time secluded from foreign commerce, would find its interest and the interest of Agriculture, in diverting a part of its population from Tillage to Manufactures; yet it will not follow, that the same is true of a State, which having such vacant and fertile territory, has at the same time ample opportunity of procuring from abroad, on good terms, all the fabrics of which it stands in need, for the supply of its inhabitants. The power of doing this at least secures the great advantage of a division of labour; leaving the farmer free to pursue exclusively the culture of his land, and enabling him to procure with its products the manufactured supplies requisite either to his wants or to his enjoyments. And though it should be true, that in settled countries, the diversification of Industry is conducive to an increase in the productive powers of labour, and to an augmentation of revenue and capital; yet it is scarcely conceivable that there can be any [thing] of so solid and permanent advantage to an uncultivated and unpeopled country as to convert its wastes into cultivated and inhabited districts. If the Revenue, in the mean time, should be less, the Capital, in the event, must be greater.\nTo these observations, the following appears to be a satisfactory answer\u2014\n1. \u2003 If the system of perfect liberty to industry and commerce were the prevailing system of nations\u2014the arguments which dissuade a country in the predicament of the United States, from the zealous pursuits of manufactures would doubtless have great force. It will not be affirmed, that they might not be permitted, with few exceptions, to serve as a rule of national conduct. In such a state of things, each country would have the full benefit of its peculiar advantages to compensate for its deficiencies or disadvantages. If one nation were in condition to supply manufactured articles on better terms than another, that other might find an abundant indemnification in a superior capacity to furnish the produce of the soil. And a free exchange, mutually beneficial, of the commodities which each was able to supply, on the best terms, might be carried on between them, supporting in full vigour the industry of each. And though the circumstances which have been mentioned and others, which will be unfolded hereafter render it probable, that nations merely Agricultural would not enjoy the same degree of opulence, in proportion to their numbers, as those which united manufactures with agriculture; yet the progressive improvement of the lands of the former might, in the end, atone for an inferior degree of opulence in the mean time: and in a case in which opposite considerations are pretty equally balanced, the option ought perhaps always to be, in favour of leaving Industry to its own direction.\nBut the system which has been mentioned, is far from characterising the general policy of Nations. [The prevalent one has been regulated by an opposite spirit.]\nThe consequence of it is, that the United States are to a certain extent in the situation of a country precluded from foreign Commerce. They can indeed, without difficulty obtain from abroad the manufactured supplies, of which they are in want; but they experience numerous and very injurious impediments to the emission and vent of their own commodities. Nor is this the case in reference to a single foreign nation only. The regulations of several countries, with which we have the most extensive intercourse, throw serious obstructions in the way of the principal staples of the United States.\nIn such a position of things, the United States cannot exchange with Europe on equal terms; and the want of reciprocity would render them the victim of a system, which should induce them to confine their views to Agriculture and refrain from Manufactures. A constant and encreasing necessity, on their part, for the commodities of Europe, and only a partial and occasional demand for their own, in return, could not but expose them to a state of impoverishment, compared with the opulence to which their political and natural advantages authorise them to aspire.\nRemarks of this kind are not made in the spirit of complaint. \u2019Tis for the nations, whose regulations are alluded to, to judge for themselves, whether, by aiming at too much they do not lose more than they gain. \u2019Tis for the United States to consider by what means they can render themselves least dependent, on the combinations, right or wrong of foreign policy.\nIt is no small consolation, that already the measures which have embarrassed our Trade, have accelerated internal improvements, which upon the whole have bettered our affairs. To diversify and extend these improvements is the surest and safest method of indemnifying ourselves for any inconveniences, which those or similar measures have a tendency to beget. If Europe will not take from us the products of our soil, upon terms consistent with our interest, the natural remedy is to contract as fast as possible our wants of her.\n2. \u2003 The conversion of their waste into cultivated lands is certainly a point of great moment in the political calculations of the United States. But the degree in which this may possibly be retarded by the encouragement of manufactories does not appear to countervail the powerful inducements to affording that encouragement.\nAn observation made in another place is of a nature to have great influence upon this question. If it cannot be denied, that the interests even of Agriculture may be advanced more by having such of the lands of a state as are occupied under good cultivation, than by having a greater quantity occupied under a much inferior cultivation, and if Manufactories, for the reasons assigned, must be admitted to have a tendency to promote a more steady and vigorous cultivation of the lands occupied than would happen without them\u2014it will follow, that they are capable of indemnifying a country for a diminution of the progress of new settlements; and may serve to increase both the capital [value] and the income of its lands, even though they should abrige the number of acres under Tillage.\nBut it does, by no means, follow, that the progress of new settlements would be retarded by the extension of Manufactures. The desire of being an independent proprietor of land is founded on such strong principles in the human breast, that where the opportunity of becoming so is as great as it is in the United States, the proportion will be small of those, whose situations would otherwise lead to it, who would be diverted from it towards Manufactures. And it is highly probable, as already intimated, that the accessions of foreigners, who originally drawn over by manufacturing views would afterwards abandon them for Agricultural, would be more than equivalent for those of our own Citizens, who might happen to be detached from them.\nThe remaining objections to a particular encouragement of manufactures in the United States now require to be examined.\nOne of these turns on the proposition, that Industry, if left to itself, will naturally find its way to the most useful and profitable employment: whence it is inferred, that manufactures without the aid of government will grow up as soon and as fast, as the natural state of things and the interest of the community may require.\nAgainst the solidity of this hypothesis, in the full latitude of the terms, very cogent reasons may be offered. These have relation to\u2014the strong influence of habit and the spirit of imitation\u2014the fear of want of success in untried enterprises\u2014the intrinsic difficulties incident to first essays towards a competition with those who have previously attained to perfection in the business to be attempted\u2014the bounties premiums and other artificial encouragements, with which foreign nations second the exertions of their own Citizens in the branches, in which they are to be rivalled.\nExperience teaches, that men are often so much governed by what they are accustomed to see and practice, that the simplest and most obvious improvements, in the [most] ordinary occupations, are adopted with hesitation, reluctance and by slow gradations. The spontaneous transition to new pursuits, in a community long habituated to different ones, may be expected to be attended with proportionably greater difficulty. When former occupations ceased to yield a profit adequate to the subsistence of their followers, or when there was an absolute deficiency of employment in them, owing to the superabundance of hands, changes would ensue; but these changes would be likely to be more tardy than might consist with the interest either of individuals or of the Society. In many cases they would not happen, while a bare support could be ensured by an adherence to ancient courses; though a resort to a more profitable employment might be practicable. To produce the desireable changes, as early as may be expedient, may therefore require the incitement and patronage of government.\nThe apprehension of failing in new attempts is perhaps a more serious impediment. There are dispositions apt to be attracted by the mere novelty of an undertaking\u2014but these are not always those best calculated to give it success. To this, it is of importance that the confidence of cautious sagacious capitalists both citizens and foreigners, should be excited. And to inspire this description of persons with confidence, it is essential, that they should be made to see in any project, which is new, and for that reason alone, if, for no other, precarious, the prospect of such a degree of countenance and support from government, as may be capable of overcoming the obstacles, inseperable from first experiments.\nThe superiority antecedently enjoyed by nations, who have preoccupied and perfected a branch of industry, constitutes a more formidable obstacle, than either of those, which have been mentioned, to the introduction of the same branch into a country, in which it did not before exist. To maintain between the recent establishments of one country and the long matured establishments of another country, a competition upon equal terms, both as to quality and price, is in most cases impracticable. The disparity in the one, or in the other, or in both, must necessarily be so considerable as to forbid a successful rivalship, without the extraordinary aid and protection of government.\nBut the greatest obstacle of all to the successful prosecution of a new branch of industry in a country, in which it was before unknown, consists, as far as the instances apply, in the bounties premiums and other aids which are granted, in a variety of cases, by the nations, in which the establishments to be imitated are previously introduced. It is well known (and particular examples in the course of this report will be cited) that certain nations grant bounties on the exportation of particular commodities, to enable their own workmen to undersell and supplant all competitors, in the countries to which those commodities are sent. Hence the undertakers of a new manufacture have to contend not only with the natural disadvantages of a new undertaking, but with the gratuities and remunerations which other governments bestow. To be enabled to contend with success, it is evident, that the interference and aid of their own government are indispensible.\nCombinations by those engaged in a particular branch of business in one country, to frustrate the first efforts to introduce it into another, by temporary sacrifices, recompensed perhaps by extraordinary indemnifications of the government of such country, are believed to have existed, and are not to be regarded as destitute of probability. The existence or assurance of aid from the government of the country, in which the business is to be introduced, may be essential to fortify adventurers against the dread of such combinations, to defeat their effects, if formed and to prevent their being formed, by demonstrating that they must in the end prove fruitless.\nWhatever room there may be for an expectation that the industry of a people, under the direction of private interest, will upon equal terms find out the most beneficial employment for itself, there is none for a reliance, that it will struggle against the force of unequal terms, or will of itself surmount all the adventitious barriers to a successful competition, which may have been erected either by the advantages naturally acquired from practice and previous possession of the ground, or by those which may have sprung from positive regulations and an artificial policy. This general reflection might alone suffice as an answer to the objection under examination; exclusively of the weighty considerations which have been particularly urged.\nThe objections to the pursuit of manufactures in the United States, which next present themselves to discussion, represent an impracticability of success, arising from three causes\u2014scarcity of hands\u2014dearness of labour\u2014want of capital.\nThe two first circumstances are to a certain extent real, and, within due limits, ought to be admitted as obstacles to the success of manufacturing enterprize in the United States. But there are various considerations, which lessen their force, and tend to afford an assurance that they are not sufficient to prevent the advantageous prosecution of many very useful and extensive manufactories.\nWith regard to scarcity of hands, the fact itself must be applied with no small qualification to certain parts of the United States. There are large districts, which may be considered as pretty fully peopled; and which notwithstanding a continual drain for distant settlement, are thickly interspersed with flourishing and increasing towns. If these districts have not already reached the point, at which the complaint of scarcity of hands ceases, they are not remote from it, and are approaching fast towards it: And having perhaps fewer attractions to agriculture, than some other parts of the Union, they exhibit a proportionably stronger tendency towards other kinds of industry. In these districts, may be discerned, no inconsiderable maturity for manufacturing establishments.\nBut there are circumstances, which have been already noticed with another view, that materially diminish every where the effect of a scarcity of hands. These circumstances are\u2014the great use which can be made of women and children; on which point a very pregnant and instructive fact has been mentioned\u2014the vast extension given by late improvements to the employment of Machines, which substituting the Agency of fire and water, has prodigiously lessened the necessity for manual labor\u2014the employment of persons ordinarily engaged in other occupations, during the seasons, or hours of leisure; which, besides giving occasion to the exertion of a greater quantity of labour by the same number of persons, and thereby encreasing the general stock of labour, as has been elsewhere remarked, may also be taken into the calculation, as a resource for obviating the scarcity of hands\u2014lastly the attraction of foreign emigrants. Whoever inspects, with a careful eye, the composition of our towns will be made sensible to what an extent this resource may be relied upon. This exhibits a large proportion of ingenious and valuable workmen, in different arts and trades, who, by expatriating from Europe, have improved their own condition, and added to the industry and wealth of the United States. It is a natural inference from the experience, we have already had, that as soon as the United States shall present the countenance of a serious prosecution of Manufactures\u2014as soon as foreign artists shall be made sensible that the state of things here affords a moral certainty of employment and encouragement\u2014competent numbers of European workmen will transplant themselves, effectually to ensure the success of the design. How indeed can it otherwise happen considering the various and powerful inducements, which the situation of this country offers; addressing themselves to so many strong passions and feelings, to so many general and particular interests?\nIt may be affirmed therefore, in respect to hands for carrying on manufactures, that we shall in a great measure trade upon a foreign Stock; reserving our own, for the cultivation of our lands and the manning of our Ships; as far as character and circumstances [shall] incline. It is not unworthy of remark, that the objection to the success of manufactures, deduced from the scarcity of hands, is alike applicable to Trade and Navigation; and yet these are perceived to flourish, without any sensible impediment from that cause.\nAs to the dearness of labour (another of the obstacles alledged) this has relation principally to two circumstances, one that which has been just discussed, or the scarcity of hands, the other, the greatness of profits.\nAs far as it is a consequence of the scarcity of hands, it is mitigated by all the considerations which have been adduced as lessening that deficiency.\nIt is certain too, that the disparity in this respect, between some of the most manufacturing parts of Europe and a large proportion of the United States, is not nearly so great as is commonly imagined. It is also much less in regard to Artificers and manufacturers than in regard to country labourers; and while a careful comparison shews, that there is, in this particular, much exaggeration; it is also evident that the effect of the degree of disparity, which does truly exist, is diminished in proportion to the use which can be made of machinery.\nTo illustrate this last idea\u2014Let it be supposed, that the difference of price, in two Countries, of a given quantity of manual labour requisite to the fabrication of a given article is as 10; and that some mechanic power is introduced into both countries, which performing half the necessary labour, leaves only half to be done by hand, it is evident, that the difference in the cost of the fabrication of the article in question, in the two countries, as far as it is connected with the price of labour, will be reduced from 10. to 5, in consequence of the introduction of that power.\nThis circumstance is worthy of the most particular attention. It diminishes immensely one of the objections most strenuously urged, against the success of manufactures in the United States.\nTo procure all such machines as are known in any part of Europe, can only require a proper provision and due pains. The knowledge of several of the most important of them is already possessed. The preparation of them here, is in most cases, practicable on nearly equal terms. As far as they depend on Water, some superiority of advantages may be claimed, from the uncommon variety and greater cheapness of situations adapted to Mill seats, with which different parts of the United States abound.\nSo far as the dearness of labour may be a consequence of the greatness of profits in any branch of business, it is no obstacle to its success. The Undertaker can afford to pay the price.\nThere are grounds to conclude that undertakers of Manufactures in this Country can at this time afford to pay higher wages to the workmen they may employ than are paid to similar workmen in Europe. The prices of foreign fabrics, in the markets of the United States, which will for a long time regulate the prices of the domestic ones, may be considered as compounded of the following ingredients\u2014The first cost of materials, including the Taxes, if any, which are paid upon them where they are made: the expence of grounds, buildings machinery and tools: the wages of the persons employed in the manufactory: the profits on the capital or Stock employed: the commissions of Agents to purchase them where they are made; the expence of transportation to the United States [including insurance and other incidental charges;] the taxes or duties, if any [and fees of office] which are paid on their exportation: the taxes or duties [and fees of office] which are paid on their importation.\nAs to the first of these items, the cost of materials, the advantage upon the whole, is at present on the side of the United States, and the difference, in their favor, must increase, in proportion as a certain and extensive domestic demand shall induce the proprietors of land to devote more of their attention to the production of those materials. It ought not to escape observation, in a comparison on this point, that some of the principal manufacturing Countries of Europe are much more dependent on foreign supply for the materials of their manufactures, than would be the United States, who are capable of supplying themselves, with a greater abundance, as well as a greater variety of the requisite materials.\nAs to the second item, the expence of grounds buildings machinery and tools, an equality at least may be assumed; since advantages in some particulars will counterbalance temporary disadvantages in others.\nAs to the third item, or the article of wages, the comparison certainly turns against the United States, though as before observed not in so great a degree as is commonly supposed.\nThe fourth item is alike applicable to the foreign and to the domestic manufacture. It is indeed more properly a result than a particular, to be compared.\nBut with respect to all the remaining items, they are alone applicable to the foreign manufacture, and in the strictest sense extraordinaries; constituting a sum of extra charge on the foreign fabric, which cannot be estimated, at less than [from 15 to 30] \u214c Cent. on the cost of it at the manufactory.\nThis sum of extra charge may confidently be regarded as more than a Counterpoise for the real difference in the price of labour; and is a satisfactory proof that manufactures may prosper in defiance of it in the United States. To the general allegation, connected with the circumstances of scarcity of hands and dearness of labour, that extensive manufactures can only grow out of a redundant or full population, it will be sufficient, to answer generally, that the fact has been otherwise\u2014That the situation alleged to be an essential condition of success, has not been that of several nations, at periods when they had already attained to maturity in a variety of manufactures.\nThe supposed want of Capital for the prosecution of manufactures in the United States is the most indefinite of the objections which are usually opposed to it.\nIt is very difficult to pronounce any thing precise concerning the real extent of the monied capital of a Country, and still more concerning the proportion which it bears to the objects that invite the employment of Capital. It is not less difficult to pronounce how far the effect of any given quantity of money, as capital, or in other words, as a medium for circulating the industry and property of a nation, may be encreased by the very circumstance of the additional motion, which is given to it by new objects of employment. That effect, like the momentum of descending bodies, may not improperly be represented, as in a compound ratio to mass and velocity. It seems pretty certain, that a given sum of money, in a situation, in which the quick impulses of commercial activity were little felt, would appear inadequate to the circulation of as great a quantity of industry and property, as in one, in which their full influence was experienced.\nIt is not obvious, why the same objection might not as well be made to external commerce as to manufactures; since it is manifest that our immense tracts of land occupied and unoccupied are capable of giving employment to more capital than is actually bestowed upon them. It is certain, that the United States offer a vast field for the advantageous employment of Capital; but it does not follow, that there will not be found, in one way or another, a sufficient fund for the successful prosecution of any species of industry which is likely to prove truly beneficial.\nThe following considerations are of a nature to remove all inquietude on the score of want of Capital.\nThe introduction of Banks, as has been shewn on another occasion has a powerful tendency to extend the active Capital of a Country. Experience of the Utility of these Institutions is multiplying them in the United States. It is probable that they will be established wherever they can exist with advantage; and wherever, they can be supported, if administered with prudence, they will add new energies to all pecuniary operations.\nThe aid of foreign Capital may safely, and, with considerable latitude be taken into calculation. Its instrumentality has been long experienced in our external commerce; and it has begun to be felt in various other modes. Not only our funds, but our Agriculture and other internal improvements have been animated by it. It has already in a few instances extended even to our manufactures.\nIt is a well known fact, that there are parts of Europe, which have more Capital, than profitable domestic objects of employment. Hence, among other proofs, the large loans continually furnished to foreign states. And it is equally certain that the capital of other parts may find more profitable employment in the United States, than at home. And notwithstanding there are weighty inducements to prefer the employment of capital at home even at less profit, to an investment of it abroad, though with greater gain, yet these inducements are overruled either by a deficiency of employment or by a very material difference in profit. Both these Causes operate to produce a transfer of foreign capital to the United States. \u2019Tis certain, that various objects in this country hold out advantages, which are with difficulty to be equalled elsewhere; and under the increasingly favorable impressions, which are entertained of our government, the attractions will become more and More strong. These impressions will prove a rich mine of prosperity to the Country, if they are confirmed and strengthened by the progress of our affairs. And to secure this advantage, little more is now necessary, than to foster industry, and cultivate order and tranquility, at home and abroad.\nIt is not impossible, that there may be persons disposed to look with a jealous eye on the introduction of foreign Capital, as if it were an instrument to deprive our own citizens of the profits of our own industry: But perhaps there never could be a more unreasonable jealousy. Instead of being viewed as a rival, it ought to be Considered as a most valuable auxiliary; conducing to put in Motion a greater Quantity of productive labour, and a greater portion of useful enterprise than could exist without it. It is at least evident, that in a Country situated like the United States, with an infinite fund of resources yet to be unfolded, every farthing of foreign capital, which is laid out in internal ameliorations, and in industrious establishments of a permanent nature, is a precious acquisition.\nAnd whatever be the objects which originally attract foreign Capital, when once introduced, it may be directed towards any purpose of beneficial exertion, which is desired. And to detain it among us, there can be no expedient so effectual as to enlarge the sphere, within which it may be usefully employed: Though induced merely with views to speculations in the funds, it may afterwards be rendered subservient to the Interests of Agriculture, Commerce & Manufactures.\nBut the attraction of foreign Capital for the direct purpose of Manufactures ought not to be deemed a chimerial expectation. There are already examples of it, as remarked in another place. And the examples, if the disposition be cultivated can hardly fail to multiply. There are also instances of another kind, which serve to strengthen the expectation. Enterprises for improving the Public Communications, by cutting canals, opening the obstructions in Rivers and erecting bridges, have received very material aid from the same source.\nWhen the Manufacturing Capitalist of Europe shall advert to the many important advantages, which have been intimated, in the Course of this report, he cannot but perceive very powerful inducements to a transfer of himself and his Capital to the United States. Among the reflections, which a most interesting peculiarity of situation is calculated to suggest, it cannot escape his observation, as a circumstance of Moment in the calculation, that the progressive population and improvement of the United States, insure a continually increasing domestic demand for the fabrics which he shall produce, not to be affected by any external casualties or vicissitudes.\nBut while there are Circumstances sufficiently strong to authorise a considerable degree of reliance on the aid of foreign Capital towards the attainment of the object in view, it is satisfactory to have good grounds of assurance, that there are domestic resources of themselves adequate to it. It happens, that there is a species of Capital actually existing within the United States, which relieves from all inquietude on the score of want of Capital\u2014This is the funded Debt.\nThe effect of a funded debt, as a species of Capital, has been Noticed upon a former Occasion; but a more particular elucidation of the point seems to be required by the stress which is here laid upon it. This shall accordingly be attempted.\nPublic Funds answer the purpose of Capital, from the estimation in which they are usually held by Monied men; and consequently from the Ease and dispatch with which they can be turned into money. This capacity of prompt convertibility into money causes a transfer of stock to be in a great number of Cases equivalent to a payment in coin. And where it does not happen to suit the party who is to receive, to accept a transfer of Stock, the party who is to pay, is never at a loss to find elsewhere a purchaser of his Stock, who will furnish him in lieu of it, with the Coin of which he stands in need. Hence in a sound and settled state of the public funds, a man possessed of a sum in them can embrace any scheme of business, which offers, with as much confidence as if he were possessed of an equal sum in Coin.\nThis operation of public funds as capital is too obvious to be denied; but it is objected to the Idea of their operating as an augmentation of the Capital of the community, that they serve to occasion the destruction of some other capital to an equal amount.\nThe Capital which alone they can be supposed to destroy must consist of\u2014The annual revenue, which is applied to the payment of Interest on the debt, and to the gradual redemption of the principal\u2014The amount of the Coin, which is employed in circulating the funds, or, in other words, in effecting the different alienations which they undergo.\nBut the following appears to be the true and accurate view of this matter.\n1st. As to the point of the Annual Revenue requisite for Payment of interest and redemption of principal.\nAs a determinate proportion will tend to perspicuity in the reasoning, let it be supposed that the annual revenue to be applied, corresponding with the modification of the 6 per Cent stock of the United States, is in the ratio of eight upon the hundred, that is in the first instance six on Account of interest, and two on account of Principal.\nThus far it is evident, that the Capital destroyed to the capital created, would bear no greater proportion, than 8 to 100. There would be withdrawn from the total mass of other capitals a sum of eight dollars to be paid to the public creditor; while he would be possessed of a sum of One Hundred dollars, ready to be applied to any purpose, to be embarked in any enterprize, which might appear to him eligible. Here then the Augmentation of Capital, or the excess of that which is produced, beyond that which is destroyed is equal to Ninety two dollars. To this conclusion, it may be objected, that the sum of Eight dollars is to be withdrawn annually, until the whole hundred is extinguished, and it may be inferred, that in process of time a capital will be destroyed equal to that which is at first created.\nBut it is nevertheless true, that during the whole of the interval, between the creation of the Capital of 100 dollars, and its reduction to a sum not greater than that of the annual revenue appropriated to its redemption\u2014there will be a greater active capital in existence than if no debt had been Contracted. The sum drawn from other Capitals in any one year will not exceed eight dollars; but there will be at every instant of time during the whole period, in question a sum corresponding with so much of the principal, as remains unredeemed, in the hands of some person, or other, employed, or ready to be employed in some profitable undertaking. There will therefore constantly be more capital, in capacity to be employed, than capital taken from employment. The excess for the first year has been stated to be Ninety two dollars; it will diminish yearly, but there always will be an excess, until the principal of the debt is brought to a level with the redeeming annuity, that is, in the case which has been assumed by way of example, to eight dollars. The reality of this excess becomes palpable, if it be supposed, as often happens, that the citizen of a foreign Country imports into the United States 100 dollars for the purchase of an equal sum of public debt. Here is an absolute augmentation of the mass of Circulating Coin to the extent of 100 dollars. At the end of a year the foreigner is presumed to draw back eight dollars on account of his Principal and Interest, but he still leaves, Ninety two of his original Deposit in circulation, as he in like manner leaves Eighty four at the end of the second year, drawing back then also the annuity of Eight Dollars: And thus the Matter proceeds; The capital left in circulation diminishing each year, and coming nearer to the level of the annuity drawnback. There are however some differences in the ultimate operation of the part of the debt, which is purchased by foreigners, and that which remains in the hands of citizens. But the general effect in each case, though in different degrees, is to add to the active capital of the Country.\nHitherto the reasoning has proceeded on a concession of the position, that there is a destruction of some other capital, to the extent of the annuity appropriated to the payment of the Interest and the redemption of the principal of the deb\u27e8t\u27e9 but in this, too much has been conceded. There is at most a temp\u27e8orary\u27e9 transfer of some other capital, to the amount of the Annuity, from those who pay to the Creditor who receives; which he again restor\u27e8es\u27e9 to the circulation to resume the offices of a capital. This he does ei\u27e8ther\u27e9 immediately by employing the money in some branch of Industry, or mediately by lending it to some other person, who does so employ \u27e8it\u27e9 or by spending it on his own maintenance. In either sup\u27e8position\u27e9 there is no destruction of capital, there is nothing more \u27e8than a\u27e9 suspension of its motion for a time; that is, while it is \u27e8passing\u27e9 from the hands of those who pay into the Public coffers, & thence \u27e8through\u27e9 the public Creditor into some other Channel of circulation. \u27e8When\u27e9 the payments of interest are periodical and quick and made by instrumentality of Banks the diversion or suspension of capita\u27e8l\u27e9 may almost be denominated momentary. Hence the deduction on this Account is far less, than it at first sight appears to be.\nThere is evidently, as far as regards the annuity no destruction nor transfer of any other Capital, than that por\u27e8tion\u27e9 of the income of each individual, which goes to make up the Annuity. The land which furnishes the Farmer with the s\u27e8um\u27e9 which he is to contribute remains the same; and the like m\u27e8ay\u27e9 be observed of other Capitals. Indeed as far as the Tax, w\u27e8hich\u27e9 is the object of contribution (as frequently happens, when it doe\u27e8s\u27e9 not oppress, by its weight) may have been a Motive to greate\u27e8r\u27e9 exertion in any occupation; it may even serve to encrease the contributory Capital: This idea is not without importanc\u27e8e\u27e9 in the general view of the subject.\nIt remains to see, what further deduction ought to be mad\u27e8e\u27e9 from the capital which is created, by the existence of the Debt; on account of the coin, which is employed in its circulation. This is susceptible of much less precise calculation, than the Article which has been just discussed. It is impossible to say what proportion of coin is necessary to carry on the alienations which any species of property usually undergoes. The quantity indeed varies according to circumstances. But it may still without hesitation be pronounced, from the quickness of the rotation, or rather of the transitions, that the medium of circulation always bears but a small proportion to the amount of the property circulated. And it is thence satisfactorily deducible, that the coin employed in the Negociations of the funds and which serves to give them activity, as capital, is incomparably less than the sum of the debt negotiated for the purposes of business.\nIt ought not, however, to be omitted, that the negotiation of the funds becomes itself a distinct business; which employs, and by employing diverts a portion of the circulating coin from other pursuits. But making due allowance for this circumstance there is no reason to conclude, that the effect of the diversion of coin in the whole operation bears any considerable proportion to the amount of the Capital to which it gives activity. The sum of the debt in circulation is continually at the Command, of any useful enterprise\u2014the coin itself which circulates it, is never more than momentarily suspended from its ordinary functions. It experiences an incessant and rapid flux and reflux to and from the Channels of industry to those of speculations in the funds.\nThere are strong circumstances in confirmation of this Theory. The force of Monied Capital which has been displayed in Great Britain, and the height to which every species of industry has grown up under it, defy a solution from the quantity of coin which that kingdom has ever possessed. Accordingly it has been Coeval with its funding system, the prevailing opinion of the men of business, and of the generality of the most sagacious theorists of that country, that the operation of the public funds as capital has contributed to the effect in question. Among ourselves appearances thus far favour the same Conclusion. Industry in general seems to have been reanimated. There are symptoms indicating an extension of our Commerce. Our navigation has certainly of late had a Considerable spring, and there appears to be in many parts of the Union a command of capital, which till lately, since the revolution at least, was unknown. But it is at the same time to be acknowledged, that other circumstances have concurred, (and in a great degree) in producing the present state of things, and that the appearances are not yet sufficiently decisive, to be intirely relied upon.\nIn the question under discussion, it is important to distinguish between an absolute increase of Capital, or an accession of real wealth, and an artificial increase of Capital, as an engine of business, or as an instrument of industry and Commerce. In the first sense, a funded debt has no pretensions to being deemed an increase of Capital; in the last, it has pretensions which are not easy to be controverted. Of a similar nature is bank credit and in an inferior degree, every species of private credit.\nBut though a funded debt is not in the first instance, an absolute increase of Capital, or an augmentation of real wealth; yet by serving as a New power in the operation of industry, it has within certain bounds a tendency to increase the real wealth of a Community, in like manner as money borrowed by a thrifty farmer, to be laid out in the improvement of his farm may, in the end, add to his Stock of real riches.\nThere are respectable individuals, who from a just aversion to an accumulation of Public debt, are unwilling to concede to it any kind of utility, who can discern no good to alleviate the ill with which they suppose it pregnant; who cannot be persuaded that it ought in any sense to be viewed as an increase of capital lest it should be inferred, that the more debt the more capital, the greater the burthens the greater the blessings of the community.\nBut it interests the public Councils to estimate every object as it truly is; to appreciate how far the good in any measure is compensated by the ill; or the ill by the good, Either of them is seldom unmixed.\nNeither will it follow, that an accumulation of debt is desireable, because a certain degree of it operates as capital. There may be a plethora in the political, as in the Natural body; There may be a state of things in which any such artificial capital is unnecessary. The debt too may be swelled to such a size, as that the greatest part of it may cease to be useful as a Capital, serving only to pamper the dissipation of idle and dissolute individuals: as that the sums required to pay the Interest upon it may become oppressive, and beyond the means, which a government can employ, consistently with its tranquility, to raise them; as that the resources of taxation, to face the debt, may have been strained too far to admit of extensions adequate to exigencies, which regard the public safety.\nWhere this critical point is, cannot be pronounced, but it is impossible to believe, that there is not such a point.\nAnd as the vicissitudes of Nations beget a perpetual tendency to the accumulation of debt, there ought to be in every government a perpetual, anxious and unceasing effort to reduce that, which at any time exists, as fast as shall be practicable consistently with integrity and good faith.\nReasonings on a subject comprehending ideas so abstract and complex, so little reducible to precise calculation as those which enter into the question just discussed, are always attended with a danger of runing into fallacies. Due allowance ought therefore to be made for this possibility. But as far as the Nature of the subject admits of it, there appears to be satisfactory ground for a belief, that the public funds operate as a resource of capital to the Citizens of the United States, and, if they are a resource at all, it is an extensive one.\nTo all the arguments which are brought to evince the impracticability of success in manufacturing establishments in the United States, it might have been a sufficient answer to have referred to the experience of what has been already done. It is certain that several important branches have grown up and flourished with a rapidity which surprises: affording an encouraging assurance of success in future attempts: of these it may not be improper to enumerate the most considerable.\nI of Skins.\nTanned and tawed leather dressed skins, shoes, boots and Slippers, harness and sadlery of all kinds. Portmanteau\u2019s and trunks, leather breeches, gloves, muffs and tippets, parchment and Glue.\nII of Iron\nBarr and Sheet Iron, Steel, Nail-rods & Nails, implem\u27e8ents\u27e9 of husbandry, Stoves, pots and other household utensils, the steel and Iron work of carriages and for Shipbuildin\u27e8g,\u27e9 Anchors, scale beams and Weights & Various tools of Artificers, arms of different kinds; though the manufacture of these last has of late diminished for want of demand.\nIII of Wood\nShips, Cabinet Wares and Turnery, Wool and Cotton ca\u27e8rds\u27e9 and other Machinery for manufactures and husband\u27e8ry,\u27e9 Mathematical instruments, Coopers wares of every kind.\nIV of flax & Hemp.\nCables, sail-cloth, Cordage, twine and packthread.\nV\nBricks and coarse tiles & Potters Wares.\nVI\nArdent Spirits, and malt liquors.\nVII\nWriting and printing Paper, sheathing and wrapping Paper, pasteboards, fillers or press papers, paper hangings.\nVIII\nHats of furr and Wool and of mixtures of both, Womens Stuff and Silk shoes.\nIX\nRefined Sugars.\nX\nOils of Animals and seeds; Soap, Spermaceti and Tallow Candles.\nXI\nCopper and brass wares, particularly utensils for distillers, Sugar refiners and brewers, And\u2014Irons and other Articles for household Use, philosophical apparatus\nXII\nTin Wares, for most purposes of Ordinary use.\nXIII\nCarriages of all kinds\nXIV\nSnuff, chewing & smoaking Tobacco.\nXV\nStarch and Hairpowder.\nXVI\nLampblack and other painters colours,\nXVII\nGunpowder\nBesides manufactories of these articles which are carried on as regular Trades, and have attained to a considerable degree of maturity, there is a vast scene of household manufacturing, which contributes more largely to the supply of the Community, than could be imagined; without having made it an object of particular enquiry. This observation is the pleasing result of the investigation, to which the subject of the report has led, and is applicable as well to the Southern as to the middle and Northern States; great quantities of coarse cloths, coatings, serges, and flannels, linsey Woolseys, hosiery of Wool, cotton & thread, coarse fustians, jeans and Muslins, check\u27e8ed\u27e9 and striped cotton and linen goods, bed ticks, Coverlets and Counterpanes, Tow linens, coarse shirtings, sheetings, toweling and table linen, and various mixtures of wool and cotton, and of Cotton & flax are made in the household way, and in many instances to an extent not only sufficient for the supply of the families in which they are made, but for sale, and (even in some cases) for exportation. It is computed in a number of districts that \u2154\u00be and even 4/5 of all the clothing of the Inhabitants are made by themselves. The importance of so great a progress, as appears to have been made in family Manufactures, within a few years, both in a moral and political view, renders the fact highly interesting.\nNeither does the above enumeration comprehend all the articles, that are manufactured as regular Trades. Many others occur, which are equally well established, but which not being of equal importance have been omitted. And there are many attempts still in their Infancy, which though attended with very favorable appearances, could not have been properly comprized in an enumeration of manufactories, already established. There are other articles also of great importance, which tho\u2019 strictly speaking manufactures are omitted, as being immediately connected with husbandry: such are flour, pot & pearl ash, Pitch, tar, turpentine and the like.\nThere remains to be noticed an objection to the encouragement of manufactures, of a nature different from those which question the probability of success. This is derived from its supposed tendency to give a monopoly of advantages to particula\u27e8r\u27e9 classes at the expence of the rest of the community, who, it is affirmed, would be able to procure the requisite supplies of manufactured articles on better terms from foreigners, than from our own Citizens, and who it is alledged, are reduced to a necessity of paying an enhanced price for whatever they want, by every measure, which obstructs the free competition of foreign commoditi\u27e8es.\u27e9\nIt is not an unreasonable supposition, that measures, which serve to abridge the free competition of foreign Articles, have a tendency to occasion an enhancement of prices and it is not to be denied that such is the effect in a number of Cases; but the fact does not uniformly correspond with the theory. A reduction of prices has in several instances immediately succeeded the establishment of a domestic manufacture. Whether it be that foreign Manufacturers endeavour to suppla\u27e8nt\u27e9 by underselling our own, or whatever else be the cause, the effect has been such as is stated, and the reverse of what mig\u27e8ht\u27e9 have been expected.\nBut though it were true, that the immedi\u27e8ate\u27e9 and certain effect of regulations controuling the competition of foreign with domestic fabrics was an increase of price, it is universally true, that the contrary is the ultimate effect with every successful manufacture. When a domestic manufacture has attained to perfection, and has engaged in the prosecution of it a competent number of Persons, it invariably becomes cheaper. Being free from the heavy charges, which attend the importation of foreign commodities, it can be afforded, and accordingly seldom or never fails to be sold Cheaper, in process of time, than was the foreign Article for which it is a substitute. The internal competition, which takes place, soon does away every thing like Monopoly, and by degrees reduces the price of the Article to the minimum of a reasonable profit on the Capital employed. This accords with the reason of the thing and with experience.\nWhence it follows, that it is the interest of a community with a view to eventual and permanent oeconomy, to encourage the growth of manufactures. In a national view, a temporary enhancement of price must always be well compensated by a permanent reduction of it.\nIt is a reflection, which may with propriety be indulged here, that this eventual diminution of the prices of manufactured Articles; which is the result of internal manufacturing establishments, has a direct and very important tendency to benefit agriculture. It enables the farmer, to procure with a smaller quantity of his labour, the manufactured produce of which he stan\u27e8ds\u27e9 in need, and consequently increases the value of his income and property.\nThe objections which are commonly made to the expediency of encouraging, and to the probability of succeeding in manufacturing pursuits, in the United states, having now been discussed; the Considerations which have appeared in the Course of the discussion, recommending that species of industry to the patronage of the Government, will be materially strengthened by a few general and some particular topics, which have been naturally reserved for subsequent Notice.\nI \u2003 There seems to be a moral certainty, that the trade of a country which is both manufacturing and Agricultural will be more lucrative and prosperous, than that of a Country, which is, merely Agricultural.\nOne reason for this is found in that general effort of nations (which has been already mentioned) to procure from their own soils, the articles of prime necessity requisite to their own consumption and use; and which serves to render their demand for a foreign supply of such articles in a great degree occasional and contingent. Hence, while the necessities of nations exclusively devoted to Agriculture, for the fabrics of manufacturing st\u27e8ates\u27e9 are constant and regular, the wants of the latter for the products of the former, are liable to very considerable fluctuations and interruptions. The great inequalities resulting from difference of seasons, have been elsewhere remarked: This uniformity of deman\u27e8d\u27e9 on one side, and unsteadiness of it, on the other, must necessarily ha\u27e8ve\u27e9 a tendency to cause the general course of the exchange of commodit\u27e8ies\u27e9 between the parties to turn to the disadvantage of the merely agricultural States. Peculiarity of situation, a climate and soil ada\u27e8pted\u27e9 to the production of peculiar commodities, may, sometimes, contradi\u27e8ct\u27e9 the rule; but there is every reason to believe that it will be fou\u27e8nd\u27e9 in the Main, a just one.\nAnother circumstance which gives a superiority of commercial advantages to states, that manufact\u27e8ure\u27e9 as well as cultivate, consists in the more numerous attractions, which a more diversified market offers to foreign Customers, and greater scope, which it affords to mercantile enterprise. It is \u27e8a\u27e9 position of indisputable truth in Commerce, depending too on very obvious reasons, that the greatest resort will ever be to those mar\u27e8ts\u27e9 where commodities, while equally abundant, are most various. Each difference of kind holds out an additional inducement. And it is a position not less clear, that the field of enterprise must be enlarged to the Merchants of a Country, in proportion \u27e8to\u27e9 the variety as well as the abundance of commodities which they find at home for exportation to foreign Markets.\nA third circumstance, perhaps not inferior to either of the other two, conferring the superiority which has been stated has relation to the stagnations of demand for certain commodities which at some time or other interfere more or less with the sale of all. The Nation which can bring to Market, but few articles is likely to be more quickly and sensibly affected by such stagnations, than one, which is always possessed of a great variety of commodities. The former frequently finds too great a proportion of its stock of materials, for sale or exchange, lying on hand\u2014or is obliged to make injurious sacrifices to supply its wants of foreign articles, which are Numerous and urgent, in proportion to the smallness of the number of its own. The latter commonly finds itself indemnified, by the high prices of some articles, for the low prices of others\u2014and the Prompt and advantageous sale of those articles which are in demand enables its merchant the better to wait for a favorable change, in respect to those which are not. There is ground to believe, that a difference of situation, in this particular, has immensely different effec\u27e8ts\u27e9 upon the wealth and prosperity of Nations.\nFrom these circumstances collectively, two important inferences are to be drawn, one, that there is always a higher probability of a favorable balance of Trade, in regard to countries in which manufactures founded on the basis of a thriving Agriculture flourish, than in regard to those, which are confined wholly or almost wholly to Agriculture; the other (which is also a consequence of the first) that countries of the former description are likely to possess more pecuniary wealth, or money, than those of the latter.\nFacts appear to correspond with this conclusion. The importations of manufactured supplies seem invariably to drain the merely Agricultural people of their wealth. Let the situation of the manufacturing countries of Europe be compared in this particular, with that of Countries which only cultivate, and the disparity will be striking. Other causes, it is true, help to Account for this disparity between some of them; and among these causes, the relative state of Agriculture; but between others of them, the most prominent circumstance of dissimilitude arises from the Comparative state of Manufactures. In corroboration of the same idea, it ought not to escape remark, that the West India Islands, the soils of which are the most fertile, and the Nation, which in the greatest degree supplies the rest of the world, with the precious metals, exchange to a loss with almost every other Country.\nAs far as experience at home may guide, it will lead to the same conclusion. Previous to the revolution, the quantity of coin, possessed by the colonies, which now compose the United states, appeared, to be inadequate to their circulation; and their debt to Great-Britain was progressive. Since the Revolution, the States, in which manufactures have most increased, have recovered fastest from the injuries of the late War, and abound most in pecuniary resources.\nIt ought to be admitted, however in this as in the preceding case, that causes irrelative to the state of manufactures account, in a degree, for the Ph\u0153nomena remarked. The continual progress of new settlements has a natural tendency to occasion an unfavorable balance of Trade; though it indemnifies for the inconvenience, by that increase of the national capital which flows from the conversion of waste into improved lands: And the different degrees of external commerce, which are carried on by the different States, may make material differences in the comparative state of their wealth. The first circumstance has reference to the deficien\u27e8cy\u27e9 of coin and the increase of debt previous to the revolution; the last to the advantages which the most manufacturing states appear to have enjoyed, over the others, since the termination of the late War.\nBut the uniform appearance of an abundance of specie, as the concomitant of a flourishing state of manufacture\u27e8s\u27e9 and of the reverse, where they do not prevail, afford a strong presumption of their favourable operation upon the wealth of a Country.\nNot only the wealth; but the independence and security of a Country, appear to be materially connected with the prosperity of manufactures. Every nation, with a view to those great objects, ought to endeavour to possess within itself all the essentials of national supply. These comprise the means of Subsistence habitation clothing and defence.\nThe possession of these is necessary to the perfection of the body politic, to the safety as well as to the welfare of the society; the want of either, is the want of an important organ of political life and Motion; and in the various crises which await a state, it must severely feel the effects of any such deficiency. The extreme embarrassments of the United States during the late War, from an incapacity of supplying themselves, are still matter of keen recollection: A future war might be expected again to exemplify the mischiefs and dangers of a situation, to which that incapacity is still in too great a degree applicable, unless changed by timely and vigorous exertion. To effect this change as fast as shall be prudent, merits all the attention and all the Zeal of our Public Councils; \u2019tis the next great work to be accomplished.\nThe want of a Navy to protect our external commerce, as long as it shall Continue, must render it a peculiarly precarious reliance, for the supply of essential articles, and must serve to strengthen prodigiously the arguments in favour of manufactures.\nTo these general Considerations are added some of a more particular nature.\nOur distance from Europe, the great fountain of manufactured supply, subjects us in the existing state of things, to inconvenience and loss in two Ways.\nThe bulkiness of those commodities which are the chief productions of the soil, necessarily imposes very heavy charges on their transportation, to distant markets. These charges, in the Cases, in which the nations, to whom our products are sent, maintain a Competition in the supply of their own markets, principally fall upon us, and form material deductions from the primitive value of the articles furnished. The charges on manufactured supplies, brought from Europe are greatly enhanced by the same circumstance of distance. These charges, again, in the cases in which our own industry maintains no competition, in our own markets, also principally fall upon us; and are an additional cause of extraordinary deduction from the primitive value of our own products; these bei\u27e8ng\u27e9 the materials of exchange for the foreign fabrics, which we consume.\nThe equality and moderation of individual prope\u27e8rty\u27e9 and the growing settlements of new districts, occasion in this country an unusual demand for coarse manufactures; The charges of which being greater in proportion to their greater bulk augment the disadvantage, which has been just described.\nAs in most countries domestic supplie\u27e8s\u27e9 maintain a very considerable competition with such foreign productions of the soil, as are imported for sale; if the extensive establishment of Manufactories in the United states does not create a similar competition in respect to manufactured articles, it appears to be clearly deducible, from the Considerations which have been mentioned, that they must sustain a double loss in their exchanges with foreign Nations; strongly conducive to an unfavorable balance of Trade, and very prejudicial to their Interests.\nThese disadvantages press with no small weight, on the landed interest of the Country. In seasons of peace, they cause a serious deduction from the intrinsic value of the products of the soil. In the time of a War, which shou\u2019d either involve ourselves, or another nation, possessing a Considerable share of our carrying trade, the charges on the transportation of our commodities, bulky as most of them are, could hardly fail to prove a grievous burthen to the farmer; while obliged to depend in so great degree as he now does, upon foreign markets for the vent of the surplus of his labour.\nAs far as the prosperity of the Fisheries of the United states is impeded by the want of an adequate market, there arises another special reason for desiring the extension of manufactures. Besides the fish, which in many places, would be likely to make a part of the subsistence of the persons employed; it is known that the oils, bones and skins of marine animals, are of extensive use in various manufactures. Hence the prospect of an additional demand for the produce of the Fisheries.\nOne more point of view only remains in which to Consider the expediency of encouraging manufactures in the United states.\nIt is not uncommon to meet with an opin\u27e8ion\u27e9 that though the promoting of manufactures may be the interest of a part of the Union, it is contrary to that of another part. The Northern & southern regions are sometimes represented as having adverse interests in this respect. Those are called Manufacturing, these Agricultural states; and a species of opposition is imagined to subsist between the Manufacturing a\u27e8nd\u27e9 Agricultural interests.\nThis idea of an opposition between those two interests is the common error of the early periods of every country, but experience gradually dissipates it. Indeed they are perceived so often to succour and to befriend each other, that they come at length to be considered as one: a supposition which has been frequently abused and is not universally true. Particular encouragements of particular manufactures may be of a Nature to sacrifice the interests of landholders to those of manufacturers; But it is nevertheless a maxim well established by experience, and generally acknowledged, where there has been sufficient experience, that the aggregate prosperity of manufactures, and the aggregate prosperity of Agriculture are intimately connected. In the Course of the discussion which has had place, various weighty considerations have been adduced operating in support of that maxim. Perhaps the superior steadiness of the demand of a domestic market for the surplus produce of the soil, is alone a convincing argument of its truth.\nIdeas of a contrariety of interests between the Northern and southern regions of the Union, are in the Main as unfounded as they are mischievous. The diversity of Circumstances on which such contrariety is usually predicated, authorises a directly contrary conclusion. Mutual wants constitute one of the strongest links of political connection, and the extent of the\u27e8se\u27e9 bears a natural proportion to the diversity in the means of mutual supply.\nSuggestions of an opposite complexion are ever to be deplored, as unfriendly to the steady pursuit of one great common cause, and to the perfect harmony of all the parts.\nIn proportion as the mind is accustomed to trace the intimate connexion of interest, which subsists between all the parts of a Society united under the same government\u2014the infinite variety of channels which serve to Circulate the prosper\u27e8ity\u27e9 of each to and through the rest\u2014in that proportion will it be little apt to be disturbed by solicitudes and Apprehensions which originate in local discriminations. It is a truth as important as it is agreeable, and one to which it is not easy to imagine exceptions, that every thing tending to establish substantial and permanent order, in the affairs of a Country, to increase the total mass of industry and opulence, is ultimately beneficial to every part of it. On the Credit of this great truth, an acquiescence may safely be accorded, from every quarter, to all institutions & arrangements, which promise a confirmation of public order, and an augmentation of National Resource.\nBut there are more particular considerations which serve to fortify the idea, that the encouragement of manufactures is the interest of all parts of the Union. If the Northern and middle states should be the principal scenes of such establishments, they would immediately benefit the more southern, by creating a demand for productions; some of which they have in common with the other states, and others of which are either peculiar to them, or more abundant, or of better quality, than elsewhere. These productions, principally are Timber, flax, Hemp, Cotton, Wool, raw silk, Indigo, iron, lead, furs, hides, skins and coals. Of these articles Cotton & Indigo are peculiar to the southern states; as are hitherto Lead & Coal. Flax and Hemp are or may be raised in greater abundance there, than in the More Northern states; and the Wool of Virginia is said to be of better quality than that of any other state: a Circumstance rendered the more probable by the reflection that Virginia embraces the same latitudes with the finest Wool Countries of Europe. The Climate of the south is also better adapted to the production of silk.\nThe extensive cultivation of Cotton can perhaps hardly be expected, but from the previous establishment of domestic Manufactories of the Article; and the surest encouragement and vent, for the others, would result from similar establishments in respect to them.\nIf then, it satifactorily appears, that it is the Interest of the United states, generally, to encourage manufactures, it merits particular attention, that there are circumstances, which Render the present a critical moment for entering with Zeal upon the important business. The effort cannot fail to be materially seconded by a considerable and encreasing influx of money, in consequence of foreign speculations in the funds\u2014and by the disorders, which exist in different parts of Europe.\nThe first circumstance not only facilita\u27e8tes\u27e9 the execution of manufacturing enterprises; but it indicates them as a necessary mean to turn the thing itself to advantage, and to prevent its being eventually an evil. If useful employment be not found for the Money of foreigners brought to the country to be invested in purchase\u27e8s\u27e9 of the public debt, it will quickly be reexported to defray the expence of an extraordinary consumption of foreign luxuries; and distressing drains of our specie may hereafter be experienced to pay the interest and redeem the principal of the purchased debt.\nThis useful employment too ought to be of a Nature to produce solid and permanent improvements. If the money merely serves to give a temporary spring to foreign commerce; as it cannot procure new and lasting outlets for the products of the Country; there will be no real or durable advantage gained. As far as it shall find its way in Agricultural ameliorations, in opening canals, and in similar improvements, it will be productive of substantial utility. But there is reason to doubt, whether in such channels it is likely to find sufficient employment, and still more whether many of those who possess it, would be as readily attracted to objects of this nature, as to manufacturing pursuits; which bear greater analogy to those to which they are accustomed, and to the spirit generated by them.\nTo open the one field, as well as the other, will at least secure a better prospect of useful employment, for whatever accession of money, there has been or may be.\nThere is at the present juncture a certain fermentation of mind, a certain activity of speculation and enterprise which if properly directed may be made subservient to useful purposes; but which if left entirely to itself, may be attended with pernicious effects.\nThe disturbed state of Europe, inclining its citizens to emigration, the requisite workmen, will be more easily acquired, than at another time; and the effect of multiplying the opportunities of employment to those who emigrate, may be an increase of the number and extent of valuable acquisitions to the population arts and industry of the Country. To find pleasure in the calamities of other nations, would be criminal; but to benefit ourselves, by opening an asylum to those who suffer, in consequence of them, is as justifiable as it is pol\u27e8itic.\u27e9\nA full view having now been taken of the inducements to the promotion of Manufactures in the United states, accompanied with an examination of the principal objections which are commonly urged in opposition, it is proper in the next place, to consider the means, by which it may be effected, as introductory to a Specification of the objects which in the present state of things appear the most fit to be encouraged, and of the particular measures which it may be adviseable to adopt, in respect to each.\nIn order to a better judgment of the Means proper to be resorted to by the United states, it will be of use to Advert to those which have been employed with success in other Countries. The principal of these are.\nI \u2003 Protecting duties\u2014or duties on those foreign articles which are the rivals of the domestic ones, intended to be encouraged.\nDuties of this Nature evidently amount to a virtual bounty on the domestic fabrics since by enhancing the charges on foreign Articles, they enable the National Manufacturers to undersell all their foreign Competitors. The propriety of this species of encouragement need not be dwelt upon; as it is not only a clear result from the numerous topics which have been suggested, but is sanctioned by the laws of the United states in a variety of instances; it has the additional recommendat\u27e8ion\u27e9 of being a resource of revenue. Indeed all the duties imposed on imported articles, though with an exclusive view to Revenue, have the effect in Contemplation, and except where they fall on raw materials wear a beneficent aspect towards the manufactures of the Country.\nII. \u2003 Prohibitions of rival articles or duties equivalent to prohibitions.\nThis is another and an efficacious mean of encouraging national manufactures, but in general it is only fit to be employed when a manufacture, has made such a progress and is in so many hands as to insure a due competition, and an adequate supply on reasonable terms. Of duties equivalent to prohibitions, there are examples in the Laws of the United States, and there are other Cases to which the principle may be advantageously extended, but they are not numero\u27e8us.\u27e9\nConsidering a monopoly of the domestic market to its own manufacturers as the reigning policy of manufacturing Nations, a similar policy on the part of the United states in every proper instance, is dictated, it might almost be said, by the principles of distributive justice; certainly by the duty of endeavouring to secure to their own Citizens a reciprocity of advantages.\nIII \u2003 Prohibitions of the exportation of the materials of manufactures.\nThe desire of securing a cheap and plentiful supply for the national workmen, and, where the article is either peculiar to the Country, or of peculiar quality there, the jealousy of enabling foreign workmen to rival those of the nation, with its ow\u27e8n\u27e9 Materials, are the leading motives to this species of regulation. \u27e8It\u27e9 ought not to be affirmed, that it is in no instance proper, but it is certainly one which ought to be adopted with great circumspect\u27e8ion\u27e9 and only in very plain Cases. It is seen at once, that its immedi\u27e8ate\u27e9 operation, is to abridge the demand and keep down the price of the produce of some other branch of industry, generally speaking, of Agriculture, to the prejudice of those, who carry it on; and tho\u27e8ough\u27e9 if it be really essential to the prosperity of any very important nati\u27e8onal\u27e9 Manufacture, it may happen that those who are injured in the first instance, may be eventually indemnified, by the superior \u27e8steadiness\u27e9 of an extensive domestic market, depending on that prosperity: yet in a matter, in which there is so much room for nice and difficult combinations, in which such opposite considerations combat each other, prudence seems to dictate, that the expedient in question, ought to be indulged with a sparing hand.\nIV Pecuniary bounties\nThis has been found one of the most efficacious means of encouraging manufactures, and it is in some views, the best. Though it has not yet been practiced upon by the Government of the United states (unless the allowance on the exportation of dried and pickled Fish and salted meat could be considered as a bounty) and though it is less favored by public opinion than some other modes.\nIts advantages, are these\u2014\n1 \u2003 It is a species of encouragement more positive and direct than any other, and for that very reason, has a more immediate tendency to stimulate and uphold new enterprises, increasing the chances of profit, and diminishing the risks of loss, in the first attempts.\n2. \u2003 It avoids the inconvenience of a temporary augmentation of price, which is incident to some other modes, or it produces it to a less degree; either by making no addition to the charges on the rival foreign article, as in the Case of protecting duties, or by making a smaller addition. The first happens when the fund for the bounty is derived from a different object (which may or may not increase the price of some other article, according to the nature of that object) the second, when the fund is derived from the same or a similar object of foreign manufacture. One per cent duty on the foreign article converted into a bounty on the domestic, will have an equal effect with a duty of two per Cent, exclusive of such bounty; and the price of the foreign commodity is liable to be raised, in the one Case, in the proportion of 1 \u214c Cent; in the other, in that of two \u214c Cent. Indeed the bounty when drawn from another source is calculated to promote a reduction of price, because without laying any new charge on the foreign article, it serves to introduce a competition with it, and to increase the total quantity of the article in the Market.\n3 \u2003 Bounties have not like high protecting duties, a tendency to produce scarcity. An increase of price is not always the immediate, though, where the progress of a domestic Manufacture does not counteract a rise, it is commonly the ultimate effect of an additional duty. In the interval, between the laying of the duty and a proportional increase of price, it may discourage importation, by interfering with the profits to be expected from the sale of the article.\n4. \u2003 Bounties are sometimes not only the best, but the only proper expedient, for uniting the encouragement of a new object of agriculture, with that of a new object of manufacture. It is the Interest of the farmer to have the production of the raw material promoted, by counteracting the interference of the foreig\u27e8n\u27e9 material of the same kind. It is the interest of the manufactu\u27e8rer\u27e9 to have the material abundant and cheap. If prior to the domes\u27e8tic\u27e9 production of the Material, in sufficient quantity, to supply the manufacturer on good terms; a duty be laid upon the importation of it from abroad, with a view to promote the raising of it at home, the Interests both of the Farmer and Manufacturer will be disserved. By either destroying the requisite supply, or raising the price of the article, beyond what can be afforded to be given for it, by the Conductor of an infant manufacture, it is abandoned or fails; an\u27e8d\u27e9 there being no domestic manufactories to create a demand for t\u27e8he\u27e9 raw material, which is raised by the farmer, it is in vain, that the Competition of the like foreign article may have been destroy\u27e8ed.\u27e9\nIt cannot escape notice, that a duty upon the importation of \u27e8an\u27e9 article can no otherwise aid the domestic production of it, than giving the latter greater advantages in the home market. It ca\u27e8n\u27e9 have no influence upon the advantageous sale of the article produced, in foreign markets; no tendency, there\u27e8fore\u27e9 to promote its exportation.\nThe true way to conciliate these two interests, is to lay a duty on foreign manufactures of the material, the growth of which is desired to be encouraged, and to apply the produce of that duty by way of bounty, either upon the production of the material itself or upon its manufacture at home or upon both. In this disposition of the thing, the Manufacturer commences his enterprise under every advantage, which is attainable, as to quantity or price, of the raw material: And the Farmer if the bounty be immediately to him, is enabled by it to enter into a successful competition with the foreign material; if the bounty be to the manufacturer on so much of the domestic material as he consumes, the operation is nearly the same; he has a motive of interest to prefer the domestic Commodity, if of equal quality, even at a higher price than the foreign, so long as the difference of price is any thing short of the bounty which is allowed upon the article.\nExcept the simple and ordinary kinds of household Manufactures, or those for which there are very commanding local advantages, pecuniary bounties are in most cases indispensable to the introduction of a new branch. A stimulus and a support not less powerful and direct is generally speaking essential to the overcoming of the obstacles which arise from the Competitions of superior skill and maturity elsewhere. Bounties are especially essential, in regard to articles, upon which those foreigners, who have been accustomed to supply a Country, are in the practice of granting them.\nThe continuance of bounties on manufactures long established must almost always be of questionable policy: Because a presumption would arise in every such Case, that there were natural and inherent impediments to success. But in new undertakings, they are as justifiable, as they are oftentimes necessary.\nThere is a degree of prejudice against bounties from an appearance of giving away the public money, without an immediate consideration, and from a supposition, that they serve to enrich particular classes, at the expence of the Community.\nBut neither of these sources of dislike will bear a serious examination. There is no purpose, to which public money can be more beneficially applied, than to the acquisition of a new and useful branch of industry; no Consideration more valuable than a permanent addition to the general stock of productive labour.\nAs to the second source of objection, it equally lies against other modes of encouragement, which are admitted to be eligible. As often as a duty upon a foreign article makes an addition to its price, it causes an extra expence to the Community, for the benefit of the domestic manufacturer. A bounty does no more: But it is the Interest of the society in each case, to submit to a temporary expence, which is more than compensated, by an increase of industry and Wealth, by an augmentation of resources and independence; & by the circumstance of eventual cheapness, which has been noticed in another place.\nIt would deserve attention, however, in the employment of this species of encouragement in the United states, as a reason for moderating the degree of it in the instances, in which it might be deemed eligible, that the great distance of this country from Europe imposes very heavy charges on all the fabrics which are brought from thence, amounting from [15 to 30] \u214c Cent on their value, according to their bulk.\nA Question has been made concerning the Constitutional right of the Government of the United States to apply this species of encouragement, but there is certainly no good foundation for such a question. The National Legislature has express authority \u201cTo lay and Collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the Common defence and general welfare\u201d with no other qualifications than that \u201call duties, imposts and excises, shall be uniform throughout the United states, that no capitation or other direct tax shall be laid unless in proportion to numbers ascertained by a census or enumeration taken on the principles prescribed in the Constitution, and that \u201cno tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state.\u201d These three qualifications excepted, the power to raise money is plenary, and indefinite; and the objects to which it may be appropriated are no less comprehensive, than the payment of the public debts and the providing for the common defence and \u201cgeneral Welfare.\u201d The terms \u201cgeneral Welfare\u201d were doubtless intended to signify more than was expressed or imported in those which Preceded; otherwise numerous exigencies incident to the affairs of a Nation would have been left without a provision. The phrase is as comprehensive as any that could have been used; because it was not fit that the constitutional authority of the Union, to appropriate its revenues shou\u2019d have been restricted within narrower limits than the \u201cGeneral Welfare\u201d and because this necessarily embraces a vast variety of particulars, which are susceptible neither of specification nor of definition.\nIt is therefore of necessity left to the discretion of the National Legislature, to pronounce, upon the objects, which concern the general Welfare, and for which under that description, an appropriation of money is requisite and proper. And there seems to be no room for a doubt that whatever concerns the general Interests of learning of Agriculture of Manufactures and of Commerce are within the sphere of the national Councils as far as regards an application of Money.\nThe only qualification of the generallity of the Phrase in question, which seems to be admissible, is this\u2014That the object to which an appropriation of money is to be made be General and not local; its operation extending in fact, or by possibility, throughout the Union, and not being confined to a particular spot.\nNo objection ought to arise to this construction from a supposition that it would imply a power to do whatever else should appear to Congress conducive to the General Welfare. A power to appropriate money with this latitude which is granted too in express terms would not carry a power to do any other thing, not authorised in the constitution, either expressly or by fair implication.\nV. Premiums\nThese are of a Nature allied to bounties, though distinguishable from them, in some important features.\nBounties are applicable to the whole quantity of an article produced, or manufactured, or exported, and involve a correspondent expence. Premiums serve to reward some particular excellence or superiority, some extraordinary exertion or skill, and are dispensed on\u27e8ly\u27e9 in a small number of cases. But their effect is to stimulate gener\u27e8al\u27e9 effort. Contrived so as to be both honorary and lucrative, they address themselves to different passions; touching the chords as well of emulation as of Interest. They are accordingly a very economical mean of exciting the enterprise of a Whole Community.\nThere are various Societies in different countries, whose object is the dispensation of Premiums for the encouragemen\u27e8t\u27e9 of Agriculture Arts manufactures and Commerce; and though they are for the most part voluntary associations, with comparatively slender funds, their utility has been immense. Much has been done by this mean in great Britain: Scotland in particular owes materially to it a prodigious amelioration of Condition. From a similar establishment in the United states, supplied and supported by the Government of the Union, vast benefits might reasonably be expected. Some further ideas on this head, shall accordingly be submitted, in the conclusion of this report.\nVI \u2003 The Exemption of the Materials of manufactures from duty.\nThe policy of that Exemption as a general rule, particularly in reference to new Establishments, is obvious. It can hardly ever be adviseable to add the obstructions of fiscal burthens to the difficulties which naturally embarrass a new manufacture; and where it is matured and in condition to become an object of revenue, it is generally speaking better that the fabric, than the Material should be the subject of Taxation. Ideas of proportion between the quantum of the tax and the value of the article, can be more easily adjusted, in the former, than in the latter case. An argument for exemptions of this kind in the United States, is to be derived from the practice, as far as their necessities have permitted, of those nations whom we are to meet as competitors in our own and in foreign Markets.\nThere are however exceptions to it; of which some examples will be given under the next head.\nThe Laws of the Union afford instances of the observance of the policy here recommended, but it will probably be found adviseable to extend it to some other Cases. Of a nature, bearing some affinity to that policy is the regulation which exempts from duty the tools and implements, as well as the books, cloths and household furniture of foreign artists, who come to reside in the United states; an advantage already secured to them by the Laws of the Union, and which, it is, in every view, proper to Continue.\nVII \u2003 Drawbacks of the duties which are imposed on the Materials of Manufactures.\nIt has already been observed as a general rule that duties on those materials, ought with certain exceptions to be foreborne. Of these exceptions, three cases occur, which may serve as examples\u2014one\u2014where the material is itself, an object of general or extensive consumption, and a fit and productive source of revenue: Another, where a manufacture of a simpler kind [the competition of which with a like domestic article is desired to be restrained,] partakes of the Nature of a raw material, from being capable, by a further process to be converted into a manufacture of a different kind, the introduction or growth of which is desired to be encouraged; a third where the Material itself is a production of the Country, and in sufficient abundance to furnish cheap and plentiful supply to the national Manufacturer.\nUnder the first description comes the article of Molasses. It is not only a fair object of revenue; but being a sweet, it is just that the consumers of it should pay a duty as well as the Consumer\u27e8s\u27e9 of sugar.\nCottons and linens in their White state fall under the second description. A duty upon such as are imported is proper to promote the domestic Manufacture of similar articles in the same state. A drawback of that duty is proper to encourage the printing and staining at home of those which are brought from abroad: When the first of these manufac\u27e8tures\u27e9 has attained sufficient maturity in a Country, to furnish a full supply for \u27e8the\u27e9 second, the utility of the drawback ceases.\nThe article of Hemp either now does or may be expected soon to exemplify the third Case, in the United states.\nWhere duties on the materials of manufactures are not laid for the purpose of preventing a competition with some domestic production, the same reasons which recommend, as a general rule, the exemption of those materials from duties, would recommend as a like General rule, the allowance of draw backs, in favor of the manufacturer. Accordingly such drawbacks are familiar in countries which systematically pursue the business of manufactures; which furnishes an argument for the observance of a similar policy in the United states; and the Idea has been adopted by the laws of the Union in the instances of salt and Molasses. It is believed that it will be found advantageous to extend it to some other Articles.\nVIII \u2003 The encouragement of new inventions and discoveries, at home, and of the introduction into the United States of such as may have been made in other countries; particularly those, which relate to machinery.\nThis is among the most useful and unexceptionable of the aids, which can be given to manufactures. The usual means of that encouragement are pecuniary rewards, and, for a time, exclusive privileges. The first must be employed, according to the occasion, and the utility of the invention, or discovery: For the last, so far as respects \u201cauthors and inventors\u201d provision has been made by Law. But it is desireable in regard to improvements and secrets of extraordinary value, to be able to extend the same benefit to Introducers, as well as Authors and Inventors; a policy which has been practiced with advantage in other countries. Here, however, as in some other cases, there is cause to regret, that the competency of the authority of the National Government to the good, which might be done, is not without a question. Many aids might be given to industry; many internal improvements of primary magnitude might be promoted, by an authority operating throughout the Union, which cannot be effected, as well, if at all, by an authority confined within the limits of a single state.\nBut if the legislature of the Union cannot do all the good, that might be wished, it is at least desirable, that all may be done, which is practicable. Means for promoting the introduction of foreign improvements, though less efficaciously than might be accomplished with more adequate authority, will form a part of the plan intended to be submitted in the close of this report.\nIt is customary with manufacturing nations to prohibit, under severe penalties, the exportation of implements and machines, which they have either invented or improved. There are already objects for a similar regulation in the United States; and others may be expected to occur from time to time. The adoption of it seems to be dictated by the principle of reciprocity. Greater liberality, in such respects, might better comport with the general spirit of the country; but a selfish and exclusive policy in other quarters will not always permit the free indulgence of a spirit, which would place us upon an unequal footing. As far as prohibitions tend to prevent foreign competitors from deriving the benefit of the improvements made at home, they tend to increase the advantages of those by whom they may have been introduced; and operate as an encouragement to exertion.\nIX \u2003 Judicious regulations for the inspection of manufactured commodities.\nThis is not among the least important of the means, by which the prosperity of manufactures may be promoted. It is indeed in many cases one of the most essential. Contributing to prevent frauds upon consumers at home and exporters to foreign countries\u2014to improve the quality & preserve the character of the national manufactures, it cannot fail to aid the expeditious and advantageous Sale of them, and to serve as a guard against successful competition from other quarters. The reputation of the flour and lumber of some states, and of the Pot ash of others has been established by an attention to this point. And the like good name might be procured for those articles, wheresoever produced, by a judicious and uniform system of Inspection; throughout the ports of the United States. A like system might also be extended with advantage to other commodities.\nX \u2003 The facilitating of pecuniary remittances from place to place is a point of considerable moment to trade in general, and to manufactures in particular; by rendering more easy the purchase of raw materials and provisions and the payment for manufactured supplies. A general circulation of Bank paper, which is to be expected from the institution lately established will be a most valuable mean to this end. But much good would also accrue from some additional provisions respecting inland bills of exchange. If those drawn in one state payable in another were made negotiable, everywhere, and interest and damages allowed in case of protest, it would greatly promote negotiations between the Citizens of different states, by rendering them more secure; and, with it the convenience and advantage of the Merchants and manufacturers of each.\nXI \u2003 The facilitating of the transportation of commodities.\nImprovements favoring this object intimately concern all the domestic interests of a community; but they may without impropriety be mentioned as having an important relation to manufactures. There is perhaps scarcely any thing, which has been better calculated to assist the manufactures of Great Britain, than the ameliorations of the public roads of that Kingdom, and the great progress which has been of late made in opening canals. Of the former, the United States stand much in need; and for the latter they present uncommon facilities.\nThe symptoms of attention to the improvement of inland Navigation, which have lately appeared in some quarters, must fill with pleasure every breast warmed with a true Zeal for the prosperity of the Country. These examples, it is to be hoped, will stimulate the exertions of the Government and the Citizens of every state. There can certainly be no object, more worthy of the cares of the local administrations; and it were to be wished, that there was no doubt of the power of the national Government to lend its direct aid, on a comprehensive plan. This is one of those improvements, which could be prosecuted with more efficacy by the whole, than by any part or parts of the Union. There are cases in which the general interest will be in danger to be sacrificed to the collission of some supposed local interests. Jealousies, in matters of this kind, are as apt to exist, as they are apt to be erroneous.\nThe following remarks are sufficiently judicious and pertinent to deserve a literal quotation. \u201cGood roads, canals, and navigable rivers, by diminishing the expence of carriage, put the remote parts of a country more nearly upon a level with those in the neighborhood of the town. They are upon that account the greatest of all improvements. They encourage the cultivation of the remote, which must always be the most extensive circle of the country. They are advantageous to the Town by breaking down the monopoly of the country in its neighborhood. They are advantageous even to that part of the Country. Though they introduce some rival commodities into the old Market, they open many new markets to its produce. Monopoly besides is a great enemy to good management, which can never be universally established, but in consequence of that free and universal competition, which forces every body to have recourse to it for the sake of self defence. It is not more than Fifty years ago that some of the countries in the neighborhood of London petitioned the Parliament, against the extension of the turnpike roads, into the remoter counties. Those remoter counties, they pretended, from the cheapness of Labor, would be able to sell their grass and corn cheaper in the London Market, than themselves, and they would thereby reduce their rents and ruin their cultivation. Their rents however have risen and their cultivation has been improved, since that time.\u201d\nSpecimens of a spirit, similar to that which governed the counties here spoken of present themselves too frequently to the eye of an impartial observer, and render it a wish of patriotism, that the body in this Country, in whose councils a local or partial spirit is least likely to predominate, were at liberty to pursue and promote the general interest, in those instances, in which there might be danger of the interference of such a spirit.\nThe foregoing are the principal of the means, by which the growth of manufactures is ordinarily promoted. It is, however, not merely necessary, that the measures of government, which have a direct view to manufactures, should be calculated to assist and protect them, but that those which only collaterally affect them, in the general course of the administration, should be gaurded from any peculiar tendency to injure them.\nThere are certain species of taxes, which are apt to be oppressive to different parts of the community, and among other ill effects have a very unfriendly aspect towards manufactures. All Poll or Capitation taxes are of this nature. They either proceed, according to a fixed rate, which operates unequally, and injuriously to the industrious poor; or they vest a discretion in certain officers, to make estimates and assessments which are necessarily vague, conjectural and liable to abuse. They ought therefore to be abstained from, in all but cases of distressing emergency.\nAll such taxes (including all taxes on occupations) which proceed according to the amount of capital supposed to be employed in a business, or of profits supposed to be made in it are unavoidably hurtful to industry. It is in vain, that the evil may be endeavoured to be mitigated by leaving it, in the first instance, in the option of the party to be taxed, to declare the amount of his capital or profits.\nMen engaged in any trade of business have commonly weighty reasons to avoid disclosures, which would expose, with any thing like accuracy, the real state of their affairs. They most frequently find it better to risk oppression, than to avail themselves of so inconvenient a refuge. And the consequence is, that they often suffer oppression.\nWhen the disclosure too, if made, is not definitive, but controulable by the discretion, or in other words, by the passions & prejudices of the revenue officers, it is not only an ineffectual protection, but the possibility of its being so is an additional reason for not resorting to it.\nAllowing to the public officers the most equitable dispositions; yet where they are to exercise a discretion, without certain data, they cannot fail to be often misled by appearances. The quantity of business, which seems to be going on, is, in a vast number of cases, a very deceitful criterion of the profits which are made; yet it is perhaps the best they can have, and it is the one, on which they will most naturally rely. A business therefore which may rather require aid, from the government, than be in a capacity to be contributory to it, may find itself crushed by the mistaken conjectures of the Assessors of taxes.\nArbitrary taxes, under which denomination are comprised all those, that leave the quantum of the tax to be raised on each person, to the discretion of certain officers, are as contrary to the genius of liberty as to the maxims of industry. In this light, they have been viewed by the most judicious observers on government; who have bestowed upon them the severest epithets of reprobation; as constituting one of the worst features usually to be met with in the practice of despotic governments.\nIt is certain at least, that such taxes are particularly inimical to the success of manufacturing industry, and ought carefully to be avoided by a government, which desires to promote it\nThe great copiousness of the subject of this Report has insensibly led to a more lengthy preliminary discussion, than was originally contemplated, or intended. It appeared proper to investigate principles, to consider objections, and to endeavour to establish the utility of the thing proposed to be encouraged; previous to a specification of the objects which might occur, as meriting or requiring encouragement, and of the measures, which might be proper, in respect to each. The first purpose having been fulfilled, it remains to pursue the second. In the selection of objects, five circumstances seem intitled to particular attention; the capacity of the Country to furnish the raw material\u2014the degree in which the nature of the manufacture admits of a substitute for manual labour in machinery\u2014the facility of execution\u2014the extensiveness of the uses, to which the article can be applied\u2014its subserviency to other interests, particularly the great one of national defence. There are however objects, to which these circumstances are little applicable, which for some special reasons, may have a claim to encouragement.\nA designation of the principal raw material of which each manufacture is composed will serve to introduce the remarks upon it. As, in the first place\u2014\nIron\nThe manufactures of this article are entitled to preeminent rank. None are more essential in their kinds, nor so extensive in their uses. They constitute in whole or in part the implements or the materials or both of almost every useful occupation. Their instrumentality is everywhere conspicuous.\nIt is fortunate for the United States that they have peculiar advantages for deriving the full benefit of this most valuable material, and they have every motive to improve it, with systematic care. It is to be found in various parts of the United States, in great abundance and of almost every quality; and fuel the chief instrument in manufacturing it, is both cheap and plenty. This particularly applies to Charcoal; but there are productive coal mines already in operation, and strong indications, that the material is to be found in abundance, in a variety of other places.\nThe inquiries to which the subject of this report has led have been answered with proofs that manufactories of Iron, though generally understood to be extensive, are far more so than is commonly supposed. The kinds, in which the greatest progress has been made, have been mentioned in another place, and need not be repeated; but there is little doubt that every other kind, with due cultivation, will rapidly succeed. It is worthy of remark that several of the particular trades, of which it is the basis, are capable of being carried on without the aid of large capitals.\nIron works have very greatly increased in the United States and are prosecuted, with much more advantage than formerly. The average price before the revolution was about Sixty four Dollars \u214c. Ton\u2014at present it is about Eighty; a rise which is chiefly to be attributed to the increase of manufactures of the material.\nThe still further extension and multiplication of such manufactures will have the double effect of promoting the extraction of the Metal itself, and of converting it to a greater number of profitable purposes.\nThose manufactures too unite in a greater degree, than almost any others, the several requisities, which have been mentioned, as proper to be consulted in the selection of objects.\nThe only further encouragement of manufactories of this article, the propriety of which may be considered as unquestionable, seems to be an increase of the duties on foreign rival commodities.\nSteel is a branch, which has already made a considerable progress, and it is ascertained that some new enterprizes, on a more extensive scale, have been lately set on foot. The facility of carrying it to an extent, which will supply all internal demands, and furnish a considerable surplus for exportation cannot be doubted. The duty upon the importation of this article, which is at present seventy five cents \u214c Cwt., may it is conceived be safely and advantageously extended to 100 Cents. It is desireable, by decisive arrangements, to second the efforts, which are making in so very valuable a branch.\nThe United States already in a great measure supply themselves with Nails & Spikes. They are able, and ought certainly, to do it intirely. The first and most laborious operation, in this manufacture is performed by water mills; and of the persons afterwards employed a great proportion are boys, whose early habits of industry are of importance to the community, to the present support of their families, and to their own future comfort. It is not less curious than true, that in certain parts of the country, the making of Nails is an occasional family manufacture.\nThe expendiency of an additional duty on these articles is indicated by an important fact. About one million 800,000 pounds of them were imported into the United States in the course of a year ending the 30th. of September 1790. A duty of two Cents \u214c lb would, it is presumeable, speedily put an end to so considerable an importation. And it is in every view proper that an end should be put to it.\nThe manufacture of these articles, like that of some others, suffers from the carelessness and dishonesty of a part of those who carry it on. An inspection in certain cases might tend to correct the evil. It will deserve consideration whether a regulation of this sort cannot be applied, without inconvenience, to the exportation of the articles either to foreign countries, or from one state to another.\nThe implements of husbandry are made in several States in great abundance. In many places it is done by the common blacksmiths. And there is no doubt that an ample supply for the whole country can with great ease be procured among ourselves.\nVarious kinds of edged tools for the use of Mechanics are also made; and a considerable quantity of hollow wares; though the business of castings has not yet attained the perfection which might be wished. It is however improving, and as there are respectable capitals in good hands, embarked in the prosecution of those branches of iron manufactories, which are yet in their infancy, they may all be contemplated as objects not difficult to be acquired.\nTo ensure the end, it seems equally safe and prudent to extend the duty ad valorem upon all manufactures of Iron, or of which iron is the article of chief value, to ten per Cent.\nFire arms and other military weapons may it is conceived, be placed without inconvenience in the class of articles rated at 15 \u214c. Cent. There are already manufactories of these articles, which only require the stimulus of a certain demand to render them adequate to the supply of the United States.\nIt would also be a material aid to manufactories of this nature, as well as a mean of public security, if provision should be made for an annual purchase of military weapons, of home manufacture to a certain determinate extent, in order to the formation of Arsenals; and to replace from time to time such as should be withdrawn for use, so as always to have in store the quantity of each kind, which should be deemed a competent supply.\nBut it may hereafter deserve legislative consideration, whether manufactories of all the necessary weapons of war ought not to be established, on account of the Government itself. Such establishments are agreeable to the usual practice of Nations and that practice seems founded on sufficient reason.\nThere appears to be an improvidence, in leaving these essential instruments of national defence to the casual speculations of individual adventure; a resource which can less be relied upon, in this case than in most others; the articles in question not being objects of ordinary and indispensable private consumption or use. As a general rule, manufactories on the immediate account of Government are to be avoided; but this seems to be one of the few exceptions, which that rule admits, depending on very special reasons.\nManufactures of Steel, generally, or of which steel is the article of chief value, may with advantage be placed in the class of goods rated at 7\u00bd per Cent. As manufactures of this kind have not yet made any considerable progress, it is a reason for not rating them as high as those of iron; but as this material is the basis of them, and as their extension is not less practicable, than important, it is desireable to promote it by a somewhat higher duty than the present.\nA question arises, how far it might be expedient to permit the importation of iron in pigs and bars free from duty. It would certainly be favourable to manufactures of the article; but the doubt is whether it might not interfere with its production.\nTwo circumstances, however, abate if they do not remove apprehension, on this score; one is, the considerable increase of price, which has been already remarked, and which renders it probable, that the free admission of foreign iron would not be inconsistent with an adequate profit to the proprietors of Iron Works; the other is, the augmentation of demand, which would be likely to attend the increase of manufactures of the article, in consequence of the additional encouragements proposed to be given. But caution nevertheless in a matter of this kind is most adviseable. The measure suggested ought perhaps rather to be contemplated, subject to the lights of further experience, than immediately adopted.\nCopper\nThe manufactures of which this article is susceptible are also of great extent and utility. Under this description, those of brass, of which it is the principal ingreedient, are intended to be included.\nThe material is a natural production of the Country. Mines of Copper have actually been wrought, and with profit to the undertakers, though it is not known, that any are now in this condition. And nothing is easier, than the introduction of it, from other countries, on moderate terms, and in great plenty.\nCoppersmiths and brass founders, particularly the former, are numerous in the United States; some of whom carry on business to a respectable extent.\nTo multiply and extend manufactories of the materials in question is worthy of attention and effort. In order to this, it is desireable to facilitate a plentiful supply of the materials. And a proper mean to this end is to place them in the class of free articles. Copper in plates and brass are already in this predicament, but copper in pigs and bars is not\u2014neither is lapis calaminaris, which together with copper and charcoal, constitute the component ingredients of brass. The exemption from duty, by parity of reason, ought to embrace all such of these articles, as are objects of importation. An additional duty, on brass wares, will tend to the general end in view. These now stand at 5 \u214c. Cent, while those of tin, pewter and copper are rated at 7\u00bd. There appears to be a propriety in every view in placing brass wares upon the same level with them; and it merits consideration whether the duty upon all of them ought not to be raised to 10 \u214c. Cent.\nLead\nThere are numerous proofs, that this material abounds in the United States, and requires little to unfold it to an extent, more than equal to every domestic occasion. A prolific mine of it has long been open in the South Western parts of Virginia, and under a public administration, during the late war, yielded a considerable supply for military use. This is now in the hands of individuals, who not only carry it on with spirit; but have established manufactories of it, at Richmond, in the same State.\nThe duties, already laid upon the importation of this article, either in its unmanufactured, or manufactured state, ensure it a decisive advantage in the home market\u2014which amounts to considerable encouragement. If the duty on pewter wares should be raised it would afford a further encouragement. Nothing else occurs as proper to be added.\nFossil Coal\nThis, as an important instrument of manufactures, may without impropriety be mentioned among the subjects of this Report.\nA copious supply of it would be of great consequence to the iron branch: As an article of household fuel also it is an interesting production; the utility of which must increase in proportion to the decrease of wood, by the progress of settlement and cultivation. And its importance to navigation, as an immense article of transportation coastwise, is signally exemplified in Great Britain.\nIt is known, that there are several coal mines in Virginia, now worked; and appearances of their existence are familiar in a number of places.\nThe expediency of a bounty on all the species of coal of home production, and of premiums, on the opening of new mines, under certain qualifications, appears to be worthy of particular examination. The great importance of the article will amply justify a reasonable expence in this way, if it shall appear to be necessary to and shall be thought it likely to answer the end.\nWood\nSeveral manufactures of this article flourish in the United States. Ships are no where built in greater perfection, and cabinet wares, generally, are made little if at all inferior to those of Europe. Their extent is such as to have admitted of considerable exportation.\nAn exemption from duty of the several kinds of wood ordinarily used in these manufactures seems to be all, that is requisite, by way of encouragement. It is recommended by the consideration of a similar policy being pursued in other countries, and by the expediency of giving equal advantages to our own workmen in wood. The abundance of Timber proper for ship building in the United States does not appear to be any objection to it. The increasing scarcity and the growing importance of that article, in the European countries, admonish the United States to commence, and systematically to pursue, measures for the preservation of their stock. Whatever may promote the regular establishment of Magazines of Ship Timber is in various views desireable.\nSkins\nThere are scarcely any manufactories of greater importance, than of this article. Their direct and very happy influence upon Agriculture, by promoting the raising of Cattle of different kinds, is a very material recommendation.\nIt is pleasing too, to observe the extensive progress they have made in their principal branches; which are so far matured as almost to defy foreign competition. Tanneries in particular are not only carried on as a regular business, in numerous instances and in various parts of the Country; but they constitute in some places a valuable item of incidental family manufactures.\nRepresentations however have been made, importing the expediency of further encouragement to the Leather-Branch in two ways\u2014one by increasing the duty on the manufactures of it, which are imported\u2014the other by prohibiting the exportation of bark. In support of the latter it is alleged that the price of bark, chiefly in consequence of large exportations, has risen within a few years from [about three Dollars to four dollars and a half per cord.]\nThese suggestions are submitted rather as intimations, which merit consideration, than as matters, the propriety of which is manifest. It is not clear, that an increase of duty is necessary: and in regard to the prohibition desired, there is no evidence of any considerable exportation hitherto; and it is most probable, that whatever augmentation of price may have taken place, is to be attributed to an extension of the home demand from the increase of manufactures, and to a decrease of the supply in consequence of the progress of Settlement; rather than to the quantities which have been exported.\nIt is mentioned however, as an additional reason for the prohibition, that one species of the bark usually exported is in some sort peculiar to the country, and the material of a very valuable dye, of great use in some other manufactures, in which the United States have begun a competition.\nThere may also be this argument in favor of an increase of duty. The object is of importance enough to claim decisive encouragement and the progress, which has been made, leaves no room to apprehend any inconvenience on the score of supply from such an increase.\nIt would be of benefit to this branch, if glue which is now rated at 5 perCent, were made the object of an excluding duty. It is already made in large quantities at various tanneries; and like paper, is an entire \u0153conomy of materials, which if not manufactured would be left to perish. It may be placed with advantage in the class of articles paying 15 perCent.\nGrain\nManufactures of the several species of this article have a title to peculiar favor; not only because they are most of them immediately connected with the subsistence of the citizens; but because they enlarge the demand for the most precious products of the soil.\nThough flour may with propriety be noticed as a manufacture of Grain, it were useless to do it, but for the purpose of submitting the expediency of a general system of inspection, throughout the ports of the United states; which, if established upon proper principles, would be likely to improve the quality of our flour every where, and to raise its reputation in foreign markets. There are however considerations which stand in the way of such an arrangement.\nArdent spirits and malt liquors are, next to flour, the two principal manufactures of Grain. The first has made a very extensive, the last a considerable progress in the United States. In respect to both, an exclusive possession of the home market ought to be secured to the domestic manufacturers; as fast as circumstances will admit. Nothing is more practicable & nothing more desireable.\nThe existing laws of the United States have done much towards attaining this valuable object; but some additions to the present duties, on foreign distilled spirits, and foreign malt liquors, and perhaps an abatement of those on home made spirits, would more effectually secure it; and there does not occur any very weighty objection to either.\nAn augmentation of the duties on imported spirits would favour, as well the distillation of Spirits from molasses, as that from Grain. And to secure to the nation the benefit of the manufacture, even of foreign materials, is always of great, though perhaps of secondary importance.\nA strong impression prevails in the minds of those concerned in distilleries (including too the most candid and enlightened) that greater differences in the rates of duty on foreign and domestic spirits are necessary, completely to secure the successful manufacture of the latter; and there are facts which entitle this impression to attention.\nIt is known, that the price of molasses for some years past, has been successively rising in the West India Markets, owing partly to a competition, which did not formerly exist, and partly to an extension of demand in this country; and it is evident, that the late disturbances in those Islands, from which we draw our principal supply, must so far interfere with the production of the article, as to occasion a material enhancement of price. The destruction and devastation attendant on the insurrection in Hispaniola, in particular, must not only contribute very much to that effect, but may be expected to give it some duration. These circumstances, and the duty of three cents per Gallon on molasses, may render it difficult for the distillers of that material to maintain with adequate profit a competition, with the rum brought from the West Indies, the quality of which is so considerably superior.\nThe consumption of Geneva or Gin in this country is extensive. It is not long since distilleries of it have grown up among us, to any importance. They are now becoming of consequence, but being still in their infancy, they require protection.\nIt is represented, that the price of some of the materials is greater here, than in Holland, from which place large quantities are brought, the price of labour considerably greater, the capitals engaged in the business there much larger, than those which are employed here, the rate of profits, at which the Undertakers can afford to carry it on, much less\u2014the prejudices, in favor of imported Gin, strong. These circumstances are alleged to outweigh the charges, which attend the bringing of the Article, from Europe to the United states and the present difference of duty, so as to obstruct the prosecution of the manufacture, with due advantage.\nExperiment could perhaps alone decide with certainty the justness of the suggestions, which are made; but in relation to branches of manufacture so important, it would seem inexpedient to hazard an unfavourable issue, and better to err on the side of too great, than of too small a difference, in the particular in question.\nIt is therefore submitted, that an addition of two cents per Gallon be made to the duty on imported spirits of the first class of proof, with a proportionable increase on those of higher proof; and that a deduction of one cent per Gallon be made from the duty on spirits distilled within the United states, beginning with the first class of proof, and a proportionable deduction from the duty on those of higher proof.\nIt is ascertained, that by far the greatest part of the malt liquors consumed in the United States are the produce of domestic breweries. It is desireable, and, in all likelihood, attainable, that the whole consumption should be supplied by ourselves.\nThe malt liquors, made at home, though inferior to the best are equal to a great part of those, which have been usually imported. The progress already made is an earnest of what may be accomplished. The growing competition is an assurance of improvement. This will be accelerated by measures, tending to invite a greater capital into this channel of employment.\nTo render the encouragement to domestic breweries decisive, it may be adviseable to substitute to the present rates of duty eight cents per gallon generally; and it will deserve to be considered as a gaurd against evasions, whether there ought not to be a prohibition of their importation, except in casks of considerable capacity. It is to be hoped, that such a duty would banish from the market, foreign malt liquors of inferior quality; and that the best kind only would continue to be imported till it should be supplanted, by the efforts of equal skill or care at home.\nTill that period, the importation so qualified would be an useful stimulous to improvement: And in the mean time, the payment of the increased price, for the enjoyment of a luxury, in order to the encouragement of a most useful branch of domestic industry, could not reasonably be deemed a hardship.\nAs a further aid to the manufactures of grain, though upon a smaller scale, the articles of Starch, hair powder and wafers, may with great propriety be placed among those, which are rated at 15 perCent. No manufactures are more simple, nor more completely within the reach of a full supply, from domestic sources, and it is a policy, as common as it is obvious, to make them the objects either of prohibitory duties, or of express prohibition.\nFlax and Hemp\nManufactures of these articles have so much affinity to each other, and they are so often blended, that they may with advantage be considered in conjunction. The importance of the linnin branch to agriculture\u2014its precious effects upon household industry\u2014the ease, with which the materials can be produced at home to any requisite extent\u2014the great advances, which have been already made, in the coarser fabricks of them, especially in the family way, constitute claims, of peculiar force, to the patronage of government.\nThis patronage may be afforded in various ways; by promoting the growth of the materials; by increasing the impediments to an advantageous competition of rival foreign articles; by direct bounties or premiums upon the home manufacture.\nFirst. \u2003 As to promoting the growth of the materials.\nIn respect to hemp, something has been already done by the high duty upon foreign hemp. If the facilities for domestic production were not unusually great, the policy of the duty, on the foreign raw material, would be highly questionable, as interfering with the growth of manufactures of it. But making the proper allowances for those facilities, and with an eye to the future and natural progress, of the country, the measure does not appear, upon the whole, exceptionable. A strong wish naturally suggests itself, that some method could be devised of affording a more direct encouragement to the growth both of flax and hemp; such as would be effectual, and at the same time not attended with too great inconveniences. To this end, bounties and premiums offer themselves to consideration; but no modification of them has yet occurred, which would not either hazard too much expence, or operate unequally in reference to the circumstances of different parts of the Union; and which would not be attended with very great difficulties in the execution.\nSecondly\u2014\nAs to encreasing the impediments to an advantageous competition of rival foreign articles.\nTo this purpose, an augmentation of the duties on importation is the obvious expedient; which, in regard to certain articles, appears to be recommended by sufficient reasons.\nThe principal of these articles is Sail cloth; one intimately connected with navigation and defence; and of which a flourishing manufactory is established at Boston and very promising ones at several other places.\nIt is presumed to be both safe and adviseable to place this in the class of articles rated at 10 Per cent. A strong reason for it results from the consideration that a bounty of two pence sterling per ell is allowed, in Great Britain, upon the exportation of the sail cloth manufactured in that Kingdom.\nIt would likewise appear to be good policy to raise the duty to 7\u00bd perCent on the following articles. Drillings, Osnaburghs, Ticklenburghs, Dowlas, Canvas, Brown Rolls, Bagging, and upon all other linnens the first cost of which at the place of exportation does not exceed 35 cents per yard. A bounty of 12\u00bd \u214c Cent, upon an average on the exportation of such or similar linens from Great-Britain encourages the manufacture of them in that country and increases the obstacles to a successful competition in the countries to which they are sent.\nThe quantities of tow and other household linnens manufactured in different parts of the United States and the expectations, which are derived from some late experiments, of being able to extend the use of labour-saving machines, in the coarser fabrics of linnen, obviate the danger of inconvenience, from an increase of the duty upon such articles, and authorize a hope of speedy and complete success to the endeavours, which may be used for procuring an internal supply.\nThirdly. As to direct bounties, or premiums upon the manufactured articles.\nTo afford more effectual encouragement to the manufacture, and at the same time to promote the cheapness of the article for the benefit of navigation, it will be of great use to allow a bounty of two Cents \u214c yard on all Sail Cloth, which is made in the United States from materials of their own growth. This would also assist the Culture of those materials. An encouragement of this kind if adopted ought to be established for a moderate term of years, to invite to new undertakings and to an extension of the old. This is an article of importance enough to warrant the employment of extraordinary means in its favor.\nCotton\nThere is something in the texture of this material, which adapts it in a peculiar degree to the application of Machines. The signal Utility of the mill for spinning of cotton, not long since invented in England, has been noticed in another place; but there are other machines scarcely inferior in utility which, in the different manufactories of this article are employed either exclusively, or with more than ordinary effect. This very important circumstance recommends the fabricks of cotton, in a more particular manner, to a country in which a defect of hands constitutes the greatest obstacle to success.\nThe variety and extent of the uses to which the manufactures of this article are applicable is another powerful argument in their favor.\nAnd the faculty of the United States to produce the raw material in abundance, & of a quality, which though alledged to be inferior to some that is produced in other quarters, is nevertheles capable of being used with advantage, in many fabrics, and is probably susceptible of being carried, by a more experienced culture, to much greater perfection\u2014suggests an additional and a very cogent inducement to the vigorous pursuit of the cotton branch, in its several subdivisions.\nHow much has been already done has been stated in a preceding part of this report.\nIn addition to this, it may be announced, that a society is forming with a capital which is expected to be extended to at least half a million of dollars; on behalf of which measures are already in train for prosecuting on a large scale, the making and printing of cotton goods.\nThese circumstances conspire to indicate the expediency of removing any obstructions, which may happen to exist, to the advantageous prosecution of the manufactories in question, and of adding such encouragements, as may appear necessary and proper.\nThe present duty of three cents \u214c lb. on the foreign raw material, is undoubtedly a very serious impediment to the progress of those manufactories.\nThe injurious tendency of similar duties either prior to the establishment, or in the infancy of the domestic manufacture of the article, as it regards the manufacture, and their worse than inutility, in relation to the home production of the material itself, have been anticipated particularly in discussing the subject of pecuniary bounties.\nCotton has not the same pretensions, with hemp, to form an exception to the general rule.\nNot being, like hemp an universal production of the Country it affords less assurance of an adequate internal supply; but the chief objection arises from the doubts; which are entertained concerning the quality of the national cotton. It is alledged, that the fibre of it is considerably shorter and weaker, than that of some other places; and it has been observed as a general rule, that the nearer the place of growth to the Equator, the better the quality of the cotton. That which comes from Cayenne, Surrinam and Demarara is said to be preferable, even at a material difference of price, to the Cotton of the Islands.\nWhile a hope may reasonably be indulged, that with due care and attention the national cotton may be made to approach nearer than it now does to that of regions, somewhat more favored by climate; and while facts authorize an opinion, that very great use may be made of it, and that it is a resource which gives greater security to the cotton fabrics of this country, than can be enjoyed by any which depends wholly on external supply it will certainly be wise, in every view, to let our infant manufactures have the full benefit of the best materials on the cheapest terms.\nIt is obvious that the necessity of having such materials is proportioned to the unskilfulness and inexperience of the workmen employed, who if inexpert, will not fail to commit great waste, where the materials they are to work with are of an indifferent kind.\nTo secure to the national manufactures so essential an advantage, a repeal of the present duty on imported cotton is indispensible.\nA substitute for this, far more encouraging to domestic production, will be to grant a bounty on the national cotton, when wrought at a home manufactory; to which a bounty on the exportation of it may be added. Either or both would do much more towards promoting the growth of the article, than the merely nominal encouragement, which it is proposed to abolish. The first would also have a direct influence in encouraging the manufacture.\nThe bounty which has been mentioned as existing in Great Britain, upon the exportation of coarse linnens not exceeding a certain value, applies also to certain discriptions of cotton goods of similar value.\nThis furnishes an additional argument for allowing to the national manufacturers the species of encouragement just suggested, and indeed for adding some other aid.\nOne cent per yard, not less than of a given width, on all goods of cotton, or of cotton and linnen mixed, which are manufactured in the United States; with the addition of one cent \u214c lb weight of the material; if made of national cotton; would amount to an aid of considerable importance, both to the production and to the manufacture of that valuable article. And it is conceived, that the expence would be well justified by the magnitude of the object.\nThe printing and staining of cotton goods is known to be a distinct business from the fabrication of them. It is one easily accomplished and which, as it adds materially to the value of the article in its white state, and prepares it for a variety of new uses, is of importance to be promoted.\nAs imported cottons, equally with those which are made at home, may be the objects of this manufacture, it will merit consideration, whether the whole, or a part of the duty, on the white goods, ought not to be allowed to be drawn back in favor of those, who print or stain them. This measure would certainly operate as a powerful encouragement to the business; and though it may in a degree counteract the original fabrication of the articles it would probably more than compensate for this disadvantage, in the rapid growth of a collateral branch, which is of a nature sooner to attain to maturity. When a sufficient progress shall have been made, the drawback may be abrogated; and by that time the domestic supply of the articles to be printed or stained will have been extended.\nIf the duty of 7\u00bd \u214c. Cent on certain kinds of cotton goods were extended to all goods of cotton, or of which it is the principal material, it would probably more than counterbalance the effect of the drawback proposed, in relation to the fabrication of the article. And no material objection occurs to such an extension. The duty then considering all the circumstances which attend goods of this description could not be deemed inconveniently high; and it may be inferred from various causes that the prices of them would still continue moderate.\nManufactories of cotton goods, not long since established at Beverly, in Massachusetts, and at Providence in the state of Rhode Island and conducted with a perseverence corresponding with the patriotic motives which began them, seem to have overcome the first obstacles to success; producing corduroys, velverets, fustians, jeans, and other similar articles of a quality, which will bear a comparison with the like articles brought from Manchester. The one at Providence has the merit of being the first in introducing [into the United States] the celebrated cotton mill; which not only furnishes materials for that manufactory itself, but for the supply of private families for household manufacture.\nOther manufactories of the same material; as regular businesses, have also been begun at different places in the state of Connecticut, but all upon a smaller scale, than those above mentioned. Some essays are also making in the printing and staining of cotton goods. There are several small establishments of this kind already on foot\nWool.\nIn a country, the climate of which partakes of so considerable a proportion of winter, as that of a great part of the United States, the woolen branch cannot be regarded, as inferior to any, which relates to the cloathing of the inhabitants.\nHousehold manufactures of this material are carried on, in different parts of the United States, to a very interesting extent; but there is only one branch, which, as a regular business, can be said to have acquired maturity. This is the making of hats.\nHats of wool, and of wool mixed with furr, are made in large quantities, in different States; & nothing seems wanting, but an adequate supply of materials, to render the manufacture commensurate with the demand.\nA promising essay, towards the fabrication of cloths, cassimires and other woolen goods, is likewise going on at Hartford in Connecticut. Specimens of the different kinds which are made, in the possession of the Secretary, evince that these fabrics have attained a very considerable degree of perfection. Their quality certainly surpasses anything, that could have been looked for, in so short a time, and under so great disadvantages; and conspires with the scantiness of the means, which have been at the command of the directors, to form the eulogium of that public spirit, perseverance and judgment, which have been able to accomplish so much.\nTo cherish and bring to maturity this precious embryo must engage the most ardent wishes\u2014and proportionable regret, as far as the means of doing it may appear difficult or uncertain.\nMeasures, which should tend to promote an abundant supply of wool, of good quality, would probably afford the most efficacious aid, that present circumstances permit.\nTo encourage the raising and improving the breed of sheep, at home, would certainly be the most desireable expedient, for that purpose; but it may not be alone sufficient, especially as it is yet a problem, whether our wool be capable of such a degree of improvement, as to render it fit for the finer fabrics.\nPremiums would probably be found the best means of promoting the domestic, and bounties the foreign supply. The first may be within the compass of the institution hereafter to be submitted\u2014The last would require a specific legislative provision. If any bounties are granted they ought of course to be adjusted with an eye to quality, as well as quantity.\nA fund for the purpose may be derived from the addition of 2\u00bd per Cent, to the present rate of duty, on Carpets and Carpeting; an increase, to which the nature of the Articles suggests no objection, and which may at the same time furnish a motive the more to the fabrication of them at home; towards which some beginnings have been made.\nSilk.\nThe production of this Article is attended with great facility in most parts of the United States, Some pleasing essays are making in Connecticut, as well towards that, as towards the Manufacture of what is produced. Stockings, Handkerchiefs Ribbons & Buttons are made though as yet but in small quantities.\nA Manufactory of Lace upon a scale not very extensive has been long memorable at Ipswich in the State of Massachusetts.\nAn exemption of the material from the duty, which it now pays on importation, and premiums upon the production, to be dispensed under the direction of the Institution before alluded to, seem to be the only species of encouragement adviseable at so early a stage of the thing.\nGlass\nThe Materials for making Glass are found every where. In the United States there is no deficiency of them. The sands and Stones called Tarso, which include flinty and chrystalline substances generally, and the Salts of various plants, particularly of the Sea Weed Kali or Kelp constitute the essential ingredients. An extraordinary abundance of Fuel is a particular advantage enjoyed by this Country for such manufactures. They, however, require large Capitals and involve much manual labour.\nDifferent manufactories of Glass are now on foot in the United States. The present duty of 12\u00bd per Cent on all imported articles of glass amount to a considerable encouragement to those Manufactories. If any thing in addition is judged eligible, the most proper would appear to be a direct bounty, on Window Glass and black Bottles.\nThe first recommends itself as an object of general convenience; the last adds to that character, the circumstance of being an important item in breweries. A Complaint is made of great deficiency in this respect.\nGun Powder\nNo small progress has been of late made in the manufacture of this very important article: It may indeed be considered as already established; but its high importance renders its further extension very desireable.\nThe encouragements, which it already enjoys, are a duty of 10 per Cent on the foreign rival article, and an exemption of Salt petre one of the principal ingredients of which it is composed, from duty. A like exemption of Sulphur, another chief ingredient, would appear to be equally proper. No quantity of this Article has yet been produced, from internal sources. The use made of it in finishing the bottoms of Ships, is an additional inducement to placing it in the class of free goods. Regulations for the careful inspection of the article would have a favourable tendency.\nPaper\nManufactories of paper are among those which are Arrived at the greatest maturity in the United States, and are most adequate to national supply. That of paper hangings is a branch, in which respectable progress has been made.\nNothing material seems wanting to the further success of this valuable branch which is already protected by a competent duty on similar imported Articles.\nIn the enumeration of the several kinds, made subject to that duty, Sheathing and Cartridge paper have been omitted. These, being the most simple manufactures of the sort, and necessary to military supply, as well as Ship building, recommend themselves equally with those of other descriptions, to encouragement, and appear to be as fully within the compass of domestic exertions.\nPrinted books\nThe great number of presses disseminated throughout the Union, seem to afford an assurance, that there is no need of being indebted to foreign Countries for the printing of the Books, which are used in the United States. A duty of ten per Cent instead of five, which is now charged upon the Article, would have a tendency to aid the business internally.\nIt occurs, as an objection to this, that it may have an unfavourable aspect towards literature, by raising the prices of Books in universal use in private families Schools and other Seminaries of learning. But the difference it is conceived would be without effect.\nAs to Books which usually fill the Libraries of the wealthier classes and of professional Men, such an Augmentation of prices, as might be occasioned by an additional duty of five per Cent would be too little felt to be an impediment to the acquisition.\nAnd with regard to books which may be specially imported for the use of particular seminaries of learning, and of public libraries, a total exemption from duty would be adviseable, which would go far towards obviating the objection just mentioned. They are now subject to a duty of 5 \u214c Cent.\nAs to the books in most general family use, the constancy and universality of the demand would insure exertions to furnish them at home and the means are compleatly adequate. It may also be expected ultimately, in this as in other cases, that the extension of the domestic manufacture would conduce to the cheapness of the article.\nIt ought not to pass unremarked, that to encourage the printing of books is to encourage the manufacture of paper.\nRefined Sugars and Chocolate.\nAre among the number of extensive and prosperous domestic manufactures.\nDrawbacks of the duties upon the materials, of which they are respectively made, in cases of exportation, would have a beneficial influence upon the manufacture, and would conform to a precedent, which has been already furnished, in the instance of molasses, on the exportation of distilled spirits.\nCocoa the raw material now pays a duty of one cent \u214c lb., while chocolate which is a prevailing and very simple manufacture, is comprised in the mass of articles rated at no more than five \u214c Cent.\nThere would appear to be a propriety in encouraging the manufacture, by a somewhat higher duty, on its foreign rival, than is paid on the raw material. Two cents \u214c lb. on imported chocolate would, it is presumed, be without inconvenience.\nThe foregoing heads comprise the most important of the several kinds of manufactures, which have occurred as requiring, and, at the same time, as most proper for public encouragement; and such measures for affording it, as have appeared best calculated to answer the end, have been suggested.\nThe observations, which have accompanied this delineation of objects, supercede the necessity of many supplementary remarks. One or two however may not be altogether superfluous.\nBounties are in various instances proposed as one species of encouragement.\nIt is a familiar objection to them, that they are difficult to be managed and liable to frauds. But neither that difficulty nor this danger seems sufficiently great to countervail the advantages of which they are productive, when rightly applied. And it is presumed to have been shewn, that they are in some cases, particularly in the infancy of new enterprises indispensable.\nIt will however be necessary to guard, with extraordinary circumspection, the manner of dispensing them. The requisite precautions have been thought of; but to enter into the detail would swell this report, already voluminous, to a size too inconvenient.\nIf the principle shall not be deemed inadmissible the means of avoiding an abuse of it will not be likely to present insurmountable obstacles. There are useful guides from practice in other quarters.\nIt shall therefore only be remarked here, in relation to this point, that any bounty, which may be applied to the manufacture of an article, cannot with safety extend beyond those manufactories, at which the making of the article is a regular trade.\nIt would be impossible to annex adequate precautions to a benefit of that nature, if extended to every private family, in which the manufacture was incidentally carried on, and its being a merely incidental occupation which engages a portion of time that would otherwise be lost, it can be advantageously carried on, without so special an aid.\nThe possibility of a diminution of the revenue may also present itself, as an objection to the arrangements, which have been submitted.\nBut there is no truth, which may be more firmly relied upon, than that the interests of the revennue are promoted, by whatever promotes an increase of National industry and wealth.\nIn proportion to the degree of these, is the capacity of every country to contribute to the public Treasury; and where the capacity to pay is increased, or even is not decreased, the only consequence of measures, which diminish any particular resource is a change of the object. If by encouraging the manufacture of an article at home, the revenue, which has been wont to accrue from its importation, should be lessened, an indemnification can easily be found, either out of the manufacture itself, or from some other object, which may be deemed more convenient.\nThe measures however, which have been submitted, taken aggregately, will for a long time to come rather augment than decrease the public revenue.\nThere is little room to hope, that the progress of manufactures, will so equally keep pace with the progress of population, as to prevent, even, a gradual augmentation of the product of the duties on imported articles.\nAs, nevertheless, an abolition in some instances, and a reduction in others of duties, which have been pledged for the public debt, is proposed, it is essential, that it should be accompanied with a competent substitute. In order to this, it is requisite, that all the additional duties which shall be laid, be appropriated in the first instance, to replace all defalcations, which may proceed from any such abolition or diminution. It is evident, at first glance, that they will not only be adequate to this, but will yield a considerable surplus.\nThis surplus will serve.\nFirst. To constitute a fund for paying the bounties which shall have been decreed.\nSecondly. To constitute a fund for the operations of a Board, to be established, for promoting Arts, Agriculture, Manufactures and Commerce. Of this institution, different intimations have been given, in the course of this report. An outline of a plan for it shall now be submitted.\nLet a certain annual sum, be set apart, and placed under the management of Commissioners, not less than three, to consist of certain Officers of the Government and their Successors in Office.\nLet these Commissioners be empowered to apply the fund confided to them\u2014to defray the expences of the emigration of Artists, and Manufacturers in particular branches of extraordinary importance\u2014to induce the prosecution and introduction of useful discoveries, inventions and improvements, by proportionate rewards, judiciously held out and applied\u2014to encourage by premiums both honorable and lucrative the exertions of individuals, And of classes, in relation to the several objects, they are charged with promoting\u2014and to afford such other aids to those objects, as may be generally designated by law.\nThe Commissioners to render [to the Legislature] an annual account of their transactions and disbursments; and all such sums as shall not have been applied to the purposes of their trust, at the end of every three years, to revert to the Treasury. It may also be enjoined upon them, not to draw out the money, but for the purpose of some specific disbursment.\nIt may moreover be of use, to authorize them to receive voluntary contributions; making it their duty to apply them to the particular objects for which they may have been made, if any shall have been designated by the donors.\nThere is reason to believe, that the progress of particular manufactures has been much retarded by the want of skilful workmen. And it often happens that the capitals employed are not equal to the purposes of bringing from abroad workmen of a superior kind. Here, in cases worthy of it, the auxiliary agency of Government would in all probability be useful. There are also valuable workmen, in every branch, who are prevented from emigrating solely by the want of means. Occasional aids to such persons properly administered might be a source of valuable acquisitions to the country.\nThe propriety of stimulating by rewards, the invention and introduction of useful improvements, is admitted without difficulty. But the success of attempts in this way must evidently depend much on the manner of conducting them. It is probable, that the placing of the dispensation of those rewards under some proper discretionary direction, where they may be accompanied by collateral expedients, will serve to give them the surest efficacy. It seems impracticable to apportion, by general rules, specific compensations for discoveries of unknown and disproportionate utility.\nThe great use which may be made of a fund of this nature to procure and import foreign improvements is particularly obvious. Among these, the article of machines would form a most important item.\nThe operation and utility of premiums have been adverted to; together with the advantages which have resulted from their dispensation, under the direction of certain public and private societies. Of this some experience has been had in the instance of the Pennsylvania society, [for the Promotion of Manufactures and useful Arts;] but the funds of that association have been too contracted to produce more than a very small portion of the good to which the principles of it would have led. It may confidently be affirmed that there is scarcely any thing, which has been devised, better calculated to excite a general spirit of improvement than the institutions of this nature. They are truly invaluable.\nIn countries where there is great private wealth much may be effected by the voluntary contributions of patriotic individuals, but in a community situated like that of the United States, the public purse must supply the deficiency of private resource. In what can it be so useful as in prompting and improving the efforts of industry?\nAll which is humbly submitted\n[Alexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0002", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 5 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentDecember 5. 1791\nSir\nIf the Supervisor of the District of Maryland should apply to you for four hundred Dollars, you will advance him that sum, which he will repay to you out of the duties on Spirits distilled within his district as soon as a sufficient sum shall be received. You will nevertheless take duplicate receipts and transmit one to the Treasury.\nThe state of the business does not permit that this sum should be brought into your account as Collector. It will appear therefore in your returns as a part of the Cash in hand; but the fact will be properly noted here and finally regulated so as either to end in a credit or reimbursement.\nI am, Sir,\u2003 Your Most Obed Servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nOtho H Williams Esqr.Collector, Baltimore.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0003", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 5 December 1791\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nT. DC. Off Decr. 5th. 1791\nSir,\nI have considered the application of Benjamin Bourne Esq. for the renewal of certain Certificates and Warrants for transfering funded Stock alledged to have been lost and am of opinion that the following rules should be adopted.\nThat in case a transfer Certificate is lost, before the Treasury Warrant has been issued, the claimant or some person having knowledge thereof should in the first instance make an Affidavit before some proper authority, of the circumstances attending the loss, which Affidavit being produced to the Officer who issued said transfer Certificate, should require & justify him in issuing a special Certificate descriptive of the Certificate so alledged to have been lost.\nThat when, as in the case stated by Mr. Bourne, a transfer Certificate, with the Treasury Warrant annexed, is lost before a Credit is obtained at the Office to which the transfer was directed; an affidavit of the loss as in the preceding case, should be exhibited to the Register of the Treasury, who should thereon issue a special Certificate descriptive of the transfer Certificate & Warrant so alledged to have been lost. On which special Certificate of the Register of the Treasury, the Officer to whom the Warrant of transfer was directed should further certify, that no such Warrant had been presented for entry at his office.\nThese documents being filed at the Treasury with a suffient bond with sureties, to indemnify the United States against all claims on account of the first transfer Certificate and Warrant or either of them, would in my opinion render it safe & expedient for the Secretary of the Treasy. to issue a new Warrant for such transfers.\nThe Honble A. H.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0004", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Abishai Thomas, 6 December 1791\nFrom: Thomas, Abishai\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilad. 6th Decemr. 1791\nSir\nIn submitting the following facts and observations to your consideration perhaps I may have exceeded the bounds of propriety in obtruding any thing like an opinion on the subject, but I have been involuntarily drawn into the measure, I hope it is done with due deference and I rely on your candour for an extenuation of the fault.\nOn the subject of the claim of Wm Courtney esqre refer\u2019d to you to report on I beg leave to observe, that by a resolution of Congress of the 3rd June 1784 it is recommended to the States individually \u201cto grant such relief to their Citizens who have been injured as aforesaid\u201d (which applies to Mr. Courtney\u2019s case) \u201cas they may think requisite and if it shall hereafter appear reasonable that the United States should make any allowance to any particular States who may be burthened much beyond others that the allowance ought to be determined by Congress.\u201d\nAs Mr. Courtney made repeated applications to the Legislature of North Carolina without obtaining any redress it only remains with Congress to make him such compensation as shall appear just & reasonable.\nThe tract of Land on which the Troops of the Southern Army encamped after the defeat near Cambden in South Carolina which happened on the 16th August 1780, had been immediately preceding, purchased by Mr. Courtney for the sum of 4000 dollars. The Huts which were then made were continued to be occupied during the Autumn & ensuing Winter until the Month of February 1781 when they were evacuated on the approach of the British Army under command of Lord Cornwallis, the depredations committed during this period were immense, the Timber cut down together with the fencing appropriated for the purposes of Hutting & Fuel, rendered the plantation, (from being in a high state of improvement and cultivation) a perfect waste or common and I verily believe that one half the sum which Mr. Courtney gave for the Land &c. could not then have been obtained for it.\nWith regard to the damage Mr. Courtney sustained on his Lots in the Town of Hillsborough the enclosed Certificate which he has just sent to me, and which I had given to him when I acted as Quarter Master at that post, is something descriptive of it, but there being no valuation affixed it is difficult at this remote period to ascertain what would be an adequate compensation, however I consider that I am within the bounds of moderation when I say that the sum of 750 dollars would not then have been commensurate to the object of placing him in as eligible a situation in respect to his Town property as he was at the time of the arrival of the Army as aforesaid.\nThe resolution of Congress before alluded to expresses \u201cThat according to the Laws and usages of nations a State is not obliged to make compensation for damages done to its own Citizens by an Enemy, or Wantonly & unauthorized by its own Troops, yet humanity requires that some relief should be granted to persons who by such losses are reduced to indigence and want, and as the circumstances of such sufferers are best known to the States to which they belong\u201d to them it is recommended as before mentioned.\nNow sir as Mr. Courtney notwithstanding the \u201ccircumstances\u201d of his sufferings were well known to the State, never could obtain any relief from it, I trust there is good ground to hope that the justice and \u201chumanity\u201d of the U.S. will be extended to him. I consider that his case does not altogether come within the meaning of that part of the foregoing resolution which says \u201cwantonly and unauthorized by its own Troops.\u201d\nThe encamping on his Land, making use of his Timber for Huts and fuel, Occupying his Town Lots for pasturage, Continental yards &c. were certainly \u201cauthorized\u201d and necessary. Perhaps the burning of his fencing and the destruction of his buildings were not so. Be that as it may the suffering of an individual (whose fortune may not be considered large), to the amount of three thousand Dollars beyond his proportion for the common defence of the Union will certainly be considered an object worthy of deliberation.\nA Thomas", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0006", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, 7 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Directors of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures\nPhiladelphia Decbr. 7. 1791.\nGentlemen\nIn consequence of powers vested in me by the Agents named in the instrument of Subscription towards the Society for establishing useful Manufactures, I have made Contracts on behalf of the Society with\nWilliam Hall, as Superintendent of the printing Business; with Joseph Mort, as an Assistant in the Manufactory, in such way as his Services may be thought most useful. This Gentleman I understand has had opportunities of being acquainted both with the making and printing of Cotton Goods; with Thomas Marshal to superintend the Cotton Mill.\nThe Contracts with these different Persons are transmitted herewith.\nThere is a William Pearce who has been employed by me in preparing Machines for the use of the Society; and with whom I have advanced pretty far in an Agreement, but without having reduced it to a definitive form. He pretends to a knowlege of the fabrication of most of the most valuable Machines now in use in the Cotton Manufactory; and his Execution hitherto, as far as he has gone, confirms his pretentions. Among other Machines he has prepared a double Loom, to be worked by one person. Of this he gives himself as the Inventor, and has applyed for a Patent, which he will probably obtain. It is certain that the Machine, if in use at all in Europe is quite new; and as far as without seeing it worked, it can be judged of, promisses to answer the Expectations it gives\u2014with (Geoe) Perkinson, as Foreman or Master of a room in the Cotton-Mill. This appears to be an ingenious Mechanic, who has obtained a Patent for a Flax-Mill, which he alleges his having improved. How far these improvements may be of real Utility, or the Mill itself capable of answering it\u2019s End, ought to be considered as uncertain: since it is a question whether the spinning of Flax by Mills, which has been for sometime a desideratum in Great Britain, is practicable. The object of engaging this Man was to secure to the Society an ingenious Mechanic, and securing to them whatever advantage there may be in the Patent.\nAll the Contracts leave to the Society the power of dismissing at pleasure, if on experiment, they find it their interest.\nI thought it adviseable in the first instance, to secure Persons of whose Usefulness there was reason to entertain a favorable Opinion, tho\u2019 upon terms which may appear high, that the Business might be early put in Motion.\nIt is a point understood between Mr. Mort and myself, that if desired by the Society, he is to go to Europe, to bring over Workmen, at his own Expence in the first instance; but with the assurance of reimbursement and indemnification. To engage such a Person as Mr. Mort for this purpose appeared to me a Point of some consequence.\nI have the honor to be\u2003 with great consideration\u2003 Gentlemen Your Obedient servt\nA Hamilton.\nThe Directors of the Society forestablishg. useful Manufactures.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0007-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Van Rensselaer, 7 December 1791\nFrom: Van Rensselaer, Stephen\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlbany December 7 1791\nDear Sir\nAt the request of several officers of our late Army, I transmit you the enclosed Memorandum. If any provision is made for such cases you will oblige me by informing me. Mrs. Rensselaer joins in love to you & Mrs. Hamilton.\nI am D Sir Your Hum Sert\nStephen Van Rensselaer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0008", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 7 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury Department Decembr 7th 1791\nsir\nI request that You will pay to Messrs Elliot and Williams ten thousand Dollars on the first of January next, on account of their contract with the united States of the 27th September instant, taking duplicate receipts, one of which to be transmitted to the Treasury. You will of course retain money in Your hands for the purpose and in case there should not be a probability of a Sufficient sum being received in time, You will inform me of it.\nI am, sir,\u2003 Your obedt Servt\nAlexander Hamilton\nOtho H. Williams EsquireCollector Baltimore", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0009", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Cabot, 8 December 1791\nFrom: Cabot, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir\nI have understood that after the peace of 63 & \u2019till the late war France gave direct assistance to her Cod fishery beside the monopoly of her home & colonial markets\u2014but notwithstanding these encouragements the supply from her own fishery was so scanty that her prohibotory laws were evaded & very large supplies of foreign fish were continually smuggled into her Colonies & consumed there at prices 40 per cent higher to the Planters than English & American fish was worth at the free ports in the neighbouring Islands.\nSince the peace of 83 fish of the U S has not been wholly prohibited but its admission has been generally confined to a single port in an Island (sometimes very distant from the Consumers); the duty demandable on each quintal has been from 3 to 8 livres & the amount actually paid from 2\u00bd to 3, while the french fish has enjoyed a free access to every place & upon landing has been entituled to a very liberal bounty. Yet under all these disadvantages the fishery of the U S has successfully rivalled that of France.\nThere facts at first view seem to indicate such a preponderance of natural advantages in the U S for carrying on the fishery as can hardly be balenced by France but it shou\u2019d be noticed that about 5 years ago the french West India markets were surcharged to such a degree that the Exporters of fish from the U S suffered great losses upon all they shipped thither, & the fishery exhibited such symptoms of decline in consequence of it that it may be doubted whether it coud possibly have been supported if that of France had not been interrupted by the Commotions at home. It shou\u2019d be observed too that the equipments of armed fleets & appearances of war occur so frequently to the European nations & especially to France that no fair experiment can be tried to determine the extent to which their fishery wou\u2019d be carried in a long period of uninterrupted pursuit. These & similar events however have great influence upon the fishery of the U S but their frequency & effect in future can neither be foreseen nor accurately estimated, & hence it is the more difficult to say what is the greatest disparity of duties the fish of the U S cou\u2019d bear & meet the fish of France in the french market\u2014but on the whole shou\u2019d the Govt of the U S restore to their Cod fisheries in some direct form the full amount which they pay to it\u2019s treasury by the comsumption of dutied articles, & shou\u2019d the fisheries of France be left without aid from their Govt, except like those of the U S a bare indemnity from contribution to the public revenue, & shou\u2019d the markets of the french west Indies be open to the fish of both Countries, I think it may be safely relied on that the fish of the U S cou\u2019d be afforded full 10 per Cent cheaper than that of France & consequently cou\u2019d bear a duty of 10 per Cent on it\u2019s value at the place & time of sale & yet sustain the competition with french fish selling in the same market duty free.\nI have thus my dear Sir given you the best opinion I can form at present on the subject of your enquiry. This I have done not with the expectation of adding to your information but solely to shew my readiness to obey your command & to convince you of the esteem & respect with which\nI am very sincerely your assured Friend\u2003 & mo. ob. Servt\nGeorge Cabot", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0010", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 8 December 1791\nFrom: Lee, Charles\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlexandria [Virginia] 8th. December 1791\nSir!\nThe Ship Washington and the Brandy that were seized here, have been delivered up to the Owners, they having given bond with security to abide the legal decision of the seizure.\nI am Sir! respectfully\u2003 Your most Obedient Servant\nCharles LeeCollector at Alexandria.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0012", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 8 December 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, December 8, 1791. \u201c\u2026 Having recd. a Letter from the Master of the Cutter Argus, informing me, that the Schooner Alice was at Anchor about Four Miles from Rhode-Island LightHouse when his Mate boarded her, I have this day requested the District Attorney to commence a Prosecution against Captain Andrus.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0014", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Hawkins, 9 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hawkins, Benjamin\nPhiladelphia dec. 9. 1791\nDear Sir,\nThe ground upon which was founded the refusal to receive upon the subscription to the loan in State debt, the Certificates of North Carolina, on account of the Government of that State was simply this. The preamble to the clauses which relate to the assumption and various expressions in those clauses evidently contemplate \u201ca provision for the debts of the respective states.\u201d Now a bond or other security for a debt being once cancelled or discharged by, or surrendered to the Debtor without fraud or accident, there ceases to be a debt. The certificates therefore of the State of North Carolina, in this case the debtor, which were in the hands of its government, constituted no existing debt of the state; of course nothing upon which the assumption could operate.\nIf any thing was requisite to elucidate so clear a position, or make plainer the intent of the law, it might be found in that provision which directs, That interest on the difference between the sum in each case assumed and the sum actually subscribed shall be paid to each state, in trust for the non subscribing creditors of such state; this clearly indicating that a state is in no event to receive any of the monies appropriated to the purpose of its own debt except as a trustee for actual creditors which necessarily supposes existing debts.\nHere too is found an answer to the claim that a state should be permitted to subscribe, on its own account, such part of its debt as may have been extinguished subsequent to the act of assumption. As the state is to receive interest on all the unsubscribed part of its debt, within the limits of the sum assumed, untill a settlement of accounts shall determine the equity of a further continuance of the payment, there is no necessity in point of equity, that a State should be permitted to subscribe the part of its debt, so subsequently extinguished. If the idea of a settlement of accounts were excluded, an equity of that kind would doubtless arise\nNot chusing in a matter of this kind to rely wholly on my own opinion, I suspended a definitive judgment, untill an opinion of the Attorney General had confirmed my own ideas.\nI have already incidentally answered the second object of your enquiry. It appears to me that both the letter and the spirit of the act require that the interest on the abovementioned difference between the sum assumed and the sum subscribed should be paid to each state untill there shall be a settlement of accounts and \u201ca provision for the balance, if any, which may then appear in favour of the State,\u201d without enquiry in the mean time into the existance or number of non subscribing creditors. The Law appears to me to take there existance for granted, and to rely on the settlement of accounts to furnish a rule for the continuance or discontinuance of the payment of interest to a State. This construction is strengthened by the circumstance of the payment being directed to continue untill provision shall be made for any balance which may appear in favour of a State. That payment has therefore the further operation of a pledge for this provision.\nI have the honor to be, with great\u2003 consideration, Dear Sir\u2003 your obedient servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nThe honorable Benj Hawkins Esq.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0015", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Henry, [9 December 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Henry, John\n[Philadelphia, December 9, 1791]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury not relying entirely on the accuracy of the data upon which the calculations in his Report on the subject of the Mint were founded, as they respect the quantity of fine silver contained in the silver dollar, thought it advisable to embrace the opportunity of the interval between the last and the present sessions of Congress to endeavour to obtain from Europe more certain information on the point.\nThe result has been\u2014He first received from Amsterdam an account of the Standard of the new M. dollar which is almost the only one in circulation according to the regulations of the Spanish Mint.\nThis account States\n1st as to weight, That there are 913 to 914 dollars in 100 marcs, or 791 ounces aveirdupois.\nConsequently on the computation of 913 to 100 marcs each dollar would weigh\nOn computation of 914 to 100 Marcs\n2nd As to the standard\u2014That it is 258 parts fine to 30 alloy\ndwt. \u2003 gr.\nConsequently a dollar of\nwould contain of fine silver\n\u2003\u2003 \u201c \u2003\u2003\u2003 a dollar of\nwould contain of ditto\nIt is ascertained that it was formerly usual at the Spanish Mint to allow a remedy of weight and alloy of \u00b2\u2044\u2082\u2082\u2088 parts.\nIf the remedy continues, the quantity of fine silver in a dollar of the first description above would be\nIn a dollar of the second description \u2003\u2003 \u201c \u2003 \u201c\nBut he afterwards received a return of an actual assay at the Mint of Amsterdam which states the dollar at 258 parts fine to 30 parts alloy in exact conformity to the Standard of the Spanish Mint as before given and exclusive of all allowance for Remedy.\nAccording to which a dollar would actually contain of\u2003\u2002fine silver\nor,\nThree conjectures arise\u2014either that the Account given as conformable to the legal standard of the Spanish Mint was not just, but was predicted upon the result of assays at the Mint of Amsterdam, or that being so conformable the remedy formerly allowed at the Spanish Mint has ceased, Or that the Assay at the Mint of Amsterdam was not perfectly accurate.\nThere has been also received the result from assay at the Mint of London which makes the Standard of the Spanish Dollar 5172 parts fine to 588 parts alloy.\nAccording to which a silver dollar weighing\n\u2003\u2002would contain of fine Silver\na dollar weighing\nHere is a small difference which indicates a difference of accuracy in the assays, or a difference in the pieces assayed arising from errors in the Spanish Mint.\nThe two statements from Amsterdam seem entitled to most confidence not only because there is a correspondency between them, but because there are some marks of inaccuracy in the proceedings at the Mint of London. It is stated in the body of the certificate that the gross weight of the Dollar is presumed to be 17 dwt., 10 Grains and in the Margin it is mentioned as certain that the average is 17 dwt. 8 Grains.\nThe latter however is the truth or very near it, according to the trials in large masses made at the Banks of N. America & New York, but the cashier of the former bank seems to be of opinion that for a time the dollar rather gains in weight from the dirt which adheres to it, though in the course of a long circulation it loses.\nPhiladelphia, December 9, 1791\nAlexander HamiltonSecy. of the Treasy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0017-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, [10 December 1791]\nFrom: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[December 10, 1791]\nDear Sir\nInclosed you have the paper I promised You; if you wish for anything more or any explanation of that inclosed I will wait on you when You Please.\nYour Hume Svt\nJ Wadsworth", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0017-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: From Jeremiah Wadsworth, [10 December 1791]\nFrom: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[December 10, 1791]\nDear Sir\nA duty of ten per Cent on our Salted provisions imported into the French Islands would be too much unless we were relieved from other impositions which you will see by the paper herewith are more than ten \u214c Cent on our Cargoes. When our Vessels arrive in Hispaniola the Captain must find a Bondsman tho his whole Vessel and Cargo is in the Power of the Government; this Bondsman is the Merchant who charges five \u214c Ct on the Sales and the same on the return Cargo. We are happy if he will let our Captains do the business & not meddle in the Sales or purchase for in bothe we are in most instances sure to suffer, in the first from want of knowledge of the Value of our Horeses in the latter a carelessness of the quality of the goods, and often short weght & Short measure, sometimes delay of payment we are under the necssity of imploying a Captain or Merchant of our own who is paid five per Cent to save us from greater impositions\nOur t[r]ade to the French Islands consists of a great Variety of Articles [on] many of which a small duty is charged, for Horses Oxen Sheep & Hogs alive Beans, Peas Hoops Staves, Boards, Scantling &c. What the legal duties are I do not know but We pay about one per Cent and the duty on Melasses outward is about the same.\nIt would be of consequence to have the Charges of every kind Mentioned in the treaty as their general regulations are not easily known; if it is agreed that we shall pay the same as the French Ships pay they will make us pay all the Charges which are made on their Ships & men for the purpose of establishing funds for their Various Cases, Beureaus &c.\na Brigantine of 130 Tons entered\nPort au Prince in 1788\nPaid duties on Cargo\nduties 1 \u214c Ct\non 50 Quintal Salted Beef\n@ 3 livres\non Melasses exported 1 \u214c\nCollectors fees. 8 dollars\nExpedition\nAdmiralty & Anchorage\nHarbour Master\nGratification Extra\nCommandant\nSoldiers\ninterpreter\nSales\u201440 Hor[s]es @ 390 livr\nBeef Lumber Beans Peas &c\nCommission 5 \u214c C\nCommission 5 \u214c c\nThus a Cargo of 20-000 livres is reduced to 14434 livres without any Commission to our own Merchant or Captn. In many instances the French Merchant takes 10 \u214c Cent at once out of the Grocce Sales. The Melasses rising in price they latterly put water into it. On an average the Melasses falls short on Gauge 5 \u214c Ct. Our trade has so increased to the French Islands that American produce gradually falls & that of the Islands has rapidly increased. We do not now get more Gallons of Melasses or pounds sugar &c for \u00a31000 than we used to get in 1786. 7. & 8 for \u00a3750. I do not mean since the insurrection, but before.\nThe Practise of Extorting a Commission under Pretence of Being Bondsman is confined to Hispaniola. The Windward Islands do not practice so but all the Other impositions are nearly the Same. Many Vessels of the Burthen of 130 Tons Carry lumber only which does not amount to the Sum Stated above. The Charges are the Same except the duties thus of a Cargo of Lumber in such a Vessel sells for 10.000 livr.\nPort Charges would be\nleaving\nlivres\nfrom which a Commisn of 5 \u214c C on the\ngroce Sales\nfrom which 5 \u214c C more as Commn.\nwhich is 16 \u214c Ct in port Charges & Commissn. without any duties which is at least one \u214c Ct.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0018", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 10 December 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmo New Hamp Decr. 10th. 1791\nSir\nI have recd. your letter of the 22 Ulto. & have communicated it to Capt. Yeaton.\nConceiving that I can in no better way possess you of Cap. Yeatons reasons for deviating from your limits and my directions respecting the fitting of the Cutter, than by transmitting you his letter to me on that Subject I now inclose it.\nI must observe that the last additional and reprehensive clause of your letter So far as it may be intended for me as such, could not be read unfelt, not from a conciousness of having in the Smallest degree deviated from the Strictest attention to \u0153conomy in my transacting the business of the Scammell or from having ever in the most minute instance departed from that principle in transacting the public business committed to my charge, but from reflecting on the disagreeable circumstance of being charged with unreasonable parsimony on one Side, and on the other to receive an unmeritted reproof.\nI have the honor to be &c.\nHon. Alex Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0019", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 10 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentDec. 10. 1791.\nSir\nI have received a statement of the case of the Brig Trimmer from the Judge of the District Court of Maryland, and have determined to remit the forfeitures and penalties incurred by the vessel, goods and captain, on the repayment of the disbursements of money actually made. As the season of the year is critical, and the vessel may, if detained, be caught by the ice, I request that you will dismiss her on the repayment of the abovementioned disbursements. A formal act of remission will be sent to the Clerk of the District court in the next week.\nI am, Sir,\u2003 Your obedt. servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nOtho H. Williams Esq.Collector, Baltimore.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0020", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 10 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Williams, Otho H.\nTreasury DepartmentDec. 10. 1791.\nSir\nIt has been represented to me by Mr. Kearney Wharton of Philadelphia, that some hardship has fallen on him in consequence of the want of proper instruments to ascertain the strength of a parcel of Rum belonging to him and lately imported by Messrs. Oliver and Thompson from Antigua. Though I have not yet decided how far it may be proper to make these revisions, I wish that measures may be taken by you in conjunction with the Surveyor to have the whole invoice reexaminied, and such enquiries made as to the difference of price between it and Rum of Antigua as has been taken, or as it appears likely to be necessary for the owners to accept. You will be aware that particular care is necessary in examining goods, which have been so long unladen, and which may have passed through several hands.\nI am, Sir,\u2003 Your obedt. servant\nAlexander Hamilton\nOtho H. Williams EsqCollector Baltimore.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0022", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Gibbs, 12 December 1791\nFrom: Gibbs, Caleb\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Barre, Massachusetts, December 12, 1791. On September 10, 1792, Gibbs wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI wrote you On the 12th. of Decr. last.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0024", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 12 December 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore 12 December 1791\nSir\nI have very lately received a letter which has a reference to your circular of the 5th. of August; and upon reperusing the latter I discover that I have been very remiss, but I hope not censurable, for not replying to some parts of it sooner. My attention to the previous parts, and a supposition that I was not immediately concerned in the latter, produced in my mind, a temperory suspension of the subjects, and other business, afterwards, detached them entirely from my memory. This is a bad appology; but it is true, and therefore the best I can offer.\nThe delay, which has unavoidably happened, in rendering the returns to the treasury from this Office has been occasioned partly by my own indisposition, which disqualifies me for the detail of the business and partly by the Nuptials of the Deputy Collector; But more especially by the laborious task of calculating the duties on each particular specis of Merchandize, according to their several rates, which makes it some times necessary to make several calculations for the contents of a single package. They are however now in considerable forwardness and shall be transmitted as soon as possible.\nIn answer to the 4th paragraph of your letter it is proper for me to observe that if the oppinions upon which your instructions were founded are to be respected as law it ought not to be expected of me \u201cto acertain in what instances there have been deviations in this district,\u201d because in this district I am myself the responsable person in the cases alluded to. I have, however, no hesitation to confess that I think the oppinions of Messrs J & H were hastily assumed; and that the respectability of their judgments, uniting with the press of Important public business, might have a tendency to obtain the approbation of your own to their deccision.\nInfallibility is the attribute of no man; and it cannot be imagined that I mean the least disrespect to any one when I say I think it entirely possible and even probable that a more deliberate consideration might have produced in the same persons different opinions, on the same subject. The first opinion delivered by Messrs. J & H is\n\u201cThat Vessels of less than 20 tons, licenced as the act directs are exempt from tonnage; Because the act having declared that they shall be at liberty to trade without entering or clearing, the duty of tonnage, which is payable only on the entry of Vessels, can never arise.\u201d The latter part of the 23d section reads thus, \u201cBut no licence shall be granted for any vessel untill the owner or owners applying therefore shall have paid the tonnage duty thereon and shall enter into bond &c.\u201d To reconcile this part of the law with the opinion of Messrs. J & H. is impossible without altering the language. In my apprehension it was the intention of Congress to subject Vessels of a certain discription to a duty on tonnage at every entry, and Vessels of another discription to a like duty only once a year; as was the custom formerly with several of the States. But my opinion is governed by instructions.\nThe 2nd. opinion of Messrs. J & H is\n\u201cThat no fee is demandable for the licence directed to be given to such Vessels\u201d because \u201cthe Legislature seems to have made a distinction &c.\u201d A provisional clause in the latter part of the 22d. section, which appears to have no relation to the previous part, requires \u201cthat the master or owner of every Vessel of less than 20 tons, and not less than 5 tons, which shall be employed between any of the districts of the United States, shall annualy procure a licence from the Collector of the district to which such Vessel belongs, who is thereby authorized to give the same, purporting that such Vessel is exempt from clearing and entering for the term of one year from the date thereof: And the master or owner shall give bond with sufficient security\u201d &c. What motive can be supposed to have induced the Legislature to have required of the Collector a certain service without compensation I cannot conceive; neither can I think that it was their intention, since they have been so very moderate in the compensations granted for other services; nor does any reason occur to me why the owner (of a Vessel of less than 20 tons) should be exempt from paying a fee for the licence any more than for the bond; Both are expresly provided for in the 31 section. \u201cFor every licence to trade between the different districts of the United States\u201d (almost letter for letter with the clause requiring the licence to be procured) \u201cand for taking every bond required by this act\u201d &c. But it is not pretended that the bond is not to be paid for.\nThe 3rd. opinion of Messrs. J. & H. is\nThat, by the 25 and 26 section, only the fee of 25 \u201cCents for a permitt to proceed to the place of destination is demandable.\u201d By these sections it is required, in certain cases, that the Collector shall receive duplicate manifests of Cargoes intended to be transmitted from one district to another; He must necessarily compare them, and he is required to administer a long oath, a certificate whereof he must write on one of those manifests, to be delivered to the master: and the other manifest he must file in his Office; all which is much more labor and trouble than granting a permit. I think it unreasonable to conclude that Congress intended, in more instances than one, that the lesser service should be compensated and the greater performed for nothing. Yet the 5th. clause in the 31 section of the act, by connecting the compensation \u201cfor every entry of inward Cargo\u201d with the compensation for \u201cReceiving of and qualifying to every manifest of Vessels licenced to trade\u201d (which last can be done according to section 25 & 26 at the place of export only) has so confounded the duties of two officers, in different situations, that according to Messrs. J & H neither of them can legally receive his just reward. The Gentlemen were \u201caware that their construction of the act would involve a consequence probably not intended by the Legislature\u201d. I perswade myself that a revision of their opinions would discover to themselves more than one consequence evidently inconsistant therewith. If I may be permited to abridge their conclusive remarks, (without altering a letter or transposing a syllable) they will read thus. \u201cAs it is expressly declared that no other or greater fees shall be taken by the several officers of the customes; we suppose that no other \n   What a conclusion is here? They found the infallibility of their opinion of an act upon the act itself, and declare no other construction inadmissibly except the ones mentioned which is no other, and therefore can be no exception.\n construction of the act is admissable, except \n   What a conclusion is here? They found the infallibility of their opinion of an act upon the act itself, and declare no other construction inadmissibly except the ones mentioned which is no other, and therefore can be no exception.\n the one which we have mentioned.\u201d To conceive the force of such reasoning I must be endowed with other than common sense. It is noticed merely to justify my conclusion that their opinions were hastily assumed, and I shall only add that I assure myself you will think my moity of the mite allowed, in either of the cases in question, too inconsiderable a motive to influence my Judgment. I am &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0025", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 12 December 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Baltimore, December 12, 1791. According to its catalogue description, this letter relates to the \u201cRegistry of the Brig Dove, Josiah Parsons, master.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0026", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Olney, 14 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olney, Jeremiah\nTreasury Department Decemb 14 1791\nSir\nI do not think you will be justifiable in making a deduction from the legal rate of duty on Coffee, on account of its being broken, nor on cocoa, because of an inferiority of quality, they being in each instance as I presume the unmixed article, on which the Legislature has imposed an uniform impost, without providing a variation of duty in case of differences of quality.\nThe shells of Coffee cannot properly be considered as included in the duty on coffee, which was meant to apply, it is presumed, to the grain. It is however difficult to determine on the requisite deduction. If the Owners will permit a bag or cask of about one hundred weight to be impartially taken out, by one of the Officers of the Customs, and to be shelled, at their expence, by some person to be employed by you for the purpose, I would recommend your deducting from the whole in that proportion. The result I would wish to be communicated to me.\nI am sir,\u2003 Your obedt Servt\nAlexander Hamilton\nJeremiah Olney EsquireCollector Providence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0027", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 14 December 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore 14 December 1791\nSir\nI have received your instructions respecting the Brige. Trimmer and she shall be dispatched accordingly. What you say of disbursements of money actually made may make it necessary to inform you that in the case of the Brig Trimmer, and in others similar thereto (where the matter of illegality was duly reported without reserve, and manifestly without any intention of evading the law) the custom has been to detain the goods on board the Vessel without seizure, and to give the parties concerned, an opportunity of making representation; and prefering a petition to the Judge; which has always been done within the time limited by law for goods to be permitted to remain on board. The Judge has usually taken up the matter upon this ground and satisfied himself (by enquiry of the Custom House Officers) of the propriety of recommending the case. This mode of conducting the business has been adopted by the officers upon the following considerations. If any deception, or fraud, were intended it could not fail to be discovered, or strongly suspected, within fifteen days: the time allowed for vessels to unlade; and if no deception or fraud were intended it would be ungenerous, and, sometimes, cruel, to subject persons who are innocent, and, perhaps, unfortunate in the very circumstance which exposes them to a penalty, to expose them to unnecessary expences also.\nI am, Sir,\u2003 Your Most Obedient Humble Servant\nA. Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0028", "content": "Title: Conversation with George Hammond, [15\u201316 December 1791]\nFrom: Hammond, George,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, December 15\u201316, 1791]\nTowards the end of last week, I had a very long and confidential conversation with Mr Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, in the course of which the opinion, I had entertained, of that Gentleman\u2019s just and liberal way of thinking was fully confirmed. The late unfortunate expedition under General St Clair naturally engrossed a great portion of our conversation, whence I was induced to express his Majesty\u2019s sincere desire to see tranquillity between the Indians and the United States permanently re-established. I took occasion distantly to intimate that if this government should think proper to solicit the King\u2019s interference for this purpose through his government in Canada, I had reason to believe that the application would not be ineffectual. To this Mr Hamilton replied that the British Government might be assured that the United States, in the present war, were actuated by no motives of extending their territory, but simply by the desire of binding down the Indians to the stipulations of their last treaty, and that if this object could not be attained by negociation, it was determined to prosecute the war with vigour\u2014that this government was however sincerely solicitous to effect a pacification, and if the voluntary interposition of the King\u2019s government in Canada could tend to accomplish it, such a measure would be received with the greatest gratitude.\nIn another part of our conversation, Mr Hamilton hinted to me, with as much caution, as the danger of committing himself too far rendered necessary, that in the affairs of this country the present is an important crisis, upon which may depend the future complexion as well of its political connexions as of its commercial arrangements with the nations of Europe. I farther collected from other incidental observations that the government of France seems inclined to hold out to this country, in their projected treaty, some additional circumstances of advantage, which will have a tendency still farther to favor and promote the navigation of the United States.\nUpon this last head, I must not omit mentioning to your Lordship that Mr Hamilton informed me he was preparing a report upon the actual state of the navigation and commerce of this country, whence it would appear that the present system of France was more favorable to the former, and that of Great Britain to the latter. He however admitted, that upon balancing the general aggregate advantages resulting to the country from these respective systems, the scale had hitherto decidedly preponderated in favor of the commercial encouragements afforded by Great Britain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0029", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Reynolds, 15 December 1791\nFrom: Reynolds, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, 15th December, 1791.\nSir\nI am very sorry to find out that I have been so Cruelly treated by a person that I took to be my best friend instead of that my greatest Enimy. You have deprived me of every thing thats near and dear to me, I discovred whenever I Came into the house. after being out I found Mrs Reynolds weeping I ask\u2019d her the Cause of being so unhappy. She always told me that she had bin Reding. and she could not help Crying when she Red any thing that was Afecting. but seing her Repeatedly in that Setevation gave me some suspicion to think that was not the Cause, as fortain would have it. before matters was Carred to two great a length. I discovered a letter directed to you which I copied of and put it in the place where I found it. without being discovered by Her. and then the evining after. I was Curious anough to watch her. and see give a letter to a Black man in Markett Street. which I followed Him to your door. after that I Returned home some time in the evening, and I broutched the Matter to her and Red the Coppy to her which she fell upon her knees and asked forgiveness and discovered every thing to me Respecting the matter And ses that she was unhappy. and not knowing what to do without some assistance. She Called on you for the lone of some money. which you toald her you would Call on her the Next Evening. which accordingly you did. and there Sir you took the advantage a poor Broken harted woman. instead of being a Friend. you have acted the part of the most Cruelist man in existance. you have made a whole family miserable. She ses there is no other man that she Care for in this world. now Sir you have bin the Cause of Cooling her affections for me. She was a woman. I should as soon sespect an angiel from heven. and one where all my happiness was depending. and I would Sacrefise almost my life to make her Happy. but now I am determed to have satisfation. it shant be onely one [f]amily thats miserable. for I am Robbed of all happiness in this world I am determed to leve her. and take my daughter with me that She shant see her poor mother Lot. now Sir if I Cant see you at your house call and see me. for there is no person that Knowes any thing as yet. And I am tiremd to see you, by some Means or other. for you have made me an unhappy man for eve. put it to your own case and Reflect one Moment. that you should know shush a thing of your wife. would not you have satisfaction yes. and so will I before one day passes me more.\nI am yours\nJames Reynolds.\nMr. Alexander Hamilton.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0030", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Reynolds, 15 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Reynolds, James\n[Philadelphia, December 15, 1791. In the \u201cReynolds Pamphlet\u201dAlexander Hamilton, Observations on Certain Documents Contained in No. V and VI of \u201cThe History of the United States for the Year 1796,\u201d in which the Charge of Speculation against Alexander Hamilton, Late Secretary of the Treasury, is Fully Refuted. Written by Himself (Philadelphia: Printed for John Fenno, by John Bioren, 1797). Hamilton wrote: \u201cThe same day, being the 15th of December 1791, I received from Mr. Reynolds the letter \u2026 by which he informs me of the detection of his wife.\u2026 In answer to this I sent him a note, or message desiring him to call upon me at my office, which I think he did the same day.\u2026\u201d Hamilton\u2019s letter of December 15, 1791, not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0031", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Maria Reynolds, [15 December 1791]\nFrom: Reynolds, Maria\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, December 15, 1791]\nCol. Hamilton\nDear Sir\nI have not tim to tell you the cause of my present troubles only that Mr. has rote to you this morning and I know not wether you have got the letter or not and he has swore that If you do not answer It or If he dose not se or hear from you to day he will write Mrs. Hamilton he has just Gone oute and I am a Lone I think you had better come here one moment that you May know the Cause then you will the better know how to act Oh my God I feel more for you than myself and wish I had never been born to give you so mutch unhappisness do not rite to him no not a Line but come here soon do not send or leave any thing in his power\nMaria", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0032", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 15 December 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAmsterdam Dec. 15. 1791.\nSir\nI have now the honor of inclosing you a copy of the contract for the loan opened at Antwerp, which could not be had in time to go with my last of the 1st. inst. The customary ratification has been promised on it, which it is hoped will be obtained & forwarded to Antwerp. A duplicate will be sent by another conveyance. The translation is in French, the English language not having been understood by the Notary. The act is copied as nearly as possible from those passed here & you will find the terms at least as barbarous, but as it seems they compose the technical language of Antwerp I imagine no objection will be made to them, they being clear and intelligible. I recieved yesterday a letter from M. de Wolf in which he informed me that the loan continued going on with prosperity as well as the remittances he was making therefrom to France. I have already mentioned to you that it would be remitted in proportion as it was recieved as I understand that to be your wish, the reservation for your purposes having extended only to f 2,500,000. to be taken out of the last six millions loaned here.\nI come now to speak of the business at this place which I have postponed writing to you about until now because nothing new has occurred since my last & because I hoped after arriving here I should be able to give you information of greater certainty respecting it.\nI have already informed you that the bankers here in reply to my letter authorizing them to make a loan at 4\u00bd. p. cent interest had told me that they postponed it in the hopes of being able to make one in a short time at 4 p cent interest on the charges being augmented. I informed you also how unexpected a circumstance this was to me & at the same time that my earnest desire to see it realized could not prevent my entertaining certain doubts respecting it. I wrote to them however immediately approving their having postponed the loan at 4\u00bd p. cent, & authorized their opening one at 4. p. cent at the charges they mention. Lest this offer of the loan at 4. p. cent should be intended merely to defeat that at Antwerp, or at least to be made use of as a pretext for shewing the disadvantage of opening a loan out of Holland, whilst they should make use of the authorization for one at 4\u00bd. p. cent interest here, I thought it advisable at the same time that I mentioned to them that their having not used it in the hopes of reducing the interest still lower, was an additional proof of their zeal for the service of the U.S. to desire them to consider that authorization as no longer in force, but to act under that for the loan at 4. p. cent interest; if they found such an one practicable.\nThis was the best means I had of satisfying myself fully whether a loan at 4. p. cent here was really practicable, as now having no longer the power to make one at 4\u00bd p. cent & the tax on loans approaching it was certain every effort would be used to effect one at 4. p. cent, even if their original offer should have been made with the intentions abovementioned.\nI mentioned to you in my last their letter respecting the loan at Antwerp & their adding that it had rendered impracticable the expected loan at 4. p. cent. I afterwards recieved another from them saying that if that loan could be arrested in its present state & no more of the bonds given out they could still effect the loan here, but otherwise that it would be impossible. As they had been informed however that it was contracted for they must have known that they were placing their offer on a contingency that could not take place. Since my arrival here they persist in saying that the loan at 4. p. cent cannot take place at present, though it may be hoped for soon, & that it has been prevented only by that at Antwerp. Thus the affair stands at present.\nMy conversations with these gentlemen however have given me full proofs of what I informed you I was myself already fully satisfied about\u2014namely that it is not the loan at Antwerp which has prevented the one held out here at 4. p. cent. The various reasonings they have made use of carry a strong conviction with them of what I assert. They laid down for example that the bonds of the Antwerp loan being for sale here & the money lenders finding thus an opportunity of placing their money at 4\u00bd. would not give it at 4., & this would seem reasonable. Yet they told me among other things that the tax on loans would not diminish their number, as those in whom the money lenders had confidence, such as brokers undertakers &c. would always prevent their placing their monies in loans made elsewhere, of course that those powers who have need of Dutch money must come & take it at Amsterdam. This is probably the truth. I asked them how they reconciled it however with what they had told me of the loan at Antwerp being brought here & spoiling the market for the loan they had considered as certain without it. M. de Wolf had also given me every reason that can be given in such cases to believe, that no part of these obligations had been or would be placed on the Amsterdam market. He observed that it was his interest as well as that of the undertakers of Antwerp to prevent it & accordingly to his knowlege one of the brokers from Amsterdam interested in the American loans having written to an undertaker of Antwerp to know on what terms he could take an interest with him, had been answered that he had no part to dispose of in that manner. He suspected the intention was to get possession of a certain number of the obligations either to sell them under par on the Amsterdam market, or to shew me, as a proof of the money\u2019s coming from Amsterdam although the loan was opened at Antwerp, & of course to prove that it was no new source of credit. This you will easily concieve Sir is an underground kind of business where it would be useless & improper to employ myself in digging for the truth between assertions on one hand & denials on the other. Of course I do nothing more than hear indifferently all parties & draw the inferences which seem to me the most probable that they may serve as a future guide.\nThe bankers here finding that I did not consent to renew the authorisation for the 4\u00bd. p. cent loan on being told that the one at 4. p. cent was impracticable for the present, have taken some pains to shew me that the step from 5 to 4. p. cent was too rapid for the money lenders, that nothing but the extraordinarily favorable moment at which they concieved the idea of it could have justified it &c. They press me to renew that authorisation & among other reasons say that it will hasten the moment of making a loan at 4. p. cent. I asked them how they reconciled that with what they had told me of the 4\u00bd. p. cent obligations from Antwerp on this market having procrastinated the 4. p. cent loan. I was left unsatisfied on this & other points of the same nature.\nOn the whole I cannot at present entertain a doubt that the loan at Antwerp was the cause of the expectations held out from hence as to one at 4. p. cent. On that ground many things are easily accounted for which are inexplicable on any other. I have taken much pains to convince myself on this subject, as well because I considered it a point of importance to the U.S. as on my own account personally. For although I am fully persuaded that you will consider the loan at Antwerp as a measure that admitted of no hesitation at the time it was adopted, yet I should not have been able to have divested myself of pain if by any posterior & unforeseen contingency, it had been really the means of preventing the U.S. from reducing the rate of their interest to 4. p. cent. The bankers themselves agree that at the time of the loan being authorized at Antwerp the possibility of one here at a lower rate of interest was not discoverable by any human foresight.\nI gave the bankers no hopes that I shall consent to a loan at 4\u00bd. p. cent. I shall wait until the delay necessary for making one at 4. p. cent shall be ascertained as nearly as possible\u2014if not too considerable I shall suppose it not advisable to wait for it. Since the U.S. was not to derive the expected benefit from the present rate of exchange with France, former reasons for despatch in the making of loans do not exist.\nNothing has been yet settled as to the manner in which the payments are to be rated. The several data are known viz. the rate of exchange & depreciation & there can be no inconvenience in delaying the settlement of the mode.\nThe contract for the late loan of six millions was signed immediately on my arrival here. It will be soon forwarded for ratification as usual. The bonds are printing & I shall have finished signing them in a few days. Immediately after which & taking arrangements for a new loan here I shall return to Paris by the way of Antwerp. The present state of affairs in France will have rendered my absence of little consequence\u2014no business but that of the most urgent & pressing nature being attended to there by the ministry.\nI have been favored by the bankers here with the President\u2019s speech at the opening of Congress & other articles of American intelligence. The last letters which I have had the honor of recieving from the U.S. are yours of Sep. 2 & Oct 3. & one from the Sec. of State of July 28. Your last acknowleges the reciept of mine of July 26. & 27. There were three of an older date unacknowleged which I hope will have been since recieved, they were July 8, 19 & 24.\nI beg you to be fully persuaded of the sentiments of respect & attachment with which I have the honor to remain, Sir, your most obedient humble servant\nW Short\nThe HonbleAlexander Hamilton. secretary of the Treasury\u2014Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0033", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 15 December 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth, New Hampshire, December 15, 1791. \u201cMr. Parrott the 2nd Mate of the Scammel having an advantageous offer in the Command of a Ship has risigned his place in the Scammel.\u2026 I was obliged to acquiesce in this resignation which is rendered the more inconvenient by the Scarcity of young men Suitable for the Station of 1st. Mate to which I recommended Mr Parrott.\u2026 I would propose for your consideration & direction the temporary appointment of such persons as may appear the most suitable.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0034", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 16 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Delany, Sharp\nTreasury DepartmentDecember 16 1791\nSir\nI wish you to ascertain who is the present owner of the Brig Lydia commanded by Captain Vancise, of what place he is a resident, whether he is a Citizen of the United States, when he became owner of that vessel, and where he purchased her.\nShould application be made for a new register for that Vessel, I wish to receive immediate information, and that you suspend the issuing of it until you shall afterwards hear from this office.\nI am, Sir,\u2003 Your Most Obed Servant.\nAlexander Hamilton\nSharp Delany Esqr.Collr. Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0035", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 16 December 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth, New Hampshire, December 16, 1791. \u201cI have received your Circular letter to the Agents of the Cutters of the 17th. Ultimo. As the directions given In that letter supersedes the Necessity of a particular Statement \u2026 I will only observe that the cost of 232 days of the mens victualling amounted to 33 20/100 Dollars being about 14\u2153 cents pr. ration. Cap Yeaton has however agreed to Supply the people at 12 cents pr. diem for the whole term of Victualling the Vessel when at allowance & when not, and untill the 30th. of June next Accounting for the Cost of all the Provisions hitherto purchased for her which to the 1st. instant averaged about that Sum.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0036", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 16 December 1791\nFrom: Williams, Otho H.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBaltimore 16 December 1791.\nSir\nI cannot discover by the acts of the Legislature that Collectors have any legal jurisdiction, or controul, over the Officers of the revenue cutters; or that they have, necessarily, any agency in that establishment further than to receive the reports of the Officers and to respect them as authentic documents whereby to ascertain the Cargoes of inwardbound vessels. I therefore conclude that the several letters and instructions, addressed to me from the Treasury department are intended to supply some defect of the law in that respect; and have consequently given the business all the attention I could. It has not, however, been practicable for me to make any effectual arrangement respecting the rations of the Officers and men. Captain Gross has always declined entering into any contract; and the object is too inconsiderable to gain the attention of any one else in whom I could confide.\nUnwilling as I am to intimate any disapprobation of an establishment which the wisdom of the Legislature has adopted I think it my duty to suggest my opinion that the Revenue cutter for Maryland has hitherto been of no more advantage to the United States, and perhaps much less, than if She had been built and manned on the lake Erie. The very few papers that have been sent to the Customs House by the officers of the cutter have been informal, incorrect, or out of time, some of them 2 or three weeks after the entry of the Vessel to which they related and it does not appear to me that any essential service has been, or could have been, performed by the Cutter in the Chesepeak, than merely the inspection of such papers as the masters of Vessels had to produce.\nIt will perhaps be remembered that my sentiments were not favorable to the plan of employing cutters in this district, and thence it may possibly be concluded that I have not been disposed to render all the assistance in my power; But I certainly have had no power in the business beyond what has been delegated by the secretary of the Treasury in the form of particular permissions, or \u2018special directions with very exact limitations, and cautions which it was improper for me to exceed and which have not been neglected. That it may not seem that I have been, at any time, unmindful of the public interest in this respect I think it expedient to mention to you at this time the foregoing particulars very lately communicated by Lieutenant Thomas of the Cutter, and of whom I made very minute enquiry respecting the affairs. The first Lieutenant Mr. Porter about the 11 November went as Master of the schooner Polly, cleared from this port for New Orleans: But supposed to be destined on a secret voyage to the Island of Cuba. He expected, I am informed, to return and take his command on board the Cutter in about two months after his departure. The 3d. Lieut. Mr. Forbes, I understand, had waited a considerable time for his Commission without receiving it, and being an expert and necessitous seaman was induced to make a Voyage to Sea. When he returned his Commission was in the possession of the Captain; But as the Cutter was not then prepared for a cruise he went again to Sea. He sailed last in the schooner Polly, which cleared from this port about 3 weeks ago 26 Novmr. for St. Eustasia. Lt. Thomas further informs me that Captn Gross left the Cutter in his charge the 15 November, with instructions to hire five good hands; to fit out the cutter and sail as far as Annapolis; and there wait his orders. That he has not been able to procure the hands for the pay and subsistence allowed by Congress, ten to twelve Dollars \u214c mo. being given here for good Seamen to sail in merchant Ships. Captn Gross expected to return from the Eastern shore of Maryland in ten or twelve days after his departure. Mr. Thomas supposes that he has been detained by bad weather, head winds, and an apprehension that the late severe cold has closed this harbour, and that it is uncertain whether he will return this winter, as he left orders how the affairs of the cutter were to be managed in case he should not return. Yet Mr. Thomas thinks it may be that Captn. Gross is at this time returning. Two men only are all that have been on board the cutter for near two months, and these are supplied with provision and fuel by Mr. Thomas in port. This is a different account from that which would give me pleasure to communicate; But as I do not know how, or when, matters can be better arranged without your interposition I have thought it right to trouble you with this detail.\nSimon Deagle master of a coasting Vessel from this port, last from Norfolk, brought 10 Musketts & 10 Bayonets 20 pistols 2 Lanthorns and 1 Chissell which he said he recd from the Collector at Norfolk for the use of the Cutter belonging to this District and which he has delivered to Lieutenant Thomas.\nI am, Sir, Your most obedient Humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0039", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 17 December 1791\nFrom: Whipple, Joseph\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPortsmouth, New Hampshire, December 17, 1791. \u201cI received by the last post your letter of the 2nd Instant directing me to Mention to Cap Yeaton his omitting to notice in the abstract of his journal for October the receiving of manifests from Vessels which I shall mention to him on his return into port.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0040", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to \u2014\u2014\u2014, [18 December 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nPhiladelphia, December 18, 1791]\nMy Dear Sir\nI am this moment going to a rendezvous which I suspect may involve a most serious plot against me, but various reasons, and among others a desire to ascertain the truth induce me to hazard the consequence. As any disastrous event might interest my fame; I drop you this line, that from my impressions may be inferred the truth of the matter.\nYrs. sincerely\nA Hamilton\nSunday December 17th 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0044", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 19 December 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, December 19, 1791. \u201cI have received your Letter of the 8th. Instant. I shall charge in my present quarter\u2019s and future Accounts, all Monies paid by me into the Providence Bank, as accounted for by the duplicate Receipts forwarded agreeable to your directions.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0045", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Reynolds, 19 December 1791\nFrom: Reynolds, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia 19th December 1791.\nSir.\nWhen we where last togeather you then would wis to know my Determination what I would do and. you exspess a wish to do any thing that was in your power to Serve me, its true its in your power to do a great deal for me, but its out of your power to do any thing that will Restore me to my Happiness again for if you should give me all you possess would not do it. god knowes I love the woman and wish every blessing may attend her, you have bin the Cause of Winning her love. and I Dont think I Can be Reconsiled to live with Her. when I know I hant her love. now Sir I have Considered on the matter Serously. I have This preposial to make to you. give me the Sum Of thousand dollars and I will leve the town and take my daughter with me and go where my Friends Shant here from me and leve her to Yourself to do for as you thin[k] proper. I hope you wont think my Request is in a vew of making Me Satisfaction for the injury done me. for there is nothing that you Can do will Compensate for it. your answer I shall expect This evening or in the morning early, as I am Determened to wate no longer till. I know my lot\nYours\nJames Reynolds\nMr. Alexr. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0046", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 20 December 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewport [Rhode Island] December 20, 1791. \u201c\u2026 I transmitted to the bank of Providence by water last friday seven thousand Dollars under the care of an Inspector. The money arrived safe but he has not had an opportunity to return with the Cashiers Receipts. I expect him this day, and will send on a receipt by the first post.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0047", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 20 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Whipple, Joseph\n[Philadelphia, December 20, 1791. On January 12, 1792, Whipple wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI had the honor to receive your letter of the 20th. of last Month.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0048", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 20 December 1791\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nTreasury DepartmentComptrollers Office.20th: December 1791.\nSir,\nOn examining the Accounts of Vincent Redman, Collector of the Customs, for the District of Yeocomico River, in the State of Virginia, for the Quarter ending 31st: March 1791, it appears, that he has charged duties on the Sloop Maria, an American Coasting Vessel, under Twenty Tons burthen at the rate of six cents per Ton, per Annum, to the amount of Ninety Cents.\nAs the Collection of those duties seems to have been made contrary to the intent of your Circular Letter to the Collectors, dated 30th: November 1789; I have taken the liberty to submit the circumstance to your consideration.\nI am &ca:\nO: W: Jr:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0049", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Royal Flint, 21 December 1791\nFrom: Flint, Royal\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, December 21, 1791. \u201cThis letter will be presented you by Dr. Hopkins of Connecticut. He is on his way to Philadelphia, and while he is in that City, I feel a desire that you become acquainted with him. The literary talents of this gentleman, and the liberal way of thinking, he adopts on all public questions of importance, will render him not only a valuable, but a pleasing acquantance.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0051", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Mifflin, 21 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Mifflin, Thomas\nTreasury Department, December 21, 1791. Writes to Mifflin concerning Pennsylvania creditors.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0052", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, December 22, 1791. \u201cI yesterday received your favor of the 23rd. of Novemr. Your approbation of my Conduct in the Case of the Brigt. Betsey, affords me the sincerest Satisfaction; and in future, should similar breaches of the Law occur within this District, I shall proceed in the way you have now suggested, as a less expensive and more speedy Mode of Determination; and, in discharging the duties of my Office in general, I shall continue my endeavors to merit your support.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0054", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 23 December 1791\nFrom: Allibone, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] December 23, 1791. \u201cI have the Honor to call your attention to a Short report on the state of the establishments under my care as follows: The Light House in good order and well Supplied with every thing Necessary for the ensuing Season\u2014the Publick Piers in good repair. The usual exhanges of Beacons & Buoys and those which were relieved brot. up and deposited in their usual places in safety. Enclosed is also a Certificate by John Turner & Joshua Humphrys Ship wrights who was required by me in aid of my own Judgment, to examine the old Beacon Boat of the Brandywine, from which it will appear, that she may without much risque be employed another season.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0055", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [23 December 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, December 23, 1791]\nTh. Jefferson presents his respectful compliments to the Secretary of the treasury and incloses him the copy of a letter and table which he has addressed to the President of the United States, and which being on a subject whereon the Secretary of the Treasury and Th: J. have differed in opinion, he thinks it his duty to communicate to him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0056", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 23 December 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDuplicate to go by the way of the Texel. 1st & 3d. sent by way of England\nAmsterdam Dec 23d 91\nSir\nI had the honor of writing to you from hence on the 15th. inst. & of informing you of the posture of the American business here at that time. I am now happy in being able to announce to you the conclusion of a loan here for the U.S. at 4. p. cent interest. The reimbursements are to begin at the end of ten years & to be made in equal parts during the five succeeding. It has been found absolutely necessary to abandon the clause for re-imbursement at the will of the U.S. the lenders having lately become much dissatisfied with it, since the fall of interest in the other loans. In future however it will be found practicable for the U.S. to reserve this right after a given number of years. The sum of the loan is three millions of florins. The Undertakers have insisted on eight months, instead of five as allowed in the last loan. Although it will probably be furnished before the term, yet it will certainly not be done as expeditiously as the last, the market being at present excessively charged with loans. The charges will be between 5\u20136 p. cent, that point however is not finally settled, the bankers insisting now with some earnestness on 6. p. cent, notwithstanding in their first letter they stated them at less. I shall settle with them the terms at which this loan may be considered as at your disposal, so that you may regulate your draughts for such parts as you may chuse to call for. No reservation having been made by you I shall continue to have it applied towards the French payments until I hear from you, in proportion as it is recieved.\nThe departure of the English post by which this letter will be sent precludes me from saying anything further to you at present. In my next I will inform you of the steps which have preceded this loan, & which have convinced me that that at Antwerp has not had an unfavorable influence as the bankers here pretended.\nI inclose you the second copy of the Antwerp contract mentioned in my last. Immediately after signing the bonds for the new loan which will be in five or six days unless delayed in the press, I shall return to Paris. I beg you to be persuaded of the sentiments with which I have the honor to be Sir, your most obedient servant\nW Short\nThe Honble. Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0057", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Melancton Smith, 23 December 1791\nFrom: Smith, Melancton\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewyork 23rd Dec. 1791\nSir I am favored with yours of the 18th Instant. In a letter I wrote to Genl. Knox of the 5th instant I mentioned that that I had seen no Advertisement for a contract for West point and wished to know whether that post was to be supplied under his Orders, as the recruits were or whether a new Contract was to be formed if the latter I offered to furnish the Garrison at ten cents pr Ration. As I had not received any answer to this proposal, and there was every reason to expect the River would every day be Obstructed with Ice, I forwarded some provisions to be ready to supply them after my Contract had expired. I hope this has arrived. The lowest I would undertake to supply West Point is nine and an half Cents pr ration.\nI am Sir\u2003 Your Ob ser\nMeln Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0059", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nProvidence, December 26, 1791. \u201cI have received your Letter of the 14th. Instant: The contents shall be attended to; and the result of the first Instance that occurs, respecting unshelled Coffee, shall be communicated to you.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0060-0001", "content": "Title: Report on the Petition of Catharine Greene, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Speaker of the House of Representatives\n[Philadelphia, December 26, 1791Communicated on December 26, 1791]\n[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives]\nThe Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred a petition of Catharine Greene, of the 4th of March 1790, respectfully submits the following report thereupon.\nThe said petition seeks to obtain an indemnification from the United States, against the effects of certain engagements which were entered into by the now deceased husband of the petitioner, the late Major General Nathaniel Greene, while commanding officer in the southern department; and, for the circumstances, on which it is founded, refers to a representation of the 22d: of August 1785, which was made by the said General Greene, to the United States in Congress assembled; a copy of which representation, marked A, is herewith transmitted.\nThe following are the principal facts, which appear in relation to this application.\n1. The department of War, in the fall of the year 1782, authorised the said Major General Greene, to obtain supplies of clothing for the troops under his command.\n2. In consequence of this authority, in November or December of the same year, he entered into a contract, for the supply of clothing to the Army, with John Banks, a partner in the house of Hunter, Banks and Company, who contracted on behalf of the Company; and, upon account of the contract, advanced him eleven hundred guineas in money, and drew Bills upon the Superintendant of Finance for the residue. This transaction was duly notified to the department of War, and received the approbation of that department.\n3. The goods for completing this contract were purchased on credit, by the contractors, from certain British merchants then in Charleston.\n4. About the same period, the Superintendant of Finance empowered General Greene to contract for the supply of all such provisions as might be wanted for the use of the army in the States of North and South Carolina and Georgia, with permission, if more convenient to him, to commit the execution of the business to Edward Carrington, esquire, to whom it was accordingly committed.\n5. An engagement, which had been taken by the State of South Carolina, for the supply of the army, was to expire at the end of the year 1782. It became urgent to complete a contract for the supply after that period. Advertisements for receiving proposals were published; and particular applications were made by General Greene, to sundry characters of property and influence, who had been formerly men of business, to endeavor to engage them to enter into a competition for the contract. But these efforts did not produce the desired effect; owing, partly to the distressed and deranged situation of the country, and partly to the then state of public credit. No offer was made, except by the same John Banks, who was the contractor for supplying the troops with clothing, acting on behalf of the same copartnership of Hunter, Banks and Company. The terms, proposed by him, being thought too disadvantageous, were not accepted, in the first instance. The State of South Carolina having consented to extend it\u2019s measures for supplying the army, to the 20th of February following, advantage was taken of the extension, to endeavor to procure better terms. A conclusion was delayed, to give a farther opportunity for other offers, and negociations were carried on with Mr. Banks, to induce him to moderate his terms. He fell somewhat in his demands, but as they still continued to be thought too high, General Greene would not suffer a contract to be concluded, till every possible effort to obtain more favorable terms had failed. As a last expedient for this purpose, a letter was written by the said Edward Carrington, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of South Carolina, stating the then situation of the business, and asking, through him, the opinion of the House, whether there was a probability of obtaining, from any part of the country, more advantageous terms, and whether it would be advisable, in the expectation of such an event, to keep open the contract, for any longer period. It appears to have been an object of this letter, through the medium of that body, to excite, if possible, some farther competition. But the end was not answered. The Speaker, in his reply, states, that no competition had been excited, in consequence of it, and that, though the terms, proposed by Banks, were thought too high, yet, as no other proposals had been made, and as the pressing necessities of the army called for immediate relief, it was deemed needless to keep open the contract any longer, under an idea, that more advantageous propositions might be made. Under these circumstances, on the 18th of the same month of February, a contract with Hunter, Banks and Company was concluded, and was, immediately after, notified to the Superintendant of Finance.\n6. It is stated by General Greene, in his representation to Congress\u2014That the Company\u2019s funds were inadequate to the execution of what they had undertaken\u2014That bills sold greatly under par, and few could be sold at any rate\u2014That the funds, of which the Company were possessed, were tied up be prior engagements\u2014That the creditors insisted in farther security, before they would consent to an application of those funds for the support of the army\u2014That he was reduced to a choice of difficulties, either to turn the army loose upon the country, or take upon himself, the risk of supporting the contractors; that he chose the latter, as the least evil, and became bound, for them, to their creditors, for a sum of upwards of thirty thousand pounds sterling\u2014That to render the hazard as small, as possible, he made the Company give an order on their agent in Philadelphia, Mr. Pettit, for all the contract money, and sums due upon the clothing department, to be paid into the hands of the persons, whose debts he had guaranteed, and that one of the Creditors was sent forward to receive them; but that these funds were diverted into other channels.\nAnd it appears in proof, that public bills, as alledged, were of very difficult sale, being subject to a discount of fifteen per cent for prompt payment, (as much as twenty five being sometimes demanded) that the army, at the time when this engagement was entered into by General Greene, was in a very critical situation; that discontents, from various causes had produced several instances of actual mutiny; that if the contractors had failed, there was no ground to count on any other resource, as a substitute, and if a want of provisions had been added to other causes of dissatisfaction, there was reason to apprehend a disbanding or dissolution of the army\u2014That General Greene, on or about the 8th of April 1783, did become surety for the contractors, to different persons, in very considerable sums; and it is to be inferred, as well from the fact itself, as from the evidence, that the doing of it was necessary, by quieting their creditors, to enable them to proceed in the supply of the army.\nIt further appears in proof, that Mr. Burnet, one of the Company, had informed Mr. Pettit, their agent, that they had purchased a quantity of goods from British merchants in Charleston\u2014That these goods had enabled them to undertake for the supply of the army in clothing and provisions, and that they had stipulated with those merchants, \u201cthat the monies arising from the contract should be appropriated to the payment of the debt contracted by that purchase;\u201d that repeated instructions, by letter, in the name of the Company, sometimes in the handwriting of Banks, and sometimes of Burnet, uniformly held up to him, Mr. Pettit, the idea of paying the produce of the contract to the same merchants, in proportion to their respective claims, of which they sent a list, amounting to upwards of thirty two thousand pounds sterling, due to three Houses\u2014That two payments, one for twenty two thousand eight hundred and seventy five dollars, and the other for four thousand two hundred and twenty two dollars, were made by him to the British merchants; that a Mr Warrington, one of them, had come forward to Philadelphia, to receive the money, both on his own account, and as an agent for others; but that, in consequence of subsequent arrangements and instructions, the residue of the contract money was diverted to other purposes.\n7. Precautions were taken by General Greene, when he became apprised of his danger, to obtain counter-security. This was actually effected, to a considerable extent; but it seems now reduced to a certainty, that a loss, of not less than eight thousand pounds sterling, will be sustained by his estate, in consequence of the transaction, unless indemnified by the government; and that the probable result will be the entire ruin of the estate.\n8. No document appears, shewing that the notice of his having become surety for the Company was ever given by General Greene to Congress, or any of the public departments, prior to his representations of the 22nd of August 1785, claiming an indemnity, in case of such eventual loss. The omission of such notice is, indeed, to be inferred from the silence of that representation on the point. The evidence of the foregoing facts is to be found with the documents herewith transmitted, marked from A to Z inclusively.\nUnder this state of facts, it remains to be considered, whether it be incumbent upon the government of the United States, to grant the indemnification to the estate of Major General Greene, which is sought by the petition.\nObjections to such an indemnification might arise from three sources.\n1. Want of authority from the government to enter into the suretyship in question.\nBut this, it is conceived, would not be a valid objection. There certainly are numerous cases, in which a commanding officer of an army is justifiable in doing more, than he has a regular authority to do; from the exigency of particular conjunctures. And where it appears, that the unauthorized procedure was prudent and necessary, in itself, and was warranted by motives sufficiently important and emergent, it is just and proper in the government to ratify what has been done, and to indemnify the officer from injury on account of it. That an emergency of this kind did exist, to justify the measure, which was adopted by General Greene, appears to be satisfactorily established. The keeping of an army from disbanding may be presumed, upon strong grounds of evidence, to have materially depended upon it. And there does not seem to have been a deficiency of precaution in guarding, as far as was practicable, against eventual loss.\n2. A personal or private interest in doing what was done foreign to the duties and relations of a commanding officer.\nThis, if it did exist, would be a decisive objection. The existence of it having been alledged, it remains to examine, what probability there is of the allegation being well founded. It\u2019s source is traced to a letter of John Banks, containing a suggestion or conjecture, that General Greene was, or probably would be, concerned in the Copartnership of Hunter, Banks and Company.\nBut this circumstance loses all force from the following considerations.\n1. From a letter which General Greene wrote to John Banks, dated the 25th of December 1782, in which the General makes his acknowledgments to Mr. Banks, for the services he had rendered to the army, in respect to clothing, and invites him to become a competitor for supplying it with provisions. The scope and language of this letter strongly indicate, that General Greene had then no interested connection with Mr. Banks, in relation to any of the matters, which are the subjects of it. As this conclusion results rather from the general tenor of the letter than from particular expressions, it\u2019s justness will best appear by an insertion of the entire letter. It is in these words.\nHead Quarters, December 25th 1782.\nDear Sir,\nThe comfortable situation, in which you have put the Army, from the large supply of blankets and clothing furnished it, claims my particular acknowledgments; for, although I expect the public will make you a reasonable compensation, yet, as you were the only person, who had the will and the means to serve us, our obligation is equally great. I am happy to find also, that most, if not all our officers are likely to get supplies of clothing, through your agency. Colo. Carrington, who is appointed to make the contracts for the subsistence of the southern army, also informs me, your House have it [in] contemplation to engage in this business. Great, as our other obligations are, if you contract for the supplies of the army, this will be greater than all the rest. For the present mode, in which we are supplied, is truly distressing, both to the people and to the army. The manner of collecting by military parties renders it distressing to the citizens, and, from the uncertain collections, the army is often without any thing to eat. This is hard upon troops who have bled so freely for an oppressed people. I must beg you to hasten your proposals; and, I flatter myself, you will, from your attachment to the cause, as well as a regard for the army, serve the public, on the lowest terms.\nI am, dear Sir, \u2003 Your most obedient humble Servant,\nNath. Greene.\nMr. John Banks.\n2. From the pains taken by that officer to induce competition from other quarters; the delays which, with his participation and direction, attended an acceptance of the proposals made by Hunter, Banks and Company, after the time for receiving proposals had expired, in order to afford a still farther opportunity, for other proposals, and to bring that company to more moderate terms\u2014the reference, which, in the last resort, was had to the Assembly of South Carolina, as the only remaining expedient for exciting a competition, which had in vain been sought by other means; and, respecting which Colo. Carrington, in his affidavit (document R) expresses himself in these strong terms: \u201cGeneral Greene would not suffer a contract to be closed, without making every possible effort to excite a competition, and, as a last resort, a letter was written to the Assembly of South Carolina, &c.\u201d\u2014circumstances, which satisfactorily prove, that General Greene had, in the first instance, no common interest with Hunter, Banks and Company, in the contract for supplying the army with provisions.\n3. From a letter of Major Forsythe, one of the partners, to General Greene, December 29th 1782, (document F) in which he thanks General Greene for a letter of approbation of his public conduct, and expresses a hope of that countenance and aid from the General, in private life, which he had enjoyed, while serving under his command; and then proceeds to mention the case of a Brig, belonging to the Company, which had been siezed at Savannah, and asks, as a favor, a letter from the General to the judge, before whom the cause of the vessel was expected to be tried, to remove a prejudice against Mr. Banks (as being a person inimical to the American cause) which, it was feared, might occasion her condemnation. The style of this letter is the reverse of that of one partner writing to another, on a subject of mutual interest. It is that of a person, who had received favors from a patron, asking a farther favor.\n4. From the counter-securities, which General Greene took in consequence of his having become surety for the Company, to their creditors; one, being a bond from Banks, Patton and Hunter, three of the partners, bearing the date the 7th of May 1783 (document M) in which it is acknowledged, as is usual in such cases, that General Greene had no concern in the debts for which he had become bound; and the parties, accordingly engage to exonerate him from those debts, or any damages which might arise from becoming security for them; another, being an assignment from Robert Forsythe, another of the partners, to General Greene, bearing date the second of September 1784, (document N) of debts due to the partnership, as a counter security to him, in which it is stated, that General Greene, at the special instance and request of the Company, had become their security to certain persons, to whom they were indebted. The latter, however, being a considerable time after the transaction, is far less conclusive than the former.\n5. From the affidavits of John Banks, and James Hunter, two of the partners, one dated the third of January 1783, (document O) the other, the twenty sixth of September 1785 (document P); the first, denying explicitly all connection of General Greene, in the affairs of the Company, the last, declaring that the deponent never considered General Greene as directly or indirectly interested in the purchase of the goods, upon which the debts, for which he had become bound, appear to have been founded; that this purchase was on the proper account of John Banks, Robert Forsyth, Ichabod Burnet, John Ferrie, Robert Patton and the deponent; and that he never heard nor understood from either of the other partners, that General Greene was any way concerned or interested in that purchase. There is also, a certificate from Robert Forsyth, of the third of March 1785, (document Q) declaring that the General was not interested, either in that purchase, or in the contract for the army.\n6. From a suit in Chancery, which was brought by General Greene, and, after his death, prosecuted by his executors to a recovery, against John Ferrie, one of the partners of the House of Hunter, Banks and Company; which suit, it appears, might have been defeated by proof of interest in the partnership, on the part of General Greene; but not only, no such proof was made, but it is asserted, on oath, by Charles C. Pinckney (document Y) who was solicitor and counsel for Ferrie, and who professes to have obtained, in a professional capacity, considerable knowledge of their affairs, that Ferrie had assisted Banks in the purchase of the goods in question, had been instrumental in his obtaining credit\u2014had kept the books of the Company, and appeared to have known all the concerns of the Company most intimately and minutely; that if General Greene had been concerned in the speculation, he (Ferrie) must have known it, and that knowing it, he would have made it known\u2014that he was under no obligation to conceal it, having been put at defiance by the suit, and could he have proved the fact, he would have been successful in his defence; but he neither produced one tittle of evidence, nor deduced a single circumstance to shew, that the General had, in any manner, been concerned in the purchase; the consequence of which was, that the Bill was sustained, the lands were decreed to be sold, and, after defraying the expenses of the suit, and discharging the money due on a mortgage, which had been given by a prior owner, the balance of the sale was directed to be paid over, into the hands of the Complainant, towards an indemnification of the General. This statement has peculiar force, especially, as the General, by commencing the suit, exposed himself to the hazard, if any connection of interest had subsisted, either of being defeated, by a discovery of that connection on oath upon a cross bill, or by perjury in the concealment and denial of it.\n7. From a certificate (document X) of the two Chancellors of South Carolina which, after stating the insinuations that had been made of General Greene\u2019s connection with Hunter, Banks and Company, proceeds thus: \u201cWe think ourselves authorised to say, that we are as competent to his vindication, from any aspersion of that nature, as any two persons in the State of South Carolina; as we were both in the executive department, at the time of the evacuation of this Capitol, the one, Governor, and the other Lieutenant Governor, and a suit in Chancery has been since brought to issue before us, as Chancellors, in the prosecution of which, the several grounds, principles and obligations of the various connections or copartnerships, by whom the respective speculations, alluded to, were entered into, were very fully, ably, and minutely discussed, by some of the most eminent solicitors in the Court. And we have no hesitation, in the most inevasive, unreserved and unequivocal manner, to declare, that we never had, from our own observation, or from the strictest and most scrutinizing investigation, on the Chancery-bench, the most distant reason to conceive, that the honorable General Greene was ever, either directly or indirectly engaged in any of the aforesaid speculations, any further than as surety for Mr. Banks. We think ourselves warranted, also, in asserting, that the contract with Mr. Banks for the supply of the army, was the most advantageous he could obtain, at a time when the want of provisions threatened a mutiny.\u201d\n\u201cJohn Mathews\u201d\n\u201cRichd Hutson.\u201d\nCharleston, October 30th. 1790.\n8. From the concurrent opinions of other respectable characters, who had the best opportunities of judging of circumstances, that Genl. Greene was totally unconnected in interest with that Company. On this point, the documents S,T,U,V,W,Z, are interesting; that, marked V, states several particulars, as argumentative of the opinion expressed, which merit particular attention.\nFrom the foregoing circumstances combined, there is conceived to be conclusive evidence, that General Greene was not interested, either in the purchase of the goods, which had created the debts afterwards guaranteed by him, nor in either of the contracts for clothing or provisions, was not a partner in the House of Hunter, Banks and Company, nor had any concern whatever in the affairs of that Company, further than as surety.\nThere is nothing to oppose these conclusions, but the suggestion in Banks\u2019s letter, and the fact of the suretyship. The former is obviated by the contradiction, on oath, of the party himself: and the circumstances of this contradiction, as represented by General Wayne and Colonel Carrington, in their affidavits, (documents T and S) give it every possible appearance of genuineness. A question naturally arises\u2014What could have been the inducement to the suggestion made by Banks? This is answered by Colonel Carrington, who represents him, as a man of \u201cexcessive vanity, much disposed to make a shew of connections with high characters.\u201d It is also possible, that he may have expected to derive advantage from the reputation of such a connection. The observation, moreover, is of great force, that if General Greene had been a secret partner, unknown to the partners in general, Banks\u2019s character precludes the supposition, that he would have been the selected depositary of the secret.\nThe fact of the suretyship is accounted for by the necessity of the measure, as it related to the situation of the army. And relying on the appropriation of the funds, which should arise out of the contracts with the public, to the payment of the persons, to whom he had become bound, it was natural that he should have considered the risk as not very great.\nThis full statement of the circumstances, which are conceived to exculpate General Greene from the imputation of being concerned in the transaction, has appeared not only essential to placing the merits of the subject properly before the House, but a debt due to the memory of an Officer, who had rendered essential services to his country; and of a man who, by a life of probity, had secured to himself the strongest of all titles to a candid construction of his conduct.\nIt remains to advert to the third source of objection, which has been intimated, as capable of bringing into question the propriety of an indemnification, namely, the omission of notice to the government, at, or about the time of the transaction, that the suretyship in question had been entered into.\nHere, in the judgment of the Secretary, lies the only difficulty, which attends the question of indemnification.\nIt appears to have been incumbent upon General Greene, if he meant to look to the government for indemnification, in case of eventual loss, to have given early notice of the step he had taken. In proportion, as that step was unauthorised or unusual, the necessity for the communication was encreased. It seems to be a matter of obvious propriety, that a public officer, who expects the sanction of the government to an unauthorised proceeding, especially an indemnification against pecuniary loss, on account of it, ought to embrace the first convenient opportunity to make known the object, for which such sanction and indemnification are desired. And the motives, on the part of the government, to require a due observance of that precaution, are of great force in regard to the security of the public. It is necessary, to enable the government to investigate the circumstances, at the time, when the truth can best be discovered, and unfounded pretensions best be detected. And where an indemnification against pecuniary loss is expected, a prompt disclosure is necessary, to put the government in a condition to take care of it\u2019s own interests, in the manner, which shall appear to itself most efficacious.\nIt is, indeed, to be observed, that General Greene was naturally led to imagine, that all hazard in the affair was obviated by the measures which had been taken to secure, as he supposed, an application of the monies to be received from the public, on account of the contract, to the payment of the debts, for which he had become surety; and, therefore, omitted a communication to the government, as not necessary to his safety.\nBut whether this, which appears to be a satisfactory explanation of the motive for the omission, which did take place, be, also, a sufficient ground for dispensing with the observance of a precaution, which, as a general rule, would be proper to be made a condition of indemnification; or how far, the peculiar merit of the officer, or the peculiar hardship and misfortune of the case, may render advisable a deviation from that rule, are points, which the Secretary begs leave to submit, without observation, to the contemplation of legislative discretion.\nIf a direct indemnification should be conceived inadmissible, as a public precedent, a question would still present itself, whether, under all the circumstances of the case, the family of General Greene ought to be left to the ruinous consequences of an act, which was dictated by a well advised zeal for the public service because he omitted a precaution, which the rules of public policy may require to have been observed.\nThe Secretary is not certain, whether an opinion on this point be within the province assigned him by the reference, which is the subject of this report, and he, therefore, forbears an explicit sentiment. He hopes, however, to be thought justified by the occasion, when he permits himself to observe, That strong and extraordinary motives of national gratitude for the very signal and very important services, rendered by General Greene to his country, must serve to give a keener sting to the regret, which ought ever to attend the necessity of a strict adherence to maxims of public policy, in opposition to claims, founded on useful acts of zeal for the public service, if no means of protecting from indigence and penury, the family of that most meritorious officer, shall, upon examination, be found inadmissible.\nAll which is humbly submitted,\nAlexander HamiltonSecretary of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0060-0005", "content": "Title: Enclosure D: [Nathanael Greene to Colonel Carrington], [26 December 1791]\nFrom: Greene, Nathanael\nTo: \nDear Sir,\nRobert Morris, Esquire, Financier for the United States, has in his advertisements for receiving proposals for contracts for supplying the army with rations, directed them to be made to me, in the States of North and South Carolina and Georgia; but in his letter of the 17th of October, 1782, he desires me to commit the business to your care and management, should I find it more convenient for you to execute, than for me. I am persuaded of your good disposition, and of your capacity to manage this important trust, and as I can give it every aid under your direction, as much as if under my own, and as you have more liesure to attend to it, than I have, I wish you to embark in the business. I have already written to all the principal characters in South Carolina, and to some in North Carolina, who are likely to enter into contracts, to make their proposals. As soon as I get their answers, I will lay them before you, and give you such farther information on the subject, as may enable you to close your contracts. I shall be always happy to communicate with you, on every matter necessary for the promotion and security of the public interest. Let me have your answer on the subject, as soon as possible, that I may inform the Financier, how the matter rests.\nI am, dear Sir, \u2003 Your most obedient Servant,\nNathaniel Greene.\nLieut: Colo. Carrington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0060-0015", "content": "Title: Enclosure P: [James Taylor\u2019s Testimony on James Hunter], [26 December 1791]\nFrom: Taylor, James\nTo: \nNorfolk Is.\nJames Hunter, of Portsmouth in Virginia, came personally before me, and made oath on the holy Evangelists, That he never considered the honorable Major General Greene, either directly or indirectly concerned or interested in a purchase of goods, made by John Banks in Charleston, on the proper account and benefit of the following persons only, viz: John Banks, Robert Forsyth, Ichabod Burnet, John Ferrie, Robert Patton, and said James Hunter; who further deposeth and saith, that he never heard, or ever understood, from either the abovementioned persons, either by letter or words, that General Greene was, any means concerned or interested in said purchase.\nJames Taylor.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0061", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Davidson, 27 December 1791\nFrom: Davidson, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Annapolis, December 27, 1791. On January 9, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Davidson: \u201cI have recieved your letter of the 27th ultimo.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0062", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [27 December 1791]\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, December 27, 1791]\nSir.\nIn order to enable me to answer your letter of the 21st instant, I directed the Comptroller general to furnish me with the necessary information upon the subject of your inquiry; and you will now receive an extract from his report. But as this may not be deemed satisfactory, I have given that Officer instructions to confer with you upon the subject; and, I hope, that after a full and candid communication,the inconveniency that you suggest, may be prevented, without claiming the interposition of the Legislature. Should you still think, however, that this step is requisite, it shall be pursued.\nI am, with due consideration\u2003 Sir Your most obed Hble Servt\nThomas Mifflin\nPhila. 27 Decr. 1791\nTo Alexr Hamilton EsqrSecretary of the Treasury &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0063", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Melancton Smith, 27 December 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Smith, Melancton\nTreasury Department December 27th. 1791\nSir.\nI accept your proposals for Supplying the post of West point for the ensuing Year, at nine and one half cents per ration, pursuant to your letter of the 23rd. instant.\nI am Sir\u2003 Your Obt. Sert.\nAlexr. Hamilton\nMelancton Smith Esqr.New York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0065", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 28 December 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAmsterdam Dec. 28. 1791\nSir\nIn my last of the 23d. inst. I had the honor of simply announcing to you a loan being contracted for here on account of the U.S. for f 3,000,000 at 4. p. cent. The departure of the English post by which my letter was sent did not allow me to enter into details, except as to the terms of the loan. An alteration has since been made as to the times of payment from eight to six months. You may accordingly count on f 500,000. being recieved by the bankers monthly, the next month being considered as the first, so that the whole must be paid by the end of June, & will unquestionably be paid sooner, the undertakers having as you know always the facility of shortening the terms.\nUntil I shall hear from you, the monies arising on this loan will be applied towards the French debt, reserving what may be necessary to complete the two millions & an half of florins you had excepted out of the six million loan & which I had intended should have been kept out of it, having only given orders for 3\u00bd millions. I find here however that other dispositions have been made by other orders of two or three hundred thousand florins, so as to leave that deficit on the 2\u00bd millions intended to be kept to answer your draughts. The sums which become due here for interest in february & march will be also paid out of the present loan.\nA vessel now lying at the Texel waiting for a wind gives me an opportunity of writing to you by that chanel to inform you of the steps which immediately preceded this loan; which in addition to what I have said in my former letters from Antwerp & this place, will I think stamp the proper value on the offers made from hence with respect to a loan at 4. p. cent.\nAs soon as I arrived here & found from the conversations of the bankers themselves that the Antwerp obligations of 4\u00bd. p. cent were not sold on this market, & also that a loan at 4. p. cent was then impracticable, as it certainly was at that time, I was persuaded that the impracticability could not arise from the Antwerp loan, & as that was the only circumstance which had intervened & the only reason for a change of circumstances I concluded naturally that no change had taken place & of course that the same impractibility which I was satisfied existed then must have existed at the time of their letters. It may be asked why they should have held out the hopes of the 4. p cent loan if they did not think they could be realized? They could not but have known or at least have had the strongest presumptions of the loan being intended at Antwerp, for although they did not recieve the printed prospectus of it until two days after their letter to me, yet the business had been settled between M. de Wolf & the undertakers at Antwerp some time before & had been talked of there in a manner not to admit a doubt of its being known at Amsterdam. Supposing therefore a strong desire in the bankers here to prevent such a loan, which they do not deny, the most probable means were certainly to give assurances of a loan here at a lower rate of interest. They know well enough the nature of the loan business to be sure that a check given to it in this stage at Antwerp, would be for some time an obstacle to renewing the loan there in the case of our wishing to do it on finding that the 4. p. cent loan could not be made here. The imputation could be made them, as they could easily have said they held out the hopes of the 4. p. cent loan, from their zeal to the U.S. having reason to believe it could be made, but that circumstances which change here daily & of which no one can be master &c. &c. (according to their constant language) had changed the prospect.\nIf on the contrary, as took place, the loan was not stopped at Antwerp, they by the hopes thus held out remained on the most advantageous ground, as whilst they could thus demonstrate the impolicy of the loan at Antwerp, they supposed they should proceed equally in making the one that I had authorized them for at 4\u00bd. p. cent.\nApprehending however that something of this kind might be possible I immediately withdrew the authority as to the 4\u00bd. p. cent & I found on my arrival here full proofs that if I had not done this expressly a loan would have been made without delay at that rate. It was evident that they had had no apprehension that I should put a stop to such a loan here whilst I consented to that at Antwerp. They made use of all kinds of arguments daily to prove to me the propriety, the policy & advantage of renewing the powers I had withdrawn. I refused it constantly, & as they could not concieve that a loan at that rate of interest would be refused by the U.S. without a prospect of some advantageous arrangement of the French debt, & as their correspondents at Paris gave them some intimation of a plan in agitation in the French ministry, they began evidently to be some what alarmed. Agreeably to their example in such cases I did not seek to diminish it\u2014on the contrary it was augmented by my silence and reserve on the subject. In this situation of the business no opportunity was lost by them of exalting their zeal for the service of the U.S: their attachment to their interests &c. of which they always quoted in proof their having not made the loan at 4\u00bd p. cent. whilst they had the power to do it; but in such a manner as left me no doubt of their regret at having lost such an opportunity, at present that they were uncertain of what would be done with the French debt, & of course with future loans.\nUnder these circumstances I could have no doubt that every effort would be made to effect a loan at 4. p. cent, as well from the hopes of preventing any arrangement of the debt in France, which might derange the business in their hands as because they had every reason to believe I would consent to one on no other condition. The brokers were consulted who were unanimously of opinion in their meeting that it would be improper to propose such a loan at that time. On this their instances became still more pressing for the loan at 4\u00bd. p. cent & by way of securing it they urged my consenting to write two loans together that they might propose them to the undertakers coupled, one at 4\u00bd & the other at 4. As this was however nothing more than another way of making a loan at 4\u00bd p. cent. wch I had refused, I refused it also. They had assured me that no hopes could be entertained of doing better. I was closeted with one of the Willinks listening to his arguments on this subject & refuting them when one of the other houses came in unexpectedly & with much real joy announced to us, that having got information that Russia was about to propose a loan at 4. p. cent, he had gone immediately to the other Willink to consult on it & that they were both of opinion that it might be made a step to effect one for America. Accordingly the subject was immediately discussed by the partners of both houses, & it was agreed that if I consented to it they would order the brokers to propose the loan the next morning to the undertakers & support it. I observed to them that I consented willingly to the loan at 4. p. cent, provided there was a certainty of its being carried through with \u00e9clat, but that I was somewhat surprized to hear their talk of ordering now those whom they had always represented to me as dictators in such cases & would by no means wish that any risk should be run of a defeat by precipitating the business. They said they would be responsible for that, & that there were occasions in which the brokers must not be consulted but ordered.\nThe next day the loan of Russia was brought on & that of America followed it, & was effected in the manner I have already mentioned to you. The loan of Russia is for f 6,000,000. at 4. p. cent, payable in the obligations of the same power on an old loan at 4\u00bd. p. cent, which become re-imbursable in the next year. The interest is calculated at 4\u00bd. p. cent to the time of re-imbursement, & recieved for that value in the present loan. Notwithstanding this mode of fulfilling the loan, without which it would not have been attempted I am assured by an authority which cannot be mistaken, that only four millions were undertaken & that Hope took the other two millions for his house, without doubt in concert with the Russian government, so that he will risk nothing. The proof that Russia would not have attempted an original loan at 4. p. cent. at present & which I consider as sufficiently satisfactory is that her last at 5. p. cent was made in the month of November, since when nothing of any kind has taken place either here or in Russia to authorize such a diminution.\nThe inferences which I draw from what has been said above, are that the market here was not ripe for loans at 4. p. cent at the time these hopes were held out by the bankers, that they would not have been held out but for the Antwerp loan, & that my powers to them for making one at 4\u00bd. p. cent would have been executed, that the loan at 4. p. cent would not now have been effected if that for Russia had not been brought on the market, & that it would not have been brought on the market, but for the favorable circumstance of the approaching re-imbursement abovementioned & the influence & power of Hope\u2019s house.\nThe bankers whilst I was at Antwerp & after I had informed them that the loan there could not be stopped, wrote me that they would give me on my arrival here an unequivocal demonstration of the practicability there had been of their making a loan for the U.S. at 4. p. cent. It has been reduced simply to an assertion that the abundance of money on the market arising from the sales of English funds, rendered it practicable, & that their having made a loan on the liquidated debt at 4\u00bd. p. cent proved it. As to the abundance of money which is a fact, it operated with equal force on the Russian as on the American credit, their obligations, since the presumed peace between Russia & the Porte, having been at the same price, & yet this did not enable Russia to make a loan then at 4. p. cent although she had not made one at Antwerp as we had done, which was stated as the only obstacle to ours. With respect to the loan on the liquidated debt, it is certain that heretofore there was a greater difference in favor of the loans of Congress than \u00bd. p. cent interest. But it is certain also that the loans on the liquidated debt have been so successful, so much has been gained by the lenders, & the obligations have always taken & kept such a rise, that these loans had acquired a degree of favor which enabled those who made them to propose them on almost any terms. It is known here with what enthusiasm & ardor the undertakers run into a business which has acquired that kind of favor, & of course it cannot be adopted as a point of comparison much less a conclusive proof. The bankers themselves have been obliged to acknowlege the justice & weight of this observation in general. Still they adhere to their former assertion on this particular instance, in opposition to it.\nI have been thus diffuse Sir & wearied you with these irksome & lengthy details because I think it important that you should be able to form a true judgment on the subject of having the faculty, whether exercised or not, of making loans in more than one place. The best guide I can give you is thus furnishing the greatest number of facts possible, so that you may form your own opinion from them, instead of being informed of mine simply which always subject to error, is particularly exposed to be influenced in this instance. The rising credit of America & the increasing confidence which her present administration is acquiring in the monied parts of Europe, will necessarily present such a variety of choice to the U. S. that it is much to be desired that those who act for you should be kept acquainted with your sentiments on the subject.\nMy letter thus extended does not permit me to say any thing respecting the attempt of the bankers to increase the charges on this loan to six p. cent, but simply to mention that it was by leaving the question without being finally decided until after the loan was made & then to argue from the advantage of giving such an increase of charges for such a diminution of interest. They affirmed & I am persuaded with truth, that besides the usual bankers & undertakers they are obliged to employ others also with extra expences, to push the loan. As I did not suppose they had in doing this gone farther than would have been warranted by the charges of 5\u00bd. p. cent mentioned in their former letter, I insisted on them & after some days they consented though with reluctance, & are to write me a letter to fix them at that rate.\nAfter all that has been said above I should leave you perhaps an impression with respect to the bankers that is not in my intention, if I were to say nothing further. It is but justice to them that I should add that notwithstanding I am convinced their aversion to our opening loans out of Holland would induce them to use every means in their power for preventing it & that of themselves they would fix their profits on making the loans, probably somewhat above what we should think just, yet I am convinced also fully from what I have seen of them & of the other houses employed here in similar business that none have more zeal for the service of the countries by which they are employed, or act with more propriety & delicacy towards them.\nAll these houses make a common cause of a power accustomed to borrow here opening a loan in Antwerp, which they consider in this respect as a dependence on Amsterdam. Hope whose partiality for the interests of America nobody will presume has taken uncommon pains repeatedly since my arrival here to demonstrate to me the impolicy of the measure, & that by the most sophistical arguments imaginable. I listened to them with much attention because I was really desirous to be fully enlightened on the subject & particularly to hear what could be said on it by the most able & perhaps best informed man in Europe in that business. I have heard as well from him as others many good reasons for exercising the faculty (of making loans in more than one place) with more reserve than I should have perhaps thought necessary before, but nothing to diminish the advantages which may be expected from shewing that the faculty is in our power if we chuse to exercise it. It is certain that this is a vantage ground from which the borrower is much more enabled to command the lender. What has happened in the present instance is, unless I am very much mistaken, strong proof of its influence.\nMr. Hope as it appears, has stronger arguments to use with Russia. I mentioned to you formerly that he had in undertaking the re-establishment of Russian credit contracted for the monopoly of the loans of that country & lately that M. de Wolf had postponed the American loan he had been treating for because he was authorized to open one for Russia on much more advantageous terms. I supposed then either that the monopoly had ceased or that Hope had consented to the loan. The contrary however was the case. The loan projeced for Russia was on a footing which it was thought would evade the engagement wih Hope; that is to say by being opened at Petersburg, & the bonds given there expressed in roubles, which bonds were to be sold at Antwerp & the interest on them paid there. A considerable part of the loan was effected, a part of it remitted to Petersburg, & notwithstanding it has been stopped (supposed to be by the influence of Hope) & the money returned to the lenders.\nPrevious to my leaving Paris, several of the sufferers by the revolt in S. Domingo had concieved the plan of the French Government coming to their aid by loans of money in order to enable them to rebuild & re-establish their cultivation. As they knew the U.S. were paying off their debt they cast their eyes on that supply, & determined to collect it through the ministry of the assembly. It was an affair then in embryo & as it had to pass from the ministry to the assembly & was placing such a sum of money at the disposition of government it was much to be feared, under present circumstances, that it would not be brought to consistence and particularly as it was desired by the ministry of whom a great part of the assembly have really much more apprehension & fear than of the most declared & bitter enemies of the country, regarding them as the fosterers of what they call a counter-revolution, & by which they understand the destroying of the nation by war, plunder, & famine.\nSome days ago the minister of the marine brought forward this business in the manner the most favorable to its success. He made a general report on the troubles of S. Domingo & the losses which he estimates at a capital of 600,000,000\u20b6. He considered the colony as a large manufacture belonging to the nation & placed at a distance, in which every member of the society in France was an actionaire, & of course interested in its support. This is the most popular way of considering the subject for the assembly; for the most exagerated lovers of liberty & individual independence among them, are much flattered with the idea of the inhabitants of the islands of all colours being their property & really regard them as such. The minister shewed the profits arising from this great manufacture for all its owners & the advantages to be derived from an immediate re-establishment of it, by advances of money which would be thus placed on the most advantageous terms. He observed that the debt of America was the most immediate succour that could be given & proposed its being thus applied, adding an expression in favour of liberty which was much applauded. They did not however employ their usual mode of acceleration by a d\u00e9cret d\u2019urgence. It was referred to a committee. They are to report on it about this time but it is highly probable it will be still delayed. The minister thinks however it will be finally adopted. In that case he will come forward probably with proposals to me for carrying his plan into the earliest execution. Considering my powers as co-extensive with the whole debt at the present rate of interest here, I shall co-operate with him most heartily, as it is evident that it must be highly advantageous for the U.S. to have their debt to France vested in their own productions, which is the object the minister has in view. You will recieve from Paris in the papers which will have been regularly sent to the Secretary of State during my absence, the report of the minister abovementioned. I shall not fail to keep you acquainted with the progress of the business after my arrival there, & have the honor at present to be, with the highest respect,\nSir\u2003 Your most obedient humble servant\nW Short\nThe Honble. Alexander Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury, Philadelphia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0067", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Roger Alden, Brockholst Livingston, Carlile Pollock, Gulian Verplanck, and Joshua Waddington, 29 December 1791\nFrom: Alden, Roger,Livingston, Brockholst,Pollock, Carlile,Verplanck, Gulian,Waddington, Joshua\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 29 Decr: 1791\nSir\nA number of your fellow Citizens desirous of expressing the sense they entertain of the important Services you have rendered your Country, have raised by Subscription a Sum of money to defray the expence of a Portrait of you, \u27e8to\u27e9 be executed by Mr Trumbull, and placed in one of our public Buildings.\nWe have therefore to request that you will b\u27e8e\u27e9 so condescending as to allow Mr Trumbull to wait upon y\u27e8ou\u27e9 for the above purpose, at such time as will suit your convenie\u27e8nce\u27e9 and will also be pleased to permit the representation to exhib\u27e8it\u27e9 such part of your Political Life as may be most agreeable to yourself.\nWe have the honor to be, \u2003 with perfect sentiments of esteem \u2003 & respect; Your most humble sert.\nGulian Verplanck\nRoger Alden\nBrockholst Livingston\nCommitt\u27e8ee\u27e9\nJ Waddington\nCarlile Pollock\nTo Alexander Hamilton EsqrSecretary of the Treasury of the United States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0068", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Nicholson, 29 December 1791\nFrom: Nicholson, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCompr. Genl. Office [Philadelphia]Decr. 29th. 1791\nsir\nI have recd. instructions from his Excelly. the Governor to confer with you on the subject contained in your letter to him of the 21 Inst. If the difficulty suggested should arise in a doubt, whether part of the assumed debt of Pennsa. by the United States might not consist of Certificates given for a like sum of others of the United States not exchanged and to be surrendered, it will be easily proven that it does not. At any rate I would propose a conference with you on the business at any time you may appoint provided you approve thereof.\nI am\u2003 Yours &c\nJno: Nicholson\nThe Honble Alexr. HamiltonEsqr secty Treasy. Ustates", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0069", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 29 December 1791\nFrom: Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom HouseProvidence 29th. Decer. 1791.\nSir\nThe Brigantine Polly James Munro Jur. Master, the Property of Messrs. Clark & Nightingale Entered here the 27th Inst. from Charleston South Carolina. This Vessel Cleared at my office on the 24th August last for Port au Prince, but it appears from the Master that she arrived at the Cape, having on Board, when she cleared, Three hundred & Fourteen Barrels of salted Provisions One hundred & Twenty Barrels of Pickled Fish and Eleven Hhds. of Dryed Fish weighing Eighty Quintals one Quarter and 23 oz all duty entered for Exportation, but the Troubles at the Cape were such as entirely to prevent Trade, in consequence of which, the Master, after much Trouble and Solicitation obtained permission to Depart with Vessel and Cargo, and arrived on the latter Part of Octr. at Charles Ton where he says he landed and disposed of the Dryed Fish, Twenty & half Barrels salted Provisions and Forty five Barrels of Pickled Fish, having now on Board the Remainder of Said pickled Fish & Provisions: And as they cannot be Relanded by the 62nd Section of the Collection law, I am induced Sir, from the peculiar Circumstance of the Case and a fixed belief that no Fraud was intended against the Revenue, to ask your opinion whether said articles may not be relanded (and the Bond Cancelled) or at least untill the Vessel, which is now unfit to proceed on a Forreign Voyage, can be repaired and put in order to take them again onbd? Should this expedient be inadmissable with your Ideas of the law, I request Sir your Speedy Instructions as to the Stepts it may be proper for me Further, to persue in the present Case.\nI am very Respectfully\u2003 Sir\u2003 your Most Obed. Hum. Servt.\nJereh. Olney Collr.\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr.Secretary of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0071", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 30 December 1791\nFrom: Smith, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPennsa Loan Office [Philadelphia] Decr 30. 1791\nSr.\nThe ballances of stock remaining on the Books of this Office for the quarter ending the 31st Decer. 1791 subject to the Payment of Interest on the 1st January 1792 are as follows Viz\nDolls Cts.\nof 6 \u214c Ct. Stock\nIntst from Jany.\nof ditto\nInt. from Oct\ndo\u2003do\u2003Jany.\ndo\ndo \u2003Oct.\n4 \u214c Ct nonsubscrition stock\n3 \u214c Ct do\nI have the honor to be &c.\nHonbl Alexr Hamiltonsecy. Treasy US.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0072", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Barton, [31 December 1791]\nFrom: Barton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, December 31, 1791]\nSir,\nThe sheets which compose the pamphlet, herewith inclosed, will be comprized in the third Volume of the Philosophical Society\u2019s Transactions, now in the press. Being favored by the printer with a few Copies of this part, (with the addition of a Title page), I beg, Sir, Your Acceptance of One.\nIf some additional Observations on the same subject, resulting from the Census, which have been read in the Society, should be deemed worthy of a place in their Transactions, I shall take the liberty of sending You a Copy, when printed.\nI have the Honor to be,\u2003 With great Respect,\u2003 Sir,\u2007 Your Most Obedt. And Most Hble. Servt.\nW. Barton\nMarket street,\nThe Honble. A. Hamilton, Esq;Secry. of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0073", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Daves, [December 1791]\nFrom: Daves, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCollectors Office Portof New Bern [North Carolina, December, 1791]\nSir,\nI herewith enclose the description and dimensions of the Revenue Cutter built at Washington taken by the examining Officer at Washington and sent me by Capt. Cooke. I expect the Cutter round here shortly and would be thankful to be informed whether the articles for the Revenue Cutter mentioned in my letter of the 12th. November last, have yet been ordered for this Port or Washington.\nI have the honour to be\u2003 with much respect &c.\nThe Honble. Alexr. Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0138-0007", "content": "Title: Appendixes Nos. I\u2013XXII: Letters from various authors, 15 December 1791\u201330 August 1792\nFrom: \nTo: \nI\nFrom Maria Reynolds\nDecember 15, 1791\nII\nFrom James Reynolds\nDecember 15, 1791\nIII\nFrom James Reynolds\nDecember 17, 1791\nIV\nFrom James Reynolds\nDecember 19, 1791\nV\nFrom James Reynolds\nDecember 22, 1791\nVI\nFrom James Reynolds\nJanuary 3, 1792\nVII\nFrom James Reynolds\nJanuary 17, 1792\nVIII\nFrom Maria Reynolds\nJanuary 23\u2013March 18, 1792\nIX\nFrom Maria Reynolds\nJanuary 23\u2013March 18, 1792\nX\nFrom Maria Reynolds\nJanuary 23\u2013March 18, 1792\nXI\nFrom James Reynolds\nXII\nFrom Maria Reynolds\nXIII\nFrom James Reynolds\nXIV\nFrom James Reynolds\nXV\nFrom James Reynolds\nXVI\nFrom James Reynolds\nXVII\nFrom James Reynolds\nXVIII\nFrom Maria Reynolds\nXIX\nFrom James Reynolds\nXX\nFrom James Reynolds\nFrom James Reynolds\nXXI\nFrom James Reynolds\nAugust 24, 1792\nXXII\nFrom James Reynolds\nAugust 30, 1792", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0268", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, [11 January 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, January 11, 1791. Letter listed in Jefferson\u2019s \u201cSummary Journal of letters.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0270", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Walter Livingston, 15 January 1791\nFrom: Livingston, Walter\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nN York Jany. 15. 91\nSir\nOn the receipt of your favor of the 5. covering the Opinion of the Attorney General on the Claims of the Contractors of the moving Army & the Post of West Point\u2014The Parties concerned determined on an application to Congress praying them to empower the Proper Officers of the Treasury to determine on the Award presented to Congress by the referees.\nMr. Joshua Sands now waits on you with our Memorial, which you are requested to examine and to give him your Advice. He will wait in Philadelphia till the Sentiments of Congress are known.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0271", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 17 January 1791\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCustom House [Newport, Rhode Island]Jany. 17th 1791\nSir,\nOn my return from the Eastward, where by extreme bad roads, and severe weather, I had been detained I found that four letters had been received from you. On the receipt of the first dated Nove. 14 in answer to mine of the 25th of Octe., the Registers of my late business as Continental Loan Offe. were immediately transmitted and delivered to Mr. Bowen. On receipt of the second, dated Dece. 6., application was made to the Attorney and the Judge of the District Court, and Capt. Brightman\u2019s attention directed to the mitigating act. The Judge has transmitted the Proceedings to you. The third dated Dece. 13. 1790 respects the Departure of the Ship Warren from the District of Providence without a coasting licence or a register. If there were wrong conduct in this Office it was not owing to any aversion in my Deputy to proceed in the execution of his duty; or to a want of application to the Attorney of the District, or advising with the Naval Officer and Surveyor. They all approved of his letter to Col. Olney, and it was then and now is the opinion of the District Attorney that as the Penalty for the Ship\u2019s Departure, from Providence without the necessary papers was incurred in that District the prosecution ought to have been commenced by the Collector thereof. In conformity to that opinion, and not to a disposition to decline to do any thing with the Ship in my absence the reference was made to him.\nThe master of the ship made a verbal report on the 26th of Nove, within 24 hours after his arrival in this port. He declared among other things that the ship was ordered from Providence by his owners, the wind and tide being favorable, to avoid her taking the ground, and being stopped by ice; and that he expected his papers would be immediately sent down by his Owners. She did not make a regular entry, nor was she charged with foreign tonnage. On the 30th. the Master produced to the Depy. Collector of this District a Register, a license, a certified manifest and a permit to proceed to this Port, granted and issued by the Colle. of the District of Providence. This gave a new complexion to the case, and the misconduct of the Capt. seemed to be cured. She entered here as a Coaster and on the 24th. of Dece. was cleared out for Calcutta in India, and sailed the next day, previously to the receipt of your letter now before me. If your letter had arrived before her Departure the Capt. would have been prosecuted agreeably to your direction.\nWithout questioning the propriety of the Colle. of the District of Providence granting a Register, a license certified manifest, and a Permit to the Ship Warren to proceed to this Port, which was actually in this Port when those papers were issued, this act, and his not prosecuting the master for departing from his district without the necessary official papers, which it is conceived it was his province to do, led to the conduct in this office which has incurred your disapprobation. You may rely upon it, Sir, that the Officers of the Customs in this Port, are attentive, and faithful, and decisive in executing their duty when understood, and that when they err it is from a want of information and knowledge only, and mistakes of this sort it is hoped will be viewed with candour: And altho\u2019 it is with reluctance yet I must say that if I had not been well assured from experience in the Loan Office as well as in this office of the capacity, diligence, fidelity and resolution of my son I should not have employed him as my Deputy. I have applied to the Attorney of this District with respect to proceding against the Ship Warren for not having a regular entry, and for the foreign tonnage. It is his opinion that the Master only is liable to prosecution in both cases, and as he departed before the receipt of your letter, and it is uncertain whether he has any attachable property, and if he should have, no determination could be had until his return home he advised not to commence a prosecution until I should have received your directions.\nCopies of the manifest, permit, and of Col. Olney\u2019s letter of the 29th of Nove. last are herewith transmitted. My Depy. did not insert the words to stop at Newport, after the words East Indies in the head of the manifest agreeably to Col. Olney\u2019s request; because the latter words were not therein, and because he conceived there would be an impropriety in his making addition or alteration in it, especially as thereby the head would become a proper one for a General Clearance, and thus not consistent with his Permit.\nA Statement of the case of William Almy marked A., of the Case of Hezekiah Usher & George Usher marked B., a copy of the Entry of House-hold furniture &c by John Sly. A Weekly return of Cash. Two drafts upon me by Saml. Meredith Trease. of the United States, No. 848 for 800 Dollars and 861 for 400 Dollars are herewith transmitted.\nI am with great esteem \u2003 Sir \u2003 Yr. most obedt. Servt.\nW Ellery Colle\nP. S. The letter of the 28th. of Dece. requires no answer. I have recd. a letter from the Assist. Secry. acknowledgg. the receipt of a letter of the 21 Dece., and a pay draft of the Treasy. No. 809. for 200 Dolls.\nAlexr Hamilton Esqe.Secry. of the Treasy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0273", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, [25 January 1791]\nFrom: Ellery, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Newport, Rhode Island, January 25, 1791. \u201c\u2026 By the last Post I received the substitute hydrometer with the apparatus which you transmitted, with your letter of the 18th of the last month, and a description of Dycas\u2019s Hydrometer, with directions for the use of it, and directions also for the use of the Substitute.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0277", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [1 February 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Coxe, Tench\n[Philadelphia, February 1, 1791]\nDear Sir\nI send you a Check on the Bank of New York, for three thousand Dollars, to be delivered Mr. Francis another for Mr. Tilghman on the Cashier of the Bank here for 3275 Ds\n   Note I have 6 or 700 Drs in Bank here beside the 3000.\n & 94 Cts. which I compute to be the amount of the bills. I will be obliged to you to complete this negotiation for me & take a receipt for the money.\nOn reflection, I am not quite at my ease about the request made of the Bank, as the accommodation is perhaps irregular. But I cannot in time make a different arrangement & therefore must go on. It would however relieve me if the thing could be put in the shape of a purchase of my draft on the Bank of New York; in which I should not scruple a discount of half per Cent. Be so good as to speak to Mr. Francis for me & endeavour to arrange the matter so as to put me more in order.\nYrs. sincerely\nA Hamilton\nI shall stay at home to day to go over the Report on Manufactures and make such additions &c. as occur.\nFeby. 1.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0278", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Cochran, [8 February 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Cochran, John\n[Treasury Department, February 8, 1791. The description of this letter in the dealer\u2019s catalogue reads: \u201cConcerning \u2018the Payment of Pensions to Invalids for the space of one year.\u2026 The allowance for your trouble will be two per cent on what you pay.\u2019\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0279", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Neufville, [8 February 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Neufville, John\n[Philadelphia, February 8, 1791. On May 5, 1796, Neufville wrote to John Davis: \u201cThe Secretary of the Treasury advised me by letter of 8th. February 1791, that the Secretary of War would write to me concerning the evidences upon, and under which those payments were to be made, but \u2026 nothing of that sort had come to my hands.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0280", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [February-May 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Coxe, Tench\n[Philadelphia, February-May, 1791]\nDr. Sir\nI send you some letters to be copied also the draft of instructions to Commanders of Revenue Cutters to be considered &c.\nThe preparation of the other letters concerning Cutters ought to be a primary object. As Registers cannot pursuant to the Registering Act be furnished to them will it not be proper they should have some Treasury paper as equivalent to it? If it will a Survey ought to be directed to be transmitted to the Treasury.\nI remain at home this forenoon. Send me the note of monies in hands of Collectors when ready & whatever papers require signing.\nI wish also to have your draft and my alterations of the manufacturing Report as I am about to review the whole and give it its final form. I want to see the papers in their original state as there are some minute things which have been altered perhaps not for the better\u2014& on a revision may be reinstated.\nYrs. sincerely\nA Hamilton\nTuesday Morning", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0281", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, [19 March 1791]\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, March 19, 1791]\nDear Sir\nMr. Jefferson has sent for the Bills of 99000 Guilders, which on application to Mr. Meredith, are said to have been countermanded. I had transmitted to Mr. Jeffn. the three letters of advice to be sealed by a wafer to the Bills. Will you be good enough to give me your instructions as Mr. Jefferson\u2019s opty will be tomorrow.\nyr. most obedt. Servant\nTench Coxe\nMarch 19th. 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0283", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Rutherfurd, [March 1791\u2013January 1795]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Rutherfurd, John\n[Philadelphia, March, 1791\u2013January, 1795]\nGeneral Hamilton will have the pleasure of Dining with Mr. Rutherford agreeable to his polite Invitation.\nTuesday 15th.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0285", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Th\u00e9ophile Cazenove, 26 April 1791\nFrom: Cazenove, Th\u00e9ophile\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nMr. A. Hamilton\nPhilade. du 26 avril 1791\nJe vous prie de me faire savoir si les \u00e9claircissemens que vous d\u00e9sir\u00e9s r\u00e9lativemt. aux piastres seront fournis par la r\u00e9ponse aux questions detaill\u00e9es sur la Notte que j\u2019ai l\u2019honnr. de vous envoyer.\nMes amis d\u2019hollande m\u2019ont authoris\u00e9s \u00e1 leur assurer quelque int\u00e9r\u00e9t dans les entreprises utiles qui se formeroient ici: je considere comme tel le plan de la Compe. de manufactures que Mr. Duer m\u2019a communiqu\u00e9 de votre part!\nVous av\u00e9s, Monsieur, acquis de si justes droits a la Confiance des Capitalistes hollandois, qu\u2019il leurs suffira de savoir que vous av\u00e9s form\u00e9 un projet, ou que vous vous int\u00e9ress\u00e9s a sa r\u00e9ussite, pour d\u00e9sirer & chercher d\u2019y contribuer de leur c\u00f4t\u00e9.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0286", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Th\u00e9ophile Cazenove, [26 April 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Cazenove, Th\u00e9ophile\n[Philadelphia, April 26, 1791]\nSir\nThe minute of questions you have been so obliging as to prepare (and which is return\u2019d) comprises all the points about which I was desirous of information, and adds others; eclaircissements concerning which cannot fail to be useful. I will thank you to have the inquiry pursued, and any expense, which may attend the making of assays &ca will with pleasure be reimbursed.\nI learn with Satisfaction the light in which you view the plan for a manufacturing society communicated to you by Mr Duer, in consequence of my suggestions, and feel myself indebted for the dispositions toward me, on the part of the Dutch Capitalists, which you so politely assure me of. These dispositions are not merely flattering\u2014I regard them as a real resource towards the Success of my public views. And shall cherish a sincere wish to preserve them.\nThe readiness with which, You, Sir, enter into the Plan proposed by me is a new proof of that liberal and elightened judgment which has led you, on every occasion that has occured since your arrival in this Country, to discern the perfect harmony that subsists between the interests you represent and measures tending to give solidity to the affairs of the United States.\nIt is also an additional title to that real esteem with which I have the honor to be \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obdt & hbl. servt.\nA Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0289", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Coxe, Tench\nTreasury DepartmentMay 9th 1791\nSir\nBeing about to leave the City for a Fortnight\u2014I have requested the Bank of North America to advance to your order such sums as you may find necessary for the current service of the Government during my absence to the extent of Twenty thousand dollars. This provision is designed to enable you to answer such demands as may arise in relation to the civil list (including the contingencies of the several executive departments and of the two houses of Congress) to the Act making provision for the Debt of the United States, & to the several acts of the last session concerning the duties on distilled spirits and compensations for the officers of the Judicial Courts of the United States and for jurors and Witnesses. Your disbursements will of course be confined to objects, for which there have been appropriations by law, and you will in each case obtain some voucher of a nature to operate as a discharge of the warrants which must hereafter issue to cover the sums paid.\nI remain with great consideration and esteem \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obedient servant\nAlex HamiltonSecy of the Treasury\nPS If the 400.000 Guilders for drawing which directions have been given shall have been sold or nearly sold in my absence you will direct the drawing for two hundred thousand more (say 200.000).\nTo Tench Coxe EsqrAssistant Secretary", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0291", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from David Wolfe, 16 June 1791\nFrom: Wolfe, David\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York 16th June 1791.\nSir\nMr. Walcot informs Mr. Anspach by letter that Colo. Pickering late QMG was Consulted by you with respect to the Debts of his department & that Colo. Pickering expressly stated \u201cthat in all cases where printed Certificates had been issued he consider\u2019d the Claim for payment in specie as extinguished.\u201d And in Consequence of the aforesaid Consultation &c. payment of a number of Certificates have been refused at the Treasury office.\nThis I conceive to be unjust for the following reasons\u2014\n1st\nbecause they are included in the Estimates in the Treasury Office under the term specie Certificates signed by Col. Pickering\n2d\nbecause Colo Pickering has paid in specie at Divers times, principal & Interest of those certificates to the Amount of Several thousand dollars as may appear by his Accounts render\u2019d at the Treasury Office\nMore reasons might be added if necessary, But those are sufficient to prove that Colo. Pickering has not heretofore considered the Claim of printed certificates for payment in specie as extinguished.\nYour examining into these matters and directing the payment of the Certificates held by Mr. Graham will abate the Censure now reflected on the Treasury Department.\nI am sir \u2003 Your Obt servant\nDavid Wolfe\nColo. A. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0295", "content": "Title: Conveyance to Isaac Moses, 21 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Moses, Isaac\nNew York, July 21, 1791. \u201c\u2026 that for and consideration of the sum of One thousand and eight hundred pounds current lawful money of New York to the said Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth his wife in hand paid by the said Isaac Moses at or before the unsealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged they have granted bargained sold aliened released and conveyed \u2026 unto the said Isaac Moses \u2026 All that certain lot of ground situate in the Dock Ward of the City of New York fronting Northerly to the Street commonly called Dock Street.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0297", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [12 August 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hamilton, Elizabeth\n[Philadelphia, August 12, 1791]\nYou cannot imagine My beloved Betsey how much I am afflicted at learning by your letter of the 6th instant, that you had not received one from me. It is wholly inconceivable. I wrote you from New York before my departure from that place which was the Sunday after you left it, and sent the letter to the Post Office by Charles. I write by this opportunity to him to Endeavour to trace it.\nOn my arrival here I also wrote to you and twice Since. For let me be ever so busy, I could not forbear to allow myself the only Converse which your distance from me permits. I could not endure that you should be pained by my silence.\nBe of good Chear my Darling; but if you Cannot make yourself happy come to me, for the only thing that can reconcile me to your absence is that your health might benefit by it, but this cannot be the case if you are anxious and uneasy.\nHeaven bless my Charmer & my dear infants \u2003 Yr. Ever Affect.\nA Hamilton\nAug 12\nMrs. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0302", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Gale, 3 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Gale, George\nTreasury Department, September 3, 1791. Sends commission of \u201cPhilip Thomas Esq. Inspector of the Revenue for Survey No. 2 in the District of Maryland.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0303", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Troup, 12 September 1791\nFrom: Troup, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] 12 Sep. 1791\nMy dear friend\nI have reced. your favor respecting the special authority necessary to be given to those who represent the original holders of Bank Shares in the choice of Directors and have done as you requested. The speculations in those shares have been prodigious & much money has been made & lost by them. The fluctuations in their value have excited alarm in the minds of the well wishers to public credit as tending to exhibit an unsound state of our finances. The truth is that the fluctuations are principally owing to the arts & contrivances of mere jobbers & amongst these our friend Brockholst stands in the foremost ranks. A few days ago a cursed scheme of depression was planned & executed under his immediate patronage as is universally said & believed. It frightened the Directors of our Bank & seriously injured many persons amongst whom are some of Brockholst\u2019s particular friends. The current has since taken a contrary direction but it is conjectured it will not carry the shares to as high a value as they have generally been at since the bubble first broke. By the by our friend Brockholst some how or other has an unfortunate story eternally pursuing him\u2014And as he rises in fortune he appears to sink in reputation. His last maneuvre has occasioned a separation between him & several who were his warmest supporters. Duer on the contrary is mounting fast above him. The basis of his conduct as a speculator is frankness & I have not heard him even suspected here of any dishonorable combination or of any stratagem to deceive\u2014so that he really Stands amongst us upon better ground in point of character than ever. There is between him & me an amnesty of all past bickerings & I mean to do every thing in my power to promote his election. I have already formed some arrangments upon this subject & am preparing the way generally for him. The event is certainly doubtful but I hope & am determined to hope for the best. Pray write an answer to the enclosed letter by the first post. I wish you to be careful of what you say with respect to the speculations in paper\u2014the value of Stock &c. You have been quoted upon some occasions for the purposes of mere jobbing. God bless you\nYours\nRobt Troup.\nA Hamilton Esqre", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0305", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Marchant, 14 September 1791\nFrom: Marchant, Henry\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewport Rhode IslandSepr. 14th. 1791.\nSir,\nI have the Honor to transmit You the Petition of Peleg Saunders upon the mitigating Act; and the Proceedings thereon. I feel myself much obliged by Your very polite Letter of the 30th of June; The interesting Concern You are pleased to take in the Situation of Officers of Government residing at a distance; and the flattering Hopes We have reason to entertain of a Speedy Relief in the mode of Payment of their Salaries. With all possible Esteem I am,\nSir, \u2003 Your most obedient and very humble Servt.\nHenry Marchant.\nAlexander Hamilton Esq.Secretary of the Treasury of the United StatesPhiladelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0306", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Armstrong, [17 September 1791]\nFrom: Armstrong, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Fort Washington,Territory Northwest of the River Ohio,September 17, 1791]\nDear Sir:\nPermit me Sir to intrude so fancy to call your attention for a moment on a subject that to me is very interesting. In a report I made to Gel. Knox the 21st of February last a copy of which I am told was sent to your Office, I stated some facts relative to the Conduct of the late contractors, and having since learnt that they have by some means procured certificates contradicting this report, I therefore concieve it necessary to inform you that when called on I can Support the facts therein stated by the Testimony of Captain Beatty, Captain Strong Lt Sedam Lt Kingsbury & in short almost every Officer in the Rgt. Major Ferguson to whom I showed a copy of that Report in reply to that part wherein I speak of the due bills, Says he always compeled the contractors to pay the Articles on Soap in Lieu thereof. I wrote General Knox more fully on the Subject on the 15th. July, but perhaps that letter may have miscarried. Major Hamtramck who was commanding Officer at Post Vincennes informs me that Messrs Elliot & Williams directed their agent to call on him to certify that the troops had been well furnished, which certificate he refused giving as the troops had often been on half allowence. Their agent was also requested to take his deposition before a Magistrate on this Subject, but he had too just a sense of their rights to do so.\nIt will appear by the Merchants books at Fort Washington that during the last Summer they sold to the Individual Soldiers more than Six thousend weight of Bacon beef &c. It is therefore evident if the Soldiers had drawn their rations they could have had no use for that quantity, this proves also that there was plenty of provisions to be had & I believe it was offerd the contractors at a time when the troops were in a sterving condition as mentioned in my report. I have in my possession an account renderd by the contracters wherein I stend charged 22/6 pr. hundrid for flour & 7/6 pr Gallon for whisky as mentiond in my report. It is a fact Sir that every imposition has been played off against the Soldiery, & that they have been the continual Subject of Speculation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0307", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Walter Livingston, 5 October 1791\nFrom: Livingston, Walter\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York Octobr. 5 91\nSir\nIn the month of June last Mr. Seton Cashier of the Bank of New York gave me the perusal of a letter of yours to him purporting that monies for shares in the United States Bank, to a certain amount might be paid to him. Mr. Seton asked me if I chose to avail myself of the priviledge. I replyed in the affirmative and gave him a check for 2500 Dollrs. being the first payment for my Subscription for 100 Shares. Mr. Setons certificate for my Subscription was given to Mr. Constable who applied on the morning of the 4th. of July to the Commissioners appointed to receive Subscriptions to the Bank of the United States for the above 100 Shares (not all in my own name) and was refused. The money was lodged in the Bank at Philadelphia where I believe it still remains. The above information was not communicated to me until the 2d. Instant on my return from the Country or I should have written to you on the Subject sooner.\nWill you be so kind as to inform me what steps I must pursue to obtain my Shares in the Bank, to which I am legally entitled.\nTo the Honbl: Alexr. Hamilton Eqr. Philadel:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0308", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Catharine Greene, 2 November 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Greene, Catharine\nPhiladelphia Nov. 2 91\nYou are right My Dear friend in conjecturing that your letter from Charles Town did not reach me. I am still to learn whether you received mine in answer to one you wrote me from Georgia.\nI hope in ten days to be able so far to extricate my self as to report on your Memorial. Indeed I will do it & if possible sooner.\nGod forbid I should think it possible that my departed friend could violate honor or truth. I admit every thing he says and only doubt on the score of public precedent, in a case in which every requisite precaution was omitted.\nBut whatever may be my ultimate opinion on the merits of the question referred, I cannot but endeavour to do you service. And surely the family of General Greene will not be permitted to be the Victims of his want of caution in an instance of great zeal for the public service. I write in the most intense confidence.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0310", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ann Pemberton, [2 December 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pemberton, Ann\n[Philadelphia, December 2, 1791]\nMr. Hamilton presents his respects to Mrs. Pemberton\u2014having no copy of the agreement respecting the hire of the house & lot in use of the Treasury Department he will be much obliged to her for one. If not convenient to furnish a copy & she will please to send the original it will be copied & returned.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0312", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to the President and Directors of the Bank of the United States, [21 December 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: President and Directors of the Bank of the United States\n[Treasury Department, December 21, 1791. The description of this letter in the dealer\u2019s catalogue reads: \u201cOn banking matters and suggesting that they give \u2018such information as you can prudently impart to enable them [the Collectors of Impost and tonnage throughout the United States] to detect counterfeits which may be offered them.\u2019\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0313", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ann Pemberton, [December 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pemberton, Ann\n[Philadelphia, December, 1791]\nColl Hamilton with his Respects to Mrs. Pemberton returns the Agreement for the House the same having been copied at the Treasury.\nWednesday afternoon", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0314", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [1791\u20131794]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Coxe, Tench\n[Philadelphia, 1791\u20131794]\nDr. Sir\nI am engaged at home to day. If any thing requires my attention at the Office will you send it to me.\nMr. Horsefield takes a family dinner with me at three OClock. Can you be of the party.\nYrs.\nA Hamilton\nTuesday\nT Coxe Esq", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0315", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Webb, [1791\u20131792]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Webb, William\n[1791\u20131792. The description of this letter in the dealer\u2019s catalogue reads: \u201cIn regard to \u2018expenses incurred in consequences of the action against Jonathan Williams.\u2019\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0002-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 21 March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 21st. Left Philadelphia about 11 O\u2019clock to make a tour through the Southern States. Reached Chester about 3 oclock\u2014dined & lodged at Mr. Wythes\u2014Roads exceedingly deep, heavy & cut in places by the Carriages which used them. In this tour I was accompanied by Majr. Jackson. My equipage & attendance consisted of a Chariet & four horses drove in hand\u2014a light baggage Waggon & two horses\u2014four Saddle horses besides a led one for myself\u2014and five Servants including to wit my Valet de Chambre, two footmen, Coach man & Postilion.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0002-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 23d. Set off at 6 Oclock\u2014breakfasted at Warwick\u2014bated with hay 9 miles farther and dined and lodged at the House of one Worrells in Chester; from whence I sent an Express to Rock-hall to have Boats ready for me by 9 Oclock tomorrow Morning\u2014after doing which Captn. Nicholson obligingly set out for that place to see that every thing should [be] prepared against my arrival.  The lame horse was brought on, and while on the Road appd. to move tolerably well, but as soon as he stopped, discovered a stiffness in all his limbs which indicated some painful disorder. I fear a Chest founder. My riding horse also appeared to be very unwell, his appetite havg. entirely failed him. The Winter grain along the Road appeared promising and abundant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0002-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 25th. Having lain all night in my Great Coat & Boots, in a birth not long enough for me by the head, & much cramped; we found ourselves in the morning with in about one mile of\nAnnapolis & still fast aground. Whilst we were preparing our small Boat in order to land in it, a sailing Boat came of to our assistance in wch. with the Baggage I had on board I landed, & requested Mr. Man at whose Inn I intended lodging, to send off a Boat to take off two of my Horses & Chariot which I had left on board and with it my Coachman to see that it was properly done\u2014but by mistake the latter not having notice of this order & attempting to get on board afterwards in a small Sailing Boat was overset and narrowly escaped drowning. Was informed upon my arrival (when 15 Guns were fired) that all my other horses arrived safe, that embarked at the same time I did, about 8 Oclock last night. Was waited upon by the Governor (who came off in a Boat as soon as he heard I was on my passage from Rock hall to meet us, but turned back when it grew dark and squally) as soon as I arrived at Mans tavern, & was engaged by him to dine with the Citizens of Annapolis this day at Manns tavern and at his House tomorrow\u2014the first I accordingly did. Before dinner I walked with him, and several other Gentlemen\nto the State house, (which seems to be much out of repair)\u2014the College of St. John at which there are about 80 Students of every description\u2014and then by the way of the Governors (to see Mrs. Howell) home.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0002-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 26th. Spent the forenoon in my room preparing papers &ca. against my arrival at George Town. Dined at the Governors and went to the Assembly in the Evening where I stayed till half past ten oclock. In the Afternoon of this day Paris and my other two horses arrived from Rock-hall.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0002-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 28th. Left Bladensburgh at half after Six, & breakfasted at George Town about 8; where, having appointed the Commissioners under the Residence Law to meet me, I found Mr. Johnson one of them (& who is chief Justice of the State) in waiting & soon after came in David Stuart & Danl. Carroll Esqrs. the other two. A few miles out of Town I was met by the principal Citizen[s] of the place, & escorted in by them; and dined at Suters tavern (where I also lodged) at a public dinner given by the Mayor & Corporation\u2014previous to which I examined the Surveys of Mr. Ellicot who had been sent on to lay out the district of ten miles square for the federal seat; and also the works of Majr. L\u2019Enfant who had been engaged to examine, & make a draught of the grds.\nin the vicinity of George town and Carrollsburg on the Eastern branch making arrangements for examining the ground myself tomorrow with the Commissioners.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0002-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 30th. The parties to whom I addressed myself yesterday evening, having taken the matter into consideration saw the propriety of my observations; and that whilst they were contending for the shadow they might loose the substance; and therefore mutually agreed, and entered into articles to surrender for public purposes, one half of the land they severally possessed with in bounds which were designated as necessary for the City to stand with some other stipulations which were inserted in the instrument which they respectively subscribed. This business being thus happily finished & some directions given to the Commissioners, the Surveyor and Engineer with respect to the mode of laying out the district\u2014Surveying the grounds for the City & forming them into lots\u2014I left Georgetown\u2014dined in Alexandria & reached Mount Vernon in the evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0002-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 31 March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 31st. From this time, until the 7th. of April, I remained at Mount Vernon\u2014visiting my Plantations every day\u2014and Was obliged also, consequent of Colo. Henry Lees declining to accept the command of one of the Regiments of Levies and the request of the Secretary of War to appoint those Officers which had been left to Colo. Lee to do for a Battalion to be raised in Virginia East of the Alligany Mountains to delay my journey on this account\u2014and after all, to commit the business as will appear by the letters & for the reasons there-mentioned to Colo. Darke\u2019s management. From hence I also wrote letters to the Secretaries of State\u2014Treasury and War in answer to those received from [them] on interesting subjects\u2014desiring in case of important occurrances they would hold a consultation and if they were of such a nature as to make my return necessary to give me notice & I would return immediately. My rout was given to them & the time I should be at the particular places therein mentioned.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0002", "content": "Title: March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 21st. Left Philadelphia about 11 O\u2019clock to make a tour through the Southern States. Reached Chester about 3 oclock\u2014dined & lodged at Mr. Wythes\u2014Roads exceedingly deep, heavy & cut in places by the Carriages which used them.\nIn this tour I was accompanied by Majr. Jackson. My equipage & attendance consisted of a Chariet & four horses drove in hand\u2014a light baggage Waggon & two horses\u2014four Saddle horses besides a led one for myself\u2014and five Servants including to wit my Valet de Chambre, two footmen, Coach man & Postilion.\n   mr. wythes: Mary Withy\u2019s inn (see entry for 13 May 1787). The words \u201cServants including\u201d were struck out by GW in MS.\n   The coachman John Fagan, said to be \u201cby birth a Hessian,\u201d had been hired the previous December (Robert Lewis to John Fagan, 28 Nov. 1790, DLC:GW; CUSTISGeorge Washington Parke Custis. Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington. New York, 1860., 424). The postilion Giles proved to be \u201ctoo much indisposed to ride the journey\u201d by the time the party reached Mount Vernon (GW to Thomas Jefferson, 1 April 1791, DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters).\nTuesday 22d. At half past 6 Oclock we left Chester, & breakfasted at Wilmington. Finding the Roads very heavy and receiving unfavourable Accts. of those between this place and Baltimore I determined to cross the [Chesapeake] Bay by the way of Rockhall and crossing Christiana Creek [Christina River] proceeded through Newcastle & by the Red Lyon to the Buck tavern 13 Miles from Newcastle and 19 from Wilmington where we dined and lodged. At the Red Lyon we gave the horses a bite of Hay\u2014during their eating of which I discovered that one of those wch. drew the Baggage Waggon was lame and appd. otherwise much indisposed. Had him bled and afterwards led to the Buck tavern.\nThis is a better house than the appearances indicate.\n   The Red Lion Tavern, located at the site of present-day Red Lion, Del., was opened sometime after the end of the War of Independence by a Huguenot woman named Elisse Roussier. The Buck Tavern where GW had dined 3 Sept. 1774, was, according to one patron, \u201cindifferent for bed and table\u2014good for horses\u201d (W.P.A. [3]W.P.A. Writers\u2019 Project. Delaware: A Guide to the First State. American Guide Series. New York, 1938., 461\u201362, 485).\nWednesday 23d. Set off at 6 Oclock\u2014breakfasted at Warwick\u2014bated with hay 9 miles farther and dined and lodged at the House of one Worrells in Chester; from whence I sent an Express to Rock-hall to have Boats ready for me by 9 Oclock tomorrow Morning\u2014after doing which Captn. Nicholson obligingly set out for that place to see that every thing should [be] prepared against my arrival.\nThe lame horse was brought on, and while on the Road appd. to move tolerably well, but as soon as he stopped, discovered a stiffness in all his limbs which indicated some painful disorder. I fear a Chest founder. My riding horse also appeared to be very unwell, his appetite havg. entirely failed him.\nThe Winter grain along the Road appeared promising and abundant.\n   The village of Warwick, Md., lies in southern Cecil County near the Maryland-Delaware line.\nThursday 24th. Left Chester town about 6 Oclock. Before nine I arrivd at Rock-Hall where we breakfasted and immediately; after which we began to embark\u2014The doing of which employed us (for want of contrivance) until near 3 Oclock and then one of my Servants (Paris) & two horses were left, notwithstanding two Boats in aid of The two Ferry Boats were procured. Unluckily, embarking on board of a borrowed Boat because She was the largest, I was in imminent danger, from the unskilfulness of the hands, and the dulness of her sailing, added to the darkness and storminess of the night. For two hours after we hoisted Sail the Wind was light and a head. The next hour was a stark calm after which the wind sprung up at So. Et. and encreased until it blew a gale\u2014about which time, and after 8 Oclock P.M. we made the mouth of Severn River (leading up to Annapolis) but the ignorance of the People on board, with respect to the navigation of it run us aground first on Greenbury point from whence with much exertion and difficulty we got off; & then, having no knowledge of the Channel and the night being immensely dark with heavy and variable squals of wind\u2014constant lightning & tremendous thunder\u2014we soon grounded again on what is called Hornes point where, finding all efforts in vain, & not knowing where we were we remained, not knowing what might happen, \u2019till morning.\n   GW\u2019s vessel, according to the Maryland Gazette, \u201cdid not enter the river Severn until ten o\u2019clock, in a dark tempestuous night. She struck on a bar, or point, within about a mile from the city; and although she made a signal of distress, it was impossible, before day-light, to go to her relief\u201d (Md. Gaz. [Annapolis], 31 Mar. 1791). Greenbury Point marks the entrance to the Severn on the north. Horn Point is on the opposite side of the river, about a mile to the west (now part of the Annapolis suburb Eastport).\nFriday 25th. Having lain all night in my Great Coat & Boots, in a birth not long enough for me by the head, & much cramped; we found ourselves in the morning with in about one mile of\nAnnapolis & still fast aground. Whilst we were preparing our small Boat in order to land in it, a sailing Boat came of to our assistance in wch. with the Baggage I had on board I landed, & requested Mr. Man at whose Inn I intended lodging, to send off a Boat to take off two of my Horses & Chariot which I had left on board and with it my Coachman to see that it was properly done\u2014but by mistake the latter not having notice of this order & attempting to get on board afterwards in a small Sailing Boat was overset and narrowly escaped drowning.\n   Was informed upon my arrival (when 15 Guns were fired) that all my other horses arrived safe, that embarked at the same time I did, about 8 Oclock last night.\nWas waited upon by the Governor (who came off in a Boat as soon as he heard I was on my passage from Rock hall to meet us, but turned back when it grew dark and squally) as soon as I arrived at Mans tavern, & was engaged by him to dine with the Citizens of Annapolis this day at Manns tavern and at his House tomorrow\u2014the first I accordingly did.\nBefore dinner I walked with him, and several other Gentlemen\nto the State house, (which seems to be much out of repair)\u2014the College of St. John at which there are about 80 Students of every description\u2014and then by the way of the Governors (to see Mrs. Howell) home.\n   GW was taken to a hostelry operated by George Mann (1753\u20131795), called Mann\u2019s Tavern or the City Hotel. A 1787 travel journal kept by an English visitor to Annapolis described these lodgings: \u201cMr. Mann keeps an excellent publick house 4 rooms on a floor, & one for company 66 by 21 feet\u2014the second story Lodging Rooms, all wainscoted to the ceiling, might vie with any tavern in England\u201d (VAUGHANSamuel Vaughan. \u201cMinutes Made by S. V. from Stage to Stage on a Tour to Fort Pitt or Pittsburgh in Company with Mr. Michl. Morgan Obrian, from Thence by S. V. Only through Virginia, Maryland, & Pensylvania (18 June to 4 Sept. 1787).\u201d Manuscript diary in the collection of the descendants of Samuel Vaughan., 60\u201361). The large room was probably used for GW\u2019s dinner with some of the citizens of Annapolis.\n   The dinner at Mann\u2019s began at 3:00 P.M. \u201cwith a numerous company of inhabitants\u201d in attendance and continued until 15 patriotic toasts had circulated around the table, each \u201cannounced by the discharge of cannon\u201d (Md. Gaz. [Annapolis], 31 Mar. 1791). Like the presentation of laudatory addresses, the rituals of the public dinner would occur often in the coming weeks.\n   The governor of Maryland was John Eager Howard, and \u201cMrs. Howell,\u201d whom GW stopped to see at the governor\u2019s house before dinner, must have been the governor\u2019s wife Peggy Chew Howard (see entry for 23 May 1787).\n   St. John\u2019s College, where GW arrived about 10:00 A.M., was chartered by the Maryland General Assembly in 1784 but did not open its doors until Nov. 1789. From the school\u2019s faculty on the following day, GW received the first of the many formal congratulatory addresses that were to be pressed on him during his tour. \u201cWe the faculty of St John\u2019s College beg leave to express the sincere joy; which the honour of your presence in our infant seminary afforded us,\u201d wrote Principal John McDowell in this typical address. \u201cIn common with all those who superintend the education of youth, we must feel a lively gratitude to the defender of liberty, the guardian of his country\u2019s peace and consequently the great patron of literature. . . . Our earnest prayer is, that a kind providence may continually watch over you and preserve a life, long indeed already, if measured by deeds of worth and fulness of honour, but too short as yet for your Country\u201d (26 Mar. 1791, DLC:GW). In reply GW expressed satisfaction with his visit to the college and hopes for its future progress. \u201cYou will do justice to the sentiments, which your kind regard towards myself inspires,\u201d he concluded, \u201cby believing that I reciprocate the good wishes contained in your address, and I sincerely hope the excellence of your seminary will be manifested in the morals and science of the youth who are favored with your care\u201d ([26 Mar. 1791], DLC:GW). Seven years later GW sent George Washington Parke Custis to St. John\u2019s to be one of those youths.\nSaturday 26th. Spent the forenoon in my room preparing papers &ca. against my arrival at George Town. Dined at the Governors and went to the Assembly in the Evening where I stayed till half past ten oclock.\nIn the Afternoon of this day Paris and my other two horses arrived from Rock-hall.\n   GW \u201cagain dined with a large company\u201d at the governor\u2019s house, \u201cand in the evening,\u201d reported the Maryland Gazette, \u201chis presence enlivened a ball, at which was exhibited everything which this little city contained of beauty and elegance\u201d (Md. Gaz. [Annapolis], 31 Mar. 1791).\nSunday 27th. About 9 oclock this morning I left Annapolis under a discharge of Artillery, and being accompanied by the Governor a Mr. Kilty of the Council and Mr. Charles Stuart proceeded on my Journey for George Town. Bated at Queen Ann, 13 Miles distant and dined and lodged at Bladensburgh. Many of the Gentlemen of Annapolis (among [whom] was the Chanceller of the State) escorted me to the ferry over So. River.\n   John Kilty (1756\u20131811) of Annapolis, apparently a brother of Dr. William Kilty (see entry for 8 Aug. 1788), was a member of the Maryland council 1785\u201391 and 1792\u201393. During the first years of the War of Independence he served as a lieutenant in the Maryland line and later as a captain in the Continental dragoons. GW appointed him supervisor of the revenue for Maryland in 1795 (Md. Hist. Mag., 6 [1911], 357; MD. ARCH.Archives of Maryland. 72 vols. Baltimore, 1883\u20131972., 71:64, 149, 227, 301, 72:58, 153, 235, 300).\n   The chancellor of Maryland was Alexander Contee Hanson (1749\u20131806) of Annapolis. In June 1776 he was appointed GW\u2019s assistant secretary at headquarters but resigned a few months later because of bad health. A justice of the Maryland General Court for many years, he was appointed chancellor in 1789 and served until his death.\n   Queen Anne, Md., was described by the English traveler Samuel Vaughan in 1787 as a \u201cpleasant Village\u201d with \u201c12 houses\u201d and a tobacco warehouse from which about 1,100 hogsheads of tobacco were shipped annually (VAUGHANSamuel Vaughan. \u201cMinutes Made by S. V. from Stage to Stage on a Tour to Fort Pitt or Pittsburgh in Company with Mr. Michl. Morgan Obrian, from Thence by S. V. Only through Virginia, Maryland, & Pensylvania (18 June to 4 Sept. 1787).\u201d Manuscript diary in the collection of the descendants of Samuel Vaughan., 60). At Bladensburg, Md., according to a local tradition, GW lodged at the Indian Queen Tavern, now called the George Washington House (Fitzpatrick, DiariesJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Diaries of George Washington, 1748\u20131799. 4 vols. Boston and New York, 1925., 4:152, n.5; MD. GUIDEEdward C. Papenfuse et al., eds. Maryland: A New Guide to the Old Line State. Baltimore, 1976., 262).\n   The South River ferry crossed to Londontown, Md. GW had used this ferry often on his way to and from Annapolis (HOWARD & SHRIVERJ. Spence Howard and J. Alexis Shriver. \u201cRoutes Traveled by George Washington in Maryland.\u201d [Baltimore], c.1932. Map., Map, No. 60; md, guide, 232\u201333).\nMonday 28th. Left Bladensburgh at half after Six, & breakfasted at George Town about 8; where, having appointed the Commissioners under the Residence Law to meet me, I found Mr. Johnson one of them (& who is chief Justice of the State) in waiting & soon after came in David Stuart & Danl. Carroll Esqrs. the other two.\nA few miles out of Town I was met by the principal Citizen[s] of the place, & escorted in by them; and dined at Suters tavern (where I also lodged) at a public dinner given by the Mayor & Corporation\u2014previous to which I examined the Surveys of Mr. Ellicot who had been sent on to lay out the district of ten miles square for the federal seat; and also the works of Majr. L\u2019Enfant who had been engaged to examine, & make a draught of the grds.\nin the vicinity of George town and Carrollsburg on the Eastern branch making arrangements for examining the ground myself tomorrow with the Commissioners.\n   The Residence law, which authorized the establishing of a new capital, also provided for the president to appoint three commissioners to supervise the land surveying, the layout of the Federal City in the district, and the construction of public buildings (see entry for 12 July 1790). The three commissioners, appointed by GW in 1791, were Thomas Johnson of Fredericktown, Md., Dr. David Stuart, of Hope Park in Fairfax County, and Daniel Carroll (1730\u20131796).\n   Andrew Ellicott (1754\u20131820) was appointed by GW to survey the district lines, which he began in the late winter of 1791. Pierre Charles L\u2019Enfant (1754\u20131825), born and trained in engineering and artistic design in France, volunteered as an officer of engineers in the Revolution, entering the American army during the winter encampment at Valley Forge. During the next decade his artistic activity in America included a sketch of GW and several architectural designs in Philadelphia and New York City. In 1791 GW appointed L\u2019Enfant to design a Federal City to be built within the district. Carrollsburg, still only a paper town in 1791, was laid out c.1770 on the neck between James Creek and the Anacostia River for Charles Carroll, father of Daniel Carroll of Duddington.\nTuesday 29th. In a thick mist, and under strong appearances of a settled rain (which however did not happen) I set out about 7 Oclock for the purpose abovementioned\u2014but from the unfavorableness of the day, I derived no great satisfaction from the review.\nFinding the interests of the Landholders about George town and those about Carrollsburgh much at varience and that their fears & jealousies of each were counteracting the public purposes & might prove injurious to its best interests whilst if properly managed they might be made to subserve it\u2014I requested them to meet me at Six oclock this afternoon at my lodgings, which they accordingly did.\nTo this meeting I represented, that the contention in which they seemed engaged, did not in my opinion, comport either with the public interest or that of their own; that while each party was aiming to obtain the public buildings, they might, by placing the matter on a contracted scale, defeat the measure altogether; not only by procrastination but for want of the means necessary to effect the work; That neither the offer from George town, or Carrollsburgh, seperately, was adequate to the end of insuring the object\u2014That both together did not comprehend more ground nor would afford greater means than was required for the federal City; and that, instead of contending which of the two should have it\nthey had better, by combining there offers make a common cause of it and thereby secure it to the district. Other arguments were used to shew the danger which might result from delay and the good effects that might proceed from a Union.\nDined at Colo. Forrests to day with the Commissioners & others.\n   Although the Residence Bill did not specify the size of the capital, the Georgetown and Carrollsburg landholders assumed that the land to be set aside in the federal district for government buildings would consist of at most a few hundred acres. According to an early plan of Thomas Jefferson, the new town would require only about 100 acres (JEFFERSON [1]Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950\u2013., 17:460\u201361, 463). The landholders of Georgetown believed that 400 acres located somewhere between Rock and Goose creeks could accommodate the new capital (SCISCOLouis Dow Scisco. \u201cA Site for the \u2018Federal City\u2019: The Original Proprietors and their Negotiations with Washington\u201d Records of the Columbia Historical Society 57-59 (1961): 123\u201347., 128\u201329). In Jan. 1790 Daniel Carroll, one of the commissioners of the federal district and owner of land in the Carrollsburg area, proposed his 160\u2013acre paper town as an alternative (SCISCOLouis Dow Scisco. \u201cA Site for the \u2018Federal City\u2019: The Original Proprietors and their Negotiations with Washington\u201d Records of the Columbia Historical Society 57-59 (1961): 123\u201347., 132; Reps, Tidewater TownsJohn W. Reps. Tidewater Towns: City Planning in Colonial Virginia and Maryland. Williamsburg, Va., 1972., 254). At today\u2019s meeting, GW makes the first official public pronouncement on the size of the new capital; it would encompass the sites promoted by both the Georgetown and Carrollsburg interests, making the city a project far more ambitious than either group of landholders originally conceived.\n   Uriah Forrest (1756\u20131805), of Georgetown, Md., served as an officer in the Revolution and received wounds at Germantown and Brandywine. During the time he was a Federalist member of the United States House of Representatives (1793\u201394) he had a house built on Ordway Street near Wisconsin Avenue. In partnership with Benjamin Stoddert, Forrest owned nearly 1,000 acres of land north of Georgetown that fell within the newly surveyed federal district boundaries (BRYANWilhelmus Bogart Bryan. A History of the National Capital: From Its Foundation through the Period of the Adoption of the Organic Act. 2 vols. New York, 1914\u201316., 413).\nWednesday 30th. The parties to whom I addressed myself yesterday evening, having taken the matter into consideration saw the propriety of my observations; and that whilst they were contending for the shadow they might loose the substance; and therefore mutually agreed, and entered into articles to surrender for public purposes, one half of the land they severally possessed with in bounds which were designated as necessary for the City to stand with some other stipulations which were inserted in the instrument which they respectively subscribed.\nThis business being thus happily finished & some directions given to the Commissioners, the Surveyor and Engineer with respect to the mode of laying out the district\u2014Surveying the grounds for the City & forming them into lots\u2014I left Georgetown\u2014dined in Alexandria & reached Mount Vernon in the evening.\n   GW\u2019s directions for laying out the district were based upon his proclamation dated Georgetown, 30 Mar. 1791, establishing a district ten miles square beginning at Jones Point at the mouth of Hunting Creek on the south side of Alexandria. The survey was done by \u201cthe Surveyor\u201d Andrew Ellicott, with\nthe assistance of Benjamin Banneker (see Reps, Tidewater TownsJohn W. Reps. Tidewater Towns: City Planning in Colonial Virginia and Maryland. Williamsburg, Va., 1972., 252). The \u201cEngineer\u201d was Pierre L\u2019Enfant. For the agreement dated 30 Mar. 1791, see DNA: RG 42, Records of the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, Proceedings.\nThursday 31st. From this time, until the 7th. of April, I remained at Mount Vernon\u2014visiting my Plantations every day\u2014and\nWas obliged also, consequent of Colo. Henry Lees declining to accept the command of one of the Regiments of Levies and the request of the Secretary of War to appoint those Officers which had been left to Colo. Lee to do for a Battalion to be raised in Virginia East of the Alligany Mountains to delay my journey on this account\u2014and after all, to commit the business as will appear by the letters & for the reasons there-mentioned to Colo. Darke\u2019s management.\nFrom hence I also wrote letters to the Secretaries of State\u2014Treasury and War in answer to those received from [them] on interesting subjects\u2014desiring in case of important occurrances they would hold a consultation and if they were of such a nature as to make my return necessary to give me notice & I would return immediately. My rout was given to them & the time I should be at the particular places therein mentioned.\n   The regiment of which Henry Lee was offered command was one of two regiments of six-month levies that Congress had recently authorized to be raised as part of an expeditionary force that Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair was preparing to lead against hostile Indians in the Ohio Valley. Lee\u2019s refusal of the command, about which GW did not definitely learn until 31 Mar., was unwelcome news, for it meant delay in officering and recruiting of the regiment\u2019s three battalions, one to be raised in Pennsylvania, one in Maryland, and one in Virginia. To minimize the delay Secretary of War Henry Knox suggested in letters of 24 and 27 Mar. 1791 that the command be offered to either Col. Josias Carvill Hall or Col. Moses Rawlings, both of Maryland, and that GW in the meantime appoint the officers for the Virginia battalion (Knox to William Jackson, 24 Mar. 1791, and Knox to GW, 27 Mar. 1791, DLC:GW). Unprepared for Lee\u2019s refusal, GW hastily approved offering the command to Hall but was reluctant to take time out of his schedule to secure the Virginia officers (William Jackson to Henry Knox, 30 Mar. 1791, and GW to Henry Knox, 1 April 1791, DLC:GW). GW settled the matter by writing to Lt. Col. William Darke of Berkeley County on 4 April to ask him to appoint the officers for the Virginia battalion and to accept command of the regiment if Hall declined it (GW to Darke, 4 and 7 April 1791, DLC:GW). Hall did decline, and Darke accepted. In the defeat that St. Clair\u2019s force suffered at the hands of the Indians near the Wabash River 4 Nov. 1791, Darke was severely wounded and his son Capt. Joseph Darke mortally wounded (William Darke to GW, 9 Nov. 1791, DLC:GW).\n   The letters that GW wrote from Mount Vernon to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson are dated 31 Mar. and 1 and 4 April 1791, to Secretary\nof the Treasury Alexander Hamilton 4 April 1791, and to Secretary of War Henry Knox 1, 4, and 7 April 1791 (DLC:GW). The instructions for \u201cimportant occurrances\u201d are in a letter of 4 April 1791 addressed jointly to the three cabinet members. Vice-President John Adams was not included in the consultations only because he was going to Boston (DLC:GW).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 7th. April. Recommenced my journey with Horses apparently well refreshed and in good spirits. In attempting to cross the ferry at Colchester with the four Horses hitched to the Chariot by the neglect of the person who stood before them, one of the leaders got overboard when the boat was in swimming water and 50 yards from the Shore\u2014with much difficulty he escaped drowning before he could be disengaged. His struggling frightned the others in such a manner that one after another and in quick succession they all got over board harnessed & fastened as they were and with the utmost difficulty they were saved & the Carriage escaped been dragged after them as the whole of it happened in swimming water & at a distance from the shore. Providentially\u2014indeed miraculously\u2014by the exertions of people who went off in Boats & jumped into the River as soon as the Batteau was forced into wading water\u2014no damage was sustained by the horses, Carriage or harness. Proceeded to Dumfries where I dined\u2014after which I visited & drank Tea with my Niece Mrs. Thos. Lee.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 11th. Took an early breakfast at Kinners\u2014bated at one Rawlings\u2019s half way between that & Richmd.\u2014and dined at the latter about 3 Oclock. On my arrival was Saluted by the Cannon of the place\u2014waited on by the Governor and other Gentlemen\u2014and saw the City alluminated at Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 12th. In company with the Governor, The Directors of the James River Navigation Company\u2014the Manager & many other Gentlemen. I viewed the Canal, Sluces, Locks & other Works between the City of Richmond & Westham. These together have brought the navigation to within a mile and half, or a Mile and \u00be of the proposed Bason; from which the Boats by means of Locks are to communicate with the tide water Navigation below. The Canal is of Sufficient depth every where but in places not brought to its proper width; it seems to be perfectly secure against Ice, Freshes & drift Wood. The locks at the head of these works are simple\u2014altogether of hewn stone, except the gates & Cills and very easy & convenient to work. There are two of them, each calculated to raise & lower 6 feet. They cost, according to the Manager\u2019s, Mr. Harris acct. about \u00a33,000 but I could see nothing in them to require such a sum to erect them. The sluces in the River, between these locks and the mouth of the Canal are well graduated and easy of assent. To complete the Canal from the point to which it is now opened, and the Locks at the foot of them Mr. Harris thinks will require 3 years. Received an Address from the Mayor, Aldermen & Common Council of the City of Richmond at Three oclock, & dined with the Governor at four Oclock. In the course of my enquiries\u2014chiefly from Colo. Carrington\u2014I cannot discover that any discontents prevail among the people at large, at the proceedings of Congress. The conduct of the Assembly respecting the assumption he thinks is condemned by them as intemperate & unwise and he seems to have no doubt but that\nthe Excise law\u2014as it is called\u2014may be executed without difficulty\u2014nay more, that it will become popular in a little time. His duty as Marshall having carried him through all parts of the State lately, and of course given him the best means of ascertaining the temper & dispositions of its Inhabitants\u2014he thinks them favorable towards the General Government & that they only require to have matters explained to them in order to obtain their full assent to the Measures adopted by it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 14th. Left Richmond after an early breakfast & passing through Manchester received a salute from cannon & an Escort of Horse under the command of Captn. David Meade Randolph as far as Osbornes where I was met by the Petersburgh horse & escorted to that place & partook of a Public dinner given by the Mayor & Corporation and went to an assembly in the evening for the occasion at which there were between 60 & 70 ladies. Petersburgh which is said to contain near 3000 Souls is well situated for trade at present, but when the James River navigation is compleated and the cut from Elizabeth River to Pasquotanck effected it must decline & that very considerably. At present it receives at the Inspections nearly a third of the Tobacco exported from the whole State besides a considerable quantity of Wheat and flour\u2014much of the former being Manufactured at the Mills near the Town. Chief of the buildings in this town are under the hill & unpleasantly situated but the heights around it are agreeable. The Road from Richmond to this place passes through a poor Country principally covered with Pine except the interval lands on the [James] River which we left on our left.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 15th. Having suffered very much by the dust yesterday and finding that parties of Horse, & a number of other Gentlemen were intendg. to attend me part of the way to day, I caused their enquiries respecting the time of my setting out, to be answered that, I should endeavor to do it before eight O\u2019clock; but I did it a little after five, by which means I avoided the inconveniences abovementioned. I came twelve miles to breakfast, at one Jesse Lees, a tavern newly set up upon a small scale, and 15 miles farther to dinner and where I lodged, at the House of one Oliver, which is a good one for horses, and where there are tolerable clean beds. For want of proper stages I could go no farther. The road along wch. I travelled to day is through a level piney Country, until I came to Nottaway, on which there seems to be some good land. The rest is very poor & seems scarce of Water. Finding that the two horses wch. drew my baggage waggon were rather too light for the draught; and, (one of them especially) losing his flesh fast, I engaged two horses to be at this place this evening to carry it to the next stage 20 Miles off in the Morning, and sent them on led to be there ready for me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 16th. Got into my Carriage a little after 5 Oclock, and travelled thro\u2019 a cloud of dust until I came within two or three miles of Hix\u2019 ford when it began to rain. Breakfasted at one Andrews\u2019\na small but decent House about a mile after passing the ford (or rather the bridge) over Meherrin river. Although raining moderately, but with appearances of breaking up, I continued my journey\u2014induced to it by the crouds which were coming into a general Muster at the Court House of Greensville who would I presumed soon have made the Ho. I was in too noizy to be agreeable. I had not however rode two miles before it began to be stormy, & to rain violently which, with some intervals, it contind. to do the whole afternoon. The uncomfortableness of it, for Men & Horses, would have induced me to put up; but the only Inn short of Hallifax having no stables in wch. the horses could be comfortable, & no Rooms or beds which appeared tolerable, & every thing else having a dirty appearance, I was compelled to keep on to Hallifax; 27 miles from Andrews\u201448 from Olivers and 75 from Petersburgh. At this place (i.e., Hallifax) I arrived about Six Oclock, after crossing the Roanoke on the South bank of which it stands. This River is crossed in flat Boats which take in a carriage & four horses at once. At this time, being low, the water was not rapid but at times it must be much so, as it frequently overflows its banks which appear to be at least 25 ft. perpendicular height. The lands upon the River appear rich, & the low grounds of considerable width but those which lay between the different rivers\u2014namely Appamattox\u2014Nottaway\u2014Meherrin\u2014and Roanoke are all alike flat, poor & covered principally with pine timber. It has already been observed that before the rain fell I was travelling in a continued cloud of dust but after it had rained sometime, the Scene was reversed, and my passage was through water; so level are the Roads. From Petersburgh to Hallifax (in sight of the road) are but few good Houses, with small appearances of wealth. The lands are cultivated in Tobacco\u2014Corn\u2014Wheat & oats but Tobacco, & the raising of Porke for market, seems to be the principal dependence of the Inhabitants; especially towards the Roanoke. Cotten & flax are also raised but not extensively. Hallifax is the first town I came to after passing the line between the two states, and is about 20 Miles from it. To this place Vessels by the aid of Oars & setting poles are brought for the produce which comes to this place and others along the River; and may be carried 8 or 10 Miles higher to the falls which are neither great nor of much extent; above these (which are called the great falls) there are others; but none but what may with a little improvement be passed. This town stands upon high ground; and it\nis the reason given for not placing it at the head of the navigation there being none but low grounds between it and the falls. It seems to be in a decline, & does not it is said contain a thousand souls.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 17th. Colo. Ashe Representative of the district in which this town stands, and several other Gentlemen called upon, and invited me to partake of a dinner which the Inhabitants were desirous of seeing me at & excepting it dined with them accordingly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 18th. Set out by Six oclock\u2014dined at a small house kept by one Slaughter 22 Miles from Hallifax and lodged at Tarborough 14 Miles further. This place is less than Hallifax, but more lively and thriving; it is situated on Tar River which goes into Pamplico Sound and is crossed at the Town by means of a bridge a great height from the Water and notwithstanding the freshes rise sometimes nearly to the arch. Corn, Porke and some Tar are the exports from it. We were recd. at this place by as good a salute as could be given with one piece of artillery.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 19th. At 6 Oclock I left Tarborough accompanied by some of the most respectable people of the place for a few Miles. Dined at a trifling place called Greenville 25 Miles distant and lodged at one Allans 14 Miles further a very indifferent house without stabling which for the first time since I commenced my Journey were obliged to stand without a cover. Greenville is on Tar River and the exports the same as from Tarborough with a greater proportion of Tar\u2014for the lower down the greater number of Tar markers [makers] are there. This article is, contrary to all ideas one would entertain on the subject, rolled as Tobacco by an axis which goes through both heads. One horse draws two barrels in this manner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 20th. Left Allans before breakfast, & under a misapprehension went to a Colo. Allans, supposing it to be a public house; where we were very kindly & well entertained without knowing it was at his expence until it was too late to rectify the mistake. After breakfasting, & feeding our horses here, we proceeded on & crossing the River Nuse 11 miles further, arrived in Newbern to dinner. At this ferry which is 10 miles from Newbern, we were met by a small party of Horse; the district Judge (Mr. Sitgreave) and many of the principal Inhabitts. of Newbern, who conducted us into town to exceeding good lodgings. It ought to have been mentioned that another small party of horse under one Simpson, met us at Greensville, and in spite of every endeavor which could comport with decent civility, to excuse myself from it, they would attend me to Newburn. Colo. Allan did the same. This town is situated at the confluence of the rivers Nuse & Trent, and though low is pleasant. Vessels drawing more than 9 feet Water cannot get up loaded. It stands on a good deal of\nground, but the buildings are sparce and altogether of Wood; some of which are large & look well. The number of Souls are about 2000. Its exports consist of Corn, Tobacco, Pork\u2014but principally of Naval stores & lumber.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 21 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 21st. Dined with the Citizens at a public dinner given by them; & went to a dancing assembly in the evening\u2014both of\nwhich was at what they call the Pallace\u2014formerly the government House & a good brick building but now hastening to ruins. The company at both was numerous\u2014at the latter there were abt. 70 ladies. This town by Water is about 70 miles from the Sea but in a direct line to the entrance of the river not over 35 and to the nearest Seaboard not more than 20, or 25. Upon the River Nuse, & 80 miles above Newbern, the Convention of the State that adopted the federal Constitution made choice of a Spot, or rather district within which to fix their Seat of Government; but it being lower than the back Members (of the Assembly) who hitherto have been most numerous inclined to have it they have found means to obstruct the measure but since the Cession of their Western territory it is supposed that the matter will be revived to good effect.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Friday 22d. Under an Escort of horse, and many of the principal Gentlemen of Newbern I recommenced my journey. Dined at a place called Trenton which is the head of the boat navigation of the River Trent wch. is crossed at this place on a bridge and lodged at one Shrine\u2019s 10 M farther\u2014both indifferent Houses.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 24 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 24th. Breakfasted at an indifferent House about 13 miles from Sages and three Miles further met a party of Light Horse from Wilmington; and after them a Commee. & other Gentlemen of the Town; who came out to escort me into it, and at which I arrived under a federal salute at very good lodgings prepared for me, about two O\u2019clock. At these I dined with the Commee. whose company I asked. The whole road from Newbern to Wilmington (except in a few places of small extent) passes through the most barren country I ever beheld; especially in the parts nearest the latter; which is no other than a bed of white Sand. In places, however, before we\ncame to these, if the ideas of poverty could be seperated from the Land, the appearances of it are agreeable, resembling a lawn well covered with evergreens and a good verdure below from a broom or course grass which having sprung since the burning of the woods had a neat & handsome look especially as there were parts entirely open and others with ponds of water which contributed not a little to the beauty of the Scene. Wilmington is situated on Cape Fear River, about 30 Miles by water from its mouth, but much less by land. It has some good houses pretty compactly built\u2014The whole undr. a hill; which is formed entirely of Sand. The number of Souls in it amount by the enumeration to about 1000, but it is agreed on all hands that the Census in this state has been very inaccurately & shamefully taken by the Marshall\u2019s deputies; who, instead of going to Peoples houses, & there, on the spot, ascertaining the Nos.; have advertised a meeting of them at certain places, by which means those who did not attend (and it seems many purposely avoided doing it, some from an apprehension of its being introductory of a tax, & others from religious scruples) have gone, with their families, unnumbered. In other instances, it is said these deputies have taken their information from the Captains of militia companies; not only as to the men on their Muster Rolls, but of the souls in their respective families; which at best, must in a variety of cases, be mere conjecture whilst all those who are not on their lists\u2014Widows and their families &ca. pass unnoticed. Wilmington, unfortunately for it, has a mud bank  miles below, ovr. which not more than 10 feet water can be brought at common tides; yet it is said vessels of 250 Tonns have come up. The qty. of shipping, which load here annually, amounts to about 12,000 Tonns. The exports consist chiefly of Naval Stores and lumber\u2014Some Tobacco, Corn, Rice & flax seed with Porke. It is at the head of the tide navigation: but inland navigation may be extended 115 miles farther to and above Fayettesville which is from Wilmington 90 miles by land, & 115 by Water as above. Fayettesville is a thriving place containing near  Souls. 6,000 Hhds. of Tobacco, & 3000 Hhds. of Flax Seed have been recd. at it in the course of the year.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 25th. Dined with the Citizens of the place at a public dinner given by them. Went to a Ball in the evening, at which there were 62 ladies\u2014illuminations, Bonfires &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0021", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 27 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 27th. Breakfasted at Willm. Gause\u2019s a little out of the direct Road 14 Miles\u2014crossed the boundary line between No. & South Carolina abt. half after 12 oclock which is 10 miles from Gauses. Dined at a private house (one Cochrans) about 2 miles farther and lodged at Mr. Vareens 14 Miles more and 2 Miles short of the long bay. To this house we were directed as a Tavern, but\nthe proprietor of it either did not keep one, or would not acknowledge it. We therefore were en[ter]tained (& very kindly) without being able to make compensation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 28th. Mr. Vareen piloted us across the Swash (which at high water is impassable, & at times, by the shifting of the Sands is dangerous) on to the long Beach of the Ocean; and it being at a proper time of the tide we passed along it with ease and celerity to the place of quitting it which is estimated 16 miles. Five Miles farther we got dinner & fed our horses at a Mr. Pauleys a private house, no public one being on the road; and being met on the Road, & kindly invited by a Docter flagg to his house, we lodged there; it being about 10 miles from Pauleys & 33 from Vareens.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 29th. We left Doctr. Flaggs about 6 oclo[ck] and arrived at Captn. Wm. Alstons\u2019 on the Waggamaw to Breakfast. Captn. Alston is a Gentleman of large fortune and esteemed one of the neatest Rice planters in the state of So. Carolina and a proprietor of some of the most valuable grounds for the Culture of this article. His house which is large, new, and elegantly furnished stands on a sand hill, high for the Country, with his rice fields below; the contrast of which with the lands back of it, and the Sand & piney barrens through which we had passed is scarcely to be conceived. At Captn. Alstons we were met by General Moultree, Colo. Washington & Mr. Rutledge (son of the present Chief Justice of So. Carolina) who had come out that far to escort me to town. We\ndined and lodged at this Gentlemens and Boats being provided we [left] the next morning.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 30th. Crossed the Waggamaw to George town by descending the River three miles. At this place we were recd. under a Salute of Cannon, & by a Company of Infantry handsomely uniformed. I dined with the Citizens in public; and in the afternoon, was introduced to upwards of 50 ladies who had assembled (at a Tea party) on the occasion. George Town seems to be in the shade of Charleston. It suffered during the war by the British, havg. had many of its Houses burnt. It is situated on a pininsula betwn. the River Waccamaw & Sampton Creek about 15 Miles from the Sea. A bar is to be passed, over which not more than 12 feet water can be brot. except at spring tides; which (tho\u2019 the Inhabitants are willing to entertain different ideas) must ever be a considerable let to its importance; especially if the cut between the Santee & Cowper Rivers should ever be accomplished. The Inhabitants of this place (either unwilling or unable) could give no account of the number of Souls in it, but I should not compute them at more than 5 or 600\u2014Its chief export Rice.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0003", "content": "Title: [April 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 7th. April. Recommenced my journey with Horses apparently well refreshed and in good spirits.\nIn attempting to cross the ferry at Colchester with the four Horses hitched to the Chariot by the neglect of the person who stood before them, one of the leaders got overboard when the boat was in swimming water and 50 yards from the Shore\u2014with much difficulty he escaped drowning before he could be disengaged. His struggling frightned the others in such a manner that one after another and in quick succession they all got over board harnessed & fastened as they were and with the utmost difficulty they were saved & the Carriage escaped been dragged after them as the whole of it happened in swimming water & at a distance from the shore. Providentially\u2014indeed miraculously\u2014by the exertions of people who went off in Boats & jumped into the River as soon as the Batteau was forced into wading water\u2014no damage was sustained by the horses, Carriage or harness.\nProceeded to Dumfries where I dined\u2014after which I visited & drank Tea with my Niece Mrs. Thos. Lee.\n   GW\u2019s niece at Dumfries was Mildred Washington Lee, daughter of John Augustine Washington. Her husband Thomas Lee (1758\u20131805), a son of Richard Henry Lee, was practicing law in the town at this time.\nFriday 8th. Set out about 6 oclock\u2014breakfasted at Stafford Court House and dined and lodged at my Sister Lewis\u2019s in Fredericksburgh.\n   GW reached Fredericksburg \u201cabout 1 o\u2019clock, P.M.\u201d The citizens of the town, \u201cnot being apprized of his approach, were disappointed in the opportunity of evincing their respect . . . by meeting him previous to his arrival\u201d (Phila. Gen. Adv., 22 April 1791).\nSaturday 9th. Dined at an entertained [entertainment] given by the Citizens of the town. Received and answered an address from the Corporation.\nWas informed by Mr. Jno. Lewis, who had, not long since been in Richmond, that Mr. Patrick Henry had avowed his interest in\nthe Yazoo company; and made him a tender of admission into it whh. he declined\u2014but asking, if the Company did not expect the Settlement of the lands would be disagreeable to the Indians was answered by Mr. Henry that the Co. intended to apply to Congress for protection\u2014which, if not granted they would have recourse to their own means to protect the settlement\u2014That General Scott had a certain quantity of Land (I think 40,000 acres in the Company\u2019s grant, & was to have the command of the force which was to make the establishment\u2014and moreover that General Muhlenberg had offered \u00a31000 for a certain part of the grant\u2014the quantity I do not recollect if it was mentioned to me.\n   \u201cAn elegant dinner was prepared at the Town-Hall . . . ; at 2 o\u2019clock [GW] was waited on by some of the officers and principal inhabitants of the corporation, conducted to the place of entertainment, received by the Mayor, and introduced to those present\u201d (Phila. Gen. Adv., 22 April 1791). The address delivered by Mayor William Harvey and a copy of GW\u2019s response are in DLC:GW.\n   Patrick Henry was a leading member of the Virginia Yazoo Company (MEADE [3]Robert Douthat Meade. Patrick Henry. 2 vols. Philadelphia and New York, 1957-69., 422\u201323; see entry for 28 April 1790).\nSunday 10th. Left Fredericksburgh about 6 Oclock. Myself, Majr. Jackson and one Servant breakfasted at General Spotswoods. The rest of my Servants continued on to Todds Ordinary where they also breakfasted. Dined at the Bowling Green and lodged at Kenner\u2019s Tavern 14 Miles farther\u2014in all 35 M.\n   GW left town \u201cattended by a large company of Gentlemen, of whom he took leave a few miles distant\u201d (Phila. Gen. Adv., 22 April 1791). Dr. George Todd of Caroline County had died during the previous year, but his tavern at the site of present-day Villboro, Va., apparently remained open under his name. Kenner\u2019s \u201cRed house\u201d stood about nine miles south of John Hoomes\u2019s Bowling Green tavern and about two miles north of Burk\u2019s Bridge, where the main road to Richmond crossed the Mattaponi River (RICEHoward C. Rice, Jr., and Anne S. K. Brown, eds. The American Campaigns of Rochambeau\u2019s Army, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783. 2 vols. Princeton, N.J., 1972., 2:176; COLLESChristopher Colles. A Survey of the Roads of the United States of America, 1789. Edited by Walter W. Ristow. Cambridge, Mass., 1961., 189).\nMonday 11th. Took an early breakfast at Kinners\u2014bated at one Rawlings\u2019s half way between that & Richmd.\u2014and dined at the latter about 3 Oclock. On my arrival was Saluted by the Cannon of the place\u2014waited on by the Governor and other Gentlemen\u2014and saw the City alluminated at Night.\n   GW arrived in Richmond about 2:00 P.M. and during the evening \u201cviewd the Capitol\u201d (Va. Gaz. [Richmond], 13 April 1791; James Currie to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1791, DLC: Jefferson Papers). Beverley Randolph served as governor of Virginia 1788\u201391.\nTuesday 12th. In company with the Governor, The Directors of the James River Navigation Company\u2014the Manager & many other Gentlemen. I viewed the Canal, Sluces, Locks & other Works between the City of Richmond & Westham. These together have brought the navigation to within a mile and half, or a Mile and \u00be of the proposed Bason; from which the Boats by means of Locks are to communicate with the tide water Navigation below. The Canal is of Sufficient depth every where but in places not brought to its proper width; it seems to be perfectly secure against Ice, Freshes & drift Wood. The locks at the head of these works are simple\u2014altogether of hewn stone, except the gates & Cills and very easy & convenient to work. There are two of them, each calculated to raise & lower 6 feet. They cost, according to the Manager\u2019s, Mr. Harris acct. about \u00a33,000 but I could see nothing in them to require such a sum to erect them. The sluces in the River, between these locks and the mouth of the Canal are well graduated and easy of assent. To complete the Canal from the point to which it is now opened, and the Locks at the foot of them Mr. Harris thinks will require 3 years. Received an Address from the Mayor, Aldermen & Common Council of the City of Richmond at Three oclock, & dined with the Governor at four Oclock.\nIn the course of my enquiries\u2014chiefly from Colo. Carrington\u2014I cannot discover that any discontents prevail among the people at large, at the proceedings of Congress. The conduct of the Assembly respecting the assumption he thinks is condemned by them as intemperate & unwise and he seems to have no doubt but that\nthe Excise law\u2014as it is called\u2014may be executed without difficulty\u2014nay more, that it will become popular in a little time. His duty as Marshall having carried him through all parts of the State lately, and of course given him the best means of ascertaining the temper & dispositions of its Inhabitants\u2014he thinks them favorable towards the General Government & that they only require to have matters explained to them in order to obtain their full assent to the Measures adopted by it.\n   GW was president of the James River Company 1785\u201395, but in name only. Edmund Randolph, one of the original directors of the company, acted as president from 1785 to 1789, when another director, Dr. William Foushee, assumed those duties. Besides Foushee, the current directors were John Harvie and David Ross. James Harris continued as manager (see entries for 17 May 1785 and 11 Mar. 1786).\n   GW and his party began today\u2019s tour at Harris\u2019s home and ascended the canal \u201cin 2 fine new Batteaus of David Ross, who had his Watermen dressed in red Coaties on the Occasion.\u201d The boats, according to Dr. James Currie of Richmond, \u201ctook . . . 7 Minutes & 4 seconds by a stop watch\u201d to pass through the canal\u2019s two locks (Currie to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1791, DLC: Jefferson Papers). The address from the Richmond city officials and a copy of GW\u2019s answer are in DLC:GW. The mayor was George Nicholson (CHRISTIANW. Asbury Christian. Richmond: Her Past and Present. Richmond, Va., 1912., 44).\n   Edward Carrington, having been appointed United States marshal for Virginia 26 Sept. 1789 and supervisor of the federal revenue for the state 4 Mar. 1791, was now undertaking to perform the duties of both offices (Carrington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 April 1791, HAMILTON [2]Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961\u201387., 8:240).\n   assumption: State debts incurred during the War of Independence were to be assumed by the federal government under terms of a plan established by \u201cAn Act making provision for the [payment of the] Debt of the United States\u201d (1 STAT.Richard Peters, ed. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845 . . .. 8 vols. Boston, 1845-67. 138\u201344 [4 Aug. 1790]). The Virginia General Assembly objected to this scheme on two principal grounds: that it would enlarge the powers of the federal government at the expense of state powers and that it would oblige Virginia, which had discharged much of its war debt, to pay part of the heavy debts that some northern states still had outstanding. Declaring the act warranted by \u201cneither policy, justice, nor the constitution,\u201d the assembly petitioned Congress on 16 Dec. 1790 to revise the act generally and in particular to repeal the part relating to the assumption of state debts (ASP, Finance,Walter Lowrie et al., eds. American State Papers. Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States. 38 vols. Washington, D.C., Gales and Seaton, 1832\u201361. 7:90\u201391). excise law: \u201cAn Act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon Distilled Spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon Spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same\u201d (1 STAT.Richard Peters, ed. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845 . . .. 8 vols. Boston, 1845-67. 199\u2013214 [3 Mar. 1791]).\nWednesday 13th. Fixed with Colo. Carrington (the supervisor of the district) the Surveys of Inspection for the District of this State & named the characters for them\u2014an acct. of which was transmitted to the Secretary of the treasury.\nDined at a public entertainment given by the Corporation of Richmond.\nThe buildings in this place have encreased a good deal since I was here last but they are not of the best kind. The number of Souls in the City are .\n   The Virginia revenue district was divided into six surveys, each of which was overseen by an inspector of the revenue under the general direction of the district supervisor. Nominations for the six Virginia inspectors were forwarded today to Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton by William Jackson (DLC:GW). Tobias Lear sent Hamilton commissions for the appointees on 1 June 1791 (Hamilton to Lear and Lear to Hamilton, 1 June 1791, and Lear to GW, 5 June 1791, DLC:GW).\n   The dinner given for GW by the citizens of Richmond was held at the fashionable Eagle Tavern on Main Street (James Currie to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1791, DLC: Jefferson Papers). The population of Richmond in 1790 was 3,761.\nThursday 14th. Left Richmond after an early breakfast & passing through Manchester received a salute from cannon & an Escort of Horse under the command of Captn. David Meade Randolph as far as Osbornes where I was met by the Petersburgh horse & escorted to that place & partook of a Public dinner given by the Mayor & Corporation and went to an assembly in the evening for the occasion at which there were between 60 & 70 ladies.\nPetersburgh which is said to contain near 3000 Souls is well situated for trade at present, but when the James River navigation is compleated and the cut from Elizabeth River to Pasquotanck effected it must decline & that very considerably. At present it receives at the Inspections nearly a third of the Tobacco exported from the whole State besides a considerable quantity of Wheat and flour\u2014much of the former being Manufactured at the Mills near the Town. Chief of the buildings in this town are under the hill & unpleasantly situated but the heights around it are agreeable.\nThe Road from Richmond to this place passes through a poor Country principally covered with Pine except the interval lands on the [James] River which we left on our left.\n   The small town of Manchester, established in 1769, was \u201ca sort of suburb to Richmond,\u201d lying on the south bank of the James River across from the city (CHASTELLUXMarquis de Chastellux. Travels in North America in the Years 1780, 1781 and 1782. Translated and edited by Howard C. Rice, Jr. 2 vols. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1963., 2:427).\n   David Meade Randolph (c.1758\u20131830), who lived at Presque Isle on the James River near Bermuda Hundred, was a captain of dragoons during the War of Independence. In the fall of this year GW named him to succeed Edward Carrington as United States marshal for Virginia (HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 59\u201362).\n   GW\u2019s welcome to Petersburg was apparently a tumultuous one. \u201cSo great was the desire of the people to see him,\u201d reported Edward Carrington, who accompanied GW to the town, \u201cthat by the time of his arrival, there were not less than several thousands after him\u201d (Carrington to James Madison, 20 April 1791, DLC: Madison Papers). At the dinner, held at Robert Armistead\u2019s tavern on Sycamore Street, \u201ca number of patriotic toasts were drank, attended by a discharge of cannon,\u201d and it was probably there that Mayor Joseph Westmore presented GW with yet another civic address (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 29 April 1791). The text of Petersburg\u2019s address and of GW\u2019s brief reply are in DLC:GW. The evening assembly was at the Mason\u2019s Hall in Blandford, which had become part of Petersburg in 1784. The town fathers had decided against a general illumination for fear of fire among the many wooden buildings (SCOTT AND WYATTJames G. Scott and Edward A. Wyatt, IV. Petersburg\u2019s Story: A History. Petersburg, Va., 1960., 44\u201347, 133\u201335). Petersburg\u2019s population in 1790 was 2,828.\n   Plans to link the Elizabeth River, a branch of the James, with the Pasquotank River in northeastern North Carolina by digging a canal through the Dismal Swamp were approved by the Virginia General Assembly in 1787 and by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1790 (HENINGWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 12:479\u201394, 13:145\u201346; N.C. STATE REC.Walter Clark, ed. The State Records of North Carolina. 16 vols., numbered 11-26. Winston and Goldsboro, N.C., 1895\u20131907., 25:83\u201393; brown [3], 31\u201339).\nFriday 15th. Having suffered very much by the dust yesterday and finding that parties of Horse, & a number of other Gentlemen were intendg. to attend me part of the way to day, I caused their enquiries respecting the time of my setting out, to be answered that, I should endeavor to do it before eight O\u2019clock; but I did it a little after five, by which means I avoided the inconveniences abovementioned.\nI came twelve miles to breakfast, at one Jesse Lees, a tavern newly set up upon a small scale, and 15 miles farther to dinner and where I lodged, at the House of one Oliver, which is a good one for horses, and where there are tolerable clean beds. For want of proper stages I could go no farther. The road along wch. I travelled to day is through a level piney Country, until I came to Nottaway, on which there seems to be some good land. The rest is very poor & seems scarce of Water.\nFinding that the two horses wch. drew my baggage waggon were rather too light for the draught; and, (one of them especially) losing his flesh fast, I engaged two horses to be at this place this evening to carry it to the next stage 20 Miles off in the Morning, and sent them on led to be there ready for me.\n   The Nottoway River joins the Blackwater River at the North Carolina line to form the Chowan River, which empties into Albemarle Sound.\nSaturday 16th. Got into my Carriage a little after 5 Oclock, and travelled thro\u2019 a cloud of dust until I came within two or three miles of Hix\u2019 ford when it began to rain. Breakfasted at one Andrews\u2019\na small but decent House about a mile after passing the ford (or rather the bridge) over Meherrin river. Although raining moderately, but with appearances of breaking up, I continued my journey\u2014induced to it by the crouds which were coming into a general Muster at the Court House of Greensville who would I presumed soon have made the Ho. I was in too noizy to be agreeable. I had not however rode two miles before it began to be stormy, & to rain violently which, with some intervals, it contind. to do the whole afternoon. The uncomfortableness of it, for Men & Horses, would have induced me to put up; but the only Inn short of Hallifax having no stables in wch. the horses could be comfortable, & no Rooms or beds which appeared tolerable, & every thing else having a dirty appearance, I was compelled to keep on to Hallifax; 27 miles from Andrews\u201448 from Olivers and 75 from Petersburgh. At this place (i.e., Hallifax) I arrived about Six Oclock, after crossing the Roanoke on the South bank of which it stands.\nThis River is crossed in flat Boats which take in a carriage & four horses at once. At this time, being low, the water was not rapid but at times it must be much so, as it frequently overflows its banks which appear to be at least 25 ft. perpendicular height.\nThe lands upon the River appear rich, & the low grounds of considerable width but those which lay between the different rivers\u2014namely Appamattox\u2014Nottaway\u2014Meherrin\u2014and Roanoke are all alike flat, poor & covered principally with pine timber.\nIt has already been observed that before the rain fell I was travelling in a continued cloud of dust but after it had rained sometime, the Scene was reversed, and my passage was through water; so level are the Roads.\nFrom Petersburgh to Hallifax (in sight of the road) are but few good Houses, with small appearances of wealth. The lands are cultivated in Tobacco\u2014Corn\u2014Wheat & oats but Tobacco, & the raising of Porke for market, seems to be the principal dependence of the Inhabitants; especially towards the Roanoke. Cotten & flax are also raised but not extensively.\nHallifax is the first town I came to after passing the line between the two states, and is about 20 Miles from it. To this place Vessels by the aid of Oars & setting poles are brought for the produce which comes to this place and others along the River; and may be carried 8 or 10 Miles higher to the falls which are neither great nor of much extent; above these (which are called the great falls) there are others; but none but what may with a little improvement be passed. This town stands upon high ground; and it\nis the reason given for not placing it at the head of the navigation there being none but low grounds between it and the falls. It seems to be in a decline, & does not it is said contain a thousand souls.\n   Hicks\u2019s (Hix\u2019s) ford, now the site of Emporia, Va., was designated the seat of Greensville County when the county was formed in 1780, and seven years later a permanent courthouse was finished on the south side of the river (GAINES [1]William H. Gaines, Jr. \u201cCourthouses of Brunswick and Greensville Counties.\u201d Virginia Cavalcade 19 (Winter 1970): 37\u201341., 40). The bridge was described by an English traveler during or shortly before the Revolution as being \u201cremarkably lofty, and built of timber\u201d (SMYTHJ. F. D. Smyth. A Tour in the United States of America: containing An Account of the Present Situation of that Country; The Population, Agriculture, Commerce, Customs, and Manners of the Inhabitants; Anecdotes of several Members of the Congress, and General Officers in the American Army; and Many other very singular and interesting Occurrences . . .. 2 vols. London, 1784., 1:81). The Meherrin River is a branch of the Chowan.\n   Halifax was laid out in 1758 as the county seat of Halifax County and during the Revolution was a frequent meeting place for the North Carolina legislature. The falls of the Roanoke River are near present-day Roanoke Rapids, N.C. The river flows into the Albemarle Sound.\nSunday 17th. Colo. Ashe Representative of the district in which this town stands, and several other Gentlemen called upon, and invited me to partake of a dinner which the Inhabitants were desirous of seeing me at & excepting it dined with them accordingly.\n   \u201cThe reception of the President at Halifax,\u201d wrote Samuel Johnston of Edenton to James Iredell on 23 May 1791, \u201cwas not such as we could wish tho in every other part of the Country he was treated with proper attention.\u201d There is a local tradition that the dinner for GW was held at the Eagle Tavern near the river (HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 75\u201376). John Baptista Ashe (see entry for 1 April 1790) served in Congress 1789\u201393. He was later elected governor of North Carolina but died before his inauguration.\nMonday 18th. Set out by Six oclock\u2014dined at a small house kept by one Slaughter 22 Miles from Hallifax and lodged at Tarborough 14 Miles further.\nThis place is less than Hallifax, but more lively and thriving; it is situated on Tar River which goes into Pamplico Sound and is crossed at the Town by means of a bridge a great height from the Water and notwithstanding the freshes rise sometimes nearly to the arch. Corn, Porke and some Tar are the exports from it. We were recd. at this place by as good a salute as could be given with one piece of artillery.\n   Slaughter\u2019s tavern was probably operated by James Slaughter (died c.1799) of Halifax County, who was listed in the 1790 census as head of a household of 12 whites and 20 slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 64).\n   Tarboro, N.C., seat of Edgecombe County, was settled in 1732 and officially established in 1760. The town gave GW a somewhat feeble welcome, undoubtedly because the citizens learned only at eight o\u2019clock the previous evening that GW might pass through Tarboro, and even then it was not clear\nwhen he would arrive, if at all (Thomas Blount to Samuel Simpson, 17 April 1791, BLOUNTAlice Barnwell Keith et al., eds. The John Gray Blount Papers. 4 vols. Raleigh, N.C., 1952\u201382., 2:168\u201369).\n   The Tar River becomes the Pamlico River lower down and flows into Pamlico Sound. Floods on the river had previously carried away several wooden bridges at Tarboro, despite their considerable height and width for the times (SMYTHJ. F. D. Smyth. A Tour in the United States of America: containing An Account of the Present Situation of that Country; The Population, Agriculture, Commerce, Customs, and Manners of the Inhabitants; Anecdotes of several Members of the Congress, and General Officers in the American Army; and Many other very singular and interesting Occurrences . . .. 2 vols. London, 1784., 1:101).\nTuesday 19th. At 6 Oclock I left Tarborough accompanied by some of the most respectable people of the place for a few Miles. Dined at a trifling place called Greenville 25 Miles distant and lodged at one Allans 14 Miles further a very indifferent house without stabling which for the first time since I commenced my Journey were obliged to stand without a cover.\nGreenville is on Tar River and the exports the same as from Tarborough with a greater proportion of Tar\u2014for the lower down the greater number of Tar markers [makers] are there. This article is, contrary to all ideas one would entertain on the subject, rolled as Tobacco by an axis which goes through both heads. One horse draws two barrels in this manner.\n   Greenville, N.C., seat of Pitt County, was incorporated in 1771 as Martinsborough; its name was changed in 1786 to honor Nathanael Greene. Allen\u2019s tavern was run by Shadrach Allen (born c.1752) of Pitt County, one of the county\u2019s delegates to the state legislature 1788\u201389 and to the state convention of 1789 that ratified the United States Constitution. In 1790 he had 8 whites in his household and 15 slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 148).\nWednesday 20th. Left Allans before breakfast, & under a misapprehension went to a Colo. Allans, supposing it to be a public house; where we were very kindly & well entertained without knowing it was at his expence until it was too late to rectify the mistake. After breakfasting, & feeding our horses here, we proceeded on & crossing the River Nuse 11 miles further, arrived in Newbern to dinner.\nAt this ferry which is 10 miles from Newbern, we were met by a small party of Horse; the district Judge (Mr. Sitgreave) and many of the principal Inhabitts. of Newbern, who conducted us into town to exceeding good lodgings. It ought to have been mentioned that another small party of horse under one Simpson, met us at Greensville, and in spite of every endeavor which could comport with decent civility, to excuse myself from it, they would attend me to Newburn. Colo. Allan did the same.\nThis town is situated at the confluence of the rivers Nuse & Trent, and though low is pleasant. Vessels drawing more than 9 feet Water cannot get up loaded. It stands on a good deal of\nground, but the buildings are sparce and altogether of Wood; some of which are large & look well. The number of Souls are about 2000. Its exports consist of Corn, Tobacco, Pork\u2014but principally of Naval stores & lumber.\n   The home that GW mistook for a tavern was apparently that of John Allen of Craven County, who was one of Craven\u2019s representatives in the legislature 1788\u201394 and in the convention of 1789. He was probably the John Allen listed in the 1790 census as head of a household of 5 whites and 27 slaves and may have been a brother of Shadrach Allen (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 131\u201332; BLOUNTAlice Barnwell Keith et al., eds. The John Gray Blount Papers. 4 vols. Raleigh, N.C., 1952\u201382., 3:33, n.78; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 80). Allen\u2019s military title must have derived from state or local service (N.C. STATE REC.Walter Clark, ed. The State Records of North Carolina. 16 vols., numbered 11-26. Winston and Goldsboro, N.C., 1895\u20131907., 22:954).\n   The citizens of New Bern, seat of Craven County and the \u201cplace . . . generally reckon\u2019d to be the Capital of North Carolina\u201d despite the fact that the legislature often met elsewhere, were better prepared for GW\u2019s coming than their neighbors to the north had been (ATTMORELida Tunstall Rodman, ed. Journal of a Tour to North Carolina by William Attmore, 1787. James Sprunt Historical Publications 17, no. 2. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1922., 45). Three military units were mustered to welcome him. His escort from West\u2019s ferry was the recently formed Craven County Light Horse commanded by a Captain Williams. At the edge of town the New Bern Volunteers, infantrymen commanded by Capt. Edward Pasteur, one of the state\u2019s assistant United States marshals, joined the procession, and at GW\u2019s lodgings\u2014said to be the John Wright Stanly house at Middle and New streets\u2014\u201che was saluted by a discharge of fifteen guns from Captain Stephen Tinker\u2019s Company of Artillery,\u201d followed by \u201cfifteen vollies and a feu-de-joye from the Volunteers. In the evening the town was elegantly illuminated\u201d (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 13 May 1791; DILLAlonzo Thomas Dill. Governor Tryon and His Palace. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1955., 227).\n   The ferry over the Neuse River, where GW crossed about 1:00 P.M., was West\u2019s ferry, also called at various times in its long history Graves\u2019s, Kemp\u2019s, Curtis\u2019s, and Street\u2019s ferry (POWELL [3]William S. Powell. The North Carolina Gazetteer. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1968., 479; ATTMORELida Tunstall Rodman, ed. Journal of a Tour to North Carolina by William Attmore, 1787. James Sprunt Historical Publications 17, no. 2. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1922., 14\u201315, 21; ASBURYElmer T. Clark et al., eds. The Journal and Letters of Francis Asbury. 3 vols. London and Nashville, 1958., 1:534, 2:628).\n   The horsemen who crossed the Neuse with GW were members of the Pitt County Light Horse, commanded by Capt. Samuel Simpson, who served the county in the state legislature in 1792 and 1796\u201397 (WHEELERJohn H. Wheeler. Historical Sketches of North Carolina, From 1584 to 1851. Philadelphia, 1851., 2:347). This troop was to have met GW in Tarboro, but so short was the notice given of his approach that the men apparently were unable to assemble until GW arrived in Greenville, almost halfway through their county (Thomas Blount to Samuel Simpson, 17 April 1791, BLOUNTAlice Barnwell Keith et al., eds. The John Gray Blount Papers. 4 vols. Raleigh, N.C., 1952\u201382., 2:168\u201369).\n   John Sitgreaves (1757\u20131802), a prominent New Bern lawyer and the town\u2019s representative in the state legislature 1786\u201389, was named United States attorney for the district of North Carolina by GW in June 1790 and was raised to judge of the district the following December. He was a militia officer during the War of Independence, seeing action at the disastrous Battle of Camden in 1780, and served in the Continental Congress 1784\u201385 (ASHESamuel A. Ashe et al., eds. Biographical History of North Carolina: From Colonial Times to the Present. 8 vols. Greensboro, N.C., 1905\u201317., 2:398\u2013400).\n   The Trent River is a relatively short tributary of the Neuse River, which rises in central North Carolina and flows into Pamlico Sound near Ocracoke Inlet, where vessels entered from the Atlantic.\nThursday 21st. Dined with the Citizens at a public dinner given by them; & went to a dancing assembly in the evening\u2014both of\nwhich was at what they call the Pallace\u2014formerly the government House & a good brick building but now hastening to ruins. The company at both was numerous\u2014at the latter there were abt. 70 ladies.\nThis town by Water is about 70 miles from the Sea but in a direct line to the entrance of the river not over 35 and to the nearest Seaboard not more than 20, or 25. Upon the River Nuse, & 80 miles above Newbern, the Convention of the State that adopted the federal Constitution made choice of a Spot, or rather district within which to fix their Seat of Government; but it being lower than the back Members (of the Assembly) who hitherto have been most numerous inclined to have it they have found means to obstruct the measure but since the Cession of their Western territory it is supposed that the matter will be revived to good effect.\n   GW sat down to dinner with the citizens at 4:00 P.M.; he remained at the ball until 11:00 P.M. Earlier in the day he walked around New Bern and during the afternoon received an address from a committee of local freemasons representing St. John\u2019s Lodge No. 2. A general address from the town\u2019s inhabitants was also given to him apparently at West\u2019s ferry the previous day. (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 13 May 1791; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 84\u201387; both addresses and copies of GW\u2019s replies are in DLC:GW).\n   The palace, built in 1767\u201370 at the urging of Gov. William Tryon (1729\u20131788), served as residence for North Carolina\u2019s governors until 1780 and as an occasional meeting place for the General Assembly until 1794 (DILLAlonzo Thomas Dill. Governor Tryon and His Palace. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1955., 110\u201319, 206, 258). It was \u201calmost in ruins\u201d in 1784 when the German traveler Johann David Schoepf saw it. \u201cThe inhabitants of the town,\u201d he explained, \u201ctook away everything they could make use of, carpets, panels of glass, locks, iron utensils, and the like, until watchmen were finally installed to prevent the carrying-off of the house itself. The state would be glad to sell it, but there is nobody who thinks himself rich enough to live in a brick house\u201d (SCHOEPFJohann David Schoepf. Travels in the Confederation [1783\u20131784]. Translated and edited by Alfred J. Morrison. 2 vols. Philadelphia, 1911., 2:128\u201329). William Attmore of Philadelphia who visited the palace in 1787 reported that \u201cthe Town\u2019s people use one of the Halls for a Dancing Room & One of the other Rooms is used for a School Room. . . . The King of G. Britain\u2019s Arms, are still suffered to appear in a pediment at the front of the Building; which considering the independent spirit of the people averse to every vestige of Royalty appears Something strange\u201d (ATTMORELida Tunstall Rodman, ed. Journal of a Tour to North Carolina by William Attmore, 1787. James Sprunt Historical Publications 17, no. 2. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1922., 16).\n   The question of a new capital had troubled North Carolina politics since 1777. Unable to decide the matter, the legislature referred it to the state\u2019s Ratifying Convention of 1788, which rejected the United States Constitution. On 2 Aug. 1788 the convention voted to fix the seat of government within ten miles of Isaac Hunter\u2019s tavern in Wake County near the falls of the Neuse, but to let the legislature determine the exact spot within that radius. In 1792 land was purchased and the city of Raleigh was laid out in Wake County; by the end of 1794 a small brick statehouse was erected there (N.C. STATE REC.Walter Clark, ed. The State Records of North Carolina. 16 vols., numbered 11-26. Winston and Goldsboro, N.C., 1895\u20131907., 22:26\u201329, 33; LEFLER AND NEWSOMEHugh Talmage Lefler and Albert Ray Newsome. North Carolina: The History of a Southern State. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1954., 243\u201345).\nFriday 22d. Under an Escort of horse, and many of the principal Gentlemen of Newbern I recommenced my journey. Dined at a place called Trenton which is the head of the boat navigation of the River Trent wch. is crossed at this place on a bridge and lodged at one Shrine\u2019s 10 M farther\u2014both indifferent Houses.\n   GW left New Bern \u201cunder a discharge of cannon.\u201d He was undoubtedly relieved that the light horse and citizens accompanied him only \u201ca few miles out of town\u201d (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 13 May 1791). Some of the strains of traveling were now beginning to tell. \u201cWe have, all things considered, come on tolerably well,\u201d GW had written Tobias Lear the previous day. \u201cyet, some of the horses, especially the two last bought, are not a little worsted by their journey; and the whole, if brought back, will not cut capers as they did at starting out\u201d (WRITINGSJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745\u20131799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931\u201344., 31:284\u201385). At Trenton, N.C., seat of Jones County, GW is said to have dined at a tavern known as \u201cthe Old Shingle House\u201d (W.P.A. [8]W.P.A. Writers\u2019 Project. North Carolina: A Guide to the Old North State. American Guide Series. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1939., 286). There also he was greeted by more freemasons, the members of King Solomon\u2019s Lodge, who presented him with a short address (DLC:GW). No reply has been found.\n   Shine\u2019s tavern, which a contemporary informant described as \u201cone of the best,\u201d was apparently run by John Shine of Jones County. He appears in the 1790 census as head of a household of nine whites and eight slaves (\u201cmemorandum of distances,\u201d 1791, N.C. STATE REC.Walter Clark, ed. The State Records of North Carolina. 16 vols., numbered 11-26. Winston and Goldsboro, N.C., 1895\u20131907., 15:380; ASBURYElmer T. Clark et al., eds. The Journal and Letters of Francis Asbury. 3 vols. London and Nashville, 1958., 2:722; HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 144).\nSaturday 23d. Breakfasted at one Everets 12 Miles\u2014bated at a Mr. Foys 12 Miles farther and lodged at one Sages 20 Miles beyd. it\u2014all indifferent Houses.\n   John Everit of Duplin County may have been proprietor of the place where GW breakfasted (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 190). Foy\u2019s tavern, described by an informant as \u201cbut tolerable,\u201d was apparently operated by James Foy of Onslow County, a bachelor who owned 31 slaves (\u201cmemorandum of distances,\u201d 1791, N.C. STATE REC.Walter Clark, ed. The State Records of North Carolina. 16 vols., numbered 11-26. Winston and Goldsboro, N.C., 1895\u20131907., 15:380; HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 143). Robert Sage of Onslow County, whom a traveler in 1786 called \u201ca fine jolly Englishman,\u201d had his tavern at Holly Shelter Bay about a mile south of present-day Holly Ridge (WRIGHTLouis B. Wright and Marion Tinling, eds. Quebec to Carolina in 1785\u20131786: Being the Travel Diary and Observations of Robert Hunter, Jr., a Young Merchant of London. San Marino, Calif., 1943., 279; POWELL [3]William S. Powell. The North Carolina Gazetteer. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1968., 233).\nSunday 24th. Breakfasted at an indifferent House about 13 miles from Sages and three Miles further met a party of Light Horse from Wilmington; and after them a Commee. & other Gentlemen of the Town; who came out to escort me into it, and at which I arrived under a federal salute at very good lodgings prepared for me, about two O\u2019clock. At these I dined with the Commee. whose company I asked.\nThe whole road from Newbern to Wilmington (except in a few places of small extent) passes through the most barren country I ever beheld; especially in the parts nearest the latter; which is no other than a bed of white Sand. In places, however, before we\ncame to these, if the ideas of poverty could be seperated from the Land, the appearances of it are agreeable, resembling a lawn well covered with evergreens and a good verdure below from a broom or course grass which having sprung since the burning of the woods had a neat & handsome look especially as there were parts entirely open and others with ponds of water which contributed not a little to the beauty of the Scene.\nWilmington is situated on Cape Fear River, about 30 Miles by water from its mouth, but much less by land. It has some good houses pretty compactly built\u2014The whole undr. a hill; which is formed entirely of Sand. The number of Souls in it amount by the enumeration to about 1000, but it is agreed on all hands that the Census in this state has been very inaccurately & shamefully taken by the Marshall\u2019s deputies; who, instead of going to Peoples houses, & there, on the spot, ascertaining the Nos.; have advertised a meeting of them at certain places, by which means those who did not attend (and it seems many purposely avoided doing it, some from an apprehension of its being introductory of a tax, & others from religious scruples) have gone, with their families, unnumbered. In other instances, it is said these deputies have taken their information from the Captains of militia companies; not only as to the men on their Muster Rolls, but of the souls in their respective families; which at best, must in a variety of cases, be mere conjecture whilst all those who are not on their lists\u2014Widows and their families &ca. pass unnoticed.\nWilmington, unfortunately for it, has a mud bank  miles below, ovr. which not more than 10 feet water can be brought at common tides; yet it is said vessels of 250 Tonns have come up. The qty. of shipping, which load here annually, amounts to about 12,000 Tonns. The exports consist chiefly of Naval Stores and lumber\u2014Some Tobacco, Corn, Rice & flax seed with Porke. It is at the head of the tide navigation: but inland navigation may be extended 115 miles farther to and above Fayettesville which is from Wilmington 90 miles by land, & 115 by Water as above. Fayettesville is a thriving place containing near  Souls. 6,000 Hhds. of Tobacco, & 3000 Hhds. of Flax Seed have been recd. at it in the course of the year.\n   The Wilmington Troop of Horse, commanded by Capt. Henry Toomer,\nmet GW about 12 miles from town, and the gentlemen of the town, all on horseback, greeted him about six miles farther down the road. Stepping out of his chariot, GW mounted one of his horses and rode the remaining distance to Wilmington, preceded by four dragoons with a trumpet and followed by the rest of his escort. His servants and baggage brought up the rear of the procession.\n   The federal salute which GW received on reaching the town was a \u201ctripple\u201d one\u2014three rounds of fifteen shots each\u2014fired by a battery of four guns under the command of Capt. John Huske. GW then, according to a newspaper account, was escorted to his lodgings \u201cthrough an astonishing concorse of people of the town and country, whom, as well as the ladies that filled the windows and balconies of the houses, he saluted with his usual affability and condencension. Upon his alighting, the acclamations were loud and universal. The Ships in the harbour, all ornamented with their colours, added much to the beauty of the scene.\u201d GW\u2019s lodgings were at Mrs. Ann Quince\u2019s house on the east side of Front Street near the river. \u201cAuthenick information\u201d of GW\u2019s approach had arrived at Wilmington only the previous day, and \u201cthe House which was at first intended by the inhabitants for his reception and accommodation not being ready,\u201d Mrs. Quince, widow of John Quince (died c.1776), \u201ccheerfully made an offer to the town of her elegant House and furniture for that purpose, which was gratefully accepted.\u201d Mrs. Quince lodged elsewhere during GW\u2019s stay. The dinner with the seven members of the town\u2019s welcoming committee, said to have been at Dorsey\u2019s tavern also on Front Street, was short. Afterwards GW \u201ctook a walk round the town, attended by them and many other gentlemen\u201d (Columbian Centinel [Boston], 11 June 1791; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 104\u20137, 115).\n   Wilmington, seat of New Hanover County, and Fayetteville, seat of Cumberland County, were both settled in the early 1730s. Wilmington was incorporated in 1739/40, and Fayetteville, first called Campbelltown, in 1762. The name was changed in 1786 to honor the marquis de Lafayette. Fayetteville\u2019s population in 1790 was 1,536 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 9). Wilmington\u2019s exact population is not given in the 1790 census. Robert Hunter, Jr., a Scottish traveler who visited the town in 1786, reported: \u201cThe inhabitants, white and black, are estimated at 1,200\u2014the proportion four blacks to a white\u201d (WRIGHTLouis B. Wright and Marion Tinling, eds. Quebec to Carolina in 1785\u20131786: Being the Travel Diary and Observations of Robert Hunter, Jr., a Young Merchant of London. San Marino, Calif., 1943., 286\u201387).\nMonday 25th. Dined with the Citizens of the place at a public dinner given by them. Went to a Ball in the evening, at which there were 62 ladies\u2014illuminations, Bonfires &ca.\n   The town\u2019s welcoming committee today presented GW with an address of the inhabitants to which GW replied briefly as usual. The address and the text of GW\u2019s remarks are both in DLC:GW. The dinner is said to have been at Jocelin\u2019s (Joslin\u2019s) tavern, and the ball at the Assembly Hall on Front Street between Orange and Ann streets. A newspaper account of the ball reported that GW \u201cappeared to be equally surprised and delighted, at the very large and brilliant assembly of ladies, whom admiration and respect for him had collected together\u201d (Columbian Centinel [Boston], 11 June 1791; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 114\u201315).\nTuesday 26th. Having sent my Carriage across the day before, I left Wilmington about 6 oclock accompanied by most of the Gentlemen of the Town, and breakfasting at Mr. Ben. Smiths lodged at one Russ\u2019 25 Miles from Wilmington\u2014an indifferent House.\n   GW crossed the Cape Fear River in a \u201cRevenue-barge, manned by six American Captains of ships, in which the standard of the United States was displayed.\u201d As previously arranged, the gentlemen of the town attended him in \u201cboats from the shipping in the harbour, under their national colours,\u201d while in the background could be heard \u201cthe firing of cannon, accompanied by the acclamations of the people, from the wharves and shipping\u201d (Columbian Centinel [Boston], 11 June 1791).\n   Col. Benjamin Smith (1756\u20131826) of Brunswick County lived at Belvidere plantation about four miles west of Wilmington on the Brunswick River, an arm of the Cape Fear. Owner of 221 slaves in 1790, Smith was, despite a hotheaded tendency to duel, a prosperous and influential planter. He represented his county in the legislature for many years and from 1810 to 1811 was governor of North Carolina. During the early days of the War of Independence, he apparently served under GW in some capacity\u2014as an aide it is often said\u2014although he was not a commissioned officer in the Continental Army; his rank of colonel was a militia appointment made in 1789 (N.C. STATE REC.Walter Clark, ed. The State Records of North Carolina. 16 vols., numbered 11-26. Winston and Goldsboro, N.C., 1895\u20131907., 22:358). In forwarding some letters to GW six days after this visit, Smith took the opportunity to profess his great attachment to him\u2014\u201cthat Attachment with which I was inspired at New York & Long Island in 1776\u201d (Smith to GW, 1 May 1791, DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters; ASHESamuel A. Ashe et al., eds. Biographical History of North Carolina: From Colonial Times to the Present. 8 vols. Greensboro, N.C., 1905\u201317., 2:401\u20135; HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 190).\n   From Belvidere GW was escorted for ten miles by the Wilmington troop and Col. Thomas Brown (1744\u20131811) of neighboring Bladen County, commander of the horse for the district of Wilmington (Columbian Centinel [Boston], 11 June 1791). Russ\u2019s tavern, run by Francis, John, or Thomas Russ of Brunswick County, was typical of the \u201cvery bad\u201d public accommodations that GW had been warned to expect between Wilmington and his next major stop, Georgetown, S.C. (\u201cmemorandum of distances,\u201d 1791, N.C. STATE REC.Walter Clark, ed. The State Records of North Carolina. 16 vols., numbered 11-26. Winston and Goldsboro, N.C., 1895\u20131907., 15:380; HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 189).\n   At Russ\u2019s this evening Congressman William Barry Grove (1764\u20131818) of Fayetteville arrived with an address from \u201cthe Merchants, Traders, and Principal Inhabitants\u201d of that town. Grove had expected to present it to GW at Belvidere, but reaching that place about an hour after GW\u2019s departure, he had been obliged to ride on to Russ\u2019s (Columbian Centinel [Boston], 11 June 1791). The address dated 15 April 1791 and a copy of GW\u2019s reply to it are in DLC:GW.\nWednesday 27th. Breakfasted at Willm. Gause\u2019s a little out of the direct Road 14 Miles\u2014crossed the boundary line between No. & South Carolina abt. half after 12 oclock which is 10 miles from Gauses. Dined at a private house (one Cochrans) about 2 miles farther and lodged at Mr. Vareens 14 Miles more and 2 Miles short of the long bay. To this house we were directed as a Tavern, but\nthe proprietor of it either did not keep one, or would not acknowledge it. We therefore were en[ter]tained (& very kindly) without being able to make compensation.\n   William Gause (died c.1801) of Brunswick County also ran a \u201cvery indifferent\u201d tavern (\u201cmemorandum of distances,\u201d N.C. STATE REC.Walter Clark, ed. The State Records of North Carolina. 16 vols., numbered 11-26. Winston and Goldsboro, N.C., 1895\u20131907., 15:380). Listed as head of a household of 8 whites and 37 slaves in 1790, he later became a strong Methodist supporter and a good friend of Bishop Francis Asbury, who stopped at his place several times (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 189; ASBURYElmer T. Clark et al., eds. The Journal and Letters of Francis Asbury. 3 vols. London and Nashville, 1958., 2:109, 185, 283, 324). James Cochran of All Saints Parish, Georgetown District, S.C., was living alone in 1790 according to the census (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 50).\n   Jeremiah Vareen, Sr., of All Saints Parish (now Horry County, S.C.), kept a public house for some years \u201cnear the Long Bay, and a little out of the road,\u201d but apparently quit the business before this time. His son, Jeremiah Vareen, Jr., was said to be now living in the house, which was described as \u201ca wretched one\u201d (\u201cmemorandum of distances,\u201d 1791, N.C. STATE REC.Walter Clark, ed. The State Records of North Carolina. 16 vols., numbered 11-26. Winston and Goldsboro, N.C., 1895\u20131907., 15:381). Both Vareens still resided in this sparsely populated parish in 1800 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 50; S.C. 1800 CENSUSRonald Vern Jackson et al., eds. South Carolina 1800 Census. 2d ed. Provo, Utah, 1975., 543; SCHOEPFJohann David Schoepf. Travels in the Confederation [1783\u20131784]. Translated and edited by Alfred J. Morrison. 2 vols. Philadelphia, 1911., 2:156).\n   The Long Bay is the part of the Atlantic Ocean that washes the curving Carolina coast between Cape Fear, N.C., and Georgetown, S. C., but on many eighteenth-century maps the name seems to apply specifically to the waters off the 16\u2013mile stretch of sand called the Long Beach, now Myrtle Beach, S.C., and its vicinity (MOUZONHenry Mouzon and others. \u201cAn Accurate Map of North and South Carolina with their Indian Frontiers . . . .\u201d London, 1775., map).\nThursday 28th. Mr. Vareen piloted us across the Swash (which at high water is impassable, & at times, by the shifting of the Sands is dangerous) on to the long Beach of the Ocean; and it being at a proper time of the tide we passed along it with ease and celerity to the place of quitting it which is estimated 16 miles. Five Miles farther we got dinner & fed our horses at a Mr. Pauleys a private house, no public one being on the road; and being met on the Road, & kindly invited by a Docter flagg to his house, we lodged there; it being about 10 miles from Pauleys & 33 from Vareens.\n   Both the Long Beach and the swash, a narrow channel cutting inland from the ocean, had to be crossed at low tide (\u201cmemorandum of distances,\u201d 1791, N.C. STATE REC.Walter Clark, ed. The State Records of North Carolina. 16 vols., numbered 11-26. Winston and Goldsboro, N.C., 1895\u20131907., 15:381; VERMEElizabeth Cometti, trans. and ed. Seeing America and Its Great Men: The Journal and Letters of Count Francesco dal Verme, 1783\u20131784. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 52\u201353). On Henry Mouzon\u2019s 1775 map of the Carolinas the name \u201cLewis Swash\u201d appears at the northernmost entrance to the beach, about two miles south of a house labeled \u201cVarene.\u201d The beach itself is labeled \u201cEight Mile Swash,\u201d apparently indicating the fact that the road there was often washed over by the high tide. Johann David Schoepf, who traversed the Long Beach in 1784, noted, \u201cHere for 16 miles the common highway runs very near the shore. Lonely and desolate as this part of the road is, without shade and with no dwellings in sight, it is by no means a tedious road. The number of shells washed up, sponges, corals, sea-grasses and weeds, medusae, and many other ocean-products which strew the beach, engage and excite the attention of the traveller at every step. . . . This beach-road consisted for the most part of shell-sand, coarse or fine. . . . So far as the otherwise\nloose sand is moistened by the play of the waves it forms and extremely smooth and firm surface, hardly showing hoof-marks\u201d (SCHOEPFJohann David Schoepf. Travels in the Confederation [1783\u20131784]. Translated and edited by Alfred J. Morrison. 2 vols. Philadelphia, 1911., 2:161\u201362).\n   George Pawley of All Saints Parish was in 1790 head of a household of 4 whites and 15 slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 50).\n   Dr. Henry Collins Flagg (1742\u20131801), a physician, lived at Brookgreen plantation on the Waccamaw River in All Saints Parish. He came to South Carolina from Rhode Island before the War of Independence and during the war was chief surgeon of Nathanael Greene\u2019s southern army. In 1784 he married Rachel Moore Allston, widow of Capt. William Allston (1738\u20131781), who developed Brookgreen (ROGERS [2]George C. Rogers, Jr. The History of Georgetown County, South Carolina. Columbia, S.C., 1970., 172\u201373, 256; LACHICOTTEAlberta Morel Lachicotte. Georgetown Rice Plantations. Columbia, S.C., 1955., 24, 55).\nFriday 29th. We left Doctr. Flaggs about 6 oclo[ck] and arrived at Captn. Wm. Alstons\u2019 on the Waggamaw to Breakfast.\nCaptn. Alston is a Gentleman of large fortune and esteemed one of the neatest Rice planters in the state of So. Carolina and a proprietor of some of the most valuable grounds for the Culture of this article. His house which is large, new, and elegantly furnished stands on a sand hill, high for the Country, with his rice fields below; the contrast of which with the lands back of it, and the Sand & piney barrens through which we had passed is scarcely to be conceived.\nAt Captn. Alstons we were met by General Moultree, Colo. Washington & Mr. Rutledge (son of the present Chief Justice of So. Carolina) who had come out that far to escort me to town. We\ndined and lodged at this Gentlemens and Boats being provided we [left] the next morning.\n   William Alston (1756\u20131839), a veteran of Francis Marion\u2019s partisan brigade, bought 1,206 acres on the Waccamaw River in 1785 and developed it into the prosperous plantation that he called Clifton. Below his two-story mansion, his marshy rice lands were cultivated by work gangs from his force of 300 slaves, the largest holding in All Saints Parish and one of the largest in the state (GROVESJoseph A. Groves. The Alstons and Allstons of North and South Carolina: Compiled from English, Colonial and Family Records with Personal Reminiscences; Also Notes of Some Allied Families. 1901. Reprint. Easley, S.C., 1976., 53; LACHICOTTEAlberta Morel Lachicotte. Georgetown Rice Plantations. Columbia, S.C., 1955., 22\u201324; HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 50).\n   William Moultrie (1730\u20131805), William Washington (1752\u20131810), and John Rutledge, Jr. (1766\u20131819), came to Clifton to escort GW not just to Georgetown but to their own city, Charleston. Moultrie, hero of the defense of Charleston harbor against a British fleet in June 1776, became a Continental major general before the end of the war and served as governor of South Carolina 1785\u201387 and 1792\u201394. GW\u2019s kinsman William Washington was also a war hero. Born in Virginia, he distinguished himself as an infantry captain in the Virginia line during the northern campaign of 1776. Switching to the cavalry, he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and in Dec. 1779 was ordered to take his dragoons to the Carolinas where he proved his personal bravery in a succession of skirmishes and battles. In 1782 he married a South Carolina heiress and settled in an elegant Charleston town house. Young Rutledge, recently returned from a long gentleman\u2019s tour of Europe, was representing his father John Rutledge, Sr. (1739\u20131800), who, having been elected chief justice in February of this year, was now obliged to attend the court\u2019s spring circuit (John Rutledge, Sr., to GW, 15 April 1791, DLC:GW; see entry for 3 May 1791). John Rutledge, Jr., later became a controversial Federalist politician, serving in the United States Congress 1797\u20131803 (COMETTIElizabeth Cometti. \u201cJohn Rutledge, Jr., Federalist.\u201d Journal of Southern History 13 (1947): 186\u2013219., 186\u2013219).\nSaturday 30th. Crossed the Waggamaw to George town by descending the River three miles. At this place we were recd. under a Salute of Cannon, & by a Company of Infantry handsomely uniformed. I dined with the Citizens in public; and in the afternoon, was introduced to upwards of 50 ladies who had assembled (at a Tea party) on the occasion.\nGeorge Town seems to be in the shade of Charleston. It suffered during the war by the British, havg. had many of its Houses burnt. It is situated on a pininsula betwn. the River Waccamaw & Sampton Creek about 15 Miles from the Sea. A bar is to be passed, over which not more than 12 feet water can be brot. except at spring tides; which (tho\u2019 the Inhabitants are willing to entertain different ideas) must ever be a considerable let to its importance; especially if the cut between the Santee & Cowper Rivers should ever be accomplished.\nThe Inhabitants of this place (either unwilling or unable) could give no account of the number of Souls in it, but I should not compute them at more than 5 or 600\u2014Its chief export Rice.\n   GW was rowed to Georgetown \u201cby seven captains of vessels, dressed in round hats trimmed with gold lace, blue coats, white jackets, &c. in an elegant painted boat. On his arriving opposite the market he was saluted by the artillery, with fifteen guns, from the foot of Broad-street; and on his landing he was received by the light-infantry company with presented arms, who immediately after he passed, fired thirteen rounds\u201d (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 17 May 1791). A committee of seven gentlemen escorted GW to his lodgings, said to be Benjamin Allston\u2019s house on Front Street, and at 2:00 P.M. they presented GW with an address from the inhabitants of Georgetown and its vicinity. Immediately afterwards he received another address from the Masonic brethren of Prince George\u2019s Lodge No. 16. Both addresses and copies of GW\u2019s replies are in DLC:GW.\n   At the public dinner, which began at 4:00 P.M., GW sat in a chair that \u201cwas beautifully ornamented with an arch composed of laurel in full bloom.\u201d A similarly decorated chair awaited him in the festooned assembly room where the tea party was held following the dinner, but GW \u201cdeclined the formality of being placed in a manner unsocial.\u201d Instead of sitting in the chair after being introduced to the ladies, he \u201cseated and entertained several of them\u201d there \u201cin succession.\u201d The dress of the ladies on this occasion was conspicuously patriotic. \u201cThere appeared,\u201d said a newspaper account, \u201csashes highly beautified with the arms of the United States, and many of the ladies wore head-dresses ornamented with bandeaus, upon which were written, in letters of gold, either \u2018Long life to the President,\u2019 or \u2018Welcome to the hero\u2019\u201d (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791). A ball apparently followed the tea party.\n   Georgetown, established 1735, lies at the head of Winyah Bay where the Waccamaw, Pee Dee, and Sampit rivers converge. A detachment of British soldiers occupied the town from July 1780 to May 1781, but the burning resulted from internecine warfare between Patriot and Loyalist partisans after the British departure: on 25 July 1781 Thomas Sumter sent some of his South Carolina State Troops to plunder the property of Loyalists in the Georgetown area, and a few days later a Loyalist privateer retaliated by attacking and burning the town (BASS [2]Robert D. Bass. Gamecock: The Life and Campaigns of General Thomas Sumter. New York, 1961., 202\u20133; Nathanael Greene to Continental Congress, 25 Aug. 1781, DNA:PCC, Item 155).\n   The Santee River, which enters the Atlantic a short distance south of Georgetown, is fed by several large branches extending far into the Carolina piedmont, but its usefulness as a trade route from that rapidly developing region was limited by lack of a good harbor at its mouth. As early as 1770 a proposal was made to build a canal linking the Santee, about 100 miles above its mouth, with the headwaters of the Cooper River, which flows into Charleston harbor, and in Mar. 1786 the South Carolina General Assembly chartered a company to build such a canal. Construction, however, did not begin until 1793, and work was not completed until 1800 (SAVAGEHenry Savage, Jr. River of the Carolinas: The Santee. 1956. Reprint. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1968., 240\u201353; PORCHERFrederick A. Porcher. The History of the Santee Canal. 1875. Reprint. Moncks Corner, S.C., 1950.).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday\u2014May first. Left Georgetown about 6 Oclock, and crossing the Santee Creek [Sampit River] at the Town, and the Santee\nRiver 12 miles from it, at Lynchs Island, we breakfasted and dined at Mrs. Horry\u2019s about 15 Miles from George town & lodged at the Plantation of Mr. Manigold about 19 miles farther.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 2d. Breakfasted at the Country Seat of Govr. Pinckney about 18 miles from our lodging place, & then came to the ferry at Haddrels point, 6 miles further, where I was met by the Recorder of the City, Genl. Pinckney & Edward Rutledge Esqr. in a 12 oared barge rowed by 12 American Captains of Ships, most elegantly dressed. There were a great number of other Boats with Gentlemen and ladies in them; and two Boats with Music; all of whom attended me across and on the passage were met by a number of others. As we approached the town a salute with Artillery\ncommenced, and at the wharf I was met by the Governor, the Lt. Governor, the Intendt. of the City; The two Senators of the State, Wardens of the City\u2014Cincinnati &ca. &ca. and conducted to the Exchange where they passed by in procession. From thence I was conducted in like manner to my lodgings\u2014after which I dined at the Governors (in what I called a private way) with 15 or 18 Gentlemen. It may as well in this as in any other place, be observed, that the country from Wilmington through which the road passes, is, except in very small spots, much the same as what has already been described; that is to say, sand & pine barrens\u2014with very few inhabitants. We were indeed informed that at some distance from the Road on both sides the land was of a better quality, & thicker settled, but this could only be on the Rivers & larger waters\u2014for a perfect sameness seems to run through all the rest of the Country. On these\u2014especially the swamps and low lands on the rivers, the soil is very rich; and productive when reclaimed; but to do this is both laborious and expensive. The Rice planters have two modes of watering their fields\u2014the first by the tide\u2014the other by resurvoirs drawn from the adjacent lands. The former is best, because most certain. A crop without either is precarious, because a drought may not only injure, but destroy it. Two and an half and 3 barrels to the Acre is esteemed a good Crop and 8 or 10 Barrls. for each grown hand is very profitable; but some have 12 & 14, whilst 5 or 6 is reckoned the average production of a hand. A barrel contains about 600 weight, and the present price is about 10/6 & 11/. Sterg. pr. 100. The lodgings provided for me in this place were very good, being the furnished house of a Gentleman at present in the Country; but occupied by a person placed there on purpose to accomodate me, & who was paid in the same manner as any other letter of lodgings would have been paid.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 3d. Breakfasted with Mrs. Rutledge (the Lady of the Chief justice of the State who was on the Circuits) and dined with the Citizens at a public dinr. given by them at the Exchange. Was visited about 2 oclock, by a great number of the most respectable ladies of Charleston\u2014the first honor of the kind I had ever experienced and it was flattering as it was singular.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 5th. Visited the Works of Fort Johnson on James\u2019s Island, and Fort Moultree on Sullivans Island; both of which are in ruins, and scarcely a trace of the latter left\u2014the former quite fallen. Dined with a very large Company at the Governors, & in the evening went to a Concert at the Exchange at wch. there were at least 400 lad[ie]s\u2014the Number & appearances of wch. exceeded any thing of the kind I had ever seen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 7th. Before break I visited the Orphan House at which there were one hund. & Seven boys & girls. This appears to be a charitable institution and under good management. I also viewed the City from the balcony of  Church from whence the\nwhole is seen in one view and to advantage. The Gardens & green trees which are interspersed adding much to the beauty of the prospect. Charleston stands on a Pininsula between the Ashley & Cowper Rivers and contains about 1,600 dwelling houses and nearly 16,000 Souls of which about 8,000 are white. It lies low with unpaved Streets (except the footways) of Sand. There are a number of very good houses of Brick & wood, but most of the latter. The Inhabitants are wealthy\u2014Gay\u2014& hospitable; appear happy, & satisfied with the Genl. Governmt. A cut is much talked off between the Ashley & Santee Rivers but it would seem I think, as if the accomplishment of the measure was not very near. It would be a great thing for Charleston if it could be effected. The principal exports from this place is Rice, Indigo and Tobacco; of the last from 5 to 8,000 Hhds. have been exported, and of the first from 80 to 120,000 Barrels.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 9th. At Six oclock I recommenced my journey for Savanna; attended by a Corps of the Cincinnati, and most of the principal Gentlemen of the City as far as the bridge over Ashly river, where we breakfasted and proceeded to Colo. W. Washington\u2019s at Sandy-hill with a select party of particular friends\u2014distant from Charleston 28 Miles.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 10 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 10th. Took leave of all my friends and attendants at this place (except General Moultree & Majr. Butler\u2014the last of whom intended to accompany me to Savanna, and the other to Purisburgh, at which I was to be met by Boats) & breakfasting at Judge Bees 12 Miles from Sandy Hill lodged at Mr. Obrian Smiths 18 or 20 further on.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 11th. After an early breakfast at Mr. Smiths we road 20 Miles to a place called Pokitellico, where a dinner was provided by the Parishoners of Prince William for my reception; and an Address from them was presented and answered. After dinner we proceeded 16 Miles farther to Judge Haywards w[h]ere we lodged, &, as also at Mr. Smiths were kindly and hospitably entertained. My going to Colo. Washingtons is to be ascribed to motives of friendship & relationship; but to Mr. Smiths & Judge Haywards to those of necessity; their being no public houses on the Road and my distance to get to these private ones increased at least 10 or 12 miles between Charleston and Savanna.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 13th. Dined with the Members of the Cincinnati at a public dinner given at the same place and in the evening went to a dancing Assembly at which there was about 100 well dressed & handsome Ladies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 14th. A little after 6 Oclock, in Company with Genl. McIntosh Genl. Wayne the Mayor and many others (principal Gentlemen of the City) I visited the City, and the attack & defence of it in the year 1779, under the combined forces of France and the United States, commanded by the Count de Estaing & Genl. Lincoln. To form an opinion of the attack at this distance of time, and the change which has taken place in the appearance of the ground by the cutting away of the woods, &ca., is hardly to be done with justice to the subject; especially as there is remaining scarcely any of the defences. Dined to day with a number of the Citizens (not less than 200) in an elegant Bower erected for the occasion on the Bank of the River below the Town. In the evening there was a tolerable good display of fireworks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 15th. After morning Service, and receiving a number of visits from the most respectable ladies of the place (as was the case yesterday) I set out for Savanna [Augusta], Escorted beyd. the limits of the City by most of the Gentlemen in it and dining at Mulberry grove\u2014the Seat of Mrs. Green\u2014lodged at one Spencers\u2014distant 15 Miles. Savanna stands upon what may be called high ground for this Country. It is extremely Sandy wch. makes the walking very disagreeable; & the houses uncomfortable in warm & windy weather as they are filled with dust whensoever these happen. The town on 3 sides is surrounded with cultivated Rice fields which have a rich and luxurient appearance. On the 4th. or back side it is a fine sand. The harbour is said to be very good, & often filled with square rigged vessels but there is a bar below over which not more than 12 Water can be brot. except at Spg. tides. The tide does not flow above 12 or 14 miles above the City though the River is swelled by it more than dble. that distance. Rice & Tobacco (the last of wch. is greatly encreasing) are the principal Exports. Lumber & Indigo are also Expord. but the latter is on the decline, and it is supposed by Hemp & Cotton. Ship timber\u2014viz\u2014live Oak & Cedar, is (and may be more so) valuable in the expt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 16th. Breakfasted at Russells\u201415 Miles from Spencers. Dined at Garnets 19 further & lodged at Pierces 8 miles more in all, 42 Miles to day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 18th. Breakfasted at Fulchers, 15 Miles from Waynesborough; and within 4 Miles of Augusta met the Govr. (Telfair), Judge Walton, the Attorney Genl., & most of the principal Gentlemen of the place; by whom I was escorted into Town, & recd. under a discharge of Artillery. The distance I came to day was about 32 miles. Dined with a large company at the Governors, & drank Tea there with many well dressed Ladies. The Road from Savanna to Augusta is, for the most part, through Pine barrans; but more uneven than I had been accustomed to since leavg. Petersburgh in Virginia, especially after riding about 30 Miles from the City of that name; here & there indeed, a piece of Oak land is passed on this road, but of small extent & by no means of the first quality.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 19th. Received & answered an Address from the Citizens of Augusta; dined with a large Company of them at their\nCourt Ho.; and went to an Assembly in the evening at the Accadamy; at which there were between 60 & 70 well dressed ladies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0021", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 21 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 21st. Left Augusta about 6 oclock, and takg. leave of the Governor & principal Gentlemen of the place at the bridge over Savanna river where they had assembled for this purpose, I proceeded in Company with Colos. Hampton & Taylor, & Mr. Lithgow a Committee from Columbia (who had come on to meet & conduct me to that place) & a Mr. Jameson from the Village of Granby on my rout. Dined at a house about 20 Miles from Augusta and lodged at one Oden about 20 miles farther.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 22d. Rode about 21 Miles to breakfast, and passing through the village of Granby just below the first falls in the Congaree (which was passed in a flat bottomed boat at a rope ferry) I lodged at Columbia, the newly adopted Seat of the Government of South Carolina about 3 miles from it, on the No. side of the river, and 27 from my breakfasting stage. The whole Road from Augusta to Columbia is a pine barren of the worst sort, being hilly as well as poor. This circumstance added to the distance, length of the Stages, want of water and heat of the day, foundered one of my horses very badly. Beyond Granby 4 miles, I was met by sevl. Gentlemen of that place & Wynnsborough; and on the banks of the River on the No. Side by a number of others, who escorted me to Columbia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 23d. Dined at a public dinner in the State house with a number of Gentlemen & Ladies of the Town of Columbia, & Country round about to the amt. of more than 150, of which 50 or 60 were of the latter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0025", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 25th. Set out at 4 \u2019Oclock for Cambden (the foundered horse being led slowly on). Breakfasted at an indifferent house 22 miles from the town (the first we came to) and reached Cambden about two oclock, 14 miles further where an address was recd. & answered. Dined late with a number of Gentlemen & Ladies at a public dinner. The Road from Columbia to Cambden, excepting a mile or two at each place, goes over the most miserable pine barren I ever saw, being quite a white sand, & very hilly. On the Wateree with in a mile & half of which the town stands the lands are very good\u2014the culture Corn Tobacco & Indigo. Vessels carrying 50 or 60 Hhds. of Tobo. come up to the Ferry at this place at which there is a Tobacco Warehouse.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 27 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 27th. Left Ingrams about 4 Oclock, and breakfasting at one Barrs 18 miles distant lodged at a Majr. Crawfords 8 Miles farther. About 2 miles from this place I came to the Corner where the No. Carolina line comes to the Rd. from whence the Road is the boundary for 12 Miles more. At Majr. Crawfords I was met by some of the Chiefs of the Cutawba Nation who seemed to be under apprehension that some attempts were making or would be made to deprive them of part of the 40,000 Acres wch. was secured to them by Treaty and wch. is bounded by this Road.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 May 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 30th. At 4 Oclock I was out from Major Fifers; and in about 10 Miles at the line which divides. Mecklenburgh from Rowan Counties, I met a party of horse belonging to the latter, who came from Salisbury to escort me on. (It ought to have been mentioned also that upon my entering the State of No. Carolina, I was met by a Party of the Mecklenburgh horse\u2014but these being Near their homes I dismissed them). I was also met 5 Miles from Salisbury by the Mayor of the Corporation, Judge McKoy, & many others; Mr. Steel, Representative for the district, was so polite as to come all the way to Charlotte to meet me. We arrived at Salisbury about 8 Oclock, to breakfast, 20 miles from Captn. Fifers. The lands between Charlotte & Salisbury are very fine, of a reddish cast and well timbered, with but very little under wood. Between these two places are the first meadows I have seen on the Road since I left Virga.; & here also, we appear to be getting into a Wheat Country. This day I foundered another of my horses. Dined at a public dinner givn. by the Citizens of Salisbury; & in the afternoon drank Tea at the same place with about 20 ladies, who had been assembled for the occasion. Salisbury is but a small place altho\u2019 it is the County town, and the district Court is held in it; nor does it appear to be much on the encrease. There is about three hundred Souls in it and tradesmen of different kinds.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0004", "content": "Title: May [1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday\u2014May first. Left Georgetown about 6 Oclock, and crossing the Santee Creek [Sampit River] at the Town, and the Santee\nRiver 12 miles from it, at Lynchs Island, we breakfasted and dined at Mrs. Horry\u2019s about 15 Miles from George town & lodged at the Plantation of Mr. Manigold about 19 miles farther.\n   GW was rowed across the Sampit River \u201cin the same manner, and by the same Captains of vessels,\u201d as he had been rowed to Georgetown the previous day. The artillery again saluted him from the foot of Broad Street, and \u201con the opposite shore [he] was received by the light-infantry company\u201d (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791). The Santee River divides near its mouth into two branches, the North Santee and South Santee, between which lies Lynch\u2019s Island, a marshy area patented to Thomas Lynch, Sr. (1675\u20131752), in the 1730s. A causeway about two miles long was built across the island 1738\u201341 to connect the public ferries on the two branches, and it was rebuilt in the 1770s (ROGERS [2]George C. Rogers, Jr. The History of Georgetown County, South Carolina. Columbia, S.C., 1970., 23, 43\u201344, 201).\n   Harriott Pinckney Horry (1748\u20131830) of St. James Santee Parish, Charleston District, was the widow of Col. Daniel Horry (d. 1785), who commanded state troops at Sullivan\u2019s Island in 1776 and later led a regiment of state dragoons, but was heavily fined by the General Assembly in 1782 for swearing allegiance to the crown during the 1780\u201381 British occupation (MCCRADYEdward McCrady. The History of South Carolina in the Revolution, 1775\u20131780. New York, 1901., 145, 298, 305; S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 19 [1918], 177, 34 [1933], 199, 39 [1939], 24\u201325). Mrs. Horry had written to GW 14 April 1791 inviting him to stop at Hampton, her large rice plantation on the south side of the South Santee (DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters). According to one account, GW was greeted at the entrance to the house by Mrs. Horry, her mother and daughter, and several nieces, all \u201carrayed in sashes and bandeaux painted with the general\u2019s portrait and mottoes of welcome\u201d (RAVENELHarriott Horry Ravenel. Eliza Pinckney. New York, 1909., 311\u201312). Mrs. Horry was listed in the 1790 census as holding 340 slaves in St. James Santee Parish and 40 in Charleston, where she apparently had another house (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 37, 40).\n   Joseph Manigault (1763\u20131843) of Charleston inherited about 12,000 acres on Awendaw (Auendaw, Owendow) Creek (now in Berkeley County, S.C.) from his grandfather Gabriel Manigault (1704\u20131781) when he came of age in 1784 (S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 5 [1904], 220\u201321, 12 [1911], 115\u201317, 20 [1919], 205, 208). \u201cThis great tract of land,\u201d says one South Carolina historian, \u201cwas not a beautiful, well cultivated plantation . . . but was almost entirely pine forest and swamps, devoted principally to raising scrub cattle and razorback hogs. The house . . . was an unpretentious structure which was never occupied as a home by its owner. He lived in Charleston in one of the handsomest homes in the city, on Meeting Street\u201d (SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 9).\nMonday 2d. Breakfasted at the Country Seat of Govr. Pinckney about 18 miles from our lodging place, & then came to the ferry at Haddrels point, 6 miles further, where I was met by the Recorder of the City, Genl. Pinckney & Edward Rutledge Esqr. in a 12 oared barge rowed by 12 American Captains of Ships, most elegantly dressed. There were a great number of other Boats with Gentlemen and ladies in them; and two Boats with Music; all of whom attended me across and on the passage were met by a number of others. As we approached the town a salute with Artillery\ncommenced, and at the wharf I was met by the Governor, the Lt. Governor, the Intendt. of the City; The two Senators of the State, Wardens of the City\u2014Cincinnati &ca. &ca. and conducted to the Exchange where they passed by in procession. From thence I was conducted in like manner to my lodgings\u2014after which I dined at the Governors (in what I called a private way) with 15 or 18 Gentlemen.\nIt may as well in this as in any other place, be observed, that the country from Wilmington through which the road passes, is, except in very small spots, much the same as what has already been described; that is to say, sand & pine barrens\u2014with very few inhabitants. We were indeed informed that at some distance from the Road on both sides the land was of a better quality, & thicker settled, but this could only be on the Rivers & larger waters\u2014for a perfect sameness seems to run through all the rest of the Country. On these\u2014especially the swamps and low lands on the rivers, the soil is very rich; and productive when reclaimed; but to do this is both laborious and expensive. The Rice planters have two modes of watering their fields\u2014the first by the tide\u2014the other by resurvoirs drawn from the adjacent lands. The former is best, because most certain. A crop without either is precarious, because a drought may not only injure, but destroy it. Two and an half and 3 barrels to the Acre is esteemed a good Crop and 8 or 10 Barrls. for each grown hand is very profitable; but some have 12 & 14, whilst 5 or 6 is reckoned the average production of a hand. A barrel contains about 600 weight, and the present price is about 10/6 & 11/. Sterg. pr. 100.\nThe lodgings provided for me in this place were very good, being the furnished house of a Gentleman at present in the Country; but occupied by a person placed there on purpose to accomodate me, & who was paid in the same manner as any other letter of lodgings would have been paid.\n   Gov. Charles Pinckney (see entry for 17 May 1787) had written to GW 26 April 1791 inviting him \u201cto make a stage\u201d at Snee Farm, a small tract that he owned in Christ Church Parish. \u201cI must apologise,\u201d said Pinckney in his letter, \u201cfor asking you to call at a place so indifferently furnished, & where your fare will be entirely that of a farm. It is a place I seldom go to, or things perhaps would be in better order\u201d (DLC:GW).\n   Haddrell\u2019s Point, near present-day Mount Pleasant, was the eastern terminus of the ferry that crossed Charleston harbor to the city (SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 11; names in s.c., 13:48\u201349). The recorder of Charleston was John Bee Holmes (1760\u20131827), a lawyer who held that position 1786\u201392 and 1811\u201319 (S.C. Hist. and General. Mag., 29 [1928], 239). Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, the governor\u2019s cousin, was brevetted a brigadier general in the Continental\nArmy near the end of the Revolution after having served most of the war as a colonel (see entry for 4 Nov. 1786; ZAHNISERMarvin R. Zahniser. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney: Founding Father. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1967., 50, 70, n.58). Edward Rutledge (1749\u20131800), a lawyer like Holmes and the two Pinckneys, served in the Continental Congress 1774\u201376, was an artillery officer in the South Carolina militia for much of the Revolution, and became governor of the state in 1798. On 24 May 1791, when GW was in Columbia, S.C., he wrote a letter addressed to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and Edward Rutledge, offering either of them the seat on the United States Supreme Court that Rutledge\u2019s brother John had recently vacated to become chief justice of South Carolina. Both men declined because of distressed finances (GW to Pinckney and Rutledge, 24 May 1791, ScC; Pinckney and Rutledge to GW, 12 June 1791, DLC:GW; ZAHNISERMarvin R. Zahniser. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney: Founding Father. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1967., 111\u201313).\n   The 12 captains who rowed GW across the harbor, plus a thirteenth captain who acted as coxswain of the barge, \u201cwere uniformly and neatly dressed in light blue silk jackets, and round black hats decorated with blue ribbons on which were impressed the arms\u201d of South Carolina. \u201cDuring the passage vocal and instrumental music were performed on the water by the Amateur Society, assisted by a voluntary association of singers; and upwards of forty boats attended with anxious spectators, which formed a most beautiful appearance\u201d (Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 21 May 1791; SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 13; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 159, n.1). The opening stanza of the laudatory lyrics sung by the waterborne chorus\u2014\u201cyoung gentlemen of considerable vocal powers\u201d\u2014revealed the high pitch to which the patriotic fervor of Charleston\u2019s citizens had risen in anticipation of GW\u2019s arrival:\nHe comes! he comes! the hero comes.\nSound, sound your trumpets, beat your drums,\nFrom port to port let cannons roar,\nHis welcome to our friendly shore\n   (HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 156; Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 10 and 16 May 1791).\n   The cannon salute that GW heard as he approached the temporary steps erected for him at Prioleau\u2019s wharf were fired by the men of the Charleston battalion of artillery, who on his landing offered \u201cto mount guard\u201d for him during his stay, but GW \u201cpolitely declined . . . saying that he considered himself perfectly safe in the affection and amicable attachment of the people.\u201d Mingled with the sound of the cannon were the ringing bells of St. Michael\u2019s Church and \u201creiterated shouts of joy\u201d from \u201can uncommonly large concourse of citizens\u201d (Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 21 May 1791).\n   The officials who stood with Governor Pinckney at the wharf were: Lt. Gov. Isaac Holmes (1758\u20131812), Charleston intendant (mayor) Arnoldus Vanderhorst (1748\u20131815), Sen. Pierce Butler (see entry for 15 Nov. 1789), and Sen. Ralph Izard (see entry for 10 Oct. 1789). The 12 wardens of Charleston (city councilmen) are identified in SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 15. The local Cincinnati turned out in full uniform as did the militia officers of the city and the entire Charleston Company of Fusiliers, who were also present at the wharf (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 16 May 1791; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 150\u201352).\n   The Exchange, an elegant customs house built 1767\u201371 by the commercially ambitious Charlestonians and used as their city hall until 1818, stood on the harbor at the east end of Broad Street. From its steps GW \u201creceived the honors of the procession, to whom he politely and gracefully\nbowed as they passed in review before him.\u201d Joining the high officials, Cincinnati, militia officers, and fusiliers in this procession were members of the city\u2019s various professions and handicrafts, each group marching in its allotted place (Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 21 May 1791; Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 10 May 1791; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 149\u201351, n.1).\n   GW lodged on Church Street in the town house of Thomas Heyward, Jr. (1746\u20131809), who had retired in 1789 to his plantation in St. Luke\u2019s Parish, Beaufort District (see entry for 11 May 1791). The house, which was currently occupied by Mrs. Rebecca Jamieson, had been leased with its furnishings for a week by the city council at a cost of \u00a360. The council also supplied a housekeeper, several servants, and \u201ca proper stock of liquors, groceries, and provisions\u201d (HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 159\u201360, n.1; Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 27 April 1791). Governor Pinckney\u2019s house was on Meeting Street near the harbor (SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 19\u201320).\nTuesday 3d. Breakfasted with Mrs. Rutledge (the Lady of the Chief justice of the State who was on the Circuits) and dined with the Citizens at a public dinr. given by them at the Exchange.\nWas visited about 2 oclock, by a great number of the most respectable ladies of Charleston\u2014the first honor of the kind I had ever experienced and it was flattering as it was singular.\n   John Rutledge\u2019s wife was Elizabeth Grimk\u00e9 Rutledge (d. 1792). Their house stood on Broad Street between King and Legare. After the visit of the ladies, the events of the day followed a more familiar pattern. At 3:00 P.M. the city officials presented GW with a welcoming address, and half an hour later the merchants of Charleston \u201cin a body\u201d delivered another address. Both addresses and copies of GW\u2019s replies are in DLC:GW. At the public dinner, which began at 4:00 P.M., GW ate sitting beneath \u201ca beautiful triumphal\narch\u201d and afterwards heard 15 toasts, accompanied by cannonshots. \u201cIt is almost unnecessary to add,\u201d observed the writer of the next day\u2019s newspaper account, \u201cthat the day and evening were spent with all that hilarity, harmony, and happy festivity, which was suited to the occasion\u201d (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 24 May 1791). The city council had repaired the bells and employed bellmen for GW\u2019s visit (HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 160, n.1).\nWednesday 4th. Dined with the Members of the Cincinnati, and in the evening went to a very elegant dancing Assembly at the Exchange\u2014At which were 256 elegantly dressed & handsome ladies.\nIn the forenoon (indeed before breakfast to day) I visited and examined the lines of Attack & defence of the City and was satisfied that the defence was noble & honorable altho the measure was undertaken upon wrong principles and impolitic.\n   At the Cincinnati dinner, held in the \u201clong-room\u201d of Edward McCrady\u2019s tavern on East Bay Street, \u201ca choir of singers entertained the company with several pieces of vocal music,\u201d and there were again patriotic toasts punctuated by the guns of the Charleston battalion of artillery. The evening ball, given by the city corporation, was attended by \u201ca great number of gentlemen,\u201d but the \u201cbrilliant assemblage of ladies\u201d was clearly the center of attention. \u201cThe ladies,\u201d said a newspaper account, \u201cwere all superbly dressed; and most of them wore ribbons with different inscriptions, expressive of their respect for the President, such as, \u2018long live the President,\u2019 &c. Joy, satisfaction and gratitude illumined every countenance, and revelled in every heart; whilst the demonstrations of grateful respect shewn him seemed to give him the most heartfelt satisfaction, which visibly displayed itself in his countenance. The beautiful arch of lamps in front of the Exchange was illuminated; and over the entrance there was a superb transparency, in the centre Deliciis Patriae, and at the top G.W. The fusileer company was drawn up before the Exchange to maintain order, and exhibited a very pleasing appearance. In short, every circumstance of the evening\u2019s entertainment was truly picturesque of the most splendid elegance\u201d (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 24 May 1791). A supper at 10:30 P.M. finished the evening\u2019s festivities (HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 178).\n   Earlier in the day a delegation from the Grand Lodge of the State of South Carolina Ancient York Masons, headed by Mordecai Gist, called on GW and presented him with their address of welcome. The address dated 2 May 1791 is printed in Md. Journal (Baltimore), 24 May 1791, and Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. (Philadelphia), 25 May 1791. GW\u2019s reply, which also appears in those newspapers, is in DLC:GW.\n   The lines of attack and defense that GW toured this morning were constructed across Charleston neck, north of the city, in the spring of 1780 when British forces commanded by Sir Henry Clinton laid siege to American forces in Charleston commanded by Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln (BOATNER [1]Mark Mayo Boatner III. Encyclopedia of the American Revolution. New York, 1966., 205\u201314; BOATNER [2]Mark M. Boatner III. Landmarks of the American Revolution. New York, 1975., 462). At the time of the siege GW was much concerned about Lincoln\u2019s decision to commit all of his men to the defense of the city, leaving the rest of the South with little protection. \u201cIt is putting much to the hazard,\u201d GW wrote Baron von Steuben 2 April 1780; \u201cI have\nthe greatest reliance on General Lincoln\u2019s prudence; but I cannot forbear dreading the event\u201d (DLC:GW). The key to the defense of Charleston, GW believed, was control of the harbor (GW to Benjamin Lincoln, 15 April 1780, DLC:GW; GW to John Laurens, 26 April 1780, PHi: Gratz Collection). Unfortunately, the deteriorating forts guarding the harbor were ineffective against Adm. Marriot Arbuthnot\u2019s ships, which crossed the bar in force 8 April 1780. On 12 May the American garrison surrendered. GW, nevertheless, supported Lincoln to the end. \u201cThis consolation . . . offers itself,\u201d GW wrote him 28 April 1780 when the fate of Charleston was sealed, \u201cthat the honour of our Arms is safe in your hands, & that if you must fall, you will not fall without a vigorous struggle\u201d (MH). Lincoln later played a prominent role at Yorktown.\nThursday 5th. Visited the Works of Fort Johnson on James\u2019s Island, and Fort Moultree on Sullivans Island; both of which are in ruins, and scarcely a trace of the latter left\u2014the former quite fallen.\nDined with a very large Company at the Governors, & in the evening went to a Concert at the Exchange at wch. there were at least 400 lad[ie]s\u2014the Number & appearances of wch. exceeded any thing of the kind I had ever seen.\n   GW visited the two forts in Charleston harbor by boat, accompanied by \u201cseveral . . . gentlemen of great respectability,\u201d including William Moultrie whose courageous defense of the sand and palmetto-log fort on Sullivan\u2019s Island 28 June 1776 earned him his status as a hero. Originally called Fort Sullivan, the post was renamed in his honor after the battle, but both it and Fort Johnson on the other side of the harbor failed to stop the British in 1780 (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 24 May 1791; BOATNER [1]Mark Mayo Boatner III. Encyclopedia of the American Revolution. New York, 1966., 197\u2013205, 750).\n   Governor Pinckney\u2019s dinner, which began at 4:00 P.M., was attended by \u201cthe principal gentlemen of the civil, clerical and military professions.\u201d At the concert \u201can excellent band of music played in the orchestra, and were accompanied in the vocal strain by the choir of St. Philip\u2019s church.\u201d For this occasion the Exchange \u201cwas decorated with various ornaments\u2014the pillars were ingeniously entwined with laurel, and the following devices inscribed in different parts of the Hall: \u2018With grateful praises of the hero\u2019s fame,\u2019 \u2018We\u2019ll teach our infants\u2019 tongues to lisp his name.\u2019\u201d Several Latin mottoes were also displayed (Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 21 May 1791).\nFriday 6th. Viewed the town on horse back by riding through most of the principal Streets.\nDined at Majr. Butlers, and went to a Ball in the evening at the Governors where there was a select company of ladies.\nSaturday 7th. Before break I visited the Orphan House at which there were one hund. & Seven boys & girls. This appears to be a charitable institution and under good management. I also viewed the City from the balcony of  Church from whence the\nwhole is seen in one view and to advantage. The Gardens & green trees which are interspersed adding much to the beauty of the prospect.\nCharleston stands on a Pininsula between the Ashley & Cowper Rivers and contains about 1,600 dwelling houses and nearly 16,000 Souls of which about 8,000 are white. It lies low with unpaved Streets (except the footways) of Sand. There are a number of very good houses of Brick & wood, but most of the latter. The Inhabitants are wealthy\u2014Gay\u2014& hospitable; appear happy, & satisfied with the Genl. Governmt. A cut is much talked off between the Ashley & Santee Rivers but it would seem I think, as if the accomplishment of the measure was not very near. It would be a great thing for Charleston if it could be effected. The principal exports from this place is Rice, Indigo and Tobacco; of the last from 5 to 8,000 Hhds. have been exported, and of the first from 80 to 120,000 Barrels.\n   The Charleston Orphan House, established by city ordinance 18 Oct. 1790, was located in rented quarters on Ellery (now Market) Street until a permanent building for the institution was completed in Oct. 1794 (DUKE ENDOWMENTThe Duke Endowment: Sixth Annual Report of The Orphan Section, 1930. Charlotte, N.C., 1931., 105\u20136; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 185). GW was greeted today at the orphan house by its six commissioners, who laid out their records for inspection. After receiving GW\u2019s approbation of their management, the commissioners escorted him to the breakfast room where the children and attendants waited \u201cin their proper places\u201d to meet him. \u201cOn taking leave of the children,\u201d said a newspaper account, \u201che very pathetically pronounced his benediction on them.\u201d The visit ended with \u201ca genteel breakfast . . . in the Commissioners\u2019 room\u201d (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791).\n   GW\u2019s panoramic view of Charleston was from the second balcony of St. Michael\u2019s steeple.\n   About 4:30 P.M. the merchants of Charleston gave an elaborate dinner for GW at the Exchange. \u201cUpwards of 300\u201d guests dined on \u201cevery delicacy that the country and season could afford\u201d and sipped \u201cwines excellent and in great variety.\u201d In the harbor the ship America of Charleston fired a federal salute when GW arrived at the Exchange and a salute of 13 guns following each of the 17 afterdinner toasts. At 8:00 P.M. \u201cfire-works [were] displayed on board the ship, which was illuminated with lanterns; amidst them the letter V.W. (Vivat Washington) were strikingly conspicuous\u201d (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791). Today the Charleston City Council passed a resolution asking GW to sit at his convenience for a portrait by John Trumbull to hang in the city hall in commemoration of his visit (resolution in DLC:GW). GW consented, and a portrait was finished by May 1792 (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791; GW to William Moultrie, 5 May 1792, DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters; TRUMBULL [2]Theodore Sizer, ed. The Autobiography of Colonel John Trumbull: Patriot-Artist, 1756\u20131843. 1953. Reprint. New York, 1970., 170\u201371).\nSunday 8th. Went to Crouded Churches in the Morning & afternoon\u2014to  in the Morning &  in the Afternoon.\nDined with General Moultree.\n   GW attended services at St. Philip\u2019s Church in the morning and at St. Michael\u2019s in the afternoon (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791; minutes of the St. Philip\u2019s vestry, 3 May 1791, DLC:GW).\nMonday 9th. At Six oclock I recommenced my journey for Savanna; attended by a Corps of the Cincinnati, and most of the principal Gentlemen of the City as far as the bridge over Ashly river, where we breakfasted and proceeded to Colo. W. Washington\u2019s at Sandy-hill with a select party of particular friends\u2014distant from Charleston 28 Miles.\n   To reach the Ashley River bridge GW and his escort traveled up Charleston neck, crossing the city boundary line, where they were met by Intendant Vanderhorst and the city wardens. Vanderhorst delivered a brief farewell address, to which GW replied with a few words of thanks. Then \u201cthe whole cavalcade, joined by the Intendant, moving on, they were saluted with a federal discharge from the field-pieces of the Charleston battalion of artillery, and a volley of musketry by the fusileer company, who were drawn up at some distance from the skirts of the city\u201d (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791).\n   On the bridge, a wooden structure about three-fourths of a mile long with a draw in the middle, \u201ca triumphal arch was constructed, adorned with flowers, laurel, &c.\u201d Breakfast was provided by John Freazer (Frazer, Fraser) of St. Andrew\u2019s Parish, who apparently kept a tavern near the south end of the bridge (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791; S.C. Hist. and Geneal.\n   Sandy Hill plantation in St. Paul\u2019s Parish, Charleston District, was inherited by William Washington\u2019s wife, Jane Reiley Elliott Washington (c.1763\u20131830), from her father, Charles Elliott (1737\u20131781). In 1790 William Washington held 380 slaves in St. Paul\u2019s Parish (S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 10 [1909], 245\u201346, 11 [1910], 60\u201361, 66; HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 37; SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 22). The select party that accompanied GW to Sandy Hill consisted of Gov. Charles Pinckney, Sen. Pierce Butler, Sen. Ralph Izard, Gen. William Moultrie, and Gen. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 31 May 1791).\nTuesday 10th. Took leave of all my friends and attendants at this place (except General Moultree & Majr. Butler\u2014the last of whom intended to accompany me to Savanna, and the other to Purisburgh, at which I was to be met by Boats) & breakfasting at Judge Bees 12 Miles from Sandy Hill lodged at Mr. Obrian Smiths 18 or 20 further on.\n   Thomas Bee (1739\u20131812) was nominated judge of the United States district court for South Carolina by GW 11 June 1790 and was confirmed by the Senate three days later. A wealthy aristocratic lawyer, he had played a prominent political role in the Revolution in South Carolina, serving as a member of the council of safety 1775\u201376, a state judge 1776\u201378, speaker of the state House of Representatives 1777\u201379, lieutenant governor 1779\u201380, and a member of the Continental Congress 1780\u201382. In 1790 he held 165 slaves on his lands in St. Paul\u2019s Parish and 19 more in Charleston, where he had a town house (GADSDENRichard Walsh, ed. The Writings of Christopher Gadsden, 1746\u20131805. Columbia, S.C., 1966., 154; S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 37 [1936], 87\u201388; HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 37, 39).\n   O\u2019Brian Smith (c.1756\u20131811) came to South Carolina from Ireland about 1784. He later served in the state legislature and from 1805 to 1807 was a member of the United States Congress. His plantation was in St. Bartholomew\u2019s Parish, Charleston District, where in 1790 he owned 146 slaves, and he also had a town house in Charleston, where he kept 8 slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 34, 43).\nWednesday 11th. After an early breakfast at Mr. Smiths we road 20 Miles to a place called Pokitellico, where a dinner was provided by the Parishoners of Prince William for my reception; and an Address from them was presented and answered. After dinner we proceeded 16 Miles farther to Judge Haywards w[h]ere we lodged, &, as also at Mr. Smiths were kindly and hospitably entertained. My going to Colo. Washingtons is to be ascribed to motives of friendship & relationship; but to Mr. Smiths & Judge Haywards to those of necessity; their being no public houses on the Road and my distance to get to these private ones increased at least 10 or 12 miles between Charleston and Savanna.\n   Pocotaligo, an Indian settlement taken over by whites in the early years of the century, was on the Pocotaligo River, a branch of the Broad River (SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 23). The address of the people of Prince William\u2019s Parish and a copy of GW\u2019s very brief answer are in DLC:GW.\n   Thomas Heyward, Jr., in whose Charleston town house GW had lodged, lived at White Hall plantation on Hazzard Creek, another tributary of the Broad River. He also owned nearby Old House plantation and on his two plantations in 1790 had a total of 440 slaves. A lawyer educated at the Middle Temple in London, Heyward served in the Continental Congress 1776\u201378 and fought as a militia officer in 1780 at Charleston, where he was captured. He was elected a state circuit judge in 1779 and held that position until 1789, when he resigned to pursue his serious interest in agriculture at White Hall. In 1785 he helped to found and became first president of the Agricultural Society of South Carolina (SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 16\u201317, 24).\nThursday 12th. By five oclock we set out from Judge Haywards and road to Purisburgh 22 Miles to breakfast.\nAt that place I was met by Messr. Jones, Colo. Habersham, Mr. Jno. Houston Genl. McIntosh and Mr. Clay, a Comee. from the City of Savanna to conduct me thither. Boats also were ordered there by them for my accomodation; among which a handsome 8 oared barge rowed by 8 American Captns. attended. In my way down the River I called upon Mrs. Green the Widow of the decreased [deceased] Genl. Green (at a place called Mulberry grove) & asked her how she did. At this place (12 Miles from Purisburgh) my horses and Carriages were landed, and had 12 Miles farther by Land to Savanna. The wind & tide being both agt. us, it was 6 oclock before we reached the City where we were recd. under every demonstration that could be given of joy & respect. We were Seven hours making the passage which is often performed in 4, tho the computed distance is 25 Miles. Illumns. at night.\nI was conducted by the Mayor & Wardens to very good lodgings which had been provided for the occasion, and partook of a public dinner given by the Citizens at the Coffee room. At Purisbg. I parted w\u2019 Genl. Moultree.\n   Purrysburg, S.C., a village first settled by Swiss colonists in 1732, is on the Savannah River about 25 miles upstream from the city of Savannah (S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 10 [1909], 187\u2013219, 73 [1972\u201373], 187\u201388).\n   The five Savannah committeemen who greeted GW here had all been in the vanguard of the Revolution in Georgia. Noble Wimberly Jones (1723\u20131805), a physician, was speaker of the Commons House of the Georgia Assembly 1768\u201370, but because of his vigorous opposition to royal policies, his elections to that post in 1771 and 1772 were disallowed by the royal executive. Jones later played a leading role in the council of safety and the provincial congresses and served in the Continental Congress 1781\u201382.\n   Joseph Habersham (1751\u20131815), a merchant, was appointed major in a battalion of Georgia state troops in July 1775 and by 1778 was a lieutenant colonel in the Continental service. In 1795 GW appointed him United States postmaster general, a position he held until 1801. John Houstoun (1744\u20131796), a lawyer, was another prominent member of the council of safety and the provincial congresses. Elected to the Continental Congress in 1775, he attended only a few weeks, but was more active in political affairs at home, serving as governor of Georgia 1778\u201379 and 1784\u201385. Lachlan McIntosh (1727\u20131806), remembered as the man who killed Georgia signer of the Declaration of Independence Button Gwinnett in a duel in 1777 in which he himself was wounded, was well known to GW for his military services during the Revolution. Appointed a colonel by the state in Jan. 1776, he became a Continental brigadier general later that year. He was at Valley Forge and in May 1778 was given command of the Western Department. Conflicts with subordinates obliged GW to relieve him the next year, and McIntosh returned south where he fought at the sieges of Savannah and Charleston. Joseph Clay (1741\u20131804), a merchant and rice planter, was also a leader in the council of safety and the provincial congresses. He was appointed paymaster general for the Continental Army in the South in 1777 and later served as state treasurer. GW also was met at Purrysburg by Anthony Wayne (1745\u20131796), who, although a native Pennsylvanian, had been living since 1785 in Chatham County, Ga., on a 1,134\u2013acre Savannah River plantation known as Richmond and Kew, which the state of Georgia had confiscated from its Loyalist owner and had presented to Wayne as a reward for his military services in the South (GRANGERMary Granger, ed. Savannah River Plantations. Savannah, 1947., 114\u201321).\n   Mulberry Grove, home of Catharine Littlefield Greene (see entry for 1 Oct. 1789), lay near Richmond and Kew and, like Wayne\u2019s plantation, was a confiscated Loyalist estate, which Georgia had used to reward Nathanael Greene for his wartime services. Greene settled on this 2,171\u2013acre plantation in 1785 and began to restore its deteriorated rice fields, but made little progress before his death in June 1786, leaving his wife and children in financial difficulties (GRANGERMary Granger, ed. Savannah River Plantations. Savannah, 1947., 71\u201374).\n   Savannah officials expected GW and his escort to spend the night at Mulberry Grove. \u201cIndeed,\u201d wrote Mayor Thomas Gibbons to Wayne on 11 May, \u201cit seems necessary that the President should be delayed there, because from the uncertainty of his arrival, no satisfactory provision will be made on that day. To land [at Savannah] in the Evening, will be unfavorable to the wishes of the Ladies, Citizens &c who wish to see the procession.\u201d If GW was to come on to the city today, Wayne was instructed \u201cto effect a Landing at Mulberry Grove, if only for an hour,\u201d and send a warning to the city from there (MiU-C: Wayne Papers).\n   GW\u2019s late arrival this afternoon, however, did little if anything to dampen the festivity of Savannah\u2019s welcome. Rowed by the eight captains with a ninth as coxswain, all \u201cdressed in light blue silk jackets, black satin breeches, white silk stockings, and round hats with black ribbons having the words \u2018Long live the President,\u2019 in letters of gold,\u201d GW was met \u201cwithin ten miles of the city . . . by a number of gentlemen in several boats, and as the President passed by them a band of music played the celebrated song, \u2018He comes, the Hero comes,\u2019 accompanied with several voices. On his approach to the city the concourse on the Bluff, and the crowds which had pressed into the vessels\u2019,\nevinced the general joy which had been inspired by the visit of this most beloved of men. . . . Upon arriving at the upper part of the harbor he was saluted from the wharves and by the shipping,\u201d and at the public wharf where he landed, he was received by Sen. James Gunn (see entry for 29 April 1790) and Congressman James Jackson (see entry for 21 Jan. 1790), who introduced him to Mayor Thomas Gibbons (1757\u20131826) and the aldermen of the city (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791). Gibbons, a wealthy lawyer and plantation owner and a passive Loyalist during the Revolution, served several terms as mayor of Savannah between 1791 and 1801, when he was appointed a federal judge.\n   After a salute of 26 shots by the Chatham County Artillery Company, GW was escorted to his lodgings in St. James\u2019s Square by a long procession which included, besides the city officials, the welcoming committee, the artillery company, the local light-infantry company, officers of the militia, members of the Cincinnati, and \u201ccitizens two and two.\u201d Dinner was to have been a small private affair either at GW\u2019s lodgings or Mayor Gibbons\u2019s house. Instead, it turned out to be a rather formal public affair at Brown\u2019s Coffeehouse, attended by numerous judges, clergymen, legislators, Cincinnati, militia field officers, and other distinguished citizens. After dinner there were 16 toasts punctuated as usual by artillery fire (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791; Thomas Gibbons to Anthony Wayne, 11 May 1791, MiU-C: Wayne Papers).\n   The general illumination of the city this evening was elaborately done. One alderman\u2019s house displayed \u201cno less than three hundred lights, arranged in a beautiful symmetry, with fifteen lights contained in the form of a W in front\u201d (lee & AGNEWDaniel Agnew. \u201cA Biographical Sketch of Governor Richard Howell, of New Jersey.\u201d Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 22 (1898): 221\u201330., 70), and in the river the ship Thomas Wilson \u201cwith a great number of lanterns . . . made a fine appearance\u201d (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791).\nFriday 13th. Dined with the Members of the Cincinnati at a public dinner given at the same place and in the evening went to a dancing Assembly at which there was about 100 well dressed & handsome Ladies.\n   At the Cincinnati dinner more toasts \u201cwere drank under federal salutes from the artillery company,\u201d and it was probably there that Anthony Wayne, as president of the Georgia Cincinnati, presented its undated address of welcome to GW (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791). During his stay in Savannah, GW received more than the usual number of such addresses. Besides the address of the Georgia Cincinnati, there was an undated one from the citizens of Savannah and its vicinity; one of 12 May 1791 from the Congregational Church and Society of Midway, Ga., a town about 30 miles southwest of Savannah; one of 13 May 1791 from the mayor and aldermen of Savannah; one of 14 May 1791 from the freemasons of Georgia; and another of 14 May 1791 from John Earnst Bergman, minister of the German Congregation of Ebenezer, Ga., a town about 30 miles northwest of Savannah. GW replied to each address, except apparently the one from Bergman, which, unlike the others, was in Latin. All of these addresses and copies of the answers are in DLC:GW; a draft of the Savannah citizens\u2019\naddress and GW\u2019s signed reply to them are owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing. Pa.: GW\u2019s signed reply to the Georgia freemasons is at DSC.\n   The evening ball was held in the Long Room of the Filature, a large building on Reynolds Square erected in the 1750s and used for silk manufacturing until about 1770 when it became a public assembly hall. GW arrived at the ball at 8:30 P.M., \u201cand was personally introduced,\u201d according to a newspaper account, \u201cto 96 ladies, who were elegantly dressed, some of whom displayed infinite taste in the emblems and devices on their sashes and head dresses, out of respect to the happy occasion. The room, which had been lately handsomely fitted up, and was well lighted, afforded the President an excellent opportunity of viewing the fair sex of our city and vicinity, and the ladies the gratification of paying their respects to our Federal Chief. After a few minuets were moved, and one country dance led down, the President and his suite retired about 11 o\u2019clock. At 12 o\u2019clock the supper room was opened, and the ladies partook of a repast, after which dances continued until 3 o\u2019clock\u201d Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791).\nSaturday 14th. A little after 6 Oclock, in Company with Genl. McIntosh Genl. Wayne the Mayor and many others (principal Gentlemen of the City) I visited the City, and the attack & defence of it in the year 1779, under the combined forces of France and the United States, commanded by the Count de Estaing & Genl. Lincoln. To form an opinion of the attack at this distance of time, and the change which has taken place in the appearance of the ground by the cutting away of the woods, &ca., is hardly to be done with justice to the subject; especially as there is remaining scarcely any of the defences.\nDined to day with a number of the Citizens (not less than 200) in an elegant Bower erected for the occasion on the Bank of the River below the Town. In the evening there was a tolerable good display of fireworks.\n   Savannah, which fell to the British 29 Dec. 1778, was attacked 9 Oct. 1779 by an American force under Benjamin Lincoln and a French force under Charles Hector, comte d\u2019Estaing (1729\u20131794), but the poorly coordinated assault ended in disaster. Lachlan McIntosh, who had commanded the American reserves on 9 Oct. 1779, today gave GW and the accompanying gentlemen \u201can account of every thing interesting\u201d relating to the attack (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791; BOATNER [1]Mark Mayo Boatner III. Encyclopedia of the American Revolution. New York, 1966., 980\u201388; BOATNER [2]Mark M. Boatner III. Landmarks of the American Revolution. New York, 1975., 89\u201391).\n   The bower where GW dined this afternoon was described in a newspaper account as \u201ca beautiful arbor, supported by three rows of pillars, entirely covered with laurel and bay leaves, so as to exhibit uniform green columns. The pillars were higher than the arbor, and ornamented above it by festoons, and connected below by arches covered in the same manner. The place on which it stood was judiciously chosen, presenting at once a view of the city and the shipping in the harbor, with an extensive prospect of the river and rice lands both above and below the town.\u201d GW, as usual, was the focus of\nall attention, and there were many toasts and much firing of artillery in his honor after dinner. A concert, following the fireworks display, concluded the day\u2019s activities (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791).\nSunday 15th. After morning Service, and receiving a number of visits from the most respectable ladies of the place (as was the case yesterday) I set out for Savanna [Augusta], Escorted beyd. the limits of the City by most of the Gentlemen in it and dining at Mulberry grove\u2014the Seat of Mrs. Green\u2014lodged at one Spencers\u2014distant 15 Miles.\nSavanna stands upon what may be called high ground for this Country. It is extremely Sandy wch. makes the walking very disagreeable; & the houses uncomfortable in warm & windy weather as they are filled with dust whensoever these happen. The town on 3 sides is surrounded with cultivated Rice fields which have a rich and luxurient appearance. On the 4th. or back side it is a fine sand. The harbour is said to be very good, & often filled with square rigged vessels but there is a bar below over which not more than 12 Water can be brot. except at Spg. tides. The tide does not flow above 12 or 14 miles above the City though the River is swelled by it more than dble. that distance. Rice & Tobacco (the last of wch. is greatly encreasing) are the principal Exports. Lumber & Indigo are also Expord. but the latter is on the decline, and it is supposed by Hemp & Cotton. Ship timber\u2014viz\u2014live Oak & Cedar, is (and may be more so) valuable in the expt.\n   The morning service was at Christ Church on Johnson Square. GW was escorted out of Savannah not only by a large number of the city\u2019s gentlemen but also by a detachment of Augusta, Ga., dragoons commanded by Maj. Ambrose Gordon (1751\u20131804), a Revolutionary War cavalryman formerly of Virginia. On the outskirts of the city GW halted briefly at Spring Hill, site of a British redoubt where much fighting had occurred during the 1779 Allied attack on Savannah. Today at this place James Jackson, as commander of the militia in the eastern district of Georgia, stood at the head of the local artillery and light-infantry companies, and GW received a parting salute: \u201c39 discharges from the field pieces, and 13 vollies of platoons\u201d (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791).\n   Before GW left Savannah today, he \u201cpolitely expressed his sense of the attention shewn him by the corporation & every denomination of people during his stay\u201d (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 31 May 1791). That attention, however, was burdensome as well as flattering. Writing to Tobias Lear in the midst of his Savannah visit, GW observed that at Charleston \u201cthe continual hurry into which I was thrown by entertainments\u2014visits\u2014and ceremonies of one kind or another, scarcely allowed me a moment that I could call my own\u2014nor is the case much otherwise here.\u201d Outside the two cities \u201cthe abominably Sandy & heavy\u201d low-country roads were the principal inconvenience. \u201cMy horses (especially the two I bought just before I left Philadelphia, & my old white horse) are much worn down,\u201d GW wrote Lear from Savannah, \u201cand I have yet 150 or 200 miles of heavy sand to pass before I fairly get into the upper, & firmer roads\u201d (GW to Lear, 14 May 1791, MeHi).\nMonday 16th. Breakfasted at Russells\u201415 Miles from Spencers. Dined at Garnets 19 further & lodged at Pierces 8 miles more in all, 42 Miles to day.\n   GW probably dined today with Thomas Garnett (1750\u20131793) of Effingham County, Ga. Born in Essex County, Va., Garnett married Rachel Willson at Ebenezer Jerusalem Church in Effingham County 8 Jan. 1772 and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the local militia 25 June 1776. Joshua Pearce (Pierce), Jr. (d. 1810), of Effingham County was GW\u2019s host for the night. Although his father was a Loyalist during the Revolution, Pearce and two of his brothers fought with the Patriots (mc call, 1:72, 139\u201340, 3:86, 183, 185; CANDLER [1]Allen D. Candler, comp. The Revolutionary Records of the State of Georgia. 3 vols. Atlanta, 1908., 1:145, 3:174, 178).\nTuesday 17th. Breakfasted at Skinners 17 Miles\u2014dined at Lamberts 13\u2014and lodged at Waynesborough (wch. was coming 6 miles out of our way) 14 in all 43 Miles. Waynesborough is a small place, but the Seat of the Court of Burkes County\u20146 or 8 dwelling houses is all it contains; an attempt is making (without much apparent effect) to establish an Accademy at it as is the case also in all the Counties.\n   Waynesboro, Ga., named in honor of Anthony Wayne, was established by an act of the General Assembly in July 1783. The same act, in obedience to a\nstipulation made in Georgia\u2019s 1777 constitution that schools should \u201cbe erected in each county and supported at the general expense of the State,\u201d provided for an academy for Burke County at Waynesboro, an academy for Richmond County at Augusta, and a \u201cfree school\u201d for Wilkes County at newly created Washington, Ga. (CANDLER [2]Allen D. Candler, comp. The Colonial Records of the State of Georgia. 26 vols. Atlanta, 1904\u201319., 19:248\u201356, pt.2; KILPATRICKWilliam H. Kilpatrick. \u201cThe Beginnings of the Public School System in Georgia.\u201d Georgia Historical Quarterly 5 (1921): 3\u201319., 4; COULTERE. Merton Coulter. \u201cThe Ante-Bellum Academy Movement in Georgia.\u201d Georgia Historical Quarterly 5 (1921): 11\u201342., 11\u201312).\nWednesday 18th. Breakfasted at Fulchers, 15 Miles from Waynesborough; and within 4 Miles of Augusta met the Govr. (Telfair), Judge Walton, the Attorney Genl., & most of the principal Gentlemen of the place; by whom I was escorted into Town, & recd. under a discharge of Artillery. The distance I came to day was about 32 miles. Dined with a large company at the Governors, & drank Tea there with many well dressed Ladies.\nThe Road from Savanna to Augusta is, for the most part, through Pine barrans; but more uneven than I had been accustomed to since leavg. Petersburgh in Virginia, especially after riding about 30 Miles from the City of that name; here & there indeed, a piece of Oak land is passed on this road, but of small extent & by no means of the first quality.\n   On coming in sight of the welcoming party from Augusta, Georgia\u2019s temporary capital 1785\u201395, GW got out of his chariot, mounted a horse, and rode forward to meet Gov. Edward Telfair. After Telfair \u201ccongratulated the President on his near approach to the residence of government,\u201d Major Gordon and the Augusta horsemen who had accompanied GW from Savannah joined the distinguished citizens of the town to form the procession that escorted GW to his lodgings on Broad Street. The cannon salute that greeted him was fired by Capt. Howell\u2019s artillery (HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 234\u201338; JONES AND DUTCHERCharles C. Jones, Jr. and Salem Dutcher. Memorial History of Augusta, Georgia . . .. 1890. Reprint. Spartanburg, S.C., 1966., 141).\n   Edward Telfair (c.1735\u20131807), a wealthy merchant and early Revolutionary War leader, served Georgia in the Continental Congress frequently between 1778 and 1782 and was governor of the state 1786\u201387 and 1789\u201393. For today\u2019s 4:00 P.M. dinner at his residence, the Grove, Telfair invited \u201cseveral federal and state Officers,\u201d and as so often before, there were \u201ca number of memorable and patriotic toasts.\u201d The ladies came to the governor\u2019s house this evening for a ball given by his wife, Sally Gibbons Telfair, but GW only \u201cattended for a short time,\u201d apparently just long enough to meet the ladies over tea (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 16 June 1791).\n   George Walton (1741\u20131804), judge of the superior court of Georgia, was, like Telfair, an early supporter of the Patriot cause in Georgia. He attended many sessions of the Continental Congress between 1776 and 1781, was wounded and captured at the seige of Savannah where he fought as a militia colonel, and served as governor of the state 1779\u201380 and 1789.\nThursday 19th. Received & answered an Address from the Citizens of Augusta; dined with a large Company of them at their\nCourt Ho.; and went to an Assembly in the evening at the Accadamy; at which there were between 60 & 70 well dressed ladies.\n   The address of the Augusta citizens and a copy of GW\u2019s reply are in DLC:GW.\n   About 3:00 P.M. GW reviewed the Augusta Light Horse, and at 4:30 P.M. he attended the public subscription dinner at the Richmond County courthouse, where again \u201ca variety of the most patriotic toasts and sentiments were drank\u201d (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 16 June 1791; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 241\u201342).\n   This evening\u2019s ball was held \u201cin the large room\u201d of the Richmond Academy on Bay Street. According to the Augusta Chronicle, the ball was attended by \u201cthe largest number of Ladies ever collected at this place\u201d (BELL AND CRABBEEarl L. Bell and Kenneth C. Crabbe. The Augusta Chronicle: Indomitable Voice of Dixie, 1785\u20131960. Athens, Ga., 1960., 29).\nFriday 20th. Viewed the ruins, or rather small remns. of the Works which had been erected by the British during the War and taken by the Americans\u2014also the falls, which are about 2 Miles above the Town; and the Town itself.\nThese falls (as they are called) are nothing more than rapids. They are passable in their present state by boats with Skilful hands, but may at a very small expence be improved, by removing a few rocks only to straighten the passage. Above them there is good boat navigation for many Miles; by which the produce may be, & in some measure is, transported. At this place, i.e., the falls, the good lands begin; & encrease in quality to the westward & No. ward. All below them, except the Interval lands on the River and Rice Swamps wch. extend from them, the whole Country is a Pine barren. The town of Augusta is well laid out with wide & spacious Streets. It stands on a large area of a perfect plain but is not yet thickly built, tho\u2019 surprizingly so for the time; for in 1783 there were not more than half a dozen dwelling houses; now there are not less than  containing about  Souls of which about  are blacks. It bids fair to be a large Town being at the head of the present navigation, & a fine Country back of it for support, which is settling very fast by Tobacco planters. The culture of which article is encreasing very fast, and bids fair to be the principle export from the State; from this part of it, it certainly will be so.\nAugusta, though it covers more ground than Savanna, does not contain as many Inhabitts. the latter having by the late census between 14 & 1500 hundred Whites and about 800 blacks.\nDine at a private dinner with Govr. Telfair to day; and gave him dispatches for the Spanish Govr. of East Florida, respecting the Countenance given by that Governt. to the fugitive Slaves of\nthe Union\u2014wch. dispatches were to be forwarded to Mr. Seagrove, Collector of St. Mary\u2019s, who was requested to be the bearer of them, and instructed to make arrangements for the prevention of these evils and, if possible, for the restoration of the property\u2014especially of those Slaves wch. had gone off since the orders of the Spanish Court to discountenance this practice of recg. them.\n   Forts Grierson and Cornwallis were erected at Augusta after Loyalist forces occupied the town in June 1780. Both works fell in the spring of 1781 when beseiged by Patriot militia aided by the Continental troops of Henry Lee\u2019s Legion (BOATNER [1]Mark Mayo Boatner III. Encyclopedia of the American Revolution. New York, 1966., 49\u201351; BOATNER [2]Mark M. Boatner III. Landmarks of the American Revolution. New York, 1975., 75\u201377).\n   Under the terms of an act passed by the Georgia General Assembly 13 Feb. 1786, the falls of the Savannah River were to have been cleared for navigation and a lock built at the lower end. This improvement scheme collapsed when the land tax that was to finance the work was repealed the following year (JONES AND DUTCHERCharles C. Jones, Jr. and Salem Dutcher. Memorial History of Augusta, Georgia . . .. 1890. Reprint. Spartanburg, S.C., 1966., 446; CANDLER [2]Allen D. Candler, comp. The Colonial Records of the State of Georgia. 26 vols. Atlanta, 1904\u201319., 19:534\u201340, pt.2).\n   Augusta in 1791 was reported to have 250 houses and 1,100 people within its boundaries (JONES AND DUTCHERCharles C. Jones, Jr. and Salem Dutcher. Memorial History of Augusta, Georgia . . .. 1890. Reprint. Spartanburg, S.C., 1966., 137).\n   The private dinner with Governor Telfair may have been the occasion for presenting a congratulatory address to GW that Telfair signed today at the statehouse. Telfair\u2019s address and a copy of GW\u2019s reply are in DLC:GW.\n   The fugitive slave problem, which GW discussed at length with Telfair during his stay in Augusta, had troubled Georgia planters for years, but particularly since 1783 when Spain regained the Floridas from Great Britain. Under an old Spanish policy any American slave who crossed the St. Marys River into East Florida was granted freedom, and it was only after many protests from the Georgians that authorities in Spain consented to a change. By a letter of 28 Aug. 1790 from Juan Nepomuceno de Quesada, newly appointed governor of East Florida, the American Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson learned that the Spanish monarch had given orders \u201cnot to permit, under any pretext, that persons sold in slavery in the United states introduce themselves, as free, into the province of East Florida\u201d (Quesada to Jefferson, 28 Aug. 1790, and Jefferson to Jos\u00e9 Ignacio de Viar, 27 Oct. 1790, JEFFERSON [1]Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950\u2013., 17:341n, 638\u201339).\n   The new policy, however, did not satisfy Georgia\u2019s planters, for it applied only to the future and no mention was made of returning slaves lost since 1783 (Edward Telfair to Thomas Jefferson, 12 Jan. 1790, JEFFERSON [1]Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950\u2013., 18:491\u201392). Jefferson was reluctant to push the matter further, considering it a relatively trivial affair that might jeopardize the more important goal of inducing Spain to open the Mississippi River to American traffic, but the final decision was left to GW and Telfair. Jefferson promised the Georgia governor in a letter of 26 Mar. 1791 that when GW reached Augusta \u201cyou will have an opportunity of explaining to him the extent of the losses complained of, and how far they could probably be recovered, even were the dispositions of your [Spanish] neighbors favourable to the recovery, and what those dispositions may actually be\u201d (JEFFERSON [1]Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950\u2013., 19:429\u201333, 519).\n   Although GW acquiesced in Telfair\u2019s arguments, the instructions he wrote today for James Seagrove, collector for the port of St. Marys, Ga., show that he shared much of Jefferson\u2019s cautious attitude toward the matter. Seagrove\u2019s \u201cfirst care\u201d was to insure that the Spanish king\u2019s new orders to stop sheltering\nAmerican slaves were fully enforced by Governor Quesada; his second, to seek the return of any slaves who had fled to Florida since the announcement of the new orders; and his third, to recover the slaves lost since 1783. \u201cThis last instruction,\u201d GW warned, \u201cwill require peculiar delicacy, and must be entered on with caution and circumspection, or not to be taken up at all\u201d (GW to Seagrove, 20 May 1791, DLC:GW).\n   Seagrove, a Savannah merchant whom GW had named to his rather unremunerative post in Aug. 1789, adhered to GW\u2019s injunction. While conferring with Quesada at St. Augustine in early August, he apparently brought up only the first two \u201ccares\u201d and succeeded in making detailed arrangements for returning future fugitives to their masters and in convincing Quesada to issue an order to penalize East Florida inhabitants who harbored runaways. Seagrove, however, failed in the request that he made for immediate restoration of slaves who had entered East Florida since the date of the king\u2019s orders. Not \u201ceven a single Slave,\u201d Quesada replied, had come into his province between the date of the royal orders and their promulgation in East Florida. Even if slaves had fled into Florida, however, his instructions would not allow them to be returned (Seagrove to Quesada, 2 and 7 Aug. 1791, and Quesada to Seagrove, 6 Aug. 1791, all enclosed in Thomas Jefferson to Edward Telfair, 15 Dec. 1791, DLC: Jefferson Papers). Seagrove\u2019s skill in carrying out this mission was apparently a factor in his being appointed federal agent to the Creeks in September of this year (SMITH [7]Daniel M. Smith. \u201cJames Seagrove and the Mission to Tuckaubatchee, 1793.\u201d Georgia Historical Quarterly 44 (1960): 41\u201355., 42\u201343).\n   GW\u2019s tour of the town today included a stop at the Richmond Academy, where \u201che honored the examination of the students with his presence, and was pleased to express himself handsomely of their performances\u201d (BELL AND CRABBEEarl L. Bell and Kenneth C. Crabbe. The Augusta Chronicle: Indomitable Voice of Dixie, 1785\u20131960. Athens, Ga., 1960., 29; CORDLECharles G. Cordle. \u201cThe Academy of Richmond County.\u201d Southern Association Quarterly 3 (1939): 78\u201384., 79\u201380; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 243\u201347).\nSaturday 21st. Left Augusta about 6 oclock, and takg. leave of the Governor & principal Gentlemen of the place at the bridge over Savanna river where they had assembled for this purpose, I proceeded in Company with Colos. Hampton & Taylor, & Mr. Lithgow a Committee from Columbia (who had come on to meet & conduct me to that place) & a Mr. Jameson from the Village of Granby on my rout.\nDined at a house about 20 Miles from Augusta and lodged at one Oden about 20 miles farther.\n   GW crossed the Savannah River bridge into South Carolina \u201cunder the salute of Major Gordon\u2019s horse and Captain Howell\u2019s artillery\u201d (BELL AND CRABBEEarl L. Bell and Kenneth C. Crabbe. The Augusta Chronicle: Indomitable Voice of Dixie, 1785\u20131960. Athens, Ga., 1960., 29).\n   The members of the Columbia committee were Wade Hampton (c.1751\u20131835), the recently elected sheriff of Camden District; Thomas Taylor (1743\u20131833), one of the original commissioners of Columbia; and Robert Lithgow (Lythgoe), a newly appointed town commissioner. Hampton and Taylor both distinguished themselves as militia colonels under Thomas Sumter during the latter part of the War of Independence. Earlier in the war Hampton was a junior officer in the South Carolina line, serving until the state fell to the British in 1780. He then took an oath of loyalty to the crown, an oath that he soon broke to join Sumter\u2019s partisans. An aggressive\nland speculator, he became one of the wealthiest planters in the state, served in the United States Congress 1795\u201397 and 1803\u20135, and participated as a major general in the War of 1812. Taylor, who with a brother provided the land on which Columbia was laid out in 1786, was a member of the state\u2019s first provincial congresses 1775\u201376, served in the militia in 1779, and joined Sumter as a captain in Aug. 1780. After the war he served frequently in the legislature, and although an opponent of the federal constitution in 1788, he raised an influential voice against nullification in 1830 (TAYLORB. F. Taylor, comp. \u201cCol. Thomas Taylor.\u201d South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine 27 (1926): 204\u201311., 204\u201311). Robert Lithgow, apparently a Columbia merchant, was a judge of the Richland County court as well as a town commissioner (GREEN [2]Edwin L. Green. A History of Richland County. Columbia, S.C., 1932., 176).\n   Granby\u2019s representative may be Archibald Jamison, who appears in the 1790 census as a resident of the north part of Orangeburg District, which included Granby; Dr. Van de Vastine Jamison, who is also listed in the northern part of the district, lived near Orangeburg well to the east of Granby (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 94, 98; names in s.c., 13 [1966], 52\u201355).\n   The house at which GW dined was the Piney Woods House, a log tavern near present-day Trenton, S.C. The house belonged to Capt. Van Swearingen of Edgefield County, a veteran of the Revolution. Swearingen\u2019s daughter Frances Swearingen apparently inherited the tavern about this time and ran it with her husband Ezekiel McClendon (names in s.c., 11 [1964], 44). oden: The census of 1790 lists four families of Odens, three of Odums, and one of Odem in Edgefield County (HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 62\u201363, 65\u201366). The house is said to have been near present-day Ridge Spring (SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 25).\nSunday 22d. Rode about 21 Miles to breakfast, and passing through the village of Granby just below the first falls in the Congaree (which was passed in a flat bottomed boat at a rope ferry) I lodged at Columbia, the newly adopted Seat of the Government of South Carolina about 3 miles from it, on the No. side of the river, and 27 from my breakfasting stage.\nThe whole Road from Augusta to Columbia is a pine barren of the worst sort, being hilly as well as poor. This circumstance added to the distance, length of the Stages, want of water and heat of the day, foundered one of my horses very badly.\nBeyond Granby 4 miles, I was met by sevl. Gentlemen of that place & Wynnsborough; and on the banks of the River on the No. Side by a number of others, who escorted me to Columbia.\n   Breakfast may have been at Lee\u2019s Stage Tavern near present-day Batesburg and Leesville (SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12. 25).\n   Granby, called Congarees before the Revolution, began in 1718 as an Indian trading post and was at this time the seat of Lexington County. Eclipsed by its newer neighbor, Columbia, the village later disappeared (GREEN [2]Edwin L. Green. A History of Richland County. Columbia, S.C., 1932., 15\u201322).\n   GW crossed the Congaree River, a major branch of the Santee, at Friday\u2019s ferry, which was started in 1754 by Martin Fridig (Friday) and was purchased in 1785 by Wade Hampton and one of his brothers. On 10 Feb. 1791 the General Assembly authorized the Hamptons to build a toll bridge at the ferry, a project that was to have been completed before GW\u2019s arrival, and\nprovided that the president of the United States should cross without paying the toll. Work was begun promptly, but a flood destroyed the bridge as it neared completion (GREEN [2]Edwin L. Green. A History of Richland County. Columbia, S.C., 1932., 113\u201321).\n   It was \u201cabout sun set\u201d when GW reached the ferry. Nevertheless, \u201cthe banks of the river at that place were lined with the neighbouring inhabitants, who anxiously waited for the President\u2019s arrival.\u201d The gentlemen from Granby and from Winnsboro, a town about 28 miles north of Columbia, met GW before he reached Granby and escorted him without stopping through the village to the ferry. The Winnsboro group was headed by Brig. Gen. Richard Winn (1750\u20131818), the revolutionary soldier for whom the town was named when it was incorporated in 1785 (Dunlap\u2019s American Dailey Adv. [Philadelphia], 24 June 1791).\n   As GW approached the statehouse in Columbia, a body of light horse commanded by a Captain Kershaw \u201cformed on the left, near the edge of the woods, and saluted him with much respect; he was then conducted to a house commodiously prepared for his reception, where a few gentlemen, and the officers of the troops were introduced\u201d (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 24 June 1791).\n   Columbia was ordered laid out as the new state capital by the General Assembly in 1786, and the executive offices were moved there in late 1789. The General Assembly first met in the new statehouse 4 Jan. 1790 (GREEN [2]Edwin L. Green. A History of Richland County. Columbia, S.C., 1932., 146\u201355).\nMonday 23d. Dined at a public dinner in the State house with a number of Gentlemen & Ladies of the Town of Columbia, & Country round about to the amt. of more than 150, of which 50 or 60 were of the latter.\n   At noon today GW rceived \u201cthe gentlemen of Columbia, Granby, Winnsboro\u2019, Camden, Statesburgh, Bellville and Orangeburgh, and their vicinity (who were present at Columbia) . . . . At four o\u2019clock he was conducted to the room of the representatives in the state-house, where were assembled sixty-seven ladies, who upon his entering the room, arose and made an elegant appearance, to whom he was individually introduced. The ladies were then led by the gentlemen (there being present 153) to the Senate room, where they set down together in a well conceived arrangement: to a farmer\u2019s dinner, where plenty abounded.\u201d GW left the statehouse after several toasts were given, but returned at 8:00 P.M. for a ball that lasted until 11:00 P.M. (Dunlap\u2019s Daily American Adv. [Philadelphia], 24 June 1791).\nTuesday 24th. The condition of my foundered horse obliged me to remain at this place, contrary to my intention, this day also.\nColumbia is laid out upon a large scale; but, in my opinion, had better been placed on the River below the falls. It is now an uncleared wood, with very few houses in it, and those all wooden ones. The State House (which is also of wood) is a large & commodious building, but unfinished. The Town is on dry, but cannot be called high ground, and though surrounded by Piney & Sandy land, is, itself, good. The State house is near two miles\nfrom the River, at the confluence of the broad River & Saluda. From Granby the River is navigable for Craft which will, when the River is a little swelled, carry 3000 bushels of Grain\u2014when at its usual height less, and always some. The River from hence to the Wateree below which it takes the name of the Santee is very crooked; it being, according to the computed distance near 400 miles\u2014Columbia from Charleston is 130 miles.\n   GW dined today \u201cin private with a few gentlemen\u201d (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 24 June 1791). The Broad and Saluda rivers meet at Columbia to form the Congaree, which is joined by the Wateree River lower down to form the Santee.\nWednesday 25th. Set out at 4 \u2019Oclock for Cambden (the foundered horse being led slowly on). Breakfasted at an indifferent house 22 miles from the town (the first we came to) and reached Cambden about two oclock, 14 miles further where an address was recd. & answered. Dined late with a number of Gentlemen & Ladies at a public dinner. The Road from Columbia to Cambden, excepting a mile or two at each place, goes over the most miserable pine barren I ever saw, being quite a white sand, & very hilly. On the Wateree with in a mile & half of which the town stands the lands are very good\u2014the culture Corn Tobacco & Indigo. Vessels carrying 50 or 60 Hhds. of Tobo. come up to the Ferry at this place at which there is a Tobacco Warehouse.\n   An address from the citizens of Columbia, Granby, and vicinity, bearing today\u2019s date, was presented to GW before he left town by Alexander Gillon (1741\u20131794), a wealthy merchant and early revolutionary leader who had been embroiled in much controversy as a commodore in the South Carolina navy during the war. Gillon was one of the original commissioners of Columbia, a member of the General Assembly 1783\u201391, and a member of the United States Congress 1793\u201394. The address and a copy of GW\u2019s reply are in DLC:GW.\n   The welcoming address from the citizens of Camden and vicinity apparently was presented to GW by the town\u2019s intendant and patriarch, Col. Joseph Kershaw (c.1723\u20131791), a militia veteran of the Revolution. The address and a copy of GW\u2019s reply are in DLC:GW.\n   GW, according to local tradition, lodged in Camden at the house of Adam Fowler Brisbane (1754\u20131797), a Lancaster County justice, and the public dinner was probably at the house of Col. John Chesnut (1743\u20131813), a veteran of the South Carolina line and prominent indigo planter, who discussed agriculture at some length with GW during his stay in town. A month later GW sent Chesnut a drill plow from Mount Vernon to try in sowing indigo seed (GW to Chesnut, 26 June 1791, anonymous donor). At the dinner GW \u201cwas introduced to the ladies individually. The ladies rose after the 2d or 3d toast, and the President sat till near twelve o\u2019clock\u201d (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 17 June 1791). In all there were 17 toasts, including 2 given after\nGW retired for the night (KIRKLAND AND KENNEDYThomas J. Kirkland and Robert M. Kennedy. Historic Camden: Part One, Colonial and Revolutionary. Columbia, S.C., 1905., 307\u201312, 351\u201352; REYNOLDS AND FAUNTEmily Bellinger Reynolds and Joan Reynolds Faunt. Biographical Directory of the Senate of the State of South Carolina, 1776\u20131964. Columbia, S.C., 1964., 186, 196\u201397, 251).\nThursday 26th. After viewing the british works about Cambden I set out for Charlotte. On my way\u2014two miles from Town\u2014I examined the ground on wch. Genl. Green & Lord Rawden had their Action. The ground had but just been taken by the former\u2014was well chosen\u2014but he not well established in it before he was attacked; which by capturing a Videt was, in some measure by surprize. Six miles further on I came to the ground where Genl. Gates & Lord Cornwallis had their Engagement wch. terminated so unfavourably for the former. As this was a night Meeting of both Armies on their March, & altogether unexpected each formed on the ground they met without any advantage in it on either side it being level & open. Had Genl. Gates been \u00bd a mile further advanced, an impenitrable Swamp would have prevented the attack which was made on him by the British Army, and afforded him time to have formed his own plans; but having no information of Lord Cornwallis\u2019s designs, and perhaps not being apprised of this advantage it was not siezed by him.\nCambden is a small place with appearances of some new buildings. It was much injured by the British whilst in their possession.\nAfter halting at one Suttons 14 M. from Cambden I lodged at James Ingrams 12 Miles farther.\n   Camden became an important outpost for the British army when it occupied South Carolina after the fall of Charleston in May 1780, and much fighting occurred in the vicinity during the ensuing 12 months. About 2:30 A.M. on 16 Aug. 1780 a British force under Lord Cornwallis and an American one under Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, both advancing to attack the other at daylight, met by accident in the pine woods north of Camden. Cornwallis, although hampered by swamps on either flank and Saunders Creek less than a mile to his rear, deployed his troops, and at dawn British regulars attacked and routed the Virginia militia at the east end of Gates\u2019s position. The battle rapidly became a full-blown disaster for the Americans despites a courageous stand by Maryland Continentals under Johann Kalb (1721\u20131780), the Bavarian-born French army officer known as Baron de Kalb in America. Kalb, mortally wounded in the fighting, was buried at Camden. On the way out of town today, GW paused \u201ca few minutes\u201d at his grave (Md. Journal [Baltimore], 17 June 1791; BOATNER [1]Mark Mayo Boatner III. Encyclopedia of the American Revolution. New York, 1966., 159\u201370, 570\u201371; BOATNER [2]Mark M. Boatner III. Landmarks of the American Revolution. New York, 1975., 456\u201358).\n   The fortifications that GW viewed in Camden were built by the British after the battle of 16 Aug. 1780. Incorporated into the defenses were Joseph Kershaw\u2019s stockaded house, the local jail, and the town\u2019s powder magazine (BOATNER [2]Mark M. Boatner III. Landmarks of the American Revolution. New York, 1975., 458\u201360).\n   The battle between Nathanael Greene and Francis, Lord Rawdon, the young acting commander of British forces in South Carolina and Georgia, occurred 25 April 1781 at Hobkirk\u2019s Hill, a sandy ridge where Greene camped\nwith his army to await reinforcements and supplies after finding Camden\u2019s defenses too strong for the force that he had on hand. Rawdon in a daring move assembled all available troops in Camden and made a surprise attack on the American camp about 10:00 A.M. on 25 April. Although several Continental units broke, the 5th Virginia Regiment held, enabling Greene to make a short orderly retreat. Rawdon, having failed to destroy the American army, abandoned Camden on 10 May. The British, Greene informed GW 14 May 1781, \u201cleft . . . with great precipitation after burning the greater part of their baggage and Stores and even the private property belonging to the Inhabitants. They also burnt the Gaol, mills and several other buildings, and left the Town little better than a heap of rubbish\u201d (MiU-C: Greene Papers; BOATNER [1]Mark Mayo Boatner III. Encyclopedia of the American Revolution. New York, 1966., 503\u20138; BOATNER [2]Mark M. Boatner III. Landmarks of the American Revolution. New York, 1975., 458\u201359).\n   William Loughton Smith of Charleston found Camden when he stopped there on 9 May 1791 to be \u201ca pretty town of about seventy houses and some very good buildings,\u201d but at the site of Gates\u2019s defeat, he noted, \u201cthe marks of balls against the trees\u201d were still visible (SMITH [6]Albert Matthews, ed. Journal of William Loughton Smith, 1790\u20131791. Cambridge, Mass., 1917. Reprint from Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 51 (1917-18):20-88., 75).\n   Jasper Sutton of Lancaster County, stepfather of John Chesnut, settled near Granny\u2019s Quarter Creek about 1757. In 1790, according to the census, he held 17 slaves. James Ingram of Lancaster County lived near Hanging Rock, a geological landmark south of present-day Heath Springs. The 1790 census credits him with 3 slaves (SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 27\u201328; HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 23, 25; KIRKLAND AND KENNEDYThomas J. Kirkland and Robert M. Kennedy. Historic Camden: Part One, Colonial and Revolutionary. Columbia, S.C., 1905., 366; BOATNER [2]Mark M. Boatner III. Landmarks of the American Revolution. New York, 1975., 478).\nFriday 27th. Left Ingrams about 4 Oclock, and breakfasting at one Barrs 18 miles distant lodged at a Majr. Crawfords 8 Miles farther. About 2 miles from this place I came to the Corner where the No. Carolina line comes to the Rd. from whence the Road is the boundary for 12 Miles more. At Majr. Crawfords I was met by some of the Chiefs of the Cutawba Nation who seemed to be under apprehension that some attempts were making or would be made to deprive them of part of the 40,000 Acres wch. was secured to them by Treaty and wch. is bounded by this Road.\n   Nathan Barr of Lancaster County kept a tavern a short distance north of the present-day town of Lancaster. During the Revolution he served in the militia as a lieutenant. The head of a household of 11 whites in 1790, he held no slaves (SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 28; HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 24). Robert Crawford (1728\u20131801) of Lancaster County, a militia officer during the War of Independence, lived on the north side of Waxhaw Creek. His household in 1790 consisted of 11 whites and 15 slaves (SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 28\u201330; S.C. Hist. & Geneal. Mag., 50 [1949], 57; HEADS OF FAMILIES, S.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: South Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Salt Lake City, 1978., 23).\n   The Catawba Indians were granted by the Treaty of Augusta in 1763 a tract of land 15 miles square in this part of South Carolina, a total of 144,000 acres embracing the sites of present-day Fort Mill and Rock Hill, S.C. Much of the tract the Catawba leased to white settlers for long terms, but as the settlers grew steadily in number, the Catawbas began to worry about the security of their land. In 1782 Catawba representatives appealed to the Continental Congress to protect their tract from forcible intrusion or alienation \u201ceven with their own consent.\u201d Congress, deeming the problem to be a South Carolina one, referred it to the state\u2019s legislature, which in 1786\ntook steps to safeguard the Catawbas\u2019 rights (BROWN [4]Douglas Summers Brown. The Catawba Indians: The People of the River. Columbia, S.C., 1966., 250\u201351, 279\u201394). GW apparently did not interfere in this matter although the Catawba continued to press their case with him. Writing to Secretary of War James McHenry from Mount Vernon 18 July 1796, GW complained that \u201cI have already, been incommoded, at this place, by a visit of several days, from a party of a dozen Cuttawbas; & should wish while I am in this retreat, to avoid a repetition of such guests\u201d (NhD).\n   The road on the boundary line between the two Carolinas followed that line for eight miles. It did not form part of the Catawba boundary line but did pass through the eastern corner of the tract before entering North Carolina (SALLEY [2]A. S. Salley. President Washington\u2019s Tour Through South Carolina In 1791. Columbia, S.C., 1932. In Bulletins of the Historical Commission of South Carolina, no. 12., 28\u201329).\nSaturday 28th. Sett off from Crawfords by 4 Oclock and breakfasting at one Harrisons 18 Miles from it & got into Charlotte, 13 miles further, before 3 oclock. Dined with Genl. Polk and a small party invited by him, at a Table prepared for the purpose.\nIt was not, until I had got near Barrs that I had quit the Piney & Sandy lands\u2014nor until I had got to Crawfords before the Lands took quite a different complexion. Here they began to assume a very rich look.\nCharlotte is a very trifling place, though the Court of Mecklenburg is held in it. There is a School (called a College) in it at which, at times there has been 50 or 60 boys.\n   GW apparently breakfasted with Isaiah Harrison of Mecklenburg County, N.C., who lived between McAlpine and Sixmile creeks a short distance southeast of present-day Pineville, N.C. In 1790 he was head of a household of seven whites and two slaves (RAYWorth S. Ray. The Mecklenburg Signers and Their Neighbors. Austin, Tex., 1946., 365, 367, 369, 380\u201381; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 287, n.2).\n   Thomas Polk (c.1732\u20131794) of Mecklenburg County became a justice of the county when it was formed in 1762 and a commissioner and treasurer of Charlotte when it was established six years later. A colonel in the North Carolina line during the War of Independence, he was at Brandywine and Valley Forge but resigned in June 1778 after failing to obtain a desired promotion (Polk to GW, 26 June 1778, DNA: RG 93, Ms. File No. 14498). He was appointed Continental commissary of purchases for the southern army in 1780, and in Feb. 1781 Nathanael Greene designated him brigadier general of militia for the Salisbury, N.C., district. The General Assembly, however, consented to give him only the title of colonel commandant of the district, an action that prompted him to resign in May. Polk lived on a plantation on Sugar Creek near present-day Pineville and in 1790 owned 47 slaves (RAYWorth S. Ray. The Mecklenburg Signers and Their Neighbors. Austin, Tex., 1946., 358, 369, 380\u201381, 414).\n   Charlotte, reported William Loughton Smith who visited there three weeks before GW did, \u201cdoes not deserve the name of a town, it consists only of a wretched Court House, and a few dwellings falling to decay. There is a good tavern kept by Mason, where, however, I paid the dearest bill on the road\u201d (SMITH [6]Albert Matthews, ed. Journal of William Loughton Smith, 1790\u20131791. Cambridge, Mass., 1917. Reprint from Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 51 (1917-18):20-88., 74). There was a school at Charlotte chartered as Queen\u2019s College by the colonial assembly in 1771, and although the charter was subsequently disallowed by the crown, it remained open and was chartered by the state assembly in 1777 as Liberty Hall Academy. By 1780, however, this\nacademy was in \u201can entire state of decay,\u201d and four years later it was moved to Salisbury, N.C. (LEFLER AND NEWSOMEHugh Talmage Lefler and Albert Ray Newsome. North Carolina: The History of a Southern State. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1954., 135).\nSunday 29th. Left Charlotte about 7 Oclock, dined at a Colo. Smiths 15 Miles off, and lodged at a Majr. Fifers 7 Miles farther.\n   Martin Phifer, Jr. (1756\u20131837), of Mecklenburg County lived at Red Hill plantation on Irish Buffalo Creek, now in Cabarrus County, a short distance west of present-day Concord. Appointed captain of a company of North Carolina light horse by the General Assembly in April 1776, he was in Continental service from Mar. 1777 to April 1780. His household, according to the 1790 census, consisted of 7 whites and 16 slaves (HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 294, n.3; HEITMAN [1]Francis B. Heitman. Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army during the War of the Revolution, April, 1775, to December, 1783. 1893. Rev. ed. Washington, D.C., 1914., 327; HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 161).\nMonday 30th. At 4 Oclock I was out from Major Fifers; and in about 10 Miles at the line which divides. Mecklenburgh from Rowan Counties, I met a party of horse belonging to the latter, who came from Salisbury to escort me on. (It ought to have been mentioned also that upon my entering the State of No. Carolina, I was met by a Party of the Mecklenburgh horse\u2014but these being Near their homes I dismissed them). I was also met 5 Miles from Salisbury by the Mayor of the Corporation, Judge McKoy, & many others; Mr. Steel, Representative for the district, was so polite as to come all the way to Charlotte to meet me. We arrived at Salisbury about 8 Oclock, to breakfast, 20 miles from Captn. Fifers. The lands between Charlotte & Salisbury are very fine, of a reddish cast and well timbered, with but very little under wood. Between these two places are the first meadows I have seen on the Road since I left Virga.; & here also, we appear to be getting into a Wheat Country.\nThis day I foundered another of my horses.\nDined at a public dinner givn. by the Citizens of Salisbury; & in the afternoon drank Tea at the same place with about 20 ladies, who had been assembled for the occasion.\nSalisbury is but a small place altho\u2019 it is the County town, and the district Court is held in it; nor does it appear to be much on the encrease. There is about three hundred Souls in it and tradesmen of different kinds.\n   The Rowan County Troop of Horse was commanded by Capt. Montfort Stokes (1762\u20131842), a revolutionary veteran who later became a United States senator and governor of North Carolina. The mayor of Salisbury, Spruce Macay (McCay, McCoy, McKay, McKoy), was appointed a judge for the frontier counties of Washington and Sullivan in 1782 and in Dec. 1790 became a judge of the state superior court, a position that he retained until his death in 1808 (N.C. STATE REC.Walter Clark, ed. The State Records of North Carolina. 16 vols., numbered 11-26. Winston and Goldsboro, N.C., 1895\u20131907., 16:175, 21:854). John Steele (1764\u20131815)\nof Salisbury served in the United States Congress 1789\u201393 and was appointed comptroller of the United States Treasury by GW in 1796. All three men were prosperous planters and slaveholders. In 1790 Stokes had 15 slaves, Macay 19, and Steele 16 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 176).\n   As GW entered Salisbury today, he \u201cwas saluted by about forty boys in uniform, who had chosen officers, and arranged themselves for that purpose,\u201d and on arriving at his lodgings, he received a salute from the local artillery company. Breakfast is said to have been at Capt. Edward Yarborough\u2019s tavern on Main Street, and the public dinner and the tea at Joseph Hughes\u2019s Hotel (HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 298\u201399, 302, 305\u20136; RUMPLEJethro Rumple. A History of Rowan County, North Carolina, Containing Sketches of Prominent Families and Distinguished Men, with an Appendix. 1881. Reprint. Salisbury, N.C., [1929]., 178\u201381). The dinner concluded with the customary patriotic toasts accompanied by the firing of cannon (State Gaz. of N.C. [Edenton], 10 June 1791; HENDERSONArchibald Henderson. Washington\u2019s Southern Tour, 1791. Boston and New York, 1923., 303\u20134). An address from the inhabitants of Salisbury was presented to GW apparently during the morning. It and a copy of GW\u2019s reply are in DLC:GW.\n   GW\u2019s impressions of Salisbury are confirmed by William Loughton Smith\u2019s remarks about the town in his journal. Salisbury, observed Smith who stopped there 6 May 1791, \u201cconsists of about forty or fifty straggling houses in an open pretty plain; it looks like a poor place and has but little business. The Court House is not half finished: the town contains about 300 inhabitants among them a great number of children\u201d (SMITH [6]Albert Matthews, ed. Journal of William Loughton Smith, 1790\u20131791. Cambridge, Mass., 1917. Reprint from Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 51 (1917-18):20-88., 74).\nTuesday 31st. Left Salisbury about 4 Oclock; at 5 Miles crossed the Yadkin, the principal stream of the Pedee, and breakfasted on the No. Bank (while my Carriages & horses were crossing) at a Mr. Youngs; fed my horses 10 miles farther, at one Reeds; and about 3 oclock (after another halt) arrived at Salem; one of the Moraviann towns 20 miles farther\u2014In all 35 from Salisbury.\nThe Road between Salisbury & Salem passes over very little good land, and much that is different; being a good deal mixed with Pine, but not Sand.\nSalem is a small but neat Village; & like all the rest of the Moravian settlements, is governed by an excellent police\u2014having within itself all kinds of artizans. The number of Souls does not exceed 200.\n   From Salisbury GW was escorted by the Rowan County Troop of Horse to Long\u2019s ferry on the Yadkin River, where he crossed (State Gaz. of N.C. [Edenton], 10 June 1791). The Yadkin and the smaller Uwharrie River join in Montgomery County, N.C., to form the Pee Dee River. Young and Reed lived in the part of Rowan County that later became Davidson County. There are several listings for each name in the 1790 Rowan County census (HEADS OF FAMILIES, N.C.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: North Carolina. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 169, 172\u201376; RUMPLEJethro Rumple. A History of Rowan County, North Carolina, Containing Sketches of Prominent Families and Distinguished Men, with an Appendix. 1881. Reprint. Salisbury, N.C., [1929]., 118\u201322).\n   On the road to Salem GW was met by three Moravian ministers who had ridden out to greet him, Frederic William Marshall, John Daniel Koehler, and Christian Ludwig Banzien. As the party approached the town, \u201cseveral tunes were played\u201d by some of the community\u2019s renowned musicians, \u201cpartly by trumpets and French horns, partly by the trombones.\u201d At the Salem Tavern on Main Street, where GW lodged, he stepped out of his chariot and, according to the town\u2019s official diary, \u201cgreeted those who stood around in a\nfriendly manner, showing his good will especially to the children who were there. Then he talked on various matters with several Brethren who accompanied him to the room that had been prepared for him. At first he said that he was leaving in the morning, but when he heard that the Governor of this State had expressed a wish to wait on him the next day he decided to rest here over one day. He sent word to our musicians that he would like some music during his evening meal, and it was furnished to him\u201d (Salem Diary, 1791, FRIESAdelaide L. Fries et al., eds. Records of the Moravians in North Carolina. 11 vols. Raleigh, N.C., 1922-69., 5:2324).\n   Salem, now part of Winston-Salem, was founded by Moravian settlers in 1776 near two other North Carolina towns previously established by them, Bethabara and Bethania.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0005-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 June 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 2d. In company with the Govr. I set out by 4 Oclock for Guilford. Breakfasted at one Dobsons at the distance of eleven Miles from Salem and dined at Guilford 16 Miles farther, where there was a considerable gathering of people who had receivd notice of my intention to be there to day & came to satisfy their curiosity. On my way I examined the ground on which the Action between Generals Green and Lord Cornwallis commenced and after dinner rode over that where their lines were formed and the scene closed in the retreat of the American forces\u2014The first line of which was advantageously drawn up, and had the Troops done their duty properly, the British must have been sorely galded in their advance, if not defeated. The Lands between Salem and Guilford are, in places, very fine; but upon the whole can not be called more than midling\u2014some being very bad. On my approach to this place (Guilford) I was met by a party of light horse which I prevailed on the Governor to dismiss, and to countermand his orders for others to attend me through the State.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0005-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 June 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 3d. Took my leave of the Governr. whose intention was to have atten[d]ed me to the line, but for my request that he would not; and about 4 Oclock proceeded on my journey. Breakfasted at troublesome Iron works (called 15, but which is at least) 17 Miles from Guilford partly in Rain and from my information or for want of it was obliged to travel 12 miles further than I intended to day\u2014to one Gatewoods within two Miles of Dix\u2019 ferry over the Dan, at least 30 Miles from the Iron works. The Lands over which I passed this day were of various qualities and as I approached the Dan, were a good deal covered with pine. In conversing with the Governor on the State of Politics in No. Carolina I learnt with pleasure that opposition to the Genl. Government, & the discontents of the people were subsiding fast and that he should, so soon as he received the Laws which he had written to the Secretary of State for, issue his proclamation requiring all Officers & members of the Governmt. to take the Oaths prescribed by Law. He seems to condemn the Speculators in Lands and the purchases from the State of Georgia, & thinks as every sensible & disinterested man must that schemes of that sort must involve the Country in trouble\u2014perhaps in blood.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0005-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 June 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 5th. Left the old Town about 4 Oclock A.M.; & breakfasting at one Pridies (after crossing Banister River 1\u00bd Miles) abt. 11 Miles from it, came to Staunton River about 12; where meeting Colo. Isaac Coles (formerly a member of Congress for this district &) who pressing me to it, I went to his house about one mile off to dine and to halt a day, for the refreshment of myself and horses; leaving my Servants and them at one of the usually indifferent Taverns at the Ferry that they might give no trouble, or be inconvenient to a private family.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0005-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 June 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 8th. Left Prince Edward Ct. Ho. as soon as it was well light, & breakfasted at one Treadways 13 Miles off. Dined at Cumberland Ct. Ho. 14 Miles further and lodged at Moores Tavern within 2 miles from Carters ferry over James River. The road from Prince Edward Court Ho. to Treadways was very thickly settled, although the land appeared thin, and the growth in a great degree pine, & from Treadways to Cumberland Ct. Ho. they were equally well settled on better land, less mixed, and in places not mixed at all, with pine. The buildings appear to be better.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0005-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 June 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 9th. Set off very early from Moores but the proper ferry boat being hauled up, we were a tedious while crossing in one of the Boats used in the navigation of the River; being obliged to carry one carriage at a time, without horses & crossways the Boat on planks. Breakfasted at a Widow pains 17 Miles on the No. side of the River, and lodged at a Mrs. Jordans a private house where we were kindly entertained and to which we were driven by necessity having Rode not less than 25 miles from our breakfasting stage through very bad Roads in a very sultry day witht. any refreshments & by missing the right road had got to it. From the River to the Widow Pains, & thence to Andersons bridge over the North Anna Branch of Pamunky, the Lands are\nnot good, nor thickly settled on the Road but are a good deal mixd. w. Pine;  nor does the Soil & growth promise much (except in places) from thence for several miles further; but afterwards, throughout the County of Louisa, which is entered after passing the Bridge, the River over which it is made dividing it from Goochland they are much better & continued so with little exception quite to Mrs. Jordons.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0005-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 10 June 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 10th. Left Mrs. Jordans early, & breakfasting at one Johnstons 7 Miles off reached Fredericksburgh after another (short) halt about 3 Oclock & dined and lodged at my Sister Lewis\u2019s. The Lands from Mrs. Jordans to Johnsons, and from thence for several miles further are good but not rich afterwards (as you approach nearer to Rappahannock River) they appear to be of a thinner quality & more inclined to black Jacks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0005-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 June 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 11th. After a dinner with several Gentlemen whom my Sister had envited to dine with me I crossed the Rappahannock & proceeded to Stafford Ct. House where I lodged.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0005-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 June 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 12th. About Sun rise we were off\u2014breakfasted at Dumfries and arrived at Mt. Vn. to D.  From  Monday 13th. until Monday the 27th. (being the day I had appointed to meet the Commissioners under the residence Act, at George town) I remained at home; and spent my time in daily rides to my severl. farms and in receiving  many visits.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0005-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 June 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 28th. Whilst the Commissioners were engaged in preparing the Deeds to be signed by the subscribers  this afternoon, I went out with Majrs. L\u2019Enfant and Ellicot to take a more perfect view of the ground, in order to decide finally on the spots on which to place the public buildings and to direct how  a line which was to leave out a Spring (commonly known by the name of the Cool Spring) belonging to Majr. Stoddart should be run.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0005-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 June 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 29th. The Deeds which remained unexecuted yesterday were signed to day and the Dowers of their respective wives  acknowledged according to Law. This being  accomplished, I called the Several subscribers together and made known to them the Spots on which I meant to place the buildings for the P. & Executive departments of the Government and for the Legislature of Do. A Plan  was also laid before them of the City in order to convey to them general ideas of the City\u2014but they were told that some deviations from it  would take place\u2014particularly in the diagonal Streets or avenues, which would not be so numerous; and in the removal of the Presidents house more westerly for the advantage of higher ground. They were also told that a Town house, or exchange wd. be placed on some convenient ground between the spots designed for the public buildgs. before mentioned. And it was with much pleasure that a general approbation of the measure seemed to pervade the whole.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0006-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 July 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 2d. Set out a little after 4 Oclock and in abt. 6 Miles crossed the line wch. divides the States of Maryland & Pennsylvania\u2014 the Trees on wch. are so grown up tht. I could not perceive the opening though I kept a lookout for it. 9 Miles from Tawny town, Littles town is past, they are of similar appe.\nbut the latter is more insignificant than the former. Seven Miles farther we came to Hanover (commonly called McAlisters town) a very pretty village with a number of good brick Houses & Mechanics in it. At this place, in a good Inn, we breakfasted and in 18 Miles more reached York Town where we dined and lodged. The Country from Tawny Town to York town is exceedingly pleasant thickly inhabited and well improvd. The dwelling Houses, Barns & meadows being good. After dinner in company with Colo. Hartley & other Gentlemen I walked through the principal Streets of the Town and drank Tea at Col. Hartleys. The Ct. Ho. was illuminated.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0006-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 July 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 3d. Received, and answered an address from the Inhabitants of York town\u2014& there being no Episcopal Minister present in the place, I went to hear morning Service performed in the Dutch reformed Church\u2014which, being in that language not a word of which I understood I was in no danger of becoming a proselyte to its religion by the eloquence of the Preacher. After Service, accompanied by Colo. Hartley & half a dozen other Gentlemen, I set off for Lancaster. Dined at Wrights Ferry where I was met by Genl. Hand & many of the principal characters of Lancaster & escorted to the town by them, arriving abt. 6 oclock. The Country from York to Lancaster is very fine, thick settled, and well cultivated. About the ferry they are extremely rich.\nThe river Susquehannah at this place is more than a mile wide and some pretty views on the banks of it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0006-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 4 July 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 4th. This being the Anniversary of American Independence and being kindly requested to do it, I agreed to halt here this day and partake of the entertainment which was preparing for the celebration of it. In the fore noon I walked about the town. At half passed 2 oclock I received, and answered an address from the Corporation and the complimts. of the Clergy of different denominations. Dined between 3 & 4 Oclock. Drank Tea with Mrs. Hand about", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0002-0006", "content": "Title: [July 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday July 1st. Received an Address from the Inhabitants of Frederick town and about 7 Oclock left it. Dined at one Cookerlys 13 Miles off & lodged at Tawny town only 12 Miles farther\u2014being detained at the first stage by rain and to answer the address wch. had been presented to me in the Morning. Tawny town is but a small place with only the Street through wch. the road passes, built on. The buildings are principally of wood. Between Cookerly\u2019s & this place we crossed the little & great Pipe Cks.\u2014branches of Monocasy. The latter (about half way betwn. them) is a considerable stream and from its appearance capable of Navigation. The lands over wch. we travelled this day are remarkably fine\u2014but, as was observed yesterday the fields were thinly covered with grain\u2014owing, as I conceive, to the cause already mentioned. The farm houses are good mostly of Stone and the settlers compact with good Barns & meadows appertaining to them.\n   The address of the Frederick inhabitants and a copy of GW\u2019s answer are in DLC:GW. Cookerly\u2019s tavern, located at the site of present-day New Midway, Md., may have been operated by Jacob or John Cookerly of Frederick County, Md. (HOWARD & SHRIVERJ. Spence Howard and J. Alexis Shriver. \u201cRoutes Traveled by George Washington in Maryland.\u201d [Baltimore], c.1932. Map., map; HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Maryland. 1907. Reprint. Baltimore, 1965., 59, 61). Taneytown, Md., was founded about 1740.\n   \u201cto me\u201d added above line.\n   \u201cbranches of Monocasy\u201d inserted above line.\n   \u201cbetwn. them\u201d and parentheses inserted above line.\n   \u201cthe fields were\u201d added above line.\n   \u201cmostly of Stone\u201d inserted above line.\nSaturday 2d. Set out a little after 4 Oclock and in abt. 6 Miles crossed the line wch. divides the States of Maryland & Pennsylvania\u2014 the Trees on wch. are so grown up tht. I could not perceive the opening though I kept a lookout for it. 9 Miles from Tawny town, Littles town is past, they are of similar appe.\nbut the latter is more insignificant than the former. Seven Miles farther we came to Hanover (commonly called McAlisters town) a very pretty village with a number of good brick Houses & Mechanics in it. At this place, in a good Inn, we breakfasted and in 18 Miles more reached York Town where we dined and lodged.\nThe Country from Tawny Town to York town is exceedingly pleasant thickly inhabited and well improvd. The dwelling Houses, Barns & meadows being good. After dinner in company with Colo. Hartley & other Gentlemen I walked through the principal Streets of the Town and drank Tea at Col. Hartleys. The Ct. Ho. was illuminated.\n   Littlestown, Pa., was founded in 1765 by the German settler Peter Klein; Hanover, Pa., was founded about 1763 by Richard McAllister (McCalester; 1725-1795), a Scotch-Irish innkeeper and militia colonel who served with the army in the Flying Camp.\n   GW arrived at York about 2:00 P.M. and lodged at Baltzer Spangler\u2019s tavern on Market Street. He was greeted by the ringing of bells and a salute from the Independent Light Infantry Company commanded by Capt. George Hay. \u201cIn the evening,\u201d reported one citizen, \u201cthere was a general illumination, and in the court house in each pane was set a light\u201d (jordan, 46\u201348).\n   \u201cwith\u201d deleted.\n   \u201cbut\u201d deleted.\n   \u201con wch.\u201d inserted above line.\n   \u201cup\u201d inserted above line.\n   \u201cthe opening\u201d substituted for \u201cit.\u201d\n   \u201cthey are of similar appe. but the latter is\u201d inserted above line.\n   \u201c& Mechanics\u201d added above line.\n   \u201cTown\u201d added at end of line.\n   \u201ctown\u201d inserted above line.\n   \u201cthickly inhabited\u201d inserted above line.\nSunday 3d. Received, and answered an address from the Inhabitants of York town\u2014& there being no Episcopal Minister present in the place, I went to hear morning Service performed in the Dutch reformed Church\u2014which, being in that language not a word of which I understood I was in no danger of becoming a proselyte to its religion by the eloquence of the Preacher.\nAfter Service, accompanied by Colo. Hartley & half a dozen other Gentlemen, I set off for Lancaster. Dined at Wrights Ferry where I was met by Genl. Hand & many of the principal characters of Lancaster & escorted to the town by them, arriving abt. 6 oclock.\nThe Country from York to Lancaster is very fine, thick settled, and well cultivated. About the ferry they are extremely rich.\nThe river Susquehannah at this place is more than a mile wide and some pretty views on the banks of it.\n   The address from the citizens of York and a copy of GW\u2019s reply are in DLC:GW. The church service was at the German Reformed Church on Market Street that burned six years later (jordan, 47).\n   Wright\u2019s ferry, established by the Quaker settler John Wright after his arrival in 1726, crossed the Susquehanna River to Columbia, Pa., the town laid off by his grandson Samuel Wright in 1788. This area was one of several proposed in 1789 as the site of the new national capital (ESPENSHADEA. Howry Espenshade. Pennsylvania Place Names. State College, Pa., 1925., 42, 210\u201311).\n   Edward Hand (1744\u20131802), physician, politician, and former major general in the Continental service, was appointed an inspector of revenue earlier this year by GW (Hand to GW, 18 April 1791, DNA: RG 59, Misc. Letters).\n   The time of GW\u2019s arrival in Lancaster, according to one of the town\u2019s residents, was 6:30 P.M. \u201cThe colors,\u201d she reported, \u201cwere fixed in the cupola of the Court House, and all the Bells rung at his entrance\u201d (LANDIS [2]Charles I. Landis. \u201cJasper Yeates and His Times.\u201d Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 46 (1922): 199\u2013231., 222).\n   \u201cpresent\u201d inserted above line.\n   \u201cperformed\u201d added above line.\n   \u201cthat language\u201d substituted for \u201cDutch \u27e8illegible\u27e9.\u201d\n   \u201cbecoming\u201d substituted for \u201cbeing ad.\u201d\n   \u201creligion\u201d added above line.\n   \u201cGenl. Hand\u201d inserted above line.\n   \u201cLancaster\u201d substituted for \u201cthat place.\u201d\n   \u201carriving\u201d substituted for \u201cwhence I arrived.\u201d\n   \u201cin general\u201d deleted.\n   \u201cextremely\u201d inserted above line for \u201cvery.\u201d\n   \u201cthe banks of\u201d added above line.\nMonday 4th. This being the Anniversary of American Independence and being kindly requested to do it, I agreed to halt here this day and partake of the entertainment which was preparing for the celebration of it. In the fore noon I walked about the town. At half passed 2 oclock I received, and answered an address from the Corporation and the complimts. of the Clergy of different denominations. Dined between 3 & 4 Oclock. Drank Tea with Mrs. Hand about\n   \u201cThis morning before day the cannon was fired, the drums beat and fifes played\u201d (LANDIS [2]Charles I. Landis. \u201cJasper Yeates and His Times.\u201d Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 46 (1922): 199\u2013231., 222). The address from the inhabitants of Lancaster is in DLC:GW, and GW\u2019s answer is in PHi: William Smith Papers. A copy of the reply can also be found in DLC:GW. The dinner was held in the Lancaster County courthouse. The tea given by Catharine Ewing Hand (d. 1805) was apparently attended by a number of the town\u2019s ladies (LANDIS [2]Charles I. Landis. \u201cJasper Yeates and His Times.\u201d Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 46 (1922): 199\u2013231., 222).\n   With this entry GW\u2019s account of his southern tour ends. He returned to Philadelphia on 6 July 1791, his approach being announced as it had been so often during the past weeks \u201cby the firing of cannon, and the ringing of bells\u201d (Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Adv. [Philadelphia], 7 July 1791).\n   \u201cabout\u201d substituted for \u201cdown.\u201d\n   \u201creceived\u201d deleted.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0045", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 15 December 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pinckney, Charles\nLetter not found: to Charles Pinckney, c.15 Dec. 1791. In a letter to GW of 8 Mar. 1791, Charles Pinckney wrote that he had received \u201cyour obliging letter of introduction which had been previously left by Colonel Trumbull at my house.\u201d GW wrote a letter of introduction for Trumbull to Edward Rutledge on 15 Dec. 1791 and almost certainly wrote a similar letter to Pinckney (and perhaps others) on or about the same date.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0091", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Rice, 2 January 1791\nFrom: Rice, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBoston January 2nd 1791\nPerceiving by the public Papers, that Congress are about laying an Excise in the several States & being desirous of offering myself to your consideration as a Candidate for Office in that Department, I beg leave to submit to your Notice a few particulars in support of this measure. In the year 1774 I compleated my academic Studies in the Colledge at Cambridge, the then unsettled Affairs of this Country puting it out of my power to engage in any regular pursuit; untill the breaking out of the War in 1775; in July of which year I engaged in the service of my Country, & continued therein, excepting about one year, untill the conclusion of Hostilities; my Employments were in the line of the Army, in the Commissary Department, in the military Staff, in General Heath\u2019s Family as his secretary, & lastly in the Quarter Masters Department.\nUpon the expiration of the war I connected myself with the Commissioner for setling accounts between the State of Massachusetts & the Continent; in this Situation was my time employed, when Mr Lovell (who at that period was appointed Naval Officer in this District) offered me the place of Deputy Naval Officer, of which I accepted, upon his appointment as Collector of Impost & Excise, he continued me as his Deputy: in that line was my time engaged, when the appointment of General Lincoln as Collector for this District took place the General was pleased to appoint me his Deputy, I have continued with him from that period to the present.\nThus Sir have I laid open my several Employments, from the Age of twenty one untill this moment. I plead no merit from\nthem, my only Intention is to submit to you the long Course of my employments on the public Service, & to mention the impractacability of my pursuing any other mode of business with any probability of success: How far I may be entitled Sir to your protection & notice I beg leave to submit; for my Knowledge in business, Integrity & Industry, I also beg leave to refer to the several Gentlemen with whom I have been connected; more particularly to General Lincoln, with whom I have the Honor now to be. with the most perfect Respect I have the Honor to be Sir your most Obedt Servant\nJohn Rice", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0092", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Arthur St. Clair, 2 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: St. Clair, Arthur\n(Private)\nDear Sir,Philadelphia Jany 2d 1791.  \nIn the Journals of the Proceedings of the Executive in the North Western Territory, there appears to be certain regulations made by the Executive under the Articles of the 25th of April\u20146th 28th & 29th of June last, which can, with propriety, only be established by Laws.\nIn noticing these, my mind naturally recurred to your letter to me dated at Cahokee on the first of May last, wherein you observe, that the absence of the Judges had embarrassed you a great deal; and after waiting for them as long as possible, that you had been under the necessity of directing by proclamation certain regulations suited to the peculiar circumstances of the Country. These you had no doubt would be soon confirmed by law\u2014and the necessity of the case offered an excuse for having exceeded your proper Powers.\nThe imperfect State in which the Legislation of the North Western Territory is\u2014the want which the Executive has often\nfelt of the necessary coadjutors to adopt even the most urgent Laws\u2014and the peculiar situation of a frontier Country, are circumstances which may not strike every one who will observe that the Executive has gone beyond i\u27e8ts\u27e9 proper powers. It therefore becomes a matter of high importance that the utmost circumspection should be observed in the conduct of the Executive; for there are not wanting persons who would rejoice to find the slightest ground of clamour against public Characters\u2014and paying no regard to the absolute necessity of the case which caused a momentary stretch of power\u2014nor the public good which might be produced by it, they would seize the occasion of making impressions unfavorable to Government & possibly productive of disagreeable effects.\nI have therefore thought it best to give you this intimation in a private and friendly letter, that by circumspection Ma\u27e8lice\u27e9 itself may be disarmed. With complim\u27e8ents\u27e9 of the Season and great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0093", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Adlum, 3 January 1791\nFrom: Adlum, John\nTo: Washington, George\nPhiladelphia January 3rd 1791\nThe Memorial and Petition of John Adlum Most Respectfully Sheweth,\nThat your Memorialist stands informed that an appointment of Agent for Indian affairs for the Northern department, is about to be made\u2014And your Memorialist being well acquainted with the greatest part of the Country inhabited by the six nations, and personally known to many of the Chiefs of that people\u2014and acustomed to their manners, Concieves himself qualified to act in that office\u2014Your Memorialist craves leave to refer your Excellency to the Honourable Robert Morris, William Maclay, George Clymer, and James Wilson for his Character\u2014Conscious of a disposition to exert his best endeavours to fulfil\nsuch trust as may be committed to his care\u2014He begs leave to offer his Petition That he may be appointed Agent of Indian affairs for the Northern department\u2014And he as in duty bound will Pray.\nJohn Adlum", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0094", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Diego de Gardoqui, 3 January 1791\nFrom: Gardoqui, Diego Maria de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Most Worthy President\nMadrid 3rd January 1791.\nI have been honored with your much esteemed letter of the 10th August Ulto, which was delivered to me a few days ago by our good friend Colo. Humphreys. The emotions of joy with which my heart overflowed \u27e8illegible\u27e9 my interview with this Gentleman, can much better be conceived than expressed. Permit me Sir to assure you that of the various agreeable Information I receiv\u2019d from said Gentn, none gave me so much real pleasure as that of the perfect good health you enjoy the importance of which to that Country is no doubt of the utmost consequence. I therefore hope and most ardently wish, that the protecting hand of Providence may preserve you for a Series of years in the peaceful possession of so invaluable a blessing.\nShould Col. Humphrey\u2019s business here, afford an opportunity of my being Servicable to him be assured Sir, it will give me Singular Satisfaction at the same time that it will enable me to convince you in some degree of my sincere wishes to serve you.\nI beg leave to assure you Sir that your peculiar sentiments of congratulation on my new appointment are truly flattering, & I hesitate not a moment in believing the sincerity with which you are so good as to rejoice in my prosperity, for which be pleased to accept of my warmest thanks.\nI cannot omit mentioning, that however gratifyed I may have felt at the time of my being elected Director of the Department of Commerce &ca the disappointment I met with in the expectation I entertained of returning to that Country, naturally produced sensations of the most disagreeable nature in my mind, seeing I must be for ever deprived of the pleasure of enjoying the Company of my friends there but the change cannot be now avoided, and we must all conform Ourselves to the lot assigned us by Providence. If however, in my actual Situation I may in any respect have it in my power to promote the mutual interest of them States and this Nation it will afford me inexpressable satisfaction. I assure you Sir, It is an object I shall not lose sight of as I well know the great benefits that would result to both Countrys if once united by the solid bonds of friendship and Commerce.\nAs I am persuaded that whatever tends to my advancement will be agreeable to you, I take the liberty of acquainting you, that His Majesty has been pleased to approve of my Services in the most flattering terms, And as a more Signal proof of His Royal approbation He has created me Knight of the Order of Charles the III. the Cross of which I beg leave to offer at your disposal. All which cannot but be pleasing to my mind, being conscious of having on every occation used my utmost endeavours to advance the Interest of my Country.\nMy Son who is now on his travels thro France, Switzerland & Germany, joins me in presenting our best respects to your worthy Lady & family, and with assuring you of my sincere regard & wishing you many happy new Years, in the perfect enjoyment of health & all other blessings, I remain Sir Your most Obt & very Humble Servt\nJames Gardoqui\nSince writing the foregoing, the Bearer Mr Joseph Jaudenes has been appointed by His Majesty to return to that Country He takes his Nephew Mr Joseph Santayana, with him, as assistant to the Commission. And as he first, lived in my family during my residence there, I make no doubt you will recollect having known him. The private virtues and Amiable Character of these young Gentlemen have attached me to them in a particular manner. I therefore take the liberty of Introducing them to you, as worthy of your kind attention, & assuring you that any civilities you may be pleased to shew them will always be acknowledged & esteemed as if conferred on Sir Your most obedient & most Humble Servant\nJames Gardoqui", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0097", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 3 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nUnited States January 3d 1791.\nGentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives.\nI lay before you a copy of an exemplified Copy of an Act passed by the Legislature of the State of New Jersey, for vesting in the United States of America the jurisdiction of a Lot of Land at Sandy Hook in the County of Monmouth; and a Copy of the letter which accompanied said Act, from the Governor of the State of New Jersey to the President of the United States.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0098", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nTuesday [4 January 1791]\nThe P. begs to see Mr Jefferson before he proceeds further in the Proclamation. From a more attentive examination of some Papers, in his possession, he finds that it is in his power to ascertain the course & distance from the Court House in Alexandria to the upper & lower end of the Canal at the little Falls with as much accuracy as can be known from Common Surveying if not to mathematical truth.\nIf Mr Jefferson is not engaged with other matters the President will be at home at nine Oclock.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0099", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Beverley Randolph, 4 January 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Beverley\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nCouncil Chamber [Richmond, Va.] Jany 4th 1791.\nIn conformity to a Resolution of the General Assembly of this State herewith inclosed, I do myself the honour to transmit a Memorial from the Representatives of the Frontier Counties, & the Proceedings of the Executive respecting a temporary System of defence for the Western Frontier. I beg leave also to lay before you copies of two other Resolutions of the General Assembly together with the Petition of sundry Officers of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment on the subject of the Bounty Lands allotted to them on the Northwest side of the Ohio. I have the Honour to be with the highest respect Your Obedt Servant.\nBeverley Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0100", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Steele, 4 January 1791\nFrom: Steele, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia January 4th 1791\nI concieve it my duty to communicate to Your Excellency the inclosed, and following information.\nOne of these papers will shew the fate of a motion made in the General Assembly of No. Carolina the other a premeditated attempt to draw that state into a contest with the Union.\nAbout the same time a bill was introduced, to authorise the Marshals to make use of the Jails of that State should occasion require it, which was rejected by a very large majority\nI am also sorry to observe that nothing is more common than to hear demagogues on all public occasions, in different parts of that state, declaiming furiously against Congress, their proceedings, the administration, and even against the constitution itself. All this popular rage might be prevented, in my humble opinion by administering the oath to the state officers. If it is not checked shortly, and any measures shou\u2019d be adopted in the present sessions of Congress which might further irritate the minds of the people, I deplore the consequences.\nI therefore with great deference submit to Your Excellency the expedient of commanding the Governor (who has not firmness enough to do it himself) to take the oath before a proper officer, and that he should also cause it to be administered to others. A sincere desire that this Government which has cost the best people in America, so much pains and trouble to establish might not be injured by illtimed and illjudged opposition, has\ndictated this letter. If it is improper, or unnecessary I hope to be excused. I have the Honour, Sir With the highest respect to be, Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedient Servant\nJno. Steele", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0101", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury Department January 5th 1791\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to inform the President of the United States that in pursuance of his instructions, due public notice was given in the Gazettes of Virginia and of the principal sea ports of the United States, that proposals would be received at the Treasury Office untill the 31st Ultimo, for building by Contract a Light-house, and the necessary appurtenances at Cape Henry, a copy of which notification is among the papers in this enclosure\u2014That in consequence of this measure seven setts of propositions have been delivered or transmitted by Companies or Individuals which will also be found among the papers enclosed and are numbered from 1 to 7. that on due examination of the terms proposed, those marked No. 1\u2014No. 2\u2014No. 3. No. 5. & No. 6. do not appear, as the Secretary humbly conceives, at all consistent with the interest of the United States\u2014that the propositions marked No. 4 & No. 7. not only appear to be more advantageous, but to be on terms more favourable than those on which the two similar establishments of New York & Philadelphia were erected before the revolution. In examining these two it will be perceived that although the proposals of Mr Clarke are the lowest, yet his building contains much fewer cubic feet of wall, than that of Mr\nMacomb, & consequently will cost him considerably less; and that its base at the surface of the Earth is but three fourths of that required; which on a sandy foundation, and in a very exposed situation may hazard the whole structure. The buildings specified in the proposition of Mr Macomb would undoubtedly cost much less if reduced to the size of those of Mr Clarke. They are nearly such as those erected on Sandy-hook and Cape Henlopen, the latter of which has been in a great measure taken as a model. These establishments appear to have borne the test of repeated examination, and the trial of time. They are on ground similar to Cape Henry, and there can be no doubt, but that the extent of their bases contributes to their stability. Of the two propositions contained in No. 4. that for hewn stone at 15,200 dollars, on account of the superior weight & strength of that material, will probably be found most capable of going through those trials by wind & weather to which such buildings are peculiarly subjected. It remains for the President to determine whether the hazard of a more contracted diameter on a sandy foundation and in a situation of extreme exposure; is not sufficient to deter from a plan untried, as far as is known, in any but a covert situation, and to give a preference to a building like that designated in the notification; and finally to signify his pleasure, which, or whether either, of the several proposals now submitted, shall be accepted.\nAlexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0103", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Bankson, 6 January 1791\nFrom: Bankson, John\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it please your Excellency\nJanuary 6th 1791.\nBeing encouraged by a number of my Military and other friends among whom are (Doctor James McHenry, and General Otho H. Williams) am induced to offer myself to your Excellency as a Candidate for the Office of an Inspector of the Militia for the State of Maryland.\nIt may Sir, be thought from the duties incident to the appointment much knowledge and information, together with a thorough acquaintance with the nature and form of returns are truly indispensable and requisite to render that person competent, who should, be honor\u2019d with the appointment.\nAware of these qualifications have maturely consider\u2019d the same, and would remark, that upon the true and faithful discharge of the duties annexed to this appointment much depends.\nAs a great part of the services performed by me in the late revolution, were of a nature similar to those requisite for an Inspector, have taken the liberty to subjoin a short narrative of the same, and, beg leave further to add, that I am in possession of the printed forms &c. incident to the resspective Stations, which I have had the honor to fill.\nI would with all deference submit the same to your Excellency, praying, should the appointment, be vested in you\u2014I may be honor\u2019d with your confidence Your Excellency\u2019s most obedt Servt\nJno. Bankson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0104", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 6 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury Department. January 6th 1791\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to transmit to the President of the United States an account of the cost of a seal for the use of the District Court of Maine, on which he begs leave to remark, that there does not occur any reason to deem it immoderate. The Legislature having by their resolution of the 2nd of August last assigned a part of the fund provided for the contingent expences of government by their Act of the 26th day of March last to the discharge of this species of claim upon the United States and having committed that sum entirely to the President, he will be pleased to signify whether this account shall be paid at the Treasury, & charged there to that account.\nAlexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0106", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Anderson, 7 January 1791\nFrom: Anderson, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhilada 7th Jany 1791\nAlthough extremely unwilling to take up one moment of your Excellencys time the whole of which must be necessarily employed in the more momentous affairs of State; Yet I am taught to believe, that the Respectful address of a Soldier will never be Ungrateful to the ears of his General.\nWhen I last had the Honor of addressing your Excellency; I endeavored to aduce a chain of circumstances, respecting my Public account, which I had a hope, might lead to a belief that my Public accounts, had in Effect been setled.\nIf aught in that address, either as to the Language or Tense of it, was incompatible, with the Respect, I owe your Excellency; I most Humbly crave your Excellency\u2019s forgiveness, and beg leave to assure you Sir, that no error of the Heart, will ever permit me to swerve, from the deference and respect your dignity and Character demand.\nI must beg your Excellencys indulgence, for again troubling you, on the Subject of business, in which I am alone interested. Immediately after I presented my last letter to your Excellency, at New York, in the month of June; I left the City with intention to Recover my Pay Books and make a final settlement of my accounts with the General Pay Office. But after a long search and finding my books, I found a settlement\u2014with the present Commissioner impracticable; as one of the Pay Books, (by some fatality) had receipts torn out of it, to the amount of near fifty thousand Dollars. Under this Misfortune I have been necessitated to Memorialize Congress\u2014Of which I beg leave to acquaint your Excellency.\nI formerly gave your Excellency an account of the manner in which I conceived my Public account had been settled.\nI now beg leave to suggest a Reason, why it might have remained unclosed. By what Remain of my Receipt books, it appears, that I have receiv\u2019d from the General Pay Office and paid to the Regiment, upwards of twenty thousand dollars, more than I am charged with. To this Circumstance, I apprehend it may be owing that my accounts in the General Pay Office, Remain open\u2014Mr Pearce probably not being able to satissfy himself respecting it, or to account to the Public, for so great a difference, between the sums charg\u2019d to me as Pay Master, and the sums for which, I then had reciepts\u2014which I apprehend Mr Pearce must have noticed, when going over my Pay books, with the Pay Master whom I supposed had finally setled my accounts\u2014To account to your Excellency how the mistake of twenty thousand Dollars, might have happened; I am necessitated to mention, that in the Campaign of Eighty (at the instance of the field officers) (tho their Pay Master) I took Command of a Company of Light infantry, under the Marquis de la Fayette; the nature of this Campaign, Precluded the Regular System of filing abstracts of Pay; I was therefore Obliged to draw the money for the Regiment on Account, and sometimes through the Channel of other officers. The sum in which the mistake has happened, was drawn by Colonel Barber, on a warrant from your Excellency, bearing date the twenty eighth day of August, seventeen hundred and eighty, but it is not charged to me as Pay Master nor has it ever been accounted for by Colonel Barbers Agent on Settlement of his account with the United States\u2014Of those circumstances, I have obtained a Certificate which I would now inclose to your Excellency, but have been obliged to lay it, with other documents, before the Secretary at War, to whom, Congress have refered my Memorial\u2014Conscious of never having designedly neglected my duty in any Public Character, and being much hurt, at the Circumstances of appearing a Delinquent, respecting my Public account, I beg your Excellencys indulgence, for attempting to account in the most probable manner for the Cause; and hope your Excellency will acquit me, of any Voluntary Omission; my Reputation aided by Humble Abilities, being now, my sole dependence\u2014I would therefore beg leave to acquaint your Excellency that should I succeed, with Congress,\nin obtaining a settlement of my Public account, I mean with Humble hope once more to offer myself, to your Excellencys Patronage, for such Public appointment (if any should then be Vacant) as your Excellency may think proper to Confer\u2014I would beg leave to Observe it has been suggested to me, that the Office of a Judge (in the Government South of the Ohio,) for which I formerly Solicited your Excellency, is at present Vacant, by the Resignation of Mr Perry; If it shou\u2019d remain so, until the settlement of my Public account is Effected\u2014I hope your Excellency, will not think me presumptious, if I Again Solicit you, for that Appointment.\nMy fortune at present, is Humble, my real friends are Consequently few, and I have never yet mov\u2019d, in the Sunshine of favour. with every Sentiment, of the most pure Respect, I am your Excellency\u2019s most Obedt Servt\nJoseph Anderson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0107", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to John Field, 7 January 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Field, John\nSir,\nPhiladelphia 7th January 1791\nThe President of the United States having observed in the papers of this morning that a number of respectable citizens have engaged in a benevolent plan for the relief of such persons as the inclemency of the season and other circumstances had reduced to great distress, he has directed me to transmit ten pounds to you as the Treasurer, to be applied in such a manner as may best answer the benevolent purpose for which it is intended. I have the honor to be, very respectfully Sir, your Most Obt Servt\nTobias LearS. P. U. S.\nP.S. It has often happened that donations of this kind from the President have been published in the News-Papers\u2014You will therefore excuse my observing that this circumstance is not agreeable to the President.\nT. Lear", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0108", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Francis Gaullier, 7 January 1791\nFrom: Gaullier, John Francis\nTo: Washington, George\nYour Exelency\nWestmorland County [Va.] January 7th 1791\nAs God Listen to the prieres of men, do not disdain to peruse an humble petition Which could not have been dicted but by the utmost despair; the boldness of it Shews, that after him my only hope is in your Exelency.\nO! cast an Eye of mercy on a distressed family Who are on the brinks of ruin and destruction!! I am a Frenchman who has had the honnor to Serve his Prince thirteen years with Some distinction; & my duty has brought me here under the command of the General Rochambeau: my name is too obscure for have ever reached your Ears tho\u2019 I had the honnor to Spoke to your Exelency at phillipsburgs camp, and at the Siege of york. having returned in this country after peace from the West indies I have taugh the french Language, fencing, & dancing for livehood; my conduct in these Stations has deserved me the best testimonial from New-york, where I have resided three years; and Since four that I live in Virginia I was allways Employed by the most respectable families: Mr Richard H. Lee could (if he was at Philadelphia) tells you Something of me. the utmost Endeavour to Strive are not always successful; a Spell of Sikness of Eighteen months, has not only runs me in debts, but yet hinders me to pay Some I had before. I have no propriety, I hold no lands, I am a tenant. However I have pay\u2019d last Sumer out of the produce of my Schools hundred and ninty pounds! it is an imense Sum considering my business, and truely for pay\u2019d it, I was obliged to take upon the wery necessary of my family; (for I have a Wife, and a child.) in So much Mr Wllm A. Washington out of Goodness has advanced me Corn for our Subsistance!!! I fear\nto trespas on your Exelencys patience Enfin I owe Still thirty pounds to a merchant who has a Suit against me, twenty to another, and ten to one, to whom I have pay\u2019d lately nine. it is all my debts, which I suppose with the cost will amount to \u00a370.\nI am Sued again by the man of ten pounds, to the district court in april, and unable to Give Security for my apparence I must Go to Goal till then perhaps longer, deprive my family of my Support, hinders me to Employ the only means I have to pay! but humanity is your, and the favourite Vertue of Heros: See my Wife in tears my Childs cries, when the merciles creditor tore away their Sole hope! in this dilema I Crie to you, O! Justice and mercy my General! I ask not forgiveness for a crime, never the idea of one has enter in my Soul; unconduct even has no past in my misary. I have no rigth, but I am Worthy of your commisseration.\nI am poor. I am a Stranger, I have no friends, helas! the unfortunat have none, o! Save me, Screen me from the ignominie of a Gaol, do more be my Security!!! (despair itself Sujested me Such a thought) Send an order that one year, or Eighteen months, Shall be Granted to me without interuption for paying, then I Will and could pay.\nThe prieres of a distressed family, will rise to Heaven for the priservation of your days, and my unlitimed Gratitude Shall be forever, With the utmost respect of Your Exelency The most humble and obediant Servant\nJohn Francis GaullierWestmorland County\nP.S. if I could caried complaints at your feet (Writtings would be too tedious,) I[\u2019]ll prove to your Exelency I could rise that money, coming from my wife certificats, that a man keeps injustly in his hands, but too poor to procede against him, I am forced to take patience. my hopes are your Exelency will not Suffers an unhappy under his Governement, and a distressed frenchman.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0109", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Kilby Smith, 7 January 1791\nFrom: Smith, John Kilby\nTo: Washington, George\nNew Glocester [District of Maine] Jany 7th 1791\nMay it please Your Excellency\nHaveing had the honor of serveing under you through the whole of the late War, I have presumed to take liberty to address your Excellency on the following subject.\nBy the late arrangement of the Militia by Congress, it appears that Inspectors of the same are to be appointed in the several Districts throughout the States.\nPermit me Sir\u2014to offer my service to fill said Office in the District of Main, state of Massachusetts: should it be consistant with your pleasure and the Public Good. With great respect & esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servent\nJohn Kilby Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0110", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Dallam, 8 January 1791\nFrom: Dallam, Richard\nTo: Washington, George\nSire,\nMaryLand Harford County Jany 8 1791\nI Beg leave Humbly to Adress myself to Your Excellency And pray to be enrolled with Your dependants and Sollicitors for Office that when an Opportunity offers I may be a pertaker of such Bounty as you may please to bestow.\nI am an admirer of Your Virtues, and am happy On the reflection, that Kind Providence, has placed so good a man at the head of the Government of my Country and given the Power to the disposition to do good.\nAs I suppose myself Unknown to Your Excellency both in Person And Charactor I submit to your consideration a few facts as recommendatory to my Petition.\nIn the Beginning of the Opposition of America to Great Britain, I tooke an active & desided part.\nI was a member of the first Convention of this State, and One of the first Committee Men of the County, I inrolld myself a private in its first Company of militia, from which I was raised to a Sergt\u27e8,\u27e9 then Ensign, then Lieutenant, then Chosen Quarter Master to the Batalion, then Major, and then Colo., after I was Appointed by the State Lieutenant of the County in which Office I continued five years to the end of the War. I Had the Honor also of serving Congress, 11 months As D. pay M. Genl to the flying Camp. I was in the retreat thro\u27e8ugh\u27e9 the Jerseys And with\nthe Army, when you gave a check to the Enemy, and a happy turn to our Affairs, by the Capture of the Hessians at Trenton.\nI also acted for the State As Commissary & Commissioner for the County.\nI settled All my Accounts with the different Departments I had the Approbation of my superiors and their Thanks and my pay was never equal to my Expences In the Begining my circumstance were Independant and eascy equal to my wish and ambition.\nMy Patriotism led me to Vest a considerable part of my Property in the Loan Office; A Greater part of the remainder I staked as security for the Purchases I made for the State, which were so considerable, that on the settlemt of my Accounts, more than 12,000\u00a3 Specie was due me, of which 10,000\u00a3 was paid me in State Certificate in Lieu of Specie by which Acts its known to Your Excellny that I sunk Much the Greater part And the Cheaf of my Property.\nAt the End of the War I wished to live retired as A farmer, but my crops failed, my Family sickend And her Who was the Companion of my Youth And Friend of my Bosom died. And I am left growing old and infirm and reducd in my circumstances, And I now for the first time sollicet & am desirious to have an appointment to some Office under the Government of my Country that will afford me support, I am desended from an Ancient Family in America of Good repute and Charector I have an Acquaintance Amoung a Number of the Worthys of America. Governor Johnson was my Friend. Govr Paca a near Kinsman & Bro. in Law, Goverr Caswell of Caro. was also a near relation a perticular Friend & correspondant till his death. I am in Charector a Plain Sober, Temperate, Modest, Industrious, Moral, And I wish to be A religious Man.\nOf All Professions that of A Soldier is the most contrary to my Natural disposition but yet in time of danger I have not felt fear. After what I have said I know nothing further to add to this commendation of myself. But that should You in Your Goodness take notice of me by makg a provision for me by Appointmt to some Office, I will be faithfull and diligent in the performance of my duty And Gratitude Inclination and disposition will prompt, that none in these Virtues shall exceed me.\nThe Benevolence of Your Heart will plead for my Intrusion\nand the change of my Affairs brought about, by no Extravegence or Intemperence of my Own or Family is the only Apology I can make I shall therefore rest myself on your Excellency\u27e8s\u27e9 compassion and whether my Application meets my desire or not, I shall ever remain one of the many, Who Venerate Your Charecter And give thanks to the Almighty for having placed You at the Head of Our Governmt And I will continue my prayers for Your Life to a great old Age and After Death that you may be received to A Heavenly Kingdom, And subscribe myself with All defference Your Excellencys Most Obedt and Hum. Servt\nRichd Dallam", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0111", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Gibson, 8 January 1791\nFrom: Gibson, George\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it please Your Excellency\n8th January 1791.\nIn the month of January 1779, Your Excellency in conference with a committee of Congress was pleased to order me to reinlist for the War the men of the first State Regiment of Virginia under my command on the same terms that the Continental troops were enlisted with an assurance if the State of Virginia wou\u2019d not take them, Congress wou\u2019d\u2014I have searched the Office & find the committee have reported generally. I am constrained to apply to Your Excellency humbly praying Your Excellency will please to direct that a certificate may be given me that such order hath existed. I have the Honor to be with the most profound respect Your Excellency\u2019s most Obedient Humble Servant\nGeo. Gibson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0112", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Daniel Grant, 8 January 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Grant, Daniel\nSir,\nPhiladelphia January 8th 1791.\nMrs Washington requests me to present, and begs your acceptance of her best thanks for the very excellent mutton and pair of canvas-back Ducks which you have been so polite as to send to her.\nI have delayed acknowledging the receipt of your letter or informing you of the safe arrival of the mutton until we should have an opportunity of judging of its goodness otherwise than by the eye. This opportunity occurred yesterday when it made a very conspicuous dish at the table, where there was a large company of Gentlemen from different parts of the Continent, and the mutton was pronounced to be the best they have ever seen. I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nT. Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0113", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 8 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury Department January 8th 1791\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to transmit to the President of the United States a Contract made by the Collector of Portsmouth in New Hampshire with Titus Salter for furnishing the Light house on New Castle Island with oil, wick, fuel & candles, and for the care & lighting of the same from the 15th day of August 1789 to the 1st day of July next, including some small repairs for the Sum of five hundred and fifty five dollars and ninety nine cents.\nThe Situation of this establishment, in regard to the title to it, appears to have produced some irregularities; and a similar observation occurs in regard to the mode of signature on the part of the United States. These, however, the Secretary humbly conceives, will not on examination appear essential. He begs leave to remark that altho\u2019 the charge of \u00a354 lawful money per annum for keeping the Light house is not among the most reasonable of those compensations, yet the general expences of the establishment which are to be provided for by the same party, appear to be moderate: No provisional clause relative to approbation is inserted in the instrument now transmitted, but the Collector states in his letter that a separate agreement has been made, duly providing for the Submission of the contract to the pleasure of the President. Signed,\nAlexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0114", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 8 January 1791\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Jany 8 1791.\nHaving been accidentally detained here longer than I expected, and a little leisure now presenting, I have thought it would not be misapplied in suggesting the means of introducing the art of husbandry, and civilization, among our Indian neighbours.\nIn the treaty with the Creek Indians, I observe provision is made for furnishing them with domestic animals and instruments of husbandry, with a view to change those people from hunters to husbandmen.\nIf it is the wish of the United States (and the clause just mentioned, in the treaty with the Creeks, warrants the supposition) thus to instruct the Indians in the most important of all arts, the art of husbandry, and to reclaim them from a savage to a civil state; I am disposed to believe that the wish is founded on practicable ideas. But no means hitherto used appear to me to have been properly calculated to produce that effect. It is certain they have not succeeded. And hence many, perhaps most people, think the idea of civilizing the Indians perfectly Eutopian. They instance the numerous attempts with a few of the most promising Indian youths, who, after several years instruction at our schools and colleges, returning to their own country, again become mere savages. But this conclusion is not fairly drawn. We take a few young Indians, & educate them in the stile of the children of men of fortune. We spare no pains or expence to give them what is called Learning: but never teach them a single art by which they may get a subsistence. When grown up to manhood, \u27e8we\u27e9 send them back to their tribe. But what shall they do? They must eat; and their bodies must be covered. How shall they obtain food and cloathing? Their parents & friends have scarcely enough to supply their own necessities. There are no literary professions among them; and their nation has no lucrative offices to bestow. The youths must then provide for themselves. How shall they do it? With all their learning they acquired no mechanic art; and though surrounded by farmers, they were not taught the art of husbandry. What, then, is their resource? From absolute necessity they become hunters: for hunting furnishes both food and cloathing. But being hunters,\nthey soon become savages; and all their civil learning is lost upon them.\nThis, I knew, was the general result of educating Indians: but a remedy did not occur till I became personally acquainted with them in the late conference at Tioga. Indeed, till then I had never had the subject in contemplation. The remedy seemed obvious. Prevent the necessity of their becoming hunters, and they may be gradually civilized. Instead of educating them like the sons of men of independent fortunes, teach them only reading, writing and arithmetic: and while they are acquiring these arts, let them practically learn the art of husbandry. In a word, bring them up precisely in the manner in which our substantial farmer\u27e8s\u27e9 educate their own sons, till they reach the age of twenty one. When thus instructed\u2014when thus habituated to the most useful labour, place them in the conditi\u27e8on\u27e9 of those farmers\u2019 sons: Give to each a cow, a yoke of oxen, a plough, a cart, and the other proper instruments of husbandry: Give them the other necessary domestic animals. They will need no other gifts; they have land in abundance, inviting the hand of Cultivation.\nTo introduce this degree of civilization, the method promising the best success appears to me to be this. Appoint some benevolent man, whose prudence equals his benevolence, to treat on the subject with that tribe of Indians which shall appear best disposed towards the measure. Let it be offered as an experiment, for the benefit of volunteers; with an assurance that \u2019tis meant for their good; and that it shall be dropped, if, after a fair experiment, it should not be found useful and agreeable to them. The proposition would be\u2014To open in one of their towns, a school of plain learning and husbandry. The director, or superintendant, should have a discreet schoolmaster to teach reading, writing & arithmetic\u2014and two or three young men who are complete farmers, to teach the art of husbandry, to such Indian boys and youths as should be found willing to learn, and whose parents should approve of the plan.\nIf the Indians should ever learn and practise the arts of civil life (and I cannot admit the idea that their minds are cast in a mould so different from that of the rest of their species as to be incapable of cultivation) I am inclined to think a beginning must be made nearly in the manner here suggested.\nThe annual expence, for the first two or three years, need not\nexceed two thousand dollars. The expence afterwards would be proportioned to the number of cattle &c. which should be furnished. The continuance of expence might be limited to a moderate term of years. Perhaps nearly the whole charge might eventually be defrayed by the Indians, by voluntary grants of land, in such manner as the President of the United States should approve.\nThe experiment being once made & found successful, might be repeated among all the Indian tribes: and as soon as husbandry shall, with general approbation, be established in a nation, they will find their extensive hunting grounds unnecessary; and will then readily listen to a proposition to sell a part of them, for the purpose of procuring, for every family, domestic animals & instruments of husbandry.\nThe idea here suggested is interesting to humanity: it is peculiarly interesting to the United States. Even in a pecuniary view it is important. A single campaign would cost more than the entire establishment of these schools of humanity among all the Indian nations within their limits.\nThe British, I am informed, expend many thousands annually, in presents to the Indians of the Six Nations. But the charity (if such it can be called) is as ill placed as it is ill conducted. In its consequences it is highly injurious to the Indians themselves: for in proportion to the largeness of the presents usually received, their industry will naturally be abated. The object of the plan here sketched, is to furnish the Indians with the means, & to produce a disposition, to support themselves in a condition of all the most eligible for the mass of a nation\u2014the condition of husbandmen. To me the plan appears not difficult to execute. And if it would be the surest and the cheapest method of preserving the friendship of the Indians (as I conceive it would) it may merit public attention. Its expediency struck me so forcibly, I could not forbear submitting it to your inspection. I have the honour to be, with very great respect, Sir, yr most obedt servt\nT.P.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0115", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Rufus Putnam, 8 January 1791\nFrom: Putnam, Rufus\nTo: Washington, George\nSir:\nMarietta [Northwest Territory] Januy 8th 1791.\nThe mischief which I feared, has overtaken us much sooner than I expected. On the Evening of the 2d instant, between sunset and daylight-in; the indians supprised a new settlement of our people at a place on the Muskingum, called the Big-bottom, near forty miles up the river, in which disaster eleven men, one woman, and two children, were killed: Three men are missing\u2014and four others made their Escape. Thus, sir, the war, which was partial before the campaign of last year, is, in all probability, become general: For, I think there is no reason to suppose that we are the only people on whom the savages will wreak their vengeance, or that the number of hostile indians have not encreased since the late expedition. Our situation is truly critical: The governor and secretary both being absent; no assistance from Virginia or Pennsylvania can be had. The garrison at Fort Harmar, consisting at this time of little more than twenty men, can afford no protection to our settlements And the whole number of men, in all our settlements, capable of bearing arms, including all civil and military officers, do not exceed two hundred and eighty seven, and these, many of them, badly armed. We are in the utmost danger of being swallowed up should the Enemy push the war with vigor during the winter; this I belive will fully appear, by taking a short view of our several settlements, and I hope justify the extraordinary measures we have adopted, for want of a legal authority in the territory to apply to for aid in the business. The situation of our people is nearly as follows:\nAt Marietta are about eighty houses, in the distance of one mile, with scattering houses about three miles up the Ohio. A set of mills at Duck creek, four miles distant, and another mill, two miles  up the Muskingum. Twenty two miles up this river is a settlement, consisting of about twenty families\u27e8;\u27e9 about two miles from them, on Wolf Creek, are five families and a set of mills. Down the Ohio, and opposite the Little Kenahawa, commences the settlement called Belle prairie, which extends down the river, with little interruption, about twelve miles, and contains between thirty and forty houses. Before the late disaster, we had several other settlements, which are alredy broken up. I\nhave taken the liberty to enclose the proceedings of the Ohio company and Justices of the sessions on this occasion, and beg leave, with the greatest deference, to observe, that, unless government speedily send a body of troops for our protection, we are a ruined people. The removal of the women and children, &c., will reduce many of the poorer sort to the greatest straits; but, if we add to this the destruction of their corn, forage, and cattle, by the enemy, which is very probable to ensue, I know of no way, they can be supported; but, if this should not happen, where these people are to raise bread another year, is not easy to conjecture, and most of them have nothing left to buy with. But my fears do not stop here; we are a people so far detached from all others, in point of situation that we can hope for no timely relief, in case of emergency, from any of our neighbours: and, among the number that compose our present military strength, almost one half are young men, hired into the country, intending to settle by and by; these, under present circumstances, will probably leave us soon, unless prospects should brighten; and, as to new settlers, we can expect none in our present situation; so that, instead of encreasing in strength, we are like to diminish daily; & if we do not fall a prey to the savages, we shall be so reduced and discouraged as to give up the settlement, unless Government shall give us timely protection. It has been a mystery with some, why the troops have been with drawn from this quarter, and collected at the Miami; that settlement, is, I believe, within three or four day\u2019s march of a very populous part of Kentuckey, from whence, in a few days, they might be reinforced with several thousand men: Whereas, we are not within two hundred miles of any settlement, that can probably more than protect themselves.\nBut, I forbear suggestions of this sort, and will only observe further, that our present situation is truly distressing; and I do, therefore, most earnestly implore the protection of Government, for myself and friends inhabiting these wilds of America. To this we conceive our-selves justly entitled; and, so far as you, Sir, have the means in your power, we rest assured that we shall receive it in due time. I have the honor to be, with the highest possible respect, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant,\nRufus Putnam.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0116", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Washington, 8 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, William\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia January 8th 1791.\nI have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 7th of November, and I beg you will be assured that I have a proper sense of your polite invitation to reside with you while in Charleston, if I should pay a visit to the southern States in the ensuing year.\nIt is my intention to visit the southern States next spring; provided the new Congress should not meet immediately on the rising of the present which will be on the 3rd of March\u2014If it should not be in my power to leave this place by the middle of that month I must give up my tour for this season as setting out at a later period would bring me into the southern States in the warm and sickly months, a circumstance which I would wish by all means to avoid\u2014But Sir, you will permit me to decline the acceptance of your polite invitation; for I cannot comply with it without involving myself in an inconsistency as I have determined to pursue the same plan in my southern that I did in my eastern visit; which was not to incommode any private family by taking up my quarters with them during my journey\u2014I am persuaded you will readily see the necessity of this resolution both as it respects myself and others\u2014It leaves me unembarrassed by engagements, and by a uniform adherence to it I shall avoid giving umbrage to any by declining all such invitations of residence.\nThe journey in the manner I shall make it would be too much for Mrs Washington, She will not therefore accompany me, but joins in compliments to Mrs Washington and yourself. With very great esteem and regard, I am dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0117", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Hyacinth de Chappedelaine, 9 January 1791\nFrom: Chappedelaine, Julien-Joseph Hyacinth de\nTo: Washington, George\nYour Excellency\nSavannah [Ga.] 9th Jany 1791\nThe marks of friendship and kindness which you have had the goodness to bestow upon me during my tour through the United States have made too deep an impression upon me not to be remembered with the most lively sensibility. The interest which you have always taken in the welfare of the French gives a title to them and to me to make you acquainted with my arrival at Savannah with the heads of three noble families of Bretagne, who have come over with me to establish themselves on the Isle of Sapels with me and M. Dumousset, in order that they may enjoy, in pleasing tranquility, the unspeakable advantages of a wise Government, of which you are the head & spring. They have begged me to become their intercessor with you, to engage you to look with a favourable eye upon the new Colony which we are about to found. If you deign to view it in this light, it will be considered by us as a happy presage\u2014and we may then promise ourselves the greatest Success\u2014we wait with impatience for your Excellency\u2019s acquiescence in this request, fully persuaded that our gratitude will equal the profound respect\nwith which I have the honor to be Your Excellency\u2019s most humble & Obedt Sert\n\u27e8Le Mr\u27e9 de Chappedelaine", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0119", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Walter Healey, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Healey, Walter\nTo: Washington, George\nCalcutta, Jany 10th 1791. Proposes to convey his title to the village of Allenagur near Calcutta to the United States for the establishment of an American factory. Solicits the post of U.S. consul to India.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0120", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Lewis, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Lewis, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nHonored Uncle\nPhiladelphia 10th January 1791\nIn requesting your attention to a subject of the greatest importance to Myself, and in begging your permission to communicate it with freedom and confidence, I trust I shall not trespass on the respect which your goodness toward me has deeply impressed on My Mind.\nMy opinions of happiness, and the inclinations of My heart have determined Me to change my situation in life\u2014with a view to this great object I declared my regards, when last in Virginia, to a young lady whose beauty & Merit had engaged my affections and esteem, and whose worth will I fondly hope entitle her to your approbation, which will Ensure to me every happiness I desire. It was impossible for Me to take this determination without thinking of the consequence which might attend My connexion with you, Sir\u2014under that idea I beg leave to assure you, that it is My first wish to remain with you, to profit from a situation\nso Eligible as the patronage of an Uncle whom I love with the purest affection\u2014and if the change which I mention, may be reconciled to that wish, I shall be perfectly happy\u2014but if that is impossible, I shall hope to carry me into the retirement of a Country life, the continuance of your regards, which I value far above all price.\nTo avoid the Embarassment which I apprehended to myself from personal communications of this matter in the first instance, I have used the liberty of addressing you by letter\u2014Should you desire to learn any particulars, I shall be happy to Explain them in a conversation. I intreat you to believe that I shall ever remain your dutiful Nephew, and Obliged Humble Servant\nRobt Lewis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0121", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\n    Sir\n    Philadelphia January 10. 1791.\n   I do myself the honor of informing you, that the plan for opening a contract with the woollen manufacturer, appears, as far as I am able to judge, to be proper in itself, and likely to be approved by the legislature of Virginia.\n   But I must confess, that I have paid more attention to the propriety of the President, undertaking a correspondence with the British Artist. I am told and believe, that it is a felony to export the machines, which he probably contemplates to bring with him. Permit me therefore to submit to your consideration, whether the continuance of your agency in this affair may not be somewhat objectionable? The project has been announced to Virginia; and the executive of that state can easily transact this business for themselves. I have the honor, sir, to be, with the highest respect, your mo. ob. serv.\n    Edm: Randolph.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0122", "content": "Title: To George Washington from the Seneca Chiefs, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Seneca Chiefs\nTo: Washington, George\nFather,\nPhiladelphia, 10th January, 1791.\nYour speech written on the great paper, is to us, like the first light of the morning to a sick man, whose pulse beats too strongly in his temples, and prevents him from sleep: He sees it and rejoices, but he is not cured.\nYou say, that you have spoken plainly on the great point: That you will protect us in the lands secured to us at Fort Stanwix, and that we have the right to sell, or to refuse to sell it. This is very good. But our nation complains, that you compelled us, at that treaty, to give up too much of our lands: We confess that our nation is bound by what was there done, and, acknowledging your power, we have now appealed to yourselves, against that treaty, as made while you were too angry at us, and therefore, unreasonable and unjust: To this you have given us no answer.\nFather,\nThat treaty was not made with a single State; it was with the thirteen States: We never would have given all that land to one State. We know it was before you had the great authority and as you have more wisdom than the Commissioners who forced us into that treaty, we expect, that you have also more regard to justice, and will now, at our request, reconsider that treaty, and restore to us a part of that land.\nFather,\nThe land which lies between the line running South from Lake Erie to the boundary of Pennsylvania, as mentioned at the treaty at Fort Stanwix, and the Eastern boundary of the land which you sold and the Senekas, confirmed to Pennsylvania, is the land on which Half Town, and all his people live, with other chiefs who always have been, and still are disatisfied with the treaty at Fort Stanwix: They grew out of this land, and their fathers fathers grew out of it, and they cannot be persuaded to part with it: We therefore intreat you to restore to us this little piece.\nFather,\nLook at the land which we gave to you, at that treaty, and then turn your eyes upon what we now ask you to restore to us, and you will see that what we ask you to return, is a very little piece. By giving it back again, you will satisfy the whole of our nation:\nthe chiefs who signed that treaty, will be in safety; and peace between your children and our children, will continue so long as your land shall join to ours. Every man of our nation will then turn his eyes away from all the other lands which we then gave up to you, and forget that our fathers ever said that they belonged to them.\nFather,\nWe see, that you ought to have the path at the carrying place from Lake Erie to Niagara, as it was marked down at Fort Stanwix, and are all willing it should remain to be yours. And if you desire to reserve a passage through the Conewango, and through the Chetaughque lake, and land for a path from that lake to lake Erie, take it where you best like. Our nation will rejoice to see it an open path for you, and your children, while the land and water remain: But let us also, pass along the same way, and continue to take the fish of those waters, in common with you.\nFather,\nYou say that you will appoint an agent to take care of us. Let him come, and take care of our trade, but we desire he may not have any thing to do with our lands; for the agents which have come among us, and pretended to take care of us, have always deceived us whenever we sold lands; both when the king of England, and when the States have bargained with us. They have, by this means, occasioned many wars, and we are, therefore, unwilling to trust them again.\nFather,\nWhen we return home, we will call a great council, and consider well how lands may be hereafter sold by our nation, and when we have agreed upon it, we will send you notice of it. But we desire, that you will not depend on your agent for information concerning land: For after the abuses which we have suffered by such men, we will not trust them with any thing which relates to land.\nFather,\nWe will not hear lies concerning you, and we desire that you will not hear lies concerning us; and then we shall certainly live at peace with you.\nFather,\nThere are men who go from town to town, and beget children, and leave them to perish, or, except better men take care of\nthem, to grow up without instruction. Our Nation has looked round for a father, but they found none that would own them for children, until you now tell us, that your courts are open to us, as to your own people!\nthe joy which we feel at this great news, so mixes with the Sorrows that are passed, that we cannot express our gladness, nor conceal the remembrance of our afflictions: We will speak of them at another time.\nFather,\nWe are ashamed that we have listened to the lies of Livingston, or been influenced by threats of war by Phelps, and would hide that whole transaction from the world, and from ourselves, by quietly receiving what Phelps promised to give us for the lands they cheated us of: But as Phelps will not pay us, even according to that fraudulent bargain, we will lay the whole proceedings before your court. When the Evidence which we can produce, is heard, we think it will appear, that the whole bargain was founded on lies, which he placed one upon another; that the goods which he charges to us, as part payment, were plundered from us: that if Phelps was not directly concerned in the theft, he knew of it at the time, and concealed it from us; and that the persons we confided in, were bribed by him to deceive us in the bargain: And if those facts appear, that your court will not say that such bargains are just, but will set the whole aside.\nFather,\nWe apprehend that our evidence might be called for, as Phelps was here, and knew what we have said concerning him, and as Ebenezer Allen knew something of the matter, we desired him to continue here. Nicholson, the interpreter, is very sick, and we request that Allen may remain a few days longer, as he speaks our language.\nFather,\nThe blood which was spilled near Pine Creek, is covered, and we shall never look where it lies. We know that Pennsylvania will satisfy us for that which we spoke of to them, before we spoke to you. The chain of friendship will now, we hope, be made strong as you desire it to be: We will hold it fast, and our end of it shall never rust in our hands.\nFather,\nWe told you what advice we gave the people you are now at\nwar with; and we now tell you, that they have promised to come again to our towns next spring: We shall not wait for their coming, but set out very early, and shew to them what you have done for us, which must convince them that you will do for them, every thing which they ought to ask. We think they will hear, and follow our advice.\nFather,\nYou gave us leave to speak our minds concerning tilling the ground. We ask you to teach us to plow and grind corn: to assist us in building saw-mills, and supply us with broad axes, saws, augers, and other tools, so as that we may make our houses more comfortable and more durable; that you will send smiths among us, and above all, that you will teach our children to read and write, and our women to spin and to weave. The manner of your doing these things for us, we leave to you, who understand them; but we assure you, that we will follow your advice, as far as we are able.\n            Present at signing,\n            Joseph Nicholson, interpreter.\n            Corn X Planter.\n            John X Dechart,\n            Great X Tree.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0123", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John I. Sonnet, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Sonnet, John I.\nTo: Washington, George\nFifth Street, Jany 10th 1791\nMay it please Your Excellency\nAlthough the recital of the distresses of another, is painful to a heart so susceptible of sensibility as is that of Your Excellency; Yet both by your public and private Character, I am emboldened to lay my misfortunes at your Excellency\u2019s feet; and although\nYour Excellency\u2019s time is necessarily dedicated to the best and most important Uses in the State, Yet \u2019tis capable of stooping, to alleviate Distress and if anything is capable of atoning for the present Liberty I take \u2019tis the keen \u2019tho\u2019 secret pangs of necessity.\nYour Excellency\u2019s Petitioner, was some time ago Teacher of the french Language in Dickinson College (in Carlisle) under the care of the Revd Dr Charles Nisbet, from whom and some of the first Characters in that borough, Your Excellency\u2019s petitioner possesses the strongest Recommendations. That your Excellency\u2019s petitioner having with deep felt Grief, beheld the dreadful Ignorance existing among the Settlers of the Frontiers, and being desirous of adding his Mite for the benefit of his fellow Creatures, removed there; built at his own expense a suitable Dwelling &ca for the reception of Youth and Children to be taught such necessary branches of learning as they stood in need of; and requiring only a small proportion of labour as recompense: but Alas\u2019 as contented Poverty and Vice, are mostly companions, I found the poor Wretches ready to receive; but unwilling when the time came to make the least Acknowledgment.\nYour Excellencys petitioner and family, after staying the Ten Months were Obliged to remove, from a place of Poverty and Ebriety to a Village more inhabited, from which he has been persuaded by some Gentlemen, (to whom he has the Honour of being known) to come to this Metropolis, in hopes that the subserviency of his Talents might be found Acceptable to his fellow Citizens; and having began a Seminary, under the patronage of four of the most respectable Characters in the City, was in hopes of living above pinching Want, and in some measure of supplying the immediate calls of Nature, but his Seminary not encreasing with the severity of a rigourous Season, Your Excellencys Petitioner is reduced to extreme Necessity, not having another meal to approach, for himself, a Wife, and a Mother in law of Seventy five Years of Age.\nYour Excellency\u2019s petitioner therefore most humbly begs the kind assistance of your Excellency\u2019s influence, in obtaining some employment for him, in order to tear him from the impending Destruction which threatens him.\nYour Excellencys Petitioner is happy in being able to produce a respectable Character, Is a member of the Church of England, and has also the honour of being a member of that Antient and\nmost Honorable Society which Your Excellency distinguished in honoring as Grand Master.\nYour Excellency is the only One I have been emboldened to open my distresses to, therefore humbly beg, that if your Excellency \u27e8thinks\u27e9 fit to disregard the humble prayer, That it may, and in all probability with its distressed author Sink into Oblivion. This is with the greatest respect and profound Reverence The humble Prayer of Sir, Your Excellency\u2019s most Humble and Obedient Servant\nJohn I. Sonnet", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0124", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Eager Howard, 11 January 1791\nFrom: Howard, John Eager\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAnnapolis [Md.] January 11th 1791\nI have the honor to enclose an Act of Assembly of this State entitled \u201cAn Act to empower the Wardens of the Port of Baltimore\nto lay and collect the duty therein mentioned,\u201d which cannot take effect until ratified and confirmed by an Act of Congress. I therefore request the favour of you to lay the same before Congress for their confirmation, if approved. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency\u2019s most Obedt Servant\nJ. E. Howard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0125", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Beverley Randolph, 13 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Beverley\nSir,\nPhiladelphia January 13th 1791\nThe various and important business which required my particular attention in the beginning of the present session of Congress will, I presume, sufficiently apologize to your Excellency for this late acknowledgment of your letter of November last.\nI have attentively considered the request which your Excellency has made, by desire of the Legislature, that I would again open the business of establishing a Woollen manufactory in Virginia; and it is with infinite regret that I must decline any further agency in it; at least so far as relates to carrying on a correspondence\nwith the person in Great Britain who has proposed to establish the Manufactory. I am persuaded that your Excellency and the Legislature will see, upon reflection, the impropriety of my appearing in this business while I remain in my present situation; for I am told that it is felony to export the Machines which it is probable the Artist contemplates to bring with him, and it certainly would not carry an aspect very favorable to the dignity of the United States for the President, in a clandestine manner, to entice the subjects of another Nation to violate its laws.\nI have communicated the subject of your Excellency\u2019s letter to the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, who are both of the same sentiment which I have expressed, and for the reason mentioned.\nI am, however, happy that my agency is not absolutely necessary to the completion of this object; for the project has been announced to Virginia, and the original letter from the Artist has been transmitted to your Excellency. This communicates every thing that I am possessed of on the subject, and leaves it with the State of Virginia to do whatever may be thought best in the affair.\nImpressed as I am with the utility of such an establishment I shall ever be ready to give it every aid that I can with propriety; and I am certain that your Excellency and the Legislature will impute my conduct, on this occasion, to its true motive. With due consideration, I have the honor to be Your Excellency\u2019s most Obedt Servt\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0126", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nSir,\nUnited States, January 14th 1791.\nOn as full a consideration of the last speech made to me by Cornplanter, Half Town, and the Great-tree, Chiefs of the Seneka Nation, as my comprehension of their meaning enables me to give, I am led to the following conclusions, which, if there is\nany propriety in discussing their request, or yielding the land asked for, I wish you to consider as the basis of the communications to be made to these people.\nIn the first place, it appears to me that Cornplanter and the other chiefs, now in the City of Philadelphia, do not constitute a representation of their Nation. And to undo, or perhaps even to enter on the revision of treaties which have been deliberately and formally concluded, but under circumstances of equal deliberation and form, would be to open a door to certain inconvenience, and probable difficulty\u2014by encouraging applications which the Indians would not fail to make to the United States.\nThat it is a matter which requires mature consideration, how far any assurances regarding the restoration of lands, which have been ceded by treaty to the United States can be made, without the participation of the Senate\u2014and that no assurance should be given which may involve a dispute with any individual State, respecting its claim to the land applied for.\nThat they be informed that no Agent for Indian Affairs will be authorized to dispose of their lands.\nNot comprehending the precise meaning of the clause respecting Children, I do not remark upon it.\nIn reply to the last clause of their speech, I have to observe, that such expense cannot be incurred. What is made will be for objects the most beneficial. The enclosed letter from Colonel Pickering contains some good ideas of improvement, and, if necessary, may be useful in framing the answer to the Cornplanter, and the other Indians who are with him. I am, sir, Your most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0128", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 January 1791\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Jany 15. 1791\nI intended to have done myself the honour of waiting on you in person: but a letter may give you less trouble.\nGeneral Knox informed me that it would be agreeable to you that I should undertake the superintendency of the northern Indians; I mean particularly the Six Nations. I answered, That by the new constitution of Pennsylvania, a Continental appointment\nwas declared to be incompatible with the appointments I held under the State and I supposed the nature of such superintendency would not warrant any considerable emolument. In a subsequent conversation I intimated a willingness to perform the necessary services respecting the Six Nations, without any formal appointment: but this idea seemed not to have been approved. Afterwards I found that all the Indians north of the Ohio were already arranged under one department, of which General St Clair was the Superintendant, who, with your permission might appoint a deputy. General Knox seemed to wish that the matter might be suspended until the arrival of Genl St Clair, who was daily expected. Since that time I have reflected on the subject; and, upon the whole, would beg leave to decline taking the superintendency proposed. Though not without expressing the real pleasure I feel in the favourable sentiments you entertain concerning me; and assuring you of my readiness to perform any occasional services in that line which your wishes for the public good may require.\n  Permit me, Sir, to add a few words relative to the subject of the last letter I had the honour to write to you. Before I wrote, two circumstances made me hesitate. One, lest it should be thought that I, like many projectors, was contriving an employment for myself: The other, lest, if such a plan should be approved and established, I should, in fact, be requested to undertake the execution of it: to which request, sentiments of humanity and regard to the public good might urge me to yield; while other views, and the feelings of my family, might be strongly opposed to it. My opinion, however, of the utility, as well as of the practicality of the plan proposed for introducing the act of husbandry and civilization among the Indians, remains the same. It was an opinion not hastily formed. But lest a partiality for a project of my own should mislead my judgement, I submitted it to the examination of two or three gentlemen of discernment; and it received their approbation, before I would venture to give you the trouble of reading a long letter about it.\nAltho\u2019, sir, I have declined the proposed permanent agency in Indian affairs, I have not withdrawn my views from Public life, but should cheerfully engage in it, whenever an opening for useful employment, more beneficial than the offices I hold under the state shall present. Two of these offices are now rendered\ncertain, by recent reappointments somewhat unexpectedly made. But they are all of too little value for me to depend on during the rest of my life. Whenever therefore, any suitable employment shall offer, I shall feel myself peculiarly obliged by your remembrance of me. With the most sincere respect, I am, sir, Your obedient, humble servant\nTimothy Pickering", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0129", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edward Rutledge, 16 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Rutledge, Edward\nMy Dear Sir,\nPhiladelphia Jany 16th 1791.\nI can but love & thank you, and I do it sincerely, for your polite & friendly letter of the 11th of November, which came to my hands only the day before yesterday. The sentiments contained in it are such as have uniformly flowed from your pen and are not more pleasing than they are flattering to me.\nThe present Congress can sit no longer than the 3d of March; and should it not be found expedient to convene the new one immediately upon the rising of it; and should not the old one by Acts of the present Session, prepare work for the Executive which may render my absence from the Seat of Government (soon after the adjournment) incompatible with my public duties; I shall, most assuredly, endulge myself in a tour through the Southern States in the Spring. But it will readily be perceived that this event must depend upon the time I shall be able to commence the journey, for I do not hesitate to acknowledge that I am not inclined to be in the Southernmost States after the Month of May\u2014and my journey, on several Accts, must be made slow and easy.\nIt was among my first determinations when I entered upon the duties on my present Office, to visit every part of the United States in the course of my Administration of the Government,\nprovided my health, and other circumstances would admit of it: and this determination was accompanied by another\u2014viz.\u2014not by making my head quarters in private families to become troublesome to them in any of these tours. The first I have accomplished in part only, without departing in a single instance from the second, although pressed to it by the most civil & cordial invitations. After having made this communication to you, you will readily perceive, my dear Sir, that it is not in my power (however it might comport with my inclinations) to change my plan without incurring the charge of inconsistency if not something more exceptionable; especially too, as it is not more than ten days since I declined a similar invitation to yours from my namesake & kinsman Colo. Willm Washington of your \u27e8state to\u27e9 lodge at his house when I should visit Charleston. With affectionate esteem & regard I am\u2014My dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0130", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 17 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\n[Philadelphia] January 17. 1791.\nGentlemen of the Senate, and House of Representatives\nI lay before you an official statement of the appropriation of ten thousand dollars, granted to defray the contingent expences of government by an act of the 26th of March 1790.\na copy of two resolutions of the Legislature of Virginia, and of a petition of sundry Officers and assignees of Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia line on continental establishment, on the subject of bounty-lands allotted to them on the north-west side of the Ohio: and\na copy of an act of the Legislature of Maryland to empower the Wardens of the Port of Baltimore to levy and collect the duty therein mentioned\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0132", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Anonymous, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Anonymous\nTo: Washington, George\nSir:\nA Foreign Land the 18th Janry 1791\nAlthough my name will not be, to this paper many where you preside know me personally, I have been under your command when you were surrounded with eminent Danger. I lost every thing by the American War, nor, did I ever join the enemies of America in thought, word, or deed. I am banished from my native country like many others; because I cannot pay my debts; If I had the gold which I exchanged for paper money to go against Qubec it would be of great use to me; and I send continental money of 75 by this vessel to Philadelphia to sell; these things, at this time, I suppose are of little moment, they are or will be soon forgotten but for god sake do not forget Your unfortunate Country men.\nAs you have been so long doing good, I suppose that it must have become easy to you, would it therefore, not be worthy of your attention to Emancipate from old debts which never can be paid, as well as from Tyrany; I should like to have the power of returning to my native country for I have a sincere attachment to a certain Lady in it, and I suppose there may be many others in the same predicament; but never on the humiliating terms of going to Prison.\nSuppose some Member, who has tasted the calice of Missfortune (for such there is to my knowledge) and who has tolerable knack of telling his story. Should bring in a bill for such a purpose\nIt might perhaps be useful\u2014I am sure it would [be] comfortable & Lawful I have the honour to be Your Countryman.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0133", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Giuseppe Chiappe, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Chiappe, Giuseppe\nTo: Washington, George\nExcellence\nLe 18e Janiver 1791 a Mogador\nJ\u2019ay e\u00fb l\u2019honnoeur d\u2019\u00eacrire a V\u00f4tre Excellence voye de Cadix & de Madrid le 13e & 28e du mois de May de l\u2019ann\u00e9e qui vient de terminer, affin de l\u2019informer sur tout ce qui s\u2019\u00eatoit pass\u00e9 rapport a la mort inopin\u00e9e du Feu Roy Sydy Mohamet Ben Abdalla & sur l\u2019installation de son successoeur Sydy Mulay Liazid (q:D:g) J\u2019ay appris ensuite de mon Frere Francisco qu\u2019il avoit obtenu un Delai sur l\u2019ambassade, pour que le tems ne fut si press\u00e8 a la nation pour concurrir au nombre des autres \u00e0 l\u2019Homage qu\u2019on se dispose de pr\u00eater au Nouvel Emperoeur, qui fait toujours connoitre d\u2019avance les dispositions pacifiques, par les quelles il se propose de re\u00e7evoir amicalement tous les Representants; Mon dit Frere Francisco aussi bien que mon Frere Geronimo a Tanger doivent avoir continu\u00e9es regulierement leurs informations, parce qu\u2019ils ont \u00eat\u00e9s jusqu\u2019appresant plus a port\u00e9e de les per\u00e7evoir, s\u2019\u00eatant S.M.I. detenue fort long tems dans ces Contr\u00e9es du Nort. La presente va sous Couverte du Consul G\u00e9n\u00e9ral a Londres, qui Je ne doute pas voudra l\u2019encheminer au plus v\u00eete & par le Canal mieux connu, & c\u2019est pour continuer a V. E. les nouvelles qui peuvent servir de lumiere, & contexter les apparences d\u2019une solide Paix que Dieu benisse. Le Monarque est pass\u00e9 a Mequinez, d\u2019ou il se propose de venir pour le Printems a l\u2019autre Capitale de Maroc; Mon Frere Francisco a \u00eat\u00e9 ordonn\u00e9 de le suivre, ce qui contribuira beaucoup a entrettenir la bonne armonie sur l\u2019attente de l\u2019Ambassade qui ne devroit pas tarder, & que Je suppose deja en route. Dernierement l\u2019Embassadeur de Portugal \u00eatoit arriv\u00e9 a Gibralter aussi bien que celuy d\u2019Engleterre, & celuy de Ragusa, & on les attend incessemment a la Cour. Ils suivront bien t\u00f4t les autres, & Je souhaitte que celuy des Etats Unis puisse les devancer pour prouver a S.M.I. l\u2019empressement qui les anime a se procurer son amiti\u00e9, & sa correspondence; J\u2019ose me flatter d\u2019y pouvoir concurrir par mes services, & Je ne manquerois pas d\u2019y contribuer personnellement\n  aussi-t\u00f4t que J\u2019aurois l\u2019honnoeur de me presenter a S.Due: M.I: de qui dans sa Minorit\u00e9 J\u2019ay toujours re\u00e7ues des marques non equivoques de sa bienvaillence & de sa valable portection; Mes Amis encore a la Cour ne desisteront pas de se pr\u00eater avec leur assistance pour seconder mes desirs, & toutes mes expositions pour la bonne iss\u00fce. Le 30:e de 9bre pass\u00e9 la Fregatte Americaine nom\u00e9e Thomas Wilson sous Capn \u27e8Exploration\u27e9 Waite avec 16. Personnes d\u2019Equipage y compris le Capn est arriv\u00e9e a cet Port venant de Philadelphe en droiture pour charger de Mules, & le 13. de Court [courant] elle est repartie avec 68. Mules pour l\u2019Ilse de Tabago; N\u00f4tre Gouvernement l\u2019a tr\u00e8s-bien re\u00e7ue & fet\u00e9e, & de ma part Je l\u2019ay assiduement assist\u00e9e en preference, selon que mon devoir le demande; Je voudrois bien que les affaires encouragent reciproquement le Comerce, pour que Je puisse me rendre utile a l\u2019Illustre Nation que Je serve, & prouver a V. E. la haute consideration avec la quelle J\u2019ay l\u2019honnoeur d\u2019\u00eatre tr\u00e9s-respectueusement De Votre Excellence Le Tr\u00e8s Hle & Tr\u00e9s Obt Servit\u0153ur.\nGiuseppe Chiappe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0134", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nThe Secretary of State having received from the Charg\u00e9 des affaires of France a note on the Tonnage payable by french vessels in the ports of the United States has had the same under his consideration, and thereupon makes the following Report to the President of the United States.\nThe Charg\u00e9 des Affaires of France, by a note of the 13th of December represents, by order of his Court, that they consider so much of the Acts of Congress of July 20th 1789 and 1790 as imposes an extraordinary Tonnage on foreign vessels, without excepting those of France, to be in contravention of the 5th Article of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the two nations; that this would have authorised on their part a proportional modification in the favours granted to the American\nnavigation: but that his sovereign had thought it more conformable to his principles of friendship and attachment to the United States to order him to make representations thereon, and to ask, in favour of french vessels, a modification of the Acts which impose an extraordinary Tonnage on foreign vessels.\nThe Secretary of State in giving in this paper to the President of the United States, thinks it his duty to accompany it with the following observations.\nThe 3d and 4th Articles of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and the United States, subject the vessels of each nation to pay, in the ports of the other, only such duties as are paid by the most-favoured nation: and give them reciprocally all the privileges and exemptions, in navigation and commerce, which are given by either to the most-favoured nations. Had the contracting parties stopped here, they would have been free to raise or lower their Tonnage as they should find it expedient, only taking care to keep the other on the footing of the most-favoured nation.\nThe question then is whether the 5th Article, cited in the note, is any thing more than an application of the principle comprised in the 3d and 4th to a particular object? or whether it is an additional stipulation of something not so comprised?\nI. That it is merely an application of a principle comprised in the preceding articles, is declared by the express words of the article, to wit, \u201cDans l\u2019exemption cidessus et nommement compris &c.[\u201d] \u201cin the above exemption is particularly comprised the imposition of 100. sols per Ton established in France on foreign vessels.\u201d Here then is at once an express declaration that the exemption from the duty of 100 sols is comprised in the 3d and 4th Articles; that is to say, it was one of the exemptions enjoyed by the most-favoured Nations, and as such, extended to us by those articles. If the exemption spoken of in this 1st member of the 5th Article was comprised in the 3d and 4th articles, as is expressly declared, then the reservation by France out of that exemption (which makes the 2d member of the same article) was also comprised: that is to say, if the whole was comprised, the part was comprised. And if this reservation of France in the 2d member was comprised in the 3d and 4th Articles, then the counter reservation by the United States (which constitutes the 3d and last member of the same article) was also comprised. Because it is\nbut a corresponding portion of a similar whole on our part, which had been comprised by the same terms with theirs.\nIn short the whole Article relates to a particular duty of 100 sols laid by some antecedent law of France on the vessels of foreign nations, relinquished as to the most-favoured, and consequently to us. It is not a new and additional stipulation then, but a declared application of the stipulations comprised in the preceding articles to a particular case, by way of greater caution.\nThe doctrine laid down generally in the 3d and 4th Articles, and exemplified specially in the 5th amounts to this. \u201cThe vessels of the most-favoured nations, coming from foreign ports, are exempted from the duty of 100 sols: therefore you are exempted from it by the 3d and 4th Articles. The vessels of the most-favoured nations, coming coastwise, pay that duty: therefore you are to pay it by the 3d and 4th Articles. We shall not think it unfriendly in you to lay a like duty on Coasters, because it will be no more than we have done ourselves. You are free also to lay that or any other duty on vessels coming from foreign ports: provided they apply to all other nations, even the most-favoured. We are free to do the same, under the same restriction. Our exempting you from a duty which the most-favoured nations do not pay, does not exempt you from one which they do pay.\u201d\nIn this view it is evident that the 5th Article neither enlarges, nor abridges the stipulations of the 3d and 4th. The effect of the Treaty would have been precisely the same had it been omitted altogether; consequently it may be truly said that the reservation by the United States in this article is completely useless. And it may be added with equal truth that the equivalent reservation by France is completely useless: as well as her previous abandonment of the same duty: and in short the whole article. Each party then remains free to raise or lower it\u2019s Tonnage, provided the change operates on all nations, even the most-favoured.\nWithout undertaking to affirm, we may obviously conjecture, that this article has been inserted on the part of the United States from an over-caution to guard, nommement, by name, against a particular aggrievance, which they thought they could never be too well secured against: and that has happened, which generally happens; doubts have been produced by the too great number of words used to prevent doubt.\nII. The Court of France however understands this Article as intended to introduce something to which the preceding articles had not reached; and not merely as an application of them to a particular case.\nTheir opinion seems to be founded on the general rule, in the construction of instruments, to leave no words merely useless; for which any rational meaning can be found. They say that the reservation by the United States of a right to lay a duty equivalent to that of the 100 sols, reserved by France, would have been completely useless; if they were left free, by the preceding articles, to lay a Tonnage to any extent whatever, consequently that the reservation of a part proves a relinquishment of the residue.\nIf some meaning, and such a one, is to be given to the last member of the Article, some meaning, and a similar one, must be given to the corresponding member. If the reservation by the United States of a right to lay an equivalent duty, implies a relinquishment of their right to lay any other, The reservation by France of a right to continue the specified duty to which it is an equivalent, must imply a relinquishment of the right on her part to lay or continue any other. Equivalent reservations by both, must imply equivalent restrictions on both. The exact reciprocity stipulated in the preceding articles, and which pervades every part of the Treaty, ensures a counter-right to each party for every right ceded to the other.\nLet it be further considered that the duty called tonnage in the United States is in lieu of the duties for anchorage, for the support of Buoys, Beacons, and Lighthouses, to guide the mariner into harbour, and along the coast, which are provided and supported at the expence of the United States, and for fees to measurers, weighers gaugers &c. who are paid by the United States; for which articles, among many others (light-house money excepted) duties are paid by us in the ports of France under their specific names. That Government has hitherto thought these duties consistent with the Treaty; and consequently the same duties under a general, instead of specific names, with us, must be equally consistent with it; it is not the name, but the thing which is essential. If we have renounced the right to lay any port duties, they must be understood to have equally renounced that of either laying new or continuing the old. If we ought to refund the port duties received from their vessels since the date of the\nact of Congress, they should refund the port duties they have received from our vessels since the date of the Treaty; for nothing short of this is the reciprocity of the Treaty.\nIf this construction be adopted then, each party has forever renounced the right of laying any duties on the vessels of the other coming from any foreign port, or more than 100 sols on those coming coastwise. Could this relinquishment be confined to the two contracting parties alone, the United States would be the gainers, for it is well known that a much greater number of American than of French vessels are employed in the commerce between the two countries: but the exemption, once conceded by the one nation to the other, becomes immediately the property of all others, who are on the footing of the most-favoured nations. It is true that those others would be obliged to yield the same compensation, that is to say, to receive our vessels duty free. Whether we should gain or lose in the exchange of the measure with them, is not easy to say.\nAnother consequence of this construction will be that the vessels of the most-favoured nations, paying no duties will be on a better footing than those of natives, which pay a moderate duty, consequently either the duty on these also must be given up, or they will be supplanted by foreign vessels in our own ports.\nThe resource then of duty on vessels for the purposes either of revenue or regulation, will be forever lost to both. It is hardly conceivable that either party, looking forward to all these consequences, would see their interest in them.\nIII. But if France persists in claiming this exemption, what is to be done? The claim indeed is couched in mild and friendly terms; but the idea leaks out that a refusal would authorise them to modify proportionally the favours granted, by the same article, to our navigation. Perhaps they may do what we should feel much more severely; they may turn their eyes to the favours granted us by their arrets of December 29th 1787 and December 7th 1788 which hang on their will alone, unconnected with the Treaty. Those arrets, among other advantages, admit our whale oils to the exclusion of that of all other foreigners. and this monopoly procures a vent for seven twelfths of the produce of that Fishery, which experience has taught us could find no other market. Near two thirds of the produce of our cod fisheries too have lately found a free vent in the Colonies of France.\nThis indeed has been an irregularity growing out of the anarchy reigning in those colonies. Yet the demands of the Colonists, even of the Government party among them, (if an auxiliary disposition can be excited by some marks of friendship and distinction on our part) may perhaps produce a constitutional concession to them to procure their provisions at the cheapest market, that is to say, at ours.\nConsidering the value of the interests we have at stake, and considering the smallness of difference between foreign and native Tonnage on french vessels alone, it might perhaps be thought adviseable to make the sacrifice asked; and especially if it can be so done as to give no title to other the most favoured nations to claim it. If the act should put french vessels on the footing of those of natives, and declare it to be in consideration of the favours granted us by the arrets of Decr 29th 1787, and December 7th 1788, (and perhaps this would satisfy them), no nation could then demand the same favour, without offering an equivalent compensation. It might strengthen too the tenure by which those arrets are held, which must be precarious, so long as they are gratuitous.\nIt is desirable, in many instances, to exchange mutual advantages by Legislative Acts rather than by Treaty: because the former, though understood to be in consideration of each other, and therefore greatly respected, yet when they become too inconvenient, can be dropped at the will of either party: Whereas stipulations by Treaty are forever irrevocable but by joint consent, let a change of circumstances render them ever so burthensome.\nOn the whole, if it be the opinion, that the 1st construction is to be insisted on, as ours, in opposition to the 2d urged by the Court of France, and that no relaxation is to be admitted, an answer shall be given to that Court defending that construction, and explaining in as friendly terms as possible, the difficulties opposed to the exemption they claim.\n2. If it be the opinion that it is advantageous for us to close with France in her interpretation of a reciprocal and perpetual exemption from Tonnage; a repeal of so much of the Tonnage law will be the answer.\n3. If it be thought better to wave vigorous and nice discussions of right, and to make the modification an act of friendship and\nof compensation for favours received, the passage of such a bill will then be the answer.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0135", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Patton, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Patton, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSr\nPhilada 18th Jan: 1791\nShould the Bill now before the Legislature for raising a Revenue from Distilled Liquors be approved by your Excellency & passed into a Law, I beg leave to offer myself a Candidate for the Office of this District.\nI hope you will excuse my laying before your Excellency the Motives which induce me to make the present Application\u2014I have a large Family of Children & am considerably advanced in years, added to which it would be a gratification I should ever most sensibly feel to be appointed to an office by you sir in the federal Government\u2014Permit me also to observe, that it may be said the office I hold under the State is advantageous. on the contrary I beg leave to assure your Excellency that from the late alterations made by Law I find it scarcely adequate to a bare support of my Family and am determined to decline the Office.\nShould I be so happy as to meet your approbation in my present application, I can truly say the Duties of the Office shall be faithfully executed and from my general knowledge of the Inhabitants from long experience as Vendue Master I may without presumption assume a knowledge which few have experienced.\nThe Gentleman also who is now Collector of Excise under the State is my Relation, and from him I should also receive every necessary information.\nHad he came before your Excellency for the office you should not be troubled with my application. Whatever may be your determination, permit me sir to say it cannot add to, or diminish that high respect and esteem which I ever have had, and shall always have for your Excellency. I have the Honor to be your Excellencys most Hble Serv.\nJno. Patton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0136", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Rawle, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Rawle, William\nTo: Washington, George\n[18 January 1791]\nAt a special meeting of the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia January 18th 1791.\nThe Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia desireous of shewing a respectfull mark of Attention to the President and Congress of the United States Resolve that the President and Members of the Senate and of the House of Representatives of the United States shall have the free Use of the Books in the Library in as full and ample Manner as if they were Members of the Company\u2014By order of the directors\nW: Rawle secretary.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0137", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John McDowell, 19 January 1791\nFrom: McDowell, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nCross Roads Chester County [Pa.] Jany 19th 1791.\nUnderstanding that there is a Bill now before the Legislature of the United States the intent of which is to lay an excise upon spirituous liquors &c. which, if approved by your Excellency will probably be passed into a Law the present Session, I take the liberty of making this early application to be appointed the Inspector of Excise under the said Act, in such district as shall include the County of Chester in the State of Pennsylvania, where I at present reside.\nI flatter myself if I shall be so successful as to meet your Excellency\u2019s approbation upon this occasion that the duties of the appointment will be executed with a strict adherence to the Laws and with integrity.\nThe place I at present fill, the trusts which I have been honor\u2019d with under the State Government, at different times, and my character in general will I hope meet your approbation, when given by the Gentlemen who compose the Delegation of\nthis State in Congress, with whom I have the honor of an acquaintance, and to whom I beg leave to refer your Excellency for information.\nWhether I am fortunate or otherwise in this my first application for any office of profit no event whatever can either heighthen or decrease my love and esteem for the President of the United States. I have the honor to be with the sincerest respect Your most obedient Servant\nJohn McDowell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0139", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 19 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States January 19th 1791.\nI lay before you a representation of the Charg\u00e9 des Affaires of France, made by order of his Court, on the Acts of Congress of the 20th of July 1789, and 1790 imposing an extra tonnage on foreign Vessels, not excepting those of that Country; together with the Report of the Secretary of State thereon: and I recommend the same to your consideration, that I may be enabled to give to it such answer as may best comport with the justice and the interests of the United States.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0141", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 20 January 1791\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nHonorable Sir,\nBerkeley County [Va.] Jany 20th 1791\nYour Favour dated the 27th of Decr was delivered me by your Nephew Major George A. Washington\u2014the 7th day of this month\u2014I gave Him a Perticular acct of your Estate under my Care as well my opinion in answer to your Benevolent Letter, which I expect will be Communicated to you should you at any\nTime desire any thing from me in my Power I shall think it my Duty to Pay Perticular attention to your Commands.\nI am Sencible of your Fatigueing sittuation & would not have Troubled you with this address only at the Perticular request of Mr Joseph Hickman whome has met with a misfortune a few weeks Past by Fire. the man is a Tenant of yours in Frederick County\u2014under Lease for 14 years which Lease Expires the 31st day of Decr 1798\u2014116 acres rent \u00a311.12.0. He had His Dwelling House Burnt & nearly all his Furniture He therefore Prays you will remitt His Last years rent and Permit Him To sell His Lease\u2014and also To remitt the Sum Called for in the Lease on acct of the Transferrence His House & greater Part of His Furniture was burnt as I am Told From good Authority.\nMr Hickman is not a very Poor Man\u2014His haveing a Family To maintain with other Losses He informs me He has Lately sustain\u2019d makes His Present sittuation destressing, which I make no Doubt is True. haveing Stated Mr Hickmans Sittuation I Conclude with assureing\u2014that I will obey your commands respecting Mr Hickman & all others from you. I am Sir your Most Obedient Hble Servant\nBattaile Muse", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0142", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 20 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nSir\nPhiladelphia January 20th 1791\nI have had the pleasure to receive your letters of the 8th and 15th of this month. I feel myself much obliged by the trouble you have taken, in the former, to detail your ideas with respect to introducing the art of husbandary and civilization among the Indians. I confess, that your plan, or something like it, strikes me as the most probable means of effecting this desirable end, and I am fully of opinion with you, that the mode of education which has hitherto been pursued with respect to those young Indians who have been sent to our Colleges, is not such as can be productive of any good to their nations\u2014reason might have shewn it, and experience clearly proves it to have been the case. It is, perhaps, productive of evil. Humanity and good policy must make it the wish of every good citizen of the Unites States, that husbandry, and consequently civilization should be introduced among the Indians. So strongly am I impressed with the beneficial effects which our Country would receive from such a thing, that I shall always take a singular pleasure in promoting, as far as may be in my power, every measure which may tend to ensure it.\nI should have been very glad if it had comported with your interest & inclination to superintend the Northern Indians, as I am persuaded that nothing would have been wanting on your part to attach them to the United States, and to cultivate that Disposition for civilization which now begins to dawn among them. Whoever undertakes this business must be actuated by more enlarged views than his private interest, or he can never accomplish the wished for end. With very great regard & esteem, I am, Sir Your most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0144", "content": "Title: Commission, 22 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Johnson, Thomas,Carroll, Daniel,Stuart, David\nCity of Philadelphia, January 22, 1791.\nTo all who shall see these Presents Greeting\nKnow Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity, Skill, and Diligence of Thomas Johnson and Daniel\nCarroll of Maryland, and David Stuart of Virginia, I do . . ., in Pursuance of the Powers vested in me by the Act intituled \u201cAn Act for establishing the Temporary and Permanent Seat of the Government of the United States,\u201d hereby appoint them the said Thomas Johnson, Daniel Carroll and David Stuart, Commissioners for surveying the District of Territory accepted by the said Act for the permanent Seat of the Government of the United States, and for performing such other Offices as by Law are directed, with full Authority to them, or any two of them to proceed therein according to Law; and to have and to hold the said Office, with all the Powers, Privileges, and Authorities to the same of Right appertaining, each of them during the Pleasure of the President of the United States, for the Time being.\nIn Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my Hand, at the City of Philadelphia, the Twenty second Day of January, in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the Fifteenth.\nBy the President\nGeorge Washington\nThomas Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0145", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Eager Howard, 22 January 1791\nFrom: Howard, John Eager\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAnnapolis [Md.], January 22d 1791.\nI have the honor to enclose two Acts of the General assembly of Maryland; the one \u201cAn Act to cede to Congress a district of ten miles square in this State for the seat of the Goverment of the United States;\u201d the other \u201cAn Act to condemn land, if necessary,\nfor the public buildings of the United States:\u201d also sundry resolutions for advancing seventy two thousand dollars for the purpose of erecting said buildings. I have the honor, to be, your Excellencys Most Obedt servt\nJ. E. Howard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0146", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 January 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nWar Department, January 22d 1791\nThe Secretary of War to whom the President of the United States referred the consideration of various papers and information, relative to the frontiers of the United States.\nRespectfully Reports:\nThat the frontiers from several causes are at present so critically circumstanced, as to claim an immediate consideration, and such arrangements, as may upon investigation be found indispensibly necessary for the preservation of good order, and the protection of the inhabitants exposed to the hostilities of certain indian tribes.\nThat in order to obtain a clear view of the existing circumstances of the frontiers, the following summary statement is submitted, and also that a judgment may be formed of the measures necessary to be adopted on the occasion.\nThat in the first place it may be proper to explain the relative situation of the Government of the United States, with the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Cherokee nations of Indians. It will appear by the journals of the late Congress and the paper herewith submitted, marked A No. 1\u2014that the United States did in November 1785, and in January 1786, form treaties with the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw nations of Indians by which their boundaries were defined.\nThat the State of Georgia claimed the right of pre-emption to nearly all the lands belonging to the said indian nations.\nThat it will appear by the Act of Legislature of the said State passed the 21st day of December 1789, a copy of which is herewith submitted marked A No. 2. that the said Legislature has granted and sold to three private companies its said right of preemption to almost the whole of the lands of the Choctaws and Chickasaws, and part of the Cherokees, amounting in all to 15.500.000 acres.\nThat although the right of Georgia to the pre-emption of said lands should be admitted in its full extent, yet it is conceived, that should the said State, or any companies or persons claiming under it, attempt to extinguish the indian claims, unless authorised thereto by the United States, that the measure would be repugnant to the aforesaid treaties, to the Constitution of the\nUnited States, and to the law regulating trade and intercourse with the indian tribes.\nThat the President of the United States, apprehensive that individuals belonging to said companies might from ignorance, or otherwise, pursue a line of conduct derogatory to the United States, caused the said treaties and the law to regulate trade and intercourse with the indian tribes to be published on the 25th day of August 1790, together with his proclamation requiring all persons to govern themselves accordingly.\nBut notwithstanding this warning, it appears from the information contained in A No. 3, that certain persons claiming under the said Companies are raising troops for the purpose of establishing, by force, one or more settlements on the lands belonging to the aforesaid indian nations.\nThe authority of the United States is thus set at defiance\u2014their faith pledged to the said indians and their constitution and laws violated, and a general indian War excited on principles disgraceful to the Government.\nBut, there is another point of view in which this subject may be placed\u2014It is said, the Spanish Officers stationed on the Mississippi, alarmed at the proposed settlements have decided to prevent them by force\u2014Although the settlements should be made in opposition to the government of the United States, yet the interference of the Spaniards would start a new subject of discussion which merits some consideration.\nHence arises the following question\u2014Is not the General Government bound, by the indispensible obligations of its own rights and dignity\u2014by the principles of justice and good faith to the aforesaid indian nations\u2014by the principles of humanity\u2014as it respects the innocent inhabitants of the frontiers who may fall victims to an unjust indian war, to interpose its arm in an effectual manner to prevent the intended settlements?\nThat in the second place, the protection to be afforded the frontiers during the ensuing year, requires an immediate arrangement.\nThat it is to be apprehended the late expedition against the Miami indians will not be attended with such consequences as to constrain the said indians to sue for peace\u2014But, on the contrary that their own opinion of their success, and the number of trophies they possess, will probably not only encourage them to\na continuance of hostilities, but may be the means of their obtaining considerable assistance from the neighbouring tribes. In addition to which they will probably receive all possible assistance in the power of certain malignant whites, who reside among them.\nThat it therefore appears from the examination of this subject, to be incumbent on the United States to prepare immediately for another expedition against the Wabash indians with such a decided force as to impress them strongly with the power of the United States.\nThat the objects of the expedition will in a considerable degree regulate the nature and number of troops to be employed.\nThat if the measure of establishing a strong fortification and garrison at the Miami village should be decided upon as proper and necessary, a considerable Encrease of the regular force for that and the other objects, mentioned in this report, would be requisite.\nThat a strong post and garrison at the said Miami village with proper subordinate posts of communication, have always been regarded as but little inferior to the possession of the post at Detroit. But, while there were existing hopes of obtaining the latter, it did not appear proper to incur the expence of an establishment at the former place. Those hopes however having vanished for the present, it seems to be a point of real importance to effect an establishment at the Miami Village.\nThat a post established at the said place as the consequence of a successful expedition, would curb and overawe not only the Wabash indians, but the Ottawas and Chippewas and all others who might be wavering and disposed to join in the War. The said post would more effectually cover the line of frontier along the Ohio, than by a post at any other place whatever.\nThat it would therefore of consequence afford more full security to the territory of the United States Northwest of the Ohio. In this point of view it would assist, in the reduction of the national debt, by holding out a security to people to purchase and settle the public lands. The purchasers of land from the Government will have a right of protection, and there will be no doubt of their claiming it forcibly.\nThe regular force upon the frontiers seems utterly inadequate for the essential purposes of the United States.\nThe frontiers, from the Northeast to the South West are\nnearly inclosed by the possessions, garrisons, and claims of two formidable foreign nations, whose interests cannot entirely coincide with those of the United States.\nNumerous indian tribes reside in the vicinity, whose hostilities are easily excited by their jealousy of the encroaching settlements and rapid population of the frontiers.\nBold and unprincipled Adventurers will arise, from time to time, who, in advancing their own schemes of avarice, or ambition, will be incessantly machinating against the public Peace and prosperity.\nThese several circumstances, and the distance from the seat of Government, require that a wise and vigorous system should be adopted and executed, as well to protect effectually the inhabitants of the frontiers, as to curb the licentious, and prevent the evils of anarchy, and prevent the usurpation of the public lands.\nBut, besides these considerations, it would appear from information, that the State of Georgia is desirous that more troops should be placed on its frontiers. There are at present three Companies in Georgia, and another is raising there. Those four companies amount to one quarter part of the establishment.\nThe paper marked B No. 1 will shew the number and stations of the troops at present in service, and the numbers wanting to complete the establishment of one thousand two hundred and sixteen non-commissioned Officers and privates.\nIf the intended settlements upon the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Cherokee lands are to be effectually prevented and the Government enabled to place troops upon the Tenassee which would at once awe the Creeks, if turbulent, and thereby comply with the desires of Georgia, and prevent the projected settlement on the Muscle Shoals. And if an establishment should be made at the Miami Village, it would require that the establishment should be augmented so as to form a legionary corps of two thousand, one hundred and twenty eight, non-commissioned and privates.\nIf this augmentation should take place two modes present themselves by which the object could be effected, both of which, and estimates thereon, are contained in the paper marked B No. 2, the one amounting to 101.466 40/100 dollars and the other to 98.542 40/100 dollars.\nThe question which arises on this subject is,\nWhether the objects proposed to be accomplished by the troops will fully compensate for the additional expence?\nThe United States have come into existence as a nation embarrassed with a frontier of immense extent, which is attended with all the peculiar circumstances before enumerated, and even with others which are obvious, but which are unnecessary to recite.\nThe population of the lands lying on the Western waters are increasing rapidly. The inhabitants request and demand protection\u2014if it be not granted, seeds of disgust will be sown\u2014sentiments of separate interests will arise out of their local situation, which will be cherished, either by insidious domestic or foreign emissaries.\nIt therefore appears to be an important branch of the administration of the General Government, to afford the frontiers all reasonable protection as well in their just rights as against their enemies\u2014And at the same time it is essential to shew all lawless adventurers that notwithstanding the distance, government possess the power of preserving peace and good order on the frontiers. It is true economy to regulate events instead of being regulated by them.\nBut whether the regular establishment be encreased or not, it seems indispensible, that another expedition be made against the Wabash indians\u2014Affairs cannot remain where they are. Winter imposes peace for the present, but unless the attention of the Indians are called to their own Country, they will upon the opening of the Spring, spread general desolation on the frontiers by their small parties.\nThat the said Wabash Indians amount to about eleven hundred warriors\u2014to this number may perhaps be added of other more distant indians one thousand.\nIf this should be the case the Army for the Campaign ought to consist of three thousand well arranged troops, in order to be superior to all opposition, and to prevent the trouble and expence of being repeated.\nThat the reports herewith submitted, marked C No. 1 will exhibit the species of defensive protection permitted during the last year by the General Government\u2014the system directed by the Executive of Virginia during the month of December 1790, and the plan of a regiment of Rangers proposed to be raised on\nthe frontiers to answer the same purpose, and an estimate of the expence thereof.\nThat in case the said plan of a regiment of rangers should be adopted the same would furnish five hundred non-commissioned and privates for the proposed expedition.\nThat the other force necessary to complete the number of three thousand might be raised under the term levies, to serve for the expedition, which it is presumed would not exceed four months.\nThat to induce the men to engage voluntarily for the said object it is respectfully suggested that it might be proper to appoint the best and most popular Officers in Kentucky and the frontier Counties to superior commands with delegated authority to appoint their subordinate officers\u2014and the idea is also submitted how far a bounty of five dollars in money or clothing would be proper.\nThat the result therefore of the ideas suggested herein and in the report marked C No. 1. are,\nFirst\u2014That the situation of the frontiers requires an additional defensive protection, at least until offensive measures shall be put into operation. The plan of a regiment of rangers is therefore submitted.\nSecondly\u2014That the peculiar situation of the frontiers requires the augmentation of one regiment of regular troops to consist of nine hundred and twelve non-commissioned Officers and privates.\nThirdly\u2014That another expedition which shall effectually dispose the Wabash and other hostile indians to peace, seems indispensible.\nThat the Army for the said expedition might be thus composed.\n            Regular troops; if the same should be augmented\n            Rangers; if the same should be adopted\n            Levies; so called for the sake of distinction\nBut, if the Regulars should not be augmented, nor the Rangers adopted, then the number of Levies ought to be proportionately encreased.\nThat a Corps of Levies raised for the expedition whose Officers should be selected by the General Government and who\nshould possess a pride of arrangement and discipline would be more efficacious, and more economical, than drafting the Militia, cannot be well questioned.\nIt is to be observed that the engagements of four hundred and twenty of the troops on the frontiers expire during the present year, and that by the last accounts only sixty of that number had re-inlisted on the new establishment.\nAs the reduced pay of the late establishment has therefore discouraged the recruiting service, the idea is suggested that a bounty of eight dollars should be given to all the recruits who have or shall re-inlist for three years on the said establishment. Were Congress to authorize this bounty, the subscriber is of opinion that all the recruits required would be immediately obtained.\nThat the paper marked B No. 3 contains an estimate of the expence of the proposed number of Levies.\nThat the paper marked B No. 4 contains in one view the extraordinary expence which would be incurred by the Rangers: Levies, and other objects of the proposed expedition.\nAll which is humbly submitted.\nH. KnoxSecretary of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0147", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Reeder, 22 January 1791\nFrom: Reeder, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nMaryland, Charles County 22 Jan. 1791\nI have it in contemplation to sell the Reversion of between three and four Hundred acres of land near your seat in Virginia, and as it is Probable this land will not only suit you, but that you will give as much, or more for it, than any other Person I beg leave to make you an offer of it.\nIt is land I obtaind by marriage with a Miss Slaughter And the old ladys life is to be reserved in it, you are well enough acquainted with the Probable incumbrance from the reserve, and, I Presume, with the Situation and Value of the land not to need a description on those heads. a Proper Title will be made if you Purchase.\nAs I have not the Honor to be known to you, it may not be improper to refer you to Gentlemen to whom I am known. To the Honble Mr Dan. Carroll Mr Stone & Mr Co\u27e8ntee\u27e9 I am a little Known.\nI will be obliged by Hearing from you on the above Subject, and when I assure you that necessity makes me offer this Property for sale. I hope my candour will be an \u27e8excuse\u27e9 for my obtruding. I have the Honor to be Sir your most obedt Hble sert\nB. Reeder", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0149", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Deakins, William Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nGentlemen,\nUnited States Georgetown January 24th 1791.\nI enclose you several proclamations expressing the lines which are to bound the District of ten miles square for the permanent\nSeat of the general government, which I wish you to have made public with all expedition. And in the most general and extensive manner that you can to prevent any kind of speculation. Let them be published in the News Papers\u2014put up in public places and otherwise so disposed as to answer my object as fully as possible. The Proclamations are this moment struck off and the Mail is about to be closed, which prevents me from adding more at this time; but I shall write you more fully upon this subject in a few days. I am, Gentlemen, Your Most Obt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0150", "content": "Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear sir,\nWar department 24th January 1791\nI send by the bearer for the use of the President of the United States, a set of the Atlantic Neptune in three volumes folio, and a volume of the West India Atlas, which I imported from the England for public service\u2014I have only to request that your would please to sign the duplicate receipts herein enclosed. I am Dear sir Your humble servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0151", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Louis Lagrenade et al., 24 January 1791\nFrom: Lagrenade, Louis\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it please your Excellency\n[24 January 1791]\n  We The free coloured people of the Island of Grenada, having taken into consideration a writing, the purport of which (they are informed) is your Excellency\u2019s generous dispositon of giving that unfortunate Class of people, an Asylum in the southern parts of the States of your Excellency\u2019s Government; have inclosed herewith, a Copy of the same humbly requesting your Excellency to Confirm its authenticity; in order that they may have that faith in it which a subject of such magnitude requires. Such an Act of your Excellency\u2019s Generosity, will excite their deepest gratitude and they will deem themselves peculiarly blest, if their unhappy Situation in these Islands can have touched your Breast so as to move your Benevolence to furnish them with the means of coming out of their Captivity, and to introduce them into a new Canaan, where they will enjoy all the Happiness of that precious Liberty, which you gloriously and generously defended, and maintained in favor of Your illustrious Countrymen. Your Excellency\u2019s Rendering this a Certainty, will determine Sixty thousand free Coloured Individuals to Settle in Your Country for the Honor and prosperity of their Family\u2019s, and there to enjoy a tolerable existence; them & their Slaves will be fully sufficient to form their Establishments.\nIt will be then that the plains of America (from that time became the Happy residence of People capable of the Highest Gratitude, for the Clemency bestowed upon them, by your Excellency & the Honourable Congress) will be with greater Certainty, the Asylum of Peace free from the disturbance of all those who might endeavour to interrupt the Continuance of the Happiness of our Benefactors, which we would always support with the same resolution, and ardour, as they themselves have showed; an example to all the Nations of the World, in procuring for themselves that independency which they now enjoy. It is with those Sentiments that we are in Hopes to attain to those days, so Happy and so desirable; which will enable us to prove to You, all the veneration, and respect, with which we Have the\nHonor to be. May it please Your Excellency Your most Humble and Most Obedient Servants The Committee.\nLos Lagrenade\nJn Pre Saulger\nF: Julien\nJoseph Green", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0153", "content": "Title: Proclamation, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[24 January 1791]\nBy the President of the U. States of America\nA Proclamation\nWhereas the general Assembly of the State of Maryland, by an act passed on the twenty third day of December, in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, intituled \u201cAn Act to cede to Congress a District of ten miles square in this State, for the seat of the government of the United States,\u201d did enact, that the Representatives of the said State, in the house of Representatives of the Congress of the United States, appointed to assemble at New York on the first Wednesday of March then next ensuing should be and they were thereby authorized and required, on the behalf of the said State, to cede to the Congress of the United States, any District in the said state, not exceeding Ten miles square, which the Congress might fix upon and accept for the Government of the United States.\nAnd the general Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, by an Act passed on the third day of December, One thousand seven hundred and eighty nine, and intituled \u201cAn Act for the Cession of ten miles square, or any lesser quantity of Territory, within this State, to the United States in Congress assembled, \u27e8for\u27e9 the permanent Seat of the General Government,\u201d did enact, That a tract of Country not exceeding ten miles square, or any lesser quantity to be located within the limits of the said State, and in any part thereof, as Congress might by Law direct,\nshould be, and the same was thereby forever ceded and relinquished to the Congress and Government of the United States, in full and absolute Right, and exclusive Jurisdiction, as well of Soil as of persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to the Tenor and effect of the eighth section of the first Article of the Constitution of Government of the United States.\nAnd the Congress of the United States by their Act passed the sixteenth day of July one thousand seven hundred and ninety & intituled \u201cAn act for establishing the temporary and permanent Seat of the Government of the United States\u201d authorized the President of the United States to appoint three Commissioners to survey under his direction, and by proper metes and bounds, to limit a District of Territory not exceeding ten miles square, on the River potomac, at some place between the mouths of the Eastern Branch and Connogochegue, which District so to be located and limited, was accepted by the said Act of Congress, as the District for the permanent Seat of the Government of the United States.\nNow therefore, In pursuance of the Powers to me confided, and after duly examining and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the several situations within the Limits aforesaid, I do hereby declare and make known, that the location of one part of the said district of ten miles square, shall be found by running four lines of experiment in the following manner, that is to say, Running from the Court House in Alexandria in Virginia, due south west half a mile, and thence a due south East course, till it shall strike Hunting Creek, to fix the beginning of the said four lines of Experiment. Then beginning the first of the four lines of experiment at the point on Hunting creek, where the said south-east course shall have struck the same, and running the said first Line due north west ten miles; then the second line into Maryland, due North east, ten miles; thence the third line due south east, ten miles, and thence the fourth line due south west ten miles, to the beginning on Hunting Creek.\nAnd the said four lines of Experiment being so run, I do hereby declare and make known, That all that part within the said four lines of experiment, which shall be within the State of Maryland, and above the Eastern Branch, and all that part within the said four lines of experiment which shall be within the Commonwealth of Virginia, and above a Line to be run from the point of Land forming the upper Cape of the mouth of the\nEastern Branch due south west, and no more, is now fixed upon, and directed to be surveyed, defined, limited and located for a part of the said district accepted by the said act of Congress for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States; (hereby expressly reserving the Direction of the Survey and location of the remaining part of the present location as is, or shall be agreeable to law.\nAnd, I do hereby direct the said Commissioners, appointed agreeably to the Tenor of the said Act, to proceed forthwith to run the said Lines of experiment, and the same being run, to survey and by proper metes and bounds to define and limit the part within the same which is herein before directed for immediate location and acceptance; and thereof to make due report to me, under their hands and seals.\nIn Testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States, to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand, Done at the City of Philadelphia, the twenty-fourth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one, and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth.\nGeorge Washington\nBy the President.Thomas Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0154", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nUnited States January 24th 1791\nGentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives\nI lay before you a statement relative to the frontiers of the United States, which has been submitted to me, by the Secretary for the Department of War.\nI rely upon your wisdom to make such arrangements, as may be essential for the preservation of good order, and the effectual protection of the frontiers.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0155", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 25 January 1791\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear General\nParis January the 25th 1791\nGive me leave to introduce and recommend to You Mr Kellerman the Son of an Able and patriot General officer in the french Service\u2014it is Not Under the Embroidered Regimentals that we find the Greater Proportion of friends to the Revolution\u2014for which Reason I am the Better disposed to oblige such as Have Sided with us.\nThe National Assembly Have, whilst I was Engaged in quelling a Riotous fight in one of the Suburbs where some men Had Been Killed, Voted a Bill to prohibit foreign oil, Except that imported By the Americans\u2014But to My Great Concern the Aristocratic Party, Helping the Mercantile interest on our Side of the House, Have altered the Article, so that the duty Has been increased from five to twelve livres\u2014in Vain has it been Moved to Put of the Debate untill I Could Be present\u2014the Opponents Have Carried it\u2014But I Hope We May Get the diplomatic Committee to interfere.\nAdieu, My dear General, My Best Respects Wait on Mrs Washington\u2014Remember me to All friends\u2014Most Affectionately and Respectfully Your filial friend\nLafayette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0157", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 25 January 1791\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Washington, George\n[25 January 1791]\nMr McHenry begs the President will do him the honor to accept a small parcel of asparagus sent by the stage. It is carefully packed up in dry earth, and if delivered according to directions Mr McHenry hopes it will be found to have lost but little of its vegetable properties", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0161", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Peter Legaux, 26 January 1791\nFrom: Legaux, Peter\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nSpring Mill [Pa.] Januy 26th 1791\nIn July 1787 Your Excellency honored me with a Visit, and encouraged me to proceed in my attempt to bring the Culture of the Vine to perfection in this Country\u2014To this Employment I have devoted all my time; but at the very moment I am about reaping the benefit of my Labor and Industry, and on the point of succeeding in my Attempt, I find myself so situated, that without assistance I shall be obliged to abandon my Enterprize, the Success of which would materially benefit the United States.\nThe Love which Your Excel\u27e8len\u27e9cy bears to this Country, emboldens me to request a favor, which if I obtain will not only qreatly benefit me, but be of lasting advantage to these States.\nNo one here (at a distance from my native Country, Family, and Fortune) can with as much ease as Your Excellency, confer\nthis Favor. But it is first necessary that I should prove by the inclosed, that I am not an adventurer, that would impose upon Your Excellency, but an honest Man, who is endeavouring to render himself serviceable to that part of the World which he inhabits.\nOn the 2d February 1786 I bought in Partnership with Mr Samuel Merian, a Native of Switzerland \u27e8&\u27e9 Merchant in Philadelphia, a Farm belonging to Major Augustine Prevost for the sum of \u00a33300, payable in five years and in three payments\u2014My funds having been employed, part upon the first payments, and the remainder in Improvements upon the Estate, vizt, a Ferry, Lime Kiln, Saw-Mill, Outhouses, and my Partner having disappointed my expectations, in not furnishing on his part his stipulated portion of funds; I was consequently obliged to sell him my Farm, and to take such arrangements as are elucidated in the annexed Agreement of the 30th May 1789.\nNow this purchaser, Mr Samuel Merian has failed in the fulfillment of his second Engagements, and finds it even out of his power to make good his promises\u2014This Farm is one of the finest in Pennsylvania, at the distance of 13 miles from Philadelphia, and might suit Your Excellency as a Country Seat while Congress is in Session; if once put into good Order, might be made very productive\u2014This Estate is now liable to be sold by the Sheriff for about \u00a31700 or \u00a31800 Pennsylvania Currency, the sum due to Major Prevost.\nIf this farm is sold by the Sheriff, and I should not find it in my power to purchase it, I shall loose all the advantages that I might enjoy; shall be obliged to give it up, and abandon all the Improvements towards the Cultivation of the Vine, which already promises Success, and shall have irrecoverably lost the Sum expended on those Improvements.\nI can however purchase, having the best founded hopes that I shall have Supplies from Europe; but it is necessary to realize those hopes here, which would require time to effect\u2014I am in expectation of Supplies from my family; but the fear of their coming too late, if the Sale is immediate and for ready money, induces me to take the liberty of communicating to Your Excellency, the critical Situation of my Affairs, and to beg your assistance, should my funds not arrive in time to extricate myself from my Difficulties.\nThe inclosed Advertisement will serve to give your Excellency, an Idea of the value of the Estate, which would well suit an industrious person in easy circumstances.\nI am far from endeavouring to speculate by an advantageous Bargain in the purchase of that Estate my only wish is to retain the advantages I might derive from my Improvements in the cultivation of the vine, were they carried to perfection\u2014and to carry on my plan upon a larger Scale, by adding 30 Acres to my first Vineyard out of Land which is yet covered with wood; but is preferable in point of Soil and Exposition to that Your Excellency saw, and from which the wood would be sufficient to pay the Sum due to Mr Prevost.\nThe Result of my Improvement in the cultivation of the vine, has hitherto answered my most sanguine expectation\u2014I hope, if I should remain on the Estate, to be able to shew a Specimen of American Wine next fall and a much larger quantity the following years.\nI should think myself happy if Your Excellency would either purchase this Estate, and grant me the liberty of carrying on my Improvements under the direction of Your Excellency\u2014or that your Excellency could advance the sum to enable me to make the purchase upon Mortgage on said Estate, until I should receive the funds I expect from my friends in Europe.\nOne of the two favors I earnestly request of Your Excellency\u2014And on Your Excellency\u2019s Goodness I depend for forgiveness of this bold request\u2014And in Your Excellency\u2019s Patriotism I trust for a favorable Answer hoping that the Country who owes her liberty to Your Excellency\u2019s Wisdom and military Talents, will owe her wine to Your Generosity.\nThe will of Your Excellency will be my Rule, as it always was grounded on principles of Wisdom and propriety, and a constant aim at the public Good\u2014I am with profound Respect Your Excellency\u2019s most humble & obedt Servt\nP. Legaux\nP.S. The Bearer Mr Benjamin Nones will receive any answer Your Excellency may be pleased to honor me with.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0162", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 26 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nUnited States January 26th 1791.\nGentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives\nI lay before you the copy of a letter from the President of the National Assembly of France to the President of the United States, and of a decree of that Assembly which was transmitted with the above mentioned letter.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0163", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the President of the National Assembly of France, 27 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: President of the National Assembly of France\nSir,\nUnited States January 27th 1791\nI received with particular satisfaction, and imparted to Congress the communication made by the Presidents letter of the 20th of June last in the name of the National Assembly of France. So peculiar and so signal an expression of the esteem of that respectable body for a citizen of the United States, whose eminent and patriotic services are indelibly engraved on the minds of his courtrymen cannot fail to be appreciated by them as it ought to be. On my part I assure you, Sir, that I am sensible of all its value.\nThe circumstances, which, under the patronage of a monarch, who has proved himself to be the friend of the people over whom he reigns, have promissed the blessings of liberty to the French Nation, could not have been uninteresting to the free Citizens of the United States; especially when they recollected the dispositions, which were manifested by the individuals as well as by the Government of that Nation towards their recent exertions, in support of their own rights.\nIt is with real pleasure, Sir, that I embrace the opportunity now afforded me, of testifying through you to the National Assembly, the sincere, cordial and earnest wish, I entertain, that their labours may speedily issue in the firm establishment of a Constitution, which, by wisely conciliating the indispensable principles of public order with the enjoyment and exercise of the essential rights of man, shall perpetuate the freedom and happiness of the People of France.\nThe impression naturally produced by similarity of political sentiment are justly to be regarded as causes of national sympathy; calculated to confirm the amicable ties which may otherwise subsist between nations. This reflection, independent of its more particular reference, must dispose every benevolent mind to unite in the wish, that a general diffusion of true principles of liberty, assimilating as well as ameliorating the condition of Mankind and fostering the maxims of an ingenuous and virtuous policy, may tend to strengthen the fraternity of the human race, to assuage the jealousies and animosities of the various subdivisions, and to convince them more and more, that their true interest\nand felicity will best be promoted by mutual good will and universal harmony.\nThe friendship to which the President alludes in the close of his letter has caused me to perceive with particular pleasure, that one who had endeared himself to this Country by an ardent zeal and by useful efforts in the cause of liberty, has by the same titles acquired the confidence and affection of his own. May it ever be his chief aim to continue to be beloved as one of her most virtuous and most faithful Citizens!\nI beg you to accept my acknowledgments for the sentiments in the same letter which relate more particularly to myself, and at the same time to be assured of the most perfect consideration, on my part.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0164", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 27 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nUnited States January 27th 1791\nGentlemen of the Senate, and House of Representatives.\nIn order that you may be fully informed of the situation of the frontiers, and the prospects of hostility in that quarter; I lay before you the intelligence of some recent depredations, received since my message to you upon this subject, of the 24th instant.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0166", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Hull, 28 January 1791\nFrom: Hull, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNewton [Mass.] 28th Jany 1791\n  Soon after your appointment to the Presidency of the United States, I took the liberty of informing you, that I should be willing to serve my country in any public office, in which I could be usefull\u2014By the newspapers, I perceive Congress is about laying an excise on distilled Spirits &c.\u2014altho\u2019 I have not been informed,\nwhat will be the mode of collection, yet as there are a Number of distillerys in the County of Middlesex, as I live in a convenient Situation to exercise the Office of Collector for this County, I now only suggest, that I should be happy in such an appointment, provided such an officer is created by the Law\u2014The present State Collector for the County of Middlesex, is Mr Henley of Charleston, a Gentleman between Seventy and eighty years of age\u2014I know nothing against him, but the advanced period of his life\u2014I shall not trouble you with Solicitations from others, or any kind of recommendations\u2014It is well known to you, whether I deserve the public confidence or not. With every wish for your Happiness, I have the honor to be your most obedt Servt\nWilliam Hull", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0168", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Farrington, 29 January 1791\nFrom: Farrington, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nBoston 29th Jany 1791\nCustom has given sanction to what at first View in a modest Mind would seem too assuming; therefore I shall without any\nfurther Apology, offer myself to your Excellency as a Candidate for the Office of Collector or Inspector of Excise, (as the case may be) for the District of Boston in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: To detail all my Pretensions would be needless (the sum of them are) that I have been employed upwards of Seven years, in the Impost & Excise Office in Suffolk County in this Commonwealth, and my stipend therefor, has been scantily sufficient to support my Family, which consists of a Wife & four small Children[.] That in the year 1790 I was by the two Branches of the Legislature of this Commonwealth by a respectable Majority elected Collector of Excise for said County; And that after Congress had assumed the Debts of the Individual States, the said Legislature in September following, repealed the Law by which I was elected; In consequence thereof I shall within a few weeks be out of Employ, & without a Capital to put myself in Business; If a firm & unreserved Attachment to the Liberties of the United States of America, which has been manifested by a cheerfull application of Money & Property during the Late War, as well as personal Exertions; & If the Complacency, & general Approbation of my Fellow Citizens, are any Recommendations, I can with Confidence plead them; Shall rest at least with a Ray of Hope that your Excellency will be please to grant me this Office or some other, suited to my Abilities, I am with every sentiment of Esteem & Respect your Excellencys most Humble & Most obedient Sert\nThomas Farrington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0169", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Stephen Hooper, 29 January 1791\nFrom: Hooper, Stephen\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNewbury Port [Mass.] Jany 29th 1791\nAwed by a sense of your Dignity, it is with extreme reluctance that a Citizen of Newbury Port in the County of Essex & state of Massachusetts, presumes to crave a Moment of your Excellencys Attention, or trouble you with his sollicitations.\nfrom late information, that Congress are progressing in a new\nSystem of Excise to increase the Revenue of the United states and if establish\u2019d, Officers will be necessary to inspect the same; I have assum\u2019d the Liberty of tendering my best services to my Country in that Line\u2014and should your Excellency find my Abilities equal & my Character as worthy as any who may have applied for such an Office; the preference, your Excellency may deem proper to bestow on me, will stimulate me to honour the appointment, and most gratefully to acknowledge the favor.\nimpress\u2019d with a sense of my presumption in applying thus late for your Excellencys favor, I beg humbly to alledge, that an ignorance of such Office being establish\u2019d, and a natural timidity of addressing your Excellency on the subject, have been the Reasons for so late an Application, which I fear may have had the appearance of a deficiency of Respect for so august a Character. I am sir with sentiments of the most profound Respect Your Excellencys most Obedient & most Humble servant\nStephen Hooper", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0172", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 31 January 1791\nFrom: Newenham, Edward\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nThis day, I received most particular pleasure in a carefull & attentive reading of your address to Congress on the 8th of last December.\nI rejoice that Kantuc\u27e8ey\u27e9 is received as another State of the\nUnion; it will now prove a Barrier towards Canada, but had it not been amicably settled, it might (at some futare Period) be a troublesome Nieghbour, & resent its being rejected by the original Union; I have had my fears about it these some years; your Observations on the State of Europe & your advice to your Countrymen how to Act at this Period, prove that your Country Judged right in selecting you as their President; your Mediteranean Trade may prove a source of wealth to the states, could you make Treaties with the Pyratical states of the African Shoar\u2014& a General Process of Execution on Sentences Issuing from the Foederal Courts should be the same in all the states, with one Mint, standard of Weights & Measures; The whole proves the wisdom, displays the Abilities & marks the Integrity of George Washington; All Titles sink beneath Intrincic Merit.\nThe Affairs of France have unremittingly occupied my Mind & attention for these 12 Months; Such a Revolution is unexampled in History, but I fear they have attempted too much at once\u2014old prejudices\u2014Customs\u2014and feudal obedeince could not at a Moment be dissolved\u2014the Law, Church, Navy, & Army were too ponderous for an Instant Reformation; the General Refusal of the Bishops & many of the Inferior Clergy to take the Civic oath may (& I fear will) create Violent Commotions; the Clergy have still a Stronghold on the weak, the Superstitious and to these may be added the \u27e8Disented\u27e9 on Both Sides, as also those Princes, who, dreading a Reform in their own States, are ready to oppose the Revolutionists; all these degrees of Men being combined, may prove a formidable power, besides I have great doubts of the Patriotism & Integrity of many in the Regular Army, as I Know their Principles; however a few weeks will give the public some Idea of their situation; at present we have not had any News from Paris these 15 days, as there are 9 English Mails due; the Westerly winds having continued so long.\nI have often feared for our truly worthy & Brave Friend the Marquiss Le Fayette; Reports of Assassination, Dismissal, Banishment, were often in the Papers; Union with Conde & Artois, Quarrels with Orleans; all these were told in the Flanders & Dutch papers with Every appearance of Proba[bi]lity\u2014and the British Court papers added the wishes of the Freinds of Royal Despotism, thereby rendering, & adding, to the Continental Lies\u2014Knowing his Integrity, I approve of Every thing that has\nhis Sanction, & condemn what he dislikes\u2014on him I build my Political Faith\u2014he Learned his Rudiments at Mount Vernon.\nThe Spanish Convention was a Lucky Circumstance for the National Assembly; a War would have totaly deranged them; they could not Carry on a War, & form a new Constitution at the same period; I mean to thank the Minister in some part of some of Speeches this Session, for having concluded the Convention & thereby served the Cause of Freedom in France; I wish Great-Brittain would now conclude an offensive & Defensive Alliance with France & America.\nour Parliament has met, & contrary to Custom, they have begun well\u2014they have entered, with Spirit, into an Enquiry how to Lessen the Consumption of that poysonous Spirit, whiskey\u2014which has so debilitated & ruined our Manufacturers & Labourers, that thousands are Starving & Trade hurted\u2014the General Cry of the Capital became too powerfull to be any longer Stifled; the Great point is, what Tax to Impose to make up the Deficiency to the Crown, & how to prevent Smuggling; for the higher the Duty is raze on any Commodity, the greater Encourgement is given to the Adventurous Smugler; French Brandy & Holland Gin will be Smuggled; my proposals will be to Lessen the Duty on Wine & Enact severer Laws against Smugglers, & for Every Member in the House to pledge himself to Support the Fair Trades & discountenance the Illicit Smuggler.\nSuch Storms\u2014nay Harricanes, were never Known on the Coasts of this Island; for 42 days it has blown (2 Days Excepted) one continued Storm; our Shoares are covered with Shipwrecks\u2014Even the fishing Boats have added to the General Loss\u2014the whole Island is become drenched with water; we have to Dread a bad Crop of Corn, as the Wet has washed two thirds of the Earth away from the autumn seed; at present, we are well enough Supplied & send some oates & Potatoes to Foreign parts; Hay is in Great plenty\u2014Horses are become immoderately dear, though there is no foreign Call for them; France used to take 200 a year of our Middle Price hunters & this year only 20 were Exported\u2014the Number is Kept up expecting a Continental War.\nI do not like the Imperial Catherine overpowring the Turkish Empire; it will give her too great a Sway in Europe; Sweden & Denmarke will be her Tributaries, She will command the Balticke\n& ride Triumphant in the Archiopelago; though half a Century hence may See Siberia become an Independant Nation, & Kamsetaska the Soverign of her Seas to Japan on one side & Chili on the other; on the Least appearance of a Revolution in Russia, her distant Provinces will set up for themselves, & the European powers will plant Colonies & Supply the Boundaries of Asia with Ammunition & Arms; her Empire is growing too unwieldy, there are many Nations of many Tempers & as many Languages at present under her Dominion\u2014her Weight will preponderate against her.\nIs it not astonishing that the Spirit of Liberty has never yet Shewd itself in Spain or Portugal? If ever it gets the Smallest opening in the first, it must prevail, & Toledoes Riches will be turned to their proper use; the Clergy of that Kingdom requires more reform than the Immediate Servants of the Vatican\u2014there is no Subjects in the Habitable Globe under such unnatural Tyranny as the People of Spain\u2014as to Portugal, no Reformation will ever take place there untill the Dons are Emancipated.\nI cannot account for it, but when I begin a Letter to your Excellency, I am so desirous of Shewing my Respect & sincere regard, that I am Guilty of great Impropriety in taking up so much of your Time, which could be so much better imployed in the service of your Country, or in Cultivating Mount Vernon\u2014to see that Spot\u2014to Converse with its Proprietor has been a Chief Wish of my heart, but Cursed Law prevented me for the Space of four years & I am declining in years\u2014Yet! Yet! I do not relinquish the pleasing hope of Gods permitting me to Enjoy Health & an opportunity of personally saluting you & Mrs Washington.\non the late Prospect of a War with Spain my third Son Charles Burton Newenham (An American in Principle) who was a young Midshipman, but had serv\u27e8ed\u27e9 with Honor & Credit during the former war, entered on Board a Ship of War, Captain Phill\u27e8i\u27e9ps Cosby Comander, who is my Relative\u2014finding that Junior officers were to be promoted I applied in favor of Merit & long Services to the Lords of the Admiralty that He should be promoted in the Next List\u2014the Answer was\u2014you, Sr Edward, are against us in Parliament\u2014however Captain Cosby was made an Admiral in his Turn, & then demanded that my Son should be made Lieutenant\u2014this the Admiral had a right to, & he is, by\nthis days English Gazette, appointed a Lieutenant; this refusal was a poor Effort of Ministerial Vengeance\u2014for my vote on the Regency Buisiness.\nHad your Glorious Fellow-Citizens not Succeaded in Supporting the Just rights of Man, I should have forfeited both Life & Estate, as it is long Since well Known that I was among the first Proscribed Victims, for the Evidence of my Sending off the Cargoe of Gun-Powder to Boston\u2014& now they carry their Vengeance to my Children; this Son, happens also, to be a Member of the whig Club of Ireland\u2014that is a Species of Treason in the Eyes of the Present Ministry\u2014however I am happy, for I Know I acted Honestly\n  Permit me to assure your Excellency that you have not a warmer friend in the United States than I am\u2014nor is there a Family (My Eldest son Excepted who is not of my Principles) that has more respect or Sincerer Good wishes for Mrs Washingtons & your Health & Happiness, than Lady Newenham & her Children\u20145 Daughters & 4 sons\u2014besides the Eldest\u2014I have the Honor to remain, with Respect, my Dear Sir, your most obliged & faithfull Humble Servant\nEdward Newenham\n  Permit me to Enquire of your Excellency if you can inform me whether Colonel Wadsworth of New Hampshire be alive, as I have often wrote to him, & never receivd an Answer\u2014I am not Sure whether he is of Connecticut or New Hampshire\u2014he has wrote to me, & I answerd his, but it does not appear, that he received any of my Letters these 3 years, as I have not heard from him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0173", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 1 February 1791\nFrom: Ellicott, Andrew\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Feby 1st 1791\nI observe by the treaty of peace between the United States, and Creek Indians, that the running of certain lines agreed upon by the Secretary of War, on behalf of the United States, and the principal Chiefs of the Creeks, (limiting the claims of the two Nations,) is to commence next October.\nFrom a long, and extensive practice in the running of astronomical, and other lines, and being likewise possessed of all the necessary instruments for executing such work with the greatest accuracy, I am induced to offer my services on the above occasion. I have the honor to be with the Highest respect your most Obedient servant\nAndw Ellicott", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0174", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel Hopkins, 1 February 1791\nFrom: Hopkins, Daniel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia (Auditors Office)Februa. 1st 1791\nAs the collection of the Excise duties, about to be imposed by Congress, will probably riquire a number of appointments; I humbly beg leave to offer myself as a candidate for the district of Hartford in the State of Connecticut; which is the place of my established residence.\nShould your Excellency think fit to notice this request, my character will be given by the Honble Members of the Senate and House of Representatives from Connecticut, (some of which have encouraged me to make this application) or by the Auditor\nof the Treasury. I am sir, with the greatest respect, your Excellency\u2019s most obedient and most humble servant\nDaniel Hopkins", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0175", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir,\nTuesday Evening [1 February 1791]\nNothing in the enclosed letter superceding the necessity of Mr Ellicots proceeding to the work in hand\u2014I would thank you, for requesting him, to set out on thursday; or as soon after as he can make it convenient: also for preparing such instructions as you may conceive it necessary for me to give him for ascertaining the points we wish to know; first, for the general view of things\u2014& next for the more accurate & final decision. Yrs sincerely & Affly\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0176", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Martin, 1 February 1791\nFrom: Martin, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\n  [1 February 1791]\nI do myself the Honour of transmitting to you herewith \u201cAn Act\u201d of the General Assembly of this State passed at their last Session \u201cto carry into Effect a Resolution of Congress passed the twenty-ninth Day of September in the year 1789.\u201d which I have to request you will please to communicate to the Congress of the United States. I have the Honour to be with most respectful Consideration Sir, Your most obedient Humble Servant,\nAlexander Martin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0177", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Frederic Oehler, 1 February 1791\nFrom: Oehler, David Frederic\nTo: Washington, George\nMost gracious Lord\nCrimmitschau near Leipsig in Saxonyd 1 februar 1791.\nForgive My lord, that a Stranger takes so much a Lyberty, as to trouble such a great men as You are with a Letter. But as you are the Pr\u00e6sident in the Magistrate of the United Provinces, I lay a Case with all humbly Submission for Your Excellen\u27e8z\u27e9e and call for Right! Two Merchand Partners Mr Leek & Melbek at Phyladelphia own me a Debt of R.,dollar, 2483 in franz Louidor a 5 R.dollar, for Wolln Etoffs, with wich I indrustit them in the Year 1783, & 1784. acConts \u27e8illegible\u27e9 I lay in closd by. for all, I dit write a great many Letters to Lek & Melbek, but very seldom the dit me give any answer, and it praesent the are as I belive resolvd, to pay me nothing it all, and begin to act as Cheats, because the belive, the great distantz betwen our Countrys make it for me impossible to get my Property from them.\nGreat Sir, You are Known amongst us, not only as a great General, but in some tim, as a very Just and honest men; by einquiring, in my Case, the will be found truth, I humbly begg to You\nfor Your gracieux Assistenz, I am certain that a little motion from Your Excellen\u27e8z\u27e9 in my behalf, wil save my Property.\nI am a German of the Province of Saxony, and cares on a Manufacture of Woolln Cloths, flanells and Etoffs. Our General the Count \u27e8Solms\u27e9, by Whom I had Three Years ago, the plaisure as I paid hem a Visitt, to see Your Portraid, the General enjois by hes great Age a very good health; he Knows me as a honest men and as a men of reputation.\nPray let me hear that You forg\u27e8i\u27e9ve my Lyberty, and something comfortables in my Case. I pray You my humbly Respect, and remain with all Submission Your Excellency most Obedient faithfull humble Servant\nDavid Frederic Oehler\nConseiller des finances, de \u27e8illegible\u27e9 le Electeur de Sax", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0179", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 3 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Deakins, William Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nGentlemen,\nPhiladelphia Feby 3d 1791\nIn asking your aid in the following case permit me at the same time to ask the most perfect secrecy.\nThe federal territory being located, the competition for the location of the town now rests between the mouth of the Eastern branch, and the lands on the river, below and adjacent to George town. In favour of the former, Nature has furnished powerful advantages. In favour of the latter is it\u2019s vicinity to George town, which puts it in the way of deriving aids from it in the beginning, and of communicating in return an increased value to the property of that town. These advantages have been so poised in my mind as to give it different tendencies at different times. There are lands which stand yet in the way of the latter location and which, if they could be obtained, for the purposes of the town, would remove a considerable obstacle to it, and go near indeed to decide what has been so long on the balance with me.\nThese are, first, the lands on the S. West side of a line to be run from where the Road crosses Goose creek in going from George town to the Eastern branch to the corner of Charles Beatty\u2019s lot; including by the plat of Beatty & Orme the house of William Paerce; or, if the whole of this parcel cannot be obtained, then secondly so much as would lie within a line to be run from the said ford, or thereabouts, to the middle of the line of cession which extends from the corner of Beatty\u2019s lot, as above mentioned to its termination on Goose Creek. Thirdly, the lands of Mr Carrol between Goose Creek, the river & Mr Young, to the same ford of the Creek.\nThe object of this letter is to ask you to endeavor to purchase these grounds of the owners for the public, particularly the 2d\nparcel, but as if for yourselves, and to conduct your propositions so as to excite no suspicion that they are on behalf of the public.\nThe circumstances of the funds appropriated by the States of Virginia and Maryland, will require that a twelve month\u2019s credit be stipulated, in order that they may cover you from any inconvenience which might attend your personal undertakings. As the price at which the lands can be obtained would have it\u2019s weight also with me, I would wish that in making your bargains you should reserve to yourselves as fortnight\u2019s time to consider, at the end of which you should be free to be off or on, but the seller not so, This will admit your writing to me & receiving my definitive answer.\nA clear purchase is so preferable to every other arrangement, that I should scarcely think any other worthy attention.\nI am obliged to add that all the dispatch is requisite which can consist with the success of your operation, and that I shall be glad to hear by post of your progress, & prospect of the accomplishment of this business, in whole or part. I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Ser\u27e8vt\u27e9\nGo: Washing\u27e8ton\u27e9\nP.S. That my description of the lands required in the foregoing letter may be clearly understood, and my wishes further explained, I enclose you a rough (& very rough indeed it is) copy of the ceded tracts, roads, &ca, of Messrs Beatty & Orme\u2019s Survey\u2014adding thereto lines of augmentation. To obtain the lands included within the lines A B & C is my first wish, and next to that the lands within the lines D E & F; but those with the lines D E, and along the Creek to C, are indispensably necessary: and being not over 250 Acres might, I suppose, be easily obtained. It ought to be the first essay; and I wish to know as soon as possible the result of it, before any others are directly attempted. G.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0180", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 3 February 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nSir,\nThursday Feby 3d 1791.\nI will thank you to send me, from time to time, two copies of such bills as may be printed by order of the Senate, previous to their passing into laws; and likewise two copies of your Journals as they are printed.\nI am induced to make this request from a wish which the President of the United States often expresses to see the bills in this stage.\nIf there are any bills of this description now with you I will thank you to send them. I have the honor to be, very respectfully Sir Your most Obedt Servt\nTobias Lear", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0181", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Aaron Dunham, 4 February 1791\nFrom: Dunham, Aaron\nTo: Washington, George\nTrenton [N.J.] 4th Feby 1791\nThe subscriber being informed, that, by the Excise Law an Inspector of the Revenue will be necessary for the State of New Jersey; he begs leave to offer himself for that appointment. For his Character and Pretensions he refers to the Testimonials herewith transmitted, and to the Senators and Representatives of this State in Congress.\nAaron Dunham", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0183", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Paul Revere, 5 February 1791\nFrom: Revere, Paul\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBoston 5 Feby 1791\nWithout troubling your Excellency with a detail of circumstances, which induce me to wish for some employment, under the general Government, I beg leave to offer my self as a candidate for any office in the proposed sistem of Excise, which I may be qualified to fill. As I can not claim the honor of such a personal aquaintance with your Excellency, as will furnish you with sufficient information of my character, I beg leave (should you ever think the subject so far worthy your attention, as to enquire) to refer you to Genl Knox, Genl Lincoln, Mr Ames or Mr Gerrey. I am Sir with all possible respect, your Excellencys obednt humb. Servt\nPaul Revere", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0185", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Angelica Schuyler Church, 6 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Church, Angelica Schuyler\nMadam,\nPhiladelphia Feby 6th 1791\nAs the letter, which you were pleased to address to me on the 27th of November, relates to an event of public import, yet to be determined, and on which the decision may be governed by circumstances not yet considered, I can only do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of it\u2014and to express the respectful consideration with which I am Madam Your most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0187", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 6 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Muse, Battaile\nSir:\nPhiladelphia February 6th 1791\nIt has been intimated to me, that Mr Windsor, a tenant of mine, wishes to relinguish the Lease which he retains for a pa\u27e8rt o\u27e9f my land in the Co\u27e8unty\u27e9 of Frederick; \u27e8and as my\u27e9 Sister Lewis ap\u27e8pears anxio\u27e9us to \u27e8get it for th\u27e9e purpose \u27e8of concentrating\u27e9 her \u27e8property adjo\u27e9ining and \u27e8agrees to take\u27e9 it \u27e8upon the\u27e9 same terms by wh\u27e8ich it is held\u27e9 at present; this will explai\u27e8n to\u27e9 you, my approbation of her proposal, provided, Mr Windsor is still disposed to surrender his occupancy. I am, Sir, your Most Obt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0188", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Collins, 7 February 1791\nFrom: Collins, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Feby 7th 1791\nThe bill for laying certain duties on distilled Spirits being now in great forwardness in Congress, will it is expected shortly come before your Excellency and in Case you should be pleased to\npass it into a Law, it is provided by the said bill that the States may be divided by you into General Districts and an Inspector appointed for collecting the Duties in each.\nFrom my long residence in the County of Berks in this State from my general knowledge of the Inhabitants in that and the adjacent Counties and my extensive family connections therein, I flatter myself that I could execute satisfactorily the Duties of the Office of Inspector for the District that may include those Counties and am therefore induced to offer myself to Your Excellency as a candidate for the Appointment. Encouraged in this application by most of the Members of Congress for this State I beg leave to refer you to them for my Character. I have the honour of being with the greatest respect, Sir, Your Most Obedient Servt\nJas Collins", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0190", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph-L\u00e9onard Poirey, 8 February 1791\nFrom: Poirey, Joseph-L\u00e9onard\nTo: Washington, George\nExcellency\nParis le 8 fevrier 1791\nM. de De la Fayette m\u2019a remis le Brevet de Capitaine au service des Etats-unis d\u2019am\u00e9rique que vous avez eu la bont\u00e9 de lui envoyer pour moi: permettez-moi de vous en faire mes remerciements et de mettre \u00e0 vos pieds l\u2019homage de ma Reconnoissance et du Respet avec lesquels je suis de Votre Excellence le tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur.\nPoirey", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0191", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Moses White, 8 February 1791\nFrom: White, Moses\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nRutland; County of Worcester, State of Massa.February 8th 1791\nYour readiness & patience to hear the wants of every citizen, hath emboldened me to lay before You my situation, & claim\nYour patronage. Early in the late War, contrary to the advice of my Connections, I entered into the Army, where I continued to its disolution\u2014Although, it was my lot to fall into a Regt that was unhappy on many accounts, & proved injurious to its Officers, Yet, I am Conscious of having executed my Duties with fidelity, & to the best of my Abilities and I was happy in meeting with the approbation of the Officers & the possession of the Confidence of the soldiery\u2014But I had the missfortune of retireing from the Army with loss of health; in the month of Sept. 1782 in executing a piece of duty, through excessive fatigue, I ruptured a blood vessell in my Lungs, that proved the source of a long & painfull indisposition, four years I was languishing without, scarcely the hope of reliefe, two winters, I was under the necessity of seeking a Milder Climate as a necessary Alternative it proved in some measure salutary, by slow degrees I have been restored to a partial state of health, but during this whole time I was unable to attend to any kind of business whatever, which reduced me to the hard necessity of parting with my public securities for the inconsiderable consideration of 2/6 for the \u27e8pillegible\u27e9 besides being beholden to my friends for considerable supplies\u2014I have an amiable wife & an encreasing family who look up to me for support, in justice to whome I think it my duty, to tender, to that Country, in whose service I have spent my best days, & that which is yet of more consiquence, my health, my time & services. To You, Sir, I take the liberty of making this tender\u2014so far as my claims to public favour, in reference to others, shall appear to you deserving, so far I beg leave to sollicit Your patronage. Should any employ offer in the arrangement of the Excise, wherein I can be usefull\u2014I can only answer, that no one can receive such a favour with more gratitude, or strive more to deserve it. I have the honour to be, with all deference & respect sir Your most obedient & most humble servant\nMoses White", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0192", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Deakins, 9 February 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Deakins, William Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 9 Feb. 1791. In a letter to Deakins and Stoddert, 17 Feb. 1791, GW refers to \u201cfavors of the 9th and 11th instant.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0194", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Matthews, 9 February 1791\nFrom: Matthews, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBaltimore the 9th Feby 1791.\nI humbly beg leave to present you a Paper signed by a few of my respectable Neighbours. It would not have been the least difficult for me to have Increased the Number but considering that it is well known with how much facility the General Benevolence is mov\u2019d to Acts of this kind, I concluded to spare you Sir the trouble of a lenthy Scrawl and my self the pain of soliciting Suffrages that might be but little known, but permit me further to refer you to William Smith Esqr. of Maryland to whom I have the Honor of being well known. I have the Honor to be Sir With the most perfect Respect Your most obedient and Most humble Servant\nWm Matthews", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0196", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Catherine Sawbridge Macaulay Graham, 10 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Graham, Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay\nMadam,\nPhiladelphia Feby 10th 1791.\nAt the sametime that I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of June last, with which I have been honored, I must beg you to accept my best thanks for your treatise on Education which accompanied it.\nThe anxiety which you express for the welfare of this Country demands a proper acknowledgment; and the political sentiments which are contained in your letter merit a more particular\nreply than the multifarious and important business in which I am constantly engaged (especially while Congress are in Session) will permit me to make. I must therefore, Madam, rely upon your goodness to receive this short letter as an acknowledgment of your polite attention, and beg you to be assured that my not entering at this time, more fully into the subject of your favor does not proceed from a want of that consideration with which I have the honor to be Madam Your Most Obedt Hble Ser.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0197", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Deakins, 11 February 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Deakins, William Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 11 Feb. 1791. In a letter to Deakins and Stoddert, 17 Feb. 1791, GW refers to \u201cfavors of the 9th and 11th instant.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0199", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Fish, 12 February 1791\nFrom: Fish, Nicholas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nPhiladelphia February 12th 1791\nUnder a wish not to intrude, I presume to express my desire to be employed under the Government which You preside over. \nShould You judge me qualified Sir, to execute the Office of Inspector for the District of New York, created by the Revenue Bill now before Congress, I take the liberty Sir to lay my pretensions before You. I have the honor to be Sir with the greatest respect and esteem your most obedient and very humble Servant\nNichos Fish", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0200-0001", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Feby 12th 1791\nI had arranged a course of animadversions to be transmitted to you, on the expediency of the Bank-bill\u2014but after the recollection of the two conversations, which I have had the honor of holding with you on this subject, I am uncertain whether its expediency constitutes a part of your enquiry from me. If it should be your pleasure, that I should enter into this branch of the question, I can accomplish it on the notice of a few hours.\nThe enclosed observations No. 1. go as far as I am able to discover, to the substance of the dispute. They arise from an examination of the Constitution itself.\nThere is indeed a minor class of arguments against the Bill, which I have received through the public prints & other sources of communication. There is also an inferior order of Arguments in favor of the bill, obtained thro\u2019 the same channels, both descriptions are destitute of influence on my mind but lest I may have depreciated them below their value, I have resolved to state\nthem to you in the paper No. 2. I have the honor sir, to be with the greatest respect Your Mo: Obedt Servt\nEdmd Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0200-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Opinion on the Constitutionality of the Bank, 12 February 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: \nFebruary 12th 1791\nThe Attorney General of the United States in obedience to the order of the President of the United States, has had under consideration the Bill, entitled \u2018An Act to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States,\u201d and reports on it, in point of Constitutionality as follows:\nIt must be acknowledged, that, if any part of the bill does either encounter the Constitution, or is not warranted by it, the clause of incorporation is the only one.\nThe legal properties of this Corporation would be,\n1st\u2003\u2003To have succession untill the 4th of March 1811.\n2d\u2003\u2003to purchase, receive, & retain, real and personal property to an amount not exceeding, fifteen millions of Dollars, including the Capitol Stock.\n3d\u2003\u2003To sell & dispose of the property.\n4. To sue & be sued.\n5. To have a Common seal; and\n6. to make by-Laws, and do all Acts, appertaining to the Corporation, under certain restrictions prescribed in the act.\nThese properties with different modifications in some instances, belong to all Corporations: their importance strikes the eye.\nThat the power of creating Corporations is not expressly given to Congress, is obvious.\nIf it can be exercised by them, it must be;\n1st because the nature of the Federal government implies it; or\n2d because it is involved in some of the specified powers of Legislation: or\n3. because it is necessary and proper to carry into execution some of the specified powers:\n1. To be implied in the nature of the F\u0153deral government would beget a doctrine so indefinite, as to grasp every power.\nGovernments, having no written Constitution, may perhaps claim a latitude of power, not always easy to be determined. Those, which have written Constitutions, are circumscribed by a just interpretation of the words contained in them\u2014nay farther; a legislature instituted even by a written constitution, but without a special demarkation of powers, may perhaps be presumed to be left at large, as to all authority, which is communicable by the people, and does not affect any of those paramount rights, which a free people cannot be supposed to confide even to their representatives. Essentially otherwise is the condition is the condition of a legislature, whose powers are described. An example of the former is in the State Legislatures; of the latter, in the Legislature of the foederal government, the characteristic of which has been confessed by Congress in the twelfth amendment, to be, that it claims no powers which are not delegated to it.\nThis last observation straitens the federal powers, and opposes an opinion, not unpatronized, that, Congress may exercise all authority, to which the states are individually incompetent.\nIf any subject of government, from which the states are not excluded by the Constitution, be beyond their jurisdiction\nwithin their own limits, let it be shewn: it cannot be easily conceived.\nBut what, if such a subject should really exist? Is the argument less conclusive to say, that the states must retain it, because it is not given to the federal government, than that the latter although limitted in itself possesses it, because it is not within the verge of a state-constitution? While, on the one hand it ought not to be denied that the federal government superintends the general welfare of the states, it ought not to be forgotten, on the other, that it superintends it according to the dictates of the constitution.\nThe opinion, above alluded to, can have only one other object, namely, that every institution, to which a single State can give efficacy, only within its own boundaries, devolves on congress. But the extravagance of such a position is manifested by a single circumstance, that the cutting of canals thro\u2019 two or more States, at the will of Congress, is one of its least consequences.\n2. We ask then, in the second place, whether upon any principle of fair construction, the specified powers of legislation involve the power of granting charters of incorporation? We say charters of incorporation, without confining the question to the Bank; because the admission of it in that instance, is an admission of it in every other, in which Congress may think the use of it equally expedient.\nThere is a real difference between the rule of interpretation, applied to a law & a Constitution. The one comprises a summary of matter, for the detail of which numberless Laws will be necessary; the other is the very detail. The one is therefore to be construed with a discreet liberality; the other with a closer adherence to the literal meaning.\nBut when we compare the modes of construing a state, and the federal, constitution, we are admonished to be stricter with regard to the latter, because there is a greater danger of Error in defining partial than general powers.\nThe rule therefore for interpreting the specified powers seem to be, that, as each of them includes those details which properly constitute the whole of the subject, to which the power relates, the details themselves must be fixed by reasoning. And the appeal may on this occasion be made to common sense & common language.\nThose powers, then, which bear any analogy to that of incorporation,\nshall be examined separately in their constituent parts; and afterwards in those parts, which are urged to have the strongest resemblance to the favorite power.\n1. Congress have power to lay & collect taxes &c:\u2014the heads of this power are,\n1. to ascertain the Subject of taxation &c.\n2. to declare the quantum of taxation &c.\n3. to prescribe the mode of Collection; &c.\n4. to ordain the manner of accounting for the Taxes &c: 2dly Congress have also power to borrow money on the credit of the United States.\nthe heads of this power are,\n1. to Stipulate a sum to be lent\n  2. \u2014\u201can interest, or no interest to be paid, &\n  3. \u2014\u201cthe time & manner of repayment, unless the Loan be placed on an irredeemable fund.\n3. Congress have also power to regulate commerce with foreign Nations, among the several states, and with the Indian tribes.\nThe heads of this power with respect to foreign nations, are;\n1. to prohibit them or their commodities from our ports.\n2. to impose duties on them, where none existed before, or to increase existing Duties on them.\n3. to subject them to any species of Custom house regulations: or\n4. to grant them any exemptions or privilages which policy may suggest.\nThe heads of this power with respect to the several States, are little more, than to establish the forms of commercial intercourse between them, & to keep the prohibitions, which the Constitution imposes on that intercourse, undiminished in their operation: that is, to prevent taxes on imports or Exports; preferences to one port over another by any regulation of commerce or revenue; and duties upon the entering or clearing of the vessels of one State in the ports of another.\nThe heads of this power with respect to the Indian Tribes are\n1.to prohibit the Indians from coming into, or trading within, the United States.\n2. to admit them with or without restrictions.\n3. to prohibit citizens of the United States from trading with them; or\n4. to permit with or without restrictions.\n4. Congress have also power to dispose of, & make all needful rules and regulations, respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States: the heads of this power are.\n1. to exert an ownership over the territory of the United States, which may be properly called the property of the United States, as is the western Territory; and to institute a government therein; or\n2. to exert an ownership over the other property of the United States.\nThis property may signify,\n1. Personal property of the United States howsoever acquired, or\n2. real property, not aptly denominated territory, acquired by cession or otherwise.\nIt cannot signify\n1. Debts due from the United States.\n2. Nor money arising from the sources of revenue, pointed out in the Constitution. The disposal and regulation of money is the final cause for raising it by taxes &.\n5. The preamble to the constitution has also been relied on, as a source of power.\nTo this it will be here remarked, once for all, that the preamble, if it be operative is a full constitution of itself; and the body of the Constitution is useless; but that it is declarative only of the views of the convention, which they supposed would be left fulfilled by the powers delineated; and that such is the legitimate nature of preambles.\nWith this analysis of the foregoing specified powers, compare each of the corporate powers: and where is the similitude? It lies, say the advocates of the Bill; in the power to lay & collect taxes &c.; because it facilitates the payment of them: in that of borrowing money; because it creates an ability to lend: in that of regulating commerce; because it increases the medium of circulation; and thus encourages activity & industry. In that of disposing and regulating property; because the contributions, and the interest of the United States in the Banks, are property of the United States. Of each of these reasons something will be said in their order.\nThe incorporation of a Bank can facilitate the payment of taxes, only by createing a faculty to pay, or by supplying a deficient\nmedium, or by rendering the transportation of money to the Seat of government more convenient. But to lay and collect taxes is in fact to demand & recieve a public Debt, resting the mode of procuring the money on the resources of the debtors; and as to its transportations, surely there are many other vehicles besides bank-bills.\nTo borrow money presupposes the accumulation of a fund to be lent; and is secondary to the creation of an ability to lend.\nBy regulating commerce, in order to increase the medium of circulation cannot be intended [by] any of the commercial powers, designated above; these being very remote from the incorporation of a bank. Nor can it be imagined, that it is intended to reach the emission of paper money. What construction remains, by which to regulate commerce can increase the medium? Only the emission of coin, which is licenced in terms by another clause.\nTo dispose of, or to regulate property, even bank stock itself, is utterly distinct from the incorporation of a bank; for the contributions on which the bank-stock arises, go upon the principle, that a bank already exists; how else can contributions be made to it?\nBut, in truth, the serious alarm is in the concentered force of these sentiments\u2014If the laying and collecting of taxes brings with it every thing, which in the opinion of Congress, may facilitate the payment of taxes: if to borrow money sets political speculation loose, to conceive what may create an ability to lend: if to regulate commerce, is to range in the boundless mazes of projects for the apparently best scheme to invite from abroad, or to diffuse at home the precious metals\u2014if to dispose of, or to regulate property of the United States, is to incorporate a bank, that stock may be subscribed to it by them; it may without exaggeration be affirmed, that a similar construction on every specified f\u0153deral power will stretch the arm of Congress into the whole circle of State Legislation.\nThe general qualities of the foederal government, independent of the Constitution, and the specified powers, being thus insufficient to uphold the incorporation of a bank; we come to the last enquiry, which has been already anticipated, whether it be sanctified by the power to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers, vested\nby the Constitution. To be necessary is to be incidental, or in other words may be denominated the natural means of executing a power.\nThe phrase, \u201cand proper\u201d, if it has my meaning, does not enlarge the powers of Congress, but rather restricts them. For no power is to be assumed under the general clause, but such as is not only necessary but proper, or perhaps expedient also; but, as the friends to the bill ought not to claim any advantage from this clause, so ought not the Enemies to it, to quote the clause as having a restrictive effect: both ought to consider it, as among the surplusage, which as often proceeds from inattention, as caution.\nHowever, let it be propounded as an eternal question to those, who build new powers on this clause, whether the latitude of construction which they arrogate, will not terminate in an unlimitted power in Congress?\nIn every aspect therefore under which the attorney general can view the act, so far as it incorporates the bank, he is bound to declare his opinion to be against its constitutionality.\nEdmd Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0200-0003", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Additional Considerations on the Bank Bill, 12 February 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: \nThe attorney general, holding it to be his duty to address to the President of the United States, as the grounds of an official opinion, no arguments, the truth of which he does not acknowledge; has reserved for this paper several topic\u2019s, which have more or less influenced the friends & enemies of the bank-bill; and which ought therefore to be communicated to the President.\n1. The enemies of the bill have contended, that a rule of construction, adverse to the power of incorporation, springs out of the constitution, itself; that after the grant of certain powers to Congress, the Constitution, as if cautious, against usurpation, specially grants several other powers, more akin to those before given, than the incorporation of a bank is to any of those, from which it is deduced.\nThis position they say, has been exemplified in four instances.\n1. A Power is given to regulate commerce; and yet is added a power to establish uniform laws on the subject of Bankruptcies through out the United States: to fix the standard of weights & measures; and to establish post offices and post roads.\n2. A Power is given to coin money; and yet is added a power to regulate the value thereof and of foreign coin; and to provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the current coin of the United States.\n3. A Power is given to declare war; & yet is added a power to grant letters of Marque and reprisal: to make rules concerning captures on land & water; to raise & support armies: to provide & maintain a Navy: and to make rules for the government & regulation of the Land & naval forces.\n4. A Power is given to provide for calling forth the militia, to execute the Laws of the Union; and yet is added a power to call them forth to suppress insurrections.\nWhosover will attentively inspect the Constitution, will readily perceive the force of what is expressed in the letter of the convention; \u201cThat the Constitution was the result of a spirit of amity, and mutual deference & concession.\u201d To argue, then, from its Style or arrangement, as being logically exact, is perhaps a scheme of reasoning not absolutely precise.\nBut if the Constitution were ever so perfect, considered even as a composition, the difficulties, which the above Doctrine has started may be solved by the following remarks.\nThose similar powers, on which stress is laid, are either incidental, or substantive, that is independent powers.\nIf they be incidental powers, and the conclusion be, that because some incidental powers are expressed, no others are admissible; it wou\u2019d not only be contrary to the common forms of construction, but would reduce the present Congress to the feebleness of the old one, which could exercise no powers, not expressly delegated. So that the advocates for the power of incorporation on the principle of incidentality to some specified power, would, notwithstanding this supposed rule of interpretation, be as much at liberty to insist on its being an incidental power as ever.\nIf these similar powers be substantive and independant (as on many occasions they are, that is, as they can be conceived to be \ncapable of being used, independently of what is called the principal power) it ought not to be inferred, that they were inserted for any other purpose, than to bestow an independent power, where it would not otherwise have existed.\nThe only remaining signification, which the Doctrine now controverted can have, is that the incorporation of a bank being more wide from a connection with the specified powers of legislation, than the additional ones were from the principal powers, to which they were supposed to belong; the power of incorporation being omitted, or rather not specially mentioned, cannot be assumed. Even this answer is not adequate to those, who derive the power of incorporation from the nature of the f\u0153deral government.\nHence the rule contended for by the enemies of the bill is defective every way. It would be still more so with respect to those (if any such there be) who construe the words, \u201cnecessary and proper\u201d, so as to embrace every expedient power.\n2. An appeal has been also made by the enemies of the bill, to what passed in the federal convention on this subject. But ought not the Constitution to be decided on by the import of its own expressions? What may not be the consequence, if an almost unknown history should govern the Construction?\n3. The opinions too of several respectable characters have been cited, as deliverd in the State conventions. As these have no authoritative influence; so ought it to be remembered, that observations were uttered by the advocates of the Constitution, before its adoption, to which they will not, and in many cases, ought not to adhere.\n4. On the other hand the friends to the bill have relied on the Congressional Acts as to Westpoint, the Government of the Western Territory, and the power of removal from Office, given to the President.\nThe two first are within express powers, as will occur, by adverting to the power to exercise authority over places purchased for forts &c., and to the power to dispose of, and make needful rules and regulations respecting the property of the Und States: the last is a point with a great weight of reason on each side. If it be founded on the general nature of executive authority, the power is probably not tenable, without resorting to the Doctrines of the friends to the Bill. But it appears to be a power not\nspecially given to any person (except on an impeachment) and may therefore incidentally belong to Congress to confer on the President: however if this step be an error, it is never too late to correct it.\n5. It has been also pretended, that even the infirm old Congress incorporated a bank; and can a less power be presumed to be vested in the federal government, which has been formed to remedy their weakness? This argument is so indefinite; the time of the incorporation was so pressing and the States had such an unlimitted command over Congress and their acts, that the public acquiescence ought not to be the basis of such a power under the present circumstances.\n6. Congress it is farther said, may provide for the general welfare, and this includes the power of incorporation: but they are to provide for the general welfare in laying & collecting taxes. Is the incorporation of a bank a tax bill? The meaning of the power taken together, seems to be, that Congress may lay taxes for the purpose of expending money for the public welfare, even to subscribe it to a bank. But is this like the creation of bank? It implies that a bank has been already created.\n7. It has been also asserted, that Congress have an exclusive legislation at the seat of government. This will not be true, until they go to the place of the permanent residence.\nThe Attorney general has not collected any other information upon this subject; altho\u2019 more may perhaps have been said by the partizans for & against the Bank than is here noticed.\nEdm: Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0201", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Salmon, 13 February 1791\nFrom: Salmon, George\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBaltimore 13th February 1791\nI should not have ventured to address your Excellency, were I not assured from the innumerable instances of your goodness, that whatever may be the issue of my application, you will forgive the intrusion when you know it is from one who has experienced in his own fate a Considerable change of fortune. a long residence in this Town, a large and respectable acquaintance, some Mercantile knowledge, my situation and the suggestions\nof my friend Doctor McHenry (who addressed Your Excellency lately in my behalf) have induced me to take this liberty to propose myself to Your Excellency\u2019s consideration, as a Candidate for Excise officer for this Town or district. should I be thought qualified for the trust, it shall be my invariable study to execute it with diligence and fidelity, and to remember with gratitude to whose bounty I am indebted\u2014Mr Wm Smith is the only Person in our Delegation with whom I am acquainted, or who may be able to give your Excellency any information respecting my character which you might desire to know, but Your Excellency will think that Doctor McHenry would not recommend an improper Person to your notice. With the most lively sentiments of veneration, I beg leave to subscribe myself Your Excellency\u2019s, most obedt Servant\nGeorge Salmon", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0202", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jacob Auld, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Auld, Jacob\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nMontgomery County [Pa.] February 14th 1791.\nHaving understood that an Excise Law has lately passed the Legislature of the United States and that a number of Officers will be appointed to collect the revenues arising under that Law, I beg leave humbly to submit to your Excellency That I have for a number of years past served as the Collector of Excise for this County, and I trust with the Approbation of my Superiors. As I have not the Honor to be known to your Excellency I take the liberty in this way to profer my Petition, requesting if your Excellency thinks proper to be employed in this line, for my Character and Qualification necessary for the Office, I beg leave to refer your Excellency to the Speaker of the House of Representatives\nTo Generals Muhlenberg & Hiester. With profound respect I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obedient & hbl. Servant\nJacob Auld", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0203", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Elmer, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Elmer, Jonathan\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n14th February 1791\nMy public engagements for some years past have obliged me to relinquish my professional business, entirely; &, upon taking a seat in the national Senate, I resigned my Civil Employment in my own State. The term of my present service will expire the fourth of March. I shall then be wholly disengaged. Thus circumstanced, I have been advised to offer my service to my Country, as Supervisor of the Revenue in New Jersey under the Act now before Congress, should it finally pass into a Law.\nI have taken the liberty to mention this matter to you, Sir, perhaps rather prematurely. It will however afford the more time for deliberation, & it is my wish that, in making the appointment, the public good should alone be considered.\nIf any further communications are necessary, I shall consider myself very much obliged in receiving early information of it. I have the Honour to be Sir Your most obedient & very Hble Servant\nJonathn Elmer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0204", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson and Edmund Randolph, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas,Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nThe opinion is,\n1. that the attorney for the district of Kentucky do forthwith take the most effectual measures for prosecuting according to law  O\u2019Fallon; and that he be informed, that unless the testimony within his reach will clearly subject him to the charge of treason, the prosecution be for a riot.\n2. that a proclamation issue, reciting the treaties, law and further proclamation on this subject, and declaring the purpose of the executive, that the disturbers of the public peace shall be prosecuted with the utmost vigor of the law.\nThe measures fit to be taken by way of precaution to the commandant of Fort Washington, are not here noticed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0205", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nUnited States Feby 14th 1791.\nGentleman of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives\nSoon after I was called to the administration of the Government, I found it important to come to an understanding with the Court of London, on several points interesting to the United States, and particularly to know whether they were disposed to enter into arrangements, by mutual consent, which might fix the commerce between the two Nations on principles of reciprocal advantage. For this purpose I authorized informal conferences with their Ministers; and from these I do not infer any disposition, on their part, to enter into any arrangements merely commercial. I have thought it proper to give you this information, as it might at some time have influence on matters under your consideration.\nGentlemen of the Senate\nConceiving that in the possible event of a refusal of Justice on the part of Great Britain, we should stand less committed should it be made to a private rather than to a public person, I employed Mr Gouverr Morris, who was on the spot, and without giving him any definite Character, to enter informally into the conferences before mentioned. For your more particular Information, I lay before you the Instructions I gave him, and those parts of his Communications wherein the British Ministers appear either in conversation or by Letter. These are two Letters from the Duke of Leeds to Mr Morris, and three Letters of Mr Morris giving an account of two Conferences with the Duke of Leeds, and one with him and Mr Pitt. The sum of these is, that they declare without scruple they do not mean to fulfill what remains of the Treaty of Peace to be fulfilled on their part (by which we are to understand the delivery of the Posts and payment for property carried off) \u2019till performance on our part, and compensation where the delay has rendered the performance now impracticable: that on the subject of a treaty of commerce they avoided direct answers, so as to satisfy Mr Morris they did not mean to enter into one unless it could be extended to a Treaty of Alliance offensive and defensive, or unless in the event of a rupture with Spain.\nAs to the sending a Minister here, they made excuses at the first conference, seem disposed to it in the second, and in the last express an intention of so doing.\nTheir views being thus sufficiently ascertained, I have directed Mr Morris to discontinue his communications with them.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0206", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Buchanan, 15 February 1791\nFrom: Buchanan, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBaltimore 15th Feby 1791\nThere having been created by the Excise Law lately passed by Congress, Officers for ascertaining the quantity & quality of American distilled Spirits. & as I doubt not but one will soon be appointed by your Excellency for this place, I take the liberty of offering my services & of becoming a Candidate for the same. As I have not the honor of being known to your Excellency, Mr Smith of this State has given me permission to refer you to him for any information you may wish respecting me. Should your Excellency think proper to appoint me, I must beg leave to assure you, that every exertion shall be made to give Satisfaction\u27e8.\u27e9 I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obedt Sert\nW. Buchanan of \u27e8Wm\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0207", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nThe bill for establishing a National Bank undertakes, among other things\n1. to form the subscribers into a Corporation.\n2. to enable them, in their corporate capacities to receive grants of land; and so far is against the laws of Mortmain. though the constitution controuls the laws of Mortmain so far as to permit Congress itself to hold lands for certain purposes, yet not so far as to permit them to communicate a similar right to other corporate bodies.\n3. to make alien subscribers capable of holding lands, & so far is against the laws of Alienage.\n4. to transmit these lands, on the death of a proprietor, to a certain line of successors: & so far changes the course of Descents.\n5. to put the lands out of the reach of forfeiture or escheat: & so far is against the laws of Forfeiture & Escheat.\n6. to transmit personal chattels to successors in a certain line: & so far is against the laws of Distribution.\n7. to give them the sole & exclusive right of banking under the national authority: & so far is against the laws of Monopoly.\n8. to communicate to them a power to make laws paramount to the laws of the states: for so they must be construed, to protect the institution from the controul of the state legislatures; & so, probably they will be construed.\nI consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground that \u201call powers not delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people\u201d (XIIth Amendmt) to take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a boundless feild of power, no longer susceptible of any definition.\nThe incorporation of a bank, & the powers assumed by this bill, have not, in my opinion, been delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution.\nI. They are not among the powers specially enumerated for these are\n1. a power to lay taxes for the purpose of paying the debts of the U.S. but no debt is paid by this bill, nor any tax laid. were it a bill to raise money, it\u2019s origination in the Senate would condemn it by the constitution.\n2. \u201cto borrow money.\u201d but this bill neither borrows money, nor ensures the borrowing it. the proprietors of the bank will be just as free as any other money holders to lend or not to lend their money to the public. the operation, proposed in the bill, first to lend them two millions, & then borrow them back again, cannot change the nature of the latter act, which will still be a payment, & not a loan, call it by what name you please.\n3. \u201cto regulate commerce with foreign nations, & among the states, & with the Indian tribes.\u201d to erect a bank, & to regulate commerce, are very different acts. he who erects a bank creates a subject of commerce in it\u2019s bills: so does he who makes a bushel of wheat, or digs a dollar out of the mines. yet neither of these persons regulates commerce thereby. to erect a thing which may be bought & sold, is not to prescribe regulations for buying &\nselling. besides; if this was an exercise of the power of regulating commerce, it would be void, as extending as much to the internal commerce of every state, as to it\u2019s external. for the power given to Congress by the Constitution, does not extend to the internal regulation of the commerce of a state (that is to say of the commerce between citizen & citizen) which remains exclusively with it\u2019s own legislature; but to it\u2019s external commerce only, that is to say, it\u2019s commerce with another state, or with foreign nations or with the Indian tribes. accordingly the bill does not propose the measure as a \u201cregulation of trade\u201d, but as \u201cproductive of considerable advantage to trade\u201d.\nStill less are these powers covered by any other of the special enumerations.\nII. Nor are they within either of the general phrases, which are the two following.\n1. \u201cto lay taxes to provide for the general welfare of the U.S.\u201d that is to say \u201cto lay taxes for the purpose of providing for the general welfare.\u201d for the laying of taxes is the power and the general welfare the purpose for which the power is to be exercised. they are not to lay taxes ad libitum for any purpose they please but only to pay the debts or provide for the welfare of the Union. in like manner they are not to do anything they please to provide for the general welfare, but only to lay taxes for that purpose. to consider the latter phrase, not as describing the purpose of the first, but as giving a distinct & independent power to do any act they please, which might be for the good of the Union, would render all the preceding & subsequent enumerations of power completely useless. it would reduce the whole instrument to a single phrase, that of instituting a Congress with power to do whatever would be for the good of the U.S. and as they would be the sole judges of the good or evil, it would be also a power to do whatever evil they pleased. it is an established rule of construction, where a phrase will bear either of two meanings, to give it that which will allow some meaning to the other parts of the instrument, & not that which would render all the others useless. certainly no such universal power was meant to be given them. it was intended to lace them up straitly within the enumerated powers, and those without which as means, these powers could not be carried into effect. it is known that the very power now proposed as a means, was rejected as an end, by the Convention which formed the constitution.\na proposition was made to them to authorize Congress to open canals, & an amendatory one to empower them to incorporate. but the whole was rejected, & one of the reasons of rejection urged in debate was that then they would have a power to erect a bank, which would render the great cities, where there were prejudices & jealousies on that subject adverse to the reception of the constitution.\n2. the second general phrase is \u201cto make all laws necessary & proper for carrying into execution the enumerated powers.\u201d but they can all be carried into execution without a bank. a bank therefore is not necessary, and consequently not authorised by this phrase.\nIt has been much urged that a bank will give great facility, or convenience in the collection of taxes. suppose this were true: yt the constitution allows only the means which are \u201cnecessary\u201d not those which are merely \u201cconvenient\u201d for effecting the enumerated powers. if such a latitude of construction be allowed to this phrase as to gain any non-enumerated power, it will go to every one, for there is no one which ingenuity may not torture into a convenience, in some way or other, to some one of so long a list of enumerated powers. it would swallow up all the delegated powers, and reduce the whole to one phrase as before observed. therefore it was that the constitution restrained them to the necessary means, that is to say, to those means without which the grant of the power would be nugatory.\nBut let us examine this convenience & see what it is. the report on this subject, page 3. states the only general convenience to be the preventing the transportation & re-transportation of money between the states & the treasury. (for I pass over the increase of circulating medium ascribed to it as a merit, and which, according to my ideas of paper money is clearly a demerit.) Every state will have to pay a sum of tax-money into the treasury: & the treasury will have to pay, in every state, a part of the interest on the public debt, & salaries to the officers of government resident in that state. in most of the states there will still be a surplus of tax-money to come up to the seat of government for the officers residing there. the payments of interest & salary in each state may be made by treasury-orders on the state collector. this will take up the greater part of the money he has collected in his state, & consequently prevent the great mass of it from being\ndrawn out of the state. if there be a balance of commerce in favour of that state against the one in which the government resides, the surplus of taxes will be remitted by the bills of exchange drawn for that commercial balance. and so it must be if there was a bank. but if there be no balance of commerce, either direct or circuitous, all the banks in the world could not bring up the surplus of taxes but in the form of money. Treasury orders then & bills of exchange may prevent the displacement of the main mass of the money collected, without the aid of any bank: & where these fail, it cannot be prevented even with that aid.\nPerhaps indeed bank bills may be a more convenient vehicle than treasury orders, but a little difference in the degree of convenience, cannot constitute the necessity which the constitution makes the ground for assuming any non-enumerated power.\nBesides; the existing banks will without a doubt, enter into arrangements for lending their agency: & the more favourable, as there will be a competition among them for it: whereas the bill delivers us up bound to the national bank, who are free to refuse all arrangement, but on their own terms, & the public not free, on such refusal, to employ any other bank. that of Philadelphia, I believe, now does this business, by their post-notes, which by an arrangement with the treasury, are paid by any state collector to whom they are presented. this expedient alone suffices to prevent the existence of that necessity which may justify the assumption of a non-enumerated power as a means for carrying into effect an enumerated one. the thing may be done, and has been done, & well done without this assumption; therefore it does not stand on that degree of necessity which can honestly justify it.\nIt may be said that a bank, whose bills would have a currency all over the states, would be more convenient than one whose currency is limited to a single state. so it would be still more convenient that there should be a bank whose bills should have a currency all over the world. but it does not follow from this superior conveniency that there exists any where a power to establish such a bank; or that the world may not go on very well without it.\nCan it be thought that the Constitution intended that for a shade or two of convenience, more or less, Congress should be\nauthorised to break down the most antient & fundamental laws of the several states, such as those against Mortmain, the laws of alienage, the rules of descent, the acts of distribution, the law of escheat & forfeiture, the laws of monopoly? nothing but a necessity invincible by any other means, can justify such a prostration of laws which constitute the pillars of our whole system of jurisprudence. will Congress be too strait-laced to carry the constitution into honest effect, unless they may pass over the foundation-laws of the state-governments for the slightest convenience to theirs?\nThe Negative of the President is the shield provided by the constitution to protect against the invasions of the legislature 1. the rights of the Executive 2. of the Judiciary 3. of the states & state legislatures. the present is the case of a right remaining exclusively with the states & is consequently one of those intended by the constitution to be placed under his protection.\nIt must be added however, that unless the President\u2019s mind on a view of every thing which is urged for & against this bill, is tolerably clear that it is unauthorised by the constitution. if the pro and the con hang so even as to balance his judgment, a just respect for the wisdom of the legislature would naturally decide the balance in favour of their opinion. it is chiefly for cases where they are clearly misled by error, ambition, or interest, that the constitution has placed a check in the negative of the President.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0208", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Beverley Randolph, 15 February 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Beverley\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nCouncil Chamber Richmond [Va.] Feby 15th 1791\nI do myself the Honour to inclose you a copy of an Act of the General Assembly of Virginia concerning an Advance of Money to the Government of the United States for public Buildings, and am with the highest Respect Your most obedt Servant\nBeverley Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0209", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Davies, 16 February 1791\nFrom: Davies, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nPetersburg Virginia feb. 16th 1791\nMay it please your Excellency\nI am the Son of a Prophet, whose prediction with respect to yourself hath been remarkably verified\u2014I am much, very much in want of an office of profit, to enable me to support an amiable wife & three children as decently as I would wish. The partiality of my Townsmen has bestowed on me the Office of an Alderman\u2014this produces no income\u2014the Executive house honord me with the appointment of Notary Public for this District\u2014this brings about fifty Pounds \u214c annum and is not equal to my wishes\u2014And I am the son of the Revd Mr Davies formerly of\n  Hanover and one of the President of Princeton College, was bred to the Mercantile business, am Qualified to execute duties where a knowledge of accounts is necessary, but have never had a subficient stock to benefit therefrom so as to render me easy in my Circumstances; and I should be sincerely thankful for any appointment which would have this effect.\nMr Giles the Representative from this part of the State knows me, and if your Excellency would condescend to enquire of him my character, I trust my wishes would be gratified, and some Office bestowed, to continue during good behaviour, upon giving security for its faithful execution, which security I could readily obtain. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys most obedient and very humble Servant\nSamuel Davies", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0210", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Greenwood, 16 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Greenwood, John\nSir:\nPhiladelphia, February 16, 1791.\nYour letter of the 6th and the box which accompanied it came safe to hand. The contents of the latter were perfectly agreeable to me, and will, I am persuaded, answer the end proposed very well.\nEnclosed I send you Twenty dollars in payment for them and the repairs of the old ones, and, etc.\nP.S. That I may be certain that this letter and its contents has got safe to hand, be so good as to say so in a line to G.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0211", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Feby 16th 1791\n\u201cAn act to incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of the United States\u201d is now before me for consideration.\nThe constitutionality of it is objected to. It therefore becomes more particularly my duty to examine the ground on wc. the objection is built. As a mean of investigation I have called upon the Attorney General of the United States, in whose line it seemed more particularly to be, for his official examination and opinion. His report is, that the Constitution does not warrant the Act. I then applied to the Secretary of State for his sentiments on this subject. These coincide with the Attorney General\u2019s; and the reasons for their opinions having been submitted in writing, I now require, in like manner, yours on the validity & propriety of the above recited Act: and that you may know the points on which the Secretary of State and the Attorney General dispute the constitutionality of the Act; and that I may be fully possessed of the Arguments for and against the measure before I express any opinion of my own, I give you an opportunity of examining & answering the objections contained in the enclosed papers. I require the return of them when your own sentiments are handed to me (which I wish may be as soon as is convenient); and further, that no copies of them be taken, as it is for my own satisfaction they have been called for.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0213", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jacob Read, 16 February 1791\nFrom: Read, Jacob\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nSouth Carolina Columbia 16th Feby 1791\nThe Legislature of this State having at this Present Session Elected the Honorable John Rutledge (with his Consent) to the Office of Chief Justice of the State, and his seat having thereby become Vacant on the federal bench\u2014I humbly presume to offer myself to your Notice as a Candidate for that important Trust.\nI beg leave to assure Your Excellency that \u2019tis with the utmost diffidence I come forth on this occasion\u2014But if a regular Education in this Country and in Britain\u2014a Very Extensive practice in all the Courts of Law and Equity for many years in this state\u2014a Constant attention from the year 1768 to Courts of Law and Law readings\u2014and the flattery of having been employed by my Country for a Series of Years past in several very important offices & Trusts afford me any just Grounds of Confidence in my own Judgment and abilities I hope I shall not appear very presumptuous in thus presenting myself to public notice.\nIf I have the Honour to meet with your Excellency\u2019s nomination & the Senate\u2019s approbation I shall with pleasure devote my whole time to the Execution of the duties assigned me and make a faithful Exertion of my best abilities for the service of my Country.\nPossessed of some fortune and not having a large family to provide for I had determined very soon to relinquish the Lucrative but Laborious duties of my professional practice and if in my retirement I can be useful to my Country it will afford me more pleasure and Satisfaction than any other Consideration &\nI with truth add that the Emoluments of the office I now aspire to are no Inducement.\nI have one further request to make which is that your Excellency will be so good as not to mention this application from me to yourself, but shou\u2019d I meet your approbation I pray that the nomination may come as if from yourself.\nI do not at present know of any Competitors\u2014doubtless I shall have some\u2014cou\u2019d I be informed who they were and shou\u2019d they be persons whose legal Knowledge, abilities and Standing in the Courts of Law I thought Superiour to my own\u2014I shou\u2019d with pleasure relinquish all pretension to your favour or my Countrys notice in the present Instance.\nI have at several times been flatterd with the Intreaties of my friends and many very reputable Citizens to take a seat on the bench of this State, but I declined that Honour as being little less Laborious than the practice of the Courts I am about to decline and which wou\u2019d confine me to a Constant residence in this State.\nI beg leave to tender my most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington and intreat that Your Excellency will accept my best wishes for your health and happiness\u27e8.\u27e9 I am with very great respect and regard Your Excellency\u2019s most obedient and most faithful Servant\nJacob Read", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0214", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Deakins, William Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nGentlemen,\n\u27e8Philadelphia the 17th Feby 1791\u27e9\nI have recieved your favors of the 9th & 11th \u27e8instant,\u27e9 & shall be glad if the purchase from \u27e8Burns\u27e9 should be concluded before you receive this at \u00a315 or \u00a3\u27e817\u27e9 as you \u27e8illegible.\u27e9 but as you mention that should he ask as far as \u00a320 or \u00a325 you will await further instructions before you accept such an offer: I have thought it better, in order to prevent delays, to inform you, that I could wish his lands to be purchased even at those prices, rather than not obtain them.\nThe Maryland assembly has authorized a certain number of acres to be taken without the consent of the owners, or making compensation as therein provided. this will be principally useful as to the old lots of Hamburg. however by purchasing up these \u27e8lots,\u27e9 or as many as we can, we shall be free to take on the terms of the act\u27e8,\u27e9 so much of any other lands in our way, & consequently those whose proprietors refuse all arrangement. I will therefore beg the favour of you to take measures immediately for buying up all the lots you can in Hamburg on the lowest terms you can not exceeding the rate of twenty five pounds the acre. I leave it to yourselves to dispatch a private agent for this purpose to treat with the proprietors wherever to be found, or to do it by any other means which in your discretion shall appear not too expensive, & which may not excite suspicions of their being on behalf of the public. I am with great esteem, Gentlemen, your most obedt humble servt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0216", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Hoomes, 17 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hoomes, John\nSir,\nPhiladelphia February 17th 1791.\nThe state of the roads has been such as to have occasioned some delay in the passage of your letter to me, and some matters of importance which have pressed upon me since the receipt of it has retarded my acknowledgement thereof until now.\nIt was not because I had any doubt of the collection for the services of Royal Gift for I allow no credit\u2014nor that I inclined to receive a specific sum for them, but to place it in the power of the person, to whom, I might confide him to affix his own terms, and to avoid at the same time all grounds of dispute in a settlement thereafter.\nIf you incline to take him in this way, no time is to be lost in deciding at once the sum you will allow for the use of him from the first day of April until the first day of August, because it is the anxious wish of the people of this and the States northward of it to get him nearer to them, but not mine to have him far removed from Mount Vernon, or in the possession of any on whose care I cannot place entire confidence\u2014and because if your letter does not reach this place by the 5 of next month it may come too late for your purpose if you wish to have him.\nIt is proper you should know that this Jack, (Royal Gift,) though sure, is slow in covering, and that it has been found necessary to have a Jennet or two always at hand during the season, by way stimulus, when he is in those slothful humours.\nThe \u201cBill to establish the Post Office and Post roads within the United States\u201d has not yot passed\u2014nor do I know what form it may finally take.\nIt is highly probable, however, that the Assistants (whether One or more) will be left to the appointment of the Post Master General. I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0217-0001", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nThe Secretary of State, having received from Arthur St Clair, Esquire, Governor of the North Western Territory, a Report of his Proceedings for carrying into Effect the Resolve of Congress of August 29th 1788, respecting the Lands of the Inhabitants of Kaskaskia, La Prairie du Rochers, and Kahokia, which Report was enclosed to him in a Letter bearing Date the 10th Instant, and observing therein several Passages proper to be laid before the Legislature, has extracted the same, and thereupon makes, to the President of the United States, the following\u2014\nReport.\nIn that which he made on the 14th of Decr 1790, relative to the Execution of the same Resolution of Congress at Post Vincennes, he brought under certain general Heads of Description the Claims to lands at that Place, which had not been provided for by the said Resolution of Congress. To keep the Subject\nsimplified as well as short, he will observe that the cases at Kaskaskia, described in the E[x]tract marked A. belong to the fourth Class of the said Report for St Vincennes, that those at Kaskaskia of the Extract B. belong to the fifth Class of the Report for St Vincennes, and that those of Kahokia in the Extract C. belong to the sixth Class of the same Report, and may be comprehended in the Provision to be made for them.\nThe Extracts marked D. E. F. G. and H. describe other Cases out of the Provision of the Resolution, which have arisen at Kaskaskia and Kahokia, differing from each other as well as from all the former Classes.\nThe Extracts marked I. K. state that the Line which by the Resolve of Congress of June 20th 1788 had been so described as to place the Lands to be allotted to the Inhabitants of Kaskaskia and Kahokia in a fertile and convenient Situation, had been so shifted by the Resolution of August 29th 1788 as to throw those Allotments into Parts too distant and dangerous to be cultivated by them, and pray that the Line of June 20th may be re-established.\nThe Extract L. brings into view the Purchase of Flint and Parker in the Illinois Country, which may need Attention in the Formation of a Land Law.\nThe Extracts M. N. O. with the Papers they refer to contain the Reasoning urged by the Inhabitants of Kaskaskia, Prairie, and Kahokia against the Demand of the Expenses of certain Surveys made of their Lands neither at their Desire nor for any Use of theirs.\nP. explains certain Demands for the revoked Emissions of continental Money remaining in the Office of a notary public of Kaskaskia, and Q. the Expediency of having a printing press established at Marietta.\nWhich several Matters the Secretary of State is of Opinion should be laid before the Legislature for their Consideration.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0217-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Extracts from the Report of the Governor of the Territory of the United States North-west of the Ohio., 17 February 1791\nFrom: Governor of the Territory of the United States North-west of the Ohio\nTo: \n[c.17 February 1791]\nA. \u201cAmong the claims for land that have been rejected, there are several that are founded on purchases made from individual indians, and the conveyances set forth that they were inherited from their parents, and were not the property of the Nation. It could not however be discovered that any division of the lands of the Kaskaskia indians had ever taken place among themselves, and the Chief of that Nation has applied to be confirmed in a tract of land of about five or six thousand acres, where their village was situated not long ago; and which would take in the parcels that have been sold and applied for as above. On this claim no decision had been made. It appeared to be a subject that ought to be referred to Congress; but I may be allowed to observe, if one indian sale is approved it is probable that a great many will be brought forward.\u201d\nB. \u201cA Gentleman, of the name of Todd, had been appointed by the Governor of Virginia lieutenant of the County of Illionois, & some few grants of land are said to have been made by him, altho\u2019 by his instructions, which he put upon record at Kaskaskia, he has no authority to that purpose, but seems rather to have been restrained. A copy of those instructions were transmitted by the Secretary. On Mr Todds leaving that part of the country, a person of the name of De numbrun was substituted, who made grants of land without number. The power of granting lands was also assumed by the civil courts that had been established, and that assumed power they used very liberally, still pretending however that they had been authorized so to do by Mr Todd, who is stiled grand Judge for the United States. It is most probable that such power was never delegated to the Courts by Mr Todd, at least it does not appear. All those grants have been rejected; but I beg leave to suggest, that it might be proper to allow a right of pre-emption to those, who have actually settled and made improvements under them. Some of the parties seem respectively to have had two different objects in view. The applicants, the engrossing lands for a very small consideration; and the granters, the accumulation of perquisites:\nThe Courts and Sub-lieutenants having exacted four dollars for each grant. There are a number of American settlers in possession of such grants whose claims have been equally rejected. Their case seems to be a hard one. Not doubting the authority of the Courts which they saw every day exercised, they applied for lands & obtained them, and made settlements in consequence distinct from those of the french; but having removed into that country after the year 1783, they do not come within the resolution of Congress which describes who are to be considered as ancient settlers, and confirmed in their possessions. As Americans they have been the peculiar objects of Indian depredation, while their neighbours, the French, from having had much intercourse with the Indians, and frequently intermarrying with them, until very lately were generally safe. They have in consequence been driven off of the lands they had improved, and have lost both their time and their labour. No. 7 is a representation from them upon this subject.\u201d\nC. \u201cNo. 14 is a representation of the inhabitants of Cahokia respecting their Common. What they set forth is true, both with respect to their having been long in the occupation of it, and the quality of what they ask for upon the hills.\u201d\nD. \u201cAt Kaskaskia the Jesuits held valuable possessions. The buildings are gone entirely to ruin, but the lands are still of some value. On the suppression of the Order in France, the officers of the French king disposed of their property at that place by public sale; but before the sale took place the country had been ceded to Great Britain, a circumstance that was not known there. The British officer who took possession for that Crown considered the sale as illegal, and laid hold of the property; and the purchaser, a Mr Beauvais and his descendants, have been kept out ever since. A son of Mr Beauvais now lays claim to it in virtue of the purchase, and throws himself upon the United States to be confirmed in what yet remains of the property, for which his father paid a very large sum of money.\u201d\nE. \u201cThe same steps were taken to obtain a knowledge of the lands that were claimed by the people at Cahokia, as at Kaskaskia, and after due examination, orders of survey for such as fell within the resolution of Congress, were put into the hands of Mr Girardin, the only person that could be found in all that country who understood any thing of surveying. There are a\ngood many persons in that quarter also, whose claims have been rejected, who nevertheless may be properly considered as having an equitable right, at least, to the pre-emption.\u201d\nF. \u201cNo. 24 is the request of a Mr Gibault for a small piece of land that has been in the occupation of the Priests at Cahokia for a long time, having been assigned to them by the French; but he wishes to possess it in propriety: and it is true that he was very useful to General Clarke upon many occasions, and has suffered very considerable losses. I believe no injury would be done to any one by his request being granted, but it was not for me to give away the lands of the United States.\u201d\nG. \u201cNo. 9 is a plot of the reserved tract including Fort Chartres. It is however to be observed, that part of this tract appears to have been granted when the country was in possession of the French.\u201d\nH. \u201cGreat numbers of people have abandoned the Illinois country, and gone over to the Spanish territory. A claim however is still kept up by them to their ancient possessions; but it is to be remarked that very few grants were made by the French in fee simple. When any person quitted their possessions, the soil seems to have reverted of course to the domain of the King, and was regranted at the pleasure of the Officers commanding. It is presumed that, strictly, the possessions of all those who have so expatriated themselves, are fallen to the United States, had they even been granted originally in fee simple, and may be disposed of as they see fit; but the loss of the people is severely felt. May I be permitted to suggest, that a law declaring those possessions escheated unless the former owners return and occupy them within a certain time, would not be an improper measure.\u201d\nI. \u201cMr Samuel Baird was appointed to survey the lands held by the people of Kaskaskia, and to run the lines that had been directed by Congress to embrace the donations. On an examination of the claims however, it was found that many grants of land had been made which would fall to the Eastward of the line to be drawn from the Mouth of the river au Marie; and as all grants that proceeded, either from the Government of France, that of Great Britain, or of the State of Virginia, on or before the year 1783 were to be confirmed, the running of that line was delayed, until Congress should be informed that it would not take in all the claims, and therefore appeared to be incurring an unnecessary expence.\u201d\nK. \u201cThe donations to the ancient settlers have not been laid out, because at Kaskaskia & the Prairie du rocher no person could be found to do it. At Cahokia an authority was given to Mr Girardin for that purpose, but nothing I presume has been done in consequence of it; for the alteration that was made in the location of these donations by the Act of the 29th of August, from the West to the East side of the hills or ridge of rocks, throws them at such a distance from their present possessions, (the hills being of a considerable breadth & not very fit for cultivation): that in the existing circumstances of the country they could not possibly occupy them. They humbly pray, that the location pointed out by the act of the 20th of June 1788 may be restored.\u201d\nL. \u201cA contract subsists between Flint & Parker & the late Board of Treasury for a great tract of land in the Illinois country. No part of the contract has I believe been complied with on their parts, and probably never will; but if it is not attended to before a law passes for erecting an Office for the sale of the lands, it may create embarrassments hereafter.\u201d\nM. \u201cOrders of survey were issued for all the claims at Kaskaskia that appeared to be founded agreeably to the resolution of Congress, and surveys were made of the greater part of them. A part only of those surveys however have been returned, because the people objected to paying the surveyer, and it is too true that they are ill able to pay The Illinois country, as well as that upon the Ouabash, has been involved in great distress ever since it fell under the American dominion. With great chearfulness the people furnished the troops under Genl Clarke, and the Illinois regiment, with every thing they could spare, and often with much more than they could spare with any convenience to themselves. Most of the certificates for those supplies are still in their hands, unliquidated & unpaid; and in many instances where application for payment has been made to the State of Virginia, under whose authority the certificates were granted, it has been refused. The Illinois regiment being disbanded, a set of men, pretending the authority of Virginia, embodied themselves; and a scene of general depredation and plunder ensued. To this succeeded three successive and extraordinary inundations from the Missisippi, which either swept away their crops or prevented their being planted. The loss of the greatest part of their trade with the Indians, which was a great resource, came\nupon them at this juncture, as well as the hostile incursions of some of the tribes which had ever before been in friendship with them; and to these was added the loss of their whole last crop of Corn by an untimely frost. Extreme misery could not fail to be the consequence of such accumulated misfortunes. The paper No. 5 contains the orders for a compensation to the surveyor, and No. 6 is the representation of the people praying to be excused from paying it.\u201d\nN. \u201cHaving finished the business at Kaskaskia as far as it was possible at that time, on the 5th day of April I embarked, and proceeded up the Missisippi to Cahokia, having stopped at Fort de Chartres, and visited the village of the Prairie du Rocher which is about a league distant from it, inland, on the way. Mr Baird had been directed to make the surveys there as well as at Kaskaskia, and the same objections to paying for them were raised there as at the latter place. No. \u27e86\u27e9 is a power to certain of the inhabitants to make representations to me on the subject, which was done.\u201d\nO. \u201cNo returns of survey from Cahokia are as yet come to hand, and it is probable that not many have been made, as the same objections to paying for them were raised here as elsewhere, and the inhabitants of that place are joined in the remonstrances which have been made by those of the other villages.\u201d\nP. \u201cWhen the two emissions of paper money were called in by Congress, a considerable sum of those emissions were lodged in the Office of a Notary public at Kaskasia, by the direction of the lieutenant of the county of Illinois. There it yet remains, and the owners have received no satisfaction for it of any kind. They complain of this, and it would seem not without reason.\u201d\nQ. \u201cBefore I close this report, it may be necesary to mention the necessity there is for a printing press in the Western territory. The laws adopted or made by the legislature are declared to be binding upon the people until they are disapproved by Congress. There is no way of giving them any publicity, but by having them read at the courts, and but few people become thereby acquainted [with] them. Even the magistrates who are to carry them into execution are strangers to them; for the Secretary does not conceive it to be his duty to furnish them with copies. Indeed the business of his Office increases so fast that it would be impossible to do it; besides they are in English, and the greatest part of the inhabitants do not understand a word of\nit. The translation of them therefore seems to be necessary, and that a sufficient number of them should be printed in both languages, and that can only be done in the territory where the original rolls are deposited. Every public act and communication of what kind soever, I was myself obliged to translate into french, and having no person to assist me, it made the business extremely troublesome and laborious.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0218", "content": "Title: John Stagg, Jr., to Tobias Lear, 17 February 1791\nFrom: Stagg, John Jr.\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nSir.\nWar department, Feb: 17th 1791.\nBy direction of the Secretary of War, I have the honor to transmit you, the enclosed return of the General and Field Officers who served in the late army, for the inspection of the President\nof the United States. I am Sir, with great respect, Your most obedt Servt\nJno. Stagg JunrChf Clk", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0220", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Andrew Skinner Ennalls, 18 February 1791\nFrom: Ennalls, Andrew Skinner\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBaltimore [Md.] Feby 18th 1791\n  I have taken the liberty of addressing you; on the Subject of an Appointment, Under the Bill laying an Excise on ardent Spirits, either made, or imported into the United States, (provided the same passes into a Law)\u2014and to Solicit for the Appointment of the Supervisor, for the District of the State of Maryland; I have not the Honor to be personally acquainted with you Sir, but am with many of the members of Congress, particularly with the Honorable Messrs Henry Bassett & Gale, to whom I beg leave\nto refer you, for my Abilities & Integrity; And if I shou\u2019d be so happy as to meet with your Approbation for this Appointment the favor will be gratfully Acknowledged\u2014by Sir Your Most Obt Hm. Servt\nAndrew Skinner Ennalls", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0221", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Lenox, 18 February 1791\nFrom: Lenox, David\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nPhiladelphia 18th, February 1791\nWhen I had the honor to address you in New York on the 27th May 1789 I did it on the presumption that I might possibly have succeeded to an appointment in the Customs. I am again urged by a duty which I owe my family to step forward and to solicit the appointment of Supervisor for the State of Pennsylvania under the Excise Bill should the same be enacted into a Law. I am informed that there are a number of Applicants some of whom may appear recommended by very respectable Citizens but as you have some knowledge of me I have not thought it necessary to proceed in that manner, at the same time I beg leave to say that if I am so fortunate as to obtain a consideration with you I shall not be affraid to hazard any enquiry respecting my Character. I beg Sir you will Pardon me for troubling you on this occasion and allow me to add that should you honor me with an appointment I shall use my best endeavours to deserve it\u2014I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir Your very Obedient Servant\nD. Lenox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0222", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 18 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\u2014\nUnited States February 18th 1791.\nThe aspect of the Affairs in Europe during the last summer, and especially between Spain and England, gave reason to expect a favourable occasion for pressing to accomodation the unsettled matters between them and us. Mr Carmichael, our Charg\u00e9 des Affaires at Madrid, having been long absent from his Country, great changes having taken place in our circumstances and sentiments during that interval, it was thought expedient to send some person in a private Character, full acquainted with the present state of things here to be the bearer of written and confidential instructions to him, and at the same time to possess him in full and frequent conversations, of all those details of facts, and topics of argument, which could not be conveyed in writing, but which would be necessary to enable him to meet the reasonings of that Court with advantage. Colo. David Humphreys was therefore sent for these purposes.\nAn additional motive for this confidential mission arose in the same quarter. The Court of Lisbon had, on several occasions, made the most amicable advances for cultivating friendship and intercourse with the United States. The exchange of a diplomatic character had been informally, but repeatedly suggested on their part. It was our interest to meet this nation in its friendly dispositions, and to concur in the exchange proposed. But my wish was, at the same time, that the Character to be exchanged should be of the lowest and most economical grade. To this it was known that certain rules, of long standing at that Court, would produce obsticles. Colo. Humphreys was charged with dispatches to the Prime Minister of Portugal, and with instructions to endeavour to arrange this to our views. It happened, however, that, previous to his arrival at Lisbon, the Queen had appointed a Minister Resident to the United States. This embarrassment seems to have rendered the difficulty completely insurmountable. The Minister of that Court, in his conferences with Colo. Humphreys, professing every wish to accommodate, yet expresses his regrets that circumstances do not permit them to concur in the grade of Charg\u00e9s des Affaires; a grade of little privilege or respectability by the rules of their\n  Court, and held in so low estimation with them, that no proper Character would accept it, to go abroad. In a letter to the Secretary of State he expresses the same sentiments, and announces the appointment, on their part, of a Minister Resident to the United States, and the pleasure with which the Queen will receive one from us at her Court. A copy of his letter and also of Colo. Humphreys\u2019 giving the details of this transaction, will be delivered to you.\nOn consideration of all circumstances, I have determined to accede to the desire of the Court of Lisbon, in the article of Grade. I am aware that the consequences will not end here, and that this is not the only instance in which a like change may be pressed. But should it be necessary to yield elsewhere also, I shall think it a less evil, than to disgust a government so friendly, and so interesting to us, as that of Portugal.\nI do not mean that the change of grade shall render the mission more expensive.\nI have therefore nominated David Humphreys, Minister Resident from the United States to her most faithful Majesty the Queen of Portugal.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0223", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 18 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nUnited States. February 18th 1791.\nGentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives    \nI have received from the Secretary of State a report on the proceedings of the Governor of the North Western Territory at Kaskaskia, Kahokia, and Prairie under the Resolution of Congress of August 29th 1788, which containing matter proper for your consideration, I lay before you.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0224", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nThe Secretary of State having recieved from the Commissioners for the State of Vermont a letter proposing these Questions 1. Whether, as that state will not be a distinct member of the union till the 4th day of March next, the President can, before that day, nominate officers for it? and 2. if he cannot, whether he can nominate them after the recess of the Senate? makes thereon to the President of the U.S. the following\nReport.\nHe is of opinion the President cannot, before the 4th of March, make nominations which will be good in law: because, till that day, it will not be a separate & integral member of the U.S. and it is only to integral members of the union that his right of nomination is given by the Constitution.\nBut that nomination may be made on the 4th of March, and, if the Senate will meet on that day, may be reported to them for their approbation, it is true that the two or three new members will be absent, unless they chuse to come on for this purpose; but as the occasion of consulting an imperfect Senate will not be produced by any act of the President\u2019s, and as it is in the power of the new Senators to render the body perfect, by coming on if they chuse it, this difficulty appears smaller than that of making original nominations without the concurrence of the Senate. this therefore is what the Secretary of State thinks best to be done.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0225", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Augustine Seaton, 19 February 1791\nFrom: Seaton, Augustine\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nRichmond [Va.] Feby 19th 1791\nI see by an Act of Congress there is to be a light House erected at Cape Henry I would wish to be employed as the keeper & to Superintend the building of it, as I have lost very considerable by not being paid for servises rendered the Continenttall Army through the neglect of Colo. William Grayson. I had Claims against the Continent for about \u00a31500 due from March 1777 to Feby 1778 for Waggons & Teams & sundrie other Horses provisions &\nc. ferneshed the Army I had Vouchers to support every claim. I was Quarter Master to Graysons Redgt & was obligd to quit the Army at Vally Forge in 1778 Feby on Accot of my bad State of health & should have receved payment at that time had not a change taken place in the pay Masters General department, when I applyd to the pay Master then in Office he gave me for answer he could do anything in the business untill the former had made up his Accots with the Public, but if I would apply when that business was done I should receve payment. I fully intended to have joind the [army] again provided I recoverd my health but was disappt. in 1779 Colo. Grayson in the Board of Warr, I saw him in Virginia & complaind to him of the hardship of my not being paid he very readely offer me his serves in geting my Money, I delivered him my Accots & Vouchers for that perpose. I do not suppose Sir you are a Stranger to Colo. Graysons loose manner in doing business & I think his conduct in my case will prove it from the return he made me, which was he had mislaid my papers & thay ware lost which was a very Capitol loss to me as its impossible for me to establish my Claim without my papers. this is what has induced me to take the Liberty of addressing you on the business. this stroak of fortun\u27e8e\u27e9 together withe a large Family to support is very distressing I have no other alternative to get anything from the Continent only by your assistance therefore I flatter myself from your great uniformity in doing justice to all Men I hope I shall not be overlookd. if the Post of the light House is filld I should be thankfull for some other that will reinstate my loss or at least give me some chance for it. should a recommendation be necessary in the business I can get one that you will think respectibl. I hope the loss I have sustaind & the distress I feel by it will sufficiently apologiz\u27e8e\u27e9 for the Libert I have taken. I am Sir with the greatest respect yr most obt hume Servt\nAuge Seaton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0228", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Oliver Towles, 20 February 1791\nFrom: Towles, Oliver\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nVirginia February 20. 1791.\nThe Gentleman that will deliver you this, is Colonel Thomas Towles of Virginia who has been kind enough to undertake the management of a representation of mine to be laid before Congress, being unable personally to attend to the same myself; amongst other things contained in that remonstrance, I have asserted that in the Year One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Seven, after stating the particulars of my embarrassments, and which being fully submitted to your examination, it was afterwards confided to you as the Commander in Chief, to decide circumstanced as I was, whether I could, consistently with honor, resign my Commission as an officer, to which you anounced both by letter and otherwise, that altho you thought the case a hard one yet upon mature consideration you Judged it not sufficient, at so perilous a crisis of the contest, to admit of a relinquishment of my Commission, in consequence of which, I considered myself bound by the determination, and did continue in the service of the Army\nFrom the great and Multifarious business you have been constantly engaged in, it is quite improbable, that so trifling a matter, should have continued on your mind, or that you should be able to say any thing, about it except some material circumstance, should previously come forward, that might have a tendency, to bring the fact thoroughly to your recollection; therefore in case Congress, should Judge it necessary to evince that particular, I have requested Mr Towles to lay before you, your letter, adressed to me on the subject, the perusal of which, I am persuaded will sufficiently remind you of the truth of the\ntransaction, and enable your Justifying if necessary what I have alledged.\nMost sincerely wishing your life may be prolonged, to a very distant period, with health and happiness during its continuation, and eternal felicity thereafter, I conclude sincerely felicitating you, on the heartfelt satisfaction you must experience, from the unrivalled applause, acquired by a life successfully, and unremittedly devoted to the Publick good; which is gratefully acknowledged, and will ever be remembered by all, and with peculiar pleasure by; Worthy Sir Your most Obedient and Most humble servant\nO. Towles", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0229", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joshua Barney, 21 February 1791\nFrom: Barney, Joshua\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Feby 21st 1791\nCongress having this day determined that they will not make me an allowance for claims I have against the U.S. for monies\nexpended in making my escape from prison in England, and expences in returning to America, nor will they grant Commutation to me as an Officer of the Navy, I beg leave to mention to your Excellency that the monies claimed as above amounting to the sum of 896 dollars which was Absolutely expended, were more in Value than I ever received from the United States for near Nine years service, exclusive of what it has cost me, in making this application. Under these hard circumstances, I am advised by my friends to Solicit your Patronage for an appointment under the General Government. I have therefore taken the liberty to inclose a Memorial to that effect hoping your Excellency will be pleased to grant the prayer. The length of time I have been from my friends in Baltimore, and not expecting that such an application would be necessary prevented my obtaining letters from my friends to your Excellency on this head, but flatter myself that the recommendation which my very particular friend Doctr McHenry gave me on a former occasion will now have its due weight\u2014The Legislature of Maryland at thier last Session appointed me One of the Auctioneers for Baltimore, but an Association having taken place in that town among the Merchants & others, not to purchase at Vendue, have rendered that Office of no consequence. I was also appointed Clerk to the Federal Courts for Maryland, but that Office I must resign having expended near 50 dollrs in the last year more than the amount of \u27e8my\u27e9 fees. The only motive for my application is the support of a Wife and five children, untill it shall please my Country to call me into Actual Service, when I shall most cheerfully Obey, And Am Your Excelly Most Obt Servt\nJoshua Barney", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0230", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel Benezet, 21 February 1791\nFrom: Benezet, Daniel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia February 21st 1791.\n  At the Request of my Son Daniel Benezet Junr, who has desired the inclosed Petition to be forwarded; I take the Liberty of recommending him as a suitable Person for Inspector of Excise, he has been vigilant & careful in his present Office: for his Capacity & prudent Conduct, I beg to refer you to Messrs Robert Morris, Thomas Fitzsimmons, Thomas Sinnickson & Jonathan Elmer, I have the honor to be Your most obedient humble Servant\nDanl Benezet", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0231", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Clendinen, 21 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Clendinen, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia February 21th 1791.\nI have received your letter of the 1st of December, and thank you as well for the readiness with which you have complied with my request to undertake the letting of my lands in your neighbourhood, as for the disposition which you express to render your best services in this way.\nIn my letter to you of the 25 of June last (a duplicate of which was committed to the care of Mr Moore in August) I could not point out the precise terms upon which I wished to have my lands settled; because I knew that they must depend upon the custom of the Country, and what that was I knew not\u2014I therefore spoke generally upon the subject, and referred you to the papers in Colonel Lewis\u2019s hands\u2014But it was not my intention that you should be strictly confined to the terms which were there expressed\u2014They were my own ideas on the matter, unassisted by a knowledge of the custom of the Country, which I knew must always govern in the seating of new lands\u2014I can therefore only repeat the sentiment expressed in my former letter, which was that I wished the lands to be in a train of improvement by being settled\u2014and that I should be relieved from the taxes of them\u2014It was my wish that the term of time for which they might be leased should be as short as could be obtained to answer the purpose of settlement. Perhaps the quality of my lands might be an inducement for shortening the term, as more profit might be derived from them in eight years by the Cultivator than from common land in ten years. This, however, I must not calculate upon; but leave it to your judgment to seat them upon the best terms you can\u2014I would just make one observation, which is that if it is at present dangerous to make settlements in that part of the Country, as it is represented to be, might it not be advisable to delay the attempt to settle until it can be done with more security; when it is highly probable that it may be done more to my advantage\u2014But in this, as in other respects on the subject, you must have better grounds to found an opinion upon than I am possessed of and I trust that your best judgment will be exercised for my interest. With great regard, I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0235", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Chipman, 22 February 1791\nFrom: Chipman, Nathaniel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia 22d Feb. 1791\n  I have the honor to enclose a letter from Governor Chittenden on the Subject of appointing a Judge for the District of Vermont\u2014I flatter myself the contents of that letter will suggest a sufficient apology for my not delivering it before. I am Sir with the greatest respect your most obedient humble Servt\nNathaniel Chipman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0236", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 22 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nThe Secretary of state having recieved information from Thomas Auldjo, who was appointed Vice consul of the United States at Cowes in Great Britain, that his commission has not been recognised by that government, because it is a port at which no foreign Consul has been yet recieved, and that it has been intimated to him, that his appointment to the port of Poole and parts nearer to that than to the residence of any other Consul of the U.S. would be recognised, and his residence at Cowes not noticed.\nReports to the President\nas his opinion that it would be expedient to nominate Thomas Auldjo to be Vice-consul for the United states at the port of Poole in Great Britain and such parts within the allegiance of his Britannic Majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Viceconsul of the United states within the same allegiance.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0237", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 February 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nWar-department, Feby 22nd 1791.\nThe Secretary for the department of war, submits the following report to the President of the United States, upon the operations to be adopted for the ensuing year upon the frontiers.\nIn order to form a right judgement of the measures proper for the general government to pursue during the ensuing year relative to the frontiers, it will be necessary to take a preliminary view of the several objects which require attention and arrangement.\nThe first and most pressing demand on the government is, the restoration of peace, and the effectual protection of the frontier inhabitants, lying along the Ohio river, against the depredations of the indians North west of the said river.\nThe second is, the preservation of the peace, and performance of the treaties made with the southern nations of indians, the said peace and treaties, being threatned with violation, by the measures pursuing by the three companies or associations of men, who have purchased the pre-emption of the greater part of the lands of the Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Cherokees, of the State of Georgia.\nThe third is, the consideration of the means most likely to attach the people of the frontiers to the government of the United States.\nThe fourth, a consideration of the probable effect, decisive measures against the indians may have either upon Spain or England.\nThese several preliminary objects are stated, as the basis of the ideas herein after mentioned, and in order to obtain a distinct view of the several means necessary to attain the ends desired by government.\nIn contemplating the measures to effect the first object, to wit, peace with the indian tribes North-West of the Ohio, it would be proper to consider that the late expedition was entirely unfortunate in its result\u2014That the Wabash and Miami indians will consider themselves as victorious\u2014That the neighbouring tribes will be induced to join them\u2014And, that the war will be general, as it shall relate to the Wabash indians, and their neighbours.\nAt the same time that this view of the subject, ought to govern in the preparations for another campaign, every collateral measure, which could be adopted, consistently with the dignity of government, ought to be executed, to influence the said indians to peace, in addition to the intimations already made, through the Wyandots and Delawares, by the Governor of the Western territory, and through the Senekas, by the subscriber.\nAlthough an effectual and permanent peace, without the expence and blood of another campaign, would be highly acceptable to the great mass of citizens of the United States, yet, such a desire ought not to slacken, but rather invigorate, every necessary preparation.\nIn the present state of things, the minds of the indians must be impressed with the power of the United States, as the ground work of that system of justice and mercy, which it will be the glory of the general government to administer, to all the indians, within its limits.\nUpon these principles, and upon the supposition, that the troops of the regular establishment will be augmented to the number of two thousand, one hundred and twenty eight noncommissioned and privates, and that two thousand levies will be authorized, with such auxiliary mounted militia as shall be herein mentioned, the following general plan is submitted for the operations of the campaign.\nThe great object of the campaign will be, to convince the indians of the futility of resistance, and of the absolute necessity of submitting to the justice and mercy of the United States.\nThat for this purpose, besides destroying their towns, and provisions, defeating their force, and capturing as many of them as possible, particularly their women and children, it will be necessary to establish a post at the Miami village, or, some other place in its vicinity which might be proper.\nThis operation, will require a force, decidedly superior to all probable combinations of the force of the indians\u2014and, therefore, it ought not to be undertaken with less than three thousand effective troops, composed of regulars and levies, inlisted for a fixed term, not to expire, before the 30th of November, unless the force of the indians should be greatly wasted by the desultory operations herein after mentioned.\nThe establishment of the said post\u2014The construction of the\nfortifications\u2014The establishing of esential posts of communications\u2014The conduct proper to be observed to the indians upon their discovering dispositions favorable for peace, or, vigorous operations against them in case of obstinate hostilities, together, with the accuracy of perception, to observe the indications of the English, consequent upon the establishment of said post, all require, that the commanding officer of the expedition should be a man of sound judgement, general political information, and, an able general.\nFrom the general view of the present state of the military force of the United States, herewith submitted, marked A it would appear, that notwithstanding every possible exertion, the recruits could not be inlisted and placed at Fort Washington, or the mouth of the great Miami, or of the Ohio, at an earlier period than the first day of July, and it is questionable, whether the levies, herein after mentioned, could be obtained at a much earlier period.\nIn the mean-time, it may be expected, as soon as the spring shall open, and the waters reduced, so that the indians can travel, that the whole line of frontier, from Fort Pitt to the falls of the Ohio, and on both sides of that river will experience the desolations of the indians.\nSuch an event, it must be confessed, would be, both, calamitous to the inhabitants, and disgraceful to the government, and ought, if possible, to be prevented.\nThe defensive measures directed by Virginia, and even aided by the temporary arrangement afforded to the exposed counties by the general government, during the last year, would be an insufficient security against the expected depredations, as it would be impracticable to know, or, to guard against the numerous points of attack.\nThe only effectual expedient which offers itself upon this subject, is, to embrace the offers made by the representatives of the district of Kentucky, and the counties lying along the Ohio, and with mounted militia to form a series of rapid, and desultory operations against the indians towns lying on the Wabash.\nBy thus carrying the war into the indian-country, their attention will be called to take care of their own women, and children, and, the frontiers freed from invasion.\nThe objections which oppose themselves to such desultory operations are,\n1st\u2014The expence which would attend them.\n2\u2019ndly\u2014Their inefficacy, as to the proper impressions to be made upon the indians\u2014That they would rather stimulate to greater exertions, than produce submission.\n3\u2019dly\u2014That they might interfere with, and retard the, great expedition of the campaign to wit\u2014the establishing posts in the indian country, and by that means, of curbing and overawing them.\nThese objections are of such an nature, as to require to be particularly examined.\n\u2014The first is the expence\u2014\n\u2014It has been pretty satisfactorily ascertained by the subscriber, that, a non commissioned officer, or private militia volunteer, mounted on horseback, armed with a rifle and tomahawk, and furnished with provisions and forage for himself and horse, for a thirty days expedition, might be obtained, for two thirds of a dollar per day, and the pay only of the commissioned officers to be added thereto, according to their respective grades, all risque of horses included\u2014but, as ammunition is difficult to be obtained, the public must furnish that article.\nOn this principle, the estimate marked B and hereunto annexed, has been formed, in order to show the entire amount of one such desultory expedition of seven hundred and fifty-men.\nIt is the result of verbal information, that for such an operation of mounted volunteers, the number of five hundred, in the opinion of the most esteemed leaders of Kentucky, would be equal, by a sudden and rapid stroke, to the object of destroying any of the indian villages on the Wabash, and of capturing the women and children.\nIf this information should be just, a desultory operation of five hundred non commissioned and privates, with their commissioned officers, would only amount to thirteen thousand one hundred & eighty five dollars & seventy cents.\nThe second objection is the inefficacy of such operations, and that they would rather irritate than humble the indians.\nThe force of this objection would depend upon the success or non-success of such expeditions\u2014If the first expedition of that nature should be considerably successful, and for instance destroying the Wea or Onittanon towns, and capture a considerable number of women and children, it would have the direct effect to humble them, and induce them to sue for peace.\nThat although, at this distance, the chance of surprizing the indian towns may appear against probability, yet, if in the opinion of the volunteers, or their leaders, it should be in favor of a surprize, or that the force would be superior to the probable number of indians which they should meet, it ought to preponderate in favor of the operation.\nThat as to the third object of interfering with, or retarding, the main expedition, it will be found, by the arrangements proposed, both with respect to the regular troops, and the levies, that Kentucky is not relied upon for more than one thousand of ther levies, and it is represented they have twelve thousand militia\u2014Besides which, it will appear hereafter, that the desultory operations will be over and terminated, as they shall respect the district of Kentucky, before the main expedition shall set out from the Ohio, unless it shall be thought proper from the situation of circumstances at the time, to make a collateral desultory operation with the main expedition.\nThe Secretary of War conceives from the several views that he has taken of this subject, balancing the probable advantages against the disadvantages, that the result is highly in favor of the desultory operations, as herein after proposed, and that they will probably produce the main effect intended\u2014That is, by carrying the war into the enemy\u2019s country, prevent in a great degree their invading the frontiers.\nThis single consideration, all others being equal, would of itself, be sufficient to turn the scale in favor of the desultory operations: But, in addition thereto, it is a circumstance of no small importance, that the desultory operations will be highly acceptable to the Kentucky district, and other frontier counties, and that as they mainly arise from their own propositions, and as their leaders will have the conducting of them they will be answerable both for their being well ordered, and for their effect, as far as the same shall depend upon proper management.\nIn proportion as the desultory operations shall be successful, the force and spirits of the indians will be decreased, and they deterred from combating with the troops of the main expedition, which will therefore have a greater probability of success, especially when it shall be constantly intimated by all practicable channels, that the peace and happiness of the indians depend upon themselves, in making due and timely submission, for their unprovoked aggressions.\nIt is therefore proposed to invest Brigadier General Charles Scott, appointed a brigadier general by the government of Virginia, to form an expedition against the Wea or Onittanon towns, with a body of mounted volunteers, not exceeding seven hundred and fifty non commissioned officers and privates\u2014That he appoint the commissioned officers of the said volunteers in the manner he shall judge most conducive to the success of the operation, not exceeding however the proportions for the regular troops, the schedule of which to be transmitted to him.\nThat he set out upon said expedition from such place upon the Ohio, as he shall judge most proper, and at an early period, not exceeding the 15th, or 20th, of April next if possible.\nThat he, and his troops, vigorously attack and destroy the said Onittanon or Wea towns, and indians, taking especially, care however, not to kill any women, children or people incapable of resistance, but to capture and bring off as many such as possible.\nThat if succesful or not, at the said towns, or villages, that he be instructed to destroy such other hostile towns, or indians, to which, as in his judgement, his force shall be equal.\nThat the troops under his command be mustered the day of their departure from the Ohio, and that every man of his party carry with him, bread and meat for thirty days, and due quantities of corn for the horses.\nThat if his party return by the way of post Vincennes, that they be mustered by the commanding officer of said post for the last time previously to their being disbanded.\nThat quadruplicate copies of each muster be made out; one to be retained by the mustering officer\u2014another to be delivered to the commanding officer of the party\u2014the third to the captains of the companies, and the fourth to be transmitted by the paymaster of the said troops, to the War-office.\nThat if the said party should not return by post Vincennes, they must return to some post established on the Ohio, under the command of a regular-officer, and there be mustered under the before mentioned regulations.\nThat the commanding officer of said party report to the commanding officer of the troops on the Ohio, and to the Secretary of War, a precise statement of his numbers\u2014the distances of his marches, daily, and the time of his return, with observations and particular details of all the events of his expedition; and such\ngeneral observations, as shall occur to him of the nature of the country and the proper mode to attack the indians.\nThat Colonel  Shelby be entrusted with a similar expedition, to take place on or about the 20th of May from such parts of the Ohio, as he shall judge proper, and against such object upon the Wabash, as the commanding officer of the troops shall direct.\nThat Brigadier General John Sevier be entrusted with a third expedition of the like nature\u2014the point of departure from the Ohio, to be regulated by the object upon the Wabash which the commanding officer shall point out; to commence from the Ohio, the 20th of June next.\nThat in order to enable each of the before mentioned officers, or others in their stead, to undertake the said expeditions with vigor, a sum, not exceeding five thousand dollars be advanced to each of them, in order to be distributed to the said volunteers, as shall be judged proper to prepare for the expedition, provided the said officers give bonds, with good security, for the faithful appropriations of said monies, to be deducted from the amount of the pay-rolls, of the said volunteers.\nThat if the commanding officer of the main expedition should judge the measure essential, he may authorize a fourth desultory operation, to have effect so as to correspond with the main expedition.\nThat it will also be necessary to entrust the said commanding officer with a further power\u2014That in case the levies and regular troops should not be inlisted in due season, that he may call forth a sufficient number of militia from Kentucky\u2014the counties of Virginia upon the Ohio, and from Pennsylvania, to make good the said deficiency for such term as he shall judge necessary not exceeding the 30th day of November ensuing, but, to be discharged sooner, if in his judgement the service will permit the same.\nThat it is suggested that one half of the proposed levies, or the number of one thousand, be raised in the Western counties of Pennsylvania, and the counties of Virginia lying along the Ohio, and the other half in the counties of Kentucky.\nThat the said levies be formed into two regiments\u2014each of one thousand men\u2014The levies to be commanded by a brigadier general\u2014That each regiment of said levies have one hundred,\nor two companies, of well mounted light horse, and three hundred expert rifle-men, to find their own rifles, and to be allowed pay for the use thereof, and if lost, to be paid at the expence of the United States, as the public have not any rifles in store.\nThat it will also be necessary to entrust the commanding officer with the power of suspending the raising the levies, or to discharge them entirely if he should judge the same proper\u2014This power is indispensible, as the indians may submit to terms, or the desultory operations prove so successful that the regular troops, alone may be sufficient for the establishment of the posts intended.\nIt is highly probable, that the combined effect of the desultory and main expeditions, will humble the indians, and induce them to sue for peace\u2014It is therefore proper to consider of the terms which shall be offered them\u2014At present, the Delewares and Wyandots, have by the treaty of Fort McIntosh, made the 21st day of January 1785, the following boundary\u2014to wit\u2014\u201cThe boundary line between the Wyandot and Delaware nations, shall begin at the mouth of the river Cayahoga, and run thence up the said river to the portage between that and the Tuscarawas branch of the Muskinghum, then down the said branch to the forks at the crossing place above fort Lawrence\u2014then westerly to the portage of the big-Miami, which runs into the Ohio, at the mouth of which branch the Fort stood which was taken by the french in the year 1752\u2014then along the said portage to the Great Miami, or Ome river, and down the southeast side of the same to its mouth\u2014thence along the south shore of Lake Erie, to the mouth of Cayahoga, where it began.\u201d\nThe residence of the Delawares and Wyandots at present is near the Sandusky lake, and at Cayahoga\u2014Their number of warriors, about five hundred\u2014There is no doubt, but that the main body of them are, as they have lately been, peaceably disposed\u2014Their situation however is very critical, and they may be brought to act against us\u2014If this should be the case, and the campaign successful, they ought to be removed to the westward of the Ome river\u2014For it is but justice, both to the indians and the whites, to remove the causes of war, and if the Wyandots take a part against us, it will be difficult to be good neighbours with them again.\nBut, if they remain neutral, or join us, they ought to be permitted to enjoy their present residence.\nThe Shawenese also by the treaty of the Miami the 31\u2019st of January 1786 had the following lands allotted them\u2014to wit\u2014\n\u201cThe United States do allot to the Shawanoe nation, lands within their territory to live and hunt upon, beginning at the south side of the lands allotted to the Wyandot, and Deleware nations, at the place where the main-branch of the Great Miami which falls into the Ohio intersects said line\u2014then down the river Miami to the fork of that river, next below the old fort, which was taken by the french in 1752\u2014thence due west to the river la Panse\u2014then down that river to the river Wabash, beyond which lines, none of the citizens of the United States, shall settle, nor disturb the Shawanoes in their settlements and possessions; and the Shawanoes do relinquish to the United States, all title, or pretence of title, they ever had to the lands, east, west, and south of the east, west and south lines before described\u201d\nBut, the mutual ill-offices which have since taken place, render it improbable that the Shawanoes, and the United States will ever be friends again\u2014At any rate, they must be compelled to abandon all claims on the east side of the Wabash\u2014The Wyandots, Delawares, and Shawanoes are all the indians who have any claim to lands between the Ohio, and lake Erie, excepting the remnants of the Moravians, to whom Congress gave a township upon the Muskinghum, in consequence of the injuries they sustained during the war, from the whites.\nA question arises whether, in the issue of a successful campaign, the Wabash and the Ome emptying into Lake Erie, shall be the Western boundary, or whether a line shall be extended due west, from the forks of the Great Miami of the Ohio, to the Mississippi supposing the same should be found practicable.\nThere would not be many indians, south of the said line, excepting the Kickapoos, who will not exceed two hundred warriors, and who are a bad set, and must be removed, as they will undoubtedly join in the war against us.\nThe good consequence resulting from such a line would be a greater security to the settlers on the Mississippi, and to the tract at the mouth of the Ohio, reserved for the late army.\nBut it seems to be necessary at all events, to prevent future wars, to prohibit the indians from hunting on the east side of\nthe Wabash\u2014The line running west from the forks of the Great Miami before mentioned may be left to the discretion of the Governor of the western territory, to establish it or not as circumstances may require.\nThe Secretary of war, further submits, that the post to be established at the Miami village, shall be garrisoned with twelve hundred men, including the subordinate posts, until the next year, and that the same shall have in store six months salted provisions & a due proportion of cannon and military stores.\nHaving discussed the first general object of the frontiers, the second occurs\u2014to wit\u2014the preservation of the peace, and performance of the treaties with the Choctaws, Chickasaws and Cherokees\u2014the said treaties and peace being threatned with a violation by certain companies which have purchased the preemption to the lands of the said indians, from the State of Georgia.\nThis is an important consideration, whether it be viewed, as relating to the the indians\u2014the people of the frontiers, or the Spaniards.\nShould the projected settlements take effect on the indians land, with their concurrence, it will be obtained under some specious delusion; probably, under the garb of authority from the United States\u2014The temporary countenance which the indians may afford the measure, will induce such great accession of numbers, as may, when the indians shall be undeceived, occasion the expence of a long, and bloody warfare.\nIn this, as in all other similar cases, it will be much more easy to prevent, than to remedy the evil.\nThat therefore it will be proper to establish a strong post of three or four hundred men at the Occachappo, or bears creek, which empties into the Tennesse near the Muscle shoals.\nAnd, if the Yazous purchasers, should persist, in forcing a settlement upon the lands of the Choctaws and Chickasaws, upon the Mississippi, it will be proper to dispossess them by sending a body of troops against them, and to explain the measure, fully, to the indian nations.\nThat the time for the establishment of this post will depend upon the facility with which the troops shall be raised, and upon the general operations North-West of the Ohio; but, most probably it must be consequent thereto, and not carried on together\u2014\nAll the regular troops may be wanted for the main expedition, and to carry on many operations at once, would occasion embarrasments, and perhaps endanger the success of the whole.\nThe third general object\u2014to wit\u2014a consideration of the means most likely to attach the people of the frontiers of the United States, lays apparently within a narrow compass\u2014Justice must be administered fully and freely among them in all respects, whether for, or, against them. This will soon bring them into proper habits of submission to the laws\u2014They ought to be effectually protected against indian depredations, and in case of any unjustifiable behaviour of any of the lawless citizens, towards the indians, such persons ought to be punished in an exemplary manner; and on this point it behoves government to be inflexible, as well in regard to its general reputation in the judgement of the world, as in regard to the saving of the blood and treasure expended in an unjust indian war.\nThe fourth object\u2014to wit\u2014a consideration of the probable effect decisive measures against the indians, or it might be added against the people intending to settle on the lands of the Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Cherokees may have on the military posts of Spain or England.\nThe fact is, that both of those powers have claims upon the territories of the United States\u2014Spain claiming up the Mississippi to the Ohio, and England holding the posts which ought to have been relinquished by the treaty of peace. Both, therefore, being conscious of exceptionable and improper conduct towards the United States, will regard the encrease of the military force of the United States with great jealousy.\nIf a post should be established on the Mississippi, below the Ohio, it would occasion the dispositions of the Spaniards to be discovered, relative to their claims\u2014But, it is conceived, that this measure ought not to be undertaken at present, and therefore it is not proposed.\nThe facility with which a superior force from the Miami village might approach Detroit, will indisputably occasion apprehensions, for the safety of that post, especially, if the interposing indians should be effectually routed during the campaign.\nIt may also be reasonably expected, that these apprehensions will occasion a reinforcement of troops, during the approaching\nsummer\u2014both sides being pretty strong in that quarter will require great circumspection & prudence in the direction of the troops\u2014The delicacy of this situation may render it wise for the United States to defer having any naval armament upon lake Erie, until the Court of Great Britain may be more reasonable than at present\u2014The object of a naval force is not of such importance, at present, as to induce risques which may involve us in a disagreeable predicament.\nThe post at the Miami village, well supported by a chain of posts of communications in the direction to the Miami, of \u27e8illegible\u27e9 the Ohio, will be a more effectual barrier against indian incursions, than even if the United States possessed Detroit itself.\nThe garrison of the Miami village being strong, and always able to detach five or six hundred men, to chastise any of the tribes who shall commit depredations, will soon curb all hostilities, or occasion such tribes to remove at a greater distance.\nThe Secretary of War submits the idea, that it may be left discretionary, with the commanding general, to employ from two to four hundred of the Six Nations, or Wyandots and Delawares if they should prove friendly, to accompany the main expedition.\nThe said Secretary has conceived it his duty to submit this report, embracing all the general objects of the frontiers, in order that the President of the United States may approve, or, disapprove of such parts, or the whole, as he may judge proper.\nBut, the said Secretary respectfully solicits the directions of the President of the United States, previously to his departure, upon the general principles of this report, the same being necessary, in order to frame the instructions of the commanding officer\u2014The said instructions, without rigidly imposing conditions as ultimatums, must necessarily contain, not only the general principles for the government of the commanding officer, but much detail matter.\nAll which is humbly submitted to the President of the United States.\nH. Knox\nSecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0238", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lewis R. Morris, 22 February 1791\nFrom: Morris, Lewis R.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n22d February 1791\nAs Vermont will shortly become a member of the general Government, I would solicit the honor of being employed in any Office within that State, which you may consider me qualified to discharge the duties of. I have the honor to be Sir, with the greatest Respect your most obedt hum. serv\u2019t\nL. R. Morris", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0239", "content": "Title: To George Washington from N. G., 22 February 1791\nFrom: N. G.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia February 22d 1791\nWhile you receive the Congratulations of your fellow Citizens on the Anniversary of your Birth permit one who has long Admired both your Public and private Virtues to address you as a Character under God who has been a principal Instrument of bringing about the late Glorious and Happy revolution which is justly acknowledged to exceed any thing of the kind ever recorded in the Annals of time.\n   my Situation in Life forbids my appearing in Person but from my Humble Cot beg leave to present you with the inclosed performance upon the greatest and most Sublime Mystery of our Holy Religion being a short Scriptural Comment on the ever Blessed Trinity a work which engaged my attention at a time when to all Human appearance I was near the Gates of Death, if the Contents were calculated to damp your Joy or render your Happiness less complete it would be both base and ungrateful in me to exhibit it to your view on this Auspicious Day but this I am convinced is not the case for Religion never was designed to make our pleasures less.\nThis is proved in an Eminent manner by your Life and Conversation and by your Attachment and regard to that Church of\nwhich you are a Member, while you shew the most shining proofs of Charity and Philanthropy towards them that Differ.\nThe Lord preserve your valuable Life make you happy in his Love and ever have you in his Divine keeping is the prayer of Sir your most Obedient most humble and Devoted Citizen and Servant\nN.G.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0241", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 22 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate,\nUnited States, February 22nd 1791\nI will proceed to take measures for the ransom of our citizens in captivity at Algiers, in conformity with your resolution of advice of the first instant, so soon as the monies necessary shall be appropriated by the Legislature, and shall be in readiness.\nThe recognition of our treaty with the new Emperor of Marocco requires also previous appropriation and provision\u2014the importance of this last to the liberty and property of our citizens induces me to urge it on your earliest attention.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0242", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Anderson, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Anderson, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia 23rd Febry 1791\nWhen I last did myself the Honor of waiting upon your Excellency, on the Subject of my application now before You\u2014Mr Lear inform\u2019d me, that something had been Suggested to my disadvantage, respecting a transaction between Major Jaquet and myself relative to some Certificates.\nIn Order to set that business in a proper point of View, I have for your Excellencys satisfaction Obtaind from Major Jaquet, a Certificate, Containing a Statement of the facts attending it\u2014By which Your Excellency will perceive whether I deserve censure on the Subject.\nYour Excellency will please to Observe, that Major Jaquet acknowledges, to have receivd from me, Miami Land Warrants, to the amount Of the Certificates I had receiv\u2019d from him; at a price fixed by himself\u2014On his seting the price on the warrants I thought it considerably Less than their real Value\u2014He therefore agreed to allow me the equity of redemption at any period within three years, Upon the Terms, Contain\u2019d in the Certificate\u2014I have thought it adviseable to explain this part of the Certificate, in order, that your Excellency might clearly understand, the real principles of our Settlement.\nIt gives me very Sensible pain to have caus\u2019d your Excellency so much trouble\u2014But sundry circumstances having interven\u2019d (since I first made application to Your Excellency,) which I cou\u2019d not possibly foresee\u2014I must crave your Excellencys forgiveness for my Obtrusions\u2014And Permit me to assure you Sir, that I hold\nyour approbation, of my Character, more Dear, than any Emoluments I might derive from the Office I Solicit.\nNot having the Honor of being personably known to your Excellency\u2014I feel myself imbarrass\u2019d, in requesting the Special indulgence, of waiting on your Excellency in person.\nTo your Excellency I look up as to a Common Parent, and have no doubt Sir, but what you will do me all the Justice, to which my Small claims to Merit may intitle me\u2014I am Sir, with every Sentiment of the highest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servt\nJos. Anderson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0243", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Martha Dangerfield Bland, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Bland, Martha Dangerfield\nTo: Washington, George\nCawson [Va.] Feby 23d 1791\nI thought Sir, when I received your Letter that it had forever Closed our Correspondence but I have now a Claim upon you in your public Charactor as well as a friend. I have a valluable slave in Philadelphia of the name of Alexander Aubury, who passes for a free man and lives near the Bettering house, Colonel Griffin informs me that he may be recoverd it has been attempted but the quakers interfered & he returnd to his own house.\nI am told Sir that my best mode of recovering him will be to\n  apply to you it will oblige me very much if you will Use your Authority, I had rather he shoud be sold he offerd \u00a3100 for himself through the quakers, but his Master Chose not to take that sum, I will be satisfied with that, or less, These are trifles to plague you with and I hope you will excuse it. present me, if you please Sir to Mrs Washington with great Affection & believe me with sincere regard Your Obt & Hble Servt\nM. Bland", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0244", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Ebenezer Davis, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Davis, Ebenezer\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPortland [District of Maine] Feby 23d 1791\nWill you permit me for one moment to request your notice of my desire to serve in the District of Maine as Inspector of the Militia should such an Officer be appointed. It will perhaps be in vain to attempt to make myself known to the President of the United States but I had the honor of serving under your Command during the whole of the Late War and more then once had the happiness of meeting with your approbation. In special by the notice you was pleased to take of my Conduct at Delaney\u2019s Bridge in January 1781. soon after I was Detached with a Corps of Light Infantry Commanded by the Marquis De la Fayette into Virginia But I cannot flatter myself that such minutia can still occupy a place in your memory. I have but to say I served with pleasure till the army was disbanded and still love the profession of Arms. Permit me with Sincere affection and the greatest respect to Subscribe your most obedient & very humble Servant\nEbenezer Davis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0246", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir\nWednesday noon 23d Feby 1791.\nI have this moment received your sentiments with respect to the constitutionality of the Bill\u2014\u201cto incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States.\u201d\nThis bill was presented to me by the joint Commee of Congress at 12 oClock on Monday the 14th instant. To what precise period, by legal interpretation of the constitution, can the President retain it in his possession, before it becomes a Law, by the lapse often days?\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0247", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nReasons for not Reporting to the President, at this time, consular nominations for the following ports.\n            Gottenburg.\n            no candidate\n            Amsterdam\n            Greenleaf.\n            P. R. Randolph, (he has not applied lately)\n            Richd Codman of Massachusets. and\n            Thomas Thompson.\nIt is desireable there should be a greater choice of candidates; and appointments at those ports are not very pressing.\nThe Canary islands.\u2003the recommendations of John & Jasper Moylan in favour of John Culnan are as pointed as could be desired. but themselves are unknown to me, as well as the circumstances of connection &c. which may exist between them & the candidate. if they are so known to the President as to satisfy him, or if the Candidate be otherwise known to him & approved, the nomination might go in the following form \u2018John Culnan, citizen of the U.S. late of it\u2019s armies, & now a merchant at Teneriffe, to be Vice-consul of the U.S. for the Canary islands.\u2019 if the President be not satisfied, there will be no harm in taking time, for enquiry, till another session.\n            Alicant.\u2003candidate Robert Montgomery.\n            appointments are not yet made for the Mediterranean.\n            Malaga,\u2003candidate Wm Kirkpatrick.\nwhenever they shall be, I know no person for Alicant who stands on better ground than Montgomery. Kirkpatrick would be inadmissible at Malaga, as being a foreigner, and of a nation not in favour in that country.\n            Thomas Thompson\n            candidates.\n            John Telles\n            Bulkeley\nThompson is a good man: but a drunkard & bankrupt, & not a native.\nTelles is a good man & a sober one, but bankrupt & not a native.\nBulkeley is a good man, very opulent, & of long establishment in Lisbon. but the weight of evidence (tho not certain) is that he\nis an Englishman by birth: he is certainly a member of the English factory at Lisbon, and his sentiments during the war, were those of an Englishman. he travelled in America before the war, & has great commercial connections with it. but his birth and sentiments seem to set him aside.\nit rests then with the President to say whether Telles shall be appointed, or let it lie till other candidates may offer. Telles\u2019s circumstances are the great objection to him, for that of his not being a native, could I suppose be got over. the low reputation of our merchants, as to their credit, in foreign countries, will be confirmed rather than relieved by sending abroad as Consuls those who are under difficulties. if the President thinks proper to name Telles, it may be as follows[:]\n\u201cJohn Telles, citizen of Pennsylvania, Consul for the United States at the port of Lisbon in Portugal and for such parts within the allegiance of her most faithful Majesty, as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Viceconsul of the U.S. within the same allegiance.\u201d\nSanta Cruz.\u2003I had thought that as St Thomas\u2019s was a free port, and Santa Cruz pretty much restricted, the former would be the proper position for a Consul, & the latter an Agent. but on further enquiry among mercantile men, I find that there do not go above 20. vessels of ours a year to St Thomas\u2019s, while about 200 go to Santa Cruz\u27e8;\u27e9 as it is from thence we draw a great part of our sugars. I am therefore of opinion that it will be more importance to provide a patronage for our vessels at Santa Cruz, because there are more of them, and less protected; those which go to St Thomas\u2019s being protected by the freedom of the port. if this be decided on, I think mr Yard an unexceptionable candidate: and therefore propose a nomination for\n\u201cJames Yard, of Pennsylvania, to be Consul for the U.S. in the island of Santa Cruz and such other ports within the allegiance of his Danish majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice-consul of the U.S. within the same allegiance.\u201d\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0248", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nDear Sir,\nFebruary 23rd 1791\nThe President has desired me to transmit to you the enclosed containing a copy of a bill exhibited in the High Court of Chancery\nof Virginia relative to certain lots drawn as prizes in Colonel Bird\u2019s lottery, and to request that you would take some opportunity to remind him of the business, and do the necessary in it before his departure from this place.\nThe President thinks he shall be too much engaged for two or three days to attend to the matter\u2014but after that you will be good enough to consult your own time. I have the honor to be very respectfully, Dear Sir, Your most obedient servant\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0249", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate,\nUnited States February 23d 1791.\nInformation having been received from Thomas Auldjo, who was appointed Vice Consul of the United States at Cowes in Great Britain, that his Commission has not been recognized by that Government, because it is a Port at which no foreign Consul has yet been received, and that it has been intimated to him, that his Appointment to the Port of Poole and parts nearer to that than to the residence of any other Consul of the United States, would be recognized, and his residence at Cowes not noticed. I have therefore, thought it expedient to nominate\nThomas Auldjo to be Vice-Consul for the United States at the Port of Poole, in Great Britain, and such parts within the Allegiance of his Britanic Majesty, as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul, or Vice Consul of the United States within the same Allegiance.\nI also nominate James Yard, of Pennsylvania, to be Consul for the United States in the Island of Santa Cruz, and such other parts within the Allegiance of his Danish Majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice Consul of the United States within the same Allegiance.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0250", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Josiah Bartlett, 24 February 1791\nFrom: Bartlett, Josiah\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nExeter: February 24th 1791.\nI have the Honor herewith to enclose and transmit your Excellency an Authenticated Copy of \u201cAn Act ceding to the United States of America one Acre and three quarters of an Acre of land with the Fort and Light House thereon situate in New Castle.\u201d I am with the highest Sentiments of Esteem and Respect Sir, Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and most Humble Servant,\nJosiah Bartlett", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0251", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 24 February 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nThursday [24 February 1791]\nThe Bill supplementary to the Bank bill passed the House of Representatives Yesterday\u2014General Schuyler informs me that the friends of the Bank proposed that it should pass to a second reading immediately, and that Mr Carroll opposed it, and moved that it should be printed\u2014that by a rule of the House it was of necessity to comply with Mr Carroll\u2019s objection, a departure requiring unanimous consent. That accordingly the bill was deferred till to day, & in the mean time ordered to be printed.\nIt will doubtless pass, if there are not studied delays on the part of the opposers of the Bank. I have the honor to be With perfect respect Sir Your Obedt Servt\nA. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0252", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Bayard, 25 February 1791\nFrom: Bayard, John Bubenheim\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nNew Brunswick [N.J.] 25th Feby 1791\nSoon \u27e8after the\u27e9 meeting of Congress in New York, I had the honor of apply\u27e8ing mutilated\u27e9 to be nominated to the office of Collector of the Imports for the State of Pennsylvania.\nAs the gift of that appointment was not accordant with the arrangements you had made I wished to be consider\u2019d as a Candidate for any place that you might think me qualified to fill\u2014The appointments under the late revenue Act being now in contemplation permit me, Sir, to offer myself as a candidate for the office of Supervisor of the Excise in the City of Philadelphia\u2014as my character is well known to you Sir, it wou\u2019d be needless I presume to bring testimonials in support of it \u27e8the State\u27e9 of Pennsylvania in the many \u27e8offices\u27e9 of trust she has conferr\u2019d on me & as it \u27e8mutilatedded\u27e9 the necessity of this.\nMy past services & sufferings in the cause of my Country, my political & private character, with the confidence of the mercantile & landed interests of the State, which I still flatter myself I possess, are circumstances, which I trust, will be consider\u2019d by you, Sir, as sufficient to warrant my present application.\nShould I \u27e8mutilated appoint\u27e9ment, it shall be my constant endeavor to \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 your confidence, by the most punctual & faithful discharge of the duties incumbent on me\u2014I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & Esteem Sir Your most Obedt & very hmble Servt\nJohn Bayard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0254", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Gordon, 25 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gordon, William\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia February 25. 1791.\nHowever highly I might be gratified by attending to my private correspondencies, as I used to do, yet so numerous and important are the public duties which my situation calls upon me to discharge, that to do justice to one I must, in some measure, give up the other\u2014In this case it requires not the consideration of a moment to decide.\nI presume, therefore, it will hardly be necessary to offer an apology to you for the want of punctuality in acknowledging the receipt of your letters\u2014I should, however, be deficient in civility and gratitude was I not to return my best thanks for the elegantly bound volumes of your history, which you have been so polite as to send to me\u2014and for the ardent prayers for my health and happiness which are expressed in your letters\u2014I beg you to be assured that my good wishes attend you, and that I shall always be glad to hear of your prosperity. The forty two sets of your history which you mention to have sent over for the Subscribers have been received, as the within accounts will shew; and you have, enclosed, a bill for  Sterling in full of the balance of the accounts, and closes the business. With due regard & esteem, I am &ca\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0255", "content": "Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 25 February 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nI omitted to day to ask the President\u2019s approbation of Colo. Pickering, as quarter master of the proposed expedition. Will you mention it to him, and let me know the result! Because, if he should approve the idea, it will be necessary to dispatch an express to Colo. Pickering with the Offer. I am Dear Sir, Your humble Servt\nH. Knox\nSecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0256", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 25 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate,\nUnited States February 25th 1791.\nI nominate Joseph Anderson, of the State of Delaware, to be one of the Judges in the Territory of the United States south of the Ohio, in place of William Peery who has declined his Appointment. and\nWilliam Murry, of Kentucky, to be Attorney for the United States, in the District of Kentucky, in place of James Brown who has declined his appointment.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0258", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Magaw, 26 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Magaw, Samuel\n[26 February 1791]\nThe President of the United States has received the invitation, addressed to him by a Committee of the American Philosophical Society, to an Eulogium, which the Society have directed to be pronounced to the Memory of their late worthy President Benjamin Franklin; and he will attend with pleasure, on an occasion which renders the Tribute of meritted Respect to the Memory of that distinguished Fellow Citizen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0259", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Oliver Pollock, 26 February 1791\nFrom: Pollock, Oliver\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia February 26th 1791\nIn consequence of a claim, against me, transmitted to your Excellency, by Lewis Toutant Bourgard and S. L. Bourgeois dated New Orleans 14th of October 1789, I hope I shall stand\nexcused for troubling your Excellency with the enclosed documents, the Originals of which are filed in the different offices of the United States, with many others, respecting my feeble services, during the late revolution.\nThe long detail of facts mentioned in my Narrative which, at the time, those Events took place, was only intented for my own satisfaction may now, afford some information to your Excellency of what passed in the Western Country at that period. With perfect respect I have the honor to be Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient, and Most humble Servant\nOlr Pollack", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0260", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel St. Clair, 27 February 1791\nFrom: St. Clair, Daniel\nTo: Washington, George\nHonored Sir\nMontgomery County [Md.] Feby 27. 1791\nAs it is probable there will be a number of Persons appointed to Collect the Excises in pursuance of the Excise Bill at present before Congress\u2014If you think me Duly qualified to fill an Office for that purpose\u2014I request the favour, to be preferred in the\nDistrict that may be formed in the Western part of this State\u2014I am with respect Honored Sir Your Humble Servant\nD. St Clair", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0261", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Dandridge, 28 February 1791\nFrom: Dandridge, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nRichmond [Va.] Feby 28th 1791\nMr Lewis A. Pauly, who will present this to you, having some propositions of a public nature to make, which relate to the military establishments of the United States & which will most probably come to your consideration, I take the liberty of informing you, in his behalf, that I have known him for several years as a respectable & honest man in my neighbourhood. Mr Pauly came into this Country, from France as a Creditor of the State of Virginia, & has established his demands. He is now married & settled here, & from my particular opportunity of knowing him, I think he will not deserve to be considered as a common adventurer. You will excuse this communication from me, as an act of friendly respect which Mr Pauly\u2019s acquaintance with me & conduct towards me intitles him to.\nYou will be so good as to remember \u27e8me\u27e9 dutifully & affectionately to my Aunt, & believe me to be with the most respectful esteem yr Obt Sert\nJ. Dandridge", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0262", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 28 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Deakins, William Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nGentlemen,\nPhiladelp[hi]a Feb. 28th 1791\nIf you have concluded nothing yet with Mr Burn\u2019s; nor made him any offer for his land that is obligatory; I pray you to suspend\nyour negotiations with him, until you hear further from me. With much Esteem I am, Gentlemen, Your &c.\nG:W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0263", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 28 February 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nsir\n28th Feby 1791\nThe President has commanded me to transmit the enclosed to you from Mr Thatcher and request that you will give it the consideration it may merit\u2014The President also requests that you will take occasion to converse with some others of the gentlemen from Massachusetts on this subject\u2014and to mention it likewise to some from New Hampshire. I have the honor to be very respectfully & sincerely Your Most Obedt Servant\nTobias Lear", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0264", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Ebenezer Hazard, 28 February 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hazard, Ebenezer\n[Philadelphia] February, 28th 1791.\nBy the command of the President of the United States T. Lear has the honor to return to Mr Hazard the enclosed proposals for printing by subscription a collection of State-Papers, which Mr Hazard submitted to the President and which have been subscribed by him.\nThe whole or any part of the money for the President\u2019s subscription will be paid by T. Lear whenever Mr Hazard may chuse to receive it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0265", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Hodgson, 28 February 1791\nFrom: Hodgson, John\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it Please your Excellency.\nNo. 46 Ludgate Hill London.28th Febry 1791\nFrom that Universal well known Philanthropy and Condescension, that is the great Characteristic of your Excellency\u2019s disposition, I am encouraged to request a favour, which your complying with, will render a most essential Service, to him who thus presumes to address you.\nThe request I humbly make is, that your Excellency will be pleased to inform me, whether you had, or have not at this time in your Service, one David Johnson a Native of Chelsea near London, who went from England in the Year 1767 on Board the Deal Castle Man of War, Stationed for America, and which said David Johnson as I have been informed, had the Honour of being in your Excellencys service, either as Colonel of a Regiment, or in some other Military official Character.\nIn the year 1787 a Person from New York came to Chelsea, and Inquired after the Mother and Sister of this Mr Johnson, his Mother was then Deceased, but his Sister who is my Wife is now Living: the Person left word that it was the request of Mr Johnson, that he might hear of the situation of his Family, and to address a letter for Colonel Johnson at New York: I have sent several letters agreeable to the direction, but never receiv\u2019d any answer.\nYour Excellencys compliance with the above request, will give the most ample Satisfaction, and be ever considered as the highest mark of Honour and Respect conferred on him, Who is With the most Profound Reverence & Admiration: (May it please your Excellency,) Your Excellencys most Obedient, And Devoted Servant\nJohn Hodgson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0266", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Rufus Putnam, 28 February 1791\nFrom: Putnam, Rufus\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nMarietta [Northwest Territory] February 28th 1791\nSince the affair of the 2d of January several Wyandot men & women have ben into Fort Harmer To Trade. they approched with Shyness, and in truth our people ware at a loss how to treat them. but on the whole it was thought best, and they ware recived & treated in the same frindly maner as here to fore: althoe Sculking parties were at the Same time discovered houvering round Some of our Settlements, the accounts these indians give of the affair at the Big-Bottom, are various\u2014the first reported that they Saw their trail on their return & that by mar\u27e8ks\u27e9 they left on certain trees they ware 76 in number & had 20 Scalps. the next account was from one Geroto a Wyandot man who Said he was told by a man who Saw them, that they consisted of about 30 and that they had Some prisoners as well as Scalps\u2014that they came from a Village on the \u27e8Tawa\u27e9 river\u2014and another account we have from a Wyandot who Said he Saw the party on their return neer Sandusky, that they ware chiefly Mingos consisted of about 30 and had 5 prisoners: the Indians who have ben in, all agree that a great many Indians are going to war, but pretend that the Wyandots & Dellawars are not, and that we must expect a great many here in a few weeks\u2014about ten days ago a Soldier was taken within 60 rods of Fort Harmer but he had the good fortune to make his escape the first night, and the next day came in to the Settlement at Belle-prie, the Soldier said that he was first taken by three and caried a few miles when they came to 4 others, that one of them Spake good English and was very perticuler in his enquieries respecting the number of men at Fort Harmer, Marietta, & Belle-prie.\nthe night after the Soldier got into Belle-prie, a party of Indians (Supposed to be the Same who took the Soldier) brook open a number of Deserted houses in the lower part of Belle-prie\nSettlement, but they did no damage to any of the property except killing one Sheep and two fat hogs a part of which they took of\u2014Our people have nearely compleated their works of Defence, and I have no great apprehentions for the imediate Saifty of their persons but their forage Corn & Cattle Still remain exposed as they have not ben able \u27e8illegible\u27e9 to remove them to places of Security.\nThe present Crisis appears to me important, not only as it respects the inhabitants of these frontiers but the united States in general\u2014for Should Government take efectual \u27e8means\u27e9 to bring the natives to Submission, & for the protection of those who have Settled under her authorety, She may fairly calculate on a rapid Sale of her lands, by which She may Sink many millions of her National Debt\u2014but on the Contrary Should She leve her Citizens to be insulted & murdered by the Savages, I think it dos not require the Spirit of prophecy to foretell the consequence. No more lands will be purchased but will probably be Seized on by privit adventurers who will pay little or no reguard to the laws of the United States or the rights of the natives\u2014It is a fact Sir, well known that imediately after the conclusion of the war in 1783 privet adventurers, in a perticuler way, located & by building Cabbens, girdling trees or planting a few hills of Corn, took possestion of all the most valuable lands in the Muskingum, Hockhocking, and other rivers as well as on the ohio for Several hundred mils, nor Must it be forgot that numbers of these people were driven off by the federal Troops at the point of the Bayonet, their houses burnt & corn destroyed\u2014When therefore it Shall be known that Congress have given up the protection of the Country, what are we to expect but these people, with others of like principle, will return like a flood & Seize the country to them Selves, and should this be the case is it probable that the united States will ever be able to reduce them to obediance without incuring a much greater expence then the chastizin\u27e8g\u27e9 the Indians in a proper maner & the necessary establisht for the protection of the Settlements can posably \u27e8merit\u27e9.\nAll the Settlements in Virginia bordoring on the Ohio in our neighbourhood are erecting defences.\nWe \u27e8heare\u27e9 that 7 persons ware killed about two \u27e8weeks\u27e9 near Short Creek the account of which probably re\u27e8ached\u27e9 you before\nthis. Major Sargent I hear is at Fort Pitt\u2014I have the honour to be with the highest possable Sentements of Respect Sir your most obedient & most humble Servent\nRufus Putnam", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0267-0002", "content": "Title: I: Memorandum of Hugh Williamson Comparing Distances from Petersburg, Va., to New Bern, N.C., via Edenton and Halifax, N.C., February 1791\nFrom: Williamson, Hugh\nTo: Washington, George\nvia Edenton and Halifax, N.C.\n            Distances\n            From Petersburg\n            to Cabin Point\n            to Smithfield\n            to Suffolk\n            to Riddicks\n            to Mitchels\n            to Edenton\n            Across the Ferry\n            to Jacksons\n            to Washington\n            to Custiss ferry\n            10 Exclus. of ferry\n            From Petersburg\n            to Olivers\n            to Hicks\u2019s ford Andrew\u2019s\n            to Halifax\n            To Tarborough\n            Green Ville\n            Blount Hall\n            Custis\u2019s ferry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0267-0003", "content": "Title: II: Memorandum of Hugh Williamson on the Route from Philadelphia to Lamprier\u2019s Ferry, S.C., February 1791\nFrom: Williamson, Hugh\nTo: Washington, George\n            Philadelphia to\n            Xtien Bridge\n            Susquehanna Ferry\n            Baltimore\n            Petapsco Ferry\n            Widow Ramsays\n            Annapolis\n            London Town Ferry\n            Queen Annes bridge\n            Upper Marlbro\u2019\n            Piscataway\n            Hoes Ferry\n            Port Royal\n            Bowling Green\n            Richmond\n            Osbornes Warehouse\n            Petersburg\n            Halls Ordinary\n            Landers Ordinary\n            Hickss ford\n            Stantons Ordinary\n            Tarborough\n            Peacocks bridge\n            Harrisons\n            Whitfields\n            Rutledges\n            Dicksons\n            Wilmington\n            Allstons (private)\n            W. Allston (private)\n            P. Simmons (private)\n            George Town Ferry\n            Lamprieres Ferry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0267-0005", "content": "Title: IV: Memorandum of James Iredell on Distances from Richmond, Va., to Edenton, N.C., February 1791\nFrom: Iredell, James\nTo: Washington, George\nRoute from Richmond in Virginia to Edenton in North Carolina\n            Richmond to Petersburg\n            Richmond to Osborne\u2019s\n            Osborne\u2019s to Petersburg\n            Petersburg to Suffolk\n            Petersburg to Geary\u2019s\n            Geary\u2019s to Cabin Point\n            Cabin Point to McIntosh\u2019s\n            McIntosh\u2019s to Smithfield\n            Smithfield to Suffolk\n            Suffolk to Edenton\n            Suffolk to Riddick\u2019s\n            Riddick\u2019s to Mitchell\u2019s\n            Mitchell\u2019s to Edenton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0267-0006", "content": "Title: V: Memorandum of James Iredell on the Route through the Carolinas, February 1791\nFrom: Iredell, James\nTo: Washington, George\nMemorandum for Major Jackson concerning the Road through North and South Carolina.\nI am not acquainted with the Road from Petersburg to Halifax, nor with that from Halifax, by way of Tarborough, to Newbern. But at Petersburg the best information can be obtained of the former and at Halifax of the latter.\nRoad from Newbern to Wilmington\nThe Road I am best acquainted with between these two places, and which I believe is really the best, is a\u27e8s\u27e9 nearly as I can recollect as follows. It is usually called the middle Road.\n            Newbern to Collier\u2019s (a tolerable house)\n            Collier\u2019s to Trenton (I am not well acquainted with this stage)\n            Note; within about 3 miles of Trenton lives one Clifton, who has a very small indifferent house, but usually keeps good provender for horses.\n            Trenton to \u27e8Shine\u2019s\u27e9 (one of the best)\n            Shine\u2019s to Mrs Williams\u2019s (Indifferent)\n                  \u2003at what they call the chappel\n            The Chappel to Foy\u2019s (but tolerable) I believe\n            Foy\u2019s to Sage\u2019s (a good stage)\n            Sage\u2019s to Jennett\u2019s (Indifferent)\n            Jennet\u2019s to Wilmington\nWilmington to Georgetown\nThe accomodations on this road are, in general, very bad. It will be better to obtain at Wilmington fuller information than I can give. The stages, such as they are, which I am acquainted with, are as follow\n            Wilmington to Daniel\u2019s at Town Creek (a very indifferent house indeed)\n            Daniel\u2019s to Russ\u2019s (also very indifferent)\n            Russ\u2019s to William Cope\u2019s (Do)\n            Cop\u2019s to the Boundary (no public house)\n            Note: a Ch. Dupree lives near this, a very obliging hospitable Man, but who lived in a very small house when I was last there. He did live at the Boundary House, which is a pretty good one, and I think he \u27e8attended\u27e9 to others \u27e8again;\u27e9 but am not certain. It would be very desirable to rest some where about this place, as a result of the distance necessary to go upon the next stage, & the uncertainty as to the proper time of crossing the Long Bay. It may be proper to enquire here about a proper house to stop at next.\n            From the Boundary To the Long Bay\nNote: one Vareen lived on this side near the long Bay, and a little out of the Road, where a public house was formerly kept. But I believe there is none there now. The Son lives at the house, which is a wretched one. But I believe there are one or two others on this side the Bay, tho\u2019 not public ones that I know of. Nor am I at all acquainted with them.\nIt will be necessary to make enquiry as to the proper time of tide for crossing the Long Bay. It is a sand Beach on the Seaside, and at low water it is delightful to cross it. You ride about 16 miles upon it.\n            Over the Long Bay to McGill\u2019s (a tolerable house)\n            After this I know none but private houses to Winyaw.\n            \u2003McGill\u2019s to Mr B. Nixon\u2019s\n            \u2003B. Nixon\u2019s to Colo. Heriott\u2019s (on Winyaw Bay)\n            This gentleman is extremely respectable and hospitable, and is a Man of large Fortune. He will undoubtedly meet the President long before he reaches his house; if he should go that way. I know not the way by the common Ferry, nor what accomodations there are there.\n            Across the Bay from Colo. Heriott\u2019s\n            to George-Town\nThere will be no doubt of your obtaining at George-Town full information of the Road from there to Charleston upon which the stages are better than before.\nAt Charleston there will be the fullest information of the Road to Savannah.\nThe Road from Savannah to Augusta I am not acquainted with.\nThe only Road from Augusta through South & North Carolina that I am acquainted with is by Columbia and Camden in South Carolina and Fayette-Ville in North Carolina. But in general the accomodations are very wretched and the country a very miserable one, and I don\u2019t doubt the upper road that goes through Charlotte & Salisbury in North Carolina (and which I am told the President intends taking) is preferable. of that I can give no particulars.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0267-0007", "content": "Title: VI: Itinerary from Savannah to Augusta, Ga., February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFrom Savannah to Augusta\n            first Day to\n            Spencers\n            Ebenezer\n            Russells\n            Garnetts\n            second Day to\n            Skinners\n            Lamberts\n            third Day to\n            Waynesborough\n            fourth day to", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0267-0008", "content": "Title: VII: Itinerary for the Southern Tour, February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nIf the President of the United States should be able to commence his tour through the Southern States on the 10th of March it will be regulated as follow\n            Thursday\n            Saturday\n            Hartford\n            Baltimore\n            Annapolis\n            Wednesday\n            Thursday\n            Georgetown\n            Dumfries\n            Frederickg\n            Thursday\n            Head Lynchs\n            Richmond\n            Petersburgh\n            Hallifax\n            Wednesday\n            Tarborough\n            Saturday\n            Wilmingtn\n            Wednesday\n            Thursday\n            Saturday\n            Georgetown\n            Thursday\n            Charleston\n            Thursday\n            Saturday\n            Wednesday\n            Thursday\n            Saturday\n            Columbia\n            Wednesdy\n            Thursday\n            Saturday\n            Charlotte\n            Salisbury\n            Guilford\n            Hilsbo: 45 \u2003Harrisburg40\u2003Willimsburg 12\n            By Taylrs ferry 10\u2003toPetersburgh 83\n            Richmond\n            Head Lynchs\n            Frederksburgh\n            Bladensburgh\n            Baltimore\n            Susquehanna\n            Wilmington\n            Philadelpa", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0268", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Adams, John\nPhiladelphia March 1st 1791.\nCertain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Friday the 4th Instant, I have desired their Attendance, as I do yours by these Presents, at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such Communications as shall be made to you on my part.\nGo: Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0269", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Anderson, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Anderson, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPh[iladelphi]a 1st March 1791\nI take the liberty of inclosing to Your Excellency, a letter I receiv\u2019d from Mr Vining, in answer to One, I address\u2019d to him, on the Subject of a letter he a few days since receivd from Mr Jaquet. By which Your Excellency will see that Mr Jaquet is Contradicted, in what he has said in his letter to Mr Vining, and that by a person who wrote the Certificate, and attested it.\nThe Certificate had for its basis, an Original receeipt, and Contains only a State of facts, Containd in that receipt\u2014The receipt being at too great a distance to Obtain speedily\u2014The Certificate was ask\u2019d\u2014With respect to what Major Bush Says, Concerning his Considering, the additional Contracts, as a Consequence rather than a Condition of my appointment, I wou\u2019d beg leave to Observe That I agreed with Mr Jaquet, as I \u27e8had\u27e9 rather have the Land Warrants he receiv\u2019d of me, at the prices he recev\u2019d them, than the money\u2014that If he wou\u2019d keep them, I wou\u2019d impower my friend Major Bush, to purchase them of him, for my use\u2014And that to Enable him to do it\u2014I wou\u2019d impower Major Bush to receive money To my Use for that purpose\u2014Your Excellency will please to Observe that Mr Vining says in his letter, that Major Bush mention\u2019d, I had not given Jaquet any Power of Attorney, to receive part of my Sallary in Case I shou\u2019d receive the appointment\u2014which he says he beleives Jaquet had mentiond in his letter\u2014meaning that I had given him such power.\nUpon the whole, Your Excellency will I trust, see this business,\nin its true point of View, and that in the Circumstance of my agreeing to purchase the land Warrants of Major Jaquet at the price he receivd them of me\u2014was neither a Deviation from Princepal nor integrety\u2014But Compatible with duty to myself\u2014The Warrants being Worth more to me at this period, than what he allowed me for them. In further Support of my Private Character, I beg leave to present a letter, to your Excellency from a Gentleman now of this City\u2014who has known me and my family from an early period of my life\u2014his Character is well know to Both Mr Read and Mr Vining\u2014I am Sir with Very great respect\u2014your Very Obedt Servt\nJos. Anderson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0270", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Catherine Sawbridge Macaulay Graham, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Graham, Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBracknal Berks [England] 1 March. [17]91\nThe reports in Europe some months ago respecting yr Excellencies health gave the admirers of yr virtues and the friends to American liberty much concern. We are happy to heer that health is again restored to you.\nSome \u27e8time in\u27e9 the course of the last summer I did my self the\nhonor of sending you my thoughts on the important subject of education. I now send you my observations on Mr Burkes reflections on the French revo[lution] a work which has been much used in England both on account of the importance of the subject and the virulent manner in which the Author has abused the French Legislators and supported all those unjust distinctions in society which have so long oppressed and humbled mankind. When you have read Mr Burke yr Excellency will not be surprised that he has a large party in this country as it comprehends the Court the Dignified Clergy the Aristocratists and their dependants.\nThe French Revolution I thank God yet stands firm, to the great mortification of the European Aristocratists, and to the great joy of all those who like my self are zealous friends to equal liberty.\nMr Graham joins me in most respectful compliments to yr self and Mrs Washington and all those of yr family whom we have the honor to be acquainted with I am yr Excellencies Most Obedt Humble Servt\nCath. Macaulay Graham", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0271", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nWar department, March 1st 1791\nBy the resolves of Congress of the 20th of October 1786, certain officers were appointed and commissioned for the troops to\nbe raised by virtue of the said resolves, but before the said troops were completed, or ordered upon service, Congress on the 9th day of April 1787 directed they should be disbanded, excepting two companies, the occasion having ceased for which they were required.\nIn the appointments about to take place, it is probable that several of the officers of the said troops, may be comprehended.\nIt is agreeably to justice and the principles which you have been pleased to direct respecting the relative rank of officers\u2014\u201cthat officers of the same grade and of original appointments, are to take relative rank according to the dates of the resolves of Congress by which they were raised, commencing with the resolve of Congress of the 1st of April 1785\u201d\u2014This principle secures the relative rank of the officers of the same grades now in service\u2014That is\u2014All officers now in service will be senior in their respective grades to the officers of the new appointments.\nBut, it will probably be made a question, whether the appointments of officers by virtue of the Acts of Congress of October 20th 1786, and disbanded by the Acts of Congress of the 9th of April 1787, was of such a nature as equitably to alter, or change the relative rank, which was established during the war among the officers about to be appointed under the Acts about to be passed.\nOn consideration of this subject I am of opinion that the appointments of officers under the aforesaid acts of October 20th 1786, and who were disbanded in April 1787, ought not to be estimated of more value than the service performed by the troops or militia raised for one year, under the resolve of Congress of the 3rd of June 1784.\nAnd you have been pleased to decide that the service of officers of the troops last mentioned, is not to be considered as equivalent to reverse the relative rank of officers established during the late war.\nIt is important to decide upon this point previously to the appointments, and to inform the officers that the relative rank of the late war is to govern the new appointments in the same grades as far as the same shall be applicable.\nAnd there will be another question of considerable importance in the business of relative rank, which requires decision, and that is whether the promotion to field officers shall upon\nthe establishment of a second regiment or any greater number of regiments be lineal, or whether it shall be regimental.\nIn order to be perfectly understood on this point it will be necessary to explain it.\nIt is proposed to introduce a number of old captains of the late war into the new regiment\u2014These officers may be induced to enter the service if they see a prospect of promotion in their own regiment\u2014But if the promotion is to be lineal, the rules already established to secure the rank of the officers now in service will have the operation to make them all field officers before any of the captains of the new appointments shall be promoted.\nThe above rule to secure the officers of the troops in service their rank was to prevent them being superceded in their respective grades by new appointments of old officers of the late war\u2014so far it is just.\nBut, it is easy to forsee if the promotion is to be lineal from the captains to field officers the public will for-ever be precluded from availing itself of the services of the old officers of the late war.\nIn order to avoid so great an evil, it would seem proper to establish, a new rule\u2014that promotion should be regimental entirely; in the same manner as the promotion now is between the artillery and infantry\u2014each rising in his own corps.\nThe officers of the old regiment would preserve the seniority acquired by their services since 1785, and would take rank of officers of new appointments upon courts martial, and on command.\nThere seems to be more justice in a regimental, than a lineal Promotion, as the officers always obtain the promotion arising from their own service\u2014I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir Your obedient Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0272", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Knox, Henry\nUnited States March 1st 1791.\nBy the President\u2019s command, T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of War the enclosed letter, which has just come to the President\u2019s hands; signed by a number of the Inhabitants of Washington County in the State of Pennsylvania, expressing their apprehensions of the depredations of the Indians in that quarter.\nThe President requests that the secretary will give the subject that consideration which it may merit, and report to the President his opinion of what ought to be done on the occasion.\nTobias Lear", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0273", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nMarch 1st 1791. 11 o\u2019clock, A.M.\nThe President of the United States requests that the Attorney-General will give the question which accompanies the petition of Samuel Dodge, and which is herewith transmitted, a full consideration, and report his opinion thereon as soon as possible.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0274", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Bourne, 2 March 1791\nFrom: Bourne, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia March 2d 1791\nI take the liberty to acquaint your Excellency That I am requested by several Gentlemen at Rhode Island to mention To your Excellency Major John S. Dexter as a fit object of Appointment for the Collection of the additional duties on Spirits. Major Dexter having the Honor of being personally known to the President I presume he stands in no need of a Recommendation of his Character. I am well assured that Should he be appointed Supervisor for the District of Rhode Island The appointment will give very general Satisfaction. I have the honor to be with great Respect your Excellency\u2019s most obedt Servt\nBenjn Bourn", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0276", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Louis XVI, 2 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Louis XVI (of France)\n[Philadelphia, 2 March 1791]\nVery great and good Friend, and Ally.  \nI have received the letter wherein you inform me that you have thought proper to give a new Mission to the Sieur de Moustier, and thereby to put an end to his Functions as Minister plenipotentiary here. His conduct during the Time of his residence in this Country, has been such as to meet my entire approbation and esteem, and it is with great pleasure I render him the Justice of this testimony. He carries with him my wishes, that in continuing to serve your Majesty faithfully, he may continue to enjoy your Favor and protection. I renew sincere assurances of the friendship and affection which I bear to your Majesty and your Nation, and I pray God to have you, very great and good\nfriend and Ally, in his holy keeping. Written at Philadelphia the second day of March 1791. Your good Friend and Ally\nGo: Washington\nBy the PresidentTh. Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0277", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Contee, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Contee, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nSr\n3\u27e8r\u27e9d March 1791\nMajor Benjamin Brookes has \u27e8bound\u27e9 me to make application in his behalf for an Appointment under the \u201cAct\u201d for repealing the duties \u201con spiritieous liquors, & laying others in their stead &c.\u201d commonly called the Excise Law. This Gent. resides in upper Marlbro\u2019 in Prince Georges County, Mary land, I believe he has merited well of his country heretofore, & I doubt not but that he will be attentive to the duty which may be required by the above acts if to you he may appear to be a fit person & you shall be pleased to confer an Appointment on him. But of this Sir you are the proper Arbiter to determine. I am Sr with highes\u27e8t\u27e9 consideration and respect yr Hble & Obt Servt\nBen. Contee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0278", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Hannah Gordon, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Gordon, Hannah Meredith\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNorth Brittain AberdeenMarch 3rd 1791\nI hope Your Excellency will permit an American Lady to inform you that I am the Widow of the late Coll Harry Gordon\nof the Royal Engineers of Brittain and that when I was last in America in 1781 to which place I was ordered on account of my health, my late Husband having put into my hands at the beginning of the War all his papers Bonds and Bills to recover payment of what was due, I did apply to Mr James Hanums for the ballance of the price of our Brandywine plantation being four Hundred pounds for which he had granted four Bonds and having demanded payment of the same Mr Hanums (a very honest Quaker) did not refuse provided Congress would allow him I did apply to Congress and they readily agreed to permitt payment provided I would remain in Philadelphia which it was impossible for me to do as all my family were then in Brittain and I have never hitherto recovered any part of the above Sum At the same time I made application to Congress for the lands belonging to my late husband Collonel Harry Gordon which had been forfieted by the Name of Henry Gordon and I did recover them on account of the misnomer, but after I left Phidelpha to return to England Doctor Rush with whome I had quarreled on account of other Family matters and particularly his bad behaviour to a Son whome I had left with him for Education had interest enough with Congress to have the lands forfieted a Second time.\nWhen I left America I deposited three of the Bonds before mentioned in the hands of Race Meredith merchant and the other with Andrew Forsyth Grocer to be given to Samuel Meredith son to the said Race Meredith who was dead and now the four Bonds for the Ballance of the Price of the Brandywine plantation due by Mr Hanums will be found in the Custody of Samuel Meredith.\nThe Lands that were forfieted are in Bedford Couty and Province of Pensylvania The above is a true State of my affairs in America which I humbly lay before your Excellency and now I hope the Lenity of the Laws of my native Country by your assistance and derection will procure relief and redress to a Widow far removed from any other aid then your goodness and humanity may bestow. I have the Honor to be with much respect and real Esteem Sir Your Excellecys most Obedient Humble Servant\nHannah Gordon\nIf you do me the Honor of an answer Please address Mrs Coll Gordon at Aberdeen North Brittain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0279", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Josiah Parker, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Parker, Josiah\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia March 3rd 1791\nThe Excise Bill being passed with a weighty provission for you to appoint a Number of Officers for carrying it into effect it may be my duty to nominate persons in the district of the United States I represent worthy of carrying into effect the Law, consequently I shall take the liberty of doing so, at the same time Confess that I am not authorised by either of the Characters or any one in the district to apply for an appointment under the above Law but as I deem the Characters I shall name more proper than any others in the different Counties I shall take the liberty to name them as follows.\n            Surry County\n            Colo. Richard Cocke\n            Southampton\n            Hartwell Cocke Esqr.\n            Isle of Wight\n            Colo. Emanuel Wills\n            Nansemond\n            Majr Josiah Riddick\n            Colo. Willis Willson\n            Princess Anne\n            Thos Wishart Jr Esqr.\n            Northampton\n            Thomas Parramore Esqr.\n            Accomack\n            Major Thos Parker\nto the Military department I take the liberty of recommending Lemuel Riddick Esqr. as an Officer of Nansemond County. to the Secretary of War last session I mentiond him in terms that I supposed would have insured success.\nbeleive me sir I have no personal views to gratify in those nominations, having no relation or Connection amongst them. with every Sentiment of respect and Esteem I have the honor to be your most Obedient and very humble servant\nJ: Parker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0280", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Stanton and Theodore Foster, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Stanton, Joseph,Foster, Theodore\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it please your Excellency,\nPhiladelphia March 3d 1791\nThe Act establishing the New Revenue System, imposing Duties on Spirits imported, and those distilled within the United States, requires a Supervisor to be appointed in each State, for carrying it into Execution, and considering it a Duty that we owe to the State which we have the Honor to represent in the National Legislature, to recommend to your Excellency such a Character for this Office as we suppose would best serve the Public, and give the most general Satisfaction we have taken the Liberty to address you on the Subject hoping that the Circumstances of the Close of the Session and the Shortnys of the Time for making the Nominations will apologize for the present Application.\nAs the Place of the Residence of the Supervisor in each District should be such as would render it most convenient for the Public and most easy for him to overlook the whole in order to the faithful Discharge of the Duties of the Office the first Enquiry will be, In what Part of the State he ought to reside? and the next, Who is a suitable Person to be appointed?\nThe Two principal Towns of the State of Rhode Island are Newport and Providence. They are both Commercial Towns nearly equal in Number of Inhabitants, and Thirty Miles distant from each other, Newport being on Rhode Island and Providence on the Main. As there are no other Towns, in the State of equal Importance, with these we suppose it will be deemed proper that the Supervisor should reside in one or the other of these Towns. It seems reasonable that the Town where the most Business is done and which will raise the greatest proportion of the Duties if \u27e8as\u27e9 conveniently Situated, should have the Preference, because the Supervisor being on the Spot and immediately superintending the Business can be better enabled, to insure the due Collection of the Revenue by keeping a Watchful Eye over the Surveyor and constantly inspecting the Distilliries. This Argument being admitted it will bring the Town of Providence in to Veiw as the Place where the Supervisor should reside. For in that Town are the Gin Distilliries of Messrs Brown & Francis & Col. Tillinghast, and of Messrs Clarke and Nightingale and Col. Ephraim Bowen, being the only one of the kind we believe in the United States, and also the great Rum Distilliries of those Gentlemen and of Messrs Philip and Zachariah Allen, of Messrs Browns and Benson, of Mr Job Smith, &c. at which several Distilleries, as the Business is extensively carried on great Quantities of Spirits are annually distilled\u2014we Suppose more than double the Quantity, to that of all the State beside. And as in Addition to these circumstances the Town of Providence is at the Head of the Narraganset Bay conveniently Situated to hold a Constant Correspondence at all Seasons of the Year with all the other Towns round the Bay on both sides of which a Post travels once a Week through which also passes the Mail Stage from Philadelphia to Boston, we are therefore of Opinion that this Town is the most Suitable Place for the Residence of the Supervisor.\nAnd as a Clause was purposely inserted in the new Revenue Act to enable your Excellency to appoint such of the Present Officers of the Customs as it should appear proper to your Excellency to appoint under this Act, a Matter as we humbly conceive worthy of Attention, on the Principles of Oeconnomy good Policy, where the Business of the Customs, in any of the Districts, will not be Sufficient to pay a Person for devoting his Time to it,\nand as it appears from actual Statements from the Records of the Collectors Office of Providence District that the whole Fees and Emoluments of the Naval Officer, from the 21st Day of June to the 31st Day of December last amounted only to Two Hundred and Forty Six Dollars and Ninety Two Cents and one Half from which deducting the Naval Officers proportion of the Expence of Stationary, &c. during that Period being Ninety one Dollars and Seventy Nine Cents & an half there remained for the Naval Officer, for the Services of himself and Clerk only One Hundred and Fifty Five Dollars and an half being at the Rate of between Three and Four Hundred Dollars per Annum, a compensation so Small for constant Attention to an Office at all Hours that it has proved very discouraging even so much so as to induce him to think of resigning his Appointment a circumstance which would be disagreeable, and as he may be further compensated by annexing an Office under the New Revenue System to the one he now holds and as he is an Officer of Integrity, Respectabil[it]y, and worth esteemed and confided in by all Parties in the State, having faithfully discharged the Duties of the Naval Office since his Appointment, we think ourselves under Obligations to recommend the Present Naval Officer for the District of Providence, Viz., Ebenezer Thompson Esqr. for Nomination, as Supervisor of the Revenue in the District of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, as we Suppose there will be but one District in the State.\nIt will be unnecessary for us to remind your Excellency of the Testimonials produced the last Summer from the Governor\u2014the Upper House of Assembly and a great Number of the most respectable Characters in the State in Favour of the Reputation, Integrity Abilities and Firmness of Judge Thompson, who was collector of the District of Providence, under an Appointment from the State at the Time of the Adoption of the Constitution, and as he has resigned the Office of Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, in the County of Providence for the Sake of holding the Naval Office, and as we think it will be for the Public Good to annex the Office of Supervisor of the Revenue in the District of Rhode Island to that of the Naval Office in Providence District and that Mr Thompson wi\u27e8th\u27e9 Assuiduity, Integrity, Mildness, Descretion, and Firmness execute the Duties of the Office as well as any Man and perhaps better than any other\nPerson \u27e8ever being thought\u27e9 of in the State and as he has a dependent Family, and has Sufferred greatly by the Depreciation of the Continental Money and public Securities transferred when at a low Value, we cannot but hope that your Excellency will Pardon any Improprieties of this Representation in his Behalf and that you will be pleased to nominate him to the before mentioned Office of Supervisor which we know will be pleasing to the Governor and Legislature of the State and we believe it will be so to the People in General and will greatly oblige Mr Thompson, as well as Your Excellency\u2019s most Obedient and most humble Servants\nJos: Stanton jr\nTheodore Foster", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0281-0001", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States 3rd March 1791.\nCertain vacancies having taken place in the Offices of the Troops established by an Act passed on the 30\u27e8th\u27e9 of April 1790, I nominate, to fill those vacancies, the persons whose names are in the annexed list under the head of the first Regiment. I likewise nominate the persons to fill the Offices affixed to their names in the annexed list under the head of the Second Regiment, agreeably to a Law passed this day.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0281-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Nominations for Vacancies, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nMarch 3d 1791\nNominations for Promotions and Appointments.\nFirst Regiment.\nMajor\u2003David Zeigler\u2003vice Wyllys killed.\nMajor\u2003Richard Call\u2003vice Parker declined.\u2003Virginia.\nCaptains.\nThomas Doyle\u2003vice Zeigler promoted.\nJohn Armstrong\u2003vice Mercer resigned.\nJohn Pratt\u2003vice Heart promoted.\nLieutenants.\nCornelius Sedam\u2003vice Doyle promoted.\nJohn Jeffers\u2003vice Frothingham killed.\nAbner Pryor\u2003vice Armstrong promoted.\nAsa Hartshorne\u2003vice Heart promoted.\nThomas Seayres\u2003vice Steele declined.\n            Appointments\n            Daniel Britt\u2003Pennsylvania.\n            Hamilton Armstrong\u2003ditto\n            Bartholomew Shomburg\u2003promoted from Serjeant Major\n            Bernard Gaines\u2003Virginia\n            John Wade\u2003Pennsylvania\n            Ross Bird\u2003ditto.\n            Second Regiment\n            Appointments\n            Lieutenants Colonel Commandant\n            John Doughty\u2003New Jersey\n            Trescott\u2003Massachusetts.\n            Burnham\u2003ditto\n            Jonathan\n            Heart\u2003Connecticut\nCaptains.\n1 Robert Kirkwood\u2003Delaware.\n2 Thomas Hunt\u2003Massachusetts.\n3 John Mills\u2003ditto\n4 John Pray\u2003ditto\n5 Richard Brooke Roberts\u2003South Carolina.\n6 John H. Buell\u2003Connecticut.\n7 David Sayles\u2003Rhode Island.\n8 Jonathan Cass\u2003New Hampshire.\n9 Constant Freeman\u2003Massachusetts.\n10 Patrick Phelon\u2003ditto\n11 Thomas H. Cushing\u2003ditto\n12 Joseph Shaylor\u2003Connecticut\nLieutenants.\n1 Samuel Newman\u2003Massachusetts.\n2 Bezalael Howe\u2003New Hampshire.\n3 Henry Sherman junr\u2003Rhode Island.\n4 Daniel Bradley\u2003Connecticut\n5 John Platt\u2003Delaware\n6 William Richard\u2003Massachusetts.\n7 Richard Surcomb Howe\u2003ditto\n8 Richard Humphrey Greaton\u2003Massachusetts\n9 John Higgenson\u2003ditto\n10 Winslow Warren\u2003ditto\n11 Russell Bissell\u2003Connecticut.\n12 Francis Huger\u2003South Carolina.\nEnsigns.\n1 Martin Brimmer Sohier\u2003Massachusetts.\n2 Richard Edwards\u2003ditto\n3 Edward Miller\u2003Connecticut\n4 John Thomson\u2003ditto\n5 George Tillinghast\u2003Rhode Island.\n6 Joseph Smith Gilman\u2003New Hampshire.\n7 Joseph Peirce junr\u2003ditto\n8 David Cobb junr\u2003Massachusetts.\n9 Joseph Dickinson\u2003South Carolina.\n10 Thomas Duff\u2003Delaware\n11 Edward Turner\u2003Massachusetts\n12 Theodore Sedgwick 3d\u2003ditto\nSurgeon William Eustis\u2003Massachusetts.\nSurgeons Mate\u2003Joshua Sumner\u2003Connecticut.\nSurgeons Mate\u2003John F. Carmichael\u2003New Jersey.\n            The Battalion of Artillery.\n            Major Commandant\u2003William Ferguson\u2003vice Doughty promoted.\n            Captain\u2003Mahlon Ford\u2003vice Ferguson promoted.\n            Lieutenants\n            Daniel McLane\u2003vice Moor dead\n            Abimael Youngs Nicholl\u2003vice Fowle dead.\n            George Ingersoll\u2003vice Ford promoted.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0284", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 4 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate,\nUnited States March 4th 1791.\nThe Act for the admission of the State of Vermont into this Union having fixed on this, as the day of its admission, it was thought that this would also be the first day on which any Officer of the Union might legally perform any act of authority relating to that State. I therefore required your attendance to receive\nnominations of the several Officers necessary to put the federal Government into motion in that State.\nFor this purpose I nominate\nNathaniel Chipman to be Judge of the District of Vermont\u2014\nStephen Jacobs to be Attorney for the United States in the District of Vermont\u2014\nLewis R. Morris to be Marshall of the District of Vermont\u2014and\nStephen Keyes to be Collector of the Port of Allburgh in the State of Vermont.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0285", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 4 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate,\nUnited States 4th March 1791.\nIn pursuance of an Act intitled \u201cAn Act for raising and adding another Regiment to the Military establishment of the United States, and making further provision for the protection of the frontiers.\u201d I nominate for the following Offices therein mentioned,\nMajor General\u2003Arthur St Clair.\nQuarter Master\u2003Samuel Hodgdon.\nChaplain\u2003John Hurt.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0286", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 4 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate,\nUnited States 4th March 1791.\nPursuant to the powers vested in me by the Act intitled \u201cAn Act repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from Abroad, and laying others in their stead, and also upon Spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same\u201d, I have thought fit to divide the United States into the following Districts\u2014namely\u2014\nThe District of New Hampshire, to consist of the State of New Hampshire.\nThe District of Massachusetts, to consist of the State of Massachusetts.\nThe District of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, to consist of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.\nThe District of Connecticut, to consist of the State of Connecticut.\nThe District of Vermont, to consist of the State of Vermont.\nThe District of New York, to consist of the State of New York.\nThe District of New Jersey, to consist of the State of New Jersey.\nThe District of Pennsylvania, to consist of the State of Pennsylvania.\nThe District of Delaware, to consist of the State of Delaware.\nThe District of Maryland, to consist of the State of Maryland.\nThe District of Virginia, to consist of the State of Virginia.\nThe District of North Carolina, to consist of the State of North Carolina.\nThe District of South Carolina, to consist of the State of South Carolina.\nThe District of Georgia, to consist of the State of Georgia.\nAnd I hereby nominate as Supervisors of the said Districts respectively the following persons\u2014viz.\n            For the District of New Hampshire\n            Joshua Wentworth.\n            For the District of Massachusetts\n            Nathaniel Gorham.\n            For the District of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations\n            John S. Dexter.\n            For the District of Connecticut\n            John Chester.\n            For the District of Vermont\n            For the District of New York\n            William S. Smith.\n            For the District of New Jersey\n            Aaron Dunham.\n            For the District of Pennsylvania\n            George Clymer.\n            For the District of Delaware\n            Henry Latimer.\n            For the District of Maryland\n            George Gale.\n            For the District of Virginia\n            Edward Carrington.\n            For the District of North Carolina\n            William Polk.\n            For the District of South Carolina\n            Daniel Stevens.\n            For the District of Georgia\n            John Mathews.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0287", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Coram, 5 March 1791\nFrom: Coram, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWilmington [Del.] March 5. 1791\nI take the liberty herewith to request your acceptance of a Small Pamphlet which I have wrote on the Subject of Education I wrote it chiefly with a design of being useful to my country, which I hope will in some measure apologize for the errors you may find in it. I have the honor to be &c. your Excellencys most obedt humble Servant\nRobert Coram", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0288", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to William Deakins, Jr., 5 March 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Deakins, William Jr.\nSir,\nPhiladelphia March 5th 1791\nThe President has directed me to enclose the within advertisement to you\u2014and request that you will be good enough to hand one to the Printer at Georgetown, and forward the other to the Printer at Frederick Town, to be inserted in their papers for six weeks. I am Sir, very respectfully, Your most obedient Servant\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0289", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Pendleton, 5 March 1791\nFrom: Pendleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nSavannah Georgia. March 5th 1791.\nI am informed Mr Rutledge has lately accepted the appointment of Cheif Justice of the State of South Carolina, which will of course oblige him to resign his office of Assistant Justice in the supreme Court of the United States.\nWhen I solicited the Appointment of Judge of this District, I imagined Congress would have made a more ample provision for their Judges; but having, at my own solicitation had the honor to be nominated by you, I could not with propriety refuse serving: altho it will readily be admitted by those who knew the extant of my practice at the bar, that the salary allowed me, is but a small compensation\u2014nor is it indeed an adequate provision for a family in this Country.\nPermit me however, Sir, to assure you I feel with equal Sensibility, and gratitude the honorable proof you were pleased to give of your approbation of my Character and Conduct on that occasion\u2014An honor I hope always to merit, as far as fidelity and diligence can merit it, whenever I shall be so happy as to be distinguished by your nomination to a public office.\nUnder the impression of these ideas, permit me to communicate my wish that it may be agreeable to you, to put me in nomination to succeed Mr Rutledge. I should not perhaps indulge so flattering a hope, on this subject, but from an idea that you will probably nominate some person residing in the Southern Circuit\u2014in which I now have the honor to be the oldest district Judge.\nIf I were to make a particular profession of the personal respect and admiration, I have always had for your Character and public services, it might have the appearance perhaps on this occasion, of flowing from other than the real motives\u2014yet, having served under you as my General from a few weeks after your appointment to that important trust, to the end of the War, I hope to have the credit of sincerity, when I profess to be, with Sentiments of the most respectful, and unalterable Attachment, Sir, Your most Obedient, and most humble Servant\nNathl Pendleton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0291", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Wakelin Welch & Son, 5 March 1791\nFrom: Wakelin Welch & Son\nTo: Washington, George\nLondon 5 March 1791\nPrior to our being honored with your Excellency\u2019s Letter of 22d Jany Messrs Fenwick Mason & Co. of Bourdeaux drew on us for \u00a320.13.7 on your account which we immediately paid.\nWe offered to repay Messrs Phyn & Co. the \u00a360 but they say they knew nothing about it. should Gov. Morris draw on them they will call on us but do not chuse to receive it before. Therefore it may so happen, that Mr Morris might not draw on them but prefer receiving it from us in either case the money shall be forthcoming. And when paid your Excellencys Accot will be as under\n            By so much in hand\n            \"\u2007 G. Morris order when\n            \"\u2007 Balance due us\n            \"\u2007 Postage & Negotiating\nLeaving Bal. in our favor Sixteen Pounds forteen shillings. Your Excellency\u2019s Much Obliged Servt\nWaken Welch & Son", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0292", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSunday, the 6th March 1791.\nThe P. would thank Mr Jefferson for placing all, or such of the enclosed Papers (after he has perused them) in the hands of the Attorney General, as he shall deem necessary for the purpose of drawing the several conveyances of the ceded Lands, or, the form of one.\nFor the former, it is conceived farther information than the enclosures contain, is wanting. For the latter, the agreement, and perhaps the Plat to which it refers, is all that is necessary; but the plat referred to, does not apply to the subsequent purchases.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0293", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 7 March 1791\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nParis March the 7th 1791\nWhatever Expectations I Had Conceived of a Speedy termination to our Revolutionary trouble, I Still am tossed about in the Ocean of factions and Commotions of Every Kind\u2014for it is My fate to Be on Each Side, With Equal Animosity Attacked, Both By The Aristocratic, Slavish, Parliamentary, Clerical, in a Word By all Ennemies to my free and levelling doctrine, and on the other Side By the orleanoise, factious, Anti Royal, licentious, and Pillaging Parties of Every Kind, So that My Personal Escape from Amidst so Many Hostile Bands is Rather dubious, Altho\u2019 our Gr[e]at and Good Revolution is, Thank Heaven, Not only\nInsured in France, But on the Point of Visiting other Parts of the World, provided the Restoration of Public order is Soon obtained in this Country, where the good People Have Been Better taught How to Overthrow despotism than they Can Understand How to Submit to the Law\u2014to You, My Beloved General, the Patriarch and Generalissimo of Universal liberty, I Shall Render Exact Accounts of the Conduct of Your deputy and Aid in this Great Cause.\nYou Will Hear that the National Assembly Have Permitted the Cultivation of tobacco throughout the Kingdom, as it Was Already established in the frontier Provinces\u2014to Which they Have Been Induced in those Accounts, 1stly Because they thought a Prohibition Inconsistent With the Principles of the Bill of Rights 2dly Because the Removal of the excise Barriers to the Extremities of the Empire Made it Necessary to Have one General Rule\u20143dly Because the departements formerly Called Alsace and Flanders Being Greatly Contamined By a foreign and Aristocratic Influence, there Was No doubt of the Impending Attack of the Rebel princes Condi and Artois taking place, and Being Countenanced Even By the Country farming people, Had We Cut them of from that Branch of Cultivation, all of a Sudden.\nBut What is Greatly Exceptionable is a duty fixed on the Introduction of American tobacco, with a premium in favour of the french vessels, and a duty Much too High, altho\u2019 it Was lately lessened, on American Whale oil\u2014But I Beg You, and all citizens of the United States Not to be discouraged By that Hasty, and ill Combined Measure, Which I Hope Before long to be Rectified in Consequence of a Report of the diplomatic Committee, including the Whole at once, and for Which My friends and Myself Have Kept our Arguments\u2014I shall send You the Report, the debate, and the Resolve\u2014Should we obtain An Easy introduction of American tobacco, No Cultivation of Any importance Can take place in france, and it Will Be the Better for Both Countries.\nM. de ternant Has Been Named Plenipotentiary Minister to the United States\u2014I Have Warmly Wished for it Because I Know His Abilities, His love for liberty, His early, steady, and Active Attachement to the United States, His Veneration and love for you\u2014the More I Have Known ternant, the More I Have\nfound Him a Man of Great Parts, a Steady, Virtuous, and faithfull friend\u2014He Has deserved a Great share in the Confidence of the National Assembly, the Patriotic Side I Mean, The King Has a true Regard for Him, in a Word I Hope He will on Every Account Answer Your purposes, and Serve America as zealously in the diplomatic line, as He did when in the Army.\nAdieu, My Beloved General, My Best Respects Wait on Mrs Washington\u2014Remember me Most Affectionately to Hamilton, jefferson, Knox, jay and all friends\u2014Mde de Lafayette And children Beg their tender Respects Being joined to Mine for You and the family\u2014Most Respectfully and tenderly I am My dear General Your filial friend\nLafayette\nInclosed is letter which ternant Has Requested I would join to Mine.\nYou Have Made Mr Poirey the Happiest Man in the World for which Mde de Lafayette and Myself are Very thankfull.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0295", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Christopher Richmond, 7 March 1791\nFrom: Richmond, Christopher\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia 7th March 1791\nIt is with great diffidence that I address Your Excellency, upon the subject I now do, but being encouraged by the good opinion\nexpressed by my Friends Governor Johnson, Major McHenry, and Mr D. Carroll in their Letters enclosed, I take the liberty to solicit, that when any Office becomes vacant, either at the Seat of Congress, or in the State of Maryland; you will be pleased to favor me so far, as to nominate me to such a one under the United States; as in your judgment I may be fit to execute.\nI am induced to make this Application, from an Idea that I am too far advanced in life, to enter into a precarious branch of business as a Merchant, and also in consideration, that as my present appointment is only temporary; it becomes necessary for me to aim at procuring a Post which may be permanent.\nI have for some days past expected Letters of recommendation to Your Excellency, from Colonel Plater Colonel Fitzhugh, Chancellor Hanson, Mr Paca, and others; but as I am informed you will leave this City in a few days; I have taken the liberty of presenting the enclosed without waiting for their arrival. With the highest respect, I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your obedient and very hble Servant\nChrisr Richmond", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0296", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 7 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George Augustine\nTo: Washington, George\nHonored Uncle\nMount Vernon March 7th 1791\nBeing informed by Giles who arrived this morning that You expected being here as soon as he would or shortly after I cannot suppose that this will find You in Philadelphia unless You are unexpectedly detain\u2019d\u2014Very contrary to my expectation and wish I have been prevented returning untill last night. I was on my way as far as Westmoreland and should have been here by the time I mentioned in a Letter I wrote You from Eltham but the death of Mrs McCarty preventing Mr Bassett attending his Sister up and hearing also that the small pox was in Dumfries and concieving it probable that it would become general in this part of the Country though it advisable to hasten back and bring them up with me which I have done not having had the happiness of hearing from You since my absence I knew not of Your being expected in so soon and I have just had the pleasure of being informed by Mr Lund Washington that it is the prevailing report in Alexandria that You are to be in anapolis on Thursday next but in case of Your being delay\u2019d I have coverd the Report and I know it is always Your wish to receive it and refer You to it for information as I came home so late that I have not had time this morng to visit the plantations but shall immediately after dispatching this\u2014Fanny joins me in tenderest regards for You my Aunt and the Children and believe me to be Your truly affectionate Nephew\nGeo. A. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0297", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Clymer, 8 March 1791\nFrom: Clymer, George\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\u2014\nI sought the earliest occasions, after my late appointment, to make you my personal acknowledgements; but on Saturday and Monday I found you either engaged in business or from home, and I am to day too much indisposed my self to go abroad\u2014unwilling, however, any longer to defer a necessary duty, I beg, Sir, you will be pleased to accept, from me, in this form those acknowledgments, which are most sincere and respectful. I have, sir, the honour to be your most obedt hum. servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0298", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 8 March 1791\nFrom: Pinckney, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nMarch 8: 1791 In Charleston [S.C.]\nUpon my return to this City I found your obliging letter of introduction which had been previously left by Colonel Trumbull at my house during my absence in attending the meeting of the Legislature at Columbia. As soon as I am sufficiently recovered from my present indisposition arising from the accident of a fall from my carriage, I shall make a point of seeing him & endeavouring to make this place as agreeable to him as possible.\nI had it in idea at the conclusion of my term of office to have gone to Europe & to have done myself the honour of paying you my respects & those of Mrs Pinckney, as it was my intention to have embarked by the way of New York, but the establishment\nof our new constitution having made me re-eligible for two Years longer, & it seeming to be the general Opinion of the Legislature that I should continue\u2014my sense Of public duty would not permit me to think of refusing\u2014after the end however of the present two years I am ineligible for four, when I shall endeavour at least to pay a Visit to the Northward\u2014in the interim we hope much for the honour of your company in this city\u2014it is said you will probably be here about the 20th of April. if so permit me to request that you will stay at my house during Your residence, where you may be assured no Exertion of mine shall be untried to make every thing as agreeable as we can\u2014On this point suffer me to request the favour of a Line from you, as your friends are extremely anxious to know whether they are to expect you in the spring or fall.\nSo much has been said on the Subject of the Creek Treaty and the Assumption of the State Debts that I shall only observe to you in confidence, that they are both measures which very highly meet the Approbation, & would I am sure if necessary, very chearfully recieve the Support of this state upon every Occasion\u27e8\u2014\u27e9 at least this is my Opinion as far as I have been able to collect the sentiments of those who are the most concerned & who Speak the most disinterestedly.\nYou will certainly before this have recieved Mr Rutledge\u2019s resignation as a federal Judge, on his having been appointed Chief Justice of this state. the reasons which induced this step he has no doubt fully & satisfactorily stated, and if the friendship which you have always honoured me with, may be considered as giving me a licence to say so much, permit me to wish that his vacancy may be filled by some other Gentleman from this state. I do not say this from any local or partial motives, but from an idea that the very great weight & importance of this country in a commercial view will probably engage more of her citizens in concerns with \u27e8foreigners\u27e9 than any other state in the Union & that it would, I should suppose, always be pleasing to them to reflect that when their suits were taken from one tribunal and carried to another acting under a different authority, that still a citizen of their own was one of the Judges. but to your better Judgement this is very properly left & I trust your goodness will excuse my even having said as much as I have\u2014I know the people of this country wish it\u2014so do I\u2014but both they & I ought with\npleasure to acquiesce As I am sure I shall in any appointment you may concieve proper. With my best wishes for your health & happiness I am with Respect & Regard Dear Sir Yours Truly\nCharles Pinckney", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0299", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste de Ternant, 8 March 1791\nFrom: Ternant, Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General\nParis 8th of March 1791\nPermit me to join a few lines to Pages of our friend Mr de la fayette\u2014I think I cannot, under better auspices, express to your Excellency my heart-felt Satisfaction on being appointed Minister plenipy of france near the United States. It was under your comand, I begun my public life and learned to value and defend the cause of liberty: and it will be my constant endeavour in the new Station to which the confidence of the king has called me, to render myself particularly agreable to your Excellency, and by my Steady attention and unremitting zeal in promoting the mutual advantage of france and america, to shew myself Still deserving of your particular approbation and friendship.\nUnder those feelings I beg your Excellency will now accept my private Salutations, before I offer those of the public man to the President of the united States, which will be I hope towards the latter end of June. With great respect, Beleive me Dear General your Excellency\u2019s most obediant & very humble servant\nTernant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0300", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Gordon, 9 March 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gordon, William\nLetter not found: to William Gordon, 9 Mar. 1791. GW wrote to Gordon, 19 July 1791: \"I am . . . able to . . . refer you to a letter which I wrote on the 9 of March.\"", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0301", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 March 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar office 9th March 1791\nI submit to your Consideration a draft of instructions for Brigadier General Charles Scott. And I will wait upon you in one hour for the purpose of receiving your orders upon this subject. I am Sir with the highest respect Your Obedient Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0302", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Macpherson, 9 March 1791\nFrom: Macpherson, John\nTo: Washington, George\nHonourable, and deservedly Esteemed Sir.\nMarch 9th 1791\nMay it please your Exclency to let me know, your opinion of my plan for the Federal City. If your Excelency approves of it, I will as soon as possible get one done by a person with two Arms. I mean to draw a plan for the whole City. I now form ideas, what it will be a Hundred years hence; nor, do I think, I am too sanguine, in firmly beleaving that if built as I hope it will be, it\u2019s inhabitants, will be warmer in Winter, and cooler in summer, then any other people on Earth that live in the same latitude! That firers will be easier extinguished in it, then in any other City in the World and if your Excelency permit me the Organ in God\u2019s Church! shall play my tune by a peice of Machiniom, the whole, will not cost, fifty pound. and water alone shall be the Organist.\nI should do my self the Honour of wating upon your Excelency if my coat was not so raged! I am Honourable Sir your fathful subject and very Humble Servant\nJohn Macpherson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0303", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 9 March 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nParis 9 March 1791\nI am to acknowlege the Receipt of yours of the seventeenth of December which reached me several Days ago, but no good opportunity then presented itself to convey a Reply. The Idea you formed of the british Cabinet was I am perswaded perfectly just. This Government has lately taken some Steps which cannot but be advantageous to their Rivals for I am perswaded that the late Decrees laying a heavy Duty on Oil, giving a great Preference of Duty on Tobacco imported in french Ships, and declaring that none but those built in france shall be reputed french Bottoms will excite much ill Humor in America. Those who rule the Roost here seem to think that because the old Government was sometimes wrong, Every thing contrary to what they did must be right; like Jack in the Tale of the Tub who tore his Cloaths to Pieces in pulling off the fringe Points and Trimmings that Peter had put on, or like the old Congress in its young Days who rejected the Offer of valuable Contracts and employed a Host of Commissaries and Quarter Masters because Great Britain dealt with Contractors. In the Debate on this Subject one of the Lameth\u2019s gave it as his Opinion that America was not in a situation to be either sought or feared for some time to come. This, which is not however the Sentiment of the Party occasioned some Hints in the Close of Observations I sent to Monsieur de Montmorin and of which a Copy has been transmitted to Mr Jefferson. I hope that the Congress will not act precipitately in Consequence of these Decrees, for I beleive that proper Representations at a proper Moment will produce a Change,\nand really in the present Effervesence, very few Acts of the Assembly can be considered as deliberate Movements of national Will. There still continue to be three Parties here. The Enrag\u00e9es, long since known by the Name of Jacobins, have lost much in the public Opinion, so that they are less powerful in the Assembly than they were, but their Committees of Correspondence, called Societ\u00e9s patriotiques, spread all over the Kingdom have given them a deep strong Hold of the People. On the other Hand the numerous Reforms, some of them unnecessary, and all either harsh precipitate or extreme, have thrown into the aristocratic Party a great Number of discontented. The Military, who as such look up to the Sovereign, are somewhat less factious than they were; but yet they are rather a Mob than an Army, and must I think fall either to the aristocratic or Jacobine Side of the Question. The middle then are in a whimsical Situation. In the Senate they follow the Jacobine Counsels rather than appear Connected with the other Party. The same Principle of Shamefacedness operates on great Occasions out of Doors but as the Aristocrats have been forced down by a Torrent of Opinion from the Heighth of their absurd Pretensions, and as the middle Men begin to be alarmed at the Extremities to which they have been hurried, these two Parties might come together if it were not for personal animosities among the Leaders. this middle Party \u27e8would\u27e9 be the strongest if the Nation were virtuous, but alas! this is not the Case and therefore I think it will only serve as a Stepping Stone for those who may find it convenient to change Sides. In the Midst however of all their Confusions, what with confiscating the Church Property selling the Domains curtailing Pensions, and destroying Offices, but especially by that great Liquidater of public Debts a paper Currency, \u27e8the\u27e9 Nation is working it\u2019s Way to a new State of active Energy which will \u27e8I\u27e9 think be displayed as soon as a vigorous Government shall establish itself. The intervening Confusions will probably call forth Men of Talents to form such Government and to exert it\u2019s Powers.\nIn a Letter I had the Honor to write on the twenty second of November I mentioned a Treaty made between the Balic Powers. I do not know whether I drew this Idea from Information or Conjecture, but \u27e8it\u27e9 was in my Mind and still continues there. While in England waiting at Whitehall for the Duke of Leeds\nwho was accidentally prevented from keeping his Appointment, I had a long Conversation with Mr Burgess who seemed desirous of convincing me that he was an efficient Man in the Office of foreign Affairs. I asked him whether such Treaty existed, insinuating that he must certainly be informed of every Movement, in that as in every other Quarter. He assured me possitively that it did not, but that Assurance did not alter my Opinion. Indeed the Object of my question was to discover whether they were at all upon Terms with Sweden, and from what afterwards passed I am perswaded that they are not. I must add that my Enquiries here have been answered in the same Way, but yet I beleive that such a Treaty exists. We spoke a good Deal of the Convention with Spain and I declared freely my Opinion which being favorable to Administration drew from him in Support of it a History of the Negotiation. It ended (as he said) in this remarkable Manner. The Count de florida blanca upon hearing the Revolt of the french Marine told the british Embassador \u201cYou insist on the Terms to which I am now about to agree not because they are just but because I am compelled to it. If france could assist us I would never submit, but we are not able singly to cope with you and therefore you must do as you please.\u201d You will judge, my dear Sir, how long such a Treaty is likely to last.\nI am delighted with the Account you give me of our public Affairs. There can be no Doubt that a Publication of the Census and a clear State of our finances will impress a Sense of our Importance on the Statesmen of Europe. We are now getting forward in the right Way, not by little skirmishing Advantages of political Man\u0153uvre but in a solid Column of well form\u2019d national Strength. Like Father Mason\u2019s aristocratic Screw, which you doubtless remember, at every Turn we shall now gain, and hold what we get. It is no Evil that you should have a little of the old Leaven. I have always considered an Opposition in free Governments as a kind of national Consciences which prevent Administration from doing many Things thro\u2019 Inadvertence which they might have Reason to repent. By their Means both Man and Measures are sifted, and the Necessity of appearing as well as of being right conforms and consolidates the good Opinion of Society. I expect and am indeed certain that this good Opinion will live with you during Life and follow weeping to\nyour Grave. I know you will continue to deserve it, and I hope you may long live to vex your Enemies by serving your Country. Adieu my dear Sir Beleive me always I pray you very sincerely yours\nGouvr Morris", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0304", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Turbett, 9 March 1791\nFrom: Turbett, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWednesday \u00bd past 7 P.M. [9 March 1791]\nI take the earliest Opportunity after arriving in Town, of laying before you the within recommendation, and have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencies Obedient Humble servt\nSaml Turbett", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0305", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThursday 3 Oclock, [10 March] 1791\nThe P. has given the enclosed letters an attentive reading & consideration, and has found nothing in them but what is just, and in the hands of a prudent user proper; but at the end of the words of the letter to Mr C. \u201cthis wrong\u201d 2d page 10th line may it not be well to add\u2014\u201cyet with that prudence & circumspection which will not commit the Government to the necessity of proceeding to extremity.\u201d And may not the expression of the last page be too strong for events and the interest of this Country? reconsider them.\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0306", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLetter not found: to Thomas Jefferson, 10 Mar. 1791. In his Summary Journal of Public Letters (DLC: Jefferson Papers) of 10 Mar. 1791, Jefferson recorded that GW returned Jefferson\u2019s draft instructions to Thomas Barclay regarding his mission to Morocco and Jefferson\u2019s draft letter to the new emperor of Morocco with a covering note, which has not been found.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0307", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 March 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar-department, March 10th 1791.\nI have the honor to submit, to your consideration, dispatches received from Governor Blount. It will be perceived, that his\n  idea of a boundary is materially different from the one suggested in his instructions; a draft of which is herewith submitted.\nWithout deciding positively at this time upon the justness of his suggestions, as it respects the boundary, or the force of his reasons, to disregard the treaty of Hopewell, and form an entire new treaty\u2014I am inclined to believe, that such an attempt, at this moment, combined with the attempts of the Georgia companies, would have pernicious effects.\nThe people of Georgia, would be apt to complain, that the general government were impairing the rights of that State, and extending their own.\nThe Cherokees would complain, and with justice, that all the assurances given by the new government to their mission, under Nantawaky, who returned with General Lincoln, and the other Commissioners to Georgia, were deceptions, and calculated to ensnare them.\nThe Creeks would complain, that we had deceived them, as it respects the Cherokees: For, Mr McGillivray was consulted upon the greater part of the boundary proposed in Governor Blounts instructions, and promised to use his influence, with the Little Turkey, and other principal chiefs of the Cherokees, to have it effected.\nThe Chickasaws and Choctaws would be apt to think, by such a grasp as is proposed by Governor Blount, that the Georgia companies had been acting, by the direction of the general government.\nFor it is to be observed, that part of the lands mentioned by Governor Blount are claimed, by the Chickasaws and perhaps the Creeks, as common hunting grounds.\nAfter Sir, you shall have read the communications of Governor Blount, I shall wait upon you, to make any explanations that may be necessary; and as Mr Hawkins is about going out of town, and is well acquainted with this important subject, I submit the propriety of your consulting him on the subject.\nThe Governor\u2019s estimates, for the treaty, appear reasonable, and ought, in my opinion, to be furnished in the manner pointed out; and in addition, it might be proper to add some silver ornaments with the arms of the United States thereon, to the value of five hundred dollars, for the principal chiefs of the Cherokees, Chickasaws, and Choctaws.\nThe Governor appears to have mistaken the intention of the annual stipulation of a thousand dollars\u2014The effects expected from that sum, are a regular renewal of their expectations, their dependencies, and as far as may be expected, their gratitude. I have the honor to be Sir, with the greatest respect, Your very humble Servt\nH. Knox\nSecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0309", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 10 March 1791\nFrom: Newenham, Edward\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nIn January last I had the Honor of writing to you & committed it to the Care of a Gentleman, who was to have gone directly to New Yorke on Board the Tristram Captain Warner, therefore you may easily Judge my Surprize at having my Letter returned this day, with a Note, that the Tristram was still in Harbour & was bound to Rhode Island; the Captain advertized for New York & that He would Sail the first Week in February last\u2014I had Collected all the papers & pamphlets & Sent them with the Enclosed Letter, but they have not returned either the papers or the pamphlets\u2014however I will trouble you with the enclosed in order to prove that I seize every opportunity of paying my respects to you.\nNever was there a more oppressive or a more corrupt Administration\nthan the present; they boldly allow that Peerages for 2 Members of the House of Commons\u2014and after having declared that they would pass Laws to prevent the immoderate use of Spirituous Liquors, they only Taxed them in order to raise a Revenue of \u00a367,000 a year, but which Tax will not Lessen the Consumption among the Lower order of the People; this was a Compleat Deception; so flagrant an act of Hypocrisy, induced Mr Latouche, a Man of Considerable weight & consequence, to quit their Banner & join us; on 4 great Questions, we divided 87 to 141\u2014Eleven of our Freinds were not, as yet, come up to Dublin; of the 141\u2014122 were placemen or Pensioners, & are the sons or near Connections of Ministerial officers & 4 are promised Peerages; so that there are 6 real Independant Men among the Mercenaries\u2014there never was, in the annals of the Irish or British Parliament, such good Speaking or more real oratory. There is one Member Mr George Ponsonby who has been many years in Parliament, sometimes in opposition & sometimes holding an office under the Crown, yet never made a decent speech, never replyed or shewed the Least Knowledge of Law, Commerce or Constitution, but, on a Sudden, has appeared Equal in oratory, Superior in Argument, and ready at Reply, to any Senator, that ever sat in an Irish Parliament; he has astonished the Nation; he was hitherto looked upon, as Dull, Phlegmatick & void of Spirit\u2014he has no set Speech, nor does he take Notes, yet will reply to every Member that Spoke before him\u2014I allow, that Flood & Grattan have a fine flow of words & Metaphorical Expressions, but neither of them argue so Close as he does; in his manner he is not ungracious.\nOur Great dispute (at present) is\u2014to Scrap from our Annual Revenue Bill, that Clause which enacts, that we shall not purchase tea, but from the East India Company or English Merchants, by this absurd Clause we are prevented from Trading to Nootka Sound, though all the world have that Liberty; we agreed to give Men & Money to Support England on the \u27e8late\u27e9 Threatned war about Nootka Sound, yet we are debarred from the advantages now derived from our joint Exertions, De Lolme says that every Man under the British Constitution has a right to Enjoy all the Various profits of his own Industry & the Gifts of Fortune, why then should we be debarred from the Means of Trading to any place which is not fortified or Colonized by other\nNations? are we Subjects or Agents for the East India Phalanx of Monopolizers? it is too degrading\u2014too humiliating for this Nation to Submit to\u2014I am inclined to think a Very few Years will see this Shackle removed\u2014the Claim will be brought forward Session after Session untill the whole Nation demand it, as was the Case in 1780\u201381 & 82 for a free Trade & Free Constitution\u2014the Cup of Ministerial Iniquity is nearly full\u2014another Session will make it overflow.\nI have been absent several Days from Parliament on account of a Violent Cold I got, by being forced to walk home, after 10 hours debate at 4 in Morning, & it rained the whole time & I had a mile of ground to walk; there was no Chair or Carriage to be Got, nor had I a great Coat, never having (as yet) worn one.\nThere were 21 Elections to be tryed before the select Committees of the House of Commons according to the Grenville Bill; That Bill is an Additional Charter to the rights of the People\u2014on the late Contest for the County of Dublin; the other 2 Candidates were against me for the 3 first days, but finding they could not oust me, they Quarrelld & I then gave Some of my Interest to Mr Finlay, but Mr Talbot by obtaining 240 bad & infamous Votes was returned to Parliament; the real freeholders petitioned against him, & the Committee though composed of Ministerial Men Voted him unduly Elected & returned Mr Finlay; this is the first Time, that our Interest has been able to return 2 Members for the County & 2 for the City at the same Time. I am sure it cost my opponents at Least \u00a35500 each; the Election in the Country for the County of Down Cost at least \u00a315000 to the popular Candidates & \u00a330,000 to the Ministerial one, & as it is now trying before a Select Committee it will cost at least \u00a33000 more to Each\u2014These contests before Select Committees are very Expensive; Each witness is allowed 4d. per day while attending & 3d. a mile for his Travelling Charges, & these witness\u2019s amount to many hundreds.\nIn reading, with Care, the Last ten years of the reign of Charles the first, & comparing it with the affairs of France since October 1784, I think there is a great & Striking Similitude, the Resolution for redress of Grievances, the mode of having Different Committees for every department, the Seizure of Church Revenues, the annihilating the power of the Bishops & the regulating the Army.\nThere is a Stop to many of our Letters to & from France, but\nwhether in London or Paris, I cannot pretend to say, but I do not get, nor my friends recieve, half of our Letters; at present matters seem to go on in favor of the Revolution, but no account is, as yet, arrivd here in respect to Chusing new Bishops in the Room of the Refractory\u2014it is imagined here, that the Body of the Nation will Support the old Clergy. if so, there will be a Civil War, & France will be Drenched in Blood, for the Revolutionards cannot Expect Safety but in Conquest\u2014they woud feel Royal Vengeance & Papal Fury. I am a most Zealous Advocate for their Success, though I think they have erred in not having 3 Estates, as in England & I may say in America, for it will be a most difficult matter to manage so large a Kingdom without a third power\u2014it appears to me, that, at present, there is only one power\u2014the Assembly.\nWe are now at rest from Storms & Rain, the sun begins to shew its benign rays, but the dreadfull winter we have had will require much Warmth to restore the Corn, & Cure the Sheep of the distemper the wet has given them\u2014Mutton that used to be only 3d. or 3\u00bdd. a pound, is now 5d.\u2014Pork that was generaly at 3d. is now 5d.\u2014& though we have plenty of Corn, there is only 9 lb. for 1s.\u2014& we expect it will be Dearer.\nMrs Montgomery has sent me over a sample of sugar made from the Maple Tree at New Yorke; if your states should make Sugar to Supply themselves, it will be a real fund of Wealth, but I should think the consumption of Trees would be such, as would require too much Land to answer the Expence; for I suppose the Trees must be 15 or 20 years Growth before they are fit for tapping\u2014and I beleive New Yorke is rather a Cold Climate to Expect the rapid Growth of Timber.\nI fear I have both tired Excellency & wasted those moments that might be better employed than in reading an uninteresting & tedious Epistle; My Excuse is my wish to convince your Excellency how Sincerily I have the Honor, to be, Dear Sir, with perfect respect & Esteem Your most Obt & Very Humble Sert\nEdward Newenham", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0311", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Deakins, 11 March 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Deakins, William Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 11 Mar. 1791. In his letter to Deakins and Stoddert of 17 Mar. 1791, GW wrote: \u201cIn order to avail the public of the willingness expressed by the inhabitants of Washington-County, as mentioned in your letter of the 11th to sign a paper ceding their lots in Hamburg. . . .\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0312", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 11 March 1791\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew York 11 March 1791\nI have the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed, a Packet which I received last Evening from Ab. Ogden Esqr. the Attorney of the united States for New Jersey District. It contains three papers.\n(1)A Letter from Mr Ogden to me, mentioning the apprehension of a Doctr Freeman, on a charge of forgery &ca and his offer of giving Evidence against others, on an assurance of Pardon.\n(2) Freeman\u2019s Confession.\n(3) A Memorandum of what passed on the subject between Mr Ogden & Freeman, & Freeman\u2019s Counsel.\nHad you been at such a Distance, as that an Application for your orders, would have been attended with Delays which the circumstances of the case would not admit of, I should have taken the Liberty of giving Mr Ogden the advice he requests. If Freeman be used as a Witness, I think a Pardon will be proper. As it is probable that the State of the Roads detains you still at Philadelphia, it appears to me most delicate & proper to lay these papers before you; that thro\u2019 the Attorney General or in any other manner which you may prefer, your Pleasure on the Subject may be made known to Mr Ogden. With perfect Respect & Esteem I have the Honor to be Sir your most obedient & very humble servant\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0315", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Muir and Samuel Hanson, 11 March 1791\nFrom: Muir, James,Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nAlexandria [Va.] 11th March 1791\nMajr Washington informed us some time ago that it was your desire to be furnished with a State of the School founded upon your bounty. We should have obeyed your Commands immediately, but for the indisposition of Dr Brown, the other Visitor of the Academy, whose Concurrence we wished in the Communication requested. That Gentleman, however, still Continuing too ill to attend, we have ourselves proceeded to the Examination of\nthe School; and are happy in reporting that the Pupils acquit themselves very well, and that the plan of teaching appears to us good, and well executed.\nThe Teacher informs us that many of them attend very irregularly, owing, as he believes, to the necessity their Parents are under of employing them at home to procure fuel; and for other necessary purposes.\nTo ensure a punctual attendance, the Teacher passed a law, immediately after the foundation of the School, that \u201cany Pupil absenting himself more than one day, without sufficient excuse, to be judged of by the Visitors, or any one of them, may on that account be excluded from said School, by such Visitor or Visitors, till the next meeting of the Trustees, to be then submitted to them to determine finally on every such Case.\u201d This law we have not thought proper to enforce, because the School has never yet been full; and we Conceived that it was intended to operate only when the number of Candidates for Admission should exceed twenty, and when the Continuance of such as should not attend regularly might exclude others who would.\nFrom the subjoined list it would appear that the School is at present full. But we beg leave to explain that Circumstance, by stating that several of the Boys having discovered marks of extraordinary Genius, it was thought proper, at the request of the Rector, to remove them to the other School, where they are taught with out any additional charge. With perfect respect, we are Sir Your most obedt Servants\nJames Muir\nS. Hanson of Saml", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0317", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury Department March 12th 1791\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United States a Contract which has been recently transmitted from South Carolina for the Keeping of the Light-house in that State. The terms are somewhat less than those of the Ligh[t]house Keeper at Cape Henlopen, and considering the expences of living in south Carolina it is humbly conceived they are not immoderate at this time. The Secretary, however, begs leave to suggest the expediency of confirming the Contract for one year only from its commencment, as there appears some reason to expect a diminution of the highest of this class of compensations.\nAlex: Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0319", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 13 March 1791\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nN. York 13 March 1791\nPerceiving that you have been pleased to appoint Col. Smith a Supervisor for this District, I conclude that on his acceptance of that place, the office of Marshall will be conferred on some other person. It is probable that Several candidates will offer, and I take the Liberty of communicatg my sentiments respecting a Gentleman who too delicate to display his own merit, possesses more than falls to the Share of many\u2014I mean General Matthew Clarkson. I think him one of the most pure & virtuous\nMen I know\u2014when at Boston General Lincoln (whose aid he was) spoke to me of him in Terms not only of Approbation but affection\u2014During the war he was a firm & active Whig, and since the Peace a constant Friend to rational and good Government. Few men here of his standing enjoy or deserve a greater Degree of the Esteem & goodwill of the Citizens than he does, and in my opinion he would discharge the Duties of that or any office for wh. he may be qualified with Propriety and Honor\u2014Be pleased to present my Respectful Compt. to Mrs Washington, & permit me to assure you of the perfect Respect Esteem & Attachmt with which I am Dr Sr your obliged & obt Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0320", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Peter Jaquett, 14 March 1791\nFrom: Jaquett, Peter\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWilmington [Del.] March 14. 1791\nI feel my self much hurt by the unfair manner in which I have been represented in Major Andersons affair, and exceedingly mortified that it should leave an unfavorable impression of me on the mind of your Excellency. I am however convinced that if I could be permitted the indulgence of an interview for a quarter of an hour I should be able to convince your Excellency that I have certified nothing but truth concerning Major Anderson, and that I can reconcile the apparent contradiction between the certificate and the Letter which I wrote to Mr Vining.\nI had been long in habits of friendship with Mr Vining and he was well acquainted with all the circumstances concerning the affair between Mr Anderson and myself and I had some reason to believe that Mr Vining had interested himself with your Excellency in favor of the Major\u2019s appointment; but I never knew that Mr Vining or Mr Bedford had represented the Major\u2019s\naffair in a disadvantageous point of view to your Excellency, untill five days after I had wrote the letter to Mr Vining which was intended for his Eye alone.\nFrom the opinion which I always entertained of Mr Andersons honor & integrity I was convinced that he would discharge the debt as soon as he was in a situation to do it. I therefore felt myself obliged to Mr Vining (who I knew entertained a favorable opinion of M. Andersons abilities and understanding) for the aid which I imagined he had given in recommending him to your Excellency, as I knew it would put the Major in a situation to do what he heartily wished namely to discharge a debt of honor due to me. I call it a debt of honor, because I lent it to him upon his word of honour to return it to me in three months and took no written obligation for that purpose. At the same time the Major told me that he had attatched a large sum of money in the hands of the treasurer of the United States the property of Nathaniel Twining for whom he had been security to a large amount and to his very great injury, that he expected to receive this mony in less than three months when he would repay me. For some reasons unknown to me I believe the Major received but about one eight part of the money he expected, which disappointment put it out of his power to comply with his engagement to me.\nI am convinced that the Major was severely mortified at the idea of being unable to pay me, especially as he knew that my situation was by no means a comfortable one. But as he was unable to pay me he in some measure avoided me, for more than a Year, during which time I scarce saw or heard from him.\nAfter the debt had been due upwards of four years, upon my hearing that he was about going to Kentuck\u27e8y\u27e9 I directed my Attorney to institute a suit against him in hopes that his Brother in Law, would become security for part of my demand giving my Attorney my directions at the same time, to use no rigor and informing him that the Major had certain Land Warrants in his possession which I would take at 3/9 pr Acre as a security to his bond which I directed him to take. Major Anderson being in Maryland my order was executed with more rigor than I wished or expected and he was sent to Goal his bond taken and the Land as security.\nWhen the Major came to me for the certificate which he obtained,\nI told him I was very ready to certify any thing to his advantage consistent with truth that I had always viewed the affair as his misfortune not his fault. He then assured me that he would give me any instrument of writing which I should chuse, to convince me that he did not want inclination but ability to pay me. \u27e8We\u27e9 then called Major Bush the Collector (who was witness to all our transactions) to our assistance, and in his presence, I gave him the certificate, when he renewed his bond and gave me an article of agreement approved of and witnessed by Major Bush, by which he bound himself to give me immediately on his appointment a power of attorney to draw from the treasury of the United States such part of his salary as I should demand. I did not think it necessary to state all those circumstances in the certificate, because that I believed that Your Excellency having had some hint of the debt due me (from whom I knew not) unfavorable to the Major, only wished to Know from me whether he had acted honorable with me or not in respect to that debt, and I firmly believe, that he has done, and would at any time do every thing in his power to comply with his engagements.\nBut my mentioning some circumstances in my private letter to Mr Vining which were not in the certificate (and which Mr Vining well Knew before if his memory has not deceived him) have been applied as contradictory to the certificate, and I believe it will appear upon a review of the Letter that I have not stated that Mr Anderson had given me a power of attorney but that he had agreed to give me one to draw a certain part of his Salary.\nI must therefore request your Excellency to believe that when I mentioned in my letter to Mr Vining, that I had not certified all the truth (tho an unhappy expression) I only intended to convey the Idea that I had not certified all the particulars mentioned in this letter, (which particulars Mr Vining well Knew) because I thought them unnecessary. I am indeed sorry that my letter to Mr Vining was shewn to the Senators of this State as I did not wish to give persons who were not my friends an opportunity of saying any thing more to my disadvantage.\nI hope therefore that what I have now said will reconcile this apparent contradiction of which so much has been said and\nshew that I wrote nothing with a view of deceiving your Excellency, or of injuring an individual.\nI should have been much hurt by hearing myself accused by my Equals of a crime of which I hold myself incapable. Your Excellency may then judge of my uneasiness when I found a report from the Secretary of State, certifying that I had contradicted myself, I hope it will be viewed by you sir in a different light and that Major Andersons virtue will highly justify all that I have said or believed of him as well as your Excellencys confidence in him.\nI have now to request if after reading this Letter there should remain in your Excellencys breast a doubt to my disadvantage, that I may be honored with an interview.\nYour Goodness Sir I am convinced will forgive me the trouble I have given you in reading this letter in which I have endeavoured to acquit myself of the duplicity of which I have been accused and of which I hope I stand acquitted by your Excellency. I have the honor to be with the greatest affection your Excellency\u2019s most obedt & \u27e8Hble\u27e9 Sert\nPeter Jaquett", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0321-0001", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 March 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar department, 14th March 1791.\nI have the honor to submit to your consideration such a plan of raising the levies as appears to Major General St Clair, Brigadier General Butler and myself to be proper.\nAnd I also submit to your consideration, the draft of a letter to be written to me previously to your departure, authorizing me upon the points therein mentioned.\nI shall have the honor to wait upon you, in the morning, in order to explain such points as may require it. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your most humble and obedient servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0321-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure I: From Henry Knox, 14 March 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nWar department 14th March 1791\nThe Secretary of war respectfully submits to the President of the United States, the following arrangement for the corps of Levies to be raised in pursuance of the act entitled \u201can act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States, and for making farther provision for the protection of the frontiers.\u201d\nThat the two thousand Levies mentioned in the said act be arranged into two Regiments.\nEach Regiment to consist of three Battalions.\neach Battalion, to consist of four companies.\neach company, to consist of eighty three noncommissioned and privates.\nTwenty four companies, each of eighty three noncommissioned and privates, would amount to one thousand nine hundred, and ninety two noncommissioned and privates. were the companies stated at the number of eighty four, the proportions would be better, but the number stated in the Law would be exceeded by Such an arrangement, by the excess of Sixteen.\nThat the following Commissioned and non commissioned officers, to be arranged to each Regiment and Battalion.\nRegimental Staff\n1 Lieutenant colonel commandant\n1 Paymaster\n1 Surgeon\nBattalion Staff\n1 Major\n1 adjutant\n1 Quarter Master\n1 Surgeon\u2019s mate\n1 Serjeant major\n1 Quarter Master Serjeant.\nCompany\nCommissioned and non commissioned officers\n1 Captain\n1 Lieutenant\u2014excepting the rifle companies\n1 Ensign\n6 Serjeants\n6 Corporals\n2 Musicians\nThat one company of each Battalion, be expert rifle men if possible\u2014That each of these companies have an additional Lieutenant.\nThat the Six Battalions of the said Levies be raised as follows.\n1st Battalion in the territory of the United States, South of the ohio, and the neighbouring parts of Virginia. to rendezvous in the first instance at the old Blok house on Holstein\u2014in the Second at Fort Washington.\n2d Battalion in Virginia east of the mountains\u2014to rendezvous in the first instance at Winchester\u2014in the Second, by the way of Red stone at Fort Pitt\u2014there to receive the orders of the Major General.\n3d Battalion in Maryland, to rendezvous in the first instance\nat Hager\u2019s Town, and in the Second by the way of red stone at Fort Pitt.\n4th Battalion in Pennsylvania, west of the mountains\u2014to rendezvous in the first instance at Fort Pitt\u2014and in the second, at such place as the major general shall direct.\n5th Battalion, east of the mountains and west of the Susquehannah inclusively, to rendezvous in the first instance at Shippensburg and the Second at Fort Pitt.\n6th Battalion, in New Jersey\u2014to rendezvous in the first place at Trenton, and in the Second at Fort Pitt.\nAs soon as a company should be completed at any of the Said first rendezvous, they should be marched to the Second.\nThe President of the United States to appoint immediately the Brigadier General and the two lieutenants colonels commandant, together with Such others of the field and other officers as he may judge proper.\nThe Governor and Brigadier General Sevier of the territory of the United States, South of the ohio, to appoint the officers of the Battalion, to be raised in the said territory.\nLieutenant colonel commandant Lee, if he should accept his appointment, to appoint such of the officers of the Battalion to be raised in Virginia, as shall not be appointed by the President.\nMajor Benjn Brooks, is submitted as a proper person to command the Battalion to be raised in Maryland, and the other officers to be appointed in the best mode that may be devised.\nMajor McCulley is submitted as a proper person to command the western Battalion to be raised in Pennsylvania\nand\nMajor William Alexander, is submitted as a proper person to command the eastern Battalion to be raised in Pennsylvania.\nThe other officers to be appointed in the best modes that may be devised.\nA proper officer to command the Battalion to be raised in New Jersey, has not yet presented, or any of the inferior officers.\nLieutenant colonel Henry Lee, is submitted as a proper character to be the first Lieutenant colonel commandant\u2014and\nthe Second Lieutenant colonel of Said Levies.\nIt is further submitted that the recruiting of the said Levies shall proceed by voluntary inlistment, until the 15th of May next, and if not completed then, to be filled by drafts from the\nmilitia, provided it shall appear, by the opinion of the attorney general, and other sufficient authority that the President of the United States, possesses under present circumstances, legal power for that purpose. All which is humbly submitted to the President of the United States\nH. KnoxSecretary of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0322", "content": "Title: Executive Order, 15 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nArrangement made by the President of the United States, with respect to the subdivisions of the several Districts thereof into Surveys, the appointment of Officers, and the assignment of compensations, pursuant to the Act of Congress passed the 3d day of March 1791, entitled \u201cAn Act repealing after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from abroad & laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same.\u201d\nNew Hampshire forms one Survey of Inspection. The duties of Inspector are performed by the Supervisor. To this Office Joshua Wentworth has been appointed. his compensation is a salary of Five hundred Dollars, and a commission of one half per centum.\nMassachusetts forms three Surveys of inspection: No. 1 consists of the Province of Maine; No. 2 of the Counties of Essex, Middlesex, Worcester, Hampshire and Berkshire; No. 3 of the residue of the State. Nathaniel Gorham has been appointed Supervisor: his compensation is a salary of Eight hundred Dollars, and a commission of one half per cent. The Supervisor performs the duties of Inspector of Survey No. 1. Jonathan Jackson has been appointed Inspector of Survey No. 2. and Leonard Jarvis for Survey No. 3. The compensation to each of these Inspectors is a salary of Five hundred Dollars, & a commission of one half per cent. Rhode Island forms one Survey. The duties of Inspector\nare performed by the Supervisor: John S. Dexter has been appointed to this office, with an allowance of Five hundred Dollars, & a commission of one half per centum.\nConnecticut forms one Survey. The duties of Inspector are performed by the Supervisor, who is John Chester. His compensation is a salary of Six hundred Dollars, & a commission of one half per centum.\nVermont forms one Survey, of which the Supervisor performs the duties of Inspector. Noah Smith has been appointed to this office: his allowance is a salary of Four hundred Dollars, & a commission of one half per cent.\nNew York forms one Survey, of which the Supervisor performs the duties of Inspector. Willm S. Smith has been appointed to this Office, with a salary of Eight hundred Dollars, & a Commission of one half per Cent.\nNew Jersey forms one Survey. The Supervisor performs the duties of Inspector. To this Office Aaron Dunham has been appointed. His compensation is a salary of Four hundred Dollars, and a Commission of one half per cent.\nPennsylvania forms four Surveys. No. 1 consists of the City & County of Philadelphia, and the Counties of Bucks & Montgomery; No. 2 of the counties of Berks, Northampton, Luzerne, & Northumberland; No. 3 of the Counties of Delaware, Chester, Lancaster, York, Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Mifflin & Huntington; No. 4 of the Counties of Bedford, Westmoreland, Washington and Alleghaney. The Supervisor of the District, George Clymer, acts as Inspector of Survey No. 1. His compensation is a salary of one thousand Dollars, and a commission of one half per cent. James Collins has been appointed Inspector of Survey No. 2. Edward Hand of survey No. 3. and John Neville of survey No. 4. The allowance to each of these Inspectors is a salary of Four hundred & fifty Dollars & a commission of one per cent.\nDelaware forms one Survey, of which the supervisor Acts as Inspector. His compensation is a salary of four hundred Dollars and a Commission of one per cent. Henry Latimer, who was appointed Supervisor, has resigned his office.\nMaryland forms two Surveys. No. 1 comprehends the Counties of St Mary\u2019s, Somerset, Calvert, Queen Anne\u2019s, Caroline, Kent, Charles, Talbot, Dorchester, Baltimore, Ann Arundel,\nDorcester, Harford, Ceecil, and Prince Georges. No. 2 consists of the Counties of Montgomery, Washington, Frederick, and Alleghany. The Supervisor of the District, George Gale, officiates as Inspector of Survey No. 1\u2014his compensation is a salary of Seven hundred Dollars, & a commission of one per cent. Philip Thomas has been appointed Inspector of Survey No. 2 with a salary of Four hundred & fifty Dollars, & a commission of one per cent.\nVirginia has been divided into seven Surveys of Inspection. No. 1 consists of the Counties of Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, King George, Caroline, Hanover, Henrico, Charles-City, James-City, Warwick, Elizabeth-City, York, Gloucester, Matthews, Middlesex, Essex, King & Queen, King William, & New Kent. No. 2 of the Counties of Stafford, Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpepper, Orange, Albemarle, Louisa, & Spotsylvania; No. 3 of the Counties of Goochland, Fluvanna, Amherst, Bedford, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Halifax, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Amelia, Powhatan, Cumberland, Buckingham, Prince-Edward and Campbell: No. 4 of the Counties of Princess-Anne, Chesterfield, Norfolk, Isle-of Wight, Sussex, Surry, Prince George, Dinwiddie, Brunswick, Greenesville, Southampton, Nansemond, Accomack & Northampton; No. 5 of the Counties of Frederick, Berkly, Hampshire, Hardy, Monongalia, Ohio, Harrison, Randolph, Pendleton, Augusta, Rockingham and Shenandoah; No. 6 of the Counties of Rockbridge, Botetourt, Montgomery, Wythe, Washington, Russel, Greenbriar, and Kanhawa; No. 7 consists of the District of Kentucky. Edward Carrington has been appointed Supervisor with a salary of one thousand Dollars, and a Commission of one per centum. Drury Ragsdale has been appointed Inspector of Survey No. 1\u2014Edward Stevens of No. 2\u2014Mayo Carrington of No. 3\u2014Thomas Newton of No. 4\u2014Edward Smith of No. 5. James Brackenridge of No. 6 and Thomas Marshall of No. 7. The compensations to these Officers are, to each a salary of four hundred and fifty Dollars, & a Commission of one per centum.\nNorth Carolina, forms five Surveys. No. 1 consists of the Counties of Wilminton, Onslow, New-Hanover, Brunswick, Bladen, Dauphin, Anson, Richmond, Moore, Cumberland, Robertson and Sampson; No. 2 of the Counties of Carteret, Hyde,\nBeaufort, Pitt, Craven, Jones, Dobbs, Johnson & Wayne; No. 3 of the Counties of Kurrituck, Cambden, Pasquatank, Perquinans, Chowan, Gates, Hartford and Tyrrell; No. 4 of the Counties of Northampton, Martin, Halifax, Nash, Edgecomb, Warren, Franklin, Caswell, Orange, Randolph, Grandville, Wake & Chatham; No. 5 of the Counties of Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Roan, Iredell, Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Guilford, Lincoln, Rutherford, Burke & Wilkes. William Polk has been appointed Supervisor, & a salary of seven hundred Dollars, & a commission of one per cent have been assigned him as a compensation. James Read has been appointed Inspector of Survey No. 1\u2014John Daves of No. 2\u2014Thomas Benbury of No. 3\u2014John Whitaker of No. 4\u2014& Joseph McDowell the elder of No. 5. The compensation to the Inspectors of Surveys No. 1. 2. & 3. are to each, a Commission of two per Centum; those inspectors being also Officers of the customs. A salary of four hundred & fifty Dollars & a commission of one per cent have been assigned as a compensation to the Inspectors of Surveys No. 4 and 5 respectively.\nSouth Carolina forms three surveys. No. 1 consists of the Counties of Colleton, Berkeley, Washington, Marion, Bartholomew, Charleston, Granville, Hilton, Lincoln, Shrewsbury, Winton, Orange and Lewisburgh; No. 2 of the Counties of Winyaw, Williamsburgh, Liberty, Kingston, Darlington, Chesterfield, Marlborough, Clarendon, Clermont, Lancaster, Kershaw, Richland, Fairfield, Chester, & York; No. 3 of the Counties of Edgefield, Abbeville, Newbury, Laurens, Union, Spartanburg, Greenville & Pendleton: The duties of Inspector of Survey No. 1 are performed by the Supervisor, Daniel Stevens, to whom a salary of seven hundred Dollars and a Commission of one per cent have been assigned as a compensation. Benjamin Cudworth has been appointed Inspector of Survey No. 2 and Sylvanus Walker of No. 3\u2014the compensation assign\u2019d to the Inspector of Survey No. 2 is a salary of three hundred Dollars and a commission of two per centum\u2014to the Inspector of Survey No. 3 a salary of four hundred & fifty Dollars & a Commission of one per Cent.\nGeorgia forms one survey. The Supervisor, John Matthews, officiates as Inspector. The compensation assigned him is a salary of five hundred Dollars, and a Commission of one per centum.\nThe Commission in each case is computed upon the nett\nproduct of the duties on spirits distilled within the jurisdiction of the Officer to whom it is allowed: which nett product is determin\u2019d by deducting at each stage of the compensation all preceding charges.\nWith regard to the Ports, the following arrangements have been made. At the Ports at which there are both a Collector and a surveyor, the latter has been appointed an Inspector; where there is a Collector only, he has been appointed; and where there is a Surveyor only, he has been appointed. The Ports, at which neither surveyor nor collector resides, have been placed under the inspection of the Collector or Surveyor of the District to which they belong, as the one or the other is the Inspector of the Revenue for the Port where he resides. The duties of these Inspectors are confined to Spirits imported from abroad; and, as they bear an analogy to those which they have been accustomed to perform, no compensation has been assigned.\nThe Officers directed, by the 18th Section of the Law, to be appointed by the Supervisors, have been denominated Collectors of the Revenue. Their number has been of necessity left to the discretion of the Supervisor, with these general intimations\u2014that they should be in all cases as few as the proper execution of the business would permit\u2014and that, in regard to the collection of the duties on Stills, one for each County would suffice. But this regulation necessarily varies, as the stills are more or less dispersed, where they are much scattered, two, three, or more counties have been assigned to the same person. The compensation to these Officers is a commission, on the sums collected by each, of two per centum on the product of the duties on spirits distilled from foreign materials; and of four per centum on the product of the duties arising from Spirits distilled from Domestic materials, whether per gallon or by the Still. This difference was dictated by the different nature of the Business.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0323", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 15 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, 15 March 1791]\nHaving thought fit, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Act intitled \u201cAn Act repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from abroad and laying others in their stead & also upon spirits distilled within the United States and for appropriating the same\u201d to divide the United States into the following fourteen districts namely one to consist of the state of Newhampshire, another to consist of the State of Masschusetts another to consist of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations another to consist of the State of Connecticut another to consist of the State of Vermont another to consist of the State of New York another to consist of the State of New Jersey another to consist of the State of Pennsylvania another to consist of the State of Delaware another to consist of the State of Maryland another to consist of\nthe State of Virginia another to consist of the State of North Carolina another to consist of the State of South Carolina and another to consist of the State of Georgia, and having by and with the advice and consent of the Senate appointed the following persons to be Supervisors of the said Districts respectively that is to say\u2014for the District of Newhampshire Joshua Wentworth, for the District of Massachusetts Nathaniel Gorham for the District of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations John S. Dexter for the district of Connecticut John Chester for the district of Vermont Noah Smith, for the District of New York William S. Smith for the district of New Jersey Aaron Dunham for the district of Pennsylvania George Clymer for the district of Delaware Henry Latimer for the district of Maryland George Gale for the district of Virginia Edward Carrington for the district of North Carolina William Polk for the district of South Carolina Daniel Stevens and for the district of Georgia John Matthews.\nI do hereby in further execution of the said powers make and establish the following supplementary arrangements\u2014viz.\u2014\nFirst\u2014that the Compensations to the said Supervisors respectively shall be as follow.\nTo the Supervisor of Newhampshire a Salary of Five hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half \u214cCent.\nTo the Supervisor of Massachusetts a salary of Eight hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations a Salary of Five hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Connecticut a Salary of Six hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Vermont a Salary of Four hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of New York a salary of Eight Hundred dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of New Jersey a salary of Four hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Pennsylvania a Salary of One thousand Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Delaware a Salary of Four hundred Dollars and a Commission of one per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Maryland a Salary of Seven hundred Dollars and a Commission of one per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Virginia a Salary of One thousand Dollars and a Commission of One per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of North Carolina a Salary of Seven hundred Dollars and a Commission of One per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of South Carolina a salary of Seven hundred Dollars and a Commission of one per Cent.\nTo the Supervisor of Georgia a Salary of Five hundred dollars and a Commission of One per Cent.\nSecondly\u2014That the States hereafter mentioned shall be distributed into the following Surveys of Inspection and under the dispositions and regulations which follow\u2014viz.\u2014\nThe districts of Newhampshire, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, of Connecticut, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Delaware Maryland for the present, and Georgia shall severally form each one survey and the duties of Inspector of each Survey shall be performed by the Supervisor of the district comprehending the same.\nMassachusetts shall form three Surveys No. 1. 2. & 3, the first consisting of the province of Maine, the second of the counties of Essex, Middlesex, Worcester, Hampshire and Berkshire, the third, of the residue of the State.\nThe duties of the Inspector of the Survey No. 1 shall for the present be performed by the Supervisor.\nFor the Survey No. 2. there shall be an Inspector, whose compensation shall be a Salary of Five hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent. To this Office I shall appoint Jonathan Jackson.\nFor the Survey No. 3 there shall also be an Inspector whose compensation shall be a Salary of Five hundred Dollars and a Commission of one half per Cent. To this Office I shall appoint Leonard Jarvis.\nPennsylvania shall form four surveys No. 1. 2. 3 and 4: the first consisting of the City and County of Philadelphia and the Counties of Bucks and Montgomery. The duties of Inspector of this Survey shall for the present be performed by the Supervisor\u2014The second consisting of the Counties of Berks Northampton, Luzerne & Northumberland\u2014the third, consisting of the Counties of Delaware, Chester, Lancaster, York, Dauphin,\nCumberland, Franklin, Mifflin and Huntington\u2014the fourth consisting of the Counties of Bedford, Westmoreland, Fayette, Washington and Alleghany. To each of the three last Surveys there shall be an Inspector whose compensation shall be a Salary of Four hundred and fifty Dollars and a Commission of one per Cent. I shall appoint for No. 2\u2014James Collins, and for No. 4 John Neville. It is my wish to appoint for No. 3 Edward Hand\u2014But as his acceptance of the office is doubted and some inconveniences might attend a refusal, I have concluded to leave a Commission with a blank for his name; desiring that you will take measures to ascertain the disposition of the said Edward Hand, and if this should appear to be in favour of an acceptance that the blank be filled with his name; if against it with the name of\u2014John McDowel.\nWith regard to the district of Virginia I shall postpone any further arrangement till my arrival within that State.\n  North Carolina shall form five Surveys No. 1: 2. 3. 4 & 5, the first consisting of the Counties of Wilmington, Onslow, New Hanover, Brunswick, Bladen, Duplin, Anson Richmond, Moore, Cumberland, Robertson and Sampson. The second of the Counties of Carteret, Hyde, Beaufort, Pitt, Craven, Jones, Dobbs, Johnson Wayne, the third of the Counties of Kurrituck, Cambden, Pasquotank, Perquimans Chowan Gates Hartford Tyrrell\u2014the fourth of the Counties of Northampton Martin Hallifax Nash Edgecomb Warren Franklin Caswell Orange, Randolph Grandville Wake & Chatham\u2014the fifth of the Counties of Mecklenbergh Montgomery Roan Iredel Surrey Stokes, Rockingham Gilford Lincoln Rutherford Burke Wilkes. I shall appoint for the present the Collector of Wilmington as Inspector of Survey No. 1. The Collector of Newbern as Inspector of No. 2. The Collector of Edenton as Inspector of Survey No. 3. And the compensation in each case shall be a Commission of two per Cent. To each of the Surveys No. 4 and 5 there shall be an Inspector whose compensation shall be a Salary of Four hundred and fifty dollars and a Commission of One per Cent. It is my present intention to appoint for No. 4 John Whitaker and for No. 5 John McDowell. But as I shall have an opportunity of further enquiry in the course of my Journey through the State I shall leave Commissions with blanks which are not to be filled up till after the tenth day of June next; but if nothing to the\ncontrary is learned from me by that day, the blanks are severally to be filled with the names above mentioned.\nThe State of South Carolina shall form three Surveys No. 1. 2 and 3. the first consisting of the Counties of Colleton Berkley, Washington, Marion Bartholomew Charleston, Granville Hilton, Lincoln, Shrewsbury, Winton Orange Lexington and Lewisburgh\u2014the second consisting of the Counties of Winyaw, Williamsburgh Liberty Kingston Darlington, Chesterfield, Marlborough Clarendon Clermont Lancaster Kershaw Richland Fairfield, Chester, York\u2014the third consisting of the counties of Edgefield Abbeville Newbury Laurens Union Spartanburgh Greenville Pendleton. The duties of Inspector of Survey No. 1 to be performed by the Supervisor. The Collector of Georgetown to be Inspector of No. 2 with a salary of Three hundred dollars and a Commission of two per Cent. And for Survey No. 3 there shall be an Inspector whose compensation shall be a Salary of Four hundred and fifty dollars and a Commission of One per Cent. To this office I shall appoint Andrew Pickens.\nThe Commission in each case shall be computed upon the Nett product of the duties distilled within the United States and within the jurisdiction of the Officer to whom it is allowed; which nett product shall be determined by deducting at each Stage of the computation all antecedent charges.\nThirdly\u2014That at every port where there is a Collector and Surveyor, the Surveyor shall be an Inspector, and at every port where there is a Collector only he shall be an Inspector and at every port where there is a Surveyor only he shall be an Inspector. The duties of these Inspectors except in the cases herein before specified shall extend only to Spirits imported from Foreign Countries.\nFourthly\u2014That for the sake of uniformity the Officers to be appointed by the respective Supervisors shall be denominated Collectors of the Revenue.\nFifthly\u2014That the compensation to those Officers respectively shall be a Commission on the sums which shall from time to time be collected by each, of two per Centum on the duties arising on spirits distilled from foreign Materials and of four per Centum on the duties arising on spirits distilled from Materials of the Growth or production of the United States.\nHaving thus made known to you the arrangements which I\nhave thought fit to adopt, you will proceed to notify them to whomsoever it may concern. And you will add such instructions to the respective officers in conformity to the law and to the tenor of these presents as shall appear to you necessary. Given under my hand at the City of Philadelphia the fifteenth day of March in the year One thousand seven hundred and ninety one.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0327", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir,\n[Philadelphia, 16 March 1791]\nEnclosed is the last letter I have received from Messrs Deakins & Stoddart. What step had I best take to bring matters to a close with Burn\u2019s, and by declaring at once the Site of the public buildings, prevent some inconvenience which I see may arise from the opinions promulgated by Mr L\u2019Enfont? as much probably from complaisance as judgment. Yrs\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0329", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Canon, 17 March 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Canon (Cannon), John\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from John Canon, 17 Mar. 1791. In a letter to John Canon, dated 9 April 1791, Tobias Lear refers to a letter Canon \u201cwrote to the President of the United States on the 17. of last month.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0331", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Daniel Carroll, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Carroll, Daniel\nDear Sir\nphiladelphia March 17th 1791\nI am estremely anxious to have a full meeting of the Commissioners--I wish you to send an express to Governor Johnson and let him know my earnestness on this head--I have directed the post master at Geo. Town to send this Letter to you (and another which has been written for this post) by express, in case you should have left Baltimore.  With very great regard, I am Dear Sir your mo. obedt Servt\nGo. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0332", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Deakins, William Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nGentlemen,\nPhiladelphia March 17th 179[1]\nIn order to avail the public of the willingness expressed by the inhabitants of Washington county, as mentioned in your letter of the 11th to sign a paper ceding their lots in Hamburg, on being requested by any person under my direction, I have written the inclosed letter, which, if you think it will answer the desired end, you will be so good as to dispatch to them, with the necessary propositions in form. I am aware that, by this means it will become known that you are acting for the public: but there\nwill be no reason for keeping this longer secret after my arrival at George town.\nWith respect to Mister Burns I will confer with you on my arrival as to what is best to be done in his case, should you not have obtained a cession from him in the mean time.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0333", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThursday Evening [17 March 1791]\nThe P. has just recd the enclosed. He prays Mr Jefferson to write by tomorrows Post to Majr L\u2019Enfant agreeably to what was mentioned this morning.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0334", "content": "Title: To George Washington from the Seneca Chiefs, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Seneca Chiefs\nTo: Washington, George\nPittsburg, 17th March 1791.\nMessage from the Corn planter, New arrow, Half town and Big tree, chiefs of the Seneka nation of Indians, to the President of the United States.\nSir\nWhen we raised from the great counsel of the Thirteen fires, we mentioned that we meant to have a counsel with the chiefs of the bad angry indians.\nThrough the whole Quaker state, as we came up the road, we was treated well and the[y] took good care of us until we came here, one misfortune happened only, that one of our waggons is not yet arrived here, the one we first engaged with the goods you presented to us.\nFather,\nYour promise to me was that you would keep all your people quiet, but since I came here, I find that some of my people have been killed, the good honest people, who were here trading.\nFather,\nWe hope you will not suffer all the good people to be killed, but your people are killing them as fast as they can. Three men and one woman have been killed at Big beaver creek, and they were good people, and some of the white people will testify the truth of this. When I heard the news I found one boy had made his escape and got to the traders house who saved his life; I now wait to see him.\nFather,\nWe have been informed that twenty seven men came from another state and murdered these men in the Quaker state, and took away nine horses, and all the goods they had purchased from the trader. Our father and ruler over all mankind, now speak and tell me, did you order these men to be killed?\nFather,\nOur words is pledged to you that we would endeavor to make peace with all warriors nations. If we cannot do it, do not blame us, you struck the innocent men first, we hope you will not blame us\u2014as your people has first broke good rules, but as for our people they are as friendly and firm as ever.\nFather,\nWe must now acquaint you with the mens names who did this murder at Beaver creek\u2014Samuel Brady formerly a captain in your army, and under your command; also a Balden, persons was concerned in this murder.\nFather,\nI can inform you little more there fore will conclude, with asking you how I should have come to the knowledge of this, or how I could have informed you, had it not been for our good friend Joseph Nicholson therefore beg you may grant him an appointment as interpreter, for we cannot see how we will do without him\u2014I know of no other man that speaks your language and ours so well as him.\nhis\nCorn\u2003Planter\nmark\nhis\nNew\u2003Arrow.\nmark\nhis\nHalf\u2003Towne.\nmark\nhis\nBig\u2003Tree\nmark\nP.S. The boy, who made his escape at Beaver Creek, has arrived at this place, and I have taken him under my protection. Father,\nyour dispatches for Detroit has been unavoidably detained heretofore, but to morrow, Big tree and one other shall set off with it, and will also take the boy mentioned here, and deliver him to his relations. We part to day at this place\u2014Big tree is going amongst the cross indians, to see if they will make peace; and I go to my own people to call them to counsel.\nCorn planter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0336", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 18 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nTh: Jefferson is sorry to present a long letter to the President to be read at so busy a moment: but the view which it presents of our commercial matters in France is too interesting to be unknown to the President. the circumstances presented to view in the 2d page of the letter induce Th: J. to think it may be well to commit to mister Short & the M. de la Fayette to press our settlement with Spain on a broader bottom than merely that of the case of Ste Marie.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0337", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 March 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nWar Department 18th March 1791.\nHaving arranged all the Papers referred to in the proposed instructions to me, I have the honor to submit them under one cover. A Map of the south-western frontier is preparing, which will not be finished until tomorrow, and which would be proper to accompany the book.\nThe instructions for Major General St Clair, are copying, in order to be submitted to your consideration; and it may be proper to add them to this collection. I have the honor to be With the highest Respect Your Obedient Servant\nH. Knox\nSecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0338", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 March 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar Department, 18th March 1791.\nI have the honor to submit to you the opinion of the Attorney General respecting the United States retaining Fort Pitt.\nMessrs Turnbull and Marmie the owners, are solicitous to have the premises yeilded to them\u2014the place is in ruins, and for a long time past the public have had only a partial occupancy of it. The principal building which the public require is the magazine, which is public property.\nI have the honor to submit to you the propriety of relinquishing to Messrs Turnbull and Marmie all the appendages of the said Fort, excepting such parts as Major General St Clair shall judge to be essential to be held for public service\u2014and for such parts a rent must be paid. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir Your most obedient an humble servant\nH. Knox\nSecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0339", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 19 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, 19 March 1791]\nPay or cause to be paid to the Secretary of State Forty thousand Dollars to be applied to the purposes of the Act, entitled \u201cAn Act providing the means of Intercourse between the United States and foreign Nations\u201d for which this shall be your warrant. Given under my hand at Philadelphia the nineteenth day of March, in the year one thousand seven hundred & ninety one.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0342", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Powel, 19 March 1791\nFrom: Powel, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nSaturday 19 March 1791\nInclosed I send you the Act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania which I mentioned Yesterday Evening. It is by no Means what I wished it to have been; yet that it is not worse required much Exertion. I am, with unfeigned Respect, dear Sir your most obedt humble Servt\nSamuel Powel", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0343", "content": "Title: Proclamation, 19 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, 19 March 1791]\nWhereas it hath been represented to me that James O\u2019Fallon is levying an armed force in that part of the State of Virginia which is called Kentucky, disturbs the public peace, and sets at defiance the treaties of the United States with the Indian tribes, the act of Congress intituled \u201cAn act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes,\u201d and my proclamations of the 14th and 26th days of August last founded thereon; and it is my earnest desire that those who have incautiously associated themselves with the said James O\u2019Fallon may be warned of their danger, I have therefore thought fit to publish this proclamation, hereby declaring that all persons violating the treaties and act aforesaid shall be prosecuted with the utmost rigor of the law.\nAnd I do, moreover, require all officers of the United States whom it may concern to use their best exertions to bring to justice any persons offending in the premises.\nIn testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents and signed the same with my hand. Done at the city of Philadelphia, the 19th day of March, A.D. 1791, and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth.\nGo. WASHINGTON.\nBy the President:\u2003Th: Jefferson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-07-02-0346", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Clendinen, 21 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Clendinen, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia March [2]1st 1791.\nSince writing to you on the 21st of February by Mr Moore, (in which letter I have some instructions respecting my lands in your neighbourhood) I have disposed of all my lands on the Ohio and great Kanawa to Mr de Barth a french Gentleman. I have therefore to request that you will stop all measures, which you may have taken, or may be about to take relative to the settling or otherwise disposing of my lands agreeably to any instructions which I may have given for that purpose. As I have engaged to deliver them to Mr de Barth free from all incumbrances\u2014And, should any steps have been taken in the business, I must beg you to withdraw them so as to leave the lands entirely free\u2014You will likewise be so good as to return me the draughts &ca of the land, which you received from Colonel Lewis.\nI must in the meantime beg you to be assured, Sir, that I have a proper sense of your attention and goodness in the readiness with which you have given me your assistance towards my arranging this property, and my best thanks are offered therefor. with very great esteem and regard, I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0001", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Desbrosses, 22 March 1791\nFrom: Desbrosses, \u2014\u2014 (chevalier)\nTo: Washington, George\nMon general\nport au prince isle a coteSt domingue 22. mars 1791\nquoique je naye pas Lhonneur destre connu de vous permett\u00e9s moy de vous exposer ma Situation dans ce moment.\ndepuis vingt huits a trente ans jai lhonneur de servir mon roi et ma patrie, depuis cette Epoque jai au moins mang\u00e9 \u27e8En\u27e9 service La moiti\u00e9 de mon patrimoine, et L\u2019autre moiti\u00e9 mest aujourdhuy Enlev\u00e9 par La revolution qui vient de Sopperer En france.\nil me restoit Encore mon general une resource a ma famille et a moy, cetoit un ami, et il nous a et\u00e9 Enlev\u00e9 Le 4 de ce mois, Le cher thomas de mauduit\u2014colonel du regiment du port au prince a perdu La vie a cette Epoque, il me flattoit toujours que par votre credit, il me feroit avoir des terres par concession, meme En assez grande quantit\u00e9 pour y pouvoir placer toute ma famille, et cela a peu de frais, et a vingt ou trente lieux de new york, puis je Esperer mon general que sans aucunes recommandations que vous voudr\u00e9s Bien vous interesser au sort dun militaire vraiment \u27e8ma\u27e9lheureux, qui na aujourdhuy dautres desirs, que de vivre sous Les Lois des Etats unis, et de faire nombre parmi Les citoyens, mes moyens dans ce moment se reduisent a peu de choses, mais je me Sens Encore assez de forces et d\u2019energie pour m\u2019acquitter Enver la patrie qui aura Bien voulu me recevoir dans son Sein et je vous aurai monsieur toute ma vie La plus vive reconnoissance de ce que vous voudr\u00e9s Bien faire pour a ce Sujet, je vous ai parl\u00e9 particuli\u00e8rement de new york parceque Le che[valie]r massuroit quil y avoit Encore aux Environs Beaucoup de terres a conseder et a defricher, je me trouverai toujours Bien ou vous voudr\u00e9s Bien avoir La Bont\u00e9 de me colloquer, et ferai honneur aux Engagemens que de toute necessit\u00e9 il faudra contracter pour La Concession si toute fois cela nexcede pas me facult\u00e9s.\nmr P. Penet avoit Envoy\u00e9 icy quelques imprim\u00e9 jai eu Lhonneur de luy Ecrire, je nai point Encore eu reponse de luy il paroit quil est Etabli a peupres dans La partie dont mr de mauduit me parloit.\nje mets tout mon Espoir En vous persuad\u00e9 que vous voudr\u00e9s Bien m honnorer dune reponse. je suis avec respect Mon general Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur\nLe ch[evali]er desbrosses", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0002", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 23 March 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia March 23d 1791\nI had the honor last evening to receive your commands, through Major Jackson, to deliver the letter for Colo. Clandenen to General St Clair, unless Genl Knox thought Genl Sevier a more direct conveyance or knew of a better, and in obedience thereto I made the inquiry of Genl Knox, who thought Genl St Clair would be most likely to give the letter a direct & speedy conveyance; I therefore delivered it to him\u2014informing him of the purport, to impress the necessity of its being put into a safe and expeditious channel, which he assured me should be done. Genl St Clair leaves this City tomorrow morning. If any other opportunity should offer to send a letter from hence to Colo. Clandenen, I shall write to him by it.\nMr Coxe, of whom I had made some inquiry respecting a certain person, sent me the enclosed letter today; but I cannot learn from whom the information comes. Colo. Hamilton sent today for the Commissions for the Commissioners who are to receive subscriptions to the Bank. They are filled up with the names of Thomas Willing, David Rittenhouse, Samuel Howell of Pennsylvania\u2014John Beale Bordley of Maryland & Lambert Cadwalader of New Jersey.\nWe are very happy to hear that the roads will probably be better than you expected to find them. Mrs Lear, who continues in a fine way\u2014unites with me in a respectful remembrance & best wishes for your health & happiness\u2014and a pleasant Journey. I have the honor to be with the highest respect & most perfect Attachment Sir Your most Obedt Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0003", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 March 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia March 24th 179111 O\u2019Clock P.M.\nThe enclosed letters have been this moment brought to me by the Post Master, who informs thus they have just arrived at the Office in the Western Mail. As they may contain important intelligence I delay not a moment to forward them.\nMrs Washington and the family are well. Nothing particular has transpired since your departure. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect & most sincere Attachment Sir, Your obliged & very humble Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0005", "content": "Title: Memorandum of Pierre-Charles L\u2019Enfant, 26 March 1791\nFrom: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nTo: Washington, George\n[Georgetown, Md., 26 March 1791]\nNote relative to the Ground laying on the Eastern branch of the River Potowmack & being Intended to parallel the Severals position proposed within the Limits betwen that branch & George-town for the seat of the Federal City.\nAfter coming upon the Hill From the Eastern Branch ferry the Country is level & on a Space of above tow mi[les] each way present a most elligible position for the First Setlement of a grand City & one which if not the only within the limits of the Federal territory is at least the More advantageous in that part laying betwen the Eastern branch & George-town.\nthe Soil is dry and notwithstanding well watered with abounding Springs it has an wholsome air and being of an easy ascent it is however so heigh that it Command on most of the surrounding Country and may be Effectually guarded from those Hill over looking it\u2014these are on the oposite side of the Water and a branch from the Grand Western montain which Come Round and Extend down on that Eastern Shore in bordering on the River potowmack and they may rather be considered as a\nmean for protection as the securing of thier Subsoil with proper Establishment would render that situation most respectable.\nwith respect to navigation it lay at the head of an Extansive one & Cover & forme the bank of an harbor in Every respect to be prefered to that of the potowmack toward George town\u2014Less impeded by ice & never so swelled with Fresh\u2014the chanell is deeper & will admit any vessel as May pass over the shalow down below at the Mariland pt being moored to warfs while they most remain at half mile off from the bank of the potowmack owing to the Main chanel bearing from the Entrance into the eastern branch immediatly and all the way up on the Virginia Shore Until it Come to strik on Mason Island round which in turning it Come to wash for a Shorter Space on the Rock at hampsted pt, or Funk town, making its way to & from the warfs at george town were the grand navigation end.\nThis Spot made to derive Every possible advantages from water Conveyance Would in the same time be Free from the great Inconveniency attending the crossing of navigable River, the deep water in that branch not coming farther up than Evans pt about half mile Above the Ferry there the large bed of the river immediatly changes in to smal Run over the which bridges might easily be Erected to secure a Constant intercourse with the Eastern Continant in the mean while as it would facilitate seats being fixed on each border of a grand streem whose dept abound with fish and whose wild aspect would in affording a delassement from the great bustling rest the ayes from the grand sight below the City.\nall the local of this ground is such as will favour Every Improvement as may render the City agreable Commodious & Capable of promoting all sort of util[itarian] establishement.\non its water side from the Mouth of the Eastern branch at Carroll bourough as far up as to Evans point A distance of above three Miles the Frequent winding of the Shore form\u2014many natural wetdock which for not having Every were a great dept of water nevertheless would become very Convenient for the establishing of naval Store and for arsenals the which as well as ware house for marchant men might safly be rised on the water Edge without fear of impeding the prospect from on the Heigh flat behind. there were the level ground prevail on the water and all round were it decen\u2019d but most particularly on that part terminating\nin a ridge to Jenkins\u2019 Hill and runing in a parallel with and at half mile off from the river potowmack separated by a low ground intersected with three grand Streems\u2014Many of the Most desirable position offer for to Erect the publique Edifices there on\u2014from these height Every Grand building would rear with a majistick aspect over the Country all round and might be advantageously seen From twenty miles off\u2014while Contigous to the First Setlement of the City they would there Extand to ages in a Central point to it, facing on the grandest prospect of both of the branch of the potowmack\u2014with the town of Allexandry in front seen in its fullest Extant over many points of land projecting from the Mariland & Virginia shore in a Maner as add much to the perspective at the end of which the cape of great Hunting Creek appear directly were a Corner stone of the Federal district is to be placed and\u2014in the room of which a majestick Colum or a grand Pyramid being Erected would produce the happyest effect and Compleatly finish the landscape.\nthus in Every respect advantageously situated the federal City would soon grew of itself & spread as the branches of a tree do toward were they meet with most nourishment.\nthere the attractive local will lay all Round & at distance not beyond those limits within the which a City [the] Capital of an Extensive Empire may be deliniated.\nhaving a bridge laid over the Eastern branch some were a bove Evans pt there the natural limit of the eastern branch of the City may be Extended while in its western Extrimity may be Included george town itself which being situated at the head of Grand Navigation of the potowmack Should be favoured with the same advantage of a better Communication with the southern by having also a Bridge Erected over the potowmack at the place of the tow sisters were nature would effectually Favour the undertaking.\nthen betwen those tow points begining the setlement of the Grand City on the bank at the eastern branch and promoting the first improvement all along of the Heigh flat as far as were it end on Jenkins Hill would place the City Central to the ground left open to its agrandisement which most undoubtly would be rapide toward both Extremity. provided never the less that attention be paid immediatly on laying the first out Line of the Establishment to open a direct & large Avenue from the\nbridge on the potowmack to that on the Eastern branch the which should be well level passing a cross George town and over the Most advantageous ground For prospect trought the grand City, with a midle way paved for heavy Carriage and walks on eachside planted with double Rows of trees to the end that by making it A Communication as agreable as it will be Convenient it may the more induce the improvement of either place all along and prompt the Citizens in Both to Exertions to shorten the distance by building and insensibly affect the wished junction and Compleat a Street Laid out on a dimention proportioned to the Greatnes which a City the Capital of a powerfull Empire ought to manifest.\nIn viewing the Intended Establishment in this light & Considering how in progress of time a City so happily situated will Extend over a large surface of Ground, much deliberation is necessary For to determine on a plan for the local distribution and conceive that plan on a sisteem which in the mean while as it most render the place Commodious & agreable to the first settler in it may be Capable of being made a part of the whole when Enlarged by progressive Improvement, the which to be made agreable to what will first have been Erected and preserve the similar Correspondance with what may only be intended should be forseen in the first delination in a grand pland of the whol City Combined with the various ground it will Cover and with the particular Circumstances of the Country all round.\nin Endeavouring to effect this it is not the regular assemblage of houses laid on in Squar & Forming Streets all parallel & uniform that is so necessary for such plan Could only do on a well level plain & were no surrounding object being interesting it become Indifferent which way the opening of a street may be directed.\nbut on any other Ground a plan of this sort most be deflective and it never would Answer for any of the Spots proposed for the federal City. and on that held here as the most eligible it would absolutly annulate Every of the advantage Enumerated and the securing of which will along Insure the success of the undertaking.\nSuch regular plan in deed however answerable as they may appear upon paper or seducing as they May be on the first aspect to the ayes of some people Most even when applayed upon\nthat ground the best calculated to admit of it become at last tiresome and insipide & it never Could be in its orrigine but a Mear Contrivance of some Cool imagination wanting a sense of the real Grand & trewly beautifull only to be Met with were Nature Contribut with art and diversify the objects.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0006", "content": "Title: From George Washington to St. John\u2019s College Faculty, 26 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: St. John\u2019s College Faculty\nGentlemen,\n[Annapolis, Md., 26 March 1791]\nThe satisfaction which I have derived from my visit to your infant Seminary is expressed with real pleasure, and my wishes for its progress to perfection are preferred with sincere regard.\nThe very promising appearance of its infancy must flatter all its friends, (among whom I entreat you to class me,) with the hope of an early, and at the same time a mature manhood.\nYou will do justice to the sentiments, which your kind regard towards myself inspires, by believing that I reciprocate the good wishes contained in your address\u2014and I sincerely hope the excellence of your seminary will be manifested in the morals and science of the youth, who are favored with your care.\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0008", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 27 March 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nSunday March 27, 1791.\nI have embraced the first moment of leisure to execute your wish, on the subject to which the enclosed Notes are applicable\u2014They are neither so accurate nor so full, as I should have been glad to make them: but they are all that my situation has permitted.\nNothing new has occured in my Department worth mentioning\n  \u2014I thought that the following extract of a letter from Mr King might not be wholly uninteresting, and I there fore make it\u2014\u201cThe Legislature of this State have incorporated the Bank, limiting its capital to a million of Dollars and its duration to twenty years. The Treasurer is authorised to subscribe to the Loan, proposed to Congress all the Continental paper in the Treasury and by a bill that passed the Legislature this morning, he is directed to take in behalf of the State, one hundred and ninety shares in the National Bank. I have seen a letter from Mr John Taylor of Albany which has created some uneasiness on account of our frontier settlements\u2014He says\u2014\u2018there is great reason to apprehend danger from the Indians in this quarter;\u2019 but does not mention, nor have I been able to learn the grounds of this apprehension. You are sensible that almost every person here is interested in our Western lands; their value depends upon the settlement of the frontiers, these settlements depend on Peace with the Indians, and indeed the bare possibility of a war with the six Nations, would break up our whole frontier. It is from this state of things that the war with the Wabash Indians is so much disrelished here. The Legislature have authorised the Governor to draw Money from the Treasury and to take such measures as he may judge suitable to preserve the good will of the neighbouring Indians. I have said, and I presume it will be the case, that all prudent steps will be pursued to keep the six Nations quiet; that we were embarked and that it had became necessary to go forward with the War if peace could be obtained by no other means; but I am more and more convinced that it behoves the government if practicable to finish this Indian business, in the course of the summer.\u201d\nThe clue to Mr Taylors apprehensions seems to be a late murder of some friendly indians within the limits of this State; the particulars of which I take it for granted will be made known to you by the Secretary at War. With the most perfect respect and truest attachment I have the honor to be Sir Yr most Obedient & most hble servt\nA. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0012", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 27 March 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia March 27th 1791\nSince I had the honor to write to you on the 24th Inst. I have been informed that the Indians on the frontier of New York have lately given indications of a hostile disposition\u2014and that the legislature of that State were about to take some measures of a temporary nature for conciliating the Indians\u2014or, if that should prove ineffectual, to defend their frontiers. These measures, however, it was said, are not, by any means, intended to interfere with any arrangements of the General Government. They are only for the moment, and are to cease as soon as anything relative to the object can be carried into effect by the General Government. This Account I give as it was related to me on Friday evening by Mr Coxe\u2014who informed me that it was received by Colo. Hamilton in a letter from Mr King.\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has just now sent for a Commission to be filled up with the name of General Edwd Hand, who will accept the Appointment of Inspector of one of the Surveys of this district.\nI have heard nothing from Mr Fraunces since I informed his son of the terms upon which he would be admitted into the family. His son told me on Thursday last that he had written to his father as soon as he received my letter, which he had enclosed for his father\u2019s information; and as he had requested that he would let him know immediately if he should not incline to come, he presumes, from his having heard nothing from him, that he may be expected in a few days. Mr & Mrs Hyde have not yet gone out of the family. They denied that they might continue for a few days (unless some other person came in in their stead) until he could make some arrangements, for their support after leaving the family without going to the expense of boarding which he could illy bear. This being but a reasonable request was granted\u2014and they have continued to do such duties as they have heretofore done. Tomorrow or next day they expect to take\ntheir departure, but I do not know what plan they have fixed upon. They have delivered up the things which were committed to their charge, and with as little wear & tare as could be expected\u2014so far they may have credit.\nThis letter will be directed to Mount Vernon, and Mr Jefferson suggested to me an idea to-day, of direct letters in future, which appears to be a good one\u2014it is, to request the Post-Master of this place to make up a particular packet of such letters as may be sent to the Office for you, and direct them to the President of the United States, without enclosing them in the Mail for any particular place\u2014and as the Mail is opened at every post-town on the Road, the Post-Masters will be able, either to deliver the letters to you if you should be at the place (of which they will certainly know) or forward or detain them as your progress may require. As it was your intention to return by a rout different from the common post road, you will then be better able to give directions for conveying letters to you than we are to calculate it.\nMrs Lear & the little boy are well. We unite in best respects & most sincere affection for you, with\u2014Sir, Your Obliged & very Hble Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0013", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Cooke, 28 March 1791\nFrom: Cooke, John\nTo: Washington, George\n  Tipperary, Ireland, 28 March 1791. \u201cUnderstanding that the regulations of weights and measures is one of the objects of your Exellency\u2019s councils at present, and humbly expecting that the enclos\u2019d invention may be instrumental in effecting that end,\u201d takes the liberty of laying it \u201cat your Excellency\u2019s feet.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0014", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 28 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nGeorge Town [Md.] March 28th 1791.\nLate this afternoon your letters of the 23d & 24th instant came to hand, and as the Mail is about to be closed (leaving this before sun rise in the morning) I shall, as I must, be short.\nI return some letters to be filed;\u2014one from Colo Blaine to be given to Genl Knox, to be acted upon as he pleases;\u2014he is as well acquainted with the man as I am, & knows the want of such a character better than I do;\u2014another letter from Colo Cannon, which I may venture to say proves him to be, what I will not call him; and, that I need never look for any Rents from him.\u2014I pray you to say to him, if he does not come to Philadelphia during my absence, that his own statement\u2014given in at New York\u2014does not justify his prest report\u2014and that I am too well acquainted with the prices of grain and the demd for it last year in his own neighbourhood to be imposed upon by such a tale as his letter exhibits.\u2014In a word, that I am by no means satisfied with his treatment of me;\u2014for sure I am I shall get nothing from him but assurances of improvements, whilst he is either applying my rents to his own use\u2014or suffering the tenants to go free from the payment of them.\nOne of the Pads to the Waggon harness was left, it seems, at Mr Clark\u2019s\u2014send it by the Stage to Alexandria;\u2014if it comes too\nlate the matter will not be great.\u2014I am not able to say yet, how long I shall be detained in this place\u2014where I arrived before breakfast this morning. I am\u2014Your affecte\nGo: Washington.\nP.S.\u2014I send with my best remembrance a Sermon for Mrs W\u2014\u2014n\u2014I presume it is good, coming all the way from New Hampshire, but do not vouch for it not having read a word of it.\u2014It was one of your enclosures.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0015", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 29 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pinckney, Charles\nDear Sir,\nGeorge Town, Maryland, March 29th 1791.\nI had the pleasure to receive your Excellency\u2019s obliging letter of the 8th instant last evening.\nI am thus far on my tour through the southern States\u2014but, as I travel with only one sett of horses, and must make occasional halts, the progress of my journey is exposed to such uncertainty as admits not of fixing a day for my arrival at Charleston.\nWhile I express the grateful sense which I entertain of your\nExcellency\u2019s polite offer to accommodate me at your house during my stay in Charleston, your goodness will permit me to deny myself that pleasure.\nHaving, with a view to avoid giving inconvenience to private families, early prescribed to myself the rule of declining all invitations to quarters on my journies, I have been repeatedly under a similar necessity with the present of refusing those offers of hospitality, which would otherwise have been both pleasing and acceptable.\nI beg your Excellency to be persuaded of the sincere esteem and regard with which I am, dear Sir, Your affectionate and obedient Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0016", "content": "Title: Agreement of the Proprietors of the Federal District, 30 March 1791\nFrom: Proprietors of the Federal District\nTo: Washington, George\n[Georgetown, Md., 30 March 1791]\nWe the subscribers, in consideration of the great benefits we expect to derive from having the Federal City laid off upon our Lands, do hereby agree and bind ourselves, heirs, executors & administrators, to convey in Trust, to the President of the United States, or Commissioners, or such person or persons as he shall appoint, by good and sufficient deeds in fee simple, the whole of our respective Lands, which he may think proper to include within the lines of the federal City for the purposes and on the Conditions following\u2014\nThe President shall have the sole power of directing the Federal City to be laid off in what manner he pleases. He may retain any number of squares he may think proper for public Improvements, or other public uses, and the Lots only which shall be laid off shall be a joint property between the Trustees on behalf of the Public and each present Proprietor, and the same shall be fairly and equally divided between the Public and the Individuals, as soon as may be, after the City shall be laid off.\nFor the streets, the Proprietors shall receive no compensation, but for the squares, or Lands in any form which shall be taken for Public buildings or any kind of Public Improvements, or uses, the Proprietors, whose Lands shall be so taken shall receive at the rate of twenty five pounds \u214c Acre, to be paid by the Public.\nThe whole wood on the Lands shall be the Property of the Proprietors: But should any be desired by the President to be reserved or left standing, the same shall be paid for by the Public\nat a just and reasonable valuation, exclusive of the Twenty five pounds \u214c Acre, to be paid for the Land, on which the same shall remain.\nEach Proprietor shall retain the full possession and use of his Land, untill the same shall be sold and occupied by the purchasers of the Lotts lain out thereupon, and in all cases where the public arrangements, as the streets, lotts &c. will admit of it, each Proprietor shall possess his buildings and other Improvements and grave yards, paying to the public only one half the present estimated value of the Lands, on which the same shall be, or twelve pounds ten shillings \u214c Acre\u2014But in cases where the Arrangements of the Streets, lotts, Squares &c. will not admit of this, and it shall become necessary to remove such buildings Improvements &c. the Proprietors of the same shall be paid the reasonable value thereof, by the Public.\nNothing herein contained, shall affect the Lotts which any of the Parties to this Agreement many hold in the Towns of Carrollsburgh or Hamburgh.\nIn Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and Seals, this thirtieth day of March 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0018", "content": "Title: Proclamation, 30 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[Georgetown, Md.] Mar. 30. 1791.\nWhereas by a proclamation bearing date the 24th day of January of this present year, & in pursuance of certain acts of the States of Maryland & Virginia, & of the Congress of the U.S. therein mentioned, certain lines of experiment were directed to be run in the neighbourhood of George town in Maryland for the purpose of determining the location of a part of the territory of 10. miles square for the permanent seat of the government of the U.S. & a certain part was directed to be located within the said lines of experiment on both sides of the Potomac & above the limit of the Eastern branch prescribed by the sd act of Congress:\nAnd Congress by an amendatory act, passed on the 3d day of the present month of March, have given further authority to the President of the U.S. \u201cto make any part of the territory below the said limit & above the mouth of Hunting creek, a part of the said district, so as to include a convenient part of the Eastern branch, & of the lands lying of the lower side thereof, & also the town of Alexandria.\u201d\nNow therefore for the purpose of amending & completing the location of the whole of the said territory of the ten miles square in conformity with the said amendatory act of Congress, I do hereby declare & make known that the whole of the said territory shall be located & included within the four lines following, that is to say:\nBeginning at Jones\u2019s point, being the upper cape of Hunting creek in Virginia, & at an angle in the outset of 45. degrees West of North: & running in a direct line ten miles for the first line: then beginning again at the same Jones\u2019s point, and running another direct line at a right angle with the first across the Potomack, ten miles for the second line: then from the terminations of the said first & second lines, running two other direct lines of ten miles each, the one crossing the Eastern branch aforesaid, & the other the Potomac, & meeting each other in a point.\nAnd I do accordingly direct the Commissioners named under the authority of the said first mentioned act of Congress, to proceed forthwith to have the said four lines run, & by proper metes and bounds defined & limited, & thereof to make due report\nunder their hands & seals: and the territory so to be located, defined & limited, shall be the whole territory accepted by the said acts of Congress as the district for the permanent seat of the government of the U.S.\nIn testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the U.S. to be affixed to these presents, & signed the same with my hand. Done at Georgetown aforesaid the 30th day of March in the year of our Lord 1791. and of the Independence of the U.S. the fifteenth.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0019", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nMount-Vernon March 31st 1791.\nHaving been so fortunate as to reconcile the contending interests of Georgetown and Carrollsburg, and to unite them in such an agreement as permits the public purposes to be carried into effect on an extensive and proper scale, I have the pleasure to transmit to you the enclosed proclamation, which after annexing your counter signature and the seal of the United States, you will cause to be published.\nThe terms agreed on between me, on the part of the United\nStates, with the Landholders of George town and Carrollsburg are. That all the land from Rock creek along the river to the eastern-branch and so upwards to or above the Ferry including a breadth of about a mile and a half, the whole containing from three to five thousand acres is ceded to the public, on condition That, when the whole shall be surveyed and laid off as a city, (which Major L\u2019Enfant is now directed to do) the present Proprietors shall retain every other lot\u2014and, for such part of the land as may be taken for public use, for squares, walks, &ca\u2014they shall be allowed at the rate of Twenty five pounds per acre\u2014The Public having the right to reserve such parts of the wood on the land as may be thought necessary to be preserved for ornament &ca. The Landholders to have the use and profits of all their ground until the city is laid off into lots, and sale is made of those lots which, by this agreement, become public property. No compensation is to be made for the ground that may be occupied as streets or alleys.\nTo these conditions all the principal Landholders except the purchaser of Slater\u2019s property who did not attend have subscribed, and it is not doubted that the few, who were not present, will readily assent thereto: even the obstinate Mr Burns has come into the measure. The enlarged plan of this agreement having done away the necessity and indeed postponed the propriety, of designating the particular spot, on which the public buildings should be placed, until an accurate survey and subdivision of the whole ground is made, I have left out that paragraph of the proclamation.\nIt was found, on running the lines that the comprehension of Bladensburg within the district, must have occasioned the exclusion of more important objects\u2014and of this I am convinced as well by my own observation as Mr Ellicott\u2019s opinion. With great regard and esteem I am dear Sir Your most Obedient Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0020", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nWar Department [Philadelphia], 31st March 1791\nI had the honor to inform you on the 27th of the murder of certain friendly Indians at the Big beaver Creek, on the 9th instant.\nI enclose a Proclamation of the Governor of this State, relative to that affair. I assured him of the readiness of the General Government, to pay the reward offered upon the conviction of the Offenders. The Governor has directed the Magistrates to make inquisition into the transaction; and to transmit Affidavits thereon\u2014Upon the receipt of proper Affidavits and finding the affair as has been stated, he will demand the Offenders.\nI have written to Major Genl St Clair to take every step to avert the evil consequences of this murder of the Indians, by sending for the Relations of the deceased, and the Chiefs of the tribes to which they belonged, and making ample satisfaction for the loss of property sustained.\nBut it is to be exceedingly apprehended, that the wound will not be easily healed. For on the 18th instant, the Indians killed one Man and took three Prisoners besides horses, within two miles of Fort-Pitt, on the west side of the Allegheny River.\nThe Cornplanter writes me from Fort-Pitt on the 20th instant, and thinks the indians who committed this mischief, were those who escaped from Big beaver on the 9th instant, and that they belonged to the Delawares.\nThe Cornplanter\u2019s assurances are highly friendly\u2014He had sent Big-tree off on that day to the Miami Indians\u2014and was to set off the next day, accompanied by Lieutt Jeffers for his own\nCountry. I am glad Mr Jeffers accompanies him; as it will serve to strengthen his friendship, and may prevent his being injured by any of our parties.\nThe Governor of this State has this day requested the loan of Two hundred Arms and a proportional quantity of Ammunition, at Fort Pitt for the Militia, with which I readily complied in your behalf.\nI shall not be able to give any account of the success of recruiting either the Levies or Regulars until next week, but the Reports are good.\nArrangements are made for the supply of the Levies, both at Winchester, and Hagers Town, with Rations; and as soon as I shall receive the information of the Officers, the recruiting service in Virginia, and Maryland shall commence. I have the honor to be Sir, With the highest respect, Your Obedit Servt\nH. KnoxSecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0021", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia March 31st 1791\nSince I had the honor to write to you on the 27th Instant, nothing of a public nature, worthy notice, has come to my knowledge.\nI have heard nothing yet from Mr Fraunces, and his son can give me no information relative to his coming. However, no inconvenience is felt at this time from the want of him; for as no large entertainments are now made, such arrangements are taken as render the keeping and delivery of such things as are consumed in the family\u2014very convenient and infinitely more \u0153conomical than has hitherto been the case. Mr & Mrs Hyde have left the family. They talk of taking a house a small distance from the City, and keeping a tavern. I think they now see very fully their folly in quitting the family. But as it regards your interest I am pursuaded it is best that they have done it.\nWe have not had the pleasure to hear from you since your crossing the Bay, but are in hopes that the Post of this evening will give us accounts of your safe arrival either at Annapolis or George-Town. Mrs Lear unites in sentiments of respect veneration & affection for you, with, Sir, Your Obliged & very humb. Sert\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0022", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Emperor of Morocco, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Emperor of Morocco\nGreat and magnanimous Friend.\nSeparated by an immense Ocean from the more ancient Nations of the Earth, and little connected with their Politics or Proceedings, we are late in learning the Events which take place among them, and later in conveying to them our Sentiments thereon.\nThe Death of the late Emperor, your Father and our Friend, of glorious Memory, is one of those Events which, though distant, attracts our Notice and Concern. Receive, great and good Friend, my sincere Sympathy with you on that Loss; and permit me at the same Time to express the Satisfaction with which I\nlearn the Accession of so worthy a Successor to the Imperial Throne of Morocco, and to offer you the Homage of my sincere Congratulations. May the Days of your Majesty\u2019s Life be many and glorious, and may they ever mark the Aera during which a great People shall have been most prosperous and happy under the best and happiest of Sovereigns.\nThe late Emperor, very soon after the Establishment of our Infant Nation, manifested his royal Regard and Amity to us by many friendly and generous Acts, and particularly by the Protection of our Citizens in their Commerce with his Subjects. And as a further Instance of his Desire to promote our Prosperity and Intercourse with his Realms, he entered into a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with us, for himself and his Successors, to continue Fifty Years. The Justice and Magnanimity of your Majesty leave us full of Confidence, that the Treaty will meet your royal Patronage also; and it will give me great Satisfaction to be assured, that the Citizens of the United States of America may expect from your Imperial Majesty the same Protection and Kindness, which the Example of your Illustrious Father has taught them to expect from those who occupy the Throne of Morocco, and to have your Royal Word, that they may count on a due Observance of the Treaty which connects the two Nations in Friendship.\nThis will be delivered to your Majesty by our faithful Citizen Thomas Barclay, whom I name Consul for these United States in the Dominions of your Majesty, and who to the Integrity and Knowledge qualifying him for that Office, unites the peculiar Advantage of having been the Agent through whom our Treaty with the late Emperor was received. I pray your Majesty to protect him in the Exercise of his Functions for the patronage of the Commerce between our two Countries, and of those who carry it on. May that God, whom we both adore, bless your Imperial Majesty with long life, Health, and Success, and have you always, great and magnanimous Friend, under his holy keeping. Written at Philadelphia the Thirty first Day of March, in the Fifteenth Year of our Sovereignty and Independence, from Your good and faithful Friend\nGo: Washington\nBy the PresidentTh: Jefferson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0023", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 1 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Deakins, William Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nGentn,\nMount Vernon April 1st 1791.\nBeing accustomed to write to you respecting the grounds for the fedl City, I continue the practice.\nIt may be tuesday or Wednesday next before I shall leave this place, by which (say by mondays Post) I should be glad to hear what progress has been made, and what still remains to be done, in the business which so happily commenced on tuesday last under the accommodating spirit which then prevailed.\nThe subscription paper has been, I presume, deposited in the hands of the Commissioners, for the purpose of drawing conveyances\u2014I should be glad nevertheless to receive a copy of it with the names of the subscribers annexed thereto for my own satisfaction\u2014The general tenor of the agreement was I well remember pleasing to me, and, in my opinion reciprocally beneficial to all the parties, but I do not now recollect with precision whether it is fully expressed that the lots left to the disposal of the several proprietors by the conditions of their grants are subject to all the rules and regulations (with respect to the buildings &ca &ca) as the public ones are. This unquestionably ought to be the case\u2014it was evidently my meaning that they should be so\u2014and unless it is so, one of the great objects\u2014to wit\u2014uniformity and beauty\u2014may be defeated.\nThe Mail of Wednesday brought me a letter from Mr Jefferson dated the 27th ulto in which is the following paragraph \u201cA bill was yesterday ordered to be brought into the house of representatives here for granting a sum of money for building a federal-hall, house for the President &c.\u201d This (though I do not wish that it should be expressed as my sentiment) unfolds most evidently the views of P\u2014\u2014, at the same time that it proves in a striking manner the propriety of the measure adopted by the Georgetown and Carrollsburgh proprietors on Wednesday last\u2014as also the necessity of their compleating the good work they have begun in a speedy, and in an effectual manner that the consequent\narrangements may take place without delay. with esteem & regard I am\u2014Gentn Yr obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0024", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Fenwick, 1 April 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Fenwick, Mason, & Company\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Fenwick, Mason, & Co., 1 April 1791. On 7 July Tobias Lear referred Fenwick, Mason, & Co. to the firm\u2019s letters to GW \u201cof the 9th of July and 10th of August 1790, and of the 1st of April 1791.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0025", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon, April 1st 1791\nI have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 27th ult. with the papers which accompanied it.\nReferring to your Judgment whether a commission, similar to that intended for Mr Barclay, may be given without the agency of the Senate, I return both papers to you signed, in order that the one you deem most proper may be used.\nYour opinions respecting the acts of force which have already taken place, or may yet take place on our boundaries, meet my concurrence, as the safest mode of compelling propositions to an amicable settlement and it may answer a good purpose to have them suggested in the way you mention. Should this matter assume a serious aspect during my absence I beg you to communicate particulars with all possible dispatch.\nThe most superb edifices may be erected, and I shall wish their inhabitants much happiness, and that too very disinterestedly, as I shall never be of the number myself.\nIt will be fortunate for the American public if private Speculations in the lands, still claimed by the Aborigines, do not aggravate those differences, which policy, humanity, and justice concur to deprecate.\nI am much indebted to your kind concern for my safety in travelling\u2014no accident has yet happened either from the high hanging of the carriage, or the mode of driving\u2014The latter I must continue as my Postilion (Giles) is still too much indisposed to ride the journey.\nIt occurs to me that you may not have adverted to Judge Putman\u2019s being in the Western Country at present. Perhaps General Knox can furnish you with the Maps you want, or they may be found among those that are in my study in Philadelphia.\nI expect to leave Mount Vernon, in prosecution of my Southern tour, on tuesday or Wednesday next\u2014I shall halt one day at Fredericksburgh and two at Richmond\u2014thence I shall proceed to Charlestown by the way of Petersburg, Halifax, Tarborough, Newbern, Wilmington, & George Town, without making any halts between Richmond & Charleston but such as may be necessary to accommodate my journey. I am sincerely and affectionately Yours\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0026", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nSir,\nMount-Vernon April 1st 1791\nYour letter of the 27th Ultimo was received last evening. Your proceeding upon the intelligence therein contained (which I think truly alarming) meets my entire approbation, and appears to promise as good effects as the limited sphere of action, allotted to the general government, in cases so deeply effecting its dignity and the happiness of the citizens will allow.\nShould you suppose that additional instructions to General St Clair or any other measures within the reach of propriety may have a tendency to appease the friends of the murdered Indians, I wish you to confer with the Heads of departments and to carry into immediate effect the result of your deliberation.\nThe letters which have already been written to you, on the subject of officering the Maryland and Virginia battalions of\nlevies will shew the difficulties produced by Colonel Lee\u2019s declining; and the necessity of exertion to repair the delay which it must occasion.\nI shall endeavour to obtain information of some officers for the Virginia battalion\u2014but it will not be possible for me to act upon it until I learn what may be determined between you and Colonel Hall\u2014indeed it is my wish as it regards dispatch, that your determination, may render any future interference on my part unnecessary.\nTo prevent clashing in the measures we may adopt to officer the battalion of this State, if any thing satisfactory results from my enquiry, I will give immediate information of it. I am Sir Your obedt Servt\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0027", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 1 April 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia April 1st 1791.\nI was, by the post of last evening, honored with your letters of the 27th & 28th Ultimo and the enclosures contained in the latter.\nWe have not yet received any account of Fraunces. As measures were taken before your departure, to give him an opportunity of coming again into the family if he chose to accede to the terms & conditions upon which he might return, nothing has since been done towards engaging any particular person until we learn somthing further from Fraunces. But I have not failed to pursue my inquiries in a general way whenever opportunities have offered. Nothing has transpired respecting Holker\u2019s man; and no applications have lately been made that have the least prospect of answering the purpose. Should Fraunces not incline to comply with the stipulations which will be made for his coming, I shall then pursue the object without relaxation until a proper person & one in whom Mrs Washington fully concurs and can confide, is obtained. As much in the way of \u0153conomy and regularity in the family will depend upon a good Housekeeper,\nno pains will be spared to get such an one. Mrs Washington being better acquainted with the qualifications requisite in such a person than I am, her judgment must be my guide in whatever I may do towards obtaining this Character. We need not be in haste to fix upon persons unless such should offer as may appear to be in every respect properly qualified: for in the present state of the family we feel no particular want of such persons. To obtain them before your return will be the only wish, in point of time that we have.\nThe Boxes &c. which were in the Garden were all removed the day after your departure, and from that time to this there has been a man employed in the Garden (sent by Mr Morris, and Mrs Washington tells me by your desire, you having informed Mr Morris that it would be at your expense) in trimming the trees\u2014putting in order the Borders\u2014grass plats\u2014walks &c. He says he shall complete everything tomorrow; and from that time I think it will be very hard if it cannot be kept in the nicest order by our own people. The top of the Urn which fell off (it was not broken, being annexed to the Urn by an iron spindle) is put on as before.\nI shall be particularly attentive to your directions relative to furnishing Mrs Washington with money; and I should be extremely unhappy, if she should have cause to apply to me through an inattention on my part in asking if it is wanted.\nThe Washer woman who was employed before Jacob\u2019s wife came into the House has been discharged\u2014and the woman in the Kitchen may be discharged also, there will be no want of one there at least before your return. But nothing can be expected from Richmond\u2014he is an idle ignorant boy, and they tell me (I believe with truth) that he is of no manner of service there.\nThe Pad belonging to the Waggon harness is sent by the Stage of this morning\u2014The carriage of it is paid. But as it will not reach Alexa. \u2019till monday evening, I presume you will hardly get it before you leave that part of the Country.\nI enclosed Colo. Blaine\u2019s letter to Genl Knox immediately upon receiving it, with the extract from your letter relating to it.\nIf Colo. Cannon comes to this place I shall say to him what you request\u2014and what he appears richly to deserve.\nMrs Washington gave us a gloomy history from your letter, of your crossing the Bay. Its termination without material damage\nbrightened the scene which commenced in a pretty dark manner. We had a very severe thunder-gust here on Thursday evening, and were not without our apprehensions that you might be crossing the Bay at that time, which proved too true. The failure of your horses or a part of them will be a serious inconvenience. The high flesh & want of exercise previous to your depa\u27e8rture\u27e9 must have been a great disadvantage to them.\nMrs Washington has been pretty well since you left us\u2014Nelly has been as usual\u2014and Washington for several days past has been confined with a very severe cold, but is now recovering. Mrs Lear & our little boy are in fine health. She begs that her best respects may be presented to you. My friends at Mount Vernon and in its vicinity are remembered by me with affection and have my best wishes. I have the honor to be with the highest respect & most sincere attachment\u2014Sir Your Obliged & very hble Sert\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0028", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Hannah Fairfax Washington, 1 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Hannah Fairfax\nMy dear Madam,\nMount Vernon, April 1st 1791.\nThe letters with which you were pleased to honor me dated the 24th of February and 12th of March came duly to hand\u2014The last at George-Town, the other at Philadelphia\u2014but neither before arrangements had been taken (by letter) with the Supervisor of the Virginia District respecting the appointment of proper characters for collecting the duty on ardent Spirits and Stills.\nAt all times it would give me pleasure, as far as is consistent with my public duty, to comply with any request or wish of yours\u2014To fill offices with characters best qualified to discharge the duties thereof (as far as I am able to judge of them) must\nalways be the primary motive to every appointment with me\u2014When, happily, such considerations as you have urged in favor of Mr Norton can be combined therewith it would be highly pleasing to my mind to give them their due weight\u2014but, as I have just observed, measures had been taken previous to the receipt of either of your letters for fixing on proper persons as receivers of the above duties\u2014how far the choice of them is made I am unable to inform you.\nMrs Washington, I can answer for it, will be much pleased by your friendly recollection of her\u2014and if we should once more enjoy in retirement this peaceful mansion, it would add to the pleasures of it to see you under its roof. I will not conclude without offering my condolence on the occasion of your late loss\u2014and the strongest assurances of the affecte regard, with which I am &ca\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0029", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Baptista Ashe, 2 April 1791\nFrom: Ashe, John Baptista\nTo: Washington, George\n  Halifax, N.C., 2 April 1791. Introduces Benjamin Easley, a cadet in Captain Montfort\u2019s company, who \u201cflatters himself with filling\u201d an ensigncy in the U.S. Army, and recommends his \u201cMerit, and Abilities, equal to doing honor to the profession.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0030", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 2 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 2. 1791.\nI had the honor of addressing you on the 27th Ult. since which letters are received of Jan. 26. from mister Carmichael,\nand of Jan. 3. & 15. Madrid, and Feb. 6. and 12. Lisbon from Colo. Humphreys. as these are interesting and may tend to settle suspense of mind to a certain degree I shall trouble you with quotations from some parts & the substance of others.\nColo. H. says \u201cI learn from other good authority, as well as from mister Carmichael, that all the representations of Gardoqui (when minister in America) tended to excite a belief that the most respectable & influential people throughout the U.S. did not wish to have the navigation of the Missisipi opened for years to come, from an apprehension such event would weaken the government & impoverish the Atlantic states by emigrations. it was even pretended that none but a handful of settlers on the Western waters & a few inhabitants of the Southern states would acquiesce in the measure.\u201d this is the state of mind to which they have reverted since the crisis with England is passed, for during that the Count de Florida Blanca threw out general assertions that we should have no reason to complain of their conduct with respect to the Missisipi; which gave rise to the report it\u2019s navigation was opened. the following passages will be astonishing to you who recollect that there was not a syllable in your letters to mister G.M. which looked in the most distant manner to Spain. Mr Carmichael says \u201csomething however might have been done in a moment of projects & apprehension had not a certain negociation carried on on our part at London, transpired, & which I think was known here rather from British policy than from the vigilance of the Marquis del Campo. entirely unacquainted with this manoeuvre, although in correspondence with the person employed I was suspected to be in the secret, this suspicion banished confidence, which returns by slow degrees. this circumstance induced me to drop entirely my correspondence with G.M. to continue it would have done harm, & certainly could do no good. I have seen extracts of the President\u2019s letter communicated to the Duke of Leeds, perhaps mutilated or forged to serve here the views of the British cabinet. I do not yet despair of obtaining copies of those letters through the same channel that I procured the first account of the demands of G.B. & the signature of the late convention.\u201d Colo. Humphreys says \u201cthe minister had intimations from del Campo of the conferences between mister Morris & the Duke of Leeds, which occasioned him to say with warmth to mister Carmichael now is your time to make a treaty with England. Fitzherbert availed himself of these conferences\nto create apprehensions that the Americans would aid his nation in case of war.\u201d your genuine letter could have made no impression. the British court then must have forged one, to suit their purpose, & I think it will not be amiss to send a genuine copy to Carmichael, to place our faith on it\u2019s just ground. the principal hope of doing any thing now, is founded, either on an expected removal of the count de F.B. from the ministry, in which case persons will be employed who are more friendly to America, or to the bursting out of that fire which both gentlemen think but superficially covered. Mr Carmichael justifies himself by the interception of his letters. he has shewn the originals to Colo. H. he concludes his present letter with these words. \u201crelying on the good opinion of me that you have been pleased to express on many occasions, I intreat you to engage the President to permit me to return to my native country.\u201d Colo. Humphreys on the subjects of his justification & return says (after speaking of the persons likely to come into power) \u201cmister Carmichael being on terms of intimacy with the characters here, is certainly capable of effecting more at this court than any other American. he is heartily desirous of accomplishing the object in view at all events, & fully determined to return to America in 12. or 18. months at farthest. he has expressed that intention repeatedly. to be invested with full powers, perhaps he would be able to do something before his departure from the continent\u201d in his letter of Jan. 15. he says \u201cmister Carmichael\u2019s ideas are just: his exertions will be powerful & unremitting to obtain the accomplishment of our desires before his departure from this country. the task will now be difficult if not impracticable.\u201d in that of Feb. 6. he says. \u201cMr Carmichael is much mortified that so many of his dispatches have miscarried. by the original documents, which I have seen in his hands I am convinced he has been extremely assiduous & successful in procuring early & authentic intelligence. it is difficult for a person at a distance to form an adequate judgement of the embarrasments to which a public man, situated as he was, is subjected, in making written communications, from such an inland place, & under such a jealous government. he appears disgusted with the country & the mode of life he is compelled to lead. he desires ardently to return to his native land; but he wishes to distinguish himself first by rendering some essential service to it if possible.\u201d\nI propose to write to mister Carmichael that your absence prevents\nmy asking the permission he desires, that as it is natural he should wish to do something which may make favorable impressions here before his return & an opportunity is now offered him, I will suspend asking his recall till I hear further from him.\nGovernour Quesada, by order of his court, is inviting foreigners to go & settle in Florida. this is meant for our people. debtors take advantage of it & go off with their property. our citizens have a right to go where they please. it is the business of the states to take measures to stop them till their debts are paid. this done, I wish a hundred thousand of our inhabitants would accept the invitation. it will be the means of delivering to us peaceably, what may otherwise cost us a war. in the mean time we may complain of this seduction of our inhabitants just enough to make them believe we think it very wise policy for them, & confirm them in it. this is my idea of it. I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & attachment, Sir, your most obedt & most humble sert\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0031", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Ustick, 2 April 1791\nFrom: Ustick, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n  Philadelphia, 2 April 1791. Has left a package at the presidential residence that Isaac Backus requested him to deliver to GW.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0032", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Ballard, 3 April 1791\nFrom: Ballard, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBalt[imore] April 3d 1791.\nI discover by the Act of Congress for laying an Additional duty on Forriegn Spirits and Spirits Distilled in the U.S.\u2014and that your Excellency & the Supervisor are to make appointments for carrying into effect the Services the Act requires to be performed. and furthermore that your Exellency may appoint such Officers of the Custom\u2019s as may seem Proper to you. I am therefore humbly to sollicit your Exellency\u2019s favor in granting and giving me the appointment of superintending and performing the duties for the Port of Baltimore agreeable to Law.\nI have not had time to peruse the Law with strict attention, but I observe that the duties to be performed, will come more immediately under the Observation of the surveyor in Sea Port Town\u2019s, than any other Person; he, being constantly employed on the Water & Wharfs. If Sir, I have read the Law right, the Supervisor makes appointments for the home made Spirits. In this Town at present there are only two both immediately on the Water; by each I pass in my Barge four times a day\u2014the Duty to be performed there like wise come natural and easy for the Surveyor, and at the same time, save the Additional expence of another Boat and hands. Your kindness in giving me the Surveyors Place for this District will make a lasting impression on my mind, and I hope to merit by my works the good opinion of your Excellency. I beg to observe that altho\u27e8\u2019\u27e9 I am pleased with the Office your Excellency has intrusted to my care, yet the Emoluments fall short of maintaining my family. My only wish now is to live to maintain my house full of Boys, give them an Education and make them usefull Citizens. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedt hum. Servt\nRobert Ballard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0034", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Augustus Christian George Elholm, 3 April 1791\nFrom: Elholm, Augustus Christian George\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nNatchez Aprl 3d 1791\nAs it is not to a singular Aptness nor the peculiar zeal! of a Suitor to wish I am indebted for the Progress in the Mathematics but to an indulged indefatigable Desire of finding or assertaining the Natural Opporation of the Causes from their Visible Effects! and sensible of Your Extensive Knowledge in this Science! and also from Experience that a Powerfull Share of an innate Sanguinity may lead us imperceptibly astray; and that the strenght of Our Reason can not be esteemed perfect, nor it\u2019s Decree inseparable from irror unless with Success it has Stood the Tryal by an infalible Judge! It is now first that the approved Axioms of Eucid\u2019s Elements Could Concquor My diffidence to render the Efforts of My Study known to You! and declare that I have discovered the Quadrature of the Circle heretofore Sought in Vain! and Solicit a Public Examination under the wings of Your influensive Patronage! and presence to give Lusture to So long hidden a Solution: a Discovery that will enable Skillfull Mathematicians to explain the Physicle Cause of the Obliguity of the Ecliptic with the Equator: the annual Revolution and Rotation of Our Globe! with other Phenomina\u2014and as it is with greater endeavor if Greater can be than what acquired me the Sense of the honoble Congress Recorded on it\u2019s journal the 11th of May 1785 that I now address Your influence to give Sanction to a Public Utility; Your Magnanimity Affords me the pleasing assurence that my Philosophic Toil Shall benefit from Your Love of Arts!\nI here beg leave to refere You to the following Extract of a\nLetter written to the honble Brigdr Genl Charles C. Pinckney viz:\n\u201cIn the Cours of my above mentioned Study; I have happily discovered the true proportion between the Diametter, and it\u2019s Pheriphery: a Resolution that has ever been desired by the greatest Mathematicians but not expected to be found: Who therefore have Contented themselves with an approximation.\n\u201cI wish that a premium may be offered to him who Can solve this Problem! to Effect which I [k]now none redier in Your Government; nor supperiour in Intrest than Yourselve and Your Freinds; By doing this You will propose no useless Expence to Your fellow Citizens but on one hand give a Singular Proof: that the Western Spirit Conscious of it\u2019s Own Ability thinks no Problem within the Bounds of Human imagination unresolvable by Man! Whilst on the other You will advance an infalible Step to promode a usefull System to the World.\u201d\nThe Method Geomettrically, as well as by Calculation with exactness to give the Length of the imaginary Line that divides the Area; of a Circle from the Compliment of the Contents of it\u2019s Circumscribed Sqare promises a perfection in Astronomy, Gonery; Mechanism, and Navigation; and consequently Can no less Claim the attention of Yourselve, the Honble Senate, and Representitives than What it will Sooth the united Spirit in Your System.\nTo conclude I beg leave to repeat my incessent wish for a public Examination \u201cthat both the Learned And unlearned may See I do not avoit the judgment of any\u201d by Submitting My discovery to the investigation of a Collected body of able Mathematicians, and the most popular Personage to preside.\nIt was thus Nicolas Copernicus Successfully dedicated his Astronomical knowledge to the Popular Pontiff Leo Xth Similar to Myself from a Remote Corner of the Earth.\nI wish You health and peace and that you may live to the highest period of a Most desirable Age; at the head of a Wise Senate, a Spiritid and equally Patriotic House, of Representitives, and a powrfull united People! under the peculiar Care of heavn.\nAugstus Christn Geo: Elholm", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0035", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 3 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon April 3d 1791.\nSince my last to you\u2014from George Town\u2014I have, I believe, received your letters of the 23d, 24th, & 27th ult.\nWhether a certain Gentleman is the man I conceived him to be, or such a one as is hinted at in the letter you enclosed me, is not yet certain; but, admitting the latter, it is too late to look back.\u2014I cannot be in a less productive situation by the engagement than I was;\u2014the principal disadvantage resulting from it will be, that I can never count upon the payments until they are actually made;\u2014consequently, can never speculate upon the money which I wished to have done.\u2014If I recollect rightly, there is something in Colo. Cannons letter (transmitted to you) concerning the Kanhaway lands\u2014if it is indicative of an intention to let them, or, that he conceives himself empowered to do it, I desire you will inform him of the Sale of them.\u2014\nYou did well in forwarding the letters from the Western territory, although they were, upon opening of them, found to be laws only.\u2014\nUntil we can restrain the turbulance and disorderly conduct of our own borderers it will be in vain I fear to expect peace with the Indians,\u2014or that they will govern their own people better than we do our\u2019s.\nMr Jefferson\u2019s ideas with respect to the dispatches for me, is a very good one, & I desire it may be put into execution.\u2014I send you some letters to file, not finding it convenient to be\nencumbered with them on my journey.\u2014My best wishes attend Mrs Lear and I am Yr sincere friend and Affectionate Servant,\nGo: Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0036", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 3 April 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia April 3d 1791.\nGeneral Knox informed me that in consequence of Colo. Blaine\u2019s letter he had recommended it to Colo. Duer, the Contractor, to employ him in that Country in the way that he wishes, if Blaine will accept of a secondary part in the business of supplying the troops. But whether it will be done or not, was uncertain at the time of General Knox\u2019s mentioning the matter to me.\nAs we have not yet heard anything from Fraunces, I informed his Son, last evening, that, unless he either came on, or it was ascertained that he would come by next thursday, there would be no obligation on your part to with-hold any longer engaging a suitable Character for Steward if any could be found who might be unexceptionable. After that time, if Fraunces does not come, I will endeavour to take such measures as will determine the point with respect to Holker\u2019s man. If he cannot be unexceptionably obtained, the best means that can be devised shall be used to get some other person qualified for the place.\nI am sorry to say that the progress which Washington makes at his School by no means justifies the high Character given of that Seminary, nor in any degree answers the expectation which was formed of its excellence. I have lately taken several occasions to examine him, and have been surprized to find that he seems to have made no advances in the Latin since he left his instructor in New York. In reading & writing it is evident he has lost much, and as it was mentioned at the time of his entering that he would\nnot be put to arithmetic, it is not to be wondered at now that he cannot tell 100 from 1000. From the accounts which I have heard for some time part of the dignity wanting in the immediate government of the College\u2014and the little subordination among the boys, particularly in the School where Washington attends, I have been led to doubt whether all that advantage would result from placing him there which the flattering account gave reason to expect. So fully are Colo. Hamilton and the Attorney General impressed with the circumstance of their Sons making no progress there that they are determined to remove them. The former sends his son, tomorrow, to Mr [Joseph] Bend who has opened a private School, in which the number of Scholars is limited to 25. Whether the latter has determined to send his son there or elsewhere I do not know; but he says that he finds his son has lost rather than otherwise since his being at the College\u2014and he is therefore determined upon removing him. My having understood that these Gentlemen intended to remove their sons, all due to the unfavourable accounts which I had heard from other quarters, put me upon making more particular inquiries into the State of things there\u2014which inquiries have terminated in convincing me that there are just grounds for censure in the conduct of that Seminary. If dignity be wanting in the head it is absurd to expect that there will be a due respect paid to the subordinate parts\u2014Dr S. has so little of it that he makes himself rediculous to the lowest boys in the Schools who do not hesitate to speak of him in the most disrespectful terms\u2014there has been more than one instance lately of the subordinate masters being hissed by the boys\u2014and one of them pelted with dirt and Stones as he came out of School. The number of boys in each School is likewise a great Objection. In that where Washington goes there are upwards of one hundred boys, to attend whom there are but two masters, besides the principal. This circumstance is in itself a strong objection to the boys making any great progress, for I do not beleive that any man, let his talents & industry be what they may, can do justice to more than twenty five scholars at a time.\nI have thought it a duty incumbent on me, Sir, to be thus explicit on this subject with you; because as I consider this Child to be in some measure under my inspection in this respect in your absence, I should be justly liable to censure if I neglected\nto inform you of these circumstances which have come to my knowledge. I shall take an opportunity to inform Doctor Smith that the boy makes no progress, and must leave it to him to learn the cause of it until I have the honor to hear from you on the subject. Perhaps when it is found that members are leaving the School (which I am informed will be the case to the amount of 12 or 15 at least) new arrangements may be made and such measures taken as m[a]y ensure better management in future. Should this be the case, I am of opinion, as I ever have been, that it will be best for him to lay the foundation of his education in that Seminary where he may finish it. But if the present lax system is pursued I have no doubt but that he should be removed.\nAs Dunlap\u2019s paper did not come yesterday I shall enclose the others of that date\u2014and as there was an arrival in a short passage from Bristol yesterday after noon, I shall not close this letter \u2019till the last moment of the Mail in order that I may put in the papers of tomorrow morning if they come in in time.\nMrs Lear presents her best respects to you and unites with me in best wishes for all my friends at Mt Vernon &c.\u2014if this letter should reach you before you leave that place. I shall direct this letter to Mt Vernon, Fredericksburg or Richmond\u2014as you mentioned in your letter to Mrs Washington that you did not know when you should be able to leave George Town we cannot calculate upon your pursuing your journy on Monday as you expected when you left this place. With sentiments of the highest respect & purest affection I have the honor to be Sir, Your obliged & very humble Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0037", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 3 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Muse, Battaile\nSir,\nMount Vernon April 3d 1791\nYour letter of the 20th of Jany came duly to hand, but at a time when public business pressed so heavily upon me that I could give no attention to private concerns.\nI am sorry to hear of Mr Hickman\u2019s loss & in consequence of it, remit his last years Rent. Buying & selling of leases with as much facility as one would do a horse or an Oxe, does not comport with my ideas of the improvement of the land; and for that reason it was, that the practice is guarded against. However, in the case of Mr Hickman, if the purchaser is a person of good character, and in appearance likely to answer my purposes as well as the prest occupier, I shall not object to the transifer.\nMr Hickman in his application to me, does not ask to be released from the transfer Rent\u2014nor do I see upon what ground he could, as it will fall more upon the purchaser than seller; yet, if there is any thing in the case to make it necessary, I will not object to it. I am Yr Very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0038", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Tilghman, 3 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tilghman, William\nSir,\nMount Vernon April 3d 1791.\nThe enclosed letters contain all the information I can give respecting the proceedings of Colvils Executors against Mr Sydney George. It will appear from these (as I think I mentioned to you) that the bond had been considered as lost, and that, the only resort, in case of non-payment was supposed to be to a Court of Chancery. Whether such a suit was instituted by Mr Chalmers is more than I am able to inform you, or whether any farther correspondence took place between Mr West & him does not appear from any papers I possess, or have access to.\nIt will be recollected that our dispute with G. Britain commenced soon after the interchange of the enclosed letters, and that the Courts of Justice were long shut up. During this period Mr John West, the acting Exr, died; Mrs Francina Colvil Executrix of the Will having done so before him. By these events I became the only surviving Exr and it must be noticed that from the year 1774 until the close of the War I was from home, and unable to give attention to this, or any other private concern\u2014that previous thereto the Execution of the Will rested nearly, if not wholly, upon Mr John West\u2014and that it is but lately that the bond has been recovered.\nUnder these circumstances I pray you to apply to the Representative of Mr Sydney George for payment of it\u2014and in case of refusal to bring suit thereon, that in any event my administration in this particular may stand Justified. Through any channel you may direct, your fee & the cost of Suit shall be paid. I am Sir Your Most Obedient Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0040", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Boissieu de Gibert, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Gibert, Boissieu de\nTo: Washington, George\nMonseigneur\nau Cap fran\u00e7ais isle St DomingueMaison de Mr Bouger negt Rue des religieusesLe 4 avril 1791\nLe Mois De juin Dernier, jai E\u00fb L\u2019honneur de vous Ecrire une Premiere pour vous Supplier vous interesser a Mon Sort, a L\u2019effet D\u2019avoir une Pla\u00e7e aupr\u00e8s de vous ou Dans votre D\u00e9pendence. Mes talents se Bornent aux affaires Contentieuses a suivre une Correspondance fran\u00e7aise dresse des Memoires &c., mon \u00e2ge Meur D\u2019Environ quarante ans donne une asseurance d\u2019assiduit\u00e9 a remplir mon Devoir, Et jose Le Dire a La Probit\u00e9 La plus intacte, Ce qui est Libre a Prendre information. Mon Cher fils ag\u00e9 de 16 an qui a une tr\u00e8s Belle Pleume ne Demanderait pas moins D\u2019avoir Conjointement avec moy Une Pla\u00e7e, soit Le Climat Pezant de cette Colonie, derengement de notre Sant\u00e9, soit Le Changement tout nous Permet de nous En Retirer.\nVeuill\u00e9s Monsieur nous trouver en azile affin de nous Soutenir avec Agr\u00e9ement Ch\u00e8s vous a un Employ, j\u2019ose Esperer que votre humanit\u00e9 Conn\u00fbe vous y Portera, Je Suis avec R\u00e9spect Et Soumission Monseigneur Votre Soumis serviteur\nBoissieu de Gibert", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0041", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon April 4th 1791\nYour letter of the 27th Ult. came duly to hand. For the information contained in it\u2014and for the notes which accompanied the same, I thank you.\nEvery expedient, as I believe you know, is in operation to avert a War with the hostile Indian tribes\u2014and to keep those who are in treaty with us in good temper; but I am nearly thoroughly convinced that neither will be effected, or, if effected, will be of short duration while land jobbing and the disorderly conduct of our borderers is suffered with impunity; and whilst the States individually are omitting no occasion to interfere in matters which belong to the general Government.\nIt is not more than four or five months since the Six Nations or part of them were assured (through the medium of Colo. Pickering) that thence forward they would be spoken to by the Government of the United States only and the same thing was repeated in strong terms to the Cornplanter at Philadelphia afterwards. Now, as appears by the extract from Mr King, the Legislature of New York are going into some negotiations with these very people. What must this evince to them? Why, that we pursue no system, and that our declarations are not to be regard. To sum the whole up in a few words\u2014the interferences of States, and the speculations of Individuals will be the bane of all our public measures. Sincerely & Affectionately I am Yrs\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0044", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nSir,\nMount Vernon April 4th 1791\nTo avoid the inconvenience of future delay in officering the Virginia battalion of levies, and to remove the uncertainty which your want of information might occasion, I have determined to attempt its completion, with the assistance of Colonel Darck, whom I have authorized by a letter of this date, to appoint three Captains, three lieutenants, and three Ensigns from among the Gentlemen of his part of the State, Berkley County\u2014I shall take immediate measures for appointing a Major and the officers of the other Company\u2014The Major will be directed to call on Colonel Darck, on his way to the War Office, and he will then carry a report to you of what has been done. I am Sir, Your most obedt Servt\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0045", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Pierre-Charles L\u2019Enfant, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nSir,\nMount Vernon April 4th 1791\nAlthough I do not conceive that you will derive any material advantage from an examination of the enclosed papers, yet, as they have been drawn by different persons, and under different circumstances, they may be compared with your own ideas of a proper plan for the Federal City (under the prospect which now presents itself to us.)\u2014For this purpose I commit them to your private inspection until my return from the tour I am abt to make. The rough sketch by Mr Jefferson, was done under an idea that no offer, worthy of consideration, would come from the Land holders in the vicinity of Carrollsburg (from the backwardness which appeared in them); and therefore, was accommodated\nto the grounds about George Town. The other, is taken up upon a larger scale, without reference to any described spot.\nIt will be of great importance to the public interest to comprehend as much ground (to be ceded by individuals) as there is any tolerable prospect of obtaining. Although it may not be immediately wanting, it will nevertheless encrease the Revenue; and of course be benificial hereafter, not only to the public, but to the individual proprietors; in as much, as the plan will be enlarged, and thereby freed from those blotches, which otherwise might result from not comprehending all the lands that appear well adapted to the general design; and which, in my opinion, are those between Rock Creek, Potowmac river and the Eastern branch, as far up the latter as the turn of the channel above Evans\u2019 point; thence including the flat back of Jenkin\u2019s height; thence to the Road leading from George Town to Bladensburgh, as far Easterly along the same as to include the branch which runs across it, somewhere near the exterior of the George Town cession; thence in a proper direction to Rock Creek at, or above the ford, according to the situation of the ground.\nWithin these limits there may be lands belonging to persons incapacitated, though willing to convey on the terms proposed; but such had better be included, than others excluded, the proprietors of which are not only willing, but in circumstances to subscribe. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0046", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Powell, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Powell, Robert\nSir,\nMount-Vernon, April 4th 1791.\nBeing induced by the fair representation which is made to me of your character I do hereby notify to you your appointment to\nbe Major Commandant of a battalion of Levies, directed by an act of Congress to be raised for the service of the United States in the State of Virginia\u2014and I enclose to you a statement of the pay, clothing, and rations, and forage allowed to the said battalion.\nIt will be necessary, if you accept the appointment, that you should come immediately to Mount-Vernon, as I shall leave it within a day or two\u2014and I wish to give you some directions before you repair to the Secretary of war, from whom you will receive your commission and instructions. I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0047", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Beverley Randolph, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Beverley\nSir,\nMount-Vernon, April 4th 1791.\nThe enclosed letter to Colonel Carrington, requesting him to meet me at Richmond on the 11th of the present month, is transmitted to your Excellency\u2019s care to ensure the certainty of it\u2019s conveyance, and I beg leave to request, if there is no other immediate and direct opportunity, that you may cause it to be forwarded to him by express. I have the honor to be, with great regard and esteem, Your Excellency\u2019s most obedient Servant\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0048", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Bowman, 5 April 1791\nFrom: Bowman, John\nTo: Washington, George\n  Peachtree, S.C., 5 April 1791. Invites GW to accept the accommodations of his house near the Charleston road fourteen miles from Georgetown, S.C., where he \u201cwill do my self the honour of meeting your Excellency.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0050", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 5 April 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia April 5th 1791.\nThe enclosed letter from Mr G. Morris, was yesterday put into my hands by Mr R. Morris, having come under cover to him.\nI was yesterday asked by the Vice-Presidt if it was true that information had been received of Count Andriani\u2019s having written things to Europe unfavourable to and disrespectful of this Country. I told him that such information had been received\u2014repeating the purport of that contained in Colo. H.\u2019s Letter. He appeared extremely vexed at the Count, and spoke of him in very harsh terms. He said that the Count had brot a letter to him from Dr Price recommending him to his notice, but not having formed a very good opinion of him, he had paid him but little Attention. In future he should make it a point to deny himself if the Count should call upon him, and should he meet him elsewhere he should treat him with a marked contempt. He further added that he should let Dr Price know what an unworthy Character he had introduced to him\u2014and beg in future that he would be more cautious in his recommendations. I relate this conversation, because it struck me as being pointedly introduced.\nThe Attorney General called upon Mrs Washington today, and informed her that three of his Negroes had given him notice that they should tomorrow take advantage of a law of this State, and claim their freedom\u2014and that he had mentioned it to her from an idea that those who were of age in this family might follow the example, after a residence of six months should put it in their power. I have therefore communicated it to you that you might, if you thought best, give directions in the matter respecting the blacks in this family.\nMrs Washington has just now received your letter from Mount Vernon, where we are happy to hear that you arrived well. She does not write at this time, but desires to be remembered. The family continue in good health. Mrs Lear unites with me in best respects. I have the honor to be with the highest respect & warmest attachment\u2014Sir\u2014Your most Obedt Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0051", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 6 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon April 6th 1791.\nYour letters of the 31st Ult. and 1st instant have been received\u2014Tomorrow I continue my journey. A request of General Knox\u2019s (consequent of Colo. Lee\u2019s declining his appointment) to name Officers for the Battn of Levies to be raised in Berkeley &ca has prevented its being done sooner.\nI am perfectly satisfied that every necessary & proper step will be taken to procure a good Steward, and a good House keeper; and therefore shall add nothing further on this head\u2014Let the man who is at work in the Garden, or has been there, be paid\u2014I mean to be under no obligation to anyone.\nThe pad arrived in good time, and I expect my horses (as they seem well recruited) will go on better than they have come. I send more letters to be filed\u2014my best wishes attend Mrs Lear and the Child, and I am sincerely & Affecty Yrs\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0052", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Richard Butler, 7 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Butler, Richard\nSir,\nMount Vernon, April 7th 1791.\nThe necessity of placing the organization of the Virginia battalion of levies upon a certain footing before I leave Mount Vernon, which I shall do this morning, has induced me to authorise Colonel Darke, who lives near Shepherd\u2019s town in Berkley-county to appoint all the Officers to the battalion, and when they are appointed to direct the Major to repair to Philadelphia to receive the orders of the Secretary of war, and the other officers to commence the recruiting service.\nShould Colonel Hall decline, and Colonel Darke chuses to accept, he will be appointed to command the regiment.\nI have given this information to you to prevent any clashing in the measures which might be adopted to officer the battalion, and as it may be best that you should see Colonel Darke as soon as you have finished what remains to be done in Maryland\u2014I have informed him that you are on the way through Maryland to Virginia for the purpose of completing the arrangements of both battalions, informing him that he is in the meantime to continue the service which I have requested him to perform. I am Sir, your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0054", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 7 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon April 7 1791.\nJudging it necessary, before I left Mount Vernon, which I shall do this morning, to place the organization of the Virginia battalion of Levies on a certainty, I have devolved on Colonel Darck, who lives near Shepperds town in Berkley County, an authority to appoint all the officers, and, when appointed, to direct the Major to repair immediately to Philadelphia, to receive your instructions\u2014and the Captains and Subalterns to commence the recruiting service.\nYour further instructions, on this subject, you will either communicate to Colonel Darck by letter or forward to him by the Major when he waits on you.\nIf Colonel Hall declines, and Colonel Darck agrees to accept the command of the regiment, every thing will be in a regular train of settlement with Colonel Darck\u2014but, if he should not enter into the service himself, I have directed him to report his expences in this business to you, and I have to request that his accounts may be examined and paid.\nShould neither of these Gentn agree to command the regiment, I wish you to appoint some other person, the best qualified, who will accept. Your letter of the 1st instt to Major Jackson is received\u2014a summary of what has been written to Colonel Darck will be communicated to Genl Butler for his government, in a letter, this morning. I am Dear sir &ca\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0056", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Giuseppe Chiappe, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Chiappe, Giuseppe\nTo: Washington, George\nExcellence\nMogador [Morocco] 10 Avr\u00eel 1791\nJa\u2019i e\u00fb L\u2019honneaur d\u2019ecrire a V.E. voie de Londres & sous couverte du Consul General des Venerables Etats, Le 18me Janvier a\u00f1\u00e8 courent, informente V.E. de Tout ce que \u00eatoit pass\u00e8 dans Le noveau Regn\u00e8 de Sid Mulai Liezid jousque a cette Epoque, & comme je crois mon devoir de continuer Les de plus novelles pass\u00eaes apr\u00e8s je me fais L\u2019honeaur de les humilier \u00e0 V.E.\nS.M.I, \u00e0 dej\u00e1 rec\u00fbes avec beaucoup de distinction Trois ambassades; La primiere celle de Raguza, La 2de de Portogal & La 3me d\u2019Englaterre qui est arriv\u00e8 a Sal\u00e8 (\u0169 Se Trouve encore S.M.) Le 22me du pass\u00e8 Mars. Toutes Les Trois ils se sont faites ho\u00f1eaier mais en particulier Les deux de Portogal & Englaterre qu\u2019ils ont portes des beaux riches presents, un accompagnement d\u2019Officiers, Musiciens & soldats, outre L\u2019avoir dispench\u00e8 une bonne parti d\u2019Argent aux Ministres & Officiers de La Court; Ce que je previen avec respect a V.E. pour gouvernement, \u00eatant que aujourdhuy Les Presents & Les despenches de La Court sont alter\u00e8es & differentes considerablement de les pass\u00e8es.\nOn attend en peu de Temps Toutes Les autres Ambassades, & ceux que nous voions plus proches sont. De Fran\u00e7e, d\u2019Ollande, de Venize & de Genes des quelles nous en av\u00f4ns quellques Noveles. Je souaite que celle des Etats-Unis Tres respectables, puisse Les deven\u00e7er pour prouver a S.M.I. l\u2019empress\u00e9ment qu\u2019ils Anime a Se procurer son amiti\u00e8 & correspondence.\nS.M. en peu de jour passer\u00e0 sanz doute a la Court de Maroc selon Toutes Les dernieres Noveles de Sal\u00e8 & il faudra que je haitte me presenter comme Les de plus Charges des Nationts, & a mon retour J\u2019aurai l\u2019honneaur de faire part de Tout a V.E.\nLe 1\u27e83\u27e9 me Fevrier \u00east arriv\u00e8 a cet Port venant de Londres avec des Merchandisses La Sloop Ameriquene Le Dolphin sous Capn William Sharpe, son Equipage de six persones & je me prend La Libert\u00e8 de rapresenter a V.E. Les procedures du susdit\nCapn pour qu\u2019ils me Soient de justification dans L\u2019activit\u00e8 & Zele avec Le quelle je procure d\u2019assister L\u2019Illre Nation.\nLe jour apree son arriv\u00e9 il se me presenta en acte de Compliment avec son Racomendataire, je L\u2019ai inform\u00e8 del encharge que j\u2019avoit pour l\u2019asisten\u00e7e de la Nation, je lui ai offert La m\u00eame & mes particulieres Services, & depuis se jour La je n\u2019ai e\u00fb plus Le plaisir de Le voir, & il est parti pour Londres Le 15me mars Sanz prendere, ne Manifest, ne Patent de Sant\u00e8, de mon office.\nMes hautes desires sont Toujour d\u2019\u00eatre utile aux respectables Etats, & de pouvoir demontrer a V.E. Le grand respect & consideration avec le quelle j\u2019ai L\u2019ho\u00f1eaur d\u2019\u00eatre Tres profondement De Votre Excellence Le Tres Humble & Tres Obbt Serviteu\u27e8r\u27e9\nGiuseppe Chiappe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0058", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 10. 1791.\nI had the honor of addressing you on the 2d inst. which I presume would overtake you at Richmond. the present I imagine will not overtake you till you get to Wilmington. since my last I have been honoured with your two letters of March 31. and two others of Apr. 4. one of which was circular. a copy of this I sent to the Vice president, and as Colo. Hamilton has asked a consultation on a letter of mister Short\u2019s we shall have a meeting with the Vice-president tomorrow. I will then ask their advice also on the communication to Colo. Beckwith relative to the supplies to the Indians. finding, within a day or two after my\n  letter to you of Mar. 27. that Putnam was gone to the Westward, I detained my letter to him, and applied to Genl Knox from whom I obtained some information on the Eastern boundary. no official information of the affair of Moose island is received here. perhaps it is on the road to you. nor do we hear anything more of the disturbance said to have arisen on the borders of New York. I have asked the favour of my friend mister Madison to think on the subject of the Consular commission to mister Barclay. so far as we have done so & conferred together as yet, we are both of opinion it may be used; but we shall think & confer further. I presume your only doubt arose on the constitutional powers to \u2018supply vacancies\u2019 during the recess of Congress. there was an omission also (which might strike your mind) of the limitation of the commission \u2018till the end of the next session of Congress.\u2019 as the constitution limits them, this clause is always useless; however as it does no harm it has been usually inserted in the commissions. but in the case of mister Barclay such a clause would require a very awkward explanation to the Emperor of Marocco: and as mister Barclay is apprised of the constitutional determination of his commission it was thought better to omit the useless expression of it. the acquisition of ground at George town is really noble. considering that only \u00a325. an acre is to be paid for any grounds taken for the public. and the streets not to be counted, which will in fact reduce it to about \u00a319. an acre, I think very liberal reserves should be made for the public, your proclamation came to hand the night of the 5th. Dunlap\u2019s & Bache\u2019s papers for the morning of the 6th being already filled, I could only get it into Brown\u2019s evening paper of the 6th or the 7th. the bill for the federal buildings passed the representatives here by 42. to 10. but it was rejected yesterday by 9. to 6. in the Senate, or, to speak more exactly, it was postponed till the next session. in the meantime spirited proceedings at George-town will probably, under the continuance of your patronage, prevent the revival of the bill. I received last night from Majr L\u2019Enfant a request to furnish him any plans of towns I could, for his examination. I accordingly send him, by this post, plans of Frankfort on the Mayne, Carlsruhe, Amsterdam, Strasburg, Paris, Orleans, Bordeaux, Lyons, Montpelier, Marseilles, Turin and Milan, on large & accurate scales, which I procured while in those towns respectively. they are none of\nthem however comparable to the old Babylon, revived in Philadelphia, & exemplified, while in Europe I selected about a dozen or two of the handsomest fronts of private buildings of which I have the plates. perhaps it might decide the taste of the new town, were these to be engraved here, and distributed gratis among the inhabitants of Georgetown. the expence would be trifling.\nI inclose you extracts from a letter of mister Short\u2019s of Jan. 24. one of Jan. 28. has since come to hand, containing nothing but a translation of the Letter said to have been written by the emperor to the king of France, but which he suspects to be a forgery, a forged bull of the pope having lately appeared in the same way. he says very serious differences have arisen between the minister of Prussia at Liege, and the Imperial commanding officer there.\nI also inclose the debates of the Pennsylvania assembly on the bill for the federal buildings, and the bill itself; and have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & attachment Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0059", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nWar Department [Philadelphia], 10th April, 1791.\nI have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your separate letter of the 4th instant, and also of your joint letter of the same date, to the heads of the departments.\nBy the information from Fort Harmar of the 17th, and Pittsburg of the 31st, it would appear that the Delawares and Wyandots are committing depredations, and that they will be joined in the War against us.\nBut what is still more disagreeable, it is to be apprehended that the Senekas mainly may be in the same predicament.\nFor a party of Munsey or Delaware Indians, who reside upon the waters of the Allegany, towards lake Erie, on the 21st ultimo, murdered Nine Men, Women and Children, within twenty miles of Fort Pitt, on the west side of the Allegany.\nThis was on the day the Cornplanter set out from Fort Pitt. The inhabitants were so blindly enraged, as to suspect the Cornplanter and his party, and agitated plans to cut him off\u2014had they proceeded and succeeded, it would have completed the business, and the War would indisputably have become general\u2014Lieutenant Jeffers, of the federal troops, accompanied the Cornplanter, and would probably have shared his fate.\nEvery exertion must be made to prevent the six Nations from\njoining the Western Indians\u2014The Post at french Creek must be strengthened, and perhaps a party sent to protect the Cornplanter\u2019s settlements from the fang of the Whites.\nAffairs being so critical with the six Nations, I have judged it adviseable to assemble them as soon as possible, in order to brighten the Chain of friendship and to prevent all jealousies. I have accordingly desired Colonel Pickering, who may be depended upon to invite them to a Meeting, at some convenient place at an early day\u2014and that in the mean time, that he should repair to this City for particular Orders. I shall lay this subject before the Vice-President, and the other heads of departments tomorrow, for their approbation.\nThe recruiting service proceeds well. I judge we have about three hundred Regulars and levies inlisted at different places, to Connecticut inclusively.\nOne Company of levies well clothed, will march from Carlisle about the 25th and the rest as fast as recruited.\nThe marching of the Regulars will commence by Companies. I hope by the first of May, and follow in succession, as fast as recruited.\nPresent appearances indicate, that the main force will be collected by the 15th of July, as originally designed.\nBrigadier General Butler, was directed to have set off for Maryland on the 6th but he has delayed it until this day. But as the Virginia and Maryland Levies, will not have far to march, I hope they will be on the frontiers, by the 15th or 20th of June. I have the honor to be With the highest Respect Your Obedient humble servant\nH. Knoxsecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0060", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia April 10th 1791.\nSince my letter of the 5th I have been honored with your favors of the 3d & 6th of the present month, with their enclosures.\nIn Colo. Cannon\u2019s letter to you there appear\u2019d (as you apprehended) an idea that he conceived himself authorized to let your lands on the Ohio and Kanawa; but he does not express an intention of doing anything respecting them until he shall have seen you, which he expected would have been the case this spring. I have, however, written to him (by the post) giving information of your having disposed of those lands\u2014and shall send a duplicate of my letter to him by one of the Representatives from that County when the Assembly rises, which it is expected to do this week.\nAs there have been no further accounts from Fraunces, either through his son or from himself, it is presumable that he does not intend to come; I have, therefore, taken such measures to ascertain the point with respect to Holker\u2019s man, that if he inclines, and has it in his power to come, he may do it without any impropriety on either part.\nThe man who has been employed in the Garden shall be paid agreeable to your directions; and every attention shall be given to have it kept in complete order by our own people. Rhemur and Jacob have little else to do at present.\nMrs Washington has, for some days past, been very much afflicted with a violent cold\u2014which confined her to her Chamber and swelled her face very much; but she is now, thank God, recovering very fast, and today appears tolerably well. The Children and the rest of the family enjoy good health\u2014Mrs Lear begs you to accept her grateful respects & best wishes for a continuance\nof your health\u2014With the most sincere Attachment & highest respect, I have the honor to be\u2014Sir, Your obliged & very humble svt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0061", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhilada April 11th 1791.\n  I have just received a letter from Mr King in these words\u2014\u201cMr Elliot, who it has been said was appointed will not come to America, owing say his friends here to a disinclination on his part which has arisen from the death of his eldest or only son. Mr Seaton yesterday read me an abstract of a letter from London dated February 2. & written, as he observed, by a man of information, which says\u2014\u2018Mr Frazer is appointed Plenipotentiary to the United States of America and will go out as soon as it is ascertained here that a correspondent character is appointed in America\u2019\u2014Although Mr Elliott might not have been altogether adequate to the appointment, yet he would not have been a bad choice; it is questionable whether we can say even as much as that for Mr Frazer, who is probably the Gentleman lately resident with the Hans towns, and formerly consul at Algiers, and who is said to be a wrong headed impetuous man. Should this information be correct, the appointment is not only unpromising but is also a pretty strong proof of the misguided opinions of the British administration concerning this Country.\u201d\nNothing except the foregoing letter occurs worth communication more than is contained in my official dispatch herewith. With the truest and most respectful attachment I have the honor to be Sir Your Obedt Servant\nA. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0062", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 12 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nRichmond [Va.], April 12th. 1791.\nSince my last to you from Mount Vernon, your letters of the 3d. and 5th. Instant have been recd., the last at this place where I arrived yesterday to dinner.\nIf the case is as you suspect, it is expedient and proper to remove Washington to a School in which he will make some progress in his learning; and that it is so, I have had some suspicions for some time, principally on account of his fondness of going to the College. Boys of his age are better pleased with relaxed discipline\u2014and the inattention of their tutors, than with conduct that brings them forward. It would have been highly pleasing to me (for the reasons, which I have often expressed) to have continued Washington at the College, but, if after the enquiries you have made, it should appear, that there is either incompetency in the masters from the number of boys in the School, or from other causes, I will not waste his time in compliment to that Seminary,\u2014but before you finally decide on this matter, it is my wish as Colo. Hamilton, Genl. Knox and the Attorney-General have sons in the same predicament (if they are\nnot removed) that you would consult and act in Concert with them; & I shall be satisfied in whatever is done in consequence of it. And should like to have him at the same School that Hamilton\u2019s son goes to.\nThe Attorney-General\u2019s case and mine I conceive, from a conversation I had with him respecting our Slaves, is some what different. He in order to qualify himself for practice in the Courts of Pennsylvania, was obliged to take the Oaths of Citizenship to that State; whilst my residence is incidental as an Officer of Government only, but whether among people who are in the practice of enticing slaves even where there is no colour of law for it, this distinction will avail, I know not, and therefore beg you will take the best advise you can on the subject, and in case it shall be found that any of my Slaves may, or any for them shall attempt their freedom at the expiration of six months, it is my wish and desire that you would send the whole, or such part of them as Mrs. Washington may not chuse to keep, home\u2014for although I do not think they would be benefitted by the change, yet the idea of freedom might be too great a temptation for them to resist. At any rate it might, if they conceived they had a right to it, make them insolent in a State of Slavery. As all except Hercules and Paris are dower negroes, it behoves me to prevent the emancipation of them, otherwise I shall not only loose the use of them, but may have them to pay for. If upon taking good advise it is found expedient to send them back to Virginia, I wish to have it accomplished under pretext that may deceive both them and the Public;\u2014and none I think would so effectually do this, as Mrs. Washington coming to Virginia next month (towards the middle or latter end of it, as she seemed to have a wish to do) if she can accomplish it by any convenient and agreeable means, with the assistance of the Stage Horses &c. This would naturally bring her maid and Austin\u2014and Hercules under the idea of coming home to Cook whilst we remained there, might be sent on in the Stage. Whether there is occasion for this or not according to the result of your enquiries, or issue the thing as it may, I request that these Sentiments and this advise may be known to none but yourself & Mrs. Washington. From the following expression in your letter \u201cthat those who were of age might follow the example of his (the Attorney\u2019s people) after a residence of six months\u201d\u2014it would seem that none could apply\nbefore the end of May\u2014& that the non age of Christopher, Richmond & Oney is a bar to them.\nI offer Mrs. Lear the child and yourself my best wishes\u2014and with Sincere Esteem I am Your Affecte. friend", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0063", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Officials and Citizens of Richmond, 12 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Officials and Citizens of Richmond\nGentlemen,\n[Richmond, Va., 12 April 1791]\nThe very distinguished manner in which you are pleased to notice my public services, and to express your regard towards me, demands and receives a grateful and affectionate return.\nIf to my agency in the affairs of our common-country may be ascribed any of the great advantages, which it now enjoys, I am amply and most agreeably rewarded in contemplating the happiness, and receiving the approbation of my fellow-citizens, whose freedom and felicity are fixed, I trust for ever, on an undecaying basis of wisdom and virtue.\nAmong the blessings which a gracious Providence may be pleased to bestow on the people of America, I shall behold with peculiar pleasure the prosperity of your city, and the individual happiness of its inhabitants.\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0064", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Sumter, Sr., 12 April 1791\nFrom: Sumter, Thomas Sr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nStateburgh [S.C.] 12th April 1791.\nBeing informed by my son that he will wait on you in Cha[rle]ston at your arrival, I am happy in having an Occasion of offering you the sincerest welcome to our State, together with my best wishes for your health & happiness, not only at present but in perpetuity \nIn your travels you may yet remark the traces of British devastation, & I am afraid, the pernicious effects of impolitic counsels, and lax principles\u2014But you will also discern a happy contrast to this representation, in the prospects of vigor & prosperity, that are now budding from the unity of Our American Governments, & which, have been so strongly Assured to us by the happy management which has charactered the first & most trying period of your Presidency\u2014I hope Sir, this freedom will be excused as I have been moved to it from considerations of the highest esteem & the evermost regard\u2014And likewise to declare how happy the People of this quarter & myself should be made, by having an opportunity of receiving one amongst us, who, is always thought & spoken of with most affectionate emotion.\nWe have been led to suggest our desire from a report of your having it in your intention to visit Collumbia & Camden, the first, lies opposite to State b\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 30 miles distance & the\nlatter at not m\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 20\u2014So that the deviation will be perhaps, more trifling than the pleasure which the view of those Highlands, may afford, which have been doubtless described to you\u2014Allow me Dear Sir, to subscribe myself with the truest sentiments of respect & regard yr most Obdt Hbe Sert\nThos Sumter senr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0065", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Coleman, 13 April 1791\nFrom: Coleman, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nCouncil Office Richmond [Va.] April 13th 1791.\nHaving declined the Appropriation to your own private Emolument of certain shares in the Potowmack and James river Companies, which it was the intention of the Legislature of this State to have vested in you; and having given the preference to such public Appropriation of them as to you may appear most subservient to the enlightened and patriotic Views of the Legislature in that particular Instance: Can you, sir, pardon an individual of little consequence to the community, but as he may be the instrument of Service to it, for presuming to suggest, that the encouragement of a Free School in the neighbourhood of this place, might be attended with much public benefit; and that an Appropriation of one or more share or shares in the James river Company as to you may seem proper may with the encouragement of the Citizens of Richmond, effectually answer so salutary a purpose.\nI inclose a temporary subscription, which will in some measure serve to show the sense of the Citizens of this place on the subject. And have the Honour to be Sir, your very obedt Servant\nSamuel Coleman.\nThe nature of the inclosed paper will plead its excuse for coming before you in so defaced a garb.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0066", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the Federal District, 13 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Commissioners for the Federal District\nGentlemen,\nRichmond [Va.], April 13, 1791.\nAgreeably to the assurance given to Mr Carroll, I applied, immediately upon my arrival in this city, to Governor Randolph for two thousand dollars for federal purposes under your direction. Although by the law of this State, the payments of the one hundred and twenty thousand dollars are to be made by installments, the Governor is well disposed to advance the money at earlier periods\u2014but alas! the treasury is empty\u2014He has promised me however that, so soon as he can obtain the above sum, it shall be remitted or made subject to your draught.\nMy anxiety to have the agreement which was entered into at Georgetown on the 30th ult. carried into full and complete effect, by legal conveyances, is such (thereby leaving nothing to chance) that I cannot forbear repeating my wish that it may be done without delay, notwithstanding the persuasion I am under that the propriety of the measure will prompt you to the execution of the business in a manner best calculated to answer the public purposes.\nIt having been intimated to me that the Proprietors of Georgetown are desirous of being comprehended within the limits of the federal city, I see no objection to the measure provided the Land holders, adjoining to it, included within the red lines of Messrs Beatty and Orme\u2019s survey, referred to in the first offer from Georgetown, agreed to cede to the public on the same terms with those under the last (or combined) agreement\u2014and if those within the blue lines are likewise desirous of being comprehended, on the same terms, it may be done\u2014The doing of which would only place them on the same footing with the rest of the Subscribers, at the same time that it would render the plan more comprehensive, beneficial, and promising\u2014drawing the centre of the federal city nearer to the present town.\nIf this measure is seriously contemplated the present is the fit moment for carrying it into effect; because, in that case it will become part of the original plan, and the old and new towns would be blended and assimilated as nearly as circumstances will admit\u2014and Major L\u2019Enfant might be instructed to lay out the whole accordingly. I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient Servant\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Since writing the foregoing I have again conversed with Governor Randolph, and have drawn upon him, payable to your order, for forty thousand dollars, being the first installment\u2014one thousand of which he hopes to have ready within a few days\u2014the remainder to be subject to your draughts. He will endeavor to transmit the money so as to prevent trouble or inconvenience\u2014but, on this head he will write to you himself more at large.\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0069", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John K. Read, 13 April 1791\nFrom: Read, John K.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\n[Richmond, Va., 13 April 1791]\nI have taken the freedom, to enclose for your perusal, a Copy of the preface to a work intitled, \u201cthe new Ahiman Rezon,[\u201d] assigned to me for publication, by the Grand Lodge of Virginia, which work being now ready for the press (so soon as a competent number of subscribers are procured to defray the expence) I have adventured to sollicit the honour, of dedicating it to you.\nIf you should find on perusal of the preface, (which will give you the outlines of the work) that there is utility in the production, I flatter myself the obscurity of my name will not militate against the success of my application\u2014I beg leave to refer you to my friend the honble Mr Lyons, for my caracter as a Man\u2014as an Author my claim to your attention, can only be, in proportion to the merits of the work.\nThe Grand secretary, who will deliver you this, will do me the favour, of conveying your Answer, I have the honour to be, with the most perfect respect and Esteem Sir yr Most Obdet & devoted Servt\nJ. K. Read", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0070", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Simpson, 13 April 1791\nFrom: Simpson, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nGibraltar 13th April 1791.\nI had the honor of addressing Your Excellency 21st September last year by the American Brig Ann\u2014John Martin Master bound for Philadelphia, accompanying a dispatch from Francis Chiappe Esqr.\nBy this opportunity of the English Ship Roman Eagle\u2014Samuel Glover Master for New York, I now send another packet for Your Excelly received a few days ago from Mr Chiappe. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant\nJames Simpson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0071", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Waldo, 13 April 1791\nFrom: Waldo, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\n  Portland [District of Maine] 13 April 1791. Applies for the post of excise inspector for the District of Maine and reminds GW of the prior recommendation of the late James Bowdoin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0073", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Brown, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Brown, John\nSir,\nRichmond [Va.], April 14. 1791.\nAlthough the deed of bargain and sale from Muse, dated in 1774, conveys all the right he had to lands in the patent for 7276 acres\u2014yet as there must have been some inducement to take the subsequent deeds in 1784 I am inclined, though unable to account for them, to have them fully recorded\u2014especially as the quantity of land thereby conveyed differs pretty considerably\u27e8.\u27e9 I am Sir, your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0075", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nTreasury Department [Philadelphia] April 14th 1791\nI have the honor to send herewith a copy of my letter of the 10th inst: and of that from Mr Short of the 2d of December to which it refers; and also the copy of another letter from Mr Short of the 25th of January.\nThe result of my submission to the Vice President and the heads of Departments has been, that they have unanimously advised me to instruct Mr Short to proceed to open a second loan as soon as the first shall be filled, and to extend the sum from two and a half to three millions of Guilders. I nevertheless request your direction concerning the alteration in his instruction, generally which is proposed in my letter.\nFinding on recurring to it, your instruction to me competent to the disposition of the sum borrowed; I have directed Mr Short to apply one million and a half of the loan which was to commence in February, as a payment to France. The exchange between France & Holland afforded a benefit of more than ten \u214c Cent to the United States on the last payment.\nI thought it adviseable to dispose of a principal part of the loan to this object, not only from the general considerations which operate in the case, but from a desire to counteract the success of some Negotiations with the French Court for the purchase of the Debt due from us, which are not for the interests of the United States. I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect Sir Your most Obedt & most hble servant\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0076", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Harriott Pinckney Horry, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Horry, Harriott Pinckney\nTo: Washington, George\n  Hampton, Santee [S.C] 14 April 1791. Requests that her house may serve as a stage on GW\u2019s route to Charleston.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0077", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Louis Paronneau, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Paronneau, Louis\nTo: Washington, George\nPenobscot [District of Maine] April 14th 1791\nOh! Glorious Deliverer of your Country; I most Humbly beg you to excuse my temerity in Daring to expose before your Highness a Picture of woes to which your mild Heart will be very sensible:\nI have left my Country, at that prayer of a beloved uncle: The most Horrid murder has Deprived me of this Dear father, and (Could your Excellency believe the sad tale) black injustice with all its most Criminal Jury accuses me of being his murderer: I am Dragged in a Narrow Gaol where innocence ought Never to go: Nor my tears, nor my prayers, nor my innocence Can move the flinted Heart of inhumans who perhaps (oh Horror) are guilty of the Crime of which they accuses me.\nbe your Greatness Judge of my griefs in thinking of the Sorrow of a father and of a Mother that tenderly Cherish their son who pay\u2019s em with the same Love. I weep bitterly: not for myself,\nI weep, since I am innocent: but for a whole family of which I have always been the Delight.\nIn the name of your shining glory, in the name of Humanity, Deign to interest yourself in the behalf of an unjustly accused youth; in the name of the love your greatness bear to the French Nation may your remedy the Dangerous sickness of one of her Limbs. with the most profound respect I implore all the succour, all the pity, all the tears that Justly Deserves of your Highness, the most unfortunate, the most thankful to the part you will take to his misfortunes, & most Humble Servt,\nLouis Paronneau", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0078", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edmund Pendleton, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pendleton, Edmund\nMy dear Sir,\nPetersburgh [Va.] April 14th 1791\nThe letter with which you were pleased to favor me\u2014dated the 9th instt\u2014overtook me at Littlepages bridge the 11th.\nThe hurry into which I was thrown by a variety of occurrances at Richmond, prevented my acknowledging the receipt of it before\nI left that City. I now do it, with assurances that it gave me sincere pleasure to find by it that you were well.\nThe general arrangement of the Surveys of Inspection for this District\u2014and the characters designated for the collection of the duties\u2014had, in a great measure, been previously made before I came into this State. I have, however, desired the Supervisor to make the best provision he can for Mr Norton in the subordinate distribution of the Offices, if an appointment of this sort should meet his approbation. With sincere esteem, and affectionate regard I am\u2014my dear Sir Your most Obedient\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0079", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Officials of Petersburg, Virginia, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Officials of Petersburg, Virginia\nGentlemen,\n[Petersburg, Va., 14 April 1791]\nReceiving with pleasure, I reply with sincerity to your flattering and affectionate address. I render justice to your regard and to my own feelings, when I express the gratitude which the sentiments it contains have inspired\u2014and you will allow me to say, that gratitude, so impressed, must be lasting.\nThe government of the United States, originating in the wisdom, supported by the virtue, and having no other object than the happiness, of the people, reposes not on the exertions of an individual yet, as far as integrity of intention may justify the belief, my agency in the administration will be consonant to your favorable opinions\u2014and my private wishes will always be preferred for the prosperity of Petersburg and the particular welfare of its inhabitants.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0080", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Beverley Randolph, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Beverley\nSir\nRichmond, April 14, 1791.\nThe Secretary of War having transmitted to me a copy of your Excellency\u2019s letter to him, relative to the protection of the frontier counties of Virginia, with his answer thereto\u2014I have now to observe that the Counties of Russell and Wythe, not having been considered as equally exposed with the others, were not included in the arrangements taken for defending the frontier\u2014But, as the protection to be afforded was intended to embrace every county that might be exposed to inroad or invasion, if it shall appear to your Excellency a necessary measure, I request that you will be pleased to direct such an extension of the defense as will cover these counties, and place them in equal security with the others.\nShould it comport with the state of your Treasury to make an advance of Two thousand dollars, of the sum appropriated by the State of Virginia for federal purposes on the Potowmac, I beg that an intimation thereof may be given to Mr Johnson, Doctor Stuart, and Mr Daniel Carroll, who are the Commissioners, and who will take measures, in consequence, for drawing the money. This supply is very essential, and requires that the earliest intimation, which the state of your funds will allow,\nshould be given to the Commissioners. I have the honor to be, with respectful consideration, Your Excellency\u2019s most obedient Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0081", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Tatham, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tatham, William\nSir,\nRichmond [Va.], April 14th 1791.\nI have received your letters numbered 1,2,3, and 4. thanking you for your attention in presenting to me a copy of your map, and wishing you the best success in completing that in which you are now engaged, I return the subscription papers, with my name affixed for a copy of each map, on which, the money to be advanced, will now be paid\u2014and I have to observe that there appears to me greater propriety in your pursuing the plan, on which it was originally undertaken, than in adopting any other.\nMy tour through the southern States, being in the nature of a short visit, will not require the assistance, which you are so obliging as to offer\u2014my public situation forbids any interference in questions of individual claims otherwise than as they may come before me officially in the form of an act of Congress\u2014This will be satisfactory to you for my declining to direct any investigation of the vouchers which you mention. I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0083", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 15 April 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia April 15th 1791.\nSince I had the honor to write to you on the 10th Inst. we have had the pleasure of learning that you reached Fredericksburg on the 8th.\nMr Jefferson has been so good as to furnish me with a copy of the Stages which you intended to make on your journey southward, and the times at which you expected to be in the principal towns, together with a list of the places through which you would pass on your return. By which I find that this letter will not reach you until your arrival at Charleston, and that which I shall send by the post of monday will probably find you at Savannah. After which, letters will be directed to those places through which you intend passing on your return, and to which there may be cross posts leading from the town on the main post-road to which it is most convenient, calculating the time as nearly as we can (from your departure from Savannah) at which you will be in the different places, and so timing the letter that they may meet you at those places to which they may be directed. There will likewise be one or more opportunities in the course of a week to write to Charlestown by water, which shall be improved, and may possibly convey letters to you before this gets to hand. Mr Smith sails for So. Carolina in a few days, to whose care a letter will be committed. Mrs Smith has presented him with a daughter within a few days.\nI am today to receive a decided answer with respect to Mr Holker\u2019s man; but I confess I have not much expectation of his\ncoming. Fraunces has undoubtedly given up the matter for there has not been a syllable heard from him. Should we not be able to get a person who understands perfectly the arrangement of a table, and is properly qualified in other respects; I would beg leave to suggest the following idea. There is a Confectioner in town who advertises to furnish a desert for entertainments in the handsomest style, and to receive back such parts of them as may not be consumed, at the same rate which he charges; this, I conceive, will be attended with a saving in this family\u2014where we have a large quantity of those things carried untouched from the table, and which I very much doubt whether they ever made their appearance there the second time. The Man also arranges the desert or second course before it is brought in & attends himself to take it away as soon as the company have risen from table to prevent any purloining by the Servants. I mentioned his advertisement to Mrs Washington, who wished to have an experiment made of him with a small company which she had invited on Tuesday consisting of the Vice Presidt & family & Mr Morris & family. This was done & the desert & arrangement pronounced very genteel & tastey. He is to bring his bill today, by which I shall see the expence of that day & from thence form an estimate of the expense attending this mode with any company. Should this be found an elegible thing in all respects, I conceive we shall have no occasion to engage a person in the capacity of Steward. If a good, steady, & respectable woman (in her place) can be obtained to act as Housekeeper, William could do many things which were done by Hyde, as the Marketing will not come in his hands, that being done by the Cook, who has certainly furnished us with better things & at a less rate than Hyde did. The liquors are in bottles and I find it no manner of trouble to give out now to Fidus before dinner what may serve for the day\u2014and the same meathod, if thought good, might be pursued hereafter. I have just suggested that as it has occurred to me, and Mrs Washington that if a person cannot be obtained for a Steward who is perfectly qualified & quite unexceptionable, that this would be a much better mode than to be at the expence & trouble of an ignorant or bad man.\nI have the happiness to inform you that Mrs Washington has recovered from her indisposition occasioned by a violent cold,\nand with the Children the rest of the family is now in good health. Mrs Lear unites with me in a most respectful remem\u27e8-brance\u27e9 & warmest wishes for the preservation of your health. I have the honor to be with the highest respect & most sincere attachment Sir Your obliged & very hum\u27e8e Servt\u27e9\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0084", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Rutledge, Sr., 15 April 1791\nFrom: Rutledge, John Sr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sir\nCharleston [S.C.] April 15. 1791.\nI am extremely sorry, that official Duty prevents (which nothing but indispensable necessity should,) my going, with my Son, to meet you, at the Boundary-Line of North-Carolina: He will do himself the Honour of waiting on you, from thence but I flatter myself, that I shall have an opportunity of paying my Respects, to you, in Person, on your Tour thro\u2019 the upper Country, (where I must be for several Weeks, on the Circuit,) & of joining my Fellow Citizens there, in expressing, & testifying those Sentiments of Affection for your Person, & Veneration for your Character, which prevail in every part of this State, as much as in any part of the United States. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Esteem & Respect, Dr Sir yr obliged & most obedt Sert\nJ. Rutledge", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0085", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 17 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n  Treasury Department [Philadelphia] 17 April 1791. Informs GW of the death of the comptroller of the Treasury, whose \u201closs is sincerely to be regretted as that of a good officer and an honorable & amiable man.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0088", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 April 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar department [Philadelphia] April 17th 1791\nThe last letter which I had the honor to write to you was dated on the 10th instant. Since which I have received your favor of the 7th instant. Colonel Hall having declined Colonel Darck agreably to your orders, will have the offer of the 1st regiment of Levies, and if he should decline, it is probable that Colonel Rawlings would accept it.\nWe shall march between the 25th instant, and the 1st of May two full companies of regulars, amounting to 152 non commissioned and privates. One company from this City, and the other from Delaware. And within the same period, two companies of Levies will commence their march, one from Trenton and the other from Carlile, These several companies together with the levies who may be expected to have assembled at Fort Pitt of the upper battalion of this state will nearly amount to four hundred men.\nThe clothing complete for General Seviers battalion sailed from hence for Richmond on the 15th. Waggons are waiting there to transport the clothing to Holstein, at which it will arrive by the 20th of May, by which time the battalion I hope will be raised and in readiness; to march\u2014the Goods for Governor Blounts treaty are involved in this arrangement, all being under the charge of General Seviers Son.\nAbout one half the clothing for the Maryland and Virginia battalions will be sent from hence tomorrow, by Land, to Hagers Town and Winchester. B. General Butler did not set out until the 13th but he has promised great exertions.\nThe Clothing for Roberts\u2019s company will sail from New York for charlestown in a few days. The money for recruiting his company and the arms and accoutrements have already been forwarded. But flattering expectations ought not to be formed of its being of any service during the present campaign.\nThe prospects of recruiting at the eastward are satisfactory, and the companies of that quarter will begin to move forward early in May.\nI have written to Governor Clinton to endevor to engage Brandt in the business of conciliating the western Indians, provided it could be effected without disgusting the Cornplanter. I\nexpect Colonel Pickering every hour, on the business mentioned in my letter of the 10th.\nI have not heard of Colonel Proctor since his departure. Nor have I heard of Genl St Clair, but the next post which will arrive on the 20th will probably bring some information from him. Neither have I received any information from Fort Pitt, since the 10th instant. I have the honor sir to be with the highest respect Your obedient Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0089", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 April 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nPrivate \nSirPhiladelphia 17th April 1791   \nMr Eveleigh the Comptroller of the Treasury died yesterday. There will be a number of candidates for his office, who will urge their several pretensions with some specious, and perhaps some weighty arguments.\nHaving been taught by your goodness to address myself to you unreservedly, and knowing your desire to learn through different mediums, existing opinions relative to candidates, I take the liberty of transmitting you mine, on this occasion.\nFrom the view I have taken of \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 subject, it appears to me, that more personal political and official considerations unite in favor of Mr Wolcott the present auditor of the treasury as a proper character to succeed Mr Eveleigh than in any other person within my knowledge.\nHe is in the exercise of habits necessary to the investigations of public accounts, and eminently possesses the talents to form proper judgements of the cases which may be in his department.\nShould he not be appointed the State of Connecticut may think itself neglected, as some of its citizens are of opinion that it has not its proportion of the great offices of government.\nAnd there appears to be a propriety and fitness, in advancing persons of integrity and highly approved conduct from a lower to an higher grade. And I beg leave to observe that this appointment would be most acceptable to the secretary of the treasury. A circumstance of great importance in the harmonious conducting of the business of the treasury.\nThe general principle which you have been pleased justly to adopt of distributing offices according to the divisions of eastern middle and southern states may have its operation in this case, as a character from a southern state may be found for the auditors office.\nMr Kean of South Carolina has been mentiond for the auditor. But he informs me, that he is of opinion, the duties would require too intense an application, for the infirm state of his health.\nBeing upon the subject of offices I beg leave further to state that Judge Pendleton district Judge of Georgia has requested me to mention his name to you as a candidate for the vacancy in the circuit Court occasioned by Mr Rutledges resignation. In your tour you will be able to obtain all necessary information relative to him. I have the honor to be sir with perfect respect Your Obedient Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0093", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Smith, 20 April 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Smith, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Thomas Smith, 20 April 1791. On 8 July GW wrote to Thomas Smith that he received his \u201cletter of the 20th of April\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0095", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 21 April 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Robert Morris, 21 April 1791. On 16 June GW acknowledged Morris\u2019s \u201cletter of the 21th of April.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0096", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Masons of New Bern, North Carolina, 21 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Masons of New Bern, North Carolina\nGentlemen,\n[New Bern, N.C., 21 April 1791]\nI receive the cordial welcome which you are pleased to give me with sincere gratitude.\nMy best ambition having ever aimed at the unbiassed approbation of my fellow-citizens, it is peculiarly pleasing to find my conduct so affectionately approved by a fraternity whose association is founded injustice and benevolence.\nIn reciprocating the wishes contained in your address, be persuaded that I offer a sincere prayer for your present and future happiness.\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0097", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 24. 1791.\nI had the honour of addressing you on the 17th since which I have recieved yours of the 13th. I inclose you extracts from letters received from mister Short in one of the 7th of Feb. mister Short informs me that he has received a letter from mister de Montmorin, announcing to him that the King has named Ternant his minister here. the questions on our tobacco & oil have taken unfavorable turns. the former will pay 50. livres the thousand weight less when carried in French than foreign bottoms. Oil is to pay twelve livres a kental which amounts to a prohibition of the common oils, the only kind carried there. tobacco will not feel the effect of these measures till time will be given to bring it to rights. they had only 20,000 hogsheads in the Kingdom in Novemb. last, & they consume 2000 hogsheads a month; so that they must immediately come forward & make great purchases, & not having, as yet, vessels of their own to carry it, they must pay the extra duties on ours. I have been puzzled about the delays required by mister Barclay\u2019s affairs he gives me reason to be tolerably assured, that he will go in the first vessel which shall sail after the last day of May. there is no vessel at present whose destination would suit. believing that even with this, we shall get the business done sooner than thro\u2019 any other channel, I have thought it best not to change the plan. the last Leyden gazettes give us what would have been the first object of the British arms had the rupture with Spain taken place. you know that Admiral Cornish had sailed on an unknown destination before the Convention was recieved in London. immediately on it\u2019s reciept, they sent an express after him\nto Madiera, in hopes of finding him there. he was gone, & had so short a passage that in 23 days he had arrived in Barbadoes, the general rendezvous. all the troops of the islands were collecting there, and Genl Matthews was on his way from Antigua to take command of the land operations, when he met with the packet-boat which carried the counter orders. Trinidad was the object of the expedition. Matthews returned to Antigua, & Cornish is arrived in England. this island, at the mouth of the Oronoko, is admirably situated for a lodgment from which all the country up that river, & all the Northern coast of South America, Spanish, French, Dutch, & Portuguese, may be suddenly assailed.\nColo. Pickering is now here, & will set out in two or three days to meet the Indians, as mentioned in my last. The intimation to Colo. Beckwith has been given by mister Madison. he met it on very different ground from that on which he had placed it with Colo. Hamilton, he pretended ignorance & even disbelief of the fact: when told that it was out of doubt, he said he was positively sure the distribution of arms had been without the knowlege and against the orders of Ld Dorchester, & of the government. he endeavored to induce a formal communication from me. when he found that could not be effected, he let mister Madison percieve that he thought however informal his character, he had not been sufficiently noticed: said he was in N. York before I came into office, and that tho\u2019 he had not been regularly turned over to me, yet I knew his character. in fine he promised to write to Ld Dorchester the general information we had recieved & our sense of it; and he saw that his former apologies to Colo. Hamilton had not been satisfactory to the government. nothing further from Moose island nor the posts on the Northern border of New-York, nor any thing of the last week from the Western country.\nArthur Campbell has been here. he is the enemy of P. Henry. he says the Yazoo bargain is like to drop with the consent of the purchasers. he explains it thus. they expected to pay for the lands in public paper at par, which they had bought at half a crown the pound. since the rise in the value of the public paper they have gained as much on that, as they would have done by investing it in the Yazoo lands: perhaps more, as it puts a large sum of specie at their command which they can turn to better\naccount. they are therefore likely to acquiesce under the determination of the government of Georgia to consider the contract as forfeited by non-payment. I direct this letter to be forwarded from Charleston to Cambden. the next will be from Petersburg to Taylor\u2019s ferry; and after that I shall direct to you at Mount Vernon. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most affectionate respect and attachment Sir Your most obedient & most humble sert\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0098", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 24\u201326 April 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nLetter not found: to Tobias Lear, c.24\u201326 April 1791. On 15 May Lear wrote GW that he received a letter from GW that covered one to Mrs. Washington, \u201cwhich she informed me was dated at Wilmington.\u201d GW was in Wilmington, N.C., from 24 to 26 April.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0099", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 April 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia April 24th 1791\nOn thursday last I had the honor to receive your letter of the 12th Instant with its enclosures. As no vessel has sailed for So. Carolina or Georgia, from this place, since the date of my last letter (the 17th) (altho\u2019 several are up for Charleston, and according to their advertisements shou\u2019d have sailed before this time), I intend this letter to go by the mail to Charleston, with a request to the Post-master there, to forward it by a private conveyance either to Augusta or Columbia as the first opportunity may Offer. Should it go on by the Post to Savannah, it would not reach that place before you leave it, provided you meet with nothing to interrupt your intended movements.\nAs I mentioned in a former letter that I should, I accordingly have spoken to Dr Smith respecting Washington. The Doctor observed that after the Easter Holy-days (which terminate on Tuesday next) he should make some new regulations in the Schools which he hoped would be productive of good effects: and that Washington should be put to Cyphering immediately and particular attention paid to his writing, reading & as well as to Latin. I have conversed with the Several Gentlemen mentioned in your letter upon the subject. They are decidedly of opinion that the boys have gained nothing, but rather lost, since their entrance into that seminary, and nothing prevents their\ntaking them from thence but the want of a suitable master to place them under, and this want they conceive may be applied whe[ne]ver a sufficient number unite to employ one. Colo. Hamilton observes that so fully is he impressed with the fact, that there are such radical defects in the present mode of government & instruction at the College as can only be removed by an almost total change of the system now prevailing, that he would not, upon any consideration, continue his son there. He according[ly] removed him some weeks ago, and placed him under the care of Mr Bend, who I mentioned in a former letter has opened a private school. This Gentleman was spoken of as eminently qualified to discharge the duties of an instructor to Boys. But it is said that he has very lately received an invitation from Baltimore to fill the place which has become vacant by the death of the Revd Mr West, and that so flattering & advantageous is the offer there is no doubt of his accepting it.\nAs there are assurances that an advantageous alteration will immediately take place in the School where Washington goes, I conceive it would be highly proper to continue him there \u2019till the effects of a change can be known. If it should be favourable it will be highly pleasing that he should remain where he is. If otherwise\u2014there will be a proper & convenient season to remove him after the August vacation (as it is called) which commences the latter part of July, and gives a recess of six weeks, in which time Mrs Washington says she intends to carry the Children to Mount Vernon. Should it be found necessary to remove Washington, the recess will afford a good opportunity for taking the proper steps to enable him to commence a new care\u27e8:\u27e9 And the time between this & the beginning of the Vacation will shew the effects of such regulations as may take place in the school this week.\nI have had a very full conversation with the Attorney General respecting your slaves, without however, letting him know that I had heard from you on the subject; but entered upon it with this introduction that as you were absent, and could not return before the expiration of the term which the law of this State specifies for the residence of a Slave, I thought it my duty to take such advice & such measures in the business, with the concurrence of Mrs Washington, as might be proper in the occasion, having a due regard to your public station.\nThe Attorney General made the following observations on the subject. That he found it was a received construction of the law, and one which he thought the words of the law fully warranted, that if a Slave is brought into the State and continues therein for the space of six months, he may claim his freedom, let the cause of his being brought be what it may; and that this extends, in its full force, to those slaves who may be brought here by the Officers of the General Government or by members of Congress. If a man becomes a Citizen of the State, six months residence of the slave is not necessary for his liberation; he is free from the moment his master is a citizen; the term of six months being only intended for the slaves of such as might travel through or sojourn in the State. That those Slaves who were under the age of 18, might, after a residence of six months, apply to the Overseers of the Poor, who had authority to bind them to a master until they should attain the age of 18, when they would become free. That the overseers made it a point to bind the young Slaves to their original masters, unless there should be some special reason against it; but after they are so bound they cannot be carried out of the State without their own consent. That the Society in this city for the abolition of slavery, had determined to give no advice and take no measures for liberating those Slaves which belonged to the Officers of the general Government or members of Congress. But notwithstanding this, there were not wanting persons who would not only give them (the Slaves) advise; but would use all means to entice them from their masters. This being the case, the Attorney General conceived, that after six months residence, your slaves would be upon no better footing than his. But he observed, that if, before the expiration of six months, they could, upon any pretence whatever, be carried or sent out of the State, but for a single day, a new era would commence on their return, from whence the six months must be dated for it requires an entire six months for them to claim that right. As the matter stands upon this footing I think that there will be but little difficulty in it; for Austin is now at home on a visit to his wife, by Mrs Washington\u2019s permission. This will oblige him to commence a new date for six month from his return\u2014which will be next week. Richmond goes in a Vessel that sails tomorrow for Alexandria\u2014and I shall propose to Hercules, as he will be wanted at home in June when you return there, to\ntake an early opportunity of going thither, as his services here can now be very well dispenced with, and by being at home before your arrival he will have it in his power to see his friends\u2014make every necessary preparation in his Kitchen & as he must return when you do to this place. Mrs Washington proposes in a short time to make an excursion as far as Trenton, and of course, she will take with her Oney & Christopher, which will carry them out of the State; so that in this way I think the matter may be managed very well. If Hercules should decline the offer which will be made him of going home, it will be a pretty strong proof of his intention to take the advantage of the law at the expiration of six months. As Mrs Washington does not incline to go to Virginia until you return to this place, the foregoing arrangement is the best I can think of to accomplish this business.\nYou will permit me now, Sir, (and I am sure you will pardon me for doing it) to declare, that no consideration should induce me to take these steps to prolong the slavery of a human being, had I not the fullest confidence that they will at some future period be liberated, and the strongest conviction that their situation with you is far preferable to what they would probably obtain in a state of freedom.\nMr Ellicott has returned to this City from surveying the federal territory, and the flattering account which he gives of the spot and the prospect of things in that quarter, added to other information of the same kind which has been received, have created a serious, and to many an alarming expectation, that the law for establishing the permanent seat of Government will be carried fully into effect. This idea has heretofore been treated very lightly by people in general here. They now begin to view it in another shape, and the opposition given in the Assembly of this State to appropriating money for the purpose of erecting suitable buildings for the accommodation of the President & Congress, carried along with it (in the course of the debates) this aspect, that the western parts of Pennsylvania will be more pleased with having the seat of the general Government on the Potomack than in Philadelphia. The consideration of the question was postponed to the next session; but it is very doubtful whether it will then be determined in favor of building or not.\nFraunces has not yet come on; but it is probable he will in the course of this week. Mrs Washington thinks that if Fraunces\ncomes into the family, there will be little or no occasion for a HouseKeeper. At any rate that it would be best to make an experiment without one. In this opinion I agree so far as this, that one Person to superintend the household affairs is enough; but I cannot help thinking that an honest, managing woman, with the \u27e8hosper\u27e9 we now have belonging to the family, would do better.\nI am happy to say that Mrs Washington has entirely recovered for her severe cold &, with the rest of the family, enjoys good health. Mrs Lear & our little boy are well, she begs your acceptance of her best thanks for your kind remembrance of them, and presents her sincere wishes for your health & happiness\u2014in which she is most heartily joined by, Sir, Your grateful & most Obliged Humble Servant\nTobias Lear.\nP.S. A letter from Major Jackson, enclosed in yours of the 12th, requests that I would \u201cinform you whether orders have been transmitted to the Collectors at Savannah & Charleston, by the Secretary of the Treasury, to supply you with money should you have occasion for it.\u201d This has been done\u2014But I could give no information of it that would have reached you before you left those places (unless one had offered by water). I therefore mention it here only to shew that I have not been inattentive to the direction.\nT.L.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0101", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Cooke, 25 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Cooke, William\nSir,\nWilmington [N.C.] April 25th 1791.\nIn consequence of the fair representation which has been made to me of your character, I do hereby appoint you to the command of the Cutter, directed by an act of Congress, to be stationed for the protection of the revenue of the United States on the coast of the State of North Carolina.\nOn application to the Secretary of the Treasury, which you will make immediately, you will be furnished with particular instructions and your commission. I am Sir, your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0102", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Inhabitants of Wilmington, North Carolina, 25 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Inhabitants of Wilmington, North Carolina\nGentlemen,\n[Wilmington, N.C., 25 April 1791]\nAppreciating with due value the sentiments you are pleased to express for my station and character, I should fail in candor and respect not to avow the grateful sensations excited by your address, for which I thank you with unfeigned sincerity\nReasoning from the rapid progress of improvement throughout the United States, and adverting to the facility which every undertaking must derive from a settled system of government, the obviation of those disadvantages imposed by situation on your town, may, I think, be calculated upon within no very distant period.\nThe sanction which experience has already given to the salutary influence of the general government on the affairs of the United States, authorises a well founded expectation that every aid which wise and virtuous legislation can render to indivudual industry will be afforded, and creates a pleasing hope that the happiness of her citizens will be commensurate with the growing dignity and importance of our country.\nI express a heartfelt sentiment in wishing to your town and its inhabitants a full proportion of general and particular prosperity.\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0103", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Citizens of Fayetteville, North Carolina, 26 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Citizens of Fayetteville, North Carolina\nGentlemen,\n[Brunswick County, N.C., c.26 April 1791]\nIt is due to your goodness, and to my own feelings, that I should express the sensibility excited by your address, and that I should acknowledge the grateful pleasure with which I receive it.\nMy best services are more than compensated by the affectionate partiality of my fellow-citizens\u2014and my most anxious wishes are gratified in observing the happiness which pervades our country.\nThe very favorable change already manifested in our political system, justifies the prediction that the future operations of the general government will be alike conducive to individual prosperity and national honor.\nShould it consist with the necessary arrangements of my journey I shall be happy in a personal opportunity of confessing my obligations to the regard of the citizens of Fayetteville. In any event I entreat them to be persuaded of my sincere wishes for their welfare.\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0105", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Uriah Forrest, 27 April 1791\nFrom: Forrest, Uriah\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nGeorge town [Md.] 27 April 1791.\nHaving for the last two or three Years done very little business other than the Winding up of that, which had been too extensive in former Years\u2014Having effected this so far as to enable my Partner to compleat it\u2014Having been obliged to make such Sacrafices in collecting from my debtors in order to satisfy my Creditors, as will leave me little or no part of the Profits which ought to and otherwise would have attended my business, and Having determined to avoid meddling again with Commerce; together with a great desire of being employed by You, and of rendering myself useful to the Public, has induced me to present myself for any appointment You may think proper.\nIt was not my intention to have made this application until Your return from the South\u2014But the unfortunate Event of the Comptrollers death Occasions a Vacancy in that Line where perhaps I am most fit to act, and where I cannot but confess I should be highly gratified in being placed by you, Sir.\nPermit me to remark that it is not in your Power by any Favors you may bestow or by any Honors You can confer, to add to the Affectionate Consideration and Respect with which I am Sir Your most Obedt humle Servt\nUriah Forrest", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0106", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Attwood Digges, 28 April 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Digges, Thomas Attwood\nTo: Washington, George\n Letter not found: from Thomas Attwood Digges, c.28 April 1791. On 28 April Digges introduced William Pearce to Thomas Jefferson and wrote: \u201cI have so little time before the Vessel sails to address The President and yourself. . . , that I hope You will escuse haste & inaccuracys\u201d (Jefferson Papers,Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950\u2013. 20:313\u201315).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0107", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 29 April 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Whitting, Anthony\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 29 April 1791. What is presumably the receiver\u2019s copy of this letter was offered for sale in the catalog of George Smith, \u201cAutograph Letters,\u201d 1960, item 199.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0108", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Inhabitants of Georgetown, South Carolina, 30 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Inhabitants of Georgetown, South Carolina\nGentlemen,\n[Georgetown, S.C., 30 April 1791]\nI receive your congratulations on my arrival in South Carolina with real pleasure, and I confess my obligation to your affectionate regard with sincere gratitude.\nWhile the calamities, to which you were exposed during the war, excited all my sympathy, the gallantry and firmness, with which they were encountered, obtained my entire esteem. To your fortitude in those trying scenes our country is much indebted for the happy and honorable issue of the contest\u2014From the milder virtues, that characterise your conduct in peace our equal government will derive those aids, which may render its operations extensively beneficial.\nThat your participation of every national advantage, and your prosperity in private life, may be amply proportioned to your past services and sufferings is my sincere and fervent wish.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0109", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Masons of Georgetown, South Carolina, 30 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Masons of Georgetown, South Carolina\nGentlemen,\n[Georgetown, S.C., 30 April 1791]\nThe cordial welcome which you give me to George Town, and the congratulations you are pleased to offer on my election to the chief Magistracy receive my grateful thanks.\nI am much obliged by your good wishes and reciprocate them with sincerity\u2014assuring the fraternity of my esteem, I request them to believe that I shall always be ambitious of being considered a deserving Brother.\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0110", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia May. 1. 1791.\nI had the honour of addressing you on the 24th Ult. which I presume you will have recieved at Cambden. the present is ordered\nto go from Petersburg to Taylor\u2019s ferry. I think it better my letters should be even some days ahead of you, knowing that if they ever get into your rear they will never overtake you. I write to day indeed merely as the watchman cries, to prove himself awake, & that all is well, for the last week has scarcely furnished any thing foreign or domestic worthy your notice. Truxton is arrived from the E. Indies and confirms the check by Tippoo-Saib on the detachment of Colo. Floyd, which consisted of between 3. & 4000 men. the latter lost most of his baggage & artillery, and retreated under the pursuit of the enemy. the loss of men is pretended by their own papers to have been 2, or 300 only. but the loss and character of the officers killed, makes one suspect that the situation has been such as to force the best officers to expose themselves the most, & consequently that more men must have fallen. The main body with General Meadows at their head are pretended to be going on boldly. yet Ld Cornwallis is going to take the field in person. this shews that affairs are in such a situation as to give anxiety. upon the whole the account recieved thro\u2019 Paris proves true notwithstanding the minister had declared to the house of Commons, in his place, that the public accounts were without foundation, & that nothing amiss had happened.\nOur loan in Amsterdam for 2\u00bd million of florins filled in two hours & a half after it was opened.\nThe Vice-president leaves us tomorrow. we are told that mister Morris gets \u00a370,000. sterl. for the lands he has sold.\nA mister Noble has been here, from the country where they are busied with the Sugar-maple tree. he thinks mister Cooper will bring 3000 \u00a3\u2019s worth to market this season, and gives the most flattering calculations of what may be done in that way. he informs me of another very satisfactory fact, that less profit is made by converting the juice into spirit than into sugar. he gave me specimens of the spirit, which is exactly whiskey.\nI have arrived at Baltimore from Marseilles 40. olive trees of the best kind from Marseilles, & a box of the seed. the latter to raise stocks, & the former cuttings to engraft on the stocks. I am ordering them on instantly to Charleston, where if they arrive in the course of this month they will be in time. another cargo is on it\u2019s way from Bordeaux, so that I hope to secure the commencement of this culture and from the best species. sugar &\noil will be no mean addition to the articles of our culture. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect and esteem, Sir, your most obedt & most humble sert\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0112", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Smith, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Smith, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBelvidere [Brunswick County, N.C.] 1st May 1791\nThe inclosed letters were handed to me this day\u2014I very much regret that they did not arrive in time\u2014They are however forwarded, to shew you, that, the common Anxiety, which I believe pervades the Continent, to make your path smooth & your Journey light, was not wanting between this part of the Country & Santee; also in justice to the Parties, who perhaps would be mortified that their very proper Intentions were not made known. At the same time I cannot omit the opportunity of returning You, Sir, the warmest thanks for softening in my favour, the rigour of a Rule, which although adopted upon the soundest principles of propriety & with the very best meaning, must punish all the first Characters of the Country where you travel with great Chagrin.\nHad Circumstances permitted; a longer visit would have afforded me the most heartfelt Gratification. An assurance of this however cannot be felt in its full force; without a belief in that Attachment with which I was inspired at New York & Long Island in 1776. An Attachment, which has followed You not less to the peaceful tranquil Shades of Mount Vernon, than your Memorable Entry of New York as first Magistrate of the Union\u2014An Attachment however, that has been attended with a keen regret that will end but with my life, in having been forced from partaking of your Fortunes, amongst the variety of which, I am most pained at my absence in the Retreat through New Jersey & when you changed the Fate of America at Trenton\u2014But whither will my recollection hurry me? Excuse me illustrious\nSir, for this Intrusion\u2014I hope it will find you perfectly at leisure, & that your goodness will pardon a fault not likely to be repeated.\nTomorrow, you will probably enter my Native City amidst the applauding Shouts of a grateful People & the welcoming Acclamations of some personal friends\u2014Believe me there is not amongst the whole, one heart more sensibly expanded with offerings to Heaven for the happy prolongation of a life essential to the tranquillity of our Country than that of Virtuous & Great Sir Your sincerely attachd & most devoted\nBenja: Smith.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0113", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 May 1791\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n(Duplicate) \nSir,Philadelphia May 2d 1791.  Of the measures pursuing by general Knox, relative to Indian affairs, he doubtless makes to you the necessary communications. In those communications, he may, perhaps, have mentioned my being here, preparatory to my undertaking another mission to the Indians of the Six Nations, for the purpose of confirming the peace and friendship subsisting between them and the United States, and as a mean of preventing their being seduced to engage with the Western Indians, in the war against us.\nUpon my arrival, I heard of the vacancy of the office of Comptroller of the Treasury; & also learned that there were divers applicants who wished to succeed to it. For my own part, as I had already made known to you my desire of obtaining a permanent office in the general government, I had concluded not to trouble you with a fresh application at this time. But upon farther reflection, it seemed proper to address you. Because among many applications pointing to the particular office of comptroller, a former general application might not come into view; because if there be any office in the treasury department to which I am competent, I conceive it to be this; and because, being now at the seat of government, not to apply might be construed as a relinquishment of all pretensions to it.\nA general knowledge of public business\u2014a reasonable share of discernment\u2014industry\u2014cool deliberation\u2014integrity & strict impartiality, are the great requisites of the office. Whether, Sir, I have or have not, just pretensions to any or all of those qualities, you, who have long known me, can accurately determine: to you alone, therefore, I make my suit; without asking the patronage \u27e8or\u27e9 recommendation of any man. Such aid cannot be necessary, nor proper, nor decent: for no patronage, no recommendation, could make you better acquainted with my character; and that is the only ground on which a recommendation could pertinently be offered. For mere patronage will never determine appointments to office, while you preside in the government of the United States. I have the honour to be, with the truest respect, Sir, your most obedient servant,\nTimothy Pickering.\n(P.S. I hope the deep interest I cannot but feel in the object of this letter, will apologize for my solicitude that my request may come before you prior to your decision on the question to which it relates; and considering the uncertainty of the route by which you may return from the southward, excuse my sending forward a duplicate & triplicate.)", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0115", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Martha Washington, 2\u20139 May 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Martha\n Letter not found: to Martha Washington, c.2\u20139 May 1791. Tobias Lear informed GW on 22 May 1791 that \u201cMrs Washington had the pleasure to receive two letters from you\u201d by the brig Philadelphia, which had just arrived from Charleston.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0116", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Charleston Merchants, 3 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Charleston Merchants\nGentlemen,\n[Charleston, 3 May 1791]\nYour congratulations on my arrival in South Carolina, enhanced by the affectionate manner in which they are offered, are received with the most grateful sensibility.\nFlattered by the favorable sentiments you express of my endeavors to be useful to our country, I desire to assure you of my constant solicitude for its welfare, and of my particular satisfaction in observing the advantages which accrue to the highly deserving citizens of this State from the operations of the [federal] government.\nI am not less indebted to your expressions of personal attachment and respect\u2014they receive my best thanks and induce my most sincere wishes for your professional prosperity, and your individual happiness.\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0117", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Officials of Charleston, 3 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Officials of Charleston\nGentlemen,\n[Charleston, 3 May 1791]\nThe gratification you are pleased to express, at my arrival in your metropolis, is replied to with sincerity, in a grateful acknowledgement of the pleasing sensations which your affectionate urbanity has excited\u2014Highly sensible of your attachment and favorable opinions, I entreat you to be persuaded of the lasting gratitude which they impress, and of the cordial regard with which they are returned.\nIt is the peculiar boast of our country that her happiness is alone dependent on the collective wisdom and virtue of her citizens, and rests not on the exertions of any individual. While a just sense is entertained of our natural and political advantages we cannot fail to improve them; and with the progress of our national importance to combine the freedom and felicity of individuals.\nI shall be particularly gratified in observing the happy influence of public measures on the prosperity of your city, which is so entitled to the regard and esteem of the american Union.\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0119", "content": "Title: To George Washington from St. Philip\u2019s Church Officials, 3 May 1791\nFrom: St. Philip\u2019s Church Officials\nTo: Washington, George\n[Charleston, 3 May 1791]\nAt a Meeting of the Vestry & Church Wardens of St Philips Church\nResolved\u2014\nThat the President of the United States, be invited to Service in St Philips Church, & the Church Wardens do inform him, that a Pew is ready for his Accommodation on Sunday next, or on any other day that he may think proper.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0121", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Hugh George Campbell, 6 May 1791\nFrom: Campbell, Hugh George\nTo: Washington, George\n  Charleston, S.C., 6 May 1791. Offers himself as a candidate for the command of the United States revenue cutter for South Carolina and refers to the accompanying certificate for information respecting his character.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0122", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Wakelin Welch & Son, 6 May 1791\nFrom: Wakelin Welch & Son\nTo: Washington, George\nLondon 6th May 1791\nInclosed we trouble your Excellency with copy of our last of 5th March which we forwarded by the New York Packet since then nothing has transpired from Mr Morris from which we may suppose he is still in France.\nMr Young about ten days ago sent us a case containing a Bag of Seeds, Books & some Yarn manufactured from your own Fleece of Wool which he sends \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 a curiosity. This last article being prohibited he was \u27e8mutilated\u27e9y anxious about its going & therefore requested our particular attention We have luckily succeeded & hope it will come safe The Bill of Lading for its being on board the Peter Capt. Brooks is inclosed The charges of its coming from Bury & putting on board the Ship 16/6 which we have placed to your Excellency\u2019s account. We Remain Your Excellency\u2019s Much Hond Servts\nWake\u2019 Welch & Son", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0124", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Miss Elliott, 7 May 1791\nFrom: Elliott, \u2014\u2014 (Miss)\nTo: Washington, George\nCharleston [S.C.] May. 7. 1791.\nMiss Elliott presents her compliments to The President of the United States, and as a small tribute of her grateful respect, begs that he will Honor her by the acceptance of a Sword Knot.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0125", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 7 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir\nCharleston [S.C.] May 7th 1791.\nI have received your Letters of the 11th & 14th of last month\u2014Concluding from \u27e8Mr\u27e9 Shorts statement of his negotiation in Amsterdam, and from the opinions offered in your letter of the 11th, that the loan has been obtained on the best terms practicable, and that its application in the manner you propose will be the most advantageous to the United States, I do hereby signify my approbation of what has been already done, as communicated in your letters of the 11th and 14th of April. Assenting to the further progress of the loans as recommended by you in these letters, I request that instructions may be given for completing them agreeably thereto. I am sir, Your most Obedt servt\nGeo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0127", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir\nCharleston [S.C.] May 8th 1791.\nMr Cogdell, the Collector of Georgetown appearing on enquiry a proper Person to be appointed Inspector of Excise for that Survey\u2014You will signify his appointment to that Office & transmit to him his instructions.\nCapt. Robert Cochran seems in all respects best qualified to command the revenue Cutter on this station, and I have in consequence appointed him to that Office. He is desired to apply to you for his commission and instructions which you will transmit & communicate to him. I am, Sir Your most Obt servt\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0128", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir,\nCharleston [S.C.] May 8th 1791.\nThe round of business and of ceremony, which now engages my attention, only allows me leisure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th of last month, which will receive a more particular consideration. I am, with great esteem Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0129", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 8. 1791.\n  The last week does not furnish one single public event worthy communicating to you: so that I have only to say \u2018all is well.\u2019 Paine\u2019s answer to Burke\u2019s pamphlet begins to produce some squibs in our public papers. in Fenno\u2019s paper they are Burkites, in the other Painites. one of Fenno\u2019s was evidently from the author of the discourses on Davila. I am afraid the indiscretion of a printer has committed me with my friend mister Adams, for whom, as one of the most honest & disinterested men alive, I have a cordial esteem, increased by long habits of concurrence in opinion in the days of his republicanism: and even since his apostacy to hereditary monarchy & nobility, tho\u2019 we differ, we differ as friends should do. Beckley had the only copy of Paine\u2019s pamphlet, & lent it to me, desiring when I should have read it, that I would send it to a mister J. B. Smith, who had asked it for his brother to reprint it. being an utter stranger to J. B. Smith, both by sight & character, I wrote a note to explain to him why I (a stranger to him) sent him a pamphlet, to wit, that mister Beckley had desired it; & to take off a little of the dryness of the note, I added that I was glad to find it was to be reprinted, that something would at length be publicly said against the political heresies which had lately sprung up among us, & that I did not doubt our citizens would rally again round the standard of Common sense. that I had in my view the Discourses of Davila, which have filled Fenno\u2019s papers for a twelvemonth, without contradiction, is certain, but nothing was ever further from my thoughts than to become myself the contradictor before the public. to my great astonishment however, when the pamphlet came out, the printer had prefixed my note to it, without having given me the most distant hint of it. mister Adams will unquestionably take\nto himself the charge of political heresy, as conscious of his own views of drawing the present government to the form of the English constitution, and I fear will consider me as meaning to injure him in the public eye. I learn that some Anglomen have censured it in another point of view, as a sanction of Paine\u2019s principles tends to give offence to the British government. their real fear however is that this popular & republican pamphlet, taking wonderfully, is likely at a single stroke to wipe out all the unconstitutional doctrines which their bell-weather Davila has been preaching for a twelvemonth. I certainly never made a secret of my being anti-monarchical, & anti-aristocratical: but I am sincerely mortified to be thus brought forward on the public stage, where to remain, to advance or to retire, will be equally against my love of silence & quiet, & my abhorrence of dispute. I do not know whether you recollect that the records of Virginia were destroyed by the British in the year 1781. particularly the transactions of the revolution before that time. I am collecting here all the letters I wrote to Congress while I was in the administration there, and this being done I shall then extend my views to the transactions of my predecessors, in order to replace the whole in the public offices in Virginia. I think that during my administration, say between June 1. 1779. & June 1. 1781. I had the honour of writing frequent letters to you on public affairs, which perhaps may be among your papers at Mount Vernon. would it be consistent with any general resolution you have formed as to your papers, to let my letters of the above period come here to be copied, in order to make them a part of the records I am endeavoring to restore for the state? or would their selection be too troublesome? if not, I would beg the loan of them, under an assurance that they shall be taken the utmost care of, & safely returned to their present deposit.\nThe quiet & regular movement of our political affairs leaves nothing to add but constant prayers for your health & welfare and assurances of the sincere respect & attachment of Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0130", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 8 May 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia May 8th 1791\nSince I had the honor of writing to you on the first of this month, nothing of a public nature, sufficiently important to trouble you with a communication, has come to my knowledge. Our domestic Affairs are in the same state they were when I had the honor to write last. The family is in good health. Fraunces has not yet come on; but his son called yesterday to tell me that he would certainly be here the first of the week.\nTogether with the papers I enclose an American Edition of Mr Paine\u2019s answer to Mr Burke\u2019s Attack on the French Revolution. You will observe that the printer of this Edition has prefaced the work with an extract from a note sent to him by Mr Jefferson, who furnished him with the pamphlet for publication. As the following sketch of a conversation which took place last friday evening, at Mrs Washington\u2019s Room, between Colo. Beckworth & myself on this subject may afford you a moment\u2019s amusement you will pardon me for repeating it\u2014which I do as nearly in the same words as I can recollect.\nB. Have you seen Mr Paine\u2019s pamphlet in Answer to Mr Burke?\nL. I have not yet been favored with a perusal of the work; but have read some extracts from it which have been published in the papers.\nB. I observe Mr Paine has dedicated it to the President.\nL. So I understand.\nB. I am very much surprized at it; for it is always thought that the person to whom a book is dedicated approves the sentiments therein contained, as well as their tendency, and I should hope that everything in that Book did not meet the President\u2019s approbation.\nL. Why?\nB. Because there are many things in it which reflect highly on the British Government & administration, and as it is dedicated to the President, it may lead to a conclusion that he approves of those things, & that the Author has his sanction for publishing them. Had Mr Paine dedicated this pamphlet to General Washington, it would then have been considered as addressed to him in his personal capacity\u2014and would not have excited the same\nideas that are produced by its being dedicated to the President of the United States; for I beleive it will appear somewhat singular, that a Citizen of the United States should write & publish & book in a foreign Country, containing many things highly disrespectful to the Government & administration of the Country where he writes, & dedicate that book to the Chief magistrate of his own Country. It will naturally appear to the world that, from the dedication, it meets the approbation of the Chief magistrate of the Country whereof the writer is a citizen, and I therefore conceive that Mr Paine has not, in this instance, treated the President with that delicacy which he ought.\nL. As I have not read Mr Paine\u2019s book I can say nothing with respect to the sentiments or tendency of it relative to the Government & administration of Great Britain. But it is well known that the President could not have seen it, or have had any knowledge of its contents before it was published, it would therefore be absurd to suppose, merely from the circumstance of its being dedicated to him, that he approves of every sentiment contained in it. Upon this ground, a book containing the most wicked or absurd things might be published & dedicated to the President &c. without his Knowledge, and this dedication would be considered as his having given his sanction to them. Or, a book might be written under the circumstances which you have observed that Mr Paine\u2019s is\u2014and contain many unjust & unjustifiable strictures upon the government & governors of the Country where the writer resides, and a dedication of it to the Chief Magistrate of his own Country would, according to your idea, cause such chief Magistrate to be considered as the patron of its author, and the abettor of its sentiments. If Mr Paine has, in this instance, not acted with that delicacy & propriety which he ought, he must answer for it himself to those who are authorized to call him to an Account.\nB. True! But, I observe, in the American Edition, that the Secretary of State has given a most unequivocal sanction to the book, as Secretary of State\u2014it is not said as Mr Jefferson.\nL. I have not seen the American, nor any other edition of this pamphlet. But I will venture to say that the Secretary of State has not done a thing which he would not justify.\nB. On this subject you will consider that I have only spoken as an individual & as a private person.\nL. I do not know you, Sir, in any other Character.\nB. I was apprehensive that you might conceive that, on this occasion, I ment to enter the lists, in more than a private Character.\nAt this moment the Gentlemen of the Cincinnati who are here at the general meeting, entered the Room, in form, to pay their respects to Mrs Washington. This broke off the conversation, and as Colo. Beckworth did not afterwards seek an occasion to renew it, there was nothing more passed on the subject. Yesterday the Attorney General & Mrs Randolph dined, in a family way, with Mrs Washington; and after dinner, the subject of Mr Paine\u2019s pamphlet coming on the Carpet, I related to the Attorney General the substance of my conversation with Colo. Beckworth.\nSoon after I had finished my relation to the Attorney General a person called for him at the door, with whom he went out upon business. In the evening I saw him again, when he informed me, that upon being called upon after dinner, he went to Mrs House\u2019s with the person who called him. While he was there Colo. Beckworth came in, and in the course of conversation the subject of Mr Paine\u2019s pamphlet was introduced, when Colo. B. made the same observations, which I had before related. Upon leaving Mrs House\u2019s the attorney Genl said he went to Mr Jefferson\u2019s, to know from him if he had authorized the publication of the extract from his note which appeared prefixed to the American Edition of Mr Paine\u2019s Pamphlet. Mr Jefferson said that so far from having authorized it, he was exceedingly sorry to see it there; not from a desavowal of the approbation which it gave the work; but because it had been sent to the Printer, with the pamphlet for re-publication, without the most distant idea that he would think of publishing any part of it. And Mr Jefferson further added, that he wished it might be understood that he did not authorize the publication of any part of his note.\nThis publication of Mr Jefferson\u2019s sentiments respecting Mr Paine\u2019s pamphlet will set him in direct opposition to Mr Adams\u2019s political tenets, for Mr Adams has, in the most pointed manner, expressed his detestation of the Book, & its tendency. I had, myself, an opportunity of hearing Mr Adams\u2019 sentiments on it one day soon after the first copies of it arrived in this place. I was at the Vice-President\u2019s house, & while there Dr & Mrs Rush came\nin. The conversation turned upon this Book, & Dr Rush asked the Vice-President what he thought of it. After a little hesitation he laid his hand upon his breast, & said in a very solemn manner, I detest that book & its tendency from the bottom of my heart.\nThe Vice President & family was off for massachusetts last monday\u2014and on Thursday Mr Morris set out for Boston, it is said on some business relative to his late purchase of the Genesee Lands.\nMrs Lear unites with me in sentiments of the highest respect & in best wishes for your health and an agreeable Journey. I have the honor to be, with the utmost sincerity, Sir, Your affectionate & grateful Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0131", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charleston Officials, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Charleston Officials\nSir,\n[Charleston, S.C., 9 May 1791]\nI beg you will accept and offer my best thanks to the corporation and the citizens of Charleston, for their very polite attention to me.\nShould it ever be in my power, be assured, it will give me pleasure to visit again this very respectable city.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0132", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas FitzSimons, 10 May 1791\nFrom: FitzSimons, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nsir\nPhilada 10 May 1791.\nI have no better Apology to Offer for Giving you the trouble of this letter than that it is written at the desire of some of Mr Peter\u2019s friends who wish him to be honored with the Appointment held by the late Judge Hopkinson.\nof his fitness for the Station I presume not to say any thing but as delicacy, on his part will prevent his offering himself it has been thot that a doubt might arise: as to his exchanging his present situation: Upon that point I am authorised to say that the Appointment Would be very Acceptable to him and a Great gratification to many of his fellow Citizens.\nI hope I shall be pardoned for haveing taken the liberty of giving this information. And have the honor to be with the Greatest respect sir Your Most Obdt & Most hble servt\nThomas FitzSimons", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0133", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Moses Robinson, 10 May 1791\nFrom: Robinson, Moses\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBennington [Vt.] May 10th 1791\nI beg leave to Recommend to your notice Mr Tolman a Citizen of Vermont who is on a tour for his health; and, Consisting with that, wishes for an Employment at the Seat of the Goverment of the union if an office of which he is Capable, and in which the public Service might be promoted, might be Conferrd. Mr Tolman has the merit of long & Satisfactory Services in Sundry public Employments for his request, perticularly, in this State those of paymaster, & Secretary to the Governor & Council; and I Can freely Recommend him as a man of Good moral Character\u2014of faithfulness in Business, and, I believe, Ingenious in the good branches of Clerkship. If an office of this kind Could be Conferrd, in which the public might be benifited by his service (his health permitting) and he Receive a Compensation, it would lay him and his Family under perticular Obligations\u2014be Considered as a token of your favour towards this newly Confederated Republic, and Could not fail of being duly acknowledged. With the most Ardent wish for your happiness, and the prosperity\nof the Government of the union, I have the honor to be, with Sentiments of the highest Respect, Sir, your very obedient & humble servant\nMoses Robinson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0134", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Citizens of Prince William Parish, South Carolina, 11 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Citizens of Prince William Parish, South Carolina\nGentlemen,\n[Prince William Parish, S.C., c.11 May 1791]\nMy best thanks for your cordial welcome and affectionate address are not more justly due than sincerely offered.\nI am much indebted to your good wishes, which I reciprocate with grateful regard.\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0135", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Eimbeck, 12 May 1791\nFrom: Eimbeck, George\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it Please Yr Excellency \nSirSavannah. May 12th 1791 \nHaving for some years had the Command of Fort Wayne Am Inform\u2019d by his Honr the Governor the Appointment and Salary must be made by the Union likewise that my Salary Ceases from the 31st July 1789.\nTherefore Humbly Request your Excellency to Give such Orders Concerning the Business as your Excellencies Wisdom may Dictate. Am with the Greatest Respect Yr Excellencies Most Obet Humble Sert\nGeoe Eimbeck", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0136", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 12 May 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Washington, George\n(Secret) \nMy dear SirLisbon May 12th 1791 \nLest my letters to the Secretary of State on the subject of the Persons executing the Duties of the Consulate here, should have been so inexplicit as to leave your mind in doubt respecting the merits or pretensions of those persons, I take the liberty to add a few facts; not because I feel myself interested in the decision, but because I wish to remove embarrassments from your mind.\nThe family of the Dohrmans ought certainly to be considered by the Americans as having great merit for their conduct in time of the war & since; Mr Jacob Dohrman does not seem much to expect an appointment, but earnestly wishes that Mr Harrison, may be appointed, as Vice-Consul, untill some native of America shall be named. Mr Dohrman is very desirous to obtain a share in the consignment business if possible.\nMr Samuel Harrison has for some years past, done all the business of the American Consulate in this Port; and, I believe, to very good acceptance. I have had occasion lately to employ him in one way or another a good deal myself; and I have found him, so far as I am able to form a judgment, active, faithful & intelligent in business. I should conceive him very competent to act as Vice Consul until & even after some American shall be established as Consul here. Indeed this will now, of course, be the case until Orders may be received to the contrary.\nMr John Bulkeley is my very good friend. He has taken uncommon pains to shew civilities to me, & continues to do the same. On every occasion evincing his politeness, hospitality & disposition to to serve me. He is one of the wealthiest Merchants of the Factory & a man well versed in business. I understand he has applied for the American Consulship. Indeed he has intimated the same to me, & produced to my view a letter from Mr Thomas Russel of Boston in answer to one from himself on the subject. Mr Bulkeley has made a principal part of his fortune in the American Trade; and from a desire of extending his connections in it, has doubtless been useful to othe[r] Americans as well as to me. I conceive him to be a good Englishman & a true Merchant, in heart. In the time of the war, he conducted in general\nprudently: not, however (as I have understood) without being concerned in an English Privateer.\nTruth, & the interest of the Republic are my only objects. I write at the desire of no Person\u2014nor with the knowledge of any one. For I can have no possible interest in the matter, nor the remotest byas to an option, distinct from what may comport with the public weal. With sentiments of the purest esteem & respect I have the honor to be My dear Sir Your devoted Servant\nD. Humphreys\nP.S. At St Ubis, Bellem &c. it will be necessary for somebody or another to act in behalf of our Citizens. At the former is a Mr Bush, a Hambourgoise, now acting\u2014at the latter, a Portuguese by the name of Bonventura Joze Morera, who is Vice Consul for, at least, half a Dozen nations.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0137", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Martha Washington, 12\u201315 May 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Martha\nLetter not found: to Martha Washington, c.12\u201315 May 1791. On 5 June Martha Washington wrote Frances Bassett Washington from Philadelphia: \u201cI have had letters from the President from savanna\u201d (Fields, Papers of Martha Washington,Joseph E. Fields, ed. \u201cWorthy Partner\u201d: The Papers of Martha Washington. Westport, Conn., and London, 1994. 231\u201332).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0138", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Georgia Society of the Cincinnati, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Georgia Society of the Cincinnati\nGentlemen,\n[Savannah, c.13 May 1791]\nYour congratulations on my arrival in this State are received with grateful sensibility\u2014your esteem and attachment are replied to with truth and affection.\nCould the praise of an individual confer distinction on men whose merits are recorded in the independence and sovereignty of their country, I would add, with grateful pride, the tribute of my testimony to the public acknowledgement\u2014I would say how much you had atchieved, how much you had endured in the cause of freedom\u2014Nor should my applause be confined to the military virtues of your character\u2014With the endearing epithet of gallant brother soldiers, your civic worth has connected the respectable title of deserving fellow-citizens\u2014Your conduct in war commanded my esteem, your behaviour in peace exacts my approbation.\nMy opinions will ever do justice to your merits, my heart will reciprocate your affection, and my best wishes implore your happiness.\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0139", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Congregational Church of Midway, Georgia, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Congregational Church of Midway, Georgia\nGentlemen,\n[Savannah, c.13 May 1791]\nI learn with gratitude proportioned to the occasion your attachment to my person, and the pleasure you express on my election to the Presidency of the United States.\nYour sentiments on the happy influence of our equal government impress me with the most sensible satisfaction\u2014they vindicate the great interests of humanity\u2014they reflect honor on the liberal minds that entertain them\u2014and they promise the continuance and improvement of that tranquillity, which is essential to the welfare of nations, and the happiness of men.\nYou over-rate my best exertions when you ascribe to them the blessings which our country so eminently enjoys. \u201cFrom the gallantry and fortitude of her citizens, under the auspices of heaven, America has derived her independence\u2014To their industry and the natural advantages of the country she is indebted for her prosperous situation\u2014From their virtue she may expect long to share the protection of a free and equal government, which their wisdom has established, and which experience justifies, as admirably adapted to our social wants and individual felicity.\u201d\nContinue, my fellow-citizens, to cultivate the peace and harmony which now subsist between you, and your indian-neighbours\u2014the happy consequence is immediate, the reflection, which arises on justice and benevolence, will be lastingly grateful. A knowledge of your happiness will lighten the cares of my station, and be among the most pleasing of ther rewards.\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0140", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Savannah Citizens, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Savannah Citizens\nGentlemen,\n[Savannah, c.13 May 1791]\nI am extremely happy in the occasion now afforded me to express my sense of your goodness, and to declare the sincere and affectionate gratitude, which it inspires.\nThe retrospect of past scenes, as it exhibits the virtuous character of our country, enhances the happiness of the present\nhour, and gives the most pleasing anticipation of progressive prosperity\u2014The individual satisfaction, to be derived from this grateful reflection, must be enjoyed in a peculiar degree by the deserving citizens of Georgia\u2014a State no less distinguished by its services, than by its sufferings in the cause of freedom.\nThat the city of Savannah may largely partake of every public benefit, which our free and equal government can dispense, and that the happiness of its vicinity may reply to the best wishes of its inhabitants is my sincere prayer.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0142", "content": "Title: To George Washington from the Ebenezer, Ga., German Congregation, 14 May 1791\nFrom: Ebenezer, Ga., German Congregation\nTo: Washington, George\nSavannah, d. 14. May 1791.\nPermittas, quaeso, Illustrissime Washington! ut devoti piique animi sensa TIBI declarem, cui contigerit insignis illa felicitas, TE Savannae adeundi, virum, tot tantisque factis illustrem. Profecto admiratus sum TUAM humanitatem et indulgentiam, qua me hominem ignotum excepisti, qui non ausus essem ad TE accedere nisi ab amico optimo certior factus essem, tristem abs TE discedere neminem. Georgia laetatur de TUA Splendidissima praesentia, qua eam exhilarare dignatus es. Diu vivas o Washington! deliciae americani populi, tuumque nomen, et facta illustria Sera posteritas celebrabit. Semper precabor Deum Optimum Maximum, qui TE Praesidem harum civitatum constituit, ut omnibus rebus conatibusque Tuis propitius adsit. Accipe hanc tenuiorem epistolam, nullo ornatu commendabilem, eadem indulgentia, qua me excipere dignatus es. Anglia quidem scripturus eram si facultate pollerem eleganter scribendi, et ut dignum esse posset insignibus virtutibus et illustrissimis factis TUIS. Peregrinus, in hanc provinciam missus sum benignissimam doctrinam Redemtoris nostri profitendi inter posteros colonorum Salisburgensium, quos inprimis quia curae meae concrediti sunt, cum omni gente germanica Georgiae Americanae Tuo potentissimo patrocinio magnopere commendo. Ego vero\nnunquam desinam ardentissimas preces mittere ad Deum benignissimum, pro totius populi Americani salute.\nJohn Earnst Bergman,Minister of the German Congregation of Ebenezer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0143", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Georgia Masons, 14 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Georgia Masons\nGentlemen,\n[Savannah, c.14 May 1791]\nI am much obliged by your congratulations on my arrival in this city\u2014and I am highly indebted to your favorable opinions.\nEvery circumstance concurs to render my stay in Savannah agreeable, and it is cause of regret to me that it must be so short.\nMy best wishes are offered for the welfare of the fraternity, and for your particular happiness.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0144", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 14 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nSavannah May 1[4]th 1791\nI have not, I believe, written to you since I left Richmond. At Charleston, towards the last of my stay there, I received your letters of the 10th & 15th of Apl but the continual hurry into which I was thrown by entertainments\u2014visits\u2014and ceremonies of one kind or another, scarcely allowed me a moment that I could call my own\u2014nor is the case much otherwise here.\nNo letters North of Virginia will now reach me until I arrive at Fredericksburg in that State, which is the first place at which I shall strike the line of the Post. There are no cross-posts on this side Alexandria, and the chances of letters getting to me by private hands, as my rout back will be very wide of the Post-Road is so unfavourable that I have ordered all letters to be stopped at Charleston and sent back to the Post Office in Fredericksburg to await my arrival there.\nThe silence of Frauncis is evidence sufficient that nothing is to be expected from him; and if your prospects with the other person (mentioned in your letters) are no better, the plan suggested in your letter of the 15th may be tried as the best expedient that offers. A little experience (and there is time for it before the next meeting of Congress) will prove the utility or inutility of the measure.\nI came to this place on Thursday afternoon, and shall leave it tomorrow, after attending the first Church. The Roads are abominably sandy & heavy\u2014my horses (especially the two I bought just before I left Philadelphia, & my old white horse) are much worn down\u2014and I have yet 150 or 200 miles of heavy sand to pass before I fairly get into the upper, & firmer roads.\nOffer my best wishes to Mrs Lear I hope she the child & yourself are in good health. I remain your sincere and Affectionate friend\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0145", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 14 May 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nLetter not found: to Tobias Lear, 14 May 1791. On 3 June 1791 Lear wrote to David Humphreys: \u201cI had a letter a few days ago from the President dated Savannah May 14th\u201d (PPRF).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0146", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 15 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 15. 1791.\nWe are still without any occurrence foreign or domestic worth mentioning to you. it is somtime since any news has been recieved from Europe of the political kind, and I have been longer than common without any letters from mister Short.\nColo. Hamilton has taken a trip to Bethlehem. I think to avail myself also of the present interval of quiet to get rid of a headach which is very troublesome, by giving more exercise to the body & less to the mind. I shall set out tomorrow for New York, where mister Madison is waiting for me, to go up the North river, & return down Connecticut river and through Long-island. my progress up the North river will be limited by the time I allot for my whole journey, which is a month. so that I shall turn about whenever that renders it necessary. I leave orders, in case a letter should come from you covering the commission for Colo. Eveleigh\u2019s successor, that it should be opened, the great seal put to it, and then given out. my countersign may be added on my return. I presume I shall be back here about the time of your arrival at Mount-Vernon, where you will recieve this letter. the death of Judge Hopkinson has made a vacancy for you to fill. should I pick up any thing in my journey, I will write it to you from time to time. I have the honor to be with sincere respect & attachment, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0147", "content": "Title: To George Washington from La Luzerne, 15 May 1791\nFrom: La Luzerne, Anne-C\u00e9sar, chevalier de\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nLondon May 15th 1791\nAlthough for a long time I have not had the honor to recall me to Your Excellency\u2019s goodness, I pray you to be well persuaded that I have not been the less occupied in your glory and successes\u2014and that it is with great pleasure I see the confidence in, and the consideration of, the United States daily rising in every country of Europe. Those Persons who, like me, have had the happiness to know Your Excellency ought assuredly to have expected that, when you accepted the first place in the government, your personal eclat would be reflected on your country\u2014but it was impossible to foresee to what point, and with what rapidity the United States would inspire confidence, and how much their new government would be revered by all the nations of the world\u2014I have been witness of the patience, the courage and the energy which your fellow-citizens have displayed to obtain their liberty\u2014but there has arisen among them a great man, who united all suffrages, to make them sensible of all the advantages of that precious liberty, which is a great good when well directed\u2014but which is only a horrible bandage when a wrong road is taken. Our nation in its intimate connection with yours has perceived the good which it had obtained, and desired to share in such an advantage.\nThe many and enormous abuses of our ancient government required great reforms, and a change in the State was absolutely necessary\u2014but, with some causes of disease, the body of the monarchy was full of force and vigor\u2014The Sovereign was good, just, \u0153conomical, devoted to the greatest sacrifices for the good of his people\u2014From the principle of convoking the States-General the Sovereign had proposed all the concessions which could have been desired to assure the individual liberty of the\nsubject, and to secure every species of property. With these concessions, with the inestimable advantage of a representative body, the happiness and the credit of France was established for ever. Time, and a knowledge of affairs would have enabled the national assembly to reform all the abuses in the detail of the administration\u2014and we should have been perhaps already one of the happiest nations in the world\u2014but the Mania to be creators, the desire to go beyond all other people, the ignorance of political principles, united with abstracted ideas of philosophy, have plunged us into an abyss from which it is perhaps impossible we should ever recover, at least for a long time.\nOur legislative Body has passed some wise decrees, which may one day or other lead to a good constitution, but it has not perceived that in order to the people being free they should always be obedient to the law, that there should also exist an Executive power, who, himself submitting to the laws, should possess the necessary force to execute them.\nIt has been thought necessary to demolish the royal power the better to establish the legislative, which is clothed with authority to perform the functions of the Executive. The people no longer sensible of an immediate restraint have revolted on all sides, and against all authority\u2014The Soldiers have no longer regarded their Officers as their Superiors\u2014all authority has vanished, and to a very strong government, an absolute anarchy has succeeded. Our friend The Marquis de la fayette has been placed at the head of the national militia of Paris, and to a certain point has maintained order, and notwithstanding what Detractors say, who are very numerous, he has done much good, and prevented still more harm\u2014His courage, his personal virtues always assure him a great number of suffrages but his popularity is lost\u2014he has already several times desired to resign\u2014it is only his patriotism which continues him in a place impossible to fill. If, like the Americans we had possessed a Man sufficiently elevated by his reputation and his virtues to command all the nation, and to know exactly the length we ought to have gone, we should have been, like the Americans, one of the happiest of the nations of the world, having the best laws, and I may say at present without fear of being thought to flatter, we should have been governed by a prince the best qualified by the dispositions of his heart to make subjects happy. Pardon, Sir, this long discussion of the\nmisfortunes of my country\u2014but I am so much affected by them, and I am so sensible of the interest which you take in them that I could not avoid pouring them out into your breast. I am not however without some hope that the affairs of my country will be re-established\u2014I will serve to the end my King and my country, whom I passionately love because I think I may love them and liberty too\u2014but if we are to continue in anarchy, if all the laws are overturned, if monarchy, the only government fitted for us is destroyed, I will retire into a strange land with all my family, and in that event you can judge which country my inclination and my taste will lead me to chuse. I will demand goodness and assistance for me and mine from your Excellency, and I shall be happy to live under a government, where your influence prevails so much. In the meanwhile, and independent of all events I pray you to be persuaded of the sincere attachment and respect with which I am your Excellency\u2019s &a\nLa Luzerne\nI recommend to your Excellency\u2019s goodness the Chevr Ternant, who goes to succeed Mr de Moustier.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0148", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 15 May 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia May 15th 1791.\nOn thursday last I had the honor to receive your letter of the 21st of April from New burn; and at the same time a letter for Mrs Washington came under cover to me, which she informed me was dated at Wilmington. Yesterday we had the pleasure to see your arrival at Charleston announced in the papers.\nMy letters must certainly have met with some interruption or you would have found at least one at Wilmington. Between Richmond & that place I did not calculate upon any reaching you; for the one dated the 5th of April reached you at Richmond, which place you left on the 13th. The next letter which I wrote was dated the 10th\u2014left this place on the 11th\u2014and\nought, by the common progress of the mail, to have reached Wilmington on the 22d or 23d, which would have been a day or two before your arrival there. The dates of my letters since that time are April 15th\u201417th\u201424th\u2014May 1st & 8th\u2014all of which I flatter my self you will receive.\nI am not surprized to learn that the horses are somewhat worn down. I rather wonder at their holding out so well\u2014it is contrary to the opinion of almost every one who knows the nature of the travelling in that Country. Should you be so fortunate as to bring them all back it will be more than is expected. The mare which was bought of the Quaker a few days before you left this place\u2014turns out to be a very good creature\u2014She is high in flesh & spirits\u2014and makes a very tolerable figure\u2014she will be large\u2014she is now higher than the largest of the Colts, and appears to grow every day.\nOn tuesday Mrs Washington proposes going over to Jersey for a few days\u2014she makes her visit to Mrs Dickinson. It was thought best & cheapest, by Mrs Washington & myself, that she should hire a Coach, 4 horses & a driver for the trip\u2014the whole of which is engaged of Mr Page for twenty four dollars the trip, he bearing all expences of horses & driver\u2014(Daniel is to be the driver). This is cheaper than Mrs Washington could have gone in her own Coach, without taking into consideration any damage which it or the horses might sustain by the jaunt; for two horses must have been hired in addition to her own\u2014and the expense of the whole & Jacob must have been borne for 4 or 5 days. Mrs Washington takes the children with her & Christopher & Oney. I shall have the honor to attend her on horse back.\nFraunces arrived here on Wednesday, and after signing his Articles of Agreement\u2014going over the things in the house & signing an inventory thereof, entered upon the duties of his station. I think I have made the agreement as full, explicit & binding as any thing of the kind can be. In the Articles prohibiting the use of wine at his table\u2014and obliging him to be particular in the discharge of his duty in the Kitchen & to perform the Cooking with Hercules\u2014I have been peculiarly pointed. He readily assented to them all (except that respecting Hercules, upon which he made the following observation\u2014\u201cI must first learn Hercules\u2019 abilities & readiness to do things, which if good, (as good as Mrs Read\u2019s) will enable me to do the Cooking without\nany other professional assistance in the Kitchen; but this experiment cannot be made until the return of the President when there may be occasion for him to exert his talents\u201d\u2014)\u2014and made the strongest professions of attachment to the family, & his full determination to conduct in such a manner as to leave no room for impeachment either on the score of extravagence or integrity. All these things I hope he will perform.\nThe House-keeper who, I mentioned in a former letter, was engaged, came into the family on the same day. She has taken her stand also\u2014and received into her charge those things which belong particularly to her department. Her proceedings thus far speak much in her favour, and I confess that I have formed a very excellent opinion of her abilities in this line. The greatest difficulty which she has to apprehend, is in bringing the Servants to bear that particular inspection into their conduct which is proper & which she says she is determined to do. The Servants in the family have been impressed with an idea that they are the best Servants that can be obtained\u2014and in pursuing this idea they are likely to become the worst; for they conceive it an insult offered them to have their doings examined into or superintended; and another idea which they have taken up\u2014and which I have laboured hard to do away, is, that the President\u2019s should be considered rather as a public than a private family, and therefore that it would be lessening the dignity of it to observe those rules & that subordination which may be necessary in a private family. From whence this idea originated I cannot pretend to say. But certain I am that it is not consonant to your way of thinking on the subject.\nSince your departure I have necessarily had a more immediate inspection of the Servants than I ever had before, and I have less cause to doubt the justness of those complaints which have heretofore been made of them, than I ever thought I should have. Nothing but the establishment of certain rules & a strict adherence to them, with the peremptory discharge of such as refused or neglected to attend to them, will reduce the family to that state of regularity & pleasantness as will make it a desireable one to live in. These ideas which I mention to have obtained are not confined to the men\u2014the women are likewise infected with them. I shall not fail, with the assistance of Mrs Washington, to take such steps upon this new arrangement of the family as appear\nbest calculated to produce order\u2014and a proper understanding among them.\nVicar, the Cook, takes his discharge tomorrow. He requested it himself, from a determination, as he says, not to be under the immediate direction of Fraunces in the Kitchen as he understands will be the case if he was to continue.\nThe enclosed papers will give a more particular account of the events of the week past\u2014such as the death of Judge Hopkinson\u2014the fires which took place on Sunday & on Monday night &c. The death of the District Judge is said to occasion much inconvenience to individuals who had suits depending & which must now be delayed until a new appointment takes place.\nI received the enclosed letter last week from Colo. Wadsworth, containing a proposal to purchase your young Jack. I have acknowledged the receipt of it and informed him that it should be transmitted to you.\nMrs Lear begs her best respects may be made acceptable to you\u2014and we are happy to say that our little boy has been inoculated & is now fast recovering from the Smallpox\u2014he has had it pretty severely & at one period we had almost given him up\u2014He has been baptized by the name of Benjamin Lincoln, in memory of the deceased son of General Lincoln, and as a testimony of the grateful remembrance in which I hold that friend who took me by the hand at a moment when I needed a friend, and through whose means I had the happiness of being made known to you. And as a proof of the high estimation in which I hold that happiness, I trust I shall never neglect an opportunity of shewing the sincere attachment & high respect with which I have the honor to be Sir, Your grateful, affectionate & very humble Servant\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0149", "content": "Title: Indenture with John Cowper, 17 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George,Lewis, John\nTo: Cowper, John\n  [Gates County, N.C., 17 May 1791]. John Lewis as GW\u2019s attorney conveys to John Cowper four tracts (approximately 1,093\u00bd acres) of land at White Oaks Spring, Gates County, N.C., originally purchased by GW and Fielding Lewis from Marmaduke Norfleet on 26 April 1766. Signed and sealed by Lewis and witnessed by Dempsey Copeland, Riddick Hunter, Thomas Mann, and Arthur Jones.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0150", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Citizens of Augusta, Georgia, 19 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Citizens of Augusta, Georgia\nGentlemen,\n[Augusta, Ga., c.19 May 1791]\nI receive your congratulations on my arrival in Augusta with great pleasure\u2014I am much obliged by your assurances of regard, and thank you, with unfeigned sincerity, for the favorable sentiments you are pleased to express towards me.\nEntreating you to be persuaded of my gratitude, I desire to assure you that it will afford me the most sensible satisfaction to learn the progression of your prosperity\u2014My best wishes for your happiness collectively and individually are sincerely offered.\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0151", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Hawes, 19 May 1791\nFrom: Hawes, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\n  Queen Street, Moorfields, London, 19 May 1791. Presents with sincere respects the enclosed \u201ceffort of a solitary Individual to avenge america\u2019s\nand his injur\u2019d Country\u2019s wrongs. May the God of Liberty preserve you continually\u2014is The Prayer of Sir Your Excellency\u2019s most affectionate Friend, and admiring Servant, with a Bible open, and presenting 1. Maccabees Xth Chapter 15 & 16 Verses to my View.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0152", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Bacon, 20 May 1791\nFrom: Bacon, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\n[Augusta, Ga., 20 May 1791]\nIn ages past, we see a splendid train\nOf heroes shine, in panegyric\u2019s strain.\nHistoric pens have varnish\u2019d o\u2019er their crimes,\nAnd prais\u2019d, in them, the vices of the times:\nTo conquer nations; millions to devour;\nTo reign in all the wantonness of power;\nTo follow glory; to acquire a name;\nTheir cause ambition, and their object fame.\n\u2019Tis ours to boast a hero great and good;\nWith courage and benevolence endued.\nSuperior genius! you, whose breast can feel\nNo other motive but your country\u2019s weal.\nSuperior firmness! with such virtues arm\u2019d;\nBy power, untainted,\u2014by no flattery charm\u2019d.\nSuperior chief! by selfish views unmov\u2019d;\nYour people loving, by your people lov\u2019d.\nLet not th\u2019expressions of our love offend\nOur saviour, father, citizen and friend.\nDeny us not the pleasure thus t\u2019impart,\nWithout disguise, the feelings of the heart.\nThou friend of science, liberty, and laws,\nForever active in thy country\u2019s cause;\nWe are thy children\u2014let thy fancy trace,\nIn us, the congregated, rising race\u2014\nAdopted, ere we drew the vital air,\nAnd snatch\u2019d from slavery by thy watchful care.\nHeirs of that freedom, by that valor won;\nMay we ne\u2019er mar the work by thee begun!\nAs we\u2019ve been taught to glow at thy renown,\nSo we\u2019ll transmit by bright example down.\nEach future babe shall learn to lisp thy name;\nTo love thy worth and emulate thy fame.\nWhene\u2019er the powers of infant reason dawn,\nFull in his view thy portrait shall be drawn:\nHence on his mind these truths will be impress\u2019d;\nThat virtue only can be truly blest.\nThough power may glare in all the pomp of state;\nThat virtue only can be truly great.\nThough vanity may bask in flattery\u2019s rays;\nThat virtue only meets with honest praise:\nThat virtue only claims our whole esteem;\nThat virtue only reigns with power supreme.\nIn our full hearts, what grateful raptures rise!\nWhen, o\u2019er past scenes, our active fancy flies:\nWe hail the day, you took the glorious field,\nAnd made the haughty British Lion yield!\nThen, though a scepter waited on your word,\nFor calm retirement, you resign\u2019d the sword.\nYou scorn\u2019d the glory power usurp\u2019d imparts;\nYou scorn\u2019d to reign but in a people\u2019s hearts.\nAgain we see you bless Potomack\u2019s shore,\nResolv\u2019d to leave sweet Vernon\u2019s shades no more.\nDelightful seat! by your fond choice design\u2019d,\nT\u2019enjoy, in peace, your self-approving mind.\nAgain your country call\u2019d you to her aid;\nAnd you again your country\u2019s call obey\u2019d.\nWith fond regret, you left your fav\u2019rite shore,\nTo feel the weight of public cares once more.\nHail joyous day! what acclamations rung!\nJoy fil\u2019d each eye, and rapture mov\u2019d each tongue,\nAt your instalment!\u2014never Monarch wore\nSo bright, so rich a diadem before.\nNo more let sparkling dross ambitions move;\nYour diadem, is\u2014universal love.\nBut hold\u2014this theme is painful to your ear;\nThough lightly touch\u2019d, by gratitude sincere\u2014\nIndulge our joys, forgive our forward zeal;\nLet your own heart imagine what we feel!\nWhat various transports in our bosoms glow,\nSwell the full heart, and at the eyes o\u2019er flow!!\u2014\nAlmighty God! Since virtue is thy care;\u2014\nO hear a nations universal prayer!\nMay all the joys, this transient scene can know,\nFull on his heart, in gentle currents, flow!\u2014\nMay all the joys, benevolence inspires,\nPursue him still when he from time retires!\u2014\nMay this one joy, forever crown the whole;\nAnd with immortal rapture fill his soul!\nMay he, from heaven\u2019s sublime, eternal scenes,\nSee future millions happy through his means!!!\u2014\nAnd let mankind this serious truth confess;\nNone e\u2019er was prais\u2019d so much,\u2014none ever flatter\u2019d less.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0153", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 20 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir\nAugusta [Ga.] May 20th 1791.\nWhile at Charleston I appointed Robert Cochran of that place to command the revenue Cutter for the station of South Carolina, & empowered him, with the approbation of the Governor & general Moultrie, to appoint his mates.\nI have appointed John Howell Commander\u2014Hendricks Fisher, first Mate, and John Wood second mate of the revenue Cutter to be stationed on the coast of Georgia. You will transmit the Commissions and your instructions to these Gentlemen. I am, sir, Your most Obedt servt\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0154", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Seagrove, 20 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Seagrove, James\nSir,\nAugusta [Ga.] May 20th 1791.\nThe confidence, which your character inclines me to place in you, has induced me to commit the enclosed letter, from the Secretary of State to Governor Quesada, and the negotiation which will be consequent thereon to your care and management. The letter which is under a flying seal, to be closed before it is delivered, will inform you of the import, and serve to instruct you in the mode of conducting the object of your mission\u2014delicate in its nature, it will require the greatest address and temper in its treatment\u2014nor must any proposition or declaration be made, which in its consequence might commit the government of the United States.\nThe enclosed copy of a letter, written by my direction, from the Secretary of State to the Governor of Georgia, which is now confidentially communicated to you, is another source, whence\nsome information may be drawn\u2014but, as my ideas of your personal acquaintance with this business combined with my opinion of your character and talents to transact it, have determined me to appoint you, it is from your own knowledge, and the circumstances, which may arise, that you must decide on the best means to accomplish the negotiation\u2014Your first care will be to arrest the farther reception of fugitive slaves, your next to obtain restitution of those slaves, who have fled to Florida, since the date of Governor Quesada\u2019s letter to Mr Jefferson, notifying the orders of his catholic Majesty\u2014and your last object, which may demand the greatest address, will be to give a retrospective force to the orders of the Court of Spain, beyond the date of that letter, and to procure the Governor\u2019s order for a general relinquishment of all fugitive slaves, who were the property of citizens of the United States. This last instruction will require peculiar delicacy, and must be entered on with caution and circumspection, or not be taken up at all, as appearances of compliance may justify the one or the other.\nIf your collectorate cannot furnish money to defray your expenses, in which you will observe due oeconomy, and of which you will transmit an account to the Secretary of State, you will supply yourself from the Collector of Savannah. I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0156", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 22 May 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia May 22nd 1791\nSince I had the honor of writing to you on the 15 instant, the Brigantine Philadelphia has arrived from Charleston, by which Mrs Washington had the pleasure to receive two letters from you, and we were all made very happy by hearing that you had got that far on your tour without any interruption in your health, and without meeting with any material accident. By the same Vessel I had the pleasure to receive a letter from Major Jackson\u2014enclosing one for each of the heads of the Departments\u2014and one for Messrs Johnson, Carroll & Stuart\u2014all of which were sent to their respective addresses.\nThe Articles shipped from Charleston came in good order and agreeable to the list enclosed by Major Jackson. The Horse-Covers have been exposed to the air & appear to be in perfect order.\nI had the honor, last week to attend Mrs Washington on a visit to General Dickinson\u2019s\u2014we left this city on tuesday morning & returned on thursday\u2014The weather was pleasant & the ride charming\u2014Our reception & entertainment at Genl Dickinson\u2019s was replete with candour, openness & hospitality. The prospect of Crops in that part of the Country, as well as about this city, is pleasing; we have lately been favoured with seasonable rains.\nOur House-keeper seems to answer the high character given of her. She has hitherto conducted with prudence & judgement. Mrs Washington expresses herself much pleased with her. Fraunces appears to have every disposition to please, and I trust he will succeed. I have no apprehension for him but on the score of expense\u2014his ideas of which still appear to be extravagant. I have repeated to him that everything, with him, depends on this point; and I am not without hopes that the constant checks which he will meet with will at length reform him on this head. Hercules has been told that it is necessary for him to be at Mount Vernon on your return there, as his presence at that time will be indispensable there & he can be very well spared here; and as you may be there very soon, I have recommended it to him to go home this week in the Stage, as there is no vessel now up, which he has promised to do, and I shall accordingly make arrangements for his departure.\nMr Jefferson left town last monday on a tour through the upper parts of New York\u2014into Vermont\u2014about the Lakes &ca\u2014He meets Mr Madison in New York (where he has been for 3 or 4 weeks past) who accompanies him. He informed me that he expected to return in 3 or 4 weeks from the time of his departure. The letter for him I delivered to Mr Remsen who had directions where to forward letters to him. Colo. & Mrs Hamilton have been out of town on a visit to Bethlehem about 10 or 12 days, and are expected home this week. The letter for him I delivered to Mr Coxe to forward. General Knox has removed, for the summer, to Bush Hill which place he occupies during the absence of the Vice-President to Massachusetts.\nIn my letter of the 8th instant I gave a sketch of a conversation between Colo. Beckworth & myself respecting Mr Paine\u2019s pamphlet in answer to Mr Burke. Last friday evening the Colo. again made his appearance at Mrs Washington\u2019s room, and took an opportunity to request me to go with him into the yallow drawing room; and when there, he observed that he was apprehensive he might have appeared to have been uncommonly interested in the conversation which took place between us some time before on the subject of Mr Paine\u2019s book, and that he had been ever since wishing for an opportunity to assure me that he had only spoken of the subject as a private individual, and that he had only given his opinion on the book with that freedom which he should have done respecting any book that might have happened to have been the subject of conversation. In reply, I told him I could only repeat what I had observed on the former occasion, that I knew him only as a private man\u2014and that every person had an undoubted right to form such an opinion of Mr Paine\u2019s book, as best suited them; But that it contained a great deal of good sense, and some serious truths which were perhaps, not pleasing to every one. Yes, says the Colo. it is certainly a well written book\u2014and I will venture to say a very bold one to be written in England. True, I replied, and more especially since it has been determined there that truth may be a Libel.\nThe conversation on this subject then dropped, & the Colo. told me he intended to take a ride as far as Connecticut to waste a few weeks & should return to this place in the latter part of June as he understood you were expected here at that time. He took occasion to speak of the New Government of Canada, &\nobserved that there was every reason to beleive that it would be pleasing to the Inhabitants of that Country\u2014and added, that he thought it probable Lord Dorchester would return to England early next fall, and that it was possible he might come into the United States\u2014visit this place & New York\u2014and embark at one or the other. But this, he requested me to observe, was only a matter of opinion with him, he could not say that it would take place.\nThe Marshall of Delaware District yesterday delivered to me the return of the enumeration of that District, a copy of which is enclosed\u201490,000 had been held out as the probable number in that State by some of its inhabitants\u2014but it falls much short of that\u2014and will not give them another Representative.\nGovernor Patterson dined at General Dickinson\u2019s the day that Mrs Washington & myself were there, and the conversation turning upon the Census, he observed that the Marshall of New Jersey had informed him that according to the Census taken by him & his deputies there would be but 75 wanting to give them six representatives\u2014and that there was no doubt but several thousands were unenumerated in the State, owing to a backwardness in many persons to give in the real numbers from an apprehension of a direct tax being the consequence.\nMrs Lear unites with me in grateful respects & best wishes for your health & happiness. I have the honor to be with the most sincere attachment & highest respect Sir, Your Obliged & Affectionate Hble Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0157", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and Edward Rutledge, 24 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth,Rutledge, Edward\nPrivate \nGentlemen\u2014Columbia [S.C.] May 24th 1791.    \nAn address to you jointly on a subject of the following nature may have a singular appearance; but that singularity will not exceed the evidence which is thereby given of my opinion of, and confidence in you; and of the opinion I entertain of your confidence in, and friendship for each other.\nThe Office lately resigned by the Honble Mr J. Rutledge in the Supreme Judiciary of the Union remains to be filled. Will either of you two Gentlemen accept it? and in that case, which of you? It will occur to you that appointments to Offices in the recess of the Senate are temporary, but of their confirmation on such a case there can be no doubt.\nIt may be asked why a proposition similar to this has never been made to you before; this is my answer\u2014your friends whom I have often conversed with on like occasions, have always given it as their decided opinion that no place in the disposal of the\ngenl Government could be a compensation for the relinquishment of your private pursuits; or, in their belief, would withdraw you from them. In making the attempt, however, in the present instance, I discharge my duty, and shall await your answer (which I wish to receive soon) for the issue. Of my sincere esteem & regard for you both I wish you to be assured and that I Am\u2014Gentlemen\u2014Your Most Obedt & Affecte Humble Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0159", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Citizens of Columbia and Granby, South Carolina, 25 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Citizens of Columbia and Granby, South Carolina\nGentlemen,\n[Columbia, S.C., c.25 May 1791]\nI am much obliged by your professions of respect and affection, and I am truly grateful for your kind regards and good wishes. Replying to them with sincere acknowledgement, I desire to assure you that I shall always remember with pleasure your polite attentions.\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0160", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 27 May 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nParis 27 May 1791\nI have the Honor to enclose a Letter and sundry Papers from Messieurs Schweizer Jeanneret and Company. I have referred\nthese Gentlemen to Mr Short telling them that it is most fitting in many Respects that they should apply to him.\nAs it is possible however that this Business may come before you, I think it a Duty to convey Some Observations which occur to me and which may not perhaps strike you because Matters of that Sort have not I beleive much occupied your Attention. Previous thereto I beg Leave however to give you a History of my Acquaintance with it. In a Letter to Colonel Hamilton of the 31st of January 1790 I mentioned what had passed between Mr Necker and me respecting the Debt due by the United States to France, and I hinted at the Means of turning to useful Account a very precipitate step of the public Agents in Holland. About this time I received your Orders to communicate with the british Ministers and altho\u2019 I did by no means consider that in the Light of an Appointment to Office, yet from Motives of Delicacy I determined to extricate myself from the Affair of the Debt as speedily as I could with Propriety. Various Applications were made to me from different Quarters to which I replied evasively but on my Arrival in this City last November I informed the Parties that I had Reasons of a private Nature which deterred me from holding any Share in their Speculation. I conversed with Mr Short on the same Subject and communicated to him confidentially my Reason for declining an Interest as well as my Opinion respecting the Use which might be derived from such Negotiation. A few Days after the President of the Committee of finance happening to meet me at the Count de Montmorins mentioned some Proposals then before them which to the best of my Remembrance were extravagant. I declined giving an Opinion without previously seeing and considering the Terms; upon which he and Mr de Montmorin agreed together that before any thing was concluded the various Propositions which might be made should be submitted to my Examination. There the Thing dropt and the enclosed Papers shew the Reason why; for it appears from them that a Bargain was made shortly after by the Controleur general with a different Company. Mr Short mentioned this to me on his Return hither in the End of March telling me that the Parties concerned were (as he was informed in Amsterdam) Men of no Credit nor Capital. I of Course agreed with him in Opinion that if so it was not worth while to listen to them. A few Days after one of them called on me and after giving a History of the Affair begged me to make Use of my good\nOffices. I told him at once that it was ridiculous to ask a Commission of 5 \u214c% on changing the Nature of our Debt. That it was quite as convenient to owe France as to owe the Subjects of France, and further that before any Treaty was offered Persons of Credit and Capital should appear. As soon as I had made this last Observation he drew out the Letters of the Comptroller general and shewing me the second Clause of it replied that after what was there contained no Man had a Right to question the Solidity of the Society: he then added that for my private Satisfaction he would prove that People of the first Fortune were connected therein and indeed he gave me such Proof. I told him upon this that they must apply to Mr Short or to their own Ministry whose Support would be much more efficacious than the Sentiments of any private Individual. I ment\u27e8ioned\u27e9 nevertheless to Mr Short the Substance of this Conversation. While h\u27e8e\u27e9 was in the Country the enclosed Letter was received. He returned to Town Yesterday and called on me in the Evening when I communicated to him the Purport of it.\nI have ever been of Opinion that as we are not in Condition to pay our Debt to France a Bargain by which the Period can be prolonged without Loss to either Party is desirable. I say with\u27e8out\u27e9 Loss because the Conduct of this Nation has been so generous to us tha\u27e8t\u27e9 it would be very ungrateful indeed to take Advantage of those Necessities which the Succor afforded to America has occasioned. Suc\u27e8h\u27e9 a Bargain must be either with the Government or with Individuals\u27e8.\u27e9 But after the repeated Delays on our Part to ask longer Time now would not look well. Indeed no such Treaty could be made withou\u27e8t\u27e9 the Consent of the Assembly and their Observations would not be pleasant. A Bargain with Individuals has the Advantage of bringing in the Aid of private Interest to the Support of our Credit, and what is of very great Consequence it would leave us at Liberty to make Use of that Credit for the Arrangement of our domestic Affairs. And on this Head I must mention that it has been my good fortune to prevent some Publications which would have been particularly injurious to us. Their Object was to complain of the United States for speculating in their own Effects with the Funds of France. Urging that while we owe heavy Installments already due here all the Loans we obtain in Holland ought to be applied to the Discharge of them and therefore that the Speculations in\nour domestic Debt were a double Violation of good faith &ca &ca &ca\u2014The present State of Things here has occasioned so great a Fall in the Exchange that Money borrowed in Holland is remitted with great Gain; consequently Loans made there just now answer well and it is evident that the Parties who are endeavoring to contract count on a considerable Profit from that Circumstance. Much however is to be said on this Part of the Subject. First it is questionable whether our Reputation may not be a little affected for you will recollect that about one third of our Debt to France arose from a Loan made on our Account in Holland of five Million of florins for which the King paid us here ten Million of Livres without any Deduction for Charges of any Sort. The Nation is now obliged to pay those five Millions in Holland, and for us to borrow that Amount there and then squeeze them in an Exchange which distresses both their Commerce and Finances looks hard. There was a good Deal of Murmuring about it when the last Operation of 1500000 Guilders took Place and I should not be at all surprized if some Patriot by Way of shewing his Zeal should make a violent Attack in the Assembly when the next Payment is made. There are many of these patriots who if they can inculpate Ministers and distress those of different Sentiments don\u2019t care a Jot for Consequences. But supposing this not to happen it is not possible for a Nation to make the Advantages which Individuals do in such things because they must employ Individuals each of whom will be too apt to look a little to his own Advantage. There is a Difference also between the Gain made upon Parts and that which would arise on the whole for even if we could borrow all at once so large a Sum there can be no Doubt that the Remittance of it hither would greatly alter the Exchange. But it is not possible to borrow it speedily, and the present unnatural State of Things will in all Probability be changed. In fact the leading Characters are very seriously alarmed at it. If their Paper Currency should be either redeemed or annihilated or abolished Tomorrow the Exchange would immediately turn in Favor of France and then we should loose on Remittances. So much for this Affair in its little Details but there is a great View of it which forcibly strike my Mind. If we were at Liberty to turn all our Efforts towards our domestic Debt we should by raising its Value prevent Speculations which are very injurious to the Country if not to the Government.\nMillions have already been bought at low Price and afterwards negotiated in Europe; neither is that all for if we can borrow at five per Cent and buy up our six per Cent Debt at Par we gain at once by that Operation one fifth of the Interest or twenty per Cent which besides all the other good Consequences is much more than ever we shall get by any Management of our Debts on this Side of the Water.\nI have given you my dear Sir these Hints in Abridgement because my Time will not permit of dilating them attribute them I pray you to the true Cause and beleive me always very sincerely yours\nGouvr Morris", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0161", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 27 May 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nParis 27 May 1791\nI did intend to give you a pretty full detail of various Matters and Things by Colonel Ternant who will have the Honor to deliver this Letter but I am just about setting off to London which prevents me. Colo. Ternant however will give you every Information respecting the Decrees of the Assembly affecting our Commerce and the like\u2014This he will do confidentially as a man of Honor at least so I beleive because in the first Place there is no Secret in them and because secondly he is very much disposed to do what we would wish to have done, and no man is better informed Very few so well. Accept I pray you the Assurances of my sincere Regard and beleive me truly yours\nGouvr Morris", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0162", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Fran\u00e7ois Barb\u00e9 de Marbois, 28 May 1791\nFrom: Barb\u00e9 de Marbois, Fran\u00e7ois\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nMetz [France] mai the 28th 1791.\nI have So many times experienced the friendly disposition of your Excellency that I rejoice in the opportunity which is offered to me of introducing to you one of my nephews, Mr de Kellerman. he accompanies M. de Ternant with Some hope of replacing by interim my brother the Vice Consul & it would be happy for him in a Station either public or private to deserve the Same Kindness which I was so happy as to obtain. Mrs Marbois joins her recommendation to mine & as she is an american I hope it will make it easier for her nephew to obtain the friendship of her countrymen.\nWe could not be Strangers to hispaniola to the commotion by which the Kingdom has been agitated: we have returned to my native country which for being on the boundaries has not been less exposed to a confusion almost general. the result is as yet\nquite unknown. the prevailing opinion is that of an impending war. & many prognosticate it for next Summer. I cannot think it So near & though our frontiers beginn to Swarm with troops within & without I consider these last as having no other destination but to give more weight to the negotiation. The country to whose government your Excellency so hapily presides appears to me to be the only one in the world where peace & hapiness are to be found. I have the honour to be with great respect Sir, Your Excellencys the humble obedient servant\nDe marbois", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0163", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Louis XVI, 28 May 1791\nFrom: Louis XVI (of France)\nTo: Washington, George\nTres chers grands amis et alli\u00e9s\n[Paris, 28 May 1791]\nnous avons choisi le sieur de Ternant Colonel Commandant du R\u00e9giment royal Liegiois pour aller r\u00e9sider aupr\u00e8s de vous en qualit\u00e9 de notre Ministre Plenipotentiaire. Il est parfaitement instruit des sentiments et des principes qui font la baze de nos liaisons avec vous, et nous ne doutons pas qu\u2019il ne nous donne une nouvelle preuve de son z\u00eale pour tout ce qui peut int\u00e9resser notre service, en se conduisant de la maniere la plus propre \u00e0 vous convaincre du desir que nous avons de les perpetuer et de les resserrer de plus en plus. Nous vous prions d\u2019ajouter une foi enti\u00e9re \u00e0 tout ce qu\u2019il vous dira de notre part. Il ne peut trop vous assurer, et vous ne sauriez etre trop persuad\u00e9s de l\u2019affection\nconstante et de l\u2019amiti\u00e9 sinc\u00e9re que nous portons aux Etats unis en g\u00e9n\u00e9ral et \u00e0 chacun d\u2019Eux en particulier. Sur ce nous prions Dieu qu\u2019il vous ait Tres chers grands amis et Alli\u00e9s en sa sainte et digne garde. Ecrit \u00e0 Paris le 28 mai 1791. Votre bon Ami et Alli\u00e9\nLouis Montmorin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0164", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 29 May 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n  [Philadelphia] 29 May 1791. Transmits under the president\u2019s direction the enclosed from John H. Mitchell, which came in a letter from GW, dated Savannah, 13 May, received yesterday.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0166", "content": "Title: To George Washington from d\u2019Estaing, 30 May 1791\nFrom: Estaing, Charles-Hector Th\u00e9odat, comte d\u2019\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nParis 30th May 1791\nThe devottees love to importune heaven\u2014and every good Citizen seizes, with a delight mingled with the most respectful veneration, every opportunity of recalling himself to your memory. For this purpose no time can be more favorable, I will not say for myself; but for the whole nation, than the moment when a Minister of France, such as M. de Ternant goes to reside with you.\nThe President of the United States will find in the heart\u2014in the principles\u2014and in the talents of M. Ternant that which he loves, and that which he esteems. Our Revolution, which can be but imperfectly viewed at a distance, goes in this manner to announce its approach to General Washington. The Representative of France has communicative virtues; and it is permitted me to wish, as an individual who neither interferes with, nor is\ninstructed in anything, that they may extend themselves even so far as to have an influence upon the Ancient french Americans, for whom they are framing a Constitution at London. You are not ignorant that to see them even creating one, was one of my most ardent wishes when I was a public man. I am, with respect, Sir, Your very humble & Obedt servt\nEstaing", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0167", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 May 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nWar Department [Philadelphia], 30th May, 1791.\nThe last Letter which I had the honor to address you was dated on the 17th ultimo. Since which your progressive distance rendered it improper for me to write, as it was almost certain that my Letters could not overtake you.\nI now have the honor to address with the expectation of the Letters reaching you at Taylor\u2019s ferry, and a Duplicate to be left at Mount Vernon.\nWithout entering into details, I shall have the honor at present to submit a general view of the most interesting affairs, relative to the proposed campaign.\nThe raising of the Levies, in New Jersey, this State, Maryland and Virginia has in general succeeded so well, that I conceived it unnecessary to have recourse to drafting the Militia, which not only seems entangled in some States with embarrassments, but the measure would occasion Substitutes at a much higher rate of compensation, than is allowed by the United States. This inequality in its best state would occasion uneasiness among the troops, and under certain circumstances might cause great evils.\nThe upper battalion, or that raised on the frontiers of this State has not succeeded, owing to the Militia being drafted, and Substitutes at high compensations being established; but as the Militia have been, or will be shortly dismissed, it is expected the battalion will soon be filled.\nThe recruiting of the regulars in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, contrary to all expectations has not sueceeded,\nowing as it is said, to the lowness of the pay. The Clothing being now distributed at the respective rendezvouss and the working season arrived, there are better prospects of success.\nIn Connecticut the service has succeeded better. One full company marched ten days past, and another is completing fast.\nBy the enclosed Schedule it will appear, that Thirteen hundred and two Regulars and Levies, have marched forward, and will march, on or before the first of June.\nThe advanced Guard consisting of One hundred and sixty Levies, reached Fort Pitt on the 18th instant, and they would be followed in close succession by other Companies and detachments.\nThe raising the battalion of rifle men, being part of the Levies in the territory of the United States, south of the Ohio, will have been retarded by the sickness of Brigadier General Sevier, who was dangerously ill at Richmond. But he had recovered, and on the 28th ultimo set out from thence, and assured me he had no doubt of the battalion being completed before the first of June. General Sevier had charge of the money for the battalion, and the Clothing moved from Richmond on the 25th ultimo\u2014together with all the Goods necessary for Governor Blount\u2019s treaty with the Cherokees, to be held on the last day of the present month.\nFrom the train in which the business is in, I think it may be relied upon that about One thousand Regulars and Levies, will be on their march before the 20th of June\u2014this opinion includes Sevier\u2019s battalion\u2014and the further number of Five hundred: before the first of July. This would make the number Two thousand eight hundred regulars and Levies, to which the number of Two hundred and fifty of the old troops who may be collected, may be added.\nAll the troops which shall march in the course of June, may be expected at the farthest to be at Fort Washington by the 15th of August. Hence it would appear that reliance may be had upon about Three thousand being assembled at Fort Washington, at the latest by the month of September. That period will be considerably later than was at first contemplated, but by good information, it will be the proper time.\nI shall in due season communicate these prospects to Major General St Clair, and if he should judge the force inadequate to\nthe appearances, he must be empowered to call forth the additional number he shall think necessary from the Kentucky Militia, to act either conjointly or collaterally with the Army as he shall think proper.\nThe frontiers, as far as I have been informed, although much alarmed, have not been greatly injured. The mischiefs and depredations on the frontiers of this State, and Ohio county in Virginia, would appear to have been committed by the Delawares and Wyandots, and flowing directly from the murder of the friendly indians of those tribes by the party headed by Captain Brady on the 10th of March last.\nThe Cornplanter continues firmly attached to the United States, although some of his party was plundered and abused by the people of Westmoreland county of this State. Notwithstanding this circumstance, he with a large number of his people assembled in and about Fort Franklin on french creek, on a report of a large body of Western indians being in the vicinity with hostile intentions.\nColonel Procter made all possible expedition, but could not meet the Cornplanter, until the 8th of April, which was effected at Fort Franklin. Although it was Procter\u2019s earnest desire to have gone forward to the western indians from Fort Franklin, yet the indians conceived that they should not be justified by their tribes, without making a previous communication. They dispatched their Runners to call a Council at Buffaloe creek, and Colonel Procter accompanied them to that place.\nIf the business be approved, the Cornplanter proposes himself to accompany Colonel Procter, with Two hundred Warriors.\nThis detention will retard General Scott\u2019s desultory expedition, as it would not have a good appearance, to strike the Wabash indians first and invite them to peace afterwards.\nMajor General St Clair left Fort Harmar on the Muskingum, on the 2d of this month, intending to go to Lexington to concert measures with General Scott.\nMajor General Butler is at Fort Pitt\u2014He will at present employ part of the Levies, so as to dismiss the Militia who were called out in consequence of the orders of the 10th of March last. Although it may be supposed by some people that the County Lieutenants have called out a greater number of men than actual circumstances rendered necessary, yet I am convinced as\nthe measure respects the reputation and dignity of the General government that it was right.\nThe Ordnance, Military stores, Medicines and Quarter Masters Stores, necessary for the Campaign, have been forwarded to Fort Pitt.\nThe force and the preparations, of all kinds, are in as much forwardness as the circumstances of the case would possibly admit, and I flatter myself as much as the public interests require.\nThe Vice President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of the Treasury, concurring with me in the propriety of assembling the Senekas, and others of the six Nations at this crisis, not only to prevent their joining the hostile indians\u2014but, if necessary to induce them to join the troops of the United States: I have instructed Colonel Pickering accordingly\u2014The 17th of June is the time, and the painted Post the place, at which the Council is to be held.\nThe goods necessary for the treaty have been forwarded to Colonel Pickering, and all the other necessary arrangements made.\nI beg you to accept this general information until I shall have the honor to submit to you all the particular details which you may require.\nAnxious that your journey may have been productive of health and satisfaction, I have the honor to be, With the most perfect Respect, Your Obedient humble servt\nH. Knoxsecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0168", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Inhabitants of Salisbury, North Carolina, 30 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Inhabitants of Salisbury, North Carolina\nGentlemen,\n[Salisbury, N.C., c.30 May 1791]\nYour expressions of satisfaction on my arrival in Salisbury are received with pleasure, and thanked with sincerity.\nThe interest, which you, are pleased to take in my personal welfare, excites a sensibility proportioned to your goodness\u2014While I make the most grateful acknowledgement for that goodness, allow me to observe that your own determination, co-operating with that of your fellow-citizens throughout the Union, to maintain and to perpetuate the federal-government, affords a better assurance of order and effective government, with their concomitants, private and public prosperity, than the best meant endeavors of any individual could give.\nOur national glory, and our domestic tranquillity, can never be tarnished or disturbed, while they are guarded by wise laws, founded-in public virtue among the measures which an enlightened and patriotic Legislature will pursue to preserve them. I doubt not the means of diffusing useful information will be duly considered.\nMy best wishes for the prosperity of your Village, and for your individual happiness are sincerely offered.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0169", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United Brethren of Wachovia, North Carolina, 1 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United Brethren of Wachovia, North Carolina\nGentlemen,\n[Salem, N.C., 1 June 1791]\nI am greatly indebted to your respectful and affectionate expressions of personal regard, and I am not less obliged by the patriotic sentiments contained in your address.\nFrom a Society, whose governing principles are industry and the love of order, much may be expected towards the improvement and prosperity of the country, in which their settlements are formed\u2014and experience authorises the belief that much will be obtained.\nThanking you with grateful sincerity for your prayers in my behalf, I desire to assure you of my best wishes for your social and individual happiness.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0170", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 3 June 1791\nFrom: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir!\nFayetteville [N.C.] June 3th 1791\nOn the 8th of Aprill 1787, You honoured me, with an Answer, upon my Proposition, to bring several German family\u2019s, into the\nState of Virginia\u2014You was pleased to Mention the Dismal Swamp Company; and that you would convene them together to make my Proposalls &c. I took the Liberty to state My Reasons in My Answer of the 15th of May following why I could not come there.\nSince that time, I have Obtained from this assembly the inclosed Grand\u2014and a Lottery for five Succeding Years\u2014to Support, and to carry My Importation Plan into Effect.\nI feel myself exceedingly happy, to be able Thro\u2019 this Grand, to offer my Service again, to Supply You, those few Mechanicks, which you were pleased to order: I wish to Know what Sort of Workman, You wante; and in which Ports, they should be delivered in Virginia.\nThe dismal Swamp Canal Company\u2014is to finish The Canal, in which this state has joined\u2014Therefore I wish to offer my Service to Them\u2014and most humbly beg to honour me with, a recomendation That I may make my Proposalls, of my present plans. I Know by information from Europe; That I can procure any Number, of good Manufactoring, and Labouring Germans.\nMy Plan at present is not to receive any Cash in advance. but when the people arrived, to be paid in Produce.\nif it was necessary and I received the order, I would come to Meet the Gentlemen of the Company\u2014My being at Hilsborough with the Governor and Counsell to receive the inclosed Grand, prevented me, to show my respectfull attandance at Wilmington to assure in person, my profoundest respects in which, I have the honour to be. Sir, Your Most obedient and Most humble Servant\nHenry, Emanuel Lutterloh.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0171", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 5 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBennington [Vt.] June 5. 1791.\nIn my last letter from Philadelphia, I mentioned that mister Madison & myself were about to take a trip up the North river as far as circumstances should permit, the levelness of the roads led us quite on to Lake George, where taking boat we went through that, and about 25 miles into Lake Champlain. returning then to Saratoga, we concluded to cross over thro\u2019 Vermont to Connecticut river and go down that instead of the North river which we had already seen, and we are so far on that rout. in the course of our journey we have had opportunities of visiting Still water, Saratoga, Forts Wm Henry & George, Ticonderoga, Crown point, & the scene of Genl Starke\u2019s victory.\nI have availed myself of such opportunities as occurred to enquire into the grounds of the report that something disagreeable had taken place in the vicinities of the British posts. it seems to have been the following incident. they had held a small post at a blockhouse on the North Hero, an island on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain, & something further South than their principal post at the Point au fer. the Maria, hitherto stationed at the latter, for Custom-house purposes, was sent to the Blockhouse, & there exercised her usual visits on boats passing to & from Canada. this being an exercise of power further within our jurisdiction became the subject of notice & clamour with our citizens in that quarter. the vessel has been since recalled to the Point au fer, & being unfit for service, a new one is to be built to perform her functions. this she has usually done at the Point au fer with a good deal of rigour, bringing all vessels to at that place, & sometimes under such circumstances of wind & weather as to have occasioned the loss of two vessels & cargoes. these circumstances produce strong sensations in that quarter, &\nnot friendly to the character of our government. the establishment of a custom-house at Alburg, nearly opposite to Point au fer, has given the British considerable alarm. a groundless story of 200 Americans seen in arms near Point au fer, has been the cause, or the pretext, of their reinforcing that place a few days ago with a company of men from St John\u2019s. it is said here they have called in their guard from the Block-house, but the information is not direct enough to command entire belief.\nOn enquiring into the dispositions in Canada on the subject of the projected form of government there, we learn, that they are divided into two parties; the English who desire something like an English constitution but so modelled as to oblige the French to chuse a certain proportion of English representatives, & the French who wish a continuance of the French laws, moderated by some engraftments from the English code. the judge of their Common pleas heads the former party, & Smith the chief justice secretly guides the latter.\nWe encounter the Green mountains tomorrow, with cavalry in part disabled, so as to render our progress a little incertain. I presume however I shall be in Philadelphia in a fortnight. I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & attachment, Sir, your most obedient & most humble servant\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0172", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 5 June 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia June 5th 1791\nSince I had the honor of writing to you on the 29 of last month, the two Platteaux, which Mr G. Morris sent from France, have arrived. One of them has received a slight fracture in the corner; but it has injured it very little.\nIn my letter of the 22d of may I mentioned that Hercules was to go on to Mount Vernon a few days after that. When he was about to go, somebody, I presume, insinuated to him that the motive for sending him home so long before you was expected there, was to prevent his taking the advantage of a six months residence in this place. When he was possessed of this idea he appeared to be extremely unhappy\u2014and altho\u2019 he made not the least objection to going; yet, he said he was mortified to the last degree to think that a suspicion could be entertained of his fidelity or attachment to you. and so much did the poor fellow\u2019s feelings appear to be touched that it left no doubt of his sincerity\u2014and to shew him that there were no apprehensions of that kind entertained of him, Mrs Washington told him he should not go at that time; but might remain \u2019till the expiration of six months and then go home\u2014to prepare for your arrival there. He has accordingly continued here \u2019till this time, and tomorrow takes his departure for Virginia.\nThe Gentleman to whom you sold your Kanawa Lands is now in this place, and told me yesterday that he had purchased a Seat called Springsbury situated between Bush Hill & Mr Morris\u2019 farm\u2014and from another quarter I was informed he was to give eight thousand pounds for it with about 65 acres of land. This looks as if there was some confidence placed in him, and is a virtual contradiction of some accounts which I had the honor to transmit to you. He tells me it is his intention to build pretty extensively upon that place, in order to receive & accommodate such French Gentlemen as may come over here with their families to settle in the Western County (of whom he says he expects a considerable number this summer) until the Gentlemen can go out into that Country with their settlers & make such accommodations for their Ladies & children as will prevent those severe inconveniencies which have already been felt by some who have carried their families into the wilderness without having any previous accommodations made for them. He further says that for several years hence he shall find it necessary for him to be nearly half the time in this part of the Country in order to fecilitate the arrangements which he shall make for his settlements, and that this is another cause for becoming a purchaser here. I hope too many plans may not prove injurious to him.\nIn a vessel which arrived from Havre de Grace last week was\na quantity of wine which Mr Jefferson had ordered for your use & his own. But as he is still out of town it cannot be divided till his return which is expected the latter part of this week.\nWe have lately experienced a spell of excessive hot weather for the season. The Thermomiter stood for 5 days between 87 & 90 degrees. Since that time we have been favored with abundant & refreshing showers which have cheered the heart of the farmer and braced up the relaxed frame of the citizen. The prospect of Crops is very pleasing hereabouts. In Jersey the Hessian fly is said again to have made its ravages in the wheat.\nOn the 1st Instant, at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury, I delivered to him Commissions filled up with the following persons-\u2014viz.\nDrury Ragsdale, as Inspector of the Revenue for Survey No. 1 in the district of Virginia.\nEdward Stevans, as ditto for Survey No. 2. in do.\nMayo Carrington, as ditto for Survey No. 3. in do.\nThomas Newton, as ditto for Survey No. 4. in do.\nEdward Smith, as ditto for Survey No. 5. in do.\nJames Brackenridge, as Inspector for Survey No. 6 in ditto.\nAs the Secretary of State was absent when the seal of the United States was affixed to these Commissions they were not countersigned by him as is customary. This, however, does not make them less valid.\nMrs Lear Joins me in sentiments of respect & gratitude for you & sincere prayers for the preservation of your health\u2014and a continuation of your happiness.\nMr Dandridge arrived here yesterday and is this day to be inoculated for the small pox, as a person who has not had it would be unsafe in this City for a single day. With the highest respect & most sincere attachment I have the honor to be Sir, Your obliged & grateful servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0173", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Pierce Butler, 6 June 1791\nFrom: Butler, Pierce\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nCharleston [S.C.] June the 6th 1791\nsoon after Your departure I received the inclosed letter from Genoa \u2014it came under Cover of one to me that I send with it\u2014If You shall at any time hereafter think proper to Nominate a Consul at Genoa I believe the person in question as elligible as any foreigner to be got. He is very strongly recommended to me by the first Banker in that City; and by other respectable persons.\nI beg leave to mention to You, that I had early in the second Session of Congress wrote to Itally and Holland for information on the subject of public Loans to the United States; to those letters I have only now received explicit answers; from these I have the fullest Conviction that Loans may be obtained for the United States on more Advantageous terms than are proposed by the Commissners in Holland to Mr Short; and which they by letter inform me that He has agreed to. I mention this for Your own information only\u2014not wishing to have my Name spoken of in this business, because it woud in future prevent the Commissioners in Holland from Communicating to me as freely as they do at present, the State of Money transactions there\u2014When I have the honor of seeing You I will shew You the proposals made to me from a Quarter that admits of no doubt.\nI hope Sir You get well Home and feel no inconvenience from\nYour Journey. I have the honor to be, with great respect and sincere Attachment\u2014Dear sir Yr Most Obedt humble servant\nP. Butler.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0174", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 June 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nWar Department [Philadelphia], June 6th 1791.\nOn the 30th of the last month I had the honor to submit to you, a general view of the Affairs in my department\u2014Nothing material has occurred since.\nThe frontiers seem to be quiet\u2014Major General Butler in a letter dated at Fort Pitt, on the 22d ultimo says \u201cthat a boat has this day arrived up the river in 22 days from Fort Washington without seeing one Savage or meeting the least molestation on the passage.\u201d\nMr Brown in a letter dated at Danville on the 26th of April says, \u201cthe plan of the expedition meets with universal approbation throughout the district, and the proposed number of Volunteers are already engaged. The board will again meet at this place on the 2d of May, to appoint and commission Officers, and to make final arrangements for putting the army in motion\u2014General Scott will take the command, and unless countermanded will be in readiness to march upon the 12th or 15th of May\u2014Doctor O\u2019Fallon\u2019s schemes have all blown up, not one man will join him from this Country.\u201d\nI have heard nothing from or of Colonel Procter since the 8th of April, as mentioned in my former letter.\nI am apprehensive that his delay may interfere with, and retard General Scott\u2019s expedition. But I hope that General St Clair will not permit it to be suspended too long.\nThe recruiting service still continues to languish in the eastern States\u2014But in the States from Connecticut westward, recruits are obtained in greater numbers\u2014from this State eastward, about Two hundred and fifty regulars are recruited, and additions are daily making to the number. Those in this City, will march in day or two, and those in New Jersey, about one hundred, will march next week\u2014Those more east are ordered to move forward as fast as a company shall be collected at any rendezvous.\nThe upper battalion of the Levies of this State are nearly completed according to General Butler\u2019s account\u2014The number of Fifteen hundred at least, which I mentioned in my last will in all probability be marched in the course of the present month\u2014This number is exclusively of those recruits who marched during the months of April and May\u2014I have the honor to be Sir With perfect Respect Your most Obedt hume servt\nH. Knoxsecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0176", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 6 June 1791\nFrom: Smith, William Stephens\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew York June 6 1791\nIt becomes my duty to state to the President, that when I visited England the last winter, I noticed a very great change in the Public opinion, relative to the situation of affairs of my country, since I had the honor of residing their in a Public capacity, and in every company found the subject dwelt on in a flattering manner, except in one or two cases\u2014when Merchants who had experienced injury from & obliquely reflecting on the subject of Legislative interference between the creditor and debtor\u2014but even on this point I found them attentive, while not unsucsesfully I endeavoured to palliate the circumstances, and relieve the general government of my Country from the operation of opinions too hastily formed as to their countenancing such arrangements, or having any agency in their existance or operation. Without entering too minutely into a detail of those conversations, I shall take the Liberty of presenting Copies of such\nLetters and notes as passed between me and several respectable Gentlemen, on subjects which may not be uninteresting; I shall take the Liberty of accompanying them with such observations only, as may tend to elucidate the objects they had in view and the circumstances which produced them.\nIt may not be improper here to remark, that I have received more Polite attention as an American, from some of the first characters in England during the Last Winter, than for the whole 3 years of my former public residence\u2014this in some degree tended to lead me into a greater expence than I had Calculated on, considering the real object of my excursion, and greater than I should have wished to have been exposed to as a private gentleman. But having long been in the habits of sacrificing my private fortune to the service of my country, I could not restrain the disposition of carrying it still a little further, particularly as by submitting to it in the Present case, such information might be obtained, as might be serviceable to the President in his public station, and tend to relieve his mind from some uncertainty on those unexplained and apparantly rather jarring points, between America and Great Britain.\nIn the course of a few weeks after my arrival in London I was very earnestly solicited to wait on the Minister Mr Pitt or Lord Grenville, But this I pointedly declined, upon the principle of my appearing in London, in no other capacity than that of a private Gentleman, pursuing his private affairs, I was told, they had expressed a great desire to see me, and that my visit would be acceptable; I acknowledged myself complimented by this communication, and said, \u201cthat neither for my country nor myself, having any objects in view, that would Justify the apparent advance, I considered the step, as being a greater commitment on the part of my country than any private individual had a right to make, and as it related to myself; I wished rather to avoid the observations that such a visit might expose me to, both on the one & the other side of the atlantic; But however I observed, if any of the Gentlemen in the administration of England wished to see me, and they thought proper to communicate in writing that wish, and had been led to suppose that a private individual of that country merited such a mark of their attention\u2014The great respect I entertained of the present administration would not permit me to pass by the communication unnoticed,\u201d\nsome considerable time passed, without being marked with any other circumstance than numberless visits and invitations, tending to interrupt my private pursuits in such a manner as to deprive me of the ability of returning in the March packett as I wished. But having perfectly embraced the objects of my visit, I made arrangements to sail in the april packet, agreeably to my communication to the President, in December Last. After I had taken leave of my friends accordingly, Mr Colquhoun a Gentleman at the Head of the manufacturing interests of England, and from whom I had received many marks of friendship and civility, called on me, and said \u201csince I had been in London he had had several interviews with Mr Dundas, and other Gentlemen in administration, who he knew would be disappointed if I left London without their seeing me, that the present convulsed state of European affairs so fully engrossed their attention, that they had frequently lamented that it had not been in their power to pay me those civilities which (they were pleased to say) from various circumstances they thought me entitled to\u201d He then read me a copy of a note which he had sent to Mr Dundas; and haveing requested he would favour me with a copy of it, I have the honor of submitting the perusal of it to the President marked No. 1. I passed that evening being the 5th of April with the Honourable Mr Pultney of Bath House Picadilly, intending it as my last visit previous to my departure, which I had arranged for the next day, that I might be in time for the Packet at falmouth which was to sail on Saturday the 9th our conversation was chiefly political and without entering into a detail of It I shall only say, that I flatter myself that I had constantly in view the honor & dignity of my Country Her attachment to peaceble systems and the reluctance that she would feel at being obliged (from the injustice and cross-grained Politicks of Britain) to take any steps in the vindication of her own honor or the security of her frontiers, which at the present juncture might tend further to embarrass England and perhaps finally force America to throw herself into a Political scale decidedly inimical to the interests of Great Britain, he also, expressed great anxiety on the prospect of my leaveing England previous to the ministers having seen me, and was solicitous that I should postpone my voyge untill the May Packett, and was so pointedly pressing on the subject, that I was obliged to say, I would consider\nof it, and let him know my determination in the morning and took my leave, The enclosed No. 2 is a Copy of what I addressed to him the next morning, and at 3 OClock in the afternoon Mr Pultney paid me a visit, informing me that he had just received a Letter from Lord Grenville one of the Principal Secretaries of state, which he gave me, upon my requesting permission to take a copy of it, he said the original was at my service it is marked No. 3. He then asked me if I could make it convenient to wait on his Lordship at the time mentioned, I told him I most certainly would, As I should think myself unpardonable in not makeing every return in my power to his polite communications at the same time requesting, that his Lordship might perfectly understand that by waiting untill saturday, I should risk the Loss of my passage, unless he should think proper to guard me from this inconvenience by an order to the Post office that the Packet should not leave me, about 5 OClock, I received a note from Mr Pultney containing one from Lord Grenville, marked No. 4 I consequently postponed my departure untill saturday, when agreeably to the wish of Lord Grenville, I waited on him at his house at St James.s\u2014Upon being introduced he was pleased to express himself obliged by my attention to his request, made thro\u2019 Mr Pultney & said \u201cthat he had, had several conversations with that gentleman & others Lately, on the subject of affairs between Great Britain and The United states of America, and that it was his wish not only in his private capacity, but as one of the Ministers of England; and He could assure me, a similar wish pervaded the cabinet that some amicable arrangements might take place between the 2 Countries, if their Mutual interests be examined with a frindly eye, and every point between them, explained and adjusted upon principles equally advantageous\u2014he did not doubt that during the time I had been in England, I had noticed that the national wish fully corresponded with what he then declared to be the disposition of the present Administration, that they viewed with pleasure the rising dignity of America, and was happy to find the foundation so well Laid in a firm, wise, and Liberal Constitution, one that appeared to him, wisely calculated, to promote the happiness of America, and furnish its government with the ability of carrying into effect, any Arrangement that under it, they might consider themselves, authorised to make\u2014that from the communications\n  that had been made to him, since my arrival in England, by some Gentleman who were in habits of intimacy with me, he had early expressed a wish to see me, and was extreamly sorry, that my departure was to be so sudden, and that it had not been in his power to see me sooner, owing to the pressure of the Present Political affairs of Europe, which so engrossed the attention of Ministers that they had scarcely time to think on other subjects, he hoped however, that America nourished equally friendly dispositions towards England, and that some means might be fallen upon at Least to unite them again in the bonds of frindship\u201d\u2014I answered that \u201chis Lordship communication thro\u2019 Mr Pultney to a private Citizen of America was so extreamly polite and complimentaray, that it became incumbent on me as a Gentleman, to make the return I then did, by attending his Lordships appointment and acknowledged myself much obliged by the care he was pleased to take in the detention of the Packet\u2014that I should not in consequence of this interview be obliged to wait the sailing of the next\u2014that I could scar[c]ely harbour a thought, that the Ministers of Great Britain had any room to doubt of the friendly dispositions of the United States of America, particularly when they took a retrospective view of the conduct of America at the conclusion of the war, when she came forward by her Ministers, expressing her dispositions to examine and arrange upon liberal Principles all disagreeable points between the two Nations, that her Minister remained at the court of St James.s for 3 years and finally was obliged to return without having fulfilled the objects of his mission and not very favourably impressed with Ideas of the friendly intentions of England, towards the United States\u2014That his Lordship must doubtless recollect, that the ostensible reason on the part of the ministers of England, why the friendly advances on the part of America were not at that time attended to, was, and it was publickly given, \u2018that they did not conceive the then Government of America sufficiently coercive to carry into effect their engagements,[\u2019] this answer at the time did not appear overcharged with delicacy particularly, when other Nations of Europe with Whom America had made engagements did not complain, but found her Government fully competent to carry into effect every arrangement they had made, that under these circumstances America had no other alternative consistant with that dignity of\nCharacter, which it was her intention to support, but to wait untill England by her Minister, inform\u2019d her, that she was satisfied with the Ability, and Honourable intentions of the government & rulers in America to fulfill their engagements, and that she was disposed to enter into an investigation of the affairs of the respective nations, and to make such establishments as might appear consistant with the real interests of each\u2014That I felt no diffidence in declaring as a private Gentleman, somewhat acquainted with the dispositions of my countrymen, that as soon as England should think proper to take this step she would meet with every return of civility from the Government of the United states of America, that could be wished, but that the Ministers of England might not deceive themselves, I seriously thought that no other step could Lead to it, for they could not expect a second advance on the part of America, when the circumstances under which the first was made, and the causes that put a period to it, were fairly considered\u2014\u201d His Lordship Said \u201cthey had already determined to send a minister to America that Mr Elliot had been called to proceed to the United States in that Capacity, but a Letter had been received from him within a few days, declining the appointment, from some private reasons, and that ministry, were then in quest of some proper character, one that would be agreeable to the President & Legislature of America, and that as soon as they had fixed upon the Gentleman, no time would be lost in his makeing arrangements for an immediate departure, that he was sorry it was not from this Circumstance in his power to inform me, at what time he might be decidedly expected in America, but that he thought he might with safety say, it would not exceed 2 or 3 months, and observed, that it would be very agreeable if \u27e8I\u27e9 would be so oblidging as to say what kind of Character would be most acceptable in America, and by what means a good understanding might be spedily produced, supposing it probable, that opposition was to be expected from those attached to a french party, who he had been informed were very strong in America\u201d\u2014I answerd, that \u201chis Lordship appearing disposed to enter with great freedom, and with a very flattering degree of Confidence into this Conversation I should without reserve communicate to him my Ideas on the subjects he mentioned, in full Confidence, that they would be received with the same Liberallity and candour, with which\nthey were given, that it was a truth strongly impressed upon my mind, that most of the disagreeable points which had been raised and still existed between the United States of America and Great Britain, proceeded from a total want of Just information, relative to the real situation of affairs of that country, and of the principles that governed its people, or perhaps in some cases too great a disposition, in the former administrations of England, to believe, that nothing honourable, great, or dignified, could possibly issue from thence as a Source, the particular Class of Character in England who advocated this opinion, and the information of those on the other side the Atlantic upon which it was founded, could not be unknown to his Lordship\u2014that it was a Circumstance Americans were at this present moment Lamented yet also excited their Astonishment that notwithstanding the freedom of intercourse between the 2 Countries, the affairs of America were even at present, by no means understood in England\u2014that with respect to his first question, In my opinion the Minister sent from England to America to be agreeable to the Latter, should be a man of a fair mind and unblemished reputation, one whose character had never been committed in the late Contests between us & who from thence might at least be supposed capable, of makeing honourable and Just statements to the British court of what he notices in America worthy of Communication, that as I could not suppose England had any objects in view, relative to America at which a perfectly honourable and fair Character would hesitate in negotiating I supposed such a Character would be equally as agreeable to England as to America, and as america was in pursuit of no systems either foreign or domestic but such as Justice would warrant, She would not hesitate at haveing those pursuits examined by a Liberal and candid eye, neither with such a Character would she object at entering into a friendly Examination of the points to be discussed between the respective nations and in short, that a purely British Character, appeared to me the only one in a diplomatic point of view, which the one could promise themselves any advantage in employing, or the other feel its itself perfectly at ease in negotiating with, that with respect to the means by which a good understanding might be spedily produced, and the hint his Lordship was pleased to throw out, on the subject of a french Party in America & which I had before\nheard spoken of, it might not be improper, in explaining the only means which in my mind could produce the good understanding wished for, a Little to contrast the conduct of England, and france relative to America, the opposition alluded to, was doubtless a matter clearly to be calculated on, that there were parties in America, might be readily allowed without the shadow of reflection, and that they consistd of the Principal Leading men in the country, one set very numerous, powerful and respectable in favour of France & another not so numerous or powerful, but Perhaps individually equally \u27e8res\u27e9pectable in favour of England, and the 3rd was composed of that Class \u27e8of\u27e9 americans who had attached themselves singly to the American Character unbiased by french or english Systems, excepting that which honor Justifies, and the strictest adherence to engagements require, that they could look with a friendly eye both on the one & the other but thier attachments were to there Country independent of Party, they reguarded measures and not men. That the french party (the term being made use of simply in contrast) was of course solicitous to strengthen itself by the Assistance and Countenance of France in order if possible to acquire the ascendency, while the english party is equally solicitous to acquire a preeminence through the medium of the same Countenance and attention from England\u2014That the national Assembly of france notwithstanding the present supposed Confusion of their affairs, aware of this circumstance and the growing consequence of America as a source for the Consumption of Manufactures had already manifested a desire to Cultivate (in addition to their past acts of friendship) a Closer friendship and connection with America, by the Late appointment of Colo. Ternant as their Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States, a Gentleman of Abilities and popular in America, from the circumstance of his having served with the reputation of A Gentleman and a Soldier thro\u2019 the whole of the war in the American army\u2014That while France was thus strengthening her friends in America by acts of friendship and Attention to the United States, England was decidedly loosing ground by that species (perhaps) of unintentional neglect, which in the present state of political contention, if not soon remedied, might be productive of much injury, if not annihilation to the British interest in America, That the friends to this interest wished [(]& the third party mentioned,\nJoin them decidedly here) to see England come forward by her minister and manifest a desire (now the American Government was fully organized) to discuss all points of difference relative to a compliance with the late treaty of peace as a primary essential, that all matters of varience on either side, might be finally adjusted agreeably to the principles of Good Faith an National Justice, which doubtless was the intention of the parties at the time it was concluded; That after these points relative to the Late Treaty of Peace should be thus amicable adjusted and settled, The Friends of Great Britain and America would wish that a more friendly intercourse might take place, by means of a Treaty of Commerce, by which those disagreeable fluctuations in the duties upon British ships and British Manufactures might be done away, and the subjects of Great Britain treated in America in all respects as a most favoured nation, which was not the case at present, and would not be the case, untill there was a commercial Treaty between the two Countries\u2014That by this means only, the duties on British Goods and British Shipping, would be fixed, never to exceed a certain rate\u2014Greater facilities would be given to the collection of debts and to the transactions of merchants\u2014The Power of consuls would be defined and the office rendered useful on both sides, which also could not be effected but by an explicit treaty\u2014Many other regulations useful to both countries might be established; when the various objects which must compose a Treaty between two Countries so Circumstanced as Great Britain and The United States of America, come into full discussion, the result of which would probably be, to secure to Great Britain a preeminence in the American trade, over every other Country in Europe and to render those advantages permanent\u2014That many Circumstances in the affairs of the United states of America pressed exceedingly at present for an almost immediate decission on the part of Great Britain before new difficulties arose, from some Loose operating causes or from the intrigues of rival nations\u2014That it would be doubtless of advantage to the British interests in America, if All Public Characters, sent to that Country as was before Observed on the particular subject of Ministers, were men of whose characters had not been committed in the Late war, but above all, that, the office of Minister and Consul General, should be filled with pure British Characters\u2014That as the connection between\nGreat Britain and America must be principally commercial, a Character should be fixed on for Consul General, who had not only some Local knowledge of the commerce of America but also Local & if possible practical knowledge of the trade of Great Britain and the other countries in Europe, so far as related to their commerce and intercourse with the United Stat\u27e8es\u27e9\u2014Such Characters would acquire a preeminence over most foreign Consuls, while it would enable them by prudence and good Judgement to reconcile to the American mind, many apparent difficulties\u2014which without extensive Commercial Knowledge it might be often impossible to overcome, that in a country like America which was merely agricultural and commercial and where the trade was carried on by British merchants and natives of Great Britain in every state in the Union, it would seem to be a matter of the greatest consequence to england to establish an accurate consular system with a superintending consul of extensive knowledge and Abilities, whos\u27e8e\u27e9 attention would of course be directed to the rise and progress of the Trade between the two countries, and who by the exercise of good Judgement watching every event, might be able to suggest useful hints for rendering the intercourses more beneficial between two Countries whose Language, manners Education & Tastes so perfectly assimulate as those of Great Britain and the United States of America.\u201d\nHis Lordship Said \u201cHe perfectly agreed with me with respect to the discription of Characters proper to fill the offices mentioned, but that Candour Obliged him to state, and he spoke as the minister of England that, that part of the Treaty of peace, which related to the Military posts on the frontiers, must become a subject of discussion, as it was not only of great importance to the fur trade of England, and embraced a very respectable part of the Commercial and manufacturing interest of the kingdom but that the subject was also closely connected with the security of the frontiers of Canada and of their influence over the natives, that as to the natives he was very sorry to find The Government of the United States carrying on vigorous hostile measures against them, that in consequence of it the British trade had been very materially effected the two Last seasons & would be totally destroyed unless some measures were taken, to accommodate the differences, and that he had noticed some\nobservations in a late American Paper tending to impress the public mind with opinions, that England countenanced the depredations of the savages on the frontier\u2014which gave him some uneasiness, for he could with truth assure me that the Cabinet of England disclaimed the Idea in the present Situation, but it was his duty to make this impression, that England could not with perfect indifference, see a tribe of indians extirpated, from whom they received such advantages, without endeavouring in some degree to shelter them, but he flattered himself, with the expectation that America would not proceed to too great extremities on this subject\u201d\u2014I must candidly acknowledge to the President that these Last observations produced in me a glow, and roused some former professional feelings, but these being from various circumstances in some measure checked, I answered in such a manner, as fully to convince the minister, that tho on mild questions, I was disposed to cultivate as much benevolence and friendship as the pursuits of peace and tranquility could look for, still on others I nourished feelings capable of meeting points less amicably marked, and in the way (as I think) they ought always to be encountered.\nWith respect to an investigation of the principles of the Treaty I answerd, \u201cthat I had not an Idea that my country, would discover any reluctance in entering into any investigations that should be properly presented by a minister, always haveing in view the perfect fulfilment of the Treaty, in such a manner, as not to bear hard upon either of the contracting parties, or to wound the feeling of either in the explanation of any of the articles of which it was composed, but in this pursuit I doubted not, but the negotiating minister, would be fully convinced, that the fur Trade of England might perhaps be rather benifited than checked, by withdrawing their troops within their own proper Limits\u2014and that in consequence of it, and the rapid encreasing settlements of the frontier of America, that respectable part of the commercial and manufacturing interests of England which his Lordship was pleased to allude to, would be rather extended than injured, and that the connection the subject had with the security of the frontiers of Canada absolutely invited the removal, for then the troops and inhabitants of the United States together with the intermediate lakes would form an insurmountable barrier, between the present belligerent Savages and\nthe British inhabitants both of upper and lower Canada and that it might possibly be a point which america would not object to to enter into a defensive treaty with England as far as it would relate to mutual security against the savages or the frontiers of their respective territories\u2014that with respect to the present hostilities between the United states of America and the Miami tribes of Indians, I doubted not but my Country would readily confide in the assurance his Lordship was pleased to make that the government of Great Britain totally disclaimed the Idea of at present aiding or abetting those Savages in the depredations they had made and were still makeing on some defenceless parts of the American frontier; That I believed those at the head of the Government of America entertained too favourable an opinion of the Characters of the present administration of England to suspect them of being capable, of countenanceing such inhuman and barbarous incursions\u2014but that when in the packs and Haversacks of Indians slain in battle, were found British provisions, it was impossible to ascertain, whether it was procured from the British Garrisons in way of Barter for furs or other articles of indian traffic or whether it was supplyed for the purpose of enabling them to carry on the expedition, in Which those individuals had fallen a Sacrifice, that when those circumstances happened to a printer it might Justify the observations made and the Paragraphs published in the papers to which his Lordship alluded, but I believed he would not Suspect any gentleman in the administration of the Government of America could for a moment believe that the ministers of England could be capable of such measures\u2014That as his Lordships observations pressed on the conduct of America, towards those Savages, I felt no diffidence in asserting that the Conduct of the United States towards the Savages on their frontiers was more strongly marked with Justice & benevolence than that of any power who had ever yet come in contact with them, that this assertion was founded on treaties already made with other tribes, and on simular offers extended with the hand of benevolence to those very indians to whom his lordship alluded, that America was willing at any period to make peace with them upon those express principles, which had produced tranquility to every other nation, and of which she might rather boast than be ashamd and that she felt herself perfectly competent not only to chastise, but even\nif necessary to extirpate; still she would blush at excercising that power unless authorised by necessity and preceded by every consiliatory proposal that Justice could warrant or the Circumstances of the case admit of\u2014That the war was by no means sought on our part, but being forced into it for the security of our settlements and protection of our frontiers, and in every stage of its progress continuing to hold in one hand mild and honourable terms of peace, while the other grasped the necessary weapons of war, it would be be rather probable that we should pursue the war, with vigour, untill peace the only object of it, was obtained, rather than check those exertions under any apprehension that England would side with Savages in such a cause, particularly if Ministers would but give themselves the trouble of Examining the question and weighing the principles of those treaties I alluded to, but even if they should think proper to take the side hinted at\u2014America could only act one uniform part, Viz. being satisfied of the Justness of her Career and the integrity of her intentions she doubtless would pursue her measures with firmness and leave the event[\u201d]\u2014His Lordship asked me if I could favour him with a perusal of those treaties, I told him [\u201c]I could, they were in the Possession of Mr Colqhoun, & I would request him to send them to his Lordship,\u201d He observed he would be glad to peruse them and was \u201cperfectly disposed to think well of the pursuits of the United States, and to nourish every favourable disposition, that he sought this interview that I might on my return to my country communicate to the President of the United states the real friendly dispositions of the Ministers of Great Britain and of the Nation at Large towards him and the Country over which he presided\u201d\u2014He then brought forward the present Constitution of Canada, which after conversing on some time we parted and I immediately set off for Falmouth, where I found the Packet waiting my arrival\u2014There are several other points, than those I have here related, which may be calculated upon to be embrac\u2019d on the propositions which may be expected on the arrival of the English Minister; which tho they were brought forward in a Less pointed manner and in conversations with other persons besides Lord Grenville, still doubtless are such, as we shall find them much Attached to, and perhaps worthy of some deliberate previous Considerations, but this Letter is spun out to such an unreasonable\nLength that I am apprehensive I have already trespassed too much on the Presidents time and patience, therefore shall not proceed further than to state, that haveing thus communicated the opinions and dispositions of the present administration of England as received from one of the principal Secretaries of State; it may not be improper to assure the President that what is called the opposition, nourish equally friendly opinions. on the evening of the 8th of April when the new Constitution of Canada was introduced by the Minister, Mr Fox in opposing the bill among other reasons said \u201cThat the situation of Canada, with regard to the united States of America was also a reason why they should be very careful to extend to them every advantage they were capable of receiving. It was proved by fatal example unless Canada was restrained by the wish of the People, it would be in vain for them to think of restraining it by coertion. Prejudices had now so far subsided that he might freely confess, that the constitution and Government of America was of a structure, more likely to make a people happy and flourishing than any other that was ever Established in the world either Ancient or Modern. It behoved the house therefore to provide that the people of Canada should never have occation to contemplate with envy the situation of their neighbours, but that they should remain subjects of Britain by choice, founded on the experience of the superior advantage derived from it\u201d\u2014The President will doubtless perceive, that the Language adopted by me in the course of my communication with Lord Grenville was perfectly consiliatory, and as far as my knowledge of the sentiments of the people goes, I took the Liberty of concluding that they were favourable to a Liberal Commercial connection with Great Britain and considered myself as conforming to their dispositions in using such a stile of expression as appeared to me calculated, to excite favourable dispositions in the person to whom my discource was addressed. If however, my Zeal on any of the points here stated may have carried me on the one side or the other, too far, it must be recollected that it can in no point of view be considered as a committment of my country or the opinion of its rulers, but merely a committment of the opinion of a private individual who as he thinks it his duty to do, freely submitts them to the perusal of The President of The United States and with as much Candour as they were given to Lord Grenville\nwhen sought for by him. With sentiments of the highest respect, I have the honour to be the Presidents most Obedient and very Humble Servant\nW. S. Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0177", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Troup, 6 June 1791\nFrom: Troup, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\n  New York, 6 June 1791. As an officer of the federal court for the New York district, he has observed the conduct of Justus Bush Smith as deputy marshal both before and during his brother\u2019s absence and states \u201cwith the strictest regard to truth, that Mr Smith has ever appeared to me to have been upright, vigilant, active and firm in the discharge of the several duties incumbent upon him;\u201d he does not hesitate to declare that Smith \u201cis in every respect well qualified to execute the office of Marshal of this District,\u201d recommending him \u201cin the strongest terms, to your faverable notice.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0178", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 8 June 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nWar Department [Philadelphia] June 8th 1791.\nColonel Procter has just arrived in this City by the way of Fort Pitt\u2014He was unable to go forward to the Western Indians without an escort of the six nations\u2014He could have obtained such an escort after counselling with them at Buffaloe Creek, from the 23d of April, until the 15th of May\u2014But the Indians could not proceed either in Canoes along the lake, or by land, but required a vessel\u2014He applied to Colonel Gordon, commanding Officer at Niagara for a vessel either public or private, for which he would pay, but he could not obtain one. The design therefore of inviting the hostile Indians to peace, previously to striking them, has been frustrated.\nBrant with thirty Warriors having Girty, and McGee with him, set out from Grand River, to the Western indians about the 1 ith of May\u2014The Senekas say that his design is peace\u2014That he will return in June to the treaty at the painted Post\u2014That in that case one half the Chiefs will attend at the painted Post, and the other go forward to oblige the Western indians to peace.\nThe Cornplanter continues his attachment to the United States, but he is exceedingly suspected by Brant\u2019s people who are in an opposite interest\u2014the six Nations are for peace.\nColonel Procter transmitted from Fort Pitt, a full account of his proceedings to General St Clair\u2014He will therefore be no longer in doubt about pushing forward the Kentucky expedition.\nColonel Procter has not made a written Report yet\u2014but he will soon do it\u2014I have thought it proper to submit the substance of his Mission to you. I have the honor to be With the highest Respect Sir, Your most Obedt hum. servt\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0179", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 June 1791\nFrom: Lincoln, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\n  Boston, 10 June 1791. Recommends for any \u201copening in the public line\u201d Francis Cabot, his aide during the disorders of 1787 in Massachusetts, \u201ca Gentleman of information & of great probity,\u201d who \u201chas justly merited the esteem & confidence of a very extensive acquaintance\u201d and is \u201ca Gentleman of a respectable family, brother to Mr Cabot one of our Senators in Congress.\u201d Cabot \u201cleft this part of the Union, the last year, with an intention to establish him self at Georgetown in the commercial line; he finds his business small and that more difficulties attend his introduction than he expected.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0180", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 11 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nFredericksburgh [Va.] June 1[1]th 1791\nYesterday we arrived at this place in good health, but with horses much worn down. To morrow I expect to reach Mt Vernon\u2014where, even if my horses were able to proceed, I am obliged to remain until the 27th instant\u2014the day appointed by me at the last meeting, to meet the Commissioners at George town, in order to fix on the spot for the public buildings, and for other purposes, arising from the residence Act.\nI have, at this place, received your letter of the 30th Ulto; but none of an intermediate date between that of the 15th and it. Your directions to have them sent cross-wise the Country, was unlucky\u2014first, because there are no cross-posts. 2d because my rout back was not irrevocably fixed\u2014and 3d because I had, knowing these circumstances, directed from Charleston all letters which might be following me, to be returned to this place to await my call. The slow movement of the Mail in the three Southern States prevented (I presume) these directions getting to Richmond before the letters were forwarded to Taylors ferry\u2014& my crossing at Carters (a ferry much higher up James River) has been the cause, or causes, I imagine, of my missing them.\nBeing interrupted by visitors, I shall postpone until I arrive at Mt Vernon, further communications; the principal, indeed the only purpose of this letter being, to advise you of my arrival at this place, and of my intended stay at Mount Vernon, for the reason which I have assigned. My best wishes attend you, Mrs Lear & the Child; and I am sincerely & affectionately Yrs\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0181", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 12 June 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia June 12th 1791\nI flatter myself that this letter will either find you at Mount Vernon, or meet you there in a very few days. In either case, I hope I may be so happy as to congratulat you upon a safe return from your southern excursion.\nThe day before yesterday a Drayman brought 14 Cases of wine here marked G.W. which he said were from on board a vessel which had arrived from Charleston S.C.\u2014There was no letter, bill of lading or any other paper accompanying them, and I have not yet been able to learn by whom, or by whose desire they were sent. They were, however, received & taken care of. The wine which Mr Jefferson sent for to France on your account has likewise arrived; but as the packages all came marked in Mr Jefferson\u2019s name, I did not think proper to have any of them brought here until Mr Jefferson\u2019s return from his Eastern tour, when he will be able to make a proper division of it, (as I understood him before his departure that a part of the wines which might arrive was for himself.) It was therefore all put into his Cellar.\nMr Fentham, with whom George & Lawrence board, gave me notice a few days ago that he did not think it would be in his power to accommodate them much longer, as he was placed in a very disagreeable situation by two of his boarders, young Gentlemen from Maryland, having left him without paying off their Account of board, which had been of a long standing, and upon which he depended to enable him to dis-charge some debts which were chiefly contracted for the supply of his house of which these young gentlemen had partaken. He expected his Creditors would come upon him immediately & the consequences would be very disagreeable. He thought he should be obliged at least to break up house-keeping. As I had about the middle of April, (at his earnest request) advanced him a quarter\u2019s\nboard for George & Lawrence\u2014which quarter will not expire \u2019till the latter part of this month, I had it not in my power to afford him any relief by a payment on their Acct\u2014and I did not feel authorized to make any further advances even if he had requested it. I immediately acquainted Doctor Smith with these circumstances & requested his assistance in providing other lodgings for Geo. & Lawce in Case Mr Fentham should not be able to keep them. The Doctor told me he did not consider Mr Fentham\u2019s case in so desperate a light as he did himself, and that he intended to request the College Treasurer to advance so much of his salary as would enable him to satisfy his Creditors and that he might then go on as he had done. But if it should finally so be that Mr Fentham could not continue them, there would be no difficulty in providing suitable lodgings for them, and that he would take care to give me timely information of a proper place. On this ground the matter rested \u2019till last evening, when George informed me that Mr Fentham intended to remove in a short time to Maryland where he had an advantageous offer of a School & a Parish. Should he carry his intentions into effect I shall then refer to Dr Smith\u2019s offer of providing a place for them. They both express themselves very well satisfied with the fare & treatment which they have met with at Mr Fentham\u2019s.\nWashington has been detained from School this week past by the Chicken pox which he has had pretty severely\u2014and which I expect will keep him at home most of the present week. The early commencement of the vacation (about the middle or latter part of July) with these interruptions, will not allow time to form an opinion of the effects of any new regulations which may have been formed in his School, before he goes to Virginia.\nIt is here a great subject of inquiry when you will be in this place; but nobody is able say further than that it is probable you will be here towards the last of the month. Mr Brown, however, undertook to fix the 25th of the month in his paper & from him the other printers have taken up that idea.\nSome late English papers say that the Attorney General of G. B. has commenced a prosecution agst Mr Paine for some things contained in his Answer to Mr Burke. This, it was expected by many here, would be the case, when they first read his pamphlet, unless Government should be detered from such\na step by an apprehension of its exciting a popular commotion; for the book is said to be read with great avidity and much approbation by a large part of the Community in Great Britain\u2014and almost universally in Ireland.\nMrs Lear unites with me in sentiments of the highest respect & in sincere wishes for your heath & happiness, with a respectful remembrance to all friends at Mt Vernon. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect & most sincere Attachment, Sir, Your Obliged & Affect. Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0182", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 13 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nMy Dr sir\nMount Vernon, June 13th 1791.\nI am arrived at this place and just in time to acknowledge (in a hasty manner by this days Post\u2014the first opportunity that has offered of writing to Philada since I left Savanna\u2014) the receipt of your private letter of the 17th of April by Mr Smith who lodged it at Cambden, through which it was known my rout would be on my return to the seat of the Government.\nMr Wolcott may be informed that it is my intention to appoint him to the office of Comptroller\u2014With respect to his successor as Auditor, I shall suspend any determination, (if no manifest inconvenience will result from it) until my arrival in Philadelphia, which however is not likely to happen before the 5th or 6th of July as (by appointment at the last meeting) I am to meet\nthe Commissioners, undr the residence Act on Monday the 27th inst: at Georgetown, and may, for aught I know to the Contrary, be detained there several days; and afterwards must move slowly, on account of the exhausted condition of my horses.\nNo letters from the Northward or Eastward of this, bearing date between the 15th & 30th of May have come to my hands\u2014and having abundant evidence before I reached Charleston of the slow movements of the Mail through the three Southernmost States, I did, before I left that place\u2014on the 9th of that month direct that all letters which might be for & following me to be returned to Fredericksburgh as the first place I should touch the post line upon my return\u2014But these directions not arriving in Richmond in time (as I conjecture) the letters of that interval, agreeably to the superscriptions which I am informed were on them, were forwarded from that place to Taylors Ferry, in expectation of meeting me there\u2014but to this circumstance, which was unknown to me\u2014and to finding from better information than I set out with, that it would be more convenient to cross James river higher up than at Taylors; is to be ascribed my missing the communications which were made between the 15\u2014& 30. of May as mentioned before. These dispatches I may be long without, & perhaps never get; for there are no cross Posts in those parts and the letters, which will have to pass through many hands, may find some who are not deficient in curiosity.\nMy return to this place is sooner than I expected; owing to the uninterruptedness of my journey by sickness\u2014from bad weather, or accidents of any kind whatsoever\u2014Having obtained before I left Philadelphia the most accurate account, I could get there, of the places & roads through, & by which I was to perform my tour; and the distances between the former; I formed my line of march accordingly; fixed each days journey & the day to halt; from neither of which have I departed in a single instance, except staying, from a particular circumstance, two days in Columbia, and none at Charlotte, instead of one at each\u2014and crossing James river at Carters ferry in place of Taylors, as was the original intention. But the improbability of performing a tour of 1700 miles (\u2014I have already rode more), with the same set of horses without encountering any accident by which a deviation would be rendered unavoidable appeared so great that I\nallowed eight days for casualties, and six to refresh at this place when I should have returned to it\u2014None of the former having happened, account for the 14. days I shall remain here before the meeting with the Commrs; one of whom Mr Johnston chief Justice of the State of Maryland, & living at a pretty considerable distance from Georgetown; having made his arrangements agreeably thereto, would not be able to meet me sooner.\nI mention this matter, that if there is anything pressing in either of the Departments, it may be Known where I am. With affectionate regard I am sincerely yours\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0184", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir,\nMount-Vernon, June 15th 1791.\nI acknowledged the receipt of your letter of the 2nd of April from Richmond\u2014since which I have only received two letters from you of the 10th of April and 15th of May.\nConcluding that some of your dispatches may have been forwarded to Taylor\u2019s ferry (by which route I did not return) I have to request, if that should have been the case, and the communications were of a particular or pressing nature; that duplicates may be addressed to me at Mount-Vernon, where I shall remain until the 27th of the present month, when, by an appointment before I went to the southward, I am to meet the Commissioners at Georgetown. I cannot now determine how long I may be there\u2014but it is probable I shall not make any particular communications to you before my return to Philadelphia.\nIf the suggestion contained in your letter of the 10th of April, respecting the engravings, can be carried into effect at a moderate expence, I think it may answer a good purpose. I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nGo: Washington\nA letter from Major Shaw, Consul at Canton, of the 7th of December last, with it\u2019s enclosures\u2014and a very unexpected address from some Persons styling themselves, \u201cfree people of colour of the Island of Grenada,\u201d are herewith transmitted for your consideration\u2014and your opinions thereon when I see you in Philadelphia.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0185", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 15 June 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nLetter not found: to Henry Knox, 15 June 1791. On 19 June GW referred Knox to \u201cMy letter of the 15th inst.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0186", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 15 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 15th June 1791\nYour letter of the 29th ulto I acknowledged the receipt of from Fredericksburgh\u2014since which, another of the 5th instt has been received.\nThe Commissions for Whitaker and McDowell were properly issued; as those also are, mentd in yr letter of the 5th, and it was on my Mind, that blank Commissions signed by me, were left with you for the Officers of the Revenue Cutters; This not being the case, quere, if there is not a necessity of sending some to me for my signature, as I shall not leave this before the 27th\u2014may be detained at George town two or three days\u2014and must, afterwards, proceed slowly, on acct of the low condition of my horses. The Secretary of the Treasury will be able to decide on this point, & I wish you to act in the matter accordingly as he shall advise you. I find another of the federal Judges (Hopkinson) has by his death occasioned a vacancy in the district of Pennsylvania. As some have, & others unquestionably will apply for the appointment; I wish you would use every indirect means in your power, to ascertain the public opinion with respect to the fittest character as a Successor to Hopkinson. Pursue the same mode to learn who it is thought would fill the present Auditors Office (as he will be appointed Comptroler) with the greatest ability & integrity. Severals have been brought to my view for the Comptrolers place (who I suppose would accept of the Auditors) as able & meritorious characters; among these are the names of Mr Richmond, the present Comptroler or Auditor of Maryland\u2014Colo. Pickering\u2014Mr Kean\u2014Colo. Drayton (a Gentn of So. Carolina[)]\u2014Colo. Forrest and others.\nIt is hardly to be expected by the Trustees of any College, that complaints will not be made by the parents or friends of the boys who go to it, if they conceive they are neglected; and if Trustees mean to do their duty, & support the reputation of the Siminary, they ought, I am sure, to be thankful for well founded representations\nof neglect in the \u0153conomy\u2014police\u2014or inattention of the professors & teachers.\nI am glad to hear that the affairs of our own family are going on well\u2014and it might not be improper to hint to the Servants who are with you (before they are joined by those with me) that it will be very idle & foolish in them, to enter into any combinations for the purpose of supplanting those who are now in authority\u2014for the attempt in the first place will be futile & must recoil upon themselves; and because, admitting they were to make the lives of the present Steward & house-keeper so uneasy as to induce them to quit, others would be got to supply their places; and such too, as would be equally, if not more rigid in the exaction of the duties required of Servants. In a word, that these characters are indispensably necessary to take trouble off the hands of Mrs Washington & myself & will be supported; any attempts therefore to counteract them in the line of their duty, whilst they act agreeably to established rules, & their conduct is marked with propriety, will be considered as the strongest evidence they conceive of their own unworthiness, and dispositions to be lazy, if not dishonest. A good & faithful Servant is never affraid, or unwilling to have his conduct looked into, but the reverse; because the more it is inspected, the brighter it shines. With respect to the other matters of a domestic nature\u2014mentioned in your letter of the 5th\u2014I shall postpone touching upon them until I see you. We are suffering in these parts by a severe drought\u2014Grass is scarcely worth cutting\u2014& Oats, if Rain keeps off two or 3 days longer must be ruined\u2014Corn is bad, but it is too early in the year to form an opinion of the yield of it. Remember me to Mrs Lear and be assured of the sincere esteem & friendship of Yr Affecte\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0188", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 June 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar Department [Philadelphia], June 16th 1791.\nI write this Letter with the hopes of its meeting you at Mount-Vernon in good health, after your long and fatiguing journey.\nBy information from Fort Pitt of the 9th Inst., the tranquility of the frontiers is very great.\nAbout Eight hundred of the troops have arrived at Fort Pitt, from the 16th of May to the 5th instant\u2014Major General Butler had distributed these troops in such a manner, as to cover the frontiers from Fort Franklin on the Allegany, down to the Great Kenhawa, and so as to dismiss the Militia which had been called out.\nAll the Regulars enlisted, from this State to Massachusetts, have been ordered forward\u2014They amount to about Three hundred, but it is expected they will have considerable additions.\nThere are some deficiencies in the battalions of Levies of this State, Jersey and Maryland, which will be completed it is expected in a few days.\nThe Virginia battalion is full, and marched the 4th inst., excepting a small deficiency occasioned by desertions.\nBy Colonel Procter\u2019s additional communications, there can be no doubt but that Brant, accompanied by McGee and Girty, has gone to the hostile Indians with the concurrence of the British Officers\u2014and the Indians invariably asserted his object was to effect a peace\u2014If so, the British mean to have the merit of the action, if we could accept of a peace dictated by them.\nI do not enter into details, until I shall have the honor to submit them personally to you. I am, Sir, With the highest Respect Your most Obedt hume Servt\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0191", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 17 June 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nLetter not found: to Henry Knox, 17 June 1791. GW docketed Knox\u2019s official letter of 17 April as answered on 17 June, and Knox wrote on 21 June to GW: \u201cI have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favors, of the 15th and 17th instant.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0192", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 19 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nSir,\nMount Vernon June 19th 1791\nMy letter of the 15th inst. mentioned that I had not received any letters from you between the 15th and the 30 of May\u2014it should have been the 15th of April and 30th of May.\nBy the last post from the southward I received yours of the 17th of April\u2014which renders a duplicate of that letter unnecessary.\nAs it appears to be alike requisite to the satisfaction of the public mind and to General Harmar\u2019s honor that the enquiry which he requests should be instituted, I herewith transmit to you his letter to me, with its enclosures, in order that you may give the necessary directions for convening a board of Officers.\nBeing unacquainted with the state of the subject to which the enclosed letters from Messieurs Foster of Rhode Island relate, I refer them to your consideration. I am Sir your most Obedient servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0195", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Stephen Hall, 20 June 1791\nFrom: Hall, Stephen\nTo: Washington, George\n  Portland [District of Maine] 20 June 1791. Applies for the position of inspector of survey for the District of Maine: \u201cI have so often troubled You with my applications, that I would gladly make even this more concise, lest I become tedious.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0196", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia June 20. 1791.\nI am honoured with yours of the 15th instant, & not a little mortified with the miscarriage of so many of my letters. they have been of the following dates[:]\nApr. 2.\nMay 1.\nMay 8.\nMay 15.\nJune. 5. from Bennington. of these it appears that only the three first & that of May 15. had come to hand, & probably that of\nJune 5. has been recieved ere this. those of Apr. 17. & 24. & May 1. & 8. were sent, the two first to Charleston, & the two last to Taylor\u2019s ferry. I now send copies of them, tho their contents are not at this time very interesting.\nThe papers from the free people of colour in Grenada, which you did me the honour to inclose, I apprehend it will be best to take no notice of. they are parties in a domestic quarrel, which I think we should leave to be settled among themselves. nor should I think it desireable, were it justifiable, to draw a body of sixty thousand free blacks & mulattoes into our country. the instructions from the government of the United Netherlands, by which mister Shaw has suffered, merit serious notice. the channel thro which application shall be made is the only difficulty; Dumas being personally disagreeable to that government. however, either thro\u2019 him or some other it should certainly be conveyed.\nMr Remsen had unluckily sent off to New York all my letters on the very day of my arrival here, which puts it out of my power to give you the state of things brought by the last packet. I expect they will be returned tomorrow, & that my next may communicate to you whatever they contain interesting.\nI recieved yesterday a letter from Colo. Ternan informing me of his appointment & that he should sail about the latter end of May. the court of Madrid has sent over a Don Joseph Jaudenes as a joint commissioner with de Viar, till a Charg\u00e9 shall be named. he presented me the letter of Credence from the Count de Florida Blanca when I was at New York. he is a young man who was under Secretary to Mr Gardoqui when here.\nOur tour was performed in somewhat less time than I had calculated. I have great hopes it has rid me of my head-ach, having scarcely had any thing of it during my journey. mister Madison\u2019s health is very visibly mended. I left him at New York, meditating a journey as far Eastward as Portsmouth. I have the honor to be with the most respectful attachment, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0197", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 20 June 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nWar-department [Philadelphia], June 20th 1791\nI beg leave to congratulate you upon your arrival at Mount Vernon after so lengthy a journey, and at such a sultry season of the year.\nMr Lear has informed me that you did not receive any letters from any of the other secretaries between the 15th and 30th of May, and desired me if any had been written by me during that period to transmit duplicates\u2014But mine of the 30th ultimo of which duplicates were addressed was the first to reach you on your return.\nNot having any material information to submit to you in addition to mine of the 16th instant I shall not further intrude upon you by this post\u2014But if any thing of importance should occur previously to your arrival, I shall have the honor to inform you thereof. I have the honor to be Sir, with the highest respect, Your most obedt and very humble Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0199", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Pierre-Charles L\u2019Enfant, 22 June 1791\nFrom: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nsir\nGeorge town [Md.] jun 22. 1791\nIn framing the plan, here anexed, for the Intended federal City I regreted much being induced by the shortness of time from making any particular drawing of the several buildings\u2014squars\u2014and every other Improvement which the smalness of the scale of the general map together with the hurry with which\nI had it drawn could not admit of having so correctly lay down as necessary to give a perfect Idea of the effect of the whole in the Execution.\nMy whole attention was given to the combination of the general distribution of the grand local[e] as to an object of most immediate moment and of Importance to this I yielded Every other consideration & have in consequence to sollicite again you Indulgence in submitting to you my Ideas in an In Compleat drawing only correct as to the situation and distances of objects all of which were determined after a local[e] well ascertained having for more accuracy had several lines run on the Ground cleared of the wood & after wards measured with posts fixed all along, to serve me as certain bases from after the which I might arrange the whole with a Certainty of making Every part fit to the various ground.\nhaving first determined some principal points to which I wished making the rest subordinate I next made the distribution regular with streets at right angle north-south & East-west but after wards I opened other on various directions as avenues to & from every principal places, wishing by this not mearly to contrast with the general regulariety nor to afford a greater variety of pleasant seats and prospect as will be obtained from the advantageous ground over the which these avenues are mostly directed but principally to connect each part of the city with more efficacy by, if I may so Express, making the real distance less from place to place in menaging on them a reciprocity of sight and making them thus seemingly Connected, promot a rapid stellement over the whole so that the most remot may become an adition to the principal while without the help of these divergent communications such setlements if at all attempted would be languid, and lost in the Extant would become detrimental to the main Establishement.\nseveral of these avenues were also necessary to Effect the junction of several out road which I conceived Essential to bring central to the City in rendering these Road shorter as is done with respect to the bladensburg & Eastern branche Road made above a mile shorter besides the advantage of thier leading from the direction given immediatly on the warfs at george town without passing the Hilly ground of that place whose agrandissement it will consequently check while it will accelerate those over rock\ncreek on the City side the which cannot fall spreading soon all along of these avenu forming of themselves a variety of pleasent ride and being Combined to Ensure a rapid Intercourse with all the part of the City to which they will serve as doses the main vains in the animal body to diffuse life trough smaller vessells in quickening the active motion to the heart.\nas to on what point it is most Expedient first to begone the main Establishment, I belive the question may be easily resolve if not viewing by part but Embracing under one sight the whole Extant from the Eastern branch to george town & from the banck on the potowmack across towards the montagnes. for considering impartially the whole Extant and reflecting it is that of the Intended City then only one position will appear Capable of promoting the rapid agrandissment & setlement of the whole.\na cross the tiber up above were the tide water come lay certainly the elligible spot to lay the Fundation of an Establishement of the nature of the one in view, not because this point being central is the most liekly to diffuse an Equallity of advantages trough the whole territory and in return to derive a benefit proportional to the rise of its valu but because the nature of the local[e] is such as will made Every thing Concur to render a settlement there prosperous\u2014there it will benefit of the natural jalousie which must stimulate Establishements on each of its opposed limits it will become necessarily the point of reunion of both and soon become populous.\na canal being easy to open from the Entrance of the eastern branch and to be lead a cross the first settlements and carried towards the mouth of the tiber were it will again give an issue in to the potowmack and at a distance not to far off for to admit the boats from the grand navigation canal from getting in, will undoubtedly facilitate a Conveyance most advantageous to trading interest. it will insure the storing of markettes which, as lay down on the map, being Erected all long the canal and over pounds proper to shelter any number of boats will leave of mart House from were when the City is grown to its fullest extant the most distant markets will be supplyed at command.\nto these advantages of first necessity to considere to determine the seat of a City is added that of the positions which there offer and the which are the most suceptible of any within the limits of the Intended city of leading to those grand Improvements of\npublique magnitude and as may serve as models for all subsequent undertaking and stand to future ages a monument to national genious and munificence.\nafter much menutial search for an elligible situation, prompted I may say from a fear of being prejudiced in favour of a first opinion I could discover no one so advantageous to Erect the Congressional building as is that on the west end of Jenkins heights which stand as a pedestal waiting for a monument, and I am confident\u2014were all the wood cleared from the ground no situation could stand in competition with this\u2014some might perhaps require less labour to be rendered agreable but after all assistance of arts none Ever would be made so grand and all other would appear but of a secondary nature.\nthat were I determined the seat of the presidial palace, in its difference of nature may be view as Equally advantageous to the object of adding to the sumptuousness of a palace the convenience of a house and the agreableness of a country seat situated on that ridge which attracted your attention at the first inspection of the ground on the west side of the tiber Entrance it will see 10 or 12 miles down the potowmack front the town and harbor of allexandria and stand to the view of the whole city and have the most Improved part of it made as addition to those grand Improvements for which the ground in the dependency of the palace is so proper.\nfixed as Expressed on the map, the distance from the congressional House will not be to great as what Even the activity of business may be no mesage to, nor from the president is to be made without a sort of decorum which will doubtless point out the propriety of committees waiting on him in carriage should his palace be Uncontigous to Congress.\nto mak how ever the distance less to other offices, I placed the three grand departments of state Contigous to the presidial palace and on the way leading to the Congressional House the gardens of the one together with the park and other improvement on the dependency are connected with the publique walk and avenu to the Congress House in a manner of most service a whole as grand as it will be agreable and Convenient to the whole City which from the distribution of the local[e] will have an easy access to this place of general report and all long side of which may be placed play house\u2014room of assembly\u2014accademies\nand all such sort of places as maybe attractive to the larned and afford divertion to the idle.\nI proposed Continuing the canal much farther up but this being not to be effectual but with the aide of locks, and from a level obtained of the height of the spring of the tiber the greatest facility being to bring those watters over the flat back of Jenkins I have the more readily a preference to avail of this water to supply that part of the city as it wi\u27e8ll\u27e9 promot the Execution of a plan which I propose in this map, of leting the tiber return in its proper chanell by a fall which issuing from under the base of the congress building may there form a cascade of forty feet heigh or more than one hundred waide which would produce the most happy effect in rolling down to fill up the canall and discharge it self in the potowmack of which it would then appear as the main spring when seen trough most grand & majestique avenu intersecting with the prospect from the palace at A point which being seen from both I have designated as the proper for to erect A grand Equestrian figure.\nin the present unimproved state of the local[e] it will appear that the height were is marked that monument close intercept this view of the water from the plalace and in fact it is partly the case but it must be observed that having to bound the Entrance of the tiber \u27e8illegible\u27e9 breadth of a canal of 200 feet which is the utmost breadth that can be preserve to avoid its being drained at low water. it will require much ground to be trown in to feel up, and at least as much as will Enable to levell that point of heigh ground betwen the tiber and n. yo[u]ng House to almost a levell with the tide water and of Course to procure to the palace and all other House from that place to congres a propect of the powtomack the which will acquire new swetness being had over the green of a Field well level and made brilent by shade of few tree Artfully planted I am with respectfull submission your most Humble a. obeident servant\nP. C. L\u2019Enfant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0200", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 June 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nWar Department [Philadelphia] June 23d 1791.\nThe Post has arrived from Fort Pitt and brought Letters of the 16th instant, from Major General Butler\u2014Every thing was tranquil\u2014the Levies were posted so as to dismiss the Militia down to the Great Kenahwa.\nI have written to Major General St Clair, not to expect more than 2,500 regulars and Levies in addition to the old troops on the Ohio\u2014That if the service should require a greater number, that he must draw them from Kentucky in such numbers, and of such species of troops as he shall judge proper.\nNearly all the troops expected to be of service in the Campaign, are now moving forward.\nI have just received a Letter from General Sevier, dated the ceded territory the 5th instant\u2014in which he informs me, that three Companies of his battalion were raised, and would march in a few days for Fort Washington\u2014As dependence was placed upon that district for Rifle-men, this information affords me great satisfaction.\nThat Governor Blount has informed him, there is likely to be a very large representation of the Cherakees, and that the treaty would probably be opened on the 5th of June.\nThat the Goods for the treaty, and Soldiers Clothing had all arrived safe some time before. I have the honor to be With the highest Respect, Sir, Your most Obedt hume servt\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0201", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 23 June 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia June 23d 1791\nAfter acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 19th Inst. with which I have been this moment honored, I have to communicate to you the melancholly account of the death of the good and amiable Doctor Jones. He died this morning! He had for two or three days past been so much indisposed as to be confined to his bed; but his friends had no idea of his being in immediate danger. I saw him the day before yesterday & yesterday. And when I visited him yesterday he thought himself much better than he was the day before, and expressed his hopes & expectations of getting abroad in a few days. Last evening he took 3 grains of opium which not having the desired effect, he, this morning, took some of his own Elixir\u2014and soon after fell a sleep. A short time afterwards Dr Foulke called to see him, and being informed that he was a sleep, he sent his servant up to see if he had not awoke. The Servant found him dead. These are the particulars as they have been related to me.\nFraunces has been strenuous in his endeavours to get Mrs Read into the family; but having met with so peremptory a refusal from Mrs Washington & myself to listen to the matter, I presume he has laid aside the idea of effecting it. Her coming would certainly be attended with all the evils which you suggest; and in addition to them I have no doubt but she would oblige Mrs Emerson to quit the family, which, in my opinion, would be an irreparable loss. Mr Fraunces is stongly guarded in his agreements against the use of any kind of wine at the second Table under any pretence.\nI received, by the last Post, a letter from Major Jackson covering a Commission for the office of Comptroller of the Treasury, which I had filled with the name of Mr Wolcott & after the seal was affixed to it & countersigned by the Secretary of State\u27e8,\u27e9 I delivered it to that Gentleman. A letter from Messrs Fenwick & Mason, explanatory of the wine from Charleston, was received at the same time. The Cases are agreeable to the Invoice and appear to be in good order; but how their contents are I know not. I intend, however, to have them examined to know whether they may be depended on or not. Mr Jefferson tells me that the wine which he has for you shall be attended to as soon as he can\nfind a little leisure from the business that has pressed upon him since his return from his Northern Tour.\nI need not tell you, Sir, how happy I am to find that my doings in your absence, so far as they have been communicated to you, meet your approbation. I entertain strong hopes that the Servants will be fully impressed with the folly of any attempt to frustrate the determination of establishing order & industry in the family. Rhemur has given notice that he shall quit the family at the expiration of the present month; not from any disgust, but that he may live in New York with his wife, whose parents, he says, will not permit her to come to this place. Fraunces says a man in his place is indispensable, and he must therefore get another. This being the case, I am sorry that Rhemur cannot continue; for he has conducted himself in a quiet, peacable, and so far as I can learn\u27e8,\u27e9 honest manner since he has been with us.\nI shall not fail to pay particular attention to your wishes respecting the Blankets\u2014And the two kinds of Turnip seed (if they can be got) shall be procured and sent to the Major by the first vessel that sails for Alexandria. At present there is no vessel up, but one is expected here every moment from Alexa which will return thither immediately. I will follow the directions respecting boys for the Stable, and if any vessels arrive with Emigrants from Germany I think they may be procured from that quarter; otherwise there is no doubt but they may be obtained in the City.\nI do myself the honor to enclose Mr Payne\u2019s Answer to Mr Burke. I enclosed one in my letter of the 22d of may which I presume has not yet got to your hands. In Mr Fenno\u2019s papers of Saturday last, & this day, are two Numbers signed Publicola, taken from the Massachusetts Centinel, in answer to Mr Payne. The general voice says they are written by Mr Adams; but those who are best acquainted with his style say they are not.\nIn my letter of the 19th I mentioned my intention of transmitting, for signature, some blank Commissions for the Revenue Cutters; but upon looking over those which had been struck off for that purpose, and of the parcel which had been filled & transmitted to their respective addresses, before you left this place, I found there was an important error, as you will see in the last line of the one enclosed. I shewed it Colo. Hamilton who observed that it would never answer to have these issued, and if\nthose which had been transmitted to the Officers were of the same kind it would be proper to recall them and have others issued without the limiting clause. I then applied to the Office of State where the Commissions were filled up & recorded\u2014and found that those which had been transmitted were of this kind. Mr Jefferson immediately gave directions for striking off a number of Blanks without that clause, which will be ready for your signature on your arrival in this City\u2014which the Secretary of the Treasury says will be in season for them. I never before examined one of these commissions. Those which were completed before your departure came with the Seals affixed from the Office and were returned immediately after being signed, to be transmitted. There were never any of the Blanks in my possession.\nMr Wolcot received his Commission with expressions of gratitude, and at the same time asked if any person had been fixed upon for the Auditor\u2019s office. I told him I had not understood that there was; but that several, whose names I mentioned, had been brought to view. He observed, that knowing as he did the duties & importance of that office, he did not hesitate to give it as his opinion that the credit & respectability of the department of Finance, depended more upon that Officer than upon any one in the department except the Secretary. He had it more in his power to give a complexion to the business done at the Treasury than any other officer. Every person who had accounts to settle there necessarily had more to do with the Auditor than with any one else; and from the manner in which that officer did his business they would be led to form their opinion of the department. The harmony of the department, he added, likewise much depended on that officer; for if his doings were not so executed as that they could meet the approbation of the Comptroller it would cause a discord between the two\u2014and unavoidably throw an enormous weight of business on the latter\u2014more, perhaps, than it would be possible for any man to execute in addition to the other duties of the Office. After making these observations he said there was no doubt, but that your mind would naturally turn itself to the Southward for a Character to fill that place. In which case he could not help expressing a wish that Mr Kean might be thought the suitable man; for from the knowledge he had of his talents & disposition, Industry & Integrity\nhe had no doubt but he would fill the place with much credit. I then expressed the idea which had been suggested by some that he would not accept it. Mr W. said he knew nothing of that, for he had never expressed to him anything which could lead to the discovery of a sentiment on that point. I, afterwards, fell in with Colo. Hamilton, who introduced the subject, & said he had no doubt but Mr Kean would accept the appointment if it should be offered to him, and appeared to speak as if from Authority. I have had no opportunity since my last, of learning anything more of the public opinion respecting a District Judge.\nUnless I hear from undoubted authority that you will come through Baltimore I shall not write again, unless some special circumstance should require it. If you come through Baltimore I shall have the honor to address a letter to you at that place.\nMrs Washington is uncertain whether she shall write at this time, and in case she should not she directs me to tell you she is well & to rember her to you in suitable terms. Washington has recovered from the effects of the Chicken pox; but Nelly has been for some days past sadly afflicted with a sore throat. She is now a little better. Mr Dandridge is quite well\u2014Mrs Lear & the child enjoy good health. She unites with me in a grateful & respectful remembrance to yourself & best wishes to all at Mount Vernon. I have the honor to be with the greatest gratitude & respect Sir, Your obliged & Obedt Sert\nTobias Lear", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0202", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Clendinen, 25 June 1791\nFrom: Clendinen, George\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia, June the 25th 1791\nOn the Eleventh day of May last I Receiv\u2019d your Excellencies favour, directed to me from this City, dated, The twenty first of March, Wherein you inform me that you have disposed of the whole of your Lands On the great Kanawa, and on the Ohio between the two Rivers bearing the name of Kanawa, Drafts of which have been in my hands for A Considerable time. And altho I am purswaded you must have sold them considerably under their Value from their present Expos\u2019d situation, Nothing Could contribute more to the welfair of the place, than the Immediate Sale of the Military Lands, as they are held in Such large Surveys as to prevent the Settlements from taking place, So as to form a Barier against the Indians, Wherefore I am Convinc\u2019d you will consider your loss very Inconsiderable.\nOn the Receipt of your last mentioned letter I would have Immediately Transmitted you the Drafts In my hands (which you Required) Had I not been coming to this place; therefore brought them with me, & have herewith Inclos\u2019d them free from any Incumbrance whatever, as I was unwilling to take any Steps concerning them, until I had Receiv\u2019d An answer to the letter which I wrote your Excellency last Winter by the Honble andrew Moore, Expressive of the Terms on which I apprehended your Lands might be Seated, to which I Never Receivd an answer or Any Account until you Inform\u2019d me of the late Sale.\nAnd permit me Sir to assure you that I feel abundently Recompenc\u2019d, for any Indeavours I may have us\u2019d, respecting your property In that quarter, And Contemplate no act of my life with greater pleasure, Then that of rendering you any service in the reach of my Small Abilities. I have the Honr to be with great Respect and Esteem your Very Obt Hble Sevt\nGeo. Clendinen", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0203", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir,\nMount-Vernon, June 26th 1791.\nThe last post brought me your letter of the 20th instant, and the duplicates of your letters, which were missing when I last wrote to you\u2014the originals of which have since been received\u2014This acknowledgement is all the notice I shall take of them until I have the pleasure of seeing you.\nI have selected the letters written by you to me while you were in the administration of the government of this State\u2014and I will take them with me to Philada.\nThe enclosed letters have been received since my return to Mount Vernon. I am Sir, your most obedient Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0204", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 26 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon June 26th 1791.\nThis is the eve of my departure for George town, & being Sunday, ought to have been a day of rest; but it is not so with me, either from company, or business; the latter, occasioned by a constant succession of company during the whole of last week: wch obliged me to postpone many matters until this day, which ought, & but for that reason, would have been done in the course of it\u2014Such time as I have been able to spend in my study to day, has been employed in sorting of the Letters & Papers which have been recd since I left Charleston\u2014part of which I enclose, because my travelling writing desk will not contain them.\nI have but little leizure to say much in this letter, if much (as I expect soon to be in Philadelphia) was necessary. I presume all the letters which had been sent to Taylors ferry, and other places have got to me\u2014but that you may judge, the following is a list of them.\nApril\u20143d 5th 10th 15th 17th 24th\nMay\u20141st 8th 15th 22d 29th\nJune\u20145th 12th 19th \nWhat my stay at Georgetown may be, is at present beyond my ken\u2014I go there prepared to proceed, and shall make Herculas take the Waggon box in place of Paris. From that place, so soon as I shall be able to decide on the day of my departure from it, and the rout, I will inform you, or Mrs Washington thereof. I think it was a duty you owed Mrs Lear, your mother, to meet her at New York, for the purpose of accompanying her to Philadelphia. If she is still in that city I request my respects may be presented to her. The last Post came without the Commissions promised in the P.S. to your letter of the 19th or any letter from you\u2014my best wishes attend Mrs Lear &ca and I am Your sincere friend and affecte Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0205", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 26 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth\nDear Sir,\nMount-Vernon, June 26th 1791\nThe enclosed letter, which is under a flying seal, and the plough, which accompanies it, are referred to your inspection\u2014and are addressed to your care, to be transmitted to Mr Chesnut at Camden. With great regard, I am dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0208", "content": "Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the Federal District, 30 June 1791\nFrom: Commissioners for the Federal District\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nGeorge Town [Md.] 30th June 1791\nTurning our attention to Day to the Circumstances of the Carrollsburgh and hamburgh Lots, we are not free from apprehensions of difficulties in Settling with some of the Proprietors\u2014Many of the Proprietors of the Carrollsburgh Lots have signed an Engagement to give up one half their Land on having the other half assigned them as near their original Situation as the new laying out will permit\u2014According to the new plan, by an appropriation of ground for public uses, it will be out of the Power of the Commissioners to assign Land in Compensation near the former situation the most probable resourse to give content will be, to give the value in Land which may fall to the public in a different situation; but it is not likely that this will be satisfactory in every Instance.\nThe subscribers for Hamburgh have subjected their lots on a valuation\u2014the state of the funds will not allow us to go deep in that way, we have therefore consented as was the Idea whilst you were here, to put them on the same Footing as the Proprietors of Carrollsburgh, with this restriction, that where a part of their own Lots cannot be assigned nor a compensation in other Lands agreed on, that the old Terms shall be binding to receive the value. This we expect will a good deal narrow the demand for money.\nThose circumstances have induced us to mention our apprehension to Majr L\u2019Enfant and to remark to him your ideas, as you were pleased to disclose them, to him and us, of preserving as much of the Land to the original proprietors as well may be,\nand that they more strongly applied to those places than those parts of the plat which occasioned them.\nAs Majr L\u2019Enfant purposes \u27e8soon\u27e9 to attend you and probably will have the \u27e8plat with\u27e9 him, we much wish, Sir, your attention to those parts and that they may be left in such a state as to lessen as far as possible the difficulties in settling with the proprietors\u2014In consequence of what passed concerning a Treasurer and the probability of circumstances soon arising under which one may be necessary we have proceeded to the appointment of William Deakins Junr. We are Sir with great respect your mo. obedt Servts\nThos Johnson\nDavid Stuart\nDanl Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0209", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Attwood Digges, 1 July 1791\nFrom: Digges, Thomas Attwood\nTo: Washington, George\nBelfast 1 July 1791\nAs I am writing to Mr Fitzgerald I take the liberty under a Cover to Him to inclose Your Excellency a description of Messrs McCabe & Pearce\u2019s new invented double Loom for weaving two peices at the same time, & which description is annexd to the Report of a Committee of the Irish House of Commons upon the utility & benefit of such a Loom.\nSince Mr Wm Pearces embarkation hence to New York in May last, in order to obtain a Patent from Congress for said Loom, His partner Mr Thomas McCabe has taken no steps in this Country for a premium, But He is now in London endeavouring to obtain a Patent for in England, where He will undoubtedly succeed.\nIt is necessary for me to mention to Your Excellency, That the drawings & specifications commonly necessary for the obtaining a Patent went out in the Brig Endeavour Capt. Seward to N. York with Mr Pearce and a working Artist Mr Wm Jameson who made the Looms, and together with a set of Temples & Headles Elbow & Shuttles &ca were boxd up, seald, and directed for Your Excellency to the care of Mr Geo. Woolsey Merchnt New York. Mr McCabe as well as myself mentiond this in seperate Letters to Your Excelly, and I gave Mr Peare a seperate introductory Letter. He will be a most valuable acquisition in whatever quarter He may fix, & has I think ere this been at Alexandria & the Falls.\nAs I had it not in my power then to forward the printed Report of the Committee, I take this oppertunity of forwarding it, And am with the highest Esteem & veneration Yr Excellencys most Obedt & very He Sert\nThos Digges", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0210", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Inhabitants of Frederick, Maryland, 1 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Inhabitants of Frederick, Maryland\nGentlemen,\n[Taneytown, Md., 1 July 1791]\nI express with great pleasure my obligations to your goodness, and my gratitude for the respectful and affectionate regard which you are pleased to manifest towards me.\nYour ascripition of my public services over-rates their value, and it is justice to my fellow-citizens that I should assign the eminent advantages of our political condition to another cause\u2014their valor, wisdom, and virtue\u2014from the first they derive their freedom, the second has improved their independence into national prosperity, and the last, I trust, will long protect their social rights, and ensure their individual happiness.\nThat your participation of these advantages may realise your best wishes is my sincere prayer.\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0211", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Skene Keith, 1 July 1791\nFrom: Keith, George Skene\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nKeith hall by Aberdeen N. Britain July 1st 1791\nA Clergyman of the Church of Scotland takes the Liberty of writing your Excellency on a subject interesting to mankind\u2014and begs you will accept of the small publication which accompanies this Letter\u2014The subject is at present under discussion in the Assembly of the United States: and the Author would not have troubled your Excellency, if he had not bestowed more labour on that subject than he believes any man existing has done.\nA Copy in Manuscript was sent you about 9 months ago to the Care of Dr Nesbit Principal of Carlisle College near Philadelphia as the author has been long in terms of intimacy with that Gentleman\u2014But as it may have been miscarried, a copy of the publication is now forwarded to your Excellency.\nThe writer of this is Nephew to the late Reverend Mr John Barclay, Rector of St Luke parish Maryland, who was honoured with the Friendship\u2014or at least much indebted to the patronage, of your Excellency\u2014Soon after his first settlement in Virginia he married a couple without the consent of their parents\u2014Your Excellency saved him from the consequences; and though he lived not to see your Glory, in a public character, he spoke and wrote of you in a becoming manner\u2014His Nephew therefore has a private motive for writing you\u2014And has the honour to be with very high Esteem Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servt\nGeo: Skene Keith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0213", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Rodolph Valltravers, 3 July 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Valltravers, Johann Rodolph von (Vall-Travers)\nTo: Washington, George\n  Letter not found: from Rodolph Valltravers, 3 July 1791. In a letter to GW of 30 Nov., Valltravers referred to his letter of \u201cJuly 3d; from Rotterdam; by Captn Trevett of Marblehead; charged with literary Communications\nto the learned Societies at Philadelphia, Boston\u201d (DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0214", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Citizens of York, Pennsylvania, 3 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Citizens of York, Pennsylvania\nGentlemen,\n[York, Pa., 3 July 1791]\nI receive your congratulations with pleasure, and I reply to your flattering and affectionate expressions of esteem with sincere and grateful regard.\nThe satisfaction which you derive from the congeniality of freedom with good government, clearly evinced in the happiness of our highly favored country, at once rewards the patriotism that atchieved her liberty and gives an assurance of its duration.\nThat your individual prosperity may long continue among the proofs which attest the national welfare is my sincere wish.\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0215", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Corporation and Inhabitants of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 4 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Corporation and Inhabitants of Lancaster, Pennsylvania\nGentlemen,\n[Lancaster, Pa., 4 July 1791]\nYour congratulations on my arrival in Lancaster are received with pleasure, and the flattering expressions of your esteem are replied to with sincere regard.\nWhile I confess my gratitude for the distinguished estimation in which you are pleased to hold my public services, a sense of justice to my fellow-citizens ascribes to other causes the peace and prosperity of our highly favored country\u2014her freedom and happiness are founded in their patriotic exertions, and will, I trust, be transmitted to distant ages through the same medium of wisdom and virtue. With sincere wishes for your social, I offer an earnest prayer for your individual welfare.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0216", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Simmons, 4 July 1791\nFrom: Simmons, William\nTo: Washington, George\n  Philadelphia, 4 July 1791. Presents his qualifications for the post of auditor of the United States and requests the appointment on the ground of background study and experience.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0217", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Mary Harding Bristow, 5 July 1791\nFrom: Bristow, Mary Harding\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nSpring Gardens London 5th July, 1791\nI once more take the liberty of addressing a few lines to Your Excellency, as I am inform\u2019d the Sale of my Son\u2019s Brent Town Lands, was finaly set aside by the decree of Your Court of Appeals last december. there fore, the Claims of individuals upon it are entirely wiped away; leaving only that of the State under\nthe Escheat and forfeiture Laws, made during the War. I some years ago, did myself the honor to write to you, and send a Copy of the Petition, and Memorial Myself, and the other Guardians of my Son had address\u2019d to the Assembly of the States in his behalf, which you had the goodness to acknowledge the receipt of. I shall there fore not trouble you with sending over an other Petition to the Legislature; but rely entirely on Your Excellency\u2019s, and their Justice, & Humanity in Restoring to my Son that part of his Estate which it now absolutely is in their power to do\u2014as I am sure they will recollect my Infant Son, cou\u2019d do no act to offend! and as the Moderation of Peace, has succeeded the Asperities of War; I will hope: from the known goodness of Your Heart, and the great influence You must have! that I shall be made happy in a favorable Answer to my Request, which will always be acknowledged with great gratitude by Sr Your Excellency\u2019s Most Respectfull Humble Servant\nM: Bristow\nP.St John Taylor Esqr. is in Possession of the affidavits of my Husband\u2019s death and the Infancy of my Son. if you Sir shou\u2019d think them of any Use.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0218", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Pierre Huet de La Valini\u00e8re, 6 July 1791\nFrom: La Valini\u00e8re, Pierre Huet de\nTo: Washington, George\nLake Champlain 6th July\u20141791\u20142 O\u2019clock P.M.\nTo the Great General, the Preserver & Protector of the most admirable Country in the world\u2014Safety!\nI do not know enough of the English language to write it in one quarter of an hour as it is necessary for me to do. I have just learnt that you charity, joined to your justice, leads you to wish to be informed of those who have not been rewarded according to your good intentions. I beleive I am one of that number. In October 1784 I returned from the prisons of Europe, where the cause of America had been my ruin. I ventured to present a memorial to Congress, at least to the President & secretary of it, and receiving no answer I presented one to Genl Knox, who, assured of my suff\u27e8mutilated\u27e9gs, gave me a living as a Refugee for 6 months. I then sought to obtain a living for 3 years in the cause of America in the Illinois Country, where I in vain sought to make the Tories return to their duty, who deceived & deceiving, as I think, Genl Harmer. I was not able to bring it about, on the contrary the goodness & integrity of his heart made him give faith to all their deceptions accompanid with their liquor. I then returned by sea, after having passed though a thousand dangers\u2014losses & afflictions. I am at present with the Canadian Refugees; but more than ever suspected by the English, who will\nnot suffer me to put my foot in Canada about my own affairs. Time will not permit me to develop my misfortunes\u2014But waiting \u2019till it will, I take the liberty to assure you of the humble respects with which I have the honor to be Your Excellency\u2019s most Obed. & Hbe Sert\nP. Huet", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0219", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Cezar Du Buc, 7 July 1791\nFrom: Du Buc, Cezar\nTo: Washington, George\nMonsieur\nCambridge pr\u00e9s de Boston Le 7. Juillet 1791\nCharg\u00e9 Par Le Gouverneur G\u00e9n\u00e9ral de st Domingue de Remettre \u00e1 Votre Excellence La Lettre Cy jointe et anim\u00e9 du desir de m\u00e9ler, Comme ami de L\u2019humanit\u00e9, mes hommages \u00e1 Ceux que vous rendent tous Ceux qui S\u00e2vent appr\u00e9cier Les services qu\u2019elle a Recu de vous, je me promettais de ne pas Laisser Echapper L\u2019heureuse occasion que m\u2019en fournissait Mr de Blanchelande, mais des Combinaisons de hazard me pla\u00e7ant hors de mesure de pouvoir Realiser mon projet sous le moment j\u2019ay L\u2019honneur d\u2019Envoyer \u00e1 Votre Excellence la d\u00e9p\u00eache du Gouverneur de st domingue, et de La prier de me permettre de lui offrir en personne mes Respectueux hommages Lorsque voyageant dans Le Continent je me trouveray \u00e1 port\u00e9e d\u2019elle. Je suis avec Respect Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le tr\u00e9s humble et tr\u00e9s obeissant serviteur\nCezar Du Buc", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0220", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n  Philadelphia, 8 July 1791. Respectfully submits a contract between the superintendent of the establishments on the Delaware River and John Wilson for building a beacon boat for its shoals and humbly gives his opinion, after comparing Wilson\u2019s contract with that of Warwick Hale, enclosed, and after inquiring into the proportional value of a similar boat already built and into the present rates of constructing vessels in Philadelphia, \u201cthat a contract, more beneficial to the United States with a workman of competent ability would be difficult to effect.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0221", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n  Philadelphia, 8 July 1791. Presents his respects to the president and transmits a dispatch just received from Georgia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0222", "content": "Title: To George Washington from A. Hammond, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Hammond, A.\nTo: Washington, George\nRespected Sir,\nSaturday Morng July 8th 1791.\nThe knowledge of the benevolence of your heart has prompted me to trespass a little on your time; for which I can plead no other excuse than my hope that your Excellencys indulgence will extend to the Gratification of not only my wish but the wish of many who justly entertain a great veneration for your virtues.\nCould your Excellency be prevail\u2019d on to honor the Theatre with your presence on Monday Evening, the writer of this (who respectfully waits your determination) would esteem it as a pleasing satisfaction and an essential piece of service as the Play was announced for his Benefit.\nIt may probably be an inducement to your Excellency to honor my request with your particular attention when I inform\nyou I am Grandson to an old Gentleman (Mr Christopher Ludwick) whom you have often distinguish\u2019d with your notice and favord with marks of your esteem & approbation. Real necessity, combin\u2019d w\u2019th an inclination for the stage were the causes of my embracing my present profession; and being but young in the Theatrical world is one reason for my earnestly soliciting your Excellency\u2019s Patronage as an introduction to that of the Public. But, I fear I intrude on your patience and will therefore conclude.\nShould I be fortunate enough to merit a compliance with my request, It shall ever be rememberd with heartfelt Gratitude by your very humble Servant\nA. Hammond.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0223", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Michael Shubart, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Shubart, Michael\nTo: Washington, George\nPhiladelphia July 8th 1791.\nYour Memorialist Michael Shubart of this City Distiller, humbly sheweth.\nThat by the free Choice of his Fellow Citizens he has heretofore served in several Offices of this Commonwealth, amongst which a Representative in the Assembly & County Commissioner each for three Years, but by losses and Misfortune became so far reduced that he was obliged to give up all he had, and is out of Employ ever since, having no means to begin any Thing\nHe has applied to Mr Delany two Years ago, and often since for the Office of Gauger or Inspector but never succeeded, He has since applied to Mr Clymer for an Employ under him, and as he has been a Distiller and well versed in that Occupation, he was in great hopes, but was likewise disappointed. He now Applies to the President for some Office or public Employ by which to get a Livelihood for a Numerous Family in his advanced Years. For his Personal Character he refers to Robert Morris & Fredrick August Muhlenberg Esqrs. And your Memorialist will ever pray &c.\nMichael Shubart", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0225", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Agricol Billion, 9 July 1791\nFrom: Billion, Agricol\nTo: Washington, George\nMr President\nat Mr James Mercier No. 15 North Water StreetPhiladelphia July 9th 1791\nThe satisfaction which the News of your return to Philadelphia has spread through the public mind manifested itself in such a manner that strangers, even those unacquainted with the english language, could not be ignorant of it; and altho I am of this last description, I have proved, as well as your Citizens, the sentiments of sensibility and admiration which all Europe expresses for your social & military virtues, and mingle my acclamations with those of this fortunate and grateful people whose fetters you have broken.\nI had proposed, Mr President, before your arrival was announced, to invite, through the medium of the public papers, the Amateurs of the fine Arts, to make a purchase of three precious peices which I have brought here, They consist of two Busts of white marble as large as the life, one representing the effigy of John James Rousseau, and the other that of Montesque, and a small time piece for a Hall\u2014supported by 4 Columns of white marble\u2014covered by a Chinese canopy & gilt with gold in the manner of the famous Baillon. This Time piece is about 18 inches high and may be placed either on a Chimney Piece or on a Table, it has a glass case which wholly covers it.\nThe epoch of your return being indicated to me, I have therefore suspended the insertion of these things in the public Papers, flattering myself that you woud not dissapprove, Mr President, of my having the honor to offer them to you\u2014in order that they might not be advertised in the papers until you had the refusal of them. I am, with Respect, Mr President, Yr most Huble & Obet Sert\nAgricol Billion", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0226", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 9 July 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n  Philadelphia, 9 July 1791. \u201cThe President has received a letter from Mr Rue, who was appointed second Mate of the revenue Cutter on the Delaware station, declining his appointment & returning his commission.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0227", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 July 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nWar Department [Philadelphia] the 9th of July 1791\nThe Secretary at War having by order of the President of the United States, taken into his serious consideration, a Letter written by Major Richard Call, commanding Officer of the troops of the United States, to Messrs Speir and McLeod & Company dated the 2d of June\u2014humbly Reports.\nThat all evidence whereon the said Letter may have been been grounded is entirely wanting, and therefore no conclusive opinion can be found thereon.\nThat the said Letter however seems to indicate on the part of the said Major Call, that he is under an influence independent of the immediate executive of the United States, and therefore liable to take measures inconsistent with their true interest and dignity. That under this impression, it would be proper that he be replaced immediately by another commanding Officer, and that he be ordered to join the troops on the Ohio.\nThat upon receiving more full information, the Secretary of War will, conformably thereto, submit a further report.\nAll which is humbly submitted to the President of the United States.\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0228", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\n  [Philadelphia] 9 July 1791. By the president\u2019s command, returns the enclosed letter with the thanks of the president for the attorney generals\nattention in submitting it for his perusal and notes that \u201cThe President expresses his pleasure at its contents.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0229", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 July 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar department [Philadelphia], 11th July 1791.\nAgreably to the powers you were pleased to vest in me on the ninteenth of March last, I have filled, the following vacancies, on the condition that you should approve thereof.\nSecond Regiment.\nCaptain Samuel Newman, vice Pray declined.\nJonathan Haskell, vice Freeman declined.\nLieutenant Martin Brimmer Sohier, vice Newman, promoted.\nCornelius Lyman vice Higginson declined.\nJoseph Dickinson, vice Huger declined\nEnsign William Balch, vice Sohier promoted.\nJohn Sullivan, vice Edwards declined.\nJohn Tillinghast vice George Tillinghast, declined.\nDaniel Tilton, vice Joseph Smith Gilman, declined.\nSamuel Andrews, vice Joseph Pierce junr declined.\nJohn Bird, vice Dickinson promoted.\nMicah McDonough, vice Duff, declined.\nSurgeon\u2019s mate, Elijah Tisdale, vice Sumner declined.\nI have also to inform you Sir that the following vacancies exist. \nOne Lieutenant Colonel Commandant, One Captain, One Lieutenant and One Surgeon.\nI humbly propose that the senior surgeon\u2019s mate of the first regiment, to vizt John Elliot shall be appointed surgeon of the second regiment, and that the vacancy be filled by John Lynch, of New York, who is recommended by Dr Cochran.\nThat Captain Hughes have the vacancy of the Rhode Island company: He was formerly of that line, and has the reputation of a good officer.\nFor the vacant Lieutenancy in the second regiment, I submit John Heth, an Ensign in the First regiment, and at present employed on a mission to the Creeks.\nThat vice Heth, I submit Hastings Marks of Charlottesville, Virginia, to be an Ensign, who is recommended by Mr Jefferson.\nI have also the honor to submit that Captain McCurdy of the First regiment, and Lieutenant Ernest of the Artillery have tendered their resignations\u2014The former is at Lancaster, and in arrest, and will not probably be any loss to the service. The latter having been on the recruiting service has injured himself in such a manner as to be unfit for military duty.\nI have informed these officers, that their resignations should be submited to the President of the United States, and would probably be granted.\nIn this case the eldest Lieutenant of the First regiment will fill Captain McCurdy\u2019s place, and the eldest Ensign the place of the Lieutenant\u2014This will occasion a vacancy of an Ensign, which it is submitted should be filled by a young gentleman at present serving as a cadet on the frontiers, by the name of Elijah Strong son of Captain Strong, who is in actual service on the Ohio, or John Bertlee Shee, son of Colonel Shee of Philadelphia.\nThe vacant lieutenancy in the Artillery to be filled by Staats Morris of New York. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your most obedient and humble servant\nH. Knoxsecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0230", "content": "Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 11 July 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Lear, Tobias\n  Philadelphia, 11 July [1791]. Requests that \u201csome information just received by express\u201d be submitted to the president; \u201cAfter he shall have perused them I will wait upon him to receive his orders.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0231", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Osgood, 11 July 1791\nFrom: Osgood, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 11th 1791.\nIn the Execution of the Duties incumbent on the Postmaster General, I am sensible from Experience of the Propriety of his residing at the Seat of Government.\nFrom a Consideration of the Inconveniences that would result to me by a Removal to Philadelphia, I am induced to make a Resignation of the Office of Postmaster General with which you were pleased to honor me, and for which, I beg leave to make my most grateful Acknowledgements. Whenever a Successor may be appointed, I shall be ready to deliver over the Office.\nPermit me, Sir, to mention Mr Burrall, who has been my Assistant in the Office; His Knowledge of the Business of the Department\u2014His attention & Accuracy in keeping the Accounts of the\nsame, as well as his long Services in other Departments under the late Congress of the united States, are Circumstances in his favor, which, I have no doubt, will have that weight given to them, which they may Justly merit.\nsincerely wishing you a long & prosperous Continuance in your present important and arduous Station. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect Sir, your most obedient Servant\nSamuel Osgood", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0232", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia] Tuesday 12th [July] 1791\nThe enclosed I send this afternoon, for your perusal. Tomorrow, 8\u2019Oclock, I shall send the person who was the bearer of it, to you. It being the hour, he left word, when he left the letter, that he should call upon me. If Mr Pearce merits the character given him by T: D. he will unquestionably merit encouragement, & you can put him in the way to obtain it. Yrs ever\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0233", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 13 July 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 13. 1791.\nHaving been engaged in court from the time of my leaving you yesterday, for the greater part of the day, I had not an opportunity of conversing with Mr Lewis, until the evening. He has committed to paper the result of his mind, in consequence of my interview with him, and I do myself the honor of inclosing it to you. I was indirectly informed that Judge Yeates would not be induced, upon any consideration, to live in this city; a place, from which the district-judge could not well be absent.\nI also made a distant inquiry as to Mr Fitzsimmons\u2019s inclination to the Auditorship. But I find, that he considers the employment, insufficiently compensated for the interruption, which his private business must sustain.\nIn revolving the subject of the Postmaster generalship, I have been impressed with the importance of its duties, and the skill, necessary for their execution. In both these, however, I do no more, than concur with you. I beg leave to repeat, what I yesterday took the liberty of suggesting, that the opinion of many respectable men has been strenuous in favor of relaxing that delicacy, which is supposed to have restrained you in the distribution of offices, with respect to those, who are around you. I shall not dissemble my genuine sentiment, that the propriety of departing from it seems to depend on the obvious fitness of the character nominated. By obvious fitness, I mean something, arising from acknowledged talents, habits of business, and public estimation, which will cut off every possible suspicion of an undue predilection. I do not apprehend, that it was your wish, that I should go farther than this. But that some scope of choice may be presented to you, I will submit to your consideration the following names:\nThomas Paine\nRichard Peters.\nWm Smith, Baltimore\nThos Fitzsimmons.\nCharles Thomson.\n\u2014\u2014Huston of Jersey, if living He was a member of congress. If the salary would attract candidates at a farther distance, I have no doubt, that you will have a great range for appointing to the office.\nI delivered yesterday to the secretary of state the two subjects, with which you charged me for him. I have the honor, sir, to be with the highest and most sincere respect yr mo: ob. serv.\nEdm: Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0235", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Martinus van Doorninck, 13 July 1791\nFrom: Van Doorninck, Martinus\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew York J\u00fal\u00ff 13 1791.\nDisgusted with the revolution of Holland, i resolved to cross the Atlantic, to settle me in this co\u00fantr\u00ff of libert\u00ff, and was provided with the inclosed b\u00ff one of its most Strenuous assertors, the Gallant Marq\u00fais de La Fa\u00ffette. At m\u00ff arrival i had the design to go to Philadelphia, and deliver the letter to Yo\u00far Exe:, but informed, that Yo\u00far Exe: was on a to\u00far thro\u00fagh the So\u00fathern States, i was obliged to give \u00fap for that time an\u00ff intention, b\u00fat Since some da\u00ffs hearing Your Exes: ret\u00farn from his vo\u00ffage, i am compelled to Send the letter by the mail, beca\u00fase i find, i can\u2019t stand the s\u00faffocating hotness, which reigns in this Season,\nby which i, and the most of m\u00ff famil\u00ff, have not enjo\u00ffed a good health Since the da\u00ff of o\u00far arrival: b\u00ff this i\u2019m indisposed to wait on Yo\u00far Exe:, nevertheless i shall be for ever the Admiror of the Foundator of American Independenc\u00ff and am Sir Yo\u00far Excellenc\u00ff\u2019s Most humble and devoted Servant\nMartinus van Doorninck", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0237", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Brett Kenna, 14 July 1791\nFrom: Kenna, John Brett\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it please your Excellency\nFriday 11. O Clock [14 July 1791]\nI am very Certain my Letter demands more Apologies than Words Can Make. I must rely on your Innate Goodness of heart being a Mason to pardon me. I am in Great Distress. I had the Honor the War before this of being an Officer in the 54th Regt. I am known to General Spotswood, & young Mr Lewis of Fredericksburgh. I have been Assisted by Some of the Masons, & J.B. Smith \u2234 G.M. of Pennsylvania, I most Humbly & Sincerely beg pardon for the Liberty I have taken, & am with Great Respect,\nyour Excellencys, most Obedt most devoted very humble Servant\nJohn Brett Kenna \u2234", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0239", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Frederick A. C. Muhlenberg, 15 July 1791\nFrom: Muhlenberg, Frederick Augustus Conrad\nTo: Washington, George\n  Philadelphia, 15 July 1791. Offers himself as a candidate for the office of postmaster general, Samuel Osgood having resigned. \u201cThis State having been divided into Districts & I having changed my place of Residence, renders it uncertain whether I shall be returnd a Member of the next Legislature, which Consideration induces me to take this Step.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0240", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Deakins, 17 July 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Deakins, William Jr.\n\tLetter not found: to William Deakins, Jr., 17 July 1791. On 22 July Deakins referred to GW\u2019s \u201cmuch Esteem\u2019d favor of the 17th Current.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0241", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 17 July 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, George Augustine\nLetter not found: to George Augustine Washington, 17 July 1791. GW\u2019s nephew wrote to him on 1 Aug., acknowledging \u201crect of Your favor of the 17th Ulto.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0242", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Sebastian Bauman, 18 July 1791\nFrom: Bauman, Sebastian\nTo: Washington, George\n  New York, 18 July 1791. Since Postmaster General Samuel Osgood is resigning, begs to \u201cimpress into\u201d his successor, \u201cunder whom I must hold my Office,\u201d and \u201cto whom I may be a stranger, . . . sentiments favourable of me. I am competent for the Office in all its shape. Your\nExcellency may rely not to be Disappointed in your recommendation, for non shall Exceed me in the duty of my Office, Both in integrity and Punctuallity.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0244", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 18 July 1791\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia 18th July 1791\nI think it proper to lay before you, copies of the various documents respecting an application, which I have recently made to the Governor of Virginia, requiring, agreeably to the provision\ncontained in the second section of the fourth article of the Constitution of the United States, that he would take proper measures for apprehending Francis McGuire, Absalom Wells, and Baldwin Parsons, as fugitives from justice, in order that they might be delivered up to this State, having jurisdiction of their crime. The opinion which the Attorney General of Virginia has given upon this subject, as far as it respects the nature of the offence, is, I conceive, inaccurate, and could not have been given with a previous knowledge of the law of Pennsylvania on the subject: For, by an Act of Assembly, passed on the twenty ninth day of March, in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight, the offence, charged in the several indictments, is rendered highly criminal, and the perpetrators, on conviction in any Court of Quarter Sessions (a Court of criminal jurisdiction exclusively) are not only condemned to forfeit the sum of one hundred pounds, but are subject, likewise, to be confined at hard labour, for any time not less than six Months, nor more than twelve Months. The fact charged, therefore, is a crime, made such by the laws of Pennsylvania; partaking of the nature of a felony, it is certainly included in the Constitutional description of \u201ctreason, felony, or other crime;\u201d and, altho\u2019 an action of trespass might be maintained in Virginia, by the injured individual to recover damages for his personal wrongs, yet, it is obvious, that no indictment, no trial, no conviction, no punishment, in the public name, could take place, according to the provisions of our Legislature, but under the authority of Pennsylvania, within her jurisdiction, and in the County where the offence was committed. It is equally certain, that the laws of the State, in which the act is committed, must furnish the rule to determine its criminality, and not the law of the State, in which the fugitive from Justice happens to be discovered.\nI mean not, however, Sir, to enter into any farther controversy upon this point; it is sufficient to explain it: But as the Attorney General of Virginia has suggested another difficulty, with respect to the mode of arresting persons demanded as fugitives from Justice, I have thought the present, a proper, occasion to bring the subject into your view, that, by the interposition of the F\u0153deral Legislature (to whose consideration you may be pleased to submit it) such regulations may be established, as will, in future, obviate all doubt and embarrassment, upon a constitutional\nquestion, so delicate and important. I have the honor to be, with perfect respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nThomas Mifflin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0247", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Clendinen, 19 July 1791\nFrom: Clendinen, George\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nIndian Queen Philadelphia. July the 19th 1791\nIn May 1790, I Receiv\u2019d Instructions from the Secretary of War (Copy of which I herewith enclosed) to raise a Certain Number of Scouts for the Safety of the Frontier pursuant to which I did Raise the number required and Subsisted them by Actual Disbursment out of my Own property, by the tenor of the Secretaries letter of Instructions I conceived that prompt payments wa\u27e8s\u27e9 to be made for the Services perform\u2019d and Contingincies annaxed on proper Vouchers being produced Agreeably to which Instructions I Transmitted to (Genl Harmar) the documents Required and came to this place with the prospect of Receiving Compensation without Delay. On my application I found that the Accounts had not been Transmitted to this place by Genl Harmar, but having Retain\u2019d the Originals of Said Accounts In my hands, I have presented them for payment, They have been passed upon by the Auditor of Army Accounts and Reported to the Secretary of War to Amount of 968 Dollars as by the Secretary\u2019s letter herewith will appear, but by the Same letter It also appears that payment Cannot be made Until provision is made by Congress for that purpose\u27e8.\u27e9 This is a Demur which I did not expect; I have now been on this business a Considerable time, on heavy expences, and If I am Constrain\u2019d to remain here until the meeting of Congress will amount to more than I am to Receive (I mean the amount of Supplies).\nI have therefore to Solicit that you will Take the premises under your Consideration and Grant that payment be made me on the Accounts, or that the amount be advanc\u2019d me, to be accounted for, The peculiar Situation I am in I conceive will Justify me for making this application, first from having disbursed out of my own property the whole of the Subsistance, secondly by having Gaurantee\u2019d to the men their pay which they will demand of me Immediately On my Return home, Thirdly the Expences which must accrue on my Remaining here, or the fatigue of my going home and Returning.\nIn making this application to you, Sir I must beg permission to add that the Secretary of War by his conduct toward me in this Business merits my warmest thanks, I am Convinced that he would have Rendered this Application unnecessary had it\nbeen in his power, or if the practice of his Department would have admitted it\u2014why Genl Harmar has not Transmitted the papers to this place may be assigned a Variety of Causes, The dista\u27e8nce\u27e9 from the Capitol the miscariages which dispatches a\u27e8re\u27e9 Subject to, are not the least.\nIt may perhaps with Some propriety be added among the other appologies for this Applicatio\u27e8n\u27e9; The Extream anxiety and distress of Mind I feel as a husband and father, in being absent from my family at a period when Surrounded by Savages and depr\u27e8i\u27e9ved of my Company and protection when the most Require it; On this Subject I would be Silent but I feel it too much, Nor can I urge reasons for making this application to you without Adverting to this. I have the Honr to be with the Highest Respect and Esteem your Obt Hble Sevt\nGeo. Clendinen\nP.S. I hope The enclosed papers will be Return\u2019d to me at the Indian Queen fourth Street.\nG.C.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0249", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Gordon, 19 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gordon, William\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia July 19th 1791\nAs it has ever been a rule with me to make my private concerns give way to my public duties, when both cannot be accomplished, I now find myself under the necessity, from the weight of public business, which is at this time much encreased by an absence of more than three months, [(]on a tour thro\u2019 the southern States) of refraining to enter so fully into my private correspondencies as my inclination would lead me to do.\nI am therefore only able to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31. of January\u2014and refer you to a letter which I wrote on the 9 of March on the subject of the subscriptions to your history, and which contained the accounts of the subscription and a bill of exchange of \u00a329. 15/3. Sterling for the ballance of that account.\nI now enclose the 3 bill of the set which accompanied your account, and shall only add my thanks for the prayers and good\nwishes which you offer for my happiness, and assure you that I reciprocate them with very great sincerity. I am dear Sir, with much esteem, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0250", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay Graham, 19 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Graham, Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay\nMadam,\nPhiladelphia, July 19. 1791.\nAt the same time that I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the first of march with which I have been honored, let me request you to accept my thanks for your polite attention in sending me the pamphlet which accompanied it. The importance of the subject, which has called forth your production and numerous others, is so deeply interesting to mankind that every philanthropic mind, however far removed from the scene of action cannot but feel anxious to see its termination, and it must be the ardent wish of every good man that its event may encrease the happiness of the human race.\nI often regret that my public duties do not allow me so much time as my inclination requires to attend to my private correspondencies, especially with you Madam\u2014But I persuade myself your goodness will lead you to place the brevity of this letter to its proper account, particularly when I add that I am but just returned from a tour of near 2000 miles thro\u2019 the southern States, to perform which took me more than 3 months. I shall only further add to it what I know must give you great pleasure, that the United States enjoy a scene of prosperity and tranquillity under the new government that could hardly have been hoped for under the old\u2014and, that, while you, in Europe, are\ntroubled with war and rumours of war, every one here may sit under his own vine and none to molest or make him afraid. I have the honor to be &ca\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0251", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 20 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Humphreys, David\nMy dear Sir,\nPhiladelphia July, 20. 1791.\nI have received your letters of the 16 of February and 3 of may, and am much obliged by your observations on the situation, manners, customs and dispositions of the Spanish nation\u2014In this age of free enquiry and enlightened reason it is to be hoped that the condition of the people in every Country will be bettered and the happiness of mankind promoted. Spain appears to be so much behind the other Nations of Europe in liberal policy that a long time will undoubtedly elapse before the people of that kingdom can taste the sweets of liberty and enjoy the natural advantages of their Country.\nIn my last I mentioned my intention of visiting the southern States, which I have since accomplished, and have the pleasure to inform you, that I performed a journey of 1887 miles without meeting with any interruption by sickness, bad weather, or any untoward accident\u2014Indeed so highly were we favored that we arrived at each place, where I proposed to make any halt, on the very day I fixed upon before we set out\u2014The same horses performed the whole tour, and, altho\u2019 much reduced in flesh, kept up their full spirits to the last day.\nI am much pleased that I have taken this journey as it has enabled me to see with my own eyes the situation of the country thro\u2019 which we travelled, and to learn more accurately the disposition of the people than I could have done by any information.\nThe country appears to be in a very improving state, and industry and frugality are becoming much more fashionable than they have hitherto been there\u2014Tranquillity reigns among the\npeople, with that disposition towards the general government which is likely to preserve it\u2014They begin to feel the good effects of equal laws and equal protection\u2014The farmer finds a ready market for his produce, and the merchant calculates with more certainty on his payments\u2014Manufacturers have as yet made but little progress in that part of the country, and it will probably be a long time before they are brought to that state to which they have already arrived in the middle and eastern parts of the Union.\nEach days experience of the Government of the United States seems to confirm its establishment, and to render it more popular\u2014A ready acquiescence in the laws made under it shews in a strong light the confidence which the people have in their representatives, and in the upright views of those who administer the government. At the time of passing a law imposing a duty on home made spirits, it was vehemently affirmed by many, that such a law could never be executed in the southern States, particularly in Virginia and North Carolina. As this law came in force only on the first of this month little can be said of its effects from experience; but from the best information I could get on my journey respecting its operation on the minds of the people (and I took some pains to obtain information on this point) there remains no doubt but it will be carried into effect not only without opposition, but with very general approbation in those very parts where it was foretold that it would never be submitted to by any One.\nIt is possible, however, and perhaps not improbable that some Demagogue may start up, and produce and get signed some resolutions declaratory of their disapprobation of the measure.\nOur public credit stands on that ground which three years ago it would have been considered as a species of madness to have foretold. The astonishing rapidity with which the newly instituted Bank was filled gives an unexampled proof (here) of the resources of our Countrymen and their confidence in public measures.\nOn the first day of opening the subscription the whole number of shares (20,000) were taken up in one hour, and application made for upwards of 4000 shares more than were granted by the Institution, besides many others that were coming in from different quarters.\nFor some time past the western frontiers have been alarmed by depredations committed by some hostile tribes of Indians; but such measures are now in train as will, I presume, either bring them to sue for peace before a stroke is struck at them, or make them feel the effects of an enmity too sensibly to provoke it again unnecessarily, unless, as is much suspected, they are countenanced, abetted, and supported in their hostile views by the B\u2014\u2014h. Tho\u2019 I must confess I cannot see much prospect of living in tranquillity with them so long as a spirit of land jobbing prevails\u2014and our frontier-Settlers entertain the opinion that there is not the same crime, (or indeed no crime at all) in killing an Indian as in killing a white man.\nYou have been informed of the spot fixed on for the seat of Government on the Potomac, and I am now happy to add that all matters between the Proprietors of the soil and the public are settled to the mutual satisfaction of the Parties, and that the business of laying out the city, the grounds for public buildings, walks &ca is progressing under the inspection of Major L\u2019Enfant with pleasing prospects\u2014Thus much for our american affairs\u2014and I wish I could say as much in favor of circumstances in Europe\u2014But our accounts from thence do not paint the situation of the Inhabitants in very pleasing colours. One part exhibits war and devastion\u2014another preparations for war\u2014a third commotions\u2014a fourth direful apprehensions of commotions\u2014and indeed there seems to be scarcely a nation enjoying uninterrupted, unapprehensive tranquillity.\nThe example of France will undoubtedly have its effects on other Kingdoms\u2014Poland, by the public papers, appears to have made large and unexpected strides towards liberty, which, if true, reflects great honor on the present King, who seems to have been the principal promoter of the business. By the by I have never received any letter from Mr Littlepage, or from the King of Poland, which you say Mr Carmichael informed you were sent to me last summer.\nI yesterday had Don Jaudennes, who was in this country with Mr Gardoqui, and is now come over in a public character, presented to me, for the first time, by Mr Jefferson. Colonel Ternant is expected here every day as Minister from France.\nI am glad to learn that the air of Lisbon agrees so well with you\u2014I sincerely hope you may long, very long enjoy the blessing\nof health accompanied with such other blessings as may contribute to your happiness.\nI have been in the enjoyment of very good health during my journey, and have rather gained flesh upon it.\nMrs Washington desires her best wishes may be presented to you\u2014You are always assured of those of my dear Sir, Your sincere and affectionate friend\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0252", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Lang, 20 July 1791\nFrom: Lang, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n  Philadelphia, 20 July 1791. Presents a copy of An Essay on Commerce and Luxury which he has published this day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0254", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Rodolph Valltravers, 21 July 1791\nFrom: Valltravers, Johann Rodolph von (Vall-Travers)\nTo: Washington, George\nCopy. No. 1 \u27e8illegible\u27e9  \nMay it please Yr Excellcy! \nSir!Roterdam, July 21. 91.\nHumbly flattering myself with your safe & kind Reception of my Letter & Packet dated from Hamburg, the 15th of March, & conveyed by Captn Bell of Philadelphia, with Maps, & several Memoirs (No. 2.) collected for the Use of yr assiduous Surveyor & Geometer, John Churchman of Philadelphia; and, under Yr Excce\u2019s Approbation, with my humble Offers of further Services from this Continent, in communicating & promoting as much useful Knowledge, as may still lay within the narrow Circle of my literary Connections with most of the learned and patriotic Societies in Europe, in Behalf of your several similar encouraging Institutions: I now beg Leave to transmit to Yr Exccy a Work of mine, composed in English, from dutch & german Materials, collected these 20. years, on the Spot, by Mr Eshelscrown, dutch & danish Residt in the East Indies; disclosing a succinct Account of the actual State of European Setlements throughout the East-Indies, and many material Circumstances and Mysteries of their Trade, both with the Natives and with Europe. This Branch of the mercantile Industry of the american States, wisely laid open to reciprocal Emulation, must reap signal advantages\nfrom their situation, Frugality & Freedom in their Competition with all the monopolising, expensive, restrained and overwhelmed Companies with Debts, Militairies, & Taxes, established by the several maritime Powers in Europe. The dutch East India Company, tho\u2019 the most oeconomical & industrious of all, groaning under an avowed Debt of near 100 Millions of Florins, is now sending Mr Nederborg, as their Plenipotentiary, to all their asiatic setlements; to investigate the Sources of their Decay, to correct abuses, and, on his Report, either to apply proper Remedies; or, if incurable, to suppress their Charter, and to lay that Trade as open, as they lately did that to the West Indies.\nThus circumstanced, and wishing to contribute my litle Mite to the Prosperity of the worthy american Assertors of their undoubted natural Rights and legal Liberties: I thought, a speedy Publication of an autentic, impartial Display of all the particulars of that extensive and intricate Commerce, as it now exists in all Parts, & in all its Branches, exhibited in N. america, under Yr Exccy\u2019s Approbation, Patronage & Encouragement, might not be unwelcome to your sagacious Fellow-Citizens? In this Persuasion, I this Day deliver my Manuscript to Captn F. Folger, related to my late venerable Friend, Dr Bn Franklin, ready to sail to Baltimore, his native Country; desiring him, to present this small Tribute of my Zeal & sincere attachment to Yr Excellence\u2019s previous Inspection & subseqt Disposal.\nShou\u2019d Yr Exccy kindly complying with my humble Offers of the 15th of March, by Captn Bell, be pleased to honor me with yr Commands, and Instructions, and appoint me, in any official Caracter, as Agent, Consul, or Resident, with the necessary usual Support: it wou\u2019d be the Heigth of my Ambition, to answer the Trust to the Satisfaction of my Superiors, and to the utmost Emolument of your illustrious confederate States; that great Pattern of a well constituted, wisely combined, truly free and happy Commonwealth. I am, with unfeigned Admiration, most respectfully Sir! Your Excellency\u2019s most sincerily devoted humble Servant\nI. Rodolf Valltravers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0257", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the Federal District, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Commissioners for the Federal District\nGentlemen,\nPhiladelphia July 24th 1791.\nI have received from Mr Peter the inclosed letter proposing the erection of Warves at the New City, between Rock Creek and Hamburg. My answer to him is, that the proposition is worthy of consideration, and that the transaction of whatever may concern the public at that place in future being now turned over to you, I have inclosed the letter to you to do thereon whatever you may think best, referring him at the same time to you for an Answer.\nThe consequences of such Wharves as are suggested by Mr Peter will no doubt, claim your first attention\u2014next, if they are deemed a desireable undertaking, the means by which the work can be effected with certainty and dispatch\u2014and lastly, the true and equitable proportion which ought to be paid by Mr Peters towards the erection of them. I am, Gentlemen, with perfect consideration Your most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0258", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 27 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia] July 27. 1791.\nTh: Jefferson has the honour to inclose to the President his letter to G. Morris, to which he will add any thing the President pleases by way of Postscript or by incorporating it into the letter. a ship sailing from hence for Havre on Monday Th: J. proposes to send his letters for France by that rather than by the French packet.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0259", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\n[Philadelphia] Thursday Afternoon, 28th July [1791]\nI have just given the enclosed Letters an acknowledgment, & was about to file them; but not recollecting whether I had ever shewn them to you, or not\u2014I now, as they contain information, & opinions on Men & things, hand them to you for your perusal. By comparing them with others, & the predictions at the times they were written with the events which have happened, you will be able to judge of the usefulness of such communications from the person communicating them. I am Yrs sincerely\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0260", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 28 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nPhiladelphia, July 28. 1791.\nI have, my dear Sir, to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 7 of March and 3 of May, and to thank you for the communications which they contain relative to your public affairs. I assure you I have often contemplated, with great anxiety, the danger to which you are personally exposed by your peculiar and delicate situation in the tumult of the times, and your letters are far from quieting that friendly concern. But to one, who engages in hazardous enterprises for the good of his country, and who is guided by pure and upright views, (as I am sure is the case with you) life is but a secondary consideration.\nTo a philanthropic mind the happiness of 24 millions of people cannot be indifferent\u2014and by an American, whose country in the hour of distress received such liberal aid from the french, the disorders and incertitude of that Nation are to be peculiarly lamented\u2014we must, however, place a confidence in that Providence who rules great events, trusting that out of confusion he will produce order, and notwithstanding the dark clouds which may threaten at present, that right will ultimately be established.\nThe tumultous populace of large cities are ever to be dreaded\u2014Their indiscriminate violence prostrates for the time all public authority\u2014and its consequences are sometimes extensive and terrible\u2014In Paris we may suppose these tumults are peculiarly disastrous at this time, when the public mind is in a ferment, and when (as is always the case on such occasions) there are not wanting wicked and designing men, whose element is confusion, and who will not hesitate in destroying the public tranquillity to gain a favorite point\u2014But until your Constitution is fixed\u2014your government organised\u2014and your representative Body renovated\u2014much tranquillity cannot be expected\u2014for, until these things are done, those who are unfriendly to the revolution, will not quit the hope of bringing matters back to their former state.\nThe decrees of the National Assembly respecting our tobacco and oil do not appear to be very pleasing to the people of this country; but I do not presume that any hasty measures will be adopted in consequence thereof; for we have never entertained a doubt of the friendly disposition of the french Nation towards us, and are therefore persuaded that if they have done any thing which seems to bear hard upon us, at a time when the Assembly must have been occupied in very important matters, and which perhaps could not allow time for a due consideration of the subject, they will, in the moment of calm deliberation, alter it, and do what is right.\nI readily perceive, my dear Sir, the critical situation in which you stand\u2014and never can you have greater occasion to shew your prudence, judgment, and magnanimity.\nOn the 6 of this month I returned from a tour through the southern States, which had employed me for more than three months\u2014In the course of this journey I have been highly gratified\nin observing the flourishing state of the Country, and the good dispositions of the people\u2014Industry and economy have become very fashionable in those parts, which were formerly noted for the opposite qualities, and the labours of man are assisted by the blessings of Providence\u2014The attachment of all Classes of citizens to the general Government seems to be a pleasing presage of their future happiness and respectability.\nThe complete establishment of our public credit is a strong mark of the confidence of the people in the virtue of their Representatives, and the wisdom of their measures\u2014and, while in Europe, wars or commotions seem to agitate almost every nation, peace and tranquillity prevail among us, except on some parts of our western frontiers where the Indians have been troublesome, to reclaim or chastise whom proper measures are now pursuing\u2014This contrast between the situation of the people of the United States, and those of Europe is too striking to be passed over even by the most superficial observer, and may, I believe, be considered as one great cause of leading the people here to reflect more attentively on their own prosperous state, and to examine more minutely, and consequently approve more fully of the government under which they live, than they otherwise would have done. But we do not wish to be the only people who may taste the sweets of an equal and good government\u2014we look with an anxious eye for the time when happiness and tranquillity shall prevail in your country\u2014and when all Europe shall be freed from commotions, tumults, and alarms.\nYour friends in this country often express their great attachment to you by their anxiety for your safety.\nKnox, Jay, Hamilton, Jefferson remember you with affection\u2014but none with more sincerity and true attachment than, My dear Sir, Your affectionate\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0261", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 28 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Morris, Gouverneur\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia July 28th 1791.\nI have now before me your favors of the 22d of November\u2014the 1st & 24th of December 1790\u2014and of the 9th of March 1791.\nThe Plateaux which you had the goodness to procure for me, arrived safe; and the account of them has been settled, as you desired, with Mr R: Morris. For this additional mark of attention to my wishes, I pray you to accept my thanks.\nThe communications in your several letters, relative to the state of Affairs in Europe, are very gratefully received; and I should be glad if it was in my power to reply to them more in the detail than I am able to do. But my public duties, which are at all times sufficiently numerous, being now much accumulated by an absence of more than three months from the Seat of Government, make the present a very busy moment for me.\nThe change of systems, which have so long prevailed in Europe, will, undoubtedly, affect us in a degree proportioned to our political or commercial connexions with the several nations of it. But I trust we shall never so far lose sight of our own Interest & happiness as to become, unnecessarily, a party in their political disputes. Our local situation enables us to maintain that state with respect to them, which otherwise, could not, perhaps, be preserved by human wisdom. The present moment seems pregnant with great events; but, as you observe, it is beyond the ken of mortal foresight, to determine what will be the result of those changes which are either making, or contemplated in the general system of Europe. Although as fellow-men we sincerely lament the disorders, oppressions & incertitude which frequently attend national events; and which our European brethren must feel; yet we cannot but hope, that it will terminate very much in favor of the Rights of Man. And, that a change there, will be favorable to this Country, I have no doubt. For under the\nformer system we were seen either in the distresses of War, or viewed after the peace in a most unfavorable light through the medium of our distracted State. In neither point could we appear of much consequence among nations. And should affairs continue in Europe in the same state they were when these impressions respecting us were received, it would not be an easy matter to remove the prejudices imbibed against us. A change of system will open a new view of things\u2014& we shall then burst upon them as it were with redoubled advantages.\nShould we, under the present state of Affairs, form connexions, other than we now have, with any European Powers, much must be considered in effecting them, on the score of our increasing importance as a Nation; and at the sametime, should a treaty be formed with a nation whose circumstances may not at that moment be very bright, much delicacy wd be necessary in order to shew that no undue advantages were taken on that account. For unless treaties are mutually beneficial to the parties, it is vain to hope for a continuance of them beyond the moment when the one which conceives itself over reached is in a situation to break off the connexion. And I believe it is among nations as with individuals\u2014the party taking advantage of the distresses of another will lose infinitely more in the opinion of mankind, & in subsequent events, than he will gain by the stroke of the moment.\nIn my late tour through the Southern States, I experienced great satisfaction in seeing the good effects of the general Government in that part of the Union. The people at large have felt the security which it gives, and the equal justice which it administers to them. The Farmer\u2014the Merchant\u2014and the Mechanic have seen their several Interests attended to, and from thence they unite in placing a confidence in their representatives, as well as in those in whose hands the Execution of the Laws is placed. Industry has there taken place of idleness, and \u0153conomy of dissipation. Two or three years of good crops, and a ready market for the produce of their lands has put every one in good humour; and, in some instances they even impute to the Government what is due only to the goodness of Providence.\nThe establishment of public credit, is an immense point gained in our national concerns. This, I believe, exceeds the expectation of the most sanguine among us. and a late instance,\nunparalleled in this Country, has been given of the confidence reposed in our measures, by the rapidity with which the subscriptions to the Bank of the United States were filled. In two hours after the Books were opened by the Commissioners the whole number of shares were taken up, & four thousand more applied for than were allowed by the Institution; besides a number of Subscriptions which were coming on. This circumstance was not only pleasing as it related to the confidence in Government; but as it exhibited an unexpected proof of the resources of our Citizens.\nIn one of my letters to you, the account of the number of Inhabitants which would probably be found in the U. States on enumeration\u2014was too large. The estimate was then founded on the ideas held out by the Gentlemen in Congress of the population of the several States\u2014each of whom (as was very natural) looking through a magnifier would speak of the greatest extent to which there was any probability of their numbers reaching. Returns of the Census have already been made from several of the States, and tolerably just estimate has been formed (now) in others; by which it appears that we shall hardly reach four millions; but this you are to take along with it, that the real number will greatly exceed the official return; because, from religeous scruples, some would not give in their lists; from an apprehension that it was intended as the foundation of a tax, others concealed or diminished theirs; and from the indolence of the mass, & want of activity in many of the deputy Enumerators, numbers are omitted. The authenticated number will, however, be far greater I believe, than has ever been allowed in Europe; and will have no small influence in enabling them to form a more just opinion of our present growing importance than has yet been entertained there.\nThis letter goes with one from the Secretary of State, to which I must refer you for what respects your public transactions, and I shall only add to it the repeated assurances of regard and affection with which I am Dear Sir, Your Obedt & Obliged\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0262", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Humbert Droz, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Droz, Humbert\nTo: Washington, George\nMonsieur;\nNo. 93 south front streetPhiladelphie Le 29 Juillet 1791\nL\u2019amour des arts m\u2019a fait quitter la Suisse ma Patrie J\u2019ai exerc\u00e9 25 ans \u00e0 Paris sous les plus brillans artistes, je puis dire avec succ\u00e9s, celui de L\u2019horlogerie.\nAyant toujours vecu jour le jour, l\u2019emigration des Contrerevolutionaires, et le plaisir Cruel que se font Les \u00be des grands, Je veux dire des Gens riches, de ne rien faire m\u2019ont fait penser \u00e0 un autre pays; l\u2019Abb\u00e9 Reinal le Cultivateur ameriquin m\u2019ont decid\u00e9 pour Celui ci.\nJ\u2019ai laiss\u00e9 ma femme et mon fils Jusqu\u2019a ce que je Sache en m\u2019etablissant ici, si j\u2019y trouverai une existence plus assur\u00e9e \u00e0 la fin de mes jours, qu\u2019en france, alors je les ferai venir, sinon, J\u2019irai Les rejoindre.\nJe Croirois ne pas faire l\u2019usage que je dois faire de mes talents si je ne Les offrois particulierement, \u00e0 l\u2019homme, que tout le monde envisage Comme le plus meritant des 13 Etats unis Q\u2019il m\u2019honore de sa Confience, et je jure foi de suisse qu\u2019il ne sera pas tromp\u00e9.\nVoici 8 ans que je n\u2019ai et\u00e9 occup\u00e9 qu\u2019a mettre l\u2019harmonie, dans les ouvrages les plus Compliqu\u00e9s, montres \u00e0 masses, repetant Les minutes, \u00e0 Equation ayant toutes Sortes de quantiemes Echapements \u00e0 vibrations libres &ca qui s\u2019executoient Chez Mr Breguet, premier artiste de Paris et je Crois du monde Entier.\ndesorte que la plus mauvaise montre, si on veut faire le sacrifice de me payer mon travail, je la mettrai dans le Cas de servir Comme une bonne, en donner mon billet de garentie pour 10 ans; et si on peut prouver au bout d\u2019un an\u2014qu\u2019elle a mal et\u00e9, sans qu\u2019on l\u2019ait laiss\u00e9 tomber ou d\u2019autres accidents, Je m\u2019engage \u00e0 rendre L\u2019argent re\u00e7u pour Cela.\nbien entendu qu\u2019il faut renouveler Les huilles tout les 3 ans dans Les montres plates ou \u00e0 repos, et tout Les 7 dans les hautes \u00e0 roue de rencontres.\nAttendant Vos Ordres Je Suis tr\u00e9s Respectueusement Monsieur Votre tr\u00e9s humble Et obeissant Serviteur\nA Lis Humbert Droz", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0263", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury Department [Philadelphia] July 29th 1791\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the United States, a contract made by the Collector of the District of Washington in North Carolina, for the stakage of all the shoals & channels of that State to the Northward of the District of Wilmington, which have been heretofore thus designated. The former stakes having generally fallen to decay, or being washed away for want of attention, the expence will be necessarily greater in the re establishment than it probably will be in the future preservation of the stakeage now intended to be executed. It is stated by the collector that the contracts for the renewal of the stakes on these waters shortly after the late war, was made at the rate of 250 Dollars pr annum, & that tho\u2019 the expiration of so considerable a part of the current year had given rise to an expectation that he should be able to contract for less money, yet he found it impracticable to provide for the execution of the business on more favourable terms. Tho\u2019 there does not appear to be any thing particularly advantageous in this agreement, the Secretary begs leave to suggest an idea that the interests of the United States may be more advanced by the immediate accommodation to the navigation,\nthan it might be, by an uncertain experiment of forming a more reasonable contract. All which is humbly submitted\nAlexander HamiltonSey of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0264", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nTreasury Department [Philadelphia] July 29th 1791.\nThe Secretary of the Treasury having had the honor to lay before the President of the United States, the correspondence of Mr Short respecting the loans made, & to be made, pursuant to the several Acts of Congress for that purpose; begs leave to note particularly for his consideration two circumstances which appear in that correspondence.\nFirst, that there are moments when large sums may be borrowed in Holland with more facility & advantage than small sums at other times.\nSecondly, that there is some prospect of opening loans with success in other Countries than the United Netherlands.\nThese circumstances appearing, the Secretary respectfully requests the consideration & instruction of the President of the United States; whether it may not be expedient to remove the present restrictions upon Mr Short, so as to enable him to embrace favourable moments, and open at his discretion, loans at such times & places and for such sums, as he may find adviseable, within the limitations of the respective laws authorising the Loans. which is respectfully submitted by\nAlexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0266", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Carroll (of Carrollton), 31 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Carroll, Charles (of Carrollton)\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia, July 31. 1791.\nYour favor of the 16 only got to my hands on friday last\u2014Not having my private papers at this place, to refer to, I can say nothing with precision as to the sum, or sums which is due from me on account of my purchase of Clifton\u2019s land\u2014It is highly probable, however, that the information given to you by your Attorney is right\u2014Be the amount, however, what it may, I shall be ready at any moment, to pay the same in cash at this place, or in post notes at Baltimore, or Alexandria, as you shall direct.\nBut you will please to recollect, my dear Sir, that there is a prerequisite to this payment, which was the original cause, why the money was not paid at the time of the sale\u2014I mean a release of the mortgage, or some conveyance by which the Purchaser should be assured of the legal, or a secure title to the land.\nThe particulars relative to this transaction are a little out of my recollection at present\u2014but in substance I believe they stand thus\u2014That the land belonging to Clifton, now held by me, was mortgaged as security to\u2014among others\u2014Mr Ignatius Digges who, in this case, acted under, or would take no step without applying to, Mr Carroll, your father; and was the only one of several Mortgagees who refused to quit claim of the land\u2014by which means my legal title to it is yet incomplete.\nBy to-morrow\u2019s post I will write home for these papers; and, as I have observed before, as soon as the impediment is removed, or I am in any manner made secure, the money shall be paid in either of the ways before mentioned; for it cannot be more your wish than it is my desire to bring the matter to a close. With much esteem and regard, I am dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0267", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 31 July 1791\nFrom: Willett, Marinus\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nNew York 31st July 1791\nBy General Knox I had the honor of being advised that your Excellency was disposed to confer on me the appointment of Marshal for this District If I so inclined. This measure I suppose to have proceeded from my former application for that office and my subsequent wish to have some appointment in the General Government.\nI beg leave to return my most sincere thanks for your Intention to serve me, But as from the best Information I was able to Collect the short time General Knox was here it appeared that my famaly could receive little or no support from the office and as my situation is such as to require that whatever business I pursue must assist in the support of my famaly, and having received encouragement to think That as by the Constitution of this state a new Sheriff for this County must be appointed the 29th day of September next I should have that office confered on me I became considerably embarrased; Whilst on the one hand a wish to be in the service of the General Government seemed to preponderate, The calls of my famaly Increased by a very aged Parent and an elderly maiden sister whose Intire\ndependance are on me led me to conclude it best to look to that appointment which promised most towards their support.\nMy desire of having some appointment under the Union still remains, and if I could have any office there that would promise a very reasonable support it should have by far the preference of the appointment I expect to receive from this state.\nI feel Sir, a most gratefull sence of the honor Intended me by your Excellency\u2014I am very sure that in all your appointments you are governed by the best of motives, and that as I once had the honor of hearing you express yourself, You carefully avoid, \u201cErrors of the heart\u201d.\nI am very sure Sir, You will pardon notwithstanding your most justly exalted situation whatever in this may look like Intrusion\u2014Your knowledge of me for fourteen years past will help you to believe even before I speak that no man has served the public with more diligence and Integrity then I have\u2014The early Impressions my mind received in favour of Liberty Joined to an enthusiastic love of my Country produced habits of the strictest attention to her service during the revolution\u2014Many served the public with more brilliancy and greater abilities\u2014But for attention diligence and exertions not altogether unsuccessfull I give way to none\u2014The political motto of \u201cSining beyond forgivness\u201d was a favorite of mine\u2014I regularly viewed the worst situation I could possibly be plased in without concern, And in case of a general failure in the Opposition I ever felt a raidiness to embrase wretchedness in its most distressing forms. Forgive me Sir, whilst I declare that this led me, (perhaps vainly led me) to suppose that in case of success I might expect to rise in proportion with the common cause.\nUnder this impression it was that I first applied for the offise of a Marshal, An office which from the universal acceptation I had found in the exercise of a four years Sheriffilty I promised myself I bid fair to receive. Having failed in this and being once more called to execute a Commission from Your Excellency, The same ardor that had hitherto governed my public actions induce me to execute it. The efforts I made on that occasion were succesfull eaqual to my most sanguin hopes, And one very Pleasing effect was the particular approbation I received from you, and an Intimation through General Knox of your readiness when opportunity should offer of affording me servise\u2014Incouraged\nby this Intimation on hearing of the Creation of an offise which promised a decent support under the belief that the public would be as well served by me as by any other man I was induced to make an application\u2014However great in favour of myself my prejudise may be, I am convinced that the purest motives directed your appointment; And in this perswasion notwithstanding the greatness of my disapointment, I am satisfied.\nYet Sir, Lest from some misinformation respecting my circumstances I might have been prejudised. I beg leave to assure you that altho I have always been in the habit of exercising strict oconomy, and tho I have never been accostomed to eat the bread of Idleness, I am at the age of fifty years called on to be very circumspect least in the decline of life I should experience difficulties to which hitherto I have been a stranger.\nMy duty to myself and my duty to my famaly and others whose dependance are on me have urged me therefore to intrude on your patience\u2014To receive some appointment under the Union to assist me with those whom providence has Plased under my charge to go comfortably and decently through life is still the great wish of my heart.\nIt is not an avidity for gain tha\u27e8t\u27e9 spurs me on to this wish\u2014I feel Sir a Constant desire to be employed by the public, Yet in that employment my circumstances require a compensation\u2014And while I frankly confess that from reflections on the hazards & difficulties I have passed I feel a kind of Conscious merit in having performed an upright part thus far. I feel likewis\u27e8e\u27e9 an Assurance that any public trust commited to my care in future will not suffer Injury.\nYour Soul I am sure is too good, And your heart sufficiently Attached to old servants of the public to think it an unreasonable thing in them to wish that their latter days may not be worse then their begining.\nThe Offise of Sheriff for this County which I am led to believe I may receive in September next will be fully eaqual to every thing I could desire for the four years it may endure\u2014But at the expiration of that time it must pass from and leave me where it has once already done; For this among other Causes I should prefer an apointment under the General Government which provoided it is perminant I would make choise of tho it may not be half as lucrative.\nAfter being thus particular, I beg to plase myself before you, And to assure you that such is my Confidence in your Superiour tallents at doing right, And such my veneration for you\u2014That if your Excellency should think fit to name me to any office whatever, I will with Pleasure receive it\u2014If therfore the thing proposed to me through General Knox (which in my embarrasment I was Indused to decline) should not be disposed of and it is still your inclination to confer it on me it shall be thankfully received as a Pledge of your regarde and the most pointed care taken to guard against its receiving Injury under my charge. With the most profound veneration and respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your most Obedient and very humble Servt\nMarinus Willett", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0268", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Hill Airey, 1 August 1791\nFrom: Airey, Thomas Hill\nTo: Washington, George\nHonour\u2019d Sir.\nMaryland Dorchester County Near CambridgeAugust 1st 1791.\nPlease to permit a person at the distance of near two Hundred miles from your Excellencies temporary place of residence, and unknown to your Excellency, to intrude on your precious moments while I attempt to impart a matter, that may appear of some importance, & at the same time a mistiry that has evaded the deepest reserches of the Learned, in expounding the Prophetick writings. it is contained in the 7th Chapr of Daniels Prophecy, and expounded by the Prophet that succeeded him while the Jews were in captivity in Babilon. In one of the preceeding chapters, the King of Babilon has an Image presented him in Sleep, composed of several kinds of metal and part of Clay, which alarm\u2019d the King, and caused him to have all his wise men assembled to make known to the King his dream; and\nthe interpretation thereof. but none were able to make it known, till Daniel came before the King, and made known the full exposition of the dream; and shewed the King the fall of his own great Empire, and that there would be three other, great Empires that would succeed his, and that the rise of the one would be the downfall of the preceeding one, and that the fourth would likewise have an end by the Stone cut out of the mountain that would overturn all those Kingdoms and stand for ever. In the 8th Chapter Daniel has a full interpretation of the Image that had appeared to the King, conveyed to him in the similitude of Beasts; the Ram with two horns denoting the Meeds and Percians, and the Hee Goat the Grecian Kingdom and it\u2019s division into four Kingdoms after the death of Alexander, which Kingdoms was to be subdued by the Roman Empire.\nAs God has almost invariably used Similitude to convey the knowledge of his great and divine Misteries of futurity to the Prophets, and through them to the rulers and people in past ages. So God has been pleased, to make known, to his Ancient Prophets, the great events that was to be fulfilled in our day, by the same method of similitude; and has been pleased to give so plain an Interpretation of the similitude of the Eagle, to the American Standard; that there is shewn in the device, the number of Kings that are to succeed each other, the defections that will arise, and the causes of them, the number of Petty Kings that will arise and overturn the union, the devision of America into three Kingdoms, the conflicts that will arise during their continuance, and at last the final disolution of America. There are but two instances prior to this recorded in the Sacred Pages where the Great Supreme Ruler of the universe has Honour\u2019d his Vicegerents on earth, with the foreknowledge of what would befall the People he had placed under their care.\nAnd the third Instance, is an honour reserv\u2019d for your Excellency, for the faithfull discharge of the Great and important trust reposed in you, in being the happy instrument, under God, of delivering so extensive a Continent, with it\u2019s numerous inhabitants from under the yoke and tiranny of Brittish Bondage.\nShou\u2019d your Excellency condicend to think the foregoing relation, of that importance, as to merit your attention; so as to wish a full investigation of all the Proofs, necessary to gain your Excellencies belief of what I have related; the honour of a line\nfrom you, appointing the place where to attend, wou\u2019d chearfully be obey\u2019d. There is but one thing more and will ceas to intrude on your Excellencies patience, and that is, as the mistery to be made known is of that nature to be out of the reach of common observers, being dictated by the Sperit and gift of Prophecy, and we live at a time when Infidelity and Satire prevale much in our Land; wou\u2019d wish to be as private in imparting it to your Excellency, as I can not so much on my own account as my connections, should it be known that I attempted to impart to your Excellency a matter that appears so far above the reach of their and others comprehention. Permit me the honour to subscribe myself, with the greatest esteam, your Excellencies Most devoted & most Obedient Humbl. Servt\nThos: Hill Airey", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0270", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Winthrop Sargent, 1 August 1791\nFrom: Sargent, Winthrop\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nFort Washington County of Hamilton and Territory of the U. States North west of the River OhioAugust 1st 1791\nI enclose to your Excellency a Copy from the Records of the Proceedings of the governour of the Western Territory in the Executive Department of Government for the Month of July\n1791\u2014To delay it until my next periodical communications, which must include the whole of the present year would be (most probably) detaining it beyond the next Sessions of Congress, when some Questions and Applications upon the Subject of Lands in this Country may make a Reference thereto, proper and necessary\u2014with every Sentiment of most perfect Respect I have the honour to be Your Excellency\u2019s obedient Humble Servt\nWinthrop Sargent", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0271", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 1 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George Augustine\nTo: Washington, George\nHonored Uncle\nMount Vernon Augt 1st 1791.\nSuch is my situation at this time that I can do little more than enclose the Report and acknowledge the rect of your favor of the 17th Ulto the directions therein given I shall have attended to and will reply to it and give you every necessary information before I leave this if I am able. but at this time I do not flatter myself to be able to undergo the exercise of a journey in less than a fortnight\u2014as soon as the Brickmakers and Bricklayers with there attendants finished harvest and grass cuting I had them put to work\u2014Davis is now diging out the foundation for the wall in front of the house and will proceed to geting up the wall\u2014I purchased of a Vessel yesterday some shells which is landing to day tho\u2019 not more than abt 200 Bushls the first that I have been able to get tho\u2019 I have used every means possible. I have at different times engaged these Vessels expressly for the purpose the two first have disappointed me the last which engaged under the penalty of 20\u00a3 was to be here next week[.] We had on Tuesday last a light sprinkle of rain in the four noon and afternoon but insufficient to conduce to the relief of any thing there is no more the appearance of verdure in the enclosures about this house than if the whole had been consumed by fire.\nWhiting tells me that the prospects for Corn is deplorable indeed unless we are favord with immediate and abundant rains there can be but very little made and present appearances are unfriendly to it very shortly we are in order for sowing wheat but Whiting says unless there comes rain it would be attended with the loss of the seed to sow for it would vegetate and perish for their is not moisture in the earth to bring it up and nourish it this I know was the case with the first sown wheat in the neck and D: Run last year. Your letter which I expect to recieve by the return of the Servant from Alexa to night will speak something on this subject as I mentioned in a letter written sometime since the sowing of the fallowed field at D: Run\u2014as I expected you might for some particular purpose wish immediate informa[tion] of the hights of the Jacks as I was not able to do it myself desired Whiting and to be very accurate, had them brought into the Piaza as the best place\u2014the hights as here discribed I believe are just tho\u2019 they fall short of what they had been supposed to be and what the Spanish Jack had once been determined to be by measurement\u2014Royal Gift 14 hands 1\u00bd Inch. his Ears 14 Inches[.] Knight Malta. 13 hands. 1\u00bd Inch. his Ears. 12\u00bd Inches[.] Young Jack 3 Years old this spring\u201412 hands. 1\u00bc I: Ears 12 I.\u2014I think You mention\u2019d that Colo. Washington would in September send for Royal Gift I shall leave directi\u27e8ons\u27e9 should I be absent to have him deliver\u2019d if the Person who applies is authorised\u2014I have recieved from Doctr Stuart \u00a3525\u2014part of which to the amt of \u00a3265.18.10\u00bc I applied to the discharge of the Ball: due on Your several Bonds to Mr Triplett meaning the original Bond and two which You had given him for interest\u2014I have settled the specie tax with the Sherriffs and shall the Levies I shall when I am setg out pay Ball for all the work he may have done at that time and leave money to pay the Bal: which in the whole will I expect amt to abt \u00a3100. settle such accts as are in Alexandria\u2014and have all the accts posted up so as to leave all my monied transactions clearly to be understood as my first object is to discharge with satisfaction and strict justice the trust You have imposed in me\u2014it is but prudent to be at all times prepared for an event that is uncertain and the present state of my health being unfavorable to long life unless a change should take place points out to me the propriety of\nsuch arrangements as may illucidate all my transa\u27e8cti\u27e9ons\u2014as they neither tend to protract or curtail life they need produce no unfavorable opperation on the spirits or mind it has a contrary tendency because I possess a mind capable of reflection and the fewer embarssments I have to contend with the greater fortitude I shall possess to support misfortune\u2014I hope with care and the change of air to be restored but I fear not in a short time so as to enable to undergo so active a life as I wish the day before yesterday the spiting of blood left me yesterday it returned to day it has lessen\u2019d\u2014on Thursday the pain in my breast was troublesome attended with severe pains throughout my body which induced me to apply a large Blister to my breast which had been recommended by Doctrs Stuart & Craik\u2014it drew well and I have kept it runing since and if I find advantage from it which I hope I shall will repeat the Blister to increase and continue the discharge\u2014it is painful and disagreeable particularly in the attitude of writing\u2014therefore beg leave to conclude with assurances of the tenderist attachment to You my Aunt and Children and good wishes for Mr Lear & Lady and Majr Jackson\u2014I am Your truely affectionate Nephew\nGo. A. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0272", "content": "Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the Federal District, 2 August 1791\nFrom: Commissioners for the Federal District\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nGeorge Town [Md.] 2d August 1791\nWe have your communication of Mr Peter\u2019s proposals for wharfing and To day had propositions from Mr George French to cut the Canal from James\u2019s to Goose Creek and wharf the sides of the Creek, fill in and compleat the work for twenty two thousand pounds\u2014We are not furnished with Mr Peter\u2019s Estimate, but suppose it would amount to a large sum\u2014On a rough estimate we expect in October we must pay between five and six thousand dollars for expences not including the compensation to be made to Majr L\u2019Enfant for his personal Services.\nAdvice from the Governor of the low state of the Treasury of Virginia and the objection by the Treasurer of Maryland against issuing before the first of January, which we have attempted to obviate, make it probable that we must have recource to private credit to defray the Current expences. With this unpleasant Prospect and the uncertainty of the produce of the sales in October, we have resolved to decline entering into engagements respecting the Canal or wharfing.\nThe survey and Plan of the City is not in the forwardness we wish: We have hopes still given us that they will be in such a State tho not compleat, as to begin the Sales the 17th of October, especially as Mr Ellicot can be spared a month longer as he purposes\nwith your leave. Majr L\u2019Enfant purposes to wait on you soon with his drafts for your confirmation, and we cannot help repeating our wish that in the new laying out Carrollsburgh and Hamburgh as little alteration and appropriation as may be, may take place, for we shall unavoidably have difficulties enough, to reconcile private interest with public views[.] The regulations for improvements must be fixed before the sales; We conceive it to be a work of some Delicacy, and we should be happy that we could furnish any useful remarks on that subject. Pressed as you are with so many different things; we cannot without reluctance request your attention to this object, but we wish to be in possession of the system in time so that we may fully understand and be able to justify it, or propose our doubts. We are Sir, with truth and respect your mo. obt Servts\nThos Johnson\nDd Stuart\nDl Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0274", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll, 5 August 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Washington, George\n\tLetter not found: from Daniel Carroll, 5 Aug. 1791. Thomas Jefferson wrote to the commissioners for the federal district on 28 Aug.: \u201cYour joint letter of the 2d. inst. to the President, as also Mr. Carrol\u2019s separate letters of the 5th. and 15th. have been duly received\u201d (Jefferson Papers,Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950\u2013. 22:88\u201389).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0275", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Douglas, 5 August 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Douglas, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Robert Douglas, 5 Aug. 1791. Douglas wrote to GW on 25 May 1795: \"I had the Honour to write your Excellency on the 5th & 12th Augt 91.\"", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0276", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Simon Wilmer, 5 August 1791\nFrom: Wilmer, Simon\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nChester Town Maryd 5th Aug. [17]91\nMr Lewis who lately fill\u2019d a department in your Excellencys house hold suggested to me, that one or more assistant Secretaries must necessarily be appointed this Fall, in consequence of his retirement and the probability of Major Jacksons translation to some other Office; If such Vacancies have taken place, and are still to be filled, I must beg permission to approach your Excellency as an applicant, altho I fear my pretensions are not commensurate with the honor I now Solicit, yet I am impell\u27e8\u2019d\u27e9 to enforce my wishes from a conviction that my claims will be properly measur\u27e8\u2019d\u27e9 by your condescension. My age does not exceed 23 years and near five of that term have been devoted to business in Europe from whence I have lately return\u27e8\u2019d.\u27e9 My fortune is small but Independent and I flatter myself that neither my manners or Person will found exceptionable and as your\nNephew infor\u27e8m\u2019d\u27e9 me that it requir\u2019d an association of the man of business with some Personal address, I can only assure you Sir, that I am perfectly prepar\u27e8ed\u27e9 for the first qualification and shall be ambitious to improve the latter in your School of refinement. Mr James Tilghman of this County with whom I have the honor to be distantly related, will furnish me with the necessary recommendations, but If I deserve your Scrutiny, Sir, I hope an intermediate application to Major Richmond of this State will prove Satisfactory I am fearful my prayer will be found extremely informal, but I concluded that a simple illustration of facts woud be preferable to all the Sophistry of adulation which fancy cou\u2019d devise. I have the honor to be Sir With the most profound respect & Esteem your most devoted and very Humble Servant\nSimon Wilmer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0277", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 August 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar Department [Philadelphia], 6th August 1791.\nI have the honor to submit to you, Governor Blount\u2019s report, relative to the treaty with the Cherokees, which he formed on the 2d instant\u2014and also his request for leave of absence.\nI shall have the honor to wait upon you personally relative to this business, after you shall have read the papers.\nI have also the honor to submit Copies of the Instructions and Letters to Major General St Clair, Major General Butler and Mr Hodgdon the Quarter Master; and also to Brigadier General Scott, and the Board in Kentuckey. With the highest Respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your most Obed. huml. servt\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0278", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Hugh West, 6 August 1791\nFrom: West, Hugh\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\n[Philadelphia, 6 August 1791]\nI took occasion to wait upon your Excellency this fore-noon, but was unable to gain personal access, by reason of your then present Engagements. It was alledged, that my Business might be imparted, by means of a Secretary, to your Excellency: but which for a very obvious reason, I declined. It is of such a nature, I presume, as to suit your Excellency\u2019s ear alone. It is not improbable, that while you are prompt, from the exalted consideration of the common Interest, to the most arduous vigilance and noblest care; you may deem it an intrusion upon your Excellency to be addressed by a Stranger to your Person, for the purpose of a private Interview with your Excellency. For had I not all along anticipated this mode of communication to your Excellency, it would have behoved me to have premised certain particulars by which to make myself known in a satisfactory manner. But lest your Excell. should think it proper to refuse me the honour of your presence upon this occasion, I proceed to subjoin a few circumstances relative to my last design. I am the youngest Son of John West jun. (Deceas\u2019d) of Virginia, with whom, in his life-time, your Excel. had some acquaintance. For several years I enjoyed a small paternal Estate in the vicinity, of Alexa. near which I was born: but having, in part expended it in order to consummating the study of a medical profession to which I was designed; it hath become expedient that I should now engage in some certain Employment, whereby to acquire a subsistance for my family. Herein I have been exceedingly perplexed. A few days ago I applied to a Mr Nourse, Register: with whom I deposited a specimen of my Hand-writing (having had a previous Recommendation from Dr B. Rush) of which he approved. But there being no vacancy at that time, I have the promise of only succeeding to the first that shall take place in that Office\u2014However he was candid enough at the same time to suggest, that there was but little probability of it at all. While I am unwilling to prescribe a sentiment of Hospitality to the President of the U. States; with all humility, I present a picture of my complicated distress\u2014It is enough, that my wife (to whom I have been united for a bout 18 months) and myself have been uniformly subject to a wretched dependance on our Relations.\nI would farther beg leave to observe, that having learnt there will be an Auditor appointed in a short time, His Excellency may \u27e8do every\u27e9 necessary service to me by a Letter recommendatory to him, for such employment as he may esteem me to be capable of. His Excel. will be pleased to decide this matter agreeably to his leisure; he either to appoint any hour determinately at which I may see him upon the subject abovementioned, or give me such general recommendation as may ensure success to my undertaking, who have the honour to be, His Excellency\u2019s most obedt & Devoted Servant\nHugh West", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0279", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 7 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia] Aug. 7. 1791.\nTh: Jefferson has the honour to send for the President\u2019s perusal, his letters to Govr Sinclair & Judge Symmes: as also letters received from the postmaster at Richmond on the subject of the two cross posts. he has gone further as to that towards the South Western territory, than Th: J.\u2019s letter authorized, as he only submitted it to his enquiry & consideration whether a post along that rout could maintain itself. he has advertized it as if decided on. however there is doubtless time enough to correct the rout, if it be not what the President would wish.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0281", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 8 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Johnson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia August 8th 1791\nIt appearing to me proper that the Commissioners should be apprised of the pretensions\u2014signified in the enclosed letter\u2014I send it to them accordingly, that such prudent use may be made of the information as to them shall seem fit.\nI have not given, nor shall I give any answer\u2014at least for the present\u2014to the writer of it; and no person is knowing to my having received such a letter. I am\u2014Dear Sir, Yr Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0284", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Darke, 9 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Darke, William\n(Private) \nDear Sir,Philadelphia August 9. 1791. \nI have received your letter of the 24 ult.\u2014Regarding its contents, altho\u2019 relating to objects of public import, as private communication, I shall reply to, and remark upon them, with that candor which my personal esteem, and my public wishes strongly enjoin.\nI need not tell you that my regret is seriously excited by learning that any cause of discontent should exist, either on your own part, or that of your Officers, with General Butler, and it is hardly necessary to express my earnest wish that it may speedily subside, and be entirely done away\u2014But, as I rely greatly on your disposition to advance the public interest, tho\u2019 even by the relinquishment of private opinions, I shall offer to your consideration some remarks which I am persuaded will have weight with you, and induce your influence with your Officers to dismiss their discontents, and to think only of their public duty.\nLet it in the first place be remembered that one common cause engages your service, and requires all your exertions\u2014it is the interest of your country\u2014To that interest all inferior considerations must yield. As an apology for the seeming inattention of a commanding Officer it should be considered that the variety of objects, which engage him, may produce an appearance of neglect, by no means intended\u2014In General Butler\u2019s particular instance some allowance should be made for the effects of bodily indisposition, combined with the cares of his station\u2014and I am satisfied no one, either from temper or reflection, will more cheerfully make this allowance than yourself.\nOn this belief I rest an expectation that every uneasiness will be composed, and that the public service will be proceeded in with harmony and zeal.\nThe Secretary of War has directed a board of Officers to decide the question of rank between you and Colonel Gibson and others. I shall at all times be happy to evince the sincere esteem, with which I am Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0285", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Moultrie, 9 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Moultrie, William\nPhiladelphia August 9th 1791\nI have had the pleasure, my dear Sir, to receive your friendly letter of the 10th of last month\u2014and I reply with affectionate regard to your congratulations & kind wishes.\nA slight indisposition (occasioned by a tumour\u2014not much unlike the one I had in New York in the year 1789\u2014) since my return, of which I am now recovered, does not forbid the expectation that my health may be ultimately improved by my tour through the Southern States\u2014my happiness has certainly been promoted by the excursion, and no where in a greater degree than while resident among my fellow-citizens of South Carolina. To their attentions (yours in particular) I shall always confess myself much obliged, and particularly flattered by the regards of your fair compatriots, to whom I wish upon every occasion, to be remembered with grateful respect.\nI shall realise your promise of a visit with sincere satisfaction\u2014till then, and always, I beg you to believe me with the greatest regard & esteem, My dear Sir, Your Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0286", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Canon, 10 August 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Canon (Cannon), John\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from John Canon, 10 Aug. 1791. In a letter of 7 Sept. to Canon, GW referred to Canon\u2019s letter \u201cof the 10 of August.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0288", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 August 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nWar Department [Philadelphia] 11th August 1791.\nThe Secretary of War humbly reports to the President of the United States.\nThat previously to the 4th day of March 1789, the military invalids throughout the United States, had certain rates of allowance made them on account of their disability, under certain regulations established by Congress\u2014The States respectively in which such invalids resided, were the judges of the disability, and the sums allowed, the amount of which was deducted from the existing requisitions made by Congress on the said States.\nThat since the operation of the present general government, the payment of the Invalids has been assumed by Congress, who have by Law directed, \u201cThat the Military pensions which have been granted and paid by the States respectively, in pursuance of the acts of the United States in Congress assembled, to the Invalids who were wounded and disabled during the late war, shall be continued and paid by the United States, from the fourth day of March last, for the space of one year, under such regulations as the President of the United States may direct.\u201d\nThat three laws to this effect have been passed, to wit: on September the 29th 1789\u2014on the 16th of July 1790\u2014and on the 3d of March 1791.\nThat the lists which have been received at this Office from the States respectively, have been in several instances incorrect and defective, and that subsequent additions have been made to said lists by several of the States.\nThat these additions are generally of such Invalids as were originally entitled and provided for by the States\u2014But have been either by accident struck off the list, or for the cause herein after enumerated, by State authority, and now replaced by the same authority.\nThat on the 11th day of June 1788\u2014the then Congress resolved, \u201cThat no person shall be entitled to a pension as an invalid, who has not, or shall not before the expiration of six months from this time make application therefor, and produce the requisite evidence to entitle him thereto.\u201d\nIt is evident from the above resolve, that no additional invalid can be admitted in opposition thereto. But it is presumed by the Subscriber, that each State has a right to correct the list, before transmitted to this Office, shewing the evidence whereon such corrections are grounded.\nThe States of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, appear to have struck off several invalids from the list, because they refused to\ndo garrison duty\u2014The States had a right to order such duty to be performed, but the right of punishing by striking off the list upon refusal, may be questioned\u2014But the same States have lately upon re-consideration, thought proper to replace several on the list again, from the time they were struck off\u2014It appears that the said two States have been singular in the requisition for garrison duty, and have replaced the invalids on the list on considering the inequality, and hardship of requiring them to perform garrison duty, which they were not required by any other State to perform.\nThe question now is, shall the general government give validity to this correction of the States to their own acts, by admitting on the list, such invalids as were so struck off?\nOn this point the Subscriber humbly conceives, there can be no doubt that such invalids ought to be admitted\u2014for by referring to the original establishment for the invalids, it will appear it was intended for their comfort, and as a mark of public gratitude and justice, and not for their oppression.\nIf therefore any State has acted with severity towards its invalids, and thinks proper of itself to correct its own conduct, every facility should be afforded by the general government in favor of those unfortunate men, whose services to their country have been the cause of the loss of limbs and health, and all the happiness consequent thereon.\nThe Subscriber therefore submits as a general principle, the propriety of which he has not a doubt\u2014\u201cThat the corrections of each State of the list of invalids, residing therein and provided for thereby, conformably to the acts of the United States in Congress assembled prior to the 4th day of March 1789, be received by the Secretary at War, as if such list had been presented perfect in the first instance.\u201d\nH. Knoxsecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0290", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 12 August 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n Letter not found: to Timothy Pickering, 12 Aug. 1791. Timothy Pickering wrote to his brother on 12 Aug.: \u201cthis day the President sent me a note, desiring to see me\u201d (Upham, Pickering,Octavius Pickering and Charles W. Upham. The Life of Timothy Pickering. 4 vols. Boston, 1867\u201373. 2:496).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0291", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Douglas, 12 August 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Douglas, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Robert Douglas, 12 Aug. 1791. Douglas wrote to GW on 25 May 1795: \"I had the Honour to write your Excellency on the 5th & 12th Augt 91.\"", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0293", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 13 August 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nsir.\nFrederick [Md.] 13 August 1791.\nThis morning I recieved your Letters of the 7th & 8th Instant and one from Mr Jefferson covering my Commission\u2014I forward yours of the 7th and its Inclosures to Doctr Stuart and Mr Carroll\u2014I am a Stranger to all that they relate to farther than that Mr Peters signed the paper for Cession of Land as Agent or\nAttorney for one Mr Douglass who I suppose is the Father or Son but I never heard the least Surmise that it was not effectual to bind the Land.\nI feel myself obliged by the Circumstance attending your Appointment of me to Office\u2014it is difficult to restrain warm Expressions\u2014suffice it that your Choice or Earnestness in my Favor shall not be disgraced by the Heart I cannot so well answer for my Head. I am my dear Sir With Truth and Affection Your obliged obedt Servant\nTh. Johnson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0294", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Craik, 14 August 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Craik, James\nLetter not found: to James Craik, 14 Aug. 1791. In a letter to GW of 31 Aug., James Craik referred to GW\u2019s letter to him \u201cof the 14th Inst\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0296", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 14 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Whitting, Anthony\nMr Whiting,\nPhiladelphia August 14th 1791.\nFrom the last letter I have received from my nephew the Major, I presume he is, \u2019ere this, on his tour to Berkeley; I shall therefore, during his absence, address my letters on matters which relate to my concerns at Mount Vernon, to you. And do request that the weekly reports may be transmitted to me as usual\u2014with such other accounts of your progress in sowing &ca; prospects (with respect to the growing & harvested Crops); and seasonableness of the weather as you may conceive it will be satisfactory for me to be informed of.\nFrom the heat and drought of the Summer, I should conceive that the rare ripe Corn in the Meadow at the Mill, now is, or very soon will be, hard enough to gather. Under this persuation, & that the ground would be better sown with grass-seeds, and would lay more smooth & fit for the scythe thereafter, I suggest it to you (if you find it can be done in time, and with tolerable convenience) to gather the Fodder that is on that Corn as soon as possible, & Immediately after doing so, to remove both Corn & stalk, as they are left standing, to the edges of the field, to be there stacked or set on end, if the first (that is the Corn) cannot at that time be taken from the latter (that is the stalk) with safety; and then, with the heavy Oxe Harrow to level the ground before it is sown with grass-seeds. My reasons for desiring that both Corn & stalks may be taken off together are, first, because if the Corn is not sufficiently hard & dry when this happens, their will be nutriment sufficient in the stalks to effect it, without suffering it to dry too fast\u2014and 2dly because by such removal the ground may be laid perfectly level, & freed from every thing that will incommode the sowing of the Seed, and the cutting of the grass, thereafter. Do not suffer it to escape you, that the grass-seeds in that meadow ought by all means to be sown by, or before the end of this month, that the plants may be up and obtain strength before Winter; Other wise, the ground being low and apt to heave, they might perish in the course of the Winter by the wet & frosts.\nIt is my earnest wish (as I presume you have already been informed by the Major) that all my Grain & grass-seeds intended for Autumn sowing should now be got into the ground as soon\nas possible. I am fully satisfied that every moment this business is delayed after the present period, will prove injurious to the ensuing Crop; especially in ground that is not highly manured\u2014or which is not fresh\u2014or naturally very strong. I shall readily grant that where there is but little to sow, the temperature of the weather and state of the ground may be consulted; but where much is to be put in, the season, be the weather as it may, ought not to be slipped. Besides, as the weather has been dry hitherto, the probability of a wet autumn is the greater.\nIf the Major did not engage an Overseer for Dogue run before he left home, it wd be proper for you to do it, in case one should offer in his absence who can be well recommended. A Man having a wife with a small family would be prefered either to a single man, or one with a large family. The Major has informed me of the terms on which he proposes to agree, & I agree to them. I am of opinion if the old house on No. 2 at that Plantation cannot be made to answer for the accomodation of the Overseer, that the one at the Mansion house (commonly called Richards, which originally came from that place) should be carried back, & fixed on the spot marked for it by the Major. The materials of this House are good, & the house itself is of sufficient size, & can be removed with much more ease than the frame of a new one can be got. It is of no use where it is, & must soon go to decay without an Inhabitant; a removal of it therefore is proper, & desirable in any point of view. A Brick chimney must be put to it after it gets to Dogue run instead of the wood one it now has; and when undertaken, a Bricklayer more skilful than Tom Davis must assist him and Muclus in the erection of it.\nWhen Davis goes about the other Wing of the Green house, direct him to be careful that the ground is truly leveled, and to see also that the joints of the new and old brick work range exactly; and moreover, that the walls are carried to the same height at both ends, and are extend to the Garden Gate; into the Jamb of which the end wall is to be worked.\nIf Will is not likely to provide Shoes enough for the Negros in due Season, aid must be had elsewhere; and I desire, if the clover which was sown with the Wheat at the Mansion house is not sufficiently thick on the ground, that you will not spare seed in making good the dificency.\nI perceive by the last report which has been received, that\nWheat has been tread out in a yard at the Ferry; where a good Barn floor is, I did not expect this would be the case\u2014& I perceive also that Harrows have been carried to Mr Lund Washington\u2019s Smith\u2014this ought not to be\u2014nothing should go there that my own Smiths can do\u2014and for Harrows, I should suppose they are competent.\nHow is your Wheaten crop likely to turn out? Is the 335 bushls as reported to have been deposited in the Grainery at the Ferry & French\u2019s, all that was made at those Plantations? If so, the Crop must be short indeed. I am Your friend &ca\nGo: Washington\nP.S. In the body of this letter I mentioned getting Fodder in the Mill meadow only for the reason assigned\u2014but it is of most essential importance, considering the scarcity of Hay, that the whole of it should be got in the greenest & most perfect state possible, without injuring the Corn.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0297", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll, 15 August 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Washington, George\n\tLetter not found: from Daniel Carroll, 15 Aug. 1791. Thomas Jefferson wrote to the commissioners for the federal district on 28 Aug.: \u201cYour joint letter of the 2d. inst. to the President, as also Mr. Carrol\u2019s separate letters of the 5th. and 15th. have been duly received\u201d (Jefferson Papers,Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950\u2013. 22:88\u201389).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0298", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 15 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n  Treasury Department [Philadelphia] 15 August 1791. Communicates a letter from the superintendent of lighthouses in South Carolina, \u201cby which it appears that the Lantern Story and all the wooden work of the Light house in that state have lately been consumed by fire,\u201d with two proposals for rebuilding the lighthouse, the more favorable one from Conrad Hook & John Naverson, the terms of which, \u201cUpon enquiry into the expence attending a similar repair in the Case of the Light house at Cape Henlopen, & making due allowance for local differences\n(so far as there are materials for comparison) . . . do not appear extravagant,\u201d and concludes: \u201cas great inconveniencies may result from delay, it is respectfully submitted as not inconsistent with the interests of the United States to authorise the acceptance of the contract proposed by them.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0299", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 August 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n[Philadelphia] August 15th 1791\nI have traced the report relative to the powder to its fountain head. At present it has rather the complexion of rivalship in Trade. The persons who have originated the Report, own powder Mills, and are of opinion that Jacob Lush who works for them, makes better powder than Jacob Keyser, who works for Joseph Miller from whom the powder in question was Obtained.\nI shall however tomorrow, have Millers powder proved by the method least liable to error, and report to you the result. In the meantime I have not much doubt of its goodness. I have the honor sir to be with perfect respect Your humble Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0301", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Arthur Young, 15 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Young, Arthur\nSir,\nPhiladelphia August 15th 1791.\nThat I may not be thought inattentive to your favor of the 25th of Jany\u2014which came to my hands about ten days ago only\u2014I avail myself of the first Packet since the receipt of it to inform you that the Annals, and Chicorium Intybus have got safe to my hands. A set of the former I have presented in your name, agreeably to your request, to the Agricultural Society in this City. For the other sett; for the Seeds; and for the manufactured Wool from the fleece I sent you, I pray you to accept my best thanks.\nWith astonishment hardly to be conceived, I read in No. 86 of your Annals, the account of the taxes with which you are burthened. Had the account come from dubitable authority, the reality of such a tax would not only have been questioned but absolutely disbeleived; for I can assure you, Sir, that there is nothing in this Country that has the semblance of it.\nI do not, however, mean to dwell on this, or any other part of your letter at this time\u2014the purpose of my writing to you now, is to acknowledge the receipt of the things you had the goodness to send me\u2014and to assure you, that with great pleasure I will forward, in a short time, such information with respect to the prices of Lands, Stock, Grain\u2014amount of taxes &ca, &ca as will enable you to form a pretty accurate idea of the present state and future prospects of this Country.\nIn the meanwhile, I believe I may confidently add\u2014that although our Agriculture, Manufactures & Commerce are progressing; although our taxes are light; although our laws are in a\nfair way of being administered well, and our liberties & properties secured on a solid basis by the general Government having acquired more & more consistency, strength and respectability as it moves on; yet, that no Material change in the prices of the above articles has taken place, except in a few instances of Land, under peculiar advantages; nor is it probable there will be in the latter whilst there is such an immense territory back of us for the people to resort to. In a word, Sir, when you come to receive full answers to your several enquiries, I am inclined to believe that you will not be unfavorably impressed, or think an establishment in the United States ineligible to those whose views are extended beyond the limits of their own Country\nHaving closed my corrispondence with Wakelin Welch Esqr. & Son\u2014I have to request that your communications to me in future may pass through the hands of Mr Johnson\u2014Consul for the United States in London. With best wishes, and sentiments of much esteem I am\u2014Sir Your most Obedient and very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0302", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Seagrove, 16 August 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Seagrove, James\nTo: Washington, George\n Letter not found: from James Seagrove, 16 Aug. 1791. GW wrote to Seagrove on 14 Sept. of \u201cThree letters of yours\u2014two bearing the 16th and other the 25. of August.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0303", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 August 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nWar Department [Philadelphia,] 17th August 1791.\nThe Secretary of War having examined the Report of Colonel Timothy Pickering, Commissioner at a late Council or treaty of the five Nations of Indians, so called, at Tioga Point\u2014humbly Reports to the President of the United States:\nThat the main object of the said Council was to conciliate the said Indians, to prevent their listening to the invitations of the western hostile Indians, by withdrawing them to a greater distance from the theatre of the war, and to fix their minds, particularly of their idle young men, upon some important object, which by employing them for a critical period, would render them less liable to the temptations of committing depredations.\nThat from the proceedings it appears, that the Commissioner has with great ability and judgment, carried into effect the objects of his appointment, by cementing the friendships between the United States and the said Indians; and it is to be expected the good effects flowing from this Council, will be hereafter manifestly conspicuous.\nBut it is to be exceedingly regretted that his desire to accord to the wishes of the Indians, led him to confirm a lease of certain lands belonging to the Cayuga Nation of Indians, to John Richardson. This measure was entirely unauthorized by his instructions, is contrary to the constitution and laws of New York, and to the constitution and laws of the United States.\nThat the State of New York possesses the undoubted right of pre-emption to the lands of the Cayugas, and that this right embraces every possible modification of said lands, with the concurrence of the United States, whether by sale, lease or otherwise.\nThat it is also to be regretted, that the Commissioner did not obtain and keep a copy of the instrument of the lease of the Cayuga lands, and his ratification thereof; neither of which are among his papers, or in his possession as he has informed the\nsubscriber.\nThat the effect of the confirmation to Allan\u2019s children is the same as that of the Cayuga lands, although it is presumed the right of pre-emption has been conveyed by the State of Massachusetts to an individual.\nThe subscriber humbly conceives that it would be proper, in order to avert any evil consequences which might arise upon this subject, to transmit an extract of his proceedings relative thereto, to the Governor of the State of New York, and to disavow explicitly the said transaction as being founded in error; unless it should be judgment of the said State, to avail itself of any benefit that may arise therefrom.\nThat if this should be the case, which however must be entirely optional with the said State, it would have the effect to keep the said Indians tranquil, by preventing that confusion which must arise in their minds from the disavowal of a transaction formally concluded at a public treaty.\nThat the letter which accompanies this report is submitted, as proper to be transmitted to the Governor of New York, on the occasion.\nH. Knox\nsecy of war", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0304", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Rodolph Valltravers, 17 August 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Valltravers, Johann Rodolph von (Vall-Travers)\nTo: Washington, George\n  Letter not found: from Rodolph Valltravers, 17 Aug. 1791. Valltravers described to GW on 30 Nov. his letter to GW of \u201cAugt 17\u201d from Rotterdam \u201cby Captn Wm Callahan.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0305", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 18 August 1791\nFrom: Pinckney, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\n(Duplicate) \nDear SirCharleston [S.C.] 18th August 1791.   I am much pleased to find by our last vessels from Philadelphia that you are safely arrived & escaped the dangers which might have been expected from a tour of such length & at so hot a season\u2014hearing after you left us that it was your intention to have taken Ninety Six in your Route from Augusta & that you could not be at Columbia before the 25th I postponed setting out for that place until the twenty first & arrived there the morning after you left it\u2014I regretted very much missing you by a single day as it was my wish to have seen you there & to have accompanied you to Camden\u2014I hope you found Mrs Washington & your friends well & that your tour has given you a favorable opinion of the States you have passed through.\nMr Rutledge our Chief Justice was extremely sorry that from the necessary avocations of his Office he was absent\u2014I once took the liberty of mentioning to you our wish that his vacancy might be filled up by some Gentleman from this State but as there does not appear a disposition in those Gentlemen whom you have been the best acquainted with to accept\u2014& as my having mentioned it may perhaps be in some measure the means of your wish to confine it to this State\u2014it is proper in me to say that I am sure any Gentleman that may be appointed from either of the Southern States will be perfectly agreeable to us.\nThe Excise Law has at length began to operate\u2014The interior parts of the Country are in a great degree at present opposed to it but when they reflect how necessary it was for Congress after having assumed the State debts to provide every mode in their power which would enable them to avoid direct taxation & how advantageously this tax must operate in favour of this State as the northern States will pay infinitely more towards it than we shall I trust their fears will be quieted & they will consider it as an unavoidable measure.\nThe great misfortune of this country & indeed of every part of the United States at this time is the Depreciation of property arising from the too great scarcity of a circulating medium\u2014the Establishment of a national Bank & the consequent increase of\nmoney arising from the circulation of their Bills will I hope remove this inconvenience\u2014the Objections on account of its unconstitutionality being done away I apprehend the evils which were feared from it to the agricultural interest will be discovered to have been visionary & that it will be found our Commerce & Agriculture are happily so firmly united that an Institution which is of service to the one can never fail to encourage & indeed to promote the other\u2014I wish sincerely that this City may have a Bran\u27e8ch\u27e9 of it\u2014in point of Commercial consequence it certainly is entitled to one for I believe with respect to the Sterling value of our own productions this State will in all probability have a right to be considered among the first in the Union\u2014perhaps the very first.\nI have already I believe personally mentioned the great inconvenience the people of this & the neighbouring State labour under in having so near a receptacle for their fugitive Offenders, Debtors, & even Slaves at St Augustine\u2014the great number of people some of them of large fortunes who have secretly removed themselves to that place with their properties\u2014the number of Negroes who have been countenanced there & the ready Asylum which it affords to those who fly from the public Justice of their Country render it particularly injurious to the States which are near it.\nConceiving it to be of great importance that an attempt should be made to put a Stop to so growing an evil\u2014the Attorney General of this State has had a Bill of Indictment found against two very notorious Offenders who have taken refuge there & officially applied to me to make a demand for their delivery in order that they may be brought to trial here\u2014In consequence thereof I have transmitted to the Attorney General a copy of the inclosed Letter for the purpose of being sent to St Augustine\u2014I do not suppose the Governour will consider himself authorised to deliver the fugitives; but it may in its event be useful by leading to the establishment of instructions which may authorise him in future to do so & may hold out an idea to offenders that the justice of their Country will pursue them as far as it possibly can.\nI inclose you a Copy of a Proclamation of the Governour of East Florida & as the arrival of a Spanish Minister, at Philadelphia makes it probable that some arrangements may be established\nbetween the United States & the Court of Spain I thought this the proper time to make the communications I have the honour to submit.\nI shall certainly attend to your request respecting the plants & seeds you wish sent from hence at the proper season & have the Honour to remain with esteem & regard Dear Sir much obliged yours truly\nCharles Pinckney", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0306", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Tilghman, 18 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tilghman, William\nSir,\nPhiladelphia August 18th 1791.\nYour favor of the 14th Ulto came duly to hand\u2014but a confinement of some weeks, and much business since, has prevented my acknowledging the receipt of it until now.\nIt has not appeared from any Papers I have yet seen that the settlement which seems to have taken place between Messrs Chalmers & George was ever communicated to Mr West. To me it never was. I will, however, again write to the Gentleman who has them in keeping to make a further search, and as soon as\nhis answer is received I will trouble you with another letter on this subject.\nIn the meanwhile, I offer you my thanks for the trouble this business must have given you & for the assurance of your readiness to prosecute it further. I am\u2014Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0307", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Pierre-Charles L\u2019Enfant, 19 August 1791\nFrom: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nSer\n[Georgetown, Md., 19 August 1791]\nThe heigest of my embition Gratified in having met with your approbation in the project of the Plan which I have now the Honor of presenting to you altered agreeable to your direction, Steel leaving me some thing to wish for until I see the execution of that plan effected to the full attainement of your object.\nI shall here beg the permission of fixing for a moment your attention on matter which I conceive of most Importance to the advancement of the business.\nThe Inspection of the anexced map of doted lines being sufficiently\nexplanatory of the progress made in the work will I hope leave you satisfied how much more has been done than may have been expected from hands less desirous of meriting your applause and I shall confire on this subject with express the obligation I feel to be under for the frindly assistance given me by Mr Ellicott\u2014& to request if circumstances may admit of a delay in the procecution of business he his charged with on the frontier of Georgia that his going there be differed until the latter end of november next, his assistance till then being most Indispensable to compleat the work begone as is necessary to have a number of lots for Houses measured and marked before the time when the first sale is Intended.\nthis business has proved more tedious than at first considered owing to the multiplicity of operations Indispensable to determine the accute angles & intersect lines with exactness on points given at great distances in which process much difficulties was encountered on account of the great encumbering of timber cut down in every direction, the which the proprietor are avare to preserve and unwilling to remove and most consequently Increase obstacles in the way to a degree as I am well convinced will in the end cause me the regret of falling much short from what I proposed and what is indeed most essentiel to performe previous a sale take place.\nbrought to the point as matter do now stand enough is done to satisfy every one of an Eanerstedness in the process of execution\u2014and the spots assigned for the Federal House & for the President palace in exibiting the most sumpteous aspect and claiming already the suffrage of a croid of daily visitor both natives & foreigners will serve to give a grand Idea of the whole, but nevertheless it is to be wished more may be done to favour a sale\u2014this being to serve very little towards evidencing the beauties of localfe] reserved for privat setlements all being absolutly lost in the chaos of pulled timber without possibility to juge of the advantages of relative convenincy much less of agreement, to be derived from Improvements Intended in a surrounding local[e] of which but few can form an Idea iven after Inspecting a map.\nthe grand avenu connecting both the palace & the federal House will be most magnificent and most convenient\u2014the streets runing west of the upper squar of the federal House and\nwhich terminate in an easy slope on the canal through the tiber which it will over look for the space of above tow mile will be beautifull above what may be Imagined\u2014those other streets parallel to that canal, those crossing over it and which are at many avenus to the grand walk from the water cascade under the federal House to the president park and dependincy extending to the ban\u27e8k\u27e9 of the potomac, and also the severals squar or area such as are Intended for the Judiciary court\u2014the national bank\u2014the grand church\u2014the play House, market & exchange\u2014all through will offer a variety of situations unparalleled in point of beauties\u2014suitable to every purpose and in every point convenient both are devised for the first ofset of the city and combined to command the height price in a sale.\nbut as I observed before these advantages lost in the present encumbering of the local and not being possible to be made perceptible within the short period left\u2014A sale at a moment so premature will not bring the ten part of what it will at some more suitable season after a rough-hewn of the proposed Improvements may help to the better appreciating the merits of situation.\nbesides a sale made previous the general plan of distribution of the city is made publique and befor the circumstance of that sale taking place has had time to be know through the whole continent, will not call a sufficient concurence and most be confined to few individuals speculating wanting means or Inclination to Improve and the consequence of a low sale in this first Instance may prove Injurious to the subsequent ones by serving as precedents to under valu the remaining lots at so much less in proportion to the lessening of advantage of situation\u2014on an other part I apprehend the under saling of lots far from prompting a speedy settlement and as many people argue of gaining frind to the Establishment in Inducing Influencial men in those states as may continue opposed to it to become Interested in the succes\u2014will rather disgrace the whole business.\nit will I am convinced favour schems already encouraged in consequence of the mediocrity of the deposit required\u2014it will favour the ploting of a number of designing men whom In Georgetown in particular are more active than ever and use of every means to set themselves in a situation to cross the opperation of the plan adopted\u2014and whom in concert with society\nforming in baltimor and in other places unfrindly promise to engross the most of the sale and master the whole business.\nwith these apprehension and seeing on an other part nothing to be gained from a sale which at best if taking place this season will only be making the transfer of a most valuable property in to the hand of speculator without a prospect even of deriving from it a mean for to engage with any security in the Intended work to whose first demand a Fund resting on the produce of a deposit most prove inadequate.\nI conceive the postponing of that Sale a measure which will be both expedient and advantageous to the business\u2014as it is constant but people realy Inclined to purchase and earnestly disposed to erect Houses will not be on this account dissuaded from their coming on the spot tho\u2019 for the Instant disappoint\u27e8ed\u27e9 in the object giving them a better Idea of the local[e] woud I presum rather serve to prompt them to greater Exertion and the Idea which they will carry back most greatly serve to Influence other to come and to Increase a competition for lots at the time when the sale may be put off.\nthis measure in some respect forced by circumstances may I presum take place consistantly by alleging the fact of an Impossibility of having matter ready for it\u2014owing to the necessity of taking the previous and necessary steps of making an Equal division of property betwixt the Individual owner and the publique.\nThe Impossibility of doing this will not only result from the difficulties encontered in the mesuration of lots but will most evidently from a circumstance not yet mentioned of the proprieter of territory having not returned the survey of ther possession as was repeatedly required of them and which they declined to do until disputs arrosed amongst them respecting to boundary are setled. this not likely to be so soon done most preclud for some time From making the necessary division of property and will prevent the devising of a mode to effect that of those lots which will be found laid across the lines of tow or three different territory which most be frequent on account of the bifarous way the whole property is Intermingled.\nConvinced no time will be found lost for to procure the necessary accomodation for congress my Intimacy with plans already forming relating to Establishment on the Eastern branch\u2014on the proposed canal and in various other parts made me not\nEsitate in ascerting that settlements will soon be spread through\u2014provided a due attention is given to the carrying on & speedily in every part those Improvements as are combined for the convenance and agreableness of the most distant situation as they are meant to had to the sumptousness of the more centrals, when I observe\u2014provided a due attention is given it is becaus notwithstanding I Indulge the Idea of seeing soon the progress of the Establishment become the wonder of all, I am sensible of the consequences of a \u27e8scheck\u27e9 its progress may receive and am well persuaded that Individuals exertions will wait the signal and model thier process on the sperit with the which the publick business shall be conducted.\nit being therefore essential to be begin well and with an assurance of continuing with a progressive degree of activity to the end\u2014considering that a relaxation of motion would greatly more Injure the business than will a delay in mouving I to this effect\u2014under the Head of publick Exertions conceive it Important not to confine the Idea to the erecting of a congress House & a presidial palace other exertions being necessary to prompt and encourage private undertaking.\nthem alone can form the establishment enswerable to its objects, and to rise the city a city in fact it is Indispensable to consider Every of the Improvements proposed in the plan as being part most essential to the framing of the principal and how ever differential & unconected as they may appear to effect them at a same time and with a proportional degree of dispatch.\nit is most Essential to push with the utmost activity Every Improvement as may serve to marcantile Interest. the canal through the tiber a cross to the eastern branch were an aditional branch of it is marked in the plan, is of absolut necessity to determine and Insure a speedy settlement in that part were it is most desirable to help the conveying of material to the tow grand Edifice.\nthe making of the publick walk from under the federal House as far as it is carried on the potomac and connected with the palace is an objet which so ever trivial as it may appear to the ayes of many will be productive of as much advantage as the first mentioned objects in giving to the city as its first offset a superiority of agr\u27e8eem\u27e9ents over most of the city of the world as it will gaine one over them all in point of convenience of distribution\nafter bringing the various Squar or area to thier Intended Shape and giving aregular and well combined slop to and leveling every grand avenu and principals streets\u2014begining with the most transversal and were settlements are most essential\u2014not however ending them were house end but Indescriminatly Extending those Improvements all over accellerating them on those parts the less attractive to prompt seltements thereon. no need being of hastening to encourage them on more advantageous situation the which it may be well to preserve until the great rise of thier value make it worth the sacrifice.\nthese Idea already held to your consideration and the which met your approval at the first begining of the business\u2014having directed my attention in devising a plan of distribution of local[e] as I conceived to be the best calculated to this effect, made me consider an appropriation of the several squar as \u27e8are\u27e9 proposed in the plan to be alloted to each of the Individual states as also the making of a free donation to Every particular religious society of a ground for House of worship a mode from which Infinit advantages most result.\neach of those Establishments tho\u2019 probably small at first being Equally distenced and near situated will by a gradual accroissement soon connect and will from their begining forme a chaine of Improvements round the principal part of the city which will extand by a scatering of settlements all along of those transversal and divergent avenues were none of them will be lost nor will be to distant from the federal House or the president palace.\nBetwixt these tow Edifices in the streets from the grand avenu to the palace toward the canal there will be a proper stand for shop\u2014for mechanique and every people in various business, and the stimulate to builth houses in those part being so great it is not to be doubted but they will be erected contigeous to each other and in a short time will increase to a number sufficient to afford a convenience in the Intercourse of business and to procur proper accomodation to congress member and every officers & other people attach to the Executive.\na marche so wholy different from the ordinary way of forming a town it is presumable will meet with oposer and be much objected by people who will compute the accroissement of towns existing and draw Inference from them in concluding aginst the plan I propose.\nit will also, as far as, it may affect speculation on publick property\nincite many to disclaime against, but upon the whole every objection as may tend to a contraction of the operation of the sisteme most likly to arrise from people Interested in lowering the value of property or perhaps \u27e8led\u27e9 from motives whose good Intent to the whole business may be questioned, I am in hope people actuated from more Independant principle will consider and that how ever prejudice may blind them on the advantages while they enumerate the Inconveniency in this Idea likly to result from the process\u2014they will own that a succes in the attainement of the end the sisteme is combined to promote would be most prosperous\u2014and confident in that succes I Feel the more encouraged to submit my Idea there on to your jugement.\nas to the question of what are the means necessary and how to procure them I will observe that those means most be extensive proportioned to the magnitude of the undertaking, and that so ever large as I conceive they ought to be I consider the property at your disposal fully proportionated to the object if attention is given in managing it.\n15.000 lots will fall in the share of the publick as half of the property left for Improvements after deduction made of streets and of ground appropriated to publick purposes\u2014these lots will be of various sise from 66 feet to \u27e857\u27e9. in Fronts and from four to seven in an acre\u2014the sum that will arise from the sale most be immense but as I observed it will only be so if cautiously menaged\u2014for notwithstanding the amount of them lots most be Enormous I fear that under this Idea and when undervaluing the magnitude of the work proposed or not being well convinced of the Importance of having the Improvements carried on on the liberal scale I propose it may induce to a prodigality of those means in saling on low termes the most valuable part of lots a circumstance which in my opinion prove as destructive to the attainement of the grand object as would a contraction of measure determined after a timorous survey of the mass of the undertaking the which in offering a labryinth of difficulties would soon magnify them to a deffidence of power to surmount.\ntherefor it is of Importance the whole matter should be contemplated cooly and that so ever short of the time left to effect it may appear not be hurry\u2019d in to process nor to engage in it but after having secured effectual mean to supply the daily Expendit\u27e8ure.\u27e9\nthose means at your disposal I said were proportionated to the\nobject and I considere them so if other means are first exerted to rise the property to tis proper valu.\nfor to look upon that property at this moment as a mean of supply and to use of this mean to deffray the first expenditure of the begining of the work would indeed be to expunge all resource befor the moment is come for availling of them.\nbe cause admiting the disadvantageous terms of the sale is advertised as may be altered and iven supposing the sale to be productive from the begining the produce most be various and a fund mearly depending on it will never Insure a timely Supply to daily Expenditure a circumstance which would necessitate a frequent change in the mode of conducting matter, would delay the progress of works begon consequently occasion a loss and a misapplication of means and of time which in the course of every grand undertaking but most unavoidably in one of the magnitude of that under consideration would work a dissipation of every means to an absolut disappointment in the object to obtain.\nfrom these consideration a better security of funds being necessary to combine a plan of operation the good of which can only be Insured aided by punctual payements and regular and plentifull supply of Materials it will expedient first to devise the necessary means considering that Economie in a poursuit of this nature lay in being aided with numerous hands with a power of pouring means there were they may accelerat the leveling of difficulties frequent to enconter.\nviewing matter in this light and being convinced money is the principal wheel to give and continu the motion to the machine left to organise I shall make it the oject of this adress to call your attention on the advantages which may be expected from borowing a sum on the credit of the property it self.\nunder the facility of a loan no hurry being to dispose of the lots since a possibility may be for the publick to erect houses for privat accomodation which would be a measure but expedient and beneficial\u2014it will become possible to appropriate a sum to each particular object to performe and to carry on regularly and at a same time Every of those object, forwording them yearly in proportion to the money alloted for them respectivly.\nin that way every Improvement may be easily compleated and without being restrained by little saving consideration they may\nbe carried through the whole city Indescriminatly aiding and assisting every privat undertaking were a reciprocity of benefit may ensu\u2014a mode of process which I may venture to assert would in the end bring three to one for the money they liberally expended and which emply repaying for a loan on what ever termes it might be obtained would be rising the reputation of the undertaking to a degree of splendour and greatness unprecedented contribut most effectually to the increase of populat\u27e8ion\u27e9 to the accroissement of commerce and would in a short time rise the City one of the first the world will contain.\nit is in this manner and in this manner only I conceive the business may be conducted to a certainty of the attainement of that succes I wished to promot in the deliniation of a plan wholy new, and which combined on a grand scale will require Exertions above what is the idea of many but the which not being beyond your power to procur made me \u27e8promise\u27e9 the securing of them as I remain assured you will conceive it essential to pursu with dignity the operation of an undertaking of a magnitude so worthy of the \u27e8concern\u27e9 of grand Empire in the compleat achevement of the which the Honor of this is become so eminently concern and over whose progress the ayes of every other nation envying the opportunity deny\u2019d them will stand juge. I have the Honor to be with respect & submission your most ob\u27e8illegible\u27e9 & most Humble obedient servant\nP.C. L\u2019Enfant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0308", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, Sr., 20 August 1791\nFrom: Laurens, Henry Sr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir.\nMepkin Plantation [St. Johns Parish, Berkeley County]so. Carolina 20th August 1791.\nI congratulate with yourself & Mrs Washington on your happy return to Mount Vernon & with my fellow Citizens in general on your arrival at the Seat of Government, events which have gladned many Hearts.\nI have been inform\u2019d Sir there will be appointments of Ministers to foreign Courts at the next Session of Congress, should so. Carolina be entitled to one, I would beg leave to name Charles Pinckney Esquire present Governor of the State, his abilities are well known, his honor and integrity stand clear & unimpeach\u2019d.\nI do not presume Sir to trouble you by Solicitation but barely to mention the name of Mr Pinckney who will soon be at leisure from his present Commission & who is earnestly disposed to serve his Country. With the most sincere Esteem & Respect I have the honor to be Sir Your much obliged & most obedient servant\nHenry Laurens.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0309", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\n[Philadelphia] Sunday 21st August [1791]\nAt eight \u2019oclock A.M. tomorrow, I set out for Mr Powells farm, to see the operation of Colo. Anderson\u2019s threshing Machine. I Break fast, you know, at half past Seven; if it is convenient to take that in your way, I should be glad to see you at it.\nWhen you have read the enclosed letters I will converse with you on the subject of them. I am always yours\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0310", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 22 August 1791\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nHonorable sir.\nBerkeley County [Va.] Augt 22d 1791\nAbout ten Days ago I went to Winchester To see one Rowsey who was in Prison bounds at your Suit against Charles Rector for upwards of \u00a3105 besides cost. while I was in Winchester a Nephew of yours a Mr Lewis informed me that he was about to forward to you a Petition in favour of Rowsey. I told him of the generous terms offered to him from time to time of his obstinacy & how the Debt arose. Notwithstanding the Petition I expect will be presented. Under the circumstances of the Case I think it my duty to inform you in what manner Mr Rowsey has behaved. When I put him in Jail in June 1790 after a long expensive Lawsuit I offered to let him Replevy for twelve Months in the sum of one half the Debt, he to pay Cost. he repeatedly replyed that he would stay in Jail untill he Spent his Estate before he would condescend to pay one Shilling. in fall 1790 I repeated at Sundry times the same proposals and he was advised by several Gentlemen to comply but he absolutely refused: untill Late Last winter at march Court last I attended him five Days at your Expence & loss of my time for his giving a Twelve months Replevy Bond for half the Debt and Cost. the Bond was Drawn at his request, and by his repeated applications detained me with the promise Every Day of giving me security for the payment on Tomorrow. I waited from Tuesday untill satterday, found he could not be depended on, left him under the promise of his complyance with the Sheriff the next week. Instead of which he gave Security for the Bounds and Resolves to spend his Estate in the Bounds, the length of the time has I suppose accumulated the expences to near \u00a330 perhaps. which sum you will have to pay if you release him. altho\u2019 the example would have encouraged evil practices yet I had a Heart to discharge\nhim but could not do it at your expence. he is a poor Man. I know not his Character. I fixed my opinion on his being Security for a Man who was about to deprive you of a Large & Just Debt, he refused to comply with his Security-Ship after very generous terms had been offered him. upon this statement of the case I hope I shall be acquited of any Charge of neglect or disobedience. your Letter in favour of Mrs Lewis respecting Winzors Lease came to hand. nothing has taken place as Yet. the Death of Robin Scott has occasioned the Land Suit to abate. It will revive as soon as possable\u2014I closed my Accots of last years Collection of Rents with Major Geo: A. Wash\u27e8ing\u27e9ton the 12th Day of this month. there is a ballance due in Fauquier County by the Tenants of \u00a385.12.3 which Debts are under the Law. the Vileness of the Fauquier Sheriff detains the Collection altho\u2019 he has been presented to the Court for his delinquency yet his unwarrantable conduct still prevails\u2014I shall pursue him and endeavour to make him pay up what is in his hands as soon as possable. I wanted to Ballance the Rental before I settled but the Sheriff failing in his Duty prevented it. Major Washington is at his Fathers in this County on a Visit to restore his health Your Brothers & Fairfield Families are as usual.\nColo. Fairfaxes Ledger & Accts have been put Into my hands by the Executor to settle. there is an Acct Agt you and also Agt your Brother Colo. Sa[mue]l Washingtons Estate. I shall be much obliged to you Sir to inform me whether the Accts ever were settled and advise me thereupon. there has been the greatest drougth in this Country ever known. the crops of Wheat in quality good but Short. the Crops of Corn & Tobacco are considerably worse than ever known here before. I am Sir with every Sentiment of Esteem your Most devoted Humbe Servant\nBattaile Muse", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0311", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Frances Ramadge, 22 August 1791\nFrom: Ramadge, Frances\nTo: Washington, George\nCharleston [S.C.] August 22th 1791.\nI Must beg leave to Congratulate your excellency on your safe arriveal and good Health afte so long and hazardous a Journey through our barren Country[.] I have sent a small Cask of our Carolina potatoes which beg your exceptance: as I hear the are much better than you have to the Norward. I will send some every opportunity if agreeable\u2014the Shrubs and roots will be fit next month, which I will be very careful in sending: the Soap tree, and Tallow tree seed I Shall get; the sweet sented shrubs and what I Can find will be a rarity: any thing of that kind your Excellency would wish to have, Command me I will be happy, and take pleasure in procure it[.] I have sent a sample of saloop of my own manufacture which you had not room for on your departure from Charleston, it has been approved by the gentlemen of the Faculty in the Physical line, I have made a Quantity of it, and will ship some to New york and Philidelphia if it meets with encouragement[.] I most Earnestly pettion your excellency to present it to the Society of Arts and Sciences\u2014my Daughter Sarah present her most respectful Compliments and Joins me in good wishes for Health and happiness to your good family[.] I remain with the greatest respect your excellency most Humble Servant\nFrances Ramadge", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0313", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 22 August 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Whitting, Anthony\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 22 Aug. 1791. GW wrote to Anthony Whitting on Monday, 29 Aug., that he had \u201cacknowledged the receipt of yours of the 22d\u201d in a letter he \u201cwrote to you on friday last.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0314", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n  [Philadelphia] 23 August 1791. Reports on the official communications from the secretary of the Northwest Territory from 1 Jan. to 30 June that \u201cnone of the said communications appear to require any thing to be done on the part of the Government of the United States; That they contain indeed the titles of several acts passed by the Territorial Legislature; but the Acts themselves not being yet communicated, no opinion can be given on them.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0315", "content": "Title: Circular on the State of American Agriculture, 25 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stuart, David,Schuyler, Philip,Johnson, Thomas,Hartley, Thomas,Lowrey, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia, August 25th 1791\nSome enquiries having been made of me by important Characters on the state of agriculture in America, comprehending its Several relations, and intended to ascertain the value of our lands, with their yield in the several kinds of grain, grass &ca\u2014the prices of farming stock, the prices of produce &ca together with a list of the Taxes in the different States, which may in any way affect the Farmer\u2014As an object highly interesting to our country, I have determined to render the most just and satisfactory answers that the best information, which I can obtain from different parts of the United States will enable me to give.\nWith this view my confidence in your disposition and knowledge leads me to offer to your enquiry and to request from your intelligence as early information as may be convenient on the following heads.\n1. The fee simple prices of farming lands in such parts of the State of Virginia, as are neither so near to large Towns as to enhance their value, nor so distant from market as greatly to reduce it, or to make the situation inconvenient\u2014In your answer to this enquiry, be pleased to note, general\u27e8ly\u27e9 the situations, the soil, and if it be practicable\u27e8,\u27e9 the proportions of arable, pasture, and wood land.\n2. The rents of the same lands, when leased, and, generally, the terms of lease.\n3. The average product of the same lands in wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, beans, pease, potatoes, turnips, grasses, hemp, flax &ca\u2014in the common mode of husbandry now practised.\n4. The average prices of these articles when sold at the Farm, or carried to the nearest market.\n5. The average prices of good working horses, working Oxen, milch-cows, sheep, hogs, poultry &ca.\n6. The average price of beef, pork, mutton, veal, and butter and cheese in the neighbourhood, or at the nearest market-Towns.\n7. The price of wrought iron, whence the prices of farming utensils may be inferred.\n8. A list of the Taxes laid in the State of Virginia.\nThe tendency of this enquiry will be my apology for the trouble it may give you. With great regard, I am dear \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 Your most obedient servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0318", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Vaughan, 25 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Vaughan, Samuel\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia, August 25. 1791.\nAt the same time that I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th of may, I must beg your acceptance of my best thanks for the publications which accompanied it.\nI am glad to learn that the good opinion first entertained of Mr Rumsey and his inventions still continues, and I sincerely hope as well for his own emolument and the benefit of mankind, as for the credit of our country that he may surmount the obstacles\nthrown in his way, and receive such consideration as his merits demand.\nIt is with peculiar satisfaction I can inform you that our public affairs are still in a prosperous train, unclouded by any gloomy prospects of interruption\u2014The convulsed state of Europe at the present moment cannot fail of attaching every American more strongly to his own country\u2014and government; while every heart must be impressed with lively gratitude towards the supreme Ruler of events upon a recollection of the circumstances which have brought us to our present political situation. Wishing that health and uninterrupted tranquillity may attend you to the close of your days. I am dear Sir, with great esteem, your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0320", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 26 August 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Whitting, Anthony\nLetter not found: to Anthony Whitting, 26 Aug. 1791. In writing to Anthony Whitting on Monday, 29 Aug., GW referred to his letter to Whitting of \u201cfriday last.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0322", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 August 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\n  War Department [Philadelphia] 27 August 1791. Informs GW that Lieutenant Sherman of the Rhode Island Company of the Second U.S. Regiment \u201chas left his company on the march\u201d and desires to resign his commission: \u201cfrom received knowledge of his character, . . . his resignation will not injure the service.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0324", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Bertles Shee, 27 August 1791\nFrom: Shee, John Bertles\nTo: Washington, George\nHonor\u2019d & Esteemed Sir.\nPhilada August 27th 1791.\nI hope that your Philanthropic Soul will pardon the Temerity that actuates the Person who now addresses you to write you I have Sir taken this unbounded Liberty on the Consideration of your being acquainted with my Father & Connections It will be necessary to inform you that thr\u2019o Misconduct (& to my Shame & I confess it) that I incurred my Father\u2019s displeasure insomuch so that I was forced to abandon his presence & ever since that Time have been doomed to wander about the wide World, I hope you will not Honored Sir be offended when I inform you that I was bred to the Law but thro\u2019 Rashness wch is incident to youth have been brought thus low my father justly incensed against me will not permit me to appear in his presence I am now at this present a wretched Outcast, Pity Sir my unhappy & Deplorable situation, I am myself the bearer of these Lines to your Excellency my Cloaths are so bad that I am perfectly ashamed to come even to your Door I can Sir get a School in the Country but for want of a small Sum am hindered to buy a few decent Cloaths\u2014I hope ever Honored Sir you will pardon this Temerity in my writing you & Oh! rescue an unhappy Mortal from this his Abyss of Miserey. I am with the greatest Respect your Excellency\u2019s most obdt & devoted servt\nJohn Bertles Shee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0325", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Carroll (of Carrollton), 28 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Carroll, Charles (of Carrollton)\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia, August 28. 1791.\nYour favor of the 11th instant came duly to hand\u2014and I have also received the papers from Mount Vernon which, in my letter of the 31st of July, I informed you I had written for.\nEnclosed you have an exact copy of the decree of the Court of Chancery in Virginia, under which I became the purchaser of Clifton\u2019s land. I likewise send you the opinion of the Attorney-General of the United States upon it, and other papers which have been laid before him relative to this business.\nBy the decree it appears that the sums of \u00a3243.13/1 sterling and \u00a367.4/7 Virginia currency were ordered to be paid to Messrs Carroll and Digges; but then the cost of suit viz. 4536 lbs. of tobacco at two pence p. lb. (so settled by the Commissioners) and 50/ were, by the Decree, to be deducted therefrom, and paid to the Plaintiff, Clifton, and this having been done the sum of \u00a367.4/7 is reduced to \u00a326.18/7 which together with the sterling sum of \u00a3243.13/1 I am willing and ready to pay the instant a proper conveyance is made to me and the bond is delivered up agreeably to the requisites of the Court\u2014Nay, Sir, if payment at the time mentioned in your letter of the 16 of July is more convenient to you, it shall be made upon the passing of your bond to me, ensuring a compliance with the above requisites; or giving an indemnification if they are not; for I have no desire to withhold the money from you one moment.\nBy the laws of Virginia, to which this transaction is subject, all sterling debts are to be discharged at 33\u2153 p. cent which makes the sum of \u00a3243.13/1 when turned into Virginia currency \u00a3324.17/5\u2014and this added to \u00a326.18/7. makes 1172\u2154 dollars if my calculations are right. With great esteem and regard, I am dear Sir, Your most obedient and very humble Servant\nG. Washington.\nP.S. In procuring evidence to the Deed it would be well to recollect Characters who attend the Courts in Alexandria\u2014for it is there the record of it must be.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0326", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Oliver Evans, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Evans, Oliver\nSir,\nPhiladelphia August 29th 1791\nThe President has been informed by his manager at Mount Vernon that the work of his mill is in such a stage as not to admit of any delay in erecting your improvements without stopping the whole progress of the work, which at this time would be a serious inconvenience. The mill-wright who has been employed in repairing the President\u2019s mill has been to view your improvements at the Ochoquan mills, and with the insight he has obtained from that view, aided by a plate of the improvements, he has no doubt of his being able to execute the work completely, and he has the character of being an excellent workman\u2014but, as the President is desirous of having it done in the most perfect manner without a hazard of its not answering the purpose fully, he wishes to know if you still hold your determination of going into that part of the Country as you mentioned your intention of doing so, and in case you should, and would go on immediately, he will give directions to the mill wright to wait your arrival before any thing is done to the improvements\u2014But if you do not go immediately the President must give orders for the person now engaged to go on with the work himself, as the season will admit of no delay.\nLet me know whether you go to Virginia directly or not\u2014that if you should a letter might be sent to you on Wednesday for mount Vernon. I am Sir, &ca\nTobias Lear", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0328", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Langdon, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Langdon, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSr\nState of N. Hampre\u2014Hamptonfalls Augt 29 1791\nThe deep impressions of my obligations to you, induce me now to present a Volume which I have just published. I hope it will recommend itself to your notice as an attempt to give an easy, rational, & useful explication of a sacred book, heretofore often abused by whimsical interpretations, & on that account too much neglected & despised by many modern christians. If I have proved from that divine prophecy that we live in the very times precisely marked out for the beginning of surprizing Revolutions in the world, it may serve greatly to confirm the truth of the holy Scriptures; & the honours which divine Providence has conferred on you will afford double satisfaction. With highest Esteem I am, Sr, your most obedient humle Servt\nSaml Langdon", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0329", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Whitting, Anthony\nMr Whiting,\nPhiladelphia August 29th 1791.\nIn a letter which I wrote to you on friday last, I acknowledged the receipt of yours of the 22d, and informed you that I should again write as on this day, by the Post, who would also be the bearer of the materials for the Bolting Chest.\nThe latter is accordingly sent, directed to the care of the Post\nMaster in Alexandria, and hope it will be in time for the Work of Mr Ball.\nIn my last, I informed you that I approv\u2019d of the Carpenters going on with the house at Dogue run, agreeably to the first plan, as Richards house would do very well for an Overseers house at Muddy hole, where one was much wanting\u2014this I repeat; but in my opinion, before they had got any new scantling for the first mentioned house, they ought to have pulled down\nthe old one (called Wades) in No. 2 at that place; ascertained how much of those materials could, with propriety be worked into the new, and then, to have compleated what it would lack from the Woods. If this has not been done, that house as has been the fate of all the rest, under similar circumstances, will be lost; as my negros dismantle them as their occasions require, without leave, and without scruple.\nIf Colo. Mason, or Mr Chichester, gives the person who has applied to be Overlooker of that place, a good character, it will be sufficient; as they are proper judges of the requisites, & will not, I dare say, advance things to serve him that are not warranted by facts. His getting a wife will be no objection, as it will induce him from inclination, to do what he ought to be obliged by articles, to agree to\u2014that is\u2014to be always at home.\nThe reasons which you have assigned for treading out Wheat at the Ferry, are satisfactory, as they also are for Sowing the grass-seeds in the Mill meadow before the Corn is taken off; for I am clearly in sentiment with you, that it is high time that grass-seeds for Autumn sowing were in the ground. I am much pleased to hear that your Wheat seeding is so near completion; but the acct given of the grounds getting dry again, is much to be lamented, as it happens at a very critical time for most things\u2014especially for Corn.\nAs Mrs Washington & myself expect to be at Mount Vernon by, or before the end of next month, I request that you would pay particular attention to the Meats, that I may have such as are fat, and proper for the Table while I am at home which will be till the middle of October; when I shall be under a necessity of returning to this City again. By fat meats\u2014I mean Mutton, Lamb, Veal (if there are any calves young enough)\u2014perhaps a small Beef also. I am\u2014Sir Your friend & Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0331", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n  [Philadelphia] 30 August 1791. At the request of Attorney General Edmund Randolph, encloses for the office of the secretary of state fifteen patents signed by the president.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0332", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Giuseppe Chiappe, 31 August 1791\nFrom: Chiappe, Giuseppe\nTo: Washington, George\nExcellence\nMogador le 31 Aout 1791\nExtiment de mon devoir La continuation a V\u00f4tre Excellence de Toutes Les Novelles de cet Royaume particullierement sur ce qu\u2019il peut servir de gouvernement aux Venerables Etats, J\u2019ai L\u2019haute honneaur de Les umillier a V.E. & dans Le m\u00eame temps de supliquer tres humblement vouloir m\u2019honnorer de \u27e8illegible\u27e9 ordres tres respectables \u27e8illegible\u27e9 Toutes mes humbles precedentes pour me Tranquilliser de la doute que J\u2019ai de si elles Soient parvennues a V.E.\nS.M. Imperial est pass\u00ea de Sal\u00e8 a Darelbeyda & chemin faisent \u00e2 chatis\u00e9es Les Revolteaux des Provinces de cette cont\u00ea pansent de suivre jusque ici, St Croix & Maroc pour en exectuter du m\u00eame avec Les deplus, Le suivent \u00e0 propos un nombreuse camp, mais lui \u00eatoient arriv\u00e8 un Courrier de La part d\u2019un de ces Comendents aux Frontieres de Ceuta d\u2019Espagne qu\u2019il lui portet La Novelle, d\u2019\u00eatre Sorti de cette Place un officier, un Intreprete & quelques Soldats, & que Le dit Offici\u00e9 avoit intim\u00ea, que\nsi S.M.I. \u00eatoit en Paix avec L\u2019Espagne devoit retirer Son Camp & que si elle \u00eatoit en Guerre Les Espagnols procureroit de La faire retirer a forse; Confirm\u00ea cette Novelle pour des ministres de la Secte S.M.I. s\u2019anim\u00e2 & dans Le moment prit Le chemin par ce cont\u00e9 La, convoquent ces Troupes pour Le suivre, & passent de Tanger on \u00e2 compt\u00e9es plus de 10 m. persones qu\u2019il Le Suivoit, en outre une plus grande Nombr\u00e8 d\u2019autres qu\u2019il attendoient dans Les Montagnes proches de Ceuta & Tetuan, & entre eux il y avoit beaucoup de Princes v\u00fb que pour eux c\u2019est une Guerre de Religion & qu\u2019ils doivent y \u00eatre.\nEst presque incompr\u00e9ensible une Tele determination puisque Le Rois Ansali un des Capitains de Navir de S.M.I. est bien peu de Temps q\u2019il pass\u00e1 a La Cour de Madrid avec Les Preliminaires de Paix deja Sign\u00e9es de S.M. Impl. & que en vert\u00fb des m\u00eames La Court Susditte avoit ordon\u00eas a Cadiz de fournir au Rois Peres tout ce qu\u2019il Lui seroit de besoin per La garnison de quatre Fregates, ce qu\u2019il \u00e2 \u27e8choisir\u27e9 a son plaisir & m\u00eame un gros Navire Espagnol Les \u00e0 apport\u00eaes a Tanger.\nEst aussi sur, que La Court d\u2019Espagne avoit deja destin\u00e8 La Seconde Ambassade & que avec La m\u00eame elle devoit envoier 700/m. Piastres d\u00fbes encore au Roy mort pour Le Droits de Bleds & autres charges a Darelbeyda, & on croit que cette expedition \u00e2 \u00eate suspendue pour une Lettre que le Prince Mulei Selema frer \u27e8de\u27e9 S.M. \u00e2 \u00eacrit a la Court de Madrid, La prevenent de ne remetre pas la susditte Somme aux mains de son Fraire a raizon que elle appartenoit aux \u27e8illegible Cre\u27e9ditaires seulement, & particullierement jusqu\u2019a voir. Inform\u00ea S.M.I. de cette prevention \u00e2 repond\u00fb que Le tel argent apartenoit aux \u27e8troupes & au\u27e9 Tresor Royal.\nDepuis peu de temps \u27e8retourne\u27e9 de la Court les Rois Ansali & \u00eatoient mal content de son recette, & pour avoir e\u00fbes quelques disputes avec Le premier Ambassadeur Si \u27e8Mulai\u27e9 Ben Ottomen (au present encore a la Cour de Madrid) il a rapresent\u00e8 Toute Le mal possible contre La Cour & Le Susdit Ambassadeur, disent contre ce dernier qu\u2019il \u00eatoit plus Cretain des Cretains, Tout ce que \u00e0 aigr\u00fb de plus en plus S.M. pour aller contre Ceuta, & nous Savons que cette Place est resollue a une defence jamais v\u00fbe puisque dans Le premier affront elle en n\u2019a pas fait cas, & non \u27e8obstent\u27e9 nous croyons que Les Choses Se arengeront.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019haute honneaur \u27e8de\u27e9 umillier a V.E. deux Notes des Presents faits par Les Ambassadeurs d\u2019Englaterre & Dinamarque, mais la premiere il \u00e0 \u00e2joute Les monitions de Guerre qu\u2019on attend \u27e8de\u27e9 Londres en outre, les autres choses qu\u2019ils ont \u00eat\u00eaes consign\u00eaes Secretement depuis La m\u00eame Ambass\u00e4d\u27e8e\u27e9. Les deux Embassadeurs on \u00eat\u00eas rec\u00fbs avec Les honneaurs accotum\u00e9s, & ils fur present\u00eaes pour Le Tres Humble Serviteur de V.E. mon Frer Francois, q\u27e8ui\u27e9 \u00e0 \u00eat\u00e8 \u27e8ex\u27e9pedi\u00e8 de S.M. a Tanger pour recevoir L\u2019Ambassadeur Suedois & le Comte Potoschi Po\u27e8lo\u27e9nois, note de Presents des queles je n\u2019ai encore re\u00e7ue.\nL\u2019Ambassadeur Ollandois attend en Gibraltar Les Pr\u00e9sants de ca R\u00e9publique qu\u2019ils y ont \u00eat\u00eas expedi\u00eas avec une Fregate Le 17 Juillet & les re\u00e7\u27e8oi\u27e9vent passer\u00e0 a Tanger \u00f2 Tetuan pour Les presenter \u00e0 S.M. Impl.\nLe Consul de Fran\u00e7e en Sal\u00e8s Monsr du Roch\u00e9 L\u2019attend aussi de Marseilles en \u00fb il fut apell\u27e8\u00e9 p\u27e9our L\u2019Encharg\u00ea de l\u2019Ambassade avec Le Titre \u27e8d\u2019\u27e9Envoy\u00ea & il porte une bone Suite & des beaux presents.\nOn attend encore a chaque moment L\u2019Ambas\u27e8sade\u27e9 de Venize.\nJe Repete aux Venerables Etats & a V.E. Mes Tres humbles Servi\u00e7es & Toujour a ces ordres je l\u2019ai L\u2019haute honneaur d\u2019\u00eatre Tres profoundement de V. Exe Le Tres Humble & Tres Obbt Serviteur.\nGiuseppe Chiappe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0333", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Craik, 31 August 1791\nFrom: Craik, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nAlexandria [Va.] Aug 31st 1791\nI am very Sorry to inform you that I was honoured with yours of the 14th Inst. only last night, not being in the habit of sending to the Post Office, The Post Master did not choose to give himself the trouble to send it, or to inform me such a letter was there, tho I might have expected such a favour from him\u2014In answer to your request with regard to my very Worthy freind the Major. I am sorry to inform you, that I cannot help thinking his Case dangerous, And have been under considerable apprehensions for him for some time past. But his uncommon Anxiety to promote your Interest, and to give satisfaction carried his exertions beyond what his Constitution could bear, and notwithstanding every remonstrance I could make he would still persist untill he got so dibilitated that he found he could not hold out any longer. I with much difficulty at last perswaded him to leave of all business and travel for his health. Before he left home he had several attacks of Spitting of Blood, and I think matter at times, the Complaint in his Breast very troublesome, and many Symptoms of an Approaching Consumption. Indeed I think his Lungs a little touched, but would gladly hope from the Regemen I have laid down, and the manner of Conducting himself, that he may yet get better. However I cannot think that he will ever be able to undertake any kind of Active business, I mean such as will require much exertion\u2014Since he went from home I am informed he is Something better, but the disorder is so flattiring and so apt to recur that I cannot say what may be the result. I must own I fear much\u2014Your present Manager Mr Whiting tho to appearance a Stout able, well made mans I am affraid is not free from the same danger. altho he complains of no pain at present, yet he has had repeated discharges of Blood from his Lungs lately, which recur on any fit of Anger, or extraordinary exertions of the Lungs, which I am affraid may for[m] an ulcer at last. I have prescribed Rules for him to follow which I hope may have a good tendency to prevent bad Consequences and enable him to do his Duty\u2014A Gentn who left the Sweet Springs last Wednesday brings Account of the death of Mrs W. Auge Washington in Twenty four hours after her Delivery\nthe Child still alive. Mr Lund Washington in pretty good health but quite Blind. Doctr Brown, it is said is much better, but I am affraid it is only Temporary\u2014Mrs Washington and the Children at Mount Vernon are well. My Daughter Nancy is there, by way of Amusement a while\u2014She begins to be tiered of her Fathers house and I believe intends taking an old Batchelor Mr Hn for a play mate Shortly\u2014What is wonderful to tell. I had advised Miss Muir to Long Island to drink & Bath in the Sea Water for her health. Mr Donaldson took the hint and pursued, and last Post writes back to Mr Hartshorn to rent out his house, as he beleives he shall bring back a wife with him. Mrs Craik & family join me in Sincere prayers for the preservation of your health & happyness including that of Mrs Washington. And I am with Sincere Affe. your Devoted Sert\nJas Craik", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0334", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Knox, Henry\nUnited States [Philadelphia] September 1st 1791.\nBy the President\u2019s command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secy of war a letter from Mr Andw Ellicott, to the President, proposing that Mr Joseph Ellicott should proceed immediately to Georgia to explore the head of the Oconee River preparatory to Mr Andw Ellicott\u2019s executing his business of running the line between the territory of the Creeks & the U.S.\nShould the Secretary of war conceive from Mr A. Ellicott\u2019s account of the man & the business, that it would be proper to accede\nto his proposal, the Secretary of War is requested to have the necessary credentials prepared & forwarded to Mr Ellicott by the post of tomorrow.\nTobias Lear.S. P. U. S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0335", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Pierre-Charles L\u2019Enfant, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nDear Sir,\n[Philadelphia] Septr 1st\u20147 O\u2019clock A.M. [1791]\nThe President wishes to have the map of the federal City to shew to some Gentlemen about nine o\u2019clock this morning\u2014and requests you to send it either by the bearer at this time, or if it should be more convenient for you, he shall call for it a little before nine. I am Dear Sir with much esteem Your most Obedt Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0336", "content": "Title: Ratification of the Holland Loan, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, 1 September 1791]\nNow Know ye, that the President of the United States of America having seen and considered the said contract, hath ratified and confirmed, & by these presents doth ratify & confirm the same and every article thereof.\nIn testimony whereof he has caused the seal of the U.S. to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with his hand. Done at the City of Philadelphia the first day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety one, & of the independence of the U.S. of America the sixteenth.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0337", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Clark, 2 September 1791\nFrom: Clark, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nBorough of York [Pa.] September 2d 1791.\nA few Days since, when I had the pleasure of seeing you at McAlisters Town, on your return from the Southward; I did not expect that I should have occasion to write you so soon; but my Friend Colonel Hartley, having informed me that he believed the Office of Auditor was vacant, by the refusal of Mr Smith, whom I had understood was appointed; I beg leave to propose myself a Candidate for that Office.\nIf my conduct as an Officer in the Military line, and while an Aid to the late Honbe Major General Greene, or as an Auditor of Accounts in the main Army, should have merited your esteem; I trust since my retirement, that my character in the line of my Profession, will add to it; and as to the former, I beg leave to refer you to a copy of a Letter you did me the honor (while lingering with a wound that I had received) to write the then\nPresident of Congress; and for the later, either the Honble Judge Wilson, or Chief Justice McKean if necessary, will give you the fullest information. Should you vouchsafe to honor me with this appointment, every thing within the compass of my power shall be exerted to execute the Office, so as to merit your, and the public esteem. If I should be unfortunate in this application, perhaps there may e\u2019er long, be a vacancy, that you may think me deserving off; and I beg leave to assure you, it will be agreeable to me, to do every thing in my power, that may tend to support a Government you have rendered so respectable by presiding over it. With Compliments and best wishes for your future health and happiness as well as that of your amiable Lady, I have the honor to be Sir, Yr Most Obdt Hble Servt\nJno. Clark", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0338", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George III, 2 September 1791\nFrom: George III (of Great Britain)\nTo: Washington, George\n[London, 2 September 1791]\nGeorge the Third by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburgh, Arch-Treasurer, and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire &ca To the United States of America sendeth Greeting. Our Good Friends. Having nothing more at Heart than to cultivate and improve the Friendship and good Understanding which happily subsist between Us; and having the fullest Confidence in the Fidelity, Prudence and other good Qualities of our Trusty and Welbeloved George Hammond Esqr. We have thought proper to appoint him Our Minister Plenipotentiary to reside with You, not doubting from the Experience We have had of His good Conduct on other Occasions, but that he will continue to merit Our Approbation, and at the same Time conciliate Your Friendship and good Will, by a strict Observance of the Instructions he has received from Us, to evince to You Our constant Friendship, and sincere Desire to cement and improve the Union and good Correspondence between Us. We therefore desire that You will give a favourable Reception to our said Minister Plenipotentiary, and that You will give entire Credence to whatever he may represent to You, in Our Name, especially when, in Obedience to Our Orders, he assures You of Our Esteem and Regard, and of Our hearty Wishes for Your Prosperity: And so We recommend You to the Protection of the Almighty. Given at Our Court of St James\u2019s the Second Day of September 1791 in the 31st Year of Our Reign. Your very good Friend\nGeorge R.\nGrenville", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0339", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Pierce Butler, 3 September 1791\nFrom: Butler, Pierce\nTo: Washington, George\n  [Philadelphia, 3 September 1791]. \u201cI received the inclosed letter while I was at dinner\u2014It is my duty to send it to You.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0340", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Philip Schuyler, 3 September 1791\nFrom: Schuyler, Philip\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nAlbany [N.Y.] September 3d 1791\nI did not receive the letter you did me the honor to address of the 25th ult:, until it was too late, to acknowledge its receipt, by the return of the post who brought it.\nOn the Objects to be ascertained, so great a diversity of Opinion prevails, even amongst the best informed, that it seems requisite, the decision in every instance, should be the result, of what has really occured, or at present exists, I shall therefore extend all my Attention to the compleatest investigation of facts, I am capable of, and state the reasons that least to my conclusions.\nSome important business will call me from home in a few days, and wholly engross my Attention for Eight or ten days more, but immediately thereafter, I shall devote myself, without intermission, to enable me to transmit answers to your interesting enquiries. I have the honor to be with every sentiment of respect, Esteem and Affectionate regard, Dear Sir, Your most Obedient Servant\nPh: Schuyler", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0341", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Ballard, 4 September 1791\nFrom: Ballard, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBaltimore Septemr 4th 1791\nI must once more take the liberty of trespassing on your time with a few lines, which respects the compensation to be allowed me for my services as Inspector of the Revenue. The Supervisor in his Circular Letter to me, says that, \u201cas it was supposed that the Office would add but little trouble to the Office of Surveyor, no particular compensation is allotted.\u201d I cannot find any part of the Law which warrants such an opinion\u2014and I am sure that in exercising the duty, I find the entire service falls on me. Mr Gale performs not any duty other than that of furnishing me with blank Cerficates, and semiquarterly a Copy of my proceedings. I am, sir, to acknowledge the very great obligation I owe you for your goodness in bestowing this second kind favor on me; and permit me to assure your Excellency, that I shall observe the most watchful attention in the exercise of my duty\u2014but sir, if Mr Gales Opinion prevails, that is to say, I do all the duty, and he receive all the pay, then I am more than ruined. My fees arising from my Surveyors Office is far short of maintenance, and nothing but the kind indulgence of my Creditors prevents me from Suits. The duty of an Inspector of the Revenue, is very arduous, and the office important & respectable\u2014at present I keep only one Clerk who does nothing but write in the Office; to him I give \u00a3100 \u214c Year. In the Spring when the Crops of Spirit comes in, I must have an additional Clerk. It is a melancholy reflection where my whole time and service is yielded to the Public to know that the emoluments allowed, falls considerably short of Support: especially as I am growing old & have a large family to maintain and educate\u2014and that is all I now look up to.\nI have, may it please your Excellency, been thus particular, well knowing that when any case comes fairly before you that the strictest justice will be done, I must furthermore add that the Ex\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 business falls considerably heavy on my other duty, without any reward for it. The Gauger and Weigher are paid for their share of that duty, and nothing is allowed to the Surveyor. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency\u2019s most Obedt humble Servt\nRobert Ballard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0343", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 4 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jay, John\nMy dear Sir,\nPhiladelphia Septr 4th 1791.\nThe indisposition, and consequent absence from Mount Vernon of my Nephew, Majr Washington, to whom the care of my private business is entrusted, makes it indispensably necessary for me to go home before the meeting of Congress.\nMy stay there will be longer or shorter according to circumstances\n\u2014but it cannot exceed the middle of October, as I must be back before the meeting of that Body.\nWill you permit me, my dear Sir, to make a similar request to the one I did last year\u2014and to pray that your ideas may not be confined to matters merely Judicial, but extended to all other topics which have, or may occur to you as fit subjects for general, or private Communications. With sincere esteem and affectionate regard I am\u2014My dear Sir Your Obedt & very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0345", "content": "Title: To George Washington from \u201cAdolescens\u201d, 5 September 1791\nFrom: \u201cAdolescens\u201d\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it please your Excellency\n\u27e8Friday 5\u27e9th Septemr 1791.\nTho\u2019 an address, most respected Sir, to one in your exalted Station, to which a fictitious name is subscribed may seem altogether strange & uncommon, yet the Contents of this letter will I hope be a sufficient apology for its Author\u2019s temerity, and, I flatter myself that a Man whose heart is ever alive to the calls of Humanity, will not deem it an impertinent intrusion.\nThat I may not trespass for long on your goodness Sir, I will, with the utmost diffidence proceed to lay before you my distressed situation. The person who now has the honor to claim your Excellency\u2019s attention is the most wretched of Men. I am the son, Sir of a professional gentleman who was once very eminent & who is still I believe generally esteemed as a man of very superior abilities, but an unfortunate attachment to Company & an unhappy partiality for pleasurable pursuits has for some years past put it out of his power to pay that attention to Business which his Employers expected\u2014in consequence of which his practice has considerably decreased & he is now barely enabled to maintain his family genteelly\u2014Whatever may have been his foibles however, he has always been a tender & kind Father, and his anxiety for my future Welfare, is now the cause of all my woe. Some considerable time past I formed an attachment which as it was then disagreeable to my friends I endeavoured to stifle in its infancy, but having frequent opportunities of conversing with one of the most amiable of Women, I found the attempt utterly vain & impossible, & every exertion but confirmed me a slave to her perfections. She had as is natural to be supposed many other admirers, but always honored me with particular attention & in every Company for every occasion I was preferred\u2014not considering the consequences I then courted her esteem & Oh most sacred Sir! words are wanting to express my transports, when with a candour that did honor to her own intrinsic worth, she confessed that I was entire Master of her affections, & that she lived but to make me happy\u2014Then, Sir, oh then! I was at the summit of Bliss, my felicity was to exquisite to be of long duration for from that moment which made me the happiest of Men, from that Moment I date the completion of my misery. My own misfortunes I could bear with patience & a calm resignation to the divine will, but shall I for a moment cause an uneasy sensation in the breast of one who lives but to make me happy, oh my God! the thought distracts me, the Idea peirces my very Soul\u2014but alas! where am I going Oh Sir! pardon my anguish, I will no Longer trouble you with my distress but continue my Narrative.\nMy parents I believe have no objection to my entering into the matrimonial State, but my age (being only 19) & my situation\n\u2014it is not in their power at present to put me in any line of business by which I could obtain a subsistence for a family, and the dear object of my affections has not a fortune at her own disposal. Her father it is true is a man of some property, but he is determined not to let any part of his Estate go out of his own hands until his death, & indeed even then, he has Several other Children who have an equal right to his paternal bounty\u2014Now Sir you have heard my Situation candidly laid open & oh let your sensibility be awakened\u2014have Compassion on an unhappy Couple whose only misfortunes proceed from a virtuous attachment to each other & not having it in their power honorably to gratify their mutual affections. But perhaps your Excellency may doubt my veracity & look upon the Author of this address as a villainous imposture, & alas! what language can I use to convince you to the contrary\u2014Oaths & protestations are now Sir so common that I cannot expect they will have much weight, but with permission I will pledge you my most sacred honor Sir that what I have here asserted is most strictly true & that my condition is just as I have related, I once thought a personal application the most proper to obviate this objection, but the mortification which my Connexions would have suffered had they known it, entirely deterred me & indeed my own resolution was \u27e8scarcely\u27e9 adequate to the Task\u2014however if your Excellency still suspects my sincerity, I will wait on you with pleasure at any hour you may be so condescending as to appoint and in the mean time permit me Sir Submissively to beg that I may receive a line of information on this head on Wednesday morning next when I will take the liberty to call for that purpose, and let me beseech you to pardon my presumption, & oh Sir let your Generosity be exerted in my favor, & may your liberality snatch a Wretch from the brink of despair & perhaps of Eternity whose whole happiness entirely depends on your Goodness, and whose constant prayers shall be for your eternal Welfare & felicity. I am With every Sentiment of the most profound Respect Your Excellencys most devoted & very humble Serv\u2019t\nAdolescens", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0347", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 September 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\n  [Philadelphia] 5 September 1791. Encloses the resignation of Thomas Seayres, \u201cwho was appointed an Ensign on the 30th of April 1790, and a Lieutenant on the 4th of March last\u2014But he never joined the troops, and therefore his resignation is not to be regretted.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0348", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Moustier, 5 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Moustier, El\u00e9anor-Fran\u00e7ois-Elie, comte de\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia September 5. 1791.\nI have had the pleasure to receive the letter which you were so good as to write to me from Berlin on the 26 of April.\nThe favorable sentiments which you express of our country and its councils are very agreeable to me\u2014The kind interest which you take in my personal happiness excites a grateful sensibility.\nYou will learn with pleasure that events have realised the most sanguine hopes of our national prosperity\u2014The influence of the general government has extended to every relation of political improvement, and to the promotion of our social happiness.\nThe interesting state of affairs in France excites the sympathy, and engages the good wishes of our citizens, who will rejoice to hear that the public deliberations have resulted in the permanent dignity and happiness of your nation. In the joy, which that event will diffuse, no one will participate more sincerely than he who is, with great regard, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0349", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edward Newenham, 5 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Newenham, Edward\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia, September 5th 1791.\nI have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 31st of January, and 10 of March last, and to express my obligations to your flattering and friendly assurances of regard.\nThe interest which you are so good as to take in the welfare of the United States makes the communication of their prosperity to you, a most agreeable duty. You will learn with pleasure that events have justified the most sanguine expectations entertained of the influence of the general government on the political and social happiness of America.\nPublic credit established\u2014Justice promptly and impartially administered\u2014Industry encouraged and protected\u2014Science progressing\u2014Liberty, civil and religious, secured on the liberal basis of reason and virtue, are the rich rewards of the past exertions of our citizens, and the strong incentives to future patriotism.\nThe manufacture of maple sugar is in a very promising train, and, as the tree grows in several of the States, there is every reason to conclude that its cultivation will be prosecuted with success. Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth is of Connecticut, and, at present, one of the Representatives of that State in Congress.\nThe multiplied cares of my public station do not permit me minutely to indulge the pleasures of private correspondence, and they oblige me to resort to the candor of my friends to excuse a brevity, which might appear abrupt, or a seeming inattention that nothing else could justify.\nI shall realise with the most sensible satisfaction your purposed visit to our country, as it will afford me an opportunity personally to assure you of the great regard and esteem, with which I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0350", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Loughton Smith, 5 September 1791\nFrom: Smith, William Loughton\nTo: Washington, George\n  New York, 5 September 1791. Encloses for GW\u2019s perusal a letter from Arnoldus Vanderhorst, the intendant of Charleston, recommending his uncle Elias Vanderhorst as consul for the port of Bristol\u2014\u201cI beleive the Intendant would not recommend any person unworthy of the Station\u201d\u2014and calls \u201cattention to Col. Motte, as Successor to Mr Hall, & to Mr Bounetheau for the place of Naval Officer: From my own knowledge & inquiry I beleive the latter gentleman eminently qualified for it.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0352", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Aulay Macaulay, 6 September 1791\nFrom: Macaulay, Aulay\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nClaybrook near Lutterworth, Leicestershire6th Septr 1791\nI beg leave to appeal to your humanity on behalf of a poor old man in this neighbourhood whose name is Thomas Franklin\u2014and who stands in the relation of first cousin to the late Dr Benjamin Franklin\u2014His Father and Dr F.\u2019s Father were Brothers\u2014He is now in indigent circumstances\u2014and sinking under the pressure of age and infirmities\u2014Dr Franklin once took some notice of him tho\u2019 he made no mention of him in his will\u2014At the time that the Doctor first heard of his having so near a relation in Leicestershire\u2014the poor man happened to be imprisoned for debt\u2014but Dr F. released him\u2014and besides other marks of kindness and generosity he took his kinsman\u2019s daughter\nunder his protection\u2014and gave her a good education\u2014This young Lady was married by Dr Franklin\u2019s consent to a Mr Pearce, who went to America in 1783 (his wife having died a year before) and left his Son\u2014who was then about four years old under the care of his Grandfather Thomas Franklin\u2014He has never heard from the Boy\u2019s Father, but once since he left England\u2014The letter was dated Annapolis in Maryland\u2014July 1784\u2014The Boy is still with his Grandfather\u2014He has no other relation or protector in this part of the world\u2014and when the old man dies\u2014he will be in a very pitiable situation.\nBe assured Sir such is my veneration for the memory of Benjamin Franklin\u2014that were I in circumstances to afford effectual relief to the Old man\u2014and to provide for the Boy\u2014I Should not have troubled you with a representation of their case\u2014but I have nothing more than the very limited income of a country curacy and therefore I can contribute little besides my sympathy and good wishes\u2014I flatter myself that the American Congress would not be averse to take under their protection those poor distressed relations of their great Benefactor\u2014and I am persuaded that an appeal to their generosity through you Sir\u2014cannot fail of success.\nI am happy Sir to embrace this opportunity of expressing my veneration for your character\u2014and the high sense which I entertain of your distinguished services to mankind\u2014and with best wishes for your happiness\u2014private & public\u2014temporal & eternal I remain Sir your most humble Servt\nA. Macaulay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0353", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Canon, 7 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Canon (Cannon), John\nSir,\nPhiladelphia, September 7th 1791.\nI have received your letter of the 10. of August\u2014and am very sorry to find that so far as it relates to my property under your care, I have no further satisfaction than the assurance which you have given in all the letters received from you, that I shall have a statement of my interest committed to your care\u2014But Sir, I\nsurely had a right to expect something more than the promise of a statement before this time, as it is now better than four years since my lands were committed to your care\u2014As the rents were to be paid in wheat it was certainly proper that time should be allowed for converting it into cash before I could receive any thing from you\u2014But as yet I have received only fifty pounds\u2014and, considering the length of time that you have had an agency in this business, and the great demands for wheat and flour, particularly last year, when, it is a fact known to every one that it not only commanded a higher price in that part of the country than perhaps had ever been before known there, but ready money also, I am persuaded you will yourself allow that I have just cause to complain.\nI hope, Sir, you will, therefore, for your own sake, take such steps in the business as will put it upon a footing satisfactory to me as well as to yourself\u2014and as you see the unfavorable impression which the thing, in its present state, makes upon my mind, I trust it will not be long before you endeavor to remove this impression by putting the business in the situation where it ought to be.\nAs I intend to leave this place next week for Mount Vernon and shall not return until the latter part of October, I shall not probably see you here unless you should be in this place the last of that month\u2014but this will make no difference as the business can be equally well done with Mr Lear.\nIn reply to your request that I would mention your name to the Governor of this State as one of the County-Judges, I must inform you that I make it a point never to interfere, on any occasion, in any State appointments. I am Sir, your humble Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0354-0001", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 7 September 1791\nFrom: Clinton, George\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nGreenwich [N.Y.] 7th September 1791\nI do myself the Honor to transmit to your Excellency Copies of certain Dispatches, which I this Day received from Lieutenant Colonel Woolsey, commanding Officer of the Militia of Clinton County in the Northern Part of this State; with an Extract of his Letter to me in which they were inclosed. The repeated Insults which our Citizens have experienced from the British; both before, and since my last Communications to your Excellency on this Subject have been extreamly mortifying, and I have reason to conclude have in a very considerable Degree obstructed the Growth of the Settlements in that Quarter. Until the Receit of the inclosed Information I was induced to ascribe this Conduct to the unauthorized Insolence of Inferior Officers at their advanced Posts and flattered myself that it would soon have ceased; But the recent Proceeding of Colonel Tomlinson as stated in Mr Moore\u2019s Letter appears to be too formal and unequivocal to admit of a Doubt that the present meditated Incroachment is sanctioned by the Orders of the British Government.\nOn this Occasion I presume I should stand justified in issuing Orders to the Militia to repel the Invasion; but as this might be attended with Consequences which would probably terminate in an Interruption of the Peace of the Union; I have thought it most adviseable to submit the Matter to your Excellency\u2019s Consideration previous to my giving any Directions on the Subject.\nPermit me Sir to observe that this State has already abundant Reason to complain of the Conduct of the British Government for the Retention of different Military Posts within it\u2019s acknowledged Limits contrary to the Articles of Peace; and should they now be permitted to establish new Ones it will not fail to encrease the already prevailing disatisfaction. I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedient Servant\nGeo: Clinton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0354-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Extract of Melancthon Lloyd Woolsey to George Clinton, 17 August 1791\nFrom: Woolsey, Melancthon Lloyd\nTo: Clinton, George\nSir\nBurlington (Vermont) 17th August 1791\n\u201cThe enclosed Papers will show your Excellency the Nature and necessity of my Business here any farther explanation of my Motives will also I conceive be unnecessary, how far the Measures I have pursued will be consistant with your Ideas of the Nature and Tendency of this Business I am at a loss to determine; The peculiar Delicacy of my Situation, and consequent embarrassment I presume may be easily immagined; to escape Censure from the Government, or reproach from the People. To draw the True Line between Rashness and Timidity, and to avoid Hostility and be obedient to the Laws of my Country appears to me exceedingly difficult\u2014Either a Depopulation of the Northern Part of the County of Clinton or hostile Opposition cannot much longer be avoided.\n\u201cYour Excellency\u2019s last Letter to me contained Instructions but they were too general for my satisfaction at the present Juncture.\n\u201cThat the Mode I have pursued already in seeking Advice here will be approved of I can hardly doubt; that Measure was consistent with Judge Tredwells Ideas & something that might be a Justification of my Conduct, appeared to me of Consequence\u2014Governor Chittendon seemed pleased with the Attention\u2014assured me of every support in Case of extremity and kindly offered at any Time to furnish me with the Means of communicating Dispatches if necessity required it. Our unprovided situation for Defence is much to be regretted, The Want of Arms & Ammunition is general on both Sides the Lake & the impossibility of making the Provision unequivocal.\n\u201cI hope to have your Excellency\u2019s Directions as speedily as possible peremptory for every possible Emergency. I am &ca\u201d\nMel. Ld Woolsey", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0355", "content": "Title: From George Washington to d\u2019Estaing, 7 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Estaing, Charles-Hector Th\u00e9odat, comte d\u2019\nSir,\nPhiladelphia 7th September 1791.\nI have had the honor to receive your letter of the 30th of May by the hands of Monsieur de Ternant. and I beg you will be assured that I have a proper sense of the very polite and obliging manner in which you are pleased to express your personal regard for me.\nThe manner in which you speak of M. de Ternant is highly honorable to him\u2014and, from his talents, discretion, and proper views, united with the extensive information which he possesses, there is but little doubt of his rendering good services to both Countries.\nSuch is the state of your political affairs by our last accounts that further information must be received to enable us to form an opinion respecting them. But, in any event, the welfare of the french Nation cannot but be dear to this country; and that its\nhappiness may in the end be established on the most permanent and liberal foundation is the ardent wish of every true American, and of none more sincerely than of him who has the honor to be, with due consideration, Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0357", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nMy dear Sir.\nPhiladelphia September 8. 1791.\nI have heard of the death of your promising Son with great concern, and sincerely condole with you and Mrs Knox on the melancholy occasion.\nParental feelings are too much alive in the moment of these misfortunes to admit the consolations of religion or philosophy; but I am persuaded reason will call one or both of them to your aid as soon as the keenness of your anguish is abated.\nHe that gave you know has a right to take away\u2014his ways are wise\u2014they are inscrutable, and irresistable. I am ever Your sincere and affectionate friend\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0358", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Frances Ramadge, 9 September 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ramadge, Frances\nLetter not found: to Frances Ramadge, 9 Sept. 1791. The receiver\u2019s copy of Ramadge\u2019s letter of 22 Aug. to GW was docketed: \u201cAnsd 9 Sept.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0359", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to John Churchman, 10 September 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Churchman, John\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Septr 10th 1791\nI received your letter with its enclosure last evening, and agreeably to your request submitted them to the inspection of the President of the United States.\nThere has \u27e8been\u27e9 no other letter for you passed through the Presidents hands, except the one which you mention to have received.\nThe manuscripts, pamphlets & Charts which accompany this, were received by the President some weeks ago, by a vessel from Hamburg\u2014and as they treat of the subject of your Variation Chart &ca\u2014I send them to you by the Presidents order\u2014and wishing you such success in your pursuit as may render it useful to Mankind & beneficial to yourself\u2014I am, with due respect Yr most Obedt Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0361", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 10 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nPhiladelphia September 10. 1791\nThe lively interest which I take in your welfare, my dear Sir, keeps my mind in constant anxiety for your personal safety amidst the scenes in which you are perpetually engaged. Your letter of the 6th of June by Monsieur de Ternant gave me that pleasure which I receive from all your letters, which tell me that you are well\u2014But from the account you there gave it did not appear that you would be soon relieved from your arduous labours\u2014and from the information we have received of an important event which has taken place since that time it does not appear likely that the clouds which have long obscured your political horizon will be soon dispersed. As yet we are in suspense as to what may have been the consequences of this event\u2014and feeling, as we do in this country, a sincere regard for the french Nation, we are not a little anxious about them\u2014Opinions we are not able to form here, therefore none can be given on the subject\u2014But at any rate you may be assured, my dear Sir, that we do not view with indifference the happiness of so many millions.\nI am glad of M. de Ternant\u2019s appointment to this country; for I have a good opinion of his abilities, discretion, and proper views; and, as you observe, as he seems to belong to both Countries,\nthere is no doubt but this joined to the good information which he possesses of the relative and particular interests of both, will enable him to render as much service and be as acceptable to each as any man can be.\nI shall next week set off for Mount Vernon with Mrs Washington and the Children, where I shall, if possible, enjoy a few weeks of retirement before the meeting of Congress in the last of October. Indeed my presence there (as it will not at this time interfere with my public duties) is necessary for my interest, as George, your old Aid, has for some time past been too much indisposed to pay attention to my concerns, and is now over the mountains for his health\u2014the last account from him was favorable\u2014he had received benefit from his journey\u2014I sincerely wish, my dear Sir, that the affairs of your country were in such a train as would permit you to relax a little from the excessive fatigues to which you have of late been exposed\u2014and I cannot help looking forward with an anxious wish, and a lively hope to the time when peace and tranquillity will reign in your borders, under the sanction of a respectable government founded on the broad basis of liberality and the rights of man\u2014It must be so\u2014the great Ruler of events will not permit the happiness of so many millions to be destroyed\u2014and to his keeping I resign you, my dear Sir, with all that friendship, and affectionate attachment with which you know me to be yours &ca\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0362", "content": "Title: From George Washington to La Luzerne, 10 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: La Luzerne, Anne-C\u00e9sar, chevalier de\nSir,\nPhiladelphia, September 10th 1791\nIn acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 15 of May, which reached me but a few days ago, I cannot forbear to express the sensibility with which I receive those warm effusions of personal attachment and respectful remembrance which are contained in it. and at the same time I beg you will be assured that I reciprocate them with truth and sincerity.\nAs the happiness of the french Nation cannot be indifferent to the people of this country when we remember the aid which we received therefrom in an hour of distress, you will readily believe that we view with no small anxiety the troubles which, for some time past have agitated that kingdom\u2014and the suspense in which we are held as to what may be the consequence of a late important event which has taken place there, deprives us, in some measure, of the full enjoyment of those feelings, which would naturally result from a reflection on the prosperous situation of the United States\u2014But, however gloomy the face of things may at this time appear in France, yet we will not despair of seeing tranquillity again restored\u2014and we cannot help looking forward with a lively wish to the period when order shall be established by a government respectfully energetic, and founded on the broad basis of liberality, and the rights of man, which will make millions happy, and place your nation in the rank which she ought to hold.\nIn a tour which I made last spring through the southern States I confirmed by observation the accounts which we had all along received of the happy effects of the general government upon our agriculture, commerce, and industry\u2014The same effects pervade the middle and eastern States with the addition of vast progress in the most useful manufactures\u2014The complete restoration of our public credit holds us up in a high light abroad\u2014Thus it appears that the United States are making great progress towards national happiness, and if it is not attained here in as high a degree as human nature will admit of\nits going\u2014I think we may then conclude that political happiness is unattainable\u2014But at the same time we wish it not to be confined to this Country alone\u2014and, as it expands through the world, our enjoyments will expand with it\u2014and that you may find it in your nation, and realize it yourself is the sincere prayer of Sir, Your most obedient, humble Servant\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0363", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 10 September 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nLetter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 10 Sept. 1791. Randolph wrote to GW on Monday, 12 Sept., of \u201cyour communication to me on Saturday last.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0364", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tubeuf, 10 September 1791\nFrom: Tubeuf, Pierre-Fran\u00e7ois, sieur de\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nRichmond [Va.] 10th September 1791.\nOne of the advantages which I expected from a letter which M. the Marqs de la Fayette has remitted to me, in which he has recommended me to you, was to present it with my own hands, and to lay before you the plan of an enterprize which I am just about to undertake on the bordes of Clinch. A passage of 85 days from Havre de Grace to this place, longer by half than what I had calculated upon, does not leave me a moment to dispose of, and presses me to hasten to my distination, which is distant from hence more than 300 miles, in order that I may arrive there in season, to prepare a shelter against the severity of winter for 35 persons, whom I have engaged to proceed with me to form the establishment. With this view, I have purchased, upon the borders of Clinch, in the County of Russell 55,000 Acres of land, at the rate of nine livres Tournois per Acre, of which I am at this moment going to settle 5000 Acres, by eight families of my relations & friends, consisting of 13 masters & 22 domesticks & workmen. If my first establishment succeeds, in proportion to the facility & encouragement which the government of Virginia gives us, the honor which we shall gain will induce many other french Emigrants, more considerable than those here, to follow, who propose to join us in the ensuing spring, and I am just now\ngoing to dispose them to it. Deign, I beseech you, Sir, to favor my enterprize, guide me with your lights, and aid me with your Councils, by which I may render it useful & agreeable to the State. We carry with us all the means necessary to form our settlement.\nI beg permission, Sir, to come myself to render you an account of it, and to put into your hands the letter of M. the Marqs de la Fayette, as soon as it is possible for me to leave, for a few days, my little Colony without inquietude & without inconvenience. I am, with the most profound Respect Sir, Your very humble & Obed. Serv.\nde Tubeuf.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0365", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Carroll (of Carrollton), 11 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Carroll, Charles (of Carrollton)\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia September 11. 1791.\nI have been duly favored with your letter of the 6th instant.\nThe indisposition and consequent (unexpected) absence of my Nephew from Mount Vernon, to whom my concerns there are entrusted, will oblige me to visit that estate before the meeting of Congress.\nThursday I propose to leave this city, and on Sunday afternoon expect to arrive in Baltimore\u2014I shall come provided with 1172 \u2154 dollars for your use\u2014but must again take the liberty of calling your attention to the Decree of the High Court of Chancery in Virginia\u2014copy of which I transmitted to you in my last\u2014By this decree you will perceive that the surrendry of Clifton\u2019s bonds among which is one to Ignatius Digges \u201cin the penalty of \u00a31268.10.8 sterling, conditioned for the payment of \u00a3634.5/4 sterling and interest together with such counter-bonds as the Plaintiff entered into\u201d &ca &ca is made a condition of the payments.\nI do not know that Clifton\u2019s bond to Mr Digges is of much consequence to any of the Parties\u2014but, without the surrendry of these bonds, the Commissioners would not at the time\u2014nor could not legally have paid the several sums they did, agreeably to the decree under which they acted\u2014consequently, as I am now acting in the double capacity of Commissr and purchaser of the land, it behoves me to call in Clifton\u2019s bond to Mr Digges, as was the case with the others, or to require an indemnification against it.\nFor the general purpose of security against any claim from the Representatives of Mr Carroll and Mr Digges, it was that I meant to ask your indemnification, if there should by any difficulty in obtaining a releasement of the mortgage, or surrendry of the papers, as required by the decree.\nIf you could make it convenient to be in Baltimore on Sunday afternoon, I am persuaded every thing could then, or early on\nmonday morning, be settled without difficulty, and to our mutual satisfaction, being well convinced that both of us mean to do what is right\u2014I have mentioned Sunday afternoon because I shall leave Town early next morning. I do not intend to give Mrs Lee any trouble in this business. With very great regard and esteem, I am dear Sir, your most obedient, and affectionate, humble servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0366", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 12 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Morris, Gouverneur\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia September 12th 1791.\nYour letter of the 27th of may with its enclosures came duly to hand.\nDuring my absence on my late southern tour the proposals of Messrs Schweizer and Jeannerett, made their appearance here, as well through Mr Otto, Charg\u00e9 des Affaires of France, to the Secretary of State, as through Mr Short, to the Secretary of the Treasury\u2014In pursuance of certain arrangements, made previous to my departure, an answer was given\u2014which answer was in substance that it did not appear to be for the interest of the United States to accept those proposals.\nThe reasons which have been assigned to me as having dictated this answer are as follow.\nFirst, That the rate of interest to be stipulated in the new contract, as well upon the part of the debt which had not fallen due,\nas upon that which had fallen due was 5 \u214c cent. It was a question whether a contract stipulating such a rate of interest with regard to the first mentioned part of the debt was fairly within the meaning of that clause of the law which requires that the payment of it should be made upon \u201cterms advantageous to the United States\u201d, and while there was no reason to apprehend that it would be necessary to allow a higher interest than 5 \u214c cent on any loans, which might be made to discharge the arrears of principal and interest, it did not appear expedient to forego the chance of a lower rate.\n2nd The commission or premium of 5 \u214c ct demanded in the proposals is one \u214c ct more than is given upon the loans going on in Holland\u2014This would amount to a loss of one \u214c ct on the part, which the United States were bound immediately to pay; and in respect to that, which had not become due, would be an unnecessary sacrifice of 5 \u214c cent.\n3rd The immediate proposers are understood to be a House not of primary consequence themselves, and though they alledged, they did not prove, that they were supported by others who could be deemed Capitalists equal to the undertaking. From the difference of exchange between Holland and Paris they could afford sacrifices in the sale of the bonds of the United States; and if there was not great force of capital among those engaged in the undertaking, such sacrifices were to be expected\u2014A great quantity of bonds, thrown suddenly onto the market, by persons, who were pressed to raise money from them could not but have effects the most injurious to the credit of the U.S.\n4th Paris being the stipulated place of payment, if, from the state of exchange payments could be made there in gold and silver with a saving to the United States, there could be no good objection to profiting by the circumstance\u2014but this advantage, and more, even to the full extent of the depreciation of the Assignats, would be transferred by the proposed bargain to the undertakers.\n5th The single advantage which the proposals held out, of a prolonged period of reimbursement would be obtained of course by loans in the ordinary way\u2014and as to the effect of the measure upon loans for the redemption of the domestic debt,\nthis would be good or bad according as the undertakers might or not have occasion to bring the bonds of the United States to market.\nThe foregoing reasons appeared to me to have so much weight that I saw no ground for directing any alteration in what was done.\nIt appears in their letter to you that the Gentlemen in question are willing to wave the claim of premium or commisssion on the part of the debt not yet due; but this obviates only one of the objections which have been stated.\nYou observe also that they had given you proofs that persons of the first fortune were connected with them in the business\u2014They were deficient in not having given the like proof to Mr Short, whose enquiries had been directed to this object.\nThe observations you make concerning the views, which ought to govern the United States in their reimbursements to France are founded in propriety\u2014You may conclude that no unequitable advantage will be taken; and it is hoped that the measures now in execution will be more conducive to the real interests of that country than would have been an acceptance of the proposals of Messrs S. & J., who, it is presumable, founded their speculation chiefly upon the idea of availing themselves of the full benefit resulting from the depreciation of the Assignats.\nThanking you for the communication you have made me on the subject, I assure you that I do justice to the motives which dictated it.\nYour other letter of the 27. of May by Mr Ternant and that of the 8th of June from London, have both been received\u2014I am much pleased that you drew the balance only from Welch and Son\u2014The deficiency was paid to Wm Constable & Co. as soon as this circumstance was made known to Dear Sir, Your much obliged and most affecte hble Servt\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0367", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 12 September 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia September 12. 1791.\nIf the Foederal laws were ever so precise in censuring the conduct, to which you alluded in your communication to me on Saturday last, I should doubt, whether the source of your information is not too delicate to become the groundwork of a public act. Courts would be very reluctant in extracting testimony from the mouth of an associate, and perhaps the character of government demands, that while it will not suffer any violator of law, how distinguished soever in rank, to escape with impunity, it should not too suddenly seize, what in an unguarded moment may have been dropped.\nBut the law itself is, I fear defective. The two first attempts, having been abortive, cannot be treated as consummated offences; and even the third has not yet been matured into a strictly legal crime. In what shape the last may finally appear, is still a secret; and for this reason only, if no other existed, the executive would probably forbear to act at present. Its issue is so uncertain, that I should find it difficult now to give an opinion, were it required, adjusted to the various combinations of possible events.\nI beg leave, however, to lay before you the copy of a paper, which I prepared for the secretary of state, upon a subject, somewhat analogous to your inquiry. I have not thrown it into more form; because you expressed a wish, that the matter should not at this time be considered officially. When the secretary returned the paper to me, he said, that he was convinced, that nothing could be done, as the law now stands.\nCopy.\nThe question is, whether any punishment can be inflicted on persons, treating with the Indian tribes, within the limits of the United States, for lands, lying within those limits; the preemption of which is vested in the United States?\nThe constitution is the basis of f\u0153deral power.\nThis power, so far as the subject of Indians is concerned, relates\n1. To the regulation of commerce with the Indian tribes.\n2. To the exclusive right of making treaties.\n3. To the right of preemption in lands.\n1. Even if the act, supposed in the question, were really an infraction of the right to regulate commerce, there could be no penalty, unless the law prescribed it.\nAccordingly a law of the second session enters into such a case, but only forfeits the merchandize carried into the Indian country. No other law affects it.\n2. Without an existing law, no treaty, or compact made by an individual of our nation with the sovereign of another, and not partaking of a treasonable quality, is punishable.\nIt seems indeed to be an assumption of the sovereignty of the United States in this respect.\nBut the compact being in the name of an individual does virtually disclaim any assumption of public authority. If it be void, the United States cannot be deprived of their rights.\nIt may be indecent and impertinent for a citizen thus to behave. But where no law is, no crime is.\n3. As to the right of preemption.\nNo man has a right to purchase my land from my tenant.\nBut if he does purchase, I cannot sue him on the supposition of damages, arising from the mere act of purchase.\nNor could the United States sue the purchaser of the right of preemption, since the purchase itself is void, and their interest cannot be prejudiced by any purchase, which an individual can make.\nFar less would the purchaser be indictable.\nBut it undoubtedly is in the power of congress, to regulate commerce with the Indians in any manner to guard the right of making treaties, by forbidding the citizens to meddle under a penalty, and to provide a security to their preemption by passing adequate laws.\nUntil this shall be done, I conceive that this commerce is protected by no law, but the act abovementioned; that an interference in the article of treaties has no penalty, denounced against it; and that the f\u0153deral property, like that of individuals, must depend upon existing laws.\nIt may perhaps be proper, if the testimony be strong, to warn all persons by proclamation, that the rights of government will be inforced; and possibly a monitory message to the Indians might have a good effect.\n(signed) Edm: Randolph\nI have the honor, sir to be, with due respect yr mo. ob. serv.\nEdm: Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0368", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Anthony Wayne, 12 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Wayne, Anthony\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia, September 12th 1791\nYour letter of yesterday was presented to me this day\u2014but at a time when I was in conversation with a Gentleman on business.\nI embrace the first moment of leisure to acknowledge the receipt of it, and to add assurances of my belief that the account given by Mr Sheuber of his leaving the british service, and bringing letters to me whilst my quarters were at Rocky Hill is true.\nI have some recollection of the circumstance, but not enough to give a formal certificate to the fact.\nThe variety of occurrences, which, in those days, almost overwhelmed me\u2014The time which has elapsed since\u2014and an unwillingness to certify things that I am not positively sure of are my reasons for not complying with Mr Sheuber\u2019s request in a\nformal way; but if the sentiments, herein expressed, can be of service to him, I have no objection to his making use of them as coming from Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0369", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 14 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Clinton, George\nSir\n[Philadelphia] Sepr 14th [1791]\nYour letter of the 7th instant, with its inclosure, did not reach me \u2019till yesterday.\nThe intelligence, it communicates, is of a nature both serious and important. Indeed, the step it announces, as about to be taken by the British, would be one so extraordinary in every view, as to justify a question, whether the indications, which are alleged to have been given, have not rather proceeded from some indiscreet levity on the part of the officers alluded to, than\nfrom any real design of doing what appears to have been threatened. A little time however will explain the true state of the matter.\nYour Excellency need not I am persuaded be assured that, in connection with the more general considerations which are involved in the circumstance, I feel a due concern for any injury, inconvenience or dissatisfaction which may have arisen or may arise, in respect to the state of New York, or any part of its Inhabitants, in consequence of the detention of the posts, or the interferences, which may have grown out of it. Nor has the matter failed to receive from me the degree of attention to which it is intitled. Yet in a point of such vast magnitude as that of the preservation of the peace of the Union\u2014particularly in this still very early stage of our affairs, and at a period so little remote from a most exhausting and affecting, though successful war, the public welfare and safety evidently enjoin a conduct of circumspection, moderation and forbearance. And it is relied upon that the known good sense of the community ensures its approbation of such a conduct.\nThere are however bounds to the spirit of forbearance which ought not to be exceeded. Events may occur which may demand a departure from it. But if extremities are at any time to ensue, it is of the utmost consequence that they should be the result of a deliberate plan\u2014not of an accidental or hasty collision; and that they should appear both at home and abroad to have flowed either from a necessity which left no alternative, or from a combination of advantageous circumstances which left no doubt of the expediency of hazarding them.\nUnder the impression of this opinion, and supposing that the event which is apprehended should be realised, it is my desire, that no hostile measure be in the first instance attempted.\nWith a view nevertheless to such ultimate proceedings as the nature of the case may require, and that upon the ground of well authenticated facts, I have concluded to send a Gentleman to the spot\u2014who will be charged to ascertain and report to me whatever may take place; and with as much precision together with the general situation of the part of the Country immediately affected by the vicinity of the British Posts. An additional motive to this measure is the desire of obtaining information in reference to the establishment of the Custom House in the State of\nVermont; which is also connected with the position of those posts &c. I have the honor to be with due consideration & respt Your Excellys most Obedt Sert\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0371", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 16 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDr Sir,\nHead of Elk [Md.] 16th Septr 1791.\nWhilst I was in Wilmington waiting breakfast to day, I made the best enquiry time & circumstances would permit, for some fit character to fill the office lately held by Doctr Latimer. Several persons were mentioned, but the weight of information was in favor of one Andrew Barratt. He was spoken of by Mr Vining as a man of respectable character, of decision and temper. He now is, or lately has been high Sheriff of the county of Kent; & no man, it is said, could have discharged the duties of that Office better. Mr Bedford, though he had another person in view, (Majr Jacquet), accords in this opinion of Barratt. Doctor Latimer, whom I afterwards called upon, at New Port, for the purpose of enquiry, also speaks well of Barratt. He did indeed, before I mentioned the name of Barratt to him, say that he thought Majr Patten of Dover the best person that readily occurred to him for this office, but yielded a ready assent to the qualifications of Barratt. None knows whether he would, or would not accept the appointment. Among other things, urged in his favor by Mr Vining, are his living near the centre of the State\u2014amidst the Stills, and where the most discontent is said to be. To Mr Chew of Philada Mr Vining particularly appeals for the character of Mr Barratt.\nIf his testimony is in favor of this character, I think it will be an eligible appointment. A blank Commission, signed, has been left with Mr Lear for the Supervisor of the Delaware District.\nWith much esteem & regard I am Dear Sir, Your mo: obt Servant\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0372", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 16 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhilada 16th Septr 1791.\nI have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Mr Brown of Kentucke, to Genl Irvine, giving an account of some interesting particulars in the Western Country. Part of the letter, I have understood, has been forwarded to you, but not the whole. Genl Irvine is of opinion that the waters will be still so far practicable as to permit the progress of the Troops under Genl Butler; by the expedient of dragging the Boats in the shallowest places. With perfect respect &a &a\nA: Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0373", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 September 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar office [Philadelphia] Septr 16 1791\nGeneral Irwin has received a letter from Mr Brown of Kentuckey, via Richmond which renders General Wilkinsons success\nand return indisputable. The following is the extract \u201cDanville 22d Augt 1791. An express from Genl Wilkinson has this moment reached this place informing of his success. He has destroyed a large indian Town, situated on the forks of the Wabash, also a kickapoo Town containing about 30 houses, and has killed and taken 42 of the enemy. His loss 2 men killed and one wounded. I have not as yet heard where the express left him, but expect he has recrossed the Ohio before this time.\u201d\nAs it may be proper on receiving the official information to tender your thanks to Genl Wilkinson, and Corps, in the same manner as to Genl Scott, I shall take the liberty of doing it, unless you should please to direct otherwise.\nYesterday afternoon I received a letter from Genl St Clair of the 8th of August referring to one of the 3d of the same month by Capt. Mills which I have not yet received.\nHe complains that neither Genl Butler or the quarter Master had joined him, although it would seem that a Great part of his forces had.\nHe also complains that the contractors Agent had not at that period authority to procure the horses to transport the provisions, and that he had directed a former order of his own for the purchase of 800 horses to be carried into execution.\nHe mentions that upon reconsideration he shall take tents; That he shall not be able to move forward with the whole army until 1st Sept. but that he should move with the troops he had, the next day about 6 miles in advance, and there wait for Genl Butler. I have the honor to be with perfect respect Your Most Obedient Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0374", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Wall, 16 September 1791\nFrom: Wall, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNewport [R.I.] 16 Sept. 1791\nI have this Inst, learn\u2019d the Unwelcome & Melancholy tidings from the Cape where I have liv\u2019d near nine Years. My Acquaintance is general & intimate with not only the Citizens of that Town but throughout the Island therefore I need but say, to be believed that I feel the most sensible distress for their Shocking Situation\u2014I am told an Express has arriv\u2019d to you, praying your Assistance \u2014which none ever ask\u2019d in Vain. As the people of that Island possess my Affections, I am willing to share in Common with them their danger & offer my Services in any Capacity you may be pleas\u2019d to place me without a wish of any pecuniary reward\u2014I have serv\u2019d this, my Country, both by Land & Sea in respectable Stations\u2014I am personally Known to Mr Lear your Secretary who has been at my House in the Cape I am perfectly Acquainted with all the landing places about the Cape, the People their Manners & Language which leads me to believe I cou\u2019d be of Service\u2014should you be Convinced of this, I beg Sir you\u2019l Command me by a Line direct\u2019d to me at York to Care Henry Bowers Esqr. or to Providence to myself, & say, how I shall proceed be pleas\u2019d to pardon the incorrectness of this Scrawl as \u2019twas wrote in a hurry the Packet being on the Point of sailing. I am respectfully Sir Your Most Obt & Very Humble Servant\nS. Wall", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0375", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 18\u201319 September 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia September 18[\u201319]th 1791.\nThe Instructions, and other papers relating thereto, I returned to General Knox on Thursday forenoon. And immediately on my return home, after accompanying you out of town, I secured your room in a manner agreeable to your wishes, and took the key into my possession; so that before I had the pleasure of receiving Mr Dandridge\u2019s letter from Chester, the directions contained in it had been executed.\nColo. Hamilton called upon me on friday morning and shewed me letters from the Honle Edd Rutledge & General Pinckney on the subject of an Inspector for Survey No. 2 in So. Carolina, in place of John Cogdell who had resigned. These letters mention, that a Mr Benjn Cudworth had been employed in that Survey, by the Supervisor, since Mr Cogdell\u2019s resignation, and that he had given him hopes of obtaining the place. Under these circumstances these Gentlemen thought it would be best to appoint Cudworth to the office; tho\u2019 they acknowledged, that if he had not been employed & received assurances, they should not have brought him forward; but they thought it would be proper to employ him now, as otherwise, (being considered as rather a factious character) he might throw obsticles in the way of executing the law. Holding the office he wou\u2019d feel himself interested in the support of the system which gave it him, and would undoubtedly exercise his influence (which is said to be considerable in that quarter) to good effect. A Commission was accordingly filled with his name and delivered to Colo. Hamilton. Colo. Hamilton, at the same time, observed, that a Mr Brown had been mentioned to him as a proper person to succeed Mr Cogdell in the Collectorship of George Town; but he wished to get further information of his Character from some\ngentlemen belonging to Carolina before the appointment is made.\nThe Commission for the person who may be appointed Attorney for the Virginia District, has been delivered to the Attorney General agreeable to your direction.\nThere have been no arrivals from Europe since you left the City; but it is said there are several vessels in the River, among which is one or more from Europe. If so, they will probably be up in the course of the day, and in case they bring any later intelligence than we have received I will obtain it, if possible, before the mail closes in the morning, and transmit it with this letter.\nWe are much pleased that the weather has been so remarkably fine since you left us, and are in hopes that you will have had an agreeable Journey. Major Jackson is getting better and desires to be presented in terms of respect. The rest of the family are well. Mrs Lear unites with me in a respectful & affectionate remembrance to Mrs Washington & yourself\u2014love to the Children & best wishes to all friends. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect & attachment Sir, Your obliged & obedt Servt\nTobias Lear.\nMonday Morng Sept. 19th The Vessels which were said to be in the River have not got up.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0376", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 19 September 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar office [Philadelphia] 19th Septr 1791\nI have the honor to transmit a copy of a letter from Major Genl St Clair dated at Danville in Kentucky on the 23d ultimo, which is confirmative of Genl Wilkinsons success.\nI have not yet received Genl St Clairs prior letters of the 8th of August and the one from Lexington. I should presume his business at Kentucky was to make up what he might have deemed a deficiency of numbers.\nMajor Doughty was sent for by express, and he has arrived here, and will immediately set off for Lake Champlain. I have the honor to be sir with perfect respect Your humble Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0377", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Louis XVI, 19 September 1791\nFrom: Louis XVI (of France)\nTo: Washington, George\n[Paris, 19 September 1791]\nTranslation of the King of France\u2019s letter of Sep. 19. 1791 to the President.\nVery dear, great friends & allies. We make it our duty to inform you that we have accepted the Constitution which has been presented to us in the name of the nation, & according to which France will be henceforth governed. We do not doubt that you take an interest in an event so important to our kingdom & to us; & it is with real pleasure we take this occasion to renew to you assurances of the sincere friendship we bear you. Whereupon we pray god to have you, very dear, great friends & allies in his just & holy keeping. Written at Paris the 19th of September 1791. Your good friend & ally\nLouisMontmorin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0379", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 20 September 1791\nFrom: Pinckney, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nSeptember 20: 179\u27e81\u27e9 In Charleston [S.C.]\nI had the honour to write you lately by the Delaware since which an occasion makes it necessary for me to address you again, on the subject of the inclosed application to me from the general Assembly of St Domingo\u2014By these inclosures you will percieve the wretched & distressed situation in which these unhappy people are & I am afraid if not checked in time it is a flame which will extend to all the neighbouring islands, & may eventually prove not a very pleasing or agreeable example to the Southern States\u2014I have considered it in some measure my duty to transmit this application with my answer, which was the only one my situation would permit\u2014I believe it has been in the power of M: Polony to procure some shipments of Grain here, & every assistance which can be afforded by individuals no doubt will chearfully be given\u2014taking it for granted you have been particularly informed of their situation it is unnecessary for me to repeat it. The detail of the almost indiscriminate Slaughter of all the whites who had fallen into their hands\u2014The conflagration of the largest & most valuable Sugar Estates on the Island\u2014The general destruction of property, & a probable famine are particularly unpleasant to us who live in Countries where Slaves abound. No doubt some application has been made to you\u2014but unless it may be in the articles of arms & provisions I do not see what assistance can be given them by Congress\u2014besides, there is a difficulty arises in my mind which I will take the liberty of stating & which even if we had the means & authority in this State would make me very cautious how I acted\u2014it is this, that there is at present not an Union of Sentiment in the french Empire & although we all wish well to the efforts of the patriotic\nparty & hope that their exertions will terminate in the establishment of a free & judicious system, yet it is impossible to say at present what may be the consequence, or whether they may be obliged before it is settled to proceed to hostilities\u2014In any event, it must be the policy of this country to appear to favour no particular party or opinion\u2014Our connection is with France, under whatever Government they may establish nor would we wish to risque offending them unnecessarily, for I have always been of opinion that our connection with her has never yet been throughly understood or improved to those useful purposes it might\u2014in this situation I am therefor\u27e8e\u27e9 rather pleased than otherwise, that I have been officially obliged to give the kind of answer, which if I had possessed a competent authority to have interfered, I should certainly have been inclined to\u2014I shall ever be pleased to hear of Your welfare & to assure you that I am with the highest Esteem & Respect Dear Sir Yours Truly\nCharles Pinckney", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0380", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Lee Shippen, 20 September 1791\nFrom: Shippen, Thomas Lee\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia September 20. 1791.\nThis will be presented to you by Mr Jorre a gentleman of France who comes last from Ireland. He brought me some very warm letters of recommendation from Ireland, and particularly from the celebrated Mr Grattan, who requests it of me as a very particular favor that I would introduce him to you. Your absence from Philadelphia leaves me no other way but this, of complying with Mr Grattan\u2019s wishes, and I am sure you will forgive me for taking the liberty of introducing to you a French man who has made sacrifices in the cause of Liberty, and who comes to this Country so powerfully recommended. My correspondents speak of Mr Jorre as a gentleman of approved talents, integrity, and character, and extremely well acquainted with several of the modern languages and pledge themselves for his faithful performance of whatever he undertakes.\nI mention this to you Sir, as matter of information, in case he should make any application to you which might lead you to make enquiries about him.\nI pray you Sir to remember me very affectionately and Mrs Shippen likewise to Mrs Washington and to believe me when I in truth assure you, that no one respects you more highly, or is more truly sensible of his obligations to you, than Sir, your most devoted and obedient servant\nThos Lee Shippen", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0384", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 22 September 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia 22d Septr 1791.\nI have received a letter from the Minister of France, of which the inclosed is a copy. Having full authority from you in relation to payments to France, & there being funds out of which that which will constitute the succour: requested may with propriety be made; and being fully persuaded that in so urgent & calamitous a case, you will be pleased with a ready acquiescence in what is desired. I have not hesitated to answer the Minister that the sum he asks is at his command. With the most perfect respect and truest attachment, I have the honor to be Sir, Your Most Obedient & Most Hble Servant\nA: Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0385", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 September 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nWar Department [Philadelphia] 22d September 1791.\nThe Minister of France has written me a Letter of which the enclosed is a copy\u2014As this crisis of affairs is of the highest importance to the essential interests of France; and as it appears a singular opportunity for the United States, to manifest their zeal to repay in some degree the assistance afforded us during the perilous struggles of the late war, I have assured him of every aid in my department, which shall be authorized by you\u2014Accordingly I have instantly dispatched an Express, to receive your orders on the occasion.\nThe articles which are requested are in readiness, and may be spared from the Arsenal of West-Point, without any detriment to the public service\u2014excepting the Cartridge-boxes which are much damaged, but which however might answer in this exigency.\nIn order therefore to save time, I have also dispatched a person to West Point to have the Arms and stores prepared for sea transportation, and forwarded to New York\u2014but to wait your orders for the final delivery.\nAs the aid requested is for the exigent service of a nation, with which the United States are in close alliance, and from which they received the most eminent support during the late war, and being for the purpose of quelling an internal rebellion, no foreign nation can take umbrage at the measure; as it can be afforded without impediment or injury to the public service, and as all the stores in the Arsenals are under your direction as President of the United States and Commander in Chief, I feel but little hesitation in submitting as my opinion, that the circumstances of the case render it highly proper to afford the supples requested, and that your authority is competent to the occasion. I am Sir, With the highest respect Your most Obedient huml. servant\nH. Knoxsecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0386", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 September 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar Department [Philadelphia] 22d September 1791.\nI have the honor to submit a Copy of a Letter from General Wilkinson to General St Clair, containing the particulars of the expedition against L\u2019Anguille\u2014The result being thirty prisoners\u2014the destruction of the villages, and the consternation arising, from the demonstration of their being within our reach, must all tend to the great object the establishment of peace.\nI have also the honor to enclose the copy of a private letter shewing the desire of General Wilkinson, to enter into the military service of the United States\u2014and also the Letter of the Board in Kentucky.\nI have received a Letter from General Butler, dated on the 5th at Muskingum, in which he says, \u201cthat the water having risen three feet, will ensure them a passage to Fort Washington, by the 10th or 12\u27e8th\u27e9 at furthest, and that all the troops precede him.\u201d I have the honor to be Sir, With the highest Respect, Your most Obedt hume servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-08-02-0387", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Hugh O\u2019Connor, 22 September 1791\nFrom: O\u2019Connor, Hugh\nTo: Washington, George\nPlease your Excellency,\nPhiledelphia Septr 22nd 1791\nI hope youll Excuse the liberty I take in addressing you. I am a Native of Ireland and a Bror of mine Councellor John oConnor wrote to me last year a most flattering letter to come to America with my family. at the same time he Inclosed me a Contract he made with Coll Wm Deakeins Junr for 40000 Acres of his Lands Situate from 15 to 25 Miles from the head Navigation of the Patowmack River in Consequence of this Contract a friend of mine mr Charles oConnor and I: got upwards of thirty Gentlemen of Fortune some of which are the first Merchants in Dublin and the Cashier of the Bank of Waterford who all agreed for the purchase of the above tract of Lands provided they answered the Description set forth by mr Deakeins in his Contract, they Commissioned a mr Charles mcDermott and me to come out to regulate all preliminaries relative to this purchase. but my being obliged to waite to Dispose of my Lands in Ireland and having along family Consisting of a wife and seven Children wee could not be together. but on my Arrival here I was Informed that mr mcDermott Waited on mr Deakeins and his Answer was that he had no ground this Side of the Alleagany mountains. on which mr mcDermott went to Ireland before I arrived here without purchaseing any ground. however I have as much power as he had. if I could get a tract of land in any of the three States this Maryland or Virginia in a good Country Convenient to A Navigable River and Commercial Town I would purchase it and go to Ireland and leave my family here and I would bring out this Collony. I have been the principle Sufferer by mr Deakeins not abiding by his Contract, for my Voyage Cost me upwards of \u00a3200. and I was so provoked at the Disopointmt that I would return, but some friends of mine prevailed on me to\nWaite some time and Endeavour to make out a Clear plantation for myself. but I am quite at a loss for any friend that would find me Such a tract as I want. but from your great and Humane Character I take this liberty of Informing you of my Situation and hope you will honor me with an Answer directed for me to mr Cary the printer here\u2014I am with great respect your Excellency\u2019s most obedt Humble Servant\nHugh OConnor", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0001", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 23 September 1791\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nNew York 23d Septr 1791\nMy first Idea was to have made a Sketch of what, in my opinion would be proper on the occasion; but finding in the Progress of it, that my Information relative to the actual State of Affairs was not sufficiently particular, and in several Respects defective, it became necessary to confine myself to general Remarks.\nHow far the fiscal arrangements require amendments or additions, can best be ascertained by the Secretary. I recollect one Case which should be provided for vizt where Bribes are offered to Revenue Officers. It will rarely happen that the offer of a Bribe can be proved except by the man to whom it is offered; and if he be disqualified (by being interested in the Penalty) from giving Testimony, the offender must be acquitted. Auxiliary Provisions may in the Execution of other Parts of these Statutes have been found wanting\u2014This merits Inquiry. If amendments are contemplated, it may be proper to observe that as all new Institutions are liable to Defects which Experience only can discover, it may be useful to consider whether the Revenue Laws require any amendments to render them more competent to their Objects.\nWhether it is intended to bring forward any and what Plans for additional Supplies, I know not\u2014if it is, some general Ideas leading the Attention that way might be expedient\u2014if not\u2014perhaps it would be well to observe, that the existing Revenues being equal to the ordinary Exigencies of the nation, it will not be necessary to encrease them for any other Purpose than that of reducing the public Debt\u2014this Idea I think should be constantly held up.\nIf there should this Year be a Surplus of Revenue, the whole or part of which could be spared from domestic Objects; might it not be best to apply it towards discharging the french Debt; and to introduce the Recommendation by some Observations like these? vizt That the friendly Interposition & aids of the King and People of France had been highly conducive to the Establishmt of our Liberty & Independence; and therefore that they might with great Propriety expect from the U.S. every mark of\nAttention which their and our circumstances might render eligible\u2014that the cause of Liberty & good Governmt was the cause of all Mankind, and that the Exertions of the Citizens of France to introduce and establish those Blessings not only merited general approbation, but were particularly entitled to our best wishes for their Success\u2014that the U.S. could not better evince this friendly Disposition than by applying part of their Revenues towards paying the Debt due to France, at a Season when from the Derangements incident to Revolution it could not fail of being both acceptable and useful.\nIndian Affairs afford another Topic\u2014but on this Subject my Information is too limited to enable me to see things as they probably are\u2014but be they as they may\u2014it might answer a good Purpose occasionally to hint at the Justice and Policy of treating those Nations with Benevolence and constant Regard to good Faith.\nIf circumstances of Importance should make it proper to say any thing of the Territories under the immediate Governmt of the U.S. it would afford an Opportunity of recommending the Encouragemt of Schools, and the Policy of assisting the Settlers in making such Highways as might open and facilitate communications with the adjacent States.\nAs to foreign Affairs, I am inclined to think that at present little, if any thing should be said about them; unless some matters very interesting to the U.S. should have occurred. It is said that a minister from England may be expected\u2014he may or he may not come. The Disposition of that court towards us, cannot yet I believe be unequivocally ascertained. to be silent, and thereby to avoid either courting or irritating them, appears to me adviseable in the present moment.\nThe judicial System undoubtedly calls for Revision\u2014but I rather think it will be better to include it generally among those other of the Subjects heretofore recommended which it may be necessary again to mention, than to make any pointed Remarks respecting it.\nTo convey necessary Information, and to suggest useful Hints on the one Hand; and on the other so to do both as to cause as few Questions or Divisions as possible in framing the Addresses in answer, seems to be all that is requisite.\nAll things have their order. All that ought to be done cannot\nbe done at once\u2014Those therefore of the greatest present Importance should take the Lead, and the Rest be reserved for future Sessions.\nAs to public and private communications\u2014it strikes me that the former should contain only important & public Information, and in generals; and that Details, as well as Intelligence of a more secret nature, or of lesser Importance should be conveyed by Message.\nThe Census is a Subject about which much might, but little need be said, the observations pertinent to it being obvious\u2014I think that something should be said generally & cautiously (in the way of Information) of the Proceedings in the Business of the f\u0153deral District; and if necessary, Details may be communicated by Message.\nThus my dear Sir: I have committed to paper what passed in my mind relative to these Subjects, with that Freedom which your Friendship invites; and without that caution & Reserve which a Sense of your Judgment Experience & Discretion tends naturally to create.\nI regret the circumstance which called you to Mount Vernon, & hope the Recovery of your Nephew has relieved You from all anxieties on that a\u27e8cct\u27e9 I can perceive no Reasons which ought to restrain You from frequent Visits to it during the Recess of Congress\u2014it would conduce to your Health, and so far to the public Good\u2014besides, the Distance is not so great but that in the ordinary Course of things your Presence at Ph[iladelphi]a might at convenient Intervals be spared; for should any thing extraordinary occur, you might very soon be advised of it, and if necessary return.\nBe pleased to present my respectful Compliments to your Lady, and believe me to be with perfect Respect Esteem & Attachment Dear Sir Your obliged and obedt Servt\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0002", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 23 September 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,MOUNT VERNON, Septr. 23d. 1791.  Your letter of the 18th. with the Gazettes came duly to hand, and I wish you to forward the latter (such as were sent last) by Wednesday\u2019s and Friday\u2019s Post; in which case they will arrive in Alexandria, on Mondays and Fridays when I shall have a messenger at the Post-Office in readiness to receive them. Accompany the papers with occurrencies worthy of communication, if any there be uncontained in them.\nLet Mr. Page know that it shall depend upon his carriage\u2019s being at George Town by Noon, on Tuesday the 18th. of Octr. that I may be able to proceed Philadelphia-wards the same day. Mrs. Washington, the children and the servants, will be there in readiness for that purpose.\nFavored with fine weather we had a pleasant Journey home, and arrived safe on Tuesday last. Mrs Stuart and her family were all here and well, and join us in best wishes to you Mrs. Lear & Major Jackson. Sincerely & affectionately, I am Yrs.\nP.S. Christopher and the Black Smith got home before us. The latter is trying his hand at some Mill work for Evans, but I have had no apportunity yet of deciding upon his skill.\nPray measure the height of the walls of the house you are in, from the Cornice at the shingling of the roof to the pavement, and give it to me in the first letter you may write to me after the rect. of this.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0003", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Hartley, 24 September 1791\nFrom: Hartley, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nYork Town Pennsylvania Septr 24th 1791\nI considered myself as highly honoured by your favour of the 25th ult. and have taken all the pains in my power to give you the satisfaction you wish for.\nBeing soon oblidged to leave home for several weeks, I am somewhat pressed in time, but thought proper to write you the result of my Enquiries and Observations at this period, as I am sure you will be ready to make allowance for time and other circumstances.\nI cannot boast of Elegance of Style, but shall study to give you my ideas, founded as well, upon the Information I have received from others, as my own Experience and if any of my communications prove acceptable or usefull to you, I shall esteem myself highly regarded.\nYou were pleased to direct my Enquiries cheifly towards York and Franklin Counties in this State; I have accordingly done so, and beg leave in order to be better understood in my answers to divide York County into three districts, and call Franklin County the fourth district.\n1st District. York Valley beginning at the Susquehana at Wright[s] Ferry and running thro York County including York Town, McAlisters Town (alias Hanover) and Petersburg (alias Littlestown) to the Maryland Line near the latter Place. In length about 39 Miles in breadth from three to four Miles.\n2d Dist: The Lands lying on the right of that Valley adjoining the same and bounded by the River Susquehanna, the South Mountain and the Maryland Line.\n3d Dist. The Barrens of York including the Lands, on the South of York Valley to the Maryland Line.\n4th Dist. Franklin County\nAnswer to Query the 1st.\nThe Fee Simple price of farming Lands in the first District may be averaged at six pounds and fifteen Shillings the Acre[.] Dollars at seven shillings and six pence.\nYork Town lies 56 miles from Baltimore 45. from Rock Run 55. from Christiana Bridge and 89 Miles from the Philadelphia Market.\nMcAlisters Town is 18 Miles from York and 15 from Baltimore\u2014Petersburg is 7 Miles from McAlisters and 48 from Baltimore.\nThe Soil of this Valley is of the Limestone kind and is rather of a Rich Quality; when fresh it is generally covered with a black Mould; Some spots however are inclined to Gravel or Slate from the Intrusion of a few small Hills. The proportion of Meadow Ground to Arable Land may be as one to twelve: more than one half of the Arable Land is generally in Grass for pasture sown every third Year with red clover or timothy Seed.\nThe Settlements have been so rapid in this District since the Year 1740 and the plantations are so close as not to leave more than a fourth of wood\u2014The farms appear nearly all accommodated with running Springs. The inhabitants are mostly industrious and carefull. They are advancing by a steady pace and do not seem inclined to make many innovations upon the antient practice of Agriculture. Indeed they are already strong in property; their Buildings Stock and Cattle all shew it. The timber, Locust, Wallnut, Wild-cherry, Hickory, Black Oak White Oak &c.\nIn the second District the Fee Simple price of farming Land may be averaged at three pounds & ten shillings the Acre. The soil is generally of a reddish Colour and somtimes Mixt with Sand; we call it sand stone Land through the greater Part of the District. The State of Agriculture there is not so flourishing as in the first District; tho the Country is thickly Settled, and you find plantations among the highest hills. The proportion of Meadow to arable Land may be somewhat greater than in the first District. The Lands in many places naturally inclined to Grass; the Farmers here are not so careful of sowing grass seed in the fields as those in the first District. Timber Walnut, Black Oak White Oak Poplar Chesnut &c.\n3d District. This District is in general badly timbered and the\nsoil poor of the Gravelly or Slate kind and of a redish cast, often mixt with sand; Notwithstanding these disadvantages more than half the Barrens is under Cultivation. The wood composed of dwarf White Oak Chesnut &c. The price pr acre may be estimated at thirty five shillings. What is a little remarkable, the Inhabitants of this District have paid their taxes with more punctuality than most other parts of the state. Meadow Land as to arable may be as one to fifteen. Pasture Grounds little attended to.\nBefore I proceed to Franklin I would observe that The Great south Mountain (or blue ridge as it is called in Virginia) divides York from Franklin County, and is from 7 to 10 Miles in Breadth; a very small proportion of it can be cultivated.\n4th Dist. Franklin is a compact County including Cumberland Valley between the south and north Mountains for upwards of twenty five Miles, and part of the rich Settlement of Conecochegue and Antitem: few Situations in America can claim a superior Soil. It is nearly all Limestone Land. The Quantity of Meadow as to Arable Land may be counted in the same proportion as in the first district of York County: about one half of the improveable Land is cleared. The residue abounds in the largest Locust Walnut, Hickory and Oaks.\nThe County Town is Chambersburg distant 80 miles from Baltimore 90 miles from George Town and 24 miles from Potowmac River at Williamsport. Green Castle is a handsome Village situated 11 miles from Chambersburg nearer the Potowmac on the road to Williamsport and 75 from Baltimore and 79 from George Town. In several of the settlements lands bear a high price but when I came to average for the County I estimate the acre at four pounds.\nANSW. to Quer. 2d. Where you rent for Money you will seldom obtain More than four prCent Interest upon your purchase Money[.] The safest and most common mode is I beleive to lease on the Shares[.] Where the lands are good the Lessor furnishes the one half of the seed Grain and obtains from the tenant one half of the produce of the Grain & Emblements\u2014The Grain delivered in the Bushel, Hay &c. on the Farm. By this way of leasing we may have full six per Cent for the purchase Money or Value of the Lands. Plantations of inferior Quality are leased on the thirds, that is, the Lessor funds a third of the Seed (or Sometimes None) and obtains one third of the produce of Grain Hay &c.\nLands formerly were purchased and payment was to be made by instalments without Interest and the sums so Moderate that an industrious man could discharge them in the Course of ten Years few would lease when they might purchase so cheaply. The vast Quantity of back Lands induce a number to prefer actual purchase in a precarious Situation to leasing in the old Settlements. However the Descendants of the Germans are not as adventurous as some of their Neighbours[.] They seem attached to peaceable habitations and make the best tenants, real property with us seems to obtain a more fixed Value and cannot be had without an adequate price.\nAnswr to Quere 3d.\n            Yeild to the Acre calculated by the Bushel\n            IndianCorn\n            Buckwheat\n            Potatoes\n            1st District\nBeans and Peas are not raised in any great Quantity, but the soil is in general not unfavourable to their Culture.\nIn the first District they cheifly propogate Blue Grass and Clover and the same may be said of part of Franklin County in the residue of the District they depend on timothy Meadows. The former will yeild one Ton and a half to the Acre the latter two Tons\u2014The Blue Grass and Clover have a second Crop which goes to about two thirds of the first.\nThe Lucern Grass, I should incline to think would do well here chusing favourable Situations, but I imagine it has not been sufficiently regarded. Some English Grasses brought over by the first Settlers, also, suit the soil.\nMuch hemp might be raised in these Counties were there proper encouragement; the foreign Hemp gluts the Markets and there is not a sufficient protecting Duty to Spur the farmer to raise this usefull article.\nThe hemp lands would average Seven hundred weight to the Acre (that is what is called broken hemp) Hackled flax may be calculated at 100 wt to the Acre.\nI have endeavoured to average the productions and beleive I am rather under than over the true Quantity. In the fresh Lands or where they are Moderately manured, we may safely add one fouth more than I have p[u]t down; With European husbandry much would doubtless be effected, yet there are a few instances at York & Lancaster where between forty & fifty Bushels of Wheat have been raised to the Acre. Barley yeilds greatly in the fresh or manured Lands; but sufficient encouragement has not been given to raise it; The market for this Grain has been very fluctuating and Wheat has been sown its place.\nI estimated Potatoes perhaps too low for when there is only a reasonable care used we may speak of upwards of an hundred Bushels to the Acre but they are frequently carlessly planted and not sufficiently attended to. I have known less than one Acre produce upwards of four hundred Bushels.\nAnsw. to Que. 4th.\nThe towns I have mentioned in York and Franklin Counties carry on considerable trade and purchase the produce of the Country but much the greater part of the Wheat and flower is transported to the Baltimore Market by the farmer.\nUpon a review of Six years past (exclusive of the year 1790) I estimate the prices at the Towns in the Counties as follows\n            York County\n            Franklin County\n            Buckwheat\n            Indian Corn\n            Potatoes\n            Hackled Flax\nI have estimated the prices at the Country Market, you may allow a deduction of 4d the Bushel between the farm and the Market, the difference as to flax and hemp will be very small. The expence of Hauling Hay depends on the distance. You may have a waggon & 4 horses for a day in the Winter at 15/.\nAnswr 5 th.\n            York CountyPrices\u00a3.S.D\n            Franklin CountyPrices\u00a3.S.D.\n            Working Horse\n            Pair Working Oxen\n            Dunghill fowl\nAnswr the 6th.\n            York CountyPrices Per Lb.D.\n            Franklin CountyPrices pr LbD.\n            New Cheese\nAnswr 7th.\nThere is a very great Iron Market at York, You may estimate the ton of wrought Iron there \u00a328. and Iron of a similar Quality will command the same Sum at Chambersburg.\nAnswr 8th.\nI herewith I give you a list of taxes laid upon the County of York since the beginning of the revolution, but they are all nearly discharged and no new Land tax has been assessed by the State since the Establishment (or rather administration) of the General Government by the United States.\nPennsylvania has a considerable demand against the General Government and has a Surpluss revenue after paying all her debts, which is intended to be applied for the improvement of roads & navigation\u2014No land tax is expected to be levied by the State.\n            List of taxes laid upon York County by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania\n            For the Year\n            Continental Currency which in the Year 1781 depreciated to 150 for one in this State and finally would not circulate\u00a3.S.D.\n            State paper Money\u00a3.S.D.\n            Specie Gold or Silver\u00a3.S.D.\nDuring the war there were a few instances where some additional Taxes were laid upon Non Jurors or Non Associators in the Militia[.] A Rate of six pence in the pound upon personal property will in general be more than sufficient to pay the County Tax. The road and poor Tax will not come so high. By the laws of the union we pay a duty upon foreign importations and an excise on Wine and spirits of all kinds. \u201cHe that drinks must pay.[\u201d]\nFranklin County may be nearly in the same Condition as to taxes. From the foregoing Statement, it must appear that this Country from Climate, Soil & Situation is favourable to Agriculture. The hand of Industry, with a good System is only wanting to bring it to perfection. I imagine that if our farmers were to cultivate fewer acres and attend them well, they would succeed better[.] a greater regard should be had to the collecting proper Manure[.] I have given you my sentiments respecting the two counties and shall be ready during the Winter to grant any\nfurther assistance in my power and am with the greatest respect Your most Obedient and most humble servant\nThos Hartley\nP.S. My Copier has been rather incorrect but I could do us better now.\nT.H.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0004", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 24 September 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar Department [Philadelphia], 24th September, 1791.\nI have the honor to inform you, that since my last I have received several Letters from Major General St Clair, up to the\n29th of the last month. He complains heavily that neither General Butler or the Quarter master had joined him, and seems to be apprehensive that the state of the river would prevent their arrival altogether.\nUnder this impression, he has called upon the County Lieutenants to meet him the 3d of September, in order to obtain from them as many militia, as he might require\u2014He was induced to this measure from the advice of Judge Innes, and others, in order to persuade the Lieutenants to a measure, which it seems they would enter with an order from the Governor of Virginia, which they had not received\u2014I wrote to the Governor of Virginia by your authority, on the 15th of July, requesting him to instruct the County Lieutenants of Kentucky, that in case General St Clair should call for militia, that there should be no obstruction\u2014He answered on the 4th of August \u201cthat he had embraced the first opportunity to instruct General Scott, to use every exertion to ensure them of ample compliance with the requisition of the General of the federal troops, for militia.\u201d\nBut I flatter myself that he will not think proper to require and militia, excepting perhaps two or three hundred mounted Volunteers. As it will appear from the enclosed statement of troops, taken from the muster rolls, that deducting for sick and desertions, he will have on the 10th of this month, above Two thousand effectives, regulars and Levies, besides making an allowance of nearly Four hundred for non effectives.\nThe horses for the Quarter master\u2019s Department, for transporting the provisions, and for the Artillery were provided, and the Artillery and ammunition for the Infantry were in readiness, and the troops which had assembled on the 15th of August, had on that day moved forwards to the crossing of the Miami, and reached the first post of communication\u2014Genl St Clair is apprehensive that what Genl Butler calls his last detachment, will not arrive in season, but that he shall not wait for it\u2014If the enemy means to make proposals for peace, it is not likely to happen until the army is in motion, I believe they will give us credit for numbers sufficient to the end.\nIt may be fairly concluded, that as every thing was in readiness but the rear guard, that Genl St Clair would move to the first post of Communication without it, about Thirty five miles; and that\nGenl Butler would join him there about the 12th instant. I have the honor to be With the highest respect Your most Obedient hume servant\nH. Knox\nP. S. I have omitted to state that Genl St Clair mentions it as his opinion that the two successful Volunteer expeditions will entirely detach the Wabash Indians from the hostile Indians, and that three hundred of them men, women and children, had put themselves under the protection of the United States not far from Post Vincennes.\nH.K.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0005", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Ternant, 24 September 1791\nFrom: Ternant, Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nMount Vernon Sepr 24th 1791.\nI have not delayed a momt since the receipt of your communications of the 22d instant, in dispatching orders to the Secretary of the Treasury to furnish the money, and to the Secretary of War to deliver the arms and ammunition, which you have applied to me for.\nSincerely regretting, as I do, the cause which has given rise to this application, I am happy in the opportunity of testifying how well disposed the United States are to render every aid in their power to our good friends and Allies the \u27e8French\u27e9 to quell \u201cthe alarming insur\u27e8rec\u27e9tion of the Negros in Hispaniola\u201d \u27e8and\u27e9 of the ready disposition to effect \u27e8it,\u27e9 of the Executive authority thereof.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0007", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Brent, 25 September 1791\nFrom: Brent, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nDudington Pasture Mary Land 25th Sepr 1791\nIt having been my lott to inherit nothing from the estate of my Ancestors; and finding the perils and uncertainties of the merchantile business, in which I was bred, enough to deter those from its persuit, who possessed ample capitals You will not be surprised at one, who did not possess that necessary advantage, declining its persuit.\nIn order to secure a future independance I have been advised by my friends to present myself as a candidate, for some one of the offices which now is, or hereafter may arrise, under the Government over which you preside\u2014And I now do it with peculiar diffidence\u2014both from a persuasion that such applications are\nso frequent that they have become troublesome to you, and from a diffidence in my own talents-In making this application, the most I can promise myself for the present, is to have the honor of my name ranked in your list of applicants for office\u2014and if at a future day offices should arrise, or vacancies happen, on casting your eyes over that list you should behold in me, merit & talents (if any) equal to others who apply\u2014I feel a confidence from your impartiallity that my cause, notwithstanding, I may not have been so early on your list as others, will be equally favoured.\nI have now only to beg pardon for this intrusion on your time, and to assure you, that whatever my fortune may be it shall not tend in the smallest degree, to diminish the high respect I have allways had for your person, nor shall it decrease my Zeal as a citizen for the Government in which I have the happiness to live. With sentiments of All due respect I have the honor to be Sir your Mo. Obt servt\nRobert Brent", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0008", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 25 September 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia September 25th 1791.\nMr Dandridge\u2019s letter of the 21st gave us the pleasing information of your safe arrival at Mount Vernon on Tuesday last. Mr Page assures me his carriage shall be at George town on the evening of the 17th, or early in the day of the 18th of next month.\nMr Fisher called on me on thursday evening, and informed me, that it was determined your rent should be considered as commencing on the first day of October 1790\u2014the amound five hundred pounds currency\u2014and the payment to be made\ninto the hands of th[e] Treasurer of the Corporation. This I shall execute on the first day of October ensuing. The reason for commencing the rent on the day above mentioned (which is 16 days sooner than you occupied the house) is, that Mr Morris began to remove about the middle of September, and altho\u2019 he did not quit the house till the 15th of October; yet being in an unsettled state on account of removing, for that space of time, it was thought proper that rent should be allowed for part of that time. I told Mr Fisher I was sure you would be perfectly satisfied with this arrangement, and that I should make the payment accordingly. He then took occasion to introduce the subject of building a House for the President of the United States\u2014and observed that he had that day attended the debates of the Senate, when this matter was again brought up; and a Gentleman, (Mr Smilie I understood him) said, that you had not only expressed a disapprobation of building a house, but had given it as your opinion that the Legislature would expend their money very foolishly if they did it. I asked Mr Fisher if Mr Powel was present at that time. He said he was, but made no reply to this observation of Mr Smilie\u2019s. I then told Mr Fisher the conversation wch I had had with Mr Powel on the subject\u2014and in order to prevent any misapprehension or misconstruction of what I had expressed to him, I had afterwards communicated in a letter to him what you had observed to me respecting the matter. Mr Fisher requested to see a copy of the letter, which I shewed him. He observed that the contents of that letter corresponded exactly with what I had related to him when he made some inquiries respecting your present accommodations\u2014building a house &ca.\u2014But was very far from warranting any thing like the observation which fell from Mr Smilie. Mr Fisher beged if there was no impropriety in the thing, that he might have a copy of the letter which I had written to Mr Powel. As I saw no objection to granting his request, I sent him a copy the next morning. Mr Fisher further remarked on the observation of Mr Smilie, that every one who heard it was struck with the improbability of such an opinion having ever been expressed by you, and concluded, therefore, that he must have given it out to answer his own ends & defeat the bill. Upon revolving the matter in my mind after Mr Fisher\u2019s departure, it struck me as very strange that Mr Powel should have suffered Mr Smilie\u2019s observation to\nhave passed unnoticed, when he had it so completely in his power to contradict it with propriety. I could put no other construction upon it than this\u2014that if the observation of your having expressed an opinion, that the Legislature would expend their money very foolishly in building a house, was disbeleived, it might lead to a disbelief of your having expressed anything with respect to your present accommodations &ca.\u2014and if Mr P. had contradicted it by saying what sentiments you had expressed on the subject, it would have then brought clearly to view, what a party have anxiously endeavoured to keep out of sight.\nIn the course of conversation with Mr Fisher he made a remark\u2014or rather gave me a piece of information which I was a little surprized at his communicating to me, altho\u2019 he observed that it was done in confidence. But he came in here from Mr Morris\u2019s, where he had been dining with a large company, and did not appear much guarded in his conversation. The information was that the principal view which the citizens of Philadelphia & those who advocated their measure, had in erecting a house for the President of the United States, was to obtain such a building, the property of the State, in the city of Philadelphia, as might at some time or other, serve to accommodate the Governor of the State, and be a strong inducement for continuing the seat of the State Government in Philadelphia, if attempts should be made (of which there was little doubt) to remove it to some other place\u2014and that the only prospect which they had of accomplishing this, was to do it by erecting a house for the accommodation of the President of the United States\u2014or rather for General Washington; for he did not beleive, putting you personally out of the case, that it would be possible to obtain a vote of the Legislature for building a House for the President of the United States. The friends of the measure were therefore under a kind of necessity of resting the matter much on your accommodation. I told Mr Fisher I did not know how this might strike you, if it should come to your knowledge; but it appeared to me that altho\u2019 it might be expressive of great personal respect towards you, to build a house for your accommodation, when it would not be done for any other President, yet I did not conceive it was paying you any great compliment on the part of those who wished it built to answer their local purposes; and that if any respect was shewn to you on the occasion, it would certainly be most strongly\nmarked on the part of those who might vote for it from pure motives of personal respect, independent of any other views. I did not tell Mr Fisher that I should communicate this to you, but I am sure he had no right to expect that I should conceal it from you. The confidence in which he communicated it seemed only to extend to the party which would be opposed to building it with a view to keeping the seat of the State Government here; for he observed, that if they should obtain a knowledge of this view, no consideration whatever would induce a man of them to vote for a house to accommodate the President.\nIt is with reluctance, Sir, that I give you the trouble of reading the teadious detail of this matter; but as the circumstances of the case seem to have drawn me unavoidably thus far in the business, I have thought it a point of duty in me to communicate to you every particular that has come to my knowledge respecting it.\nThe University and the College in this place have petitioned the Assembly to have the two seminaries incorporated in one, and a bill is now before the Legislature for that purpose, which will be carried into effect. By a judicious management after this junction, a very eligible and useful seminary may be formed. It is said that Dr Smith will receive a consideration and quit the Presidency; which will be bestowed on Dr Ewing\u2014And it is further said, that Dr Smith is already making interest to be put in nomination for the Senatorship to Congress and should he be unsuccessful in this attempt, that he will offer himself a candidate for Representative to Congress in some district of the State; for that he seems bent on entering into political life. As these things, however, are mere report I can only give them as such.\nAn event has taken place in the family which will be painful to John the Coachman. His child died yesterday noon. It was taken with convulsion fits about 7 O\u2019clock on friday evening, when the Doctor was called, and every thing done that could afford a prospect of relief to the Child; but every effort was vain. It continued in the convulsed state \u2019till about one o\u2019clock yesterday noon, when it expired. This is a disorder said to prevail much among children of that age, at this season, in the city. The rest of the family are well.\nNothing important of a public nature has transpired since I had the honor of writing to you on the 21st inst. except the pleasing intelligence of the state of things in France, mentioned in\nthe paper of last evening\u2014brought by Mr Barrett Consul at Rouen. It was reported last evening that the troubles in Hispaniola, occasioned by the insurrection of the Negroes, had subsided. But as I could not learn how the information came\u2014nor any particulars of it, there is reason to doubt the fact\u2014and more especially as the accounts of the insurrection were of too serious a complexion to expect so speedy a termination of their troubles.\nIn expressing my dutiful respects to Mrs Washington & youself\u2014love to the Children and best wishes to the family I am sincerely joined by Mrs Lear\u27e8.\u27e9 Major Jackson likewise desires his best respects may be presented. I have the honor to be with sentiments of sincere respect gratitude & attachment Sir, Your Obliged & Obedt Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0010", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 27 September 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia September 27th 1791\nBy the Post of this day I have been honored with your letter of the 23d instant; and agreeably to the directions therein contained, I shall transmit the papers, and write by every Wednesday\u2019s and friday\u2019s post, as well as monday\u2019s.\nIn my last I mentioned Mr Page\u2019s promise to have his carriage in George Town either on the evening of the 17th, or early in the day of the 18th of October.\nI have measured the walls of the house, in conformity to your desire\u2014and find them to be in the front of the house, forty one feet six inches\u2014and back, thirty nine feet six inches\u2014the difference owing to the ground being higher in the Yard than in the Street; so that forty feet may be considered as the true hight.\nThe mensuration was taken by a piece of line\u2014one end of which was held up to the edge of the cornice, directly under the ends of the Shingles which project at the eaves\u2014and falling to the pavement was drawn tolerably tight by a person beneath, and cut off at the point which touched the pavement. The line was then extended horizontally, and held by a person at each end with the same degree of tension that it was drawn down from the eaves with. In this state I measured it myself\u2014and found the hight of the front & back walls to be as before stated.\nTwo vessels have arrived here this day\u2014one from London, and the Other from Bristol\u2014They bring accounts down to the 9th of August\u2014all of which, that are of any importance, so far as I can learn, are contained in the enclosed papers. We have no other intelligence from the West Indies than what is likewise to be found in these papers.\nThe marriage of Colo. Lawrence & Mrs Allen is at length avowed by the parties\u2014and this week She received her Company in form. Colo. L. has brought all his Children from New York to live with him, and the Misses Allens have taken up their residence with their Grand mother.\nA Mr Hammond is said (and there seems to be but little doubt of the fact) to be appointed Minister to this Country by the Court of Great Britain.\nMr Campbell, who has been spoken of as the minister elect from Denmark to this Country, has purchased the house of Hunters occupied by Mr Smith, and has, I am informed, given out, that he expects to occupy it shortly in his proper Character. But yesterday I heard it mentioned, as coming from him, that he did not now expect to appear in the principal diplomatic Character from Denmark\u2014Another person, whose name I did not learn, (a Danish Count) it was said would be sent as principal\u2014and Campbell expected a secondary place.\nThe family are all well\u2014Mrs Lear & Major Jackson unite with me in offering best respects to Mrs Washington\u2014yourself\u2014Mrs Stuart & Mrs F. Washington\u2014love to the Children & kindest regards to Major Washington & Mr Dandridge. I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of respect, gratitude & attachment, Sir, Your obliged & Obedt Sert\nTobias Lear.\nP.S. I saw Colo. Lowrey this forenoon, who informed me that not having an opportunity of sending the mar\u27e8e\u27e9 which he promised you, before your departure for Mount Vernon, he has declined doing it since from an idea that there might be no persons here who would take proper care of her\u2014and wishing she might be put into the hands of John the Coachman to manage in the first instance, as he knows of his skill in training h\u27e8orses\u27e9\u2014But he shall not fail to send her about the time of your return to this place.\nT.L.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0012", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 30 September 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nParis 30 September 1791\nMr Short has delivered to me within these few Days your favor of the twenty eighth of July. I cannot express to you what I felt on reading it. The View which it gives of our prosperity as a Nation swelled my Bosom with Emotions which none can know but those who have experienced them. The wonderful Change which has been effected in our Affairs by the Operation of the general Government has exceeded the predictions of its warmest friends. How great a Source of Joy is this to those who\nhave been at all instrumental in its formation and Establishment, those especially to whom providence in his Bounty has imparted a sincere Affection for their fellow Men. Yes my dear Sir, Man is not meerly a selfish nor a material Being & I attest your Heart to witness that Truth from the Conviction of it\u2019s own feelings.\nThe King has at length, as you will have seen, accepted the new Constitution and been in Consequence liberated from his Arrest. It is a general and almost universal Conviction that this Constitution is inexecutable. The Makers, to a Man, condemn it. Judge what must be the Opinion of others. Mr Short will doubtless forward all the public Documents respecting it, and therefore I shall not trouble you with any of them. His Majesty is to go in about an Hour hence to close the Session of the national Assembly and then to leave the field to their Successors. His present Business is to make himself popular; indeed his Life and Crown depend upon it, for the Constitution is such that he must soon be more or less than he is at present, and fortunately he begins to think so, but unfortunately his Advisors have neither the Sense nor the Spirit which the Occasion calls for. The new Assembly as far as can at present be determined is deeply imbued with republican or rather democratical Principles. The Southern Part of the Kingdom is in the same Disposition. The northern is ecclesiastical in its Temper. The eastern is attached to Germany and would gladly be reunited to the Empire. Normandy is aristocratical and so is a Part of Brittainy. The interior Part of the Kingdom is monarchical. This Map is (you may rely on it) just, for it is the Result of great and expensive Investigation made by Government; And I think you will be able by the Help of it and of the few Observations which precede it, fully to understand many things which would not otherwise perhaps be so easily unriddled. You doubtless recollect that the now-expiring Assembly was convened to arrange the finances, and you will perhaps be surprized to learn that after consuming Church Property to the Amount of one hundred Millions Sterling they leave their Department much worse than they found it. Such however is the fact, and the Chance now is (in my opinion) rather for than against a Bankruptcy.\nThe Aristocrats who are gone and going in great Numbers to join the Refugee Princes beleive seriously in a Coalition of the\nPowers of Europe to reinstate their Sovereign in his antient Authorities, but I beleive they are very much mistaken. Nothing of Consequence can be attempted this Year and many things may happen before the Month of June next, were the several Potentates in earnest. I am led to imagine that their Views are very different from those which are now assigned to them, and it is very far from impossible that the Attempt (if any) will so far as France is concerned be confined to a Dismemberment. The weak Side of this Kingdom as Matters now Stand is Flanders, but were the Provinces of Alsace Lorraine French Flanders, and artois rent away the Capital would be constantly exposed to the Visits of an Enemy. Those Provinces were you know acquired at an immense Expence of Blood and Treasure and if Louis the fourteenth could have succeeded in making the Rhine his Boundary, from Switzerland to the Ocean, he would have obtained the Advantages almost of an insular Position. Indeed it is difficult to abstain from the Wish that the Countries included within that Boundary were united under a free efficient Government, since it would in all human Probability be the Means of dispersing the Blessings of Freedom in no distant Period to all Europe. But on this Subject it is now permitted to a rational Being to form rather Wishes than Hopes, much less Expectations. I will inclose herein a Note just now received of the latest Intelligence from Coblentz it is written by the Prince de Conde to his confidential Friend here and is accompanied by the Request that all french Gentlemen capable of actual Service will immediately repair to the Standard of Royalty beyond the Rhine or rather on the Banks of that River. To the Troops mentioned in this Note are added by the Counter Revolutionists here 15000 Hessians and 16000 French Refugees So that exclusively of what the Emperor may bring forward they muster an Army on paper of 100000 Men. The Emperor has about 50000 Men in the low Countries. But all these Appearances and the proposed Congress of Embassadors at Aix la Chapelle do not in the least change my opinion that nothing serious will be attempted this Year of our Lord.\nMr de Montmorin has resigned and the Count de Moustiers is named as his Successor, but whether he will accept seems to be very doubtful. He is now at Berlin, and as he is an intimate of Monsieur de Calonne, who is one main Spring of the Counter\nRevolution he is I presume in the Secret of what may be really in Agitation. This on one Side, and on the other an Office the Power and Authority of which is just nothing at all; for you will observe that by the new Constitution every Treaty and Convention whatsoever must be submitted to the Investigation of the Assembly to be by them accepted or rejected.\nYou will have seen I suppose, ere this arrives, what has been done here respecting the Colonies. It is supposed that they will be perfectly satisfied because their internal Legislation is left to themselves; but I much doubt of this, for their Commerce, which involves their Existence, is left entirely at the Mercy of the Assembly which will not be over attentive to their Interests when they fall into Competition with those of the Mother Country, or rather of the Merchants of that Country. I send out to Mr Morris a Bundle of Pamphlets written here by a Mr de Cormer\u00e9 according to Hints and Observations which I furnished to him. Mr Morris will give you one, and you will see that it was calculated to produce a liberal System of Colonial Government beneficial to them and to us. In Order to bring it about, it was proposed that Commissioners should be sent out with full Powers to treat with the Colonial Assemblies, And could that have been carried this Pamphlet would have been the Ground Work of the Instructions to the Commissioners. The Proposition was rejected; but as it is more than probable that the Colonies will have had a full Taste of the Sweets of free trade before the Troubles are composed, and as they will have learnt that Fear can produce what Reason could not I do expect that at length this Government must come into some such Measure, and thereby not only the Stumbling Block will be taken out of the Way to useful Treaty between France and the United States, but at the same Time and by the same Means the Road will be laid open for solid Connection with Great Britain. In all Cases We have this Consolation, that if the Powers of Europe by their excluding Principles deprive us of the needful Vent for our Produce, which becomes daily more and more abundant; We shall from the Cheapness of living and of raw Materials which result from that Circumstance make great and rapid Progress in useful Manufactures. This alone is wanting to compleat our Independence. We shall then be as it were a World by ourselves, and far from the\nJaws and Wars of Europe, their various Revolutions will serve merely to instruct and amuse. Like the roaring of a tempestuous Sea, which at a certain Distance becomes a pleasing Sound. Farewell my dear Sir, may you be well and happy is the sincere Wish of yours\nGouvr Morris", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0014", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 October 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nWar Department [Philadelphia], 1st October 1791.\nYesterday I received a Letter from Major General St Clair, dated at Lexington in Kentucky the 4th ultimo. He had repaired to that place in order to meet the County Lieutenants of the district, for the purpose of obtaining such a number of militia as he judged would be necessary to enable the Army to accomplish the objects which had been directed. He agreed with the County Lieutenants, that Eleven hundred and fifty non-commissioned and privates should be drafted, although he says he neither expects or desires more than Seven hundred and fifty\u2014They are to be at Fort Washington on the 25 ultimo\u2014He, upon a full consideration and consultation with the County Lieutenants, decided that the Militia to be called out should not be Volunteers but to act as Infantry, and to serve for three months if necessary\u2014The County Lieutenants were unanimous and cordial in their promises.\nIn the mean time he had ordered the first division of the troops already assembled at and near Fort Washington, to move to the Miami river on the 2d ulto\u2014about 35 miles from Fort Washington\u2014and Colonel Darke with the second division to follow as soon as possible\u2014This would be the first post of communication\u2014and as soon as it should be finished, which he expects will be in ten days after its commencement, he would move forward to establish a second post, and there he shall expect to be joined by Genl Butler and the Militia from Kentucky\u2014He seems to think it imprudent to move farther than a second, until his whole force should be collected.\nHe supposes from his information, that it is possible to assemble twelve or fifteen hundred hostile Indians\u2014but, that they cannot subsist long together, as the country is very far from being stocked with Game.\nI am persuaded that General Butler must have joined with the rear about the 12th Ulto.\nGeneral St Clair, says\u2014\u201cI beg you to assure the President, that nothing can exceed the anxiety I feel to have the operations of the Campaign begun, and it is a point on which, for some time past, I have been uneasy to a great degree\u2014to forward the preparations nothing has been left undone early and late, with the few men under my command.\u201d\nIndeed, judging from the very full communications of General St Clair, which I have forborne troubling you with at present in the detail, it would appear that he has exerted himself in the highest degree\u2014The distance of his second post will be probably about 70 miles from Fort Washington, and about 50 from the Miami Village. He will have all his regular force before he leaves his first post of communication\u2014and it will probably be superior to all possible combinations which may be brought against him.\nBut although his regular force may appear to be sufficient at this distance, yet confiding in his judgment, his call of the Militia will, in all human probability give the greatest certainty to his operations, and which I flatter myself will be entirely efficacious and honorable to the government.\nHad the operations commenced two months earlier, it would have been more comfortable to the troops, and have given greater time to have improved all advantages\u2014But the extensive field from which the troops have been collected, the lowness of waters on the Ohio, and the tedious delays of some of the Agents in the business, have rendered an earlier Campaign impracticable. I have the honor to be With the highest respect Sir, Your most Obedient hume servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0015", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Moultrie, 1 October 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Moultrie, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Alexander Moultrie, 1 Oct. 1791. GW wrote Moultrie on 7 Nov., acknowledging \u201cYour letter of the 1st of October.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0016", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 1 October 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 1 Oct. 1791. On 10 Oct. GW informed Randolph: \u201cI received your communications of the 1st instant.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0017", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Dandridge, 2 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Dandridge, John\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon October 2. 1791.\nYour letter of the 6th ultimo found me at this place\u2014but not until it had travelled to Philadelphia and back again.\nAs I never entertained a suspicion of your having any intention to impose upon me by a misrepresentation of the assets of your Father\u2019s estate\u2014So you and your good Mother may rest assured that I have no disposition to contribute to her distresses by withdrawing from her the use of those negroes which were purchased on my account (under the friendly judgment which had been obtained at your desire in my behalf) and left in her possession\u2014When I want the negroes she shall have such timely notice of it as will prevent inconvenience.\nAll I require at present is that the property in them may stand upon such clear and unequivocal ground as to admit of no dispute hereafter.\nYour Aunt and all the family (except my nephew Major Washington) are well, and join me in every good wish for yourself and Mother, and the rest of the family. With great esteem and sincere regard, I am dear Sir, your &ca\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0018", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 2 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir,\nMount Vernon 2d Octor 1791.\nYour letter of the 24th ulto, (enclosing a letter from Govr St Clair, and sundry papers relating to the subject of the settlements which have been made under purchases from Judge Symmes) I have duly received. The Secretary of State, as well as I recollect, has already written to both Govr. St Clair & Judge Symmes on this subject; but whether he has or has not, it can make no material difference to let the matter rest until my return to Philada when I shall pay the necessary attention to it. I am, Sir, Yr most hble Servt\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0019", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nSir,\nMount Vernon 2d Oct. [17]91.\nNothing at present occurs to me of which I have to inform you, except that since the rect of your letter of the 22d ulto respecting the situation of affairs in the French Island of Hispaniola\u2014your other letter of the 22d & that of the 24th of the same month, one giving an Accot of the Expedition under Gl Wilkinson\u2014the other enclosing a Statemt of the Troops now on our frontiers, having been duly received.\nI hope however, that all papers, in your Departt, respecting the Western Expedition & other Matters, which will come before\nCongress, will be in readiness by the time of their meeting. I am, Sir yr hble Servt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0021", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 2 October 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia October 2nd 1791\nThe Attorney General of the United States having received from the Attorney of the District of New York, the necessary documents relative to Samuel Dodge\u2019s case, he called upon me yesterday with the draft of a pardon for said Dodge, which I inserted on the paper which you left in my hands for that purpose; and after having the seal of the United States affixed thereto, I delivered the same into the hands of the Attorney General to transmit to Mr Harrison, the Attorney of the New York District. At the same time that the Attorney General put the draft of the pardon into my hands, he left with me an attested copy of the proceedings of the Circuit Court in Dodge\u2019s case, in order that it might be filed with your papers to shew the ground upon which the said pardon was granted.\nYesterday being the day on which the first year\u2019s rent of your house became due, according to the time fixed by the Corporation, I paid into the hands of Colo. John Shee, the Treasurer of the corporation, five hundred pounds, which was the annual rent fixed by the corporation, and received his receipt for the same, a copy of which I have the honor to enclose.\nI have heard nothing more respecting the house to be erected for the President of the United States, since I had the honor of writing to you on the subject; except that it is not probable they will commence the building until next spring.\nUpon examining the state of the paint on the front dining room and the yallow drawing Room, it is found to be so much dirted by the flies, that an attempt to wash it in such a manner as would effectually clean it, must tarnish & injure the paint to such a degree as would make it very unsightly; and indeed the carved work in the dining room cannot be made decent by washing, without the greatest risque, and almost certain of breaking off all\nthe finer parts. I therefore thought upon the whole that it might be best to have these two rooms gone over with a coat of paint, provided it could be done upon reasonable terms. I accordingly sent for a painter, who, after some altercation respecting the terms, agreed to do them for Six pence per square yard, and engages they should look much better than they did last fall. He will go to work tomorrow and is to finish both rooms in two days. The paint of the upper & lower passages appears to be in the Same state with the before mentioned rooms; and if it should be found that it cannot be made decent by washing, and in some degree uniformable to the Rooms after they are painted, I shall have them painted also\u2014I shall, however, take care that whatever painting is done, shall be finished by the 8th of the Month at all events, in order that it may be perfectly dry before your arrival. Your Room will be papered tomorrow. Every thing in the way of cleaning &c. has been delayed \u2019till that time, that as little injury as possible might be done by the flies, after it should be finished.\nI had procured, before you left this place, 15 tons of the best hay (clover & timothy), and shall have laid in before your return, 1000 bushels of Oats\u2014which for 12 horses, at the rate of 12 quarts per day for each horse will last upwards of seven months\u2014so that there will be ample provision for them through the winter; and indeed it is much to be wished that we had room to accommodate all the horses which you have occasion for here; for keeping them at livery at Mr Hiltzeimer\u2019s, is at least double the expense that it is to keep them in your own stable. A few days ago Mr Hiltzeimer sent in his Acct for keeping the horses in his stable from the time of your arrival from the Southward to the 15th of Septr in which he charged 3/ per day for each horse during the whole time of their standing. I thought the Acct very extravagent, and before I paid it, made inquiry of Page & others who keep livery Stables, of the terms upon which they take horses; and was told by them, that they charge \u00a333 per year, if a horse stands through the year, and in that proportion if he stands three months or upwards; but if he stands less than three months they then charge so much per week or per day\u2014the price depending on the season of the year; but never more that 17/ per week. The livery feed being 8 quarts of Oats per day, with plenty of the best hay. Your horses at Mr Hiltzeimer\u2019s had\n12 quarts per day; but the additional 4 quarts would not account for the extra price\u2014When I called upon Mr Hiltzeimer to pay his Acct I mentioned these circumstances to him, and in consequence thereof he put each horse @ 2/9 per day; but observed, that he neither would or could reduce his price to the standard of others; for he kept the horses under his care in so much better order than they were kept at any other livery stable, that he always had his stables full at his own price. And further observed, that he had told the person who spoke to him about taking the horses that his price was 3/ per day. Of this, however I knew nothing, having never exchanged a word with him on the subject, nor heard a syllable about it. I asked Major Jackson if he had mentioned the terms to him when he went to him about taking the horses, and he assures me he never mentioned them to him. I paid his Acct @ 2/9 per day for each horse.\nThe french Minister called upon me last evening and in the course of conversation observed, that he was apprehensive he should not be able to visit the spot intended for the federal City this month as he expected; for the situation of affairs in St Domingo were such as might call for his Attention pretty constantly until they were in a better train than at present, and that he could not justify to himself an absence from the seat of government at this critical moment when his aid might be wanted, and every thing for him would naturally be directed here. He however felt so very desireous of seeing the spot and of procuring a lot there, that if between this & the 12th or 14th of the month he could see his way clear to be absent for a short time, he would endeavour to be in George Town by the 7th. In speaking of the Affairs of France, the Minister expressed great confidence in the acquiescence of the Nation in the decree of the Assembly respecting the King\u2019s inviolability. He had no doubt, from every information, but that the determination would be pleasing to the Nation at large, how ever much opposed the Parisian mob might be to it, through the instigation of wicked or designing men. He had no apprehension from any foreign invasion; for he was well assured that the Nation was never so well prepared to repel an attack of that kind, as at this moment\u2014and he was equally well assured that, in the event of an invasion, any parties which might exist among the friends of the Revolution, would be forgotten in their attempt to expel it. Upon the whole, he\nappeared to be sanguine in the idea, that tranquility & good order would be effected throughout the nation in less time and with less evil than was generally imagined.\nWhile I am writing Mr Anderson has called upon me to inform me that he has brought his thrashing machine to as great a degree of perfection as he ever expected in his first attempt. He says he has completely overcome the difficulties which occurred when you saw its operation, and that he is perfectly gratified in every point but one, (an important one to be sure) which is the quantity of grain which it will thrash & clean in a day. His calculations on this head have heretofore been extravagent. He says he finds, from repeated experiments, that his present machine (which is the same you saw) with one horse, will thrash & clean, fit for the mill, sixty bushels per day. He observes, that this machine having been altered & amended so often, cannot be expected to perform so well as one made off-hand, without being taken to pieces & put together as this has been. And, moreover, that the size of this is not adapted to performing the most service to be expected from one of these Machines; for it is rather too large for one horse & not large enough for two. He has allotted tomorrow for exhibiting its operation to a number of Gentlemen, and called to request me to attend also\u2014which I shall not fail to do. The Cost of one of the Machines for two horses (including the Patent right) will be, he says, seventy pounds. He shall not think of offering the present one to you; but when its utility is put beyond a doubt; he shall, with your permission, build one for you to go with two horses.\nThe family are well. Mrs Lear & Major Jackson join with me in sentiments of respectful attachment & sincere regard for yourself, Mrs Washington and all the family. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect & warmest gratitude Sir, Your obliged & Obedt Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0022", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Ternant, 2 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ternant, Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de\n(Private) \nSir,Mount Vernon October 2nd 1791.  \nThe details with which you have been pleased to favor me (under date of 24th ult.) of the unfortunate insurrection of the negroes in Hispaniola, came duly to hand; and I pray you to accept my best thanks for the trouble you have taken to give them. What the final issue of this affair may be is difficult at this distance, and with the imperfect information we have to foretell; but certain it is the commencement has been both daring and alarming. Let us, however, hope for the best. I would fain hope that this, and\nyour other business may be so arranged as to give me the pleasure of welcoming you to this seat of retirement before I leave it, which by appointment is to happen on the 16th instant.\nI shall add no more than assurances of the sincere esteem and regard with which I am Sir, your most obedient and very humble Servant\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0024", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 6 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia 6th Octor 1791.\nMr Chew having confirmed the character received by you, of Mr Barratt, I have written to Mr Vining requesting him to ascertain whether the appointment will be acceptable to him.\nMr Houston of Georgia declines the offer made to him, on the score of want of a familiar acquaintance with figures, and its being inconsistent with the State of his affairs, to translate himself wholly to the seat of Government. I beg leave to remind you of Mr Pleasants, if an opportunity of enquiry concerning him should present itself. Mr McComb, the present Auditor of the State of Delaware, has offered him self as a Candidate\u2014& Mr\nStoddard of Maryland has been mentioned as a proper person, if he would accept. I as yet know not enough of either of these characters to hazard an opinion.\nThe Packet has brought me a letter of the 2d of August from Mr Church which contains the following paragraph\u2014\u201cI fear there is no disposition at present in our Ministers to treat properly with America. Lord Hawkesbury is lately admitted into the Cabinet, & his prejudices are strong against you, & the enthusiasm for maintaining the navigation Act is such that there is not a shadow of probability they will in any shape relax. I have heard nothing since my last of Mr Hammond\u2019s appointment to America, but I believe he is certainly to be sent out.\u201d With the most respectful attachment, I have the honor &ca\nA: Hamilton\nP. S. I have this day the honor of your letter of the 2d.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0026", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 6 October 1791\nFrom: Pinckney, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nOctober 6th 1791 In CharLeston\nI wrote you lately on the subject of the unfortunate situation of St Domingo & the application they made to me with my answer, which with the inclosures I hope you have recieved\u2014The object of this Line is merely to introduce to your acquaintance Mr Barnwell one of our newly elected members of the house of Representatives & who I think will do much credit to his\nappointment\u2014He will deliver you from me a Sketch of the large american Aloe or Agave which you saw in my Garden & which was not in the Bloom represented in the draught until July\u2014As you said you had never seen one & expressed a wish that you could see one in Bloom I thought this the best way of enabling you to form a judgement of it in that State\u2014I am with regard & esteem Dear Sir yours truly\nCharles Pinckney\nThe stalk or pole of the Aloe was erected in less than six weeks\u2014So the plant was in the bloom represented in the draught in about ten weeks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0027", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Hartley, 7 October 1791\nFrom: Hartley, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n  Sunbury, [Pa.,] 7 Oct. 1791. Recommends Maj. John Clark, whose military service you are familiar with, as \u201ccertainly a very good accountant\u201d who \u201cwould be capable of filling an office where such Abilities were necessary\u2014He has read Law with some Attention but has not been very successful in his Profession. Under present Circumstances any respectable Appointment would be convenient to him and his Family,\u201d especially one in the Treasury Department.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0028", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 7 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\n\u27e8De\u27e9ar Sir,\nMount Vernon Octr 7th 1791\nYour letter of the 30th Ulto came duly to hand, with the enclosures.\nI have had Samples of the Alexandria Blankets sent me\u2014the quality of them is not good; inferior to those I had from Watson\u2014& far, very far indeed, inferior to those which I used to import myself. The prices, length & breadth of three kinds, are enclosed.\nMessrs Sitgreaves, give no length to their Blankets\u2014and if Colo. Biddle has been accurate in his account, and I understd him, the Blankets he has had offered to him, however good in other respects, are intolerably narrow. Under this view of matters I am perplexed. I by no means like the prices, or quality, of the Blankets in Alexandria; and scarcely know what Judgment to form of those in Philadelphia; but if whilst hesitating between the two I should miss both, it would be bad indeed, as my people would in that case be in great distress the ensuing Winter. Upon the whole, I have resolved to refer the matter once more to you, with the Alexandria prices and sizes (the quality you can only form an opinion of from the discription I have already given) of the Blankets in that place; and to request that you & Colo. Biddle will endeavor to procure me the quantity wanting\u2014viz.\u2014200; if upon comparison you shall conceive I may be benifited thereby. One hundred of the largest size, and best quality is required; the other hundred may be of the middle size, but good in quality. But in truth, if I am to form an opinion of the sizes by the Accts sent, the largest of them scarcely comes up to my ideas of a middle sized Blanket. At all events let me know by the Wednesday\u2019s Post after you receive this (and which will reach me only the day before I leave home) what I have to trust to, as I shd regret a disappointment exceedingly.\nI recollect asking you, if among my Pamphlets you had seen the Journal of my tour to the French on Labeauf in the year 1753? I understood you No; but Mrs Washington thinks you said yes. I have searched in vain for it here. Pray decide this point between us.\nAs I shall have but little time between my return to Philadelphia\nand the meeting of Congress to arrange matters for the Communications I shall have to make at the opening of the Sessions, I desire you will (for my time is so much occupied here by company, & the necessary attention to my domestic concerns, as not to allow me time to do it) examine my Speeches at the opening of the three last Sessions of Congress, and compare the several matters recommended in them with the Laws that have passed; noting the things recommended, and not acted upon at all\u2014as also the measures recommended & taken up by Congress but not finished; such as the Militia Law &ca\u2014that I may, by seeing the State of the business, decide on the propriety (as I am about to meet a new House of Representatives) of bringing the same matters before Congress again. It will do, if this enquiry is compleated against my arrival, and I pray you to be correct in it. The Journals, or Mr Beckley, can inform you of those cases which have been taken up, but never finished; & I wish you to ask at the Secretary of States Office what has been the result of the enquiries which have issued from thence in consequence of the resolve of Congress to ascertain the quantity, and State of the Lands ceded by No. Carolina.\nI ought, when speaking of the Blankets, to have desired, if you make the purchase in Philadelphia, to forward them by the first vessel which is bound to Alexandria as my Negros are all teazing me for them, and the season will soon make them necessary.\nWhat progress does Mr West make? and has he learnt to write with more facility and ease than when I left him?\nMrs Washington requests you to get her Six pieces of Ginghams according to the inclosed Memm & to send them along with the Blankets\u2014She and all here join in best wishes for you &ca\u2014and I am ever Yr Affecte fd &ca\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0031", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Henley, 10 October 1791\nFrom: Henley, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nCharlestown [Mass.] October 10. 1791\nIt is with reluctance that I trespass a moment on that time which is devoted to the most important national concerns, Nor would I now do it were I not urged by the most pressing necessity. This is my only Apology; (& may I not hope that your Excellency will deem it a sufficient one) for renewing my Application for some Appointment under the foederal Government.\nI am perswaded that the Arrangements your Excellency has made in the Excise department in Massachusetts, are altogether\nproper & necessary. Yet they have operated in a peculiar manner to distress me, for ten years, (commencing in 1781 & ending last year,) I administered the Office of Collector of Excise in the County of Middlesex, & as an evidence to your Excellency that my services were acceptable, permit me to mention, that the Vote in the House of Representatives for continuing me in Office, was, the last year, unanimous. Such have been my multiplied misfortunes that I have been compelled to place dependance on this Office under the foederal Government for my subsistance.\nPrevious to the late distressing War, I possessed under Providence a handsome property of about \u00a35000 Sterling in one of the largest Distilleries in this State, & in a Tallow Chandlery, which afforded me an Annual income of between seven & eight hundred pounds, These with all my other buildings were consumed in the burning of Charlestown, & reduced me from Affluence to such distressing circumstances as are more easily conceived than expressed. An agravation of my misfortunes was the debts due me, which were not inconsiderable, were paid in to me in a depreciated Paper Currency, & almost sunk. But what most of all embitters my distresses is the loss of three desirable Sons, by the War, One of whom was slain in battle, fighting for his Country\u2014Another, a Physician, died on board a ship of War, the other was unfortunately drowned, Thus am I bereaved of my Children, & deprived of that comfort & support which I might reasonably have expected they would have afforded me, in my distress, & advanced age, had they not exposed & lost their lives in their country\u2019s cause, in laying the foundation of the excellent Government, under which, as a nation, we enjoy so much happiness & prosperity.\nIt is indeed painfull to me to reflect on the days of my prosperity, & to recapitulate to your Excellency, the train of misfortunes which, under a wise, overriding Providence, have plunged me, & a large & beloved family who have seen better days, into aggravating poverty & distress.\nI am now advancing towards the close of life, unable to originate & prosecute new plans of business for a support. These considerations, & the inexpressible sollicitude I feel for the present & future comfort & welfare of my afflicted family, oblidge me, & your wonted benevolence & Compassion towards the unhappy\nsufferers in the late war, encourage me, to renew my request, that your Excellency, when an opportunity offers, would appoint me to some suitable office under the foederall government, which will enable me to maintain my family with decency & reputation. With great respect, I am your Excellencys most Obedient & very humble servant\nSam. Henley", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0032", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nSir,\nMount Vernon 10th Octo: 1791.\nYour letter of the 1st inst: I have duly recd\u2014likewise one of the 4th, covering a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury together with some communications from Lt Colo. Beckwith.\nI herewith transmit you an Address & Memorial of the Officers, Civil & Military, of the District of Miro, which was sent to me by Govr Blount\u2014I wish you to take the same into your consideration, & make a Report thereon at my return to Phila. I am Sir Yr hble Servant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0034", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 10 October 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found: to James Madison, 10 Oct. 1791. Sold by Stan V. Henkels, 1892, catalog 694, item 63.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0035", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 10 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nSir\nMount Vernon Octor 10th 1791.\nBy the Post of Friday, I received your communications of the first instant; and from the character of Mr Campbell am glad to hear he is disposed to act as Attorney for the District of Virginia; & that you had forwarded the Commission to him for that purpose. Also, that a pardon had been sent to Saml Dodge as it appears that his errors were unintentional.\nIt is my wish & desire that you would examine the Laws of the General Government which have relation to Indian Affairs\u2014that is\u2014for the purpose of securing their lands to them\u2014Restraining States\u2014or Individuals from purchasing their lands\u2014and forbidding unauthorized intercourse in their dealing with them. And moreover, that you would suggest such auxiliary Laws\nas will supply the defects of those which are in being\u2014thereby enabling the Executive to enforce obedience.\nIf Congress expect to live in Peace with the neighbouring Indians and to avoid the expences & horrors of continual hostilities, such a measure will be found indispensably necessary; for unless adequate penalties are provided, that will check the spirit of speculation in lands & will enable the Executive to carry them into effect, this Country will be constantly embroiled with, & appear faithless in the eyes not only of the Indians but of the neighbouring powers also. For Notwithstanding the existing laws\u2014solemn Treaties\u2014and Proclamations which have been issued to enforce a compliance with both\u2014and some attempts of the Government So. Wt of the Ohio to restrain their proceedings, the agents for the Tennessee company are at this moment by public advertisements under the signature of a Zachariah Cox encouraging by offers of land, & other inducements, a settlement at the Mussle-Shoals, & is likely to obtain Emigrants for that purpose altho there is good evidence that the Measure is disapproved by the Crks & Cherokees\u2014and it is presumed is so likewise by the Chicasaws & Choctaws, unless they have been imposed upon by assurances that trade is the only object they have in view by the Establishmt. I am Sir Yr most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0037", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 11 October 1791\nFrom: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nFayette Ville No. Carolina 11th Oct. 1791\nThe favorable attention I have formerly received from your Excellency, induces me to take the liberty of mentioning my present situation.\nSince the War in which I had the honor of serving under your Excellency, and for the most part under your personal inspection; a variety of misfortunes have reduced me in a strange Country to extreme distress.\nDuring this situation I have made repeated applications for settlement of my accounts with the proper Office, which I have not yet obtained, by reason as it is said, of my immediate principals not having settled, and to this I am informed is in a great measure to be ascribed the failure of my application to Congress on two Petitions praying the Commutation & Lands allowed to Colonels in the line, as also any Travelling expences which were usually allowed to foreign Officers, embarking in the Americam cause.\nI am neither unacquainted with the rule laid down by your Excellency as to personal correspondence, nor with your engagements in public services, to which your time is so much devoted as to prevent private communications, on the private affairs of an individual of such small moment as myself; but the Soldier who in a public cause hath experienced public neglect, will for a moment be permitted to arreast your Excellency\u2019s attention whilst he offers to your perusal his present and former Petitions as the grounds of his application for relief, in that situation to which he hath been reduced from much brighter prospects.\nPermit me Sir to conceive the subject of which they treat, having been necessarily mixed with the greater transactions under your direction of the War, they may without impropriety become the subject of reference to You, in which event I submit to such\nmention of my services as they from Your Excellency\u2019s knowledge may seem to merit.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect and regard. Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedt Servant\nHenry Emanuel Lutterloh", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0038", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 13 October 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\n  War Department [Philadelphia], 13 Oct. 1791. Submits copies of letters received from Arthur St. Clair and Richard Butler, both dated 18 Sept.: \u201cI would not unnecessarily occupy your time at present\u2014but, knowing\nyour anxiety for the success of the operations, as they approach to a crisis, I have conceived it proper for your satisfaction to enclose these letters.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0040", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 14 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n(Private) \nMy dear Sir,Mount Vernon Octr 14th 1791\nWhen I addressed a private letter to you a few days ago I had no more idea that monday the 24th instt was the day appointed\nfor the meetings of Congress, than I had of its being dooms-day until it was mentioned to me in a letter which I have just received from Mr Lear (who was under the like mistake). It had taken such deep root in my mind that the last monday in the month was the time that I never consulted the Law or made any enquiry about it\u2014and meant to move leizurely on in the course of next week for Philadelphia & for that purpose had directed Page to send off his Stage Coach so as to be at George-Town on tuesday the 18th. This discovery, however, will oblige me, as soon as I am provided with the means, to accelerate my Journey\u2014and it induces me at the same time to urge you more earnestly to be prepared against my arrival with what my last requested.\nHow far, in addition to the several matters mentioned in that letter, would there be propriety do you conceive, in suggesting the policy of encouraging the growth of Cotton, & Hemp in such parts of the United States as are adapted to the culture of these articles? The advantages which would result to this Country from the produce of articles which ought to be manufactured at home is apparent but how far bounties on them come within the Powers of the Genl Government or it might comport with the temper of the times to expend money for such purposes is necessary to be considered and without a bounty is given I know of no means by which the growth of them can be effectually encouraged.\nThe establishment of Arsenals in convenient & proper places is, in my opinion, a measure of high national importance meriting the serious attention of Congress; and is one of those measures which ought to be brought to their view.\nYesterday I received the resignation of John Spotswood Moore Surveyor of West Point in this State. I mention it now, that if opportunities should present, you may make the necessary enquiries into the fitness of Alexr Moore, his Brother whom he recommends as a Successor. With affectionate regard I am ever Yours\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0041", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanson (of Samuel), 14 October 1791\nFrom: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAlexandria, 14th October, 1791\nIt is with great reluctance I am induced to trouble you upon a disagreeable subject, which at the same time, I conceive you ought to have been made acquainted with long ago, tho\u2019 I hoped the information would go from some other Quarter.\nIt is the Conduct of Mr Lee, as Collector of this District. I beg leave to premise that, as soon as I had formed the resolution of exhibiting charges agt Mr Lee, I determined, in order to prevent the suspicion of any interested motive, to decline any benefit that could possibly flow from their establishment: and as to malice, I am so far from being actuated by it, that this Gentleman and myself are, and have always been, upon good terms, never interrupted by the smallest disagreement.\nIt is a fact, well-known in this place, that Mr Lee, since his appointment, has been out of Town at least three fourths of the time. If I admit that he has been here three months in twelve, it is an allowance to which he is not strictly entitled; since he is at those times so entirely engrossed by the practice or business of the law, that he might, as to his public duty, still be considered as absent.\nIn confirmation of this I need only mention that all the documents coming from his Office are signed by his Deputy, tho\u2019 the Principal be present; a practice expressly prohibited by Law. The acting, indeed, by Deputy, at all, being allowable only \u201cin cases of occasional and necessary absence, or of Sickness\u201d I presume the acts of a Deputy, in any other, not to be of legal validity. When you are informed that Mr Lee\u2019s Deputy, so far from being competent to fill the place of his Principal (to whom the Law\ndirects the subordinate Officers for the solution of any difficulties that may arise in the way of their duty) is a very young Man, extremely illiterate, and, I may add, not even possessing the accuracy of a common clerk, you will conclude that the public service necessarily suffers from Mr Lee\u2019s absence, and inattention. I aver that it does so; and I am ready to cite the instances.\n  Sir, I have long expected that an acct of Mr Lee\u2019s conduct would have been communicated to You through a different Channel. The Merchants of this place frequently remark upon his frequent and long absences, and scruple not to say that he makes his office a perfect Sine-Cure. But when it is considered that these Gentlemen, instead of suffering by a remissness in his duty, may find their account \u27e8illegible\u27e9, it is not surprising that they have preferred no Complaints. But tho\u2019 they have been silent upon this Head, they are very free, and general in expressing their dissatisfaction at one of his arrangements, by which they suffer great inconvenience. This is, his fixing his office at the most improper place in the Town\u2014a remote Corner of it\u2014(near Mr [Philip Richard] Fendall\u2019s) at a great distance from the Scene of business, and very difficult of access in the winter Season through our muddy Streets. This regulation is the most unfavourable that can be, both to the Merchants, masters of Vessels, and others who have business at the Custom-House, and also to the inferior Officers, between whom & the Collector there ought to be the readiest Communication.\nThus, Sir, I have discharged what I feel to be my duty upon this point. Any further information that may be required, I am ready to give. In the meantime, I could wish, if it may consist with propriety, that my name in this business may not appear, not because there is the smallest difficulty in supporting these charges, but for the sake of peace, & the fear that unworthy motives may be imputed where none exist. With perfect respect & Esteem, I remain Sir your much-obliged and grateful Servant\nS. Hanson of Saml", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0042", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Jackson, 14 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jackson, William\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon Octr 14th 1791\nWith pleasure I received your letter of the 9th, and am obliged by the communications therein contained.1 have written regularly to Mr Lear once a week, some times oftener, on business; but can do little more than drop him or you a line by this Post, as the unexpected discovery that the 24th, instead of the 31st instt is the day appointed for the meeting of Congress, obliges me to bestow every attention in my power to the things I conceive necessary to communicate, & recommend to that body. I allowed, as I conceived, a whole week to digest these matters after I should have arrived in Philadelphia, instead of which (as my movements depend upon Page\u2019s Coach) I shall scarcely have two days after that arrival, to prepare myself for Congress.\nUnless Lord Wycombe should arrive here as this day or tomorrow I shall not have it in my power to shew him the civilities I could wish either at Mount Vernon or in Philadelphia (if he does not return to the latter place again)\u2014a circumstance I shall regret. My present hurry will not allow me to add more than the good wishes of all this family, which, at present is numerous; and assurances of the sincere friendship and regard of Your Affecte Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0043", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Jackson, 14 October 1791\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia, October 14. 1791.\nMr Archibald McCall of this city, who is, I believe, employed to procure a house for the british Minister, appointed to the United States, says that Mr Hammond may be expected to arrive here within a fortnight or three weeks.\nThis information may be depended on\u2014it was given privately\nto a Gentleman of this place, last evening, by Mr McCall himself.\nThe news papers, which go by this post, detail the intelligence received by the last Vessels from Europe\u2014they also state the issue of the elections in Pennsylvania, as far as they are yet known. Young Mr Shippen was a very unsuccessful candidate.\nI beg to be most respectfully remembered to Mrs Washington\u2014and I am, with grateful and inviolable attachment, Sir, Your respectful and affectionate Servant\nW.Jackson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0044", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\n(Private) \nMy dear Sir,Mount Vernon Octr 14th 1791.    \nI have been under a strange mistake with respect to the time appointed for the meeting of Congress, and a distressing one; inasmuch as I shall have but little time after my arrival in Philadelphia to receive, & digest the thoughts which may have occurred to the heads of Departments, with those of my own, into proper form for communication, or recommendation.\nSo strongly was it fixed in my mind that the last instead of the fourth monday in this month was the day appointed for the meeting, that, as my return depended on Pages Stage Coach it was not ordered to be at George Town until the 18th instt; nor should I (unless by accident) have discovered my mistake, had not Mr Lear in a letter I received from him yesterday (being under the like himself) informed me of it.\nThis being the case (tho\u2019 it is not probable it has happened to you) I must request you to be prepared, according to the desires made known to you before I left the City, against my return to it\u2014which will be without a moments delay that I can avoid after the means are in my power to proceed. Being much hurried I have hardly time to look back on what I have written but if you\nunderstand my meaning it is enough. Sincerely & Affectionately I am ever Yrs\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0045", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 14 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon Oct. 14th 1791.\nYour letter of the 9th was forwarded to me yesterday morning by the Post-Master in Alexandria (having sent no person to that place the evening before).\nI am glad of the intimation given of the intentions of the Minister of France; and pleased, tho\u2019 distressed at the same time, at the information that, the 24th instt is the day fixed on for the meeting of Congress. I had no more idea of this than I had of its being dooms-day. Supposing the 31st to be the day, I meant to have spent Monday, and possibly Tuesday, at George-Town; and then to have proceeded leizurely on; but as the case is I shall endeavor to reach Bladensburgh at least, the first night (that is Monday) and delay no time on the Road afterwards that can be avoided; as I shall have scarce any time to prepare my communications for the opening of the Session on the 24th if there should be punctuality in the Members.\nThis unexpected event makes it more essentially necessary to look, without delay, & with accuracy, into the Speeches & Laws (at the past Sessions) agreeably to my former directions; that, among other matters, they may be considered of when I arrive. If any thing else should have occurred to you, fit for recommendation, or communication in the Speech, note it, that, in case it shd not be among my memorandums, it may be ready for consideration.\nThere is a mistery attending the Engraving of the Federal City which I do not comprehend. It appears somewhat singular, that the incorrectness of the Plan should not have been discovered till now, when Major L\u2019Enfant was detained many days in Philadelphia to prepare & fit it for the purpose.\nIf the Memorial of Messrs Triol Roux & Co. has not already been sent it may await my arrival in Philadelphia as I shall have\nno leizure to give it a consideration until after my Communications have been prepared for Congress. Being much hurried I have only time to wish you & Mrs Lear well, & to assure you of the sincere esteem and regard of Yrs Affectly\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0046", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 14 October 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia October 14th 1791\nBy the Post of yesterday I had the honor to receive your favor of the 10th instant, in which was enclosed a letter for Major Jackson, to whom I delivered it.\nThe enclosed papers will give the accounts which have been received by the late arrivals from Europe. Peace seems to be the predominant feature in these accts. And there do not appear any strong marks of a disposition to invade France, and effect a counter-Revolution as has been so much talked of.\nI have the honor to enclose a general statement of the Lands granted or appropriated by the State of North Carolina within the Territory ceded by that state to the United States. This quantity deducted from the whole amount ceded, will ascertain the estimate required by Congress, unless there should be claims of the Indians to some part of it, which, if there are, must be stated in a large book transmitted by the Secretary of the State, of North Carolina to the Secretary of State from which the enclosed is taken. This book contains the name of each person to whom land has been granted or appropriated, with the quantity & situation. The letter which accompanied it has been transmitted to Mr Jefferson.\nThere is no vessel at this time bound to Alexanda but one is hourly expected from thence, which returns immediately, and by which the Blankets will be sent, with 6 pieces of Ginghams which I have procured. They are not of the clouded kind which Mrs Washington wished, none of them could be found; but they are of the same quality, length &c. they are striped. A Vessel is\nadvertised for Norfolk & Alexa. but on inquiry I find it is not likely she will go to the lastmentioned port.\nThe family continues in good health. Mrs Lear & Major Jackson unite with me in tendering best respects, love & regards to Mrs Washington, Yourself, the Children, and all the family at Mount Vernon as they are respectively due. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, gratitude & attachment, Sir, Your most Obliged & Obedt Sert\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0047", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 15 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lewis, Robert\nDear Sir,\nMount-Vernon, October 15th 1791.\nEnclosed is a letter for Mr Muse, requesting him to put my papers into your hands, and to give you such information with\nrespect to the business, as is necessary to bring you acquainted with the present state of it\u2014After you have read the letter, and noticed the contents, seal and deliver it to him.\nReceive from Mr Muse all the blank leases with which I have furnished him, as well as those which have been filled up and executed\u2014It will be indispensably necessary for you to get the precise state of the rents, which are due on each tenement\u2014the ability of the tenants, and the prospect of receiving the rents. Make yourself Master also of the disputes\u2014if any there be\u2014to which the Tenements are subject.\nFrom long experience I have laid it down as an unerring maxim that to exact rents with punctuality is not only the right of the Landlord, but that it is also for the benefit of the Tenant, that it should be so\u2014unless by uncontroulable events, and providential strokes the latter is rendered unable to pay them\u2014in such cases he should not only meet with indulgence, but, in some instances with a remittal of the rent. But, in the ordinary course of these transactions, the rents ought to be collected with the most rigid exactness, especially from my Tenants who do not, for most of the farms, pay a fourth of what the tenements would let for if they were now in my possession\u2014If it is found difficult for a Tenant to pay one rent, it is more difficult for him to pay two\u2014when three are due he despairs, or cares little about them\u2014and if it runs to a greater number it is highly [probable] that to avoid paying any he leaves you the bag to hold. For these reasons, except under the circumstances before mentioned, it is my desire that you will give all the Tenants timely notice that you will give no indulgences beyond those allowed by the covenants in the leases\u2014If they find you strict, they will be punctual\u2014if otherwise, your trouble will be quadrupled, and I can have no dependence upon my rents which are now my principal support, since by the diligence of Mr Muse the Tenants are brought into a proper way of thinking and acting respecting them; and my crops are almost continually failing me.\nAs there have been many transfers, and some without any privity of mine, altho\u2019 it is contrary to a covenant in the Leases, it is a matter which will claim your particular attention\u2014and, as I have already observed, as the leases of old date are given for less than one fourth of their present value, it is my particular request that you will endeavor to investigate, with great accuracy, and\ninform me of the result what lives still remain in each lease throwing the proof (unless you are advised by able Counsel that it cannot be done) where the Lessees are not to be produced, upon the Tenant to shew that they are actually in existence.\nAs all the rents become due on or before the first day of January in every year, and distrainable at the expiration of a certain number of days thereafter I shall expect that in some short and reasonable time after the days of grace expire the amount of your collection will be paid into the hands of Major Geo: A. Washington, my present Attorney, or whosoever hereafter may have the superintendence of my business in this State during my absence in the service of the public.\nAlthough I flatter myself there is no occasion for the admonition, yet I will accompany this appointment with suggesting to you, that business is rarely well executed that is not diligently pursued\u2014and that the same consequences of neglect will happen to you that would to any idle, inattentive, or defective Collector; if any of these should appear in your conduct\u2014and the more so as it is owing to the attentive and close watchings of Muse that this resource has been productive and useful to me, and that many rents have been recovered, which appeared to be desperate, by his activity and perseverance.\nIf they are admitted in the first instances, you will have a thousand pleas to forbearance; but considering the low and easy rents, at which my Tenants stand, I know of none which ought to be admitted except losses by fire\u2014by storms\u2014or such droughts, as are apparent and well attested; for bad crops proceeding from idleness, may, and will be a constant plea as they ought to be inadmissable.\nIt is of essential consequence that you should examine accurately whether the covenants in the leases, with respect to the buildings to be erected\u2014Orchards to be planted\u2014meadows to be made\u2014and woods to be preserved, have been complied with.\nThese were important objects with me at the time the leases were granted\u2014and are so still\u2014well knowing how much they would contribute to enhance the value of the lots at the expiration of the term for which the leases were given. My best wishes attend Mrs Lewis and yourself and I remain Your affectionate Uncle.\nG. Washington.\nP.S. If, as I have heard, you should not conceive the collection of my rents to be an object sufficient to engage your attention, the letter for Mr Muse is not to be given to him.\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0048", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Vaughan, 15 October 1791\nFrom: Vaughan, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nRichmond Virginia 15th Octr 1791.\nThe Distressing Circumstances of my Presant Situation, Induce me to take the Liberty of troubling your Excellency with this Address, and I am persuaded that your Generous mind will incline you to Look With a favourable Eye on the Petition of an Old man who has suffered Considerable Losses during the Late War and whose Activity in the Cause of his Country Was well known to many of the Inhabitents of Virginia as will Appear from my Recommendation, which has been Presented your Honour by Saml Griffin Esqr. the Respectable Characters who have signed that, and who have Known me Many Years may\nRemember that I was the first Person in this state who Manufactured Salt Petre at a time, when it was in such great Demand in America\u2014Previous to which I took a Comision & gott many People to inlist in that Glorious Cause of Liberty\u2014My Personal Presence was Required before the Committee of Safety, who were pleased to Request me to Use my best Endeavours to provide that Necessary Article for the Benefit of our Country, which I Chearfully Undertook & had five Persons imployed by me for fifteen Months in the Warehouses in the Town of Petersburg\u2014I Likewise Distributed a Number of Receipts through the Differrent Parts of the Goverment, also in Carolina, in Order to Render the Prosess as Diffusively known as it was in my Power to do I Likewise prepared Salt Petre beds, which Answered Exceeding well\u2014if these Circumstances, which I Presume your Excellency will find well Attested should be Sufficiant to Recommend me to your Notice, I would humbly ask Your Patronage in procuring for me the Appointment as keeper & Manager of the Light house now Erecting on Cape Henry\u2014Should I be so happy as to Succeed to my Wishes in this Application, No Exertions shall be Wanting in my Power to Give General Sattisfaction in the Employment\u2014The Salary whatever it may be, will be an object to me, Who have a Large Famely to support, and Who have Experianced a Train of Misfortunes since the Days of my Prosperity, if Your Excellency Can serve me, You will Confer a Lasting Obligation On Your Humble and Obediant Servant\nJas Vaughan\nN.B. sent a Letter to yr Excelency the 11th Decr 1789. much to the same Purpose, but Expect, did not Come to your hands, as have Understood my Recommendation did not till the Last Year.\nJs V.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0049", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 16 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia 16th Octob: 1791.\nI have the honor of your letter of the 10th instant.\nMine to you of the 6th, which was sent by duplicates, will have informed you of the then state of the business of the Supervisorship of the District of Delaware. I have, within two days, received a letter from Mr Vining stating that an absence from home had delayed the receipt of my letter, & the ascertaining of Mr Barratt\u2019s inclination in regard to the office; but at the same time expressing his conviction that it would be accepted. As a further explanation is to be expected, I conclude to defer applying for the Commission; especially as the late Supervisor continues to act, & the public service will not, I presume, suffer.\nGovernor Clayton\u2019s application, thro\u2019 me, in favor of his son, was communicated to you on the day it was received, which was two days before your departure from this place. You reserved the matter for enquiry in the course of your passage thro\u2019 the State; & when you wrote to me respecting Mr Barratt, I concluded that the appointment of young Mr Clayton had appeared to you inexpedient. He was represented to me as a very young man who had had slender opportunities of being acquainted with business. With the most respectful & truest attachment, I have the honor to be &c.\nA: Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0050", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 16 October 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia October 16th 1791.\nConsidering the little time you would have after your arrival in this place before the meeting of Congress, I thought it could not be amiss to prepare this letter to meet you at Baltimore, enclosing the information which you directed me to obtain upon the points recommended in yours Speeches at the opening of the three last Sessions of Congress.\nI went carefully through the three speeches, and noted down, as you will perceive, on one margin of the page, every matter which you had recommended to the Attention of Congress\u2014and opposite to each point I have noted what has been done upon it. In those matters where laws had passed in conformity to the recommendation, I have mentioned them in that manner. In those cases where the subject had been taken up, and not finished, I did not find the Journals satisfactory, and therefore applied to Mr Beckley for information respecting what had been done about them, and from him I obtained the satisfactory information annexed to these cases. I thought it best to note down every matter which had been recommended, whether it had been acted upon & finished or not, in order that every thing might be brought into one view\u2014and every chance of omission avoided. I flatter myself it will be found accurate, and I shall be much pleased if it proves such as you wished.\nI have the honor likewise to enclose a translation of the Memorial enclosed in the letter of Messrs Tirol Roux & Co. I received it from the Secretary of the Treasury this morning only, which is the cause of its not having been transmitted before. The original of the memorial I keep here lest any thing should prevent this letter\u2019s meeting you. A Copy of the Notes from the Speeches &ca. I have likewise preserved.\nA Memorandum of the Blankets which I have purchased is enclosed for your inspection. A Vessel sails about middle of the week for Alexandria, on board which they will be shipped.\nThe Mortality among the Judicial Officers of the United States has extended to New Hampshire. Mr Parker, the Marshal of that District, is dead, and Genl Sullivan the Judge, is in a situation that it is said he cannot long exist.\nMr Gore, the Attorney of the Massachusetts district, is in this city with his Lady. In a conversation which I had with him yesterday respecting the Federal City, he observed, that he was well assured it was A thing much desired by the people of Massachusetts, that every facility should be given towards preparing that city for the reception of the Government of the United States, and that they were fully impressed with the necessity of carrying the law respecting it into full effect. If the Representatives from Massachusetts did not speak this language, he said they would not express the sentiments of their constituents in general.\nMr Langdon, the Senator, arrived in town last evening, and a large proportion of the Gentlemen from the Eastward are said to be on the way hither. A considerable number of persons from New York & Massachusetts are expected in town in the course of the week, to be present at the meeting of the Stockholders of the Bank of the United States. In the choice of directors it is thought there will be some altercation. And it is said disputes may arise respecting persons entitled to vote for directors &ca. upon the point, whether those only who were original subscribers, or persons authorized by proper power for that purpose from them, shall vote; or whether the mere holding the Scrip, as it is called, shall entitle a person to vote whether he obtained it by subscription, purchase or other ways. The Secretary of the Treasury has requested the opinion of the Attorney General on the point.\nThe family are well. Mrs Lear & Majr Jackson unite with me in every respectful & affectionate sentiment for Yourself Mrs Washington & those with you, and sincerely wish you a safe & pleasant Journey to this City. I have the honor to be, with true respect, gratitude & attachment, Sir, Your most Obliged & Obedt Servt\nTobias Lear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0051", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 17 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nMy dear Sir,\nGeorge-Town [Md.], Octo. 17th 1791.\nI am thus far on my way to Philadelphia, and if the disagreeableness of the weather (for it is now raining) does not prevent\nit, shall proceed to Bladensburgh at least to night; but be my dispatch what it probably may, the mail which leaves this tomorrow, will arrive in Phialdelphia before me.\nThis being the case, and time pressing, I forward the enclosed suggestions of Mr Jefferson and Mr Madison, who are both at this place and from whom I requested information of the several matters that had occurred to them, proper for communication. Iam always sincerely Yours\nG. W\u2014\u2014n", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0053", "content": "Title: Henry Knox\u2019s Minutes for the President\u2019s Speech, 18 October 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, c.18 Oct. 1791]\nIn pursuance of the powers vested in me by law, I have directed such measures for re-establishing the tranquillity of the western frontiers, as appeared adequate and proper for that purpose.\nAt the same time that treaties were held, and other just means used, to attach the wavering, and to confirm the well disposed tribes of Indians in their friendship to the United States, offers of pacification were held forth to the hostile tribes upon terms of moderation and Justice.\nBut these offers, having had no effect, it became necessary to convince the refractory, of the power of the United States to restrain and punish their depredations[.] Accordingly offensive operations were directed, to be conducted, however, as consistently as possible with humanity. Some of these operations have been crownd with full success, and the others are yet undecided.\nThe offers of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and [a] considerable number of individuals belonging to them, have lately renounced all further opposition, removed from their former situations, and placed themselves under the protection of the United States.\nIt is sincerely to be desired that in future Coercion may not be necssary and that an intimate intercourse may be effected, tending to advance the happiness of the Indians, and to attach them firmly to the United States.\nTo effect these desireable objects it seems necessary that the Indians should experience the benefits of an impartial administration of Justice.\nThat the mode of alienating their lands, the main source of discontent and war, should be defined and regulated by such principles, as to prevent all controversy.\nThat the advantages of commerce should be extended to them, and such rational experiments made for imparting to\nthem the blessings of civilization, as may from time to time be suitable to their conditions.\nAnd that proper penalties should be provided for such lawless persons as shall violate the treaties which have [been] m[ade] in g[ood] faith with the indian tribes.\nA system producing the free operatn of the mild principles of religion and benevolence towards an unenlightned race of men whose happiness materially depends on the conduct of the U.S., would at once be highly oeconomical, and honorable to the national character.\nThe importance of the subject will justify me in recommending [to] your serious considerat\u27e8ion\u27e9 the necessity and propriety of establishg a system for the National defense\u2014A system to embrace the organizatn of a general militia [and] The establishing of magaznes and arsenals.\nIt would be more consonant to the wisdom and dignity of the United Staes that our national security shoud rest under the protection of divine providene upon the basis of solid arrangemts than on a fortuitous assemblage of circumstans.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0054", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 18 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stuart, David\nBladensburgh [Md.] Oct. 18th 1791 \nDear Sir,half past 5 Oclock A. M.    \nI pray you to drop me a line by the Mail of to morrow (which closes in the evening) informing me of the number of Lots sold, and the amount of them. When the business of the meeting is ended I shall be obliged to you for some acct of the final issue of the Sales &ca.\nI am now writing by Candle light, and this is the only piece of paper the Landlord is able to procure for me. We shall, bad as the weather is set out in less than half an hour. With wishes for successful labour in the work you are engaged in I remain Your Affecte\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0055", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 19 October 1791\nFrom: Stuart, David\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nGe. town [Md.] 19th Ocr-[1]79[1]\nI have just recieved your letter, and have barely time to get the inclosed amount of our sales made out in time\u2014I have to observe that the general opinion is that the Lots have gone too high\u2014The chief purchasers yesterday, and the day before were from the Eastward\u2014I was happy to find today that they were intermixed with purchasers from Carolina and Norfolk\u2014You will understand that they are all actual sales excepting about four among the lowest. The weather has been much against us\u2014Could we have been on the ground, and exhibited a general\nplan; I believe it would have aided the sale considerably\u2014We have thought proper as the business seemed to flagg a little today, to discontinue the sale; but with notice, that if any Gentlemen wished to purchase, we should still be ready to recieve their offers. I am Dear Sir, with the greatest respect Your Obt Servt\nDd Stuart\nP.S. the squares on which sales are made are some distance from the Presidents house.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0057", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 21 October 1791\nFrom: Smith, William Stephens\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nNew York October 21st 1791.\nThe arrival of Mr Hammond and the Objects of his Visit to America, will doubtless be made Known and explained to The President, previous to the receipt of this Letter. I cannot refrain from expressing my satisfaction on this Subject, as it fully proves the solidity of some points which I had the honor of stating in my Letter of the 6th of June last\u2014If I can without presumption claim any merit as a private Citizen, in contributing to this amicable advance of The British Court to The President, and thereby furnishing the respective Nations with an opportunity of examining in a friendly manner the points of difference between them, it must afford me no small satisfaction\u2014And if I Should have been so fortunate as to have excited in the mind of The President an Idea of my being capable of promoting the views and Interest of my Country at the Court of London, the solicitude I nourish on these subjects, and the ambition to serve and promote the wishes of The President, Induce me to offer myself as a Candidate for the station\u2014In full confidences that notwithstanding the numberless marks of favour I have already experienced, that The President will not consider this application as\ntoo great a pressure on his Goodness. I have the honor to be\u2014The Presidents most Obliged Humble Servt\nW. S. Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0058", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia] Octob. 23. 1791.\nTh: Jefferson has the honour to subjoin the alteration he suggested in the last paragraph of the President\u2019s speech.\nHaving read Colo. Humphreys\u2019 letters after mister Short\u2019s he had been led into an erroneous arrangements of the facts they state. Colo. Humphreys\u2019 letter mentioning the king\u2019s refusal of the constitution is of Aug. 22. while it appears by mister Short\u2019s letter of Aug. 30. that it had not yet been presented to him, & that it was believed he would ratify it.\nA provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United states is particularly urged by the important considerations that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt; that, if timely and judiciously applied, they may save the necessity of burthening our citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the principal; and that being free to pay annually but a limited proportion of that principal, time lost in beginning the payments cannot be recovered however productive the resource may prove in event.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0059", "content": "Title: Conversation with Ralph Izard, Pierce Butler, and Aaron Burr, 24 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, 24 October 1791]\nMr Izard, Mr Butler and Mr Burr, three members of the Senate, waited upon the President at six o\u2019clock in the evening of this day, in order to request his opinion upon the etiquette which might be proper to be established between the Senators of the United States and foreign Ministers in respect to visiting each other\u2014viz.\u2014whether it would be proper for the Senators to pay the first visit to foreign diplomatic Characters, or expect it from them. These Gentlemen informed the President that they did not wait upon him as a formal committee from the Senate; but that the point having been discussed by the Senate, in the Senate Chamber, after the public business was ended, and a wish expressed that the President\u2019s opinion might be obtained in the matter, they had been desired, by that body, to call upon him, in an informal manner, to state the subject and receive his opinion, if he should think proper to give it.\nIn reply, the President informed those Gentlemen, that the subject stated being a matter to which he had not turned his thoughts, and as it was about establishing a precedent it might be considered as of importance, he would, therefore, beg to decline expressing an opinion upon it for the present; but that he would revolve the thing in his mind, and would answer the Gentlemen as soon as he should have made his communications to Congress tomorrow (being hurried in preparing them) and would let them know at what hour it might be received. Although, at the same time, the President observed, that he was not certain, whether, upon due consideration of the matter, he should think it proper for him to give an opinion in it or not.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0060", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Powel, 24 October 1791\nFrom: Powel, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia October 24. 179[1]\nAgreeably to your Request, I have now the Pleasure to send you an Extract from my Letter to Arthur Young Esquire, relative to the Prices of the following Articles in Pennsylvania, vizt\n            Wheat \u214c Bushell\n            Indian Corn\n            Clover Hay \u214c Ton\n            A good working Horse\n            A pair of good working Oxen 9 Cwt each\n            A Milch Cow & Calf\n            Store Sheep by the Flock\n            dressed Flax\n            Bricks \u214c Thousand\n            Stone Lime \u214c Bushell\nCultivated Farms of good Land, in the Old Counties not within Twenty Miles of Philadelphia, extremely various. The average at Random, perhaps \u00a35 \u214c Ac. The Par of Exchange with Great Britain 166 An english Guinea passes current at 35/\u2033. With Respect to Taxes, the second Object of Enquiry, my Information is as follows, and I believe it may be relied on\n            Acres oneach Farm\n            CountyTax\n            Franklin County\n            York County\n            Northumberland\n            highest in County\n            Fayette County\n            Cumberland Co.\n            Chester County\n            Delaware County\n            Washington County\n            highest in County\n            Philadelphia County\nThe foregoing are the Taxes on the Farms, containing the Number of Acres mentioned in the List in the Different Counties. The respective Sums make the aggregate of the Taxes upon each Farm in the respective Counties.\nIt is here to be observed that there are Farms in the oldest as well as in the newest Counties set down in the List, If the Information appears to you in any Respect, deficient, I will endeavor to procure such as may be more satisfactory. Tho\u2019 I think what is herein contained must convince Mr Y. that our present Taxes are very moderate. If on this, or any other subject, I can be of any Use to you, I beg that you will freely lay your Commands on dear Sir Your affectionate & obliged humble Servt\nSamuel Powel", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0061", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Stadler, 25 October 1791\nFrom: Stadler, John\nTo: Washington, George\nPlease Your Excellency\nFredericksburg [Va.]October the 25th 1791.\nThe inclosed is a Copy of a Letter to the Honourable James Madison, as I have been directed to apply tog. with an account against the State of Virginia attested by Patrick Henry, then Gouvernor, and with a Certificate of the Notary publick of Fredericksburg\nfor two Commissions inclosed, one a Continental one, and the other of the State of Virginia. I had the Honour to wait last May in this Town on the Honourable Col. Munroe, one of our Senators, who was an Eye-witness \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 I carried on in Gloucester County against Lord Dunmore, showed him a \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 this Letter; but did not seem to pleased with it, by asking me: If I thought \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 would pay me the Money, which the State of Virginia owed me? I told him \u27e8mutilated\u27e9t expect such a thing, but expected that Congress could compell Virginia \u27e8mutilated\u27e9e. With the greatest Respect to Your Lady, I have the Honour to be \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 Excellency\u2019s most obedient and most humble Servant\nJohn Stadler.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0062", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 25 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nUnited States [Philadelphia] October 25th 1791.\nFellow Citizens of the Senate,and of the House of Representatives.\nI meet you, upon the present occasion, with the feelings which are naturally inspired by a strong impression of the prosperous situation of our common Country, and by a persuasion equally strong, that the labours of the Session, which has just commenced, will, under the guidance of a spirit no less prudent than patriotic, issue in measures, conducive to the stability and increase of national prosperity.\nNumerous as are the Providential blessings which demand our grateful acknowledgments\u2014the abundance with which another year has again rewarded the industry of the Husbandman, is too important to escape recollection.\nYour own observations, in your respective situations, will have satisfied you of the progressive state of Agriculture\u2014Manufactures\u2014Commerce and Navigation: In tracing their causes, you will have remarked, with particular pleasure, the happy effects of that revival of confidence, public as well as private, to which the constitution and laws of the United States have so eminently contributed: And you will have observed, with no less interest, new and decisive proofs of the increasing reputation and credit of the Nation. But you, nevertheless, cannot fail to derive satisfaction from the confirmation, of these circumstances, which will be disclosed, in the several official communications that will be made to you in the course of your deliberations.\nThe rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, which completed the sum allowed to be subscribed, in a single day, is among the striking and pleasing evidences which present themselves, not only of confidence in the government, but of resource in the community.\nIn the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to the execution of the different objects which were specially provided for by the laws and resolutions of the last Session.\nAmong the most important of these is the defence and security of the Western Frontiers. To accomplish it on the most humane principles, was a primary wish.\nAccordingly, at the same time that treaties have been provisionally concluded, and other proper means used to attach the wav[er]ing, and to confirm in their friendship, the well-disposed tribes of Indians\u2014effectual measures have been adopted to make those of a hostile description sensible, that a pacification was desired upon terms of moderation and justice.\nThese measures having proved unsuccessful, it became necessary to convince the refractory of the power of the United States to punish their depredations. Offensive operations have therefore been directed; to be conducted, however, as consistently as possible with the dictates of humanity. Some of these have been crowned with full success, and others are yet depending. The expeditions which have been completed were carried on under the authority, and at the expense of the United States, by the Militia of Kentucky; whose enterprize, intripidity and good conduct, are entitled to peculiar commendation.\nOvertures of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and considerable numbers of individuals belonging to them\nhave lately renounced all further opposition, removed from their former situations, and placed themselves under the immediate protection of the United States.\nIt is sincerely to be desired, that all need of coertion, in future, may cease; and that an intimate intercourse may succeed; calculated to advance the happiness of the Indians, and to attach them firmly to the United States.\nIn order to this, it seems necessary\u2014\nThat they should experience the benefits of an impartial dispensation of Justice.\nThat the mode of alienating their lands, the main source of discontent and war, should be so defined and regulated, as to obviate imposition, and, as far as may be practicable, controversy concerning the reality and extent of the alienations which are made.\nThat commerce with them should be promoted under regulations tending to secure an equitable deportment towards them, and that such rational experiments should be made, for imparting to them the blessings of civilization, as may, from time to time suit their condition.\nThat the Executive of the United States should be enabled to employ the means to which the Indians have been long accustomed for uniting their immediate interests with the preservation of peace.\nAnd\u2014that efficatious provision should be made for inflicting adequate penalties upon all those who, by violating their rights, shall infringe the treaties, and endanger the peace of the Union.\nA System corrisponding with the mild principles of religion and philanthropy towards an unenlightened race of men, whose happiness materially depends on the conduct of the United States, would be as honorable to the national character as conformable to the dictates of sound policy.\nThe powers specially vested in me by the Act laying certain duties on distilled spirits, which respect the subdivisions of the Districts into Surveys, the appointment of Officers, and the assignment of compensations, have likewise been carried into effect. In a matter in which both materials and experience were wanting to guide the calculation, it will be readily conceived that there must have been difficulty in such an adjustment of the rates of compensation as would conciliate a reasonable competency with a proper regard to the limits prescribed by the law. It\nis hoped that the circumspection which has been used will be found in the result to have secured the last of the two objects; but it is probable, that with a view to the first, in some instances a revision of the provision will be found advisable.\nThe impressions with which this law has been received by the community, have been, upon the whole, such as were to be expected among enlightened and well disposed Citizens, from the propriety and necessity of the measure. The novelty, however, of the tax in a considerable part of the United States, and a misconception of some of its provisions, have given occasion in particular places to some degree of discontent. But it is satisfactory to know that this disposition yields to proper explanations and more just apprehensions of the true nature of the law. And I entertain a full confidence, that it will, in all, give way to motives which arise out of a just sense of duty, and a virtuous regard to the public welfare.\nIf there are any circumstances, in the law, which, consistently with its main design, may be so varied as to remove any well intentioned objections, that may happen to exist, it will consist with a wise moderation to make the proper variations. It is desirable, on all occasions, to unite with a steady and firm adherence to constitutional and necessary Acts of Government, the fullest evidence of a disposition, as far as may be practicable, to consult the wishes of every part of the community, and to lay the foundations of the public Administration in the affection of the people.\nPursuant to the authority contained in the several Acts on that subject\u2014a district of ten miles square for the permanent Seat of the Government of the United States, has been fixed, and announced by proclamation, which district will comprehend lands on both sides of the River Potomac, and the towns of Alexandria and George-town. A City has also been laid out agreeably to a plan which will be placed before Congress: And as there is a prospect, favored by the rate of sales which have already taken place, of ample funds for carrying on the necessary public buildings, there is every expectation of their due progress.\nThe completion of the Census of the Inhabitants, for which provision was made by law, has been duly notified, (excepting one instance, in which the return has been informal; and another, in which it has been omitted or miscarried) and the returns of the officers who were charged with this duty, which will\nbe laid before you, will give you the pleasing assurance, that the present population of the United States borders on four millions of persons.\nIt is proper also to inform you that a further loan of two millions and an half of florins has been completed in Holland; the terms of which are similar to those of the one last announced, except as to a small reduction of charges. Another on like terms for six millions of florins had been set on foot under circumstances that assured an immediate completion.\nGentlemen of the Senate.\nTwo treaties, which have been provisionally concluded with the Cherokees, and six nations of Indians, will be laid before you for your consideration and ratification.\nGentlemen of the House of Representatives.\nIn entering upon the discharge of your legislative trust, you must anticipate with pleasure, that many of the difficulties, necessarily incident to the first arrangements of a new Government, for an extensive Country, have been happily surmounted by the zealous and judicious exertions of your predecessors in co-operation with the other branch of the legislature. The important objects, which remain to be accomplished, will, I am persuaded, be conducted upon principles equally comprehensive, and equally well calculated for the advancement of the general weal.\nThe time limited for receiving subscriptions to the loans proposed by the Act making provision for the debt of the United States, having expired, statements, from the proper department, will, as soon as possible apprize you of the exact result. Enough, however, is already known to afford an assurance that the views of that Act have been substantially fulfilled. The subscription in the domestic debt of the United States has embraced by far the greatest proportion of that debt; affording, at the same time, proof of the general satisfaction of the public creditors with the system which has been proposed to their acceptance, and of the spirit of accommodation to the convenience of the Government with which they are actuated. The subscriptions in the debts of the respective States, as far as the provisions of the law have permitted, may be said to be yet more general. The part of the debt of the United States, which remains unsubscribed, will naturally engage your further deliberations.\nIt is particularly pleasing to me to be able to announce to you,\nthat the revenues which have been established, promise to be adequate to their objects, and may be permitted, if no unforeseen exigency occurs, to supersede, for the present, the necessity of any new burthens upon our Constituents.\nAn object which will claim your early attention is a provision for the current service of the ensuing year, together with such ascertained demands upon the Treasury as require to be immediately discharged, and such casualties as may have arisen in the execution of the public business, for which no specific appropriation may have yet been made; of all which a proper estimate will be laid before you.\nGentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:\nI shall content myself with a general reference to former communications for several objects, upon which the urgency of other affairs has hitherto postponed any definitive resolution. Their importance will recall them to your attention; and I trust that the progress already made in the most arduous arrangements of the government will afford you leisure to resume them with advantage.\nThere are, however, some of them of which I cannot forbear a more particular mention. These are the Militia\u2014the Post Office and Post Roads\u2014the Mint\u2014Weights and measures\u2014aprovision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States.\nThe first is certainly an object of primary importance, whether viewed in reference to the national security, to the satisfaction of the community, or to the preservation of Order. In connection with this, the establishment of competent Magazines & Arsenals, and the fortification of such places as are peculiarly important and vulnerable, naturally present themselves to consideration. The safety of the United States, under Divine protection, ought to rest on the basis of systematic and solid arrangements; exposed as little as possible to the hazards of fortuitous circumstances.\nThe importance of the Post Office and Post Roads, on a plan sufficiently liberal and comprehensive, as they respect the expedition, safety and facility of communication, is increased by the instrumentality in diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government; which, while it contributes to the security of the people, serves also to guard them against the effects of mis-representation and misconception. The establishment\nof additional cross-Posts, especially to some of the important points in the Western and Northern parts of the Union, cannot fail to be of material utility.\nThe disorders in the existing currency, and especially the scarcity of small change, a scarcity so peculiarly distressing to the poorer classes, strongly recommend the carrying into immediate effect the resolution already entered into concerning the establishment of a Mint. Measures have been taken pursuant to that resolution for procuring some of the most necessary artists, together with the requisite Apparatus.\nAn uniformity in the weights and measures of the Country is among the important objects submitted to you by the Constitution, and if it can be derived from a standard at once invariable and universal, must be no less honorable to the public Councils than conducive to the public convenience.\nA provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States is particularly urged, among other reasons, by the important considerations that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt; that if timely and judiciously applied they may save the necessity of burthening our Citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the principal; and that being free to discharge the principal but in a limited proportion, no opportunity ought to be lost for availing the public of its right.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0063", "content": "Title: Conversations with Pierce Butler, Ralph Izard, and Aaron Burr, 26 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[Philadelphia] October the 26th 1791\nOn the morning of this day the President requested Mr Butler (who had to pass by his house) to give him a call on his way to the Senate Chamber; and in this interview the President informed Mr Butler, that after the best consideration which time and circumstances had allowed him to bestow on the subject of etiquette, which had been submitted to him on the 24 instant, he thought it most advisable that he should give no opinion thereon\u2014first, because as a public character he had no power to decide the point. Secondly, as a private one it would only be committing sentiments that would be void of operation, that is, which might have no effect on those whose opinions did not coincide therewith\u2014and thirdly because it might open an avenue to more extensive discussion of points of Etiquette than he should chuse to be engaged in. This opinion the President requested\nMajor Butler to communicate to Mr Izard and Mr Burr, with a view to save them the trouble of calling upon him; to whom, however, if they inclined to do it, he would repeat the same sentiments.\nAbout three o\u2019clock, these Gentlemen were again deputed to wait upon the President and present to him the following Resolutions of the Senate\u2014the last of which, it seems, applies to them as well out of, as while in Session, because they say they are liable to be called upon in their Executive capacity, whenever the President shall think it proper to do it.\nPresentThe Vice-President\n            Dickinson\n            Rutherfurd\n            Johnston\nVoted unanimously, as the sense of the Senators, that they may, with Propriety, pay the first visit to all Ambassadors after they shall be received by the President and announced by him to the public, in consideration of their being the Representatives of the persons and dignities of their respective Sovereigns, and that the Senators will expect to receive the first visit from all other ministers.\nVoted unanimously, that this rule shall be considered as universal.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0064", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 26 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States [Philadelphia] 26th October 1791\nI have directed the Secretary of War, to lay before you for your consideration, all the papers relative to the late negociations with the Cherokee Indians\u2014and the treaty concluded with that\ntribe, on the 2d day of July last, by the Superintendant of the Southern district; and I request your advice, whether I shall ratify the same.\nI also lay before you the instructions to Colonel Pickering, and his conferences with the six Nations of Indians. These conferences were for the purpose of conciliation, and at a critical period to withdraw those Indians to a greater distance from the theatre of war, in order to prevent their being involved therein.\nIt might not have been necessary to have requested your opinion on this business, had not the Commissioner, with good intentions, but incautiously, made certain ratifications of lands, unauthorized by his instructions, and unsupported by the constitution.\nIt therefore became necessary to disavow the transaction explicitly, in a Letter written by my orders to the Governor of New York, on the 17th of August last.\nThe Speeches to the Cornplanter, and other Seneka Chiefs\u2014the instructions to Colonel Procter, and his report, and other messages and directions, are laid before you for your information; and as evidences that all proper lenient measures preceded the exercise of coercion.\nThe Letters to the Chief of the Creeks, are also laid before you, to evince that the requisite steps have been taken, to produce a full compliance with the treaty made with that nation, on the 7th of August 1790.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0065", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 26 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nGentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives\nUnited States [Philadelphia] October 26th 1791.\nI lay before you copies of the following Acts, which have been transmitted to me during the recess of Congress viz.\nAn Act passed by the Legislature of New Hampshire, for ceding to the United States, the Fort and Light House belonging to said State.\nAn Act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, ratifying on behalf of said State, the first article of Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as proposed by Congress; and\nAn Act of the Legislature of North Carolina, granting the use of the Jails within that State to the United States.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0066", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 27 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,\n[Philadelphia] Thursday 27th Octr 1791.\nEnclosed I return you the list of Sales in the Federal City.\nYou will oblige me, by drafting a short answer to the address, to be presented tomorrow, and sending it to me this Evening or in the Morning early. If you want the address let me know it & it shall be sent to you. Yours\u2014Sincerely & Affectly\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0067", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 27 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nGentlemen of the Senate and house of Representatives,\nUnited States [Philadelphia] 27th October 1791.\nI have directed the secretary of War to lay before you for your information the reports of Brigadier General Scott, and Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Wilkinson, the officers who commanded the two expeditions against the Wabash indians, in the months of June and August last; together with the instructions by virtue of which the said expeditions were undertaken. When the operations now depending shall be terminated, the reports relative thereto shall also be laid before you.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0071", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 October 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nWar-Department [Philadelphia] October 28th 1791.\nThe Secretary of War, to whom the President of the United States referred the letter of his Excellency the governor of Virginia of the 20th instant, enclosing a letter of the 6th instant from H. Smith commanding officer of the County of Russell, Stating the defenceless situation of his County.\nRespectfully reports.\nThe enclosed draft of a letter to the said governor in answer to his letter.\nThat the governor being the best judge of the situation of the said county, and being a dignified and responsible character, will be best qualified to judge of the propriety of calling out a full company from the interior counties.\nThat the letter, a copy of which is hereunto annexed, was written to the governor of Virginia, on the 2nd of April last, and it was presumed that the power which would then have b[e]en directed by the President of the united States, would have been adequate for the defensive protection of said county.\nThat a copy of the power vested in the county Lieutenants on the 10th of March last was transmitted to the said governor on the 14th of the same month, in a letter, of which the annexed is a copy.\nAll which is humbly submitted to the President of the united States.\nH. Knoxsecy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0072", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States House of Representatives, 28 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States House of Representatives\nGentlemen,\n[Philadelphia] October the 28th [1791]\nThe pleasure I derive from an assurance of your attention to the objects I have recommended to you, is doubled by your concurrence in the testimony I have borne to the prosperous condition of our public Affairs. Relying on these sanctions of your enlightened Judgment, and on your patriotic aid, I shall be the more encouraged in all my endeavours for the public weal; and particularly in those which may be required on my part for executing the salutary measures I anticipate from your present deliberations.\nGo: Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0074", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Harriot Washington, 30 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Harriot\nDear Harriot\nPhiladelphia October 30th 1791.\nI have received your letter of the 21st instant, and shall always be glad to hear from you\u2014When my business will permit inclination will not be wanting in me to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, and this I shall do more cheerfully as it will afford me opportunities at those times of giving you such occasional advice as your situation may require.\nAt present I could plead a better excuse for curtailing my letter to you than you had for shortening of yours to me, having a multitude of business before me while you have nothing to do, consequently you might, with equal convenience to yourself, have set down to write your letter an hour or two, or even a day sooner, as to have delayed it until your Cousin was on the point of sending to the Post-Office\u2014I make this remark for no other reason than to shew you it is better to offer no excuse than a bad one, if at any time you should happen to fall into an error.\nOccupied as my time now is, and must be during the sitting of Congress, I nevertheless will endeavor to inculcate upon your mind the delicacy and danger of that period, to which you are now arrived under peculiar circumstances\u2014You are just entering into the state of womanhood without the watchful eye of a Mother to admonish, or the protecting aid of a Father to advise and defend you; you may not be sensible that you are at this moment about to be stamped with that character which will adhere to you through life\u2014the consequence of which you have not perhaps attended to, but be assured it is of the utmost importance that you should.\nYour Cousins, with whom you live are well qualified to give you advice, and I am sure they will if you are disposed to receive it\u2014But if you are disobliging\u2014self willed and untowardly it is hardly to be expected that they will engage themselves in unpleasant disputes with you, especially Fanny, whose mild and placid temper will not permit her to exceed the limits of wholesome admonition or gentle rebuke. Think then to what dangers a giddy girl of 15 or 16 must be exposed in circumstances like these\u2014To be under but little or no controul may be pleasing to a mind that does not reflect, but this pleasure cannot be of long duration,\nand reason, too late perhaps, may convince you of the folly of misspending time. You are not to learn, I am certain, that your fortune is small\u2014supply the want of it then with a well cultivated mind. with dispositions to industry and frugality\u2014with gentleness of manners\u2014obliging temper\u2014and such qualifications as will attract notice, and recommend you to a happy establishment for life.\nYou might instead of associating with those from whom you can derive nothing that is good, but may have observed every thing that is deceitful, lying, and bad, become the intimate companion of and aid to your Cousin in the domestic concerns of the family.\nMany Girls before they have arrived at your age have been found so trustworthy as to take the whole trouble of a family from their Mothers; but it is by a steady and rigid attention to the rules of propriety that such confidence is obtained, and nothing would give me more pleasure than to hear that you had acquired it\u2014The merits and benefits of it would redound more to your own advantage in your progress thro\u2019 life, and to the person with whom you may in due time form a matrimonial connexion than to any others\u2014but to none would such a circumstance afford more real satisfaction than to Your affectionate Uncle\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0075-0001", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Giuseppe Ceracchi, 31 October 1791\nFrom: Ceracchi, Giuseppe\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia October 31. 1791.\nI take the liberty to enclose to you a Copy of a Memorial which I have the honor of presenting this day to Congress\u2014Give me leave to submit it to the Friend and Patron of the fine Arts as well as to the President of the United States. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant\nJoseph Ceracchi", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0075-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Giuseppe Ceracchi to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 31 October 1791\nFrom: Ceracchi, Giuseppe\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nPhiladelphia 31st October 1791.\nJoseph Ceracchi, a Roman Sculptor begs leave to submit to your Honors the annexed Design, which he has conceived of a Monument for perpetuating the Memory of the American Revolution.\nIf Congress should think proper to encourage this Design, the Artist, satisfied with the Glory, which his performance will receive from the Subject itself, desires no pecuniary Reward, and only wishes to have the Expence defrayed, necessarily attending on such a work.\nHe has Sketched a Model of this work of the Height of about six feet, which will best convey the Idea of the intended Execution, and which he begs leave to submit to the Judgment of Congress.\nShould his Offer be thought worthy of Acceptance, he will be happy in dedicating his Labours to a work, the Subject of which being so glorious in itself must insure Immortality to the Artist.\nJoseph Ceracchi", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0076", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Potts, 31 October 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Potts, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\n\tLetter not found: from Samuel Potts, 31 Oct. 1791. GW wrote to Potts on 18 Mar. 1792: \u201cYour letter of the 31st of October, on the subject of a Legacy left by Mr[s] Savage to Mrs Bomford, has been received.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0078", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 31 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen,\n[Philadelphia, 31 October 1791]\nThis manifestation of your zeal for the honor and the happiness of our Country, derives its full value from the share which your deliberations have already had in promoting both.\nI thank you for the favorable sentiments with which you view the part I have borne in the arduous trust committed to the Government of the United States; and desire you to be assured that all my zeal will continue to second those further efforts for the public good, which are ensured by the spirit in which you are entering on the present session.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0079", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 31 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nGentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.\nUnited States [Philadelphia] October 31st 1791.\nI send you herewith the arrangement which has been made by me, pursuant to the Act, entitled \u201cAn Act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from abroad, & laying others in their stead, and also upon spirits, distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same,\u201d in respect to the subdivision of the several districts, created by the said Act, into surveys of Inspection, the\nappointment of Officers for the same, and the assignment of compensations.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0080", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 1 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nGentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.\nUnited States [Philadelphia] November 1st 1791.\nI received yesterday, from the Judge of the District of South Carolina, a letter, inclosing the presentments of the Grand Jury to him; and stating the causes which have prevented the return of the Census from that District; copies of which are now before you.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0082", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Vancouver, 5 November 1791\nFrom: Vancouver, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nConnestoga Waggon in Philadelphia 5th Novr 1791.\nBeing in England in the year 1786, and seeing there a very curiously invented plough, which seemed to embrace every requisite of a complete drilling machine, and having frequent opportunities of attending to the operation of it, was ordered to purchase one, and Ship it to Philadelphia for the use of the agricultural society of Pennsylvania\u2014Agreeably to the directions I gave the Gentleman to whose care it was consignd the machine was deposited in carpenters hall (the place where the society then met) and I was happy in finding on my arrival in Philadelphia in the year 1788 that a number of hints had been taken from it and applied to the improvement of Machines in the new husbandry which (as I am informed) have since been introduced into pretty general practice in the lower parts of this State, Delaware, and Maryland\u2014So far my intentions have been answerd\u2014Objections however have been urged to the adoption of the machine in Toto, by some of the members of the Society, which I am fully persuaded, in a great measure arise from their little experience in practical husbandry particularly with regard to the adjusting and working of wheel ploughs\u2014From the attention I paid to the operation of the Machine when I was last in England, I was made thoroughly satisfied of the many excellencies, and that it was admirably adopted to the light and gentle soils of North America, especially where the fields were clear of stumps, and such impediments as must necesarily interfere with the working of a plough, which in every bent or turn of going up and down a land, completely drills, sows, and finishes off with its harrows, a space of Twelve feet wide on which according to the nature of the crop sown are 6, 12, or 18 equi-distant rows as regularly planted as even the distances measured by inches and the seed carefully and singly dropped into the drills by hand.\nFrom these considerations and from the ardent desire I feel of promoting as far as in my power the improvement of Agriculture in this Country, I do with all possable defference and submission solicit the favour of you, Sir, to accept of the machine, and by your example in ordering a proper application of it bring to the farmer those advantages its principles are so well calculated to secure to him.\n  The reduction of Manual Labour by the aid of proper Machines is a point of the utmost consequence in our rural as well as General \u0152conomy. The machine herein referred to very happily applies to that end, as well as to the sowing and regular distribution of the seed and dispatch of business, advantageous I believe never before completely united Till the ingenious Mr Cook produced his celebrated sowing Machines\u2014I am lately returnd from Kentucke where for three years past I have been endeavouring but without effect to establish permanent settlements on some large tracts of land I possess in that Country\u2014some business of moment calls me early in the spring to England, but in the mean time must revisit Kentucke, from whence on my way to this place in February or March next (should you Sir, do me the favour of accepting the machine) I will do myself the honour of calling at Mount Vernon, when as I well understand the management of it \u2018should any instruction be wanting\u2019 I will most cheerfully attend.\nI wish, Sir, in the very fullest manner to apologize for intruding so long on your more important moments and to be permitted to say that I remain with the highest veneration, and respect Sir Your most obedient and most devoted humble Servant\nCharles Vancouver", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0083", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 6 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n[Philadelphia] Nov. 6. 1791.\nI have the honour to inclose you a draught of a letter to Governor Pinkney, & to observe that I suppose it to be proper that there should, on fit occasions, be a direct correspondence between the President of the U.S. and the Governors of the states; and that it will probably be grateful to them to recieve from the President answers to the letters they address to him. the correspondence with them on ordinary business may still be kept up by the Secretary of state in his own name.\nI inclose also a letter to Majr Pinkney with a blank to be filled up when you shall have made up your mind on it.\nI have conferred with mister M[adison] on the idea of the Commissioners of the federal town proceeding to make private sales of the lots & he thinks it adviseable. I cannot but repeat that if the surveyors will begin on the river, laying off the lots from Rock creek to the Eastern branch, and go on, a-breast, in that way from the river towards the back part of the town, they may pass the avenue from the President\u2019s house to the Capitol before the Spring, and as soon as they shall have passed it, a public sale may take place without injustice to either the Georgetown or Carrolsburg interest. will not the present afford you a proper occasion of assuring the Commissioners that you leave every thing respecting L\u2019Enfant to them? I have the honor to be with the most sincere respect, Sir, your most obedt humble sert\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0085", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Shepard, 6 November 1791\nFrom: Shepard, William\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it please your Excellency,\nWestfield [Mass.]. Novr 6th 1791\nA cordial Friend of the Government at the Head of which you are unanimously placed by the Suffrages of our common Country, & one, too, whose Name may possibly be yet recollected by the Commander in Chief of the late Army, begs leave to approach you\u2014& to acquaint you that, he has received Information that a Superintendant of Indian Affairs is speedily to be appointed by your Excellency. If, Sir, you can suppose me capable of serving the Public in so considerable a Station, may I be permitted to request a Remembrance with your Excellency, upon this Occasion, if that Office is not already disposed of? I can, in this Case, promise for nothing more than the same Fidelity with which I have endeavoured to perform the Duties which have fallen to my Lot in earlier Life; in the Discharge of some of which\nyour Excellency well knows I have received but an indifferent Consideration: & to be afresh impressed with a Sense of the Obligation with which I have the Honor to be your Excellency\u2019s most obedt Servt\nWm Shepard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0086", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 7 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia November 7th 1791.\nI have duly considered the letter you were pleased to refer to me, of the 18th of August from his Excellency Governor [Charles] Pinckney to yourself, together with the draught of one proposed to be written by him to the Governor of Florida claiming\nthe redelivery of certain fugitives from justice who have been received in that Country. The inconveniencies of such a receptacle for debtors and malefactors in the neighbourhood of the Southern States are obvious and great; and I wish the remedy were as certain and short as the letter seems to suppose.\nThe delivery of fugitives from one Country to another as practised by several Nations is in consequence of conventions settled between them, defining precisely the cases wherein such deliveries shall take place. I know that such conventions exist between France and Spain, France and Sardinia, France and Germany, France and the United Netherlands, between the several sovereigns constituting the Germanic Body, and I believe very generally between co-terminous States on the Continent of Europe. England has no such Convention with any nation, and their laws have given no power to their Executive to surrender fugitives of any description; they are accordingly constantly refused, and hence England has been the asylum of the Paolis, the La Mottes, the Calonnes, in short of the most atrocious offenders as well as the most innocent victims, who have been able to get there.\nThe laws of the United States like those of England receive every fugitive, and no authority has been given to our Executives to deliver them up. In the case of Longchamp[s] a subject of France, a formal demand was made by the minister of France, and was refused. He had indeed committed an offence within the United States but he was not demanded as a criminal but as a subject.\nThe French Government has shewn great anxiety to have such a convention with the United States, as might authorise them to demand their Subjects coming here; they got a clause in the consular convention signed by Dr [Benjamin] Franklin and the Count de Vergennes, giving their Consuls a right to take and send back Captains of Vessels, mariners, and passengers. Congress saw the extent of the word passengers and refused to ratify the Convention; a new one was therefore formed, omitting that word. In fact, however desirable it be that the perpetrators of crimes, acknowledged to be such by all mankind, should be delivered up to punishment, yet it is extremely difficult to draw the line between those and acts rendered criminal by tyrannical laws only, hence the first step always is a convention defining the cases where a surrender shall take place.\nIf then the United States could not deliver up to Governor Quesada a fugitive from the Laws of his Government, we cannot claim as a right the delivery of fugitives from us: and it is worthy consideration whether the demand proposed to be made in Governor Pinckney\u2019s letter, should it be complied with by the other party, might not commit us disagreeably, perhaps dishonorably in event; for I do not think we can take for granted that the legislature of the United States will establish a convention for the mutual delivery of fugitives, and without a reasonable certainty that they will, I think we ought not to give Governor Quesada any grounds to expect that in a similar case we would redeliver fugitives from his Government. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect and attachment Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0087", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lansdowne, 7 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lansdowne, William Petty, marquis of\nMy Lord,\nPhiladelphia Novr 7th 1791.\nThe letter with which you were pleased to honor me\u2014dated the 4th of July\u2014was presented to me by Lord Wycombe. Permit me to thank your Lordship for introducing so worthy and intelligent\na young Nobleman to my acquaintance\u2014and to regret that his stay in this Country is so short as not to have allowed him to investigate it more.\nThis Country has a grateful recollection of the agency your Lordship had in settling the dispute between Great Britain and it; and fixing the boundary between them. It is to be wished that the same liberal policy was pursued, and every germe of discontent removed that they might be reciprocally benificial to each other; their Laws, Language, and Customs being much assimilated.\nI pray your Lordship to be assured of the great respect and consideration, with which I have the honor to be Your Lordship\u2019s most obedient, and most humble servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0089", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Francisco Chiappe, 8 November 1791\nFrom: Chiappe, Francisco\nTo: Washington, George\n  Cadiz, 8 Nov. 1791. Observing that GW has yet to acknowledge his letters or issue him orders, encloses a duplicate of his letter of 22 Mar., as well as two lists of gifts presented by the ambassadors of Denmark and Sweden to the emperor of Morocco, and requests advice on how he and his brothers, who have long temporized and given many excuses, should respond to the emperor\u2019s continuing questions about the nonappearance of the American envoy; Holland\u2019s ambassador is likewise absent, but those of England, Denmark, Sweden, and Venice have presented their letters of credence and were well received by the emperor.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0090", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Moultrie, 8 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Moultrie, William\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia November 8th 1791\nAs I am certain that occasions which will afford you opportunities of shewing civilities to distinguished characters cannot fail to give you pleasure, I do without hesitation or ceremony introduce Lord Wycombe to your attentions: He is the Son of the Marquis of Landsdown, whose character you well know\u2014and, having passed through the eastern and middle States, is on a visit to Charleston whence he purposes to embark for England.\nHowever unnecessary it may be I will remind you of the plants and seeds you were to provide for me; and of the sincere\nesteem and regard with which I am and always shall be your obedient and affectionate Servant\nG. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0091", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 8 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pinckney, Charles\nSir,\nPhiladelphia, November 8th 1791\nI have the pleasure to inform your Excellency that your letters of the 18th of August & 20th of September, with their duplicates and the several papers accompanying them, came duly to hand.\nThe first was received at the time I was making arrangements to go to Mt Vernon, and the second when I was preparing my communications for Congress at the opening of the present session, This will account for my not having sooner acknowledged the receipt of them.\nYour favor of the 18th of August has been communicated to the Secretary of State, within whose department foreign affairs are; & I enclose you a copy of his observations to me on that subject.\nSimilar applications to those mentioned in your favor of the 20th of September, for aid from our neighbours of St Domingo, had come here during my absence in Virginia, and the officers of government had paid due attention to them by furnishing such as our \u27e8s\u27e9ituation admitted, and the Minister of France approved. I feel sincerely those sentiments of sympathy which you so properly express for the distresses of our suffering brethren in that quarter, and deplore their causes. We have not as yet any information which may lead us to hope they will soon be at an end. I am with due consideration & esteem Your Excellency\u2019s Your most Obedt Servt\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0092", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 8 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pinckney, Charles\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia, November 8th 1791.\nTo a Gentleman of your information it would not be new to say that the Marquis of Landsdown was the liberal friend of this country in its negociation of peace with Great Britain.\nThe bearer, Lord Wycombe, his Son, is on a tour through America, and purposes to visit Charleston\u2014I trouble you with this letter introductory of him to your civilities\u2014You will find him agreeable well informed, and worthy of your acquaintance. With my best respects to Mrs Pinckney I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, Your obedient humble servant\nG. Washington.\nP.S. I have received, and thank Your Excellency for, the painting of the aloe or agave which grew in your garden, and which you had the goodness to send to me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0094", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Darke, 9\u201310 November 1791\nFrom: Darke, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nfort Washington [Northwest Territory]Nineth [\u201310] Novr 1791\nI Take the liberty of Communicating to your Excelency The disagreable News of our defeat.\nWe Left fort Washington the Begining of Septr, a Jornel of our\nmarch to the place of Action & the whole proseedings on our march I hoped to have had the Honour to inclose to you but that and all other papers, Cloathing &ca was Taken by the Indians\u2014this Jornal I know would have gave you pain but thought it not amis to give you a State of facts and give you every Information in my power and had it Ready to Send to you the Very Morning we were actacked.\nWe advanced 24 miles from fort Washington and bult a Small fort which we I thought were Long about from thence we advanced from the banks of the Miammi River where the fort was aracted 44\u00bd Mills on a Straight Line by the Compass West 74 North though farther the way the Road went and bult another fort\u2014which we Left on the 23 October and from that time to the 3d Novr got 31 Miles where we incamped in two Lines about 60 yards apart the Right whing in frount Commanded by General Butler, the Left in the Rere which I commanded, our puiquets Discvered Some Sculking Indians about Camp in the Night and fired on them These we expected were horstealers as they had Taken Many of our Horses Near fort Washington and on the way and killed a few of our Men.\nAs Soon as it was Light In the Morning of the 4th Novr the advanced Guards of the Militia fired the Militia Being incamped a Small distance in frunt a Scatering fire Soon Commenced The troops were instantly formed to Receive them and the pannack Struck Militia Soon broke in to the Center of our incampment in a few Minutes our Guards were drove in and our whole Camp Surrounded by Savages advancing up Nere to our Lines and \u27e8Made\u27e9 from behind trees Logs &ca Grate Havake with our Men I for Some time having no orders indevoured to prevent the Soldiers from braking and Stil finding the enemy Growing More bold and Coming to the very Mouths of our Cannon and all the brave artiley officers killed I ordered the Left whing to Charg which with the assistance of the Gallent officers that were then Left I with dificulaty prevailed on them to do, the Second U.S. Regt was then the Least disabled the Charg begat with them on the Left of the Left whing I placed a Small Company of Riflemen on that flank on the Bank of a Small Crick and persued the enemy about four hundred yards who Ran off in all directions but by this time the Left flank of the Right whing Gave way and Number of the Indians Got into our Camp and Got possession of the Artilery and Scalped I Sopose a hundred men or more I\nturned back and beat them quite off the Ground Got posesion of the Cannon and had it bean possible to Get the troops to form and push them we Should then have Soon beat them of the Ground but those that Came from the Left whing Run in a huddle with those of the Right the enemys fire being almost over for Many Munites and all exertions Made by many of the brave officers to get them in Some order to per sue Victory was all in Vain. they would not form in any order. in this Confution they Remained until the enemy finding they were not pushed and I dare Say Active officers with them and I believe Several of them white. the Came on again, and the whole Army Ran together like a Mob at a fair, and had it Not been for the Gratest Exertions of the officers would have Stood there til all killed the Genl then Sent to me if off that Spot by Making a Charge I found my indevours fruitless for Some time, but at Length Got Several Soldiers together that I had observed behaving brave and Incoraged them to lead off which they did with Charged bayonets & Success the whole followed with Grate Rapidity I then endevoured to halt the frunt to Get them in Some order to turn and fire a few Shots but the horse I Rode being good for little and I wounded in the thigh Early in the Action and having fatigued my Self much was so stif I could make a poor hand of Runing\u2014the confution in the Retreat is beyound description, the men throughing away their arms Not withstanding all the indevour of the few Remaining Brave officers I think we must have Lost 1000 Stand of arms Militia included. It is impossible to Give any Good acount of the Loss of men at this time but from the Loss of officers you May give Some gess\u2014a list of their Names you have In Closed the Brave and Much to be Lamented G:B at their Head. I have Likewise in Closed you a Small Rough Sketch of the feeld of battle, I at this time am Scarcely able to write being worn out with fatigue Not having Slept 6 hours Sinc the defeat This fatigue has been occationed by the Cowardly behaviour of Major John F. Hamtramck, and I am Sorry to Say Not the Same exertions of the Govenor that I expected: Hamtramk was about Twenty four Miles in our Rere with the first U.S. Regiment Consisting of upwards of 300 effective men and on hearing of our defeat, insted of Coming on as his orders was I believe to follow us Retreated back 7 miles to fort Jefferson\u2019s we knowing of his being on his March after us and was in hopes of Grate Releif from him in\nCoverng the Retreat of perhaps upwards 200 or 300 wounded Men Many of whome might easily bean Saved with that fresh Regiment with whome I Should not have bean afraid to have fased the whole Indian Army if they had persued As the would have bean worn down with the Chaice and in Grate Disorder when we Got to the fort 31 miles in about 9 hours No one having eat any from the day before the action, we found the Gareson without more than one days bred and No Meat having been on half alowance two days there was a Council Called to which I after I believe they had agreed what was to be done was Calld it was Concluded to march of or Recommence the Retreat at 10 Oclock which was begun I think an hour before that time More than 800 wounded and Tired in our Rere the Govenor assured me he expected provition on every hour I at first Concluded to Stay with My Son who was very dangerously and I expected Mortaly wounded but after Geting Several officers dressed and as well provided for as possible and Seing the Influance Hamtramck had withe Genl about twelve oclock I got a horse and followed the army as I thought from apearences that Major Hamtramck had Influance anough to prevent the Gareson from being Supplied with the provition Coming on by Reaping the first Regt as a guard for him Self. I Rode alone about ten miles from twelve oclock at night until I over took the Regiment and the Genl I stil kept on until I met the pack horses about daylight Much alarmed at having heard Somthing of the defeat, the Horsemaster Could not prevail on the drivers to Go on with him until I assured them I would Go back with them Lame as I was I ordered the horses to be loaded immediately and Returned as fast as I could to hault the first Regiment as a guard, and when I met them told them to halt and make fires to Cook immediately as I made sure they would be Sent back with the provitions but when I met the Govenor and Major Hamtramck I pervaild with Genl St Clair to order 60 men back only what was all I could possbly get and had the bulock drivers know that was all the Guard they were to have the would not have gone on neither would the horse drivers I believe in Sted of the horse loads 57 Got on all the Rest went back with the Army and though the Men had bean So Long Starving and we then 47 miles from the place of action I could not pervail on them the Genl his fammily or advisers to halt for the Starved worn down Soldiers to Cook, nor\ndid they I believe even Kill a bulluck for their Relief\u2014I went back to fort Jefferson that Night with the flambeaou & c. where they was No kind of provition but a Miserable poor old horse and many Valuabld officers wound there and perhaps 200 Soldiers, it was night when I Got back I Slept not one moment that night My Son and other officers being in Such Distress the Next day I was busy all day Geting beiers made to Carey off the wounded officers there being no medison there\u2014Nor any Nurishment Not even a quart of Salt but they were not able to bare the Motion of the horses\u2014that night I Set off for this place and Rode til about 12 Oclock by which time My thigh was amassingly Sweld near as Large as my body and So hot that I could feel the warmth with My hand 2 foot off of it I could Sleep none and have Slept very Little Since the wounds begin to Separate and are much esier I am aprehensive that fort Jefferson is now besieged by the indians as Certain Information has bean Received that a large body were on Sunday night within fifteen miles of it Coming on the Road we marched out and I am Sorey to Se no exertions to Releive it I Cannot tel whether they have the Cannon they took from us or Not if the have not, they Cannot take it nor I don\u2019t think the Came with, for want of Ball which they have No Grate Number of\u2014They took from us eight peices of Ordinin[c]e 130 bullucks about 300 horses upwards of 200 Tents a Considerable quantity of flour Ammunition and all the officers and Soldiers Cloathing and bagage except what they had on I believe they Gave quarters to None as Most of the Women were Killed before we Left the Ground. I think the Slaughter far Grater then Bradocks there being 33 brave officers Killd Dead on the Ground 27 wounded that we know of, and Some Mising exclusive of the Militia and I know their Colo and two Captains were Killed. I donot think our Loss So Grate as to Strike the Surviving officers with Ideas of despare as it Seems to. the Chief of the Men Killd are of the Levies and indeed many of them are as well out of the world as in it as for the Gallent officers they are much to be Lamented as the behaviour of allmost all of them would have done honour to the first Vetrans in the world\u2014the few that escaped without wonds it was Chiefly axedent that Saved them as it is impossible to Say More in their praise then they deserve.\nIn the few horse officers though thay had no horses good for anything\u2014Capt. Truman, Lieut. Sedam, Debuts, Boins and\nGlen behaved Like Soldiers, Capt. Snowden is I think Not Calculated for the army Ensign Shamburg of the first United States Regiment is as brave Good and determined Herow as any in the world Lieutenent James Stephenson from Berkaley, of the Levies is aded to one of the most un Spoted and Respectable Carectors in the world in private Life as good an officer as ever drew breth, his Gallent behavior in Action drew the attention of every officer that was Near him more then any other, There is one Bissell perhaps a volonteer in the Second U.S. Regiment who richly deserved perferment for his bravery though the whole action he made the freeest use of the baonet of any Man I notices in the Carcases of the Savages. John Hamelton I cant say too much in praise of who was along with the Army a packhorse master he picked up the dead mens Guns and used them freely when he found them Loaded and when the Indians entered the Camp he took up an ax and at them with it, I am intirely at a loss to give you any act what General St Clair in tends to do I will Know What I would do was I in his place and would venter to forfet My Life if the Indians have Not Moved the Cannon farther then the Miammi Towns if I did not Retake them by Going there in three days in Sted of two month I well know the have Lost Many of their bravest Warriors and I make No doubt the have Near 100 wounded their killed I cannot think Batre any perpotion to ours as they Lay So Concealed but many I know we killd and those of the most dareing fellows which has weakened them Grately and I know we were able to beat them and that a Violent push with one hundred Men when the Left whing Returned from persuing them would have turnd the Scale in our favour [(]in deed I think fifty would in the Scatered State they were in) and five or Six hundred Mountd Rifelmen from Canetuck aded to the force we have would Be as Sure of Suchsess as they want many hear offer to Go with me a number of offices ofer to Go as privates and I never was Treated with so much Respect in any part of the world as I have bean this day in this wilderness in the time I am offered My Choice of any horse belonging to the town as I Lost all my own horses\u2014I Shall Se the General in the Morning and perhaps be No more Satisfied then I am now\u2014Though I have Spoke of all the officers with that Respect they Richly deserve I Cannot in Justice to Capt. Hannah help mentioning him as when all his men were killd wounded and Scatered except four he Got a Sailor that belonged to Capt. Darke Company when\n  the Cannon was Retaken the artilery Men being all Killd and Lying in heaps about the peases who he Draged a way and Stood to the Cannon him Self til the Retreat and then within a few yards of the enemy Spiked the Gun with his Baonet Capt. Brock and all the Captains of the Maryland Line I cannot Say too much in their praise. I have taken the Liberty of writing so particulerly to you as I think no one Can Give a better account nor do I think you will Get an account from any that Saw So much of the action Genl St Clair no Being able to Run about as I was if his Inclina\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 had been as Grate\u2014I hope in the Coure of the winter to have the plesur\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 of Seing you when I may have it in my power to answer any question\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 you are pleased to ask Concerning the unfortunate Campain. Have the Honour to be your Excelencys most obt and most humble Servant\nWm Darke\n10 Novr I have prevailed on the Good Genl to Send a Strong party To Carry Supplies to fort Jeferson which I hope will be able To Releive it and as I have polticed wound and the Swelling much Assuaged if I find my Self able to Set on horse back will Go with the party as I Can be very warm by Lahing myself with blankets.\nWm Darke", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0096", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n  Philadelphia, 10 Nov. 1791. After examining the enclosed papers relating to the land purchase of John Cleves Symmes on the Great Miami River, he thinks it proper to lay them before Congress, to demonstrate not only the foundation of Symmes\u2019s larger claim but also the \u201cexpediency of providing some speedy and regular mode of deciding this and other questions of a like nature which might arise hereafter, and obstruct for a considerable time the proceedings relative to the public lands.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0101", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 11 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate,\n[Philadelphia] United StatesNovember 11th 1791.\nI nominate the following persons to fill the offices annexed to their names respectively\u2014namely\u2014\nNathaniel Rogers, to be Marshal of the New-Hampshire District; vice John Parker, deceased.\nAlexander Moore, to be Surveyor of the Port of West Point, in Virginia; vice John Spotswood Moore, who has resigned his appointmt.\nCharles Brown, to be Collector of the Port of George Town, in South Carolina; vice John Cogdell, who has resigned his appointment.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0104", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Lewis, 12 November 1791\nFrom: Lewis, William\nTo: Washington, George\n  Fredericksburg, Va., 12 Nov. 1791. Solicits the position of the keeper of the lighthouse on Cape Henry and refers to John Fitzhugh of Chatham, Stafford County, Va., Luther Page of Mannsfield, Spotsylvania County, Va., John Lewis of Fredericksburg, and Thomas Newton of Norfolk, Va.; \u201cMr Jefferson if he has Not forgot me will I expect Vouch for me I wrote by Mr Munroe\u2014to him on that Account.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0107", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 November 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nWar-department [Philadelphia], Nov: 14th 1791.\nLieutenant John Heth having arrived from the Creek country, I have the honor to submit his report relative to his mission and also, three letters from Brigadier General McGillivray of the 15th and 25th of September and the 4th of October; and also a letter from Edward White, dated the 7th of October. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, Your most obedient Servt\nH.Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0109", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Eliphalet Pearson, 14 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pearson, Eliphalet\nSir,\nPhiladelphia November 14th 1791.\nI have received your letter of the 10th of September, enclosing, by order of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Judge Lowell\u2019s eulogy on the late Governor Bowdoin.\nI must beg, Sir, you will present my proper acknowledgements to the Academy for this mark of attention, and at the same time receive yourself my thanks for the polite manner in which you have transmitted to me the Eulogy on that worthy Character, and for the Catalogue of Harvard College which accompanied it. I am, Sir, with due Consideration, Your most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0111", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry McCormick, 17 November 1791\nFrom: McCormick, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSr\n[Ontario County, N.Y.] Novr 17th 1791\nMy past Service in the Army of the United States Emboldens me to write, Informing your Excellency, that after a tedious War I Retired to a Privat life and ever since has got my living by the sweat of my brow With Industrey and Leatly has Settled myself and Rising family in a good Peice of Land in the State of New york in the County Ontario on the Watters of Canastoe near the Genase Where with the blessing of god I hope to aquire a good Living.\nI have been Leatly requested by several of my wellwishers to apply for the agency of the Indian affairs in this Quarter to the Six Nations, as I live conteigent to them Which if your Excellancy would Pleas or think Proper to Endow me with I would use my endeavour to Discharge the Busness with Fidelity and Honour to myself and Posterity as I am aquainted with several of the Sachams & Chieffs[.] Colol Proctor and Coll Pickerine knows my satuation hear Who Can give your Excelancy a account &c.\nPerhaps your honour may have forgott my Service in the army which was in the Pencyelvenia Line the Last four years. I done the Duty of Majr of Brigade to Genral Wayne, and in 79 your Excellancy appointed me as such with the Inspectorship to the Light Infantry &c.\nThier is Several Gentn in Philadelphia who I have applied to\nfor thier assistance, but Perhaps through the Multiplicity of Busness they may forgett me.\nYour Compliance to my Request will forever be Esteemed by your most Obident & Very Humble Servant\nHenry McCormick", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0112", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jacob Welsh, 17 November 1791\nFrom: Welsh, Jacob\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n[Philadelphia] Nov. 17. 1791.\nLiving in a part of the united States abounding in people, I beg leave to propose to engage 50 or 100 sober, industrious young men in new England, artists in the several branches and employments necessary, in the new City on Powtomac, to go on by water early in the spring and be engaged for a year under the direction of Majr Le\u2019Enfant.\nI offer my service as Superintendant of the men so to be engaged\u2014with them to be under the same direction\u2014One Idea further is suggested the propriety of having a person with Mr L\u2019Enfant who can comprehend his plans, assist his views, and capable to continue his Ideas should he by any casuality be removed.\nSir\u2014if these ideas meet your aprobation any comands in relation to the business will be immediately obey\u2019d. I have the\nhonor to be with every sentiment of esteem, Sir, Your respectful fellow citizen and Obedient humble Servant,\nJacob Welsh", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0115", "content": "Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 19 November 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nWar-department [Philadelphia], Novr 19th 1791.\nYou mention in yours of last evening, the blanks for the commissioners to run the Cherokee line will be filled by the names agreed upon this day.\nThe following characters were mentioned by me to Mr Hawkins yesterday, who seemed to think them entirely suitable for the purpose, to wit,\nJudge Campbell.\nDaniel Smith\u2014the Secretary of the territory.\nand, Colonel Landon Carter.\nWill you be so good as to inform me whether these were the persons you alluded to?\nI submit to the President certain estimates for vessels presented to the Senate at their request. I am Dear Sir, Your very humble Servt\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0118", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 20 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stuart, David\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Novr 20th 1791\nI had heard before the receipt of your letter of the 29th of October\u2014and with a degree of surprize & concern not easy to be expressed\u2014that Majr L\u2019Enfant had refused the Map of the\nFederal City when it was requested by the Commissioners for the satisfaction of the purchasers at Sale. It is much to be regretted\u2014however common the case is\u2014that men who possess talents which fit them for peculiar purposes should almost invariably be under the influence of untoward dispositions\u2014or are sottish idle\u2014or possessed of some other disqualification by which they plague all those with whom they are concerned. But I did not expect to have met with such perverseness in Major L\u2019Enfant as his late conduct exhibited.\nSince my first knowledge of this Gentleman\u2019s abilities in the line of his profession, I have viewed him not only as a scientific man but one who added considerable taste to professional knowledge; and that, for such employment as he is now engaged in; for projecting public works; & carrying them into effect he was better qualified than any one who had come within my knowledge in this Country, or indeed in any other the probability of obtaining whom could be counted upon. I had no doubt, at the same time, that this was the light in which he considered himself; and of course that he would be so tenacious of his plans as to conceive they would be marred if they underwent any change or alteration; but I did not suppose that he wd have interfered further in the mode of selling the lots, than by giving an opinion with his reasons in support of it: & this perhaps it might be well always to hear, as the latter would stamp the propriety, or shew the futility of it. To advise this, I am the more inclined, as I am persuaded that all those who have any Agency in the business have the same objects in view, although they may differ in sentiment with respect to the mode of execution; because, from a source even less productive than L\u2019Enfants, may flow ideas that are capable of improvement; and because I have heard that Ellicot, who is also a man of uncommon talents in his way, and of a more placid temper, has intimated that no information had been required either from him, or L\u2019Enfant on some point or points (I do not now particularly recollect what) which they thought themselves competent to give.\nI have no other motive for mentioning the latter circumstance than merely to shew that the feelings of such Men are always alive\u2014and, where there assistance is essential; that it is policy to humour them or to put on the appearance of doing it. I have, however, since I have come to the knowledge of Majr L\u2019Enfants\nrefusal of the Map, at the Sale, given him to understd through a direct channel, though not an official one, as yet (further than what casually passed between us, previous to the Sale, at Mount Vernon[)], that he must, in future, look to the Commissioners for directions. That, having laid the foundation of this grand design, the Superstructure depended upon them. That I was perfectly satisfied his plans and opinions would have due weight, if properly offered and explained. That if the choice of Commissioners was again to be made I could not please myself better, or hit upon those who had the measure more at heart, or better disposed to accomodate the various interests\u2014and persons concerned; and that it would give me great concern to see a goodly prospect clouded by impediments which might be thrown in the way, or injured by disagreements which would only serve to keep alive the hopes of those who are enemies to the Plan. But, that you may not infer from hence he has expressed any dissatisfaction at the conduct of the Commissioners, towards him, it is an act of justice I should declare that, I never have heard\u2014directly nor indirectly\u2014that he has expressed any. His pertinacity would, I am persuaded, be the same in all cases, & to all men. He conceives, or would have others believe, that the Sale was promoted by with-holding the general map, & thereby, the means of comparison; but I have caused it to be signified to him, that I am of a different opinion; & that it is much easier to impede, than to force a Sale, as none who knew what they were about would be induced to buy\u2014to borrow an old adage \u201cA Pig in a Poke.\u201d\nThere has been something very unaccountable in the conduct of the Engraver, yet I cannot be of opinion the delays were occasioned by L\u2019Enfant. As soon, however, as a correct draught of the City is prepared, the same, or some other person shall be pressed to the execution. I say a correct draught, because I have understood that Mr Ellicot has given it as his opinion it was lucky that Engravings did not come out from the first Plan, inasmuch as they would not have been so perfectly exact as to have justified a Sale by them.\nIt is of great importance, in my opinion, that the City should be laid out in to squares and lots with all the dispatch that the nature & accuracy of the Work will admit. And it is the opinion of intelligent & well informed men\u2014now in this City\u2014who are friends to the measure, that for this purpose, & to accomodate\nthe two great Interests of George Town & Carrollsburg, it would be advisable, rather than delay another public Sale until the whole can be compleated, to lay all the ground into squares which shall be West of the Avenue leading from George Town to the Presidents House\u2014thence by the Avenue to the House for Congress\u2014& thence by a proper Avenue (I have not the Plan by me to say which) to the Eastern Branch; comprehending the range of Squares next to, & binding on the said Avenues on the East side; And to appoint as early a day for the Sale as a moral certainty of their completion will warrant.\nWhen I speak of the importance of dispatch, it does not proceed from any doubt I harbour, that the enemies to the measure can shake the establishment of it; for it is with pleasure I add as my opinion\u2014that the Roots of the permanent Seat are penetrating deep, & spreading far & wide\u2014The Eastern States are not only getting more & more reconciled to the measure, but are beginning to view it in a more advantageous light as it respects their policy and interests; and some members from that quarter who were its bitterest foes while the question was pending in Congress, have now declared in unequivocal terms to various people, and at various times, that if attempts should be made to repeal the Law they would give it every opposition in their power. These sentiments of the Eastern people being pretty well known, will, I am persuaded, arrest the design, if a repeal had been contemplated; but it will not prevent those who are irreconcilable, from aiming all the side blows in their power at it: and the rumours which were spread at the Sale, that Congress never wd reside there, is one of the expedients that will be exerted in all its force, with a view to discourage the Sales of the Lots, & the buildings thereon, that the accomodations may be unfit for the Government when the period shall arrive that the removal is to take place.\nWhen I see Major L\u2019Enfant (who it is said will shortly be here) I shall endeavr to bring him to some explanation of the terms on which he will serve the public\u2014and will also impress upon him the necessity of dispatch, that as early a Sale as circumstances will admit, may ensue.\nWhen I began this letter, and until I had got to the present stage of it, it was intended as an answer to yours of the 29th of October; but on a reperusal of that of the 21st of the said month\nfrom the Commissioners, I find it will serve as an answer to both; and, as it is of an enormous length, & my head & hands during the Session of Congress are fully employed, I pray you at the first meeting of the Commissioners to lay these sentiments before them for their private information.\nI forward the enclosed, as I did a former communication from the same person, that the Commissioners may be apprised of the circumstances attending the Land which is the subject of the letter. No acknowledgment of this, or the former, has been made by me. With very great esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Affecte Humble Servant\nGo: Washington\nP.S. I fear you have forgot my request, made in behalf of Mr Young, of England.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0119", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll, 21 November 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Daniel Carroll, 21 Nov. 1791. GW informed Daniel Carroll of Duddington on 28 Nov. that \u201cYour letter of the 21st came to my hands on thursday afternoon.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0122", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nMy dear Sir,\nPhiladelphia, Novr 21st 1791.\nAt the earnest request of Mr Jorre I make known to you, that he came over to this Country with an idea of obtaining some appointment under our Government; but he now finds that idea to have been false; for propriety, as you, my dear Sir, well know, would not admit of a foreigners being prefered to Office before one of our own Countrymen, who suffered so much to effect the revolution, and who certainly ought now to enjoy the official benefits arising from it; especially too, as there is not an Office created for which there are not many applicants, and always among them some who claim attention from their public services.\nFrom the recommendation which Mr Jorre brought to me, he appears to be a man of good character and abilities; and he seems to have given up every other pursuit for the sake of coming here. But finding that he can not accomplish his wishes by obtaining a public appointment, he is about to return to france and, as I before observed, has earnestly requested I would make known the foregoing circumstances to you, in order that, if he should make any application for an appointment under your Government, he might have some unquestionable proof to produce of the views with which he came to this Country, and of the cause of his disappointment.\nBut, my dear Sir, you must not conceive from this letter that I mean in any degree to interfere with appointments in France. It is written only for the purpose before mentioned. But at the same time it affords me the pleasure of telling you how much and how sincerely I am, My dear sir, Your affte friend,\nGo: Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0123", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nMy dear Sir,\nPhiladelphia, Novr 21st 1791.\nMr John Trumbull, with whom you are acquainted, is engaged in Painting a series of Pictures of the most important Events of the Revolution in this Country, from which he proposes to have plates engraved. I have taken peculiar satisfaction in giving eve\u27e8r\u27e9y proper aid in my power to a subscrip\u27e8tion\u27e9 for supporting this work, whic\u27e8h\u27e9 has been likewise patronized by the principle people in this Country.\nIn the hope of meeting the patronage of the French Nation (to whose honor as well as that of America this plan is directed) Mr Trumbull informs me he has ordered a Subscription to be opened in Paris. And the object of this letter is to engage your support to the subscription in that City and other parts of the Nation where it may be offered.\nI should not, however, do justice to Mr Trumbulls talents & merits were I barely to mention his views & wishes on this occasion. His pieces, so far as they are executed, meet the warm applause of all who have seen them. The greatness of the design, and \u27e8the\u27e9 masterly execution of the Work equally interest the man of a capacious mind and the approving eye of the Connoisseur; He has spared no pains in obtaining from the life the likenesses of those characters French as well as Americans\u2014who bore a conspicuous part in our Revolution; and the success with which his efforts have been crowned will form no small part of the value of his pieces.\nTo you, my dear Sir, who know Mr Trumbull as a man and as an Artist\u27e8,\u27e9 it would perhaps ha\u27e8ve\u27e9 been hardly necessary to say so much as I have done on this occasion. But I could not in Justice say less of him when I believe in his profession, he will do much honor to the liberal art of Painting, as well as credit to this his native Country.\nI cannot conclude this letter without congratulating you most sincerely on the King\u2019s acceptance of the Constitution presented to \u27e8hi\u27e9m by National Assembly, and upon the happy consequences which promise to flow to your Country, as well as to mankind in general, from that event. The prayers & wishes of the friends to the human race have attended the exertions of your Nation, and when your affairs are completely settled under an energetic and equal government the hearts of good men will be gratified, and no one will rejoice in your felicity, & for the noble & disinterested part you have acted more than Your sincere and truly Af\u27e8f\u27e9ectionate Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0125", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Pierre L\u2019Enfant, 21 November 1791\nFrom: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nGeorge town [Md.] November \u27e821\u27e9 1791\nIn pursuance of the measure first taken, and of which I took the liberty of Informing you by last post, respecting the House of Mr Carroll of duddington which will become necessary to Have destroyed; he not having acquiessed to proceed himself as requested to the demolishing in lieu of answering my last summon having set out on a Journey\u2014I directed yester day forenoon a number of hand to the Spot & Employed with them some of the principal people who had worked in rasing the House to the End that Every possible attention be paid to the Interest of the Gentleman as shall be consistent in forwarding the publick object.\nthe roof now has already down with part of the brick work & the whole will I Expect be levelled to the ground before the weak is over. this operation facilitating the laying out of that part of the city as is a proper way to close the process of this & prepard for next Campagne my wish \u27e8illegible\u27e9 to avail of the good \u27e8w\u27e9eather steal Continuing has Induced me to prevail on Mr Ellicott to Continue here a forty night longer\u2014& unless you direct\nto the Contrary he will remain having writen by this post to general Knox requesting that Everything should be made ready in philadelphie for him to sale from thence for georgia immediatly after leaving off here.\nAt this moment when Everything Concur in Evidencing how the publick mind become more & more Interested in the Execution of the undertaking here the forwarding of the work grow up in Importance and wishing to use Every possible advantage of the season I cannot see the various other objects which demand I should also give an Immediat attention upon without regretting the want of possibility to\u2014dispensate of time so as to effect both at one\u2014a compleat Engraving of the plan\u2014& compleat drawing Copie of the grand plan are tow objects Impossible to effect heer-and which Cannot be done unless until I can spare the grand plan by which the operation here are to be regulated\u2014and unless I leve the business here to pursue in Philadelphia are objects which I Conceive you are most desiring of to one for the Information of the publick & the other, to be handed to Congress\u2014neither of these can be done without I can spare the original map which will be wanted here until the work before mentioned is compleated\u2014nor can it well be effected without I am in a situation to direct the work.\na circumstance the Consideration of which lead me to accellerate the compleation of all what require my attendance so that work may be marked out for the hand that may be keept in Continuing on Employment th[r]ough the whole winter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0126", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to William Shotwell, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Shotwell, William\n  Philadelphia, 21 Nov. 1791. \u201cThe President wants to purchase about one thousand wt of clover, and six or seven bushels of Timothy-Seed, and wishes you to let him know what they can be bought for now with you. If the seeds are obtained by the month of February next, it will be soon enough for the President\u2019s purpose; but he must depend upon\nthem at that time, if he should determine to have them from N. York, which will depend on the price they bear there. You will, therefore, let me know, as soon as you can, after receiving this letter, whether they can be had now, and the price, and likewise whether it would be best to wait until the month of february for a lower price, or a more plentiful supply.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0127", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Ruben Slaughter, 21 November 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Slaughter, Ruben\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Ruben Slaughter, 21 Nov. 1791. In a letter to Slaughter of 25 Feb. 1792, GW refers to \u201cyour letter of the 21st of November last.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0128", "content": "Title: Thomas Jefferson to Tobias Lear, 22 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lear, Tobias\n  [Philadelphia, 22 Nov. 1791]. Sends a statement for 1,680 livres, the cost of champagne imported for GW this year, and, since there were insufficient funds deposited abroad to cover GW\u2019s present order for thirty dozen bottles of champagne, requests a bill on Amsterdam for 800 florins. This, with the undervaluation of the previous shipment, will probably total more than 2,000 livres.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0129", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 23 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stuart, David\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia Novr 23d 1791\nAfter closing my letter to you of the 20th I recollected that I had omitted to take notice of your observation respecting Wood covers to Brick or Stone buildings, in the Federal City.\nIt is much to be wished that this evil could be avoided without involving a greater; for it is difficult to decide between things to be wished\u2014and things that are attainable. It has a claim however to consideration, & may be decided upon before the next general Sale. In the meanwhile, it might be well to enquire, how far the measure would meet general approbation; what, probably, would be the difficulties in covering with Slate, Tyle, or any thing else which would be proof against fire; and what the difference in expence between these & Shingles: for if the latter is much cheaper, and the former difficult to be obtained, buildings will be so discouraged, and the Sales so much impeded thereby, as to render the exclusion of Shingles unadvisable. I am, Dear Sir Your Affecte Hble Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0131", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia] Friday 25th Novr 1791\nAs the meeting proposed to be held (at nine O\u2019clock tomorrow morning) with the heads of the Great Departments) is to consider important subjects belonging (more immediately) to the Department of State\u2014The President desires Mr Jefferson would commit the several points on which opinions will be asked to Paper, in the order they ought to be taken up.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0132", "content": "Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 26 November 1791\nFrom: Commissioners for the District of Columbia\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nGeorge-Town [Md.] Novr 26th 1791\nA variety of considerations have induced us to think, that many and great benefits might result from the employment of a\nperson of intelligence, to make a tour for a few months into the Eastern States, and inform himself of the terms on which men, and materials may be had\u2014We are happy that Mr Cabots engagements have permitted him to undertake this Office. We have requested him to call on you before he leaves Philadelphia, and hope you will suggest to him whatever may occur to you as most proper to be attended to, in addition to the communications we have imparted to him\u2014As he is to correspond with us regularly, we shall be happy in conveying to him any thing which may occur to you at any time\u2014We are &c.\nDa. Stuart\nDl Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0133", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Ts G\u2014ts, 27 November 1791\nFrom: Unknown\nTo: Washington, George\nHonerd sir\nLondon 27th Novembr 1791\nfrom the Small acquaintance I had with you in 1755 & 1756 &c. while in north amaraca and in Regard to my near Relations I have in your Cuntry[.] I take this freedom of Acquainting you of Some Lucrative Scheames now Laying against your innocent Cuntry it seems as if devine providance orderd it and hope he will provide for this Reaching your Honerable House[.] about ten days past I had some business with one of our old parlament who is Very full of talk when intackicaed and often So [.] it being\nabout Six in the evening when there Came a gentleman who apeared as a stranger to him as well as to me hand him a Letter when he had Read it ased him when he arived[.] he told[.] also asked what newes from Virginia[.] I was Imadently ased to go as thay had Some private business[.] I went out and Stood under the winder whare the Lord sett and from the discorse I found he was from among your Indains where every Scheame is Laying for your Cuntrys desstruction[.] also I heard them agree that Seventy thousand blackes might be Rais in your States as many of them had got there freedom by gentlemen Seting them at Liberty and unless thay where industres in there plan thay would Loos all of that Coular as it was generally thought thay would all be set at liberty and made soulders of to go again the Indains but with industree thay might be brougt to Cut there one masters thraughts as thay whare badly treated and might be raised for half price[.] you may be asured thay will be in armes against you[.] he also Said the dam Congress must perish if it was not for the poor Slaves thay keep in bondage but he did not dout but in a few years to have them head of ther masters[.] I have many Relation in that Cuntry Such as Sisters and brothers Children which I feel for[.] I have none heare nearer than the fourth genaration and dont expect to Stay Long as I have been in a decline this many years but sapose this was nown heare Should not stay many hours[.] he said your Laws from peace with them entitled these Creatures to freedom but you ware all of a tirranical disposion and Could not live without them which blinded every humain princable[;] that you possesed a number of them So that he did not expect any thing done for this two or three years[.] I hope the Almighty will pertect and guide you in your good deeds againts all your enemies and Remains with Respect your ever will wisher\nTs G\u2014ts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0135", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll of Duddington, 28 November 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel (of Duddington)\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nCarroll\u2019s Burgh [Md.] Novr. 28th 1791\nSince I had the honor to write you a few days past, informing you of my disagreeable situation, Major L\u2019Enfant has proceeded with his hands to the demolishing of my building which he has in great Measure effected, having entirely destroyed the roof, & thrown down the greater part of the upper story, in fine the building is ruined, this appears to be the most arbitrary act ever heard of. I expected he wou\u2019d at least have waited until the receipt of your answer, & in the mean time I went to Annapolis, to obtain a bill of Injunction from the Chancellor of Maryland, to prevent his proceeding in the business, which having obtained, I am now advised by my friends, to serve the bill on him, which I shall do immediately on his return from Virginia, where he has\nbeen since he began this destruction of property. I am extremely sorry that I am obliged in my own defense to prosecute this business, which already I perceive makes too much noise, & I am fearfull, may in some measure effect, the grand business already began.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0136", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Pierre L\u2019Enfant, 28 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Novr 28th 1791\nYour letter of the 21st instant came duly to hand, as did one of the same date from Mr Carroll of Duddington on the same subject. A Copy of my answer to the latter is enclosed, by which you will perceive I have proposed an accomodation. As a similar case cannot happen again (Mr Carrolls house having been begun before the Federal District was fixed upon) no precedent will be established by yielding a little in the present instance; and it will always be found sound policy to conciliate the good-will rather than provoke the enmity of any man, where it can be accomplished without much difficulty, inconvenience or loss. Indeed the more harmoniously this, or any other business is conducted the faster it will progress, & the more satisfactory will it be.\nShould Mr Carroll adopt the first alternative mentioned in my letter to him\u2014and there is no pressing cause for taking the building down this Winter, the materials will be less liable to injury by standing as they are\u2014and less apt to be stolen than if they should be taken down before the period shall arrive for reerection.\nAs there is a suspension at present of the business which took Mr Ellicots brother to Georgia there will be no occasion for his proceeding thither, until he shall receive further advice from me, or from the Department of War. But it is my earnest wish, & desire, that he would give every aid in his power to prepare for a large sale of Lots in the Spring, agreeably to the sentiments\nwhich have been communicated to the Commissioners; And it is moreover exceedingly to be wished, that correct Engravings of the City could be had and properly dissiminated (at least) through out the United States before such Sale.\nA great pressure of business at this time, prevents me from adding more than that I am with esteem and regard Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0137", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Stewart et al., 28 November 1791\nFrom: Stewart, David\nTo: Washington, George\n  [Baltimore] 28 Nov. 1791. Recommend David Harris, a former merchant of this town, as very deserving, because of his capacity and general deportment, for an \u201cOffice, for which the knowledge of Accounts may be Necessary.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0138", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Harriot Washington, 28 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, Harriot\nTo: Washington, George\nMt Vernon November 28 91\nI with pleasure sit down, to inform my dear Uncle, that I recieved his kind, an[d] affectionate letter this day fortnight; I was very sensible, of your kindness in giving me such good advice, and shall try to profit, by it as much as I can, I know very well, the obligations I am under, to you and I am very thankful for your care and attention to me. Cousin and the Major are a going down the country in two or three weeks, and to stay untill the spring, I am going to stay at Cousin Lee\u2019s, and when Cousin returns, I intend to assist her in keeping house, Mrs Stuart is still here, Cousin and all the rest of the family are well at present.\nIf you please to give my love, to Aunt Washington Nelly and Washington. I am My dear Uncle Your affectate Neice\nHarriot Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0141", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Seagrove, 30 November 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Seagrove, James\nTo: Washington, George\n\tLetter not found: from James Seagrove, 30 Nov. 1791. On 20 Feb. 1792 Henry Knox wrote Seagrove: \u201cYour letter to the President of the\nUnited States, dated at Trader\u2019s Hill, on the river St. Mary\u2019s, near the Indian line, on the 30th of November 1791, . . . ha[s] been . . . received within the last week.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0142", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 1 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Commissioners for the District of Columbia\nGentlemen,\nPhiladelphia Decr 1st 1791.\nI receive with real mortification the account of the demolition of Mr Carrolls house by Major L\u2019Enfant, against his consent, and without authority from yourselves or any other person: for you have done me but justice in ass\u27e8erting that\u27e9 he had no such authority from me. My letter of the 28th Ulto to Mr Carroll of Duddington will prove this.\nI now enclose you the copy of one to Majr L\u2019Enfant, in which you will see what I say to him on this subject.\nYou are as sensible as I am of his value to us. But this has it\u2019s limits, and there is a point beyond which he might be overvalued. If he is saved from the notice of the law on the present occasion, I would chuse he shd owe it entirely to yourselves, and that he be made sensible that there will be no interference from me on his behalf.\nThe enclosed for Mr Carroll of Duddington you may either deliver or destroy as it shall seem best to you. With very great esteem & regard I remain, gentn Yr. Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0144", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 1 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia] Dec. 1. 1791.\nTh: Jefferson presents his respects to the President and sends him a draught of letters to Majr L\u2019Enfant & the Commissioners, prepared on a conference with mister Madison. perhaps the former may be too severe. it was observed however, that tho\u2019 the president\u2019s sentiments conveyed to him thro\u2019 mister Lear, were serious, & ought to have produced an effect on him, he gave them the go-by in his letter in answer, and shews that he will not regard correction unless it be pointed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0147", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Appleton, 3 December 1791\nFrom: Appleton, Nathaniel\nTo: Washington, George\nSr\nBoston 3d Decembr 1791\nwith great respect & diffidence I address the President of the United States.\nOne of my sons Thoms Appleton about 26 years of age has resided in Paris the last 5 years, & has been connected in business with a very respectable House there, in supplying the City with Oil by contract, which gave a fair prospect of yeilding him a handsom proffit, but during the Revolution there, such dificulties have arrisen in the business that he found it necessary to quit it, upon which his friends in Paris, from his good proficiency in writing & speaking the French language, & from the reputation which he has gained since his residence there, have advised him to apply for the appointment of Consul from the United States at the Port of Lisbon, for which appointment, I have now taken the liberty, in his behalf, to address you on the subject\u2014it may be improper for me to enlarge upon his qualifications, but as he had the honor of being acquainted, according to their different ages & rank, with the honorable Mr Secretary Jefferson when he resided in Paris, I know of no person so capable of informing your Excellency of my sons qualifications & reputation, I understand he has written to Secretary Jefferson on the subject\u2014if my son should be thought worthy of the appointment, I hope he will with reputation to himself & his Country promote the Interest of the United States.\nMy son went abroad So young that but very few persons in this place have sufficient knowledge of him to second this application\u2014perhaps Mr Secretary Otis may recollect him as he was acquainted in his family. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most obedient & obliged humble Servant\nNathl Appleton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0149", "content": "Title: William Lyles to George Augustine Washington, 3 December 1791\nFrom: Lyles, William\nTo: Washington, George Augustine\nDear Sir\nBroad Creek Decr 3d 1791\nMr Murray informs me he had paid you \u00a393.11.8, in part of what you are to receive from me\u2014This sum has been ready some time, and I fully expected the whole amt would have been paid you pointedly at the time it became due by Colo. Fitzgerald, who had money in his hands of mine and alloted for that very purpose, but I am told he has not paid you a Shilling for my \u27e8acct\u27e9.\nI am extremely mortified that the whole is not paid before this day, but the Situation of my family is and has been such with the small pox, that I have not been able to attend to any part of my affairs, I shall as Soon as it is possible pay up the balce. I am with great esteem Dr Sir your Obt servt\nWm Lyles", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0150", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 4 December 1791\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear President\nRichmond [Va.] Decr 4th 1791\nAltho the enclosed account which came to hand yesterday is by no means complete, yet I think it worthy of transmission, as I am sure you will be very anxious to receive every additional information on the late disaster in the west.\nThe writer I am told is entitled to full credit\u2014We may I think truely infer from this communication that the enemy paid dearly for their victory, or General St Clair after so heavy a loss could not have effected his retreat to Fort Jefferson thirty miles distant from the field of battle & also that the remains of the army are not as the first accounts stated destitute of provision, but will be able to subsist until the releif shall arrive.\nThe district of Kentucky evince on this occasion a zeal & alertness which does the highest honor to their character.\nI have not thought it worth while to send General Scotts circular letr, or the extract from the Kentucky gazette, as they only mention the defeat briefly & I have reason to beleive must ere now have reached the secretary of the department of War.\nThe fate of the detachment Under the mountain leader seems full of peril yet the character of the Indian cheif inspires me with hope that he will elude the efforts of his enemy. I have the honor\nto be sir with the most entire & Affectionate respect your most ob: h: servt\nHenry Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0151", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 4 December 1791\nFrom: Spotswood, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nNottingham Virginia December 4. 1791\nMy Second Son, John Augustine Spotswood, who I declined entering into the French Navy, for good & Substantial reasons given by you, was immediatly entered on board of a large Merchant ship; and next april, Compleets his regular Service, From a Cabbin Boy up to mate, In which Character he is now officiating in.\nI have expended much money on his Nautical Education, and great pains has been Taken, by those gentlemen, both in this Country, and Europe, whom he; by my directions, put himself under, So soon as his ship had dis-charged her Cargo, and it is with pleasure that I assure you, that all the Nautical men who are acquainted with him, assure me he is a Compleets Seaman & Navigator. he is now in London, under that great Teacher of Mathematicks, and Navigation, (Mr John Hambleton Moore) On his return which will be in March 1792, he means to push his fortune to the Indies, in Some of the american Indiamen, and to remain in that service until he has an opportunity, of offering his Service to his Country; as a naval officer. he wishes for a chief Mates Birthe, if that Cannot be obtained he must put up with 2d or 3d. I, being a Total Stranger, to the owners, & Captains of ships in this line, I have no resource to fly to, in favr of my son, but yourself, and I will Venture to assure you; that from my knowledge of Jack\u2014and from the amiable Character which he bears, you never will have cause to repent any favours you may please to Confer on him, and he bid me assure you, that he wishes for no post whatever, without he Shall be found to merrit it, after goeing through a rigid Examination, Touching his abilities as a Natucal man.\nI do assure you on my honour, that he is not \u27e8illegible\u27e9 brought a gentleman sailor, but has Served regular, gone through great hardships, and has worked as hard as any corn field Negroe. I have heard much in favour of a Capt. Truxton, who is to Sail next year in a new Indiaman called the Deleware, with this gentleman I wish to get him.\nI would not on any other Occasion have presumed, to Take any of yr time, from the waty bussiness which your mind is Burthened withe, but when I considder, it is in the behalf of a young man, who wishes to push himself forward in life, and one who has the honr of being Connected with you, I flatter myself you will not only readily excuse this intrusion, but will do all in yr power to Serve my Son which will add to the many Obligations already Confered on Yr obtt & very Hl. St\nA. Spotswood", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0152", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 December 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWar-Department [Philadelphia] December 5th 1791.\nI have the honor to submit a letter received from the late governor of Virginia dated the 24th ultimo together with certain\nresolutions of the council of said State, passed on the 17th ultimo.\nI also submit the draft of an answer to the said letter. And the draft of a letter to Mr Seagrove. I have the honor to be Sir, with the greatest respect, Your most obedt Servt\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0153", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Arthur Young, 5 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Young, Arthur\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Decr 5th 1791.\nIn a letter which I addressed to you on the 15th of August, acknowledging the receipt of your favor dated the 25th of January preceeding, I promised to answer the queries contained in it, in detail.\nAccordingly, I took measures for that purpose, by writing to some of the most intelligent Farmers in the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland & Virginia; as you will perceive by the circular letter herewith enclosed: and have obtained the answers from the three last mentioned States that are thereunto annexed. I did not extend my enquiries to the Northward of New York, nor to the Southward of Virginia; because in neither extremity of the Union, in my opinion, is the climate, Soil, or other circumstances well adapted to the pursuits of a mere Farmer, or congenial to the growth of the smaller Grains.\nI have delayed the information I am about to give you, in expectation\nof receiving answers which have been promised me from the States of New York & New Jersey; but as they are not yet arrived, and a Vessel is on the point of Sailing for London, I shall put this Packet under cover to Joshua Johnson Esqr. our Consul at that Port; with a request to him, that it may be forwarded to you, by a safe conveyance. The others shall follow as opportunities may present; it being my wish to give you a comprehensive view of the different parts of this Country: although I have no hesitation in giving it at the sametime as my opinion, if I had a new establishment to make in it, that it would be, under the knowledge I entertain of it at present (and I have visited all parts from New Hampshire to Georgia inclusively) in one of the three States of which you are furnished with particular Accounts. New York & New Jersey do not differ much in Soil, or Climate, from the Northern parts of Pennsylvania. Both are pleasant, and both are well improved, particularly the first. But the Country beyond these, to the Eastward, (and the farther you advance that way it is still more so) is unfriendly to Wheat, which is subject to a blight or milldew, and of late years, to a fly, which has almost discouraged the growth of it. The lands, however, in the New England States are strong, and productive of other Crops; are well improved; populously seated; and as pleasant as it can be in a Country fast locked in Snow sevl months in the year.\nTo the Southward of Virginia the climate is not well adapted to Wheat; and less & less so as you penetrate the warmer latitudes; nor is the Country so thickly settled, or well cultivated. In a word, as I have already intimated, was I to commence my career of life a new, I shd not seek a residence north of Pennsylvania, or South of Virginia: nor, [(]but this I desire may be received with great caution, for I may, without knowing I am so, be biassed in favor of the River on which I live) should I go more than 25 miles from the margin of the Potowmac\u2014in less than half that distance, in some places, I might seat myself either in Pennsylvania, Maryland or Virginia, as local circumstances might prompt me.\nHaving said thus much, some of the reasons which lead to this opinion, may be expected in support of it.\nPotowmac River then, is the centre of the Union. It is between the extremes of heat & cold. It is not so far to the south as to be unfriendly to grass, nor so far north as to have the produce of\nthe Summer consumed in the length, & severity of the Winter. It waters that soil, and runs in that climate, which is most congenial to English grains, and most agreeable to the Cultivators of them. It is the River, more than any other, in my opinion, which must, in the natural progress of things, connect by its inland navigation (now nearly compleated 190 measured miles up to Fort Cumberland, at the expence of \u00a350,000 Sterlg raised by private subscription) the Atlantic States with the vast region which is populating (beyond all conception) to the Westward of it. It is designated by law for the seat of the Empire; and must, from its extensive course through a rich & populous country become, in time, the grand Emporium of North America.\nTo these reasons may be added, that, the lands within, and surrounding the district of Columbia are as high, as dry, & as healthy as any in the United States; and that those above them, in the Counties of Berkeley in Virginia, Washington in Maryland, & Franklin in Pennsylvania (adjoining each other) at the distance of from Sixty to 100 miles from Columbia, are inferior in their natural state to none in America.\nThe general Map of North America, which is herewith enclosed, will shew the situation of this district of the United States. And on Evans[\u2019]s Map of the Middle Colonies, which is on a larger scale, I have marked the district of Columbia with double red lines; and the Counties adjacent to, and above it, of which particular mention has been made, with single red lines. The last mentioned Map shews the proximity of the Potowmac (which is laid down from actual Survey) to the Western Waters, and it is worthy of observation, that the Shenandore, in an extent of 150 miles from its confluence, through the richest tract of land in the State of Virginia, may (as is supposed) be made navigable for less than \u00a32,000. The South branch of Potowmac (100 miles higher up, and) for a hundred miles of its extent, may be made navigable for a much less sum. And the intermediate waters on the Virginia side, in that proportion, according to their magnitude. On the Maryland side (the river Potowmac to the head of the North branch being the boundary between the two States) the Monocasy and Conogocheag are capable of improvement to a degree which will be convenient & benificial to the Inhabitants of that State, and to parts of Pennsylvania.\nThe local, or State taxes, are enumerated in the answers to the\ncircular letter; and these from the nature of the Government, will probably decrease. The taxes of the General Government will be found in the Revenue laws, which are contained in the volume that accompanies this letter. \u201cThe Pennsylvania Mercury, and Philadelphia Price current\u201d is sent that you may see what is, & has been, the prices of the several enumerated Articles which have been bought, & sold in this market at different periods, within the last twelve months.\nAn English farmer must entertain a contemptible opinion of our husbandry, or a horrid idea of our lands, when he shall be informed that not more than 8 or 10 bushels of Wheat is the yield of an Acre; but this low produce may be ascribed, and principally too, to a cause which I do not find touched by either of the Gentlemen whose letters are sent to you\u2014namely\u2014that the aim of the farmers in this Country (if they can be called farmers) is not to make the most they can from the land, which is, or has been cheap, but the most of the labour, which is dear, the consequence of which has been, much ground has been scratched over & none cultivated or improved as it ought to have been; Whereas a farmer in England, where land is dear and labour cheap, finds it his interest to improve & cultivate highly, that he may reap large crops from a small quantity of ground. That the last is the true, and the first an erroneous policy, I will readily grant, but it requires time to conquer bad habits, and hardly any thing short of necessity is able to accomplish it. That necessity is approaching by pretty rapid strides.\nIf from these communications you shall derive information or amusement, it will be but a small return for the favors I have received from you; and I shall feel happy in having had it in my power to render them. As they result from your letter of the 25th of January, and are intended for your private satisfaction it is not my wish that they should be promulgated as coming from me. With very great esteem I am Sir Your most Obedient and Very Humble Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0154", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Isaac Heard, 7 December 1791\nFrom: Heard, Isaac\nTo: Washington, George\nCollege of Arms London 7 Decr 1791.\nFrom a sincere Respect for the distinguished Character of Your Excellency, I made genealogical Collections, many years ago, relative to the Family of Washington, originally, from Lancashire; Branches of which were established in the Counties of Northampton, Kent and Wilts, enjoying ample Possessions; Several of the Family had been Knighted in the early-part of the last Century. Exclusive of the Heralds Visitations & various Registers & M.S.S. preserved among the Archives of this College, I procured Extracts from several Parochial Registers & Copies of Monumental Inscriptions in different Parts of this Kingdom: I likewise obtained Lists of, & inspected the Wills & Administrations of many of the Name from the Reign of Queen Elizabeth to the present Time; in the hope of proving the exact Connection of Your Branch, tho\u2019 this is not fully accomplished yet if Your Excellency will have the Goodness to complete the imperfect Sketch of your own Pedigree here inclosed, & make such Additions as may be in Your Power I have no doubt but the Connecting Link will be clearly supplied.\nYour Excellency will observe, that I have obtained a part of your own Pedigree from the Will of Laurence Washington of Washington in Virginia dated 11 March 1696/7 & was proved in London 10 Decr 1700, an Abstract of which is inclosed, as well as Abstracts of two Administrations.\nThe Family Arms, of which a small Painting accompanies this, were confirmed in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth by Clarenceu King of Arms to Laurence Washington Esq. Lord of the Manor of Soulgrave in Northamptonshire.\nI should have transmitted by this Occasion the antient Part of the Pedigree of Washington including the different Branches, but I should feel a particular Gratification if Your Excellency will\ncondescend to enable me previously to complete my Collection by shewing the Descent of your Line & thereby enable me to present the whole to your Excellency in one View. I have requested Mr Thornton to lay this before Your Excellency & to receive the Honour of any Commands your Excellency may be pleased to confer on Your Excellency\u2019s most respectful & most obedient, humble Servant\nIsaac Heard, Garter\nCollege of Arms London 7 Decr 1791\nP.S: I must intreat your Excellency\u2019s indulgence for the necessity of an Amanuensis of my Letter, and, also, for adding, that having made two visits from Europe to North-America in the early part of life\u2014that I was at Boston in 1755 when the Intelligence of the unfortunate affair near Fort du Quesne arrived, and your distinguished Services on that Occasion\u2014that having experienced while in America from various respectable families the most kind & hospitable reception, and that having also married a Niece of Sir William Pepperrell the first Baronet, are Circumstances which have constantly excited my anxious Attention to the Scenes of that country & fervent wishes for the welfare of many families with which I had the happiness to be acquainted Your Excellency\u2019s most respectful\nI. Heard G", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0155", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 7 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Henry\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Dec. 7. 1791.\nI have received your letter of Nov. 18. covering a resolution of the legislature of Virginia of Nov. 14. and a Memorial of sundry citizens of that commonwealth on the subject of their property carried away by the British, contrary, as they suppose, to the stipulations of the treaty of peace. a regular channel of\ncommunication with that government being now open, I shall not fail to pay due attention to this subject. I have the honor to be with due consideration Yr Excellency\u2019s Most Obedt St", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0156", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 7 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Henry\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia Decr 7th 1791.\nAt the sametime that I address the letter which accompanies this to you, officially, permit me to offer my sincere congratulations on your Appointment to the Government of Virginia, and to add my best wishes for the prosperous Administration of the important Office which you now fill, as well as for your personal happiness.\nAn anxiety to do well, which is inseperable from high Offices, generally increases with the importance of the trust committed to our charge\u2014and to that drawback you must lay your Account. But that you may experience as few troubles and difficulties as the nature of your situation will permit, is the sincere wish of Dear Sir Your Affecte & Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0157", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Pierre L\u2019Enfant, 7 December 1791\nFrom: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nsir,\nGeorge town [Md.] december 7th 1791.\nten day absense from this place prevented me from receiving the Honor of your letter, of the 28th of November, until last Evening I returned from a journey to richemond & to acquia were I had been called to close a bargen for a quarrie ground I have made the purchase of for the publick. I beg this may appologise for my not having answered you as immediatly as I should have done had it come sooner to my hand & for juging from the content of your letter that a second from me had not come to your hand when you answered that of Mr Carroll of duddington I regret the circumstance and wish I might have Explained to you the reasons which determined me to proceed as rapidly as I have done to the demolishing of that House\u2014since I feard that it being destroyed will in some respect oppose your paternal goodness\u2014wortless as is the Individual, who claimed a relief against his own Foly, to benefit from it\u2014& hard as it would be to my feeling to see\u2014his & the aim of his prompter succeed were it in my power I would redress the matter conformably to your wish. under Inpossibility of doing this my regret is tempered from a trust that you are sufficiently satisfied I proceeded from principle consistent with the first Steps I had taken & that I deed not determined to those steps without having Considered.\nwhat I have done on this occasion above all other which merited me your sanction has been both Expedient & proper\u2014Expedient because a necessity being that this House being removed making a Short business of the matter was the only mode of Insuring its removal which Every Candid uninterested juge & Every person who may have observed the moderation of my Conduct throught from the begining of this affair will allow to have been Effected with more attention to the Interest of the man Concerned than his own proceeding in rising that House in oposition to the progress of the plan About Executing and in Contempt to the advice and of the Hutority under which they were given, Could Intitle him to. The measure I say was also\nproper because the circumstance of that House being absolutly different from that of any other the local of which would be necessary to have first Investigated by the Commissionaire for them to repaid the valu thereof in Case it should be necessary to have the said pulled down there was no more necessity for applaying to them than there is to call for their Sanction before pulling down a tree this House as I observed before having grown like a bush in the way of the people clearing the ground\u2014& that the preserving of it or proceeding with that caution & Sloness which would have followed from an Interference on the part of the Commissionaire it would have afforded a dangerous precedent to other to Contest Every steps of the people Employed in laying of the City & whose progress has already been to materially Slakened in Consequence of that Strict attention which has been paid in preserving as much as it were admissible all convenience to the Individuals proprietor all of whom\u2014Except the Few Connected with Mr Carroll of duddington have Evidenced their Satisfaction of the justice of my Conduct more generous than is that of all the few Complaignant on the occasion.\nmore over sir\u2014Had the case been of that nature as would have required the sanction of the Commissionaire should have been first obtained\u2014there was no board of them to whom I Could Consistently bring the matter to a Fair Investigation\u2014dr Stewart & Mr Daniel Carroll could it will be said be easily called together. but I most in justification for my not having Communicated the matter to these gentlemen as not have taken up the Consideration of the matter Consistently for the board Consisting then only of tow\u2014Mr Stuart & Mr Carroll\u2014Mr Carroll could not act as a commissionaire at that business because on a former occasion when a foresight of the Circumstance in which the House in question has finally been found to stand Induced me to Intimate my Idea on the propriety of the measure, I have pursued\u2014of clearing away that House without giving to the proceeding that shap of Importance which the people Interested wished it Should assume\u2014Mr Carroll had Made a positive declaration that if that affaire was refered to the board he would not then act as a commissionaire, but would appear as a parti in favour of Mr Carroll of duddington.\nNot wishing to gave room to belive I mean to anquire in the\npropriety of Mr Carroll declaration and without questioning wether it is consistent with the Duty of a publick officer to pass from that duty alternatly to that of a parti against the publick\u2014I Shall only observe that it has been with much surprise that on my returning to this place yesterday I was Informed that the proceeding of the tow Commissionaire Encouraging Mr Carroll of duddington to pursu with vindication the first foolish measure he had taken.\nhaving hastened my return to meet all the adversary waiting for me\u2014a respect to the law as well as a confidence in the goodness of my cause has led me to this determination of submitting to the sherief who has been three day waiting for me\u2014to this moment nowhere I have niether see him nor Mr Carroll\u2014altho\u2019 determined to end the business as shortly as possible I have availed of the Maner in which what had been left standing at his House, after the hand were ordered from it, which concuring to gether with my just motive of resseulement in determining me to compleat the destruction contrary to what I perceive you demand of me for redress & whom is to juge of differents\u2014Investigate the validity of claims\u2014adjust account\u2014forme contracts & provide all necessaries. thus far thier power & duty ought to Extand & being thus determined all what is more relate to the Execution & is necessary to be united in the Hotority of one head directing the work & who to be answerable for the propriety of that work must have the sole gouvernement of all the Employed\u2014must be at liberty to appoint & remove them & more over at liberty also to proceed according to his jugement of matter without Inderence from the Commissionaire whose Interference in no Instances, Even so apparently trivial, will at best slaken the progress of operation & ought not to be admitted unless in case of an appeal to them from Individuals contending a process of operation Encroaching on thier right\u2014or in any other cases when the director may become liable to be called to account for his trepass or that of his Employed.\nThe Interference of commissionairs in such case is proper and in such only admissible & tho\u2019 I hop[e] if the continuance of my services is desired the propriety of my conduct will gave them but litle occasion for Exersising that power I wish it is left to them\u2014were in the few Instances when I contended with the Commissionaire if so may be say of debating of opinion with\nthem as Individuals if matter had been well Investigated & Every previous circumstance considered & Every particular issulg reply recorded in none of these Instance you would have suspected me of to much presipitation & you would not apprehend any serrious consequence from what has latly happened nor fear the business of mr Carroll of duddington may give any attorney because you will observe In this late Instance my conduct has been consistant with the conception I formed of the Extant of the power of commissionair as before Considere &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0158", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Elbridge Gerry, 8 December 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n  Philadelphia, 8 Dec. 1791. Having received \u201cthe Pears and the curious fluted Cymbling which Mr. Gerry has been so good as to send them,\u201d the president and Mrs. Washington \u201cbeg his acceptance of their best thanks for this mark of polite attention.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0159", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Bourne, 9 December 1791\nFrom: Bourne, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nMuch Respected Sir\n1791 London 09th December\nA Church is Requir\u2019d to be Built in London\u2014to be Call\u2019d the American Church\u2014The appointments with you with Great Respect I remain\nRobert Bourne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0161", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Hannah Stephens, 9 December 1791\nFrom: Stephens, Hannah\nTo: Washington, George\nConcord [Mass.] December 9th 1791\nTo the President, Senate, and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled\u2014\nThe memorial of Hannah Stephens of Concord in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, wife of Isaac Stephens now a prisoner in Algiers: Humbly sheweth that her husband sailed from the Port of Boston in said Commonwealth on the twenty fourth day of June Anno Domini 1785, in the Schooner Nancy of which he was Commander bound to Cadiz, and was taken on the twenty fourth day of July in the same Year by the Algerines, and has ever since remained a prisoner among them, deprived of his liberty & of every mean of providing for himself, his wife or Children, said Stephens left three children the eldest of which is a daughter fourteen years old, sickly and not able to support herself, and the other two still remain a great expense to their mother. Said Stephens several years previous to his last sailing from Boston, bought a house and small piece of Land in said Concord for his wife and family, that they might have a certain home, whilst he pursued the Business of a Mariner, and paid part of the purchase money; but by means of his great misfortune in being made a prisoner, he has been unable to complete the purchase, and the money that has been paid is lost by reason of the failure of the payment of the Remainder: therefore your Memorialist has been turned out of Doors, and driven to the cruel necessity of doing the lowest duties of a Servant to prevent herself, and her helpless children from suffering\nhunger, and nakedness. The Sufferings of your Memorialist and of her Children become insupportable when added to the Distress she feels for her husband, who is continually representing by his Letters his melancholy situation, and praying for the interposition of the United States in his behalf. Your Memorialist in this her destitute and forsaken Condition, humbly begs the interposition of the United States for her husband, that they would devise some way by which he may be freed from his present state of Captivity, that she and her helpless children may once more enjoy the great pleasure of seeing their long lost friend, at liberty and in his native land\u2014Your Memorialist is likewise under the necessity of entreating, and she now does in the most humble manner, entreat that the Legislature of the United States would also take her necessitous Circumstances into their wise Consideration, and make some provision for the subsistence of herself and her Children, in order that she may have some Alleviation of her accumulated Load of human Woe\u2014as in Duty bound shall ever pray\nHannah Stephens", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0163", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 11. 1791.\nI have given you the trouble of more reading on the subject of Major Lenfant\u2019s letter, than you perhaps intended. I have done it from an apprehension that your mind might not be thoroughly satisfied whether he was not equally justifiable in the demolition of mister Carrol\u2019s house, as in the demolition of trees & other obstacles, which he urges in his own justification. the truth is that without orders he was justifiable in neither: and he certainly never had orders to pull down houses. I am with the most perfect respect & attachment Sir Your most obedt & most humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0164", "content": "Title: Memorandum of Thomas Jefferson, 12 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia] Dec. 12. 1791.\nThe discussions which are opening between mister Hammond & our government, have as yet looked towards no objects but those which depend on the treaty of peace. there are however other matters to be arranged between the two governments, some of which do not rest on that treaty. the following is a statement of the whole of them.\n1. The Western posts.\n2. the Negroes carried away.\n3. the debt of their bank to Maryland, & perhaps to Rho. island.\n4. goods taken from the inhabitants of Boston, while the town was in their possession & compensation promised.\n5. prizes taken after the dates at which hostilities were to cease.\n6. subsistence of prisoners.\n7. the Eastern boundary.\nWhich of these shall be taken into the present discussion?\nWhich of them shall be left to arrangement through the ordinary channels of our ministers, in order to avoid embarrassing the more important points with matter of less consequence? On the subject of Commerce, shall mister Hammond be desired to produce his powers to treat, as is usual, before conferences are held on that subject?\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0165", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Lewis, 12 December 1791\nFrom: Lewis, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Decemr 12th 1791\nI must beg that you will excuse the liberty which I take, in troubling you with the following representation in behalf of William Jones now Confined in the Jail of the County of Philadelphia. He was a Mariner belonging to the Brigantine Andrew, and was at the last District Court for the Pennsylvania District, Convicted of an assault and Battery on his Commander Captain William Young. His former good Conduct for a considerable length of time, his low Circumstances in life, and the helpless situation of his Wife, with one or two children, induced the Court to impose on him as mild a Punishment as a Sence of propriety would admit of, and yet the aggravating Circumstances attending his Conduct on that Occasion, to which he appeared to have been led by intoxication, were such, as to call for exemplary Punishment.\nI at first thought of Sentencing him to suffer one months\nimprisonment, but instead thereof, imposed on him a fine of thirty dollars. This, it seems he is unable to pay, as he has suffered more than a months imprisonment without doing it.\nI am therefore induced, from these Considerations, and some others, to recommend him Sir, to your clemency, as, after what he has already suffered, a proper object of mercy. I have the Honor to be, with the most perfect regard, Your Mo: obedt & very hble Serv\u2019t\nWm Lewis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0166", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 12 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\n[Philadelphia, 12 December 1791]\nGentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.  \nIt is with great concern that I communicate to you the information received from Major General St Clair of the misfortune which has befallen the troops under his command.\nAlthough the national loss is considerable according to the scale of the event, yet it may be repaired without great difficulty, excepting as to the brave men who have fallen on the occasion, and who are a subject of public as well as private regret.\nA further communication will shortly be made of all such matters as shall be necessary to enable the Legislature to judge of the future measures which it may be proper to pursue.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0167", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Gath, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Gath, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nGreat Sir\nNew york 13th Decr 1791\nGive me leave to offer you ray sentiments, or oppinion, what wou\u2019d be the most reasonable, and prudent method to settle a lasting Covenant, or treaty of peace, with the Indians in the westren County\u2014From what little I have read in my youth, I remember\ngreat crueltys practised by the Spanard Commanders in Maxico and Perew, and something has been practised Similer, in this here country called north America, by the European Nation\u27e8s\u27e9.\nFrom this plain truths, (Great Sir) I wou\u2019d advise you & both houses of Congress, to give the poor Soldiars better wages, send them under Brave & good officers to the west Country, let them begin to build a Strong Wall, about 10 or 15 hundred english miles, betwen them & us white People, at the same time call a convention of the Chiefs of both parties, exchang pledges of honour, exchange the manufactors of this Country, and europe with them for Peltry &c.\u2014&c. I cou\u2019d write much on this Subject, but my time will not admit. I hope you wil\u27e8l\u27e9 Pardon the liberty I take, & believe me to be great Sir\u2014your most respectfull mo. obedt Humble Servant\nSamuel Gath", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0169", "content": "Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Lear, Tobias\n  Philadelphia, 13 Dec. 1791. \u201cMr Kirkland seems desirous that the President . . . should peruse his plan relatively to the Oneida indians, and I therefore send it accordingly.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0170", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Pierre L\u2019 Enfant, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nSir\nPhiladelphia Decr 13th 1791\nI have received your letter of the 7th instant, and can only once more, and now for all, inform you that every matter and thing which has relation to the Federal district, and the City\nwithin it, is committed to the Commissioners appointed agreeably to the \u201cAct for establishing the temporary and permanent Seat of the Government of the United States\u201d that it is from them you are to derive your powers\u2014and the line of demarcation for your government is to be drawn by them.\nYou may remember, Sir, that the first official notice you had of the business in which you are now engaged, was from one of these Commissioners\u2014namely\u2014Mr Carroll; and that a supposed impropriety in his acting whilst a member of Congress, occasioned a suspencion and until a renewal of his Commission after his term of Service in that body had expired. Had it not been for this circumstance all the directions you would have receiv\u2019d on your way to George town would have been from him. All you have received since ought to have been from them.\nThis is the reason why I have said to you in a former letter, that the \u201cCommissioners stand between you and the President of the United States\u201d they being the persons from whom alone you are to receive your directions.\nWere it necessary, I would again give it to you as my opinion that the Commissioners have every disposition that can be desired to listen to your Suggestions\u2014to adopt your plans\u2014and to support your authority for carrying the latter into effect as far as it shall appear reasonable, just & prudent to them, & consistent with the Powers under which they act themselves. But having said this in more instances than one it is rather painful to reiterate it. With esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Your Very Hble Servant\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Since writing the foregoing letter Yours of the 10th is come to hand. As you are well acquainted with my, as well as the earnest wishes of the Commissioners to have the work forwarded with all the dispatch the nature of it will admit, I persuade myself that nothing will be wanting on your part, or the part of Mr Ellicot to hasten the execution.\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0172", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nGentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.\nUnited States [Philadelphia] December the 13th 1791.\nI place before you the plan of a City that has been laid out within the District of ten miles square, which was fixed upon for the permanent seat of the Government of the United States.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0173", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia] Dec. 14. 1791.\nTh: Jefferson has the honour to submit to the President a letter from Mr de Viar, with the answer he has prepared to it, and a letter in consequence for Colo. Humphreys.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0174", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nPhila. Decr 14th 1791\nI am very glad to find that matters, after all that has happened, stand so well between the Comrs and Majr L\u2019Enfant. I am sorry, however, to hear that the work is not in a more progressive State.\nYesterday afternoon I wrote a letter, of which the enclosed is the copy to Majr L\u2019Enfant. and receivg his of the 10th added the Postscript thereto. I hope the two will have a good effect. I am always with great regd Yr Affectionate\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0175", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 14 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Henry\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia, Dec. 14th 1791.\nUnfortunate and melancholy as the event is, which has given rise to your communication of the  instant, I sincerely thank you for it.\nSince the receipt of your letter official account of the defeat is come to hand, and is herewith enclosed. As the whole of it went to Congress, it was thought best to expunge no part of that which should be given to the public; otherwise the throwing away of Arms, and some other things would have been with-held. With sincere regard and affection, I am always Yours,\nGo: Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0176", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 December 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n[Philadelphia] Decr 15. [1791]\nI will instantly see the person you mention. I enclose a paper by which, and other information, it will appear that some creeks, whom I apprehend to be Bowles party will be here immediately. I am most respectfully Your humble Servant\nH.Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0177", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert McCulloch, 15 December 1791\nFrom: McCulloch, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it Please Your Excellency\nI beg leave to State the distressed Circumstances of an Old Soldier.\n  At the Battle (or Surprize) at the Peola I recd Two Wounds with the Bayonet, At the Battle of Germentown I recd a Wound in my left leg, by a Musket Ball, which was afterwards Cut out by the Doctrs\u2014At Chemung, in Genl Sullivans Expidi[ti]on agains the Indians, I recd a bad wound in my left Arm by a Rifle or Musket Ball\u2014at the Close of the War, I marched from S. Carolinia in a Weak & Sickly State with a detachment under the Command of Capt. Lusk, and was left in Little york in a weak & Sickly State of Body\u2014And after recovering my health I knew not where to Apply for either my final settlements, or Bounty Lands and being informed they were of But Little Value I set to Labour for a livelihood\u2014Married a Wife by whome I have Five Small Children, the Youngest of which I had Christened; Washington, I should in all probability, (disabled with wounds as I am) endeavoured for a Support for myself, without even calling on the Public for what is Justly my due for my Services as a Soldier\u2014Had it not have been for the distress I have lately met with, by my House & all my little property being consumed by fire, not having saved even our wearing Cloaths\u2014I Served first in Col. Hartleys Regt then in Col. Hubley\u2019s and to the Southard in the first Pennsa Regt\u2014If your Excellency would be pleased to extend your Charity to enable me to get a few Cloaths to keep my family from Suffering, thro the Inclament Winter, Your Excellency will Lay under new Obligations, an Old and faithful Soldier\nRobert McCulloch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0179", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 16 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia] Dec. 16. 1791.\nTh: Jefferson presents his respects to the President, and sends a sketch of such a message as he thinks might accompany the statement from the Secretary at war. he does not know whether the President intended that an estimate of the next years operations should accompany it. but he thinks it a proper occasion to bring forward the preparations for the next year, and that it forms the safest ground for making the present communication.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0180", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 16 December 1791\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nCouncil Chamber [Richmond, Va.] December 16. 1791.\nI do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, which will be communicated to the general Assembly.\nIn the confidence that the most recent accounts of the action of the 4th of November would be acceptable, I transmitted a letter addressed to me by Captain Rogers detailing the events of that day, as represented in Kentucky when he left the District.\nBy a gentleman just arrived from thence, whose intelligence is as late as the 25th November, I have the pleasure of confirming the inferences I drew in my first communication which respected the enemy and the safety of the remains of our army; for it seems the indians withdrew soon after the action nor have they Since made their appearance, & our troops returned to Fort Washington unmolested\u2014nor has our loss been so great as was declared, the last estimation made it between five and six hundred including Officers and followers of the army\u2014Several of the Officers supposed to have been killed have rejoined, and the detachment under the Orders of the mountain leader for whose safety there was much cause of apprehension, have returned with some Scalps.\nThe Colonels Darke & Gibson will recover it is said, but the gallant Butler & the entrepid Kirkwood are among the dead, a sad testimony of the doleful casualtys of War.\nThe militia of Kentucky did not march; I presume from being informed that their movement was unnecessary. I have the honour to be sir with the most entire respect & attachment Your most obedt Servt\nHenry Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0181", "content": "Title: To George Washington from the Quakers, 16 December 1791\nFrom: Quakers\nTo: Washington, George\n[16 December 1791]\nTo the President, Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled:\nThe Memorial and Address of the people called Quakers, Respectfully sheweth, That deeply affected with the great effusion of human blood, and the slaughter of our fellow men in the late contests with the Indian natives, we sincerely lament the miseries and distresses which these mournful circumstances have produced, and may be yet further encreased; if the same hostile measures are continued.\nWe conceive it to be our duty, and among our rights as citizens, to suggest to you our painful feelings on the subject: A serious and deep consideration of its importance, being among the most interesting objects that can claim the attention of the guardians of the public welfare; we, therefore ardently desire, that under the influence of true wisdom, you may be directed to pursue such pacific measures as have been heretofore experienced to be salutary and effectual in securing peace and friendship with the original owners of this land, whose religious instruction and civilization, if rightly promoted, may tend to this desireable end;\n\u2014believing the blessing of a righteous God, who made of one blood all nations of men, will be graciously vouchsafed to those, who, on the principles of justice and mercy, use their endeavours to prevent the shedding of human blood, and to promote love and peace among men.\nSigned in and on behalf of a meeting appointed to represent our religious society in Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Delaware, and parts of Maryland and Virginia, held in Philadelphia the 16th day of the 12th month, 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0182", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 December 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nWar-department [Philadelphia] Decr 17th 1791.\nI beg leave to submit for your consideration, the draft of the proposed statement, and upon which I will request your opinion on Monday morning\u2014It is to be understood, that all the most material papers are to accompany the statement. I have the honor to be, Sir, with the highest respect, Your most obedt Servt\nH.Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0183", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 18 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Commissioners for the District of Columbia\nGentlemen,\nPhiladelphia Decr 18th 1791\nIt gave me much pleasure to find by a late letter of yours to Mr Jefferson, that the dispute between Major L\u2019Enfant &\nMr Carroll of Duddington is likely to terminate more favorably than might have been expected from the nature of it; and that you are disposed to take no further notice of his late unjustifiable proceedings.\nYou will perceive by the enclosed copy of a letter which I have just written to him, that I have placed it beyond a doubt (if he had any before, from an opinion that the Commissioners were appointed for one purpose, & himself for another, and that they were to act independent of each other) that his powers, and his Instructions, are to flow from you.\nHis aim is obvious. It is to have as much scope as possible for the display of his talents, perhaps for his ambition. A copy of his letter of the 7th instant herewith sent, not only evinces this, but shews the extent to which he wishes to carry it. If, however, he will bear the cirb which is put upon him by the letter, of which you have the copy (and which will admit of no misinterpretation) I submit to your consideration whether it might not be politic to give him pretty general, and ample powers for defined objects until you shall discover in him a disposition to abuse them. His pride would be gratified, and his ambition excited by such a mark of your confidence. If for want of these, or from any other cause he should take miff and leave the business, I have no scruple in declaring to you (though I do not want him to know it) that I know not where another is to be found, who could supply his place.\nHis conduct, in the dispute with Mr Carroll of Duddington, I will readily acknowledge is no inducement to entrust him with extensive powers; because, after your interference, his proceeding was unwarrantable and previous to it (in the last act) it was imprudent. Having said this, I must go further and declare, that under the statement I received of this matter when I was at George-town (not only from Majr L\u2019Enfant but from another on whom I could depend) I think Mr Carroll of Duddington is equally to blame. and without entering far into the detail of the dispute between these two Gentlemn, the following will comprise, & in my opinion, be a solution of the motives, which influenced the former.\nThe work of Major L\u2019Enfant (wch is greatly admired) will shew that he had many objects to attend to and to combine; not on paper merely, but to make them corrispond with the actual circumstances of the ground. This required more time than the\npatience\u2014perhaps the convenience of Mr Carroll would admit; and therefore, notwithstanding the assurances of the other that he was using all the dispatch in his power to ascertain the principal Streets & objects, and that he Mr Carroll should not suffer by the delay, the latter proceeded, after waiting a while, to the completion of his buildings. This excited resentment in L\u2019Enfant; and, more than probably, gave birth to expressions which begat mutual warmth; and conceiving (without adverting to, or perhaps even knowing the formalities which are required by our laws) that by the Deeds of cession, houses, and every other impediment which might happen to stand in the way, was to be removed (paying the value thereof)\u2014he took the determination to demolish, without further ceremony, the house of Mr Car[rol]l; & having proceeded to the execution, his pride (however false) would not permit him to recede. This, in my opinion, is a true state of the case; to which, a reserve, and an unwillingness to answer enquiries respecting his plan, has given disgust. But how far a compliance on his part in an unfinished stage of the wk would have been consistent with his duty, is a matter worthy of consideration. If this reserve &c. proceeded from self importance & the insolence of Office, the motives were unworthy. If from a conviction of the impropriety of developing his designs to the public before they were matured, and approved, they were good; at any rate not condemnable.\nThese sentiments being the result of my reflections upon this subject, I communicate them for your private information; and for that reason request that this letter may not be mixed with other papers that respect your public transactions. An imprudent use made of them, might sow the seeds of discord, whilst reconciliation ought to be promoted, and discontents of every sort ought to be buried, by all those who have any concern, or interest in the business. With much esteem & regard I am Gentn Yr most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0184", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia] Sunday 18th Decr 1791\nThe P\u2014\u2014requests that Mr J\u2014\u2014would give the letter & statement here with sent from the S\u2014\u2014y of War a perusal, & return it to him in the course of the day, with his opinion as to the propriety of the manner of making the communication to Congress; and whether it ought not, at any rate, to be introduced in some such way as this (if it is to pass through him to Congress) \u201cPursuant to directions I submit\u201d &ca. Or\u2014(if it is to go immediately from the War department to that body) \u201cI lay before Congress by direction from the P\u2014\u2014of the U.S. the following statement\u201d &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0186", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Josiah Parker, 19 December 1791\nFrom: Parker, Josiah\nTo: Washington, George\nSire\nPhiladelphia December 19th 1791\nI have received two applications from Suffolk to recommend to you persons to supply a vacancy in the customs in consequence of the resignation of Benjamin Bartlet.\nThe first from Mr Lemuel Riddick son to the late Colo. Lemuel Riddick\u2014this young Gentleman has received a liberal\neducation & is a person of respectability\u2014Some time since I recommended him to the secretary of War, as a person fit for an officer in the Army, but fortunate for him perhaps he has been neglected. he has Suffered much by the American War by loosing the most of his slaves & having his Houses in Suffolk burnt by a detachment of the British Army\u2014notwithstanding he was ready at that time tho young to take up his musquet in defence of his Country.\nThe other application is from Mr John Lawson an englishman who is married & settled in the Town of Suffolk, he is capable of the business being brought up to Merchandize, if his integrity & Sobriety can be depended on\u2014but I am told he has lately been fond of the bottle, & I know during the war he was not an active friend\u2014With all due humility & respect I have the honor to be sire, your most Ob. servt\nJ: Parker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0187", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 20 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nGentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.\nUnited States [Philadelphia] December the 20th 1791.\nI lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and of sundry\ndocuments which accompanied it, relative to a contract for the purchase of a certain tract of land bounding on Lake Erie; together with a copy of a report of the Secretary of State on the same subject.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0188", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll of Duddington, 21 December 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel (of Duddington)\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Daniel Carroll of Duddington, 21 Dec. 1791. In GW\u2019s letter to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia of 27 Dec., he referred to Carroll\u2019s letter to him \u201cof the 21st Instant.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0189", "content": "Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 21 December 1791\nFrom: Commissioners for the District of Columbia\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nDecr 21st 1791\nWe have before had occasion to inform you, that we had contracted with Mr Fendall, for the delivery of rough foundation Stones, from the falls to the amount of \u00a31200, to be delivered by  next and the money to be paid at different periods during the delivery, our attention has since been directed to the securing some of the Quarries on Acquia.\nBefore doing any thing final however, it was necessary that the nature and qualities of the Quarries should be first ascertained\u2014For this purpose we sent Majr L\u2019Enfant down with\npowers, if he approved of them, to enter into a treaty with the proprietors which we would confirm, if the terms were such as met with our approbation\u2014On his first visit he bargained with Mr Gibson, for the free use of all the Quarries on about 300 Acres of Land, on Acquia for Ten Years at the rate of \u00a320 \u214c year\u2014This we have confirmed not only from the consideration of its being valuable in itself, but also, that as it would render us more independant, we might bargain on better terms with Mr Brent who possessed an Island of 12 Acres of much superior Stone to any in the Neighbourhood\u2014Its great convenience to navigation was an important consideration\u2014Mr Brents demand in our first treaty with him was \u00a32200\u2014Since his knowledge of the bargain with Gibson we have got it at \u00a31800, to be paid in three months: So that we were not disappointed in the Effect we expected from our first bargain\u2014The Majr Still thinks we have not Quarries enough: but we think, having secured so much for a commencement, it will be most prudent to devote the money we may have, to other purposes, till we can be more certain of the fact\u2014As soon as the title papers are fully examined, and we are satisfied on that head, we shall send people down to raise stone ready against the Spring\u2014We advertised in October immediately after the sales for the delivery of 2000 wharf Logs at Goosecreek\u2014We have received offers, and have completed that contract likewise the whole are to be delivered early in June\u2014We are sorry to inform you that our attempts to arrest the destruction of Mr Carroll\u2019s house were ineffectual\u2014This being the Case there is but one of the alternatives you made him to be decided on\u2014From our conversation with Mr Carroll, he appears (tho\u2019 much incensed at Majr L\u2019Enfant\u2019s proceedings without, and at length contrary to our directions) disposed to accept of that alternative and drop all legall proceedings against L\u2019Enfent\u2014The enclosed memorial which we have just received, will inform you of the dispositions of some of the proprietors with respect to that alternative, shall wait for your instructions on the subject\u2014It may be necessary for us to observe that we were much surprised to find Colonel Forest\u2019s Signature to the memorial as he in the first instance signifyed the utmost displeasure, and even alarm at Majr L\u2019Enfant\u2019s, appearing to be without the controll of the Commissioners\u2014We have since reason to think that he has been cheif promoter of it\u2014We have only\nto observe on this disagreeable subject, that from the conversation of one of us with Majr L\u2019Enfant respecting Mr Carrolls disposition to drop all proceedings against him, and accept of the only alternative left him, he appeared much displeased and expressed a wish that would seek his remedy against him at Law.\nP.S. In a late letter we had occasion to write Mr Jafferson we thought ourselves justified in mentioning our hopes, that all matters respecting Mr Carroll\u2019s were getting into a good train\u2014Our surprise was consequently great on our meeting here, to day, to find these hopes frustrated, by receipt of the enclosed memorial\u2014we are &c.\nDa. StuartDanl Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0190", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia] Dec. 22. 1791.\nThe Secretary of State Reports to the President of the United States that one of the Commissioners of Spain, in the name of both, has lately communicated to him verbally, by order of his court, that his Catholic majesty, apprised of our sollicitude to have some arrangements made respecting our free navigation of the river Missisipi, & the use of a port thereon, is ready to enter into treaty thereon at Madrid.\nThe Secretary of state is of opinion that this overture should be attended to without delay, & that the proposal of treating at Madrid, tho\u2019 not what might have been desired, should yet be accepted; and a commission plenipotentiary made out for the purpose.\nThat mister Carmichael, the present Charg\u00e9 des affaires of the United States at Madrid, from the local acquaintance which he must have acquired with persons & circumstances, would be an useful & proper member of the commission: but that it would be useful also to join with him some person more particularly acquainted with the circumstances of the navigation to be treated of.\nThat the fund appropriated by the act providing the means of intercourse between the United States & foreign nations will insufficiently furnish the ordinary & regular demands on it, and is consequently inadequate to the mission of an additional Commissioner express from hence.\nThat therefore it will be adviseable on this account, as well as for the sake of dispatch, to constitute some one of the Ministers\nof the United States in Europe, jointly with mister Carmichael, Commissioners plenipotentiary for the special purpose of negotiating & concluding, with any person or persons duly authorised by his Catholic Majesty, a convention or treaty for the free navigation of the river Missisipi by the citizens of the United States, under such accomodations with respect to a port & other circumstances, as may render the said navigation practicable, useful, & free from dispute; saving to the President & Senate their respective rights as to the ratification of the same; & that the said negociation be at Madrid or such other place in Spain as shall be desired by his Catholic majesty.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0191", "content": "Title: Memorandum of Thomas Jefferson, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia] Dec. 22. 1791.\nNote on the subject of vacant Consulships.\nLisbon. Candidates. Edward Church. his case is known to the President. John Telles of Philadelphia. his papers inclosed. Samuel Harrison. see Colo. Humphrey\u2019s letter to the President. John Cowper. (Virginia) recommended by Josiah Parker.\nCadiz.  the former candidates not approved, & no new offer. it is very desireable we should have a consul there. should mister Church not be appointed to Lisbon, he would be proper\nfor Cadiz. there are good perquisites to the former; but I do not know that there are any to the latter.\nBristol.  Elias Vanderhorst of So. Carolina, recommended by Majr Butler. it is a port where we have a good deal of commerce, and as this is the first application for a Consulship for a Carolinian, & Vanderhorst is highly spoken of, I am of opinion it is expedient to nominate him.\nWhen the President shall be pleased to fix on the persons for the above ports, a nomination shall be prepared with a description of their districts.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0193", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Newenham, Edward\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\n22 \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 1791\nThis Season reminds me, that I ought to trouble you with a few Lines\u2014in order to convey my most Sincere and Respectfull Wishes for yours & Mrs Washingtons enjoying health, Happiness\n& many returns of this Holy Season; which I am sure coincides with the Wishes of 3 Million of your Virtuous & Gratefull Fellow-Citizens.\nEvery thing from your Pen is Valuable, but your late Address to Both houses, exceeds, if possible, the Patriotism & Language of George Washington\u2014it is framed & in Company with yours & Fayettes Picture; it has been published in all our Papers; If our President had the Spirit to declare Such Sentiments, it would cover the multitude of Political Sins, that he has Committed.\nThis Kingdom is more Violently agitated, than it has been since King James\u2019s Reign; the Papists have formed Committees\u2014adopted most Violent Resolutions\u2014and declared that they must be put on the same Footing with the Protestants in Every respect, particularity in Voting for Members to serve in Parliament.\nHowever inclined I am to Toleration, I cannot agree to give them half of what they ask\u2014they are 4 to 1 in this Island, consequently they would become the Electers, & no real Protestant would be returned for any Free City, County or Town; more than half the members of the House of Commons would be Papists or Sons of Papists, & we, descendants of English, would not be Tolerated to be Chosen; they would also buy half the Boroughs; the Next Step would be to rescind all the Acts of Forfeitures & the Act of Settlement\u2014this Island would be the Asylum for all the Bigoted Papists drove from other Countries, for I do assert, that the Irish Papists are the most Bigoted People under Heaven; a Law might as well passed in America, that none but Refugies & Loyalists should have votes in Congress\u2014if they had, could it be doubted, but they would repeal yr forfeiture Laws.\nThe Irish Papists can never divest themselves of the Remembrance, that we enjoy what formerly belonging to their Ancestors\u27e8.\u27e9 it is absurd to bring up the Acts of Toleration in France, as an Example for us; the Protestants there are about 200000 to 25,000000; and beside\u27e8s\u27e9 the Protestants have no Ancient Claims to any forfeited Landed Property\u2014they are too few ever to disturb the National Constitution, Laws, or Religion besides they have no inducement to hazard their present Situation.\nAlready the Alarm is Spread among us, & I verily believe it will occasion Serious Emigrations from the southern parts of this Kingdom; Distrust, Confusion & Dread of hostilities will prevail unless Government adopts Spirited & Decisive Measures; for my\npart, I shall Support Government in Parliament; unless they attempt some flagrant oppression or Injury to my Country; for I will Lay aside all opposition Motions; we have got Every thing we could desire from Government, Except a Reform in the Protestant Representation of the People\u2014that would compleat our Constitution, & that we should get by perseverance; & would have got it in the Course of a Year, but for this Tumult in respect to Popery.\nLady Newenham & my Sons said, if we could dispose of our Landed property here, they would become Citizens of New Yorke\u2014they are alarmed, as the Papists & I were never good friends; In Short, we look with Anxiety to the Meeting of Parliament; the Papists from the Vast Subscriptions they have got into a Fund, openly Say, that they are Sure of a Majority in favor of the Elective Franchise, & I am almost Certain they will not obtain it without a Massacre; for though Government might fall in with their plans, yet the Men of Landed Property will not hazard the loss of an acre to their Posterity.\nThe Affairs of France for this last Month, do not please me\u2014Internel Tumults & Divisions; encreasing Emigrations\u2014no Military Subordination\u2014Scarsity of Money\u2014& the peaceable Manner in which the ce Devant Princes are allowed to Array their Troops in several of the German States, & the Vast Supplies of Money they got from Different Powers\u2014it astonishes me, that the French Government does not immediatly Send an Army across the Rhone & disperse the Enemy at Coblintz & worms\u2014they could send five Times their Number & Surprize them\u2014General Washington with goo Crossd a more dangerous River & attacked a Tenfold more Numerous Army at Trenton, & in Consequence thereof, forced them to a Retreat\u2014I only Argue from Geography & having often travelled that Country, in Germany & France.\nI venture this Letter by the English Mails, which is the third I ever addressed to you by that Channel; & I Shall be anxious to Know how this most Severe winter accords with you in Virginia.\nLady Newenham joins in Fervent wishes for Mrs Washingtons & your good health & Happiness\u2014I have the Honor, to be, My Dear Sir, & Permit me to add\u2014Much respected Friend\u2014your most obt & Very Humble Sert\nEdward Newenham", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0194", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Ternant, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ternant, Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de\n(Private) \nDear Sir,Philadelphia, Decr 22nd 1791.\nI accept, with great pleasure, the new and elegant print of the King of the French, which you have been so obliging as to send to me this morning as a mark of your attachment to my person. You will believe me, Sir, when I assure you, that I have a grateful and lively sense of the personal respect and friendship expressed in your favor which accompanied the Print, and that I am, with sentiments of sincere esteem and regard, Dear Sir, your most obedt Servt\nGo: Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0196", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Mauduit Du Botderu, 23 December 1791\nFrom: Maudit du Botderu, Jeanne-Thomasse-Emilie\nTo: Washington, George\nGeneral\nat Hennebont in Lower Brittany 23d Decr 1791\nIt is the unhappy sister of Colonel Mauduit who has recourse to you. M. le Blond, an Officer of Artillery, being about to fix himself in New England, is anxious to obtain your good wishes, General; His brother in law who is my relation, has earnestly requested that I would ask them of you. I do it with confidence after all those which you have shewn to my unfortunate brother, of whom Monsters have deprived me. I know, General, that you have regretted his death, and that serves to alleviate my pains. He was worthy of the friendship which you had for him. I have the honor to be, with respect, General, Your very humble & Obedt Servt\nMauduit de Botderu", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0197", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia, December 23rd 1791.\nAs the conditions of our commerce with the French and British Dominions, are important, and a moment seems to be approaching\nwhen it may be useful that both should be accurately understood, I have thrown a representation of them into the form of a table, shewing, at one view, how the principal articles interesting to our agriculture and navigation stand in the European and American Dominions of these two powers. As to so much of it as respects France, I have cited under every article the law on which it depends; which laws, from 1784 downwards, are in my possession.\nPort-charges are so different according to the size of the Vessel, and the dexterity of the Captain, that an examination of a greater number of Port-bills, might, perhaps, produce a different result. I can only say that, that expressed in the table is fairly drawn from such bills as I could readily get access to, and that I have no reason to suppose it varies much from the truth, nor on which side the variation would lie. Still I cannot make myself responsible for this Article. The Authorities cited will vouch the rest. I have the Honor to be, with the most perfect respect and attachment Sir, Your most obedient and Most humble Servant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0198", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Mifflin, 23 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Mifflin, Thomas\nSir,\n[Philadelphia] 23d December 1791.\nI have received your excellency\u2019s letter of yesterday enclosing a copy of a representation to you from the inhabitants of Pittsburg relatively to their apprehensions in consequence of the late defeat of the troops under major general St Clair.\nI can, with great propriety, assure your excellency, that it is my earnest desire that all the exposed parts of the frontiers should be as effectually protected at the general expence, as the case may require.\nI shall direct the secretary of War, to confer with your excellency upon this subject, and to inform you of such measures as have been directed and are in train of execution. I have the honor &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0199", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia] 25th Decr 1791\nThe P\u2014\u2014 returns Mr Muters letter, and gives Mr J\u2014\u2014 an opportunity of reading one from Judge Innes, on the same subject.\nThe latter, commences his operations from the point, to which we have not yet been able to get; namely\u2014established Posts in the Indian Country\u2014the primary object of the Campaign, after the accomplishment of which, every thing else would be easy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0202", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Andrew G. Fraunces, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Fraunces, Andrew G.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Decr 26. 1791\nThe Committee appointed by Harmony Lodge No. 52 have directed me to present you with the inclosed, & with their most respectfull Compliments. I have the honor to be Sir with very great respect Your Obedt Servt\nAndw G. Fraunces", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0203", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Jackson, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jackson, William\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia Decr 26th 1791\nAt the sametime that I acknowledge the receipt of your letter, notifying me of your intention to enter upon a professional pursuit\u2014and, during the ensuing term propose yourself for admittance as a practitioner of law in the Supreme Court of the State of Pennsylvania\u2014I beg you to be persuaded that my best wishes will accompany you in that, or in any other walk into which your interest or inclination may lead you.\nThat your determination is the result of the best view you have of your circumstances and expectations, I take for granted, and therefore shall say nothing which might embarrass the decision; but with pleasure equal to the justice of it, shall declare to you that your deportment so far as it has come under my observation, has been regulated by principles of integrity and honor, and that the duties of your station have been executed with abilities\u2014and I embrace the occasion your address has afforded me, to thank you for all your attentions, and for the Services which you have rendered me since you have been a member of my family.\nLet your departure from it be made perfectly convenient to yourself and believe me to be with sincere esteem and regard Dear Sir Your Affecte Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0204", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nWar department, December 26th 1791.\nI have the honor to submit to your consideration, two reports, relatively to the western frontiers of the United States.\nThe Report A, is accompanied by official documents, and is\nintended to exhibit, the measures taken by the executive to induce the hostile Indians to peace, without the necessity of using force against them\u2014and also the measures of the executive relative to the objects and preparations of the Campaign of 1791; and in some degree an explanation of the causes of its failure.\nThe report, B. contains a general, but summary review, of the conduct of the United States, towards the Indians northwest of the Ohio, since our separation from Great Britain.\nAnd it also contains an opinion, delivered with great diffidence, of such further measures as the nature of the case, and the public interests, seem to require. I have the honor to be with highest respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant\nH. Knox,secy of War", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0205", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\n(Private) \nDear Sir,Philadelphia Decr 26th 1791\nThe enclosed is a private letter from Colo. Nicholas (an influential character in Kentucky) to the Attorney General. He put it into my hands to read; I, without having asked his permission, send it to you for the same purpose, of course the communication is confidential. My reason for sending it to you is, to shew you the uniform sentiment of that district; and how little confidence the people of it will place in the plan which is proposed by your statement\u2014of consequence how little support in pursuance of it, is to be expected from thence.\nMight it not be advisable if for the purpose of comparison only, to draw up, and estimate the expence of a plan upon their principles; making the regular force, however (no Cavalry) to consist of about 1200 Men exclusive of Artillery; for the purposes of a garrison at the Maume village, and the communication therewith.\nIt may be asked how are these 1200 men to be covered whilst they are establishing this Post? By what means are the great deposits to be made in them, from which the Militia are to be supplied? By what authority can Militia be organized in the manner proposed? What certainty is there of obtaining them, agreeably to the suggestions of the letters? Would they remain in service a sufficient time to answer any valuable purpose? What effect would it have upon the Agriculture of that Country if they did? &ca &ca.\nThese difficulties unquestionably would be great; and the plan ultimately hazardous. But opposed to them, the Western people would be endulged\u2014Many Members of Congress gratified\u2014The operations might commence as soon as the Season and the herbage would admit (which are considerations of great importance)\u2014Many difficulties with respect to appointments avoided\u2014And, if the War can be terminated by such operations the expence would be much less. I am Yours, Affectly & sincerely\nGo: Washington\nP.S. return the enclosed to me early in the Morng.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0206", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Rufus Putnam, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Putnam, Rufus\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nMarietta [Northwest Territory]December 26th, 1791.\nWhen I consider the multiplicity of business which necessarily engages your attention, it is with great reluctance I address you\non the affairs of the people settled in this quarter, but when I reflect that your ear is always open to information and your mind disposed to relieve all in distress so far as propriety shall dictate and you have the means to effect; and recollecting the obligation you laid me under the last time I had the honor of an interview; it would be criminal in me not to give you such information as is in my power relative to the events which have taken place in the course of the present year more especially those that relate to, and affect the people settled in this neighborhood.\nImmediately upon our settlement being destroyed at the Big Bottom in January last, our people collected themselves into four stations, viz: Two in the town of Marietta (exclusive of a few families that resided at Fort Harmer), one at Belleprie 15 miles down the Ohio, and one at Waterford 20 miles by water up the Muskingum, in which stations they still remain, except those at Belleprie in the month of November subdivided into four stations. In the month of March the Indians made their appearance in all parts; took one prisoner near Fort Harmer who made his escape, killed one man near Marietta, wounded one man at Waterford and killed and drove off 22 head of cattle; killed a sheep and two hogs, and fired on two men at Belle-prie; killed one man and wounded another below Bellevill, (a station three miles below the Great Hockhocking on the Virginia side). In April one man was killed, and one boy with a number of horses carried off from Bellevill; two men fired on, one ox killed and one wounded, and thirty head of cattle carried off from Belleprie. A number of men fired on and one boy taken at Waterford in the month of May. In the month of June a number of the enemy were seen and some shots exchanged but no mischief done except carrying off about a dozen of horses from Marietta. In July one Indian was killed four miles from Marietta on the Virginia side and another killed three miles N. E. of the town, and we had a number of cattle and one man killed near Marietta. Several other parties of Indians were seen and a number of shots exchanged. The months of August and September passed without any mischief being done, although several parties were discovered and three persons fired on near Marietta. In October one man was killed at Belle-prie, a negro boy taken at Little Kenhawa, four men killed one wounded and one taken prisoner seven miles from Marietta, on the road to Clarksburg.\nBy this statement you will perceive the harassed state we have been in, as well as the losses we have sustained; and if these things have been done in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry? If we have suffered these things while the troops of the United States have been penetrating into the heart of the enemy\u2019s country, what are we to expect under present circumstances? Is it not to be feared that the enemy\u2019s late success will encourage all the fugitives who were flying to return, and will it not induce other tribes to join in the war? And early in the spring, if not before, will not a very serious attack be made on these settlements, and if a large body of the enemy should attack us, why not destroy and break us up? We are far from neighbors and therefore can receive no help in case of emergency. Our numbers are few and daily decreasing. Some families, and many young men have left us already, and more are going, because they can get no employ, nor are we able to prevent them, all resources by which we retained them the past year are at an end, and we are scarcely able to subsist ourselves and families, much less to pay men for labor or military service. So that, unless we can be assured of govermental protection, self preservation dictates the propriety of getting away as soon as possible but could we have a reasonable assurance of the assistance and protection of Goverment, I have no doubt but the greatest part of our present inhabitants are ready to make every sacrifice to promote the interests of the United States, which they consider inseperably connected with their own.\nBut however surprising for you to hear and painful for me to relate, this people think they have very little to hope from Governor St Clair. They believe that both the Governor and Mr Sargent have, for some reason or other, conceived a prejudice against them. It would exceed the bounds of a letter to mention all the circumstances that have taken place, on which they form their opinion, but the following are among others, viz: That, notwithstanding our remote situation and the well grounded expectation of a very serious attack to be made on us last spring, yet no foreign aid was called to our assistance. That, when recruits came forward, some were sent to Fort Franklin, some remained at Pittsburgh, others were sent to stations at Buffalo, Wheeling, and other places between this and Pittsburgh where they remained many weeks: indeed all the stations on the Ohio of\nany consequence from Pittsburgh to the Miami had foreign aid of one kind or other, except the settlements of the Ohio Company, who received no protection of the kind, till Capt. Shayler arrived the latter end of July and left us again in about one month; nor did he detach any of his company to Waterford which is by far the most exposed situation, and Belleprie had only a sergeant and twelve men for one week. And besides all the militia of the settlement which Colonel Sproat had before obtained permission to detach for guards, were on the 20th of July by a positive order of the Governor, dismissed, under an idea, as he suggested, that the movement of the army would divert the attention of the Indians another way. This partiality in the distribution of troops to the several settlements both above and below, to the exclusion of those who were manifestly the most exposed has led the people generally to doubt the Governor\u2019s good disposition towards their settlements and unless men or measures are changed they consider themselves a ruined people.\nI do not wish to entertain groundless jealousies nor frighten myself with imaginary evils; but it must be allowed that a black cloud hangs over us, and God only knows when, or on what devoted spot it may break. It cannot therefore be thought strange that every mind is anxious about the event. To know therefore for certainty whether we may depend on Govermental protection or not, is a question very interesting; that on the one hand the people may be persuaded with patience to wait its arrival, and on the other hand to make their escape in time from the vengeance of an enraged enemy whom, if left to ourselves, we are by no means able to withstand. I have &c.\nR.P.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0207", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 27 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Commissioners for the District of Columbia\nGentlemen,\nPhiladelphia Decr 27th 1791.\nWhen I proposed the alternatives contained in my letter of the 28th Ulto to Mr Carroll of Duddington it was done on the ground of accomodation; & under full persuation that, as the house of that Gentleman had been begun before the land was ceded, and had progressed between that and the ultimate decision on the lines of the Street which embraces part of it, no doubt would arise with respect to the legality of reinstating the house in the order it was found when the demolition commenced. Much less did I imagine that there could be any doubt of the expediency of the measure, as the obvious design of it was to heal differences which were pregnant with mischief & could produce no good effect as the case was a singular one & could not be drawn into precedent.\nBut, as many of the former Proprietors of the land dispute the right of applying any of the monies which have arisen, or may arise from the Sale of the lots to this purpose\u2014I shall take the opinion of the Attorney General of the U. States upon this case; and for his information do require a copy of the transfer from Mr Carroll of Duddington to the Trustees. It may be necessary also to ascertain, with precision, at what exact period the lines of the Street which interfere with Mr Carrolls house were finally run and resolved on, and notice thereof given to Mr Carroll of D. with other facts pro\u2014& con, that the Attorney General may be enabled to give his opinion upon clear ground.\nI find by a letter which I have just received from Majr L\u2019Enfant that the house of Notley Young Esqr. has (contrary to expectation) fallen into a principal Street. But I hope the Major does [not] mean to proceed to the demolition of this also unless he is properly authorised and instructed.\nIt gives me pleasure to find by your letter of the 21st that you are so well advanced in your Contracts. With great esteem & regard I am\u2014Gentlemen Your Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. I pray you to inform Mr Carroll of Dudn that until the above opinion is obtained I can say nothing to him with decision, in answer to his letter of the 21st Instant.\nG.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0209", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Harwood, 27 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Harwood, Thomas\nSir,\nPhiladelphia, Dec. 27th 1791.\nBe pleased to pay to Thomas Johnson, David Stuart, and Daniel Carroll esquires, Commissioners of the Federal district, or to their order, or the order of any two of them\u2014twenty-four thousand Dollars, in part of the Seventy-two thousand dollars given by the Assembly of Maryland, towards the defraying the expences of the public Bu[i]ldings within the said District.\nG: Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0210", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 27 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir,\nTuesday Afternoon [27 December 1791]\nI have just received, and scarcely had time to read the enclosed. \u27e8I wan\u27e9t to see you, and the heads of the \u27e8oth\u27e9er Departments to morrow morning at nine Oclock on business of the War Department. Yrs Affectly\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0211", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 27\u201331 December 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nYour favor of the 12 Sepr last reached me a few Days ago. In the Proposition of S[chweizer] J[eannerett] & Co: I saw the Means of saving Somewhat to the United States without incurring the Odium of a Payment in depreciated Paper but from the Moment a Determination to pay in Value is adopted I heartily and entirely approve of the Rejection of their Offer.\nBefore the Receipt of your Letter, Mr Short communicated to me (in general Terms) the Intention to make good the Depreciation on the Money paid heretofore, and told me at the same Time that it seemed to be in Contemplation to pay in Specie, about which he felt himself much embarrassed; for in that Case there would be a loss of about 5 p% which with the Commission on Loans &ca &ca would increase the Debt about one tenth instead of paying it with Advantage. And this arises from a Circumstance which is I beleive the common attendant of paper Money, viz. that Specie is higher in proportion than foreign Exchanges. This will be best understood by assigning what I conceive to be the Cause of that Difference. I begin by rejecting the Theories of speculative Men, who suppose that Bills of Exchange are drawn and purchased for Payment of reciprocal Debts and the like. I reject equally the Stock jobbing Operations of Bankers and confining my View to the ordinary Course of Things I observe that when a Man purchases in France Goods which are to be sold in England, he pays for those Goods by the Proceeds of Bills drawn on England; and as he makes the Acquisition of the Goods with a View to the future Sales, he governs himself by the usual Price of such Goods in the Country to which they are to be sent. The Rate of Exchange therefore enters into his Consideration, only so far as by Means thereof the Price he is to pay for his Goods may be affected. On the other Hand, he who has bought Goods on Credit in England which he vends in France regards the Exchange only in so far as it governs the Price at which he\nmust sell his Goods. Thus, the Pound Sterling being worth about 25 livres, if the Exchange is at 30 livres for the Pound Sterling he must advance one fifth or twenty per Cent of the Price of English Goods, and for the same Reason the English Agent can afford to give an advance of twenty per Cent in french Wines. Now in Proportion as the Price of English Goods advances, the Consumption of them lessens, as Consequently the Purchase of Bills on London to pay for them diminishes; and in Proportion as the Exchange advances, which is of Course a Decrease in the real Price of French Goods, the Purchase of them encreases and of Course the Sale of Bills on London to pay for them: And thus the Depreciation of the paper Currency checks by eventual operation, its immediate Effect on foreign Exchange. But the Price of Specie depends on a different Cause. Specie in Time of Peace and good Government is but the Sign of Wealth, and not the Substance; so that no more of it is found in a Country than is necessary for the Interchange of those Commodities which form the real Wealth of such Country. And by the bye it follows, that in Proportion to the Degree of Credit resulting from a vigorous Execution of good Laws the Necessity of Money decreases, and of Course it becomes plentiful from being scarce by the Establishment of order, or scarce from being plentiful by the Prevalence of Confusion, without any actual Encrease or Decrease of the Mass. But when a paper Circulation is forced forward, prudent Men first, and all Men afterwards, desire to realize their Property. Land is not always a convenient Object for this Purpose, because the subsequent Sale is difficult; and Merchandizes are objectionable from their Bulk and Decay. The precious Metals therefore naturally obtain a Preference, and as their Quantity is by no Means proportionate to the real Wealth of the Country, their Price is encreased more rapidly than that of other Things. But the foreign Merchant observing this Advance declines drawing Bills unless he can get Something near the Price which his Corn, if brought into the Country, would produce; and thus the exchange follows the Price of Corn, in the Course of Depreciation instead of preceeding it. If I were to hazard a Conjecture, as the Corollary of this Reasoning, it would be that the Quantity of the precious Metals rather encreases than diminishes in a Country where Paper Money circulates.\nI make no Apology for this Digression because if it conveys no\nInformation it tends at least to explain one fact, and to place some others in a different Light from that in which they are usually viewed. To return then to the Subject of your Letter I must tell you that about the same time that Mr Shorts Dispatches arrived, a Plan was imagined by the Colonists of St Domingo, and proposed to the Administration, for repairing the Ravages committed by their Slaves in the late Insurrection by Appropriating to that Purpose the Debt of the United States to France. One of them came to Converse with me on the Subject, but supposing it to be some new Scheme of Speculation I refused to listen to him. A few Days after, however, the Minister of the Marine told me that he had sent him, and desired me to consider the Matter, and see if Something could not be done. In consequence of this I mentioned to Mr Short (who is now in Holland) a Plan which appeared to be useful to the two countries, and before his Departure we agreed on certain principles to govern in that Business, conformably to which the Minister is now acting. I shall send you his Address to the Assembly on the Subject, and if the Thing he has in View is effected, I will detail it to you; if not I will spare you the Perusal of so much useless writing.\nAs to the State of Things here, I would convey it to you as fully as Propriety will admit, but I know not yet by what Opportunity this Letter will go, and the Post Office was never more abused under the most despotic Ministers than it is at present; notwithstanding the Decrees to the contrary. Every Letter I receive bears evident Marks of patriotic Curiosity. This anxious Spirit of pettifogging Villainy proves the Fear of those who make Use of it; and truly they have Reason to fear, for every Day proves more clearly that their new Constitution is good for Nothing. Those whom I had warned in Season of the Mischiefs they were preparing, endeavor now that it is too late to lay the Blame on others by way of excusing themselves; but the Truth is that instead of seeking the public Good by doing what was right, each sought his own Advantage by flattering the public opinion. They dare not now propose the amendments which they perceive and acknowledge to be indispensible. They have besides no Confidence in each other, for every one feels a Reason against it, and meets moreover with daily Proofs that his Copatriots are no better than himself. The Assembly (as you who know such Bodies will naturally suppose) commits every Day new Follies, and if this unhappy\nCountry be not plunged anew into the Horrors of Despotism it is not their Fault. They have lately made a Master Stroke to that Effect. They have resolved to attack their Neighbours unless they dissipate they Assemblies of french Emigrants who have taken Refuge in their Dominions. These Neighbors are Members of the German Empire and France threatens to carry into their Country, not Fire and Sword, but la libert\u00e9. Now as this last Word does not in the Acceptation of German Courts means so much Liberty as Insurrection you will see that the Pretext is given for Hostilities, without violating the Law of Nations. Add to this that three french Armies of 50000 Men each are ordered to assemble on the Frontiers, one under your old Acquaintance Rochambeau in Flanders, one under our friend Lafayette in Lorraine, so as to penetrate by the Moselle River into the Electorate of Treres, and one under Monsieur Luckner in Alsace. This last I am told has but slender Abilities, and the other two you are acquainted with. Putting all other Things out of the Question it is self evident that the Empire must bring Force to oppose the Force thus ordered, and in Consequence it is not to be doubted that 50000 prussian and 50000 Austrian Troops will make their Appearance as speedily as Circumstances can permit. Now I am thoroughly convinced that if this Country were united under a good Government and in Peace with England, they could set the Rest of Europe at Defiance; but you have no Idea my dear Sir of a Society so loosely organized. America in the Worst of Times was much better, because at least the criminal Law was executed, not to mention the Mildness of our Manners. My Letters predicting their present Situation may perhaps have appeared like the Wanderings of exagerated Fancy, but beleive me they are within the coldest Limits of Truth. Their Army is undisciplined to a Degree you can har[d]ly conceive. Already great Numbers desert to what they expect will become the Enemy, and their gardes nationales who have turned out as Volunteers are in many Instances that corrupted Scum of overgrown Population of which large Cities purge themselves, and which without Constitution to support the Fatigues, or Courage to Encounter the Perils of War, have every Vice and every Disease which can render them the Scourge of their Friends and the Scoff of their Foes. The Finances are so deplorably bad that the Bankruptcy which actually exists by the Depreciation of the Paper Money must soon be declared by stopping\nPayment in some Quarter or other unless those effectual Remedies be applied which seem to be beyond the Power of the Government and beyond the Talents of those who administer it. The Discontent is general but it does not break out; partly because the Antipathy to the Aristocrats, and the Fear of their Tyranny still operates, and partly because no safe Opportunity offers. Every one is bewildered in his Meditations as to the Event, and like a Fleet at Anchor in a Fog; no one will set Sail for fear of running foul. If they come to Blows on the Borders a curious Scene will I think present itself. The first Success on either Side will decide the Opinions of a vast Number who have in Fact no Opinion but only the virtuous Determination to adhere to the strongest Party; and you may rely on it that if the Enemy be tolerably successful, a Person who shall visit this Country two Years hence will enquire with Astonishment by what Means a Nation which in the year 1788 was devoted to its Kings, became in 1790 unanimous in throwing off their Authority, and in 1792 as unanimous in submitting to it. The Reasons are given to you in my Letter of 29th of April 1789 and my Fears exprest in that Letter seem now to be on the Eve of Reality. The King means well and may perhaps by his Moderation finally succeed in saving his Country. I hope much from this Circumstance; but alas the Moderation of one who has been so wounded so insulted seems to be but a slender Dependence, and yet I verily believe it to be the best and I had almost said the only Dependence. I am my dear Sir with true Regard yours\nGouvr Morris\n31 Decr\nA Courier arrived last Night with Dispatches which are to be communicated to the Assembly this morning. The Emperor informs the King that he has given Orders to Genl Bender (who commands in the low Countries) to protect the Electorate of Treres with all his Forces. I did not mention, as I ought to have done, that the Courts of Berlin and Vienna have concluded a Treaty for the Protection of the German Empire and Maintenance of its Rights. You will have seen that the Emperor having adopted the Determinations of the Diet respecting the Claims of those Princes who have certain feodal Rights preserved to them by the Treaty of Westphalia in Alsace and Lorraine reminded the King\nthat the Dominion of France over those Provinces is conceded by that Treaty. The Dutch Government has proposed a Treaty with the Emperor as Sovereign of the low Countries for mutual Aid and Protection in Case of Insurrection which Offer is accepted. All this is explained by the Intrigues of France to excite Revolt in Holland and Flanders and the Completion of such a Treaty will place the Emperor at Ease should he operate against this Country next Spring.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0212", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Vaughan, 27 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Vaughan, John\nDear Sir\n[Philadelphia] 27th Decr 1791\nI thank you for having given me the perusal of the letter herewith returned. Lamentable! to see such a spirit of revolt among the Blacks. Where it will stop, is difficult to say. Yours sincerely\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0213", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Sylvanus Bourne, 28 December 1791\nFrom: Bourne, Sylvanus\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Decr 28th 1791\nAs the Legislature of the United States, appears not to contemplate, either an adequate regulation of the powers of their Consuls, or reward for their services, and the present state of St Dominique, being less favourable to mercantile pursuits, than heretofore, I have reason to think that my return to that Country, would only tend to increase the weight of those Disbursments, which my former Essay has already led me in to.\nThus situated I am under the necessity of asking your acceptance of the resignation of my Commission as h\u27e8ere\u27e9 inclosed; which I make with a due sen\u27e8se\u27e9 of the Confidence you was pleased to pl\u27e8ace\u27e9 in me by the appointment, and have \u27e8illegible\u27e9 regret that it has not in my hands, \u27e8illegible\u27e9 rendered more subserviant to publick benefit. I have the honour to be With perfect Respe\u27e8ct\u27e9 Sir Your Most Obedi\u27e8ent\u27e9 & Humble Servan\u27e8t\u27e9\nSylv: Bourne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0214", "content": "Title: Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 28 December 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Knox, Henry\n  Philadelphia, 28 Dec. 1791. By the president\u2019s command, returns the reports that the secretary of war sent to GW last evening, with a letter from Colonel Pickering received at the same time, in order that any alterations necessitated by the latter might be made before the former are submitted.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0215", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 28 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate.\nUnited States [Philadelphia]December 28th 1791\nThe Office of Surveyor of the Port of Suffolk, in the State of Virginia, having become vacant by the resignation of Benjamin Bartlett, I nominate Lemuel Reddick to be Surveyor of said Port.\nGo: Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0216", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 28 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nGentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.\nUnited States [Philadelphia] December 28th 1791.\nI lay before you, for your consideration, the copy of a letter which I have received from the Attorney General of the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0217", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Churchman, 29 December 1791\nFrom: Churchman, John\nTo: Washington, George\n1791 December 29th\nTo the President of the United States of America the following Copy of a Memorial (with a hope it may be found worthy of Patronage) is respectfully submitted by the Subscriber.\nTo the Honourable Congress of the United States The Memorial of John Churchman Respectfully represents.\nThat on his application last year, to be enabled to perform a voyage to the northern magnetic point in Baffins Bay, there appeared a difficulty in the way, arising from the want of a fund for the purpose, this difficulty he hopes will disappear on considering the present prosperous state of the Finances.\nThus viewing with pleasure a better prospect of success, he is emboldened to trespass upon the patience of the present enlightened Legislature, & to crave their attention to this object, apprehending it difficult to describe at present one half of the many advantages which may arise to the public, from an enquiry into the nature of this subject.\nTo examine all the opinions of foreign learned Societies, received since last year would be too tedious, yet in offering a few of these hereunto annexed, he hopes not to be suspected of Ostentation, especially as one Letter concerns the members of Congress.\nA Letter from the Princess of Dasch haw President of the Imperial Academy of Sciences at St Petersburg represents this as an important object.\nThe report made to the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences & Belles Lettres at Berlin, by their appointed commissioners, says as to the proposed voyage being effected, it is for many reasons worthy of attention.\nThe report made to the Patriotic Encouraging Society of Arts & commerce at Hamburg by its commissioned members, & that published by the George Augustus University at Gottingen under the inspection of the Royal Society of Sciences there, are proofs of their approbation.\nA Letter from the Royal Academy of Sciences at Lisbon, acknowledges the originality & usefulness of this Idea & scheme, & says that both highly deserve to be encouraged.\nOther hints from a learned member of several literary Societies in Europe remarks that this expedition to Baffins Bay is much to be wished for.\nA report of a committee of the Marine Society of this city may also be considered as a recommendation.\nAltho some of the principles of Magnetism still remain a mystery, those already known are certainly of the greatest use to mankind, for if the Citizens of the United States are considered as being divided into two classes, the Landed interest & mercantile Interest, the theory of the magnet must be of the first consequence to each class of citizens, as well in fixing the boundaries of Land as in Navigation.\nDo Americans dread any disgrace in case the proposed expedition should miscarry? Surely this would not be the first unsuccessful attempt.\nIf foreign countries were known to the ancients, they could be of little use, for want of a knowledge of the use of the magnet, which in modern times has brought the most distant nations to converse with each other. Now as the great use of the magnet is universally admitted, should this learned legislature hesitate to patronize the proposed voyage to the northern magnetic point, it is likely that other nations will take the lead.\nAs the expence will fall too heavy on an individual, it is the ardent wish of your memorialist, that he may not be obliged to quit his native country so dear to him, to seek for patronage in a\nforeign Land, for want of so small a sum, as will be sufficient to bring this theory to the test.\nAt the last session it was also the prayer of your memorialist, that a supplement might be added to the \u201cact for the encouragement of Learning by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts & Books, to the authors & proprietors of such Copies during the terms therein mentioned.\u201d Apprehending the penalty for copying Maps & Charts was so very small, that any person might afford to pay it & have a much greater profit than the author or Proprietor, a committee was appointed to bring in a Bill, but a multiplicity of Business of consequence stood in the way last Session, should this matter now be thought worthy of notice, your memorialist will ever under many obligations hold himself in duty bound.\nJohn Churchman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0218", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 29 December 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\n  War Department, Philadelphia, 29 Dec. 1791. Has the honor to submit letters of 19 and 21 October from Major General St. Clair received this day by the Fort Pitt post.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0219", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 29 December 1791\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n29th December 1791\nI have the honor to enclose for your information a copy of a second memorial, which has been transmitted to me by the inhabitants of the frontier counties of Pennsylvania.\nIn my communication to the legislature upon this subject, I have suggested the propriety of furnishing the militia with an immediate supply of arms and ammunition; and my instructions to the lieutenants of the several exposed counties, will be to cooperate, in case of an emergency with the officers of the f\u0153deral government, conformably to the plan of defence, which the secretary of War has described to me by your directions. I am with perfect respect, &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0220", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Moultrie, 29 December 1791\nFrom: Moultrie, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear & respected Sir\nCharleston [S.C.] Decem. 29 1791\nI have sent by the Baltimore Packet (that will sail tomorrow) to the care of Govr Howard the plants I did myself the honor to promise you; they are as follows, 2 boxes with sweet shrubs, 2 boxs with Italian Myrtle, 1 box with 2 opopynaxes, 1 box with two Olianders & 2 boxes with the Palmetto-Royal; they all stand our winters very well except the opopynax which must be housed, the seed of the Indian creeper I will send to yourself, if I have forgot any which I had promised I beg you will do the me the honor to let me know.\nThe unfortunate affair of Genl St Clair occasions much talk with us, we have had no official accounts, but what we have had is bad enough; I hope yours will be more favorable; the Indians will exult very much upon this second victory, and it will require a large Army to give them a check; especially as we have reason to believe that some whitemen are among them and perhaps from those Western Post that should be ours. I have the honor to be Dear Sir with the greatest affection & esteem Your most Obt humle Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0221", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Shepherd, 30 December 1791 [letter not found]\nFrom: Shepherd, David\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from David Shepherd, 30 Dec. 1791. GW wrote to Shepherd on 25 Feb. 1792: \u201cI thank you for the information which you have given me in your letter of the 30th of Decr.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0222", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 30 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate and House of Representatives\nGentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.\nUnited States [Philadelphia] December 30th 1791.\nI lay before you a copy of the ratification, by the Commonwealth of Virginia, of the Articles of amendment proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United States; and a copy of a letter which accompanied said ratification from the Governor of Virginia.\nGo: Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0223-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure I: From James Wilson, 31 December 1791\nFrom: Wilson, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhilada 31st Decemr 1791.\nBy the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania I am empowered to \u201cdigest into proper Order and Form the Laws of that Commonwealth;\u201d and \u201cto report such Alterations, Additions and Improvements as the Principles and Forms of the Constitution may require.\u201d\nIn this Work I have made some Progress; during which it has occurred to me, that a similar Work with Regard to the Laws of the United States might, with Propriety accompany that, in which I am engaged.\nTo you it is unnecessary to make any general Remarks concerning the immense Importance of a good Code of municipal Law.\nThere are two Circumstances, which induce me to think, that to the United States this Subject is peculiarly interesting.\n1. Their Government is newly formed and organised. A good System of Legislation introduced into it now will have a salutary, a decisive and a permanent Influence upon its future Fortunes and Character. Good Principles, at least\u2014Principles congenial to those of the Constitution\u2014should be laid betimes as the Foundation of subsequent Regulations.\n2. It is of much Moment that those Principles be established and ascertained, in complete and correct Theory, before they are called farther into practical Operation. The most intricate and the most delicate Questions in our national Jurisprudence will arise in runing the Line between the Authority of the national Government and that of the several States. A Controversy, which happens between\ntwo Individuals, is considered and determined with Coolness and Impartiality, like a Question of Law. A Controversy, happening between the United States and any particlar State in the Union, will be viewed and agitated, with Bias and Passion, like a Question of Politics. For this Reason, the Principles and Rules, on which it must be determined, should be clearly and explicitly known before it arises.\nTo the happy Atchievment of such a Revolution as that of the United States, the foregoing Observations are applicable with a Force uncommonly striking and powerful.\nI have intimated my Opinion, that a Digest of the Laws of the United States might, with Propriety, accompany that of the Laws of Pennsylvania. This Opinion is grounded on the following Reasons.\n1. In the latter Digest, the difficult and delicate Line of Authority, which I have mentioned, must be run; and the Country lying on the Side of the Commonwealth must be explored and liberated. Can there be a fitter Occasion for exploring and delineating the Country, which lies on the Side of the United States? To explain and delineate the Country on both Sides is, perhaps, the best Mode of discovering and ascertaining, with Accuracy, the different Directions, which this Line ought to take. From one employed to do the Business on both Sides, Impartiality as well as Accuracy might be reasonably expected.\n2. There is a peculiar Propriety in running the Line between the Government of the United States and that of Pennsylvania. Since the Establishment of the Constitution of the United States that of Pennsylvania has been made. With an express and avowed Reference to the Constitution of the United States that of Pennsylvania has been sedulously framed. It is probable, therefore, that the Directions, which the Line above mentioned ought to take, may be traced with a satisfactory Degree of Clearness as well as of Precision; and that neither Vacancies nor Interferences will be found, between the Limits of the two Jurisdictions. For it is material to observe, that both Jurisdictions together compose, or ought to compose only one uniform and comprehensive System of Government and Laws.\nIn what follows, I must speak concerning myself. I shall speak with Freedom and with Candour: I speak to a Friend as well as to a Judge.\nIf you think, that, at a proper Time, it ought to be \u201crecommended\u201d by you to the national Legislature, or the two Houses which compose it, to authorise one to prepare, for their Consideration, such a Digest as I have mentioned; I declare my Willingness, nay my Desire to undertake it.\nI know, that I am unequal to the Task. I know, that, in performing it, I would not be able to attain even that Degree of Excellence, of which I myself can form an Idea.\nMy offer proceeds from the following Considerations. In the Formation of both Constitutions, that of the United States and that of Pennsylvania, I took a faithful and an assiduous Part. So far, therefore, as my Abilities can reach, I may be supposed to know their Principles and their Connexion; and the various Relations and Dependencies, which their Principles and Connexion ought to produce in the different Parts of Legislation. In the Study and in the Practice, too, of Law and systematic Politics, I have been engaged for a Time considerably long, and on a Scale considerably extensive. I am already employed in executing one Part of the great Plan: If I can command a tolerable Share of Success in that Part; I can command an equal Share in the other also. Nay, I believe, that both Parts can be executed together, better than either Part can be executed separately. Permit me farther to suggest, that my Deficiencies in Point of Abilities would, in some Degree, be compensated by the Ardour of my Inclination to acquit myself as well as possible in a Trust so honourable and so important.\nThis Ardour, believe me, would be greatly increased as well as gratified by executing this important and honourable Trust under your Auspices, and during your Administration; from which every Thing connected with them will receive and reflect a Lustre. With Sentiments of the most perfect Esteem and Attachment, I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and very humble Servant\nJames Wilson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0224", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tadeusz Ko\u015bciuszko, 1791\nFrom: Kosciuszko, Tadeusz (Thaddeus) Andrzej Bonawentura\nTo: Washington, George\n  [1791]. Has the honor \u201cto pay my respects to my antient chief commander.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/05-09-02-0225", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Peter Nelson, 1791\nFrom: Nelson, Peter\nTo: Washington, George\nThis address, no doubt will appear somewhat singular to your Excellency; & it is with reluctance, that I intrude upon a single moment of the little leisure, you must necessarily have from the service of the Public. But as a good man (& that this is your charater all ranks have consented) is pleased with opportunities of doing good, I have taken the liberty of recommending to your patronage a young man of good morals & some learning. He is desirous to study the Law, & is intirely destitute of fortune, but hopes through your interest to obtain the use of a Library for that purpose; & if it be not convenient for you to place him in the more elegible situation of studying the Law without interruption (as he has already arrived to the age of twenty four years, & has but little time to spare) he wishes to undertake the office of Sub-Usher in some of the public, or that of Usher in some of the private Schools in or about New-York; for either of which offices I think him sufficiently qualified. He has been under my care for several years past; but alas! he wants a patron under whose auspices he may become more eminently useful than he possibly could under my protection: his generous mind, I trust, aspires to nobler things than I, or his connections who are as destitute as himself can support him in. Pardon me for this intrusion to which I was drawn by the importunities of the young man mentioned & the distant hope of becoming serviceable to him & public by it. If you condescend so far as to answer this, you will increase the obligation by doing as soon as possible. If applications of this sort have not been too frequent, we humbly hope for success, as we have it in our power to give satisfactory testimonials of our candour & probity. I am, with cordial wishes for your welfare & success in your public administration, your friend\nPeter NelsonRector of St Martins\u2019 ParishHanover County Virginia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0255", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, [1 January] 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nTh: J. to J. M\nSaturday morng. [1 January 1791]\nI intended to have called last night & left with you the inclosed draught of a lre. to Otto but it was so cold I could not give up my hack. I recieved yours soon after I came home. Of the two constructions I observe you lean more to the 2d. and I more to the 1st. on account of the consequences to which the 2d may be pursued. My first idea was to write this lre. to Otto and previously communicate it to the President, & he perhaps to the Senate. But I have concluded to throw it into the form of a report to the President, to be submitted to the Senate. This will permit me to speak without reserve, to admit the force of the 2d. construction, & to enforce the proposition I suggest in the close, by shewing what valuable branches of our commerce hang on the will of the French nation. I shall see you at dinner, & be glad to exchange further thoughts on the subject which is an important one.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0256", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 2 January 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, Ambrose\nDear brother\nPhilada. Jany. 2. 1791\nI recd. yesterday yours of the 19 & my father\u2019s of the 20 Decr. I am glad to hear of your recovery, and particularly so of My Mothers whose attack was unknown to me till the receipt of my father\u2019s letter.\nThe inclosed papers will give you the late proceedings of Congs. more fully tho\u2019 often very incorrectly, than could be done in a letter. The excise on spirits distilled in the Country will probably take place. In fact, considering the aversion to direct taxes & that the imports are already loaded, I see nothing else that can be done. Besides the duties on imported rum, requires a proportional one on Country rum, & this a duty on other spirits. The tax will I presume be so guarded as to operate on stills according to the quantity really distilled.\nI have recd. a letter from Mr. Maury which says that the Market of Europe is very full of Tobo. & recommends it to me to Stem as much as possible.\nOn leaving home I desired my father to pay Majr. Lee the sum due from me. I shd. have left the commission in your hands if you had been in the way, being apprehensive that some delicacy might arise from unsettled transactions between him & my father. I find accordingly that this has happened & that Majr. Lee refuses the paymt. on that account. I wish you to pay him if possible as I intended & promised.\nTell Capt: Dade that Genl. Knox has not yet reported on his case & that I will let him know the event of his claim as soon as it happens. Adieu. Yrs Affy.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0258", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 2 January 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Carrington, Edward\nLetter not found. 2 January 1791. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 2 Feb. 1791. Discusses the excise and militia bills. Requests Carrington\u2019s ideas on a national bank.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0259", "content": "Title: To James Madison from the Governor of Virginia, 3 January 1791\nFrom: Governor of Virginia,Randolph, Beverley\nTo: Madison, James\nGentlemen,\nCouncil Chamber Richmond Jany 3d. 1791.\nI do myself the Honour to inclose you three Resolutions and a Memorial of the General Assembly on the subject of the Act of Congress making provision for the Debts of the United States together with a Resolution instructing you to use your utmost endeavours to procure the Admission of the Citizens of the United States to hear the Debates of the Senate. I am Most respectfully &c.\nBeverley Randolph.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0260", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Pleasants, Jr., 6 January 1791\nFrom: Pleasants, Thomas, Jr.\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nRaleigh 6th. January 1791.\nI again take the Liberty of adressing you at the instance of Mr Thomas Thompson, who is now in Madeira, purposes staying there untill next Spring, & anxiously wishes to make it the place of his future Residence. In a letter that I have just Recieved from him, dated the 3d of Novemr. Last; he thinks that the present American Consul, will shortly leave that Island\u2014says it is a place of more importance than he had an Idea of; and in that event, could he be so fortunate, as to succeed to the appointment, it would make him independent and happy.\nHaving before said that I thought Mr Thompson well qualified to fill that place with propriety; I shall only add that by letters, now before me from some of the first Merchantile characters in Madeira, it appears that he Stands well in their estimation, of which they have given a very Convincing proof, by advancing, merely with a View to serve him, nearly \u00a31000 stg worth of Wine, which he hath sent here for sale. It is unecessary for me to say more; being well satisfied that should the oppy occur you will have him in Remembrance.\nI have just Recieved the inclosed abstract of the present state of the Navy of G Britain, which I thought might afford you a moments Amusement.\nI should be glad merely for Mercantile Information to have an Abstract of the Annual agregate amot of the several Articles of export from the United States, distinguishing those of each State, with their estimated Value\u2014as also the Amot. of the Imports within the same period, and the Revenue they produce, which I shall be obliged to you for; and which I presume may be obtained, without further trouble, than a Reqt. to the Secretary of the Treasury\u2014and without other expence than a fee to one of the Clerks Which will be thankfully Repaid you\u2014by Your obliged friend, & Mo. ob Hble st.\nThomas Pleasants jr.\n[Enclosure]\nThe following is a Correct abstract of the Navy of England in its present State:\nLine\nFifties\nFrigs.\nSloops\nTotal\nIn Commission\nat Spithead and portsmouth\nIn the Downs & North-seas\nAt the W Indeies & on the passage \nJamaica.\nIn America & N. found Land\nEast Indies.\nBotany Bay.\nGibraltar & the Mediterranean\nSailed with Sealed orders &\nTroops on board\nGuard Ships\u2014Hospital ships &C.\nFitting at Portsmouth\ndo. \u2003\u2003 at Plymouth\nChatam & Sheerness\nWoolwich & Deptford\nEnglish & Irish Channels\nTransports armed en flut\u00e9\n\u2003\u2003\u2003Total in Commission\nIn Ordinary\nat Portsmouth\n\"\u2003 Plymouth\n\"\u2003  Chatham\n\"\u2003  Sheerness\n\"\u2003  Woolwich & Deptford\nBuilding\nTotal of the English Navy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0262", "content": "Title: Excise, [6 January] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[6 January 1791]\n   The bill levying additional duties on imported spirits and an excise on domestic spirits was presented on 29 December and taken up on 5 January. After Jackson\u2019s unsuccessful attempt to strike out the first section, the Committee of the Whole proceeded through the eleventh section. On 6 January the twelfth section, levying a duty on domestic rum distilled from foreign materials, came under consideration. Parker moved to strike it out, preferring an additional duty on molasses to an excise (Dunlap\u2019s Am. Daily Advertiser, 13 and 14 Jan. 1791).\nMr. Madison acknowledged, that he felt the force of these objections urged against excises, as a mode of taxation to be adopted by the free government of America. He conceived taxes of all kinds to be evils in themselves, and that they were no otherwise admissible, than in order to avoid still greater evils. But of all the various kinds of taxes, he admitted the excise to be the most disagreeable; yet at the same time, he must say, that of the excise, that particular branch which related to ardent spirit was in itself the most proper; most likely to be productive, and least inconsistent with the spirit and disposition of the people of America. Now the question to be considered is, whether it is necessary in order punctually to perform the engagements this government has entered into, that a given sum over and above what is already provided for, be raised or not? The evidence adduced before the house by the Secretary of the Treasury, obliged him to admit that a further sum was necessary. This leads to a second question, in what form, by what fund, can this be best provided. We have in the opinion of many gentlemen, entirely exhausted the means of the impost; additional duties cannot be laid to any considerable degree, without risking the entire loss of that productive branch of the revenue. We are then reduced to the alternative, and must either make our election of direct taxes, or excises. Although there may be other subjects that do not come under these heads, yet they have not been brought before the committee; and if they were to be mentioned, they would not be less disrelished than those proposed in the bill. It may be recollected, that I early intimated, that if my judgment alone was to guide me, I should prefer direct taxation to that of excise. But I am sensible, that it is averse to the general spirit and sentiments of the people of the United States. So far as the same can be collected, as well as contrary to the prevailing idea of the majority of this body, and I am persuaded the attempt to carry such a measure would be a mere waste of time. Under this impression I shall forbear it; and because it may be a question, whether the general government can at this time constitutionally impose a direct tax, or whether they are not bound to wait until the census shall be completed? Though I am not satisfied, that an expedient could not be devised for getting over this embarrassment, yet I believe it would be difficult. If then we are not to attempt additional duties on imposts, if the public voice as well as contingent circumstances, renders an immediate application to direct taxation improper, if not impracticable, I see nothing left us but the plan of the excise: and as no branch of the excise is less exceptionable to the generality of the people, as well as to my own mind, I cannot, while I believe there is an urgent necessity for raising additional revenue, agree to strike out a clause which appeared to be the necessary conveyance of the measure already agreed to. If additional revenue is to be raised on spirits imported, it follows of course, and is dictated by sound policy, that we extend the duty to spirits distilled in the United States from articles of foreign materials. If this should not be done, the consumer of ardent spirit manufactured in the country would evade the duty, and shrink from under the burthen which others bear: beside the revenue itself must fail, because the duty laid on imported spirits, will operate as a bounty upon those manufactured here, which will tend to improve its quality, and increase its rivalry of foreign rum, if, as may be expected, it should be used in place of West India spirit, less of the other will consequently be imported.\nAn excise system is rendered particularly disagreeable, by the extensive powers given to the officers employed in the collection. On this account it is sometimes dangerous to civil liberty. But great caution has been observed in avoiding that obnoxious part: every check is intended to be placed on the officer, and if after all, he shall act improperly, he shall be liable to punishment. This is not the case in that country from which we separated. And the omission, is one great reason why the system is so much disrelished in that kingdom. As I said before, I would not agree to it here, if any other scheme could be adopted with propriety, for raising the necessary revenue. But the gentleman has deemed that it is necessary: there is not much occasion to differ, on this point it depends on matter of fact, and can be ascertained. I hope before the question is finally decided, that we shall be fully informed on this head. And if it is found, that money must be raised, I presume we shall not part with this part of the bill, until something is offered and considered for a substitute: for although an excise scheme cannot be freed from objections, yet it may be rendered as a necessary evil, to which we shall be compelled to submit, in order to avoid a greater.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0263", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nTh: J. to J. M.\nWill you be so good as to let me know how much I am in your debt for travelling expences & the horse. My monstrous bill of freight rendered the question useless till now. I send you a moment\u2019s amusement at my expence in the Connecticut paper. I suppose it is from some schoolmaster who does not like that the mysteries of his art should become useless.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0264", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Edward Carrington, ca. 10 January 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Carrington, Edward\nLetter not found. 10 January 1791. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 2 Feb. 1791. Encloses Attorney General Randolph\u2019s report on the judiciary.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0270", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 January 1791\nFrom: Pendleton, Edmund\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 15 January 1791. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 13 Feb. 1791. The list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany) notes that the letter consisted of three pages and calendars it as follows: \u201cBritish debts. The Bank system. The Judiciary. Direct taxes. Impost. Disposal of the Public Lands. The public debt. The Militia bill. Meeting \u27e8of?\u27e9 debtors to British subjects.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0272", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 23 January 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHond. Sir\nPhilada. Jany. 23. 1791.\nSince my last to my brother A. I have recd. no letter from Orange, altho yours & his both, preceding left me particularly anxious to know the event of the Influ[e]nza attack on my Mothers health.\nThe peace between G. B. & Spain has been fully authenticated. The English accts. give a sad picture of affairs in France, but there are more direct accts. which are more favorable.\nThe H. of Reps. has been long employed on the Excise Bill. It is much opposed within & without doors. I think however it will pass, as less offensive than a direct tax which seems to be the alternative. What reception will it meet with in your quarter? Stills will be taxed, but the owner will have the option of returning & paying for the quantity of spirits actually distilled.\nThe Kentucky Bill has come down from the Senate & will probably go thro the H. of Reps. without difficulty. The Bank is also come from the Senate, but will not go thro\u2019 if at all, without opposition. The Militia & Western Land Bills, wait for the conclusion of the Excise bill.\nLet Mr. W. Webb know that I have recd. his papers from Col. Monroe, & have drawn & presented a petition for him. The fate of it is uncertain & probably will not be known for a considerable time. Yr. affecte. Son\nJs. Madison\nWhat is the no. of inhabitants in Orange\u2014& What the State & prospect of the Census in general.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0273", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Howell, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Howell, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nOffice of late Army Account\u27e8s\u27e9 Philada. Jany 24 1791.\nSir\nThe Certificate alluded to in the letters herewith returned is not to be found in this Office. It either never was lodged by Mr Dunscomb or in the late movement from New York has been misplaced. The Certificate, I conceive, cannot be of material use to Capt Spotswood in his application for Commutation for with or without it must prove fruitless on a[ccoun]t of his receiving a pension from the U. S.\nJ Howell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0274", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 25 January 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nIn pursuance of the intention I had the honor to intimate to you last week I have commenced the collection of the documents necessary to make out the various statements. On Saturday evening I sketched out a plan for the Tonnage which will exhibit all the information, I think, that can be extracted from the returns of the collectors in their present form. It is as follows\u2014A statement of Tonne. in the form enclosed is proposed for each state, and for the district of Maine. These when completed are to be concentred twice in two forms of general return\u2014the first exhibiting the tonnage employed by the Union in the mode in wch. the Tonnage employed by each state will be exhibited in the enclosed form\u2014the other exhibiting the sums of the several national tonnages employed in each State in order that they may be the more easily compared. This last will be in the form of that laid before your house. A third general return may perhaps be useful, exhibiting the following facts\u2014The Tonnage to the ports of Europe within the Baltic Do. within the Mediterranean\u2014Do the rest of Europe\u2014Do. the West Indies\u2014do. Africa\u2014do. the East Indies\u2014Do. South America.\nShould you find on examining this plan that it is defective of any exhibition that appears interesting you will do me the favor to note it on a piece of paper to be enclosed with the form when you return it. If you should have a convenient opty within a day or two with the Secy. of State I should be much obliged by his applying a quarter of an hour to inspecting the form. I am anxious that the documents should be rendered as informing as possible, which I trust will apologize for the trouble I may give. I have the honor to be with great respect & esteem your most obedt. hum. Servt.\nTench Coxe\nIt is proposed to vary the collectors returns in such manner as to shew further in future\nWhat\n  Emigrants\n  free\n  do.\n  Slaves\nTransient passengers\nthe number of\nseamen\nApprentices\nOfficers\nwhat Vessels arrive in balast\nwhat with coal\n& how much\nwhat with Salt\u2014\nThe three last are intended to aid in forming an Opinion of the ratio of inward freights, the probable benefits of foreign ships in our trade &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0275", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Charles Yancey, 27 January 1791\nFrom: Yancey, Charles\nTo: Madison, James\nSir.\nLouisa Jan. 27th. 1791.\nYou will please to excuse me for Troubling of you on a private Matter\u2014the case is this. I am about to purchase a Tract of Valuable land And to Effect which Must part with a Quantity Of State Securities As also Those of the Domestick debt Or as we Call them final Settlements, And as our Assembly have taken some Steps that may recommend A reconsideration of the funding System of the State\u2019s Debt I request the favour of your advice Relative to the Value at present in Phyledelphia And also your Opinion whether any alteration of the said System will take place that may give a sudden Change in the rise or fall thereof either in the Domestick or State debt. The Opinion of your Constituents As far as my Information reaches Is that the State Debts Are funded on Very Partial Principles with respect to my own situation In that property the Case is different from Most Certificate holders.\nBeing fixed On the publick Road what property I possessed Was ever exposed to the impressments of the publick which I neve[r] held up from them of Course my Warrants Cost me full 20/ in the Pound And having held them so long on the faith Of Goverments I am Now desirous of Carrying them to the best Market which I am told is the Residence of Congress. Pardon me for troubling of you with so tedious a history of my private Matters And request Your favour by the Stage in which You will Lay me Under Singular Obligations. I am Sir with the great esteem and Respect Your Most Humble Servant\nCharles Yancey\nPS. please to forward your advice by the first opportunity to Richmond.\nC Y", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0276", "content": "Title: Memorandum for Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 31 January] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[ca. 31 January 1791]\nAt war\nAt Peace\nG. Britain from\nMay\n1689 to Sept.\nto May\nMay\n1702 to Aug.\nto Decr.\nDecr.\n1718 to June\nto Mar.\nMar.\n1727 to May\nto Octr.\nOctr.\n1739 to May\nto June\nJune\n1755 to Novr.\nto June\nJune\n1778 to Mar.\nto May\n3. lost in broken months\nWar\npeace\nAltho\u2019 these estimates are from an Underwriter it may be well to consult Mr. T. C or others, on them.\n  During war Insurance\n  between\n  U. S. & G. B. may be rated\n  from 12 to 20\n  PerCt.\n  do.\n  from 12 to 20\n  do.\n  During peace\n  about 2\u00bd\n  do.\n  do.\n  During war increase of freight beyond that of peace from 30 to 50 PerCt.\n   Champion p. 140.\nThe annual\nvalue\nof exports from U. S. to G. B. in British Bottoms\nDollars\nFreight\nof do. from do. in do. to Europe\ndo.\ndo.\nof do. from do. in do. to W. Inds\ndo.\nAnnual value of Imports in Brit: Bottoms (see Champion p. 51)\ndo.\n(See Report of Impost & the 10 PerCt. discount in favr. of Amer. Botts.)\nFrom these data result the expence of Insurance & freight taxed by Brit: wars on the trade or rather agriculture of U. S. during their present dependence on British Bottoms\nFrom the same may be inferred the loss which war with Spain wd. have cost the U. S. During the prospect of it insurance in some instances rose to near double the peace rate.\nTo the wars of the above Period, France was with little exception a party. So was Holland, excluding the war preceding the last. So in fact were the maritime nations in Genl.\nPerhaps it may be easiest to make the calculation for all our trade in Foreign Bottoms, than for that in British alone: or expedient to superadd the former to the latter calculation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0278", "content": "Title: Notes on Banks, [ca. 1 February] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[ca. 1 February 1791]\nOn Banks in general & particular ones other than that of England.\nThe first establd. was that of Venice 1157.\nGenoa Florence & other Ital: cities soon followed the example.\nThe bank of Venice is like that of Amsterdam for transfer only\n\u2014 it is an engine of State merely\n\u2014 its agio has been as high as 30 PerCt. now restrained to 20\n\u2014 Its original Capital was 2,000,000 ducats wch. has been doubled\n\u2014 Both before & since the capital was increased the State has made free with it, making itself security for replacing it.\nThe Bank of St. George at Genoa\u2014proposed in 1345\u2014erected 1407\n\u2014 It was produced by public debt & meant as a provision for them\n\u2014 The Holders of the debt had the customs assigned to them\n\u2014 They had a Council consisting of 100\u2014& 8 Govrs. for executing the business.\n\u2014 They became by good managemt. very rich & granted aids to the State\u2014for which the Cities & territories of Genoa pawned & were sold.\n\u2014 The Cities pawned were govd. by the bank.\n\u2014 Machiavel of opinion that by degrees the Bank wd get possession of the whole city & republic.\nThe first charitable bank (mons pietatis) was erected at Padua by its Bishop, lending to the poor, on pawns, at a low interest, in order to save them from Usurers\u2014this example soon spread.\nBank of Amsterdam established in 1609\n\u2014 produced by inconveniency of large payments in Silver\n\u2014 it is purely a bank of deposit\u2014the magistracy of Amsterdam being the cashiers of the inhabitants\n\u2014 The credits are transferred by sealed tickets, directing the bank to carry the credit of the ower to that of the receiver\n\u2014 not less than 600 Guilders, at first, nor of 300 since, transferred\n\u2014 one advantage\u2014the registry being proof of the transactions hin\u27e8ders?\u27e9 law suits\n\u2014 all payments in bills of exchange made in the bank\n\u2014 the burgomasters only have inspection of the bank\n\u2014 1 stiver pd to Bank for every transfer of more than 600 Guilder\n\u2014 6 stivers for leave to transfer less than 300 do\u2014&\n\u2014 10 Guilders on first opening acct. with Bank &\n\u2014 these incomes, the expence of managemt. is defrayed\u2014the Surplus goes to the poor of City\n\u2014 the agio commonly abt. 5 per Ct. owing to greater purity of coin than current money\u2014& the demand on banks.\n\u2014 in 1672. run on bank\u2014yet it paid all calling for their money.\n\u2014 Jewels &\u27e8c deposited as much?\u27e9 as money\nThe Bank of Rotterdam, was erected in 1635\n\u2014 It is not very considerable\n\u2014 Bills of exchange are paid in large money\u2014and only ten perCt. in shilling pieces.\nThe Bank of Hamburg, an imitation & nearly of the same standing with that Amsterdam.\n\u2014 It takes in none but the purest coin & has an agio\n\u2014 It lends on pledges at moderate interest\n\u2014 none but Citizens admitted to have acct. in their books.\nThe Banks of Amsterdam Venice & Hamburg, solely for the Convenience of Merchants\u2014not so Genoa, Naples & Bologna, which having advanced money to the State have a perpetual fund of Interest, and are Banks of loan & deposit, being models of that of Engd. And. 3. p 141.\nIn 1650the favorers of the Commonwealth led by the convenience of the Italian & Amsterdam Banks\u2014first began to project one for London.\nIn The Bank of Engd. & E. Inda. Compy. established. They pd. to Govt. 3,200,000 for 8 PerCt. StClair p. 365\nThe capital of the Bank for\u2014\nQuer. \u27e8how?\u27e9 much of the debt of G. B. has been lent by the Bank\nThe Bank not only nor greatest lender. E. Ind. & S. Sea Compy.\nThe competition of different lendrs. good\u2014if establish Bank can & sd.\nAlso\u2014other great rival Money Companies\u2014See rival offers\u2014Sinclair p. 433\n\u2014 where that rivalship cause of S. Sea Bubble\nIn time of war, when [illegible] would most\u2014Govt at mercy of Bank\u2014vis vers in peace\nBank. see Sinclair p.403.\nE. Ind Compy.402\nIn deciding on the policy of raising funds beyond par\u2014consider\n1. unjust to debtor part of people.\n2. interest then of Creditors to prevent sinking fund, & this caused perversion of sinking do. in G. B. Sinclair p. 438", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0279", "content": "Title: Notes on the Bank of England, [ca. 1 February] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[ca. 1 February 1791]\nBank of Engd. estabd. 1694. for abt. 11 years\u2014to 1705. on the models of Genoa, Naples & Bologna. And. 3. 141\nThe 1,200,000 \u00a3 subscribed in 10 days\u2014& \u00bc pd. down p. 144\nIn 1697. Bank Notes depreciated 15 to 20 PerCt. The Bank obliged to pay 10 PerCt once a fortnight\u2014& at length 3 PerCt. ev[er]y 3 months. p. 176,7.\nIn 1697. the capital of the Bank increased to 6,360,450\u2014& the term extended to 1710\u2014the Bank advancing to Govt. the amt. of the increase or in other words the tallies &c. being subscribed\u2014& as these were pd. off in a few years\u2014the Bank was reduced to its original capital. p. 178,9.\u2014Note those tallies red. at par tho\u2019 bought at 50 or 6 perCt. discount\u2014greatest fortunes made ever known. p. 180 felony to counterfeit the seal or notes of Bank.\n1706.The Bank prolonged, on its circulating 1\u00bd Milln. Exch: bills at 4\u00bd PerCt: till redemption of sd. bills\u2014\nIn 1709.The Stock \u00a32,201,171. doubled\u2014& that sum subscribed at the rate of 115 \u00a3. for 100 Stock\u2014between the hours of 9 a m. & 1 p. m. of same day\u2014& 1 Mil. more wd. have been subscribed if room for it\u2014for this & prolongation of Charter to 1732\u2014the Bank advanced \u00a3400,000 witht. interest\u2014& to cancel exchequer bills 1,775,027 \u00a3 p. 244\nCapital now \u00a36,577,370.\nThe Bank supplied the Govt. 1,200,000 by circulating exchequer bills to the amt.\u2014The Bank to continue a Corporation till 1742\u2014& repayt. of yearly fund & origl. capital of 1,600,000 \u00a3. p 278.\nThe fund of Bank enlarged for circulating to Exchequer Bills & the B. to continue till redempn. of origl. fund. p. 285\nBank purchased of S. Sea\u20144,000,000, which made the B. capital due from public, 9,379,027 \u00a3 p 373\nThe Interest of part of the Bank Capital reduced from 5 to 4 PerCt. p. 384.\nBank aided Govt. to amt. of 1,750,000 \u00a3. by accepting annuities at 4 Perct. 500,000 pd. to B. by Govt. being part of 2[,]000,000 added to \u27e8that capital?\u27e9 by 3. Geo. I.\u2014whereby total of capital stock reduced to \u00a34,875,027.\n1728.Bank advanced by purchase of annuities 1,250,000, at 4 PerCt. p. 400\n1,000,000 \u00a3 of Bank Capital pd. off, which reduced it to 3,875,027 \u00a3 p. 487.\nBank advanced 1,600,000 \u00a3 witht. interest, i.e. the 6 perCt of the old capital to that amt. reduced to 3 & 3 pd. on the advance. The consideration was, continuance of the monopoly charter from 1743 to 1764. Counterfeiters & Serts. of Compy. breaking trust made felons witht. clery. p 506.\nTotal Bank Capital \u00a310,700,000 due from Govt. & entitled to dividend\u2014Besides which, 2,400,000 of annuities transferrable at Bank witht. any share of the profit\u2014Dividend now & for some years 5\u00bd\u2014interest from Govt. 4 PerCt.\n986,000 added to capital Stock due from Govt. making total\u201411,686,800\nScarcity of money by German Wars. Bank issues notes as low as 15 & 10 \u00a3. \u261e Bs. of Edinbg. 20/ \u2014\nBank purchased renewal of Charter for 21 years from 1785 by lendg. 2[,]000,000 at 3 perCt\u2014& this opposed as unfavorable to Govt.\nDividend of 6 PerCt.\nBanks of Edinborough on same model with that of Engd. And. 3. 141", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0280", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Martha Daingerfield Bland, 2 February 1791\nFrom: Bland, Martha Daingerfield\nTo: Madison, James\nSir\n\u27e8ca\u27e9wson Feby. 2d. 1791\nAs a representative from the State of Virginia, I take the liberty to \u27e8e\u27e9nclose you a parcel of papers. The \u27e8c\u27e9laim I have upon the United States is \u27e8ce\u27e9rtainly a Just one and perhaps under \u27e8y\u27e9our patronage may meet with success. \u27e8The\u27e9 president advised me to write to Colonl \u27e8Lu\u27e9tterlow who he informd me resided in \u27e8W\u27e9ilmington (N C)\u2014but looking over \u27e8a\u27e9 philadelphia paper the other day I observd \u27e8his\u27e9 Name in the business of Congress \u27e8so\u27e9 that \u2019tis probable he is now in phila\u27e8d\u27e9elphia. I have the honour to be sr yr Obdt Servt\nM Bland", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0281", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 2 February 1791\nFrom: Carrington, Edward\nTo: Madison, James\nMy Dr sir,\nPowhatan Feb. 2. 1791\nI am just favored with yours of the 2d. Ult: also with that covering the report of the Attorney Genl. Accept my thanks for both. The subject of an Excise did sometime ago excite much apprehension here owing to its being contemplated, and industriously represented by some, with all the horrible circumstances said to attend that of England: much conversation has been held upon it through the Country, and it begins to be understood that the Similarity exists in name only\u2014& that it will operate most heavily on the Eastern States. Some resource other than the impost must doubtless be tried: that is perhaps already Strained too high to ensure faithful collections\u2014high imposts produce corruption amongst the Shippers of goods & from them it is too apt to be infused into the Officers of Govt. Witness the British Customs where the price of bribery is little less than openly acknowledged as a perquisite of Office. So far as I rely on my own imperfect judgment, a direct Tax would be the most equal mode of raising Money; yet, as there is so great an aversion to it, it may be well to let the people find their error from experience, and desire the exercise of the measure. As to a Militia I expect that several sessions must pass off before a plan for establishing one will be agreed on. There is great diversity of opinion both in & out of Congress upon that subject, & it is of a Nature to excite much jealousy. I possess but little knowledge of the principles of Banks\u2014I consider it however as an established truth that they are extremely useful to all commercial Countries, and that the accumulation of wealth in the particular spots where they are situated is not so great as to overbalance the accommodations they afford to the distant parts which feel their influence. Nor do I think their benefits can possibly be extensive unless they are situated in large Commercial Cities having many distant connections, for otherwise the Notes cannot circulate far from whome [sic]. This is one consideration why I should not expect to see a Bank flourish in any of our small southern Towns, & why I should rely on greater benefits from a Bank in Phila. or N. York than in Richmond\u2014the paper of the Banks of Phila. & N. York have often been a means of Virga. Planters & Farmers meeting Purchasers for their Crops, by the Bills being more portable than specie, nor yet have these Notes prevented as much specie as we wanted from coming amongst us, because the Bills always travel back in exchange for Cash when they become redundant. These considerations would perhaps incline me, were I for a National Bank to fix it intirely in Phila. It is however questionable whether it is necessary or even politic to have one at all, at least for the present\u2014the private banks now in being give every useful facility to Trade, & in the infancy of Government perhaps both its time & money might be better employed, especially as it may not be clearly foreseen what influence the measure might have on the future residence of the Governmt. To these observations I will add one on the subjects of which the Secretary proposes to compose the Bank\u2014these are, a little money, & a great deal of public paper\u2014the latter to be carried to Market in case of a run on the Bank beyond the reach of the specie: may there not be danger of attempts to break the bank, such as are frequently made on others, & in a case of this sort, may we not be forced to carry into the market, so much paper as to produce the fatal issue, by the fall of price? You requested my ideas on this business\u2014these observations are founded neither in reading nor experience, they may therefore be illy founded, & are certainly very imperfect\u2014you will take them as they may seem to merit your consideration.\nAs to the Census few returns have yet come in\u2014I have reason to beleive it is going on well & that our Numbers will be great. I am yr Affe. Freind &c.\nEd Carrington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0282", "content": "Title: The Bank Bill, [2 February] 1791\nFrom: Senate\nTo: \n[2 February 1791]\n   The Senate bill to incorporate subscribers to the Bank of the United States was read in the House on 21 January. It came before the Committee of the Whole on 31 January, was read by paragraphs, and reported to the House without amendment. After a third reading, the House on 1 February proceeded to the question on the passage of the bill. Smith (South Carolina), protesting that the bill had been \u201ctaken up rather unexpectedly yesterday,\u201d moved that it be recommitted to the Committee of the Whole for the purpose of making amendments. Laurance and Gerry declared that those who wished to make changes should have brought them forward the previous day. JM replied \u201cthat at this moment it was not of importance to determine how it has happened that the objections which several gentlemen now say they have to offer, against the bill\u2014were not made at the proper time\u2014it is sufficient for them if the candor of the house should lead them now to recommit the bill, that in a committee of the whole they may have an opportunity to offer their objections.\u201d Ames remarked that it was \u201cabsurd to go into a committee of the whole to determine whether the bill is constitutional or not,\u201d but JM insisted that \u201cthere was the greatest propriety in discussing a constitutional question in the committee of the whole.\u201d The motion for recommitment was defeated, 34 to 23, and the main question was resumed on 2 February (Gazette of the U.S., 2 and 19 Feb. 1791; Gen. Advertiser, 5 Feb. 1791).\nMr. Madison began with a general review of the advantages and disadvantages of banks. The former he stated to consist in, first, the aids they afford to merchants who can thereby push their mercantile operations farther with the same capital. 2d. The aids to merchants in paying punctually the customs. 3d. Aids to the government in complying punctually with its engagements, when deficiencies or delays happen in the revenue. 4th. In diminishing usury. 5th. In saving the wear of the gold and silver kept in the vaults, and represented by notes. 6th. In facilitating occasional remittances from different places where notes happen to circulate. The effect of the proposed bank, in raising the value of stock, he thought, had been greatly overrated. It would no doubt raise that of the stock subscribed into the bank; but could have little effect on stock in general, as the interest on it would remain the same, and the quantity taken out of the market would be replaced by bank stock.\nThe principal disadvantages consisted in, 1st. banishing the precious metals, by substituting another medium to perform their office: This effect was inevitable. It was admitted by the most enlightened patrons of banks, particularly by Smith on the Wealth of Nations. The common answer to the objection was, that the money banished was only an exchange for something equally valuable that would be imported in return. He admitted the weight of this observation in general, but doubted whether, in the present habits of this country, the returns would not be in articles of no permanent use to it. 2d. Exposing the public and individuals to all the evils of a run on the bank, which would be particularly calamitous in so great a country as this, and might happen from various causes, as false rumours, bad management of the institution, an unfavorable balance of trade from short crops, &c.\nIt was proper to be considered also, that the most important of the advantages would be better obtained by several banks properly distributed, than by a single one. The aids to commerce could only be afforded at or very near the seat of the bank. The same was true of aids to merchants in the payment of customs. Anticipations of the government would also be most convenient at the different places where the interest of the debt was to be paid. The case in America was different from that in England: the interest there was all due at one place, and the genius of the monarchy favored the concentration of wealth and influence at the metropolis.\nHe thought the plan liable to other objections: It did not make so good a bargain for the public as was due to its interests. The charter to the bank of England had been granted for 11 years only, and was paid for by a loan to the government on terms better than could be elsewhere got. Every renewal of the charter had in like manner been purchased; in some instances, at a very high price. The same had been done by the banks of Genoa, Naples, and other like banks of circulation. The plan was unequal to the public creditors\u2014it gave an undue preference to the holders of a particular denomination of the public debt, and to those at and within reach of the seat of government. If the subscriptions should be rapid, the distant holders of paper would be excluded altogether.\nIn making these remarks on the merits of the bill, he had reserved to himself, he said, the right to deny the authority of Congress to pass it. He had entertained this opinion from the date of the constitution. His impression might perhaps be the stronger, because he well recollected that a power to grant charters of incorporation had been proposed in the general convention and rejected.\nIs the power of establishing an incorporated bank among the powers vested by the constitution in the legislature of the United States? This is the question to be examined.\nAfter some general remarks on the limitations of all political power, he took notice of the peculiar manner in which the federal government is limited. It is not a general grant, out of which particular powers are excepted\u2014it is a grant of particular powers only, leaving the general mass in other hands. So it had been understood by its friends and its foes, and so it was to be interpreted.\nAs preliminaries to a right interpretation, he laid down the following rules:\nAn interpretation that destroys the very characteristic of the government cannot be just.\nWhere a meaning is clear, the consequences, whatever they may be, are to be admitted\u2014where doubtful, it is fairly triable by its consequences.\nIn controverted cases, the meaning of the parties to the instrument, if to be collected by reasonable evidence, is a proper guide.\nCotemporary and concurrent expositions are a reasonable evidence of the meaning of the parties.\nIn admitting or rejecting a constructive authority, not only the degree of its incidentality to an express authority, is to be regarded, but the degree of its importance also; since on this will depend the probability or improbability of its being left to construction.\nReviewing the constitution with an eye to these positions, it was not possible to discover in it the power to incorporate a Bank. The only clauses under which such a power could be pretended, are either\u2014\n1. The power to lay and collect taxes to pay the debts, and provide for the common defence and general welfare: Or,\n2. The power to borrow money on the credit of the United States: Or,\n3. The power to pass all laws necessary and proper to carry into execution those powers.\nThe bill did not come within the first power. It laid no tax to pay the debts, or provide for the general welfare. It laid no tax whatever. It was altogether foreign to the subject.\nNo argument could be drawn from the terms \u201ccommon defence, and general welfare.\u201d The power as to these general purposes, was limited to acts laying taxes for them; and the general purposes themselves were limited and explained by the particular enumeration subjoined. To understand these terms in any sense, that would justify the power in question, would give to Congress an unlimited power; would render nugatory the enumeration of particular powers; would supercede all the powers reserved to the state governments. These terms are copied from the articles of confederation; had it ever been pretended, that they were to be understood otherwise than as here explained?\nIt had been said that \u201cgeneral welfare\u201d meant cases in which a general power might be exercised by Congress, without interfering with the powers of the States; and that the establishment of a National Bank was of this sort. There were, he said, several answers to this novel doctrine.\n1. The proposed Bank would interfere so as indirectly to defeat a State Bank at the same place. 2. It would directly interfere with the rights of the States, to prohibit as well as to establish Banks, and the circulation of Bank Notes. He mentioned a law of Virginia, actually prohibiting the circulation of notes payable to bearer. 3. Interference with the power of the States was no constitutional criterion of the power of Congress. If the power was not given, Congress could not exercise it; if given, they might exercise it, altho it should interfere with the laws, or even the constitution of the States. 4. If Congress could incorporate a Bank, merely because the act would leave the States free to establish Banks also; any other incorporations might be made by Congress. They could incorporate companies of manufacturers, or companies for cutting canals, or even religious societies, leaving similar incorporations by the States, like State Banks to themselves: Congress might even establish religious teachers in every parish, and pay them out of the Treasury of the United States, leaving other teachers unmolested in their functions. These inadmissible consequences condemned the controverted principle.\nThe case of the Bank established by the former Congress, had been cited as a precedent. This was known, he said, to have been the child of necessity. It never could be justified by the regular powers of the articles of confederation. Congress betrayed a consciousness of this in recommending to the States to incorporate the Bank also. They did not attempt to protect the Bank Notes by penalties against counterfeiters. These were reserved wholly to the authority of the States.\nThe second clause to be examined is that, which empowers Congress to borrow money.\nIs this a bill to borrow money? It does not borrow a shilling. Is there any fair construction by which the bill can be deemed an exercise of the power to borrow money? The obvious meaning of the power to borrow money, is that of accepting it from, and stipulating payment to those who are able and willing to lend.\nTo say that the power to borrow involves a power of creating the ability, where there may be the will, to lend, is not only establishing a dangerous principle, as will be immediately shewn, but is as forced a construction, as to say that it involves the power of compelling the will, where there may be the ability, to lend.\nThe third clause is that which gives the power to pass all laws necessary and proper to execute the specified powers.\nWhatever meaning this clause may have, none can be admitted, that would give an unlimited discretion to Congress.\nIts meaning must, according to the natural and obvious force of the terms and the context, be limited to means necessary to the end, and incident to the nature of the specified powers.\nThe clause is in fact merely declaratory of what would have resulted by unavoidable implication, as the appropriate, and as it were, technical means of executing those powers. In this sense it had been explained by the friends of the constitution, and ratified by the state conventions.\nThe essential characteristic of the government, as composed of limited and enumerated powers, would be destroyed: If instead of direct and incidental means, any means could be used, which in the language of the preamble to the bill, \u2018might be conceived to be conducive to the successful conducting of the finances; or might be conceived to tend to give facility to the obtaining of loans.\u2019 He urged an attention to the diffuse and ductile terms which had been found requisite to cover the stretch of power contained in the bill. He compared them with the terms necessary and proper, used in the Constitution, and asked whether it was possible to view the two descriptions as synonimous, or the one as a fair and safe commentary on the other.\nIf, proceeded he, Congress, by virtue of the power to borrow, can create the means of lending, and in pursuance of these means, can incorporate a Bank, they may do any thing whatever creative of like means.\nThe East-India company has been a lender to the British government, as well as the Bank, and the South-Sea company is a greater creditor than either. Congress then may incorporate similar companies in the United States, and that too not under the idea of regulating trade, but under that of borrowing money.\nPrivate capitals are the chief resources for loans to the British government. Whatever then may be conceived to favor the accumulation of capitals may be done by Congress. They may incorporate manufacturers. They may give monopolies in every branch of domestic industry.\nIf, again, Congress by virtue of the power to borrow money, can create the ability to lend, they may by virtue of the power to levy money, create the ability to pay it. The ability to pay taxes depends on the general wealth of the society, and this, on the general prosperity of agriculture, manufactures and commerce. Congress then may give bounties and make regulations on all of these objects.\nThe States have, it is allowed on all hands, a concurrent right to lay and collect taxes. This power is secured to them not by its being expressly reserved, but by its not being ceded by the constitution. The reasons for the bill cannot be admitted, because they would invalidate that right; why may it not be conceived by Congress, that an uniform and exclusive imposition of taxes, would not less than the proposed Banks \u2018be conducive to the successful conducting of the national finances, and tend to give facility to the obtaining of revenue, for the use of the government?\u2019\nThe doctrine of implication is always a tender one. The danger of it has been felt in other governments. The delicacy was felt in the adoption of our own; the danger may also be felt, if we do not keep close to our chartered authorities.\nMark the reasoning on which the validity of the bill depends. To borrow money is made the end and the accumulation of capitals, implied as the means. The accumulation of capitals is then the end, and a bank implied as the means. The bank is then the end, and a charter of incorporation, a monopoly, capital punishments, &c. implied as the means.\nIf implications, thus remote and thus multiplied, can be linked together, a chain may be formed that will reach every object of legislation, every object within the whole compass of political economy.\nThe latitude of interpretation required by the bill is condemned by the rule furnished by the constitution itself.\nCongress have power \u201cto regulate the value of money\u201d; yet it is expressly added not left to be implied, that counterfeitors may be punished.\nThey have the power \u201cto declare war,\u201d to which armies are more incident, than incorporated Banks, to borrowing; yet is expressly added, the power \u201cto raise and support armies\u201d; and to this again, the express power \u201cto make rules and regulations for the government of armies\u201d; a like remark is applicable to the powers as to a navy.\nThe regulation and calling out of the militia are more appurtenant to war, than the proposed bank, to borrowing; yet the former is not left to construction.\nThe very power to borrow money is a less remote implication from the power of war, than an incorporated monopoly bank, from the power of borrowing\u2014yet the power to borrow is not left to implication.\nIt is not pretended that every insertion or omission in the constitution is the effect of systematic attention. This is not the character of any human work, particularly the work of a body of men. The examples cited, with others that might be added, sufficiently inculcate nevertheless a rule of interpretation, very different from that on which the bill rests. They condemn the exercise of any power, particularly a great and important power, which is not evidently and necessarily involved in an express power.\nIt cannot be denied that the power proposed to be exercised is an important power.\nAs a charter of incorporation the bill creates an artificial person previously not existing in law. It confers important civil rights and attributes, which could not otherwise be claimed. It is, though not precisely similar, at least equivalent, to the naturalization of an alien, by which certain new civil characters are acquired by him. Would Congress have had the power to naturalize, if it had not been expressly given?\nIn the power to make bye laws, the bill delegated a sort of legislative power, which is unquestionably an act of a high and important nature. He took notice of the only restraint on the bye laws, that they were not to be contrary to the law and the constitution of the bank; and asked what law was intended; if the law of the United States, the scantiness of their code would give a power, never before given to a corporation\u2014and obnoxious to the States, whose laws would then be superceded not only by the laws of Congress, but by the bye laws of a corporation within their own jurisdiction. If the law intended, was the law of the State, then the State might make laws that would destroy an institution of the United States.\nThe bill gives a power to purchase and hold lands; Congress themselves could not purchase lands within a State \u201cwithout the consent of its legislature.\u201d How could they delegate a power to others which they did not possess themselves?\nIt takes from our successors, who have equal rights with ourselves, and with the aid of experience will be more capable of deciding on the subject, an opportunity of exercising that right, for an immoderate term.\nIt takes from our constituents the opportunity of deliberating on the untried measure, although their hands are also to be tied by it for the same term.\nIt involves a monopoly, which affects the equal rights of every citizen.\nIt leads to a penal regulation, perhaps capital punishments, one of the most solemn acts of sovereign authority.\nFrom this view of the power of incorporation exercised in the bill, it could never be deemed an accessary or subaltern power, to be deduced by implication, as a means of executing another power; it was in its nature a distinct, an independent and substantive prerogative, which not being enumerated in the constitution could never have been meant to be included in it, and not being included could never be rightfully exercised.\nHe here adverted to a distinction, which he said had not been sufficiently kept in view, between a power necessary and proper for the government or union, and a power necessary and proper for executing the enumerated powers. In the latter case, the powers included in each of the enumerated powers were not expressed, but to be drawn from the nature of each. In the former, the powers composing the government were expressly enumerated. This constituted the peculiar nature of the government, no power therefore not enumerated, could be inferred from the general nature of government. Had the power of making treaties, for example, been omitted, however necessary it might have been, the defect could only have been lamented, or supplied by an amendment of the constitution.\nBut the proposed bank could not even be called necessary to the government; at most it could be but convenient. Its uses to the government could be supplied by keeping the taxes a little in advance\u2014by loans from individuals\u2014by the other banks, over which the government would have equal command; nay greater, as it may grant or refuse to these the privilege, made a free and irrevocable gift to the proposed bank, of using their notes in the federal revenue.\nHe proceeded next to the cotemporary expositions given to the constitution.\nThe defence against the charge founded on the want of a bill of rights, presupposed, he said, that the powers not given were retained; and that those given were not to be extended by remote implications. On any other supposition, the power of Congress to abridge the freedom of the press, or the rights of conscience, &c. could not have been disproved.\nThe explanations in the state conventions all turned on the same fundamental principle, and on the principle that the terms necessary and proper gave no additional powers to those enumerated. (Here he read sundry passages from the debates of the Pennsylvania, Virginia and North-Carolina conventions, shewing the grounds on which the constitution had been vindicated by its principal advocates, against a dangerous latitude of its powers, charged on it by its opponents.) He did not undertake to vouch for the accuracy or authenticity of the publications which he quoted\u2014he thought it probable that the sentiments delivered might in many instances have been mistaken, or imperfectly noted; but the complexion of the whole, with what he himself and many others must recollect, fully justified the use he had made of them.\nThe explanatory declarations and amendments accompanying the ratifications of the several states formed a striking evidence, wearing the same complexion. He referred those who might doubt on the subject, to the several acts of ratification.\nThe explanatory amendments proposed by Congress themselves, at least, would be good authority with them; all these renunciations of power proceeded on a rule of construction, excluding the latitude now contended for. These explanations were the more to be respected, as they had not only been proposed by Congress, but ratified by nearly three-fourths of the states. He read several of the articles proposed, remarking particularly on the 11th. and 12th. the former, as guarding against a latitude of interpretation\u2014the latter, as excluding every source of power not within the constitution itself.\nWith all this evidence of the sense in which the constitution was understood and adopted, will it not be said, if the bill should pass, that its adoption was brought about by one set of arguments, and that it is now administered under the influence of another set; and this reproach will have the keener sting, because it is applicable to so many individuals concerned in both the adoption and administration.\nIn fine, if the power were in the constitution, the immediate exercise of it cannot be essential\u2014if not there, the exercise of it involves the guilt of usurpation, and establishes a precedent of interpretation, levelling all the barriers which limit the powers of the general government, and protect those of the state governments. If the point be doubtful only, respect for ourselves, who ought to shun the appearance of precipitancy and ambition; respect for our successors, who ought not lightly to be deprived of the opportunity of exercising the rights of legislation; respect for our constituents who have had no opportunity of making known their sentiments, and who are themselves to be bound down to the measure for so long a period; all these considerations require that the irrevocable decision should at least be suspended until another session.\nIt appeared on the whole, he concluded, that the power exercised by the bill was condemned by the silence of the constitution; was condemned by the rule of interpretation arising out of the constitution; was condemned by its tendency to destroy the main characteristic of the constitution; was condemned by the expositions of the friends of the constitution, whilst depending before the public; was condemned by the apparent intention of the parties which ratified the constitution; was condemned by the explanatory amendments proposed by Congress themselves to the Constitution; and he hoped it would receive its final condemnation, by the vote of this house.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0283", "content": "Title: Memorandum from Roger Sherman, [ca. 4 February] 1791\nFrom: Sherman, Roger\nTo: Madison, James\n[ca. 4 February 1791]\nYou will admit That Congress have power to provide by law, for raising, depositing & applying money for the purposes enumerated in the constitution, & generally of regulating the Finances That they have power so far as no particular rules are pointed out, in the constitution to make such rules & regulations as they may Judge necessary & proper to effect these purposes. The only question that remains is\u2014Is a Bank a proper measure for effecting these purposes?\nAnd is not this a question of expediency rather than of rights?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0284", "content": "Title: The Bank Bill, [8 February] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[8 February 1791]\n   The House continued to debate the bank bill on 3, 4, 5, and 7 February.\nMr. Madison observed, that the present is a question which ought to be conducted with moderation and candor\u2014and therefore there is no occasion to have recourse to those tragic representations, which have been adduced\u2014warmth and passion should be excluded from the discussion of a subject, which ought to depend on the cool dictates of reason for its decision.\nAdverting to the observation of Mr. Smith, (S. C.) \u201cthat it would be a deplorable thing for the Senate of the United States to have fallen on a decision which violates the constitution,\u201d he enquired, What does the reasoning of the gentleman tend to shew but this, that from respect to the Senate, this house ought to sanction their decisions? And from hence it will follow, that the President of the United States ought, out of respect to both, to sanction their joint proceedings: but he could, he said, remind the gentleman, of his holding different sentiments on another occasion.\nMr. Madison then enlarged on the exact balance or equipoise contemplated by the constitution, to be observed and maintained between the several branches of government\u2014and shewed, that except this idea was preserved, the advantages of different independent branches would be lost, and their separate deliberations and determinations were intirely useless.\nIn describing a corporation he observed, that the powers proposed to be given, are such, as do not exist antecedent to the existence of the corporation; these powers are very extensive in their nature, and to which a principle of perpetuity may be annexed.\nHe waved a reply to Mr. Vining\u2019s observations on the common law, (in which that gentleman had been lengthy and minute, in order to invalidate Mr. Madison\u2019s objection to the power proposed to be given to the Bank, to make rules and regulations, not contrary to law). Mr. Madison said the question would involve a very lengthy discussion\u2014and other objects more intimately connected with the subject, remained to be considered.\nThe power of granting Charters, he observed, is a great and important power, and ought not to be exercised, without we find ourselves expressly authorised to grant them: Here he dilated on the great and extensive influence that incorporated societies had on public affairs in Europe: They are a powerful machine, which have always been found competent to effect objects on principles, in a great measure independent of the people.\nHe argued against the influence of the precedent to be established by the bill\u2014for tho it has been said that the charter is to be granted only for a term of years, yet he contended, that granting the powers on any principle, is granting them in perpetuum\u2014and assuming this right on the part of the government involves the assumption of every power whatever.\nNoticing the arguments in favor of the bill, he said, it had been observed, that \u201cgovernment necessarily possesses every power.\u201d However true this idea may be in theory, he denied that it applied to the government of the United States.\nHere he read the restrictive clause in the Constitution\u2014and then observed that he saw no pass over this limit.\nThe preamble to the Constitution, said he, has produced a new mine of power; but this is the first instance he had heard of, in which the preamble has been adduced for such a purpose. In his opinion the preamble only states the objects of the confederation, and the subsequent clauses designate the express powers by which those objects are to be obtained\u2014and a mean is proposed thro which to acquire those that may be found still requisite, more fully to effect the purposes of the confederation.\nIt is said, \u201cthere is a field of legislation yet unexplored.\u201d He had often heard this language\u2014but he confessed he did not understand it. Is there, said he, a single blade of grass\u2014Is there any property in existence in the United States, which is not subject to legislation, either of the particular States, or of the United States? He contended that the exercise of this power on the part of the United States, involves, to all intents and purposes, every power which an individual state may exercise. On this principle he denied the right of Congress to make use of a Bank to facilitate the collection of taxes. He did not, however admit the idea, that the institution would conduce to that object: The bank notes are to be equal to gold and silver, and consequently will be as difficult to obtain as the specie. By means of the objects of trade on which gold and silver are employed, there will be an influx of those articles\u2014but paper being substituted, will fill those channels, which would otherwise be occupied by the precious metals\u2014This, experience shews is the uniform effect of such a substitution.\nThe right of Congress to regulate trade, is adduced as an argument in favor of this of creating a corporation\u2014but what has this bill to do with trade? Would any plain man suppose that this bill had any thing to do with trade?\nHe noticed the observation respecting the utility of Banks to aid the government with loans\u2014He denied the necessity of the institution to aid the government in this respect\u2014Great Britain, he observed, did not depend on such institutions\u2014she borrows from various sources.\n\u201cBanks it is said, are necessary to pay the interest of the public debt,\u201d\u2014then they ought to be established in the places where that interest is paid\u2014but can any man say, that the bank notes will circulate at par in Georgia. From the example of Scotland we know that they cannot be made equal to specie, remote from the place, where they can be immediately converted into coin\u2014they must depreciate in case of a demand for specie\u2014and if there is no moral certainty that the interest can be paid by these bank bills, will the government be justified in depriving itself of the power of establishing banks in different parts of the union?\nWe reason (said he) and often with advantage from British models, but in the present instance there is a great dissimilarity of circumstances. The bank notes of Great-Britain do not circulate universally; to make the circumstances parallel, it ought to have been assumed as a fact that banks are established in various parts of Great-Britain, at which the interest of the national debt is paid\u2014but the fact is, it is only paid in one place.\nThe clause of the constitution which has been so often recurred to, and which empowers Congress to dispose of its property, he supposed referred only to the property left at the conclusion of the war, and has no reference to the monied property of the United States.\nThe clause which empowers Congress to pass all laws necessary, &c. has been brought forward repeatedly by the advocates of the bill; he noticed the several constructions of this clause which had been offered; the conclusion which he drew from the commentary of the gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. Gerry, was that Congress may do what they please\u2014and recurring to the opinion of that gentleman in 1787; he said the powers of the constitution were then dark, inexplicable and dangerous\u2014but now, perhaps as the result of experience they are clear and luminous!\nThe constructions of the constitution, he asserted, which have been maintained on this occasion go to the subversion of every power whatever in the several States\u2014but we are told for our comfort that the judges will rectify our mistakes; how are the judges to determine in the case; are they to be guided in their decisions by the rules of expediency?\nIt has been asked that if those minute powers of the constitution were thought to be necessary, is it supposable that the great and important power on the table was not intended to be given? Mr. Madison interpreted this circumstance in a quite different way, viz. if it was thought necessary to specify in the constitution, those minute powers, it would follow that more important powers would have been explicitly granted had they been contemplated.\nThe Western Territory business he observed, was a case sui generis, and therefore cannot be cited with propriety: West Point, so often mentioned he said, was purchased by the United States pursuant to law\u2014and the consent of the State of New York is supposed, if it has not been expressly granted; but on any occasion does it follow that one violation of the constitution is to be justified by another?\nThe permanent residence bill, he conceived was entirely irrelative to the subject; but he conceived it might be justified on truly constitutional principles.\nThe act vesting in the President of the United States the power of removability has been quoted; he recapitulated in a few words his reasons for being in favor of that bill.\nThe bank of North-America, he said, he had opposed, as he considered the institution as a violation of the confederation. The State of Massachusetts he recollected voted with him on that occasion. The bank of North-America was however the child of necessity\u2014as soon as the war was over, it ceased to operate as to continental purposes. But, asked he, are precedents in war, to justify violations of private and State rights, in a time of peace? And did the United States pass laws to punish the counterfeiting the notes of that bank? They did not, being convinced of the invalidity of any such law\u2014the bank therefore took shelter under the authority of the State.\nThe energetic administration of this government is said to be connected with this institution. Mr. Madison here stated the principles on which he conceived this government ought to be administered\u2014and added, other gentlemen may have had other ideas on the subject, and may have consented to the ratification of the constitution on different principles and expectations\u2014but he considered the enlightened opinion and affection of the people, the only solid basis for the support of this government.\nMr. Madison then stated his objections to the several parts of the bill: The first article he objected to, was the duration\u2014A period of twenty years, he observed, was to this country as a period of a century in the history of other countries\u2014there was no calculating for the events which might take place: He urged the ill-policy of granting so long a term, from the experience of the government in respect to some treaties, which tho found inconvenient, could not now be altered.\nThe different classes of the public creditors, he observed, were not all put on an equal footing by this bill; but in the bill for the disposal of the Western Territory, this had been thought essential: The holders of 6 per cent. securities, will derive undue advantages\u2014Creditors at a distance, and the holders of 3 per cent. securities, ought to be considered\u2014as the public good is most essentially promoted by an equal attention to the interest of all.\nI admit, said he, that the government ought to consider itself as the trustee of the public on this occasion, and therefore should avail itself of the best disposition of the public property.\nIn this view of the subject, he objected to the bill, as the public, he thought, ought to derive greater advantages from the institution than those proposed. In case of a universal circulation of the notes of the proposed bank, the profits will be so great that the government ought to receive a very considerable sum for granting the charter.\nThere are other defects in the bill, which render it proper and necessary in my opinion, that it should undergo a revision and amendment before it passes into a law: The power vested by the bill in the executive to borrow of the bank, he thought was objectionable\u2014and the right to establish subordinate banks, he said, ought not to be delegated to any set of men under heaven.\nThe public opinion has been mentioned: If the appeal to the public opinion is suggested with sincerity, we ought to let our constituents have an opportunity to form an opinion on the subject.\nHe concluded by saying, he should move for the previous question.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0285", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Nelson, 11 February 1791\nFrom: Nelson, John\nTo: Madison, James\nSir,\nKg: Wm: County Virga: 11th Febry: 1791.\nI have been desired by Mr: Saml: Tinsley who served under me as an Officer in the Cavalry of this State, to mention him to you as one extreamly anxious to get a Commission in the Troops of the United-States under the Command of Genl: St. Clair; he will take his Departure immediately for the Western-Country & means to serve as a Volunteer \u2019till Some thing better offers; he informs me that there are several, in this State, who will not accept their Appointments, particularly a Mr John Heth, who had an Ensigns Commission; should this Vacancy not be filled up, Mr: Tinsley will think himself happy to be appointed to it & I really do not know any young Man more worthy of a Commission, for since I first knew him, he has always conducted himself with great Propriety; I must therefore beg the Favor of you to speak to the President in his Behalf, as I believe all Appointments come from him.\nYou will be so good as to excuse the Liberty I have taken in giving you this Trouble & be assured that I am, with great Esteem & Respect\u2014Sir, Yr: mo: obedt: hble: Servt:\nJ: Nelson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0288", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 13 February 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Pendleton, Edmund\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Feby. 13. 1791\nSince the receipt of your favor of the 15 Jany. I have had the further pleasure of seeing your valuable observations on the Bank, more at length, in your communications to Mr. White. The subject has been decided, contrary to your opinion as well as my own, by large majorities in both Houses, and is now before the President. The power of incorporating can not by any process of safe reasoning, be drawn within the meaning of the Constitution as an appurtenance of any express power, and it is not pretended that it is itself an express power. The arguments in favor of the measure, rather increased my dislike to it because they were founded on remote implications, which strike at the very essence of the Govt. as composed of limited & enumerated powers. The Plan is moreover liable to a variety of other objections which you have so judiciously developed.\nThe Excise is not yet returned by the Senate. It has undergone sundry alterations in that House, but none that affect its principle or will affect its passage. In many respects it is displeasing to me, and a greater evil than a direct tax. But the latter wd. not be listened to in Congs. and wd perhaps be not less offensive to the ears of the people at large, particularly in the Eastern part of the Union. The Bill contains, as you would wish, an optional clause permitting the owners of Country stills to pay the tax on their capacity, or to keep an acct. of the liquors actually distilled, and pay according to that & no more.\nThe Bill for admitting Kentucky has passed into a law, and another for extending the privilege to Vermont who is knocking at the door for it, has come from the Senate, and will not be opposed in the House of Reps. The Bill for selling the public lands, has made some progress & I hope will go through. The fate of the Militia & several other important Bills is problematical at the present Session which will expire on the 4th: of next month. With the sincerest affection I am Dear Sir Mo: respectfully yours\nJs. Madison Jr\nThe inclosed paper I observe has a sketch of some of the argts. agst. the Bank. They are extremely mutilated, and in some instances perverted, but will give an idea of the turn which the question took.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0290", "content": "Title: From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 15 February 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nDear Sir\nPhilada. Feby. 15. 1791.\nSince my last I have taken an opportunity of speaking with the Secry. at War pretty fully on the reduction of your pension from 75 \u00a3 to 62 \u00a3. He says that the State of the Business is such, that a revision of what has been done by the States, would produce much confusion and not be likely on the whole to end in an improvement of the system. I mention this circumstance that you may the better judge how far it will be worth while to take any steps in consequence of what has been suggested in my last. I beg you to understand at the same time that should you be able to make any further use of my services, you will gratify me by commanding them; being with great esteem & respect Dear Sir Your Obedt. hble. servt.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0291", "content": "Title: Report on the Financial Administration of Robert Morris, [16 February] 1791\nFrom: House of Representatives\nTo: \n[16 February 1791]\nThat it being evidently impossible for the Committee to examine in detail, the public accounts under the administration, and unnecessary, as the same have been examined and passed in the proper offices, they have thought their duty would be best discharged by obtaining from the Register, the statements of the receipts and expenditures, and other extracts from the public records, herewith submitted, along with a more particular statement of the public Accounts, during the same period, made out in the year 1784, in such a number of printed copies of both, as will furnish to each member of Congress, the best practicable means of appreciating the Services of the Superintendant, and the utility of his administration.\nThat from these documents, it will be found that\nThe Receipts of public monies in the Treasury of the\nUnited States, during the said Administration, amounted to\nAnd the expenditures, settled as above mentioned, to\nLeaving, at the close of the administration, in the Treasury of the United States, a balance of\nThe authorities under which the Superintendant acted in the course of his administration, are referred to in the first mentioned document.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0292", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Mann Page, 19 February 1791\nFrom: Page, Mann\nTo: Madison, James\nDear sir\nMann\u2019sfield Feby. 19th. 1791\nColo. Thos. Towles, with whom, I believe, you were formerly acquainted when in the Assembly of Virginia, will have the Honour of delivering this to you. He goes to Philadelphia on Business with Congress, which to him is of Importance. He is a Stranger in the Place, & also to the Mode of conducting his Business. Your Aid & Attention to him will be employed in serving a most worthy Man, & in confering a particular favour on, dear sir, your Freind & hble. sert.\nMann Page", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0294", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Maxcey Ewell, 21 February 1791\nFrom: Ewell, Maxcey\nTo: Madison, James\nSir\nVirginia Albemarle County 21st Feby. 1791.\nIn October 1790 I wrote to Mr Jefferson concerning my Publick Accts. Mr. Jefferson after communicating the matter to you wrote me on the Subject that you Suppos\u2019d Philadelphia to be the place where alone my business could be settled. He also wrote me that you directed me to get my papers from Mr. Hopkins who they were log\u2019d with and forward them to [you] at Philadelphia and you would put them in the necessary train for which I humbly thank. I have since made application to Mr. Hopkins for them but agreable to directions of the late Board of Treasury he forwarded them to the treasury of the united States in New York Now Mr Maddison I wish you to be so kind as to inform me in what manner I may come at them for I am reduc\u2019d to so low an ebb by a long Servitude to my Country that its out of my power to get to New York for during the late war I aided in every place I could when ever call\u2019d on with my Muskett on my shoulder and at the raising of Men I chearfully threw in my mite and so on till I was call\u2019d in to the Staff department where I continued three years or nearly so till what little I had was quite exhausted I was then turnd loose with a wife and a Number of small Children without Bread meat or money I Labourd Night and day for their Support very chearfully knowing that from a long teadious war things was not to be settled in a day and knowing things of a greater moment were before the Gentlemen in Congress but Mr Maddison I hope you will do some thing for me, as I hope the Gentlemen will take that matter under their consideration\u2014being with Much Esteem your most Ob\u2019t humb\u2019e Serv\u2019t\nMaxcey Ewell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0295", "content": "Title: Draft Veto of the Bank Bill, 21 February 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nFeby. 21. 1791. Copy of a paper made out & sent to the President at his request, to be ready in case his judgment should finally decide agst. the Bill for incorporating a National Bank, the Bill being then before him.\nGentlemen of the Senate\nHaving carefully examined and maturely considered the Bill entitled \u201cAn Act  I am compelled by the conviction of my judgment and the duty of my Station to return the Bill to the House in which it originated with the following objections:\n(if to the Constitutionality)\nI object to the Bill because it is an essential principle of the Government that powers not delegated by the Constitution cannot be rightfully exercised; because the power proposed by the Bill to be exercised is not expressly delegated; and because I cannot satisfy myself that it results from any express power by fair and safe rules of implication.\n(if to the merits alone or in addition)\nI object to the Bill because it appears to be unequal between the public and the Institution in favor of the institution; imposing no conditions on the latter equivalent to the stipulations assumed by the former. (Quer. if this be within the intimation of the President.) I object to the Bill because it is in all cases the duty of the Government to dispense its benefits to individuals with as impartial a hand as the public interest will permit; and the Bill is in this respect unequal to individuals holding different denominations of public Stock and willing to become subscribers. This objection lies with particular force against the early day appointed for opening subscriptions, which if these should be filled as quickly as may happen, amounts to an exclusion of those remote from the Government, in favor of those near enough to take advantage of the opportunity.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0296", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Wash, 22 February 1791\nFrom: Wash, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nSir,\nLouisa County Virginia Frebuary 22d. 1791\nAltho\u2019 a Stranger I make bold to Write to you, Soliciting you to do me a favour, Which Ignorance and Inconveniance puts it out of my power to do myself. I Served as Clerk to mr. John Cheesborough A Comy of Isues to the North Carolina Brigade of Continental troops to the Northward Under the Command of General Washington from the 3d. of march 1778 to the 15th June 1779 for Which time my name may be found on the payrool for the Isuing Department, I received my pay regularly 26 Dollars & \u2154 Pr. mo Exclusive of ten Dollars for Subsistance money, I also served as Asistant Comisy. of hides for the State of New york Under Moses Hetfield Comisy. Genl. of hides for the Said State, the time of the Said Service I dont Exactly Recollect when it Commenced, for my Comission Which I received from the Board of War in Philadelphia, I lost at Genl Gates Defeat, But my name may be found on the payrool of the Hide Department in August or Sepr. 1779 and Continued untill Some time in Decr. following. I Recd. my pay Regularly 40 Dollars Pr. month Exclusive of 20 Dr. for Subsistance money, The favour I beg of you is to Settle with the Publick for the Depreciation of my pay for the above service and After paying yourself Sufficiently for all the Trouble you may be at on my Acct., please to Froward the same to Mr. Davis Printer in richmond. I Expect the time has Elapsed which was allowed for the Settlement of those Accoumpts But my plea I suppose to be Tolerable good for it was Entirely through Ignorance that I never applyd Before for a Settlemt not Knowing any Such money Would be allowed me, Before some of the Said Departmt Went last summer to New york and got the Depreciation of there pay allowed them. I have Enclosed a power to Enable you to Settle if it may be Sufficient. But in Case that Should prove Insufficient youl please to Inform me by post What to do. Mr. John Cheesborough is dead or I would Inclose a Certificate of my Serv[i]ce in the Isuing Department, But my name on the payrools will be sufficient I Expect with Colo. Winston Letter to you, to prove that I did the service Colo Winston at that time being a Continental Officer. Any Letters you may write on my Acct. youl please to leave me to pay post on and mine Shall Come postage paid, As soon as Convenient I Shall be glad [to] hear from you. I am sir Your Obt. Hbe servt.\nThomas Wash", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0297", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Winston, 23 February 1791\nFrom: Winston, John\nTo: Madison, James\nSir\nHanover Virginia February 23. 1791\nAt the request of Mr. Thomas Wash one of your Constituents (who informs me that he has a claim against the united States for services during the late war) I take the liberty of informing you that Mr. Wash is a Man whom I am acquainted with, and know also that he acted in the Commissary\u2019s department in the late war. He is also one whom I am perswaded would not exhibit any account against the public, but what he thought Just. For the particulars of his claim you must be refered to Mr Wash, and believe me to be with every sentiment of respect sir Your Most Obt. Humble St.\nJno. Winston", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0298", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 26 February 1791\nFrom: Carrington, Edward\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nRichmond Feb. 26. 1791\nI came to Town late last night and was this morning favored with yours of the 26th. & Ult. and 12th. Inst. Having last week forwarded to the post Office a letter to be put into the Mail for you I hope you have by this time recd. it. In that letter I made some observations upon both the excise and the Bank. I find that each has passed. I never reflected on the latter upon the ground you took for your opposition. I own that in my mind your observations upon that point carry much weight, and it still inclines me the more in addition to my former reasons, to wish the subject had been postponed for more mature consideration. It is a subject too remote in its operations to excite much enquiry amongst the people of the Country and therefore nothing appears to be said or thought about it there even by the most wealthy & intelligent. So far as I have heard the sentiments of the Mercantile characters it seems to be rather approved of amongst them. As to the excise I have been much in the way of hearing the sentiments of the people. The dissatisfaction at first excited on account of this measure is much abated, indeed I can with truth, I beleive, venture to assert that the popular mind is daily more and more disposed to receive well Congressional Acts of any kind, and I verily beleive that very little noise will be heard in the execution of the excise. The returns of the assistants who are executing the Census are coming in, but they make their appearance slowly, for your information I inclose a paper containing extracts from the returns of eleven Counties which average upwards of 8000; I am inclined to think the average of the district will be greater for reasons which are noted on the paper\u2014you are acquainted with the Country and may apply your own observations. I have in a letter propounded a question to the Secretary of the Treasury which he has not thought proper to answer, & which I humbly conceived to be of some consequence in the execution of the Census. The Assistants employed in the business are mostly remote from here or any where else to which they can apply for their small earnings, and these will be scarcely worth seeking if they are to make a second business of coming for them after having rendered their returns\u2014now Sir, I have commun[i]cated this matter to the secretary with a request that he would be good enough to inform me, to whome the Assistants naturally look, whether provision has not been made for paying these claims, & also whether some arrangement could not be made for the Assistants to receive payment at this place, upon my certificates of the sums to which they are respectively entitled. I did suppose this not an improper question, and did also suppose the secretary was the proper Officer for me to propound it to\u2014I may however have been mistaken, and will thank you for some information on the subject. I know that most of the business is compleated in the Country, and cannot account for the slow appearance of the returns, but from the present distant prospect and probable future trouble of obtaining payment. Present me to yr. worthy Colleagues and beleive me to be with great truth your Affe. Freind & HI St.\nEd Carrington\n[Enclosure]\n\u2003\u2003Whites \u2014 other Free persons \u2014 Slaves \u2014 Total\nIn Spotsylvania County\n\u2003\u2003Frederick\n\u2003\u2003Monongalia\n\u2003\u2003Ohio\n\u2003\u2003Harrison\n\u2003\u2003Stafford\n\u2003\u2003Rockbridge\n\u2003\u2003New Kent\n\u2003\u2003Greenesville\n\u2003\u2003Surry\n\u2003\u2003Sussex\nI suppose the average of the whole district of Virga. will be somewhat greater than that of these eleven Counties, as three of them are beyond the Allegany and very thinly settled\u2014several of those which are in the lower Country, are very small, and none of them are our largest & most populous Counties. I am inclined to beleive, our whites & blacks will be nearly equal the one to the other.\nE. C", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0300", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 27 February 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Carrington, Edward\nLetter not found. 27 February 1791. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 20 Apr. 1791 (DLC). Concerns JM\u2019s views of the legislation chartering the Bank of the United States, and the constitutional questions raised by a charter proposal. JM apparently suggests that the federal government lacks the power to establish banks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0301", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 28 February 1791\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feby 28. 1791.\nI have wish\u2019d to partake with you fully in our mohawk purchase, & with that view have endeavor\u2019d to dispose of property elsewhere, but without effect. As so small a portion therefore is no object with me and the possession of the whole, will make it a more important one with you, if it suited shod. be glad you wod. take it yrself. This disposition wod. suit my arrangments in other respects much better than the present one. You will consult how far it suits yours. If you think proper to take it we will accomodate other matters to our mutual convenience. I am sincerely yr. friend & servt.\nJas. Monroe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0302", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 2 March 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, Ambrose\nDear brother\nPhilada March 2d, 1791\nTomorrow will put an end to our existence. Much of the business has been laid over to the next session which is to be held the 4th Monday in Ocr. The most important bill lately past is that for establishing a Bank. You will see in the inclosed gazetteer the ground on which it was attacked & defended. The bill remained with the President to the last moment allowed him, and was then signed by him. Since the passage of that Bill one has passed for taking Alexa into the district for the seat of Gov\u2019t if the Presidt finds it convenient. This is a confirmation of that measure & passed by a very large majority.\nI enclose the report of the Secy at War on Col: Taylor\u2019s case which you will hand to him. The grounds on which the claim is objected to are stated. The Report has not been decided on by Congs; and having but very lately been made lies over to another session. I can not yet fix on the time of my setting out for Virga. I shall at least wait till the Roads are safer than at present & am not sure that I may not make a trip into New England before I return. I have often projected this gratification to my curiosity, and do not foresee a more convenient opportunity, especially if I should be able to form a party for the purpose. I shall write you again before I make any definite arrangements. Remember me affectly to all.\nI have recd yours of the 20th Feby from Falmouth. The young lady you mention has I find connections of the best sort in this place.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0303", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Pleasants, Jr., 4 March 1791\nFrom: Pleasants, Thomas, Jr.\nTo: Madison, James\nDear sir\nRaleigh 4th March 1791.\nI have before me your obliging favour of the 13th Ulto. Had I foreseen that procuring an accot of the annual amot of the exports from the U states, would have Caused so much trouble and difficulty at the Treasury department, it would not have been Requested by me.\nMr Thompson, upon his arival at Madeira, was informed that it was highly probable that Mr Pintard would Resign the Consulate; which gave Rise to his application to me, and of my letter of the 6h. Jany to you. But by a letter from him since of the 8h decr, enclosing Copies of the letters that he had adressed to you and Mr Jefferson; I find that his information was premature\u2014and that disappointed in his Views at Madeira, he had turned his thoughts to Lisbon, or Cadiz, both of which places he says are Vacant.\nI am uninformed in respect to the advantages that may be expected from the appointment, but without an emolument, or a Well established Merchantile Connexion with these States, I should Concieve it not worth his acceptance\u2014not long after Mr Harison was appointed Consul to Cadiz, I saw his partner Colo Hooe, who told me that without a salary Mr Harison would not accept, and if not worth his acceptance, I Cannot see what Views Mr Thompson Can have. But he seems very anxious to obtain the appointment and he ought to know best. I however am glad that he hath made a direct application to you, as it will make any farther interference of mine unecessary, as I feel a Reluctance at troubling you with Matters of this kind.\nI Could have wished that the Exegencies of the General Government, had not been such, as so soon to have made a Recourse to Excises or direct Taxation necessary\u2014and in that View an assumption of the State debts seemed Impolitick. But what may be Called the Monied Interest\u2014the speculators in the publick Securities, or, that set of Men, who in the language of Lord Chatham \u201clive in Riot, and Luxury upon the plunder of the Ignorant\u2014the Innocent\u2014the helpless\u2014upon that part of the Community that stand most in Need of and best deserves the Care and protection of the Legislature\u201d\u2014seem to have obtained too great an Influence in the General Government. And to support their Luxury, Idleness, and extravagance, the bulk of the people of the U states must be loaded and oppressed with Taxes\u2014that will fall Very heavy upon the southern States\u2014as the securities Chiefly Rest with the people in the great Trading Towns to the North.\nI wonder that a Stamp-Tax has not been brought forward in preference to an Excise\u2014I suppose it will be said that its name will Render it unpopular\u2014which at this time Certainly Can have but little Weight\u2014as it was the principle, and not the Nature of the Tax that was Combated, and which Made it obnoxious to the people of America. But however unpopular it may be in the Eastern & Northern states, it Cannot be more so than the Excise will be to the people of the southern States.\nThe National Bank seems to be the offspring of the same Set of Men, and Alike Calculated to promote their Interest at the expence of the people at large. With great Regard, I am yr obliged frd. & Mo. obt. Hble servt.\nThomas Pleasants jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0304", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 March 1791\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 8 March 1791 Offered for sale by Robert K. Black, Upper Montclair, N.J., 1966, with a catalog notation that the one-page letter concerned \u201cthe sale of land.\u201d JM\u2019s reply of 12 Apr. 1791 (DLC) makes it clear that Monroe made an inquiry concerning some books on behalf of \u201cMr. Brackenridge,\u201d and possibly enclosed a list of the desired volumes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0305", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nTh: J. to J. M.\nWhat say you to taking a wade into the country at noon? It will be pleasant above head at least. The party to finish by dining here. Information that Colo. Beckwith is coming to be an inmate with you, & I presume not a desireable one, encourages me to make a proposition, which I did not venture as long as you had your agreeable Congressional society about you, that is, to come & take a bed and plate with me. I have 4. rooms of which any one is at your service. Three of them are up two pr. of stairs, the other on the ground floor, and can be in readiness to recieve you in 24. hours. Let me intreat you, my dear Sir, to do it, if it be not disagreeable to you. To me it will be a relief from a solitude of which I have too much: and it may lessen your repugnance to be assured it will not increase my expences an atom. When I get my library open you will often find a convenience in being close at hand to it. The approaching season will render this situation more agreeable than 5th. street, & even in the winter you will find it not disagreeable. Let me have I beseech you a favorable answer to both propositions.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0307", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 14 March 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Madison, James\nMr. T. Coxe will be very much obliged to Mr. Madison if he can inform him what is the estimated amount of the debt of the Citizens of Virginia to the British Merchants; and, if he knows it, of those of any other state. He understands the following to be the debt of So. Carolina.\nPrincipal due in 1775\nInterest from 1775 to 1791 (deducting the 7 years from 1776 to 1783) is 9 years at 8 \u214c Ct. their then intt.\nSterling\nThe remittances made since the peace are not supposed to exceed the principal and interest of the debt contracted since 1775.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-13-02-0308", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 March 1791\nFrom: Pendleton, Edmund\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 14 March 1791. According to the list probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany), Pendleton wrote a one-page letter to JM this day. The summary reads: \u201cStock speculations. Should a member of Congress be a Bank Director. The succession to the Presidency.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0001", "content": "Title: Creation of the National Capital, 6 April 1791 (Editorial Note)\nFrom: \nTo: \nEditorial Note\nIn the 1790 legislative skirmish over the national capital, JM led the fight for the Potomac site, but once that battle was won the executive branch took charge. Thereafter, JM was not officially involved in planning the new federal district. His interest, however, never flagged, and he was frequently consulted from the summer of 1790 onward (Memorandum on the Residence Bill, ca. 29 Aug. 1790, PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The\n          Papers of James Madison (vols. 1\u201310, Chicago, 1962\u201377; vols. 11\u2014, Charlottesville,\n        Va., 1977\u2014)., XIII, 294\u201396). As the documents in this volume indicate, JM was looked upon as one of the architects of the capital plan. He willingly gave counsel to the president and secretary of state while keeping abreast of developments by personal observation and reports from the federal district commissioners. In a letter of 28 August 1791 Jefferson informed these commissioners that conferences had taken place in Philadelphia, that \u201cas mr. Madison & myself, who were present at the conferences, propose to pass through George town on our way to Virginia, the President supposes that our attendance at the meeting of the Commissioners might be of service to them,\u201d and that he and JM would meet with the commissioners on 8 September (DLC: Jefferson Papers). Indeed, Jefferson\u2019s papers reveal JM\u2019s continuing unofficial involvement with the federal district. On 6 November Jefferson told the president, \u201cI have conferred with mr. M. on the idea of the Commissioners of the federal town proceeding to make private sales of the lots & he thinks it adviseable,\u201d and on 1 December forwarded to Washington \u201ca draught of letters to Majr. L\u2019Enfant & the Commissioners, prepared on a conference with mr. Madison.\u201d As L\u2019Enfant\u2019s relations with the commissioners worsened, Washington on 15 February 1792 asked Jefferson to come the following morning to discuss with him the federal district and \u201cthe letter you have written to Majr. L\u2019Enfant\u2026. P.S. If Mr. Madison can make it convent. to come with you I should be glad to see him also\u2014In that case, it might be well to Give him a previous perusal of the enclosed papers.\u201d On 26 February (the day before L\u2019Enfant\u2019s dismissal) Washington informed Jefferson, \u201cI have perused the enclosed answer to your letter, to Majr. L\u2019Enfant. Both are returned. A final decision thereupon must be had. I wish it to be taken upon the best ground, and with the best advice. Send it, I pray you, to Mr. Madison who is better acquainted with the whole of this matter than any other.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0002", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 6 April 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,\nGeorge Town Apr. 6th. 1791\nI have flatterd myself with hopes of receiving a line from you with information of the time you woud be at this place. On enquiry however I find it incertain whether you wou\u2019d not turn yr. face to the East. Shou\u2019d that not be the Case, I claim yr. promise of letting me know when I may expect to see you, & hope you will arrange matters so as not to be in a hurry to proceed when you get to this place. I refer you to the George Town paper for some intelligence respecting the F\u0153deral City. The Union of the George Town & Carrollsburgh interests, has given a Cast to this business more favourable than was expected even by its friends. It was a union I have most ardently wish\u2019d for & promoted on public & personal considerations.\nI inclose the articles of Agreement, sign\u2019d by all the proprietors of Land within the propos\u2019d limits of the City, so far as to compleat this important object with a Condemnation of a Small ps. of land the right of a person insane, & by an accommodation respecting the Lotts in Hamburgh & Carrollsburgh & a Condemnation of some Lotts in each of those places, as the proprietors cannot be come at.\nIt is propos\u2019d that both these places shall be Subject to be lay\u2019d out again. At the time the principal proprietors of the two interests agreed to a compromise, it was proposd & agreed too that the private property shou\u2019d be subject to the same regulations respecting the buildings &ca as shou\u2019d be thought proper for the public; this was in the hurry omitted to be inserted in the articles signd. We hope however to obtain it in the deeds.\nI wish much to see you & am My dear Sr, allways & Sincerely yr. affte. friend & Servt.\nDanl Carroll\nPresent my comps. to Mrs House & Mrs Triste, & assure them of my esteem & regard.\nSend the inclosd note to Fenno.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0003", "content": "Title: To James Madison from the Right Reverend James Madison, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Madison, James (Reverend)\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nI am greatly obliged for your Favours by Col. Griffin. The Pleasure, wh. I receive from your Communications, is always particularly agreable; I often wish they were more frequent, but I know the Constancy of your Attention to Matters of more Moment; and it is with real Concern, that I hear your Attention to them has been the means of impairing your Health. I hope however, it will be effectually restored during the Summer Recess. I am myself, like a crazy Vessel wh. often wants a new Peice of Timber, or some Repair; However, as I am sure that I am not fitted for a long Voyage, I keep myself as much in Port as I can, always repairing, & always in Want of Repair.\nI know not how it has happened; but if your Arguments had carried the same Conviction to the Minds of others, which they have brought to mine, you wd. not have been in the Minority, upon either of the great Questions which have lately been agitated. It appears to me that your Arguments have more Force, out of Doors, than within. Whether it be, that those who are not immediately concerned in the Debate, are more impartial, or what ever may be the Cause, yet I think the Effect is certain, that your Fellow Citizens here coincide entirely in Opinion with you upon those Questions.\nThe Chemical Publication has certainly Merit, & will be useful\u2014I am much obliged to you for it. But the introductory Lecture, is a new kind of Ph\u00e6nomenon in the Schools. I was however anxious to see it, & therefore am also much obliged. I wish we could return these Favrs. by some litterary Productions\u2014but you know they are not among the indigenous of our State. I intended to have brought with me from London, principally to send it to yourself & our Friend the Atty. a late Publication, wh. the celebrated Horne, now Horne Tooke, informed me had great Merit, Viz. La Mechanisme de la Societ\u00e9. I do not recollect the Author. But my short Stay prevented me from procuring it.\nMy Wife desires to be affy. remembered. Be assured, my dear Sir, that I am ever Yr. sincere & Affe Friend\nJ Madi\u27e8son\u27e9\nI beg to be remembered by our valuable Friend Mr Jefferson. I have had great Pleasure in the Perusal of his Report upon Wts. & Measures\u2014Subjects wh. he has discussed with his usual Philosophic Acumen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0004", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Carroll, Daniel\nLetter not found. 10 April 1791. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 23 Apr. 1791. JM apparently sought details of the land acquisitions within the area set aside for the federal district on the Potomac.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0005", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, Ambrose\nDear brother\nPhilada April 11, 1791\nI herewith inclose by a conveyance to Fredericksburg three pamphlets as requested by my father, the other by yourself: to which is added a list of the seeds &c sent lately to Mr Maury, according to the information contained in my last. I have not heard from you in answer to my letter on the subject of Tobacco. I have informed Mr Maury of my request to you to forward a few of the Hhds to this place, and have requested him to ship the rest as usual to his broker in Liverpool. I shall set out at a pretty early day from this place, and shall in company with Mr. Jefferson go at least as far northwardly as Lake George, with which route I shall be able to make some private business partly my own, and partly that of a friend coincide. Whether I shall afterwards extend my route Eastwardly I do not yet decide. I have not yet made any purchase of sugar or coffee as desired by my father. Both articles have fallen, the former is however still high, the latter is tolerably cheap. I shall look at some from the Isle of France today or tomorrow, and shall probably before I leave this provide a supply of that article for the family to whom be so good as to remember me affecly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0006", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 April 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nPhilada. April 12: 1791.\nYour note of the 8th. March left in Philada. was not put into my hands till the 24th. I immediately took the proper steps for complying with the desire of Mr. Brackenridge, and now inclose the information obtained for him. The Books are to be had according to the Editions & prices annexed to his list of Mr. Rice of this City. Should Mr. Brackenridge be satisfied with them, which in most instances it is probable will be the case, and can make any further use of my services they are at his command. I expect to leave this at a pretty early day, and shall in company with Mr. Jefferson make a trip as far as Lake George. Whether I shall go into the Eastern States I do not yet decide. On my return thro\u2019 this place I shall be able to execute any commands that may be sent me. If this shd. find you in Fredg. it will be handed to you by Mr. St. Tris whom I believe you know to possess real worth and to be entitled to the Civilities of those who respect it. I have nothing new to tell you. My best compliments to Mrs. Monroe. Yrs. affecly.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0008", "content": "Title: Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 18 April] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James,Beckwith, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPhilada.\nSubstance of a Conversation held by Js. Madison Jr with Col: Beckwith, at the desire of Mr. Jefferson\u2014\nLast evening offered the first opportunity of breaking to Col B\u2014\u2014 the subject for which he has been thought a proper channel to the Governour of Canada. It was explicitly made known to him, that besides its being generally understood that the N. W. Indians were supplied with the means of war from their intercourse with Detroit &c. the President had received information, which he considered as certain, that ample supplies of that sort had, about the commencement of last campaign, been received by the hostile tribes from places at present in British hands. It was observed to him at the same time, that as the U. S. had no other object in the present war, but to effect and establish peace on their frontier, it was obvious in what light such a circumstance must be viewed by them. And as a further consideration heightening the colour of the fact, he was reminded that the Indians in question, were without an exception, inhabitants of the acknowledged territory of the U. S. and consequently stood in a certain relation to them, well understood by the nations possessing territories on this continent.\nThe sum of his answer was that as a fact so stated, however unaccountable it might be, was not to be contradicted, he could only undertake to affirm that it was impossible it could have proceeded directly or indirectly from the British Government, or even have had the sanction or countenance of the authority on the spot. He multiplied assurances that the whole spirit & policy of their Government was opposed to Indian hostilities; and that the sentiments views and orders of Lord Dorchester discouraged them as much as possible. This he knew to be the case. He asked whether there were any particulars of time place or persons contained in the information to the President; whether there was any evidence that the articles supplied were in greater quantities than were usual for other purposes than war; intimating that if there were just ground of complaint, a regular statement and communication of it in any mode that might be thought not improper would be most correspondent with the customary proceedings in such cases. For himself he should be very ready on receiving any such statements or communications, to transmit them. He was here however not in any formal character\u2014on the contrary in an informal one; a very informal one to be sure; and he entered into this conversation as between one private gentleman and another. He had indeed been a good while at N. York before, as well as here since the removal of the Government. He hoped his further stay wd. be rendered short by the arrival of some more authentic character. He was at N. York before Mr. Jefferson came into the office he now holds, and he believed it was known on what footing he was. Yet he had not in any respect been turned over to Mr. Jefferson, nor had any thing passed that could give him any pretensions to be in any communication with the Secretary of State. Such a communication was no doubt thought improper by the Secretary of State with so informal a character, though in a way ever so informal. He did not undertake to suppose it was not right; especially as different forms of Govts have different modes of proceedings &c.\nThe turn given to the conversation shewing pretty clearly a desire to make the occasion subservient to some further & direct intercourse with the Govt. it was thought proper, for that reason as well as for avoiding the necessity of another conversation to reply at once that it was not probable the information received by the President would be made known to him in any way more authentic than on the present; which it was true, as he had observed, was merely a conversation between two private gentlemen; but if the fact, that the President had received the information as stated, was made sufficiently credible, the proper effect of the communication need not depend on the mode of it. If the dispositions of Lord Dorchester were such as were described, and of which his reputation for humanity and prudence left no room to doubt, any evidence amounting to probability only would ensure all the interference that might depend on him. The conduct of Govts. towards formal and informal characters was certainly not within the compass of this conversation. It was probable however that no distinction was made by the Government here, which was not made by all Governments; the difference between those characters seeming to lie not in the circumstance of the former being possessed of written & the latter of verbal authority; but in the greater publicity and formality of the written credentials produced from the proper source by the former. The evident impropriety of the military supplies afforded to the Indians required no doubt that the countenance of the British Government or even the sanction of the officer on the spot ought not to be presumed as long as the fact could be otherwise explained; but as the effect of such aids was the same whether furnished by public authority or by vindictive or avaritious individuals, it was in every case to be expected that the abuse would be corrected: And the circumstance of the Indians in question being within the acknowledged limits of the U. S. and receiving the means of war agst. them from a foreign source was again brought into view as heightening the color of the affair. With respect to the particulars of the fact, they did not seem to be material. In what degree the President was possessed of them could not be said. It might be difficult to ascertain the particulars & yet the general fact be sufficiently established. As the Indians at war traded with British subjects only, their being able to carry on hostilities was of itself sufficient evidence in the case. It might be difficult also to mark precisely the line between supplies for war & for hunting; but it was probable that not only the difference of quantity demanded, but other indications, must leave little doubt of the purpose for which they were intended.\nCol. B. professed the strongest disposition to do any thing in his power having been actuated by this disposition in all his communications to Canada, but repeatd. his wish for more exact information on the subject. The intelligence was itself so vague, and was communicated to him under such reserve, that he was really at a loss how to represent it. \u201cMay I sir mention your name in the case?\u201d He was answered, that from the nature of the conversation he cd. be under no restraint from mentiong any circumstance relating to it he pleased. \u201cMay I Sir say that I have your permission to use your name?\u201d Ansr. The permission being a part of the conversation, he must be equally free to mention it if he thought fit; tho\u2019 it was not perceived to be a circumstance very material. \u201cWill you be so good Sir as to repeat the information you mentioned to have been recd. by the Presidt.?[\u201d] This request being complied with, he sd. he should certainly look out for the first opportu[nit]y of making the matter known to Lord D. and if Mr. M. shd. be here on the rect. of an answer he should be made acquainted with it, repeating his declarations that it was impossible the British Govt. cd. in any respect have countenancd or approved any supplies to the Indians as an aid or encouragement to their hostilities.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0009", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLetter not found. 18 April 1791. Noted by JM in his list of letters to Jefferson as relating to the \u201cconversation with Beckwith\u201d (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0010", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 20 April 1791\nFrom: Carrington, Edward\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dr sir,\nRichmond Apl. 20. 1791\nUntil I was informed of the intention of the President to pass through this City, I had not been here for several weeks. The consequence was that your letter of the 27th. Feby. as well as many others were in the post Office a considerable time before I got them, and that which you was good enough to favor me with by Mr. Giles I did not receive until I met him a few days ago. I confess myself Staggered upon the point of the Constitutionality of the measure of the Bank, and wish it had been let alone. I have read with attention your reasoning on the subject, and do not think it is refuted by the arguments on the other side\u2014I am however unwilling to be converted to your opinion, being much prepossessed in favor of Banks, and think if it is unconstitutional for the Federal Govt. to establish institutions of the kind, it is a defect. It is a subject so remote in its operations from the View of the people, that nothing is said amongst them about it.\nThe excise has ceased to produce any thing like clamor, and daily gains the good will of the people as it becomes explained. In short Sir, the federal Govt. and its measures are much more agreable than they have been\u2014the people discover the misrepresentations by which they have been made uneasy, and those who have misled them, lose, continually, their influence.\nThe President left this last thursday Morning and went to Petersburg\u2014so great was the desire of the people to see him that by the time of his arrival, there were not less than several thousands after him\u2014he the next morning pursued his route to Halifax, and I have not heard from him since\u2014he is in exceeding good health & Spirits.\nSince my last the returns of the Census come in fast, and I am convinced the numbers will be fully equal to the result of the experiment I formerly sent you. Colo. Hamilton has written in answer to the letter I mentioned to you, and communicated the same information you was so good as to give me. I suppose his business crowded on him and occasioned the delay in his answer.\nI return you, my good Freind, many thanks for your freindly letter upon the subject of the late arrangement. I have determined to accept my appointment of supervisor, indeed had it been less eligible than it is, I should not have declined it, because some of our noisy people had suggested that it could not be safely undertaken, and a refusal might have given an appearance of truth to their assertions.\nShould you undertake your trip to the Eastward I wish you every possible gratification in it, and am with the greatest truth your sincere Freind & Hl St.\nEd Carrington\nP. S. Mr. Giles Acts the part of a good representative in this district, and explains the excise so as to give much satisfaction.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0011", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 23 April 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nGeorge Town Apl. 23d. 1791\nYr. favor of the 10th Instant came to hand. The Commissioners were then met to take deeds from the parties according to the articles I inclosd to you. There occur\u2019d a dificulty\u2014some of the parties were of opinion that the lines of the propos\u2019d city shou\u2019d not contain more than within the Limits expresd by the president at the time of the accomodation (abt 4000 Ac[r]es), others contended that the president had a Claim by the words in the article \u201call the Land which he shoud think proper for the federal City,\u201d to such parts as might be ceded beyond the Limits first expressd. No particular instructions being left, the Commissioners thought it proper to write to the president. You will see this attempt was not to cramp what was agreed too, but to enlarge it. Majr L\u2019Enfant proceeds. The President has appointed to meet us on the 27th of June. By that time he expects Majr. L\u2019Enfant will be ready agreably to his instructions with a discription of the grounds within the City\u2014it is probable some plans of the City and the public buildings may be then exhibited. It is the Presidents Wish that a plan of the City may be publishd in time to Commence a sale of some Lotts abt a fortnight before the meeting of Congress, so that the Southern members who may chuse to purchase may take it in their way, & time be allow\u2019d for any of the Northern Members who may chuse to come down. You have read in the papers that it is expected the sales of the Lotts will produce at least \u00a3300[,]000\u2014for public use. This with the grants from Virga & Maryland will amt to near a Million of dollars. The produce from the sale of the public property will certainly be very productive, some of opinion, considerably more so than what has been mentiond.\nThe extension of the Location to comprehend Alexandria & below the E Branch was very judicious And important for reasons which must strike yr. mind. Besides those important considerations, you will be exceedingly pleas\u2019d at the numerous & various beautifull prospects within the jurisdiction far beyond what I imagind untill this Event drew my particular attention. In point of Health, on rideing over the ground the most inveterate prejudice must be done away. Considerable Change of property has allready taken place; as high as \u00a330 \u214c Acre since the accomodation of the parties has been given for Land some of which must lay on the outlines of the Town, & none of it on the water; the \u00bd refund will Stand in to the purchaser \u00a360 \u214c Acre. Several purchases have been made. This Matter appears to be taking a deep root. The Hopes of the adversaries to it must diminish, as Confidence among ourselves encreases.\nI shou\u2019d be sorry to be out of the way on yr. return\u2014fail not to let me know in good time before hand when you expect to be at George Town. Nothing will I hope happen to prevent us from haveing the pleasure of yr. Compy. for some time.\nI have made all the enquirys in my power respecting the Census. I fear this business is not conducted in the manner, the importance of it requires. Maryland will however have 9 Members, possibly 10.\nYou will readily suppose that in the circle I have chiefly been in the seat of Govt. excludes all other political subjects, excepting in some very confidential conversations, which must be postpond to our meeting. I beleive however that the excise will not occasion any considerable agitation in this State.\nThe prospect of advantages to individuals from the Bank, not only as Stock Holders, but by introduceing a circulating paper money will have great force in supporting that Measure.\nPresent my respectfull compts. to Mr Jefferson\u2014& to All the family at Mrs House. You will do me justice in beleiving that I am allways & Sincerely, My dear Si\u27e8r,\u27e9 yr. very afftn. & Obe\u27e8dt. servt.\u27e9\nDanl Carroll\nP S. It was agreed but omitted to have an article in the writeing I sent you giveing the President a power to make regulations respecting the buildings &ca. It is inserted in the deeds to be signd.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0015", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 9. 1791.\nYour favor of the 1st. came to hand on the 3d. Mr. Freneau has not followed it: I suppose therefore he has changed his mind back again, for which I am really sorry. I have now before me a huge bundle of letters, the only business between me & my departure. I think I can be through them by the end of the week, in which case I will be with you by Tuesday or Wednesday, if nothing new comes in to delay me. Rittenhouse will probably not go. He says he cannot find a good horse. I shall propose to you when we tack about from the extremity of our journey, instead of coming back the same way, to cross over through Vermont to Connecticut river & down that to New-haven, then through Long-island to N. Y. & so to Philada. Be this however as you will. Our news from Virginia is principally of deaths, to wit, Colo. B. Harrison of Barclay, Turner Southall, Dixon the printer, Colo. Overton of Hanover, Walker Gilmer son of the Doctor. A Peter Randolph of Chatsworth has had a fit of madness, which he has recovered from. Wheat has suffered by drought: yet it is tolerably good, the fruit not entirely killed. At this place little new. F. Hopkinson lies at extremities with regular epileptic fits, from which they think he cannot recover. Colo. Hamilton set out to-day for Bethlehem. Have you seen the Philadelphia edn. of Paine\u2019s pamphlet? You know you left Beckley\u2019s copy in my hands. He called on me for it, before I had quite finished it, & desired me when done to send it to J. B. Smith whose brother was to reprint it. When I was proceeding to send it, I found it necessary to write a note to mr. Smith to explain why I, a perfect stranger to him, sent him the pamphlet. I mentioned it to be by the desire of mr. Beckley, & to take off a little of the dryness of the note, added, currente calamo, that I was pleased to find it was to be reprinted here, that something was at length to be publicly said against the political heresies which had of late sprung up among us, not doubting but that our citizens would rally again round the standard of Common sense. I thought no more of this & heard no more till the pamphlet appeared to my astonishment with my note at the head of it. I never saw J. B. Smith or the printer either before or since. I had in view certainly the doctrines of Davila. I tell the writer freely that he is a heretic, but certainly never meant to step into a public newspaper with that in my mouth. I have just reason therefore to think he will be displeased. Colo. Hamilton & Colo. Beckwith are open mouthed against me, taking it in another view, as likely to give offence to the court of London. H. adds further that it marks my opposition to the government. Thus endeavoring to turn on the government itself those censures I meant for the enemies of the government to wit those who want to change it into a monarchy. I have reason to think he has been unreserved in uttering these sentiments. I send you some letters recieved for you. Adieu. Your\u2019s affectionately\nTh: Jefferson\nP. S. F. Hopkinson is dead. Rittenhouse has agreed this afternoon to go with me as far as New York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0016", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Ambrose Madison, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Madison, Ambrose\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 9 May 1791. Acknowledged in JM to his brother, 19 May 1791. Concerns tobacco consignments and the possibility of dealing with a Philadelphia merchant. Perhaps the letter was forwarded to Philadelphia merchant Thomas Leiper.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0017", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 11 May 1791\nFrom: Madison, James, Sr.\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Jemmy,\nI have recd. yours of the 23d. Ulto. in which you say you think I should have done well if I had sent a few Hhds. Tobo. to Mr Leiper: if Tobo. does not take a rise here; will it be too late to send it to him in June or July; if it will not, I probably may send him 12 or 13 Hhds. I have at Richmond; and 3 or 4 at Fredg if he will give the price you mention\u2019d to me. I intend to send this letter by Mr. Chs. Beale if it gets to him in time, & shall direct him to leave the Loan Office certificates with one of the persons you mention\u2019d in your last. I do not see the necessity of giving him a Power of Attorney to subscribe to the loan, as I suppose he may give them in in my name. I expect Col Edwd. Carrington (who lodged last night at Orange Court House, where he met Genl Edwd Stevens & Mr. Edwd Smith, about the Excise business,) to dine with me to day. I will take his opinion about it; & if it is necessary, I will send a power of Attorney to Mr. Beale next Week, & if he should be gone to Phila. before it gets to him, I will send one to Col Jefferson which I suppose will answer the end.\nI have recd. the Plaister of Paris & seeds you sent me, but the spring continues so dry, for we have had but two small showers of Rain, for more than 6 Weeks past, that I expect I shall make no satisfactory experiments from the Plaister, nor raise any thing from the seeds. I had rather you would put off buying Sugar till the new crop arrives as it will probably be cheaper then: and when you send any, I wish you to send with it about 80 lb. of double & abt. 20 lb. of single refined with it, also 25 lb. Salt Peter & a Jar of Raisons & a small pot of Tamarinds & the Coffee; the latter we shall not be in want of soon. If it is not convenient to advance the money for the above articles, I will try to get a Bill drawn on some person in Phila. & send it by the Post to you if you will let me know it in time. We wish to know when you expect to be in Orange.\nYour mother, & the rest of the family are as usual as to health. By the Census there is better than 22,000 in Culpeper; 14,000 of which are Whites; and there are not quite 10,000 in Orange, 4500 of which are Negros; I have nothing farther to add but am, Your affectionate Father\nJames Madison\nP. S. Thomas Barbour & Isaac Davis jr. are electd. for Orange.\nN. B. Mr. Jno. Taylor says Genl. Mathews told him that it was reported in Georgia that you was a Partnr. in the Yazoo Company in a Grant for Lands, which is lookt on there as being obtained in a dishonest manner; but he, the Genl., did not believe you was concerned in it, & if you was not, he wished y\u27e8ou\u27e9 to write to him and authorize him to contradict the report.\nThe opportunity of sending this letter to Majr. Hite at the time it was wrote, I now make this addition to it, & inform you that we have had but two small showers of Rain sufficient to wet the ground above an inch, for 7\u00bd Weeks past, & it now looks very much like the drought continuing; it appears as if there will be very little Flax or Rye made in these parts & the Wheat is very low, & if there does not come Rain soon, it must make very little. The drought is very general.\nCol. Carrington dined with me agreable to his promise & lodged with us\u2014he thought it necessary I should send a power of Attorney to subscribe for me to the Loan; but I shall defer it till I see you. We are as well as usual. Your mother\u2019s complaint not mended.\nJ M.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0018", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nYour favor of the 9th. was recd. last evening. To my thanks for the several inclosures I must add a request that the letter to Baynton which came in one of them may be handed to him by one of your servants. The directory will point out his habitation.\nI had seen Payne\u2019s pamphlet with the preface of the Philada. Editor. It immediately occurred that you were brought into the Frontispiece in the manner you explain. But I had not foreseen the particular use made of it by the British partizans. Mr. Adams can least of all complain. Under a mock defence of the Republican Constitutions of this Country, he attacked them with all the force he possessed, and this in a book with his name to it whilst he was the Representative of his Country at a foreign Court. Since he has been the 2d. Magistrate in the new Republic, his pen has constantly been at work in the same cause; and tho\u2019 his name has not been prefixed to his antirepublican discourses, the author has been as well known as if that formality had been observed. Surely if it be innocent & decent in one servant of the public thus to write attacks agst its Government, it can not be very criminal or indecent in another to patronize a written defence of the principles on which that Govt. is founded. The sensibility of H. & B. to the indignity to the Brit: Court is truly ridiculous. If offence cd. be justly taken in that quarter, what would France have a right to say to Burke\u2019s pamphlet and the Countenance given to it & its author, particularly by the King himself? What in fact might not the U. S. say, whose revolution & democratic Governments come in for a large share of the scurrility lavished on those of France.\nI do not foresee any objection to the route you propose. I had conversed with Beckley on a trip to Boston &c and still have that in view; but the time in view for starting from this place, will leave room for the previous excursion. Health recreation & curiousity being my objects, I can never be out of my way.\nNot a word of news here. My letters from Virginia say little more than those you had recd. Carrington says the returns have come in pretty thickly of late and warrant the estimate founded on the Counties named to me some time ago. As well as I recollect, these averaged upwards of 8000 souls, and were considered by him as under the general average. Yrs. Affecly.\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0019", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Leiper, ca. 18 May 1791\nFrom: Leiper, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. Ca. 18 May 1791. Mentioned in JM to Ambrose Madison, 19 May 1791. Answers JM\u2019s brother\u2019s query of 9 May 1791 regarding the marketing of tobacco in Philadelphia, with an apparent offer to handle consignments from both James Madison, Sr., and Ambrose Madison.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0020", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 19 May 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, Ambrose\nDr. bror.\nN. York May 19. 1791\nYours of the 9th. instant found me in this City. I immediately wrote to Mr. Leiper & this day recd his answer on the subject of Tobo. which I inclose. I think you & my father wd. do well to send your tobo. to him as soon as you can, takin\u27e8g\u27e9 care to send none but of the most respectable quality. I cannot comply here with my father\u2019s request as to the raisins & Tamarinds. Before I left Philada. I ordered him a hundred lb. of Coffee, wh\u27e8ich\u27e9 by trial I ascertained to be good; also 1 lb. of imperial tea of the first quality for yo\u27e8u.\u27e9 The Coffee was 14d. & the tea 17/6. Pa. Currency. I have not the la\u27e8ws\u27e9 of the U. S. or the instructions of the Secy: of Treasy. at hand & am therefore unable to say whether a power of Attorney is necessary in the case you state. I rather think it is not for the view purpose of getting out funded certificates. On looking over the advertisements of the Treasy. Dept. my father will be able to satisfy himself; or in order to be on the safe side a power of [attorney] may be forwarded. Mr. Jefferson is here & we shall set out in a day or two. The extent of our joint tour will depend on circumstances, as will the prosecution of mine to Boston &c. I am in haste that I may not lose a post which may be of consequence in your arrangements for the Tobo. My affete. regards to all & particularly to my mother, whose health I hope continues to mend. Adieu\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0021", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Ambrose Madison, ca. 29 May 1791\nFrom: Madison, Ambrose\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. Ca. 29 May 1791. Acknowledged in JM\u2019s letter to his father, 2 July 1791. Appears to touch on the possible sale of Orange County tobacco in Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0022", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 29 May 1791\nFrom: Madison, James, Sr.\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 29 May 1791. Acknowledged in JM\u2019s letter to his father, 2 July 1791. Evidently makes further inquiries concerning the sale of tobacco and prices paid in the Philadelphia market.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0023", "content": "Title: Notes on the Lake Country Tour, [31 May\u20137 June] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nEditorial Note\nUntil recent times historians interpreted the trip JM and Jefferson took to Lakes George and Champlain, as well as their swing through New England and across the Long Island Sound, as a politically motivated journey. Beguiled by the contemporary commentaries of Federalists, students of the period argued that the two Virginians sought northern support for their opposition to the Hamiltonian policies ascending in Washington\u2019s administration and also hoped to escape embarrassment stemming from the Philadelphia publication of Paine\u2019s The Rights of Man. JM had planned to meet John Beckley, clerk of the House and a political confidant, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and perhaps such a meeting would have been devoted to legislative matters. However, a lame horse prevented the rendezvous, and all the evidence suggests that Jefferson and JM steered clear of politics (Malone, Jefferson and the Rights of Man, pp. 359\u201363; Brant, Madison, III, 339\u201340; Marsh, \u201cThe Jefferson-Madison Vacation,\u201d Pa. Mag. Hist. and Biog., LXXI [1947], 70\u201372).\nUnlike Jefferson\u2019s colorful journal of the trip in letters to his family and occasional reports to Washington, JM\u2019s accounts were spare and scientific. Indeed, they resemble the soil and price surveys of European observers like William Strickland, whose book-length discussion of American agriculture arrested JM\u2019s attention when it appeared ten years later (Tench Coxe to JM, 11 June 1801 [DLC]). As with most travelers, they sought proof that their own part of the country was more blessed than any other. No doubt JM shared Jefferson\u2019s view that their home region would look all the more inviting for their \u201ceastern\u201d sojourn. \u201cOn the whole,\u201d Jefferson wrote his daughter, \u201cI find nothing anywhere else, in point of climate, which Virginia need envy any part of the world .\u2026 We have reason to value highly the accident of birth in such a one as that of Virginia\u201d (Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 31 May 1791, Ford, Writings of JeffersonPaul Leicester Ford, ed., The Writings of\n          Thomas Jefferson (10 vols.; New York, 1892\u201399)., V, 338). Of these northern climes JM asked only \u201cHealth recreation & curiousity,\u201d and apparently the search was fruitful. When in mid-June the two parted company on Long Island, Jefferson thought that while the late heats caused JM \u201csome bilious dispositions,\u201d on the whole JM looked \u201cin better health than I have seen him\u201d (JM to Jefferson, 12 May 1791; Jefferson to Monroe, 10 July 1791, ibid., V, 351).\nMay 31. 1791.\u2014Lake Champlaine from Ticonderoga to 7 or 8 miles beyond Crown point.\n(Aspect) The East side of the Lake rather low & sufficiently level. The soil generally good. The useful growth Sugar maple, white pine, White Cedar. The west side, mountainous a little off, and sometimes on the lake. The soil in part only fit for cultivation. The useful growth nearly the same as on the East side. Crown point is a limestone rock: so Tyconderoga. The soil at both fertile in grasses.\n(Population). The East side pretty generally settled & the lands opened. On the West the houses are thinly scattered within view from the lake; but settlements are said to be rapidly forming westward of the mountains bordering on the lake. On Crown point is one family only. On the opposite side the country is well inhabited. At Tyconderoga are several families. The opposite side also well inhabited.\n(prices of land) Of unimproved land on the East side, about 2 dollars per acre: of improved about 4 dollars. On the west side the prices could not be learned.\n(Cultivation). Grass (Timothy & red clover cheifly) & Wheat may be called the Staples. An acre of good land yields 30 bushs. Indian Corn Rye, potatoes, flax but not Hemp are grown. A considerable quantity of pot & pearl ashes is made partly from hearth partly from field ashes. Maple sugar is made for domestic use, and the manufacture increasing fast.\nThe price of wheat from \u00bd to \u2154 of a dollar a bushel. Of hearth ashes about 1/12: of field do. about 1/15 of a dollar a bushel. Of maple sugar 1/12 of do. per lb.\nTrade. At present Wheat, flour, & pot & pearl ashes are the cheif exports. The trade of the lake is divided between Canada & N. York. The price of Wheat being greater in the latter gives it the advantage in the present competition. The future & permanent course of the trade will depend much on the improvements that may be made in the communication with the Hudson. Some preliminary steps have been taken by the Legislature of N. York, for connecting the navigation of this river with Wood Creek. The portage through that channel is now fourteen miles. The portage through Lake George consists of 1\u2154 miles from the waters of Lake Champlain into that Lake, and of 14 miles to Fort Edward; from whence too the carriage tho not impracticable by water, is generally made in waggons to Albany, or to one of the little towns a few miles above it.\nDry goods can be imported rather cheaper through Canada than through N. York with the present duties on them.\nTobacco, French brandy, tropical fruits are smuggled from the U. S. through Lake Champlain into Canada.\nThe price of Wheat on Lake Champlain about \u2154 dollar, freight to Lake George 9d. N. Y. Cury. per Ct. from L. G. to N. Y. 4/2. from L. Champlain to Quebec about 2/5.\nJune 1. Lake George. On each side are mountains of considerable height the entire length of the lake. They are very rocky & have scattered intervals only of arable land. This appears to be good. Near the shore it is sometimes sandy. A considerable part of these mountains is said to be unlocated, but not likely to remain so, as far as they can be turned to any account. The growth of most value is Sugar maple, white pine, white & red Cedar.\nAt Fort George are a few families concerned in the litter trade & ferriage thro the Lake. On the East side not a House is seen except one at the North end owned & inhabited by a free Negro. He possesses a good farm of about 250 Acres which he cultivates with 6 white hirelings for which he is said to have paid about 2\u00bd dollrs. per Acre and by his industry & good management turns to good account. He is intelligent; reads writes & understands accounts, and is dextrous in his affairs. During the late war he was employed in the Commissary department. He has no wife, and is said to be disinclined to marriage: nor any woman on his farm. On the West side from Fort George to Sabath day point (24 miles) not a house is seen except a hut near the fort inhabited by the family of a hunter. At Sabbath day point is a small clearing with a small log house, now abandoned. At friends point 5 miles from the North end of the Lake one or two families are settled on a small clearing. From this northward the side of the Lake is again uninhabited. At the carrying place are several families and at one of the falls a saw & Grist Mills.\nJune 2. Fort Edward. The road from L. George to Fort Edwd of 14 Miles runs along a high sandy ridge 5 or 6 Miles wide. The land is barren, and little cultivated. Its growth principally Pitch pine, partly White pine. There is some Sugar maple, but rather in bushes than trees. Two or three miles from Fort Edward, at the junction of the roads leading to Lake George & Wood Creek are 6 or 7 Houses, the germ of a Town called Kingsberry. Here we saw a sow having a litter, belled in the manner of Cattle & Sheep. The rest of the Country visible from the road is uninhabited except in a few instances where Houses or rather huts are built for the accomodation of waggons passing to & from L. George. The little cultivation on the road consists cheifly of rye & Wheat.\nAt Fort Edward are 6 or 7 Houses. The land immediately on the river is flat & good but too sandy. Wheat & rye are cheifly cultivated. Much White pine is brought hither to be worked into Lumber at Mills a little below & carried down in rafts. Staves & Shingles are also exported from this place. The fort is on the East bank of the river, and could only be defensible agst. small arms, high ground in its vicinity effectually commanding it. From Fort Edwd. to Saratoga the roads runs through the flats of the river, which are under cultivation but wear the face of a new country. The soil is good but often very sandy. Grasses (timothy red & white Clover cheifly) wheat & rye with some peas sewn in broadcast, & flax covered it. Much White pine was seen along the beach ready for being rafted.\nJune 3 & 4. From Saratoga to Bennington 31 miles. The road runs thro\u2019 first about 3 miles of high level pine barren, then 7 or 8 of very hilly clayey and middling land the growth sugar maple & white pine\u2014then 7 or 8 of a fine fertile vale separating two ridges of low mountains the growth the same\u2014then 10 or 12 of hilly or rather mountainous ground rich & covered cheifly with sugar maple & Beach. After leaving the pine barren the country is closely settled. Throughout the cultivation consists of grasses (timothy red clover green sword & a similar grass with red blossoms called red top) Wheat rye Some Indian Corn potatoes & flax & potash. The spontaneous pasturage is white clover. Some sugar is made & much may be. The attention seemed to be increasing toward that object. The line dividing N. Y. & Vermont is about 6 or 7 miles from Bennington. Within the former the lands are held partly by lease at the rate of \u215b dollar per acre: partly in fee-simple. In the latter almost wholly in fee. The farms vary from 50 to 200 acres, in a few instances they exceed 200. The settlers within both are cheifly emigrants from N. England. Their living is extremely plain & \u0153conomical particularly in the table & ordinary dress. Their expence is cheifly on their Houses which are of wood & make a good figure without; but are very scantily furnished within. The Settlmt having proceeded Westwd. within N. Y. the improvements decrease in that direction.\nThe price of land varies from 3 or 4 dollars to 7 or 8 where it is in wood; & from 5 or 6 to 10 or 15 where under cultivation.\nThe trade goes to Lansingborough.\nJune 6. From Bennington to Dalton 38 miles, through Pownal with which Vermont ends.  in Massachts. Lanesborough & Pittsfield. This is a valley in general, lying between the Green Mountains on the East & a ridge detached from them on the West. It narrows & widens as you pass, is sometimes rich level & well cultivated particularly in Lanes-borough & Pittsfield; sometimes steep rocky & scarcely admitting cultivation. In general it may be said to be pretty closely settled. The sugar maple White Oak, Beach & sometimes white pine make the principal figure in its forests: in its feilds\u2014Grass, Wheat, rye, oats, Indian Corn potatoes, flax. Potash is also made. The farms are small & held according to the plan of N. England. The manners as described already. The trade from all the country West of the Green Mountains goes to N. York thro the North river.\nJune 7. From Dalton at the foot of the Green Mountains to Northampton on Connecticut river 34 Miles, the road crosses the G. Mountains which consists first of a High ridge and then a succession of rocky mountainous grounds to within 5 or 6 miles of the river. Sugar maple, Beach, Hemlock, Spruce & double & single Aspen are most seen in the forest. On the West side of the Mountain, Wheat grows well along with the other objects of cultivation already mentioned. On the East among the Mountains, it is so liable to be blasted as to be little sown. This circumstance makes the N. E. winds which have full operation on the East & agst. wch. the W. side is protected a probable cause of the difficulty of raising wheat in N. England. The climate much severer in genl. on the E. side. This mountainous country notwithstanding its disadvantages from climate, steepness, & rockiness, and sometimes sterility, is laid out in Townships, settled the whole way, in some places very thickly\u2014and occasionally presents a very cultivated aspect. The land in forest sells from three to 6 or 7 dollars improved from 6 to 15 dollrs. per acre. The articles cultivated are the same as before, except wheat wch. is little sown. Rye is also often sown in the spring. The trade principally falls to Connecticut river at Nhampton\u2014Springfield & Harford. Near the first ridge, some of it goes to the North river.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0027", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 June 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNew York June 23d. 1791.\nI received your favor of the 21st. yesterday, inclosing post notes for 235 dollars. I shall obtain the bills of Mrs. Elsworth & the Smith this afternoon and will let you know the amount of them. There is a bill also from the Taylor amounting to \u00a36\u20137. which I shall pay. The articles for which it is due are in my hands and will be forwarded by the first opportunity. If a good one should fall within your notice, it may be well for you to double the chance of a conveyance by giving a commission for the purpose. I have applied to Rivington for the Book but the only copies in Town seem to be of the 8th. Edition. This however is advertised as \u201cenlarged &c by the Author,\u201d who I am told by Berry & Rogers is now living & a correspondent of theirs. It is not improbable therefore that your reason for preferring the 6th. Ed: may be stronger in favor of this. Let me know your pleasure on the subject & it shall be obeyed.\nI am at a loss what to decide as to my trip to the Eastward. My inclination has not changed, but a journey without a companion, & in the stage which besides other inconveniences travels too rapidly for my purpose, makes me consider whether the next fall may not present a better prospect. My horse is more likely to recover than at the time of your departure. By purchasing another, in case he should get well, I might avoid the Stage, but at an expence not altogether convenient.\nYou have no doubt seen the French Regulations on the subject of Tobo. which commence hostilities agst. the British Navigation-Act. Mr. King tells me an attack on Payne has appeared in a Boston paper under the name of Publicola, and has an affinity in the stile as well as sentiments to the discourses on Davila. I observed in a late paper here an extract from a Philada. Pamphlet on the Bank. If the publication has attracted or deserves notice, I should be glad of a copy from you. I will write again in a few days; In the mean time remaining Yrs. mo: affecly.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0028", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 June 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNew York June 27. 1791.\nBy a Capt: Simms who setts off this afternoon in the Stage for Philadelphia I forward the Bundle of Cloaths from the Taylor. His bill is inclosed with that of Mrs. Elsworth including the payment to the Smith.\nI have seen Col: Smith more than once. He would have opened his budget fully to me, but I declined giving him the trouble. He has written to the President a state of all his conversations with the British Ministry, which will get into your hands of course. He mentioned to me his wish to have put them there in the first instance and your situation on his arrival as an apology for not doing it. From the complexion of the little anecdotes & observations which dropped from him in our interviews I suspect that report has as usual far overrated the importance of what has been confided to him. General professions which mean nothing, and the sending a Minister which can be suspended at pleasure, or which if executed may produce nothing, are the amount of my present guesses.\nMr. Adams seems to be getting faster & faster into difficulties. His attack on Payne which I have not seen, will draw the public attention to his obnoxious principles, more than every thing he has published. Besides this, I observe in McLean\u2019s paper here, a long extract from a sensible letter republished from Poughkeepsie, which gives a very unpopular form to his antirepublican doctrines, and presents a strong contrast of them with a quotation from his letter to Mr. Wythe in 1776.\nI am still resting on my oars with respect to Boston. My Horse has had a relapse which made his recovery very improbable. Another favorable turn has taken place, and his present appeara[n]ce promises tolerably well. But it will be some time before he can be \u27e8s\u27e9ound, if he should suffer no other check. Adieu. Yrs.\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0030", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, ca. 29 June 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, Ambrose\nLetter not found. Ca. 29 June 1791. Mentioned in JM\u2019s letter to his father, 2 July 1791. Answers his brother\u2019s queries concerning the tobacco market in Philadelphia and also gives a report on his trip to the lake regions in Vermont and through New England with Jefferson as a companion.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0032", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 2 July 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHond. Sir\nN. York July 2d. 1791\nYour favor of the 29th. of May never came to hand till yesterday when it fell in with me at this place. My brother\u2019s of nearly the same date had done so a few days before. My answer to his went by the last mail. I refer to it for the information yours requests. I had indeed long before advised you both to ship to Leiper all the good Tobacco of your Crops. It is certainly the best you can do with it.\nThe tour I lately made with Mr. Jefferson of which I have given the outline to my brother was a very agreeable one, and carried us thro\u2019 an interesting Country new to us both. I postpone the details of our travels till I get home which as I have mentioned to my brother will be in Augst. I cannot yet say whether it will be towards the middle or last of the month. It gives me much satisfaction to learn that my mother has so far recovered. I hope her health may continue to mend. You do not mention whether she has been or is to be at any of the Springs. I shall attend to the articles you wish for family use on my way thro\u2019 Philada. unless I should meet with them on satisfactory terms here.\nThe Report in Georgia relating to me is as absolute a falsehood as ever was propagated. So far am I from being concerned in the Yazoo transaction, that from the nature of it, as it has been understood by me, I have invariably considered it as one of the most disgraceful events that have appeared in our public Councils, and such is the opinion which I have ever expressed of it. I do not think it necessary to write to Genl. Mathews, because a report of such a nature does not seem to merit a formal contradiction. I wish him to know however that I am sensible of his friendly attention, and will thank Mr. Taylor, when an opportunity offers, to let him know as much.\nThe latest accounts from Abroad are various & contradictory. The most authentic make it probable that there will be no war between England & Russia, and that there will be peace between the latter & the Turks at the expence of the Turks. From a concurrence of information, it is probable also that a public Minister from G. B may pretty soon be expected. If He brings powers & dispositions to form proper commercial arrangements, it will be an interesting change in the Councils of that nation; especially as an execution of the Treaty of peace must be a preliminary in the business.\nThe Crops in general thro\u2019 the Country I have passed & heard from are promising. Wheat is selling at Phila. at abt. a dollar a bushel & here in the usual proportion.\nRemember me affectly. to all, & accept the dutiful respects of your son\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0033", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 6 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 6. 1791.\nI have duly recieved your favours of June 27. & July 1. The last came only this morning. I now return Colo. Smith\u2019s map with my acknolegements for the pamphlet & sight of the map. I inclose you a 60. Dollar bill, & beg the favor of you to remit 30. Dollars with the inclosed letter to Prince, also, as I see Maple sugar, grained, advertised for sale at New York in boxes of 400 lb. each, if they can be induced to sell 100 lb only & to pack & send it to Richmond, I will thank you to get it done for me. The box to be directed to me \u2018to the care of James Brown, mercht. Richmd. to be forwarded to Monticello.\u2019 You see I presume on your having got over your indisposition; if not, I beg you to let all this matter rest till you are. Colo. Harry Lee thinks of going on tomorrow, to accompany you to Portsmouth, but he was not quite decided when I saw him last. The President arrived about 10. minutes ago, but I have not yet seen him. I recieved safely the packet by capt Sims. The Guinea corn is new to me, & shall be taken care of. My African upland rice is flourishing. I inclose you a paper estimating the shares of the bank as far as was known three days before it opened. When it opened 24,600 subscriptions were offered, being 4,600 more than could be recieved, & many persons left in the lurch, among these Robt. Morris & Fitzsimmons. They accuse the Directors of a misdeal, & the former proposes to sue them, the latter to haul them up before Congress. Every 25 dollars actually deposited, sold yesterday for from 40. to 50. dollars with the future rights & burthens annexed to the deposit. We have no authentic news from Europe since the last packet. Adieu my dear Sir, take care of yourself & let me hear soon that you are quite re-established. Your\u2019s affectionately\nTh: Jefferson\nP. S. If you leave N. York, will you leave directions with mr. Elsworth to forward to me the two parcels of Maple seed, & that of the Birch bark respectively as they arrive. The last I think had better come by water.\n[Enclosure]\nThe capital stock of the bank, ten millions of dollars, divided into 25,000 shares.\nshares\nto be subscribed by the President\nalready subscribed,\nBoston\nNew York\nwill be subscribed by Philada.\nalready subscribed,\nBaltimore\nCharleston\nremains to be subscribed", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0034", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nN. York July 10. 1791\nYour favor of the 6th. came to hand on friday. I went yesterday to the person who advertised the Maple Sugar for the purpose of executing your commission on that subject. He tells me that the cargo is not yet arrived from Albany, but is every hour expected; that it will not be sold in parcels of less than 15 or 16 hundred lb. & only at Auction, but that the purchasers will of course deal it out in smaller quantities; that a part is grained and part not; and that the price of the former will probably be regulated by that of good Muscavado which sells at about \u00a35. N. Y. Currency, a Ct. I shall probably be at Flushing in two or three days and have an opportunity of executing your other Commission on the spot. In case of disappointment, I shall send the Letter & money to Prince by the best conveyance to be had. The Maple seed is not arrived. The Birch-Bark has been in my hands some days and will be forwarded as you suggest.\nThe Bank-Shares have risen as much in the Market here as at Philadelphia. It seems admitted on all hands now that the plan of the institution gives a moral certainty of gain to the Subscribers with scarce a physical possibility of loss. The subscriptions are consequently a mere scramble for so much public plunder which will be engrossed by those already loaded with the spoils of indi[vi]duals. The event shews what would have been the operation of the plan, if, as originally proposed, subscriptions had been limited to the 1st. of april and to the favorite species of stock which the Bank-Jobbers had monopolized. It pretty clearly appears also in what proportions the public debt lies in the Country\u2014What sort of hands hold it, and by whom the people of the U. S. are to be governed. Of all the shameful circumstances of this business, it is among the greatest to see the members of the Legislature who were most active in pushing this Jobb, openly grasping its emoluments. Schuyler is to be put at the Head of the Directors, if the weight of the N. Y. subscribers can effect it. Nothing new is talked of here. In fact stockjobbing drowns every other subject. The Coffee House is in an eternal buzz with the gamblers.\nI have just understood that Freneau is now here & has abandoned his Philada. project. From what cause I am wholly unable to divine: unless those who know his talents & hate his political principles should have practised some artifice for the purpose.\nI have given up for this season my trip Eastward. My bilious situation absolutely forbade it. Several lesser considerations also conspired with that objection. I am at present free from a fever, but have sufficient evidence, in other shapes, that I must adhere to my defensive precautions.\nThe pamphlet on Weights &c. was put into my hands by Docr. Kemp with a view to be forwarded after perusal to you. As I understand it is a duplicate and to be kept by you. Always & mo: affecly. Yrs.\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0036", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Fontaine Maury, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Maury, Fontaine\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir.\nFredg: July 10. 1791\nOn the other side you have a State of your a/c which if found right please pay the amount to my order in favor of Messrs. Philips Cramond & Co of Philadelphia at 30 days sight.\nTwo hhds of your Tobacco are Shiped on board the Ship Venus, Edward Flin Master, & Consigned to Mr James Maury of Liverpool. I will thank you to inform me if any thing hath been done in the business you were so good as Interest yourself in for Capt Dade, of whose Death I suppose you have heard. I am with much Regard D Sir Your Mo: Ob: S:\nFontaine Maury\n[Enclosure]\nFredericksburg July 8th. 1791\nThe Honble. James Madison Esqe\nIn a/c with Fontaine Maury\nDr\nJuly 29\nTo 60 yds German Ozna. @ 16d 42 \u00bd Rolls 10d\nAugt 31\n\"\u2003 90 lb Barr Iron @ 3\u00bd\nOct 29\n\"\u2003 4\u00bd yds Coating @ 6/8 6 yds Plains @ 3/\n\"\u2003 9 \u214c Stockings 18/ 11 Blanketts @ 8/9\n\"\u2003 30 yds Oznaburgs @ 1/\n\"\u2003 4 Bushels Salt @ 2/6 Sacking 3/9\n\"\u2003 Cash paid for Rum to the Tenders\n\"\u2003 1 Side Sole Leather\nNov 24\n\"\u2003 1 Side upper Leather 20/\nDecr. 17\n\"\u2003 Cash paid Negroe Sawney\nJune 9\n\"\u2003 12\u00bc b German Steel 12/3 3 yds Sacking 3/6\n\"\u2003 Cash paid Inspecting your Tobacco\nErrors Excepted\nFontaine Maury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0037", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 July 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nN. York July 13. 1791\nI received last evening your kind enquiries after my health. My last will have informed you of the state of it then. I continue to be incommoded by several different shapes taken by the bile; but not in a degree that can now be called serious. If the present excessive heat should not augment the energy of the cause, I consider myself as in a good way to get rid soon of its effects.\nBeckley has just got back from his Eastern trip. He says that the partizans of Mr. Adam\u2019s heresies in that quarter are perfectly insignificant in point of number\u2014that particularly in Boston he is become distinguished for his unpopularity\u2014that Publicola is probably the manufacture of his son out of materials furnished by himself\u2014and that the publication is generally as obnoxious in New England as it appears to be in Pennsylvania. If young Adams be capable of giving the dress in which publicola presents himself, it is very probable he may have been made the Editor of his Father\u2019s doctrines. I hardly think the Printer would so directly disavow the fact if Mr. Adams was himself the writer. There is more of method also in the arguments, and much less of clumsiness & heaviness in the stile, than characterize his writings. I mentioned to you some time ago an extract from a piece in the Poughkepsie paper, as a sensible comment on Mr. Adams\u2019 doctrines. The whole has since been republished here, and is evidently from a better pen, than any of the Anti-publicolas I have seen. In Greenleafs paper of today is a second letter from the same quarter, which confirms the character I have given of the author.\nWe understand here that 800 shares in the Bank committed by this City to Mr. Constable, have been excluded by the manner in which the business was conducted\u2014that a considerable number from Boston met with the same fate\u2014and that Baltimore has been kept out in toto. It is all charged on the man\u0153uvers of Philada. which is said to have secured a majority of the whole to herself. The disappointed individuals are clamorous of course, and the language of the place marks a general indignation on the subject. If it should turn out that the cards were packed, for the purpose of securing the game to Philada. or even that more than half the Institution and of course the whole direction of it have fallen into the hands of that City some who have been loudest in their plaudits whilst they expected to share in the plunder, will be equally so in sounding the injustice of the monopoly, and the danger of undue influence on the Government.\nThe Packet is not yet arrived. By a vessel arived yesterday newspapers are recd. from London which are said to be later than any yet come to hand. I do not find that any particular facts of moment are handed out. The miscellaneous articles come to me thro\u2019 Childs\u2019 paper, which you get sooner than I could rehearse to you. It has been said here by the Anglicans that the President\u2019s Message to Congs. on the subject of the commercial disposition of G. B. has been asserted openly by Mr. Pitt to be misrepresentation\u2014and as it would naturally be traced to Govr. Morris it has been suggested that he fell into the hands of the Chevr. Luzerne who had the dexterity to play off his negociations for French purposes. I have reason to believe that B\u2014ck\u2014th\u2014has had a hand in throwing these things into circulation. I wish you success with all my heart in your efforts for Payne. Besides the advantage to him which he deserves, an appointment for him, at this moment would do public good in various ways. Always & truly yours\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0038", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 13 July 1791\nFrom: Pendleton, Edmund\nTo: Madison, James\nDr. Sir\nVirga. July 13th. 1791.\nI take the liberty of troubling you once more in behalf of my Nephew Nathaniel Pendleton junr. of Georgia, who wishes to succeed Mr. Rutlidge in the Office he has resigned as a Judge of the Supreme F\u0153dral Court. He supposes a resident in the Southern district will be appointed, and that from Georgia, as the Carolinas have been already gratified; in which case he hopes his present rank of District Judge, will give him preference to any competitor there. I have pleasure in hearing he stands high in the Opinion of his fellow Citizens, and if you think his reasoning sound, and can give him aid in his pretensions, It will particularly oblige Dr. Sir Yr. very Affe. & Obt. Servt.\nEdmd. Pendleton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0039", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 15 July 1791\nFrom: Carrington, Edward\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,\nRichmond July 15. 1791\nI have heard of your return from your Northern excursion, and hope you met every gratification in it that you wished.\nOur Census is compleated, that is to say, the returns are all in, and are now under examination & correction. In their uncorrected State, they have been cast up, and amount to upwards of 740,000, producing a Net number after deducting 2/5ths. of Slaves of above 600,000. This information is for your satisfaction\u2014you will readily perceive that it is too vague to be extended to many of your Freinds. The general return will come on in a very short time.\nThe Excise is gaining, I think, upon the minds of the people\u2014some noise is made by a few but this daily loses its influence upon the great body of the Country. The product upon Country Stills will however be but small for the present year, the spring Frosts in most parts of the State cut off the Fruit intirely. We have met with no kind of difficulty in procuring the necessary Officers except what has arisen from the compensations to Collectors being too inconsiderable. Good Men have however undertaken the business, in contemplation of further provision, which it will be absolutely necessary to make.\nPardon me for troubling you with a little business\u2014it seems that a regulation of the Treasury, requires that for drawing money, the applicant if he cannot attend in person, must appoint an agent to act for him. I have forwarded to the Auditor to whome I send this letter under Cover, an Account for Settlement, which appertains to me as Marshal for this district. Now Sir, you will add much to the many obligations heretofore confered, if you will be good enough to direct this business through the various Offices and receive whatever draft the Secretary may think proper to send here for the money, which inclose by post. I know how precious your time is and will not break in upon it, after my representative Mr. Giles returns to Congress. Inclosed is a power to transact this business as my agent agreably to the regulation of the Treasury. I am my dr sir your Affe. Freind & Servt.\nEd. Carrington\nP. S. Being at Orange Court House on public business in June, your Father politely called on me & invited me to his House, where I spent a day very happily. He was in fine health.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0040", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 21 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 21. 1791.\nYour favors of July 10. & 13. have been duly recieved and I now return the pamphlet inclosed in the latter, with thanks for the perusal. The author has the appearance of knowing better what has past in England than in America. As to the latter to be sure he has been ignorant enough. I am sincerely sorry that Freneau has declined coming here. Tho\u2019 the printing business be sufficiently full here, yet I think he would have set out on such advantageous ground as to have been sure of success. His own genius in the first place is so superior to that of his competitors. I should have given him the perusal of all my letters of foreign intelligence & all foreign newspapers; the publication of all proclamations & other public notices within my department, & the printing of the laws, which added to his salary would have been a considerable aid. Besides this, Fenno\u2019s being the only weekly or half weekly paper, & under general condemnation for it\u2019s toryism & it\u2019s incessant efforts to overturn the government, Freneau would have found that ground as good as unoccupied. P\u2014\u2014e will not be appointed to the place I had recommended him for. I have a letter from Mazzei asking informn. of his affairs. I must therefore ask from you the letter you were to write me as to Dohrman. He desires to be affectionately remembered to you. He is declared, with the consent of the Diet, Charg\u00e9 des affaires of the king & nation. No news yet from Genl Scott. Mr. Randolph writes me that our harvest is safely in in general, that the quantity will be half as much again as the acre usually yeilds, & the quality of first rate. The price offered is 5/6 at Richmd. Tobo. there is still 18/ to 20/. I have European letters & papers to the 8th. of May. The Empress has notified the English factory in Russia, that the peace between her & Gr. Britain is likely to be broken, but knowing their good conduct they shall be welcome to remain in her domns., she pays a compliment to the British nation, & says she considers it only as a war with their ministers. Denmark has made a warm offer of mediating alone. Prussia has notified the Porte that they are free to conclude a peace with Russia without any mediation, & that it will not be disagreeable to him. But the Porte has refused to relinquish the mediation of Prussia & England, & has also declined accepting that offered by Spain. France is going on steadily with it\u2019s work. On the 7th. of May a report of a commee. was given in to the assembly, confirming their former plan as to the mode of settling the constn. of their colonies, adding further that the Colonies should have the initiative (exclusively) as to the condition of the people of colour, and that each colony should send deputies to the French part of St. Martins to a Congress which should propose a general form of constitution. This was ordered to be printed & taken up at a future day, & there was some symptom of a disposition in the Assembly to over-rule the report so far as it related to the condition of the people of colour. Comparing the date of this with the news said by the gazettes to have arrived at St. Domingo July 1. I cannot help suspending my belief of the latter.\nI hope your health is better established. Your friends here anxiously enquire after it. Your letters now therefore are doubly interesting, and very feelingly so to Dear Sir your affectionate friend & servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0041", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 21 July 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear friend\nPhiladelphia July 21. 1791.\nAltho\u2019 I have not put you to the expence of postage by inquiries after your health, I have not omitted to avail myself of information thro\u2019 Mr. Jefferson. I learn with sincere satisfaction, that you have emerged from your late attack; but I wish, that you would prevent a return in the fall by an abstinence from study.\nI need not relate to you, that since the standard of republicanism has been erected, it has been resorted to by a numerous corps. The newspapers tell you, how much the crest of aristocracy has fallen; and I should rejoice that the controversy has been excited, were it not, that under the character of Agricola he, who was sufficiently depressed before, is now irredeemable in the public opinion, without being the real author. Were he in a condition to do harm, I should anxiously strive for his disgrace. For however meritorious I think him towards the U. S, I should hold it necessary to sacrifice any man, who could propagate his doctrines with success. But he is impotent, and something is due to past services.\nMr. J. and myself have attempted to bring Paine forward, as successor to Osgood. It seemed to be a fair opportunity for a declaration of certain sentiments. But all, that I have heard, has been, that it would be too pointed to keep a vacancy unfilled, until his return from the other side of the water. The contest seems to lie between Pickering, Peters, and F. A. Muhlenberg, who most probably cannot be reelected.\nMr. A. White speaks triumphantly of the progress of the excise in his district, and the counties in the neighbourhood of Fort Pitt. He mentions, however, that Mr. Gallatin is very industrious in disseminating discontent in the counties of Penna. on the Ohio, and that he has attempted to infect Our county of Monongalia. But an appointment has been made to the inspectorship of that quarter, of an antif\u0153deral character, whose firmness and influence will sweep all difficulties before him.\nDon\u2019t trouble yourself with answering this scrap. I have written, not for the importance of the matter, but for the satisfaction of assuring you, that I always am My dear sir yrs. mo. sincerely", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0042", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 July 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLetter not found. 21 July 1791. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 24 July 1791. In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter, like that of 13 July, concerned \u201cPublicola.\u201d Perhaps this was JM\u2019s letter of 21 July to an unspecified correspondent, listed in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), p. 262.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0043", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nN. York July 24. 1791.\nYour favor of the 21st. came to hand last evening. It was meant that you should keep the pamphlet inclosed in it. I have seen Freneau, and, as well as Col: H. Lee, have pressed the establishment of himself in Philada. where alone his talents can do the good or reap the profit of which they are capable. Though leaning strongly agst. the measure, under the influence of little objections which his modesty magnified into important ones, he was less decided on the subject than I had understood. We are to have a further conversation, in which I shall renew my efforts, and do not despair, though I am not sanguine, of success. If he yeilds to the reasoning of his friends, it is probable that he will at least commence his plan in alliance with Childs as to the emoluments. In the conduct and title of the paper, it will be altogether his own. I am not much disappointed tho\u2019 I much regret the rejection of P\u2014\u2014e in the late appointment. Another opportunity of doing him some justice may not occur, and at the present moment it was to be wished for a thousand reasons that he might have received from this Country such a token of its affection and respect. I must see Dorhman again before I can enable you to answer Mazzei. I will endeavor to do it tomorrow & will write you without delay.\nYou will recollect that the Pretensions of T. C. to the place now filled by Wolcot, went thro\u2019 your hands and with my knowledge. Would you believe that this circumstance has got into circulation in the shape of an attempt in you & myself to intermeddle with the Treasury department, to frustrate the known wishes of the head of it, and to keep back the lineal successor, from a Southern antipathy to his Eastern descent! Col: Lee got hold of the Report and finding that it had made some impression on Hamilton, asked of me an explanation of the matter. As far as I could call to mind, what had left so faint an impression, I enabled him to contradict the misrepresen[ta]tion. Last evening a favorable opportunity offering, I touched on the subject to Col: Hamilton, who had certainly viewed it thro\u2019 a very wrong medium, but seemed disposed to admit the right one. I believe he is now satisfied that misrepresentations had been made to him, that our agency, if to be so called was the effect of complaisance rather than of solicitude for or agst. the candidates\u2014and particularly that it was impossible from the very nature of the case, it could have involved the idea of thwarting his purposes in his own department. This is not the only instance I find in which the most uncandid & unfounded things of a like tendency have been thrown into circulation.\nI promised a gentleman who lately sailed for Halifax on his way to England, to send him a copy of the Remarks on Shuffields Book. May I trouble you to send to Cary\u2019s or wherever may be proper for a Copy, and let me have it in the course of the week, the earlier the better. I shall endeavor to convey it by the hands of some passenger in the Packet which sails early next week. Will you be so good also as just to let the inclosed letter on the subject of Mr. N. Pendleton be handed to Mr. Lear as from me. He will of course let the President see the pretensions of that gentleman, and I shall then have sufficiently discharged the trust consigned to me by his Unkle. This is the mode in which I have generally conveyed applications to the President.\nMy health is much improved by the precautions I have observed. From the state of my appetite I hope I have got pretty much rid of my bile. My horse is also nearly well. He has had a third relapse, and there are still remains of the tumor as well as of his leanness. I have already asked when you think of setting out for Virginia. I mean to join you whenever you are ready, & shall be in Philada. in due time for the purpose. Always & mo: affecty. Yours\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0044", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,\nGeorge Town July 24th. 1791\nYr. favor from N. York gave me pleasure, as every token of yr. remembrance of me allways will.\nFinding that you relinquish yr. tour to the East, I presume this will meet you in Philada. where you will hear all matters respecting the federal City &ca. Cou\u2019d I have foreseen all the anxiety this business has given me from its commencement in Congress to its present Stage, I shou\u2019d have shrunk from the attempt.\nYou turn from the North to the South in Augt to avoid travelling in the heat on acct. of some bilious symptoms. What reasoning is this? Reconsider\u2014do not travell in Augt\u2014do not remain either in N York or Pha. during that month, but in some pleasant Country Situation. When you come to the So. I sincerely wish it suited both you & Mr. Jefferson to take George Town & its neighbourhood in yr. way.\nThe objects of the Commission confered on me I find intricate & complex\u2019d, much more extensive & important than was expected from the events which have taken place. I wish advice in some matters which I am sure wou\u2019d be dictated only by friendship. Exclusive of the trouble there is a degree of responsibility at least of character, that occasions considerable anxiety.\nYou will readily suppose that the subject of the federal City & public buildings, leave no room for any others here. Even Burke, Pain, & publicola have been little attented [sic] too. I find the last has been atributed to J. A. Can you say who is the author? Pains Ps. & the short note to the printer seem to have occasion\u2019d a call to arms, in support of the political opinions, I will not say designs, which have been progressing in the East.\nI hear that P. Henry is not a member of yr. Legislature, & that Co Hy Lee is to be yr. Govr.\nAn article in the paper says Maryland by the returns has 320,000 Souls. The proportion of slaves not mentiond\u2014two will be added to our Representation at least. The Southern returns will fall short of expectation. How will Virga stand?\nAlltho\u2019 my health has been better than when we were together, it wou\u2019d I am sure have contributed greatly to restore it, cou\u2019d I have had the pleasure of takeing the Northern tours in yr. compy. If you persevere in returning by Fredk. Town, pray let me know about what Time you expect to be there\u2014but I will hope that it may suit to come by George Town.\nPresent me affectionately to Mrs House & Triste, & be allways assurd, that I remain, yr. affte. & ob Sert.\nDanl. Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0045", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 24. 1791.\nYours of the 21st. came to hand yesterday. I will keep my eye on the advertisements for Halifax. The time of my journey to Virginia is rendered doubtful by the incertainty whether the President goes there or not. It is rather thought he will not. If so, I shall go later & stay a shorter time. I presume I may set out about the beginning of September, & shall hope your company going & coming. The President is indisposed with the same blind tumour, & in the same place, which he had the year before last in New York. As yet it does not promise either to suppurate or be discussed. He is obliged to lye constantly on his side, & has at times a little fever. The young grandson has had a long & dangerous fever. He is thought better to-day. No news yet from Genl Scott: nor any thing from Europe worth repeating. Several merchants from Richmond (Scotch, English &c) were here lately. I suspect it was to dabble in federal filth. Let me hear of your health. Adieu my dear Sir. Yours affectionately\nTh: Jefferson\nP. S. The inclosed are for yourself, being duplicates.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0046", "content": "Title: The Origins of Freneau\u2019s National Gazette, 25 July 1791 (Editorial Note)\nFrom: \nTo: \nEditorial Note\nAlarmed by the blatant partisanship of John Fenno\u2019s Gazette of the United States, which JM and Jefferson grew to distrust after the publisher\u2019s support of Alexander Hamilton became more apparent in the winter of 1790\u201391, the two republicans began seeking a journalistic counterbalance. Philip Freneau seemed to have all the qualifications. He was a trustworthy republican (Freneau and JM had been classmates at Princeton), a skilled writer, and he needed a job. To meet the problem of employment, Jefferson offered Freneau a position as a clerk-translator in the State Department barely a week before the First Congress ended its session. JM, Jefferson, and Freneau must have discussed their plans at great length, and the details of their arrangement are plain enough. Francis Childs, the New York printer with whom Freneau had worked on the Daily Advertiser, was brought into the arrangement for his printing skill and equipment. Freneau was to be, in modern parlance, the editor. JM and Jefferson would scour the country for subscriptions, invoking a plea for republicanism and loyalty that their friends would not have resisted lightly.\nThe outlines of the plan had been well formed by midsummer 1791. As Freneau\u2019s letter to JM (25 July 1791) indicates, JM and Jefferson were eager to have a favorable answer. Clearly the target date for the new enterprise was to coincide with the opening of the Second Congress. A host of Virginia republicans were asked to encourage the enterprise as Childs himself carried JM\u2019s solicitations southward. Governor Henry Lee, another friend from Princeton days, was particularly active in encouraging the venture. Daniel Carroll collected the names of potential subscribers in Maryland. John Beckley\u2019s pen was busy on behalf of the endeavor, which was to form a barrier against Fenno\u2019s \u201cmonarchism.\u201d\nJM not only harangued family and friends to subscribe to the new journal but also took the matter of newspaper circulation into the halls of Congress. Although it was only an indirect means of aiding Freneau, JM sponsored legislation to encourage newspaper circulation by lowering the mailing costs. He worked with Elbridge Gerry for four months to win passage in the House of a bill reducing postal rates on newspapers, but the Senate defeated it. The National Gazette ultimately reached a circulation of seventeen hundred. Yet the paper\u2019s financial position remained precarious, and Freneau relied chiefly on his meager annual salary of $250 at the State Department. JM and his political associates had nevertheless secured a newspaper allied to the republican cause and thus established a precedent that long prevailed in American politics (Noble E. Cunningham, Jr., The Jeffersonian Republicans: The Formation of Party Organization, 1789\u20131801 [Chapel Hill, 1957], pp. 18\u201319 and n. 54). JM and Jefferson believed they had been rescued by Freneau and were anxious to give him credit. \u201cHis paper has saved our constitution which was galloping fast into monarchy, & has been checked by no one means so powerfully as by that paper\u201d was Jefferson\u2019s view\u2014a sentiment that JM would have seconded with gratitude (\u201cThe Anas,\u201d in Ford, Writings of JeffersonPaul Leicester Ford, ed., The Writings of\n          Thomas Jefferson (10 vols.; New York, 1892\u201399)., I, 231).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0047", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Philip Freneau, 25 July 1791\nFrom: Freneau, Philip\nTo: Madison, James\nSir,\nMiddletown Point, Monmouth, July 25. 1791.\nSome business detains me here a day or two longer from returning to New York. When I come, which I expect will be on Thursday, if you should not have left the city, I will give You a decisive answer relative to printing my paper at the Seat of Govt. instead of N. York. If I can get Mr. Childs to be connected with me on a tolerable plan, I believe I shall sacrifice other considerations, and transfer myself to Philadelphia. I am, Sir, with the highest respect Your Most obedt. humble Servt.\nP. Freneau", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0048", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nI am just in possession of your favor of the 24 inst: & thank you for the pamphlet which I shall look over without delay. Mr. Dorhman has this moment handed me a letter to Mazzei which will give him the change of prospect as to the balance of the debt. I really believe D\u2019s misfortune to have been great & real. Mazzei must rest contented with his ultimate security in the land which I consider as satisfactory. It probably could not at this moment be converted into money at all; and certainly not without an absolute sacrifice of D\u2019s interest. The maple sugar was principally bought by the manufacturers to be refined. After some research I have found a parcel from which you can be supplied. But the quality is so far below the standard formd by my imagination, that I inclose a sample in order to have your own decision on the case. The price is \u00a33\u20138. N. Y. Currency. Nothing New. Yrs. Mo: Affy.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0049", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 27 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 27. 1791.\nI inclose you the pamphlet desired in your\u2019s of July 24. Also the one on Weights & measures recieved through you, of which having another copy, be pleased to keep it. In turning over some papers I came across my journal through France, & Italy, and fancied you might be willing to acquire of that country a knowlege at second hand which you refuse to acquire at the first. It is written in the way you seemed to approve on our journey. I gave E. P\u2019s letter to mr. Lear. I write to Mazzei by a vessel which sails on Monday; so shall hope to hear from you by that time. Nobody could know of T. C\u2019s application but himself, H. you & myself. Which of the four was most likely to give it out at all, & especially in such a form? Which of the four would feel an inclination to excite an opinion that you & myself were hostile to every thing not Southern? The President is much better. An incision has been made, & a kind suppuration is brought on. If Colo. Lee be with you present my respects to him. Adieu. Yours affectionately\nTh: Jefferson\nP. S. Dispatches from Genl Scott confirm the newspaper accts of his success, except that he was not wounded.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0050", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 28 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nMy Dear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 28. 1791.\nI this moment recieve yours of the 26th. The sugar of which you inclose a sample would by no means answer my purpose, which was to send it to Monticello, in order, by a proof of it\u2019s quality, to recommend attention to the tree to my neighbors. In my letter of yesterday I forgot to tell you there is a brig here to sail for Halif[a]x in 10. days. She is under repair, & therefore may possibly protract her departure. Adieu. Your\u2019s affectionately\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0051", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [29 July] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nN. Y. Friday [29 July 1791]\nI have this instant recd. yours of the 27th. in which you refer to as inclosed the pamphlet desired by me\u2014to wit T. Coxes answer to Sheffield: As it is not inclosed I snatch this sudden oppty. to request you to forward it by Monday\u2019s mail. I thank you for the other inclosures & have only time to add that I am Sir,\nJs. Ma\u27e8dison\u27e9 Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0052", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Henry Lee, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear sir.\nFriday 29h. July 1791\nIn the forenoon this day I got here\u2014soon saw the President & your affectionate friend Mr. Jefferson. The first has nearly recovd. Mr. J. & myself dined with him & as far as I can judge, no chance for 16 years opposes the happiness of the U:S from any event feared by us in N york. As to your corn which you so much prized & which Mr J. seems to reckon valuable & uncommon, the president says he has had it in field cultivation & Mrs. Washington recollects its use in her virgin days. From this event remember how theory & practice may be dissonant & mix more with men & women of all sorts.\nHave you heard that Sedgwick of Massachusetts has been defendant in a suit before the f\u0153deral judges in Boston. The case thus\u2014Mr. Sendins of Albany sues him for the amount of a sum of paper purchased by A & B with his ler. of credit. A & B run off with the purchased property & this treason in the sub-actors has promulgated the connexion of your congressional brother. The date of the transaction shews that the acts of Congress were previously arranged & the transaction itself shews that one law maker of the majority, reckoned with certainty on the doings of Congress. A nonsuit was obtained by the defendants council against the opinion of the cheif Justice, for some quibble alledged as to the act of the two men credited by his Lter. Enquire & you will hear all about this matter & whether the negotiation extended itself in various parts of the eastern states.\nThe Plaintiff has ordered a new writ which will be tried in this city next term in the face of Congress.\nI have not seen Randolph, himself & family are well I hear, Scott has succeeded as report has mentioned.\nWhen do you come hither. Affy yours\nH: Lee\nNo P Master Genl yet appointed", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0054", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 July 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMr [sic] Dear Sir\nN. York July 31. 1791\nI recd. yours of the 28th. last evening. Your preceding one covering among other things your memorandums through France was acknowledged by a few lines put into the hands of a young gentleman bound to Philada. in the Stage of yesterday. The purpose of them was to apprize you that you had omitted Coxe\u2019s answer to Sheffield and to request the favor of you to send it by Monday\u2019s mail. Should the bearer have failed in his trust I take the liberty of repeating the request. I should be glad to have the pamphlet on Tuesday, but if forwarded after the receipt of this it may possibly be in time, especially if one of your young men should light on a passenger for Wednesday\u2019s Stage that runs thro\u2019 in one day. I do not wish however any trouble to be taken in enquiring for such a conveyance, and am really sorry that so much in so trifling a matter should have been given to yourself.\nCol: H. Lee left this a day or two ago. He will probably mention to you the comments circulated as to the affair of the Comptroller. It is a little singular no doubt that so serious a face should have been put on it by \u2014\u2014 who ought to have known the circumstances which explained the nature of the interference complained of. He referred in his conversation with me, to another candidate whom he could not properly name, as the channel thro\u2019 which he had recd. his wrong impressions.\nI am running over yo\u27e8ur\u27e9 memorandums; but I find that to enjoy the pleasure fully I must repeat them with a Map of France before me, which I cannot at present command. Yrs. Mo: Affecly.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0055", "content": "Title: From James Madison to William Bingham, [ca. August] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Bingham, William\nDr. Sir\n[ca. August 1791]\nThe Legislature of Virginia chuse their Senators for Congs. as they do their State officers, by joint ballot of the two Houses. The ballots are first separately collected in each House & then brought together & counted by Committees from each in presence of such other members as think fit to attend, the election being decided by the major vote without regard to a distinction of Houses. It is a rule that if a majority of all the ballots does not fall on the same individual, the process is to be repeated till that happens, or rather I believe, the choice is then to be made between the two highest candidates. I am with much respect Your Mo: Obedt. servt.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0056", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLetter not found. 1 August 1791. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 3 Aug. 1791. In his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers), JM noted that this letter dealt with \u201cFreneau. Col. H. Lee.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0057", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 3 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Aug. 3. 1791.\nYour favours of July 31. & Aug. 1. are recieved, but not that of the 30th. which was trusted to a private hand. Having discovered on Friday evening only that I had not inclosed Coxe\u2019s pamphlet, I sent it off immediately to the post office. However I suppose it did not leave this place till the post of Monday nor get to your hands till Tuesday evening.\nColo. Lee is here still, & gives me hopes of your coming on soon. The President is got well. If he goes to mount Vernon at all it will be about the beginning of October. However I must go a month sooner. One of my carriage horses is dangerously ill, & become in a few days death-poor & broke out full of sores. I fear his situation portends a difficulty. I inclose you the map belonging to my journal, being the one I had in my pocket during the journey. Adieu, my dear Sir. Your\u2019s affectly.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0058", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Henry Lee, 3 August 1791\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear sir.\nPhilada. August 3d. 1791.\nDuring my absence the physicians attending our afflicted countryman Col: Fisher have after various examinations decided that he has no stone, & incline to think his disorder is what is called a catarhh, a disease in the neck of the bladder or prostrate glands. In this doubt & consequent anxiety, I have advised him to obtain Doer. Mcnights opinion, to do which with certainty your agency is asked from my information to Col. Fisher, that it will be granted with sincerity & pleasure.\nThe following is a full statement of the beginning & progress of the disorder\u2014\u201dIn the last of 86 or early in 87, on a pretty cold morning, he was surprized by a discharge of bloody urine, which at that time he could account for only by imputing it to a hard strain, or to riding a hard trotting horse. This discharge was followed by a copious one of mucus. At that time rest seem[ed] to procure ease, & exercise brought on a return of the complaint. Docr. Mcclurg was consulted, who gave it as his opinion that a stone in the bladder was likely the cause, altho he had known the same symptoms proceed from other causes, & advised the use of tonic medicines, which course was followed for two months. No releif being obtained, the bougee was tried by advice of a neighbor. Finding a little releif therefrom Col. Fisher used it frequently & once from the severity of his pain was induced to intrude it farther than common when he found it resisted by a hard matter in the bladder. From this he concluded that there was a stone, & communicated the event to some of the faculty, who declared it was impossible to feel a stone with such an instrument. A catheter was then tried, on which trial Col. Fisher was convinced that he felt a stone distinctly. On the withdrawing of the instrument there followed a quantity of loose calculus resembling white sugar candy. This confirmed himself & three physicians present, that the stone was the cause of his complaint.\nAccordingly he took a variety of solvent medicines, particularly that called Adams solvent prepared by Perry in London & procured in N. York, but was particularly advised to apply to Doctor Jones of Philada. as an eminent Lythotomist. Col. Fisher thinks he received a little releif from the use of Adams solvent, which effected occasionally, discharges of the same sort as before mentioned.\nMedicine as well as his patience being exhausted, he set out for Philada. & arrived here in May & put himself under the directions of Docr. Jones who after sounding him, appeared to have little doubt of the existence of a stone & a day was fixed for the performance of the operation necessary to extract it. The patient being put into the necessary position, many of the faculty present, Docr. Jones held the staff & Docr. Foulk the knife. The staff being introduced & the finger applied, to feel if possible the stone, a considerable effusion of mucus issued from the penis around the staff, & something of the same sort from the anus, which induced the physicians to postpone the operation, supposing that there were two ulcers one formed in the neck of the bladder, the other in the rectum & communicating with each other. But the patient conjectures that what came from the bladder was nothing more than urine mixed with the usual discharge of mucus, & what came from the anus the remains of a glister taken that morning. Matters being in this state & the patient in great pain Docr. Jones died. The surviving physicians have at different times sounded the patient & have not been able to discover the existence of a stone & but formed the opinion mentioned in the beginning of this letr. & have prescribed the application of mercurial ointment to the perin\u00e6um & hemlock pills to be taken night & morning.\nThe seat of pain is the perin\u00e6um & most agonizing when he goes to make water, which Col. Fisher supposes to proceed from the acrimony & heat of the urine.\u201d\nCol. Fisher always thought he had no stone, tho\u2019 once he thought he felt it, & told his physic[i]ans if there was a disorder in nature so like the stone as admitted of deception, that disorder was the one undr. which he laboured. The reason why he entertained this opinion was because he never fe[l]t any weight in his bladder.\nYou will be so good my dear sir to enclose Dor. Mcnights decision on this case in a ler. addressed to Col. Fisher at Mr. Randolphs in Philada & to pay the necessary fee. The money will be returned to you should you reach this place before his departure\u2014otherwise it will be left with Mr. Randolph. Yours always & affy\nHenry Lee\nP. S. A discharge of urine at this moment is mixed considerably with mucus & a little clotted blood.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0060", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Henry Lee, 6 August 1791\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear sir\nPhilada. Aug. 6h. 1791\nAs I hope on my return to Virga. to raise as much money as will pay off old Fairfax & put into our power the great falls, I mention to you my intention that you may lend as much aid as you can. I have ordered the deed to be made out to you & me in the proportion agreed on & have charged you with one fourth of the purchase.\nIf the event turns out as I expect, I shall not only be pleased by the good resulting to myself, but also in recollecting that once in your life you have done a small service to yourself by adventuring in unknown property. Yours very affy\nH: Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0061", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 6 August 1791\nFrom: Pinckney, Charles\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nAugust 6: 1791 In Charleston\nFrom our former intimacy while I had the pleasure to serve with you in Congress & the Convention I am induced to make you the following communication in the confidence of friendship assured that you will only mention it to the person & in the manner I wish\u2014as it is upon a subject of some Delicacy.\nIt has been suggested to me that several foreign ministerial appointments will take place at the commencement of the session in October or November and that this state from her rank in the Union, & particularly from her commercial importance, will be considered as entitled to one. All the gentlemen who might, from their Experience & standing in public life, be supposed to have a better claim than myself are in situations in this state, to prevent their accepting it, was it offered to them. Several of my friends have supposed that from the knowledge the President has of me & of my situation in this country, it is not impossible if it was mentioned to him that I would accept the appointment of a Minister plenipotentiary, that it might be made, particularly as the appointment is to come from this state & I believe there can be little doubt that it is the wish of most of the influential men here that I should have it. It was too lately thought of for them to write by this Vessel, but I believe by the next the President will recieve some Letters upon the subject. It is my request that it should not appear as coming from myself but that it should be understood that I wish to go to Europe for some years in a public character & that if appointed it will be agreeable. Knowing your intimacy with the President & the deserved confidence he has in you, it is my wish you would mention this to him as my friend & at the same time intimate that you believe he will recieve several Letters Upon the subject by the next packets from hence. I take it for granted, that the Executive never makes promises upon these occasions\u2014that he hears every thing which can be said in favour of each pretension, & leaves himself free to nominate whom he thinks from every circumstance best qualified. Upon this footing I wish it put. You know me & how far I am qualified for public business. I can only add that having a fondness for public life I have unremittingly applied myself to the studies necessary to form a public man, since I had the pleasure to see you\u2014the situation I hold has given me a full scope; & I can assure you I have as much industry as when you knew me & that by becoming a married man I have only added steadiness & I hope solidity to it. It is true I am not an old man, but I think I have lived Long enough to have at least acquired the knowledge necessary to this situation. Besides, it is the age of young men\u2014in France in England & in our own Government\u2014most of the influential offices are filled by men as young & in some instances younger than myself. Although I view a knowledge of it\u2019s duties to be the Basis of the Qualifications of a Minister yet there are certain other things to be attended to in order to render him respectable. By these I mean his Family\n   By Family I mean his Wife Children &ca\u2014not his descent.\n & the manner in which his circumstances enable him to live; for there is a decency to be observed in public characters & their manner of living, a departure from which may derogate from the respect that is due to the nation they represent. On this account only I will mention to you in the confidence of our friendship that I shall, if appointed have some advantages in having a wife bred altogether in France and England\u2014to whom the French Language is properly her native tongue, as she writes & speaks it full as fluently as she does English & whose Father from the large sums of Money he has in Europe & his extensive acquaintances will be enabled to make my situation in any part of it very agreeable & respectable. In wishing to obtain an European appointment I shall make considerable sacrifices\u2014in being obliged to resign my present situation, which I shall have a right to hold for near two years to come, or to January or February 1793 & which from it\u2019s salary & other appurtenances is an honourable & respectable one\u2014in being obliged to give up for a time, Ease & I might almost add Affluence And in being under the necessity of leaving a number of affectionate & agreeable friends.\nWith respect to my Right to expect an office of this kind I can only say that I was three years in Congress & a member of the federal convention, in both of which you well know I used every Exertion to bring about the present constitution, & always contended for the Establishment of even more extensive powers. In my own State I have held every honourable & respectable situation it was in their power to give me & my Exertions to induce them to ratify the federal system are well known. Without Vanity I may say, that I think I possess their most unlimited confidence.\nYou see by these statements & opinions, the unreserved manner in which I have mentioned my Wishes & pretensions. I have never been in Europe & when I go, I am anxious to do so in a character that will enable me effectually to benefit from the information & Experience that are to be collected there. I have devoted myself to a public life & I am sure you will do every thing in your power to assist me in rendering myself useful. I hope at the time you mention it to the President, you will do it as from yourself & use all or any of the Arguments I have stated, which you think proper. I am told Appointments are to be made for London Paris & the Hague. Either will be agreeable to me, but I should prefer London. Excuse the trouble I have imposed upon your Friendship but believe me with gratitude & Esteem Dear Sir Your\u2019s Truly\nCharles Pinckney\nP S.\u2014I have not the honour to know Mr: Jefferson. I am told you are very intimate with him. As secretary of state he ought to have & I dare say has an influence in these affairs\u2014if you think proper say to him what you please respecting this business.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0062", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 August 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nI take the liberty of putting the inclosed into your hands that in case Col: Lee should have left Philada. the contents may find their way to Col: Fisher who is most interested in them. And I leave it open for the same purpose. The Attorney will be a fit channel in the event of Col: Lee\u2019s departure, for conveying the information. You will find an allusion to some mysterious cause for a ph\u0153nomenon in the Stocks. It is surmized that the deferred debt is to be taken up at the next session, and some anticipated provision made for it. This may either be an invention of those who wish to sell: or it may be a reality imparted in confidence to the purchasers or smelt out by their sagacity. I have had a hint that something is intended and has dropt from \u2014\u2014 \u2014\u2014 which has led to this speculation. I am unwilling to credit the fact, untill I have further evidence, which I am in a train of getting if it exists. It is said that packet boats & expresses are again sent from this place to the Southern States, to buy up the paper of all sorts which has risen in the market here. These & other abuses make it a problem whether the system of the old paper under a bad Government, or of the new under a good one, be chargeable with the greater substantial injustice. The true difference seems to be that by the former the few were the victims to the many; by the latter the many to the few. It seems agreed on all hands now that the bank is a certain & gratuitous augmentation of the capitals sub[s]cribed, in a proportion of not less than 40 or 50 PerCt. And if the deferred debt should be immediately provided for in favor of the purchasers of it in the deferred shape, & since the unanimous vote that no change shd. be made in the funding system, my imagination will not attempt to set bounds to the daring depravity of the times. The stockjobbers will become the pretorian band of the Government\u2014at once its tool & its tyrant; bribed by its largesses, & overawing it, by clamours & combinations. Nothing new from abroad. I shall not be in Philada. till the close of the Week. Adieu Yrs. Mo: Affy\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0064", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 18. 1791.\nI have just now recieved your favor of the 16th. and tho late at night I scribble a line that it may go by the morning\u2019s post. I inclose you two letters which have been awaiting you here several days. Also a copy of the census which I had made out for you. What is in red ink is conjectural, the rest from the real returns. The return of Virginia is come in this day, seven hundred & forty odd thousand, of which 296,000 blacks, both exclusive of Kentucky. Try to arrive here on Tuesday time enough (say by 4 o clock) to come & dine with E. Randolph, Ross &c. half a dozen in all en petite comit\u00e9. I have been much pleased with my acquaintance with the last. He is a sensible merchant, an enemy to gambling & all tricks of finance. My horse will certainly die from all accounts. He is out at pasture to see what fresh air & grass will do. Yours will be a fortunate aid. I have written to mr. Randolph to look out for one to bring me back. I set out on Monday fortnight at the latest; but will try to be off some days sooner. I shall be obliged to meet the President at the sale at George town Octob. 17. All your acquaintances are perpetually asking if you are arrived. It has been the first question from the President every time I have seen him for this fortnight. If you had arrived before dinner to-day, I had a strong charge to carry you there. Come on then & make us all happy. Adieu my dear friend. Yours affectionately\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0065", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, [post 23] August 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jones, Joseph\nDear Sir\nPhilada. [post 23] Augst. 1791.\nThis will be handed you by Mr. Childs who solicits subscriptions to a new Gazette to be edited from his press by Mr. Freneau. The plan will be shewn you & speaks its own merits. Those of Mr. Childs have besides other vouchers the character & success of a paper of which he has long been the printer in New York. With Mr. Freneau I have been long & thoroughly acquainted. He is a man of genius, of literature, of experience in the business he is to conduct, and of great integrity. These qualifications promise a vehicle of inteligence & entertainment to the public which has pretensions to its best patronage. I take the liberty of recommending the undertaking to yours, not only from a persuasion, that in bestowing it you will render a valuable service to our Country by opening so good a source of information, but from a desire of contributing to render the profits as proportional as may be to the justice of Mr. Freneau\u2019s title to them. With great esteem & regard I remain Dear Sir Your Mo: Obedt. hble servt.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0066", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Mann Page, Jr., [post 23] August 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Page, Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia [post 23] Augst. 1791.\nThis will be handed you by Mr. Childs who solicits subscriptions to a new Gazette to be edited at the Seat of Federal Government, from his press by Mr. Freneau. He will communicate to you the plan, which speaks its own merits. Those of Mr. Childs have, besides other vouchers, the character & success of a paper of which he has long been the Printer in New York. With Mr. Freneau I have been long & intimately acquainted. He is a man of acknowledged genius, of extensive literature, of experience in the business he is to conduct, and of great integrity. These qualifications promise a vehicle of intelligence and entertainment to the public which has the best pretensions to its patronage. I take the liberty of asking yours, not only from a persuasion that in bestowing it you will aid a very useful undertaking, but from a desire of testifying my esteem & friendship for the conductor of it by contributing to render the profits as proportionate as may be to the justice of his title to them. With very great esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your Mo: Obedt. hble servt.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0067", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Charles Simms, [post 23] August 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Simms, Charles\nDear Sir\nPhilada. [post 23] Augst. 1791.\nThis will be handed you by Mr. Childs who solicits subscriptions to a new Gazette to be edited from his press by Mr. Freneau. The plan being inclosed speaks its own merits. Those of Mr. Childs are vouched by the character & success of a paper which has been for a long time published by him in N. York. With Mr. Freneau I have been long and intimately acquainted. He is a man of genius, of extensive literature, of experience in the conduct of a periodical paper, and of great integrity. These qualifications promise a new vehicle of information to the public which has the best pretensions to its patronage. I take the liberty of asking yours not only from a persuasion that in bestowing it you will aid a very useful undertaking, but from a desire of testifying my esteem & friendship for Mr. Freneau by contributing to render his profits as commensurate as possible to his merits. With much esteem & regard I am Sir your Obedt. & hble servt.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0068", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Henry Lee, 24 August 1791\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear sir\nAlexa. August 24h. 1791.\nSoon after I parted with you, I left Phild. and quickly got here. My whole rout presented to me one continued scene of stock gambling; agriculture commerce & even the fair sex relinquished, to make way for unremitted exertion in this favourite pursuit\u2014thousands even at this late hour entering into a line of life which they abhor, in order to participate in legal spoil & preserve in some degree their relative station & rank with their neighbors. What is astonishing in this business is, that all orders of people seem to reckon this appretiation of the public paper a positive proof of wisdom & integrity in govt. & bestow with a lavish hand their plaudits on those to whose sagacity & conduct they consider these beneficent effects attributable.\nQuo\u27e8s d\u27e9eus vult perdere\n\u27e8p\u27e9rius que dementat\nnever presented itself with more prophetic vengeance to the sons of man.\nBut I cannot devise any plan of correcting this evil without risking a greater. Government has so connected the thing with itself that the destruction of the one will convulse the other.\nI wish good & influential characters of the various states had gone into the bank\u2014then they might have influenced councils & measures & this way some correction might have been administer\u27e8ed\u27e9 to the evil.\nBeing so lately returned I can say nothing about the temper of the people. Hereabouts all is submission & confidence. I enclose you some claims which please to negotiate, as I really know not what to do for the poor fellows. Yours affy.\nHenry Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0069", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nTh: J. to J. M.\nFriday Aug. 26. [1791]\nWill you come and sit an hour before dinner to-day? also take soup with me tomorrow?\nSince writing the above the President has been here, & left L\u2019Enfant\u2019s plan, with a wish that you & I would examine it together immediately, as to certain matters, & let him know the result. As the plan is very large, will you walk up & examine it here?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0070", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 28 August 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Carrington, Edward\nLetter not found. 28 August 1791, Philadelphia. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 21 Sept. 1791. Encloses note of Tench Coxe and concerns related business to which JM attended for Carrington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0073", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 21 September 1791\nFrom: Carrington, Edward\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,\nRichmond Sepr. 21. 1791\nHaving an opportunity by return of Mr. Barburs Servant to Orange, I embrace it to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 28th. Ult. from Phila. annexed to Mr. T. Coxes Note, & to thank you for your attention to the business to which it related.\nYou I suppose hear much said in your passage through the Country upon the Subject of the Excise. It daily becomes better understood and consequently better liked. I have lately had occasion to visit Isle of Wight & Southampton on account of the uneasinesses which prevailed there, attended, in the former with a riot against the Collector. These uneasinesses have been produced by the most bare faced misrepresentations, from which I cannot so clearly acquit the representative of that district, as I could wish\u2014the People however are many of them convinced, and those who are not are perfectly reconciled to the measure as one that ought not to be resisted. Indeed the rioters were not numerous, and are discountenanced by the body of the County (Isle of Wight). As to Southampton it may well be said that the Law is approved of, having all the influential Characters of this opinion, & none disposed to inculcate the contrary. In returning through Greenesville I had an opportunity of finding at a Collection of the people upon which I called, that there is a general approbation amongst the inhabitants of that County. It is considered as the alternative for direct Taxation\u2014this is a sentiment which begins to be entertained through the Country and is reconciling the people to the Law.\nMr. Burnley tells me you refer him to me for some information concerning the Bounty Lands of the Baron de Steuben. At his request I wrote to Colo. Anderson to have them Surveyed, but as the Baron Supplyed no money for paying the Expences of the business, it is probable the surveys are not yet made.\nPresent me to your Father & his Family, and beleive me to be with the greatest truth Your Freind & H. st.\nEd. Carrington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0074", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas and John Dickenson, [ca. 1 October] 1791\nFrom: Dickenson, Thomas,Dickenson, John\nTo: Madison, James\nSir\n[ca. 1 October 1791]\nI Expected to a Seen you at Orange Court but Cannot Make it Convenient to Come Down, the Certificates that I left for You the Reason of their not b[e]ing in the Office if you Remember I Told you was by a Mistake of Mr Jno. Nicholas who informd. us that Such was not Cald. Down. The Office at that Time as I understand was Kept at Richmon[d] by Mr. Dunscomb, we Shall Take it as a great favour if you will Take them and get them into the Office Or what is Required Done and make Return of the Same to Col. Lindsay and your favour will Ever be Acknowledgd. by your Most Hbl. Servts.\nThos. & Jno. Dickenson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0076", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 11 October 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Taylor, Hubbard\nDear Sir\nOrange Ocr. 11. 1791.\nSince my arrival in Orange which was long delayed by a ramble into the Eastern States, I have recd. two favors from you, one of them inclosing a Kentucky Gazette. I am glad to find the true method of dealing with the savages has been hit on; and hope that such a terror has been struck into them as will prevent the necessity of future chastisements.\nIn my present situation I can give you little intelligence either with regard to foreign or domestic affairs. It appears by the latest newspapers that have come to my hands, that the elopement of the Royal family of France has greatly increased the fermentation in that Kingdom. A new arrangement of parties has been produced, and the spirit of them, much inflamed, by the event. The enemies to the Revolution are labouring to make it if possible the ground of a reversal of all that has been done; whilst its friends are divided on the question whether the King shall be continued on the throne; or displaced in favor of the Dauphin & a Regency. There is also a strong republican party mixed with these which would be glad to abolish the monarchy altogether. In this scene of discord & disorder the best hope is to be drawn from the spirit & views of the nation which is said to be united & inflexible in pursuing the main object.\nAs this will go by my brother Ambrose who will be possessed of all the public & private information I could add I shall trouble you no farther at present than with assurances of the esteem & regard with which I am Dear Sir Your friend & servt.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0077", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 21 October 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nGeorge Town. Octr. 21st. 1791\nThe last Mail carry\u2019d you a few lines from me. By this you will receive the particulars of the sales. I hope we may be ready to proceed Much more effectually in the Spring. There were many persons present who wanted Lotts in Various parts of the City, which cou\u2019d not be gott ready at this Time. Private sales are makg. by individuals much on the same terms with the public. Yrs. &ca\nDanl. Carroll\nPS. I beleive a Gentleman from Pha of the name of Ford has purchasd 50 Acrs. of Land partly in the City & on the Skirts of it for abt 80 Dollars Per acr or a little under subject to the Conditions made by other proprietors.\nThis Land with abt. 300 Acrs. more was bought by a number of Gentn. of a Mr. Waring this Summer before the laying out the City at \u00a315 \u214c Acre.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0078", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Stadler, 22 October 1791\nFrom: Stadler, John\nTo: Madison, James\nHonorable Sir\nFredericksburg October 22d 1791\nWhen his Exellency Hancock then President of Congress, sent a Commission as first Engineer to the Committee of safety for me, dated March the 30th. 1776 with expression of a Field Officer, I went to General Lee then Commander at Williamsburg to know what my Commission was worth \u214c Day, after looking over the Commission he answered four shillings \u214c Day. I told him I never saw a Commission in former services that the Title of Squire & Major was annexed worth no more than four shillings \u214c Day, and I was for leaving the service; but Lord Dunmore had fixed himself at Gwins Island, an[d] making depredations on the Negroes in the Southern States, and danger at hand, I promised the Assembly and Genl Lewis, that if they would allow me a competency I would serve\u2014consequently I entered the Continental Service, and all I recieved of Congress by Colo Thos Lee\u2019s insinuation to his Brother Richard Henry Lee was Six \u214c Day. The Assembly of Virginia added four shillings \u214c Day and forage for one Horse, this was by no means eaqual to a Captains Commission much less a Majors. Before I left the Continental service, Genl Lewis well knowing I was not paid according to my Commission, gave me a Certificate that I had never recieved more than six shillings \u214c Day as first Engineer without Rations or Forrage from Congress, and desired me to send sd Certificate to Congress, and that they would make ample satisfaction for the services I had rendered\u2014upon which I gave this Certificate to Patrick Henry then Govr. of Virginia, who had occasion to write to Congress and told me if I would come next day to him I should myself carry the Letters to the Post Office which I did; but when I came to Philadelphia in the Year 1782\u201383, Mr Hillegas informed Me (who was then Treasurer) likewise his Excellency Hanson then President\u2014also Messrs. Carroll, and Junifer then Delegates\u2014and Mr Thompson then Secretary of Congress, that no such Certificate had came before Congress\u2014all agreeing they had not seen before Congress a Certificate from Genl Lewis in my behalf\u2014thus have I been used by Patrick Henry, being a Foreigner and not having a relation in either House: he, Genl Lewis knew very well what duty I had performed in the space of three Months\u2014Viz. Going every morning two Miles with two hundred Men (sometimes more) at eight OCK to work untill Sunset (and sometimes the whole day without Victuals) standing and directing in the day in the broiling Sun, and in the Evening after Tap too with another fresh Party of as many Men standing in the Night dews in Glouster County oposite Ld Dunmores Camp untill Reveille beating in the Morning\u2014erecting Batteries, which Batteries effectually drove Dunmores Forces with his Piratical Fleet of one hundred and Thirty Vessells (large & small) off, including a number of Negroes by which success all the Southern States were then benefitted, and Dunmore prevented from carrying off (as was reported) Twenty two hundred Slaves.\nMy second complaint is as follows. In Dec 31st 1776 I recieved a Comission as Engineer with the rank of Lieut Colo from Patrick Henry with consent of the Hon. Counsil (there being no General Officer at that time in Virginia) to serve the State of Virginia in the following manner. I was ordered to erect a Fort at Portsmouth and to stay at that place 14 Days every Month to carry on that work; from thence I was to go to Hampton to erect a Battery there, and to stay at that place one Week in each Month\u2014from thence I was ordered to go to York Town to erect another Battery there and look over those Works, eight days more\u2014and from thence went to Williamsburg to make report to his Excellency how the Works at each place went on every Month. When the aforementioned duty was proposed to me I informed it was not in my power to do this duty (particularly as they allowed me besides my own, a Horse and servant to carry my Books and Mathematical Instruments) unless they would allow me travelling Expences\u2014to this his Exellency and the honorable Council readily agreed, ordered me to keep a regular Acct thereof, and that they would apply to the Assembly and see me paid. Afterwards when I produced this Acct, they examined it, and the Gouverner with consent of Council signed the same\u2014see the inclosed. But not a farthing of this Acct has been paid alltho now due fifteen Years, neither the Gouvernor or Council troubled themselves about it after I had performed the services. I petitioned the Assembly of Virginia Twice, first through Man Page Esquire and the Assembly was then willing that the Account should be paid\u2014but when it came to the Senate Colo Henry Lee of Pe William (then a Senator) observed that the Gouvernor ought to have paid off his Engineers Accounts and not pester the Senate with them as he had full power from the Assembly to discharge such a trifle. Being afterwards informed by the Honorable Mr Blair (whom I had the honor to meet in Alexandria) that the Gouvernor had not been impower\u2019d by the Assembly to pay off even Ten shillings much less the amount of my Account\u2014from this information I a second time petitioned the Assembly through Francis Thornton Esqr then Dellegate from this County\u2014but to my great misfortune\u2014the very Member who was Speaker of the House at the time my first Petition was Passd (Colo. B. Harrison) in the lower House, and who was at that time very much for my being paid\u2014now opposed it, arguing that I should not have spent so much Money and thus was I by his opposition prevented from recieving my Money with the Interest of fifteen Years that had accrued thereon. Honorable Sir, how was it possible I should do this Duty, without Expence, when I never was provided with a Tent or Camp Kettle? I was also between the times before mentioned sent on another Expedition above the Falls of James River there to erect a Powder Magazene, which was recommended by his Exellency Genl Washington, but it came to nothing owing to Ld Dunmores being drove off and no further danger then apprehended. This was likewise an expensive Journey to me, owing to my being detained some Weeks at Williamsburg by a Mr Adams a member of Assembly from Richmond who was to have inspected the Workmen in my absence.\nMy third and last complaint is\u2014For my services in the French War when Lieutenant in the Pensylvania Service, and employd as Engineer at Fort Pitt under the Chief-Engineer Capt. Gordon in the Year 1759. I obtain\u2019d a Warrant of Lord Dunmore for 2000 Acres of Land on the Ohio, which was surveyed by Mr Hancock Taylor when Colo Mercer had 12000 Acres surveyed by him, with express orders from Colo Mercer to sd. Taylor to Locate my Land next to his. At that time Colo Preston was nominated Gen Surveyor by the Virginia Assembly, and the Man that carried the chain around my Land a Mr Bell now lives in Falmouth, and remembers it well. But Colo Preston then of Fin Castle wrote a letter to Colo Mercer in which he said, he could only make out of Taylors Plott his 12000 Acres but my 2000 he could not because it was done in pencil\u2014but this Colo Preston found out by my name that I was a Foreigner and a German, on whom the Virginians do not look so favorably as they do in Pensylvania and many of the other States, consequently Colo Preston thought he could use me as he pleasd.\nAccording I am informed he seated his Sons in Laws on my Land. Mr Taylor was allways reported to be very nice exact & punctual in his Surveying Business, but the poor Man was shot by the Indians and died of his Wounds the second Day. When I could not obtain a Patent for my Land, I was oblieged to review my warrant under the New Gouvernmt which was done by Majr. Benj. Day of this Town who informed me that a Mr Mayo was going to Kentuckey to survey 150000 Acres of Land for Military Warrants not yet surveyed, and if I did think proper he would give him my Warrant\u2014to which I agreed, and when I thought my Land was surveyed and expected daily to get my Patent\u2014a Mr John Lewis of Fredericksburg informed me that he had met with my Warrant going a begging in the County of Culpepper, but as he knew me he had thought proper to bring it to me, at the same time informed that it was worth about 4000 Dollars which sum he would give me provided I was disposed to sell it\u2014this I refused to do as I suspected some foul play, and a few Months after the depreciation was at least 1000 for one. A part of Genl Mercers Tract I am informed has since sold at one Guinea \u214c Acre. Now Honorable Sir what a Man must Mr Mayo have been, to let John Lewis have my Warrant, I leave this to your consideration\u2014in short I have been injured and disappointed every where and from every quarter\u2014I am anxious to know to whom and where I am to apply for my Land. I fear the time is elapsed, owing to the neglect of those persons and Surveyors I have had to do with. Persons who served only a few Month in the Navy only as Ship Carpenters obtained Warrants for Land to the Amt of 2500 Acres. I asked in Williamsburg whether I was not entitled to some Land for my Continental or State Services? They told me not. I left the Service when three Engineers offer\u2019d their services to the State of Virginia, and every place where I carried on Works could be supplied (as it was) with an Engineer without being oblieged to Travel from place to place which saved the State a good deal of Expence. I had the honor to speak to his Excellency Genl Washington when passing through Fredericksburg, and mentioned some of my grievances, and his Excellency directed me to make application to your Honor\u2014therefore I take the liberty to trouble you with this troublesome Letter to have it laid before Congress for their consideration. I firmly believe if I had served any foreign power and perform\u2019d the same services which I rendered to this Country, I should not have been so much neglected. I remain Honorable Sir Your most Obt. Hb Servant\nJohn Stadler\nPS The inclosed is the account against the State of Virginia, attested by Partrick Henry, then Gouvernor, and with a Certificate of the Notary Publick of Friedericksburg for two Comissions, one a Continental one, and the other of the State of Virginia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0079", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Francis Corbin, 25 October 1791\nFrom: Corbin, Francis\nTo: Madison, James\nMy Dear Sir\nRichmond 25th: Ocr. 1791\nIt is a long time since I did myself the Honor of writing to you: a gratification of which I have been deprived by a concurrence of cross and untoward circumstances. The Accident which happened in my family last year, the ill State of my health for three years past\u2014the multiplicity of private\u2014and the perplexity of the Occasional public business in which I have been engaged have more than occupied\u2014they have engross\u2019d the whole of my time.\nIndisposed and unequal as I was to the task last year I endeavored to re-echo from this place your opposition to the Act of assumption. Waving the inherent mischief of this measure and of the Bank Incorporation\u2014I cannot help thinking it politick in Virginia to add as much Weight and Dignity as can be added to Opposition so wellfounded\u2014so laudable and so truly Republican as yours always is\u2014by her Legislative Coincidence of Opinion. I confess to you I was actuated a good deal by this motive at our last Session; And if you think it worth our while to take any notice of the Bank system I will Endeavor to recapitulate some of your Excellent Arguments against it at our present Session.\nPrevious to the arrangement of Congressional Districts under the new Census I thought it proper yesterday to propose the Adoption of the first Amendment to the Constitution. It will be adopted without much difficulty. But doubts have arisen whether we can proceed to lay off the Districts before we hear from Congress upon the Subject? It is supposed that the number of Repves. (since Virginia will be intitled to twenty One at the rate of One for Ev\u2019ry 30,000) will amount to more than 100\u2014in which Case Congress will proceed to make some regulations upon the Subject which may reduce our 21\u2014(if we shd. arrange our Districts for the choice of that number) to 17 or 18. Should this be done\u2014it is said\u2014we shall be thrown into Confusion and involved in awkward difficulties. I do not apprehend any thing of this Sort myself\u2014& think I can satisfy the Majority of the House very Easily that they ought to proceed at the rate of One for Every 30,000! But I wish to have your Advice upon the Subject before I move any further in it and shall therefore postpone it till I have the Honor\u2014and give me leave to add too, My Dear Sir, the pleasure of hearing from you.\nThe Restoration of your Health is among one of my sincerest Wishes\u2014as you yourself are one among those for whom I have the Sincerest Esteem\u2014both in a public and a private point of View. Do not hesitate then to believe that I am Mo: Sincerely Dr. Sir Yr. faithful friend & Sert.\nFrancis Corbin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0080", "content": "Title: Address of the House of Representatives to the President, [27 October] 1791\nFrom: House of Representatives\nTo: Washington, George\n[27 October 1791]\nGeorge Washington, President of the United States.\nSir,\nIn receiving your address at the opening of the present Session, the House of Representatives have taken an ample share in the feelings inspired by the actual prosperity and flattering prospects of our Country: And whilst, with becoming gratitude to Heaven, we ascribe this happiness to the true source from which it flows, we behold with an animating pleasure, the degree in which the Constitution and laws of the United States have been instrumental in dispensing it.\nIt yields us particular satisfaction to learn the success with which the different important measures of Government have proceeded; as well those specially provided for at the last Session, as those of preceding date. The safety of our Western Frontiers, in which the lives and repose of so many of our fellow citizens are involved, being peculiarly interesting, your communications on that subject are proportionably grateful to us. The gallantry and good conduct of the Militia whose services were called for, is an honorable confirmation of the efficacy of that precious resource of a free State. And we anxiously wish that the consequences of their successful enterprizes, and of the proceedings to which you have referred, may leave the United States free to pursue the most benevolent policy towards the unhappy and deluded race of people in our neighborhood.\nThe Amount of the population of the United States determined by the returns of the Census, is a source of the most pleasing reflections, whether it be viewed in relation to our national safety and respectability; or as a proof of that felicity in the situation of our Country, which favors so unexampled a rapidity in its growth. Nor ought any to be insensible to the additional motive suggested by this important fact, to perpetuate the free government established with a wise administration of it, to a portion of the earth, which promises such an increase of the number which is to enjoy those blessings within the limits of the United States.\nWe shall proceed with all the respect due to your patriotic recommendations, and with a deep sense of the trust committed to us by our fellow citizens, to take into consideration the various and important matters falling within the present Session. And in discussing and deciding each, we shall feel every disposition, whilst we are pursuing the public welfare, which must be the supreme object with all our constituents, to accommodate as far as possible, the means of attaining it to the sentiments and wishes of every part of them.\nSigned, by Order and in behalf of the House of Representatives,\nJonathan Trumbull, Speaker.\nAttest\nJohn Beckley Clerk.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0082", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Tyler, 28 October 1791\nFrom: Tyler, John\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nVirginia Green-Way Ocr: 28. \u201991\nYou will pardon me I hope for drawing your Attention from the great Affairs of Government to a private Gentleman and his little pursuit after Justice. Mr. Munford is soliciting a settlement of his Father\u2019s claim as Commissary of Issues for the Southern Department. He is now of Age & his Father has been dead a few years which prevented this application sooner. I am his Executor and have given ample powers to this young Gentleman to Act for Me. Pray think it not a Miss that the first Letter I ever had the pleasure to address to you shou\u2019d be to call for your aid in a thing so unimportant to you when compared to what daily falls under your particular Notice and in which you have so great a Share of Labor. But to him it is very considerable; and I am sure nothing I can say to you wou\u2019d induce you to promote his Interest beyond the just Measure, and therefore shall decline relating his Case, as he will be fully able to do it. Perhaps a Petition will be necessary in my Name as Exe\u2019r of his Father; but in this you will be pleas\u2019d to direct, not to act the drudgery part. The young Gentleman for whom I ask your Notice, is respectable, and will be thankful for any Introduction you may please to give him. I am with very great respect your most obt Hble Sert.\nJno: Tyler.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0083", "content": "Title: Reply of the President to the House of Representatives, [28 October] 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: House of Representatives\nGentlemen,\n[28 October 1791]\nThe pleasure I derive from an assurance of your attention to the objects I have recommended to you, is doubled by your concurrence in the testimony I have borne to the prosperous condition of our public Affairs. Relying on these sanctions of your enlightened Judgment, and on your patriotic aid, I shall be the more encouraged in all my endeavours for the public weal; and particularly in those which may be required on my part for executing the salutary measures I anticipate from your present deliberations.\nGo: Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0084", "content": "Title: To James Madison from William Overton Callis, 29 October 1791\nFrom: Callis, William Overton\nTo: Madison, James\nDr Sir,\nRichmond 29th Ocr. 1791\nI never received you[r] favor respecting my claim against the U. States un[t]il congress had adjourned which will account to you for my not giving it that attention which my own interest, and deceant deportment to you required. I now inclose you a Power of Attorney to Draw a Warrant for my Land; of which if it is not too troublesom I will be particularly obliged to you to dispose, upon the terms they now are selling for.\nIn the year 1778 I retired from the Army as a Supernumerary Leut. of the 4th Va Regiment; early in 79 my ill State of Health obliged me to Visit the West Indies, where I continued \u2019till June 1780, and the December following I took command of Militia of this State and continued to command until the Capture of York; their retireing to an interiour part of the country, out of the way of public communications, did not know of the Resolutions of Congress in favor of Supernumerary officers, until the time limited for application had expired: the last reason I conceive to be the only one on which a petition to Congress ought to be founded; however you will be pleased to enlist the preceeding as leading circumstances or not as your better Judgment shall suggest. With great respect, I am D Sir, Yr. Mo. Ob\nW. O. Callis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0085", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 October 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHond Sir\nPhilada. Ocr. 30. 1791.\nWe arrived here yesterday morning was a week, having been obliged to push through the bad weather by the discovery first made at Mount Vernon that the meeting of Congress was a week earlier than was calculated at our setting out. The President had been under the same mistake, and had but just been apprized of it. Many others had equally miscalculated.\nBeing obliged to attend immediately on my arrival to Public business I have not been able to give the attention to yours & that of others which I wished. I have however seen Mr. Leiper so far as to learn from him that your Fredericksburg Tobo. is in his hands; and that a shilling or two more may be expected for it than for the preceding shipment. As soon as the sale is made, and I can execute the other commissions you have given me, I will write you an account of the whole. The price of the best Sugars is I find \u00a34\u20138. Virga. Currency per Ct. and Coffee about 1/. do. per lb.\nThe past week has been spent rather in preparations for the business of the present session of Congs. than in the actual commencement of it. You will find what has been done in the inclosed papers. Mr. Hammond the expected Minister from G. Britain arrived in the last packet & has been here some days. His public character has not yet been announced in form. If any communications have been made by him on the subject of his mission, they are known to the Executive Department alone. I am extremely anxious to know the state of my Mothers health which was so unsettled when I left home. I am looking out for the information by every mail. Present my dutiful regards to her. I remain yr. affecte. son\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0086", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Robert Pleasants, 30 October 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Pleasants, Robert\nSir\nPhilada. Ocr. 30. 1791\nThe delay in acknowledging your letter of the 6th. June last proceeded from the cause you conjectured. I did not receive it till a few days ago, when it was put into my hands by Mr. James Pemberton, along with your subsequent letter of the 8th. August.\nThe petition relating to the Militia bill contains nothing that makes it improper for me to present it. I shall therefore readily comply with your desire on that subject. I am not satisfied that I am equally at liberty with respect to the other petition. Animadversions, such as it contains and which the authorized object of the petitioners did not require on the slavery existing in our country, are supposed by the holders of that species of property, to lessen the value by weakening the tenure of it. Those from whom I derive my public station are known by me to be greatly interested in that species of property, and to view the matter in that light. It would seem that I might be chargeable at least with want of candour, if not of fidelity, were I to make use of a situation in which their confidence has placed me, to become a volunteer in giving a public wound, as they would deem it, to an interest on which they set so great a value. I am the less inclined to disregard this scruple, as I am not sensible that the event of the petition would in the least depend on the circumstance of its being laid before the House by this or that person.\nSuch an application as that to our own Assembly on which you ask my opinion, is a subject in various respects, of great delicacy and importance. The consequences of every sort ought to be well weighed by those who would hazard it. From the view under which they present themselves to me, I can not but consider the application as likely to do harm rather than good. It may be worth your own consideration whether it might not produce successful attempts to withdraw the privilege now allowed to individuals, of giving freedom to slaves. It would at least be likely to clog it with a condition that the persons freed should be removed from the Country; there being arguments of great force for such a regulation, and some would concur in it who in general disapprove of the institution of slavery.\nI thank you Sir for the friendly sentiments you have expressed towards me; and am with respect and esteem Your Obedt. hble servt.\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0087", "content": "Title: To James Madison from George Joy, November 1791\nFrom: Joy, George\nTo: Madison, James\nDear sir\nLondon Novr: 1791\nI am so circumstanced in a matter of much importance to myself that on the early or late adoption of certain measures in the legislature of the U.S. depends my being involved in, or emancipated from intolerable difficulty and distress. I should not, however, presume so far on your friendship as to expect or request any immediate exertions in the business but that I conceive the Object to have Claims to the early attention of Government in a political view\u2014confident as I should certainly be of your friendly Aid in promoting any object I might solicit of a private nature I have not to learn that to secure your interference in anything that involves a legislative question it must accord with your Ideas of public benefit. Thus then am I situated\u2014having demands on a Mr. Daniel Parker for very heavy advances, independent of my own Emoluments in a business I transacted in America, I have since my arrival in Europe obtained an hypothecation on certain property in the hands of N & J. van Staphorst of Amsterdam subject to certain previous liens, wch., in Case a sale should be made for their satisfaction before the property be placed in a less equivocal light than that in wch. it strikes foreigners at present would so far swallow it up as to leave me, if anything, a sum very far short of my advances. The Property thus hypothecated is of two kinds Vizt: foreign Debt of So: Carolina & unsubscribed Indents or arrears of Interest due by the United States. For particulars of the former of these I refer to the enclosed Copy of a letter to Governor Pinckney with this addition that the difficulty attending the \u00a319,718. arises from a duplicate Voucher having been erroneously and illegally obtained for the same sum; the removal of wch. (tho\u2019 there can be no question of it\u2019s being rectified in time) has been delayed to my very great annoyance and should it not be done in time for the purposes in the said letter mention\u2019d, the injury wch. I must sustain by the delay may be as great as tho\u2019 the debt were annihilated. Your worthy friend Mr Jefferson is well acquainted with this debt and has Claims to the attention of the State of So: Carolina thereto; and as there can be no one whose request would be likely to meet a more respectful Acquiescence you would oblige me exceedingly by obtaining from him such letters (official or others) as you may judge best calculated to promote and hasten the adoption of the necessary measures; and by adding thereto your own weight and influence either with such Members of Congress from that state who will write to their friends thereon or by direct letters to your friends in Carolina as you may judge best.\nThe unsubscribed Indents or Arrears of Interest are of Course that part of the Debt of the U.S. wch. the Proprietors chose rather to hold in their original form than to subscribe to the Loans proposed by the funding Bill of the 4th. of Augst. 1790\u2014by the express tenor of the Contract, therefore, by the subsequent Constitution of the U.S. and by the funding Bill in question they are clearly defined to be a demand on the U.S., for the full amot. specified in the vouchers, remaining in full force and virtue. The immediate payment of such a debt must be considered an Object of importance by every man who is concern\u2019d for the honor and respectability of the Country. The soundest Policy also points to the inviolability of Contracts as a source of true (Economy\u2014the Ability of the Country to pay all it\u2019s obligations has never been doubted\u2014that of the Government is now well ascertained\u2014under those Circumstances to flinch from existing Engagements would fix a stigma upon the Government from wch. the optionality left with the Creditor by the funding Bill has provided an Escape; whereas the same Magnanimity in the present Government (having the means of payment) wch. was displayed in the attempts of the late Government wch. had not those means would enable it\u2019s Agents to avail themselves of the fallen & falling Market Rates of Interest to discharge the unsubscribed Debt or pay the Interest thereon at a lower average than is paid for that wch. is subscribed. To you, Sir, who are so well acquainted with those Subjects, I quote neither Journals of Congress, new Constitution nor funding Law and will only add that in this instance only the retention of 300M (say three hundred thousand) Dollars of this Species of Debt by a Citizen of the U.S. or the abandoning of it to foreigners at so low a rate as would be highly incompatible with that policy wch. dictates a preference to the payment of smaller annuities to our own Citizens before that of larger to foreigners depends on arrangements being speedily or tardily adopted to place those demands on a permanent and respectable footing. Should this meet you in the Circle, or a segment of the Circle, \u27e8where\u27e9 I first had the pleasure of meeting you I beg the favor of you to remember me and Mrs. Joy who is at my Elbow to the worthy family and to accept our best Wishes for your health and happiness. With much Esteem & Respec\u27e8t\u27e9 I am, Dr sir, Your very hble. servt:\nGeo: Joy\nAddress N. 56. Hatton Garden.\n   118 Dollrs. Omnium or 100 Dollars register\u2019d Debt bearing Interest fm. the 31st Decr. 1787 subscribed to the New Loans pay as follows. Vizt.\n66\u2154 Dollrs. annually pay\n4 Drs.\n33\u2153 deferred computing the value of Money at 6 \u214c Ct:\n   pay what is equal to an annuity of\n\u20079 Cents\n\u200718 Drs. back Interest pay\n54 Cents\n118 Drs. thus pay\n5 Drs.\n63 Cts.\n   being more than 4\u00be \u214c Ct: whereas I have no doubt that if the Debt were funded even at 6 \u214c Ct: redeemable at the pleasure of the Governmt: Money might very soon be hired by the U.S. at 4\u00bd \u214c Ct: perhaps at 4 \u214c Ct: to pay off the principal.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0088", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Ambrose Madison, ca. 1 November 1791\nFrom: Madison, Ambrose\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. Ca. 1 November 1791. Mentioned by JM in his letter to his father, 13 Nov. 1791. Reports his mother\u2019s recovery and orders articles of clothing, linen, jewelry, and food for various Madison family members and friends.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0090", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 7 November 1791\nFrom: Dawson, John\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir!\nRichmond Novr. 7th. 1791\nBy the public papers I observe that you have arriv\u2019d in Philadelphia, & I trust in good health.\nIt is very doubtful whether the present will be a very long or short session of the general assembly. The commissioners appointed to prepare & report on the laws of the state have not yet come forward\u2014but it is said they will in a few days. Shoud this business be gone into, it will take up much time\u2014shoud it not there is very little to do.\nThe Indiana claims will be taken up on tomorrow in comme. of the whole, & will I think be soon finishd, as I find most of the members are in favour of the Law of 79.\nThe division of the state into districts to elect members to the low house of congress is a subject that will take up some time & be attended with debates probably more interesting to the speakers than to the hearers. The bill will be reported tomorrow.\nThe strange & indelicate case of Mrs. Turnbull will be examind on the 25t. Mr. Henry is his advocate\u2014Mr. Marshall hers. They are to appear at the bar of the house. The opinions of gentlemen are suspended, & will be govern\u2019d by the proofs, which they think ought to be the best that the nature of the case will admit of.\nI shall be very happy to hear from you, & am with real esteem yr. friend & Sert\nJ Dawson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0091", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Walker, 7 November 1791\nFrom: Walker, John\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\u2014\nShirley Novr. 7th 1791.\nColo. Otway Byrd, who has a Claim to lay before Congress, will deliver this letter. Let me beg leave to introduce him to your Notice & civilities as a Man of approved Merit & as one of my most intimate friends. His claim will, I doubt not, meet with your Support, should you think it reasonable, otherwise, I am sure he has too much liberality to expect it.\nWe are here on our Way to South Carolina, where we propose to pass the Winter. I hope you will be so good as to write to me as usual, & that your letters may be addressed to the care of Francis Kinloch esqr. of Charleston.\nMrs. Walker & Eliza are both in good health & desire to add their best wishes to those of My Dear Sir Your friend & huml. Servt.\nJn. Walker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0092", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Oliver Towles, 8 November 1791\nFrom: Towles, Oliver\nTo: Madison, James\nWorthy Sir,\nVirginia November 8th. 1791.\nMr. Towles being about to depart from this State for Philadelphia, on business, has amongst other things been kind enough to undertake the management of some Representations of mine, that are to be laid before Congress; being unable personally to attend to them myself; As they are matters in which I am greatly interested, I shall hold myself highly obliged for your generous attention to the same, and as far as the rules of Propriety, and your convenience may admit of it, to contribute your assistance in forwarding the business.\nEarnestly wishing your life may be prolonged to a distant period with health and happiness during its continuation, and eternal felicity thereafter; I conclude sincerely felicitating you, on the heart felt satisfaction you must experience, from the full and just applause, acquired by a Life successfully, and in a manner unremitedly devoted, to the publick good; which is gratefully acknowledged, and will ever be remembered by all, and with peculiar pleasure by, Your most obedient, and humble Servant\nO. Towles", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0093", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Larkin Smith, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Smith, Larkin\nTo: Madison, James\nSir\nVirga. King & Queen Novr. 10th. 1791\nYou will pardon I hope the intrusion I am about to make, in the solicitation of your advice respecting a claim; which I think in justice ought to be established against the united States in my favor. The claim is founded upon the following circumstances. From the commencement of the late war untill the year eighty two, I was annexed to the army in different characters; at which time (from the circumstance of my geting married) I imprudently wrote a letter inclosing my commission as Captain of Cavalry to Colo. Moylan, requesting him to make my resignation to the Commander in cheif. This I believe he did not do, nor can I learn that the resignation was known from any other event, than that of my being left out of the two last muster rolls, which regulation took place by the direction of Colo. Moylan. Admiting that my commission had been regularly received, at that late period (indeed so much was this the case, that I believe not a gun was fired in defence of america, after my leaving the army, and the general peace was concluded subsequent thereto but a very short time) I think you will agree with me, that my situation must be peculiarly hard in being deprived of the commutation and it must be the more so, as officers who came into army six or eight months before its dissolution were entitled to all the emoluments that those were who served from the origin of the revolution. The favor Sir that I request of you is, that you will be so good as to give me your opinion whether the whole or any part of the commutation can be obtained by presenting a memorial to Congress. Should you suppose that I can meet with any success in this business, I will attend with the necessary vouchers for the support of my claim. But should you concieve otherwise, I shall be governed by your counsel and will do nothing farther in the business. I am Sir with real esteem and respect Yr. Most Obt. Servant\nLarkin Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0094", "content": "Title: Preliminary Draft of an Essay on Natural Order, [ca. 10 November] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[ca. 10 November 1791]\nSymmetry of Nature\nThe planetary system, the greatest portion of the Universe, as yet brought under human observation, is regulated by fixed laws, and presents most demonstrably, a scene of order and proportion.\nFrom analogy we conclude that the whole universe, if it were equally understood, would exhibit equal proofs of a like arrangement.\nThe general aspect of the earth leads us to remark the same plan of nature. Order and symmetry equally appear in the great outlines and in the most minute features of it.\nIn the interior structure of the earth and in the mineral Kingdom which lies cheifly below its surface, less regularity is indeed to be perceived. But even here nature has her laws, and if they are not more known, it may reasonably be ascribed to the imperfect insight to which her work is subjected. It is extremely probable that if the whole earth could be laid open & thouroughly examined from its center to its surface, in every direction, it would not only exhibit proofs of a general plan; but that many of the subterraneous parts which on examination have appeared to be thrown together without order or design, would be found related to other parts now unknown, or to the whole so as to give meaning & method to what has at present no visible trace of either.\nIn the animal and vegetable Kingdoms which overspread the surface of the Earth, the contrivance of nature strikes every observer. Each Kingdom has a general relation to the other: whilst the species in each have a relation & proportion to the spec[i]es in the other; and to the other species in itself.\nWith respect to every species whatsoever, including the human, the faculty of multiplication seems to be indefinite, and its number consequently to depend altogether on the means of subsistance on one hand, and its exposure to depredation & disease on the other.\nAmong all other species, than the Human, nature has evidently established a certain law of proportion, which sets bounds to the operation of the reproductive faculty. To say nothing of the pestilential attacks which seem always ready, to reduce an overgrown species to its proportionate size, the law is maintained among plants principally 1. by the greater nutriment afforded by different soils & situations to different species of plants. 2 by the alternate success of different species contending for the same spot, as the one or the other may be favored by weather or other causes. 3. by the depredation committed by herbivorous animals.\nAmong animals the law of proportion is maintained among the herbivorous 1. by the limited fund of vegitable subsistence provided for the class feeding on it. 2. by the depredation of the carnivorous: among the carnivorous by 1. the limited number of the herbivorous. 2 the depredation of the carnivorous one upon another; and of man on the whole.\nMan, who possesses the indefinite faculty of multiplication in common with every other species, is distinguished from all by two remarkable characters: First, he is a prey to no other animals. Second, he is not limited to the spontaneous supplies of food administered by nature, but can by his reason and his hands multiply them as he pleases. He can remove every spontaneous production of the earth not fit for his use, and substitute those which suit the particular constitution & appetite of himself, or of the animals on which he feeds. He can destroy all other animals, and multiply these to the full extent of the resources reserved for them.\nSuch being the prerogatives of man, at once capable of breaking in on the law of proportion established among the other inhabitants of the globe, and not himself confined like them, to such a law; what is to restrain him from multiplying his race to any given number whatever? At least he must be able by extirpating every useless production of nature to convert the whole productive power of the earth into a supply of those particular plants & animals which serve his own purpose; and to increase his race as far as these will administer subsistence to it.\nPlausible as this inference may appear, it may be opposed by the following considerations.\n1. It is not probable that nature, after covering the earth with so great a variety of animal & vegitable inhabitants, and establishing among them so systematic a proportion, could permit one favorite offspring, by destroyg. every other, to render vain all her wise arrangements and contrivances. (a)\n2. If such a revolution on the face of the globe had been within the plan of nature & the power of man, no sufficient reason can be given, why it should not have been long ago accomplished; and why we are now acquainted with any other organized beings than those which Human policy might have spared for human use.\n3. The History of the human race can be traced thro\u2019 a period of several thousand years. It does not present any conclusive evidence, that the aggregate population of the globe has undergone any very essential increase or vicisitudes; nor are there any circumstances in the history of animals and plants from which such a breach in the great law of proportion can be inferred as would favor the hypothesis. In particular there is no certain evidence that a single species of either is extinct (the animals whose bones are found on the Ohio come nearest to such an evidence).\n4. On examining the constitution of nature in relation to the support of human life, there are a variety of discoveries already made which combat the hypothesis, and it is highly probable that as the secret laws of nature are more & more explored, discoveries of the same sort will be multiplied.\n(a) \u201cII \u00e9xiste un bien plus grand nombre d\u2019\u00eatres vivans, c\u2019est a dire, d\u2019animaux, que de ceux qui le sont moins ou point du tout. Il y a moins de Plantes que d\u2019animaux; et moins de mineraux que de Plantes. Il est vrai qu\u2019il est bien plus facile de calculer, avec quelque vraisemblance, le nombre des plantes d\u2019apres l\u2019etendue de la surface de la terre, que la somme des animaux. Car les nouvelles decouvertes nous montrent qu\u2019il n\u2019existe presque pas une seule plante, ou un seul animal, qui ne fournisse la substance a d\u2019autres \u00eatres anim\u00e9s. Il y a sans doute aussi de plantes parasites, des mousses. Mais leur nombre n\u2019approche en aucune maniere de celui des animaux parasites, surtout de ceux que l\u2019oeil arm\u00e9 decouvre.\u201d Zoologie Geograph: premier article\u2014l\u2019Homme, par Zimmerman, p. 15.\n\u201cGuettard, a qui la mineralogie doit assur\u00e9ment beaucoup, avoit une id\u00e9e particuliere, concerning [sic] la distribution des mineraux dans le sein de la terre. Il pensoit que dans les pais situ\u00e9s sous les m\u00eames climats geographiques, on trouvoit des minereaux semblables.\u201d Id. p. 16 see also the following pages to p. 21. As to the distribution of plants Zimmerman remarks p. 21 & seq: that it probably follows the order of climates, taking the word in its physical, not geographical sense; as the combined result of the position the atmosphere & the soil of the Country; particularly of the degree of heat or cold, and of humidity. Tropical plants are produced in green houses\u2014those of Greenland on the Alps, Pyranees, & Cordeliers. Tournefort found on Mount Ararat, at the top the plants of Lapland\u2014lower down those of Sweeden, still lower those of France; then those of Italy\u2014and at the foot those of Armenia the Country in which the Mountain stands. If the same does not hold throughout as to the Swiss & American Alps, it is to be ascribed to second causes\u2014as soil shade &c &c. Id. p. 22. Of Plants, like minerals, some belong to all climates. Le Solanum nigrum Linnei, grows in every quarter & climate of the globe. The Class of Gramens, the principal food of man & frugivorous animals, grow preferably to other plants in all parts of the world. This is the case particularly with the plants on which man feeds: comme le seigle, l\u2019orge, le froment, le millet, which are cultivated from the North of Africa to the South of Sweeden\u2014Ensuite, dans les Zones plus ardentes, le Ris, which is also raised in Italy\u2014Maiz, drawn from the hot countries of America, and growing in all our countries: The plants called\u2014Holcus-Sorgum, holcus bicolor, & Poa Abyssinica, which according to Bruce are used for food by the Abyssinians\u2014Le Dattier (Phoenix dactilifera) le Cocotin (Cocos nucifera) are found in all the Countries, including the Isles, from the North of Africa to the temperate zone of the Antarctic Hemisphere. In all countries where grain is wanted these trees serve for the principal nourishment of man; their leaves, their bark, their wood, serving moreover for sundry uses. Mosses belong to cold climates & ascend to the very pole\u2014serving for the habitation of small animals\u2014& the food of the Rein deer. There are plants which belong to certain countries only\u2014le Muscadier & le Girofflier n\u2019ont \u00e8te decouvert, but at the Moluccas & some other Isles in the South Sea\u2014Le Magnolia odorifer\u00e1nte belongs to warm countries of America only\u2014& Tea to China & Japan. There is then in this Kingdom of Nature a regular distribution, tho\u2019 too little known to be geographically described. There are many plants perhaps which are supposed peculiar to a small part of the Globe, that would diffuse themselves if their seed could be transported by the wind. Where this is not the case, their only chance of spreading is from the hand of man. The geographical distribution of fish, quadrupeds\u2014birds\u2014insects is obvious in general, though difficult to be minutely traced. Some quadrupeds bear all climates\u2014particularly those used by man\u2014to p. 48. For the different degrees of heat & cold bearable to the human body see p. 71\u201372. For the different degrees of atmospheric pressure between tops of highest Mountains & lowest descent of divers p. 72\u201376\u2014for different kinds of respirable air p. 77\u2014for the great diversity of aliments adapted to the human Constitution p. 78\u201385.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0096", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Reuben Lindsay, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Lindsay, Reuben\nLetter not found. 10 November 1791. Acknowledged in Lindsay to JM, 9 Dec. 1791. Concerns the exchange of John and Thomas Dickenson\u2019s certificates of registered debt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0097", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 11 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nTh: J. to J. M.\nIn my report on How\u2019s case, where I state that it should go to the President, it will become a question with the house Whether they shall refer it to the President themselves, or give it back to the Petitioner, & let him so address it, as he ought to have done at first. I think the latter proper, 1. because it is a case belonging purely to the Executive. 2. The Legislature should never shew itself in a matter with a foreign nation, but where the case is very serious and they mean to commit the nation on it\u2019s issue. 3. Because if they indulge individuals in handing through the legislature their applications to the executive, all applicants will be glad to avail themselves of the weight of so powerful a sollicitor. Similar attempts have been repeatedly made by individuals to get the President to hand in their petitions to the legislature, which he has constantly refused. It seems proper that every person should address himself directly to the department to which the constitution has allotted his case; and that the proper answer to such from any other department is, that \u2018it is not to us that the constitution has assigned the transaction of this business.\u2019 I suggest these things to you, that if they appear to you to be right, this kind of business may in the first instance be turned into it\u2019s proper channel.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0101", "content": "Title: From James Madison to John Stadler, 18 November 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Stadler, John\nSir\nPhilada. Novr. 18th. 1791\nI have received your letter of the 22d. of October last. On examining its contents I find that of the three grounds of complaint stated, two have no relation to matters within the sphere of Congress. They can be addressed with propriety only to the authority of the State of Virginia. With respect to the third, viz. the deficiency of the continental allowance for your services under a Continental Commission, that indeed is a point on which Congress alone can decide; but as the claim is not a legal but an extra one, as in a variety of instances, extra claims have been refused on account of the difficulty of laying down safe equitable & general rules, and the impossibility of considering every individual case on its own merits; as your claim is moreover of such old date, and is unsupported by the certificate of Genl. Lewis vouching the fact on which your claim rests, I foresee such a certainty of its being rejected, that I have thought it best not to add it to the multitude of unsuccessful applications which go before Congress. This opinion is formed on consultation with others who are perhaps more capable than myself of deciding on the fate it would receive.\nThe authenticated paper inclosed in your letter could not be received here at all, the account being against the Commonwealth of Virginia. I return it therefore to be made use of as you judge fit. In my hands it could not possibly be of any service to you.\nI am sorry Sir to be obliged to give you so unfavorable a prospect of your affair, but in doing otherwise, I should depart from the candour which you have a right to expect from me. I remain Sir Your most: Obedt. hble servt.\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0103", "content": "Title: Madison\u2019s National Gazette Essays, 19 November 1791\u201320 December 1792 (Editorial Note)\nFrom: \nTo: \nEditorial Note\nJM wrote eighteen unsigned essays that Philip Freneau published in the National Gazette between 21 November 1791 and 22 December 1792. (For details of his encouragement of Freneau\u2019s newspaper, see The Origins of Freneau\u2019s National Gazette, 25 July 1791.) Each essay bears the heading \u201cFor the National Gazette.\u201d Two of them, forming a single, extended essay\u2014 \u201cMoney\u201d\u2014were probably written between September 1779 and March 1780 and are printed in PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The\n          Papers of James Madison (vols. 1\u201310, Chicago, 1962\u201377; vols. 11\u2014, Charlottesville,\n        Va., 1977\u2014)., I, 302\u20139. They were published in the National Gazette on 19 and 22 December 1791.\nA manuscript notebook in JM\u2019s hand is the basis for five essays (see Notes for the National Gazette Essays, ca. 19 Dec. 1791\u20143 Mar. 1792 and n.). Elements from three notebook drafts (\u201cInfluence of the size of a nation on Government,\u201d \u201cInfluence of external danger on Government,\u201d and \u201cInfluence of public opinion on Government\u201d) were used in the National Gazette essays \u201cPublic Opinion\u201d (ca. 19 Dec. 1791), \u201cGovernment\u201d (31 Dec. 1791), and \u201cBritish Government\u201d (28 Jan. 1792). The second, third, and fourth paragraphs of the National Gazette essay \u201cGovernment of the United States\u201d (4 Feb. 1792) follow closely the notebook version of the same title, and the first three paragraphs of \u201cRepublican distribution of Citizens\u201d (3 Mar. 1792) in the National Gazette closely resemble the same paragraphs of \u201cBest distribution of people in Republic\u201d in the notes.\nThe notebook, however, served only as an early draft for the essays. JM always added further material to form the final printed versions. Four of the notebook articles (\u201cInfluence of domestic slavery on Government,\u201d \u201cInfluence of dependent dominions on Government,\u201d \u201cChecks devised in Democracies marking self-distrust,\u201d and \u201cFederal Governments\u201d) were never printed in the National Gazette, perhaps because some of them, discussing unattractive aspects of republicanism, were therefore unsuited to the polemic purpose of the series. Thirteen of the National Gazette essays (including the two \u201cMoney\u201d articles probably written earlier) have no connection with the material in the notebook.\nAuthorship of the National Gazette essays is further clarified by a bound volume of that newspaper, now in the Library of Congress, in which JM initialed seventeen of his eighteen articles. The editors are grateful to Paul H. Smith for his confirming investigation of that volume. The one essay on which JM\u2019s initials do not appear, \u201cGovernment\u201d (31 Dec. 1791), when compared with the manuscript version, can be attributed with certainty to JM. On 27 Mar. 1838 Dolley Madison sent to John Quincy Adams transcripts of the National Gazette essays \u201cPopulation and Emigration\u201d (19 Nov. 1791) and \u201cConsolidation\u201d (3 Dec. 1791). Her letter and transcripts (MHi: Adams Papers) and JM\u2019s own Notes on Emigration, ante 19 November 1791, further substantiate the authorship of those essays.\nWhen writing the National Gazette essays, JM drew on researches he had begun during the mid-1780s. He had a long-standing interest in ancient history and the lessons it could provide for government in his own time. His most extensive notes were those on Ancient and Modern Confederacies, April\u2013June? 1786 (PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The\n          Papers of James Madison (vols. 1\u201310, Chicago, 1962\u201377; vols. 11\u2014, Charlottesville,\n        Va., 1977\u2014)., IX, 3\u201322). While preparing The Federalist, Nos. 18 and 63, he wrote Additional Memorandums on Ancient and Modern Confederacies, ante 30 Nov. 1787 (PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The\n          Papers of James Madison (vols. 1\u201310, Chicago, 1962\u201377; vols. 11\u2014, Charlottesville,\n        Va., 1977\u2014)., X, 274\u201381). In the Notes for the National Gazette Essays, ca. 19 Dec. 1791\u20133 Mar. 1792, he cited works that he had previously consulted when compiling the notes and additional memorandums on ancient and modern confederacies. In his essays, he sometimes considered (if only to contradict) the political theories of the French philosophers Rousseau and Montesquieu. Jefferson had invited him to make use of his library in Philadelphia and no doubt JM accepted the invitation (Jefferson to JM, 13 Mar. 1791, PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The\n          Papers of James Madison (vols. 1\u201310, Chicago, 1962\u201377; vols. 11\u2014, Charlottesville,\n        Va., 1977\u2014)., XIII, 405). In The Federalist he had amply demonstrated his grasp of original texts on ancient history, but in the National Gazette essays he gleaned references to Aristotle, Thucydides, and Pliny from Jean-Jacques Barth\u00e9lemy\u2019s Voyage du jeune Anacharsis, an eighteenth-century moralizing novel and compendium of classical literature which Jefferson had purchased for him in France (Jefferson to JM, 12 Jan. 1789, PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The\n          Papers of James Madison (vols. 1\u201310, Chicago, 1962\u201377; vols. 11\u2014, Charlottesville,\nWilliam Cabell Rives considered JM\u2019s National Gazette essays \u201cwholly free from any taint of party spirit\u201d (Life of Madison, III, 250), but a close reading and comparison with JM\u2019s speeches in the Second Congress suggest the essays spoke directly to issues that were then contributing to partisan polarization. In his speech of 16 February 1792, JM denounced an apportionment proposal because \u201cthe proposition breaks down the barriers between the State and General Governments, and involves a consolidation\u201d (see headnote to speech of 22 Mar.). Consolidation had long been a monarchical heresy to him (The Federalist No. 62, PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The\n          Papers of James Madison (vols. 1\u201310, Chicago, 1962\u201377; vols. 11\u2014, Charlottesville,\n        Va., 1977\u2014)., X, 537). He devoted his second National Gazette essay to the same subject (3 Dec. 1791) and anathematized consolidation as \u201cthe high road to monarchy\u201d in his \u201cGovernment of the United States\u201d (4 Feb. 1792).\nJM advocated popular charters as means of \u201cdiscomfiting the partizans of anti-republican contrivances\u201d (\u201cCharters,\u201d 18 Jan. 1792). In \u201cParties\u201d (ca. 23 Jan.) he abandoned the nonpartisan political ideal espoused by the Revolutionary generation to assert that \u201cin every political society, parties are unavoidable.\u201d In \u201cUniversal Peace\u201d (31 Jan. 1792) he praised the French Constitution of 1791, as he did in the House debate on 10 March that reflected the growing political division over the French Revolution. He proposed a novel classification of political regimes in \u201cSpirit of Governments\u201d (18 Feb.) calculated to appeal to the politically active reading public. He first discussed \u201cgovernment operating by a permanent military force,\u201d surely an unattractive prospect when standing armies were being denounced in the Second Congress. Among the expedients of \u201cgovernment operating by corrupt influence\u201d were \u201cbounties to favorites.\u201d Hamilton\u2019s \u201cReport on Manufactures\u201d of 5 December 1791 had proposed bounties to developing industries, and JM had opposed them on 6 February 1792 in his longest recorded speech of the first session.\nThe polemic content of the essays increased as the series continued. In \u201cThe Union. Who Are Its Real Friends?\u201d (31 Mar.) JM attacked public debt (created by Hamilton\u2019s funding system), speculators (the beneficiaries of that system), and monarchy and aristocracy (which readers were encouraged to identify with a funded public debt). During the summer of 1792 as the general election approached, political ill feelings worsened, and both sides resorted to the press to reach a popular audience. In \u201cA Candid State of Parties\u201d (22 Sept.) JM asserted that recent controversies had produced a partisan division which \u201cis likely to be of some duration.\u2026 The Republican party, as it may be termed,\u2026 will naturally find their account \u2026 in banishing every other distinction than that between enemies and friends to republican government.\u201d Irving Brant considered this essay the \u201cpolitical christening\u201d of the phrase \u201cRepublican party\u201d (Madison, III, 348). The National Gazette essays thus addressed the full range of issues dividing JM from his political opponents. These essays were both a symptom and a cause of the political realignment taking place in the early 1790s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0104", "content": "Title: Notes on Emigration, [ante 19 November] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[ante 19 November 1791]\nEmigration\nBoth in the vegetable and animal Kingdoms every species derives from nature a reproductive faculty beyond the demand for merely keeping up its stock. The seed of a single plant is sufficient to multiply it an hundred fold. The animal offspring is never limited to the number of the parents.\nThis ordinance of nature is calculated in both instances for a twofold purpose. In both it secures the continuance of the species which, if the generative principle had not a multiplying energy, would be reduced in number by every casual destruction of individuals, and by degrees be necessarily extinguished altogether. In the vegetable species the surplus answers moreover the essential purpose of sustaining the graminivorous tribes of animals: as in the animal, the surplus serves the like purpose of aliment for the carnivorous tribes. A crop of wheat may be reproduced by one tenth of itself. The remaining nine tenths can be spared for the animals which feed on it. A flock of sheep may be continued by of its increase. The residue is the bounty of nature to the animals which prey on that species.\nMan who preys both on the vegetable and animal species, is himself a prey to death alone. He too possesses the reproductive principle far beyond the degree requisite for the bare continuance of a given number. What becomes of the surplus of human life to which the multiplying energy is competent? It is either destroyed by infanticide, as among the Chinese Lacedemonians &c, or is starved or prevented by the deficit of subsistance, as among other nations whose population is commensurate to its food, or it overflows by emigration to places where a surplus of aliment is attainable.\nIt follows that a country whose population is full, may annually spare a part of its crop of human life like a Hive of bees its swarm, without any diminution of its numbers, nay that it must necessarily either spare it or destroy it, or prevent its coming into existence.\nThe colonies and colonies of Colonies among the Antient Greeks are remarkable instances of the Swarms that may be spared without diminishing the stock in the hive. Miletum on the Asiatic Coast which was itself a Colony established 75 or according to Pliny 80 Colonies on the Coast of the Hellespont, the Propontis & Euxine\u2014Anach: v. 6. p 217. For the colonies of Rhodes see Id. v. 6. p: 237.\nIt follows moreover from this multiplying faculty that in a nation sparing or losing more than its surplus, the vacancy must soon be refilled by the internal resources of life.\nNo populous nation then has reason to restrain the emigration of its people, in ordinary cases, and within certain proportions. On the contrary, every nation is impelled by \n   In France about seven million of men women & children live on about 25 livres each per annum. Trait\u00e9 de moral & bonheur. p. 30.\nhumanity as well as required by the principles of liberty to allow the free exercise of this right.\nBut there are cases where policy teaches the same lesson as powerfully as humanity & justice.\nThe Commercial nations of Europe, particularly France is interested not only in permitting, but promoting the emigration of their people to vacant countries, and particularly to the U. States.\nThe more populous parts of the U. S. have a national interest in not discouraging emigrations to the less inhabited parts.\nWhat is the greatest ratio of increase of which the human race is susceptible, where no check would arise from scantiness of food, from war, from adventitious disease or any other preternatural cause? It is not possible to solve this curious problem with precision.\nThe actual progress of population in the U. S. has demonstrated the possibility of an increase which doubles the number in twenty five or perhaps twenty years. This is equivalent to annual increase of per Cent. As many circumstances have even here diminished the full effect of the generative powers, it may be safely laid down that the human race is capable of increasing at the rate of 5 Per Cent per annum.\nSuch a nation as France then containing 30 million (see Price\u2019s sermon on love of Country) possesses within itself a natural principle of increase, equal to 1\u00bd Million a year; that is, such might be the excess of its yearly births over its yearly deaths. And that no. might be annually spared witht. diminishing the whole no. as 1 sheep might be annually sold from the no. of  witht. reducing it.\nThe actual medium excess, in that Kingdom is thus stated by Docr. Price (see appendix to the said sermon)\u2014\n\u201cof births for 4 years to 1774\nfor six years to 1780.\nof Deaths\nDeaths\nof Marriages\nMarriages\nThe medium increase per annum for these terms is then only 120,779 for the first, and 123,554 for the second, the medium of which is  per Ct. only on 30 million, or \u215f only of the increase to which nature is equal.\nFrom 1771 to 1780 inclusive Docr Price says the excess of births over deaths, proved an increase 1\u00bd million. This is but 1/10 of the natural increase.\nSupposing then an increase to be needed in France, the greatest we see which circumstances permit, leaves a surplus capacity to produce a million &  per annum.\nThis surplus capacity of nature must either be defeated, or the quantity of life produced from it must be allowed to overflow to countries which like the U. S are disposed to admit and able to support it.\nLet us examine the tendency of latter policy, & to make it the more striking, with a particular eye to France & the U. States.\n1. A million & half of additional births, allowg. 4 only to a marriage, which is below the computed proportion, would add near 400,000 marriages, and proportionally diminish in France the moral evils resulting from celibacy. But as this is the maximum, it sd. not be the ground of reasoning intended for real practice. Say then only that every 4 emigrants must have been produced by a marriage which wd. not have otherwise taken place, and that the evil of celibacy is diminished by the tendency of emigration.\n2. The value of imports of the U. S. are at least in the proportion of a Guinea or Louis d\u2019or a head. The expence of \u27e8luxury?\u27e9 among the makers of imports is . Every  emigrants into the U. S. consequently by their consumption support  persons in the countries producing or manufacturing the imports. In twenty years the increase from this first stock will support double the no. of manufacturers. The habits & prepossessions of the emigrants & their descendants will naturally prefer the articles brought from their former Country. It may not only be sd. then that emigrations from commercial countries to the U. S. do not diminish the no. left behind. It is equally true that the number left will be increased by it. G. B. is an irrefragrable proof. Not less than 2 of the 3 Millions who inhabit the U. S. are sprung from her loins. Her own population as well as prosperity have instead of suffering, been in part owing to this loss. Not less than \u00bd a Million of British subjects subsist on employmt. afforded by the U. S. Her navigation, her manufactures, her revenue, derive their best aliment from her extended intercourse with the U. S.\n3. The emigrants by their example would diffuse among others the taste for the productions of their primitive Country.\nOne plant of\nElecampane\nyields 3000\nseeds\nof\nSpelt\ndo.\nsee Stillingfleet p. 68\nSunflower\nPoppy\nTobacco\nOne annual plant of 2 seeds only produces in 20 years 1,048,576\u2014see a work quoted by Id. Ibid.\nThe Roe of 1 Cod fish contains about 1,000,000 Eggs & A Carp spawns about 20,000\u2014Bradley\u2019s Phil: Acct. of Work of Nat\nMites will multiply to 1000 in a day. Stillingfleet p. 90\nSome viviparous flies bring forth 2000 young. Id. p. 119.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0105", "content": "Title: For the National Gazette, 19 November 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nPhiladelphia, Nov. 19, 1791.\nPopulation and Emigration.\nBoth in the vegetable and animal kingdoms, every species derives from nature, a reproductive faculty beyond the demand for merely keeping up its stock: the seed of a single plant is sufficient to multiply it one hundred or a thousand fold. The animal offspring is never limited to the number of its parents.\n   The multiplying power in some instances, animal as well as vegetable, is astonishing. An annual plant of two seeds produces in 20 years, 1,048,576; and there are plants which bear more than 40,000 seeds. The roe of a Codfish is said to contain a million of eggs; mites will multiply to a thousand in a day; and there are viviparous flies which produce 2000 at once. See Stillingfleet and Bradley\u2019s philosophical account of nature.\nThis ordinance of nature is calculated, in both instances, for a double purpose. In both, it ensures the life of the species, which, if the generative principle had not a multiplying energy, would be reduced in number by every premature destruction of individuals, and by degrees would be extinguished altogether. In the vegetable species, the surplus answers, moreover, the essential purpose of sustaining the herbivorous tribes of animals; as in the animal, the surplus serves the like purpose of sustenance to the carnivorous tribes. A crop of wheat may be reproduced by one tenth of itself. The remaining nine tenths can be spared for the animals which feed on it. A flock of sheep may be continued by a certain proportion of its annual increase. The residue is the bounty of nature to the animals which prey on that species.\nMan who preys both on the vegetable and animal species, is himself a prey to neither. He too possesses the reproductive principle far beyond the degree requisite for the bare continuance of his species. What becomes of the surplus of human life to which this principle is competent?\nIt is either, 1st. destroyed by infanticide, as among the Chinese and Lacedemonians; or 2d. it is stifled or starved, as among other nations whose population is commensurate to its food; or 3d. it is consumed by wars and endemic diseases; or 4th. it overflows, by emigration, to places where a surplus of food is attainable.\nWhat may be the greatest ratio of increase of which the human species is susceptible, is a problem difficult to be solved; as well because precise experiments have never been made, as because the result would vary with the circumstances distinguishing different situations. It has been computed that under the most favorable circumstances possible, a given number would double itself in ten years. What has actually happened in this country is a proof, that nature would require for the purpose, a less period than twenty years. We shall be safe in averaging the surplus at five per cent.\n   Emigrants from Europe, enjoying freedom in a climate similar to their own, increase at the rate of five per cent a year. Among Africans suffering or (in the language of some) enjoying slavery in a climate similar to their own, human life has been consumed in an equal ratio. Under all the mitigations latterly applied in the British West-Indies, it is admitted that an annual decrease of one per cent. has taken place. What a comment on the African trade!\nAccording to this computation, Great Britain and Ireland, which contain about ten millions of people, are capable of producing annually for emigration, no less than five hundred thousand; France, whose population amounts to twenty five millions, no less than one million two hundred and fifty thousand; and all Europe, stating its numbers at one hundred and fifty millions, no less than seven and a half millions.\nIt is not meant that such a surplus could, under any revolution of circumstances, suddenly take place: yet no reason occurs why an annual supply of human, as well as other animal life, to any amount not exceeding the multiplying faculty, would not be produced in one country, by a regular and commensurate demand of another. Nor is it meant that if such a redundancy of population were to happen in any particular country, an influx of it beyond a certain degree ought to be desired by any other, though within that degree, it ought to be invited by a country greatly deficient in its population. The calculation may serve, nevertheless, by placing an important principle in a striking view, to prepare the way for the following positions and remarks.\nFirst. Every country, whose population is full, may annually spare a portion of its inhabitants, like a hive of bees its swarm, without any diminution of its number: nay, a certain portion must, necessarily, be either spared, or destroyed, or kept out of existence.\n   The most remarkable instances of the swarms of people that have been spared without diminishing the parent stock, are the colonies and colonies of colonies among the antient Greeks. Miletum, which was itself a colony, is reported by Pliny, to have established no less than eighty colonies, on the Hellespont, the Propontis, and the Euxine. Other facts of a like kind are to be found in the Greek historians.\nSecondly. It follows, moreover, from this multiplying faculty of human nature, that in a nation, sparing or losing more than its proper surplus, the level must soon be restored by the internal resources of life.\nThirdly. Emigrations may even augment the population of the country permitting them. The commercial nations of Europe, parting with emigrants, to America, are examples. The articles of consumption demanded from the former, have created employment for an additional number of manufacturers. The produce remitted from the latter, in the form of raw materials, has had the same effect\u2014whilst the imports and exports of every kind, have multiplied European merchants and mariners. Where the settlers have doubled every twenty or twenty-five years, as in the United States, the encrease of products and consumption in the new country, and consequently of employment and people in the old, has had a corresponding rapidity.\nOf the people of the United States, nearly three millions are of British descent.\n   Irish is meant to be included.\n The British population has notwithstanding increased within the period of our establishment. It was the opinion of the famous Sir Josiah Child, that every man in the British colonies found employment, and of course, subsistence, for four persons at home. According to this estimate, as more than half a million of the adult males in the United States equally contribute employment at this time to British subjects, there must at this time be more than two millions of British subjects subsisting on the fruits of British emigrations. This result, however, seems to be beyond the real proportion. Let us attempt a less vague calculation.\nThe value of British imports into the United States including British freight, may be stated at about fifteen millions of dollars, Deduct two millions for foreign articles coming through British hands; there remain thirteen millions. About half our exports, valued at ten millions of dollars, are remitted to that nation. From the nature of the articles, the freight cannot be less than three millions of dollars; of which about one fifth\n   This is stated as the fact is, not as it ought to be. The United States are reasonably entitled to half the freight, if, under regulations perfectly reciprocal in every channel of navigation, they could acquire that share. According to Lord Sheffield, indeed, the United States are well off, compared with other nations; the tonnage employed in the trade with the whole of them, previous to the American Revolution, having belonged to British subjects, in the proportion of more than eleven twelfths. In the year 1660, other nations owned about \u00bc; in 1700 less than 1/6; In 1725 1/19; in 1750 1/12; in 1774, less than that proportion. What the proportion is now, is not known. If such has been the operation of the British navigation law on other nations, it is our duty, with enquiring into their acquiescence in its monopolizing tendency, to defend ourselves against it, by all the fair and prudent means in our power.\n being the share of the United States, there is to be added to the former remainder; two millions four hundred thousand. The profit accruing from the articles as materials or auxiliaries for manufactures, is probably at least fifty per cent, or five millions of dollars.\n   This is admitted to be a very vague estimate. The proportion of our exports which are either necessaries of life, or have some profitable connection with manufactures, might be pretty easily computed. The actual profit drawn from that proportion is a more difficult task; but if tolerably ascertained and compared with the proportion of such of our imports as are not for mere consumption, would present one very interesting view of the commerce of the United States.\n The three sums make twenty millions four hundred thousand dollars; call them in round numbers twenty millions. The expence of supporting a labouring family in Great-Britain, as computed by Sir John Sinclair, on six families containing thirty-four persons, averages \u00a3:4:12:10\u00bd sterling, or about twenty dollars a head. As his families were of the poorer class, and the subsistence a bare competency, let twenty-five per cent. be added, making the expence about twenty five dollars a head, dividing twenty millions by this sum, we have eight hundred thousand for the number of British persons whose subsistence may be traced to emigration for its source: or allowing eight shillings sterling a week, for the support of a working man, we have two hundred sixteen thousand three hundred forty-five of that class, for the number derived from the same source.\nThis lesson of fact, which merits the notice, of every commercial nation, may be enforced by a more general view of the subject.\nThe present imports of the United States, adding to the first cost, &c. one half the freight as the reasonable share of foreign nations, may be stated at twenty-five millions of dollars. Deducting five millions on account of East-India articles, there remain in favour of Europe, twenty millions of dollars. The foreign labour incorporated with such part of our exports as are subjects or ingredients for manufactures, together with half the export freight, is probably not of less value than fifteen millions of dollars. The two sums together make thirty-five millions of dollars, capable of supporting two hundred thirty-three thousand three hundred thirty-three families of six persons in each: or three hundred seventy-eight thousand six hundred and five men, living on eight shillings sterling a week.\nThe share of this benefit, which each nation is to enjoy, will be determined by many circumstances. One that must have a certain and material influence, will be, the taste excited here for their respective products and fabrics. This influence has been felt in all its force by the commerce of Great-Britain, as the advantage originated in the emigrations from that country to this; among the means of retaining it, will not be numbered a restraint on emigrations. Other nations, who have to acquire their share in our commerce, are still more interested in aiding their other efforts, by permitting, and even promoting emigrations to this country, as fast as it may be disposed to welcome them. The space left by every ten or twenty thousand emigrants will be speedily filled by a surplus of life that would otherwise be lost. The twenty thousand in their new country, calling for the manufactures and productions required by their habits, will employ and sustain ten thousand persons in their former country, as a clear addition to its stock. In twenty or twenty-five years, the number, so employed and added, will be twenty thousand. And in the mean time, example and information will be diffusing the same taste among other inhabitants here, and proportionally extending employment and population there.\nFourthly. Freedom of emigration is due to the general interests of humanity. The course of emigrations being always, from places where living is more difficult, to places where it is less difficult, the happiness of the emigrant is promoted by the change: and as a more numerous progeny is another effect of the same cause, human life is at once made a greater blessing, and more individuals are created to partake of it.\nThe annual expence of supporting the poor in England amounts to more than one million and a half sterling.\n   From Easter 1775 to Easter 1776, was expended the sum of \u00a3.1,556,804:6\u20133 sterling. See Anderson vol. 5. p. 275. This well informed writer conjectures the annual expence to be near \u00a3.2,000,000 sterling. It is to be regretted that the number and expence of the poor in the United States cannot be contrasted with such statements. The subject well merits research, and would produce the truest eulogium on our country.\n The number of persons, subsisting themselves not more than six months in the year, is computed at one million two hundred sixty eight thousand, and the number of beggars at forty eight thousand. In France, it has been computed that seven millions of men women and children live one with another, on twenty-five livres, which is less than five dollars a year. Every benevolent reader will make his own reflections.\nFifthly. It may not be superfluous to add, that freedom of emigration is favorable to morals. A great proportion of the vices which distinguish crouded from thin settlements, are known to have their rise in the facility of illicit intercourse between the sexes, on one hand, and the difficulty of maintaining a family, on the other. Provide an outlet for the surplus of population, and marriages will be increased in proportion. Every four or five emigrants will be the fruit of a legitimate union which would not otherwise have taken place.\nSixthly. The remarks which have been made, though in many respects little applicable to the internal situation of the United States, may be of use as far as they tend to prevent mistaken and narrow ideas on an important subject. Our country being populated in different degrees in different parts of it, removals from the more compact to the more spare or vacant districts are continually going forward\u2014The object of these removals is evidently to exchange a less easy for a more easy subsistence. The effect of them must therefore be to quicken the aggregate population of our country. Considering the progress made in some situations towards their natural complement of inhabitants, and the fertility of others, which have made little or no progress, the probable difference in their respective rates of increase is not less than as three in the former to five in the latter. Instead of lamenting then a loss of three human beings to Connecticut, Rhode-Island, or New-Jersey, the Philanthropist, will rejoice that five will be gained to New-York, Vermont or Kentucky; and the patriot will be not less pleased that two will be added to the citizens of the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0106", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 22 November 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nI wrote to you a few lines lately. Mr. White will receive by this post a line from me with some information he requested. I have refered you to him. Pray send me some of Mr Frenau\u2019s subscription papers. I hope it will be in my power to forward his views\u2014some Gentlemen have engagd who can & will I think be of considerable assistance. I desire you to put my name among his Subscribers & that he will forward his paper to me in George Town on Potomac. He must however pursue a different arrangement from what others do. The papers may be sent but are not deliverd, nor will they with certainty be so, unless they can be forwarded in such a manner as to be as secure agt being opend as letters\u2014this for Mr. Frenau\u2019s consideration, & government.\nI have desird Mr. White to Communicate to you what I write to him. I am, My dear Sr, with esteem & affection\u2014yrs.\u2014\nDanl. Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0107", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Francis Corbin, 22 November 1791\nFrom: Corbin, Francis\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nVirginia Richmond Novr: 22d. 1791\nThe determination of Congress with respect to the Ratio of Representation gives no small degree of satisfaction to a certain description of persons here\u2014and will be, I believe, highly instrumental in promoting the adoption of the remaining Amendments to the Constitution. These Amendments we always intended to consider during the present Session\u2014so that your conjectural Explanation was, in fact, the true One. This Day the federal Court met\u2014and tomorrow, I am told, the great Question concerning the payment of British Debts will be agitated. I fear this Circumstance will tend, in some measure, to inflame the minds of many of the members of the Assembly\u2014so as to cause the Introduction of some rash and intemperate Resolutions.\nIt was with difficulty that I prevented an attempt of this sort a few weeks ago when the Petition of several Counties, relative to that part of the Treaty of Peace which implies the restoration of\u2014or Compensation for the Negroes Carried away by the British Fleets and armies, was under our Consideration. That Business however fortunately ended in mild and moderate Instructions to our Senators in Congress.\nSince my last Letter to you we have heard the Indiana Company at the Bar of the House and have once more rejected their Claim. Yesterday we took up our Revenue matters: and have agreed to continue the Int. of 6 pr. Ct. to the Non-subscribers to the federal Loan. So far then we have acted\u2014to all appearance\u2014consistently with our Remonstrance last year agt. the Assumption. I say to all appearance\u2014for, in truth, the whole is a Deception. For though 6 pr. Ct. is continued\u2014yet it is to be paid in Warrants upon our Aggregate Fund which are not worth more than 14 and 15/ in the pound. So that our 6 pr. Ct. is not better\u2014or very little than the three & two thirds pr. Ct. of Congress. But you are well enough acquainted with the sort of characters who in general compose our Assemblies.\nThis Day was wholly occupied by Messrs. Henry, Starke and Marshall at the Bar of the House upon the Subject of an application made by one Trumbull for a Divorce. This application is grounded upon a Plea of Incompetency on the part of the Wife to consummate the nuptial Rites.\nYou may have heard of the case perhaps. If you have not\u2014it will be better related in person than by Letter. It is full of Indecency and is shocking even to think of.\nWe have understood here that Mr. Hammond has certainly brought over some commercial overtures from G. B. and some propositions, it is said, for a Compromise touching British Debts, Western Posts\u2014and Restoration of Negroes. What foundation there is for these Reports I know not. But I am strongly inclined to believe that such a Compromise might be effected by a man of such talents, manners, & connections as I could describe. It would be well worth our while to make the Attempt\u2014for in the present precarious situation of things the future Consequences are incalculable. A Respectable appointment will, I suppose, be made to the Court of London this Winter, equal to Mr. Hammond\u2019s at least. If so\u2014I hope prejudices of all kinds will be discarded\u2014persons disregarded & the probability of promoting the public Wish alone consulted.\nI see by the journals of Congress that the President has made Mr. Mifflin\u2019s Communications to you. This Subject was taken up by our Assembly. Indeed I introduced some Resolutions which purported a Wish that Congress should pass a general Law or Laws for the purpose of carrying into Effect not the 2d. Clause only of the 2d. Sectn. of the 4th. Article of the Constitution but the first\u2014second and third clauses, as all connected with and dependent on each other. These Resolutions however were rejected under an Idea that the State Legislatures alone were competent to make the necessary Laws\u2014and that Congress had no Right to interfere in it. A Bill was accordingly ordered in\u2014but has never yet made it\u2019s appearance, and I suppose never will. But the History of this whole Business will presently be transmitted to you. It will be brought before this Legislature again in the shape of a Letter of Complaint from the Repves. of Ohio, in behalf of their Constituents; which Letter will be acted upon and our proceedings forwarded to the President or to Congress. The Conduct of Pennsylvania has been hasty, partial and unjust in the Extreme. However we are willing to Impute it rather to misinformation than to Intention. A Satisfactory Relation of the circumstances shall be detailed in my next\u2014with an acct. of the Steps we take. In the mean time I remain Dr. Sir with great Respect and Sincere Regard Yr. Mo: Ob. & Mo: Hle: Sert.\nFrancis Corbin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0108", "content": "Title: A Note on the Sources of Madison\u2019s Speeches in the Second Congress, 22 November 1791\u20131 March 1793 (Editorial Note)\nFrom: \nTo: \nEditorial Note\nOne result of JM\u2019s reduced role as a congressional leader after 1791 was that he spoke less frequently. While the editors selected over one hundred of his speeches for publication from the First Congress, only twenty-eight from the Second Congress merit full coverage when using the same selection criteria (Madison at the First Session of the First Federal Congress, 8 Apr.\u201329 Sept. 1789, PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The\n          Papers of James Madison (vols. 1\u201310, Chicago, 1962\u201377; vols. 11\u2014, Charlottesville,\n        Va., 1977\u2014)., XII, 62\u201363). The sources for the speeches in the Second Congress are also fewer than those for the first. Eighteen of the twenty-eight speeches printed here were reported in John Fenno\u2019s Gazette of the United States; twelve of those eighteen were reported nearly identically in other Philadelphia newspapers. Fenno\u2019s paper, as it had done during the First Congress, usually reported at greater length and in more detail than its competitors but sometimes published debates as much as three months after they took place. By the second session of the Second Congress, that newspaper alone regularly printed speeches in detail. In fact, other Philadelphia papers often gave more complete coverage to the proceedings of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.\nComplaints about the reportorial quality of the speeches were frequent. Indeed, John Carey (the stenographer for Dunlap\u2019s American Daily Advertiser and the General Advertiser) despaired of keeping up with the full proceedings or of adequately representing both sides of debates. He asked JM to provide him with notes to one of his speeches and resolved to \u201crefrain from attempting to publish the debates, & confine himself to a bare minute of the proceedings.\u201d The rumblings continued, and on 20 April 1792, less than three weeks before the first session recessed, Elbridge Gerry moved that stenographers be appointed as officers of the House. In a speech supporting his motion the Massachusetts congressman cited examples from Dunlap\u2019s which he claimed misrepresented the proceedings. Carey published an apology for the inaccuracies; both papers for which he reported thereafter reduced coverage (Carey to JM, 8 Feb. 1792; Dunlap\u2019s Am. Daily Advertiser, 21 and 23 Apr. 1792; General Advertiser, 23 Apr. 1792).\nThe publisher of the General Advertiser was already disinclined to report speeches verbatim. On 2 October 1790, in the prospectus to the first issue, Benjamin Franklin Bache had described his method of reporting congressional debates: \u201cThe Publisher conceives, that to convey the meaning of the speaker, in clear, intelligible language, and in as concise a manner as the nature of the subject admits, will be sufficient. He has been induced to believe that this method will be found preferable to the insertion of the speech at full length, taken verbatim from the Speaker\u2019s mouth.\u201d\nTen of the twenty-eight speeches printed here were not reported in the Gazette of the United States; four speeches appeared only in the Federal Gazette and Philadelphia Daily Advertiser, published by Andrew Brown, Sr. The latter journal was the first to publish five more speeches by JM which other Philadelphia papers reprinted. According to Hamilton, Brown \u201cwas originally a zealous federalist and personally friendly to me. He has been employed by Mr. Jefferson as a Printer to the Government for the publication of the laws; and for some time past \u2019till lately the complexion of his press was equally bitter and unfriendly to me & to the Government\u201d (Hamilton to Edward Carrington, 26 May 1792, Syrett and Cooke, Papers of HamiltonHarold C. Syrett and Jacob E. Cooke, eds., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (26 vols.; New York, 1961\u201379)., XI, 431). While essays and editorials in the Philadelphia newspapers became more polemic during the Second Congress, reports of congressional speeches were not overtly politicized, if only because coverage was greatly reduced. The issue of political bias was not a notable feature in the contemporary criticism but rather the inaccuracies in that coverage. Philip Freneau did not have an independent stenographer for congressional speeches; his avowedly anti-administration National Gazette merely reprinted other newspapers\u2019 accounts of the speeches. Thus a fair, systematic, and accurate accounting of the debates remained only as an ideal, and JM lived with this chronic problem through the rest of his congressional career.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0111", "content": "Title: From James Madison to George Nicholas, 24 November 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Nicholas, George\nLetter not found. 24 November 1791. Acknowledged in Nicholas to JM, 1 Feb. 1792. Apparently concerns pending legislation in Congress, including the excise bill and duties on spirits.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0112", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 25 November 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nGeorge Town Novr. 25th. 1791\nI have now only time to acknowledge the receipt of yr. favor 25th. Instant, & to mention an incident which has given me great concern. Mr. D Carrolls of Duddington new house is pulld down or in a great degree so by Majr. L\u2019Enfant\u2019s directions without consulting the Commissioner\u2014he first wrote to Mr Carroll, who went to Annapolis & obtaind an injungtion from Chancery\u2014before his return the business was done. I hope this may not injure our application to the Assembly\u2014we shall do what we can to prevent that opperation. Pray mention to Mr Jefferson that the Commsrs. fear that they will not have time to answer his letter of the 21st. until next Post. Majr. Ellicot desires us to say the same for him. Yrs Dr sr &ca.\nDanl Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0113", "content": "Title: To James Madison from the Right Reverend James Madison, 25 November 1791\nFrom: Madison, James (Reverend)\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nWilliamsburg Novr 25. 1791\nMr. Otway Bird wishes to obtain your assistance in some Business wh. he has with Congress, & has expressed a Desire that I should introduce him to you. Permit me then to assure you, that he is a Gentleman of real worth. We have few Citizens so distinguished for that disinterested Part, which he took in the late Contest, & none more, for a Conduct truely exemplary & respectable on every Account. Any good offices which you can render him, will be bestowed upon one, worthy of being ranked among the Number of your Friends.\nMy Wife, who always desires to be affy remembered, & myself, sometimes flatter ourselves, that you will take this Place in your Tour to or from the Northward. Nothing wd give us more Pleasure, for, be assured that no one is more sincerely your Affe. Friend than\nJ Madison\nBe pleased to present my best Respects to Mr Jefferson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0114", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 26 November 1791\nFrom: Madison, James, Sr.\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 26 November 1791. Acknowledged in JM to his father, 10 Dec. 1791. Concerns family business, including an order for \u201cslitted\u201d iron placed with Robert Dunbar.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0115", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 29 November 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,\nI wrote to you a few lines by yesterdays post. The affair of Mr Carrolls House gives us uneasiness on several accounts\u2014as it must wound the feelings of the President, & may be of some injury.\nThe Major wrote to Mr Carroll in very polite terms to take down his House, being built on public ground. Mr Carroll for answer informd him that whenever it shoud be deemd an obstruction in consequence of buildings in that part of the City, it shou\u2019d be taken down, & that he had written to the President on the Subject. I have not seen what passd, & say only what I hear.\nDocr Stuart & myself were together on business abt 10 days past. It seems at that time Majr. L\u2019Enfant told the Docr. that he had written to Mr Carroll as mentiond. If Mr Carroll did not agree, the Docr. desird of the Major that the Letters between Mr Carroll & him shou\u2019d be layd before the Commsrs. at their next meeting which was to be on the friday following. Mr Stuart remain\u2019d under a confidence that this wou\u2019d be done. Major L\u2019Enfant however in two or 3 days proceeded to demolish the House. Mr Carroll apprehending that he woud not wait had gone to Annapolis for advice in consequence of which he obtaind an injungtion in Chancery to stop proceeding with a Summons or Subp\u0153na, for the Major to appear at Annapolis in Decr.\nThe Commsrs. on their meeting directed those acting under Majr. L\u2019Enfants orders in his absence to desist untill The Commissioners had sent a Memorial to the Assembly, the Substance of which I show\u2019d Mr Jefferson, & I believe yrself in G Town on yr. way to Virga. We fear this matter may give an unfavorable cast to our wishes. Indeed I have considerable anxiety in my mind for the result of that business. I hope for the best. I can only add now that I am Dr Sr yrs. Affy\nDanl Carroll\nThe House is so far demolishd that I suppose it woud not be rebuilt as it stands, if not on public ground.\nI can trust to yr. discretion for not being quoted wrong in any thing I write on this Subject.\nComps. to Mr Lee, I shall write to him by next post.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0117", "content": "Title: Notes on the Influence of Extent of Territory on Government, [ca. December] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[ca. December 1791]\nIn estimating the tendency of Governme\u27e8n\u27e9ts to the increase or the relaxation of their powers particular causes distinct from their respective structures, but of powerful influence on their operation, seem to have been overlooked or little heeded by the great oracles of political wisdom. In the discussions produced by the establishment of and revisions of the new forms of Govt. in the U. S. and especially of their General Govt. some of these causes have engaged particular attention. (see the Federalist number 10). A Govt. of the same structure, would operate very differently within a very small territory\n   as communications are small, difficulty of goverg. impartially great e.g. Corporations. In Rep St. Marino resort to \u27e8alien\u27e9 magistrates.\n and a very extensive one: over a people homogeneous in their opinions & pursuits, and over a people consisting of adverse sects in religion, or attached to adverse theories of Govt: over a Society composed wholly of tenants of the soil aspiring and hoping for an enlargement of their possessions and a Society divided into a rich or independent class, and a more numerous class without property and hopeless of acquiring a permanent interest in maintaining its rights: over a nation secure agst. foreign enemies, and over one in the midst of formidable neighbours.\nThe influence of the extent of territory seems to have been least understood or attended to; and yet admits of the most satisfactory illustrations. Were the British Govt. limited in its exercise to the City of London and freed from all external dangers, is it not certain that the facility of popular combinations and the force of public opinion & feeling, would give the law to the monarch with all his splendid prerogatives and to the peers with all their titled wealth, and be able at any moment to transform the Govt. into a simple democracy. Reverse the supposition, and let the Island be enlarged to the dimensions of China, and it is equally evident, that the difficulty of concerting popular plans & movements, with \u27e8the\u27e9 facility possessed by veiling its designs from distant eyes, and of turning the prejudices and interests real or imaginary of the parts agst each other, and the necessity of multiplying the prerogatives of the Ex., as a substitute for the minute & diversified legislation called for, would gradually enable the Executive branch of the Govt. to overwhelm the others, and convert the Govt. into an absolute monarchy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0118", "content": "Title: Appropriation for Operating the Federal Government, [2 December] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[2 December 1791]\n   In Committee of the Whole, Parker of the Virginia delegation requested an examination of the increased expenses, as the proposed appropriation was nearly double that of the previous year. A general debate followed.\nMr. Madison considered the present a good opportunity to determine how far the House could go into an examination of the accounts of public officers. It was true that the Representatives of the people were the guardians of the public money, and consequently it was their duty to satisfy themselves as far as possible of the sources from which money flowed into the treasury\u2014how that money was applied\u2014under what authority, and to enquire at different times what balance actually remained in the treasury. This he conceived could best be done by appointing a committee periodically to examine the books of the Treasurer, see what balance appeared on the face of them, and enquire whether that balance was really in the treasury.\nHe mentioned the practice of the former Congress to appoint 4 committees to inspect the operations of the four departments under them. These departments, he observed, however, now belonged more to the executive; but still as the representatives were by the constitution made the guardians of the public money, they had a right and it was their duty to inspect the operations of the treasury department. This right could not be conveniently exercised, in his opinion, by the whole body, but should by a detachment from it who would report the necessary information. This mode of proceeding was usual, he instanced the practice of the British House of Commons and of several state legislatures. Even if these enquiries procured no more information than was obtained by means of reports from the different officers of government, yet being made by the immediate representatives of the people they would give more satisfaction. So far as it was usual to ascertain the real balance in the treasury, so far these periodical committees would be of the first utility. A question arose whether the progress of the bill before the committee should be stopped to make those enquiries, or whether it should be suffered to go on, on the supposition that all was right. He wished the proper regulations on this subject settled, as standing regulations, and to be adopted before any idea of their necessity should arise from suspicious circumstances.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0119", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 3 December 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHond Sir\nPhilada. Decr. 3. 1791\nThe last letter I recd. from you was of Novr. 12. I had previously informed you that your certificates had been funded by Messr. Ashton & Wister. They are now in my hands, with interest due on them from Jany. last, which cannot be drawn without a power of attorney to me for the purpose. My brother William can procure you blank powers at Richmond. It will be proper in filling up the blank to provide for the receipt of interest at the end of the running quarter, by inserting \u201cdue or growing due.\u201d If you wish the certificates to be sold a power must be sent for that purpose also. The articles procured here in Sepr. for you, were shipped Novr. 5. in the Sloop Clara, Capt: Joshua McWilliams. His receipt is in the hands of the Shipper here. I hope that both these & the articles last shipped have before this got safe to hand. Since the last shipment the price of Sugar has fallen a few shillings in consequence of unexpected arrivals. If you should chuse to part with any of the quantity sent you, & trust to a future supply on better terms, you will probably be able to do it. Mr. Leiper has not been able to sell your Tobo. & the price has fallen. He could not now get more than 26/. but I am not without hopes that 28/ or 30/. at least will by some means or other be made out. As soon as I get a statement of the whole from him, I will forward it with the acct. of the articles procured for you & brother A. which I have not time now to make out. I have got the Trinket for Fanny and mean to send it to Richmond to brother William, by a gentleman who will set out in 8 or 10 days. No report has yet been made on Mr. Webbs case, & from the mass of previous references not yet reported on, I consider the time he is to wait for a decision as at a very considerable distance, perhaps beyond the present Session.\nThe apportionment of Reps. is Still with the Senate, where attempts are made to alter the simple ratio of 1 for 30,000. in favor of some calculations that will throw the loss of fractions differently on the States. What the event will be I can not say. A letter from brother W. affords me the pleasure of hearing that my mother is as well as usual. Yr. Affe. son\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0120", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Hardin Burnley, 3 December 1791\nFrom: Burnley, Hardin\nTo: Madison, James\nDr Sir\nRichmond Decr. 3d. 1791.\nI have to apologize to you for not answering sooner the enquiries which you requested me to make before you left Virginia. I have deferred my answer \u2019till this time that I might be able to give satisfactory information on the subject of your enquiries. On application to Col: Harvie which I made immediately after the receipt of your favor I coud obtain no further information than this, that warrants for 15000 Acres of land had issued to Baron Stuben & had been delivered to Genl. Weedon, that no plat or survey on these warrants had been returned to the register\u2019s office, & that it was the uniform practice with the continental surveyor, to keep them in his hands \u2019till the fees of office were paid. I have referred to the act of assembly which made the grant to the Baron & find that there is no exemption from the payment of the ordinary fees, but that the grant was made to him on the same terms with other public donations of land. This information was so incompleat that I thought it most proper to postpone any communication on the subject \u2019till the arrival of the members of assembly from Kentucky. By them I was informed that Majr. Craughn from the western country woud soon be in Richmond & probably wd. be able to give satisfactory information. Majr. Craughn has been here & as I am informed by Col: Edwd. Carrington (for I was at that time so unwell as to be unable to apply to him in person) had in his possession several surveys which had been made for the Baron. He left this place a few days ago for Philadelphia & I must beg leave to refer you to him for further particulars.\nThe federal court is now in session at this place & have had before them for several days the subject of British debts. The pleadings have been so conducted as to bring the infraction of the treaty of peace between G. Britain & America before the court, & will induce the necessity of deciding first whether that subject is within the cognizance of the court & next whether a breach of treaty on one side will release individuals on the other from obligations which the treaty wd. otherwise impose. In the case now before the court it appears that a partial payment has been made into the loan office under the act of 79. and consequently this cause will produce an entire decision on the subject, both as it may respect the efficacy of those payments & also as it may relate to those cases in which no such step has been taken. On the first of these points the general opinion out of doors is much in favor of the Defendt. on the other a great contrariety prevails. I have the honor to be with the highest esteem Dr Sir yr. Most Obt Servt\nHardin Burnley", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0121", "content": "Title: To James Madison from William Madison, 3 December 1791\nFrom: Madison, William\nTo: Madison, James\nD: Sir\nRichmond Decr 3 1791\nThe arguments on the subjects of the British debts are at length concluded and it is expected the Court will decide tomorrow. Judge Blair docs not set in the Cause. The Bill for reforming the inferior Courts is still before the House it has undergone several alteration & I apprehend will finally be rejected for the regulation will effect a great number of those who are to determine its fate. A Bill has been presented subjecting Lands to the payment of Debts hereafter contracted, the second reading was opposed by Mr Clark and a few others who in debate shewed they had never attended to the Bill, however I beleive the result will be that some few amendments be made & then published for the consideration of the People. I have written to Culpeper for Freneau\u2019s subscr[i]ption paper which shall be forwarded to Philadelphia as soon as it comes to hand. I wish to suggest to you the renewal of a correspondence with Col Henry I am authorised, by a particular and intimate acquaintance of his, to say that such an intercourse will not only be extreemly acceptable but its decline is a subject of regret to Col Henry and his Lady. For my part I do not see any impropriety but on the other hand great advantage probally resulting from the communication as it is in his power to give you more information of the disposition of the different parts of the State than perhaps any other Man in it. I wish to know your sentiments on the subject and if you do not see any greater obstacle than I do I hope you will gratify the old gentleman. I remain yours Affectionately\nWm Madison", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0122", "content": "Title: For the National Gazette, 3 December 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nPhiladelphia, Dec. 3. [1791]\nConsolidation.\nMuch has been said, and not without reason, against a consolidation of the States into one government. Omitting lesser objections, two consequences would probably flow from such a change in our political system, which justify the cautions used against it. First, it would be impossible to avoid the dilemma, of either relinquishing the present energy and responsibility of a single executive magistrate, for some plural substitute, which by dividing so great a trust might lessen the danger of it; or suffering so great an accumulation of powers in the hands of that officer, as might by degrees transform him into a monarch. The incompetency of one Legislature to regulate all the various objects belonging to the local governments, would evidently force a transfer of many of them to the executive department; whilst the encreasing splendour and number of its prerogatives supplied by this source, might prove excitements to ambition too powerful for a sober execution of the elective plan, and consequently strengthen the pretexts for an hereditary designation of the magistrate. Second, were the state governments abolished, the same space of country that would produce an undue growth of the executive power, would prevent that controul on the Legislative body, which is essential to a faithful discharge of its trust, neither the voice nor the sense of ten or twenty millions of people, spread through so many latitudes as are comprehended within the United States, could ever be combined or called into effect, if deprived of those local organs, through which both can now be conveyed. In such a state of things, the impossibility of acting together, might be succeeded by the inefficacy of partial expressions of the public mind, and this at length, by a universal silence and insensibility, leaving the whole government to that self directed course, which, it must be owned, is the natural propensity of every government.\nBut if a consolidation of the states into one government be an event so justly to be avoided, it is not less to be desired, on the other hand, that a consolidation should prevail in their interests and affections; and this too, as it fortunately happens, for the very reasons, among others, which lie against a governmental consolidation. For, in the first place, in proportion as uniformity is found to prevail in the interests and sentiments of the several states, will be the practicability of accommodating Legislative regulations to them, and thereby of withholding new and dangerous prerogatives from the executive. Again, the greater the mutual confidence and affection of all parts of the Union, the more likely they will be to concur amicably, or to differ with moderation, in the elective designation of the chief magistrate; and by such examples, to guard and adorn the vital principle of our republican constitution. Lastly, the less the supposed difference of interests, and the greater the concord and confidence throughout the great body of the people, the more readily must they sympathize with each other, the more seasonably can they interpose a common manifestation of their sentiments, the more certainly will they take the alarm at usurpation or oppression, and the more effectually will they consolidate their defence of the public liberty.\nHere then is a proper object presented, both to those who are most jealously attached to the separate authority reserved to the states, and to those who may be more inclined to contemplate the people of America in the light of one nation. Let the former continue to watch against every encroachment, which might lead to a gradual consolidation of the states into one government. Let the latter employ their utmost zeal, by eradicating local prejudices and mistaken rivalships, to consolidate the affairs of the states into one harmonious interest; and let it be the patriotic study of all, to maintain the various authorities established by our complicated system, each in its respective constitutional sphere; and to erect over the whole, one paramount Empire of reason, benevolence and brotherly affection.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0123", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Alexander Spotswood, 4 December 1791\nFrom: Spotswood, Alexander\nTo: Madison, James\nGentlemen\u2014\nNottingham Virginia december 4th. 1791\nBeing Convinced in my own mind, that America, would, one day, or another; have a navy\u2014and being Willing to do all in my power to assist in Maning of it\u2014I did at an early period, enter my Second Son, John Augustine Spotswood, on Board of a Merchant ship\u2014and next april, Compleats his regular Servitude, From a Cabbin boy up to Mate, in which Capacity he is now Acting\u2014he is now in London; and will Return Sometime in March 1792\u2014when he means to push his Fortune to the Indies, in some of the American Indiamen, and to remain in that Service; until he has an opportunity of offering his Service to his Country as a naval officer\u2014Great pains has been Taken, (and it is with pleasure, that I am informed by all the Nautical Gentlemen who know him & say with Success) to perfect him in his Nautical Education, by the several men of abilities, Both here, and in Europe, that he has by my directions, put himself under, so Soon as the ship had discharged her cargo\u2014at this time he is under the direction of that famous Teacher of Mathamaticks & Navigation (Mr John Hambleton Moore of London) and will remain with him until the Ship is ready to Sail\u2014he wishes to get a Cheif Mates Birth\u2014But does not desire it, without being first examined with rigidness\u2014Being a Stranger to the owners, & Captains of ships, who trade in this line\u2014I have to beg of you Gentlemen\u2014to use your Influence in geting him the Birth he wants\u2014& altho he is my son\u2014I will venture to Say, you will never have cause to repent, in the extention of your Freindship towards him\u2014I must here repeat to you, again, that he has not been Brought up a Gentleman-Sailor\u2014but has Served regular\u2014ruffed it as a Common Seaman four years\u2014and has worked As hard as any corn field Negroe\u2014I have heard much of a Capt. Truxton\u2014who I am told goes out this next year, in an Indiaman, called the deleware\u2014with this Gentleman I wish to get my Son\u2014& if a cheif mates Birth cannot be had, he must put up with a 2d or 3d\u2014your influence, & Intrest on this Occasion, will be an obligation ever Acknowledged by Gentlemen yr Mt Obt\nAlexr Spotswood\nMy Son is 21. yrs. of age next June\u2014he is a good Accomptant\u2014an[d] a fine draftsman\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0125", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Francis Corbin, 7 December 1791\nFrom: Corbin, Francis\nTo: Madison, James\nMy Dear Sir\nRichmond\u2014Virga. Decr. 7th. 1791\nI embrace the first oppy. to inform you that your Conjectures with respect to the motives of the Virga. assemy. for sending forward to Congress only One of the 12 Amendts. to the Consn. were well founded. So that your object\u2014whether it was to save our federal Credit, or to promote our adoption of those Amendments\u2014has been fully Accomplish\u2019d.\nThe multiplicity of Local business before the House of Delegates, which you know is always of the most importunate kind, prevented me from bringing them forward sooner than yesterday; when, by a sort of Modest Gasconade, I prevailed upon our lower House to adopt them all, without a single Exception, and (Excepting One Nay) by an unanimous Vote. How they will fare in the Senate\u2014I know not. But I am apprehensive that some impediments will be there thrown in the Way of a Complete Ratification. I am led to entertain some suspicions from the Conversation I had yesterday with Mr. Henry who favored me with his Company at Dinner.\nHowever this Day he left Richmd. & I am in hopes that my fears and doubts upon the Subject will depart with him.\nThe British Debt business has Ended better than I Expected\u2014with nothing more than a Delay of Legislative Matters for 6 Days! The judges have decided nothing!\nTomorrow we shall proceed to the arrangement of Congressional Districts. I do not wish to interfere at all\u2014but I am afraid I shall be obliged to do it. Party Work runs higher than I ever knew it before upon any Legislative Arrangt. whatever. Much time will be spent in Disputation.\nI wish it was over\u2014for I mean to pay you a Visit as soon as the session Ends.\nInclosed you receive a rough hasty and ill worded Statement of facts relative to the Pennsylvanian Demands on Virga. You will be able however to collect the Substance out of the Chaos. I am puzzled in drawing a Report upon the Subject\u2014so as to do justice to Virga. & to avoid disagreeable Imputations.\nIn order to suit the temper of the present Assembly, and to promote what I think right, I shall be obliged to refine a little in my Construction of the Consn. Whatever is finally agreed upon shall be immedy. commd. by Dear Sir with Sincere Regard Yrs. Mo faithfully\nFrancis Corbin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0126", "content": "Title: Post Office and Post Roads, [7 December] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[7 December 1791]\n   In Committee of the Whole on 6 December Sedgwick had moved to delete from the post office bill specification of the post roads and instead to grant the president authority to designate them. Debate resumed on 7 December, when White and Livermore spoke against the motion.\nMr. Madison said that the arguments which are offered by the gentlemen who are in favor of the amendment, appear to be drawn rather from theory rather than any line of practice which had hitherto governed the house.\nHowever difficult it may be to determine with precision the exact boundaries of the legislative and executive powers, he was of opinion that those arguments were not well founded, for they admit of such a construction as will lead to blending those powers so as to leave no line of separation whatever.\nThe greatest obstacle to the due exercise of the powers vested in the legislature by the bill, which has been mentioned, is the difficulty of accommodating the regulations to the various interests of the different parts of the Union\u2014and this is said to be almost impracticable\u2014but it may be remembered, that similar embarrassments appeared when the impost and tonnage bills were under consideration; on those subjects, the members were obliged to be governed, in a great degree, by mutual information and reciprocal confidence, in respect to the establishment and arrangements of the different ports of entry and clearance, and other objects\u2014that was a business of much greater importance and difficulty than this; but it was accomplished.\nThe constitution has not only given the legislature the power of creating offices, but it expressly restrains the executive from appointing officers, except such as are provided for by law. As has been well observed by the gentleman from Delaware, the President is invested with the power of filling those offices\u2014but does it follow that we are to delegate to him the power to create them?\nThe reference to the appointments and arrangements made by the executive, pursuant to the powers delegated to the executive by the excise law, cannot be considered as a parallel case; no similar exigency exists to justify a similar delegation. The danger of infringing on the powers of the executive, which has been suggested, and the caution to the house against touching on the appointment of officers, is a species of reasoning on the subject, which may be carried so far as to say that we ought not to make any appointments by law\u2014and yet this has been done as in the instance of the appointment of the commissioners for purchasing in the public debt, all of whom were appointed by the act making provision for the reduction of the public debt.\nWhere is the necessity of departing from the principles of the constitution in respect to the post-office and post-roads, more than in all other cases? The subject is expressly committed to legislative determination by the constitution. If the second section of the bill requires amendment, it can be rectified when it comes before us; and with respect to future cases, should there be a necessity for additional post-roads, they can be provided for by supplementary laws\u2014and therefore no reason on that account can be urged for delaying the provision proposed by the bill. He concluded by saying that there did not appear to be any necessity for alienating the powers of the house\u2014and that if this should take place, it would be a violation of the Constitution.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0128", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Reuben Lindsay, 9 December 1791\nFrom: Lindsay, Reuben\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nRichmond 9th. Decemr. 1791.\nYour favor of the 10th. Novemr. I recd. some days ago\u2014on my giving the two Mr. Dickensons notice of the contents, they came here & have disposed of their interest in the certificates to Mr. Robert Pollard of this place\u2014And have granted Powers of Attorney to Mr. John Vaughan of Phila. his agent to Negotiate the business\u2014To whom You will please deliver the Certificates.\nThe Mr. Dickensons Acknowledge themselves under great Obligations to you for the trouble you have taken in the business. I am respectfully Dear Sir Your Hble servt.\nRn. Lindsay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0130", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 10 December 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHond Sir\nPhilada. Decr. 10. 1791.\nYour favor of the 26 Ult: has just come to hand. I am glad you have put the commission for slitted Iron into the hands of Mr. Dunbar. He will probably be able to get it when to be had on better terms. I find there is some now advertised but there is no more conveyance by water for this season. I am sorry that this circumstance will put it out of my power to forward the article desired by Miss Baynton. Your wine must also be postponed till the Spring. The price of Tobo. has fallen here to 26/. Pa. Curry. I cannot therefore advise the sending yours unless of a quality to be taken by Leiper who I believe will still allow 35/. for what is really of the first quality. He has not yet been able to dispose of your last shipment; & delays till that is done, to make out an acct. of sales for the whole.\nInclosed is an acct. of the articles last sent. Those for Mrs. Mason are paid for at your expence. You are therefore to settle with her as you please. The Shoes being all packed up together I could not distinguish which were on your acct. & which on my brothers; and as his share seemed to be the greatest have charged the whole to him, leaving your share to be repaid him by you. To assist in separating them I inclose the measures with the memorandums endorsed. The trinket for Fanny goes by Mr. Brackenridge of Albemarle the bearer of this, to Richmond, from whence she will get it to Mr. Mason\u2019s.\nThe Bill for apportioning Reps. has been returned by the Senate with an alteration, striking out 1 for 30,000, & inserting 33,000. It remains to be decided which of these ratios will be carried. The House of Reps. have not yet taken up the amendment from \u2026", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0131", "content": "Title: Memorandum from George Turner, 10 December 1791 (Abstract)\nFrom: Turner, George\nTo: Madison, James\nAbstract. 10 December 1791. \u201cDistances on the Wabash; with observations on its navigation.\u201d The distances are \u201ccomputed French Leagues.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0132", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Francis Corbin, ca. 10 December 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Corbin, Francis\nLetter not found. Ca. 10 December 1791. Alluded to in Corbin to JM, 15 Dec. 1791. Informs Corbin that the Senate has amended the apportionment bill, lowering the ratio of representation from 1:30,000 to 1:33,000.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0133", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 12 December 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,\nGeorge Town Decr. 12th. 1791\nI send by this post the act of our Assembly past last Saturday entiteld [sic] an Act Concerning the Territory of Columbia\u2014and the City of Washington. I refer you to it. The very great advantages of this Law will be strikeing. It gives some relief to my mind which has indeed been much oppressd by the disagreable business we have lately had on hand. I am sorry for the Chagrin which it must have given the President, at a time too when the Intelligence from the Westward had just come to hand.\nI shall in my next mention some to whom Mr. Frenau is to send the National Gazett\u2014& hope for something worth while soon.\nSurely the Senate cannot expect yr. House will recede in the Bill on representation. What about Land Office, Post Roads & Militia. Yrs. affy.\nD Carroll\nI hope by next post to say more to you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0134", "content": "Title: To James Madison from David Owings and David Woods, 12 December 1791\nFrom: Owings, David,Woods, David\nTo: Madison, James\nSir,\nAlbemarle County Decr. 12th 1791\nPermit us (th\u2019o Stranger[s]) to beg leave to trouble you, with a matter that there is no one but you Can do for us.\nWe were Soldierers in the late Continen\u27e8tal\u27e9 army\u2014and never have had our Claims Settled and have laid the matter before the Assembly of this State\u2014and they have Judged it reasonable. And sent the papers on to Congress\u2014in order to have them paid but we are inform\u2019d Congress refus\u2019d to take the matter up\u2014and sent them back again to the Assembly. The Assembly have resolv\u2019d to Send them back again to Congress. Therefore we Entreat you when the papers Comes to hand again\u2014to Examine our claims and present them Seperate from the other Claims and take the matter up in our behalf\u2014and write us word what is their fate or if there is any other voughers wanting more than is Contain\u2019d among the papers. And you will much oblige your most obt. And very Humble Sts.\nDavid Owings\u2007&David Woods\nNB. If you write to us please to direct the letter to mr. Richd. Bruce who manages the matter for us.\nD O\nD\u2014W", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0135", "content": "Title: From James Madison to William Madison, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, William\nPhila. Dec. 13. 91. \u201cI have recd. yours of the 3d. instant, mentioning the conversation held with you by an intimate acquaintance of Col: Henry. Having never, in the midst of political contests indulged any personal ill-will to that gentleman, & at all times admired his eminent talents, I cannot be supposed insensible to any friendly sentiments he may have expressed towards me, or indisposed to give any proof of it which occasion might prompt. On the other hand having never been in the habit of a correspondence with him, an abrupt commencement of one, is not perhaps so proper a proof as you seem to have conceived. I do not well understand, what is meant by the words in your letter\u2014\u2018but its decline (that is of intercourse) is a subject of regret to Col. Henry and his lady\u2019\u2014It cannot refer to any pre-existing intercourse for the reason just mentioned. If any letter has been written to which it is supposed an answer was declined (a construction extremely improbable) it is proper to be known, that no such letter has been recd. and for that reason only, not answered.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0136", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Baron von Steuben, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von\nDear Baron\nPhilada. Decr. 13th. 1791.\nI have not been neglectful of your commission, though I am so late in making report of my proceedings. Whilst I was in Virginia I laid a train for remitting to Col: Anderson the money lodged with me, and since my arrival here I have learned that it is gone to him by a safe hand. I also wrote to a friend in Richmond, desiring the proper steps to be taken there for obtaining patents. An answer was never obtained till two days ago, when I was informed that no satisfactory information concerning the surveys could there be had; and was referred for it to Majr. Croghan, who had passed through Richmond, during an indisposition of my correspondent, on his way to this place. I this morning had an interview, the first in my power, with Majr. Croghan. He had in his possession, the five surveys, each for one thousand acres, on which the sum remitted to Col: Anderson was due, and delivered them on me, on my giving him a receipt for them, and a memorandum, that the money had been sent to Col: Anderson. By a safe hand, who sets out tomorrow morning for Richmond, I have transmitted the surveys to Governour Lee, with a request that he will take out patents from the Land Office, and forward them to you through my hands, or any other channel that may be more direct. Should he make use of the first mode of conveyance, you shall hear from me as soon as the patents arrive. In the mean time I remain, with the sincerest & most affecte. esteem Yr. Obedt. servt\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0137", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,\nGeorge Town Decr. 13th. 91\nI wrote a few lines lately confidentially. The following are under the same circumstances. You have heard I doubt not by our official letter that Major L\u2019Enfant immediately on his return proceeded to finish the demolition of Mr. Carrolls House, our directions to the contrary notwithstanding. On our meeting he sent us a letter of which we have not yet taken any notice, excepting what has passd between him & Docr Stuart in conversation. There is a remark in that letter respecting myself which I must mention to you. After mentioning several matters in justification of his conduct he proceeds to say \u201cthat it was himself (Mr. D Carroll of Duddington) then if he thought himself wrongly us\u2019d who ought to have requird the interference of yr. Board, but it was not my business to call yr. attention on that matter, beside I cou\u2019d not have done it with any propriety, since on a former occasion when a foresight of the circumstances in which this House has been finally found to be, induc\u2019d me to intimate my opinion of the propriety of using with it as I have done one of yr. Gentlemen Mr. D Carroll declared that if a question was put respecting this business for the Board to determine on he wou\u2019d not then act as a Commissioner, & that there being at the Moment only two of you Gentlemen who coud have been calld together Mr. D Carroll not being consistently with his declaration to interfere in any manner in the business, one single Member of the Board cou\u2019d not determine.\u201d\nI refer you to what I sent you respecting Majr. Ellicot. Soon after Majr L\u2019Enfants return on some conversations takeing place respecting Mr. Carrolls House & hearing the idea mentiond by him, I observd that if that matter became a question I must be an evidence & not a Commissioner on the occasion. I considerd this matter in a very difft. point of view with the Major. I beleivd the public interest might be affected by the manner of conducting it, & doubted, not but that there wou\u2019d be a full Board if brought to a decision before them. I shoud have requested the other Gentn. on that occasion to excuse me from acting from the peculiar circumstances I was under, but certainly shoud have acted if they had desird it. I have mention\u2019d the Conversation Docr Stuart had with him, & the impression he was under in Consequence thereof. The observation made by the Major respecting myself is intended I suppose as a reason for his not applying to the Board. When the Commissioners found he had proceeded to act without authority from them, I shou\u2019d have thought myself justly blamable if I had not joind in giveing a public testimony of disaprobation of the manner of proceeding more especially at that moment from circumstances which have been mentiond. But does not his subsequent Conduct after the act of the Commissioners render it needless to say [any]thing on that point?\nExcuse me, my dear friend, for troubling you on this Subject. I will leave off. Yrs. affy\nDanl Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0138", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Francis Corbin, 15 December 1791\nFrom: Corbin, Francis\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nRichmond Virga. Decr. 15th: 1791\nI sieze the earliest moment to inform you that all the Amendments to the federal Constitution have at length pass\u2019d the Senate.\nThe Bill for the arrangement of Districts lies upon our Table to be Engross\u2019d: but your Information this Evening will render it necessary for us to new model the whole System. The Assembly have determined to rise on Saturday\u2014but unless they make an unjustifiable Sacrifice of Duty to Inclination, I think, that determination must be rescinded.\nThere is nothing worth communicating to you of a Legislative nature, Except indeed it be the unanimous adoption of a Resolution which I proposed to congratulate the National Assembly of France on the Establishment of their New Constitution. I have drawn the Address or Letter and sincerely wish I had consulted with you upon the propriety of it a few Weeks ago. Such as it is however you shall have it by the next Post. I am Dr. Sir with Sincere Regard Yr. Mo: Ob. Set.\nFrancis Corbin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0140", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Charles Carter, 16 December 1791\nFrom: Carter, Charles\nTo: Madison, James\nDr Sr\nAcadamy Decr 16th. 1791\nYours of the 4th I duly recieved, and am much pleased, at the acct of my Dr Boys situation, & that he pleases his master. From my last letter from the Atty, I feard there woud have been, some dificulty as to the time, of his continuance with Mr Hunter, but hope all obstacles are removd. Shoud any thing be yet unsetled, I hope your aid will not be wanting, to accomodate, the business. I have wrote to my Freind Mr R. and my Son fully on the occasion. The reverse of Fortune has compelled me, to turn my Sons, out to learn to get, an honest living, and I flatter myself, if they behave them selves well, they will not loose the esteem of their acquaintance, by being honest Machanicks. For I think a worthy Tradesman, a much more reputable character, then a wild dissipated Son of a Gentleman, without a fortune. With these Virginia swarms. The Defeat of our Army, must be a great shock, to Congress. But hope by their prudence we shall not be so much distressed, as at first sight, might have been expected. I fear if report says true, the Garrison of Fort Jefferson are lost. This will be a great addition to our misfortune. Our Assy it is said will rise on Saturday. But I fancey they will not, before the Kentuckians, take leave of them. Which must be the last of the month. So that I hope the districks will be laid out. Your Freind French Strother has pland, a district, for him self, and to get rid of you, as he intends to offer, for Congress. Culpepper, Spotsylvania, & Stafford, I hope he not succeed in his Election.\nI think there are several things to be done, that woud be advantagious. We suffer greatly for want of small change. The very article of postage. We cant pay 6 a Bitt is always demanded, the postmaster pockets 1\u00bd on every letter. Dry measures vary, in every County, our wheat is weighd and measured, if under 60 deducted, if above seldom allowd. Indeed the experienced purchaser can tell at sight, if tis his interest to weigh. All in my opinion shoud be sold by weight. This woud be a fair way of dealing, and stimulate the Farmers to bring clean Wheat to market. A Bankrupt Law is thought much benifit woud arise from. Our merchants and people at large, are much disapointed, that a Limb of the Bank, was not extended to Virginia. They are now endeavouring to establish a Virga Bank. In which tis the received opinion they\u2019l succeed. After returning my sincere thanks for your great politeness, to my Dr Son, give me leave to conclude my self Yr Affe Freind and Much Obliged Hle St\nChs Carter", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0141", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 17 December 1791\nFrom: Taylor, Hubbard\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nLexington 17th. Decr. 1791\nYours of the 23d. of November came this day to hand; and I thank you for the paper inclosed. The letter you wrote from Orange has not yet come to hand, and fear from the long delay that it will totally miscarry for which I shall be extreamly sorry. Nothing meterial has tra[n]spired here lately excerpt the late unluckey affair of Genl. St Clairs defeat, wherein it is said he lost between 900 & 1000 Men, Killed. The Election for the Members to Convention is now on hand in this place, the people were pleased to nominate me among the rest & its probable I shall succeed the others are more dubtfull. I have inclosed you a list of the members from the Counties where the elections are over and flatter my self I shall be able at a future day to acquaint you of Colo. Nicholas\u2019s election as it is a matter of the utmost importance to this district: For fear the letter above mentiond should not come to hand, if your leisure will [a]dmit\u2014shall be glad to have one simular there to. Great doubt seems to prevail respecting two Houses in the Leguslature & elections of all Kinds wheather they shall not be solely in the hands of the people or partly so. I intend to write you again in a few weaks when I shall be entirely at leisure and then shall be more full. I cannot omit my great full acknowledgements for your very particular attention to my letters, by which you confer a lasting obligation. Our friends in generall here are all as well as usual, and beleave me to be with great regard Dear Sir Yr: Affe. Hbl: sert:\nH. Taylor", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0144", "content": "Title: Notes for the National Gazette Essays, [ca. 19 December 1791\u20133 March 1792]\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[ca. 19 December 1791\u20133 March 1792]\nInfluence of the size of a nation on Government\npage. 1.\n________ of external danger on Government\n________ of the stage of Society on Government\n________ of Public opinion on Government\n________ of Education on Government\n________ of Religion on Government\n________ of Domestic slavery on Government\n________ of Dependent dominions on Government\nChecks devised in democracies marking self-distrust\nTrue reasons for keeping the great departments of power separate\nFederal Governments\nGovernment of United States\nBest distribution of people in Republic\nInfluence of the size of a nation on Government\nPlato limits the number of Citizens to five thousand and forty. Montesquieu tom. II c. 16, 17\nL\u2019experience a fait voir que le nombre des hommes en etat de porter les armes, ne doit \u00eatre ici (dans une republique sagement reglee) ni fort au dessus, ni fort au dessous de vingt mille. Anach: vol. [II] p: 117 & citation.\nSee Convention Notes\u2014letter to Mr. Jefferson on a federal negative on State laws Federalists No. X et alia:\u2014Case of popular confiscation in Switzerland, mentioned in Encyclop: Method: Plunder of rich Citizens by democracy of Megara. Anacharsis vol. 3. p. 409 instances of proscriptions of rich in Antient & Italian Republics\u2014Exiles so numerous as to return sometimes and seize the Govt. Aristotle Repub. book 5. cap. 5. Anacharsis vol. 5 page 268\n(a) All overgrown empires have betrayed first tyranny\u2014then impotency, as the Assyrian\u2014Persian\u2014Macedonian\u2014Roman\u2014that of Charlemagne\u2014\nIn order to temper an aristocracy into a mild Govt. the state should like those of Switzerland be so small as to admit a ready combination of the people agst. oppression, as in order to temper a Republic, it ought to be so large, as to impede a combination of the people for the purpose of oppression. See p. 10. See Anacharsis as to oligarchy of Rhodes\u2014vol. 6 p. 240.\nFor the extent of antient republics & confederacies\u2014see Encyclopae. Ant: Geograp: Anacharsis with the Maps\u2014\nThe best provision for a stable and free Govt. is not a balance in the powers of the Govt. tho\u2019 that is not to be neglected, but an equilibrium in the interests & passions of the Society itself, which can not be attained in a small Society. Much has been said on the first. The last deserves a thorough investigation. (see p 2. (a))\nThe larger a community, the more respectable the whole & the less the share of importance felt by each member\u2014the more submissive consequently each individual to the general will.\nWhatever facilitates a general intercommunication of sentiments & ideas among the body of the people, as a free press, compact situation, good roads, interior commerce &c. is equivalent to a contraction of the orbit within wch. the Govt. is to act: and may favor liberty in a nation too large for free Govt. or hasten its violent death in one too small & so vice versa. Could the people of G. Britain be contracted into one of its Counties it would be scarcely possible for the monarchical branch to support itself agst. the popular branch. Could they be spread over 10 times the present area, or the communion of sentiments be obstructed by an abolition of the press &c. the reverse would happen. The extent of France & heterogeneousness of its component provinces have been among the principal causes of the monarchical usurpations. See Robertson\u2019s Chs. V. notes.\nThe Roman Empire was more than 2,000 miles from N. to S. & [more] than 3000 from W to E. Its population about 120,000[,]000 including slaves (who amounted to about one half)\u2014this more than the population of all Europe. See Gibbon\nIn monarchies, the danger is twofold. 1. that the eyes of a good prince cannot see all that he ought to know\u20142 that the hands of a bad one cannot be sufficiently tied by the fear of easy combinations against him. Both these considerations prove, contrary to the received opinion, that a very great extent of Country is not suited to that form of Government: In a Representative Republic the eyes of the Government see every thing; and the danger arising cheifly from easy combinations under the impulse of misinformed or corrupt passions\u2014it appears on the other hand, equally agst. the received opinion, that such a form of Govt. may be extended over a great Country, and cannot succeed in a small one.\nThe influence of this circumstance, is strongly enforced by attending to the extremes of size. Among 3 men in a Wilderness, two would never obey one\u2014nor perhaps the one escape the oppression of the two should any real or fancied interest unite them agst. him. On the other hand, were all Europe formed into one society, the mighty mass, being unable to govern themselves wd be necessaryly governed by a few or one, and being also incapable of uniting agst. oppression, would be sure to be oppressed by their Governors.\n(a) see p 1.\u2014(Natural divisions exist in all political societies, which should be made mutual checks on each other. But it does not follow that artificial distinctions, as kings & nobles, should be created, and then formed into checks and balances with each other & with the people. This reasoning in politics, would be as inadmissible as it would be in Ethics, to say that new vices ought be promoted that they may control each other, because this use may be made of existing vices\u2014avarice and vanity\u2014cowardice & malice\u2014&c)\nThe danger of oppression to the minority from unjust combinations of the majority, and which is the disease of small States is illustrated by various instances.\nBy the case of Debtors & Creditors in Rome & Athens\nBy that of the Patricians & Plebeians & the Rich & poor, in the latter, in Florence & the other free Cities of Italy\nBy the Spartans & Helots\nBy the case of Black slaves in Modern times\nBy religious persecutions every where\nBy the tender & other unjust laws in U. S.\nBy the law of St: Marino which requires its Judges to be foreigners\nBy the law de medietate in England\nBy the law agst. admitting a member of Corporation to be on a jury where the Corporation is party.\nThe danger is still greater where geographical distinctions enforce the others, as appears\n  By the conduct\n  of Carthage towards Sicily &c\u2014\n  of Athens towards her colonies\n  of Genoa towards Corsica\n  of Holland towards her colonies\n  of Rome towards her provinces\n  of G. B towards Ireland\n  of do towards America.\nInfluence of external danger on Government\nFear & hatred of other nations, the greatest cement, always appealed to by rulers when they wish to impose burdens or carry unpopular points. Examples in Engd. & France abound. See Federalist No. VII & XXX. Roman Senate quelled popular commotions by exciting foreign wars\u2014\nSee (a) under the preceding head page 1. Extensive Governments have fallen to pieces not more from the inadequacy of Govt. to the Extent\u2014than from the security agst. external danger.\nQuere; if an insulated people be found on the Globe united under one Govt.? However small the number, they must be divided into hostile nations, that mutual fear may support Govt. in each.\nIn small states external danger tends to aristocracy (see p. 1.) a concentration of the Public will being necessary, and that degree of concentration being sufficient. The many can not govern on acct. of the emergencies which require the constant vigilance & provisions of a few, but on account of the smallness of the Society the facility of the combinations of the many moderates the power of the few, & the few themselves oppose the usurpation of a single tyrant. In Thessaly, intersected by Mountainous barriers into a number of small cantons, the Governments were for the most part oligarchical\u2014see Thucidides 1. 4. c. 78\u2014see Anachar. v. 3. p. 352.\nFor the effect of the situation of Crete on its internal divisions\u2014see Id. v. 6. p. 257.\nSicily, tho a part of a moderate Kingdom, always when free divided into separate & hostile communities see Thucidides Livy &c\nInfluence of Stage of Society on Government.\nInfluence of public opinion on Government\nPublic opinion, sets bounds to every Government, and is the real sovereign in every free one.\nAs there are cases where the public opinion must be obeyed by the Government, so there are cases, where, not being fixed, it may be influenced by the Government. This distinction, if kept in view, would prevent or decide many debates on the respect due from the Government to the sentiments of the people.\nIf the British Government be as excellent as represented, it is less because so in itself, than because so in the public opinion. Its boasted equilibrium is preserved more by this cause, than by the distribution of its powers. If the nation favored absolute monarchy its representatives would at once surrender the public liberty; if republicanism, the monarchical branch could not maintain its independence. If the public opinion was neutral only, the ambition of the House of Commons would easily strip the Prince of his prerogatives. The provision to be made at every accession, for the Civil list, shews at once his dependence on the popular branch, and its dependence on the public opinion. Were the establishment to be from year to year instead of for life, the Monarchy would dwindle into a name. But the nation would in such a case take the side of the King agst. its own representatives. Those who ascribe the character of the British Government to the form alone in which its powers are distributed & counterpoised, forget the changes which its form has undergone. Compare its primitive with its present form; a King at the head of 7 or 8 hundred Barons sitting together in their own right, or (admitting another Hypothesis) some in their own right, others as representatives of a few lesser barons, but still sitting together as one House\u2014& the Judges holding during the pleasure of the King; with a King at the head of a Legislature consisting of two Houses, each jealous of the other, one sitting in their own right, the other representing the body of the people, and the Judges forming a distinct & independent department; in the first case the Judiciary united with the Executive, the legislature not divided into separate branches; in the latter, the Legislative Executive & Judiciary distinct, and the Legislature itself divided into rival parts. What can be more contrasted than these forms? If the one be self-balanced, the other could have no balance at all. Yet the one subsisted as well as the other, and lasted longer than the other has yet been tried. It was supported by the opinion of the times, like many of the intermediate forms thro\u2019 which, the B. Govt. has passed, and as the future forms will probably be supported, thro\u2019 which changes of circumstances and opinions are yet to conduct it.\nNot only Theoretical writers as Plato (Republic), but more practical ones as Swift &c. remark that the natural rotation in Government is from the abuses of Monarchy to Aristocracy, from the oppression of aristocracy to democracy, and from the licentiousness of Democracy back to Monarchy. Many examples, as well as the reason of the King, shew this tendency. Yet it appears from Aristotle that under the influence of public opinion, the rotation was very different in some of the States of Greece. See Arist: Repub. b. 5 c. 12.\nIn proportion as Government is influenced by opinion, must it be so by whatever influences opinion. This decides the question concerning a bill of rights, which acquires efficacy as time sanctifies and incorporates it with the public sentiment.\nInfluence of Education on Government\nInfluence of Religion on Government.\nFor the cave of Jupiter in Crete where Minos, Epimenides & Pythagoras pretended to have recd. a divine sanction to their laws & see Anacharsis v. 6. p. 248\nInfluence of domestic slavery on Government\nSee proportion of slaves in Grecian & Roman Republics\u2014\nSee private life of Romans by \u2014\u2014\ndo. of Athenians & Lacedemonians in Anacharsis\nIn Arcadia 300,000 slaves. Anacharsis\u2014vol. 4. p. 298.\nIn proportion as slavery prevails in a State, the Government, however democratic in name, must be aristocratic in fact. The power lies in a part instead of the whole; in the hands of property, not of numbers. All the antient popular governments, were for this reason aristocracies. The majority were slaves. Of the residue a part were in the Country and did not attend the assemblies, a part were poor and tho in the city, could not spare the time to attend. The power, was exercised for the most part by the rich and easy. Aristotle (de rep: lib. 3. cap. 1 & 4.) defines a Citizen or member of the sovereignty, to be one who is sufficiently free from all private cares, to devote himself exclusively to the service of his Country\u2014See also Anacharsis, vol. 5. p. 280/1. The Southern States of America, are on the same principle aristocracies. In Virginia the aristocratic character is increased by the rule of suffrage, which requiring a freehold in land excludes nearly half the free inhabitants, and must exclude a greater proportion, as the population increases. At present the slaves and non-freeholders amount to nearly \u00be of the State. The power is therefore in about \u00bc. Were the slaves freed and the right of suffrage extended to all, the operation of the Government might be very different. The slavery of the Southern States, throws the power much more into the hands of property, than in the Northern States. Hence the people of property in the former are much more contented with their establishd. Governments, than the people of property in the latter.\nInfluence of dependent dominions on Government\nMais c\u2019est principalement aux victoires que les Atheniens remporterent contre les Perses, qu\u2019on doit attribuer la ruine de l\u2019ancienne Constitution. (Arist: de rep: 1. 2. cap. 12.) Apres la bataille de Plat\u00e9e, on ordonna que le citoyens de derniers classes exclus par Solon de principales magistratures, auroient desormais le droit d\u2019y parvenir. Le sage Aristides, qui presenta ce decret (Plut: in aris) donna le plus funeste des examples a ceux qui lui succederent dans le commandement. Il leur fallut d\u2019abord flatter la multitude, et ensuite ramper devant elle. Anarch: vol. 1. p. 147/8\nSee Hist: of Grecian Colonies\u2014Roman Provinces\u2014dependencies in E. & W. Indies\u2014\nThe principal part of the Revenues of Athens consisted of tributes from her dependencies Anacharsis Vol. 4. p. 429.\nDependent Colonies are to the superior State, not in the relation of Children and parent according to the common language, but in that of slaves and Master; and have the same effect with slavery on the character of the Superior. They cherish pride, luxury, and vanity. They make the labor of one part tributary to the enjoyment of another.\nDependent territories are of two kinds. 1 those which yield to the superior State at once a monopoly of their useful productions, and a market for its superfluities. These may excite & employ industry and may be a source of riches. The West-Indies are an example. 2. those which, tho yielding in some degree a monopoly and a market, are lucrative by the wealth which they administer to individuals and which is transported to the Superior State. Their wealth resembles that drawn not from industry, but from mines, and may produce like consequences. The East Indies are an example.\nThe influence of the E. & W. Indies & other dependencies belonging to G. Britain, on the side of the Crown, is an adventitious circumstance, which like the National debt, weighs much.\nSee \u201cHistory of the Colonization of the free States of Antiquity applied to the present Contest between G. B. & her American Colonies. With reflections concerning the future settlement of these Colonies.[\u201d] London, printed for T. Cadell on the Strand. M.DCC.LXXVII.\nSee Remarks on an essay entitled \u201cThe History &c &c\u2014and her Amr. Colonies.\u201d By John Symonds. LLD. Professor of Mod. Hist: in the Univy. of Cambridge. London: printed by J. Nichols, successor to W. Bowyer; and sold by T. Payne, Mewsgate; W. Owen[,] Temple. Bar P. Elmsly. Strand; T. Evans Pat: Nost: row; J. Woodyer Cambridg & J. Fletcher Oxford. 1778\nThe money with which Pericles decorated Athens, was raised by Aristides on the confederates of Athens for common defence, and on pretext of danger at Delos which was the common depository, removed to Athens, where it was soon regarded as the tribute of inferiors instead of the common property of associates, and applied by Pericles accordingly. See Remarks by J. Symonds above, & authors there cited. p. 42.\nChecks devised in Democracies marking self-distrust\nIn Athens all laws were to be agreed to in the Senate before they could be deliberated in the popular assembly.\nThe first speakers in the assembly were to be 50 years of age at least. \u00c6schines in Timarc. Anachar: Vol. 1. p. 106\nNo orator was allowed to engage in public affairs, until he had undergone an examination relative to his character, and every Citizen was permitted to prosecute an Orator who had found means to withold the irregularity of his manners from the severity of this examination. \u00c6schin: ibid et Suid in \u03c1\u1f74\u03c4\u03bf\u03c1\nThe Areopagus for life &c.\nWith The prayers at the commencement of public deliberations were mingled frightful imprecations agst. the Orator who shd. have recd presents, to deceive the people, or the Senate, or the Tribunal of the Heliastes. See Anacharsis\u2014& the citations II, p. 281. For other cautions agst. the undue influence of Orators\u2014see id: p. 287.\nOstracism, Petalism, Dictatorship, punishment of unsuccessful propositions of new laws.\nIn Athens death was decreed by the people to the Orator who should propose to apply to the public defence, the money destined to pay for the seats of the poor at the Spectacles. Anacharsis vol. 4. p. 430/1\nIn the Republic of the Italian Locris, it was ordained by Zaleucus, that whoever proposed a new law, or repeal or alteration of an old one, should do it with a rope about his neck, that if unsuccessful, he might be immediately executed.\n   What ignorance & susceptibility of delusion in the people of Locris, is \u27e8impl\u27e9ied by such a precaution! J. M.\n Ubbo Emmius, tom 3. p. 353\nThe Augurs in Rome\u2014College of Heralds with Negative on war & peace, instituted by Numa. See Moyle on Rom: Govt. p. 46\u2014& Dionysius Halycarnassus.\nTrue reasons for keeping great departments of power separate\nFederal Governments\nSee Federalist Vol. 1. pg\u2014\nThe Governments of the cantons of Greece were federal\u2014composed of the Govts. of Towns, of which the principal usually gave law to the rest\u2014see Anacharsis. vol. 4. p. 345\nFor the Beotian Confederacy\u2014see Anacharsis, vol. 3. p. 309.\n(a) For the Amphyctionic do. see do. vol. 3. 336 & seq.\nFor the confederacies of Thessaly see Anacharsis vol. p. 352 & seq.\nFor Union of Calmar see\u2014\nFor Saxon Heptarchy see\u2014\nFor confederation of 4 N. England Colonies\u2014see Hazard collection of papers\u2014\nFor the Etolian Confederacy see Anacharsis vol. 3 p. 405.\nFor Acarnanian do. see do. p. 404.\nFor Ach\u00e6an do.\u2014see do. p. 463\u2014\nFor the Confederacy of Elis see do. p. 470. Of Messenia do.\n(a) neither Thucidides nor Xenophon\u2019s continuation of him make the least allusion to the Amphyctionic Council, altho\u2019 Athens & Lacedemon were under its Authority. That the Pelopponesian War, so distinguished for its duration its belligerent parties and its consequences, should have been carried on without any interference or mention of that institution is a remarkable proof of its insignificancy.\nFor the Arcadian Confederacy see Anacharsis vol. 4. page 298\nFor the Argive do. see Strabo lib. 8\u2014Anacharsis vol. 4. p. 346.\nFor the three confederacies of the Asiatic Greeks\u2014see Id. vol. 6. p. 203/4\u2014209/10\nFor the Syncretism of Crete. Id. vol. 6. p. 259.\nFor the Albany project see Franklin\u2019s works also Pownal\u2019s Colonies\nFor Hanseatic League, see\nFor the Germanic Belgic & Achean see Meerman\u2019s prize discourse belongg. to Mr. Jefferson.\nGovernment of United States\u2014\nSee Federalist, passim\u2014particularly No. 51.\nHere is the most characteristic trait in the Govt. of the U. S.\u2014The powers surrendered by the people of America, are divided into two parts, one for the State, the other for the Genl. Govt. & each subdivided into Legislative Ex. & Judiciary. As in a single Govt. the Legislative Ex. & Judicy. ought to be kept separate by defensive armour for each. So ought the two Govts. federal & State. If this should be found practicable, it must be a happy discovery for mankind. As far as the security agst. power lies in a division of it, the security must be increased, by a system which doubles the number of parts. It must be confessed that the difficulty of dividing power between two Govts. is greater than between the several departmts. of the same Govt. as well as the difficulty of maintaining the division. It is more easy to divide from each other the Legislative Executive & Judiciary powers, wch. are distinct in their nature, than to divide the legislative powers wch. are of the same nature, from each other\u2014as well as do the same with the Executive & Judiciary powers.\nBest distribution of people in Republic\nA perfect Theory on this subject would be useful, not because it could be reduced to practice by any plan of legislation; but because it would be a model to which successive spontaneous improvements might approximate the condition of the Society.\nThat is the best distribution, which would most favor health, virtue, intelligence, and competency of fortune in the Citizens, and best secure the Republic agst. external dangers.\nThe life of the husbandman is most, that of the seaman least favorable to the comfort & happiness of the individual.\nAmong manufacturers, those employed on necessaries, are first to be secured. The remaining classes to be decided on by the preceding criteria.\nThe class of literati is not less necessary than any other. They are the cultivators of the human mind\u2014the manufacturers of useful knowledge\u2014the agents of the commerce of ideas\u2014the censors of public manners\u2014the teachers of the arts of life and the means of happiness.\nSee with the mark (J. M.) Freneau\u2019s National Gazette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0145", "content": "Title: For the National Gazette, [ca. 19 December] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[ca. 19 December 1791]\nPublic Opinion.\nPublic opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free one.\nAs there are cases where the public opinion must be obeyed by the government; so there are cases, where not being fixed, it may be influenced by the government. This distinction, if kept in view, would prevent or decide many debates on the respect due from the government to the sentiments of the people.\nIn proportion as government is influenced by opinion, it must be so, by whatever influences opinion. This decides the question concerning a Constitutional Declaration of Rights, which requires an influence on government, by becoming a part of the public opinion.\nThe larger a country, the less easy for its real opinion to be ascertained, and the less difficult to be counterfeited; when ascertained or presumed, the more respectable it is in the eyes of individuals. This is favorable to the authority of government. For the same reason, the more extensive a country, the more insignificant is each individual in his own eyes. This may be unfavorable to liberty.\nWhatever facilitates a general intercourse of sentiments, as good roads, domestic commerce, a free press, and particularly a circulation of newspapers through the entire body of the people, and Representatives going from, and returning among every part of them, is equivalent to a contraction of territorial limits, and is favorable to liberty, where these may be too extensive.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0146", "content": "Title: Proportional Representation, [19 December] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[19 December 1791]\n   On 9 December 1791 the Senate approved the apportionment bill but amended the ratio of representation from 1:30,000 to 1:33,000. When the House considered the Senate amendments on 12 December, \u201cMr. Madison observed, that the idea of diminishing the fractional parts appears to be the only reason for the alteration proposed by the Senate. The aggregate of these fractions only has been taken into consideration; but, said he, if the fractions of any particular States will be augmented by the amendment, which would be the case, he conceived that the argument amounted to no good reason for agreeing to it; and this, he said, would evidently be the fact\u201d (Gazette of the U.S., 21 Dec. 1791). He voted with the majority when the House on 14 December rejected the amendment, but it was upheld the following day by the casting vote of John Adams as president of the Senate. The amendment not only reduced the ratio of representation but also cut the Virginia delegation from twenty-one to nineteen, thus rekindling old large state-small state and sectional disputes. In debate on 19 December Ames and Dayton defended the amendment, and Venable opposed it.\nMr. Madison, after making a few prefatory observations, said he felt himself impelled to take some notice of the arguments that had been used this day on the subject before the House: he would not, however, attempt any reply to the gentleman from New Jersey, nor pretend to follow him in his flights of imagination respecting the New-Jerusalem or the umpirage of Pennsylvania, but leave it to those to whom such observations might have been addressed to draw their own conclusions. He was sorry that it almost always happened, whenever any question of general policy and advantage to the union was before the House, when gentlemen found themselves at a loss for general arguments, they commonly resorted to local views; and at all times as well as the present, when there was most occasion for members to act with the utmost coolness, when their judgments ought to be the least biassed\u2014it was to be regretted that at those times they suffered their feelings, passions and prejudices to govern their reason. Thus it is that the most important points are embarrassed, the northern and southern interests are held up, every local circumstance comes into view, and every idea of liberality and candor is banished.\nThe gentleman from New York, (Mr. Lawrance) when he introduced this subject at the commencement of the present session, did it on the most generous plan, and disavowed every principle of calculation so much, that he then declared he had not so much as made a single calculation of the different fractions which have since been introduced into the debate\u2014his only object was to fix a rule on general principles, agreeably to the constitution and to the preservation of the rights of the people; and this idea was approved by two of the gentlemen from New-Jersey, who have since altered their opinions, although they then had no objections but as to the expence; the idea of fractions was not then contended for, but has since become the very essence of the opposition; and we are called on to violate the constitution by adopting a measure that will give representatives for those separate and distinct fractions in the respective states; and afterwards are told it is not to the fractional numbers in the states that they refer, but to the aggregate of the fractions in the United States. If this reasoning is good, why do the gentlemen stop at this boundary of a representation by states? Why not proceed to erect the whole of the United States into one district, without any division, in order to prevent the inequality they conceive to exist in respect to individual states?\nHe would not encroach upon the time of the House by protracting the debate, which had already swelled to an immoderate extent. Upon the whole, he said that this was a great question, wherein attention should be paid to the people, and a strict eye kept towards the public good, divested of prejudice; but he had heard with pain how much had been said to divert the House by an attention to fractions, from the true object of general welfare\u2014yet he hoped that the government would be equally administered\u2014that none of those predictions or threats thrown out in the course of the debate, that no mutilation of the union, would take place; but on the contrary, that harmony would guide the decision of this question, free from every local consideration.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0147", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 20 December 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,Decr. 20th. 91\nI mentiond in my last of the 15th or 16th Instant of which please to acknowledge the receipt, that You woud hear from C. Carroll of Cn. when he reachd Pha some particulars on the passage of the Law \u201cConcerning the Territory of Columbia &ca.[\u201d] Since then I have seen Govr Lee, & it gave me great concern to hear from him that Mr Carroll had doubts of joining Congress this session. I immediately wrote him that public and private considerations demanded his attendance\u2014that if there was no appearance of any thing material to call on him, yet his absence woud lay him open to severe Censure. That private considerations however weigh but a feather compar\u2019d to public. That his absence might occasion attempts to be made, which his presence might check, or be very instrumental in defeating. I have reminded him how deeply the peace & wellfare of the Union is concernd, how much individuals have at Stake, some of whom certainly relied on the Support of those who were active in bringing about this great event, & if any thing disastrous was to happen wou\u2019d be ruind\u2014& to consider what wou\u2019d be his own reflections hereafter. I have desird him not to think these apprehensions entirely chimerical & have mentiond what you write of the intended Motion, & that we have otherways heard that it was to be made by a Member of New York.\nI have opend this Subject to you because I hope you correspond with Mr Carroll, & that you will write to him if occasion. You are Sufficiently intimate\u2014I know the weight of Yr. opinion with him.\nI have just recd. a letter from Mr Johnson returnd from the federal Court in Virginia; He will be with us after Xmass when I suppose we shall take a view of past transactions, & consider the ensuing\u2014it is not improbable that our Ideas will Coincide with yrs. in the Sales upon a large scale, & under Covenants for improvements.\nAcquainted with the World as we are we must expect Cavilling at the best intentiond Conduct\u2014& it is probable the Commsrs will meet with their share. If I satisfye my own mind, & the person from whom I receive the Trust, other reproach will at most give me but short disquiet. Adieu\u2014My dear friend for the present. Yrs Affy\nDanl Carroll\nPS. Do you think it probable the motion mentiond will be made?\nIf your house do not adhere on the occasion mentiond they deserve to be\u2014\u2014\u2014If the Senate on such a Subject is to say what shall be, can you ever refuse any thing they demand from you?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0148", "content": "Title: Memorandum from George Turner, 20 December 1791 (Abstract)\nFrom: Turner, George\nTo: Madison, James\nAbstract. 20 December 1791. \u201cAccount of Indians inhabiting the North-Eastern parts of the Territory N. W. of the Ohio\u2014Collected from good information.\u201d Lists the locations, nations, tribes, and numbers of families of Indians.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0150", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 21 December 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sr.Decr. 21.91\nYou may hear something on the Subject of a memorial from some of the proprietors respecting D. Carroll of Duddington\u2019s House, & otherwise in favor of Majr L\u2019Enfant; I feel for the Chagrin this must give the president, particularly at this time. Astonishing that persons under their circumstances wou\u2019d not avoid wounding his feelings.\nI must mention a Circumstance to you & leave it to yr. discretion according to circumstances. In the draft of the Bill we sent to the Assembly, the Clerk was to be appointed during the pleasure of the Commissioners, with a Clause makeing the records in the least manner possible expensive on the transfers of property. It was alterd on its passage to be during good behaviour to make it independent & with respect to the mode of transfers more profitable\u2014a very great Struggle was made in both Houses to vest in the Govr. & Council the appointment. Report says with appearance of probability that Col Forrest was to have been a Candidate before the Govr & Council.\nI hope I do not trespass on yr. friendship or propriety. Yrs &ca\nD Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0151", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 21 December 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,George Town Decr. 21st. 1791\nI wrote to you by last Post from Bladensburgh. A Letter from Mr Lee, & the News papers shew me the shamefull State of the Representation Bill on the 13th Inst. Such a receeding in yr. House and on such a subject is astonishing. I fear disagreable effects\u2014the evill is to continue 10 years; during which time matters will often occur to revive reflections on this event. It appears to me not quite right that the 2 Senators from Vermont shoud decide on the Repn of Kentucky. Mr Carroll has been usefull in our Assembly, but I do not think that a sufft. excuse. Mr. Rd. Hy. Lee has been a considerable time on his way, I have heard. My anxiety about what I wrote you respecting Mr Carroll of Carrollton indued me to write to him again which I hope may have effect. Docr. Stuart presents his comps. & requests Mr. Frenau will send his papers to Messrs Willson & Potts in Alexa. & to Mr Lund Washington near Alexa., & I suppose the papers from the beginning. I must request that my papers from Mr Frenau may be inclosd & seald & not left open at the sides. I do not get one out of 10, of this However I woud not have him take notice yet to our Post-Master. Unless difft. regulations prevail there will be an end to Subscriptions. Dr Sr. yrs. affy\nDanl Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0152", "content": "Title: Bill for Pennsylvania Land Contract, [21 December] 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[21 December 1791]\nMr. Madison, from the committee appointed, presented a bill for carrying into effect a contract between the United States and the State of Pennsylvania \u2026", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0153", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Henry Lee, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear sir.Richmond Decr. 22d 1791.\nMr James Marshall brother to our friend John is about going to London on business very important to himself. Proper introductory letters will be very necessary to him especially to characters political & commercial. For it may happen that the interposition of the first may be necessary to remove some difficultys which he apprehends. You know the merit of the family, the excellence of Mr. John Marshall, & I can assure you that Mr James is personally entitled to every respect & consideration.\nWill you be so good then as to ask letters from the British minister in his behalf to such gentlemen in London as he may please to make Mr Marshall known to.\nYour attention to this business will singularly oblige Mr. Marsha\u27e8ll\u27e9 & his many friends among whom I beg to be ranked. Affy. yours\nHenry Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0155", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,Decr. 26th. 1791\nMy last was, I beleive, on the 21st. Instt since which yrs. of the 20th Came to hand.\nI do indeed regret the failure of the Represenn. Bill\u2014& the circumstances attending it. What will be the result? If the residence Act is attackd as you say in a regular manner, or any other after what has taken place, I shall conclude there is a deep scheme for some other wicked purpose\u2014Nil admirari &c. I will yet beleive no more is intended than as a threat.\nWe hope to see Mr. Johnson next week\u2014& to send a Certified copy of the Act of our Assembly concerning the Territory of Columbia & City of Washington; I transmitted a rough copy to Mr Jefferson sometime past.\nI have not heard from Mr C. Carroll in answer to what I wrote him. I hope you will soon see him in Pha. Let me know who are with you at Mrs Houses. Yrs. Dr Sr Most Affy\nDanl Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0156", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 30 December 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,Decr 30th. 91\nYr. favors of the 20th. & 25th came to hand.\nMr Carroll writes me that he shall sett of[f] for Pha. abt the 10th of next month, sooner if any thing urgent happens\u2014this has releiv\u2019d me from considerable anxiety. He thinks it impossible that any body will be so hardy as to make the attempt you mention\u2014indeed on considering that Subject so many things strike my mind, that I cannot beleive any attempt will be made, unless with views much more wicked than the times are yet ripe for, especially to Come from Mr B\u2014\u2014n of N York.\nIt gives me much pleasure to find by yrs. of the 25th that the subject on the Representation is likely to be again taken up. I wish it a happy issue to general Satisfaction if possible.\nOur family has been for some days past under great alarm & uneasiness on acct of our aged Parent who has been dangerously ill, and tho something better, still, in a very precarious State. Adieu my Dr Friend yrs. &ca.\nDanl. Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-14-02-0157", "content": "Title: For the National Gazette, 31 December 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nGovernment.\nIn monarchies there is a two fold danger\u20141st, That the eyes of a good prince cannot see all that he ought to know\u20142d, That the hands of a bad one will not be tied by the fear of combinations against him. Both these evils increase with the extent of dominion; and prove, contrary to the received opinion, that monarchy is even more unfit for a great state, than for a small one, notwithstanding the greater tendency in the former to that species of government.\nAristocracies, on the other hand, are generally seen in small states: where a concentration of the public will is required by external danger, and that degree of concentration is found sufficient. The many, in such cases, cannot govern on account of emergencies which require the pr\u27e8omp\u27e9titude and precautions of a few, whilst the few themselves, resist the usurpations of a single tyrant. In Thessaly, a country intersected by mountainous barriers into a number of small cantons, the governments, according to Thucydides, were in most instances, oligarchical. Switzerland furnishes similar examples. The smaller the state, the less intolerable is this form of government, its rigors being tempered by the facility and the fear of combinations among the people.\nA republic involves the idea of popular rights. A representative republic chuses the wisdom, of which hereditary aristocracy has the chance; whilst it excludes the oppression of that form. And a confederated republic attains the force of monarchy, whilst it equally avoids the ignorance of a good prince, and the oppression of a bad one. To secure all the advantages of such a system, every good citizen will be at once a centinel over the rights of the people; over the authorities of the confederal government; and over both the rights and the authorities of the intermediate governments.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0370", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 January 1791\nFrom: Pendleton, Edmund\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nVirga. Jany. 15th. 1791.\nI have just received yr. very obliging favr. of the 2d. & have particularly to thank you for yr. Judicious Ansrs. to my several queries on the Subject of British debts, which I can truly say will have great weight with me; whether they will prove Satisfactory in removing my doubts, my head is not in a condition to decide, being just got through a Violent fever, with which I was taken on my return from Richmond, after having sat through the Court in very cold weather with a veteran hardiness, which promised a perfect restoration of my health: Yr. Answer came full as soon as I expected, & have only to fear it may at last have diverted yr. Attention from more important business, wch. I find Congress have already engaged in.\nI mentioned to Mr. White two great features in the Bank system wch. struck me as objectionable\u2014a more accurate examination, which I can\u2019t yet venture to impose on my head, might discover others. From Mr. Randolph\u2019s abilities, I expect much improvement in the Judiciary. Perhaps \u2019tis good Policy in the infancy of Our f\u0153dral Government, to avoid direct taxes, as obnoxious to the Citizens at large: but I confess my own Sentiments on that Subject have ever been that it is a delusion of the people to conceal from them the real expence of Government; and injurious, as at the same time it increases it\u2019s weight; and the principle peculiarly so to the Southern States, by an excessive impost, which, As they don\u2019t manufacture, throws on them an overproportion of the burthen: however I believe it is at present unavoidable; & only complain of that part of the impost, wch. has not revenue for it\u2019s Object, but the encouragement of Eastern & No. Manufactures, at our expence. It is the nature of the Collection, rather than Injustice, which renders the excise Odious, and that perhaps may be so changed as to leave little ground of Objection. I hope however the tax will be confined to the liquors distilled, & not, as was proposed, be extended to the Stills, wch. would particularly affect Virginia abounding in small ones chiefly emploied in distilling the Apple and peach liquor of the proprietor. However I am fully persuaded that such a measure would defeat it\u2019s own purpose, since our Orchards are so unproductive, that the tax would induce the knocking up the stills into old Copper.\nThe disposal of the public lands, is a great Object, the hastening of which would tend to reduce our Public debt to a moderate Size, & enable us to provide for the annual Interest & sinking part of the principal, so as to see an end of it at some period\u2014but it seems this is not a desirable Object with some people, who promise Us great wealth from a large debt. From the Militia Bill I hope little, being perhaps singular in my Opinion agt. all regulations on that head beyond their regular inrollment & being Armed, & an annual meeting to shew that they are kept so\u2014as to training of the whole, it cannot be made effectual, without a ruinous loss of labour; & considering money to be as necessary in War as men, & that in that Delemma, you can sooner make Soldiers of plowmen than raise money, I think a Republic of Rich husbandmen, better prepared for that state than one of poor Soldiers. 5 or even 10 days training in a year will never make a Soldier, but will in point of labour, collectively produce immence loss to the Community.\nThe Selection of certain portions for constant training altho\u2019 by rotation, is in my Judgment a standing Army, liable to many important, tho\u2019 perhaps not all the Objections to that Obnoxious body.\nThe News from Lewis Town of a peace between Br. & Sp. is agreable to me who love peace, but will disappoint many golden dreams for America, formed on the contrary hope.\nThe meeting of the Drs. to Br. Subjects on the 1st. Instant we are told has produced a Resolution to engage 4 of our eminent lawyers in the defence\u2014handsome fees no doubt are to be raised, from them I shall probably receive a different Solution of my doubts from those you have favour\u2019d me with.\nBe pleased to accept in return my most cordial wishes comprised in the Complts. of the Season; & I am sure all Virga. will join me in a hope that you may live to have them often repeated by other friends, after I am in my grave, tho\u2019 none can ever do it with more sincerity than Dr. Sir Yr. much Obliged & Affecte. friend\nEdmd Pendleton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0371", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Pendleton, 26 February 1791 (Abstract)\nFrom: Pendleton, James\nTo: Madison, James\n26 February 1791, Culpeper County. Encloses a certificate of military service of a \u201cnear neighbour,\u201d Zachariah Delaney, to enable him to collect pay owed him as conductor of military stores with the Southern Army. Asks JM, in a postscript, to take care of the certificate \u201cif it cannot be now drawn.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0373", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 9 December 1791\nFrom: Pendleton, Edmund\nTo: Madison, James\nDr. Sir\nVirga. Decemr. 9th. 1791.\nHaving spent 6 days in Richmond in hearing two Gentn. on each side argue the great Question respecting the recovery of British debts, I have for yr. amusement thrown together what I recollect of the General heads of the Argument, which may not comprehend the whole of those since I took no Notes, & give it from a faulty memory. They spake well on both sides, but Mr. Henry was truly great, & for the first time I ever heard him, methodical & connected for 2 days & an half. Grotious, Puffendorf, Vatell, & others were worried in the Service. They were still disputing on the 9th. day from the Commencement when I left the City\u2014no hint from the Judges enabled even a conjecture of their Opinion, but the bystanders who were disinterested, pretty generally thought there could not be a recovery. We hear there is a Plenipo. from London with you to settle this business\u2014at any rate it seems to me that Congress must act in it, before it can be settled either way. The truly distressing Accots. from Miame are universally charged to Br\u2014\u2014n, we are very anxious to hear how the affair ends. You\u2019l have the Intelligence of the day from yr. bror. at Richmond. I have only to add that I am grown well & fat, & that I am still as much as ever Dr. sr. Yr. mo. Affecte.\nEdmd Pendleton\n[Enclosure]\nJones Surviving Partner of Farrel & Jones\u2003\u2002 of Great Britain Plts. \u2003\u2002\u2003\u2002agt. Thomas Walker \u2003\u2003deft.\nIn debt on bond before the F\u0153dral Circuit Court at Richmond Virga.\nThe defts. pleaded that the Plt. and his Partner were british Subjects when the debt was contracted, at the commencement of the late War & ever since, and that by the War this debt, then due, was forfeited to the Com.Wealth of Virginia. That pursuant to an Act of Assembly in 1777, he paid the Amount of the debt into the Virginia Loan Office as due to the Plt., & took the receipt directed by the Act, whereby in the terms of that Law, he was discharged of the debt.\nThe plt. replied the 4th. Article of the Treaty of peace \u201cthat there should be no legal impediment on either side to the bona fide recovery in Sterling money of all debts theretofore contracted\u201d and the F\u0153dral Constitution declaring Treatys the Supreme law, as having repealed all the laws of the Virga. Assembly on the Subject.\nThe deft. rejoined the Covenants in the Treaty on the part of the british Sovereign for delivering up all American Property then possessed by the Army, to remove his Fleets and Armies from the Territory of the united States & deliver up all the Garrisoned Posts therein, & to live with America in good faith as became friends. Then alledged a breach of those Covenants 1. in refusing to deliver, & carrying away 5000 slaves American Ppty. which they had in possession at the time of the treaty. 2. in retaining the Posts & a large tract of territory within the American limits\u2014& 3. in furnishing the Indians wth. Arms and Amunition, & instigating them to War with the United states contrary to friendship & the rights of Neutrality\nThe Plt. demur\u2019d, & so the case came on before the Court for Argument.\nFor the Plt.\nFor the Deft.\n1.\u2003Wars betwn. Nation\u2019s don\u2019t affect the Contracts of Indivls.\u2014debts are not confiscatable, are suspended only during the War, & revived by Peace. Therefore all the laws of the Virga. Assembly, tending to confiscate them, were void Ab initio, as contrary to the law of Nations.\n1.\u2003By the law of Nature & Nations in a War, self preservation was the first principle, and each Nation was to judge for itself, what means were dictated by necessity to effect that end\u2014and that will justify the seizing of debts of individuals, if in their power.\n*That America, distress\u2019d for money, to repel an unjust War, & driven to the Source of emitting paper, had a right to seize the debts in aid; wch. was more reasonable as the Crs. then would otherwise have been on a better footing than those of Ama., obliged to receive paper for their debts\u2014Seqn. only then intended, the Paymts. into the Treasury\u2014placed them on an equal footing & preserv\u2019d their money from future depreciation.\nThat the exemptn. of debts from seizure in War was founded, not on the rights of War, but in the Modn. customs of the Europn. Nations by comn. consent, wch. custom did not bind Ama. for 2 reasons\n1.\u2003Amas. first effort in War, & not bound by Usuage [sic] to which she was no party.\n2.\u2003Britain did not consider it as a common War but a Rebellion, & in it\u2019s progress violated all the Rules of humanity practiced in Europe, & therefore not intitled to claim any exemptns. under that Custom.\n*That Nations as a Community form but one Moral person represented by the Sovereign Power, & in War, each individual of one is considered as in hostility to each of the other, & debt\u2019s from one to the other, are named among the Hostile things wch. may be seized.\n2.\u2003That the Virginia laws did not confiscate the debts, but sequestered them only, reserving to future direction, how the money should be disposed of, which had never been declared.\n2.\u2003The Legislature of Virga. having a right to confiscate the debts, & having Acted upon them so as to take them from, & discharged the Drs. from the Creditors, it was sufft. for the present purpose of the deft., even if there was no actual confiscation, wch. however they asserted had taken place.\nThe Act of 1777 Sequester\u2019d only, discharged Drs. who pd. into the Loan Office, & left it open for Crs. to apply & claim of the State.\nIn 1779\u2014All british property in the State was declared to belong to the Com. Wealth, the real Estate by Escheat, the Personal by forfeiture\nseveral tempy. laws prohibited suits by Br. Crs. And\nin 1782\u2014a perpetual law declaring that no suit should be brought for the Recovery of a br. debt.\nRemedy being taken away the right must follow it.\nThe Preamble to the Sequestration Act of 1777, shews the Assembly Adopted the Law of Nations as to debts, intending to Sequester & not confiscate.\u2003\u2002Britain had never confiscated debts\nThe Preamble indeed shews the Wish of the Assembly that the War should be conducted upon the humane Principles of modern practice they waited 2 yrs. in that vain hope, under the experienced departure on the part of Br\u2014\u2014n from every article of that custom\u2014except indeed as to confiscatn. of debts, which they forebore, not from tenderness, but that Subject being agt. them, they wished it to sleep.\nIt was all America had for retaliation, & in 1779, the Virga. Assembly embraced it, & proceeded to confiscation.\nIt was alledged that the slaves alone Plundered from Virga. contrary to the modern rules of War, were more than sufft. to have pd. all the debts due from the Citizens to Br. Subjects. And the defts. concluded that under the law of Nature & nations, the rights of War, the Municipal law, & the principles of Eq. the debts were extinguished, & could not be recovered, unless under the Treaty.\n3.\u2003The treaty intitled the Plts. to a recovery, which being declared by the f\u0153dral Constitution to be the Supreme law of the land, repealed the Virga. Acts, and removed every legal impediment to a bona fide recovery, & of course that which declared a payment into the Loan Office to be a discharge to the Drs.\n3.\u20031. Treaties must be distinguished according to the subject matter of them\u2014such Covenants as are within the Power of the Executive, have force by the Treaty itself: but such as tend to alter Laws established, not being within those powers, must receive their confirmation from the Legislature, wch. by the Constitution is the Congress. A contrary construction, would enable the President & Senate to repeal any Law of the United States, by throwing it into the form of a Treaty.\nThat the 4th. Article of the Treaty being to Act upon subsisting laws, which neither of the contracting Sovereignties had power to repeal, could only amount to Covenants by each that their respective Leges. should pass laws to effect the purpose.\nSo it was understood in America, & Congress recommended it to the State Assemblies, Who then held the whole legislative power, to pass laws for removing the Obstructions\u2014which proving ineffectual, that Legislation is vested in Congress by the new Constitution, but \u2019til they exercise the Power by Passing a law, the Virga. Acts stand unrepealed, & obstruct the Plts. recovery.\n2. Considering it as a law, the Court must view it as a law of Treaty, & interpret it according to the rules for construing Treaties established by the law of Nations; according to which, compacts of mutual engagements, are to be considered as reciprocal Conditions precedent, each party saying to the other, I will do this, provided you do that. Therefore the Party making an Infraction can\u2019t complain of a breach.That in this view, the Virga. Assembly by their Act of 1787, removing all obstructns. to the recovery, when Britain had performed the Treaty on her part, spake the language of the law of Nations on the Subject.\nThat on Infractn. of a Treaty by one Nation, the other had his Election to go to War, make reprisals, or withhold his Stipulated Engagements in Satisfaction, or indeed they might wave it altogether\u2014discussns. on that Subject are in Europe confined to the Cabinets of Sovereigns; but by the f\u0153dral Constitution is, as a law, consigned to the Courts of Justice, who must say what the law is; & congress not having waved the Infraction, or made it\u2019s Election as to the remedy, the Court must say that the Aggressing party, is not intitled to any benefit from the Treaty, as facts are stated in the proceedings, leaving it to Governmt. to Act on the Subject freely, and not by a premature Judgmt. for the debts, deprive them of One (perhaps the best) alternative of their choice.\nThat a partial performe. on the part of Br. was no performance, & did not change the law.\nThat considg. Britain as the stronger, and America as the weaker Nation, it was justifiable & wise in America, to withhold her performance, except as to friendship & Commerce, \u2019til Brn. had done all on her part\n4th. That tho\u2019 the fact of Infraction was admitted by the Demurrer, yet that was a matter of Sovereignty, to be adjusted between the two Governing Powers, and not to be discussed in a Court of Justice\n4th. Here again was reiterated the Observation that the members of a nation form but one Moral person. That the Plt. having no right to recover but under the Contract of his Sovereign, must abide the fate of that whole Compact, & be bound by his Kings infractn., which deprives him of the benefit, & resort there for his Satisfaction; whilst the American Citizen, sued under the Contract of his Sovereign Power, has a right to stand in the Place of that Power, & avail himself of that breach of the Treaty, wch. has annulled the Engagement by which alone he was compelled to pay. And so the Court must consider it, until Congress or the Governmt. shall Act upon it, & remove the Objectn.\nOr suppose it a contract between Plt. & deft. of things to be mutually done, the Plt. can\u2019t recover if he has made a breach on his part.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/03-08-02-0532", "content": "Title: To James Madison from George Washington, [ca. March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Madison, James\n          My dear Sir,\n        If under the existing circumstances of the newly established Bank you can add other & fitter characters than some who are proposed in the enclosed letter, you would oblige me by naming them, & returning the enclosed in an hour or two. Yrs sincerely\n          Go: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-16-02-0206-0004", "content": "Title: III. Notes of Presents Given to American Diplomats by Foreign Governments, [ca. 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nDr. Franklin\nRecieved each a gold snuff box with the king\u2019s pictures set in briliants in the lid. On signing the treaty with France. Dr. Lee on his return consulted Congress whether he should return the present.\nSilas Deane\nDr. Lee\nThey decided negatively and this formed the subsequent rule.\nDr. Franklin recieved a present on taking leave as Minister Plenipotiary in France.\nMr. Jay recieved a present as Minister Plenipotiary to Spain.\nMr. Adams recieved a gold medal and chain from the United Netherlands on taking leave.\nMr. Adams recieved the accustomary present on taking leave of the court of St. James.\nTh: J. recieved on taking leave as Minister Plenipotiary to France a miniature picture of the king set in brilliants estimated at about 360. Louis. He gave presents according to usage to certain officers of the court of about 80. Louis.\nThe above appointments were all under the old Congress, and comprehend every instance of resident appointments under them. No present was recieved on the Prussian treaty. I never heard whether there was on the Swedish and Dutch treaties.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0110-0011", "content": "Title: VII. Governor of the Northwest Territory to the Secretary of State, 2 February 1791\nFrom: St. Clair, Arthur\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n              [Philadelphia] febry. 2d. 1791\n            A few days I submitted to the Attorney General the form of a Patent for the confirmation of the Lands held by the Inhabitants on the Missisippi and at Post St. Vincennes. I had conceived myself authorised By the Instructions of Congress of the 29th. of August [1788] to grant such Patents of confirmation and that it was expected from me but the Attorney is of Opinion that the Instructions does not give the Power, that no Power to that End is in Existence, and consequently, a Law for the purpose is necessary. I would beg the favor Sir that you will bring the Subject before Congress, for it is of importance that those People be quieted in their Possessions as soon as possible. With great Respect &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0110-0012", "content": "Title: VIII. Governor of the Northwest Territory to the Secretary of State, 11 February 1791\nFrom: St. Clair, Arthur\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n              Philadelphia February 11th. 1791\n            I beg leave to present the enclosed report of my proceedings in the country on the Mississippi in the course of the last year, and to request that you will please to lay it before the President of the United States. A part, if not the whole of them, has no doubt been transmitted by the secretary of the territory from time to time; but as I was directed to report them to Congress, they are now collected into one view. I am sensible Sir, that it may have been expected to have been done earlier, but the situation I have been in ever since last June during which time I have been obliged to travel near upon five thousand miles, either upon horseback, or in an open boat and separated from my papers prevented it.\u2014I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, Your most obedient servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0110-0014", "content": "Title: IX. Report of Secretary of State on Lands at Kaskaskia, &c., 17 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n            The Secretary of State, having received from Arthur St. Clair, Esquire, Governor of the North-Western Territory, a Report of his Proceedings for carrying into Effect the Resolve of Congress of August 29th. 1788, respecting the Lands of the Inhabitants of Kaskaskia, La Prairie du Rochers, and Kahokia, which Report was enclosed to him in a Letter bearing Date of the 10th. Instant, and observing therein several Passages proper to be laid before the Legislature, has extracted the same, and thereupon makes, to the President of the United States, the following\u2014\n            In that which he made on the 14th: of Decr: 1790, relative to the Execution of the same Resolution of Congress at Post Vincennes, he brought under certain general Heads of Description the Claims to Lands at that Place, which had not been provided for by the said Resolution of Congress. To keep the Subject simplified as well as short, he will observe that the Cases at Kaskaskia, described in the Extract marked A. belong to the fourth Class of the said Report for St. Vincennes, that those at Kaskaskia of the Extract B. belong to the fifth Class of the Report for St. Vincennes,  and that those of Kahokia in the Extract C. belong to the sixth Class of the same Report, and may be comprehended in the Provision to be made for them.\n            The Extracts marked D. E. F. G. and H. describe other Cases out of the Provision of the Resolution, which have arisen at Kaskaskia and Kahokia, differing from each other as well as from all the former Classes.\n            The Extracts marked I. K. state that the Line which by the Resolve of Congress of June 20th: 1788 had been so described as to place the Lands to be allotted to the Inhabitants of Kaskaskia and Kahokia in a fertile and convenient Situation, had been so shifted by the Resolution of August 29th. 1788 as to throw those Allotments into Parts too distant and dangerous to be cultivated by them, and pray that the Line of June 20th. may be reestablished.\n            The Extract L. brings into view the Purchase of Flint and Parker in the Illinois country, which may need Attention in the Formation of a Land Law.\n            The Extracts M. N. O. with the Papers they refer to contain the Reasoning urged by the Inhabitants of Kaskaskia, Prairie, and Kahokia against the Demand of the Expenses of certain Surveys made of their Lands neither at their Desire nor for any Use of theirs.\n            P. explains certain Demands for the revoked Emissions of continental Money remaining in the office of a Notary public of Kaskaskia, and Q. the Expediency of having a printing press established at Marietta.\n            Which several Matters the Secretary of State is of opinion should be laid before the Legislature for their Consideration.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0110-0015", "content": "Title: Enclosure I: Extracts from the Report of the Governor of the Territory of the United States North-West of the Ohio, 17 February 1791\nFrom: St. Clair, Arthur\nTo: \n            Enclosure IExtracts from the Report of the Governor of the Territory of the United States North-West of the Ohio\n   [Text omitted here since extracts A through Q are identified in the notes to St. Clair\u2019s report (see textual notes to Enclosure, Document viii). As indicated in the above report, TJ arranged the extracts not\n in the sequence in which they occurred in St. Clair\u2019s report but selectively in order to correlate these passages with the categories of land claims described in his report on Vincennes (see Document ii).]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0110-0024", "content": "Title: XI. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 18 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Congress\n              Gentlemen of the Senate, and\u2002\u2003House of Representatives.\n              United States February 18th, 1791.\n            I have received from the Secretary of State a Report on the Proceedings of the Governor of the Northwestern Territory at Kaskaskia, Kahokia, and Prairie, under the Resolution of Congress of August 29th. 1788, which containing Matter proper for your Consideration, I lay the same before you.\n              Go: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0110-0025", "content": "Title: XII. Governor of the Northwest Territory to the Secretary of State, 11 March 1791\nFrom: St. Clair, Arthur\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n              Philadelphia March 11th. 1791.\n            When I had the honor to make the report of my proceedings in the Illinois country, the plan of the town of Cahokia had not come to hand.\u2014I have since received three copies, one of which I have transmitted to your office.\u2014I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, your most obedient servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0110-0026", "content": "Title: XIII. Population of the Northwest Territory, 31 January 1791\nFrom: Sargent, Winthrop,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n            The Number of Souls in the Territory of the United States North West of the River Ohio A. D. 1790\n                In the Seven Ranges of Townships\n                Ohio Company Purchase\n                The French Settlement Opposite Kanhawa\n                Symmes Settlements\n                Clarksville at the Rapids of Ohio\n                Vincennes on the Aubache inclusive of River du Chy Station\n                At the grand Ruifseau Village of St. Phillip Prairie du Rochers\n            In the Town of Vincennes upon the Aubache are about 40 American Families and 31 Slaves, included in the above Estimate. Upon the Mississippi also 40 American Families and about 73 Slaves which are likewise included.\n            Upon the Spanish Side of the Mississippi above the Confluence of the Ohio are\n                At Genivieve, Saline and \u2007\u2007a small new Village  \u2007\u2007half of which are Blacks.\n                A small Settlement 12 Miles West.\n                A Settlement 20 Miles up the Missouri River", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0113-0011", "content": "Title: V. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Congress\nGentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives\nSoon after I was called to the administration of the government  [I found it important to come to an understanding with the court of London on several points interesting to the U.S. and particularly to know Whether they were] disposed to enter into arrangements, by mutual consent, which might fix the commerce between the two nations on principles of reciprocal advantage. For this purpose I authorised informal conferences with their ministers; and from these I do not infer any disposition on their part to enter into any arrangements merely commercial. I have thought it proper to give you this information, as it might at some time have influence on matters under your consideration.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0113-0012", "content": "Title: VI. The President to the Senate, [14 February 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Senate\n[Gentlemen of the Senate\nConceiving that in the possible event of a refusal of justice on the part of Gr. Britain, we should stand less committed should it be made to a private rather than to a public person, I employed Mr. Gouv. Morris, who was on the spot, and without giving him any definite character, to enter informally into the conferences before mentioned. For your more particular information I lay before you the instructions I gave him, and those] parts of his communications wherein the British ministers appear either in conversation or by letter. These are, two letters from the D. of Leeds to Mr. Morris, and three letters of Mr. Morris giving an account of two conferences with the D. of Leeds, and one with him and Mr. Pitt. The sum of these is that they declare without scruple they do not mean to fulfill what remains of the treaty of peace to be fulfilled on their part (by which we are to understand the delivery of the posts and payment for property carried off) till performance on our part, and compensation where the delay has rendered performance now impracticable: that on the subject of a treaty of commerce they avoided direct answers so as to satisfy  Mr. Morris they did not mean to enter into one unless it could be extended to a treaty of alliance offensive and defensive, or unless in the event of a rupture with Spain.\nAs to the sending a minister here, they make excuses in the first conference, seem disposed to it in the second, and in the last express an intention of so doing.\nTheir views being thus sufficiently ascertained, I have directed Mr. Morris to discontinue his communications with them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0139-0007", "content": "Title: VI. Secretary of State to the President of the Senate, 20 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Senate\nSir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 20. 1791.\nI have the honor to inclose you a letter from one of our captive citizens of Algiers, if I may judge from the superscription, and from the letters from the same quarter which I have received myself. As these relate to a matter before your house, and contain some information we have not before had, I take the liberty of inclosing you copies of them.\u2014I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most profound respect & attachment, Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0139-0010", "content": "Title: VII. Senate Resolutions on the Algerine Captives, 1 February 1791\nFrom: Senate\nTo: \nIn Senate Feb. 1. 1791.\nThe Committee to whom was referred that part of the speech of the President of the U.S. at the opening of the session which relates to the commerce of the Mediterranean, and also the letter from the Secretary of state dated 20th. Jany. 1791. with the papers accompanying the same reported, Whereupon\nResolved that the Senate do advise and consent that the President of the U.S. take such measures as he may think necessary for the redemption of the citizens of the U.S. now in captivity at Algiers, provided the expence shall not exceed 40,000 Doll: and also that measures be taken to confirm the treaty now existing between the U.S. and the emperor of Morocco.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0139-0011", "content": "Title: VIII. The President to the Senate, [22 February 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\n[22 February 1791]\nI will proceed to take measures for the ransom of our citizens in captivity at Algiers, in conformity with your resolution of advice  of the first instant, so soon as the monies necessary shall be appropriated by the legislature and shall be in readiness.\nThe recognition of our treaty with the new Emperor of Marocco requires also previous appropriation and provision. The importance of this last to the liberty and property of our citizens induces me to urge it on your earliest attention.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0145", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Lewis, 1 January 1791\nFrom: Lewis, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia January 1st. 1791.\nIn consequence of your Letter of the 12th. of August last, I am about to lay before you the Information which it calls for, so far as I have been able to collect it. As I do not take your meaning to be, that I should confine myself to such matters as I might think exceptionable, I shall mention all such as have fallen within my knowledge, that \u201cMay be considered by the British  Nation as an infraction of the Treaty,\u201d and submit them, with some remarks of my own to your consideration.\u2014On conversing with the British Consul for the State of Pennsylvania I found, that he was possessed of a printed statement, which had been prepared by a Committee of British Merchants, appointed for the purpose of enumerating the Infractions of which they complained, and I hoped to derive some useful Information from it, but I could not be favoured with a sight of it. Recollecting that he had in March 1788 presented a memorial on the same subject, to the President and supreme executive Council of this Commonwealth, and supposing it to contain so much of the printed Statement as relates to Pennsylvania; I procured a Copy of it, which shall, with some explanatory observations be laid before you. The memorial was transmitted by the President and Council to the Legislature. On the first day of March A.D. 1788, a Committee of the House, appointed in consequence of a Resolution of Congress, made a Report, which was soon after adopted, that having \u201cExamined into the subject matter of that part of the said message, which recommends to the notice of this House the resolution of Congress passed March 21st. 1787, and suggests the propriety of passing a declaratory Act to answer the end intended by the said resolution, they cannot find that there is any act or acts, or any part or parts of any act or Acts, passed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, now in force, which are repugnant to the treaty of peace between the united States and his Britannic Majesty, or to any articles thereof, or that at all tend to restrain, limit, or in any manner impede, retard or counteract the operation and execution thereof, or to explain the same.\u201d\nOn receiving your Letter, I sent an extract of so much of it as relates to this business, to the President and Council, and requested to be furnished with Copies of all Proclamations, orders, minutes and Proceedings of Council (if any such there were) which might be supposed by the people of Great-Britain to have been in violation of the Treaty, between that nation and the united States, and I was soon after furnished by them with the following Resolution, to wit,\n\u201cResolved that the Secretary be desired to inform the Attorney of the united States for the District of Pennsylvania, that the supreme executive Council of this Commonwealth, having never been inattentive to any National Engagement, are not informed that any proclamation, order, minute, or proceeding of their Body, has been, or can be in any degree supposed by the people of  Great-Britain, to be in violation of the Treaty between that Nation and the United States.\u201d\nThese Documents shew the Sentiments of the executive and legislative Authorities of Pennsylvania with respect to their observance of the Treaty with Great-Britain, and from what follows, you will be able to form an accurate Judgment thereon. I shall begin with the memorial, and as it relates to matters with which you may not be fully acquainted, I shall endeavour to give the necessary Information respecting them.\nThe first complaint which it contains is, that the Legislature of Pennsylvania have not passed an act in pursuance of \u201cThe recommendatory Resolve of Congress to the different States of the Union, to repeal all Laws repugnant to the Treaty of peace.\u201d Had the Legislature of Pennsylvania conceived the meaning of that Resolution to be, that such repealing Laws should be passed by States in which no repugnant Law existed, and within which such repealing Law could not possibly operate, I am confident that it would have readily been complied with; but as they did not understand it in this Sense, and were informed by their Committee that no such repugnant Act existed in Pennsylvania, they passed no Law in consequence of it.\nThe memorial admits, that the Report of the Committee \u201cIs founded in the strictest Truth\u201d and that \u201cThere is no Law at present existing in this State repugnant to the Treaty of peace,\u201d but adds that \u201cThe position must be taken in this qualified Sense, that no Laws exist here which contravene the Treaty of peace, provided the Treaty be the scale by which the Laws are to be construed, and explained; for there certainly are Laws now existing, the construction of which if confined to the mere letter of the Laws themselves, would essentially affect the rights of British Subjects; Whereas by referring to the Treaty to qualify such Laws, no impediment could arise, but every just right might be prosecuted according to the Spirit and Meaning of the Treaty.\u201d If what is here assumed for fact is realy so, the reasoning on it may be just, but if the Instances brought to prove it, have not that effect, and if no others exist, the conclusion cannot be warranted.\nThe first one mentioned by the Consul is \u201cThe present situation of the Bankrupt Laws of this State\u201d which are said \u201cIn some Instances to press hard upon the Interest and Security of all foreign Creditors, but they particularly affect the British Creditors by reason of their very extensive Dealings\u201d And that \u201cOne essential Inconvenience arises from a late Determination of the Commissioners of Bankruptcy by which they excluded the agents of foreign Merchants from any right to vote in the choice of the assignees of the Bankrupt. But one Instance is here mentioned of the \u201cBankrupt Laws pressing hard upon the Interest and security of British Creditors\u201d and I cannot possibly immagine another, nor see any weight in this. I do not know that the Creditors of a Bankrupt in England ever had the Right of choosing Assignees under the Laws of that Country, until it was given them by a Statute of the 5th. of George the 2nd. c.30. \u00a7 26th. which declares, that this right may be exercised by their Agents or Attornies, whose powers are authenticated in the special manner therein mentioned. No part of the British Bankrupt Laws has ever been held to extend to Pennsylvania, and of course no right could be derived here under this Statute. The first Bankrupt Law that we ever had in Pennsylvania was passed on the 16th. of September 1785. It gave to Commissioners to be appointed by the President or Vice-President of the Supreme executive Council the right of disposing of the Bankrupt\u2019s estate for the benefit of his Creditors, but did not enable the Creditors to choose Assignees. This power was first given them by the 11th. Section of an Act passed on the 15th. of March 1787, and as it makes no mention of their voting by Agents &c. the question referred to by the Consul arose under it. It was further objected to their right of voting, with equal and perhaps greater weight, that admitting the Creditors right of voting by their Agents, the powers of the Agents were in the Instance referred to, which was that of Col: Dean, given for other purposes, and did not extend to this, nor were they authenticated as the Statute of George the 2nd. required. On one or both of these objections the Agents were excluded from voting, and not because the Creditors were British Subjects, for had they belonged to any nation, or to a neighbouring State, or even been Citizens of Pennsylvania, the questions and the Decision must have been precisely the same: so that I am altogether at a loss to conceive, how this can be an Infraction of the Treaty, or have any relation to it.\nAnd I am if possible at a still greater loss to conceive how \u201cThe operation of the Laws of Attachment of this State\u201d should have been thought of as an evil to be complained of by the Consul; for he admits the wisdom and justice of our Law as to \u201cDomestic Attachments\u201d as they are called, and that which relates to foreign ones, was passed in the year 1705. It gives the same right to all Creditors, of all denominations and of all Countries, that it does to the Citizens of Pennsylvania, tho\u2019 it must be admitted, that British Creditors, by availing themselves of their early knowledge of the failure of British Merchants who trade to this Country, send here, and attach their property before the failures are generally known, and thereby derive greater advantage from this Law than all the world besides. The Act complained of may be found in pa. 44. of the first volume of Pennsylvania Laws.\n\u201cThe Settlement of Interest on Debts due to British Merchants antecedent to the late Troubles\u201d is the next matter mentioned by the Consul, and this is said to be \u201cOf considerable consequence to them, and is presumed by him to be of so much Importance as to require some particular legislative Interposition to define its nature and extent.\u201d\n[The Legislature of the year 1788, did not think themselves authorized by any principles of sound policy or good Government, to pass a Law to define the nature and extent of Contracts entered into more than a dozen years before and it is reasonable to presume that such a Law would have been complained of as an Infraction of the Treaty. Every person has been left to pursue his remedy at Law, without any particular act being made for the allowance or abatement of Interest, and as the question has altogether depended on the Laws of England, the Consuls acknowledgement that \u201cThe Channels of Justice flow with great purity and Impartiality in Pennsylvania, and that the Laws are faithfully and diligently administered\u201d Seems to be a full refutation of his own objection. Since however the objection is so much insisted on, I will take the liberty of mentioning some facts, a knowledge whereof may be necessary to form a Judgment respecting it.\nI beleive it is truly stated by the Consul, that \u201cThe terms of Contracts between British and American Merchants are for the most part of this sort. Goods are sent hither to be paid for in one year; after which Interest becomes due at the yearly rate of 5 \u214c Cent.\u201d This having been a long established usage, it has so far received the sanction of our Courts, as that Interest has been allowed in such cases from the end of the year, but as there is no positive Law for the allowing of Interest on an account; as the claim of Interest by British Merchants from their American Debtors, was founded on this usage alone; and as no Instance had before happened of the Intercourse between the People of Great-Britain and of America being interrupted by War; Our Courts held the Case to be a new one, to which the usage did not extend, and as there was neither Law or usage for allowing Interest during the War; that is from  the Battle of Lexington in April 1775 until the provisional Articles between the united States and his Britannic Majesty in November 1782, it has been generally disallowed during that period. If the Debt had been contracted more than a year before the Battle of Lexington, Interest has been allowed, I beleive in all cases, from the time of the Debt becoming due, until the Battle of Lexington, and from the provisional Articles, until the time of payment. The Rule has been reciprocal. It prevailed in a trial in our Supreme Court wherein a Citizen of a neighbouring State was Plaintiff and a British Subject defendant, altho\u2019 the Debt had been contracted long before the War. It has been observed in other Cases, and I very much doubt if a different one has prevailed at Westminster-Hall in actions brought on running Accounts.]\nWhat is said by the Consul with respect to the Law of Alienage, seems to bear so very little relation to the Treaty, that I should have supposed it to have been mentioned under an Idea, that England ought, as the most favoured Nation to have some exclusive Grant of Priviledges: were it not for the following words contained in the memorial \u201cIf the Faith of Treaties enjoins the mutual security of Rights, the justice of this Government will encourage every fit means to effectuate this essential purpose.\u201d\u2014I will only add, that whatever our Law of Alienage may be, we received it from England, with this difference that by an Act entitled \u201cAn Act to enable Aliens to purchase and hold real Estates within this Commonwealth\u201d\u2014passed the 11th. Day of February 1789. All Foreigners or Aliens not being the subjects of some sovereign State or Power at War with the United States of America are declared capable until the first day of January Anno Domini 1792 to purchase Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments within this Commonwealth and to hold the same to them their heirs and assigns for ever.\nAnd with this farther difference, that in Pennsylvania a Mortgage being a mere Security, on which the Remedy is a Scire facias to effect a Sale of the Land for the payment of the Debt, it may be taken by a Foreigner as well as by a Citizen of Pennsylvania and has always been considered as personal Estate.\nI am afraid that I have wearied your patience, by paying an over minute attention to this long memorial, which I might perhaps have considered as merely containing Hints for the improvement of our Laws, so as to become peculiarly favourable to the people of Britain, did it not conclude with some observations respecting \u201cNational Character and national Justice\u201d And an express  Declaration that \u201cThe suggestions are built on the broad principles of commutative Justice, and the solemn stipulations of Treaties, applied to the particular objects of the Representation.\u201d\nThe British Consul considers the 14th. \u00a7 of an Act entitled \u201cAn act for the Attainder of divers Traitors &c.\u201d passed the 6th. of March 1788 and the 4th. \u00a7 of a Supplement thereto, passed the 29th. of March 1779. as an Infraction of the Treaty. The first of these Acts is in pa. 98 of the 2nd. Vol. of the Pennsylvania Laws, and the Supplement is in pa. 177 of the same Book. The Reasons assigned by him are, if I rightly comprehend them\n1. That a British Subject, who has a lawful title to the Lands seised as the property of an attainted Traitor, or who is his Judgment or mortgage Creditor, will be suddenly barred of his right by the opperation of these Sections, if he does not exhibit his claim in the manner therein mentioned.\n2. That these sections are calculated to draw the Decision of questions affecting the rights of British Subjects from the proper Tribunals to summary ones, and to subject them to new and unusual modes of Trial.\n3. That if a British Subject who is a Creditor of any such attainted Traitor, establishes his claim, he is not under these Acts intitled to payment in gold or silver.\nRemarks\n1. I have not heard of any such case as is here mentioned having occurred, nor of facts that can give rise to any thing of the kind; from which I conclude, that they were mentioned as possible cases, under supposed Circumstances.\n2. These acts authorized the President or Vice-President (I say authorized, because we have no such officers at present) to call on such offenders only, as should aid the enemy by joining the army &c., to surrender themselves under the Penalty of attainder, and not upon all offenders; and as the Treaty put an end to the War, so it put an end to all attainders under these acts, and consequently no new case can arise.\n3. The 8th. Sect. of the Supplement pa. 179. restores the Remedy by Ejectment to all persons, except such as claim by a Title derived under the person attainted.\n4. The 10th. Sect. of the Supplement pa. 180. gives the right of Trial by Jury, to all Claimants, so that the course of justice is the same as in other cases.\n5th. The 4th. and 5th. Sects. of the Supplement pa. 178. extends the time limited by the 14th. Section pa. 107 of the first Act for exhibiting of claims\u2014And in addition to this, most, if not all Countries have their Laws for limiting the time within which actions shall be brought. They have them in England and we have them here, and I cannot see how a reasonable time limitted by the Legislature for closing all claims on the Person attainted, and bringing the balance into the Treasury, can be a violation of any Treaty; But it is a full answer to the objection\n6th. That the British Creditor may still have his remedy by action against the Person attainted, and the reasoning used by the Consul would put an End to all the Laws of Forfeiture, since there cannot be a Doubt, but that the Legislature of any State, might at any time, after the Treaty as well as before, prohibit the Commission of any offence, under the penalty of any particular Sum, or of the Forfeiture of all the offender\u2019s Estate, without making any provision for the payment of his Debts. Of this the English Law affords abundant proof. Hence it appears that these acts, instead of being Infractions of the Treaty, give rights to the British Creditors, which they would not have otherwise had, and leave them the choice of accepting of them or not as they think proper.\nThese remarks will I hope be excused, since they have arisen from a desire to save you the Trouble of a tedious perusal and consideration of the Several Acts.\nTender Laws as they are called, having given rise to complaints against some or all of the States, it may afford you satisfaction, at the expence of but little trouble, to have a short statement of them, as they have existed in Pennsylvania.\nThe 2nd. and 3rd. Sects. of an act entitled \u201cAn act for making the Continental Bills of Credit, and the Bills of credit emitted by resolves of the late assemblies legal tender, and for other purposes therein mentioned,\u201d passed the 29th. of January 1777. made \u201cThe Bills of Credit emitted and made current by the Continental Congress, and the Bills of Credit made current by the Resolves of the late assemblies of Pennsylvania, and certain other Bills therein mentioned[\u201d] a legal tender, under the penalty of forfeiting the Debt by a refusal, pa. 7 of the 2nd. vol. of Pennsylvania Laws.\nAs this act only mentioned \u201cThe Bills of Credit emitted and made Current\u201d it was held not to extend to such bills as were emitted by future Acts of Congress, or of our State Legislature,  and therefore subsequent Laws were enacted, declaring them to be a legal Tender, but for want of sufficient accuracy of expression by the Legislature, such subsequent Emissions, were for the most part only made a legal tender for the purpose of stopping Interest, and not of forfeiting the Debt by a Refusal. It is not necessary to refer you to the several Acts, nor to some others that were afterwards made to suspend their operation: For a Law passed on the 21st. of June 1781 repealing \u201cSo much of all the Laws of this Commonwealth as declare all or any of the above mentioned Bills of Credit a legal tender, or as impose any forfeiture for refusing to take them[\u201d]\u20142. vol. State Laws 493.\nShould it appear to you, on comparing the 6th. Sect. of the Act of the 29th. of January 1777 with the 2nd. Section of that of the 21st. of June 1781. that the latter does not repeal the former, and of course that the legal Exchange between Great-Britain and America remains as it was fixed by the first Act, at 155 Cent, I answer that a solemn determination to the contrary took place several years ago in our Supreme Court, since which, the Judges have refused to let the question be argued, and the exchange has been regulated, both in and out of Court by the current price of Bills. I mention this, because there may perhaps appear to be some grounds for a contrary opinion.\nOn the 16th. of March 1785 a Law was passed for emitting \u00a3150000. in Bills of Credit, but as they were only made receiveable in the payment of Taxes, and of other Debts due to the State, no British Creditor can, or ever could be injured by this Act.\nAs the acts for emitting Bills of Credit, and making them a Tender for different purposes, are very numerous, I have made this short statement, which gives a full view of all that can be necessary for you to know respecting them.\nThe following Remarks will shew, the restrictions which have been laid at different periods by acts of the Legislature, on the Recovery of Debts.\nThe 6th. 7th. 8th. and 9th. Sections of the abovementioned Act of the 21st. of June 1781 Entitled \u201cAn act for the repeal of so much of the Laws of this Commonwealth as make the Continental Bills of Credit &c a legal tender\u201d &c, restrain under the Limitations therein mentioned, the issuing of Executions for the principle of any Debt, until two years from the passing of the said Act. 2 Vol State Laws 495. 496.\nThis Act was passed during the War, and had no exception  in favour of British Subjects, tho\u2019 there was one in the 9th. Section of it against them.\nBefore the two years had expired, to wit on the 12th. of March 1783, Another Act was passed extending the Restriction for one year longer, that is to say, until the 21st. of June 1784, and from thence until the end of the next sitting of Assembly. 3 Vol of Pennsylvania Laws 138.\u2014There was no Exception in this Act in favour of British Creditors, and as the end of the next sitting of Assembly after the 21st. of June 1784, was on the 24th. of September in the same year, it expired on that day. From that time until the 23rd. of December in the same year, there was no existing Law in Pennsylvania, laying any restraint on the Recovery of any Debts whatever, but on the last mentioned Day, another Law was enacted respecting Debts contracted before the 1st. Day of January 1777, and subjecting the Recovery thereof to considerable Restraints, with an exception in favour of all British Creditors, whose Debts had been contracted before the 4th. Day of July Anno Domini 1776.\nHence it appears\u2014\n1st. That the impediment to the recovery of all Debts contracted before the 1st. Day of January Anno Domini 1777, created by the act of the 21st. of June 1781, and continued by that of the 12th. of March 1783. continued, (if the Treaty did not prevent it) until the 24th. day of September Anno Domini 1784.\n2. That a new impediment (if the Treaty did not prevent it) was created by the Act of the 23rd. of December Anno Domini 1784, to the Recovery by British Creditors of their Debts contracted between the 4th. Day of July Anno Domini 1776. and the 1st. Day of January 1777, which continued until the 23rd. of December 1787\u20133 Vol Penna. Laws pa. 412.\nAs commerce between England and Pennsylvania had ceased before the 4th. Day of July 1776; it can hardly be supposed, that any such Debts as are last mentioned, were contracted between that period and the first Day of January 1777. Of course there could not have been any Impediment to the recovery of them and I am confident that no such Case ever occurred.\nWhether British Creditors ever met with any Impediment under the act of the 21st. of June 1781, or that of the 12th. of March 1783 in the recovery of their Debts, I will not undertake to say. I was in full practice at the Bar during the Continuance of both these acts, and recollect no Instance of the kind, so that it is not likely that the Court was ever called upon to determine whether  they or the treaty should prevail. In other cases, [the Judges have uniformly and without hesitation declared in favor of the Treaty, on the Ground of its being the Supreme Law of the Land. On this ground, they have not only discharged attainted Traitors from Arrests but have frequently declared that they were entitled by the Treaty to Protection.]\nI do not know whether I have answered your views or not. My object has been, on the one hand to avoid reasoning on general principles, and on the other to enable you to avail yourself of any local knowledge which I may possess. I beleive that I have omitted nothing which can be \u201cConsidered by the British Nation as an Infraction of the Treaty.\u201d\nShould any further Information be thought necessary, I shall be happy in having an opportunity to communicate it.\n[I am with the highest Esteem Yr. Mo: Obt. & very Hble. Servt.\nWm. Lewis]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0147", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 January 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMadrid January 3d. 1791.\nI have had, Sir, many conversations with Mr. Carmichael on the subject of your letter to him. If it had arrived early in summer, he thinks we might have obtained all our wishes. Then the critical state of affairs induced the Comte de Florida Blanca to throw out those general assertions that we should have no reason to complain of the conduct of this court with respect to the Mississippi, which gave rise to the report its navigation was opened.  That minister had intimations from del Campo of the conferences between Mr. Morris and the Duke of Leeds which occasioned him to say with warmth to Mr. Carmichael now is your time to make a treaty with England. Fitzherbert availed himself of those conferences to create apprehensions that the Americans would aid his nation in case of war. Long time the conduct of Spain was fluctuating and undecided. After a variety of circumstances (which Mr. Carmichael has explained in dispatches that have miscarried and which he will repeat in others by me) a convention was formed whereby the British gained substantially every thing they at first demanded. Want of money to support a war and the queen\u2019s intrigues together with advice from the Compte Montmorin that peace was essential for France were probably the principal causes which compelled Spain to yield the point after each side had tried which could hold out longest. The preparations cost Spain sixteen million dollars. Thus the crisis most favorable for the attainment of our wishes is past. Unless there is some secret article in the convention by which England guarantees the possessions of Spain in America, resentment may remain in the Spanish court for having been obliged to receive the Law. They may also desire to be in readiness for events. How far these or other motives may operate in producing a change of system with respect to the United States remains to be learnt from an adherance to the latter part of your instructions to Mr. Carmichael.\nThe fact is clear that the United States are daily gaining political consideration in Europe. Spain, guided by narrow policy towards it\u2019s colonies, fears the consequence of our encreasing strength and resources. The Compte de Florida Blanca has been so long and so obstinately opposed to the admission of foreign vessels into the gulf of Mexico, that the most he can ever be persuaded to do will be to suffer some body else to negociate, to whom, if there be blame for inconsistency in policy the fault may be imputed. But the compte not being well with the queen, loses credit; and recent circumstances indicate that he is but the ostensible, while le Rena (at the head of the finance) is the real Minister. Mr. Carmichael thinks, that if the compte will not consent to open a negociation with liberal views, it may be possible to displace him and find a successor of better dispositions: that is if the queen lives, but she is apprehensive of dying in childbed next month, which event would give the compte more weight than ever. Campomanes, who is at the head of the judicatures, Compte D\u2019Aranda and many others entertain just ideas with respect to our country.  The first is high in influence and secretly an enemy of the Compte de Florida Blanca; the last, at the head of opposition, will not come into Office himself, but in case of a change of administration, some of his friends will succeed. Mr. Carmichael, being on terms of intimacy with the first characters here, is certainly capable of effecting more at this court than any other American.\nHe is heartily desirous of accomplishing the object in view at all events and fully determined to return to America in twelve or eighteen months at farthest. He has expressed that intention repeatedly. [Were he] to be invested with full powers, perhaps he would be able to do something before his departure from this Continent. Of this however you will judge best from the tenor of his future communications and other circumstances. Nothing has passed between him and me on that subject. But I question whether this court after having sent Gardoqui to treat in America will ever send any other minister there for that purpose. Even if they would I believe more advantages might be gained by negociating here than there.\nThe British ambassador has conferences with the minister almost every day, which excites jealousy in the representatives of some other powers.\nSomething also gives uneasiness to this court. Affairs do not go well. Frequent councils are convened. The government is feeble, jealous, mercenary and unpopular. The king is a well disposed, passionate, weak man. The queen (a shrewd, well instructed woman, addicted to pleasure and expence) governs the kingdom. She is not beloved. Nor did either of them receive the usual acclamations of the people when they returned from their country residence last fall. The queen has even been insulted, which makes her appear rarely in public. For this offence twelve washerwomen have been confined and their husbands banished the kingdom because they petitioned for their release. Several natives of distinction have lately been exiled from the capital to the provinces, among others the comptesse of Galvez. Compte Segur, a Frenchman accused of being the author of a libel against the queen, within a week past died of rigorous confinement. This government, alarmed at the success of the revolution in France, shews great distrust and hatred of the French. Several have been arrested at midnight and hurried out of the country. People begin to think and even to speak in private circles freely. In some provinces dissatisfaction prevails on account of new taxes. Three regiments are just sent into Gallicia to quell those disturbances, where an attempt was  made to assassinate the new General on the road. General Lacy (who commands at Barcel [ona] and has been obliged to menace the city by turning the cannon against it) is continually writing to court for men and military supplies. Tho\u2019 the Spaniards in many places retain the appearance, habits and manners of a people who have but lately lost their liberty; yet affairs are not ripe for reformation from want of leaders, information and means of combination. The utmost diligence is used to suppress intelligence from other countries. Notwithstanding I had the necessary passports, at the frontier town I was delayed a day and not permitted to proceed, until the Officers of police had put my letters under cover to the police in Madrid. This having been done in my presence, they delivered them to me, with an apology for the strictness of their orders. On my arrival at Madrid, I went directly to Mr. Carmichael and upon his application to the Compte de Florida Blanca, the letters (which had remained in my trunk under the seal of government) were returned unopened into my hand. But notwithstanding all precautions, letters, newspapers and pamphlets come from France into this kingdom. Interesting paragraphs are copied, circulated and read with avidity.\nProjects have certainly been meditated for attempting a counter revolution in France from Turin and other quarters at the same time. They proved abortive. Tho\u2019, I believe, the designs were previously known at this court, no aid was given. In France the finances have a good aspect and the revolution is becoming confirmed. It is thought the Compte de Artois and Most of the refugees will return within the time limited by the decree of the national assembly. I have the honor to be your most obedient servt.\nD. Humphreys", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0148", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 3 January 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nUnited States Jany 3d. 1791\nBy the President\u2019s command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of State to be lodged in his Office one exemplified Copy of an Act of the Legislature of the State of New Jersey for vesting in the United States of America the Jurisdiction of a Lot of Land at Sandy Hook in the County of Monmouth, and a letter which accompanied said Act from the Goverr. of the State of New Jersey to the President of the United States.\u2014By the President\u2019s Command\u2014\nTobias Lear\u2014s. p. u. s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0149", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Rittenhouse, 4 January 1791\nFrom: Rittenhouse, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nJany. 4th. 1791\nUnder the Building lately erected by the Philosophical Society there are very large and deep Cellars. Suppose in the midst of one of them, another of 12 or 15 feet deep and 16 feet square was dug and walled and arched over would it not answer the purpose of which we were speaking. A considerable part of the Expence would be saved, and whatever reasonable compensation should be made to the Society wou\u2019d I think be very acceptable. I am a little apprehensive of one inconvenience, whether the Cavern be made there or elsewhere, I mean Mephitic Air taking possession of it, but this may be guarded against. The prodigious extent of those under the Observatory at Paris perhaps secures them from anything of that sort.\u2014I am Dr. Sir, with great respect Yours &c.\nD. Rittenhouse", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0150", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 5 January 179[1]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\nPhiladelphia Jan. 5. 1790. [i.e., 1791]\nI did not write to you, my dear Poll, the last week, because I was really angry at recieving no letter. I have now been near nine  weeks from home, and have never had a scrip of a pen, when by the regularity of the post, I might recieve your letters as frequently and as exactly as if I were at Charlottesville. I ascribed it at first to indolence, but the affection must be weak which is so long over-ruled by that. Adieu.\nTh: J.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0151", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Donald, 6 January 1791\nFrom: Donald, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Sir\nLondon 6th. January 1791.\nThe last letter I had the honour of receiving from you was dated the 29th August. I am disapointed at not having the Pleasure of hearing from you by the Decemr. Packet. I hope you will write me by the January one, and that you will be so good as send me an introductory letter to M. de la Hante in Paris, if it is not already on the way. Mr. Short writes me that this letter would probably be of great service to me and I am fully convinced of the Justness of his observation. If I receive the above letter soon, it is very probable that I may go over to Paris, and have the honour of delivering it myself.\nI am just returned from a visit to my Friends in the North. I was fortunate in having very good weather. Indeed we have not experienced any cold this winter. Hitherto the weather has been very mild, but we have had very heavy gales of wind accompanied with much rain, which I think must prove injurious to the Crops of wheat. So much the better for America. For if the Crops in Europe are materially injured, there will be a demand for all your Surplus grain, and at good prices.\u2014I fear the intelligence of the Spanish Convention would reduce prices all over your Continent. I wish therefore from my Heart that it had not taken place.\nThe Empress of Russia appears determined to drive the Turks out of Europe, and to keep possession of all her Conquests in despite of the Spirited remonstrances of the King of Prussia. This will probably induce him to take an active part against her in the Spring and if so, this Country will be obliged to send a respectable Fleet into the Baltick to protect the Dominions of Prussia from the insults and ravages of the Russian Fleets. Admiral Lord Hood is appointed to the Command of this Fleet which will probably consist of 15. or 20 Sail of the Line, and suppose will be joined by a proportionate Squadron from Holland. Russia cannot long withstand  the joint efforts of the three Powers, especially as she must be pretty well exhausted already by her long exertions against Turkey.\nYou will hear before you receive this, that the Flemings have again come under the dominion of Austria. Peace is also restored to the Principality of Liege, and the Regent Prince de Rohan has absconded, as well as many of the Principal Patriots. I cannot help thinking that it is at least Problematical how matters may end in France. The National Assembly are still sitting, I think their time is out in May next. I am inclined to think that the present members will not resign their seats at that time. But a few months will determine this. You will receive a letter from Mr. Short by this Packet, who can give you much better information on French Politicks than I can.\nI have sent an order to Mr. Brown to buy one Hundred Thousand Bushels of wheat provided it can be bought in my limits, which are the highest that I think can be prudently given. This order may be of some service to many of my Old Friends. Every market in Europe (except France) is glutted with Tobacco and the prices have in consequence fallen very low. France is not able to buy, having nothing to pay except Assignats, which the People on this Side the Channel have not a very high opinion of. I am sorry to see that the N. A. have permitted the Cultivation of Tobacco in France. It will reduce the demand for it from America, but this I presume you will be much pleased with, as I observe that you are opposed to the Culture of it in America, and so would I, if I could see any other thing they could raise whereby their lands would be equally productive.\nI am ashamed to say that I have left in Virga. the letter wherein you was so good as give me the Prices for the different kinds of French Wines. If it was not giving you too much trouble I will thank you much for a Copy of it, and a few lines of introduction to your wine merchant in Bourdeaux.\nI will be extremely happy if you will put it in my power to be serviceable to you. Wishing you many returns of this Season, I remain with great respect & esteem My Dear Sir Your obliged & obt. Servt.\nA. Donald", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0152", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Vaughan, 6 January 1791\nFrom: Vaughan, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nLondon, Jany. 6, 1791.\nThere is little doubt entertained, that we have dictated to Russia to come to terms with Turkey, a summons to which I do not see how the Empress can refuse obedience. But in return, she will remember the insult, as will her successor the fact, that the navy of England is always to be guarded against. This datum is now so well understood through Europe, that it seems likely to make us as odious as before the war with America.\nThere seems another continental object for our court in Poland; but it is so ridiculous, that I presume it will be given up.\u2014After these affairs are over, Mr. P\u2019s reign is supposed likely to be very short.\nThere is every appearance, that the French Revolution has consolidated itself in its present stage. Nevertheless, from the late efforts of the Aristocrates, some local tumults are still likely to occur, which however will be of no moment as to the final event. I have the honor to be, Dear sir, Your sincere & respectful humble servt.\nBenjn. Vaughan\nI send this letter through my brother, not knowing where you may be at its arrival.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0153", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Lindsay, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lindsay, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Jan: 10. 1791.\nI have duly recieved your favor of Dec. 11. and return you many thanks for the advance you were so kind as to make for the freight of my furniture which I now inclose to you, that is to say fifty dollars thirty six cents. Having seen the arrival of the vessel announced I immediately wrote to Capt. Maxwell to ask the favor of him to do for me what was necessary. Your letter came to hand before an answer could have come from him. I wrote at the same time to Mr. James Brown merchant at Richmd. to recieve the furniture and pay any expences on it. I have his answer that he will do it. So that I have only to ask the favor of yourself or Capt. Maxwell to send them to Richmond to Mr. Brown who will answer your draught for every expence.\nI was sensible that the novelty of the case, on my arrival in Virginia with my baggage, laid you under doubt as to the duties. On my arrival here I mentioned it to the Secretary of the Treasury, that if my baggage was liable to duty I would remit it to you immediately and set the thing to rights. He said it was not liable, and that you had done right. Between 70. and 80. packages of my furniture from Paris are lately landed here, and are duty free. With a due sense of your obliging conduct I am Sir your most Obedt. & most humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0154", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nTh: J. to J. M.\nWill you be so good as to let me know how much I am in your debt for travelling expenses and the horse. My monstrous bill of freight rendered the question useless till now. I send you a moment\u2019s amusement at my expence in the Connecticut paper. I suppose it is from some schoolmaster who does not like that the mysteries of his art should become useless.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0156", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Mason, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Mason, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nVirginia Gunston-Hall January 10th. 1791.\nAs I well know Your Attachment to the sacred Cause of Liberty must interest You in the Success of the French Revolution, it is with great pleasure I can inform You, that it is still going on prosperously; notwithstanding the Evils which have been predicted from the large Emissions of Paper Money. I have a Letter from my Son John, dated as late as the 10th. of Novemr. in which he informs me, that the Sales of the Church and Crown Lands are going on successfully, in every Part of the Kingdom; and the Paper Money absorbed by them, as fast as it comes into Circulation; being publickly burnt as it is taken in; and that from the Experiments already made, it is generally thought the Proceeds of the public Lands will be more than three times the Amount of the Paper ordered to be issued; in Consequence of which, Exchange with foreign Countrys (which had been so extreamly low) is beginning to look up again.\nThe public Lands, in the different Districts, are laid off in Lotts, numbered and valued, by Commissioners on Oath, and after having been advertised six weeks (one lott at a time in each District) it is sold to the highest Bidders. The first lott in the City of Bourdeaux consisting of nine Houses or Tenements, was sold on the 5th. of Novemr. A prodigious Croud of People attended, and many Purchasers, bidding with great Alacrity, 1, 2 and 3 thousand livres at a time above each other, and the Lott sold, upon an Average, at about 50 \u214c cent. above it\u2019s Valuation; and by Advices from Paris, and other Parts of the Kingdom, the Sales were going on every where, in nearly the same Proportion.\nThis is a most fortunate Event for the French Revolution; it is a Proof of great and general Confidence; and I hope will give the finishing Stroke to it. There is something very extraordinary in these Sales. It was natural to suppose, that the Distrust of many in the new Government, the religious Scruples, or Superstition of others, with respect to the Church Lands, and the great Quantity of Land brought suddenly to Market, wou\u2019d have occasioned very low Sales; against the last, however, the Mode of selling has wisely guarded. Nothing has yet been decided upon the Subject of the Farm; a late Plan has been proposed, with Respect to Tobacco, which they term, a regie, a Sort of second Farm in the Hands of the Nation; the Nation proposing to take into their Hands, exclusively, the Purchase and Sale of Tobacco; whether this will be adopted, or the Trade made entirely free, is yet uncertain.\u2014The Crop of Wheat in France has turn\u2019d out much shorter than was expected, and foreign Supplies will again be wanted. A Scarcity has already begun to be felt in Bourdeaux, and a Company has been lately formed there, of some of the most wealthy Merchants, under the Auspices of the Municipality, in which 700,000\u20b6 has been already subscribed, to purchase wheat abroad, for the Consumption of the City, and orders given for the Purchase on the Baltic; but this is an Object of only a few weeks Consumption; the Dayly Consumption of the City being computed at 1,800 Boisseaux.\nBy the last Couriers from Paris, they were informed in Bourdeaux, that the Spanish Ambassador had announced to the King, the signing at Madrid an Arangement between the Courts of Madrid and London, which will put a Stop to the Hostilities, for which they have been so long, and so vigorously, preparing; that Spain is to cede to Great Britain a right to trade, and make Establishments in the Bay of Nootka; but not a word of the  reimbursment of Expences; which Great Britain held, at first, as a sine qua non. This News was believed, but not absolutely confirmed.\nMy Son John was admitted, about the latter End of last Summer, a Member of the great Constitutional Committee for the City of Bourdeaux, an Appointment with which I am very well pleased; not only as it shows that he is well known and esteemed in the City, but as it will make him acquainted with some of the first Characters in that Part of the Kingdom, and will be the Means of much Information and Improvement. He intends, after visiting most of the principal Manufactories in France, to imbark for America in May next, and if he meets with a good Ship for that Port, to come first to Charles Town in S.C. but as he purposes to establish a House, in the Commission Line, upon Potomack River, I believe I shall advise him to take the french and spanish west Indies, in his way. Their House in Bourdeaux will still be continued, under the Management of Mr. Fenwick. John is very anxious to know the place where the Seat of the General Government will be fixed, as it will in some Measure determine the place of his Establishment; and desires to know my Opinion, whether Congress can ever be got out of the Whirlpool of Philadelphia? I shall answer him, that it is my Opinion it can not, for half a Century to come.\nThere is a particular Circumstance, tho\u2019 its Consequences have been little attended to, or thought of, which is continually sapping and contaminating the Republicanism of the United States, and if not timely altered, will corrupt the rising Generation. It may be, and I believe will be, a Work of Difficulty to prevent it\u2019s baneful Influence; but it surely ought to be attempted. I hope I shall have the Pleasure of seeing You at Gunston, when You return to Virginia, and wish to have some Conversation with You on the Subject. I am, with the most sincere Regard and Esteem, dear Sir, Your affecte. Friend & Obdt. Servt.,\nG. Mason\nP.S. I beg the Favour of You to present my best Respects to our Friend Mr. Madison. He is one of the few men, whom from a pretty thorough Acquaintance, I really esteem; tho\u2019 I have been apprehensive some late Difference (and it has only been a late one) on political Questions had caused a Coolness between Us. I am sure it has not on my Part; for if I know my own Heart, I have more Liberality, than to think the worse of a Friend for a Disagreement on any theoretical Opinions; and I well know that the  iniquitous Attempts too frequently made in any Assembly, are almost enough to shake any Man\u2019s democratical principles.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0157", "content": "Title: Henry Remsen, Jr., to the Printers of the Laws, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Remsen, Henry, Jr.\nTo: Printers of the Laws\nSir\nPhiladelphia, Jany. 10. 1791.\nI have the pleasure to send you herewith enclosed, a bank post note for 88 dollars and 50 cents, being the compensation the Secretary of State has determined to allow for the publication in your paper of the Acts passed at the Second Session of the Congress of the United States.\nIn fixing the compensation at this sum, the Secretary was governed by the several proposals he had received. One gentleman offered to take for the work 50 cents per page of the folio printed volume: another 100 cents; but the others left it with him to name the price. He therefore thought it best to adopt a mean, which might not produce either too great gain or loss, and fixed three quarters of a dollar as the uniform allowance for every page of the folio printed volume. On receiving this I must beg the favor of your transmitting to the Secretary a bill and receipt agreeably to the annexed form. I am Sir &c,\nHenry Remsen Junr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0158", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 10 January 1791\nFrom: Wythe, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nG.W. to T.J.\nWilliamsburgh, 10th of January, 1791.\nWhen you can attend to trifles, tell me your opinion, in general, of the drawing inclosed with this; particularly, should not  parties appear before the judge? Is not the skin of Sisamnes, whose story, you know, Herodotus relates, added by Mr. West to the original design, an improvement? On the reverse, are not the words \u2018state of Virginia,\u2019 on the exergon, since within it are represented Patomack, &c. a tautology? And, if so, what ought to supply their place? Return the drawing at your leisure. If any makers or sellers of instruments for philosophical experiments be in Philadelphia, desire one of them to send me a bill of his articles, with their cost. I wish you felicity perpetual.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0159", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Brown, 11 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Brown, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 11. 1791.\nIt is many days since I received the favor of your letter. I have been, and still am likely to be so pressed with business, at least during the earlier part of the session of Congress, as to give me time only to mention to you, that I have brought with me the papers in the affair between us, from my own house, where it was impossible for me to look into them. As there are many of them, and they will probably take me a day, I apprehend it will be some time, perhaps even some weeks before I can give them a day. They shall have the first in my power to spare, and it shall be a part of the business to give you immediate notice of the result. I do not foresee any room for difference of opinion unless it be in the price of the tobacco. However I can at present say no more than that I wish to do full justice and to receive it, and that you shall hear from me as soon as I can write fully. I am with great regard Sir Your most obedt humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0160", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 11 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Currie, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 11. 1791.\nAs you were so good as to assist me in the purchase of the horse from Mr. Braxton, I take the liberty of sending the inclosed under your cover, and of leaving it open for your notice. I have ventured to trouble you with the taking in and cancelling my promisory note.\nYou will have seen in the public papers a letter of the D. of Leeds as is said, announcing peace. This is the only scrip from Europe to this effect, and it has stood alone this fortnight or three weeks without confirmation or contradiction.\nThe farmers here are probably unreasonable in refusing the market price (a French crown) for their wheat. However the prospect in Europe is not as unfavorable as the mercantile extracts pretend. There will be a want of wheat in France at a reasonable price. The price in Marseilles is very good, and likely so to continue, as the house of Cathalan authorize me to assure. A great demand from the same country for tobacco must come a little sooner or a little later. It would have come by this time had it been decided who is to buy. With sentiments of the sincerest esteem I am Dear Sir your affectionate friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0161", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 11 January 179[1]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 11. 1790 [i.e., 1791]\nI have this day recieved your favor of Dec.It is the first and only news I have had from home since I left it. I have written some scolding letters on this account. I am very sorry for the discontinuance of the Charlottesville post, and will contribute any thing reasonable for it\u2019s reestablishment provided it goes from Charlottesville to Richmond directly, and returns there in like manner. In the mean time I pray that a letter may be written to  me once a week. This job can be divided among you so as to bring it on each but once in three weeks, which I will repay weekly. I do not ask long letters when there is no subject for them, but only to know how you all do. These letters may always find a conveyance from Charlottesville to Richmond.\nI think the price of wheat unjustifiably low at Richmond. It has been constant here at a French crown. This price has been occasioned by the West India demand, and as all the country North of Baltimore is now shut up by the ice, I think the demands must now center in the Chesapeak, consequently that the harvest of Virginia will be from this till the ice breaks up here. There will be little demand in Europe this year; but there is some in France, tho\u2019 their crop was good.\nA letter in the public papers supposed from the D. of Leeds to the Mayor of London announces peace. It has appeared here this fortnight, without contradiction or confirmation. It is rather believed than otherwise.\nCongress have before them two important propositions. The one for the establishment of a bank, the other of a tax on ardent spirits, which they call an excise, tho\u2019 not resembling the excise in the odious method of collection. Moral, as well as fiscal reasons procure it advocates.\nMrs. Monroe set out for New York yesterday, to continue there till March. Her little daughter went thro\u2019 the small pox so easily as merely to satisfy them she had it. Present my sincere love to my daughters and believe me to be dear Sir yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0162", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, 11 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ross, David\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 11. 1791.\nI have this day recieved your favor, covering copies of the accounts, and your observations on them. The rapid reading I have been able to give them does not satisfy me that there can be any just measure of dealings between man and man but real money. However, these papers are long and the subject intricate. They will take me a considerable time to examine and weigh, probably several days. My occupations during the session of Congress are so  unremitting that I foresee little prospect of being able to turn to any thing else which would require time, till they rise, which must by the constitution be about the close of the next month. I will then lay the last hand to the business, so as to prepare it either for a settlement between ourselves, if I see that our opinions can approach on the subject, or otherwise I should propose to refer it to the arbitration of some of the judges of our state. I wish to do you full justice. I am persuaded you wish the same to me. Ideas habitual on the one side, not so on the other, prevent us from seeing the same thing in the same light. It is a difference of reason, and will I am sure be conducted and finished with reason and candour. In the meantime it cannot influence those sentiments of esteem & regard with which I am Dear Sir Your sincere friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0166", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Churchman, 13 January 1791\nFrom: Churchman, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSouth 2nd. Street No. 183. 1 mo. 13th. 1791\nThe Committee of the House of Representatives to whom was referred my memorial, having made a Report in favor of the Penalty being made larger for such as shall Copy Charts, Maps &c. for a given time, but have said but little in favour of the Proposed Voyage to Baffins Bay, as there has arisen a doubt with some individuals whether the encouragement of an expedition of this sort might not be inconsistent with the Spirit of the Constitution, these matters are left to be decided by the House. Altho I am well aware, of the time of the Secretary of State being very precious, yet if liesure will only admit of writing an Opinion on the Propriety of such a Voyage, from the great confidence of the Members on the Knowledge of the Secretary in the whole Circle of Sciences, I am sure it would have great weight with them. I am encouraged to mention this matter from a conversation with some of them. It would have been very agreeable to me had the Memorial been referred in this line at first, but as the Committee have already reported, I suppose it might be rather indelicate and out of order in this stage of the Business to request such a thing directed to the House. The expence of the voyage is supposed to amount to about 3000 Dollars. If the members of the House could be convinced of the probability of such a Trip turning out useful to the Public, I have good reason to think that they would not hesitate to give their consent, but as some of them profess not to have studied subjects of this nature, they seem to be at a loss to make up their minds. I am sorry to be the cause of this trouble, and it would give me pain to make an improper request. Should there be a freedom to write a little note on this subject by the Bearer, or before the Report of the Committee has a second reading, I shall place this favour on the Catalogue of those which with gratitude I have  already received. A Committee of the Marine Society here have reported in favour of the Chart &ca. I am with the greatest Sentiments thy Sincere Friend.\nJ. Churchman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0167", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Bringhurst, 15 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Bringhurst, James\nSir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 15. 1791.\nI have taken time to examine the account you presented me and to endeavor to recollect the particulars. I had always believed I had paid off the whole of it. I recollect sending a sum of money by Genl. Nelson for that purpose, and I have among my papers in Virginia his letter mentioning the payment of it, so that I was under a full impression of it\u2019s being entirely discharged. I have since that been in Philadelphia months at a time, and should not have failed to have called on you if I had had the least idea I was still in your debt. I do not say this to draw a doubt over the exactness of your account. It is more presumable in my mind that the inexactitude has been in Genl. Nelson or myself. Still every prudent man wishes to see his own statement of an account before he closes it. These papers are all preserved at my house in Virginia. But I cannot get a sight of them till! I go there, which will not be till the summer. To the delay of 14. years then, which has proceeded from the want of a notification of it, I must still propose a further of some months: more for the sake of satisfying my own mind than from any expectation that the error may be with you instead of me. You shall hear from me as soon as I am enabled to examine into it. I am Sir Your very humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. I return the note.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0168", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Sharp Delany, 15 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Delany, Sharp\nSir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 15. 1791.\nI have been in daily expectation of recieving the invoice wherein the prices of the paper will be stated, as Mr. Short assured me it  should come in his next letter. But I have not yet recieved it. If it be necessary however for the regularity of your accounts, I think we can come at it nearly. The invoice of the articles which came with them, states 150. rouleaux of paper. Turning to a paper I had, I find that I paid once in Paris 2 livres 10. sols for a single rouleau. Buying by the quantity will make it come much cheaper. As it is all very plain paper, I do not expect it will cost me more than 2. livres a rouleau which will be 300. livres the whole. If you think proper to settle the duty on that price or any other you think more probable, I shall be glad to pay it immediately, and if the price should be found to have been settled too low when my account comes, I will pay the difference. If you will be so good as to let me know the amount of the duty on the wine and paper, I will call with it or send it to you. I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0172", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Knox, 16 January 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nSunday 16 January 1791\nAmong the other objects to be considered tomorrow, it is the desire of the President that the memorial of a frenchman, an inhabitant of the Western territory upon an injury which he suffered from the Commandant of a Spanish post should also be reported upon. The memorial is lodged in your office with your last report. Will you please to bring it with you?\u2014I am Dear Sir Your sincerely & affectionately\nH Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0173", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 16 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMontecello January 16th 1791\nI very much regret not having answer\u2019d yours My Dearest Papa sooner, but being misinformed with regard to the Charlottesville post which we heard was discontinued has till now prevented my writing and not as you supposed having nothing to say. It is unlucky that the matrasses can not be sent now as we shall soon be in great distress. Aunt Fleming and probably one of her sons being expected here shortly I must accept of Mrs. Lewis\u2019s kind offer who in returning one of the beds I sent home offered a second if necessary. I have reason to think my self far advanced in her good graces as she has really been friendly. Martin has left us and not relying much in the carefullness of the boys particularly when left to them selves I took an account of the plate china and locked up all that was not in imediate use. Not recollecting that there was a set of queens ware here I sent to Richmond for some by which means the china was preserved entire except our beautiful cups which being obliged to leave out are all broke but one. The spoons &c. that are in use are counted and locked up night and morning so that I hope to keep them all to gather till your return. It was very troublesome in the begining tho now I have the boys in tolerable order every thing goes on pretty well. I have wrought an entire reformation on the rest of my household. Nothing comes in or goes out without my knowledge and I believe there is as little  waste as possible. I visit the kitchen smoke house and fowls when the weather permits and according to your desire saw the meat cut out. I can give but a poor account of my reading having had so little time to my self that tho I really have the greatest inclination I have not as yet been able to indulge it. Polly improves weekly in her spanish which she reads with much more facility than when you went away. She was surprised that I should think of making her look for all the words and the parts of the verb also when she made nonsence but finding me inexorable she is at last reconciled to her dictionary with whom she had for some time past been on very bad terms. She has been twice thro her grammar since your departure. As for the harpsicord tho I put it in fine order it has been to little purpose till very lately. I am in hopes she will continue to attend to that also. She is remarkably docile where she can surmount her Laziness of which she has an astonishing degree and which makes her neglect what ever she thinks will not be imediately discovered. I have entered into all these details because however trifling they would appear to others, to you my Dear Papa I think they will be interesting. I received a kind invitation from Aunt Eppes to spend the month of February at Eppinton but Mrs. Fleming\u2019s being here at that time will render it useless. The morning of the 13th at 10 minutes past four we had an earthquake which was severe enough to awaken us all in the house and several of the servants in the out houses. It was followed by a second shock very slight and an aurora borealis. I am extremely obliged to you for the cypress vine which with a bundle of seeds I found in rumaging up some drawer in the chamber, written on the back cupressus Patula and some others. I intend to decorate my windows this spring. You promissed me a colection of garden seeds for a young Lady in the west indies [Bruni] for whom also I will send you a letter to be forwarded to her with them. Adieu My Dearest Father. Mr. Randolph and Polly join in love. Believe me ever your affectionate child.\nM. Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0174", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 16 January 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam Jan. 16. 1791.\nThis letter containing one for the Secretary of the Treasury will be sent by an American vessel that is going down to Texel  where she will wait only for a change of the wind. She will find there all the other vessels by which I have written since my arrival here, constant contrary winds having prevented any vessel from leaving that place since the month of November. I wrote also by the English packets of Dec. and Jan. which I am happy to learn did not experience a similar delay.\nBy private letter I have this moment recieved from Paris I learn that one of the Algerine captains who took the American ships was there, and the writer congratulated me on our prisoners being on the point of being released. Whether this Algerine captain is a supposed personage, and whether there is any foundation for the hope of the release of our prisoners I cannot say, as the letter goes no further and I have no information of any kind respecting the matter. I inclosed you from Paris a letter which I had received from one of the prisoners in which he spoke of a negotiation begun for this purpose by order of Congress, but I never heard any thing else respecting it before or since. I shall be exceedingly happy if it is so as I am persuaded there is no hope of any thing being done for the present at least by the Mathurins.\nI wrote to you some time ago respecting the money which had been deposed at Mr. Grand\u2019s for this purpose. Should you have no intention of applying it immediately as was intended I cannot help repeating the propriety of using it in the payment of the arrears of interest due there to the foreign officers. The certainty of the U.S. being able to command in future whatever sums they want for the Algerine business renders such a deposit useless at present. As the principal of the debt due to these officers is inconsiderable, as it bears an interest of six p. cent, and particularly as these officers spread through various parts of Europe, do a real injury to the credit of the U.S. by their clamours, it would be good policy perhaps to appropriate a part of the monies now in the hands of the agents here and which are remaining unemployed to the final discharge of the debts. I submit this to your consideration to suggest it if you think proper to the Secretary of the Treasury.\n[You know that the assembly some time ago formed a central committee in order to examine what they had done and what they had still to do as pouvoir constituant. This was considered as a means of ascertaining the end of the present session. By the report which this committee has made it was proposed that the assembly should devote their morning sessions to the objects therein determined as being either constitutional or essential to the support of the constitution. The Lameths and about thirty of their  party opposed the report in the most unreserved manner. The report however passed by a very great majority and gave great pleasure to the well disposed, because they considered it as fixing the term of the session within a short period. It proves however in fact that there is no hope of this term arriving within any certain time, since the objects there prescribed for the present session cannot be completed so as to be reduced to any calculation. Supposing it possible that the assembly should adhere to this report it is impossible to conjecture when the business could be finished, but it is evident they will not adhere to it so long as they suffer their attention to be called to all objects of importance of a Judiciary or administrative nature, and this they seem as much disposed to now as ever\u2014some because they do not wish the assembly to end, others because they fear it, and many because they hope that the anarchy and despotism which will necessarily prevail as long as the present assembly lasts will disgust the nation with the present order of things. I think it very probable that such numbers will become dissatisfied ere long with the pouvoir constituant as will point out to them the necessity of giving place to a succeeding legislature, but I do not think there is any danger of their attachment to a free government being altered. So that supposing no foreign interference, of which I see no good grounds for apprehension, I continue to think that the present revolution will end by establishing the principles of liberty and a good constitution in France. It is under this idea that I suppose a little experience will show them the monstrous defects in the present organisation of the powers of government and will teach them also the manner and the necessity of correcting them.\nThe uneasiness which prevailed for some time on account of the refugees at Turin and the persons arrested at Lyons seems to have subsided. It is certain that the conduct of the people at Brussels had so roused their hopes that they wished the Princes to enter France immediately. These or at least the Count d\u2019Artois refused such a rash senseless project, and since then nothing more seems to have been said about it.\nApprehensions of disorder from the clergy were for some time more founded, and even yet it is not known what will be the issue in the provinces where there is much bigotry still remaining. As the clergy or at least the discontented amongst them will endeavour to persuade the people that this is an overthrow of religion effected by the influence of the protestants in the assembly, they will create disorders perhaps in some places, but in general the  spirit of the revolution is yet a torrent which bears down everything before\u2014and it so happens that that part of the clergy which opposes the decree that creates these apprehensions, is the same which has been uniformly in opposition to all the decrees of the assembly. I suppose you know that the dispute is about the right of the assembly to change the limits of the dioceses without the consent of the Pope. A few Jansenists decided every thing in the ecclesiastical committee whose plans were all adopted by the assembly: they established what they called the civil constitution of the clergy by changing totally the ecclesiastical system. This gives new vigour to the Roman catholic religion and will probably postpone its end in France. These changes are altogether to the disadvantage of the richer part of the clergy and of course opposed by them. The same committee unnecessarily conformed the dioceses to the departments, and it is this which is the pretext for the present opposition.\u2014All the higher clergy except two have so committed themselves by their opposition that they have no decent means now of retracting unless the consent of the Pope should arrive in an answer which is expected daily. There is little hope of his consenting. The inevitable consequence seems to be that all the refusing Bishops and Curates will be displaced and their successors named agreeable to the new mode of election.\nNothing further has been done by the assembly respecting tobacco since my last though the discussion is expected to be renewed daily. Before I left Paris I wrote to Marseilles, Bordeaux and Havre in order to desire the consuls to endeavour to have favorable representations made respecting the American commerce to the Assembly. Mr. Fenwick of Bordeaux informs me that the chamber of commerce of that place is well disposed particularly with regard to the oil business and that they propose instructing their deputies to have it subjected to a much lower duty than that of the arr\u00eat du conseil. I learn from the committee of commerce of the national assembly also that the new tariff they are about to propose is now under press, that by it the duty on our oils is much lowered and other foreign oils prohibited. This is very different from their first report and tariff which were printed. I think it probable that the assembly will adopt it in the lump from mere lassistude, the necessity of fixing something and the impossibility of examining every article of the tariff separately. All the foreign merchants settled in the different ports and their connexions in and about the assembly will oppose violently the exclusion of foreign oils.\nYou are informed of the disturbances which still rage in the French islands as the means adopted by the National Assembly for appeasing them by commissioners and an army.\u2014A mulatto of the name of Auger, said to have embarked in France for the U. States, and gone from thence to St. Domingo, put himself at the head of a party and gave much alarm for a short time. He has been obliged to fly to the Spanish part of the island where he is arrested by the order of that government.]\nWe are in daily expectation of the news of Ismailow being taken by the Russians. When the last accounts came away they were bombarding it in all quarters. Prince Potemkin is certainly trying at the same time to negotiate a separate peace with the Porte through the Visir who is at the head of the grand army. Prussia is trying to counteract this by keeping up the hopes of the Porte of effectual relief in the Spring. Negotiations connected with this business are active in several other parts of Europe. It is said that there are some indications of Spain\u2019s joining the English and Prussian mediation, but this merely from a desire to procure peace for the Turk and not from any attachment to these cabinets.\u2014It is believed also that a negotiation is now carrying on by them with Denmark in order to facilitate the entrance of the fleet which England seems decided to send into the Baltic in the Spring. Admiral Hood is designed to command it and to those ships still kept in commission will be joined the fleet of Admiral Cornish after whom an express was sent immediately on the arrangement with Spain, in order to recall him from the West Indies.\nYou will easily conceive that this complication of interests and powers gives rise to such a variety of combinations that it is difficult to ascertain the result with any kind of precision. We may conjecture reasonably however that it will produce peace either by the separate negotiation between the Russian and Turk during the winter or by the interference of the mediating powers in the spring.\n[For authentic information with respect to the British affairs in the East Indies I refer you to the debates of the house of commons, the Minister having promised to lay before them all the papers they wished for. His triumph on his refusal to communicate those respecting the Spanish negotiation prevents our knowing any thing more than what is contained in the convention signed by the two powers. From the terms in which it is couched it would seem there was wide field for dispute still left between them. The situation and disposition of France will be probably the measure of the  Spanish conformity to this convention which was extorted from them. I know not how this convention will have affected the U.S. as I do not know what is the system they would have observed in the case of a rupture. As far as I can judge however from such circumstances as came to my knowledge at Paris I think Spain would have been very tractable; and if she has serious thoughts of breaking with England in any short time I suppose she would be well disposed still to favor the wishes of the U.S.\u2014The extract of your letter to Mr. Carmichael which you sent me has been kept entirely to myself. He has never mentioned to me whether he has received the letter itself, but I take it for granted it would have been sent by a sure conveyance.]\nI learn accidentally in the moment from London that Colo. W. S. Smith has arrived in England and is still at Bath where he has been these ten days. It is conjectured that his object was to demand a surrender of the forts and that the convention with Spain is the cause that he has stopped in his way. I find that the Agents of the U.S. here who are in general perfectly informed of every thing that passes in America do not yet know of Colo. Smith\u2019s having left it, or at least they have said nothing to me about it, so that I suppose his departure was either very sudden or secret.\nI have just received also from London the President\u2019s speech at the opening of Congress. It was waited for here with much impatience. I have communicated it to the agents who seem perfectly satisfied with it. As they think it will be of service, they intend having it published in some of the papers of this country. The remonstrance of the Pennsylvania public creditors which accompanied the Speech is approved of also by these gentlemen, but it will not be published. We are anxious to see what Congress will do respecting it, and the resolutions of the States opposed to the assumption.\n[I think I mentioned to you some time ago that Mr. Swan of Boston had made a contract with the French ministry for ship timber. He intends I believe to contract with them also for supplying their marine and garrisons with salt provisions. These are such important articles that it is much to be desired that no mismanagement should take place in future. You know how much one of them has already suffered from this circumstance. Mr. Swan seems fully sensible of this, but I am not sufficiently acquainted with his commercial character to know how far he may be relied on. He has made proposals also to the Spanish ministry for furnishing salted provisions and taking payment in the debt of the U.S. to  that country. The proposals are relished there and they desire him to go to Madrid for the purpose of concluding something. I know not whether he will go, but this shews that in proper hands something might be done respecting it which would be a means of adding to the debouch\u00e9 for those articles. The admiralty of this country are endeavouring to collect information with respect to our ship timber and particularly the live-oak. They have applied to Mr. Willink respecting it. Unfortunately the carpenters of the U.S. are in the habit of employing timber in an unseasoned state. This has already thrown our shipping into a discredit which will prevent that art becoming an important addition to our commerce unless the evil can be remedied by some means or other. Some houses here had ordered ships to be built in America by way of experiment. They have turned out so badly notwithstanding the cheapness of the first cost, that they have abandoned the prosecution of this object, and this has induced others to follow their example without the expence of an experiment.\nSamples of the sugar of the maple tree refined at N. York have been sent to several houses here. One of them has conceived such hopes from them that they intend to send refiners there and endeavour to introduce this article into the commerce between this place and the U.S. I suppose however that it will be some time before enough is made for our own consumption, and that until then it cannot become an article of exportation.]\u2014I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect attachment & respect, Dear Sir, your obedient humble servant\nW: Short\nP.S. Jan. 17. I have just received a letter from Mr. Carmichael of Nov. 14. It came to Paris by Mr. Littlepage who gave it to the Marquis de la fayette. Between the two after being lost for some time, it has got to my hands. The letter is short as I am referred to the bearer for more particular information with respect to the politics of that court. I think it proper however to send you the following extract. \u201cI can only say that from the characters who surround the throne here its system must be weak perhaps wicked with respect to those it may think weaker than itself. For what we lose on one side in opinion we seek to gain on the other though prudence nor magnanimity have nothing to say with the motive.\u201d He adds also \u201cI thank you for your American information for I have none for a long time.\u201d You may be able perhaps to judge  from this, if you have not better information, whether he has received your letter of August. I should infer from it that he had not.\nI inclose you a report of the committee of imposition by which you will see their plan for the present year. It was ordered to be printed by the assembly. After much delay it has been published. You will see that their sentiments are totally changed with respect to tobacco. The discussion will certainly be not much longer delayed. At least we may be as sure of it as we can be of any movement of the assembly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0175", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Baptiste Guide, 17 January 1791\nFrom: Guide, Jean Baptiste\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nExcellence\nNice 17. Janvier 1791\nJ\u2019eus le Bonheur en 1788 de faire icy la conoissance Personelle de Votre Excellence et de Lui exprimer Mon d\u00e9sir de former des Liaisons de comerce avec Les etats unis de L\u2019amerique.\nVotre Excellence eut la bont\u00e9 de me faire passer de Paris quelques notions relatives \u00e0 mon projet et j\u2019eus L\u2019honeur de l\u2019en remercier en L\u2019assurant que je n\u2019attendais qu\u2019une Occasion favorable.\nJe viens de me d\u00e9cider d\u2019envoyer \u00e0 Baltimore un petit Brigantin que j\u2019ai, Doubl\u00e9 a neuf en Cuivre, nom\u00e9 L\u2019Antoinette, sous Pavillon Savoyard. J\u2019y ai mis une Cargaison en Marchandises et en Piastres d\u2019Espagne, pour avoir le retour en Tabac et autres articles du Continent.\nMon frere pu\u00efne, Pierre Guide, qui a travaille longtemps dans ma Maison, ayant eu dessein de passer en Virginie pour cono\u00eetre le Pays, je Lui ai donn\u00e9 la Gestion entiere de mon expedition.\nVenant d\u2019aprendre que Votre Excellence a ete appell\u00e9e de Paris dans Sa Patrie et plac\u00e9e au Ministere des affaires etrangeres, J\u2019ose demander \u00e0 Votre excellence Ses Bont\u00e9s pour mon expedition et  pour mon frere Pierre qui aura L\u2019honeur de lui presenter cette Lettre.\nLe Zelle que j\u2019emploie \u00e0 entamer les premieres Liaisons directes entre Nice et Les pays des etats unis me flattent que Votre Excellence voudra bien acorder sa protection et Sa Bienveillance \u00e0 mon frere qui s\u2019efforcera de les meriter.\nVotre Excellence me fit La Grace de me dire que le Pavillon fran\u00e7ois etait un des plus favoris\u00e9s pour les droits dans Les ports des etats unis. Je ne puis et n\u2019ai voulu me servir que de cellui de mon Souverain. Je demanderai \u00e0 Votre Excellence de me procurer toutes Les douceurs possibles. Agrav\u00e9 deja par le risque des barbaresques, j\u2019ai besoin de quelque facilit\u00e9. Votre Excellence sait mieux que Perssonne le courage que donne au negotiant Les succ\u00e9s des premi\u00e8res operations.\nMon frere a quelqu\u2019envie de se fixer \u00e0 Baltimore ou Philadelphie. Il me renverra alors Le navire et attendra des nouvelles expeditions. En c\u00e9dant \u00e0 ce projet qui me separe d\u2019un frere que j\u2019aime infiniment, ma Consolation serait de le Savoir honnor\u00e9 des Bont\u00e9s de Votre Excellence et d\u2019y trouver des moyens \u00e0 multiplier mes raports d\u2019affaire avec Le Continent.\nLe cap. Fr. Baret, n\u00e9 \u00e0 la martinique, Mais sujet naturalis\u00e9 du Roi de Sardaigne, commande Mon Brigantin. C\u2019est un marin qui a du merite et que j\u2019ose recomender \u00e0 Votre Excellence.\nJe Suplie Votre Excellence de me permettre de lui offrir mes Services dans ce Pays. Je m\u2019estimerai fort heureux de pouvoir m\u2019ocuper \u00e0 remplir Ses ordres com\u2019encor \u00e0 me rendre utile dans L\u2019occasion aux Sujets des etats unis qui pourraient avoir des interets icy. C\u2019est Dans ces dispositions que je me proteste avec un Profond Respect De Votre Excellence Le tres humble & tres obeissant Serviteur\nBte. Guide\nP.S. Mon Navire pars de Marseille o\u00f9 je l\u2019avais envoy\u00e9 doubler en Cuivre. Il reviendra icy \u00e0 droiture et desormais il faira directement les Voyages de Nice au Continent et Vice-versa. Mon frere aura des Lettres pour Votre Excellence de nos parens M. Cathalan et des Pieds d\u2019olivier.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0176", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 17 January 1791\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhila. Jany. 17. 1791.\nI wrote you soon after my arrival here relative to the wishes and pretentions of a Mr. Mortimer, son of Dr. M. of Fredbg., to an appointment in your office. As I understood mine was accompanied with letters from Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Page I suppos\u2019d an answer would have been communicated to these gentlemen. Latterly I have received several applications on that subject from the Doctor and his friends. I have therefore to request that you will enable me give him satisfactory information on that point. I have just received a letter from Colo. Bell who informs that Mr. and Mrs. Randolph are well. Sincerely I am your friend & servt.\nJas. Monroe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0178", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 17 January 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam Jan. 17. 1791.\nMy last private letter to you was of the 29th. ulto. It is still at the Texel with all the letters I have written to you and the Secretary of the Treasury by that way since my arrival here. The wind has remained constantly since the month of Nov. so as to prevent any vessel sailing from that place.\u2014In my last I enclosed you my account with yourself of which I have received the balance from Messrs. Willink & V. Staphorst, my accounts with the U.S. as your secretary, and as charg\u00e9 des affaires to the 1st. of July last. I explained fully the several articles of these accounts which required it.\nIn the same letter as well as in that of the 23d. ulto. sent by the English packet I told you how sorry I was to have gone into such unreserved details in my letter to which yours of Sep. 30 was an answer. I do not repeat the same here because I do not wish to weary you with apologies on a subject which must already have been matter of more than sufficient ennui to you, as I find it was repeated in several of my letters before I knew the effect it would produce. I am sorry it is so different from what I had improperly suffered myself to hope for, and do assure you that I blame myself so much that I hope at least for your excuses, if there can be any excuses for having written so often and so much on a subject which concerned merely myself. It is to avoid adding to it that I say nothing more in extenuation at present. Begging you however to be fully persuaded that you were mistaken in what you say about my attachment to Europe, to be assured that I should prefer being there on the terms you mention if they could be hoped for, to being any thing in Europe, and to believe that my desire to remain here some time longer proceeded from a belief that I could be useful and a desire to be so, and also from the impossibility which I foresaw of settling myself agreeably to my wishes in America.\nIt has been hinted to me here that there was an idea of appointing Mr. Van Staphorst Consul for the U.S. at this place and that he had declined it from a desire not to have any thing to do with the present government here. If so I think he was right. I cannot help adding however in case this idea should still exist that I fear such an appointment would do more harm than good, as it would certainly excite the jealousy and ill humour formerly subsisting between the two houses employed here by the U.S. and   which seems at present to be done away. I know not who could be appointed as Consul here but I think it better even to have none than to rouse old differences between the two houses.\nThe agents here have learned from their correspondents that the Secretary of the Treasury has been endeavoring to find bills and intends to draw for the money in their hands. Supposing it would be too late I have not written to him respecting it, but I think it would be well for him to consider whether it would not be more advantageous to have coin sent from hence for several reasons and particularly the following. 1. Bills to that amount must tend to keep the exchange low in America and be prejudicial to commerce. 2. Coin sent would turn out as well and probably better than bills drawn payable in London on account of the difference of exchange between this place and that. 3. The advantage of increasing the quantity of circulating specie by importing it into a country where it is wanted. The Secretary will always know three months beforehand the sum he will want and that will give him time or nearly to have it sent from hence. The insurance is inconsiderable.\nThe Marquis de la fayette has been lately indisposed and confined to his bed for the first time during the revolution. No danger is apprehended. His party strengthens in proportion as the Club des Jacobins divides. A new club under the title of Monarchique has been formed in Paris. They would probably have sunk into oblivion if the municipality of Paris to please the Jacobins had not taken on themselves to forbid their assembling. This act of municipal tyranny, founded on the club\u2019s having distributed bread to the poor of the different quarters of the capital at a cheap rate, has much encreased their importance and the number of its members. I do not think however it will last long, as the municipality is sensible of having done wrong and will do nothing more to prevent their assembling. The members are composed of men of heterogeneous principles.\nI have received no letter from you since that of Sep. 30. I shall write to you again in a few days by the English packet as the last post by which one can be sure of that conveyance will leave this place the 25th. In the mean time be assured of the sincerity with which I am my dear Sir your friend & servant\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0180", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mirom\u00e9nil, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Mirom\u00e9nil\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nA Paris ce 18. Janv. 1791.\nJ\u2019ay rec\u00fc, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m\u2019av\u00e9s fait L\u2019Honneur de m\u2019Ecrire Le 6. de 7bre. dernier de la Part de M. votre President General Washington, qui desir avoir 20. Douzaines de Bouteilles des Grands Vins Nomm\u00e9 Segur du Medoc. La Renomm\u00e9e de ce General est trop Connue de la france pour ne pas faire desirer \u00e0 tout bon fran\u00e7ois, de saisir toutes Les occasions de pouvoir Luy donner des preuves de Respect, et d\u2019Empressement \u00e0 Ex\u00e9cuter ses ordres. Je vous suplie, Monsieur, de Luy presenter cet Hommage de ma part et de re\u00e7evoir Personnellement, toute ma reconnoissance de m\u2019avoir mis \u00e0 m\u00eame de faire ce qui peut vous estre agr\u00e9able, et \u00e0 ce respectable General.\nJ\u2019Etois en \u00e9ff\u00e9t Proprietaire depuis 1765. d\u2019une partie de ces grands vins, par ma premiere femme, nomm\u00e9e S\u00e9gur, que J\u2019ay perd\u00fc en 1774. Elle me Laissa 2. filles que J\u2019ay mari\u00e9 en 1786. et auxquelles J\u2019ay rend\u00fce Le bien de Leur M\u00e8re. Ainsy la terre de La Tour en Medoc dont elles Jouissent en Commun appartient Aujourd\u2019huy \u00e0 Leurs Maris. Mais N\u00e9anmoins J\u2019ay Conserv\u00e9 une corespondance d\u2019Amiti\u00e9 et de Reconnoissance avec le Sr. Domenger qui en est le regisseur, auquel Je vais envoyer votre Lettre, en le Chargeant de Mettre \u00e0 Execution une Commission qui me devient pr\u00e9cieuse par l\u2019envie que J\u2019ay de plaire au General Washington. J\u2019auray soins aussy d\u2019En pr\u00e9venir Mrs. Le Comte de La Pallu et  Marquis de Beaumont, mes Gendres, qui s\u00fbrement ne seront pas moins Empress\u00e9s que moy de Donner Leurs ordres en Cons\u00e9quence, et Je Crois pouvoir vous assurer de l\u2019Exactitude que l\u2019on Mettra, pour La qualit\u00e9 du vin, et pour que vos v\u00fces soient enti\u00e8rement remplies.\nJe vais aussy prier MM. Fennwick, Masson & Comie. de Bordeaux qui m\u2019ont Ecrit et envoy\u00e9 votre Lettre Le 7. de ce mois, de vous faire passer ma r\u00e9ponse, et de les pr\u00e9venir que le Sr. Domenger aura L\u2019Honneur de Les voir et de s\u2019aranger avec Eux.\u2014Soy\u00e9s bien persuad\u00e9, Monsieur, du tres sincere attachement avec Lequel J\u2019ay L\u2019Honneur d\u2019estre votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur\nLe Cte. de Mirom\u00e9nil, M[ar\u00e9ch]al de Camp", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0181", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 18. 1791.\nI have been constantly afflicted at my inability to acknowledge the reciept of Dr. Mortimer\u2019s letters and of those of my friends Mr. Fitzhugh and Mr. Page: but I have for some weeks past been forced by other business to suspend answering any letters whatever, unless indeed of indispensable magnitude, and even now I must beg you to make the answer for me. When I came into office, I found the clerkships all filled by gentlemen who had been in them several years, and who to the title of possession added that of irreprocheable conduct. I have therefore not had a single appointment to make. This answer has been given to near an hundred letters which I have had to write in reply to applications of this nature. I wish with all my soul I could have obliged my friends on this occasion. Your taking the trouble to write thus much, and apologize for my not writing will oblige Dear Sir Your sincere friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0182", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Timothy Pickering, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia January 18. 1791.\nAs I shall leave town before the papers relative to an intended sale in France of Virginia lands, will be ready to be executed, I  have committed the conduct of the business, so far as it respects myself, to my friend Mr. Samuel Hodgdon. He will wait on you with the papers, when completed, to receive such certificate as you shall think proper to give relative to him, Mr. Levi Hollingsworth, and myself, respecting the above proposed sale of our lands in Virginia.\nAs the matter has been suspended longer than I expected, permit me to remind you, that as Mr. Hodgdon and Mr. Hollings-worth were not personally known to you, I requested Mr. Peters, who has many years been acquainted with them, to accompany me to your house and give you his opinion of their characters. This he was kind enough to do; and the opinion he expressed concerning them appeared to be satisfactory to you.\u2014With great respect, I am Sir, your obliged and most obedient Servant,\nTimothy Pickering", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0183-0005", "content": "Title: III. Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, [1 January 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nSaturday morning [1 Jan. 1791]\nI intended to have called last night and left with you the inclosed draught of a letter to Otto but it was so cold I could not give up my hack. I recieved yours soon after I came home. Of the two constructions I observe you lean more to the 2d. and I more to the 1st. on account of the consequences to which the 2d. may be pursued. My first idea was to write this letter to Otto and previously communicate it to the President, and he perhaps to the Senate. But I have concluded to throw it into the form of a report to the President, to be submitted to the Senate. This will permit me to speak without reserve, to admit the force of the 2d. construction, and to enforce the proposition I suggest in the close, by shewing what valuable branches of our commerce hang on the will of the French nation. I shall see you at dinner, and be glad to exchange further thoughts on the subject which is an important one.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0183-0006", "content": "Title: IV. Louis Guillaume Otto to the Secretary of State, [6 January 1791]\nFrom: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[New York, 6 Jan. 1791]\nL\u2019exemption du droit de fret accord\u00e9e aux Etats unis par l\u2019art. 5 du trait\u00e9 de commerce a \u00e9t\u00e9 stipul\u00e9e dans plusieurs trait\u00e9 conclus entre la France et d\u2019autres Puissances. Les Principes de reciprocit\u00e9  qui forment communement la base des trait\u00e9s de commerce ont engag\u00e9 \u00e0 differentes epoques le Gouvernement Francois \u00e0 stipuler cette exemption soit parceque l\u2019autre Puissance contractante offroit un equivalent ou que le droit de fret n\u2019etoit pas etabli dans ses ports. Telle etoit entre autres la situation des Etats Unis lors de la conclusion du trait\u00e9; on ne connoissoit alors en Amerique aucun droit de fret, ses ports etant ouverts indistinctement \u00e0 toutes les nations amies ou neutres. Il a donc fallu etablir en France une reciprocit\u00e9; \u00e0 cet egard en stipulant pour les batimens Americains la m\u00eame libert\u00e9 de commerce, dont les Francois jouissoient en Amerique. L\u2019art, 5. du trait\u00e9 y a pourv\u00fb, mais en exceptant les droits impos\u00e9s en France sur le petit Cabotage il a reserv\u00e9 au Congr\u00e8s la facult\u00e9 de prelever sur les navires Fran\u00e7ois un droit equivalent en pareil cas.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0183-0007", "content": "Title: V. Louis Guillaume Otto to the Secretary of State, 8 January 1791\nFrom: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nA New York le 8. Janv. 1791\nJ\u2019ai L\u2019honneur de vous adresser ci-joint une Lettre du Roi au Congr\u00e8s, et une autre que vous ecrit M. de Montmorin. Vous y trouver\u00e9z l\u2019Expression sincere des Sentimens que vous av\u00e9z inspir\u00e9s \u00e0 notre Gouvernement et des Regrets du Ministre de ne plus \u00eatre immediatement en relation avec vous. Ces Sentimens sont partag\u00e9s par toutes les Personnes qui ont eu l\u2019Avantage de vous connoitre en France.\nJe suis pein\u00e9, Monsieur, d\u2019avoir \u00e0 vous annoncer en m\u00eame Tems que les Plaintes de nos Negocians, au sujet des Droits de Tonnage, se multiplient, et qu\u2019elles ont non seulement fix\u00e9 l\u2019attention du Roi, mais celle de plusieurs Departemens du Royaume. J\u2019ai re\u00e7u de nouveaux Ordres de demander aux Etats Unis une Decision \u00e0 ce Sujet, et de Solliciter en Faveur des N\u00e9gocians l\u00e9z\u00e9s la Restitution des Droits qui ont dej\u00e0 \u00e9t\u00e9 pay\u00e9s. Je vous prie instamment, Monsieur, de ne pas perdre de vue un Objet qui, comme j\u2019ai eu l\u2019Honneur de vous le dire verbalement, est de la plus grande Importance pour cimenter les Liaisons futures de Commerce entre les deux Nations.  En examinant plus particulierement cette Question, vous trouver\u00e9z  peut \u00eatre que les motifs de convenance sont aussi puissans que ceux de Justice pour engager les Etats Unis \u00e0 donner \u00e0 Sa Majest\u00e9 la Satisfaction qu\u2019elle demande. Il entre dans les Ports de France au moins deux fois plus de B\u00e2timens Am\u00e9ricains qu\u2019il ne vient de B\u00e2timens Fran\u00e7ois dans les Ports Americains. L\u2019Exemption du Droit de Tonnage est donc evidemment moins avantageux pour les Fran\u00e7ois que pour les Navigateurs des Etats-Unis. Quoiqu\u2019il en soit, je puis vous assurer, Monsieur, que les Delais d\u2019une Decision \u00e0 cet egard ne pourront que multiplier les Difficult\u00e9s en augmentant les justes plaintes des N\u00e9gocians Fran\u00e7ois. Je vous prie en Consequence de me mettre en Etat de donner \u00e0 ma Cour une Reponse satisfaisante avant l\u2019Expedition du Paquebot qui partira vers la Fin de ce Mois. J\u2019ai l\u2019Honneur d\u2019\u00eatre, avec un respectueux Attachement, Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissant Serviteur\nL. G. Otto", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0183-0008", "content": "Title: VI. Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 11 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia January the 11th 1791\nI have perused with attention your intended report to the President; and will, as I am sure is your wish, give you my opinion with frankness.\nAs far as a summary examination enables me to judge, I agree in your interpretation of the Treaty. The exemption sought does not appear to be claimable as a right.\nBut I am not equally well satisfied of the policy of granting it on the ground you suggest. This, in my mind, stands in a very questionable shape. Though there be a collateral consideration, there is a want of reciprocity in the thing itself; and this in a circumstance which materially affects the general policy of our navigation system. The tendency of the measure would be to place French Vessels upon an equal footing with our own, in our ports, while our Vessels in the ports of France may be subjected to all the duties which are there laid on the mass of foreign Vessels\u2014I say the mass of foreign vessels because the title of \u201cmost favoured  nation\u201d is a very extensive one\u2014the terms being almost words of course in Commercial Treaties. And consequently our own Vessels in the carrying Trade between the United States and France would be in a worse situation than French Vessels. This is the necessary result of equal privileges on on[e] side, and unequal on the other, in favour of the Vessels of France.\nThough in the present state of the French Navigation little would be to be apprehended from the Regulation; yet when the probable increase of that Navigation under a free Government is considered it can hardly be deemed safe to calculate future consequences from the actual situation in this respect.\nAnd if the principle of the Regulation cannot be deemed safe in a permanent view, it ought not to be admitted temporarily; for inconvenient precedents are always embarrassing.\nOn the whole I should be of opinion that the introduction of such a principle without immediate reciprocity, would be a high price for the advantage which it is intended to compensate.\nIt will no doubt have occurred to you that the fund has been mortgaged for the public Debt. I do not however mention this as an insuperable objection but it would be essential that the same act which should destroy this source of revenue should provide an equivalent. This I consider as a rule which ought to be sacred, as it affects public Credit.\u2014I have the honor to be With the sincerest esteem & regard Dear Sir Your Obed. Serv,\nA. Hamilton\nP.S. If you have any spare set of the printed papers, I should be obliged by having them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0183-0009", "content": "Title: VII. Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton, 13 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir\nJanuary 13. 1791\nI inclose you copies of the printed papers you desired: also a letter I recieved last night. This paper I will thank you to return by the bearer when you shall have perused it, as it is yet to be translated and communicated to the President. It is evident that this matter will become serious, and tho\u2019 I am pointedly against admitting the French construction of the treaty, yet I think it essential to cook up some favour which may ensure the continuance  of the good dispositions they have towards us. A nation which takes one third of our tobacco, more than half our fish oil and two thirds of our fish, say one half of the amount of these great staples and a great deal of rice and from whom we take nothing in return but hard money to carry directly over and pour into the coffers of their enemies, such a customer, I say, deserves some menagemens. I would thank you sincerely to suggest any thing better than what I had thought of. I am Dear Sir Yours affectionately & respectfully,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0183-0010", "content": "Title: VIII. Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nI thank you for the printed papers you have been so obliging as to send.\nI cannot forbear a conjecture that the communications of the Charg\u00e9 des affaires of France are rather expedients to improve a moment, in which it is perceived questions concerning navigation are to be discussed than the effects of serious instructions from his Court.\nBe this as it may I really have not thought of any substitute for your proposition to which objections do not lie. And in general I have doubts of the eligibility of exparte concessions, liable to be resumed at pleasure. I had rather endeavour by a new Treaty of Commerce with France to extend reciprocal advantages and fix them on a permanent basis. This would not only be more solid but it would perhaps be less likely than apparently gratuitous and voluntary exemptions to beget discontents elsewhere; especially (as ought to be the case) if each party should be at liberty for equivalent considerations to grant like privilege to others. My commercial system turns very much on giving a free Course to Trade  and cultivating good humour with all the world. And I feel a particular reluctance to hazard any thing in the present state of our affairs which may lead to commercial warfare with any power; which as far as my knowledge of examples extends is commonly productive of mutual inconvenience and injury and of dispositions tending to a worse kind of warfare. Exemptions and preferences which are not the effect of Treaty are apt to be regarded by those who do not partake in them as proofs of an unfriendly temper towards them. With respect & Affection I remain Dr Sir Yr Obedt,\nA. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0183-0011", "content": "Title: IX. Report of the Secretary of State to the President, 18 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nThe Secretary of State having received from the Charg\u00e9 des Affaires of France a note on the Tonnage payable by French vessels in the ports of the United States has had the same under his consideration, and thereupon makes the following Report to the President of the United States.\nThe Charg\u00e9 des Affaires of France, by a Note of the 13th. of December represents, by order of his Court, that they consider so much of the Acts of Congress of July 20th. 1789 and 1790 as imposes an extraordinary Tonnage on foreign vessels, without excepting those of France, to be in contravention of the 5th. Article of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the two Nations; that this would have authorised on their part a proportional modification in the favours granted to the American navigation: but that his sovereign had thought it more conformable to his principles of friendship and attachment to the United States to order him to make representations thereon, and to ask, in favour of French vessels, a modification of the Acts which impose an extraordinary Tonnage on foreign vessels.\nThe Secretary of State in giving in this paper to the President of the United States, thinks it his duty to accompany it with the following observations:\nThe 3d. and 4th. articles of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and the United States, subject the vessels of each nation to pay, in the ports of the other, only such duties as are paid by the most favoured Nation: and give them reciprocally all the  privileges and exemptions, in navigation and commerce, which are given by either to the most favoured Nations. Had the contracting parties stopped here, they would have been free to raise or lower their Tonnage as they should find it expedient; only taking care to keep the other on the footing of the most favoured nation.\nThe question then is whether the 5th. Article, cited in the note, is anything more than an application of the principle comprised in the 3d. and 4th. to a particular object? Or whether it is an additional stipulation of something not so comprised?\nI. That it is merely an application of a principle comprised in the preceding Articles, is declared by the express words of the Article, to wit, \u201cDans Pexemption ci-dessus est nomm\u00e9ment compris\u201d &c. \u201cIn the above exemption is particularly comprised the imposition of 100. sols per Ton established in France on foreign vessels.\u201d Here then is at once an express declaration that the exemption from the duty of 100 sols, is comprised in the 3d. and 4th. Articles; that is to say, it was one of the exemptions, enjoyed by the most favoured nations, and, as such, extended to us by those Articles. If the exemption spoken of in this 1st. member of the 5th. Article was comprised in the 3d. and 4th. Articles, as is expressly declared, then the reservation by France out of that exemption (which makes the 2d. member of the same article) was also comprised: that is to say, if the whole was comprised, the part was comprised. And if this reservation of France in the 2d. member was comprised in the 3d. and 4th. Articles, then the counter reservation by the United States (which constitutes the 3d. and last member of the same Article) was also comprised. Because it is but a corresponding portion of a similar whole on our part, which had been comprised by the same terms with theirs.\nIn short the whole Article relates to a particular duty of 100 sols laid by some antecedent law of France on the vessels of foreign nations, relinquished as to the most favoured, and consequently to us. It is not a new and additional stipulation then, but a declared application of the stipulations comprised in the preceding Articles to a particular case, by way of greater caution.\nThe doctrine laid down generally in the 3d. and 4th. Articles, and exemplified specially in the 5th. amounts to this. \u201cThe vessels of the most favoured nations, coming from foreign ports, are exempted from the duty of 100. sols: therefore you are exempted from it by the 3d. and 4th. Articles. The vessels of the most-favoured nations, coming coastwise, pay that duty: therefore you are to pay it by the 3d. and 4th. Articles. We shall not think it  unfriendly in you to lay a like duty on Coasters, because it will be no more than we have done ourselves. You are free also to lay that or any other duty on vessels coming from foreign ports: provided they apply to all other nations, even the most favoured. We are free to do the same, under the same restriction. Our exempting you from a duty which the most favoured nations do not pay, does not exempt you from one which they do pay.\u201d\nIn this view it is evident that the 5th. Article neither enlarges, nor abridges the stipulations of the 3d. and 4th. The effect of the Treaty would have been precisely the same had it been omitted altogether; consequently it may be truly said that the reservation by the United States in this article is completely useless. And it may be added with equal truth that the equivalent reservation by France is completely useless: as well as her previous abandonment of the same duty: and in short the whole article. Each party then remains free to raise or lower it\u2019s Tonnage, provided the change operates on all nations, even the most favoured.\nWithout undertaking to affirm, we may obviously conjecture, that this Article has been inserted on the part of the United States from an over-caution to guard, nomm\u00e9ment, by name, against a particular aggrievance, which they thought they could never be too well secured against: and that has happened, which generally happens; doubts have been produced by the too great number of words used to prevent doubt.\nII. The Court of France however understands this Article as intended to introduce something to which the preceding Articles had not reached; and not merely as an application of them to a particular case. Their opinion seems to be founded on the general rule, in the construction of instruments, to leave no words merely useless, for which any rational meaning can be found. They say that the reservation by the United States of a right to lay a duty equivalent to that of the 100 sols, reserved by France, would have been completely useless, if they were left free, by the preceding articles, to lay a Tonnage to any extent whatever. Consequently that the reservation of a part proves a relinquishment of the residue.\nIf some meaning, and such a one, is to be given to the last member of the Article, some meaning, and a similar one, must be given to the corresponding member. If the reservation by the United States of a right to lay an equivalent duty, implies a relinquishment of their right to lay any other, the reservation by France of  a right to continue the specified duty to which it is an equivalent, must imply a relinquishment of the right on her part to lay or continue any other. Equivalent reservations by both, must imply equivalent restrictions on both. The exact reciprocity stipulated in the preceding articles, and which pervades every part of the Treaty, ensures a counterright to each party for every right ceded to the other.\nLet it be further considered that the duty called tonnage in the United States is in lieu of the duties for anchorage, for the support of Buoys, Beacons, and Lighthouses, to guide the mariner into harbour, and along the coast, which are provided and supported at the expence of the United States, and for fees to measurers, weighers, gaugers &c. who are paid by the United States; for which articles, among many others (light excepted) duties are paid by us in the ports of France under their specific names. That Government has hitherto thought these duties consistent with the Treaty; and consequently the same duties under a general, instead of specific names, with us, must be equally consistent with it; it is not the name, but the thing which is essential. If we have renounced the right to lay any port duties, they must be understood to have equally renounced that of either laying new or continuing the old. If we ought to refund the port duties received from their vessels since the date of the act of Congress, they should refund the port duties they have received from our vessels since the date of the Treaty; for nothing short of this is the reciprocity of the Treaty.\nIf this construction be adopted then, each party has forever renounced the right of laying any duties on the vessels of the other coming from any foreign port, or more than 100 sols on those coming coastwise. Could this relinquishment be confined to the two contracting parties alone, the United States would be the gainers, for it is well known that a much greater number of American than of French vessels are employed in the commerce between the two countries: but the exemption, once conceded by the one nation to the other, becomes immediately the property of all others, who are on the footing of the most-favoured nations. It is true that those others would be obliged to yield the same compensation, that is to say, to receive our vessels duty free. Whether  we should gain or lose in the exchange of the measure with them, is not easy to say.\nAnother consequence of this construction will be that the vessels of the most favoured nations, paying no duties will be on a better footing than those of natives, which pay a moderate duty, consequently either the duty on these also must be given up, or they will be supplanted by foreign vessels in our own ports.\nThe resource then of duty on our vessels for the purposes either of revenue or regulation, will be forever lost to both. It is hardly conceivable that either party, looking forward to all these consequences, would see their interest in them.\nIII. But if France persists in claiming this exemption, what is to be done? The claim indeed is couched in mild and friendly terms; but the idea leaks out that a refusal would authorise them to modify proportionally the favours granted, by the same article, to our navigation. Perhaps they may do what we should feel much more severely; they may turn their eyes to the favours granted us by their Arrets of December 29th. 1787 and December 7th. 1788. which hang on their will alone, unconnected with the Treaty. Those Arrets, among other advantages, admit our whale oils to the exclusion of that of all other foreigners, and this monopoly procures a vent for seven twelfths of the produce of that Fishery, which experience has taught us could find no other market. Near two thirds of the produce of our cod fisheries too have lately found a free vent in the Colonies of France. This indeed has been an\nCod fishery\nWhale fishery\nBoth fisheries\nFrance & the French \u2007\u2007West Indies\n586,167 dollrs.\nThe rest of the world\nWhole produce\nirregularity growing out of the anarchy reigning in those Colonies. Yet the demands of the Colonists, even of the Government-party among them, (if an auxiliary disposition can be excited by some marks of friendship and distinction on our part) may perhaps produce a constitutional concession to them to procure their provisions at the cheapest market; that is to say, at ours.\nConsidering the value of the interests we have at stake, and considering the smallness of difference between foreign and native Tonnage, on French vessels alone, it might perhaps be thought adviseable to make the sacrifice asked; and especially if it can be so done as to give no title to other the most favoured nations to claim it. If the act should put French vessels on the footing of those of natives, and declare it to be in consideration of the favours granted us by the Arrets of Decr. 29th. 1787, and December 7th. 1788, (and perhaps this would satisfy them), no nation could then demand the same favour, without offering an equivalent compensation. It might strengthen too the tenure by which those Arrets are held, which must be precarious, so long as they are gratuitous.\nIt is desirable, in many instances, to exchange mutual advantages by Legislative Acts rather than by Treaty: because the former, though understood to be in consideration of each other, and therefore greatly respected, yet when they become too inconvenient, can be dropped at the will of either party: whereas stipulations by Treaty are forever irrevocable but by joint consent, let a change of circumstances render them ever so burthensome.\nOn the whole, if it be the opinion, that the 1st. construction is to be insisted on, as ours, in opposition to the 2d. urged by the Court of France, and that no relaxation is to be admitted, an answer shall be given to that Court defending that construction, and explaining in as friendly terms as possible, the difficulties opposed to the exemption they claim.\n2. If it be the opinion that it is advantageous for us to close with France in her interpretation of a reciprocal and perpetual exemption from Tonnage; a repeal of so much of the Tonnage law will be the answer.\n3. If it be thought better to waive rigorous and nice discussions of right, and to make the modification an act of friendship and of compensation for favours received, the passage of such a bill will then be the answer.\nTh: Jefferson Jan. 18. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0183-0012", "content": "Title: X. The President to the Senate, [17 January 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nI lay before you a representation of the Charg\u00e9 des affaires of France, made by order of his court, on the acts of Congress of the 20th. of July 1789. and 1790. Imposing an extra tonnage on foreign vessels, not excepting those of that country, together with the Report of the Secretary of State thereon: and I recommend the same to your consideration, that I may be enabled to give it such answer as may best comport with the justice and the interests of the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0183-0013", "content": "Title: XI. Secretary of State to Louis Guillaume Otto, 19 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nSir\nPhiladelphia January 19th. 1791.\nIt was not in my Power to proceed on the Subject of your Representation of December 13th. till your Favor of January 6th. ascertained a Fact, which I thought material to be known. I have laid the whole before the President of the United States, who, this Day, submits it to the Consideration of the Legislature. Their Forms, their Deliberations, will occasion necessary Delay; and this may, perhaps, be increased by the Connection of the Subject with others depending before them, and which consistence may require to be carried on at the same Time. I can hardly, therefore, flatter myself with the Hope of communicating to you the Result so early as the sailing of your next Packet. But you may be assured that it shall be done as soon as that Result shall be known to me.\nPermit me to acknowledge here the Receipt of your Letter of January 8th:, to express by Sense of the friendly Sentiments it conveyed to me from his Majesty\u2019s Minister, and Assurances of my sincere Attachment to a Nation whose Prosperity I ardently  wish, from a Sentiment of Affection, as well as from a Conviction that that of my own Country is intimately bound up with it. Be pleased to accept yourself, Sir, assurances of the Respect and Esteem, with which I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient and Most humble Servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0183-0014", "content": "Title: XII. Louis Guillaume Otto to the Secretary of State, [21 January 1791]\nFrom: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[New York, 21 Jan. 1791]\nJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u la lettre que Vous m\u2019av\u00e9s fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019ecrire le 19. de ce mois. La demarche que Vous av\u00e9s bien voulu faire pour engager la Legislature des Etats unis \u00e0 prendre en consideration la demande que j\u2019ai eu l\u2019honneur de Vous soumettre au nom de Sa Majest\u00e9 sera d\u2019autant plus utile, que les plaintes multipli\u00e9es des Negocians et Capitaines Fran\u00e7ois ne peuvent manquer de decourager entierement notre navigation dans les ports des Etats unis. Les Capitaines des deux paquebots Fran\u00e7ois qui se trouvent ici viennent de me representer qu\u2019ils ont pay\u00e9 pr\u00e8s de 400. piastres de tonnage et que v\u00fb le peu de commerce que font ces batimens, dont l\u2019un est m\u00eame sur son lest, leurs armateurs seront n\u00e9c\u00e9ssairement ruin\u00e9s en peu de tems. Il paroit, Monsieur, que, dans tous les cas, des batimens fret\u00e9s uniquement pour la correspondance publique entre les deux Nations devroient \u00eatre exempts du droit de tonnage, mais comme j\u2019ai lieu de croire que la Legislature jugera convenable d\u2019avoir egard aux reclamations de Sa Majest\u00e9, en exemptant les batimens fran\u00e7ois collectivement de tout droit de tonnage je ne fais mention de nos paquebots que pour Vous faire connoitre Monsieur un nouvel inconvenient qui resulte de la Loi du Congr\u00e8s.\nAyant re\u00e7u l\u2019ordre de me transporter \u00e0 Philadelphie en attendant la nomination du Ministre qui doit succeder \u00e0 M. de Moustier, j\u2019aurai l\u2019honneur, Monsieur, de Vous communiquer differens autres objets qu\u2019il sera interessant de regler.\nLes sentimens d\u2019affection que Vous temoign\u00e9s pour la Nation Fran\u00e7oise ne peuvent surpasser les regrets de mes compatriotes de ne plus Vous voir ch\u00e9s eux. Je saisis avec empressement cette occasion de Vous en donner de nouvelles assurances et je me feliciterai en tout tems d\u2019\u00eatre l\u2019organe de la haute opinion, qu\u2019ils ont con\u00e7ue  de Vos talens et de cette politique franche qui a dirig\u00e9 Votre conduite. Vous me trouver\u00e9s toujours pret, M., \u00e0 seconder les dispositions que Vous av\u00e9s pour resserrer les liens qui unissent les deux Nations, et pour ecarter les difficult\u00e9s qui pourront naitre momentanement des differens raports o\u00f9 se trouvent les Administrations respectives,\u2014J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0183-0015", "content": "Title: XIII. Secretary of State to Louis Guillaume Otto, 29 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nSir\nPhiladelphia March 29th. 1791.\nThe note of December 13th. which you did me the honor to address to me on the Acts of Congress of the 20th. of July 1789 and 1790. fixing the tonnage payable by foreign vessels arriving from a foreign port without excepting those of France, has been submitted to the Government of the United States. They consider the conduct of his most Christian Majesty in making this the subject of fair discussion and explanation as a new proof of his justice and friendship and they have entered on the consideration with all the respect due to whatever comes from his Majesty or his Ministers, and with all the dispositions to find grounds for an union of opinion which a sincere attachment to your nation and a desire to meet their wishes on every occasion could inspire. But the 5th article of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce is not seen here exactly in the point of view in which your note places it.\n[The 3d. and 4th. articles subject the vessels of each nation to pay in the ports of the other, only such duties as are paid by the most favoured nation: and give them reciprocally all the privileges and exemptions in navigation and commerce, which are given by either to the most favoured nations. Had the contracting parties stopped here, they would have been free to raise or lower their tonnage as they should find it expedient; only taking care to keep the other on the footing of the most favoured Nation.\nThe question then is whether the 5th. article, cited in the note, is any thing more than an application of the principle comprised in the 3d. and 4th. to a particular object? or whether it is an additional stipulation of something not so comprised?  \nI. That it is merely an application of a principle comprised in the preceding Articles, is declared by the express words of the Article, to wit, \u201cDans l\u2019exemption ci-dessus est nomm\u00e9ment compris\u201d &c. \u201cIn the above exemption is particularly comprised the imposition of 100. sols per ton established in France on foreign vessels. Here then is at once an express declaration that the exemption from the duty of 100 sols is comprised in the 3d. and 4th. articles; that is to say, it was one of the exemptions enjoyed by the most favoured nations, and, as such, extended to us by those articles. If the exemption spoken of in this 1st. member of the 4th. article was comprised in the 3d. and 4th. articles, as is expressly declared, then the reservation by France out of that exemption (which makes the 2d. member of the same Article) was also comprised: that is to say, if the whole was comprised the part was comprised. And if this reservation of France in the 2d. member was comprised in the 3d. and 4th. articles, then the counter reservation by the United States (which constitutes the 3d. and last member of the same Article) was also comprised. Because it is but a corresponding portion of a similar whole on our part, which had been comprised by the same terms with theirs.\nIn short the whole article relates to a particular duty of 100. sols laid by some antecedent law of France on the vessels of foreign nations, relinquished as to the most favoured, and consequently to us. It is not a new and additional stipulation then, but a declared application of the stipulations comprised in the preceding articles to a particular case, by way of greater caution.\nThe doctrine laid down generally in the 3d. and 4th. articles, and exemplified specially in the 5th. amounts to this. \u201cThe vessels of the most favoured Nations, coming from foreign ports, are exempted from the duty of 100 sols: therefore you are exempted from it by the 3d. and 4th. articles. The vessels of the mostfavoured Nations, coming coastwise, pay that duty: therefore you are to pay it by the 3d. and 4th. Articles. We shall not think it unfriendly in you to levy a like duty on Coasters, because it will be no more than we have done ourselves. You are free also to lay that or any other duty on vessels coming from foreign ports, provided they apply to all other Nations, even the most favoured. We are free to do the same, under the same restriction. Our exempting you from a duty which the most favoured nations do not pay, does not exempt you from one which they do pay.\u201d\nIn this view it is evident that the 5th. Article neither enlarges, nor abridges the stipulations of the 3d. and 4th. The effect of the  Treaty would have been precisely the same had it been omitted altogether; consequently it may be truly said that the reservation by the United States in this article is completely useless. And it may be added with equal truth that the equivalent reservation by France is completely useless: as well as her previous abandoment of the same duty: and in short the whole article. Each party then remains free to raise or lower it\u2019s tonnage, provided the change operates on all nations, even the most-favoured.\nWithout undertaking to affirm, we may obviously conjecture, that this article has been inserted on the part of the United States from an over caution to guard, nommement, by name, against a particular aggrievance, which they thought they could never be too well secured against: and that has happened, which generally happens; doubts have been produced by the two great number of words used to prevent doubt.\nII. The Court of France however understands this article as intended to introduce something to which the preceding articles had not reached; and not merely as an application of them to a particular case. Their opinion seems to be founded on the general rule, in the construction of instruments, to leave no words merely useless, for which any rational meaning can be found. They say that the reservation by the United States of a right to lay a duty equivalent to that of the 100. sols, reserved by France, would have been completely useless, if they were left free, by the preceding articles, to lay a tonnage to any extent whatever. Consequently that the reservation of a part proves a relinqueshment of the residue.\nIf some meaning, and such a one, is to be given to the last member of the article, some meaning, and a similar one, must be given to the corresponding member. If the reservation by the United States of a right to lay an equivalent duty, implies a relinquishment of their right to lay any other, the reservation by France of a right to continue the specified duty to which it is an equivalent, must imply a relinquishment of the right on her part to lay or continue any other. Equivalent reservations by both, must imply equivalent restrictions on both. The exact reciprocity stipulated in the preceding articles, and which pervades every part of the Treaty, ensures a counter right to each party for every right ceded to the other.\nLet it be further considered that the duty called tonnage in the United States is in lieu of the duties for anchorage, for the support of Buoys, Beacons, and Lighthouses, to guide the mariner into harbour, and along the coast, which are provided and supported  at the expence of the United States, and for fees to measurers, weighers, gaugers &c. who are paid by the United States; for which articles, among many others (light excepted) duties are paid by us in the ports of France under their specific names. That Government has hitherto thought these duties consistent with the Treaty; and consequently the same duties under a general, instead of specific names, with us, must be equally consistent with it; it is not the name, but the thing which is essential. If we have renounced the right to lay any port duties, they must be understood to have equally renounced that of either laying new or continuing the old. If we ought to refund the port duties received from their vessels since the date of the act of Congress, they should refund the port duties they have received from our vessels since the date of the Treaty, for nothing short of this is the reciprocity of the Treaty.\nIf this construction be adopted then, each party has forever renounced the right of laying any duties on the vessels of the other coming from any foreign port, or more than 100. sols on those coming coastwise. Could this relinquishment be confined to the two contracting parties alone it\u2019s effect would be calculable: But the exemption once conceded by the one nation to the other, becomes immediately the property of all others, who are on the footing of the most favoured Nations. It is true that those others would be obliged to yield the same compensation, that is to say, to receive our vessels duty free. Whether France and the United States would gain or lose in the exchange of the measure with them, is not easy to say.\nAnother consequence of this construction will be that the vessels of the most favoured nations, paying no duties will be on a better footing than those of natives, which pay a moderate duty. Consequently either the duty on these also must be given up, or they will be supplanted by foreign vessels in our own ports.\nThe resource then of duty on vessels for the purposes either of revenue or regulation, will be forever lost, to both. It is hardly conceivable that either party, looking forward to all these consequences, would see their interest in them.] So that on the whole, Sir, we consider the 5th. article of the Treaty merely as an illustration of the 3d. and 4th. articles, by an application of the principles comprised in them to the case stated in that, and that a contrary construction would exceedingly embarrass and injure both the contracting parties. We feel every disposition on our part to make considerable sacrifices where they would result to the sole  benefit of your nation: but where they would excite from other nations corresponding claims, it becomes necessary to proceed with caution. You probably know, Sir, that the general subject of navigation was before our Legislature at their last Session, and was postponed merely for the want of time to go through it before the period arrived to which the constitution had limited their existence. It will be resumed at the meeting of the new Legislature, and from a knowledge of the sincere attachment of my Countrymen to the prosperity of your nation, and to the increase of our intercourse with it, I may safely say for the new Legislature that the encouragement of that intercourse for the advantage of both parties will be considered as among the most interesting branches of the general subject submitted to them. From a perfect conviction of the coincidence of our interests nobody wishes more sincerely to cultivate the habit of mutual good offices and favours than he who has the honor to be with sentiments of the greatest respect and esteem Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0184", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Hiltzheimer, 19 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hiltzheimer, Jacob\nSir\nPhiladelphia. Jan. 19. 1791.\nConvenience obliged me to detain the within till the beginning of this month, but the subsequent delay has entirely proceeded from the circumstance of your account\u2019s having escaped my eye, and my mind being totally occupied by other objects which have  for some time forbidden me to think of any thing private. Accept this apology for the delay and assurances of the esteem with which I am Sir Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0185", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Henrietta Maria Colden, 20 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Colden, Henrietta Maria\nMadam\nPhiladelphia Jan. 20. 1791.\nI am sure I shall have appeared very inattentive to the honour of the letter you were pleased to write me, but I have not been so in what was essential. The truth is that I have been obliged by an extraordinary press of business, to suspend all private correspondencies for some weeks past. But immediately on the reciept of your letter I laid the wishes of your son before the head of the department to which it belonged, and also before the head of all the departments. I am in hopes it will appear to others, as it does to me that Mr. Colden will be an acquisition to our infant attempts at a marine. In this persuasion, I shall not fail to render him any service I can. I had indeed expected that some vessels of greater dignity would be agreed on; but as yet this has not taken place.\u2014I congratulate you Madam on the late pacification. Tho\u2019 we should of right have had nothing to do with this war, yet when neighbors\u2019 houses are afire, our own is always in danger.\u2014We have been told here of the sufferings of New York for want of fuel and bread with more than charitable concern. I hope they have been less than fame has made them, and that they are at an end. I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & esteem, Madam, your most obedient and most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0186", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 20 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Francis\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 20. 1791.\nI was in hopes that before this I could have invited Jack to come on, and had a lodging ready for him. But the house I agreed  for, to be delivered to me completely finished on the 1st. day of October, is still full of workmen. I have got one room in it, in which I am obliged to sleep, to eat, and to do business with all the world, and the workmen say it will still be six weeks before they can put me at my ease. Sometime in March therefore I am in hopes I shall be ready for Jack. In the mean time the season would be almost too rigorous to attend lectures which are given mostly in the night and distant from my habitation.\u2014Peace is at length established between Great Britain and Spain. The merchants write that this has had an unfavourable effect on American produce. Wheat is here at a French crown. But it will be lower as soon as the farmers can come to market. There will be a considerable demand for it in France, particularly in the Southern parts. I see you are making lusty preparation for Hanson in February. Will you be so good as to let me know, after your sale is over, how much it averages a head, as also the proportion of tithables and not tithables. It will enable me to decide what I must do in the same way the ensuing fall. Mine will only be supplementary to my lands. Present me most affectionately to Mrs. Eppes and the young people. I hope when I come to Virginia again I shall be able to see her and you. As soon as my workmen permit me you shall again hear from me. I am with great sincerity dear Sir your affectionate friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0187", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 20 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy Dear Daughter\nPhiladelphia Jan. 20. 1791.\nMr. Short in a late letter says that your acquaintances in Panthemont complain excessively of your inattention to them and desired him to mention it. Matters there are going on well. The sales of the church lands are succesful beyond all calculation. There has been a riot in Paris in which M. de Castrie\u2019s houshould furniture was destroyed. I am opening my things from Paris as fast as the workmen will make room for me. In a box lately opened I find a copy of the octavo edition of the Encyclopedie, and a complete  copy of Buffon\u2019s works with Daubenton\u2019s part which I had written for to present to Mr. Randolph. But I do not know when I shall be able to send any thing forward from the slowness of workmen in making houseroom for me to open my things and for the ice in the river.\u2014The cold of this place has made me wish for some stockings of cotton and hair\u2019s fur knit together. I do not recall whether Bet can knit. If she can do it well, it might be a good employment for her sometimes. If she cannot, I wish a good knitter could be found in the neighborhood to knit some for me. They should be very large. Present my cordial regards to Mr. Randolph, and kiss Polly for me, telling her I have received not a single letter from Monticello since I left it, except one from Mr. Randolph. Adieu my dear. Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. The inclosed letter is for a neighbor of yours being somewhere on the waters of Buckisland. It is from her sister who is in Paris, the wife of one of the Duke of Orleans\u2019s grooms. He was of General Phillips\u2019s army.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0189", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 22 January 1791\nFrom: Cathalan, Stephen, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMarseilles the 22d. January 1791\nI had the honour of Paying you my Respects the 25th. Last Septber, since I am Favoured with your honoured Lines of the 7th. do.\nIt is To You, Sir, that I owe the Appointment of being Vice-Consul for the U.S. in this Place. I will be ever Gratefull of that Mark of esteem and Friendship confered on me by you, and will endeavour, by my Proceedings, that never you Regret the choice you have made of me.\nI have noted, that the tittle of Vice Consul, makes any other difference with that of Consul, but of Being not an American Native. I am well Satisfied as it is; Tittles and Denominations are of a very little consequence in the Fact; to Feel an office with Integrity, Dignity and Proper Knowledge must be the only ambition of the Person appointed and will be mine as much as in my Power.\nI will only observe you, that on the Numbers of Foreing Consuls in this Place, many are not Native of the Country they Reppresent, and are appointed as the others natives, Consuls. I will be like the Single reppresentent of a Nation, Called vice-Consul, a tittle that is Confounded or Synonim here with that of Chancellor, appointed by his own Consul.\nForeing Consuls makes here a kind of a Body, Paying their visits in a Body to Proper Persons, meeting and Dining together often, their chancellors or vice-Consuls are not admitted in their meetings; when I will be Installed, I will shew them by your Letters the Reasons why I am appointed Vice Consul, and hope they will make any difference and admit me. It would be very hard if they should not do it.\nI acknowledge that when a Native American will accept that Office, he is Entitled to have the Prefference on any other, but as long as any will offer, the U.S. would be reppresented as the others nations; these are, Sir, Private observations between you and me, Intending not at all ask any alteration on the Resolves of Congress, to whose I Submitt, I will Follow and execute.\nThe Long detention of the Commissions in the hands of M. de Montmorin, must be attributed to the great alterations made in the French Government. As to the uniform, arms, seall and Legend, I wrotte to Mr. Wm. Short, for some necessary explanations, which he could not Give me, he addressed me, to Comodor Paul Jones at Paris, for the uniform, and to Dupr\u00e9 engravor for the arms. I  expect their answers, I have wrotte in the mean time to Jos. Fenwick Consul at Bordeaux, who will I hope Give them to me.\nThis Letter will Go to America by the Sardinian, vessel L\u2019Antoinette Capn. Jos. Barret belonging to Mr. Ju. Bste. Guide, Mercht. of Nice, whom you know. I have Loaded on her 40 young olive Tries of the Best quality, with a chest of olives for Sowing to the address of Messrs. Robt Gilmor & Co. of Baltimore, with orders to forward them by the 1st. opportunity to Charles Town Sth. Caroa. to Messrs. Brailsford & Morris or Mr. Wm. Drayton. They are well Packed in 6 Barrels with Sand &c. and hope will arive in the Good Season, to be planted; you have here inclosed the Memorandum of my Gardner for the manner of Planting them, as well a Bill of Loading. Mr. Pierre Guide Brother to J. Bste. Goes him self in that vessel, and very Gently has Loaded them free of Freight; he intend to Sale her Cargo and Load it in Return with Tobacco for the Farm of Turin, if this Trial Succeeds, he intends to establish him self in America and furnish that Farm with that article; I have taken the Liberty of Giving him a Letter of Introduction for you, and will be gratefull of what you will do in his Favour.\nYou have the Invoice of the olive tries here inclosed, the amount of which I value on M. Grant Banker at Paris in \u00a3162\u20b6. Tourns. I have ordered an other Parcel of olive Trees at Gignac in Languedoc, which will be Loaded for america, via Bordeaux by Jos. Fenwick Consul for U.S. and expect in a day or two receive the Invoice, with advice of their departure by the Canal, for that place.\nMy Father, Mother, wife and Little Daughter very gratefull of what you have done for me, and of your kind remembrance, assure you with their Respects.\nI hope that by this time, with the Last orders my Father has sent to Messrs. Willing Morris & Swanwick of Phila. and under your kind interposition the unhappy affair of Mr. Ths. Barclay may be Settled, which I will [be] happy to Learn, and more to receive the Divi[dends] being in a Great need of Money. I have the honour to be with Respect Sir Your most obedient humble & Devoted Servant\nStephen Cathalan Junr. or Younger\nPlease to observe, that I have not Communicated to Gimon Brothers my Refflexion about the Algerine Busisness; with them I keap an other Language.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0190", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 22 January 1791\nFrom: Cathalan, Stephen, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMarseilles the 22d. January 1791.\nI had the honour of recieving your Letters of the 17th. Last June and 26th. Last August; this Last came the First to me.\nThat of the 17th. June advising me that the President of the United States has honoured me with the appointment of Vice-Consul for United States of America in this Port of Marseilles, reached my hands very little Time since. The Commission Inclosed in it, Wilm. Short Esqr. your charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires at Paris, took it out from it in order to gett from the French Minister of Foreing Affairs the Exequatur; and as I expected from a Day to an other to receive it, and on it make my self acknowlegded towards the Admiralty and the executive Power of this Department; tho\u2019 I have not yet received it, I find now that I have too Long time delay\u2019d of acknowlegding you the receipt of those two Letters, and Making you, Sir, my sincere thanks for the honour that the President of U.S. has Confered on me, in Appointing me for that honourable office.\nI beg you, Sir, to assure the President of United States, that I will use all my endeavours and employ every thing in my Power to render my self worth of the feeling of that office, to the Satisfaction  of Congress and the American Individuals, when they will have occasion to avail of my Services.\nI will Conform myself in all Points to the Duties and regulations for the exercise of Consular office, mentioned in your Letter of the 20th. Last August, as well as on those that Congress or you will order me to follow, and never Mislead.\nAny American Vessels have yet appeared in this, nor any other French Ports of the Mediteranean, since a very Long Time. When Some will appear, I will not fail to give your every Six Months an State of them arranged in the Manner you Prescribe, closed in the Last Days of June and December; as Long as a Treaty between U.S. and Algiers will not take Place, I apprehend that tho\u2019 I desire with all my Heart, to be useful to United States, my Services will be of very little use to America.\nTo Prove you, Sir, how much I wish to contribute with all my Power to their Welfare and Prosperity, I Take the Liberty of Inclosing you in this Packett my Refflexions on Such a Treaty and a Repport of what I have done till now, to prepare the means to make it if Possible.\nI leave the whole to your wise Considerations, and if Found by you worth the Serious attention of Congress, I will find my self very happy if my Services in that Line may be accepted.\nI will do my self the honor of wearing the Navy uniform you Prescribe, as Soon as I will be Installed in the Vice-Consular Office, and to sustain with Dignity the Respectable Nation I am to Reppresent here.\nIn Politicks I have no news worth your attention this Moment. You are I doubt not well advised of all what ocurs Dayly at Paris; I will not fail of advising you of what may occur here.\nIn the Commercial Line, I am of Opinion, that if they Succeed in the Natal. Assy. to Distroy the Farm of Tobacco, that Branch of Trade between France and America will become very active, and that very little Tobacco will be Planted in France, as it will become Dearer and not of a So good quality as your\u2019s.\nI have obtained Lately at Court, that Foreing Beef and Pork Salted, which could not be interposed at Marseilles Free of Duty, but when destined for our East or West Indies Islands, will now be sold or Shipped for any Foreing Port, without paying the duty of about \u00a312\u20b6 \u214c Bal; I sollicited that alteration, Shewing the injustice of being obliged to pay that heavy duty, on a Large Parcel of american Pork, which I had order to Send to Cadiz, finding  not an advantageous sale here; by that new regulation I have already shipped them Freely.\nI apprehend that as we have suffered Large and heavy Rains during 3 Months which have caused Large innundations of almost all the Rivers of France, we will have a Bad Crop of wheat, this Summer; now American Wheat would obtain \u00a336\u20b6 to 37\u20b6 \u214c Charge (100 English quarters makes 175 Charges) superfine Fresh Flour \u00a338\u20b6 to 40\u20b6 \u214c Bal.; the above Prices will rise next Spring and Summer, if unfortunately the young Crop proves bad. I am of oppinion of encouraging the American exports of that Produce, this way, if Prices are Moderate with you.\nThe Exchange on London is now here at 25d. \u00bd to \u00be \u214c ecu of 3 Livres. Fish oil For Tannaries is at very high Prices and scarce here, Since the Prohibition of the Foreing whale oil; American whale oil will meet now with fine and advantageous Sales tho\u2019 it\u2019s quality has not yet been much Liked in France, would it not be Possible to make it as well in America, as that of Portugal. French Baccaloo oil has been sold at 220\u20b6 \u214c Cask of about\u20b6. 500. American whale oil would I dare say obtain now about \u00a330\u20b6 pr. ql. of 90 lb. English, if of Good quality. I have the honour to be with respect Sir Your most obedient humble & Devoted Servant\nStephen Cathalan Junr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0191", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Refflexions on a Treaty of Peace between United States of America and Algiers, 20 January 1791\nFrom: Cathalan, Stephen, Jr.\nTo: \nEnclosureRefflexions on a Treaty of Peace between United States of America and Algiers\nMarseilles the 20th. January 1791.\nIt is not to me to Shew to Congress, the Great Advantages it would result to America, by a Peace or a Truce with Algiers.\nI have not been authorised to do what I have done till now; it may be desowned, and my too much active Zeal in that affair, may be with Reason Censured.\nThe Conversing here or at Paris on that subject, with Thos. Jefferson Esqr. Secretary of State, when he was Minister in France, we have seen, with the greatest concern that as long as a Treaty should not take Place with Algiers, the Mediterranean would be shut to the American Colour, and of Course American Trade, which cou\u2019d become very extensive in this Part of the Globe, would remain as it is since the Independency, of very Little Consequence.\nWhen Ths. Barclay Esqr. went to Algiers, to treat for a Peace, Algerians having taken very Little time before two American Vessels, and hoping to have for the Rapacity of their Cruziers, a New and advantageous chance, encouraged I doubt not by the English Consul, treated him with scorn; but Since, Seven Years are elapsed, Algerians have made any other Prizes on the Americans, and have Little hopes of making any others; it appears then that now it is Time to make a New attempt.\nHaving been honoured by Congress, with the Appointment of Vice-Consul for United States of America in the Port of Marseilles, finding that very seldom I may have opportunities to be useful to the Country which has Adopted me, whishing however to deserve and answer to the confidence Congress has in me, by some Important Services for my own Part, being established in the European Place, the best situated to Correspond with Algiers, and very Intimate with the Single Merchants who have a Factory there, where they remained Long, who are highly considered by the Dey, at Lenght knew by a Long experience the Sprit or the Politick of that country, and the Best Manner of Treating there; I suggested my Ideas in September last to Mr. Willm. Short, charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires a Paris. He answered me the 6th. october last.\n\u201cI cannot say any thing at present, about the Algerine Business. Still if that house would find out whether the Dey would take a Moderate Price for our Prisonners who are there, it would be an Agreeable Circumstance; if they make inquiries, they Should take care to do it as of their own Accord and not authorised by U. S. Hitherto the Dey has demanded an Exhorbitant Price.\u201d\nOn that kind of encouragement, tho\u2019 I don\u2019t dissemble to me my little Knowledge in Politick, and the Difficulties I would have to Surmount in a Negotiation for a Peace, I found that American Prisonners could not be treated with advantage for U. S. but in Treating at the Same Time for a Peace.\nI then Remitted the 14th. october Last, a Note of which I annex here a Copy No 1. Joined is the Copy of the Answer from Algiers No 2, which I received the 12th. Inst. to which I have repplyed the 15th. do. as \u214c Copy No 3.\nI will not fail of advising Ths. Jefferson Secretary of State of the News I will receive on that affair, but I will now Wait the Orders Congress or he will Give me and not Go on Further.\nThe advantages of a Peace with Algiers will be very great ones if it can be obtained on Moderate Terms.\nThe Spanish and Italians Markets would be open to the American Codfish or Baccalao, which Could be Sold at under Prices than the English Fishery, that would become a Large Branch of Trade, Yearly extended to the advantage of U. S., when of Course the English Fishery would Lessen by the Concurence. (Tho\u2019 Marseilles will remain a Free Port, Foreing Fisheries are and will remain subjected to a Prohibitive Duty, to favor the French fishery).\nWheat and Flour Tobacco and all the others American Products would be carried into the Mediterraneans Ports, on the American Bottoms, at more moderate Freights than on any others.\nThe American Navy would Soon become Powerfull, their Stocks full of Ships on the Building, which would be sold advantageously in the Mediterranean Ports, when since the Act of the English Parliament, prohibiting the Purchase by their fellow subjects, of the American Built-Vessels, that Important Branch is quite Lost in America.\nThe American Vessels could be employed on Freight, for any Voyage in Europe in Concurence with the Danish, Dutch, English or Sweedish Vessels; and in Case of Warr between France, England or Spain, if U. S. were Neutrals, their Vessels would be employed as other Neutral Vessels at Very advantageous Freights.\nAt Lenght can we calculate yet what may Gett U. S. by Such a Treaty in the actual circumstances of F \u2025\u2025 e, and her C . \u2025\u2025 es [France and her colonies].\nNow it is to be Weighed, what it will cost to U. S. to obtain by a Peace, with Algiers, the above advantages or any others; Congress will Judge in his Wisdom what Sacrifices he will make to obtain it.\nAs to the means for recover what will be lost, without hurting the Finances of the U. S. by some Moderate Tax, it is not to me to Suggest it to Congress; however as in a Scheme, all what may contribute to it\u2019s Success, ought enter in it, I dare yet Give also my Oppinion, on that Point tho\u2019 perhaps I go to far out of my Line.\nA Small Tax, of a reten\u00fbe of about 6 Pence \u214c Pound Currency on the Wages of the Mariners; a Moderate Tax of So much \u214c Ton on any American Vessels Bound to Cadix, and for any Mediterranean Ports; at Lenght a Tax on each Mediterranean Pass, delivered to any American Vessels, which by their destination would be in need of; These three objects I dare Say would not be found heavy or un Popular; the wages and Freights would rise in Proportion to those triffling Taxes, and would Soon cover the Amount of the Expences of that Peace, and in Case that the above taxes would not be Sufficient, a Very Small Duty on the Cargoes exported from U. S. for the Mediterranean would exceed it Soon.\nAs to the Agents I have employed, and am of Opinion that Congress should employ, if he not prefers employ me by their interposition, they are not very Interested People, but if they Succeed, what Congress will allow them for their Benefit on such a Negotiation, will be more economical to U. S. even in doing it with a kind of munificiency worth of a Powerfull Nation, than the Charges &c. &c. &c. attending an Embassy on that Purpose, of which I dare Say, the Success would be a great deal more uncertain.\nWhat the Dey of Algiers may ask from U. S. may be easily Foreseen, some fine Vessel for Cruizer, or Small Fregatte, well Feeted, Ship Timber, Iron, Ropes, Gun Powder and other things for Ship\u2019s use, with some Cash intended for the Liberty of the Slaves; more or Less, are the Basis of Such a Treaty.\nIf Congress intends on the above to Treat, it will be necessary that he Gives all at wants [once] orders for a Proposal, with the ultimatum at the same Time; because by the Results of the Meetings with the Persons I employ, we find that Success will depend to Lay hold of a favorable opportunity, from the Dey in Getting in the Same Instant  his first and Last word all at wants, before any Body Can\u2019t be inform\u2019d. To find that moment, is the most Difficult Matter.\nI have enough Said on that Subject; happy I will be! if my Proceedings may obtain the approbation of Congress; if on the Contrary they deserve Censure, I dare hope to be excused in favour of a too ardent Zeal for my own Part, having sought this Occasion to Shew how I am tied to the welfare and Prosperity of the United States of America.\nStephen Cathalan Junr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0192", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Colley, 22 January 1791\nFrom: Colley, Nathaniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNorfolk. Jany. 22nd. 1791.\nI have shipt by the Bearer Capt. Anderson, your Tables which I had made in London for you Which I hope will meet your Approbation, as I made it a point to find out the Mr. Titt you Recomended me to, he has Remov\u2019d from Cheapside to Hatten Garden. I think they are well made but he has charged too high a price for them. As you see by his Account which I shall Enclose to you as also a Bill of Loading, they are packd up Agreeable to your Directions in Baise and the Box Covered with Oil Cloth. I can find no person here that wants a Bill on philadelphia or I should take the Liberty of Drawing on you for the Amount of the Above. I am just now Setting of with the Brigg for City point to Load again for London Where I shall Esteem it a singular favor to be honoured with A few Lines from you on your Receipt of this, or any other Commissions that you may have to London, as I will most willingly Execute any that\u2019s within the Reach of my Power. I shall forward you A Copy of this by Post, for fear of A Miscarriage.  I am Sir with the Greatest Respect your Honours Most. Obdt. Hb. Svt.\nNath. Colley\nP. S. I must beg the favour of your presenting my most Respectfull Compliments to your Daughters if they are at Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0193", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 January 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLahaie 23d. Janv. 1791.\nDepuis ma derniere du dernier Xbre, m\u2019\u00e9tant adress\u00e9 au meilleur Banquier d\u2019ici, il me donna les prix courants suivant des Obligations Amsterdamoises de notre Dette liquide, tels qu\u2019il les procuroit, disoit-il, aux rentiers qui lui en demandoient, savoir\n  de la n\u00e9gociation de Stadnitsky, valant 9 % d\u2019int\u00e9r\u00eat annuel\n\u2007\u2007plus recente de Staphorst, de m\u00eame\n\u2007\u2007plus recente \u00e0 7\u00bd% d\u2019int\u00e9r\u00eat annuel\nd\u2019autres enfin au pair\nEnfin Messrs. v. Staphorst m\u2019apprennent par Lettre du 18 de ce mois que la premiere N\u00e9gociation de la Dette liquid\u00e9e, domicili\u00e9e chez eux, se vend environ 19 \u00e0 20 p% au-dessus du pair; celle du Courtier Stadnitsky, quelque chose de plus, \u00e0 cause du remboursement plus prochain, et qu\u2019en supposant l\u2019une comportante l\u2019autre \u00e0 20% c\u2019est \u01921200 que vaut maintenant une de ces Obligations originairement de \u01921000. Le bon vieux rentier qui m\u2019avoit induit en erreur l\u00e0-dessus l\u2019avoit \u00e9t\u00e9 lui-m\u00eame par un fripon de notaire qui faisoit ses affaires et qui vouloit l\u2019engager \u00e0 vendre comme je vous l\u2019avois marqu\u00e9 d\u2019apr\u00e8s le bon homme qui a  cong\u00e9di\u00e9 son fripon, et en me remerciant, m\u2019a assur\u00e9 qu\u2019il ne vendroit aucun de ces fonds, pas m\u00eame au prix \u00e9tonnant que je lui appris, et qu\u2019\u00e0 mesure qu\u2019ils lui seroient rembours\u00e9s il acheteroit \u00e0 leur place de ceux \u00e0 la charge des Etats-Unis \u00e0 5 p% de la negociation du 1er fevrier dernier. Il en a d\u2019ailleurs d\u00e9j\u00e0 une vingtaine d\u2019obligations de celles dont l\u2019int\u00e9r\u00eat se paie au 1er de Juin, qu\u2019il m\u2019a fait voir.\nQuant \u00e0 la Banque d\u2019Amsterdam, voici ce que me marque un brave N\u00e9gociant patriote de la m\u00eaine ville, que j\u2019avois pri\u00e9 instamment de m\u2019apprendre la vraie raison de sa d\u00e9tresse. \u201cOn a beaucoup raisonn\u00e9 sur notre argent de Banque, dont le d\u00e9clin a \u00e9t\u00e9 vraiment \u00e9tonnant, et ne pouvoit ni proc\u00e9der ni continuer, que d\u2019un vrai discredit, une vraie m\u00e9fiance. On dit presentement qu\u2019on prendra des mesures pour le faire remonter au pair \u00e0 l\u2019ouverture de la Banque, qui se fera vers le fin de ce mois, et d\u2019en pr\u00e9venir tout d\u00e9clin ult\u00e9rieur. Nous autres, qui en souffrons, lui souhaittons en cela le succ\u00e8s que nous n\u2019osons esp\u00e9rer.\u201d\nJe dois \u00e0 Nos amis d\u2019Amsterdam la communication, plus consolante, de l\u2019excellent discours de notre illustre Pr\u00e9sident, du 8 D\u00e9cembre dernier, que j\u2019ai envoy\u00e9 \u00e0 Mr. Luzac, avec requisition de l\u2019ins\u00e9rer incessamment, ou, si les affaires du Nord de l\u2019Europe doivent toujours occuper son petit papier, de le remettre de ma part \u00e0 un Gazettier hollandois. Ils m\u2019ont appris aussi que les deux Ports seuls de N. York et Philadelphie ont produit pendant les 3 mois seulement de Juillet, Ao\u00fbt et Septembre, en especes sonnantes pay\u00e9es \u00e0 l\u2019Union, au-del\u00e0 de 400,000 Dollars.\nIl se confirme que plus de 12,000 Turcs ont \u00e9t\u00e9 egorg\u00e9s \u00e0 Isma\u00efl, et qu\u2019il y aura guerre entre les Russes et les Prussiens. Je ne crois pas que ces derniers s\u2019y hazardent; et bien d\u2019autres pensent, comme moi, qu\u2019au fait et au prendre ils n\u2019oseront attaquer; ils se flattent, en attendant, de l\u2019assistance de la Grande Bretagne, et (risum teneamus) de cette paralitique republique. Je ne pourrois pas encore avec suret\u00e9 m\u2019expliquer sur son \u00e9tat interne, encore moins sur les 4 personnages (l\u2019Anglois Grenville en est un) qui l\u2019ont caus\u00e9. Tout y est calme, et ne peut que l\u2019\u00eatre, car tout y est garnisonn\u00e9.\u2014Le parti qu\u2019a pris la Cour de Turin de chasser tous les Fran\u00e7ois fugitifs, une pr\u00e9caution analogue prise \u00e0 leur sujet par l\u2019Espagne sur ses Frontieres, ainsi que par Naples, &c., d\u00e9concerte toute la Politique de leurs amis ici et ailleurs. On se retranche, on s\u2019amuse \u00e0 pr\u00e9sent, faute de mieux, \u00e0 faire sonner le plus haut qu\u2019on peut les r\u00e9clamations et pr\u00e9tentions de quelques petits Pr\u00e9lats  et Princes Allemands pour leurs Encensoirs et Fiefs en Alsace et en Lorraine.\nIl me tarde d\u2019apprendre l\u2019admission de Kentucke \u00e0 la 14e. place dans la plus auguste des Conf\u00e9derations, le succ\u00e8s des Troupes envoy\u00e9es par notre illustre Pr\u00e9sident pour ch\u00e2tier les Bandits du Nordouest qui exercent sur vos \u00e9tablissements un brigandage, apparemment attis\u00e9 par les Anglois, et toutes les autres sages r\u00e9solutions que va prendre votre troisieme Session, que Dieu benisse avec votre Excellence, dont je suis, avec grand respect, le &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0195", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 23 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 23. 1791.\nYour letters which have come to hand are as follows\nDate\n  Recd.\n  Passage Weeks\u2014 Days\n  Weeks\u2014 Days\n  July \u20077.\nI think it material to note to you the length of their passage that it may enable you to judge of the best conveyances. The two last have come in 7. weeks 5 and 6 days, one of them by the English packet, and a private one of Sep. 26. by the English packet also came in 4. weeks 5 days. All the rest have been from 12 to 22 weeks. No. 48. by the packet and 47. by an immediate vessel being in hand, I shall probably not receive 44. 45. 46. this month or two yet. Those by the packet bring us what is really new and interesting, the others lose their interest because they come when we are already advanced one, two, three months ahead of them through other channels. Whatever therefore is not really secret had better come by the English packets. M. Dumas now sends me through that conveyance the Leyden gazette. Your No. 31. has never been received.\nIn my last public letters to you, which were of Aug. 10. 26. 31. I informed you of my intended journey to Virginia, and that I should not write to you again till my return here. No opportunity has occurred since of sending a letter directly, till the present one by the French packet: and Mr. Remsen informs me that none occurred during my absence to send you the newspapers.\nThe 3d. and subsequent amendments to the constitution have been agreed to by N. Hampshire, Rho. I. New Y., Jersey, Penns. Del. Mar. N. Car. and S. Car. The 1st. by N. Hamp. Rho. I. N. York Jersey Mar. North and S. Carola. and the 2d. by only Jersey Del. Mar. and the two Carolinas. The other states, viz.  Mass. Connect. Virginia and Georgia have not decided on them. Vermont has acceded to the new constitution of the U. S. and is coming forward to ask admission into Congress. Kentuckey has asked the same and a bill for the purpose has passed the Senate and is now before the representatives, where it will meet no difficulty. But they have only asked admission for the year 1792.\nThe census has made considerable progress, but will not be completed till midsummer. It is judged at present that our numbers will be between 4. and 5. millions. Virginia it is supposed will be between 7. and 800,000.\nYou will percieve by the papers that the object of our Indian expedition has been so imperfectly obtained as to call for another the ensuing year.\u2014By the present conveyance you will probably receive a proclamation locating the federal territory so as to comprehend Georgetown. It will appear within a day or two.\u2014We must still pursue the redemption of our captives through the same channel, till some better means can be devised. The money however which is in Mr. Grand\u2019s hands, will be the subject of a letter to you from the Secretary of the treasury, as soon as he can have an act of Congress authorising the application of it to the debt of the foreign officers.\nThe most important matters now before Congress are propositions to establish a bank, to establish a land office, and Excise. The latter measure tho severely modified is very unpopular in the middle and Southern states.\nFenno\u2019s and Davies\u2019s papers will accompany this. These contain all the laws of the last session, and therefore it is thought better to defer sending them to you in a body till an 8vo. edition appears, which is proposed to be printed, as this will be more conveniently conveyed as well as handled. I am with great and sincere esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0196", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMadrid 24 January 1791\nColonel Humphreys delivered to me your Letter of the 6th of August on the 18th of the last month; Nothing could equal my astonishment in finding that I have been employing my time in a situation that has been for many years and is agreable so little to my own Credit or to the Satisfaction of my Country.\nThe only method which I could take in the Moment was to Show to a Man who justly merits the Confidence placed in him, the pains I had taken for Information and how improbable it was that I should spend my time and even my own fortune to procure Intelligence without transmitting the Materials which I obtained with great difficulty and Considerable expence that at least proove my zeal tho\u2019 perhaps not my Talents.\nThe next Object will be to forward Copies of all the Dispatches which I find by your Letter have not reached the Department. I cannot account for the detention of my Letters: I know that I have had powerful Enemies here who from personal motives have in many Instances endeavoured to Injure me.\nI discovered that a Servant who had lived with me more than six years had received Money to a considerable Amount from one of these Persons The Ct. Cabarrus. He has paid and is paying dearly the Suborning my Domestics yet more from his own Imprudence than my Efforts.\nOn the 26th of February I gave an accompt of a friendly conversation which I had with the Ct. de Florida Blanca on that Subject which terminated to our mutual Satisfaction.\nThe President will have probably communicated to you the Letter I had the honor to write him on the first notice of his nomination: Least that Letter should not have met with better fortune than so many others have done, I inclose a Copy as Also of one I wrote from Aranguez on being advised by you that he had been pleased to continue me in my present Employment.\nYou will see that I have no Interested motive to Influence my Conduct; I say with Truth that I have now to begin life (so far as the Expression may be applied to Independance and Domestic Ease) and I thought I could have done it with pleasure untill I received your Letters by Colonel Humphreys.\nI Announced to the Department of foreign Affairs the time and Manner in which I received the Cyphers sent me. Colonel Humphreys has seen by the Covers of those Cyphers and by Certificates  I took from Persons who were present or who delivered them, that it would have been highly imprudent in me to have made use of them. If they have ever been employed No Letter in Cypher has ever reached me.\nI sent duplicates of these Certificates Immediately to the Department and I find that by the List which you sent me of letters received that those have not come to hand.\nYou will pardon this detail. It is necessary for my own tranquillity which has suffered more than I can Express for several years past and more particularly since I have received your last letter. If my Letters since the 26th of February have reached you, you will be convinced that no one here in the Diplomatic line was so early or better Informed than I have been with respect to the apparent Rupture between this Country and Great Britain. I knew how it would end, because I knew that measures begun in Folly would terminate in Humiliation and that Humiliation may lead to something more.\nSomething however might have been done in a Moment of projects and apprehension had not a certain negotiation carried on our part at London transpired and which I think was known here rather from British Policy than from the vigilance of the Marquis del Campo. Entirely unaquainted with this Maneuvre altho\u2019 in Correspondence with the Person Employed, I was suspected to be in the Secret. This Suspicion banished Confidence, which returns by slow degrees. This Circumstance induced me to drop entirely my Correspondence with G[ouverneur] M[orris]. To Continue it would have done harm and certainly could do no good.\nI have seen Extracts of the Presidents Letter communicated to the Duke of Leeds perhaps mutilated or forged to serve here the views of the British Cabinet: I do not yet dispair of Obtaining Copies of those Letters thro the same Channel that I procured the first accompt of the demands of G. B. and the Signature of the late Convention.\nYou will easily conceive that I must now discretionally obey (from the Change of circumstances) the Latter part of the Instructions given me; But Sir the opportunities of seeing the Minister in the Character I hold are so rare, that there is little room for Insinuation. However Active, However punctual I may be, I must wait untill Every Ambassador, every Minister, even if there was one from the Republic of Ragusa have had their Audience before I can Obtain mine. You will see by the inclosed paper No. 1 the Conversation I have had with the Minister.\u2014I have endeavored  Indirectly to suggest Ideas of the Necessity of a Speedy determination in this Government to Adopt the Measures pointed out by your Last Letters. These Suggestions have been Made to persons who have Now and probably will have in future much Influence in this Cabinet If the Queen lives. I shall communicate to you the Effects which my Representations may produce and with Colonel Humphreys Advice and approbation If occasion offers and Circumstances permit I shall decidedly press the business.\nThis Government is weak, The Ministry is in a ticklish Situation, The Queen Governs and Governs with caprice, The People begin to dispute Their Sovereigns and altho\u2019 they have no cheifs to look up to the dissatisfaction is general.\nAs I have participated to Colonel Humphreys my Ideas and many Ancedotes relative to the actual Situation of Affairs here, I am persuaded he will not fail to communicate to the President or yourself what may be deficient in the Letters I leave for his Inspection.\nThere is probably something in Agitation here with respect to the Affairs of the North. I shall endeavour to developpe that business. Here they hold themselves in readiness to arm. The Object is doubtful and unnacountable. It is a mixture of haughtiness and timidity. In fact after having blundered into humiliation abroad They wish to Appear respectable at Home. This is an Observation made to me by the Ct. de Camponanes Governor of the Council of Castille, who is with those he can Influence decidedly of opinion that it is the Interest of his Country to form Liberal and lasting Connections with the United States.\nI have had the honor in the Course of this Month to write you on our Affairs with Morrocco; with Algiers as I have sent Duplicates of My Letters I flatter Myself they will be received. Relying on the good opinion of me that you have been pleased to express on Many occasions I intreat you to engage the President to permit me to return to my native Country. I shall send you My Accompts as soon as I can put them in order.\u2014I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Sir Your Most Obedt. and Most Humble sert,\nWm. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0197", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Jan. 24. 1791.\nYour several private letters unacknowledged are May 9. June 14. 29. July 7. 11. 16. August 4. 15. 22. Sep. 26. Oct. 3. 27. Nov. 27. Mine to you have been Aug. 9. 12. 25. 31. Sep. 6. 30. of which the two first and two last have not yet been acknowledged. That of Aug. 9. indeed was only a postscript.\u2014To business.\nGoldsmith\u2019s Encyclopedie I can meddle no further with. Just before I came away, I applied to Royez, from whom Goldsmith was to have them (Goldsmith being then absent) and desired him to furnish them. He put me off from week to week. I told him I was then packing the residue, and if not furnished in time, they could never again be recieved. He admitted at length he could not furnish them, having mislaid the subscription papers, the package was closed, and it was understood between him and me that there was an end of it. I think Frouill\u00e9 knows all this. The gentlemen for whom they were, will not take them.\nI must pray you to keep in mind and execute the commissions for the clock (which must come entirely by water from Paris to this place) and two epreuves d\u2019etains of P. Jones\u2019s medal. Also the President\u2019s wine. I have not recieved his bill yet. I hope the wine will arrive before the warm weather.\nThe Dutchess Danville\u2019s commission shall be carefully attended to. But the river being frozen up there will be no chance of getting the seeds to her as early as I could wish. I must await too a vessel going directly to Havre, as I know the incertainty of every other conveyance. My furniture is arrived here and in Virginia. As far as I have proceeded in opening I find not much broke. Not more than half is as yet opened, as I am in a house not yet finished. No news yet of my carriages. I inclose a letter for Petit, which when you shall have perused, be so good as to seal and deliver him. You will see by that how much I still desire him. I hope he will come, and without exacting such wages as to make him a burthen  to me when here. He had 36. Louis at Paris and fed himself. I should think myself well off to get him for that and feed him. I should think him high at 4. Louis a month, and at any rate would not go beyond 5. and even at that I should feel constantly sore under the burthen, always understood that I am to feed him. In fact 60. Louis a year now would be as heavy on me as 150. would have been at Paris. I would not give above 3. Guineas a month were it not that he is familiar to me, and of approved honesty. If he will not come, give him, if you please, a gratuity of 300. \u20b6 on my account.\nSince Tolozan and Sequeville are decided not to accept their presents unless I accept mine, I must yield as theirs is their livelihood. Be so good then as to finish that matter by the usual exchange of presents in my behalf. Our government having now adopted the usage of making presents in the like case, so as to establish a reciprocity, one of the motives for my refusal is removed, which may be mentioned to them. On recieving therefore the present of cong\u00e9 of usage be so good as to give them the twelve and eight hundred livres, mentioned in my letter of April 6 and more if on enquiry from Baron Grimm or any other in whose information you confide you find that more has been usually given by those of my grade, but do not give less than there mentioned. I know indeed that Doctr. Franklin gave considerably more, but that was because he was extravagantly well treated on the occasion himself. To face the expence of the presents to Tolozan and Sequeville you must draw on our bankers in the first instance and as I presume the King\u2019s present will be his picture or something set in diamonds, I must get you my dear Sir to have these taken out of the cadre and disposed of advantageously at Paris, London or Amsterdam and deposit the proceeds with the Van Staphorsts & Hubbard on my account where it will be ready to cover what shall have been given to Tolozan and Sequeville and any further deficiency which may be produced by the expences of my return, or a disallowance of any article of my French accounts. Send to me the cadre, be it picture, snuff box or what it will, by any conveyance, but sealed and unknown to the person who brings it and above all things contrive that the conversion of the present into money be absolutely secret so as never to be suspected at Court, much less find its way into an English newspaper. My letter of September 30 will have explained to you something of your own affair. It has not been mentioned to me since our return to Philadelphia, and I have thought it better to let your claim  ripen itself in silence. Delay is in your favor. The mission to Amsterdam was to give you prominence. It has had that effect. I now think you may expect the Hague.\nHumphreys is gone to Lisbon, the grade not settled. The last letter from Carmichael is May 1789. An opportunity has been given him to explain this. I doubt if he can be long supported against his inattention and the weight of the public opinion. Old servants knowing and known in the public affairs whose names may add weight to the administration will probably be sent to Paris and London. I have done what little I could toward getting an appointment rather to please you than to serve you. For 1 see fully that the leading interests of your life are lost if you do not come home ere long and take possession of the high ground so open to you, and from whence you may command any post either at home or abroad. Still I shall continue to work in favor of your wishes. I am with great & constant esteem Dear Sir Your sincere friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. Since writing the above your private letter of Oct. 30. is recieved. Remember me affectionately to Mazzei.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-18-02-0198", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam Jan. 24. 1791.\nI hope my letters of the 26th. of Nov. and 23d. of Dec. sent by the English Packets of Dec. and Jan. will be received in good time as they alone can account for the delay of my other letters written both to yourself and the Secretary of the Treasury since my arrival here. These were put on board American vessels sailing from hence immediately for the United States. Constant contrary winds have prevailed since that time so as to prevent any vessel from leaving the Texel, and of course my letters are still there: Those which I have written to you were dated Nov. 25. (sent after an American vessel at the Texel and at the moment of sailing. I know not with certainty whether she got out) Dec. 2. by a vessel bound for Boston. Dec. 29 and 30. Jan. 16. 17. by vessels bound for N. York.\u2014In these I acknowledged the receipt of yours of Sep. 6. 30. the last which have come to my hands.\nI am the more sorry for the excessive delay of these letters because in those which were written to the Secretary of the Treasury I entered into very full and particular details concerning the several objects about which he is certainly impatient to be informed. I may add however that no other inconvenience will result from that delay as [no loan is yet opened. As far as I can judge it will be found proper to postpone it two or three weeks longer, for reasons mentioned in my other letters which are of general application and in this instance particularly for the greater certainty of a success that may enhance the credit of the United States.\nThe reporter of the committee of domaines has at length presented the opinion of that committee respecting the decree on the droit d\u2019aubaine, to the Assembly. He had unfortunately connected it with the business of successions, so that an adjournment was insisted on in order that the report might be discussed. It was referred to four different committees. I had put the Mis. de la fayette fully in possession of this subject, and I wrote to him again respecting it immediately on being informed of the turn it had taken. The secretary whom I left in Paris writes me that they are now trying to get the diplomatic committee to ask for a discussion of this report to obtain a decree explanatory merely as to the droit d\u2019anbaine. In the present ill humour and jealousy which prevail with respect to their colonies it is difficult to say what they will do but we may be sure that M. de Montmorin will use his exertions to effect what we desire. I apprehend delay however, which no application can prevent, and I always had doubts my self with respect to the success of this business notwithstanding the opinion of the reporter and committee of domaines. I mentioned formerly on what these doubts were founded.\nSince the report of the committee of impositions made in the month of Dec. of which you will have seen an extract in the journals of the assembly, and of which I enclosed you a copy in my last, nothing more has been said on tobacco except by a member of the committee of finance. You will have seen that the committee of imposition propose to abandon tobacco as an article of revenue. The member of the committee of finance on the contrary insisted on it; another member of the same committee however insisted on his informing the assembly that what he said was his private opinion and not that of the committee of finance. No body as I have frequently repeated can say with certainty when the assembly will take up any subject, nor what they will decide on it. Their sentiments with respect to tobacco have experienced a manifest alteration since the first report of the committee of imposition respecting it. It is probable now that it will be made an article of free commerce, with a duty on entering the Kingdom.\u2014But should the farm be continued still some modifications may be expected at present in favor of their commercial connexions with the U.S. I forgot to mention above that I had received through Mr. Donald your letter of Nov. 25. respecting this article.\nThe commercial committee have formed a new tariff which is now under press as they write me, to be presented to the assembly. They not only admit American oils in their plan but put the duties  lower than under the arr\u00eat du conseil. It is yet for the assembly to decide on it. I have already informed you of the stages through which this business has been carried and the manner in which it has been done. I hope the means will be approved of, and that the U.S. will have reason to be satisfied with the result. The delay is inevitable from the nature and proceedings of the assembly. That is the cause also of the uncertainty and variation in the opinions which I have communicated to you from time to time on these subjects.\nThe resistance of a considerable party of the clergy to a decree of the assembly for their civil organisation and particularly for changing the limits of the dioceses, and the violent measures adopted by the assembly respecting this resistance, or rather non compliance has been matter of uneasiness for some time.\u2014By a decree of the assembly all those of the clergy who by a given day had not taken an oath to maintain the civil organisation of that body were to be deprived of their ecclesiastical functions and their successors immediately appointed agreeably to the new mode of election. That day rigorously has passed and only two bishops of the assembly have taken the oath. Of the curates of Paris a majority also had refused but among those who subscribed were some of the principal and particularly the curate of St. Eustache the King\u2019s confessor, who it is said was converted by the King himself, who takes every possible means of preventing what might occasion disorder and who from his uniform conduct merits better treatment than he sometimes receives.\u2014By a construction of the decree some delay is obtained for its execution. In the mean time two of the refusing Bishops have entered into negotiation. They desire to find some decent means of retracting their refusal. Hither-to they have waited for the consent of the Pope, to obtain which they had sent an express to Rome. His answer has not yet been received but it is known by private letters that he is disposed to accommodation at present though he would not hear of it at first. I know not yet what effect this will produce on the people in the provinces. In the capital their love of the revolution so far surpasses every other passion that all the exertions of the garde nationale have been necessary to prevent their entering the churches and hanging the refusing curates. They will manifest their dispositions less violently perhaps in the provinces but in general the spirit of the revolution will certainly predominate, even if the clergy succeed to convince them that it is contrary to the spirit of religion.\nThe funds have risen to an uncommon height owing to the considerable  reimbursements made by the emission of assignats. These do not depreciate as might have been expected.\u2014On the whole if there were any probability of the assembly\u2019s confining themselves merely to the business of organizing the government so as to put an end to their session and call a new legislature the revolution might be considered as really in a successful state. But the report of the central committee which you will have received, prescribes such a superabundance of matter as necessary to be deliberated on and settled by the present assembly, that its end as well as the term of the completion of the constitution can be reduced to no calculation. All that seems to me certain is that the revolution will in one way or another end by giving a free government to France. This event might be hastened much by the assembly if they would. My former letters will have informed you how little I think it is to be hoped from them and for what reasons.\nThe Russians as has been expected for some time have taken Ismailow. They stormed it and put the whole garrison to the sword on the 22d. of Dec. This was probably to strike terror into the Turks in order to aid the separate negociation which it is known Prince Potemkin is endeavouring to effect with the Grand Visier. The object is to engage the Porte to accept peace without the mediation of other powers. On the other hand Prussia is active both in negotiation and military demonstration to counteract this project. Preparations are making for sending a large army into Livonia in the spring which has induced the Empress to call off some of the heavy troops from those employed against the Turks. England also keeps an augmented navy in commission. It seems not doubted that the design is to send a fleet into the Baltic as soon as the season will permit it. It is said also that the three mediating powers are negotiating with Denmark to engage that country to be at least indifferent as to the entrance of this fleet: and that there are grounds for hopes of success. Some think also that there are indications which render it probable that Spain will join in the mediation for obtaining peace for the Turk. I have no reason to suppose it other than that arising from the desire which Spain must naturally have to see peace restored to that power. It is supposed if she joins in the mediation it will be merely for that object and not from any disposition to favor generally the system of the mediating powers. Where so many and such opposite principles enter into account it would be temerity to conjecture the particular results without being behind the curtain: and even there probably the schemes are not yet fully ascertained. Every day must necessarily  throw new lights on this complicated state of affairs in proportion as the state of negotiation is more advanced.\nI think it probable myself that peace will be effected one way or another in the course of the year. The present favorable situation of the Russian army, the dispersed and disheartened situation of the Ottoman, the succour promised by Prussia so long deferred, the little hope of immediate relief from the geographical position of that power, the ardent desire of Russia to effect a peace without mediation and the sacrifices she is disposed to make to effect it; all induce me to believe that it will be brought about in that way. If however the Porte from a well founded confidence in the active interference of the mediating powers should decide still to hold out then it seems that the Empress will be induced to come to terms rather than enter the lists with new and powerful enemies from whom she would have much to fear particularly by sea. Still I find several who think from the character of the Empress that she will resist and try the event of a campaign rather than sacrifice so much success and so much glory in having a peace dictated to her. Her resources at home are without end from her mode of calling them into action, and her credit even here stands high, certainly much higher than it should do. It is supposed also that in this extremity she would be seconded by the Emperor notwithstanding his pacific turn. He would be authorized by treaty to do this, and his present situation would enable him; the disturbances in the various parts of his dominions having been all settled. In Brabant particularly his authority is more firmly settled than if he had come to it by inheritance only, since he enjoys it also by a kind of conquest.\nIt is the system of the English cabinet which is considered here as the most unaccountable. The commerce of that country is at present in the most prosperous situation since the balance is in their favor with every part of Europe. They have more to gain by peace and more to apprehend from war than any other power and yet they seem determined to risk it. The advantages of their commerce in the Baltic are certain, those in the Levant eventual, still they seem determined to sacrifice one at least for a time in order to grasp at the other. On the whole it is regarded as one of those sacrifices of commerce to politics which France has so often given examples of. Time will shew whether Mr. Pitt or those who condemn him are in the right.]\nThe Imperial troops have entered Liege in execution of the orders of the chamber of Wetzlaer. The inhabitants make no  resistance and throw themselves entirely on the mercy of the Emperor. The Prince will be first reinstated unconditionally agreeably to the decree. It is probable there will be some modifications made afterwards. It was thought that the King of Prussia would not have been an indifferent spectator of this event. Letters circulate in public, I know not whether they are authentic, between his minister M. Dohm and the imperial commandant, which shew that the decree of Wetzlaer, and particularly what was agreed on at Franckfort with respect to the disputes at Liege, is not construed in the same way by their respective masters. Be this as it may the fate of Liege will be always rendered subservient to the policy of those courts.\nThe States of Holland are now in session. The finances of this country are supposed to be in a bad way. New taxes which are always a delicate point and the touchstone of every government are considered at present indispensable. It is foreseen they will produce discontent. What was formerly called here the patriotic party exists no longer as a party, but throughout all the provinces, and particularly in this, they form a large mass of wealthy people. They are ulcerated in the extreme. The Prince and Aristocratical party, though natural enemies are kept allied by these their common enemy. They have in their hands the armed force of this country and are sure of support from Prussia, which is much more than sufficient to keep down all opposition. It is much to be desired for the interest of all those powers who borrow money here that government should remain armed with such an irresistible force as to confine its subjects to objects of peace and commerce. Were a revolution to be attempted it would be carried on, as far as we may judge from their present dispositions, with a destructive rage and dry up the chanels of wealth at this place.\nOne circumstance which is considered as a strong proof of the want of confidence in the government at least at this place, and so far as relates to the direction of the bank of Amsterdam in the hands of the governmental party, is the low price at which bank money has been for some time.\u2014Instead of being several p. cent above par as has always been the case it has been as low as 2\u00bd below, and when the bank was shut some days ago it was 1. p. cent. It will be opened again in a few days when it is thought that they will have coined a sufficient sum to pay off such as may chuse it though they are not obliged to do it. If they should not do this and not exhibit the real situation of the bank to public view which they cannot be legally compelled to, it is apprehended that their  credit will sink lower than it has done. This would have a very unhappy influence on the commercial operations of this place. The best informed seem fully satisfied that the affairs of the bank are in proper order. The malevolent insist that the funds have been diverted for various purposes, and among them is reckoned the payment of what they call the Prussian invasion.\nWith respect to the East Indies and particularly the British affairs there, I can only repeat here what I mentioned in my last letter, that I referred you for authentic information on that subject to the debates of the house of Commons. The minister triumphed in his refusals to produce any of the papers relative to the Spanish negotiation, but promised to lay before them all those relative to the E. Indies. This letter incloses one for the Secretary of the Treasury and will go by the English Packet.  I beg you to accept with it assurances of those sentiments of respect and Attachment of which I hope you will never doubt and with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your obedient & humble servant,\nW: Short\nP. S. Jan. 25. I find by the Leyden gazette of this morning that the letter of M. Dohm mentioned yesterday may be considered as authentic. It was written from Aix la Chapelle Jan. 13. the day after the imperial troops entered Liege accompanied by those of two of the electors. This letter was published and distributed at Liege as soon and perhaps sooner than it was received by the Marechal de Bender, and it is said also that he disavowed by a letter to the imperial commandant at Liege having received such an one. The difference of opinion between them is such as affords full pretext for a quarrel if the cabinets of Berlin and Vienna think proper. M. Dohm insists that the conviction of Frankfort is still in force and that the Imperial troops cannot be employed but to keep order and preserve a statu quo. The ministers of the directors and particularly of the bishop of Liege, say that they are to enforce the decree of Wetzlaer, and to be supported by the troops if necessary. No answer has yet arrived from Vienna in consequence of dispatches sent there from Berlin in which the King of Prussia on the Imperial assistance being required wishing to enter into a friendly explanation, states to the Emperor \u201cque la soumission des Liegeois ne pouvoit \u00eatre accept\u00e9e et realis\u00e9e que par les Princes directeurs et en consequence des points dont on est convenu unanimement \u00e0 Frankfort.\u201d In a letter from M. Dohm to the States of Liege of Jan. 2. on their submission absolutely to  the Emperor\u2019s decision there is this remarkable expression \u201cdans l\u2019empire au quel le Pays de Liege appartient, il n\u2019existe aucune, volont\u00e9 absolue qui puisse decider le soit de ses provinces.\u201d They are re-establishing the Princes authority at Liege. The people murmur but are controlled by the troops. This affair will be the thermometer of the dispositions of Prussia and Austria relative to each other, and the Liegeois of course will be supported or abandoned according to circumstances.\nW. S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0001-0005", "content": "Title: III. The President to the Secretary of State, [4 January 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nTuesday [i.e., Wednesday, 4 Jan. 1791]\nThe P. begs to see Mr. Jefferson before he proceeds further in the Proclamation.\u2014From a more attentive examination of some Papers, in his possession, he finds that it is in his power to ascertain the course and distance from the Court House in Alexandria to the upper and lower end of the Canal at the little Falls with as much accuracy as can be known from Common Surveying if not to Mathematical truth.\nIf Mr. Jefferson is not engaged with other matters the President will be at home at nine Oclock.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0001-0006", "content": "Title: IV. Daniel Carroll to the Secretary of State, 22 January 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\n[Philadelphia] Jany. 22d. 1791.\nI do myself the honor of incloseing a Resolution No. 1 of the Genl. Assembly of Maryland acceding to the proposition made by the General Assembly of Virginia on the 10th of Novr. 1789, likewise several resolutions No. 2. establishing a fund for the moneys pledg\u2019d by the first resolution, and an Act No 3 to Condemn land if necessary for the public buildings of the United States.\nBy a letter lately receivd from our Governor I expect these papers are on their way to you officially.\nIt will be observd, that the whole of the first payment to be made the Treasurer of Maryland, is to become due on the first of Jany. 1792. From the information I receivd at Annapolis there is I believe money now in the Treasury of Maryland, which has arisen from the funds specified, and that the Treasurer in that Case wou\u2019d pay the money if he shou\u2019d not think himself precluded by the Terms, which declare the whole of the 1st payment to become due on the 1st of Jany. 1792.\u2014At any rate I am confident there will be no difficulty in obtaining the money thro\u2019 individuals for the purposes mentiond, if any obstacle shou\u2019d occur on the part of the Treasurer under the Law.\u2014I have, Sir, the honor to be with great respect Yr most Obt. Servt.,\nDanl. Carroll", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0001-0007", "content": "Title: V. The Secretary of State to Daniel Carroll, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carroll, Daniel\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia January 24th. 1791\nThe President of the United States desirous of availing himself of your assistance in preparing the federal Seat on the Potomac, [is in hopes you will act as one of the Commissioners directed by the Law for that purpose. I have the honor now to enclose a joint commission for yourself and two others, together with] a Copy of the Proclamation meant to constitute your first direction. The President will from time to time communicate such further directions, as circumstances shall call for.\u2014I have the Honor to be with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obt. & most h\u2019ble Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0001-0008", "content": "Title: VI. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [24 January 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Congress\nGentlemen\nIn execution of the powers with which Congress were pleased to invest me by their act intituled \u2018an Act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United States\u2019 and on mature consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the several positions within the limits prescribed by the said act, I have, by a proclamation bearing date this day, directed Commissioners, appointed in pursuance of the act, to survey and limit a part of the territory of ten miles square on both sides the river Patowmack so as to comprehend Georgetown in Maryland and to extend to the Eastern branch. I have not by this first act given to the said territory the whole extent of which it is susceptible in the direction of the river: because I thought it important that Congress should have an opportunity of considering whether by an amendatory law they would authorize the location of the residue at the lower end of the present so as to comprehend the Eastern branch itself and some of the country on it\u2019s lower side in the state of Maryland, and the town of Alexandria in Virginia. If however they should think that the federal territory should be bounded by the water edge of the Eastern branch, the location of the residue will be to be made at the upper end of what is now directed. A copy of the proclamation is inclosed for your more particular information. I have thought it best to await a survey of the territory before it is decided in what part of it the public buildings shall be erected.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0001-0009", "content": "Title: VII. The Proclamation by the President, 24 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nBy the President of the U. S. of America. \u2003\u2003\u2003 a Proclamation.\nWhereas the General assembly of the state of Maryland by an act passed on the 23d. day of December in the year 1788. intituled \u2018An act to cede to Congress a district of 10 miles square in this state for the seat of the government of the U. S.\u2019 did enact that the representatives of the said state in the house of representatives of the Congress of the U. S. appointed to assemble at New York on the 1st. Wednesday of March then next ensuing, should be, and they were thereby authorized and required on the behalf of the said state to cede to the Congress of the U. S. any district in the said state not exceeding ten miles square which the Congress might fix upon and accept for the seat of government of the U. S.\nAnd the General assembly of the commonwealth of Virginia by an act passed on the 3d. day of December 1789. and intituled \u2018An Act for the cession of ten miles square, or any lesser quantity of territory within this state, to the U. S. in Congress assembled, for the permanent seat of the General government\u2019 did enact that a tract of country not exceeding ten miles square, or any lesser quantity, to be located within the limits of the said state and in any part thereof as Congress might by law direct, should be, and the same was thereby for ever ceded and relinquished to the Congress and government of the U. S. in full and absolute right, and exclusive jurisdiction as well of soil, as of persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to the tenor and effect of the 8th. section of the first article of the constitution of government of the U. S.\nAnd the Congress of the U. S. by their act passed the 16th. day of July 1790. and intituled \u2018an act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the government of the U. S.\u2019 authorised the President of the U. S. to appoint three commissioners to survey, under his direction, and by proper metes and bounds to limit a district of territory, not exceeding ten miles square, on the river Potomac, at some place between the mouths of the Eastern branch, and Connogocheque, which district so to be located and limited, was accepted by the said act of Congress as the district for the permanent seat of the government of the U. S.\nNow therefore, in pursuance of the powers to me confided, and after duly examining and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the several situations within the limits aforesaid, I do hereby declare and make known that the location of one part of  the said district of ten miles square shall be found by running four lines of experiment in the following manner, that is to say, running from the Courthouse of Alexandria in Virginia due South West half a mile, and thence a due South East course till it shall strike Hunting creek to fix the Beginning of the said four lines of experiment:\nThen beginning the first of the said four lines of experiment at the point on Hunting creek where the said South East course shall have struck the same, and running the said first line due North West ten miles: thence the second line into Maryland due North East ten miles: thence the third line due South East ten miles: and thence the fourth line due South West ten miles to the beginning on Hunting creek.\nAnd the said four lines of experiment being so run, I do hereby declare and make known that all that part within the said four lines of experiment which shall be within the state of Maryland and above the Eastern branch, and all that part within the same four lines of experiment which shall be within the commonwealth of Virginia, and above a line to be run from the point of land forming the upper cape of the mouth of Eastern branch due South West, and no more, is now fixed upon, and directed to be surveyed, defined, limited and located for a part of the said district accepted by the said act of Congress for the permanent seat of the government of the U. S. (Hereby expressly reserving the direction of the survey and location of the remaining part of the said district to be made hereafter contiguous to such part or parts of the present location as is, or shall be agreeable to law.)\nAnd I do accordingly direct the said Commissioners, appointed agreeably to the tenor of the said act to proceed forthwith to run the said lines of experiment, and the same being run, to survey, and by proper metes and bounds to define and limit the part within the same which is herein before directed for immediate location and acceptance, and thereof to make due report to me under their hands and seals.\nIn testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the U. S. to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. Done at the city of Philadelphia the 24th. day of January in the year of our lord 1791. and of the independance of the United States the fifteenth.\nBy the President\nTh: Jefferson\nGeorge Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0001-0011", "content": "Title: IX. The Secretary of State to the Commissioners of the Federal District, 29 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Commissioners of the Federal District\nSir\nPhiladelphia 29th. Jany. 1791.\nMr. Carroll, supposing that Doubts may arise, whether he can act as one of the Commissioners for the federal Seat, while a Member  of Congress, has declined, and has returned me the Commission, which had been deposited with him as one of the Members; I have now the Honor to enclose it to Mr. Johnson, first named therein, and to observe that two Members suffice for Business. It will be some Time before a Third will be named. The President, having thought Major L\u2019Enfant peculiarly qualified to make such a Draught of the Ground as will enable himself to fix on the Spot for the public Buildings; he has been written to for that Purpose, and will be sent on, if he chuses to undertake it.\u2014I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient, & most humble Servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0001-0012", "content": "Title: X. The President to the Secretary of State, [1 February 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nTuesday Evening [1 Feb. 1791]\nNothing in the enclosed letter superceding the necessity of Mr. Ellicot, proceeding to the work in hand, I would thank you, for requesting him, to set out on thursday; or as soon after as he can make it convenient; also for preparing such instructions as you may conceive it necessary for me to give him for ascertaining the points we wish to know; first, for the general view of things, and next for the more accurate and final decision.\u2014Yrs. sincerely & Affly.,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0001-0013", "content": "Title: XI. The Secretary of State to Andrew Ellicott, 2 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ellicott, Andrew\nSir\nPhiladelphia, February 2, 1791.\nYou are desired to proceed by the first stage to the Federal territory on the Potomac, for the purpose of making a survey of it.  The first object will be to run the two first lines mentioned in the enclosed proclamation to wit:\u2014the S.W. line 160 poles and the S.E. line to Hunting creek or should it not strike Hunting creek as has been suggested then to the river. These two lines must be run with all the accuracy of which your art is susceptible as they are to fix the begining either on Hunting creek or the river. If the second line should strike the river instead of the creek take and lay down the bearing and distance of the nearest part of the creek and also of any of its waters if any of them should be nearer than the creek itself; so also should either of these two lines cross any water of Hunting creek let it be noted. The termination of the Second line being accurately fixed, either on the creek or river, proceed to run from that as a beginning the four lines of experiment directed in the proclamation. This is intended as the first rough essay to furnish data for the last accurate survey. It is desirable that it be made with all the dispatch possible and with only common exactness, paying regard however to the magnetic variations. In running these lines note the position of the mouth of the Eastern branch, the point of your first course there will receive the S.W. line from the Cape of the Eastern branch, the canal and particular distance of your crossing it from either end, the position of Georgetown, and mouth of Goose Creek, and send by Post, a plat of the whole on which ultimate directions for the rest of the work shall be sent you, as soon as they can be prepared. Till these shall be received by you, you can be employed in ascertaining a true Meridian, and the latitude of the place, and running the meanderings of the Eastern branch, and of the river itself, and other waters which will merit an exact place in the map of the Territory. You will herewith receive a draft on the Mayor of Georgetown to cover your expenses.\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. The President writes by Post to Mr. Beall Mayor of Georgetown to furnish you with money for your expenses for which therefore you may apply to him without further order.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0001-0014", "content": "Title: XII. Andrew Ellicott to the Secretary of State, [14 February 1791]\nFrom: Ellicott, Andrew\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\n[Alexandria, 14 Feb. 1791]\nI arrived at this Town on Monday last but the Cloudy weather prevented any observations being made untill friday evening which was very fine. [On Saturday the two first lines were completed. You will see by the enclosed plat that the second line does not touch any part of Hunting Creek unless the spring drain noted in the plat is to be considered a part of it. It appears to me that in order to make the plan as complete as possible it will be proper to begin the survey of the ten miles square at the Eastern inclination of the upper cape of Hunting Creek, marked on the plat. This plan will include all the Harbor and wharfs of Alexandria, which will not be the Case if the two first lines mentioned in the proclamation are to remain as now.] I shall submit to your consideration the following plan for the permanent location which I believe will embrace every object of Advantage which can be included within the ten miles square (Viz)\u2014Beginning at the most inclination of the upper cape of Hunting Creek and running a streight line North westerly ten miles making an angle at the beginning of 45\u00b0 with the Meridian for the first line. Then by a streight line into Maryland north easterly at right angles to the first, ten miles for the second line. Thence by a streight line at right angles to the second south easterly ten miles for the third line. Thence for the fourth line at right angles to the third south westerly ten miles  to the beginning on the upper cape of Hunting Creek\u2014Or the beginning may be expressed more in the spirit of the Proclamation thus \u2018Running from the Court House in Alexandria due south west and thence a due south east course till it shall strike the River Potomac.\u2019 [\u2014as marked in plat A. The magnetic variations at this place is somewhat uncertain, arising no doubt from some local cause. It was 20 easterly when the second line struck the river and at the end of the first line, it was nearly as much Westerly. The Latitude of Alexandria, I find to be about 33 48 20 N. This afternoon I intend beginning the rough survey which shall be executed with all possible dispatch,]\n\u2026 You will observe by the plan which I have suggested for the Permanent Location a small deviation with respect to the courses from those mentioned in the Proclamation, the reason of which is that the courses in the Proclamation strictly adhered to would neither produce straight lines nor contain quite the ten miles square besides the almost impossibility of running such lines with tolerable exactness. I am Sir with the greatest Respect and esteem your Hbl. Servt.\nAndrew Ellicott\nMS not found; the above text is a composite drawn from two printed sources, each of which relied on Ellicott\u2019s manuscript draft and each of which is incomplete and otherwise defective. These two sources nevertheless complement each other so as to permit the reconstruction of almost if not all of the original text. The first of these sources, which provides the basic text above and is the more reliable and more comprehensive of the two, is Mathews\u2019 Andrew Ellicott, p. 84\u20135; the second is Alexander\u2019s \u201cSketch of the Life of Andrew Ellicott,\u201d Records of the Columbia Hist. Soc., ii (1899), 172\u20133. Two paragraphs or passages from the latter have been interpolated at the appropriate points of the above text as indicated in note 2 and 4 below. TJ\u2019s entry in SJL shows that he received Ellicott\u2019s letter on 21 Mch. 1791.\n   On the same day, writing to his wife, Ellicott said that he had arrived the preceding Tuesday (Mathews, Andrew EllicottCatharine Van Cortlandt Mathews, Andrew Ellicott, his life and letters, New York, 1908, p. 83). This was probably correct (see Editorial Note).\n   The matter in brackets (supplied) is drawn from the second of the two printed sources indicated above. Since Mathews indicated an omission that coincides exactly with this passage as shown by what precedes and follows, it is clear that no part of the text has been lost at this point.\n   Blank in Mathews\u2019 text; it is clear from the passage drawn from Alexander as indicated in note 2, however, that Ellicott meant and may have written \u201ceasterly.\u201d\n   The error is obviously attributable to the copyist, not to Ellicott. The latitude of Alexandria is 38\u00b0 48.2\u2019.\n   The matter in brackets (supplied) is drawn from the second of the two printed sources indicated above. Since this passage in Alexander is followed by an editorial indication of \u201cmore erasures\u201d (perhaps deletions made by Ellicott in the course of composition) and since at the corresponding point Mathews\u2019 text indicates an ellipsis, it is possible but by no means certain that a part of the original text is missing from both of the printed sources.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0003", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Harvie, Jr., 25 January 1791\nFrom: Harvie, John, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nRichmond Jany. 25th. 1791\nYour Letter dated so far back as the 2nd. of November has been withheld till the 12th. of this Month when it was deliver\u2019d to me by Colo. Bell from Charlottesville. I should then have Immediately Answer\u2019d it but as I Conceive there must be the want of Recollection, or some Misunderstanding in Circumstances either in you or Colo. Randolph respecting the 490 Acres of Land near Edge Hill, I thought it best to Address a Letter to Colo. Randolph on the Subject, and to await his Answer previous to my Writing to you. The Information that I now Collect from him is that about  Eighteen or twenty Years past, you told him that you had made an Entry for him with the Surveyor of Albemarle he thinks Staples for a parcel of Vacant Land Adjoining his Edge Hill tract, and that you would have it Survey\u2019d for him, that either before or soon after your Departure for Europe, James Marks Located a Land Office Treasury warrant upon the same Land, which Location if Carry\u2019d into Survey Colo. Randolph threatened with a Caveat. This threat alarming Marks he propos\u2019d a Division of the Land which was Acceeded to and Colo. Randolph Consented that the Survey should be made upon Marks\u2019s Warrant. It was in this Stage of the Business that I became the purchaser of Mr. Marks\u2019s Lands, Including his Moiety in this Survey, as well as his Original tract and gave him what was thought a high price for the whole, every Shilling of which has been long since paid. At the time of my purchase from Mr. Marks or at any Subsequent period till you did me the honour of Writing to me on the Subject, I am positive I never heard a Whisper of your Claim from any person, and indeed as I was told that Colo. Randolphs Entry had been made for him by you I entertained no Suspicion of their being a Contending Right, and I really must believe that Mr. Marks Considered your Entry and Colo. Randolphs as one and the same thing, as I can no otherways Account for his Agreeing to Divide the Land with that Gentleman, and it was under the Influence of this Agreement I am told that Anderson Bryan Consented to have the Survey made upon Marks\u2019 location, for let his pretences now be what they may the Survey return\u2019d to the Land Office is every word in his own hand Writing. He was Guilty of a very Reprehensible Breach of his duty if he Survey\u2019d for Marks knowing that you had a better legal Right Unsatisfy\u2019d at the time. The Survey was return\u2019d to the Land Office in December 1784. and Continued Open to the Objection and Caveat of every person till June 1786 when a Grant issued not in my Name only, but in my name and Thomas M. Randolphs being the Assignees of James Marks as Tenants in Common. Within all that time no Information was given me by either of your Agents of your having any Right Infring\u2019d by the Survey. If I had Suppos\u2019d the Title questionable, it was then in my power to have held so much of the purchase Money as would have been equal to an Indemnification for the loss of the Land. What Induces me strongly to Suppose that you have Considered Colo. Randolphs Entry as a distinct Interest from Mr. Marks\u2019s Survey is that after seeing and holding some Conversation with you about Marks\u2019s Survey last Winter I made proposals  to Colo. Randolph for the purchase of part of his Edge Hill tract and upon Confirming of that Bargain he offer\u2019d me his Moiety of the 490 Acres Survey. I mention\u2019d your pretentions to it. He then told me he believ\u2019d that Matter was all set right for he had reminded you of his Entry, which you Recollected and had Admitted its priority. Considering this as a Relinquishment of your Claim, I became the purchaser of his Moiety and actually paid him for it the sum of Seventy five pounds. I very well know when a Grant has been fraudulently or surreptiously Obtain\u2019d it will not stand in Equity, but throughout this whole Business my Title wore a very different Aspect, and cannot be shaken by any legal Discussion. But this is not the footing upon which I wish this or any other Subject to stand between you and me. I am willing the Matter should be referr\u2019d to Mutual friends and if under all its Circumstances it shall appear Right for me to Surrender the whole or any part of it to you, I shall Conform to such Opinion. If on the other hand upon this Statement of my Claim, my Equity appears more Substantial than your own, I know you two well to entertain any doubt of your being ready to declare it. If the 490 Acres of Land did not lye Immediately back of the Land I purchas\u2019d of Mr. Marks Colo. Randolph and my Mother I should Consider it of very little Value for of the whole I am told not more than 150 Acres can be Cultivated and that lyes upon the steepest part of the Mountain. The rest is so pav\u2019d with Rock and Stone and runs on the very Top of the Mountain as to be Altogether a Barren. I have been oblidg\u2019d to Write part of this Letter so hastily that I would be at the trouble of transcribing it if I was not fearful that you may have already Suppos\u2019d that I had been backward in Answering yours and therefore as this is now ready for the Stage I am [obliged to] let it go. Your favoring me with a Letter now and then will Afford me very high Satisfaction, for I at all times shall be with the highest Esteem Dr Sir Yr Most Obt. & Affec. Servt.,\nJno. Harvie.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0004", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Adrien Petit, 25 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Petit, Adrien\n\u00e0 Philadelphie ce 25. Janvier 1791.\nA mon depart de Paris, mon cher Petit, vous m\u2019aviez propos\u00e9 et meme avec de l\u2019empressement, de m\u2019accompagner en Amerique.\nJe ne m\u2019y suis pas consenti, parceque je croyois toujours \u00e0 ma tr\u00e8s prochaine retour, et que je souhaitois de laisser mes affaires dans vos mains. Quand je suis convenu de rester ici, et que je me voyois dans le cas d\u2019etablir une maison, j\u2019aimois de me persuader, et sans y douter meme, que, vu le desir que vous m\u2019aviez temoign\u00e9 de visiter ce pays-ci, vous ne balanceriez pas de venir me joindre, et de demeurer chez moi au meme pi\u00e9 o\u00f9 vous etiez \u00e0 Paris. Quels donc ont et\u00e9 mes regrets \u00e0 la reception de la lettre de Monsieur Short, qui m\u2019a annonc\u00e9 votre refus. Si les offres qu\u2019il vous auroit fait de ma part ne vous ont pas convenus, peutetre qu\u2019il les auroit arrang\u00e9 plus \u00e0 votre gr\u00e9, connoissant le desir que je lui avois marqu\u00e9 de vous posseder. Il ne m\u2019en a pas donne les details. Je ne pretends pas etre assez riche pour vous proposer de vous faire un sort ici. Mais certainement j\u2019aurois souhait\u00e9 de vous voir \u00e0 votre aise ici autant que vous l\u2019\u00e9tiez \u00e0 Paris. Je suis sur qu\u2019etant ici, vous trouveriez des facilit\u00e9s \u00e0 ameliorer votre sort qui ne peuvent pas exister en Europe, et des occasions de vous preparer un etablissement ou en terres, ou en commerce. Et en tout cas si, apr\u00e8s l\u2019avoir vu et essay\u00e9, le pays ne vous plaisoit pas, je vous aurois renvoy\u00e9 en France \u00e0 ma propre charge. Pensez-y, mon cher ami, et venez me joindre ici. M. Short prendra des arrangemens avec vous pour cet effet, et j\u2019espere que vous en serez content. Vous trouverez ici Monsieur et Madame Adams, qui sont etablis \u00e0 Philadelphie, et qui sont de vos amis. Mes enfants restent chez moi en Virginie. L\u2019ain\u00e9e est mari\u00e9e. La cadette reste avec elle, et toutes les deux parlent de vous avec beaucoup d\u2019amiti\u00e9. Soyez sur qu\u2019il n\u2019y a personne qui en a plus que lui qui est avec beaucoup d\u2019attachement, mon cher Petit votre veritable ami,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0005-0005", "content": "Title: II. Tobias Lear to the Secretary of State, 26 January 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nUnited States January 26th 1791\nBy the President\u2019s command T. Lear has the honor respectfully to transmit to the Secretary of State, to be lodged in his Office, a letter from His most Christian Majesty to the President and Members of Congress dated Septr. 11th 1790 a letter from the President of the National Assembly of France to the President of the United States and a decree of that Assembly dated June 20 1790. And a letter addressed to the President of the National Assembly of France which the Secretary of State will transmit accordingly.\nTobias LearSecretary to the Presidentof the United States.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0005-0008", "content": "Title: Enclosure III: The President to the President of the National Assembly of France, 27 January 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Si\u00e9y\u00e8s, Emmanuel Joseph, Abb\u00e9\nEnclosure IIIThe President to the President of theNational Assembly of France\nSir\nUnited States January 27. 1791\nI received with particular satisfaction, and imparted to Congress the communication made by the Presidents letter of the 20th of June last in the name of the National Assembly of France. So peculiar and and so signal an expression of the esteem of that respectable body for a citizen of the United States, whose eminent and patriotic services are indelibly engraved on the minds of his countrymen cannot fail to be appreciated by them as it ought to be. On my part I assure you, Sir, that I am sensible of all its value.\nThe circumstances, which, under the patronage of a monarch, who has proved himself to be the friend of the people over whom he reigns, have promissed the blessings of liberty to the French Nation, could not have been uninteresting to the free Citizens of the United States; especially when they recollected the dispositions, which were  manifested by the individuals as well as by the Government of that Nation towards their still recent exertions, in support of their own rights.\nIt is with real pleasure, Sir, that I embrace the opportunity now afforded me, of testifying through you to the National Assembly, the sincere, cordial and earnest wish, I entertain, that their labours may speedily issue in the firm establishment of a Constitution, which by wisely conciliating the indispensable principles of public order with the enjoyment and exercise of the essential rights of man, shall perpetuate the freedom and happiness of the People of France.\nThe impressions naturally produced by similarity of political sentiment are justly to be regarded as causes of national sympathy; calculated to confirm the amicable ties which may otherwise subsist between nations. This reflection, independent of its more particular reference, must dispose every benevolent mind to unite in the wish, that a general diffusion of true principles of liberty, assimilating as well as ameliorating the condition of Mankind and fostering the maxims of an ingenuous and virtuous policy, may tend to strengthen the fraternity of the human race, to assuage the jealousies and animosities of its various sub-divisions, and to convince them more and more, that their true interest and felicity will best be promoted by mutual good will and universal harmony.\nThe friendship to which the President alluded in the close of his letter has caused me to perceive with particular pleasure, that ONE who had endeared himself to this Country by an ardent zeal and by useful efforts in the cause of liberty, has by the same titles acquired the confidence and affection of his own. May it ever be his chief aim to continue to be beloved as one of her most virtuous and most faithful Citizens!\u2014I beg you to accept my acknowledgments for the sentiments in the same letter which relate more particularly to myself, and at the same time to be assured of the most perfect consideration, on my part.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0005-0011", "content": "Title: V. The Secretary of State to the President of the National Assembly, 8 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Si\u00e9y\u00e8s, Emmanuel Joseph, Abb\u00e9\nSir\nPhiladelphia March 8th. 1791.\nI have it in Charge from the President of the United States of America to communicate to the National Assembly of France the peculiar Sensibility of Congress to the Tribute paid to the Memory of Benjamin Franklin by the enlightened and free Representatives of a great Nation, in their Decree of the 11th. of June 1790.\nThat the Loss of such a Citizen should be lamented by us, among  whom he lived, whom he so long and eminently served, and who feel their Country advanced and honoured by his Birth, Life, and Labors, was to be expected. But it remained for the National Assembly of France to set the first Example of the Representative of one Nation, doing Homage by a public Act to the private Citizen of another, and, by withdrawing arbitrary Lines of Separation, to reduce into one Fraternity the Good and the Great, wherever they have lived or died.\nThat these Separations may disappear between us, in all Times and Circumstances, and that the Union of Sentiment, which mingles our Sorrows on this Occasion, may continue long to cement the Friendship and the Interests of our two Nations, is our constant Prayer. With no one is it more sincere than with him, who, in being charged with the Honour of conveying a public Sentiment, is permitted that of expressing the Homage of profound Respect and Veneration, with which he is, Sir, Your most obedient, and Most humble Servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0008", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 28 January 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam Jan. 28. 1791\nSince my last of the 24th. the inclosed letter has been recieved here. It is of so important a nature that I copy it to send it to you by the post of this morning as it is possible it may arrive in London in time for the Packet. It is generally believed here to be authentic though no body knows how it has got into the public. It is said also that it was printed in an accredited Parisian gazette the 21st. inst. No letters here from Paris of that date which are the latest by post, speak of it. I have letters also myself of that date from a person much in the way of information who mentions nothing of such a letter. These circumstances added to my opinion that the King would not have kept it so long uncommunicated to the national assembly, make me doubt its authenticity though I find few in that sentiment.\u2014I am the more disposed to think it fictitious also because I learn that a forged bref du Pape circulated in some parts of France has been denounced to the assembly. This may come from the same source and be intended for the same purpose. The present moment may be chosen also for publishing it on account of a very extraordinary petition to the assembly signed by two thousand citizens of Strasburg who ask the re-establishment of the nobility and clergy. This gives uneasiness at Paris. It is the first thing of the kind which has happened and makes many fear that the tide is turning.\u2014Letters will arrive from Paris this evening; but it will be after the departure of the English post, which is the last that can possibly be in time for the packet. I will give you further information however respecting this letter by another conveyance. Should it be true there can be no longer any doubt of the intention of the Empire to interfere in the French affairs.\nThis renders the present misunderstanding between the servants of Vienna and Berlin in the affairs of Liege the more interesting. Since my last we have seen the answer of the Marechal de Bender to M. Dohm in which he says that his instructions from Vienna  do not allow him to listen to the representations of this minister.\u2014An animated correspondence has also taken place between M. de Pilsack the Prussian minister at Li\u00e8ge, and M. de Keuhl the Austrian commandant. It ended it is said by the latter returning a letter to the former without opening it. M. de Pilsack in a letter to the Marechal de Bender which is public, after complaining of M. de Keuhl adds \u201cMais je ne suis pas moins indigne que M. le Leut. Gen. de Keuhl s\u2019est permis de dementir une piece lui remise officiellement d\u2019un ministre de Prusse (the letter of M. de Dohm mentioned in my last) sans entrer pr\u00e9alablement avec celui-ci en explication. J\u2019informe incessament Le Roi, mon maitre, d\u2019un ev\u00e9n\u00e9ment aussi extraordinaire, et m\u2019empresse d\u2019avoir l\u2019honneur d\u2019en faire part a V.E. en lui demandant les reparations promtes et publiques, qu\u2019une offense pareille faite \u00e0 ma cour, en ma personne, exige.\u201d\nWe know nothing further of this business as yet. The King of Prussia seems to have acted very impolitically in the affair of Liege. By taking part with the people against the Prince he has alienated the affections or lost the confidence of those who formed the Germanick league and added much to his force. This happens also without his having attained his end since the Austrian troops are in Liege and the ministers of the circles employed in enforcing the decrees of the chamber of Wetzlaer. I am with sentiments of the most most perfect respect & attachment, Dear Sir your most obedient & most humble servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0009", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, [30 January? 1791]\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSunday Evening [30 Jan.? 1791]\nMr. Coxe has the honor to inform Mr. Jefferson that pitch is certainly 11/ \u214c 112\u2114 i.e. dutied to exclusion as a manufacture. Tar 11d. \u214c barrl. and turpentine \u2154 \u214c Cwt.\nMr. Remsen\u2019s copy of Mr. Coxe\u2019s very rough minutes, corrected, is enclosed, also the amount of fur duties in England equal to 15 and 20 \u214c Ct. ad valorem at the medium prices.Mr. Coxe will not fail to send the Return of Exports the MomentMr. Hamilton shall have done with it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0010", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Rausan, 30 [January] 1791\nFrom: Rausan, Madame de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMarg[au]x en medocq Le 30e [de Janvier] de Lan. 1791\nJ\u2019ay Recu, Monsieur, La Lettre que vous m\u2019av\u00e9s fait L\u2019honneur de M\u2019ecrire datt\u00e9e du 6e 7bre dernier par Laquelle vous me demand\u00e9s dix douzaines de Bouteilles de mon vin de Margaux premi\u00e8re Calit\u00e9e. Quoy que je Sois dans L\u2019usage de Le vendre en nouveau, je m\u2019en trouve une petitte partie de 3 tonneaux de L\u2019ann\u00e9e 1785 qui, quoy que bon, n\u2019est pas une des meilleures Ann\u00e9es. Il est tir\u00e9 en bouteilles depuis plus d\u2019un an, il doit donc avoir acquis \u00e0 present le Bouquet qu\u2019il peut avoir pour l\u2019ann\u00e9e. Je vous en envoye 4 Caisses de 25 Bouteilles chacunne \u00e0 raison de 50 S. la bouteille, elles sont en verre de france, et une 5e Caisse de 25 Bouteilles de 1786 en verre Englais, \u00e0 raison de 3\u20b6 la bouteille. Je n\u2019ay gard\u00e9 q\u2019un tonneaux de Cette Qualit\u00e9, je l\u2019ay fait tirer tout Expr\u00e8s pour vous. Cette Esp\u00e8ce de vin a besoin de S\u00e9journer quelques tems en Bouteilles, Comme vous Scav\u00e9s, Monsieur. Appr\u00e8s le tems que vous Croir\u00e9s n\u00e9cessaire pour en juger, vous pourrois me mander Si vous en voul\u00e9s d\u2019autre. Je pourrois aussi vous faire part d\u2019une Barrique que j\u2019ay gard\u00e9 de L\u2019ann\u00e9e 1788, Et d\u2019une autre Barrique de L\u2019ann\u00e9e 1790. Seulement, pour que vous puissi\u00e9s juger Ces differentes ann\u00e9es, Lorsqu\u2019il Sera en Boitte, Si vous le jug\u00e9s \u00e0 propos, Monsieur, je me ferois un vray plaisir de Conserver toutes les ann\u00e9es une partie de ma recolte pour entretenir la Correspondance que vous voul\u00e9s bien etablir avec moy. Allors je Serais plus Surveillante que jamais pour qu\u2019il Soit bien Conserv\u00e9. En tout Cas vous pouv\u00e9s Compter, Monsieur, qu\u2019il n\u2019y a aucunne fraude ny M\u00e9lange dans mon vin, Ce qui fait qu\u2019il est tr\u00e8s Sain pour la Sant\u00e9.\nJ\u2019envoye, Celon votre intantion, les 5 Caisses de vin ch\u00e9s Mr. Fenwick, Consul des Etats unis de La Nouvelle Engleterre, aux Chartrons. Puisque vous le voul\u00e9s Comme Cela, Monsieur, je Luy ferois passer avec ma lettre pour vous ma quittance de 325\u20b6 pour le montant des 5 Caisses de vin, qui sont arrang\u00e9es aussi Solidement qu\u2019il a Et\u00e9 possible. J\u2019ay L\u2019honneur d\u00eatre avec La Consideration la plus parfaite, Monsieur, votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissante Servante,\nBriet de Rausan\nToutes Les dittes Bouteilles Sont Cachept\u00e9es de mon Cachet pareil \u00e0 Celuy de ma Lettre. Mon adresse est: Mde. Briet de Rausan, Locataire au Couvent de Notre dame, rue Dutra, \u00e0 Bordeaux.\nJ\u2019ay Monsieur environ 2 ou 3 mille Bouteilles de Ce vin de 1785 de 50 S. la bouteille, il est tout en Caisse de 25 Bouteilles, par Cons\u00e9quent tout pret au Cas que vous en ay\u00e9s besoin. Pour Celuy de 1786 \u00e0 3\u20b6 la bouteille, je n\u2019en ay plus que 3 Barriques.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0011", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Noah Webster, Jr., 31 January 1791\nFrom: Webster, Noah, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nHartford Jany. 31st 1791\nThe bearer of this, Mr. John Jenkins, will present with this, a Method of teaching the art of penmanship, which appears to me to be in some measure novel and very ingenious. If his plan should make the same impression on you, I flatter myself it will receive your patronage and encouragement.\u2014I have the Honor to be Sir, with great respect your obedt hum Servt\nNoah Webster jun", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0013-0010", "content": "Title: V. Memoranda by James Madison, [January 1791]\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nG. Britain from\nAt war\nAt peace\nMay\nto\nSepr.\nto\nMay\nMay\nto\nAug.\nto\nDecr.\nDecr.\nto\nJune\nto\nMar.\nMar.\nto\nMay\nto\nOctr.\nOctr.\nto\nMay\nto\nJune\nJune\nto\nNovr.\nto\nJune\nJune\nto\nMar.\nto\nMay\n3. lost in broken months\n42. War\n58. peace\nDuring \n   altho\u2019 these estimates are from an Underwriter it may be well to consult Mr. T[ench] C[oxe] or others, on them.\n war Insurance between\nU.S. & G.B. may be rated\nfrom\n12 to 20 per Ct.\ndo.\nU.S. & W. Inds.\nfrom\nDuring peace\nabout\nU.S. & W. Inds.\nabt.\nDuring war insurance of freight beyond that of peace from 30 to 50 per Ct.\nThe annual value of exports from U.S. in British Bottoms =\n Dollars\nFreight of do. from do. in do. to Europe =\ndo.\ndo. of do. from do. in do. to W. Inds. =\ndo.\nAnnual value of Imports in Brit: Bottoms [see Champion p. 51]\ndo.\n[See Report of Impost & the 10 per Ct. discount in favr. of Amer.Botts.]\nFrom these data result the expence of Insurance & freight taxed by Brit: Wars on the trade or rather agriculture of U.S. during their present dependence on British Bottoms.\nFrom the same may be inferred the loss which war with Spain would have cost the U.S. During the prospect of it insurance in Some instances rose to near double the peace rate.\nTo the wars of the above period, France was with little exception a party. So was Holland, excluding the war preceding the last. So in fact were the maritime nations in Genl.\nPerhaps it may be easier to make the calculation for all our trade in Foreign Bottoms, than for that in British alone: or expedient to super-add the former to the latter calculation.\n   Champion p. 140.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0013-0012", "content": "Title: VII. Jefferson\u2019s Notes and Outline for the Report, [January 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nObservations\nOur advantages for the cod fishery are\n1. Neighborhood. Woman and children salt.\n2. Cost of vessels. But the half of that Baltic fir ships, considering price and duration\n3. Mariners. Skill, activity, sobriety, order\n4. Excellence of our vessels as sea-boats, decrease risk, and quicker returns.\n5. Casks. Their cheapness. This alone is an extra profit of 15. to 20 percent.\n6. Provisions. Cheapness\n7. Winter fishing. Like domestic manufactures fills up odd times.\n8. Small vessels, because voyages short. Requires small capital.\n9. Shore fishery. Run into port in a storm and so lessen danger. Foreigners pay monthly insurance.\nChampion says the cost of supplies to N.F.L. from U.S. and from Engld. are as 4:7\nResources for making seamen.\n1. The coasting trade\n2. The carrying trade\n3. The fisheries.\nWe have no market for half of our common fish. Which renders W.I. markets so essential.\nFisheries are manufactures, because they create produce.\nPreferable to other manufactures which debilitate those employed in them.\nEvery man we employ in fishing counts as 2. because withdraw him, and it leaves empty and so adds 1. of our enem[y].\nNeither the French, Brit. nor Dutch make any mercantile profit from their fisheries.\nWe alone can do this.\nT[ench] C[oxe] proposes\n1. An advance of the allowance on the salt exported in fishing vessels\n2. A relinquishment of the duty on salt used for fish consumed at home. Which would be a light premium to encourage the consumption of fish and consequently the fisheries\n3. An exemption of fishing vessels from the tonnage of 6. cents. To tax vessels is like taxing waggons which carry our produce to market.\n4. Promoting consumption of fish, making it part of the military ration, of ship stores.\n9. The prohibition of British fish.\nExempt fishermen from land militia duty in peace and war.\nBut may it not be required in return for all this that they be formed into a marine militia and be liable to be called on tours of marine duty in time of war?\nWere we to refuse to Brit. vessels the exportation of our produce their N.F.L. vessels (by their own law) must be fed from Eur. which would increase that part of their expence in the proportion of 4:7 (Champion 119.) and so far operate as Duty on them.\nIf we do not exclude British from our carrying business\n1. Our shipbuilding suppressed\n2. Our ship carpenters go to other countries\n3. Our young men have no call to sea.\n4. Our produce must pay war freight and insurance in Brit. bottoms during war\n5. We lose the value of cabotage which would be immense in time of war as we should be carriers for belligerent powers", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0013-0013", "content": "Title: VIII. The Secretary of State to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, [1 February 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: House of Representatives\nSir\n[1 February 1791]\nI have now the honor of enclosing you the Report on the subject of the Fisheries of the United States which the House of Representatives had required from me. However long the delay, I can assure you, Sir, with truth that it has not been a moment longer than the difficulty of procuring and digesting the materials necessarily occasioned.\nI enclose at the same time extracts from a letter of Mr. Short the Charg\u00e9 des Affaires of the United States in France which came to hand after the Report was finished. From this there is reason to apprehend that our whale oils will be excluded from the markets of that Country, and perhaps that they are so already. The measures necessary to prevent or to retrieve this loss rest on the wisdom of the Legislature.\nI have the honor to be with sentiments of the most profound respect Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0013-0014", "content": "Title: IX. Report on the American Fisheries by the Secretary of State, 1 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Congress\nThe Secretary of State, to whom was referred by the House of Representatives, the representation from the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the subjects of the Cod and Whale Fisheries, together with the several papers accompanying it, has had the same under consideration and thereupon makes the following Report.\nThe representation sets forth that, before the late war, about 4,000 Seamen and 24,000 Tons of shipping were annually employed from that State in the Whale Fishery, the produce whereof was about \u00a3350,000 lawful money a year.\nThat, previous to the same period, the Cod Fishery of that  State employed 4000 men and 28,000 Ton of Shipping and produced about \u00a3250,000 a year.\nThat these branches of business, annihilated during the war, have been in some degree recovered since: but that they labour under many and heavy embarrassments, which, if not removed, or lessened, will render the Fisheries every year less extensive and important.\nThat these embarrassments are, heavy duties on their produce abroad, and bounties on that of their competitors: and duties at home on several articles particularly used in the Fisheries.\nAnd it asks that the duties be taken off, that bounties be given to the fishermen, and the national influence be used abroad for obtaining better markets for their produce.\nThe Cod and Whale Fisheries, carried on by different persons, from different Ports, in different vessels, in different Seas, and seeking different markets, agree in one circumstance, in being as unprofitable to the adventurer, as important to the public. A succinct view of their rise, progress and present state with different nations, may enable us to note the circumstances which have attended their prosperity and their decline, to judge of the embarrassments which are said to oppress ours, to see whether they depend on our own will, and may therefore be remedied immediately by ourselves, or whether, depending on the will of others they are without the reach of remedy from us, either directly or indirectly.\nTheir history being as unconnected as their practice, they shall be separately considered.\nWithin 20 years after the supposed discovery of New-foundland by the Cabots, we find that the abundance of fish on it\u2019s banks had already drawn the attention of the people of Europe. For as early\n   3. Hakluyt 499. Herrera. Dec. 2. L. 5. c. 3.\n as 1517 or 1519. we are told of 50 ships being seen there at one time. The first adventurers in that fishery were the Biscayans of Spain, the Basques and Bas Bretons of France, all united anciently \n   Encyclop. ancienne. art. Morue. 8. Raynal. 15. edn. Geneve. 1780. Hakluyt.\n in language and still in habits and in extreme poverty. The last circumstance enabled them long to retain a considerable share of the fishery. In 1577 the French had 150 vessels there, the Spaniards had still 100, and the Portuguese 50, when the English had only 15. The Spaniards and Portuguese seem at length to have retired silently, the French and English claiming the \n fishery exclusively as an appurtenance to their adjacent Colonies, and the profits being too small for nations surcharged with the precious metals proceeding from their mines.\nWithout materials to trace the intermediate progress, we only know\n   Sheffeild. Tab. 8.\n that so late as 1744 the French employed there 564 ships, and 27,500 seamen, and took 1,246,000 Kentals of fish, which was three times the extent to which England and her Colonies together carried this fishery at that time.\nThe\n   Trade\u2019s increase. cited 2. Anderson\u2019s hist. comm. 353.\n English in the beginning of the 17th. century, had employed generally about 150 vessels in the Newfoundland fishery. About 1670 we find them reduced to 80, and 100, the inhabitants of New England beginning now to supplant them. A little before this \n   Sr. Josiah Child.\n the British Parliament, perceiving that their Citizens were unable to subsist on the scanty profits which sufficed for their poorer \n competitors, endeavoured to give them some advantage by prohibiting the importation of foreign fish: and, at the close of the century, they formed some regulations for their Government and \n protection; and remitted to them some duties. A successful war \n   Treaty of Utrecht. \u00a713.\n enabled them in 1713 to force from the French a cession of the Island of Newfoundland. Under these encouragements, the English and American fisheries began to thrive. In 1731 we find \n the English take 200,000 Kentals of fish and the Americans 230,000 besides the refuse fish not fit for European markets. They continue to gain ground and the French to lose it, insomuch that \n   Raynal. Raynal. edn.\n about 1755 they are said to have been on a par: and in 1768 \n   Statement by committee Massach.\n the French have only 259 vessels of 24,420 Tons, 9,722 seamen, taking 200,000 Kentals, while America alone for some three or four years before that, and so on to the commencement of \n   Sheffeild 57. edn. 1784.\n the late war, employed 665 vessels of 25,650 Tons, and 4,405 seamen, and took from 350,000 to upwards of 400,000 Kentals of \n   Sheffeild 57. edn. 1784.\n fish, and England a still greater quantity, 526,000 Kentals as is said.\nSpain\n   Treaty of Paris. \u00a7.18.\n had formally relinquished her pretentions to a participation in these fisheries at the close of the preceding war; and at the end of this, the adjacent Continent and Islands being divided between \n   Treaty of Versailles. \u00a7.4.\n the United States, the English and French, (for the last retained two small Islands merely for this object) the right of fishing was appropriated to them also.\nFrance, sensible of the necessity of balancing the power of England on the water, and therefore of improving every resource for raising seamen, and seeing that her fishermen could not maintain their competition without some public patronage, adopted the experiment of bounties on her own fish and duties on that of foreign nations brought into her markets. But notwithstanding  this her fisheries dwindle from a change taken place insensibly in the character of her navigation, which from being the most economical,\n   1788. said by Grenville in parl.\n is now become the most expensive. In 1786 she is said to have employed but 7000 men in this fishery, and to have taken 426,000 \n   1788. said by Grenville in parl.\n Kentals; and in 1787 but 6000 men and 128,000 Kentals. She seems not yet sensible that the unthriftiness of her fisheries proceeds from the want of economy, and not the want of markets: and that the encouragement of our fishery abridges that of a rival nation whose power on the ocean has long threatened the loss of all balance on that element.\nThe\n plan of the English Government since the peace has been to prohibit all foreign fish in their markets, and they have given from 18 to 50 pounds sterling on every fishing vessel complying with certain conditions. This policy is said to have been so far successful \n   said by Pitt in parl. 1788.\n as to have raised the number of seamen employed in that business in 1786 to 14,000, and the quantity of fish taken to 732,000 Kentals. The Table No. 1. hereto annexed will present to the eye this history more in detail.\nThe fisheries of the United States annihilated during the war, their vessels, utensils, and fishermen destroyed, their markets in the Mediterranean and British America lost, and their produce dutied in those of France, their competitors enabled by bounties to meet and undersell them at the few markets remaining open, without any public aid, and indeed paying aids to the public: Such were the hopeless auspices under which this important business was to be resumed. Yet it was resumed, and, aided by the more force of natural advantages, they employed during the years\n   statement by committee of Massach.\n 1786. 7. 8. 9. on an average 539 vessels, of 19,185 Tons, 3287 Seamen and took 250,650 Kentals of fish: see No. 2. And an official paper (No. 3) shews that in the last of those years our exportation amounted to 375,020 Kentals, and 30,461 barrels, deduction made of 3701 Kentals and 6343 barrels of foreign fish received and re-exported. See No. 4. Still however the calculations in No. 5. which accompany the representation shew, that the profits of the sales in the years 1787.8. were too small to afford a living to the fisherman, and on those of 1789 there was such a loss \n   Report of Glover and others, a committee from the owners of fishing vessels\n as to withdraw 33 vessels of the Town of Marblehead alone from the further pursuit of this business: and the apprehension is that, without some public aid, those still remaining will continue to withdraw, and this whole commerce be engrossed by a single nation.\nThis rapid view of the Cod-fishery enables us to discern under what policy it has flourished or declined in the hands of other nations, and to mark the fact that it is too poor a business to be left to itself, even with the nation the most advantageously situated.\nIt will now be proper to count the advantages which aid, and the disadvantages which oppose us in this contest.\nOur advantages are\n1. The neighbourhood of the great Fisheries, which permits our fishermen to bring home their fish to be salted by their wives and children.\n2. The shore fisheries, so near at hand as to enable the vessels to run into port in a storm and so lessen the risk for which distant Nations must pay insurance.\n3. The winter fisheries, which like household manufactures, employ portions of time which would otherwise be useless.\n4. The smallness of the vessels, which the shortness of the voyage enables us to employ and which consequently require but a small capital.\n5. The cheapness of our vessels, which do not cost above the half of the Baltic fir vessels, computing price and duration.\n6. Their excellence as Sea-Boats which decreases the risk and quickens the returns.\n7. The superiority of our mariners in skill, activity, enterprise, sobriety and order.\n8. The cheapness of provisions.\n9. The cheapness of Casks, which of itself is said to be equal to an extra profit of 15 per cent.\nThese advantages are of such force, that while experience has proved that no other nation can make a mercantile profit on the Newfoundland fishery, nor can support it without national aid, we can make a living profit, if vent for our fish can be procured.\nOf the disadvantages opposed to us, those which depend on ourselves are\nTonnage and Naval duties on the vessels employed in the fishery.\nImpost duties on Salt.\nused in the fishery\non Tea, Rum, Sugar, Molasses\nhooks, Lines and Leads.\nDuck, Cordage and Cables.\nIron, Hemp and Twine\nCoarse woollens worn by the fishermen and the Poll tax levied by the State on their persons. The statement No. 6 shews the amount of these, exclusive of the State-tax and drawback on the fish exported to be 5.25 Dollars per man or 57.75 Dollars per vessel of 65. Tons. When a business is so nearly in equilibrio, that one can hardly discern whether the profit be sufficient to continue it, or not, smaller sums than these suffice to turn the scale against it. To these disadvantages add ineffectual duties on the importation of foreign fish. In justification of these last it is urged that the foreign fish received is in exchange for the produce of agriculture. To which it may be answered that the thing given is more merchantable than that received in exchange and that agriculture has too many markets to be allowed to take away those of the fisheries. It will rest therefore with the wisdom of the Legislature to decide whether prohibition should not be opposed to prohibition, and high duty to high duty, on the fish of other Nations: whether any and which of the naval and other duties may be remitted, or an equivalent given to the fisherman in the form of a drawback or bounty: and whether the loss of markets abroad may not in some degree be compensated by creating markets at home, to which might contribute the constituting fish a part of the military ration in stations not too distant from navigation, a part of the necessary sea-stores of vessels, and the encouraging private individuals to let the fisherman share with the cultivator in furnishing the supplies of the Table. A habit introduced from motives of patriotism would soon be followed from motives of taste: and who will undertake to fix limits to this demand, if it can be once excited, with a nation which doubles and will long continue to double at very short periods?\nOf the disadvantages which depend on others are\n1. The loss of the Mediterranean markets.\n2. Exclusions from the markets of some of our neighbours.\n3. High duties in those of others, and\n4. Bounties to the individuals in competition with us.\nThe consideration of these will find its place more aptly after a review of the condition of our Whale fishery shall have led us to the same point. To this branch of the subject therefore we will now proceed.\nThe Whale fishery was first brought into notice of the southern nations of Europe in the 15th. Century by the same Biscayans  and Basques who led the way to the fishery of Newfoundland. They\n   Encyclop. Meth. Planches. Cetologie, introdn. 23. ib. 24. Hakluyt. Sr. Joshua Child.\n began it on their own Coasts, but soon found that the principal residence of the Whale was in the Northern seas, into which therefore they pursued him. In 1578 they employed 25 Ships in that business. The Dutch and Hamburghers took it up after this, and about the middle of the 17th. Century the former employed about 200 ships and the latter 350.\nThe English endeavoured also to participate of it. In 1672 they\n offered to their own fishermen, a bounty of six shillings a Ton on the oil they should bring home, and instituted, at different times, \n different exclusive companies, all of which failed of success. They raised their bounty in 1733, to 20 shillings a Ton on the admeasurement \n of the vessel. In 1740 to 30 shillings with a privilege to the fisherman against being impressed. The Basque fishery, \n   Encycl. Meth. Planchs. Cetologie. Introdn. 24.\n supported by poverty alone, had maintained but a feeble existence before competitors aided by the bounties of their nation, and was in fine annihilated by the war of 1745, at the close of which, the English bounty was raised to 40 shillings. From this \n epoch their whale fishery went on, between the limits of 28 and \n 67 vessels till the commencement of the last war.\nThe Dutch, in the mean time had declined gradually to about 130\n ships, and have since that fallen down to less than half that number; so that their fishery, notwithstanding a bounty of 30 florins a man, as well as that of Hamburg, is now nearly out of competition.\nIn\n   Peleg Coffin\u2019s letter.\n 1715 the Americans began their whale fishery. They were led to it at first by the whales which presented themselves on their Coasts. They attacked them there in small vessels of 40 Tons. As \n   A tradition in Nantucket\n the whale, being infested, retired from the Coast, they followed him farther and farther into the Ocean, still enlarging their vessels, with \n   Peleg Coffin\u2019s letter.\n their adventures to 60, 100, and 200 Tons. Having extended their pursuit to the western Islands, they fell in accidentally with the \n   Tradition\n Spermaceti whale, of a different species from that of Greenland, which alone had been hitherto known in Commerce: more fierce and active and whose oil and head matter was found to be more valuable, as it might be used in the interior of Houses without offending the smell. The distinction now first arose between the Northern and Southern fisheries; the object of the former being the Greenland whale, which frequents the Northern Coasts and Seas of Europe and America, that of the latter being  the Spermaceti whale, which was found in the Southern seas from the western Islands and Coast of Africa to that of Brazil, and still on\n   Pugh and others.\n to the Falkland Islands. Here again, within soundings on the Coast of Brazil they found a third species of whale, which they called the Black or Brazil whale, smaller than the Greenland, yielding \n   Pugh\u2019s experiments.\n a still less valuable oil, fit only for summer use, as it becomes opaque at 50 degrees of Farenheit\u2019s thermometer, while that of the Spermaceti whale is limpid to 41. and of the Greenland whale to 36. of the same Thermometer. It is only worth taking therefore when it falls in the way of the fishermen, but not worth seeking, except when they have failed of success against the spermaceti whale, in which case this kind, easily found and taken, serves to moderate their loss.\nIn\n   Statement by committee of Mass.\n 1771, the Americans had 183 vessels of 13,820 Tons in the Northern fishery, and 121 Vessels of 14,020 Tons in the Southern, navigated \n   Statement given me at Paris\n by 4059. men. At the beginning of the late war they had 177 vessels in the Northern and 132 in the Southern fishery.\nAt that period, our fishery being suspended, the English seized the\n   Seth Jenkins\u2019s examn. before the H. of Commons in 1775.\n opportunity of pushing theirs. They gave additional bounties of 500. 400. 300. 200. 100 pounds sterling annually to the five Ships \n   before the H. of Commons in 1775.\n which should take the greatest quantities of oil; the effect of which was such as by the year 1786 to double the quantity of \n   15. G. 3. c. Jenkinson in parl. 1786.\n common oil necessary for their own consumption. Finding on a \n   Jenkinson in parl. 1786.\n review of the subject at that time that their bounties had cost the Government \u00a313\u201310 sterling a man annually, or 60 per cent on the cargoes, a part of which went consequently to ease the purchases \n of this article made by foreign nations, they reduced the Northern bounty from 40 to 30 shillings the Ton of admeasurement.\nThey had some little time before turned their attention to the Southern\n fishery, had given very great bounties in it, and had invited the fishermen of the United States to conduct their enterprizes. Under their guidance and with such encouragement, this fishery, which had only begun with them in 1784 or 1785, was rising \n into value. In 1788 they increased their bounties, and the temptations to our fishermen, under the general description of foreigners who had been employed in the whale fishery, to pass over with their families and vessels to the British Dominions either in America or Europe, but preferably to the latter. The effect of these measures had been prepared by our Whale Oils becoming subject in their market to the foreign duty of \u00a318\u20135 sterling the Ton, which being more than equal to the price of the common oil,  operated as a prohibition on that, and gave to their own Spermaceti oil a preference over ours to that amount. The particulars of this history are presented to the eye more in detail in the table No. 7.\nThe fishermen of the United States left without resource by the loss of their market began to think of accepting the british invitation, and of removing some to Nova Scotia, prefering smaller advantages in the neighbourhood of their ancient Country and friends, others to Great Britain, postponing Country and friends to high premiums.\nThe Government of France could not be inattentive to these proceedings; they saw the danger of letting 4. or 5000 seamen, of the best in the world, be transferred to the marine strength of another nation, and carry over with them an art which they possessed almost exclusively. To give time for a counter plan, the Marquis de la Fayette, the valuable friend and Citizen of this as well as that Country, wrote to a Gentleman in Boston to dissuade the fishermen from accepting the british proposals, and to assure them that their friends in France would endeavour to do something for them. A vessel was then arrived from Halifax at Nantucket to take off those who had proposed to remove. Two families had gone aboard, and others were going. In this moment, the letter arriving, suspended their designs. Not another went aboard, and the vessel returned to Halifax with only the two families.\nThe plan adopted by the French Ministry very different from that of the first mover, was to give a counter-invitation to the Nantucket men to remove and settle in Dunkirk, offering them a\n   Convention with the Nantuckois Dec. 5. 1785.\n bounty of 50 Livres (between 9. and 10. dollars) a Ton on the admeasurement of the Vessels they should equip for the whale fishery, with some other advantages. Nine families only of 33 persons, accepted this invitation. This was in 1785. In 1786 the ministry \n   Rotch.\n were led to see that their invitation would produce but little effect, and that the true means of preventing the emigration of our fishermen to the british Dominions, would be to enable them still to follow their calling from their native Country, by giving them a new market for their oils, instead of the old one they had lost; the duties were therefore abated on American whale oil immediately, and a further abatement promised by the letter No. 8, and in December 1787 the Arret No. 9 was passed.\nThe rival fishermen immediately endeavoured to turn this  measure to their own advantage, by pouring their whale oils into the markets of France, where they were enabled by the great premiums received from their Government, perhaps too by extraordinary indemnifications, to undersell both the French and American fishermen. To repel this measure, France shut her Ports to all foreign fish oils whatever, by the Arret No. 10. The british whale fishery fell in consequence the ensuing year from 222 to 178 Ships. But this general exclusion had palsied our fishery also. On the 7th. of December 1788 therefore, by the Arret No. 11, the Ports of France, still remaining shut to all other Nations, were again opened to the produce of the whale fisheries of the United States, continuing however their endeavours to recover a share in\n   Rotch. But Chardon says 6. in the Encycl. Meth. ubi supra. pa. 26.\n this fishery themselves, by the aid of our fishermen. In 1784. 1785. 1786. they had had 4 Ships. In 1787 three. In 1788. 17. in the two fisheries, of 4500 Ton. These cost them in bounty 225,000 Livres which divided on 1550 Tons of oil, the quantity they took, amounted to 145 Livres (near 27 Dollars) the Ton, and \n   Rotch.\n on about 100 natives on board the 17 Ships (for there were 150 Americans engaged by the voyage) came to 2250 Livres, or about 416\u2154 dollars a man.\nWe\n   Statement by Committee of Mass.\n have had during the years 1787. 1788. 1789. on an average 91 vessels of 5820 Tons in the Northern, and 31 of 4390 Tons in the Southern fishery. See No. 12.\nThese details will enable Congress to see with what a competition we have to struggle for the continuance of this fishery, not to say it\u2019s increase. Against prohibitory duties in one country, and bounties to the adventurers in both of those which are contending with each other for the same object, ours have no auxiliaries but poverty and rigorous economy. The business, unaided, is a wretched one. The Dutch have peculiar advantages for the Northern fishery, as being within 6 or 8. days sail of the grounds, as navigating with more economy than any other nation in Europe, their seamen content with lower wages, and their merchants with lower profit. Yet the Memorial No. 13 from a Committee of the Whale Merchants to the States General of Holland in the year 1775. states that 14 millions of guilders equal to 5,600,000 dollars, had been lost in that fishery in 47 years, being about 120,000 dollars a year. The States General thereupon gave a bounty\n   Pugh.\n of 30 guilders a man to the fishermen. A person intimately acquainted with the british whale fishery, and whose information merits confidence, has given assurance that the Ships employed  in their Northern fishery in 1788, sunk \u00a3800 each on an average, more than the amount of the produce and bounties. An English ship of 300 Tons and 42 Seamen in this fishery generally brings home,\n   Pugh.\n after a four months voyage 25 Ton of Oil, worth \u00a3437.10 sterling. But the wages of the Officers and seamen will be 400. There remain but \u00a337.10 not worth taking into account, towards the outfit and merchants profit. These then must be paid by the Government, and it is on this idea that the british bounty is calculated.\nOur vessels for the Northern fishery average 64 Tons, and cost when built, fitted out and victualled for their first voyage about 3000\n   Table No. 12.\n dollars. They have taken on an average the three last years, according to the statement No. 12. 18 Tons of oil, worth, at our market 900 dollars, which are to pay all expences, and subsist the fisherman and Merchant. Our vessels for the Southern fishery average 140 Tons, and cost when built, fitted out and victualled for their first voyage about 6500 dollars. They have taken on an average the three last years according to the same statement 32 Tons of oil, each, worth at our market 3200 dollars, which are in like manner to pay all expences and subsist the owners and navigators. These expences are great, as the voyages are generally of 12 months duration. No hope can arise of their condition being bettered by an augmentation of the price of oil. This is kept down by the competition of the vegetable oils, which answer the same purposes, not quite so well, but well enough to become preferable, were the price to be raised, and so well indeed as to be more generally used than the fish oils for lighting Houses and Cities.\nThe American whale fishery is principally followed by the inhabitants of the Island of Nantucket, a sand Bar of about 15 miles long\n   Examination of Seth Jenkins\n and 3 broad, capable of maintaining by its agriculture about 20 families. But it employed in these fisheries before the war, between 5 and 6000 men and boys. And in the only harbour it possesses it had 140 vessels, 132 of which were of the larger kind, as being employed in the Southern fishery. In agriculture then they have no resource, and if that of their fishery cannot be pursued from their own habitations, it is natural they should seek others from which it can be followed, and preferably those where they will find a sameness of language, religion, laws, habits and kindred. \n   Gore\u2019s letter to Mr. Lear about Stokes\n A foreign emissary has lately been among them for the purpose of renewing the invitations to a change of situation. But attached to their native Country, they prefer continuing in it, if their continuance there can be made supportable.\nThis brings us to the question what relief does the condition of this fishery require?\n1. A remission of duties on the Articles used for their calling.\n2. A retaliating duty on foreign oils, coming to seek a competition with them in or from our Ports.\n3. Free markets abroad.\n1. The remission of duties will stand on nearly the same ground with that to the Cod fishermen.\n2. The only Nation whose oil is brought hither for competition with our own, makes ours pay a duty of about 82. dollars the Ton in their Ports. Theirs is brought here, too, to be reshipped fraudulently under our flag into ports where it could not be received under theirs, and ought not to be covered by ours, if we mean to preserve our own admission into them.\nThe 3d. and principal object is to find markets for the vent of oil.\nPortugal, England, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Prussia, Russia, the Hanse Towns, supply themselves and something more. Spain and Italy receive supplies from England, and need the less as their skies are clearer. France is the only Country which can take our surplus, and they take principally of the common oil, as the habit is but commencing with them of ascribing a just value to that of the Spermaceti whale. Some of this however finds it\u2019s vent there. There was indeed a particular interest perpetually soliciting the exclusion of our oils from their markets. The late Government there saw well that what we should lose thereby would be gained by others, not by themselves. And we are to hope that the present Government, as wise and friendly, will also view us, not as rivals, but as co-operators against a common rival. Friendly arrangements with them, and accomodation to mutual interest, rendered easier by friendly dispositions existing on both sides, may long secure to us this important resource for our seamen. Nor is it the interest of the fisherman alone, which calls for the cultivation of friendly arrangements with that Nation. Besides five eighths of our whale oil, and two thirds of our salted fish, they take from us one fourth of our Tobacco, three fourths of our live Stock (No. 14), a considerable and growing portion of our Rice, great\n   Bureau of the balance of commerce in France.\n supplies occasionally of other grain; in 1789. which indeed was extraordinary, four millions of bushels of wheat, and upwards of a million of bushels of Rye and Barley (No. 15.) and nearly the whole carried in our own vessels (No. 16). They are  a free market now, and will in time be a valuable one for our Ships and Ship timber, potash and peltry.\nEngland is the market for the greater part of our Spermaceti oil. They impose on all our oils a duty of \u00a318.5. sterling the Ton, which, as to the common kind, is a prohibition as has been before observed, and as to that of the Spermaceti, gives a preference of theirs over ours to that amount, so as to leave in the end but a\n   Proclamation of Apr. 1 1790.\n scanty benefit to the fisherman. And not long since, by a change of construction, without any change of the law, it was made to exclude our oils from their ports, when carried in our own \n   Proclamation of Oct. 5. 1790.\n vessels. On some change of circumstances it was construed back again to the reception of our oils, on paying always however the same duty of \u00a318.5. This serves to shew that the tenure by which we hold the admission of this commodity in their markets, is as precarious as it is hard. Nor can it be announced that there is any disposition on their part to arrange this or any other commercial matter to mutual convenience. The exparte regulations which they have begun for mounting their navigation on the ruins of ours, can only be opposed by counter-regulations on our part. And the loss of seamen, the natural consequence of lost and obstructed markets for our fish and oil, calls in the first place for serious and timely attention. It will be too late when the seaman shall have changed his vocation, or gone over to another interest. If we cannot recover and secure for him these important branches of employment, it behoves us to replace them by others equivalent. We have three nurseries for forming seamen. 1. Our coasting trade, already on a safe footing. 2. Our fisheries, which, in spight of natural advantages give just cause of anxiety. 3. Our carrying trade the only resource of indemnification for what we lose in the other. The produce of the United States which is carried to foreign markets, is extremely bulky. That part of it now in the hands of foreigners, and which we may resume into our own, without touching the rights of those nations who have met us in fair arrangements by Treaty, or the interests of those who by their voluntary regulations, have paid so just and liberal a respect to our interests, as being measured back to them again, places both parties on as good ground perhaps as Treaties could place them, the proportion I say of our carrying trade which may be resumed without affecting either of these descriptions of Nations, will find constant employment for 10,000 seamen, be worth 2 Millions of dollars annually, will go on augmenting with the population of the United States, secure to us a full indemnification for the Seamen we lose,  and be taken wholly from those who force us to this act of self-protection, in navigation.\nHence too would follow that their Newfoundland ships, not receiving provisions from us in their bottoms, nor permitted (by a law of their own) to receive in ours, must draw their subsistance from Europe, which would increase that part of their expences in the\n   Champion 119.\n proportion of 4. to 7. and so far operate as a duty towards restoring the level between them and us. The tables No. 2. and 12. will shew the quantity of Tonnage, and consequently the mass of Seamen whose interests are in distress, and No. the materials for indemnification.\nIf regulations, exactly the counterpart of those established against us, would be ineffectual, from a difference of circumstances, other regulations equivalent can give no reasonable ground of complaint to any nation. Admitting their right of keeping their markets to themselves, ours cannot be denied of keeping our carrying trade to ourselves. And if there be any thing unfriendly in this, it was in the first example.\nThe loss of seamen, unnoticed, would be followed by other losses in a long train. If we have no seamen, our ships will be useless, consequently our Ship timber, Iron and hemp: our Ship building will be at an end, ship carpenters go over to other nations, our\n   The whole tonnage from the U.S. would have been about 650,000. had N. Carolina and R. isld. been included. This on a medium freight of D. to all parts of the world would be nearly 6. millions of dollars.\n young men have no call to the Sea, our produce, carried in foreign bottoms, be saddled with war freight and insurance, in times of war; and the history of the last hundred years shews that the nation which is our carrier has 3. years of war for any 4. years of peace (No. 18.); we lose, during the same periods, the carriage for belligerent powers, which the neutrality of our flag would render an incalculable source of profit, we lose, at this moment, the carriage of our own produce to the annual amount of 2 millions of dollars, which in the possible progress of the encroachment, may extend to 5. or 6. millions, the worth of the whole, with an increase in proportion to the increase of our numbers. It is easier, as well as better, to stop this train at it\u2019s entrance, than when \n   T. Coxe. But in another view 25 millions of dollars worth of exports @ 20. pr. cent freight, would be 5 millions.\n it shall have ruined or banished whole classes of useful and industrious Citizens.\nIt will doubtless be thought expedient that the resumption suggested should take effect so gradually as not to endanger the loss of produce for the want of transportation: but that, in order to create transportation, the whole plan should be developed, and made known at once, that the individuals who may be disposed  to lay themselves out for the carrying business, may make their calculations on a full view of all circumstances.\nOn the whole, the historical view we have taken of these fisheries proves they are so poor in themselves as to come to nothing with distant nations who do not support them from their Treasury. We have seen that the advantages of our position place our fisheries on a ground somewhat higher such as to relieve our Treasury from the necessity of giving them support, but not to permit it to draw support from them, nor to dispense the Government from the obligation of effectuating free markets for them: that for the great proportion of our salted fish, for our common oil, and a part of our Spermaceti oil, markets may perhaps be preserved by friendly arrangements towards those nations whose arrangements are friendly to us, and the residue be compensated by giving to the seamen thrown out of business the certainty of employment in another branch of which we have the sole disposal.\nTh: Jefferson Secy. of State.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0013-0016", "content": "Title: No. 2: State of Code fishery of Massachusetts from 1765 to 1775. From 1786 to 1790, Inclusive\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nState of Code fishery of Massachusetts from 1765 to 1775. From 1786 to 1790, Inclusive\nVessels annually\nTonnage\nSeamen.\nKentals to Europe @ 3.5 D.\nKentals to W: Indies @ 2.6 D.\nVessels annually\nTonnage\nSeamen\nRentals to Europe @ 3.D.\nRentals to West Indies @ 2. D.\nMarblehead\nGloucester\nManchester\nBeverley\nSalem\nNewburyport\nIpswich\nPlymouth\nCohasset\nHingham\nScituate\nDuxborough\nKingston\nYarmouth\nWellfleet\nTruro\nProvincetown\nChatham\nNantucket\nMaine\nWeymouth", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0013-0021", "content": "Title: No. 7., 1 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nAn Historical View of the Whale Fisheries of Holland, England, and the United States.\nHolland\nEngland\nHolland\nEngland\nBasques 25.\nHamburg abt. 350\nEng. bounty 6/.\nAmerica, 150.\nUnited States\nNorth\nSouth\nTons.\nviz 13,820 North\n14,020 South\nAmericans begin\nHamburg 79.\nBasques. 20.\nEng. bounty 500\u00a3.\nDutch bounty 30\u0192\na Man.\nBasques. 27.\nBasques 33\nEnglish bounty\nAmerica 1300, Tons\non their own Coast\nEnglish bounty\nBasques 15 to 20\nEng. bounty 20/\nBasques 10 to 12\nFrance 4. Ships\nNorth\nSouth\nEng. bounty 30/\nBasques 5 or 6\nEng. bounty 30/\nEng. bounty 40/\nviz. 5820 tons\nNorth. 4390 tons\nSouth. 1611. men.\nFrance 3 Ships\nFrance 17\nHamburg 32", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0013-0026", "content": "Title: No. 12: State of the Whale Fishery in Massachusetts from 1771 to 1775\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nState of the Whale Fishery in Massachusetts from 1771 to 1775.\nPorts from which the Equipments were made.\nThe number of vessels fitted out Annually for the Northern Fishery\nTheir Tonnage\nThe number of vessels fitted out Annually for the Sorthern Fishery\nTheir Tonnage\nThe number of Seamen employed\nBarrels of Spermaceti Oil taken annually\nBarrels of Whale Oil taken annually\nNantucket\nWellfleet\nDartmouth\nLynn\nMartha\u2019s Vineyard\nBarnstable\nBoston\nFalmouth in the County of Barnstable\nSwanzey\nState of the Whale Fishery from 1787 to 1789 both inclusive.\nNantucket\nWellfleet & other Ports at Cape Cod\nDartmouth\nCape Ann\nPlymouth\nMartha\u2019s Vineyard\nBoston\nRochester & Wareham\nTrue Copy, Attest John Avery Junr. Secretary\nN.B. About one quarter of the Spermaceti is head matter, one quarter of which was exported to Great Britain, the remainder manufactured into Candles. The Spermaceti Oil, previous to the Revolution, was mostly exported to Great Britain. The average price in that market for five years previous to the War, about forty pounds sterling for the Spermaceti Oil, and fifty pounds for Head. The Whale Oil was formerly about one half exported to the French and English West India Islands, the other half sold in the United States. The average price of this Oil, about seventy Dollars per Ton. A whale producing one hundred and twenty Barrels whale oil, will generally produce 2000 \u2114 Bone, which was chiefly exported to Great Britain, the price about half a Dollar pr. pound. A whale producing 50 to 60 Barrels, will generally produce nearest ten pounds of bone to a Barrel of oil.\u2014The average price of Oil for three years past, as follows, vizt. Spermaceti, one hundred dollars \u214c ton. Whale Oil, fifty Dollars \u214c ton. Head matter, one hundred and fifty do. \u214c ton. Bone, about fifteen Cents \u214c pound.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0013-0029", "content": "Title: No. 15: Grain and Flour imported from the United States of America into the Ports of France, in the Year 1789\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nGrain and Flour imported from the United States of America into the Ports of France, in the Year 1789. from an official Statement.\nFrench kentals.\nequal to\nTierces of 500 French pounds each.\nRice\nFlour\nAmerican barrels.\nWheat\nAmerican bushels\nRye\nBarley", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0013-0030", "content": "Title: No. 16: Statement of the Vessels entered in the Ports of France from the U. S. of America in the Year 1789\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nOffice of the Balance of Commerce of France\nStatement of the Vessels entered in the Ports of France from the U. S. of America in the Year 1789.\nVessels\nTons\nFrench\nImperial\nEnglish\nDutch\nHanseatic\nAmerican", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0013-0031", "content": "Title: No. 17: Abstract of the Tonnage of foreign Vessels entered in the Ports of the United States from October 1st. 1789 to September 30th. 1790\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nAbstract of the Tonnage of foreign Vessels entered in the Ports of the United States from October 1st. 1789 to September 30th. 1790.\nFrance\nHolland\nSweden\nPrussia\nSpain\nPortugal\nDenmark\nGermany\nBritish Dominions", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0013-0033", "content": "Title: X. Thomas Jefferson to John Hancock, 20 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hancock, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 20. 1791.\nWith many thanks for the papers and information you were pleased to have procured for me on the important subject of the fisheries, I do myself the honour of now inclosing you a copy of my report to the house of representatives. From the disposition I see prevailing in the principal mass of the Southern members to take measures which may secure to us the principal markets for the produce of the fisheries, and for rescuing our carrying trade from a nation not disposed to make just returns for it, I am in hopes something effectual will be done this session, if these principles are solidly supported by the members from your part of the Union, of which I trust there is no cause to doubt. Should nothing be done, I cannot say what consequences will follow, nor calculate their extent. May I take the liberty of presenting through you, sir, another copy of the report to the committee who were pleased to lend their assistance in the collection of materials; to shew them that I have not failed to present their testimony in that view which might tend to procure a proper interference in this interesting branch of business.\u2014I have the honour to be [Sir with sentiments of the most] perfect respect and attachment, [Your Excellency\u2019s] most humble [and most obedient Servant,\nTh: Jefferson]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0015", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Diego de Gardoqui, 1 February 1791\nFrom: Gardoqui (Guardoqui), Don Diego de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMadrid 1st. February 1791\nAlthough I have not the honour of being personally acquainted with you, yet I flatter myself you will pardon the liberty I take in Introducing to you the Bearer Mr. Joseph Jaudenes, who returns to that Country and takes his Nephew Mr. Joseph Santayana with him, both having Commissions from His Majesty, and as their residence will be in that City, your politeness and attention to them will greatly oblige me, and in return I hope you will command me here, where I shall be particularly happy to serve you. Mean time I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir, Your Excellency\u2019s most obt. & very humble Servt.,\nJames Gardoqui", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0016", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the Senate, 2 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Senate\nSir\nPhiladelphia February 2d. 1791.\nAs the information contained in the enclosed extracts from a letter of Mr. Short\u2019s lately received, has some relation to a subject now before the Senate, I have thought it my duty to communicate them, and have the honor to be with sentiments of the most profound respect and attachment, Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0017", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 2 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy dear Martha\nPhiladelphia Feb. 2. 1791.\nI have this moment recieved yours of January 16. and answer it by the first post. It is indeed an interesting letter to me as it gives me details which I am sure will contribute to your happiness, my first wish. Nothing is so engaging as the little domestic cares into which you appear to be entering, and as to reading it is useful for only filling up the chinks of more useful and healthy occupations. I am sincerely sorry that the mattrasses cannot yet be forwarded. But the state of the river here forbids it, and while it is incertain whether it will be found open or shut no vessels come here from Virginia. They shall go by the first possible opportunity. Whenever your letter to Bruny comes I will accompany it with the seeds: but you must inform me at the same time what kind of seeds to send her.\u2014Congress will certainly rise the 1st. of March, when you will again have Colo. Munroe and Mrs. Monroe in your neighborhood. I write to you out of turn, and believe I must adopt the rule of only writing when I am written to, in hopes that may provoke more frequent letters. Mr. Randolph\u2019s letter of Dec. 27. and your\u2019s now acknowledged are all I have recieved from Monticello since I left it. Give my best affections to him and Poll, and be assured my dear daughter of the sincere love of Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0018", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 2 February 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nMonticello Febr: 2d. 1791.\nPolly has allready informed you of the addition of a little Grand Daughter to your family and of its unexpected arrival; which was pleasing to us as it was not in the least premature. Mrs. Fleming had been kind enough to offer her assistance to Patsy during her confinement which we expected would have commenced about the end of February, and I had gone down to accompany her up. But Mrs. Lewises attention and tender concern supplied the place of Mrs. Fleming and made some amends for the want of my Sympathy.  Patsy has had one slight fever only which lasted for a very short time: the little girl is perfectly well and grows fast. The Father and Mother are anxious to know when she will have the honor of kissing her Grandpapas hand.\nYou shall no longer have reason to complain of our irregularity in the correspondence. We are ashamed to have made you repeatedly desire what was before strongly sollicited by Affection and commanded by Gratitude, respect and Duty. The Charlottesville post after an intermission of the whole of December, is continued again. The letter-carrier intends to remain in his office another year if he meets with encouragement, which I do not doubt of.\nPolly is in fine health: her fondness for her little niece and attention to her Sister, have kept her back some pages in Don Quixote which she was on the point of finishing. I am Dear Sir, your most obedt. & affectionate Servt.,\nThomas M. Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0019", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 4 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Livingston, Robert R.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 4. 1791.\nUnremitting business since the meeting of Congress has obliged me to a rigorous suspension of my correspondencies, and this is the first day I find myself at liberty to resume them, and to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of Dec. 10. The drawings &c. were immediately laid before the board of arts, who, adhering to a general rule, desire a model of your invention and a more ample description, as also more complete drawings. In the mean time a bill is prepared for altering this whole train of business and putting it on a more easy footing; this has rendered me the less uneasy under the delay of my answer. I am glad that the experiment you have tried has verified your calculations. The diminution of friction is certainly one of the most desireable reformations in mechanics. Could we get rid of it altogether we should have the perpetual motion. I was afraid that using a fluid for a fulcrum, the pivot (for so we may call them) must be of such a diameter as to lose what had been gained. I shall be glad to hear the event of any other experiments you may make on this subject.\u2014On that of weight and measures I shall certainly be glad to have a communication of your ideas, and the rather as you suggest they would be so totally different from what has been proposed. It may seem as imprud[ent] as improper to provoke letters from you, when I am  obliged to ask such indulgencies as to the time of answering. But the truth is I shall always be glad to hear from you and to have your ideas, which are always valuable, and I will answer you when I can. You have too much experience of the obstacles to an exact correspondence in such an office as I hold, to refuse me this indulgence. Are the people in your quarter as well contented with the proceedings of our government, as their representatives say they are? There is a vast mass of discontent gathered in the South, and how and when it will break god knows. I look forward to it with some anxiety. Adieu, my dear Sir, Your affectionate humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0020", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Mason, 4 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Mason, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 4. 1791.\nI am to make you my acknowledgements for your favor of Jan. 10. and the information had from France which it contained. It confirmed what I had heard more loosely before, and accounts still more recent are to the same effect. I look with great anxiety for the firm establishment of the new government in France, being perfectly convinced that if it takes place there, it will spread sooner or later all over Europe. On the contrary a check there would retard the revival of liberty in other countries. I consider the establishment and success of their government as necessary to stay up our own and to prevent it from falling back to that kind of Halfway-house, the English constitution. It cannot be denied that we have among us a sect who believe that to contain whatever is perfect in human institutions; that the members of this sect have, many of them, names and offices which stand high in the estimation of our countrymen. I still rely that the great mass of our community is untainted with these heresies, as is it\u2019s head. On this I build my hope that we have not laboured in vain, and that our experiment will still prove that men can be governed by reason. You have excited my curiosity in saying \u2018there is a particular circumstance, little attended to, which is continually sapping the republicanism of the United states.\u2019 What is it?\u2014what is said in our country of the fiscal arrangements now going on? I really fear their effect when I consider the present temper of the Southern states. Whether these measures be right or wrong, abstractedly, more attention should be paid to the general opinion. However all will  pass. The excise will pass. The bank will pass. The only corrective of what is amiss in our present government will be the augmentation of the numbers in the lower house, so as to get a more agricultural representation, which may put that interest above that of the stock-jobbers.\nI had no occasion to sound Mr. Madison on your fears expressed in your letter. I knew before, as possessing his sentiments fully on that subject, that his value for you was undiminished. I have always heard him say that tho you and he appeared to differ in your systems, yet you were in truth nearer together than most persons who were classed under the same appellation. You may quiet yourself in the assurance of possessing his complete esteem.\u2014I have been endeavoring to obtain some little distinction for our useful customers the French. But there is a particular interest opposed to it, which I fear will prove too strong. We shall soon see. I will send you a copy of a report I have given in, as soon as it is printed. I know there is one part of it contrary to your sentiments: yet I am not sure you will not become sensible that a change should be slowly preparing. Certainly whenever I pass your road I shall do myself the pleasure of turning into it. Our last year\u2019s experiment however is much in favor of that by Newgate. I am with great respect & esteem, Dear Sir, Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0022", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Peachy, 4 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Peachy, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 4. 1791.\nSince the reciept of your favor of Dec. 7. I have been endeavoring to recollect the transactions which were the subject of your letter: but this is rendered impracticable by the lapse of time, the variety of events which have since passed thro\u2019 the mind, a six years absence and total abstraction from my private transactions, and my present separation from my letters, memorandums and accounts of that date. What little therefore seems to recur to me I am afraid to hazard, lest it should be wrong. I remember paying you a sum of interest at your request, and sending you another sum by Mr. Robt. W. Carter, but I do not remember either the dates or sums, nor in the latter instance at whose request. In both cases I paid as executor of Mr. Wayles who was administrator of Reuben Skelton, to you as executor of Doctor Flood, and as to myself I know that I paid to Mr. Wayles\u2019s creditors the identical money I received from his debtors for old debts, for he died 2. years before there was any continental money. I have some expectation that I may go to Albemarle in the month of April. If I should, and that should be in time to give you an explanation, I may perhaps be able to do it on recurring to my books and papers of that date which are there. I remember your endeavors to save the estates of Mr. McCaul and his daughter, and my giving you a passport for one or both to come to America. This is all I can say with certainty till I go home, when if it will serve you, you shall hear further from Dr. Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0023", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Powell & Fierer, 4 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Powell & Fierer\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia Feb. 4. 1791.\nA particular and pressing business having obliged me to suspend all correspondence for some weeks past it is not till this day that I am at liberty to answer the letters I have received. Among these are your favours of Dec. 23. and Jan. 26. the first of which covered a subscription paper for the glass works you propose to erect in Virginia. If the object of this was to procure subscriptions among the citizens of this place, I presume it would be a very hopeless attempt, and one which I could not undertake. If to procure  them from the delegates of Virginia here, they are few, too distantly situated all of them from the intended works to be personally interested in them, and not in a situation here to spare contributions. As to myself, the distance of my possessions from the same works, places me under the impression of no other interest than a general one. In that point of view I am willing to yeild any aid which the situation of my affairs in Virginia will admit. These being left in the hands of Colo. Nicholas Lewis in Albemarle, and he being the only judge what can be done, I must refer the matter to him, and will write to him on that subject in my first letter to him. I return the subscription paper in hopes it may be useful in the hands of some one more in a situation to circulate it, and am with great esteem Gentlemen your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0024", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Vernon, 4 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Vernon, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 4. 1791.\nYour letters to Mr. Short and Mr. Fenwick on the subject of your son were duly forwarded, and I have now the pleasure of inclosing you their answers, shewing that they will be ready to do what shall depend on them to prevail on him to return. Your\u2019s of Dec. 14. was duly recieved, and this is the first moment it has been in my power to answer it. I shall be ready to do any thing else I can towards effecting your desires, being with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0026", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Henrietta Maria Colden, 5 February 1791\nFrom: Colden, Henrietta Maria\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNew York Febry. 5th. 1791\nI am honor\u2019d with your letter of the 20th. Janry.\u2014If to know your Goodness be to deserve it, I might have some claim to the friendship you have extended to me; but the Benevolence of your Heart is the passport to that attention you have bestowed on my request and situation. In early life, and whilst my Sons were yet in Infancy, the Task to effect their Education, and to extricate their Property from embarrassments, devolved on me. In my endeavours to discharge this Duty, I was buoyed up by a Hope that their happiness and Success in Life, would Smooth the decline of mine, and retribute those days of Care to which my Youth was condemned.\u2014Think then Sir, how interested I am to secure this Object? and think with what Satisfaction I perceive that my Son feels an additional incitement to distinguish himself, in being honor\u2019d with your good opinion and Patronage. If he is so fortunate, as to do his Country service in the line he has chosen, the anxious moments his Fate may cost me, will be repaid.\nI assure you Sir, I received with unfeigned pleasure the News of the late Pacification. Had I been certain we should have continued Neutral, to have been a Spectator of the Miseries attendant on War, is sufficient to cause a feeling mind to sympathise, with fellow Creatures involved in that Calamity. To have participate in them, is to be impress\u2019d with Horror at the Approach of that Scourge to the human Race.\nI am sorry the wants of this City have been so exaggerated as to excite a concern in our Friends; the price of Fuel has been uncommonly high, owing to the premature freezing of the Hudson; but there has been no Want of that necessary Article. From the same cause, we have been supplied with Wheat from the Southern States, but the plentiful Crops throughout the Continent renders the additional freight little felt. Our Stores up the Country are unusually full; when our navigation opens, this market will be overstock\u2019d with Grain: an unpleasing prospect to Us Farmers.\nThe attention of the Good folks of this City was lately engrossed  by the Choice of a new Senator to Congress, to the great Mortification of Mr. Schuyler\u2019s friends. The Gentleman brought in by Governor Clinton\u2019s party, as they say, \u201cNot to Oppose, but to keep a Sharp look out on the Measures of the Government\u201d is a Man of too considerable abilities, for the Side he has taken. If he moves on Antifederal Ground, he may do harm. But that business is now over. Our present Object is The National Bank: in confidence of that measures being adopted, large Subscriptions have been agreed upon amongst our Monied Men and Speculators; and Committee is sent to Boston to unite their Measures with the Stockholders in that City. I am credibly informed that Subscriptions to the amount of nearly two Millions of Dollars will be fill\u2019d up in this City and to the Eastward. The confidence and unanimity amongst the Publick Creditors, in N. York and Boston will give them a powerful influence in the direction of the National Bank; to effect this, every Nerve will be strained by the Monied Men and Mercantile interest in these Cities. My Son requests me to offer his grateful acknowledgements to you Sir. He is very impatient to have the honor to be personally known to you, and to your Friend Mr. Rittenhouse. Having devoted himself this winter to the Study of Astronomy, he contemplates with pleasure the advantages to be derived from Mr. Rittenhouse, in that Science.\u2014I have the honor to be Sir, With perfect esteem, Yours Most Obedient & Obliged Servant.\nHenrietta Maria Colden.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0027", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. P. Derieux, 5 February 1791\nFrom: Derieux, Justin Pierre Plumard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nCharlotteVille ce 5. fevrier 1791.\nJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u il y a quelques jours une Lettre de Mde. Bellanger du 25. juillet. Elle me dit combien elle a et\u00e9 fach\u00e9e d\u2019apprendre par  celle que vous lui av\u00e9s fait L\u2019amiti\u00e9 de lui Ecrire que vous ne retourni\u00e9s pas; cette mauvaise nouvelle a afflig\u00e9, me dit-elle, tous vos amis en France, tandis que Ceux d\u2019ici s\u2019en rejouissent. Elle m\u2019ajoute aussi que vous av\u00e9s eu La bont\u00e9 de lui ecrire en ma faveur, ce qui me p\u00e9netre encore de La plus vive reconnaissance; cette bonne parente, satisfaitte de l\u2019interet affection\u00e9 que vous pren\u00e9s \u00e0 moi et ma famille, continue de me montrer les meilleures dispositions possibles, et elle a jusqu\u2019\u00e0 La bont\u00e9 de me dire qu\u2019elle fera un testament solide aussitot que Ses affaires seront finies avec Le succession de son mari; touttes ses Lettres sont remplies d\u2019amiti\u00e9; elle me parle beaucoup de Mr. Short, qu\u2019elle voit tr\u00e8s souvent et avec qui elle paroit tr\u00e8s Li\u00e9e.\nJe n\u2019ay encore rien de Satisfaisant pour moi \u00e0 vous annoncer concernant La rentr\u00e9e d\u2019une partie de mes fonds, et je crains beaucoup que Le desordre et La Confusion qui ont eu lieu, et continuent peut etre encore aux Isles fran\u00e7aises, ne m\u2019ayent et\u00e9 tr\u00e8s prejudiciables; quant \u00e0 L\u2019autre partie pla\u00e7\u00e9e sur La maison que j\u2019ai en ville, Le propri\u00e9taire est actuelement \u00e0 Richmond occup\u00e9 de La vente d\u2019une quantit\u00e9 Considerable de Bestiaux, et on m\u2019a inform\u00e9 qu\u2019il devoit repasser par ici avec L\u2019intention de redimer cette propriet\u00e9, ce qui me determine \u00e0 prendre encore un peu de patience, car si, dans Les circonstances o\u00f9 je me trouve, j\u2019allois cedder cet objet sur Credit, et que Mr. Mazzei vint \u00e0 disposer de Colle avant que je me trouvas mieux dans mes affaires, je me trouverois alors sans maison, ny terres, au lieu qu\u2019en attendant quelque nouveau Supplement, je pourrai Sans Craindre un deplacement desavantageux, remplir mon ardent desir de quitter La Ville.\nJ\u2019espere toujours beaucoup, Monsieur, de La recommendation dont j\u2019ose me flatter que vous aur\u00e9s bien voulu accompagner La derni\u00e8re que j\u2019ai eu L\u2019honneur de vous adresser pour mon Cousin P[ier]re Le Roy \u00e0 Bordeaux. Je vous aurai une nouvelle obligation de voulloir bien adresser \u00e0 Mde. Bellanger celle que je prends La Libert\u00e9 de Joindre ici pour elle.\nMde. de Rieux vous prie d\u2019agreer Les assurances de Son respect, et j\u2019ay L\u2019honneur d\u2019etre avec les Sentiments de La plus parfaitte reconnaissance et attachement Monsieur Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeist. Serviteur,\nPlumard de Rieux", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0029", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Garland Jefferson, 5 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, John Garland\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 5. 1791.\nI received a considerable time ago your favor of Nov. 12. and have been prevented from answering it by an extraordinary press of business from which I am but just now emerging. I think Mr. Carr and yourself have acted prudently in dropping your acquaintance with Mr. Rind. I am not acquainted with his character, but I hope and trust it is good at bottom; but it is not marked by prudence, and the want of this might often commit those who connect themselves with him. I hope that that affair will never more be thought of by any body, not even by yourself except so far as it may serve as an admonition never to speak or write amiss of any body, not even where it may be true, nor to countenance those who do so. The man who undertakes the Quixotism of reforming  all his neighbors and acquaintances, will do them no good, and much harm to himself.\u2014I am glad you are settled to your mind. I am persuaded that your present retirement is much more friendly to study than the situation of Charlottesville or it\u2019s neighborhood. I need not advise a close pursuit of your studies, I know you are disposed to that. Learning and judgment are the endowments which will carry you forward in the profession of the law. Imagination is of less value, therefore neither to be cultivated nor encouraged. Rigid integrity is the first and most gainful qualification (in the long run) in every profession. Be so good as to remember me affectionately to my sister [Carr and] family, including Peter among them, and to be assured of [the] sincere attachment with which I am Dear Sir Your affectionate f[riend & servt.],\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0032", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Hay, [7 February 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hay, William\nDear Sir\n[Philadelphia Feb. 7. 1791.]\nI have been obliged by other [business to suspend for] some time past all private correspondencies. Y[our favor of] Dec. 2. is among the first I am able to take up. My friend Mr. Madison happening to be with me just as I was proceeding to consider the question you propose whether Dr. Currie stands bound to see that the printer of the Encyclopedie makes good his engagements as to that work? I was glad to associate Mr. Madison in considering the question, and we both conclude that Dr. Currie having sold out his subscription, is clear of it, and that the purchaser buys his right with all it\u2019s chances. We suppose it to resemble other cases of joint enterprise, where partners sell out, others buy in, and the purchaser, through ever so many degrees, stands in the shoes of the original partner whom he represents. The printing of a book is a joint enterprize of the subscribers, and the printer is their agent.  This is so well understood in Paris, and these transfers of subscriptions with all their rights so well ascertained, that Dr. Currie could not there maintain an action against the printer when it should be once understood that he had sold out. I recurred to your letter to me of Apr. 26. 1787. wherein you mention your acquisition of the right (Dr. Currie never mentioned it in any of his letters). The words of your letter are \u2018Dr. Currie our mutual friend has been so obliging as to give up to me the new edition of the Encyclopedie for which I am to furnish him &c.\u2019 I am not [without hopes] I may be able to relieve you from it, as I think it probable I may meet with a purchaser here. It will give me great pleasure to serve you in this or any other way. But I believe you must inform me how livraisons you have, for on searching I do not find my account of them against Dr. Currie, from whence I presume I gave it in to him. In the mean time I will put into the first order I give for books from Paris the 2d. part of your Tome 3d. of Arts and Mestiers. I would observe also that you are now free to continue to take any of the particular dictionaries you chuse, without taking the others.\u2014I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0036", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Delamotte, 9 February 1791\nFrom: Delamotte\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nHavre 9e. fevrier 1791\nIl y a longtems que Je n\u2019ai eu l\u2019honneur de vous \u00e9crire, faute de choses interessantes \u00e0 vous Communiquer, Car depuis ma derniere nous n\u2019avons pas e\u00fb un seul Navire Americain dans notre port, et l\u2019assembl\u00e9e Nationale ne s\u2019est occup\u00e9e de rien qui puisse interesser les Etats Unis. Si Elle l\u2019eut fait, Je n\u2019aurois pas manqu\u00e9 de vous \u00e9crire par la Voye d\u2019Angleterre. Voici qu\u2019Elle vient enfin de prendre un dernier parti sur la ferme du Tabac et Je profite de l\u2019occasion d\u2019un Navire fran\u00e7ois qui va \u00e0 Charlestown pour vous apprendre les decrets qui sont sortis \u00e0 ce sujet.\nLa Culture du Tabac en france est libre.\nLa fabrication et la Vente le sont aussi.\nTous Tabacs fabriqu\u00e9s sont prohib\u00e9s \u00e0 l\u2019importation.\nTous Tabacs en feuilles Etrangers seront admis sous un Droit de 25\u20b6 \u214c 100 \u2114. Ceux qui seront import\u00e9s en droiture par Navires fran\u00e7ois ne payeront que les \u00be de ce Droit. Enfin les Tabacs Etrangers Jouiront de L\u2019Entrepot pendant un an. Voil\u00e0, Monsieur, les articles decrett\u00e9s Jusqu\u2019\u00e0 present sur cet objet. Il en seroit sans doute decrett\u00e9s quelques autres, Comme la Distribution des Ports qui serviront d\u2019Entrep\u00f4ts, &c. Vous verr\u00e9s par le Journal de Paris No. 45. qu\u2019on a Conserv\u00e9 une Sorte de Regie pour Compte de la Nation, et Je ne puis que vous reporter \u00e0 ce Journal pour vous donner une id\u00e9e Juste de cet objet particulier. Cependant, Je puis vous ajouter qu\u2019Elle ne trouve que fort peu d\u2019approbateurs et qu\u2019on est d\u2019opinion qu\u2019elle ne durera pas Longtems, parce que n\u2019ayant point d\u2019autres avantages que les particuliers, ou elle \u00e9crasera ceux ci, ou ceux ci r\u00e9clameront tellement Contre Elle qu\u2019on l\u2019abolira, et Je prevois que ce sera sans peine, lorsque la ferme actuelle aura \u00e9coul\u00e9 sous ce nom de Regie Nationale les Tabacs qu\u2019Elle a.\nMr. Short est encore en Hollande et c\u2019est peut-\u00eatre son absence qui cause que le Roy n\u2019a encore donn\u00e9 ses exequatur \u00e0 aucune des Commissions de Consul.\nJe remets au Capitaine Asselin, du Navire le Vendangeur, Porteur de la presente, 2 paquets que Mr. Short m\u2019a envoy\u00e9 pour vous, Monsieur. Si ce Capitaine n\u2019avoit pas eu la folie de me demander 300\u20b6 de fret pour chacune de vos voitures, Je les lui aurois donn\u00e9es malgr\u00e9 sa destination, surtout par cette consideration que Je vois fort peu de Navires Americains dont les Ecoutilles (hatches) soient assez larges pour admettre un pareil volume. J\u2019attends de Hambourg un Navire Americain qui doit aller \u00e0 Baltimore et auquel Je donnerai vos Voitures s\u2019il peut les prendre, celles de vos Caisses de meubles qui sont rest\u00e9es pour Philadelphie, 4 paniers de vin de Champagne, une Caisse Contenant le Portrait de Mr. De La fayette et 2 petites Boites Contenant 2 Cilindres et des habillements de Tafetas. Tous ces objets devroient \u00eatre envoy\u00e9s \u00e0 Philadelphie, mais Je crains que l\u2019occasion n\u2019en Soit trop \u00e9loign\u00e9e.\nVoici, Monsieur, les documens des depenses que J\u2019ai pay\u00e9es pour Nathaniel Huls, montant \u00e0 \u00a3581. 16. O. Je m\u2019entendrai de cette somme avec Mr. Short. J\u2019ai L\u2019honneur d\u2019Etre avec une parfaite Consid\u00e9ration, Monsieur Votre tr\u00e8s humble & tr\u00e8s obeissant Serviteur,\nDelamotte", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0037", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel L. Hylton, 9 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hylton, Daniel L.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 9. 1791\nUnderstanding that tobacco continues low in Virginia, whereas the price here for the best is about a guinea, I wish to make an experiment of bringing some of mine here. I have nobody at Richmond to act for me, and therefore on looking about for a friend to execute this commission, I feel a confidence in your being so good as to do it. I would wish to have 20 hogsheads sent to me by the first possible conveyance, because they are at present in want here, and as the river is now open they will soon get their supply. I would wish one half of it to be of the Albemarle and the other of the Bedford crops. In the last there are two qualities, to wit, some which was hurt by the fire, and the rest good. I should like a hhd. or two of the fired part merely as an experiment of this market. However if there be not of the three kinds enough already got down to allow choice, send 20. hhds. of such as is down. I am so little of a merchant as to know nothing of the expences necessary to be paid there. All that can be paid here, I would chuse should be drawn for on me: and for what must be paid of necessity there, I will return you a bank post note by the same post which brings me your information of what it should be. Be so good as to inform me by the first post whether this commission can be executed immediately, or when I may expect it. Present my respects to Mrs. Hylton and accept assurances of the esteem and attachment of Dr. Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. If this adventure succeeds I think of having the residue of my crop brought here, which renders dispatch in the first essay, important.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0039", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 9 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy dear Martha\nPhiladelphia Feb. 9. 1791.\nYour two last letters are those which have given me the greatest pleasure of any I ever recieved from you. The one announced that you were become a notable housewife, the other a mother. This last is undoubtedly the key-stone of the arch of matrimonial happiness, as the first is it\u2019s daily aliment. Accept my sincere congratulations for yourself and Mr. Randolph. I hope you are getting well, towards which great care of yourself is necessary: for however adviseable it is for those in health to expose themselves freely, it is not so for the sick. You will be out in time to begin your garden, and that will tempt you to be out a great deal, than which nothing will tend more to give you health and strength. Remember me affectionately to Mr. Randolph and Polly, as well as to Miss Jenny. Your\u2019s sincereley,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0040", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Tatham, 9 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Tatham, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 9. 1791.\nI have not till now been able, since the meeting of Congress, to attend to my private correspondencies. I have forwarded to Mr. Short the subscription paper you sent for him, and should any opportunity occur of recieving subscriptions to the one you sent me, I will surely avail you of it, tho\u2019 it is not probable. Indeed I have thought of putting it into the hands of Colo. Griffin the representative of your district who would be more in the way of doing this. I inclose you the map of the Holston country, and am Sir Your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0041", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Fenwick, Mason & Co., 10 February 1791\nFrom: Fenwick, Mason & Company\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBordeaux 10 feby. 1791.\nWe have the honor of your favor of the 6th. Sepr. addressed to our J. F. containing letters to several wine proprietors with a request to pay for and expedite the several parcels of wine you ordered, which shall be complyed with by the first vessel in Philadela. Tho\u2019 as oppertunities direct from here are very rare, we shall venture to expedite your Wines when received by the first good vessel to Boston N. York or Charleston with directions to our correspondent to send them immediately on to Philadelphia. This mode of conveyance we shall adopt as the most probable to insure their arrival this Summer.\nWe have received Madam de Rausan parcel and advice from the Countess de lus Saluce that she shoud immediately prepare and forward us the parcel ordered from her. M. de Miromenel has also wrote us that his Son in Law the Count de la Pallu, at present the proprietor of the Estate of Segur wou\u2019d comply with your order but we have since seen his homme d\u2019affair who says he has no wine on hand proper to ship as a sample that will do justice to his estate, therefore cannot execute your order. Shoud this prove to be the case we shall venture to send for the president some of our own chusing. We fear we shall be in the same situation respecting the frontignac as we have heard nothing of Mr. Lambert. We have wrote him twice to frontignac. Shoud we not hear from him before an oppertunity offers, we shall also send you the frontignac from among the best to be procured in Bordeaux.\nMonsieur de Pechard is the proprietor of the Estate of La fite (formerly Segur) and monsieur de fumel of Obrion and Chateaumargeaux. These are three of the first four growths of wine in this provence, the owners of which are residents here and generally provided to supply their friends. The Miromenel Estate La Tour (formerly Segur also) is the fourth, of which there are three proprietors Count de la Pallu, Marquis de Beaumont and the Count  de Segur. Their homme d\u2019affaire here is M. Domenger who has the management of the Estate.\nMr. Vernon is now here and declares it is in his intention to embark for Am[eric]a this spring tho\u2019 he has let pass two or three oppertunities. We think he will embark after he finds he cannot have any advances made him here. As yet he has not felt the want of them having received at Paris the sum his father last remitted Mr. Short. We have the honor to be Sir Your most obd & Hble Servants,\nFenwick Mason & Co.\nP.S. Since writing the above we have received the frontignac Wine from Mr. Lambert. There is now a vessel here for Chas. Town. If none offers for Philadela. before this is ready, we think to ship your wines by her. We are\nF. M & Co.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0042", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lambert, 10 February 1791\nFrom: Lambert\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nFrontignan 10e. fevrier 1791\nJ\u2019ai Re\u00e7eu avec un Plaisir infini La Lettre que vous m\u2019av\u00e9s fait L\u2019honneur de m\u2019ecrire Le 6. 7bre. Dernier et qui m\u2019est heureusement parvenue depuis une quinzaine de jours.\nJ\u2019\u00e9tois fort desireux de s\u00e7avoir de vos Nouvelles, j\u2019en avois demand\u00e9 depuis peu \u00e0 Mr. De Moustier, ambassadeur en Prusse. Je les attendois avec impatience quand Votre Lettre arriv\u00e9e m\u2019a paru un present du Ciel. Avec quel transport je l\u2019ai Lue, je l\u2019ai devor\u00e9e, il m\u2019a sembl\u00e9 vous voir, vous serrer dans mes Bras, et vous Renouveller L\u2019assurance de mon attachement Respectueux, et qui ne s\u2019\u00e9teindra qu\u2019avec ma Vie.\nLe Lendemain du jour o\u00f9 vous m\u2019aviez fait L\u2019honneur \u00e0 Paris de me Recevoir parmi vos Convives en Xbre. 1788, je fus attaqu\u00e9 d\u2019une Violente maladie, qui me Conduisit au Bord du tombeau et qui me priva du plaisir de vous Revoir avant mon Depart. J\u2019y suis Revenu \u00e0 Raison d\u2019un Litige que j\u2019avois devant L\u2019Assembl\u00e9e Nationale pour la Mairie de Cette Ville, et que j\u2019ai Eu la Satisfaction de gagner; j\u2019avois L\u2019espoir de vous y voir Encore, mais vous Eti\u00e9\u2019s deja bien loin de moi, et dans un autre Monde, d\u2019o\u00f9 il m\u2019est impossible  d\u2019avoir de vos nouvelles aussi souvent que je L\u2019ambitionne ardament.\nJe souhaite que votre ami Le Respectable General Washington trouve le vin que je vous Envoye aussi bon qu\u2019il peut le desirer. D\u2019apr\u00e8s le gout de votre Pays que Mr. De Moustier m\u2019a fait Conno\u00eetre, j\u2019ai choisi Ce vin moins Liquoreux que Celui de mon Precedent Envoy. Il est bien facheux pour moi que la mauvaise qualit\u00e9 du muscat Rouge de l\u2019ann\u00e9e, ne me permette pas de vous en Envoyer; s\u2019il est bon \u00e0 la prochaine Recolte, je vous en Conserverai.\nLa Caisse de 60. B[outei]lles pour vous est marqu\u00e9e T.J.N.1. et Les Deux qui sont pour votre illustre General sont sous la marque de G.W. N. 2. et 3. Les trois Caisses D\u2019\u00e9galle Contenance L\u2019une, se montent \u00e0 \u00a3:232\u20b6. que Mr. Fenwick me fera parvenir \u00e0 sa plus grande Commodit\u00e9. Veuillez presenter L\u2019hommage de mon Respect au grand Washington et \u00eatre bien Convaincu vous m\u00eame de Ce Sentiment profond, qui est depuis longtemps mel\u00e9 dans mon Coeur \u00e0 l\u2019attachement le plus inviolable, avec Lesquels j\u2019ai L\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre Monsieur Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissant Serviteur\nLamb\u00eart D.m.\u2014maire", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0043", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Fulwar Skipwith, 10 February 1791\nFrom: Skipwith, Fulwar\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nBasse terre, Guadalupe 10th. Feby 1791\nOwing to the long and obstinate continuance of the unhappy disputes of Martinique, and finding myself on that account no less than for want of instructions from you, unable to render much service in my official capacity, I have within the last fortnight been induced to make this my place of residence, meaning to await the reestablishment of order in that distracted island and likewise the necessary communication from you respecting my consular department. The awkward circumstance of having not as yet experienced this last and most pleasing gratification in addition to the unfavorable turn of affairs in these islands, have reduced my slender finances as well as patience to some little trial. The first obstruction to my establishment I am flattering myself cannot longer exist, than the second, which from a late decree of the National Assembly seems to portend an early period to the violent disorder predominating thro\u2019 out their American possessions. The leading feature in this decree is that there shall be four disinterested persons appointed from the body of the Nation to examine into the claims  grievances &c. of all parties, with no other power however than that of making a representation thereof to the Assembly of the Nation, who will afterwards redress such wrongs, and remedy such evils in their old colonial system as may appear necessary. With these Commissaries also are to arrive a strong marine and land force in order to support government on its former basis untill the necessary changes can be made. So wise and prudent purposes can only be defeated by the Soldiery, should those to come be tempted by the same corruption, which has so effectually distroyed all subordination among the late established troops of these islands, a fatal confusion which the National change has and most likely will be long productive of.\nThe bearer Capt. Clifton has been so good as to promise the safe delivery of a half dozen pots of Guava jelly which I solicit your acceptance of and that you will rest assured that when relieved from the peculiar hardship of my situation, my fondest hope will be to make myself as useful in my department as I have been flattered by the delicate and honourable manner, in which I have been appointed to it. With the most feeling sentiments of friendship & Respect I remain Sir Your mo ob Servt,\n Fulwar Skipwith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0044", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Florida Blanca, 12 February 1791\nFrom: Floridablanca, Jos\u00e9 Monino y Redondo, Conde de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMadrid, 12th. February 1791.\nMr. Carmichael will have informed you of the favorable reception he met with from the King when he was presented by me to His Majesty as Charg\u00e9 des Affaires of the United States appointed by their President, being made known as such by the Letter which you sent to me through his hands, dated the 11th. of April last.\nThe change which has taken place in the destination of Don Diego de Gardoqui had induced me to expect that an earlier opportunity should have offered to answer Your Honour\u2019s Letter. And altho\u2019 the opportunity I looked for has not yet presented itself, His Majesty not having yet come to a determination respecting the Person he is to appoint to succeed the said Charg\u00e9 des Affaires, I could not but avail myself of the return to your Capital of Don Joseph Jaudenes, one of the Secretaries of the said Charg\u00e9 des Affaires, recommending him thro\u2019 you, by the King\u2019s Order,  to the President and States, as I likewise recommend to them Don Joseph de Viar, who will introduce him to you and deliver you this Letter; the King hopes that these Spaniards will be considered as his Majesty\u2019s servants, and be distinguished and attended to on all proper occasions.\nI am further ordered by His Majesty to request you to assure the President of the United States, that faithful to the maxims of moderation and good faith which he has been taught by his August Father, he does and will preserve towards your States that Esteem and friendship which ought to subsist between good Neighbours. And as to myself individually, I beg you will rest assured of the consideration and high esteem which I hold you in, & I pray to God that he may Preserve you many Years.\nI kiss Your Honour\u2019s hands\u2014Your most obedient humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0046", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson, 13 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Mary\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Papa\nFebruary 13\nI am very sorry that my not having wrote to you before made you doubt of my affection towards you and hope that after having read my last letter you were not so displeased as at first. In my last I said that my sister was very well but she was not. She had been very sick all day without my knowing any thing of it as I stayed upstairs the whole day. However she is very well now and the little one also. She is very pretty has beautiful deep blue eyes and is a very fine child. Adieu my Dear Papa & beleive me to be your affectionate daughter,\nMary Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0047", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Barry, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Barry, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nStrawberry Hill February 14: 1791\nI am informed it is in contemplation to have a few Ships of War built. Permit me Sir to give you my opinion what kind would be the most proper for this Country at present and for Years to come. I would have them almost in every respect like Frigates with this difference only that their should be a deck fore and aft insted of gang ways with wide gratings and the middle of a few of the Beams to unship to let down the large boats. The sides of the largest should be run up so as to form ports that they might occasionally be Frigates or Ships, with two tire of Guns. Those may carry twenty four pounders on there lower deck and nines or twelves on the upper deck, the smaller ones to carry Eighteens on the lower deck and Nines on the Quarter deck and forecastle. They will cost very little more then common Frigates of their dimensions  and have this advantage, they will be Stronger and have more room for their Men. It is too frequently the case on board Ships of War, that the Men are crowded together and of course can not keep them selves clean, and is often attended with sickness. Those Ships have many other advantages. They carry their lower tire higher than Ships of the Line and it is to be presumed as they are not so broad nor so high out of water they will out sail them and in a high sea be equal to any and Superior to Fiftys or Sixtys. Fortys or Frigates they are at all times an over match for. There is another advantage should they be sent against any of the Barbary cruisers they will allways have a sufficient number of Men on the upper deck to prevent boarding which is a very great practice with them and will give us a Superiority as we can defend our Ships from being boarded at the same time keep our lower deck Guns playing on the Enemy. I have the Honor to be Sir Your Obedent Humle. Servt.,\n John Barry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0048", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Hellstedt, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hellstedt, Charles\nSir\nPhiladelphia February 14th. 1791\nI now return you the papers you were pleased to put into my hands, when you expressed to me your dissatisfaction that our Court of Admiralty had taken cognizance of a complaint of some Swedish sailors against their Captain for cruelty. If there was error in this proceeding, the law allows an appeal from that to the Supreme Court; but the appeal must be made in the forms of the law, which have nothing difficult in them. You were certainly free to conduct the appeal yourself, without employing an advocate, but then you must do it in the usual form. Courts of Justice all over the world, are held by the laws to proceed according to certain forms, which the good of the suitors themselves requires they should not be permitted to depart from.\nI have further to observe to you, Sir, that this question lies altogether with the Courts of Justice; that the Constitution of the United States having divided the powers of Government into three branches, legislative, executive and judiciary, and deposited each with a separate body of Magistracy, forbidding either to interfere in the department of the other, the Executive are not at liberty to intermeddle in the present question. It must be ultimately  decided by the Supreme court if you think proper to carry it into that. You may be secure of the strictest justice from them. Partialities they are not at liberty to shew. But for whatever may come before the Executive relative to your Nation, I can assure you of every favor which may depend on their dispositions to cultivate harmony and a good understanding with them.\u2014I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0049", "content": "Title: Opinion of Attorney General on the Case of James O\u2019Fallon, 14 February 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nThe opinion is,\n1. That the attorney for the district of Kentucky do forthwith take the most effectual measures for prosecuting according to law O\u2019Fallon; and that he be informed, that, unless the testimony within his reach will clearly subject him to the charge of treason, the prosecution be for a riot.\n2. That a proclamation issue, reciting the treaties, law and former proclamation on this subject, and declaring the purpose of the executive, that the disturbers of the public peace shall be prosecuted with the utmost rigor of the law.\nThe measures fit to be taken by way of precaution to the commandant of Fort Washington, are not here noticed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0050", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, [15 February 1791]\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[The Hague] 15e. fevr. 1791.\nLes Gazettes ci-jointes diront \u00e0 V.E. tout ce que l\u2019on sait ici parmi les mieux instruits des affaires g\u00e9n\u00e9rales de l\u2019Europe. Je m\u2019apper\u00e7ois, depuis quelques jours, que le parti Pr[ussie]n ici commence \u00e0 s\u2019allarmer sur la tournure que les affaires prennent en Allemagne. Par contre, les autres, incomparablement plus nombreux, s\u2019en r\u00e9jou\u00efssent, en con\u00e7oivent l\u2019espoir de voir humilier enfin leurs oppresseurs. Les fonds am\u00e9ricains se soutiennent ici sur le pied le plus avantageux. Messrs. N. et Jb. v. Staphorst & Hubbard ont ouvert une nouvelle n\u00e9gotiation de \u0192 1200,000 fond\u00e9s sur vos dettes consolid\u00e9es \u00e0 6 p% d\u2019int\u00e9r\u00eat sans plus. Un rentier, qui vient d\u2019en faire venir d\u2019Amst[erdam] 8 Obligations de\u0192 1000, m\u2019a dit avoir d\u00fb payer \u00be p% de courtage pour les avoir au pair, et qu\u2019on ne peut d\u00e9j\u00e0 plus les avoir \u00e0 moins de 1 \u00bd p%, c\u2019est \u00e0 \u0192 1015 pour 1000; tandis que les anciennes sont toujours de 20 \u00e0 25 audessus du Capital, parce qu\u2019elles valent 9 p% d\u2019interet par an au moins.\nJ\u2019espere de me voir bient\u00f4t favoris\u00e9 par Votre Excellence de bonnes nouvelles Am\u00e9ricaines; sp\u00e9cialement de ce qu\u2019Elle pense  avec toute la sage Administration de notre auguste Union, sur mon id\u00e9e des Paquebots ou autre b\u00e2timens commissionn\u00e9s, pour cheminer r\u00e9gulierement chaque mois, tour \u00e0 tour de Philadelphie, N. York, Baltimore \u00e0 Helvoetsluis et vice versa. Je suis toujours fermement persuad\u00e9 qu\u2019il seroit de la dignit\u00e9, de l\u2019int\u00e9r\u00eat et de l\u2019utilit\u00e9 de cette belle Union d\u2019avoir au moins cette voie de correspondance non pr\u00e9caire, ind\u00e9pendante et s\u00fbre, tant qu\u2019il existera une Puissance perp\u00e9tuellement tendante \u00e0 envahir, empi\u00e9ter, se pr\u00e9valoir, influer, dominer partout o\u00f9 elle peut. Mon Z\u00e8le est donc pur en proposant cette affaire, et sollicite votre indulgence pour la libert\u00e9 que je prends d\u2019y insister si souvent. Si ces b\u00e2timens pouvoient \u00eatre arm\u00e9s plus ou moins selon les temps, ils pourroient occasionellement servir d\u2019escorte, et \u00eatre d\u2019autant plus respect\u00e9s.\nJ\u2019accomplis ce jour le 70e. anniversaire de ma naissance; celui du 19 Avril prochain me sera plus cher, parce qu\u2019il sera mon 16e. anniversaire au service de la plus heureuse Conf\u00e9d\u00e9ration qui existe sur ce Globe. Tous les jours jusqu\u2019au dernier de ma vie, je prierai Dieu de la b\u00e9nir de plus en plus. De V.E. le t. resp. humble ob. & fid. serv.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0051", "content": "Title: Opinion on the Constitutionality of the Bill for Establishing a National Bank, 15 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nThe bill for establishing a National Bank undertakes, among other things\n1. to form the subscribers into a Corporation.\n2. to enable them, in their corporate capacities to receive grants of land; and so far is against the laws of Mortmain.\n3. to make alien subscribers capable of holding lands, and so far is against the laws of Alienage.\n4. to transmit these lands, on the death of a proprietor, to a certain line of successors: and so far changes the course of Descents.\n5. to put the lands out of the reach of forfeiture or escheat and so far is against the laws of Forfeiture and Escheat.\n6. to transmit personal chattels to successors in a certain line: and so far is against the laws of Distribution.\n7. to give them the sole and exclusive right of banking under the national authority: and so far is against the laws of Monopoly.\n8. to communicate to them a power to make laws paramount to the laws of the states: for so they must be construed, to protect the institution from the controul of the state legislatures; and so, probably they will be construed.\nI consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground that \u2018all powers not delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution, not prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people\u2019 [XIIth. Amendmt.]. To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a boundless feild of power, no longer susceptible of any definition.\nThe incorporation of a bank, and other powers assumed by this bill have not, in my opinion, been delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution.\nI. They are not among the powers specially enumerated, for these are\n1. A power to lay taxes for the purpose of paying the debts of the U.S. But no debt is paid by this bill, nor any tax laid. Were it a bill to raise money, it\u2019s origination in the Senate would con demn it by the constitution.\n2. \u2018to borrow money.\u2019 But this bill neither borrows money, nor ensures the borrowing it. The proprietors of the bank will be just as free as any other money holders, to lend or not to lend their money to the public. The operation proposed in the bill, first to lend them two millions, and then borrow them back again, cannot change the nature of the latter act, which will still be a payment, and not a loan, call it by what name you please.\n3. \u2018to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the states, and with the Indian tribes.\u2019 To erect a bank, and to regulate commerce, are very different acts. He who erects a bank creates a subject of commerce in it\u2019s bills: so does he who makes a bushel of wheat, or digs a dollar out of the mines. Yet neither of these persons regulates commerce thereby. To erect a thing which may be bought and sold, is not to prescribe regulations for buying and selling. Besides; if this was an exercise of the power of regulating commerce, it would be void, as extending as much to the internal commerce of every state, as to it\u2019s external. For the power given  to Congress by the Constitution, does not extend to the internal regulation of the commerce of a state (that is to say of the commerce between citizen and citizen) which remains exclusively with it\u2019s own legislature; but to it\u2019s external commerce only, that is to say, it\u2019s commerce with another state, or with foreign nations or with the Indian tribes. Accordingly the bill does not propose the measure as a \u2018regulation of trade,\u2019 but as \u2018productive of considerable advantage to trade.\u2019\nStill less are these powers covered by any other of the special enumerations.\nII. Nor are they within either of the general phrases, which are the two following.\n1. \u2018To lay taxes to provide for the general welfare of the U.S.\u2019 that is to say \u2018to lay taxes for the purpose of providing for the general welfare\u2019. For the laying of taxes is the power and the general welfare the purpose for which the power is to be exercised. They are not to lay taxes ad libitum for any purpose they please; but only to pay the debts or provide for the welfare of the Union. In like manner they are not to do anything they please to provide for the general welfare, but only to lay taxes for that purpose. To consider the latter phrase, not as describing the purpose of the first, but as giving a distinct and independent power to do any act they please, which might be for the good of the Union, would render all the preceding and subsequent enumerations of power completely useless. It would reduce the whole instrument to a single phrase, that of instituting a Congress with power to do whatever would be for the good of the U.S. and as they would be the sole judges of the good or evil, it would be also a power to do whatever evil they pleased. It is an established rule of construction, where a phrase will bear either of two meanings, to give it that which will allow some meaning to the other parts of the instrument, and not that which would render all the others useless. Certainly no such universal power was meant to be given them. It was intended to lace them up straitly within the enumerated powers, and those without which, as means, these powers could not be be carried into effect. It is known that the very power now proposed as a means, was rejected as an end, by the Convention which formed the constitution. A proposition was made to them to authorize Congress to open canals, and an amendatory one to empower them to incorporate. But the whole was rejected, and one of the reasons of rejection urged in debate was that then they would have a power to erect a bank, which would render the great cities,  where there were prejudices and jealousies on that subject adverse to the reception of the constitution.\n2. The second general phrase is \u2018to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the enumerated powers.\u2019 But they can all be carried into execution without a bank. A bank therefore is not necessary, and consequently not authorised by this phrase.\nIt has been much urged that a bank will give great facility, or convenience in the collection of taxes. Suppose this were true: yet the constitution allows only the means which are \u2018necessary\u2019 not those which are merely \u2018convenient\u2019 for effecting the enumerated powers. If such a latitude of construction be allowed to this phrase as to give any non\u2014enumerated power, it will go to every one, for these is no one which ingenuity may not torture into a convenience, in some way or other, to some one of so long a list of enumerated powers. It would swallow up all the delegated powers, and reduce the whole to one phrase as before observed. Therefore it was that the constitution restrained them to the necessary means, that is to say, to those means without which the grant of the power would be nugatory.\nBut let us examine this convenience, and see what it is. The report on this subject, page 3. states the only general convenience to be the preventing the transportation and re-transportation of money between the states and the treasury. (For I pass over the increase of circulating medium ascribed to it as a merit, and which, according to my ideas of paper money is clearly a demerit.) Every state will have to pay a sum of tax-money into the treasury: and the treasury will have to pay, in every state, a part of the interest on the public debt, and salaries to the officers of government resident in that state. In most of the states there will still be a surplus of tax-money to come up to the seat of government for the officers residing there. The payments of interest and salary in each state may be made by treasury-orders on the state collector. This will take up the greater part of the money he has collected in his state, and consequently prevent the great mass of it from being drawn out of the state. If there be a balance of commerce in favour of that state against the one in which the government resides, the surplus of taxes will be remitted by the bills of exchange drawn for that commercial balance. And so it must be if there was a bank. But if there be no balance of commerce, either direct or circuitous, all the banks in the world could not bring up the surplus of taxes but in the form of money. Treasury orders then and bills of  exchange may prevent the displacement of the main mass of the money collected, without the aid of any bank: and where these fail, it cannot be prevented even with that aid.\nPerhaps indeed bank bills may be a more convenient vehicle than treasury orders. But a little difference in the degree of convenience, cannot constitute the necessity which the constitution makes the ground for assuming any non-enumerated power.\nBesides; the existing banks will without a doubt, enter into arrangements for lending their agency: and the more favourable, as there will be a competition among them for it: whereas the bill delivers us up bound to the national bank, who are free to refuse all arrangement, but on their own terms, and the public not free, on such refusal, to employ any other bank. That of Philadelphia, I believe, now does this business, by their post-notes, which by an arrangement with the treasury, are paid by any state collector to whom they are presented. This expedient alone suffices to prevent the existence of that necessity which may justify the assumption of a non-enumerated power as a means for carrying into effect an enumerated one. The thing may be done, and has been done, and well done without this assumption; therefore it does not stand on that degree of necessity which can honestly justify it.\nIt may be said that a bank, whose bills would have a currency all over the states, would be more convenient than one whose currency is limited to a single state. So it would be still more convenient that there should be a bank whose bills should have a currency all over the world. But it does not follow from this superior conveniency that there exists anywhere a power to establish such a bank; or that the world may not go on very well without it.\nCan it be thought that the Constitution intended that for a shade or two of convenience, more or less, Congress should be authorised to break down the most antient and fundamental laws of the several states, such as those against Mortmain, the laws of alienage, the rules of descent, the acts of distribution, the laws of escheat and forfeiture, the laws of monopoly? Nothing but a necessity invincible by any other means, can justify such a prostration of laws which constitute the pillars of our whole system of jurisprudence. Will Congress be too strait-laced to carry the constitution into honest effect, unless they may pass over the foundation-laws of the state-governments for the slightest convenience to theirs?\nThe Negative of the President is the shield provided by the constitution to protect against the invasions of the legislature 1. the  rights of the Executive 2. of the Judiciary 3. of the states and state legislatures. The present is the case of a right remaining exclusively with the states and is consequently one of those intended by the constitution to be placed under his protection.\nIt must be added however, that unless the President\u2019s mind on a view of every thing which is urged for and against this bill, is tolerably clear that it is unauthorised by the constitution, if the pro and the con hang so even as to balance his judgment, a just respect for the wisdom of the legislature would naturally decide the balance in favour of their opinion. It is chiefly for cases where they are clearly misled by error, ambition, or interest, that the constitution has placed a check in the negative of the President.\nTh: Jefferson Feb. 15. 1791.\n   Though the constitution controuls the laws of Mortmain so far as to permit Congress itself to hold lands for certain purposes, yet not so far as to permit them to communicate a similar right to other corporate bodies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0053", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Blount, [17 February 1791]\nFrom: Blount, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[\u201cTerritory of the United States of America South of the River Ohio. At William Cobbs.\u201d 17 Feb. 1791.] In December he appointed and commissioned civil and military officers for Davidson, Sumner, and Tennessee counties, which form the district of Mero. \u201cThe people of that district also appear much pleased with the change of the government.\u2014The superior Court for the District of Washington is now setting. Judges Campbell and McNairy are present. Whether Mr. Perry accepts of his appointment or not. I am uninformed.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0054", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Ebenezer Hazard, [17 February 1791]\nFrom: Hazard, Ebenezer\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThursday Morning. [17 Feb. 1791]\nMr. Hazard presents his respectful Compliments to Mr. Jefferson. It has occurred to him that if Mr. Jefferson would favor him with a Line or two recommendatory of his Undertaking, which he might be permitted to publish, it would expedite the printing of his Collection of State Papers, and render the public Appearance of that work less problematical than it will otherwise be, as the Sanction of Mr. Jefferson\u2019s Name will undoubtedly occasion considerable Additions to the List of Subscribers.\nIt cannot be expected that a first Attempt of this kind can be complete, especially as Mr. Hazard was prevented, by his Appointment to Office, from prosecuting the Business in the regular Manner he at first proposed:\u2014the Collection, however, contains a great Variety of valuable and important State Papers, and authentic historical Documents; a Part of which Mr. Hazard has left for Mr. Jefferson\u2019s Inspection. These Records of the United Colonies of New England, though frequently refered to by Historians, have never been before published; and, including Mr. Hazard\u2019s, there are but three Copies of them in being.\nAs it is necessary to publish the Proposals prior to the Recess of Congress, Mr. Hazard will take the Liberty of waiting on Mr. Jefferson in a Day or two.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0056", "content": "Title: George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Deakins, William, Jr.,Stoddert, William\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia Feb. 17. 1791.\nI have recieved your favors of the 9th. and 11th instant and shall be glad if the purchase from Burnes should be concluded before you recieve this at \u00a315 or \u00a315\u201310 as you hope. But as you mention that should he ask as far as \u00a320. or \u00a325. you will await further instructions before you accept such an offer, I have thought it better, in order to prevent delay, to inform you that I would wish his lands to be purchased even at those prices, rather than not obtain them.\nThe Maryland assembly has authorized a certain number of acres to be taken, without the consent of the owners, on making compensation as therein provided. This will be principally useful as to the old lots of Hamburg. However by purchasing up these lots or as many as we can, we shall be free to take on the terms of the act so much of any other lands in our way, and consequently those whose proprietors refuse all arrangement. I will therefore beg the favour of you to take measures immediately for buying up all the lots you can in Hamburg on the lowest terms you can not exceeding the rate of twenty five pounds the acre. I leave it to yourselves to dispatch a private agent for this purpose to treat with the proprietors wherever to be found, or to do it by any other means which in your discretion shall appear not too expensive, and which may not excite suspicions of their being on behalf of the public. I am with great esteem, Gentlemen, your most obedt. humble servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0057", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Hawkins, 18 February 1791\nFrom: Hawkins, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nMrs. Houses friday 18th. Feby. 1791.\nI am very desirous of obtaining your opinion on the Constitutionality of the Treaties formed with the Indians at Hopewell on the Keow\u00e9e. If I recollect right, you informed me you had yours in writing some time last summer.\u2014If the request be not an improper one, and you have reserved a copy, you will oblidge me by a gratification of my desire. I do not mean to ask the liberty of using your name with it.\u2014I have the honor to be very sincerely Dear Sir, Your most obedient & hule. servant,\nBenjamin Hawkins", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0058", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Hay, 18 February 1791\nFrom: Hay, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond February 18th. 1791\nYour Determination respecting the Encyclop\u00e9die in which Mr. Madison concurs with you, is perfectly satisfactory to me, and  the more so, as you so obligingly offer your Services to dispose of it in Philadelphia. As I now consider myself bound to pay Doctr. Currie the Value of the original Subscription in standard English Books, perhaps you will be able to swap the Encylop\u00e9die with some of the Booksellers, for such Books as the Doctor may chuse. In this View, I shall call on the Doctr. for a List of the Books he wants and enclose it to you. As I know well you have very little Time to devote to private Correspondence, I must beg pardon for troubling you with this Business. Permit me, Sir, to inform you, that I would be happy to have it my Power to serve you, and to assure you that I am with great Esteem & Respect Dear Sir Your most Obt. Hbl. Sevt,\nWm. Hay\nP.S. The Account of the Livraisons and Doctr. Currie\u2019s List are enclosed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0059", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Ebenezer Hazard, 18 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hazard, Ebenezer\nSir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 18. 1791.\nI return you the two volumes of records, with thanks for the opportunity of looking into them. They are curious monuments of the infancy of our country. I learn with great satisfaction that you are about committing to the press the valuable historical and state-papers you have been so long collecting. Time and accident are committing daily havoc on the originals deposited in our public offices. The late war has done the work of centuries in this business. The lost cannot be recovered; but let us save what remains: not by vaults and locks which fence them from the public eye and use, in consigning them to the waste of time, but by such a multiplication of copies, as shall place them beyond the reach of accident. This being the tendency of your undertaking be assured there is no one who wishes it a more complete success than Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0061", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 18 February 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam Feb. 18. 1791.\nI wrote to you on the 17th. of Jan. private. Whenever I begin a letter of that kind I find an almost irresistible impulsion to apologize for the repeated ennui that you must have recieved from my several letters written posterior to June last. I am prevented from it only by the consideration that it is now too late to prevent it and from a desire to avoid importunity.\u2014Since my last the Secretary I left at Paris has forwarded me a letter which Petit wrote to him. In it he says qu\u2019il meure d\u2019ennui, wishes to know whether any successor has yet come to take your place, and adds that I had promised him to write to you to know whether you would give him an 100.\u20b6 a month, and that he would be willing to go for that sum. His ennui where he is and his desire to go to America at present I suppose have made him wish he had made that proposition to you. On the contrary he first balanced about going. As soon as the letter from you fixing the wages arrived he determined not to go in the beginning on that account, and finally on account of his mother and other reasons, then leaving the affair of wages quite out of the question. I suppose the most weighty was his persuasion that your successor would employ him. I have written to him that you were sorry he had determined not to go and still wished it but that you had not authorized me to augment the wages, that if you do not get a maitre d\u2019hotel at Philadelphia I am to send you one and that I am to wait until I hear farther from you. that in the mean time, I will write to you respecting his proposition at present, that I had not done it before because he never said any thing to me which even tended to authorize it, and desire him to recollect what he told me about his mother, his family &c. &c. I add to him from your letters what you say about your successors not arriving before the Spring, and about his wife\u2019s (if he should have one) not employing a maitre d\u2019hotel who don\u2019t speak English. As it is you may count on his going for an 100.\u20b6 a month if you should chuse it. Your successor probably would not be the means of your not having the maitre d\u2019hotel you chuse and of course would not employ him. I expected a letter from you long before this on this subject, as you have not written you probably found one to your liking at Philadelphia. I suppose it probable however that I shall hear from you before the answer which you will send to this and will do for the best respecting this matter according to your letters.\u2014The last which I have recieved from you was from  Monticello, except the short one respecting Mr. Donald sent through his hands. It has been a long time also since I have heard from M. de la Motte at Havre but I hope the Champagne wine and your carriages have been long ago sent although I have no express account of it from him. I have not heard either of M. Vernon\u2019s having embarked for America. The last account I recieved was of his being at Bordeaux. I hope he has gone long before this. M. Cathalan informs me he has sent the olive trees to America.\nMy letter of yesterday to the Secretary of the Treasury will inform you of the loan made here, of the desire of the bankers first to extend it to 3,000,000. of guilders and their intimation that it might if I chose to be carried to 4. millions. The zeal increases and they now think if I would make use of the moment it might be extended to five millions. One of them has just been with me to press it. The moment is certainly very favorable and it would be an agreeable circumstance to those to whom we wish to pay what we owe. But I have resolved to follow the instruction I recieved and not to make any other loan until I hear further. It would be a great advantage to American credit if the U.S. were better known here. Intelligence comes so slow and so seldom from thence, except to a few who chuse to keep it for their own purposes, that the U.S. are considered by most of them as out of the world. I have no hopes that our government will ever be sensible of the advantages of giving frequent and early communication on this side of the Atlantic, and of course I say nothing respecting it.\u2014I was never so sensible of this as since I have been here. Whenever I have declared my ignorance of newspaper reports it has been taken for granted that that was impossible and that I had something to conceal. This of course was considered as inauspicious. Adieu my dear Sir and believe most sincerely Your friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0062", "content": "Title: The President to the Senate, 18 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States, 18th. February. 1791.\nThe aspect of affairs in Europe during the last summer, and especially between Spain and England, gave reason to expect a favorable occasion for pressing to accommodation the unsettled  matters between them and us. Mr. Carmichael, our Charg\u00e9 des affaires at Madrid, having been long absent from his country, great changes having taken place in our circumstances and sentiments during that interval, it was thought expedient to send some person in a private character, fully acquainted with the present State of things here, to be the bearer of written and confidential instructions to him, and at the same time to possess him in full and frequent Conversations, of all those details of facts and tropics of Argument which could not be conveyed in writing, but which would be necessary to enable him to meet the reasonings of that court with Advantage. Colo. David Humphreys was therefore sent for these purposes.\nAn additional motive for this confidential mission arose in the same quarter. The Court of Lisbon had, on several Occasions, made the most amicable advances for cultivating friendship and intercourse with the United States; the exchange of a diplomatic character had been informally but repeatedly suggested on their part. It was our interest to meet this nation in its friendly dispositions, and to concur with the Exchange proposed; but my wish was, at the same time, that the character to be exchanged, should be of the lowest and most economical grade. To this it was known that certain rules of long standing at that court, would produce obstacles. Colo. Humphreys was charged with dispatches to the prime Minister of Portugal, and with instructions to endeavour to arrange this to our views. It happened, however, that, previous to his arrival at Lisbon, the Queen had appointed a minister resident to the United States. This embarrassment seems to have rendered the difficulty completely insurmountable. The Minister of that court, in his conferences with Colo. Humphreys, professing every wish to accommodate, yet expresses his regrets that circumstances do not permit them to concur in the grade of charg\u00e9 des affaires; a grade of little privilege or respectability by the rules of their court, and held in so low estimation with them, that no proper character would accept it, to go abroad. In a letter to the Secretary of State, he expresses the same Sentiments, and announces the appointment, on their part, of a Minister resident to the United States, and the pleasure with which the Queen will receive one from us at her court. A copy of his letter, and also of Colo. Humphreys\u2019 giving the details of this transaction, will be delivered to you.\nOn consideration of all circumstances, I have determined to accede to the desire of the Court of Lisbon, in the Article of grade.  I am aware, that the consequences will not end here, and that this is not the only instance in which a like change may be pressed. But should it be necessary to yield elsewhere also, I shall think it a less evil, than to disgust a government so friendly and so interesting to us, as that of Portugal.\nI do not mean, that the change of grade shall render the mission more expensive.\nI have therefore nominated Colo. David Humphreys, Minister resident from the United States, to her most faithful Majesty the Queen of Portugal.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0063", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel L. Hylton, 20 February 1791\nFrom: Hylton, Daniel L.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond Virga. Feby 20th. 1791\nYour esteem\u2019d favour of 9th instant came to hand late yesterday evening, in consequence thereof, I immediately went to the Warehouse to see what tobacco of yours was down to embrace the first opportunity offers to execute your little commission in shiping the different qualities of tobacco pointed out in your letter; which shall be duly attended too. The day following has been heavy rains and snow to prevent the inspectors coming down to the warehouse, and the books being lock\u2019d up deprives me of ascertaining at present the quantity of tobacco you have down, tho the pickers inform me, there is some but think not so much as you want to have shipt for the present moment. Whatever there is shall be sent you by the first conveyance, which am inform\u2019d will be in a few days and hope will arrive safe to a satisfactory market, the expences in shiping will with pleasure pay, at the same time will transmit  you an account thereof. Be assured my friend it will ever give me pleasure to render you any service in my power and in future request youll by no means think it troublesome in the execution of any coming here, as its attended with no inconvenience to me, being now settled in Richmond with my family, for the benifit of my childrens education, being the first object with me whatever inconvenience may arise to myself. I have not heard of your recieving the Vis a Vis which was sent to Hague and Lister at Rocketts before my removal here, to be shipt you which was done the next day. Mrs. H. is perfectly satisfied with the exchange and hope proves agreeable to you. She and family Unites with me in wishing you health and happiness, believe me to be yours with sincerity of heart Your friend &c.\nDanl. L. Hylton\nP.S. Mr. Eppes and family were well a few days past. Mrs. Skip- with is in bad health and understand she is to be in Manchester for some months for the convenience of being near Dr. Currie, I wish to say near Dr. McClurg, whom I am confident must possess more skill than the former, such is the attachment my friend to foreigners, in preference to their own countrymen.\u2014I suppose ere this you have heard of Mrs. Randolph having a fine daughter, of which I congratulate you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0064", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Robert R. Livingston, 20 February 1791\nFrom: Livingston, Robert R.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nNew York 20th. Feby 1791\nKnowing the value of your time I should not thus early after the receipt of yours have intruded upon it could I have consented that you should one moment longer misapprehend my sentiments with respect to your invaluable report on weights and measures. I am so far from suggesting any other ideas than those you propose that tho I have examined them with minute attention I find nothing to alter or improve. What I alluded to was a passage in yours in which you seem to acquiess in the necessity of a coinage and the admission of an alloy in your money. After the receipt of your favor I hastily put together a few thoughts on these subjects which I had printed here in order to awaken an investigation which appears to me important in our situation having it in view at the same time to afford you such an answer to your Letter as would  leave you perfectly at liberty to take your own time in reading it and not subject you to the necessity of answering for if there is anything in which a man is a free agent it certainly is in reading news papers or leting it alone. It is so miserably printed that no regard must be paid to the punctuation in reading it. I feel with you great pain in the dissatisfaction which prevails in the Southern states. I see upon almost every important question a territorial division of sentiment (if I may use the expression) which must disgust the minority and carry with it the appearance of a combination against their views. This if well or ill founded will be the source of jealousies which may lead to disagreeable consequences. This I am fully satisfied might have been avoided by the omission of one or two measures in which the interest and honor of the United States was in no sort involved. Our delegates deceive themselves if they believe that their constituents are satisfied with all the measures of government. The truth is, they see and speak of many instances in which their interests have been neglected or misunderstood and I should suppose the removal of Genl. Schuyler by a majority of 16 to 4 in the Senate in some sort evincive of this. But the fact is, such is the unbounded prosperity of this State, doubling its population in 12 years, possessing an extensive commerce, fruitful Lands, encreasing in wealth, and feeling no taxes that they scarce consider as a serious evil any thing so remote as the measures of the federal government. In this city hundreds have made fortunes by speculating in the funds and look forward to a great encrease of them by the establishment of a bank, and have no idea of a more perfect government than that which enriches them in six months. It will doubtless be wise in government to avail themselves of these fortunate circumstances, but weak to rely upon them as evidences of their own strength.\u2014I have the honor to be Dr Sir with the highest respect & essteem Your Most Obt Hum: Sevt,\nRobt R Livingston\nP.S. I have ordered a model to be made which I shall send as soon as possible.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0065", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Rutledge, Jr., 20 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Rutledge, John, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 20. 1791.\nVery constant business, since the meeting of Congress, has obliged me to intermit all my private correspondencies for a while. It is now only that I have as much leisure as will permit me to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of Nov. [20]. and of the lamp which accompanied it, and for which be pleased to accept my thanks. The form I think a fine one, and the hydrostatic improvement in the oil vessel was new to me, and is I think a great improvement. We have nothing from Europe later than the beginning of December. I inclose you a letter from Mr. Short, which has been long on it\u2019s way to me. Things in France are still going on tolerably well. Here, the newspapers will have kept you informed of what is passing. To their details may be added the necessity of another Indian expedition, in the ensuing season. Congress will rise the 3d. of the next month, and the President will set out about a fortnight after for Charleston where you will doubtless see him. Be so good as to present me affectionately to your father and family and Mr. E. Rutledge, and to accept assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0067", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Trumbull, 20 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Trumbull, John\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 20. 1791.\nMuch hurried while you were here, I was the less exact in sending you the inclosed, because I knew I could send it to Charleston before you would have occasion for it. There I hope it will meet you in good health, and resolved to return by the way of the Natural bridge. Remember you will never be so near it again, and take to yourself and your country the honor of presenting to the world this singular landscape, which otherwise some bungling European will misrepresent. On that rout you will surely take my daughters in your way, who as well as my son in law will be very happy to receive you at Monticello, and do the honours of the house instead of grand\u2014papa. I am with great affection Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0068-0002", "content": "Title: I. Jefferson\u2019s Draft Memorandum on Consular Vacancies, 21 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nA note of the vacant consulships and of the candidates.\nGottenburg, in Sweden. No body applies\nAmsterdam. Greenleaf was formerly a candidate, but not appointed because from a part of the Continent which has already furnished more than it\u2019s proportion of Consuls; and because it was thought that the kind of character for that place could be better decided, after it shall be decided whether any and what diplomatic appointment shall be made for the Hague.\nCadiz. P. R. Randolph [Randall] of N. York, and Richd. Codman of Massachusets were candidates. Also Thomas Thompson, who will be spoken of below. There are no new applications.\nCanary islands. viz. Teneriffe, Palma, Ferro, Gomera, Canary, Fortaventura and Lancerota. Sarmento a Portuguese who married in Philadelphia was a candidate. I believe he was named by the President and rejected by the Senate. John Culnan asks it. See the letters of John and Jasper Moylan. There is no other candidate, nor is it important to name a Consul.\nLisbon. Thomas Thompson, I believe an Irishman. He has resided 17 years as a merchant in Madeira. He came over to Virginia, where he married one of the Pleasants on James river, against consent. He resided there seven years. He is strongly recommended by T. Pleasants of Virginia, and S. Pleasants of Philadelphia: but is a bankrupt and addicted to the bottle. See his letter from Madeira, asking Lisbon or Cadiz. Bulkeley. Recommended by the members from Massachusets. He is an American, but of what state they do not say. He has been long settled at Lisbon, and is among the most opulent merchants. They give him a good character. Colo. Humphreys names him in a note to me as a merchant of integrity.\nMr. Palyert says some think him a native of Engld. some of America. He travelled in the U.S. before the war. During the war he was at Lisbon, a tory. He is now a member of the Eng. factory. Is very rich and has great connections with this country.\nJohn Telles, whose papers were laid before the President some time ago, is also a candidate. He is well recommended by Mr. R. Morris and Mr. Swanwick. He is not a native, but has very long resided here. His affairs are deranged, if not bankrupt. See letters.\nLorient. No new nor proper candidate. Vale [Vail], a bankrupt is the only one.\nAlicant. Robert Montgomery of America I believe, but I know not of what state. He has a brother in commerce at Boston. He is of old standing in that line at Alicant, has been long a busybody in our affairs, doing more harm than good, and all thro\u2019 an excess of zeal. As yet, no appointment has been made in the Mediterranean, except at Marseilles.\nPoole in England. That government does not recognise a consul at Cowes, but is willing we should have one at Poole, and will suppose that his residence. A new commission to Thomas Auldjo is requisite for this purpose.\nSta. Cruz. Danish West Indies. James Yard of Philadelphia (but a native of N. Jersey) asks the consulship. He is established there, wealthy, and connected by marriage with the Governor of the island. I should rather think one Consul enough for the Danish islands: and if so, St. Thomas\u2019s would be the position. An agent would suffice at Santa Cruz. See Colo. Monroe\u2019s letter.\nTh: Jefferson Feb. 21. 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0068-0003", "content": "Title: II. Report of Secretary of State on the Case of Thomas Auldjo, 22 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nThe Secretary of state having recieved information from Thomas Auldjo, who was appointed Vice consul of the United States at Cowes in Great Britain, that his commission has not been recognised by that government, because it is a port at which no foreign Consul has been yet recieved, and that it has been intimated to him, that his appointment to the port of Poole and parts nearer to that than to the residence of any other Consul of the U.S. would be recognised, and his residence at Cowes not noticed\nReports to the President\nas his opinion that it would be expedient to nominate Thomas Auldjo to be Vice-consul for the United states at the port of Poole in Great Britain and such parts within the allegiance of his Britannic Majesty as shall be nearer thereto than to the residence of any other Consul or Viceconsul of the United states within the same allegiance.\nTh: Jefferson Feb. 22. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0068-0005", "content": "Title: IV. Secretary of State to Thomas Auldjo, 24 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Auldjo, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia February 24th. 1791\nThe President of the United States desirous of accommodating his views to the convenience of the British Government, has determined to change the Port of your nomination as Vice-Consul for the United States, and to substitute Poole instead of Cowes. I have now the Honor of enclosing you the Commission, and of expressing to you the Sentiments of perfect esteem with which I am Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0068-0006", "content": "Title: V. Secretary of State to James Yard, 24 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Yard, James\nSir\nPhiladelphia February 24th. 1791\nIt is uncertain whether Congress will have time to pass at this Session a Bill which is now before them, prescribing some special Duties and Regulations for the Exercise of the Consular Offices of the United States. In the mean while I beg leave to draw your Attention to some Matters of Information which it is interesting to receive.\nI must beg the Favor of you to communicate to me every six months, a report of the Vessels of the United States which enter at the Ports of your District, specifying the Name and Burthen of each Vessel, of what Description she is (to wit, Ship, Snow, Brig, &c.) the names of the Master and Owners, and number of Seamen, the Port of the United States from which she cleared, Places touched at, her Cargo outward and inward, and the Owners thereof, the Port to which she is bound, and Times of arrival and departure, the whole arranged in a Table under different Columns, and the Reports closing on the last days of June and December.\nWe wish you to use your endeavors that no Vessel enter as an American in the Ports of your District which shall not be truly such, and that none be sold under that name which are not really of the United States.\nThat you give to me from time to time Information of all military preparations, and other indications of War which may take place in your Ports; and when a War shall appear imminent, that  you notify thereof the Merchants and Vessels of the United States within your District, that they may be duly on their guard: and in general that you communicate to me such political and commercial Intelligence, as you may think interesting to the United States.\nThe Consuls and Vice-Consuls of the United States are free to wear the Uniform of their Navy, if they chuse to do so. This is a deep blue Coat with red facings, lining and cuffs, the cuffs slashed, and a standing collar; a red waistcoat (laced or not at the election of the wearer) and blue breeches; yellow buttons with a foul anchor, and black cockades and small swords.\nBe pleased to observe that the Vice-Consul of one District is not at all subordinate to the Consul of another. They are equally independent of each other.\nIt is understood that Consuls and Vice-Consuls have authority of course to appoint their own Agents in the several Ports of their District; and that it is with themselves alone those Agents are to correspond.\nIt will be best not to fatigue the Government in which you reside, or those in authority under it, with applications in unimportant cases. Husband their good dispositions for occasions of some moment, and let all representations to them be couched in the most temperate and friendly terms, never indulging in any case whatever a single expression which may irritate.\u2014I have the Honor to be Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0069", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Luis Pinto de Souza, 21 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Pinto de Sousa Coutinho, Luis, Chevalier de\nSir\nPhiladelphia February 21st. 1791\nI have duly received the Letter of November 30th. which your Excellency did me the honor to write, informing me that her most Faithful Majesty had appointed Mr. Freire her Minister resident with us, and stating the difficulty of meeting us in the exchange of a Charg\u00e9 des affaires, the Grade proposed on our part. It is foreseen that a departure from our System in this instance will materially affect our arrangements with other Nations, but the President of the United States has resolved to give her Majesty this Proof of his Desire to concur in whatever may best tend to  promote that Harmony and perfect Friendship so interesting to both Countries: He has therefore appointed Colonel Humphreys to be Minister resident for the United States at the Court of her Majesty.\nThis Gentleman has long been of the President\u2019s own family, and enjoys his particular Confidence. I make no doubt he will so conduct himself as to give perfect satisfaction to her Majesty and yourself, and I therefore recommend him to your friendly Attentions and respect. Mr. Freire will have every title to the same from us, and will assuredly receive it. It is always with pleasure that I repeat the Homage of those Sentiments of Respect and Esteem with which I have Honor to be Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and most humble Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0071", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 21 February 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nMonticello Feb: 21. 1791\nPatsy, the little girl Polly and myself have been in good health since you heard last from us. Your silence for the two last weeks, makes us fear that you are not so fortunate. Patsy had just begun to visit the public room, but a very deep snow which fell yesterday and today obliges her to return to her Chamber. During the whole of her confinement, she has scarcely felt the smallest indisposition.\u2014I shall have the pleasure of writing again in a few days at greater length. I am Dear Sir your most aff. Servt.,\nThomas M. Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0073", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 22 February 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam Feb. 22. 1791\nThe last post from Paris which arrived in the evening after my No. 56 was sent off by the way of England brought me intelligence that the national assembly had at length decided the great and embarassing question of the cultivation of tobacco in France. It is evident that the troubles in Alsace accelerated this decision and influenced it.\u2014They had some days before determined that they would postpone this question until some others relative to public revenue were decided. On the report of the troubles of Alsace being made by one of the committees, in which the affair of tobacco was mentioned as one of the causes of them, some members insisted and carried in the house that the order of the next day should be the discussion of that question. It was accordingly  brought on and decided that the cultivation should be free for every person in France\u2014the manufacture and sale of it to be subject to such modifications as the assembly shall fix. By which is meant licenses that are to be granted for that purpose and from which the committee count on a revenue of two millions only. These modifications however have not yet been discussed in the assembly: but the foreign and home-made tobacco will probably be put on the same footing as to these modifications. The second article decreed without a division was that the importation of foreign manufactured tobacco should continue to be prohibited. The third which passed after much debate as to the rate of duty is on these terms. \u201cIl sera libre d\u2019importer par les ports qui seront design\u00e9s du tabac en feuille, moyennant une taxe de 25#. par quintal. Les navires Fran\u00e7ois qui importeront directement du tabac d\u2019Am\u00e9rique, ne seront soumis qu\u2019aux trois quarts du droit.\u201d Nothing further was then decided, and the assembly according to its desultory mode of proceeding took up other business. It is in the sequel of the plan of the committee, which I should suppose the assembly would again soon resume, to form a national regie to purchase, manufacture and sell the article for public profit. Such tobacco as the regie shall import from abroad to be subject to no duty. They are to have no monopoly except such as they may acquire by this exemption from foreign duty, their superior capital and greater skill in the manufacture of this article. It remains still for the assembly to decide with respect to this regie. I shall lose no time in informing you of what shall be further done on this subject.\nI mentioned in my last what the assembly had done with respect to whale oil and codfish. They take up from time to time the subject of duties imposed on foreign articles. You will of course be informed of them in proportion as they are fixed.\nThe commissaries that were sent to Strasburg on account of the disorders already mentioned have re-established tranquillity there. At Colmar they were insulted and exposed to danger by the people and some of the grade nationale, but they were supported by others and have the strongest party. It is thought the decree of the assembly respecting tobacco and the troops which are to be sent there will prevent further disorder.\nAdmiral Cornish has returned with his squadron from the West Indies as I hear, and the French fleet consisting of six ships of the line and frigates has sailed for their islands in order to restore the force of government.\nIt is thought that England is still negotiating with Denmark relative to the operations of the next spring, but there is no reason as yet for believing that that country will separate its interests from those of its maritime neighbours.\nIt seems certain that the court of Berlin does not intend to take any further part with respect to Li\u00e8ge. The pretensions of the Imperial minister at the conferences of Szistow are so different from what was expected after the negotiations of Reicheinbach that they have suspended for the present the proceedings of the Congress assembled there. The best understanding certainly prevails between the two Imperial courts.\nI enclose a letter to the Secretary of the Treasury and beg you to continue persuaded of the sentiments of the most perfect respect & attachment with which I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & Most humble servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0074", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 24 February 1791\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nN York 24 Feb. 1791\nI this Day received the enclosed from the Post Office. It is the only Letter that I have received from Mr. Chiappe since I left the Office for foreign Affairs; and as it belongs to that Department I take the earliest Opportunity of transmitting it to you.\u2014I have the Honor to be with great Respect & Esteem Dear Sir your most obt. & hble. servt.\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0076", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 24 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 24. 1791.\nI received your favor of the 2d. on the 21st. inst. and am happy to be assured that my correspondence with Monticello will be regular hereafter. I wish the post when reestablished, had been put into the hands of some body in or near Charlottesville. Whenever that question shall come on again, I would give liberally to a Charlottesville competitor to enable him to underbid any one so distant as the present man. Will you be so good as to inform me what is the day of his departure from Albemarle for Richmond, and also on what day he leaves Richmond for Albemarle, that I may be enabled to fix the day of my writing from here to greatest advantage?\u2014I congratulate you sincerely, my dear Sir, on the birth of the little daughter. \u2018Happy the man, in the scripture phrase, who hath his quiver full of them.\u2019 I rejoice also to hear that Patsy is doing well, by this time I hope quite well: I sent her by last post a book of Dr. Gregory\u2019s very useful to her in her new character. While it guards us against projects which we are too apt to run into, and one of which, obstinately perservered in by myself, was within an ace of costing us her life, at 9 months old, it  gives a great deal of useful instruction relative to the care of young children, founded in a combination of theory and experience. I do not know when I can have the happiness to see you at Monticello. The President sets out for S. Carolina about the middle of March. But I am afraid that being on so distant a journey, it will be thought more essential for the executive officers to be on the spot to meet unexpected occurrences. He has intimated to me a wish that I would accompany him as far as George town to assist in fixing the site of the public buildings, plan of the town &c. Should he persevere in this wish, there might be a possibility of my taking a flying trip to Monticello, when within three days journey of it. Tho\u2019 upon the whole I hardly think the idea admissible; as I should never forgive myself, nor be forgiven by the public, should any evil arise from my absence, in my department.\nI am this day packing up for you the Encyclopedie and Buffon, of which I ask your acceptance. Also your harness, 6. mattrasses, and 7 Venetian blinds, that they may be ready to go by the first vessel bound for Richmond after the river opens. I shall add 2. or 3 doz. green chairs if the vessel will take them, which they will rarely do, on account of the space they occupy. You shall have notice when they sail.\u2014I have ordered 20. hogsheads of my tobacco to be brought here by way of experiment of this market, since which I recieve such encouragement from the tobacconists, who are perfectly intimate with the quality of the Albemarle and Bedford tobaccos that I am now pondering whether I shall not order the whole. The principal objection is that they never begin to manufacture tobacco till the month of September of the year following it\u2019s growth: then they call it old tobacco and will give generally % of a dollar more for it than in the spring of the year. Their capitals do not enable them to buy in the spring and let it lye by them, dead, till the fall. I believe I can have 5. dollars, crediting till September, that is to say if the quality is as good as what they have been accustomed to have from Albemarle and Bedford. The expences of bringing here will be 3. Doll. a hhd., to which must be added the state tax on exportation. Still it will leave me 4 \u2154 Dollars or 28/ our money. The only risk is that the quality may not be what they count on. I have mentioned these details, as you might perhaps be disposed yourself to try this market. Perhaps tho\u2019 it may be wiser to wait the result of my experiment.\nI wish you would seriously undertake the investigation of the great question relative to the Opossum. The proper season is now  coming on, and you can so easily procure them in any number you please. If you can obtain satisfactory evidence of the whole process of gestation and parturition it would be an acceptable thing to the philosophical society here to recieve a paper from you on the subject. Mr. Rittenhouse tells me he is satisfied from the information he has received that the flap of the false pouch is done away entirely during the interval between weaning the young, and a new conception, and that then again it is reproduced. I thought it existed at all times. This therefore is a new doubt to be cleared up.\nMr. Trumbull, well known to my daughters, is now at Charleston, and intends taking Monticello in his return. I recommend him particularly to your civilities and good offices. He is one of the best men as well as greatest artists in the world. I subjoin my meteorological observations of the present year, and if you have a thermometer shall be glad to exchange them with you by every letter. My morning observation is taken before sunrise, that of the afternoon between 3 and 4. in winter and 4. and 5. in summer. Present me affectionately to my daughters and accept assurances of the sincere esteem & attachment of Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\n Th: Jefferson \nA.M.\nP.M.\nJan.\n\u2014 car\nFeb.\nc. cloudy\nf. fair\nh. hail\nr. rain\ns. snow\na. after\nExample. cas. means \u2018cloudy after snow.\u2019 That is to say that it is cloudy at the time of the observation, but has snowed in the interim since the last. Without this notice, an intermediate snow or rain between two observations would escape.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0077", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Watt, 24 February 1791\nFrom: Watt, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nHonoured Sir\nSavannah in Georgia 24th. Feby. 1791\nI beg you will pardon me for the freedom I take in troubling you with this at a time when no doubt Matters of great consequence require your Attention.\nThe Legislature of this State in the beginning of the year 1789, appointed or continued a Health officer for this Port, to go on board of every Vessel, from any foreign Port, and ordered a fee of three Dollars to be paid the said officer by the Captain of such Vessel. The New Government beginning to operate about the  same time, he never appeared to act under the State appointment untill, within two or three Months past, and almost all the Masters of Vessels had been in different Ports of the States since the New Constitution took place, and no fee of this name demanded, they and almost every other person think it an imposition and ought not to be suffered; This however triffling it may appear to you has made a great deal of Noise here. He (Doctor Geoghagen) has got warrants from a Justice of the Peace to stop I suppose not less than One hundred Masters of Vessels, two or three among the first of them were Consigned to me. I have become their Security and mean to carry it through the Courts, but that being tedious I give you this information. If it is worth your notice it may be determined sooner. I am sorry to see Strangers so dissatisfied and haunted by the Constables in every corner of the Streets, and for what is generally thought Stretching the power of this State; There being no House of Assembly sitting We can get no redress here just now. There is no Hospital here nor the smallest provision for any seafaring man that may be on shore and without money nor would the Health officer give them any Assistance. I hope you will excuse so much freedom and I remain Sir Your Most Obedient and very humble Servant,\nAlexander Watt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0078", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 25 February 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nLondon 25 February 1791\nOn the 19 Instant, Charles Calvil, Carpenter, of the Dolphin, Captn. Richard O\u2019brian, belonging to Messrs. Allens of Philadelphia, who was Captured on her Passage from St. Ubes to America on the 30 July 1785, and carried into Algiers on the 16 August in the same Year, call\u2019d on me; He tells me that he was liberated by Subscription obtained by the British Consul in July last, that when he left Algiers, Six of the Dolphin\u2019s Crew had fallen Sacrifices to the Plague, to wit\nPeter Smith\non the 19 January 1787\nRobert McGinnis\non the 27 June\nJohn Doren\non the 30. ditto\nEdward O\u2019reily\non the 15 May 1788\nWilliam\non the 19. ditto\nZachariah Coffin\non the\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007 August\nThat he left Captn. O\u2019brian, Andrew Montgomery, his Mate, William Patterson, James Hull, Philip Sloan, Patrick Loring, John Robinson, and Jacob Tirionear, Seamen, there, suffering every Hardship, and Inconvenience, particularly since the Allowance made through Mr. Carmichael had been stopt, and which had then been Six Months, owing as he understood to some difference between the Spanish Consul, and Mr. Carmichael. That the Algierenes allowed them only Bread, Olives, and Water, that they employed them in erecting Fortifications, dragging Stone, Timber, and rigging their Cruizers, and frequently compelled them to work in Chains, that when their Days Labour was over, they were with Six or Seven Hundred other Slaves, ordered into a House, and locked up until the next Day, and that this had invariably been the case ever since their being carried in. He likewise assures me that the Dey only allows each man \u214c Year, a Shirt, a pair of Trousers, a Blanket, and one pair of Slippers, and those of no duration, that they suffer in their Feet much more in the Summer from the Heat of the Pavement than from Cold in the Winter. When Calvil left Algiers, he says that the Captain, Mate, and all the Crew of the Schooner Maria, from Boston, vizt Captn. Isaac Stephens, Alexander Forsyth, Mate, James Cathcart, George Smith, and James Harnet, were living, and in the same wretched Situation with that of Captn. O\u2019brian, and the remainder of his Crew, all of them ready to sink under Despair.\nAmongst the many Questions I asked him, I put these, \u201cWhether he discovered any more Friendly Disposition in the Algierenes towards them than at first when taken,\u201d to which he replied in the negative, tho\u2019 he said frequent intimations had been made that was Congress to make any farther Offers for their Ransom, they should considerably lessen their Demands, that when Mr. Lamb was there for the purpose of treating for their liberation, they had no idea that America was so distant from them, and that their hopes was making frequent Captures, and procuring Slaves. I asked him if in his Conversation with his Overseers, or from any other means, he had discovered what would be deemed sufficient to liberate them and what would be the best Steps to pursue. He answered that he understood that the Admiral of their Fleet had exprest a great desire for an American Frigate from 24 to 36 Guns, that the Dey had even given Mr. Logie the British Consul a Commission to purchase one in England, but that he had not succeeded. Such a Ship with some Naval Stores, and a little Money, he thought might secure them, but altho\u2019 he had recovered his Liberty through  the benevolence of the English Consul, yet he would not advise or recommend Application to be made through him, or any other representing an European Nation, that he was certain of their not being friendly to us. I have been thus particular Sir, in giving you the relation of Mr. Charles Calvil, of the situation of our unfortunate, and suffering fellow Citizens, and as Calvil seems desirous to return to Philadelphia, I will promote it all I can, that he may appear before you, confirm this, and give you further Information.\nI have the honor to be with perfect Respect, and Esteem Sir Your most Obedt. Hble. Servant,\nJoshua Johnson\nCalvil is a Scotch Man by Birth.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0080", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 25 February 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam Feb. 25. 1791.\nI received a few hours after the departure of my last letter an account of the additional articles decreed by the national assembly relative to tobacco. I mentioned to you that the cultivation in France was allowed, that its importation in the manufactured state was prohibited and permitted in leaves subject to a duty of twenty-five livres the quintal, except when in French vessels coming immediately from America, then to pay only three fourths of that duty. Two other articles have since been decreed as follows.\n1. Le tabac en feuilles provenant de l\u2019etranger, pourra \u00eatre mis en entrep\u00f4t pendant un an dans les magasins de la regie qui seront destin\u00e9s \u00e0 cet usage et re-export\u00e9 \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9tranger sans payer aucun droit.\n2. Une regie nationale fera fabriquer et vendre du tabac au profit du tresor public et payera les m\u00eames droits que les particuliers.\nThe committee had proposed that the tobacco imported by the regie should be exempted from duty: but the assembly rejected it by the amendment underlined. The article respecting licenses of manufacture and retail was not decided when my last letters left Paris. It is possible that the post which will arrive this evening after the English mail, in which this letter goes, shall have set off, may bring an account of its decision.\nThe object which seems most to agitate the minds of the people in Paris at present is the determination of the Kings aunts to go to Rome. The municipality denounced it to the King, who in his answer quoted the declaration of rights which allowing every citizen to go and come as he pleased, permitted his aunts of course to pursue their journey.\u2014Since then every thing has been done to alarm them with respect to the dangers of their journey. Still they seem to persevere and preparations are making for it. It is remarkable that for some time past those who are considered as the greatest enemies to liberty have been obliged most often to invoke the declaration of rights and the principles of the constitution. They in general however invoke them in vain. The acts of tyranny exercised by the people assembled or by their municipal or legislative representatives are considered for the most part as legitimate, by a kind of subversion of all the ideas of true liberty. This will necessarily last until the government becomes organised and the powers of its different branches defined. I confess however I cannot  form a conjecture when that will be, as it appears to me, it will require some unforeseen event to dispose the national assembly to disgorge all the powers which they have swallowed. I take it for granted however that will happen, and that the present deplorable state of anarchy will be succeeded, either at a greater or less price, by a free constitution.\nIt is said that the Russian troops, contrary to general expectation, have gone into winter quarters, and that Prince Potemkin has returned to Petersburg to have a personal interview with the Empress.\nThe conferences of Szistow for the confirmation of the peace between the Emperor and the Porte after having met with some delay, on account of unexpected pretensions, are said to be now in activity, with a probability of success. Yet there seems no doubt from the present good understanding between the two Imperial Cabinets, that if war continues, and new actors mount the stage on the side of the Porte, Russia will also be aided by Austria.\nI hoped to have received the form of the obligations (to be given on behalf of the U.S. for the loan made here) so as to have sent a copy by this post to the Secretary of the Treasury. It is now making out by the notary who has promised it for several days past without keeping his word. As soon as I shall have signed them I shall return to Paris, the term prescribed for my stay here having expired.\u2014I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect respect and attachment, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0081", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Garland Jefferson, 26 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, John Garland\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nFebruary 26. 1791.\nI have waited for some time with anxious hopes, in expectation of a letter from you; but having not as yet had that satisfaction, induced by the fairness of the occasion, I have resumed my pen to comply with one of his requests whose injunctions shall ever be  held sacred by me; for believe me Sir, of the many incidents in life, there are few circumstances which cou\u2019d give me more real, and heart felt satisfaction than your esteem. I hope you will favor me with a line by my uncle Garland: such a testimony of your regard will afford me the highest gratification.\nI intend every spring and fall to give you an account of the progress I make in reading, as I imagine it will give you some pleasure to receive such an information. The space has been so short since I saw you, that it is not possible I can have made any great advancement. What I have read however you shall hear. I have finished Cokes, first, second, third, and almost his last institutes: I have perused with attention three or four of Gilberts works, and Millot\u2019s antient, and three volumes of his modern history. I shou\u2019d have read something more but I have had very sore eyes.\nGilbert I find highly agreeable, as well as edifying; for as to the matter he contains I think him equal to any thing I ever read: Millot I think also a very good work; and serves to give an idea of the different religions which have prevailed in the world, and the biass of prejudice on the mind, when in a rude, and uncultivated state. Coke I think improving, tho dry, and pedantic.\nI have heard from Albemarle not long since, and have the pleasure to inform you that Mrs. Randolph has a fine girl, and was then tolerable well. The rage of the people in that county has much abated, and almost a total calm has succeeded.\nThe presumption in this case is that time will wear off the remembrance of that fatal libel, and that I may be delivered from the odium incured, by that unfortunate suspicion, which has so much tended to disturb my quiet. But if the fates will be so propitious as to grant me the smiles of your approbation, I will bear it all with fortitude; and perhaps may learn to profit by past misfortunes. To you I look up as to my second father, and will in every thing be guided by you, as if you were my first. Then be it my greatest care to merit your esteem, and confidence, and as far as possible to recompence your generosity.\nSam Carr has made a conditional contract with Mr. John Carr of Albemarle: he has stipulated to give him thirty five pounds to be discounted from a bond to his father, and an hundred payable in two years, for his lease of Mrs. Reddicks dower; and Mr. Carr, has determined to move to Albemarle next winter.\nI heard some time since from Peter Carr who is still at Monticello, and who means to return to Goochland in the spring. Will my Benefactor if the request [seems] not unreasonable furnish me  with a watch? [It gives] me pain to add to the obligations I am alrea[dy under] by such an act; but I am persuaded you are so well convinced of the convenience, and even the necessity of one that it will plead my excuse for applying to you. If it is convenient to you Mr. Garland will convey it; but if it is not convenient, it is by no means my wish to receive it. I am dear Sir, with cordial, and sincere esteem Your most grateful hbl. servt,\nJ G Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0083", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Leiper, 26 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Leiper, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 26. 1791.\nI shipped to a person in London, some time before the war, 4 hhds. of my Albemarle tobacco. No account of sales was ever rendered, and being now in settlement with the representative of that person, we are obliged to find out the worth of that tobacco as we can. Mr. Charles Carrol (who lodges at Mrs. House\u2019s) is to settle the price with me. As I can only procure circuitous evidence, I shall prove to him that it was made on the red mountain lands of Albemarle. It will remain to satisfy him of the quality of that kind of tobacco, and finding that your purchases have made you acquainted with it, I am obliged to ask the favour of you to call on Mr. Carrol, and inform him what you have found to be the quality of that tobacco and what was it\u2019s worth, before the war, here, and in London as well as you can judge. Mr. Carter\u2019s lands and mine join. I am sorry to give you this trouble, but the impossibility of procuring direct evidence obliges me to recur to circuitous.  Mr. Carrol said he should be at home and at leisure tomorrow morning. Your taking this trouble will oblige Sir Your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0085", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Some observations of American Citizens on the late Decrees respecting Tobacco, 26 February 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: \nEnclosureSome observations of American Citizens on the  late Decrees respecting Tobacco\nIn sofar as these Decrees relate exclusively to France it is not proper for Foreigners to express an Opinion. From the present Consideration therefore, shall be excluded the questions Whether to cultivate Tobacco be useful or pernicious. Whether on the former Supposition Articles of first necessity such as Grain or superior Utility such as Hemp might not be preferred on Ground of public Safety or Advantage. Whether a Consumption dependent on meer Fancy does not present to the Fisc a desirable Object of Revenue. And Whether in the supposable Cases of unfavorable Seasons or calamitous Wars the unavoidable Encrease of Price on imported Articles would be more or less injurious according to the Nature of those Articles.\nBut in sofar as the Decrees may relate to the Commerce of France, and particularly as they may concern her Connection with the United States they command the Attention of Americans. And first it appears that the Liberty of cultivating Tobacco must alone in a very short Time put an End to the Importation of it from Virginia. The Medium Produce of an Acre of Land cannot be transported from the Place of its growth to a French Port for less than three louis. Wherefore admitting the Price of Labor to be the same (Which it is not) and rejecting the Cost of Transportation from the Ports to the interior Parts of the Kingdom, there remains a Bounty of three louis per Acre on the Cultivation in France whose southern Provinces will doubtless produce Tobacco of the best Quality. Hence it is inferred that the commercial Relations dependent on this Article must speedily cease.\nSecondly the general Permission to import Tobacco in Leaves from any Part of the World must give new Vigor to the Commerce of Great Britain. She now enjoys almost a Monopoly of the Trade to Virginia. Of course during the short Period that American Tobacco may be used in France the Vent of French Merchandize in Exchange for it will be precluded.\nThirdly the Preference given to French Ships or rather the Penalty on those of the United States (nugatory in itself) will probably give Rise to a System of commercial Hostility between the two Countries Whose End cannot be foreseen nor its Consequences calculated. That this Preference will be nugatory is clear because many Means of eluding it will occur to mercantile Men and the Congress will doubtless meet it by similar Impositions so as to restore the Equilibrium.\nBut it is said that this Part of the System has been adopted in Consequence of the Duties laid by the Congress on French Ships. If so, a serious Reflection arises from the very Circumstance which gave Birth to the Decree. Resentment it seems is easily excited even against intimate friends. May not the same Emotion influence those who live on the other Side of the Atlantic Ocean. The American Law laid no particular Duty on French Ships, and the English (not without reason) complained that tho the Expressions were general, yet the Effect was exclusively felt by them, since theirs were the only foreign Ships employed in the American Trade. But waving this Observation, it is proper to examine the Nature of the Burthens laid in America on foreign Ships. These are first an additional Tonnage Duty of forty Sous which is an equitable Tax for the Support of Beacons, Buoys and other aids to navigation of which foreigners stand more in need than Natives being less acquainted with the Coast. Secondly there is a Deduction of ten per Cent from the import Duties in favor of American Ships. This can hardly touch the French Commerce but deeply affects that of Great Britain and is therefore an actual tho not apparent Preference to France. Of the French Articles whose Volume is such that the Preference to American Ships may be felt, the most considerable is Brandy and on that the Difference is not twelve livres per Ton whereas the Difference decreed here respecting Tobacco amounts to at least one hundred livres per Ton, and is therefore a Prohibition.\nIt must farther be remarked that as the American Productions are of\n great Bulk compared to those of Europe it results from the Nature of Things that a navigation between the two Countries must be supported by Articles brought from the former to the latter, and therefore as the far greater Number of Ships whether French or American must go home in Ballast no Difference of Duties laid on the Imports in America can materially affect the Navigation whereas a considerable Preference given to vessels of one Kind on the Imports in Europe amounts to a total Prohibition of all others.\nIt is evident from a due Consideration of Facts, that by the System now adopted the Revenue to arise from Tobacco can no longer be worthy of Consideration and must soon dwindle away entirely. It cannot therefore be doubted that the Assembly in their Wise Consideration have determined to replace it by other Taxes less burthensome and more consistent with the Rights of free Citizens and it is therefore to be lamented that this exceptionable System was not at once surrendered and the free Importation from the United States allowed either in French or American Bottoms as well as the free Fabrication in France because thereby not only the present Monopoly of Great Britain would have been destroyed but the greater Part of the Tobacco Trade would have been turned to this Country and eventually a considerable Consumption been thereby occasioned in America of the Productions and Manufactures of France.\nIt cannot escape the Notice of this enlightened Nation that intimate Connections of Commerce must sooner or later draw after them those of a political Nature. And altho it may be supposed by some that an Alliance with the United States is of no Consequence those who wish well to France cannot but wish that the Value of American Friendship may rather be estimated by sound Reason and preserved by prudent Conduct, than felt by painful Experience and lamented when lost. Those valuable Colonies which the greater mercantile Powers possess in the neighbourhood of and as it were Dependent on the United States excite mutual Cupidity; and a very slight Knowlege of Geography will shew that if in a War between those Powers the Forces be nearly balanced, America can bestow the Colonies on that Party which she may incline to favor even without the actual Commission of Hostilities. But this is a Subject of too delicate Nature to be strongly urged, and therefore the Arguments to be drawn from it with many others apposite to the present question will not here be debated.\n   It is a fact well known that if a Vessel be hired to go out to America and take in there a Cargo for Europe no Advance of Price is asked for Articles put on board in Europe unless Delay be thereby occasioned.\n   If the Hypothesis be just that the Revenue drawn from Tobacco can be dispensed with in France it may be safely asserted that the Measure here mentioned would deprive Great Britain of that Resource; and every Body knows that she cannot replace it without serious Inconvenience or even Injury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0086", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Tench Coxe, [ca. 28 February 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Coxe, Tench\nMonday morn. [ca. 28 Feb. 1791]\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Cox and is much obliged to him for the inclosed pamphlet. He had received a copy the last year soon after it\u2019s publication. It was the first acknowlegement publicly made that England was an importing country as to bread. The report was written by Ld. Hawkesbury. The same thing had been satisfactorily proved before by a private hand in 1784. Can Mr. Coxe judge what the privilege of storage will be worth to the British bottom on each bushel of wheat?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0087", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Freneau, 28 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Freneau, Philip\nSir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 28. 1791.\nThe clerkship for foreign languages in my office is vacant. The salary indeed is very low, being but two hundred and fifty dollars a year: but also it gives so little to do as not to interfere with any other calling the person may chuse, which would not absent him from the seat of government. I was told a few days ago that it might perhaps be convenient to you to accept it. If so it is at your service. It requires no other qualification than a moderate knowledge of the French. Should any thing better turn up within my department, that might suit you, I should be very happy to be able to bestow it so well. Should you conclude to accept the present, you may consider it as engaged to you, only be so good as to drop me a line informing me of your resolution. I am with great esteem Sir Your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0088", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Aaron Vail, 28 [February] 1791\nFrom: Vail, Aaron\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia 28 March [i. e. Feb.] 1791 North Second Street No. 62\nWith an apology for intruding on your valuable time I beg leave to address you once more on a subject on which I have troubled you already several times.\nI have sir, some time past determined on residing some years in France where I have found some commercial, and other connections that, to me are very flattering. The owner of the packets a very respectable merchant at St. Malo, and myself have entered into a copartnership to establish an American house at L\u2019Orient under my direction with a capital sufficient to carry on a considerable commerce between that port and this country.\nUnder those circumstances I beg leave to submit to you a few hints on the utility of a Consul at that port and the preference that I flatter myself you will think me intitled, in Case you should think me quallified for the trust.\nI have sir, at a considerable pains and expence introduced into most parts of Britany, and some parts of Normandy, the article of American flaxseed in which I have had to contend with the prejudices of the peasants and the jalousy of the dealers in that  article, but by persiverence have so far succeeded that we may in future find a market for five or six cargoes annually consequently furnish voyages for so many American vessels. I have likewise made myself acquainted with the port, dockyards, and magazines of Brest, where with attention and perseverance we may find a market for large quantities of our ship timber Masts and other lumber, and sometimes provisions. In short, we may vend the above articles, rice tobacco, iron and naval stores, in the various ports in that province and its neighbourhood to which we intend to pay great attention and wherein I hope I shall have it in my power to render a service to my country as well as render the trade profitable to myself. There are many other commercial advantages that might be forwarded by the residence of an industrious merchant in that part of the country, but should I be fortunate enough to enjoy the confidence of the executive so as to have the appointment of Consul at L\u2019Orient I flatter myself that I should have it in my power to render services to my country for which I feel a patriotic zeal, as that place has in its district many places to which American vessels will resort, and moreover L\u2019Orient being the seat of the packets and no Consul appointed that will probably be a constant resident between Bordeaux and Havre de Grace I hope sir that I shall be so fortunate as to find those observations correspond with your opinion in which case I beg the favour of you to propose me for that place to the executive, and I hope by my future conduct you will be convinced that your confidence has not been misplaced.\nI have sir mentioned to several Senators of my acquaintance my intention of addressing you on this subject who approve of my plan and promise me their friendship.\nI have sir one object wherein I promise myself a material advantage in receiving this appointment before my return to france, which I would relate to you in confidence in case I should be honoured with a personnal interview, and I should almost promise myself your friendship.\u2014I have the honour to be Sir Your Most Obedt Humble Servt,\nAaron Vail", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0089", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel L. Hylton, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hylton, Daniel L.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 1. 1791.\nI recieved yesterday your favor of Feb. 20. and should not so soon have troubled you with an answer, but that you mention that the Vis-a-vis has been long ago shipped for this place. This is the first news I have heard of it, and I imagined it still at your house. I now presume that some accident has happened respecting it, and will therefore thank you for the name of the vessel and captain by which it was to come, and such other circumstances as may serve as a clue to search into the matter.\u2014I thank you for the readiness with which you have been so good as to undertake my little commission about the tobacco. I know that there was among my tobacco from Bedford certain hogsheads injured by having fired in the field. If the inspectors can point them out, be so good as to let only one of the fired hhds. come, as I have reason to believe they will not do here. I have great encouragement to bring this as well as my future crops here. I shall be determined by the sample I have asked you to send, which will be large enough to enable the tobacconists here to decide whether the quality suits them. If it does, I shall have the residue brought. This makes me anxious to recieve the twenty hogsheads. Present my affectionate compliments to Mrs. Hylton, and am Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0090", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lucy Ludwell Paradise, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Paradise, Lucy Ludwell\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nMarch ye. 1st. 1791 London\nI hope you will pardon My troubling your Excellency with these few lines to make an enquiry after your health, and that of your amiable families: And to know at the same time if you have received a Letter I did Myself the honour to send you by Bishop Maddison. You will greatly oblige Mr. Paradise and Myself if you would let Us know by the return of the Spring Ships whether your Agent has remitted you the Money you were so good as to advance Mr. Paradise during his stay at Paris, as our Merchant Mr. Anderson has paid it to your Agent. Mr. Paradise joines with me in respectful Compliments to You, and your good family. Dear Sir I have the honour to be Your ever Obliged Friend,\nLucy Paradise\nPlease to direct your Letter to Mr. Anderson No. 10 Crosbey Squr. Bishopgate St.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0091", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Smith, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Smith, Daniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSouthwest Territory, 1 Mch. 1791. Enclosing proceedings of Gov. Blount. He has not thought it his duty to notice his proceedings as Superintendent of Indian Affairs.\u2014Must requirement of Act of 13 July 1787 be met by submitting executive proceedings precisely at end of each six months or not exceed that time?\u2014Judge Peery not yet arrived. Distance and danger of going from one district court house to another require that judges reside in territory, otherwise business cannot be done.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0092", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Vining, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Vining, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\n[Philadelphia] March 1st 1791.\nThe Gentleman (Mr. Feliechy) whom I had the honor to mention to you, as a Candidate for the Consulate of Leghorn, is a Man  of the highest reputation as well in this Country where he is known, as in that of which he is a Native. Having married in New York and lived some Years in this Country for the Purpose of establishing the best commercial Connextions, he has acquired every kind of knowledge, as a Merchant, which will be of mutual Benefit to our Trade and to himself. Added to this he possesses the highest Attachment imaginable for the United States.\u2014I am sir with every Sentiment of respect your very Hu. Srvt.\nJ. Vining", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0095", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Moustier, 2 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Moustier, El\u00e9nore Fran\u00e7ois Elie, Comte de\nSir\nPhiladelphia, March 2d. 1791.\nI have received your Favor of November 6th. wherein you inform me that the King has thought proper, by a new Mission to the Court of Berlin, to put an End to your Functions as his Minister Plenipotentiary with the United States. The President, in a Letter to the King, has expressed his Sense of your Merit, and his entire Approbation of your Conduct while here, and has charged me to convey to yourself the same Sentiments on his Part.\nHad you returned to your Station with us, you would have received new and continued Marks of the Esteem inspired by the general Worth of your Character, as well as by the particular Dispositions you manifested towards this Country.\nAmidst the Regrets excited by so early a Loss of you, it will be a Consolation if your new Situation shall contribute to advance your own Happiness. As a Testimony of these Sentiments we ask your Acceptance of a Medal and chain of Gold with which Mr. Short is instructed to present you on the Part of the U.S.\nTo this general Tribute, permit me to add my own, with sincere Wishes for your constant Happiness, and Assurances of the Respect and Esteem, with which I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient and Most humble Servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0096", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 2 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy dear daughter\nPhiladelphia Mar. 2.\nThe present will serve just to tell you that I am well, and to keep up my plan of writing once a week whether I have any thing to say or not. Congress rises tomorrow. They have passed no laws remarkeable except the excise law and one establishing a bank. Mrs. Trist and Mrs. Waters always enquire after you and desire me to remember them to you. I hope you are by this time able to be about again and in good health as well as the little one. Kiss it and Maria for me. I have received her letter and will answer it next week. I inclose a letter for M. de Rieux. Present my esteem to Mr. Randolph.\u2014Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0098", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Joseph de Barth, 3 [March] 1791\nFrom: De Barth, John Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nau Roi Indien market streetce 3 fevr [i.e., Mch.] 1791\nMonsieur Jefferson est suppli\u00e9 d\u2019agreer avec Bont\u00e9 les homages Respectueux de M. de Barth qui a l\u2019honneur de lui envoyer la Dent de l\u2019Elephant Carnivore, ou plustot de l\u2019animal inconnu dont il a \u00e9t\u00e9 question \u00e0 l\u2019audience que Monsieur Jefferson a bien voulu accorder \u00e0 M. De Barth. Il ajoute une peau Chamois\u00e9e Par les Sauvages d\u2019un Jeune Buffal\u00f6e qui est un des plus petits de cette espece. Il sera ais\u00e9 de Juger par la Douceur du poil de l\u2019animal, qui est plus long dans ceux qui sont plus ag\u00e9s, combien il sera ais\u00e9 d\u2019en faire usage, non seulement pour des matelas et des Couvertures de Chevaux, mais encor pour de la filature, ainsi que M. de Barth en a fait faire l\u2019epreuve avec Succ\u00e8s. Celui cy se propose d\u2019envoyer ces Deux pieces en France d\u2019ici une quinzaine de Jours ou trois Semaines. Monsieur Jefferson est bien le Ma\u00eetre de les garder aussi longtems qu\u2019il Jugera \u00e0 propos pour les faire voir \u00e0 qui il lui plaira; et M. de Barth les fera retirer au premier ordre qu\u2019il recevra de Monsieur Jefferson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0100", "content": "Title: Jefferson\u2019s Affidavit Concerning Timothy Pickering, Samuel Hodgdon, and Levi Hollingsworth, 4 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nPhiladelphia Mar. 4. 1791.\nTimothy Pickering, Samuel Hodgdon, and Levi Hollingsworth, citizens of the United States of America, having communicated to me their intention of sending agents to Europe to sell certain lands of theirs on Guyandot and Sandy rivers, and desirous that their propositions may stand on fair ground so far as may depend on their personal characters, I have made enquiry into their characters and find them to be men of truth and fair dealing, and I should not hesitate to give credit myself to any fact which they should affirm. But while I recommend the said Pickering, Hodgdon and Hollingsworth, as worthy of being credited for any facts they affirm, I must caution those whom it may concern, not to extend their confidence in this recommendation beyond the persons to whom it is confined by name. Knowing nothing of their agents, nor of what they may state as matters of fact, I must not be understood as vouching in the most distant degree for what such agents may say or do. Given under my hand at the time and place abovementioned.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0101", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 4 March 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam March. 4. 1791.\nI inclose you at present a letter for the Secretary of the Treasury which contains a copy of the bonds to be given here on behalf of the United States for the loan they have lately made. I am promised the private copies for the day after to-morrow which I am only waiting to sign, and shall then immediately leave this place for Paris. It will be probably in five days from hence.\nOn my return there I shall endeavour to obtain those alterations in the decrees respecting oils and tobacco which those who act for me there have been constantly aiming at. I cannot however too often repeat to you that it is impossible to form a conjecture either of what the assembly will do or undo on any subject. Their mode of deliberation and decision renders their being surprized into measures against their intention, unavoidable. Their decree with respect to tobacco may serve as an example. The difference in the duty paid between French and American vessels, suggested probably by some owner of ships, was proposed and passed without its being even suspected that such a proposition would be made. They had no idea certainly that it was a navigation act in a degree of vigor to which it was impossible that any country would submit without attempting to counteract it. You will have seen the debates on that question, which together with the present conveyance prevent my saying more on it. My two last letters sent in the same way gave you simply the decree on tobacco without comments. They will suggest themselves to you of course.\nI don\u2019t doubt that you are fully sensible that the decrees of the assembly are so essentially the work of accident, of the force of parties and the force of circumstances, that no person in any situation whatever can control them; and of course that no person in my situation could have prevented those which have been passed with respect to the articles of American commerce. Still I feel that it is an unfortunate circumstance for me personally that they should have been passed during my residence. Time and experience will certainly correct them and that probably during the residence of some other person. In the minds of all the people in America, a very few excepted who like yourself search for and know the true causes of things, I shall have all the censure and he all the merit of these decrees and of their alterations, without its being more just in the one case than the other.\nThe affair of the droit d\u2019aubaine remains as when I last mentioned it to you. The daily hope of its being brought on and decided in the assembly of themselves has prevented hitherto any thing being said about it except in the manner of which you have been already informed.\nThe King\u2019s aunts persevered in their determination to leave the Kingdom. An unsuccessful attempt was made to stop them at Moret. Beyond Dijon the same attempt was made with effect at Arnay le Duc. The municipality was for allowing them to pass, but the conseil de la commune were of a different opinion and prevailed. An express was sent to receive the orders of the national  assembly, who determined that there was no law to prevent their going where they pleased, and referred the affair to the executive. This as was foreseen created much tumult, the people and poissardes immediately surrounded the Thuilleries in order to force the King to recall his aunts. The guard were obliged to be under arms to prevent their entering the chateau. This was the situation of things when the last letters left Paris. It is not until this evening, after the departure of the English post, that more recent accounts will be received.\nThere has been a mob also at Brussels, if not excited at least connived at by the present government. Count de Mercy and the States of Brabant have been for some time negotiating and disputing about the intended re-establishment of the council of Brabant. He has siezed the circumstance of these disorders as admitting no longer the suspension of justice, to re-integrate the council, which has been long his wish. At the same time he condemns the excesses of the people, endeavours to exculpate himself from the imputation of connivance, and assures the States he has taken measures for their future safety. In a situation like his however at present, with so much popular confidence and so many troops at his orders, permission and causation seem to be so nearly the same thing, that he will necessarily be considered as not averse to the excesses he condemns.\u2014The same people who idolized the States a few months past, and who assassinated with all the horrors of rage and fanaticism a respectable citizen for having spoken irreverentially of a procession of monks, now forced the doors of the States and dispersed them after ill treating the members most active in the late revolution. They forced also one of the convents and threatened several others. It cannot fail to give the people an high idea of their force when they see themselves thus employed by the most powerful sovereigns. Accept the assurances of sincere attachment with which I am, dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0102", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Supervisors of the Excise, 4 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Supervisors of the Excise\nSir\nPhiladelphia March 4. 1791.\nThe President of the United States desiring to avail the public of your services as Supervisor for the District of I have now  the honor of enclosing you the Commission, and of expressing to you the sentiments of perfect esteem with which I am Sir &c.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0103-0002", "content": "Title: I. Report on the Power of the President in Nominating Officers for Vermont, 19 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nThe Secretary of State having recieved from the Commissioners for the State of Vermont a letter proposing these Questions 1. Whether, as that state will not be a distinct member of the union till the 4th. day of March next, the President can, before that day,  nominate officers for it? and 2. if he cannot, whether he can nominate them after the recess of the Senate? makes thereon to the President of the U. S. the following Report.\nHe is of opinion the President cannot, before the 4th. of March, make nominations which will be good in law: because, till that day, it will not be a separate and integral member of the U. S. and it is only to integral members of the union that his right of nomination is given by the Constitution.\nBut that nomination may be made on the 4th. of March, and, if the Senate will meet on that day, may be reported to them for their approbation. It is true that the two or three new members will be absent, unless they chuse to come on for this purpose, but as the occasion of consulting an imperfect Senate will not be produced by any act of the President\u2019s, and as it is in the power of the new Senators to render the body perfect, by coming on if they chuse it, this difficulty appears smaller, than that of making original nominations without the concurrence of the Senate. This therefore is what the Secretary of State thinks best to be done.\nTh: JeffersonFeb. 19. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0103-0003", "content": "Title: II. Jeremiah Wadsworth to the Secretary of State, 22 February 1791\nFrom: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNathaniel Chipman Esq. is the most proper person in Vermont for District judge. I believe he is without a competitor in the state. Their present Attorney General is Samuel Hitchcock, but I do not believe he would relinquish his State appointment for a federal one as the latter would be less lucrative. Israel Smith Esqr. would be suitable for the office. There are other Lawyers in the State of some eminence\u2014Stephen Jacob Darius Chipman Daniel Farrand Isaac Tichenor. I have placed them as they rank in my opinion. I should have placed at the Head of the list Stephen Rowe Bradly Esq. but I have no doubt he will be a Senator. At Allborough I know no person fit for a Naval officer. Stephen Keyes is a Man of education with little property, who I believe would  remove from Burlington Bay for the office and could procure Bonds for the faithfull execution of the office.\u2014I am sir Your H Svt.\nJere Wadsworth", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0103-0004", "content": "Title: III. Report on Candidates for Office in Vermont, [23 February 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nMr. [Theodore] Sedgewick. There can be no competitor with Chipman for the place of judge. He is by far the most able lawyer in that state, a man of very fair moral character. The straitlaced old people think him not very orthodox in his religion.\nMr. [Jeremiah] Wadsworth. Chipman the first man for a judge. Bradly, a lawyer of eminence, remarkeable for his eloquence; not so steady a character as Chipman.\nMr. [Abraham] Baldwin. He and Chipman were at Yale college together. Chipman was then 23. years of age, a young man of great natural abilities and of as good an education as that place could give. His moral character was unexceptionable: his religious ideas latitudinarian. As far as he has had sight of him since, he has supported a solidly good character.\nMr. L. R. Morris and Mr. Chipman. On being asked, the latter was silent, the former said he had conferred with Colo. Wadsworth and Mr. Sedgewick who would write to me on the subject. I asked them particularly who was proper to be Marshal: he said they had named a person to Colo. Wadsworth who would write of him to me. On going away however, he said he had offered himself to the consideration of Colo. Wadsworth as Marshal. Colo. Wadsworth however has not named him in the preceding letter.\nNoah Smith of Vermont (now in Philadelphia) The general expectation is that Chipman will be judge. He is a good lawyer and a good man. Governor Robinson is also a good man, and  has been thought of by some. He is not of the law at all. For Attorney Israel Smith (brother of Noah) was spoken of by Colo. Wadsworth and Sedgewick (who conferred with Noah Smith). Isaac Tichinor is also a proper person. L. R. Morris and Stephen Keyes are the only persons thought of for Marshall. Both good and proper men.\nMr. [Caleb] Strong. He thinks it unquestionable that Chipman is the properest person for judge: and Tichinor is preferable to Israel Smith, for Attorney. He observes that in all the instances of persons named by their assembly to bring forward their claims, Tichinor has been one, which is a proof of their confidence in him, and a presumption that he deserves it. L. R. Morris is a very good man, and proper for the marshal. His present appointment shews he is respected.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0103-0005", "content": "Title: IV. Secretary of State to the Governor of Vermont, 28 February 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Chittenden, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia February 28th. 1791.\nI have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency an authenticated Copy of the Act of Congress for the admission of the State of Vermont into this Union, and of the Act regulating the Number of Representatives to be chosen by the States of Kentucky and Vermont, also two Copies of the Acts passed at the first and second Sessions of the Congress of the United States.\nPermit me at the same time through the Channel of your Excellency, to lay before the Legislature of your State, an authentic Copy of the articles in addition to, and amendment of, the Constitution of the United States, proposed by Congress to the Legislatures of the several States for their Ratification, pursuant to the fifth article of the original Constitution.\u2014I have the Honor to be with great Respect, Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0104-0003", "content": "Title: II. Tobias Lear to the Secretary of State, 27 February 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nUnited States February 27th 1791.\nBy the President\u2019s command T. Lear has the honor respectfully to transmit to the Secretary of State a Resolution of the Senate upon the President\u2019s Message of the 19th of January last. T. Lear has, moreover, the honor to inform the Secretary of State that on the 26th of this month the Senate did, in pursuance of the  President\u2019s nominations, advise and consent to the following appointments viz.\nJoseph Anderson, of the State of Delaware, to be one of the Judges in the Territory of the U. S. south of the Ohio, in place of William Peery who has declined his appointment, and\nWilliam Murry, of Kentucky, to be Attorney for the U. S. in the District of Kentucky, in place of James Brown, who has declined his appointment.\nTobias LearSecretary to the Presidentof the United States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0104-0004", "content": "Title: III. John Vining to Joseph Anderson, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Vining, John\nTo: Anderson, Joseph\nSir\nMarch 1st 1791\nNot being able to lay my hands upon the Letter you have requested, and fearing very much that I inadvertently, together with some other loose papers, threw it into the Fire in changing Papers from one coat Pockett to another, I have nothing now left in my Power but to state to you the principal Fact which it appeared to contain.\nAs I mean however to be perfectly explicit with you, I think it my Duty in Justice both to you and to myself to relate all that I have since heard concerning the Transaction at Wilmington. Major Jaquett as well as I remember impressed me with the Idea that he had given the Certificate which was delivered to the President in Consequence of your having empowered him to recieve a certain part of that Compensation which was to go in gradual diminution of a Bond of \u00a31200 which he represented to have recieved from you together with other Securities. This I believe as it related to you was the Substantial part of his Letter. Major Bush with whom I have conversed since I saw the President, I confess stated it differently, and to my mind more favourably. He appeared rather to consider the additional Contract as a Consequence, than a Condition of your Appointment. I requested him if he saw the President as he then informed me he expected to do, to mention the Circumstance to him, which he promised to do. Bush also mentioned to me that you had not given to Jaquett any Power of Attorney to recieve part of your Compensation, which was also I  believe mentioned in Jaquetts Letter (as far as I can recollect) to have been the case.\nConceiving it a confidential and a responsible Duty in me to make the Communications I did to the President, you will not, I trust, suppose that I have been actuated either by an unfriendly motive to you or a desire to change the good Opinion the President had previously entertained of you.\u2014I am your very Hle. Sert,\nJ Vining", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0104-0005", "content": "Title: IV. Joseph Anderson to the President, 1 March 1791\nFrom: Anderson, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPha. 1st March 1791\nI take the liberty of inclosing to Your Excellency, a letter I receiv\u2019d from Mr. Vining, in answer to One, I adress\u2019d to him, on the Subject of a letter he a few days since Receivd from Mr. Jaquet. By which Your Excellency will see that Mr. Jaquet is Contradicted in what he has said in his letter to Mr. Vining, and that by a person who wrote the Certificate, and attested it. The Certificate had for its basis, an Original Receipt, and Contains only a State of facts, Contained in that Receipt. The Receipt being at too great a distance to Obtain speedily, the Certificate was ask\u2019d. With Respect to what Major Bush Says, Concerning his Considering the additional Contract, as a Consequence Rather than a Condition of my appointment, I wou\u2019d beg leave to Observe That I agreed with Mr. Jaquet, as I had rather have the Land Warrants he Receiv\u2019d of me, at the prices he receiv\u2019d them, than the money, that if he wou\u2019d Keep them, I wou\u2019d impower my friend Major Bush, to purchase them of him, for my use, and that to Enable him to do it, I wou\u2019d impower Major Bush to Receive Money to my use for that purpose. Your Excellency will please to Observe, that Mr. Vining says, in his letter, that Major Bush mention\u2019d, I had not given Jaquet any Power of Attorney to receive part of my Sallary in Case I Shou\u2019d recieve the appointment, which he says he believes Jaquet had mentiond in his letter\u2014meaning that I had given him such power.\nUpon the whole, Your Excellency will I trust, see this business, in its true point of View, and that in the Circumstance of my agreeing to purchase the land Warrants of Major Jaquet, at the price he Receivd them of me, was neither a Deviation from Principal  nor integrity, But Compatible with duty to myself, the Warrants being worth more to me at this period, than what he allowed me for them. In further Support of my Private Character, I beg leave to present a letter, to your Excellency, from a Gentleman now of this City, who has Known me and my family from an early period of my life. His Character is well know[n] to Both Mr. Read and Mr. Vining.\u2014I am Sir with Very great Respect your very Obedt. Servt.\nJos Anderson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0104-0006", "content": "Title: V. Joseph Anderson to the President, 2 March 1791\nFrom: Anderson, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhila. 2nd March 1791\nI inclose your Excellency the Certificate of Colonel Barber, and beg your indulgence, for again, offering to trouble you by letter. But trust that your Excellencys benevolence, will suffer my very delicate and peculiar Situation, to plead my Appology.\nYour Excellency yesterday Observ\u2019d to me, that Major Jackson inform\u2019d you, that Mr. Jaquet, in his letter to Mr. Vining, Observ\u2019d that he had told the truth, in the Certificate, but not the whole truth. If he told the truth, it must then appear that he was amply compensated, by receiving the land warrants, for he says that he receiv\u2019d them at a price affixed by himself, and to the Amount of the Certificates I had of him; it is a maxim in Law, and founded on Reason, that every Mans words, shall be taken most Strongly against himself. Here then he wou\u2019d Stand Convicted, and in a Court of Law or equity the Certificate and the repugnant letter, if produced, wou\u2019d totally invalidate Mr. Jaquets Testimony as an evidence. Mr. Vining in his letter to me mentions, that Jaquet in his letter to him said, that I had impowered him to receive a part of my Sallary. But Mr. Vining also says that Major Bush told him, that I had not given Mr. Jaquet any Such power. Here then Sir, is an Issue Joined. Mr. Jaquet asserts, on his own account, and Major Bush, who as a man of reputation Stands, uncensured, was present the whole time, wrote and Attested the Certificate, (as your Excellency may see) not even his own account, but for another, possitively denies, which Mr. Jaquet asserts. To whom then Sir Ought Credence to be given. Your Excellency  will I trust, Readily agree to the impartial person. To this Sir, I will add, upon the Honor of a Soldier, that I never gave him any Such power. The Contract or Agreement as Mention\u2019d in my papers to you of yesterday, was a Renewal of the Original Agreement, when he receiv\u2019d the Land Warrants of me, respecting which Your Excellency may possibly Recollect that in a former letter previous to my being Nominated, I mention\u2019d that in the transaction between Mr. Jaquet and myself, I had reserv\u2019d, the equity of redemption, at any time within three Years, upon the terms and for the reasons, in that letter mention\u2019d. The principles of this last Contract, was a mere renewal of the former, with this addition, That I wou\u2019d impower Major Bush to act as my Attorney in Case I went to the Westward, and that I impower to Receive Money to my Use, to repurchase those Warrants at the same price Mr. Jaquet had them of me. But Mr. Jaquet was not prevented, by this Contract, from Seling the Warrants to any Other person, or from locating them whenever he pleas\u2019d.\nYour Excellency, I think told me, that when Mr. Vining, presented you Mr. Jaquets letter, you did not mean to take any notice of it, but intended that I shou\u2019d notwithstanding have my Commission. Your Excellency Judgment being then form\u2019d, even after recieving the letter, There are Strong Circumstances to Confirm it namely Those Contain\u2019d in Mr. Vinings letter to me, in which Major Bush positively Contradicts the assertions of Jaquet. Your Excellencys nomination of me, being founded, I believe, principally upon my Military and professional Certificates. A View of those Certificates by the Senate, wou\u2019d I Judge, have induced their accession, without the interference of any individual member. But respect, and Politeness induced me to apply to Mr. Read, Whose dissatisfaction appeard, founded on a belief, that What Jaquet said respecting my having impowerd him to receive my Sallary was true. This your Excellency will Observe, is positively contradicted by Major Bush.\u2014The business now rests entirely with Your Excellency. It is now generally Known in the City that The Senate have approved your nomination of me to the Office of a Judge. And if under those Circumstances, it shou\u2019d be Your Excellencys Opinion that I ought not to be Commission\u2019d, my Reputation is for ever blasted, an eternal Mark will be fix\u2019d on me, and then may I indeed (to use borrowed Language) grow old in wretchedness, perhaps poverty and what is worse even Contempt. To use your Excellencys own Language to Congress, it will embitter  every moment of my future days. But Sir, shou\u2019d you determine against me, I pledge you my sacred Honor it will not lessen my affection for you, for I am confident that you will do every thing for me, that to Justice can appertain.\u2014I am Sir with every Sentiment of Respectful Regard Your Excellencys most Obedt Servt,\nJos: Anderson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0104-0007", "content": "Title: VI. Opinion of the Secretary of State, 4 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nOn view and consideration of the testimonies in favour of Mr. Anderson\u2019s character, they appear to me to place it on high ground. Against this there is no testimony but that of Mr. Jaquet, which being contradicted by his own former testimony and by the person who committed it to writing, and who seems to have been made acquainted by the subject of it, I should estimate it at nothing, and certainly as not sufficient to oppose the whole current of evidence which has been produced in favour of Mr. Anderson.\nTh: JeffersonMar. 4. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0104-0008", "content": "Title: VII. Tobias Lear to the Secretary of State, 4 March 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nUnited States, 4th. March 1791\nBy the President\u2019s command T. Lear has the honor to inform the Secretary of State, that the opinion given by the Secretary in the case of Mr. Anderson agrees fully with that which the President has formed upon a complete view of the circumstances.\u2014And it is the President\u2019s wish that Mr. Anderson\u2019s Commission should issue accordingly.\nTobias LearSecretary to the Presidentof the United States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0107", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Thoughts on the Navigation of the United States, and concerning further means of encouraging it, 5 March 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nEnclosureThoughts on the Navigation of the United States, and concerning further means of encouraging it.\nThe following propositions are freely hazarded by way of opening the subject. None of them should be tenaciously insisted on, nor will they it is hoped be hastily rejected. If on reflexion they shall appear reasonable and safe, they may serve to guide us in this interesting and difficult enquiry. It is affirmed then\u2014\n1. That there is no branch of business in which the people of the United States are more skilful and expert than in the building and navigating of ships.\n2. That no people excel the citizens of the United States in building and navigating of ships.\n3. That the territories of the United States contain greater quantities of the materials for building and equipping ships than any other country bordering on an ocean.\n4. That there are few or no manufactures essentially necessary to the building and out fit of ships, but which are either well established in the United States or of which the establishment is rendered certain by satisfactory experiments.\n5. That we have derived and shall continue to acquire many and very valuable citizens and much capital from foreign nations by the temptations which have been and may be presented to them in a prosperous navigation resulting from an highly productive Agriculture and carried on in excellent and cheap ships, remarkably well supplied with cheap necessaries and refreshments.\n6. That there is no object in the affairs of the United States to which the aid of men and capital are more frequently or more easily derived from Europe than that of navigation.\n7. That such measures for the encouragement of our national shipping as will not injure our agriculture, by closing some vent for our produce or some inlet of supply may generally be deemed safe and expedient.\n8. That such measures as will favor our navigation, without encreasing the burdens upon foreign ships, will be less offensive to them and less likely to produce what are termed retaliating measures on their part, than those which while they operate only the same degree of benefit to our shipping, encrease the actual burden upon theirs.\n9. That it is better for our landed interest that we promote our navigation by decreasing the actual burdens on our own ships, than by laying equivalent additional burdens upon those of foreigners: because a duty on the vehicle, which transports our produce to market, whether that vehicle be a vessel or a waggon, or whether it be the property of a citizen or a foreigner is manifestly an equal deduction from the gross value of our productions.\n10. That for the last reason also it is as bad policy for an agricultural country to aim at drawing revenue from vessels as from farming waggons. This position however is not intended in the least degree to influence the question concerning the expediency of reasonable duties on foreign tonnage expressly to favor our own ships and without a view to revenue.\n11. That if the fund produced by this impost on foreign vessels (in the laying of which it is conceived no view to revenue should be had) is adequate to defraying the cost and charges of improvements and establishments for the promotion and accomodation of navigation, \u2019tis not consistent with the landholders interest to oblige the American shipping to contribute to it, more than it would be to make their waggons contribute to the ordinary expence of repairing the highways.\n12. That by encouraging our navigation in general by exempting it from every avoidable charge and burden, we lessen or remove the necessity and inducements to expensive and (often) deceptive bounties and premiums to encourage particular branches, from mere naval policy, and other measures of doubtful propriety.\n13. It is generally to be presumed that a branch of commerce, which has been known and pursued by a nation for several years and which still requires the aid of bounties is not worth following, as a trade, though considerations of policy may sometimes, yet very seldom, render it expedient to give it that assistance.\n14. That no foreign nation can be reasonably displeased with or consider itself as improperly treated by a general regulation the tendency of which is to produce the same effects upon their navigation or commerce, which their general or particular laws produce and are avowedly intended to produce upon ours.\n15. That the shipping of the United States (which is two thirds of the whole Tonnage employed by them) is, in co-operation with the shipping of any foreign nation adequate to the importation of many times the quantity of goods with which that nation supplies us.\n16. That if no prohibition to export, nor no new duty on tonnage is laid on foreign vessels they will be as well able to export our produce as now, and consequently no present vent or foreign market for it can be lost or diminished.\nIf the members of the legislature from the several parts of the union should not on examination dissent from the foregoing propositions, they may contribute to a concordance in accepting or rejecting the following\nMeasures for Encouraging the Navigation of the United States.\nI. To exempt American coasting vessels from the tonnage of six cents.\nII. To exempt American fishermen from the same. This class of traders are aided by heavy bounties by all our rivals. To relieve them from unnecessary charges appears therefore to be expedient on our part and seems to be safe and inoffensive.\nIII. To exempt American ships in the foreign trade from the tonnage of 6 cents.\nIV. To give such further aid to the fisheries as on consideration of the expected report of the Secretary of State shall be found expedient.\nV. To prohibit the interference of foreigners in our coasting trade, with an exception in favor of the cargoes they may have last brought in until they shall have sold and delivered them to a purchaser.\nVI. To confine the importation of goods to the ships of the nation making or producing them and our own.\nVII. To apply the surplus of the tonnage in building Lighthouses, Beacons, Buoys, public piers, dock yards, naval fortifications to be occupied also as naval hospitals, nautical schools and other measures that will give aid, and permanency to our navigation. If this idea were to be adopted by law the Tonnage of six cents would be less exceptionable, but its expediency would still be doubtful.\nVIII. The encouragement of the manufacture of ships, cordage, sail cloth, anchors, paints, brass and iron cannon, sheathing paper, sheet copper, composition metal to be used with copper in lieu of iron work, small arms of all kinds, gunpowder, &c.\nIX. The free importation of hemp, iron, wood and timber for the promotion of those manufactures and for the preservation of our magazines of\n   Treaty\n timber. The attaining of the right to cut and import mahogany, cedar and logwood from Honduras, Campeachy and the Musquito Shore is of consequence to our Shipbuilding in this view, and to our carrying trade; also the right to import Mahogany and Logwood from French St. Domingo.\nX. The encouragement of Manufactures in general will aid our Navigation, if we admit raw articles free of duty, such as cotton, copper, iron, hemp, &c. because our exports being much more bulky than our imports our Ships return often two thirds or half empty. By making raw articles free we could obtain a freight home out of those bulky commodities. New England would take iron always and hemp now from Russia; the middle and northern towns would take cotton from Bombay and Surat; and so of wool and other articles.\nXI. The junction of Chesapeake bay and Albemarle sound and that of Chesapeak and Delaware bays by canals and other improvements of the same nature, by substituting boats for waggons would add greatly to our nursery for seamen and consequently encourage navigation. Of the same nature will be the effect of the canal from the Virginia collieries to James River, as it will exceedingly promote the coasting trade in coal. This is found the most certain source of mariners on any sudden emergency in England.\nXII. A reduction of the Admiralty fees which are oppressive in private suits, and particularly in the little but frequent business of disputes about Seamen\u2019s wages.\nXIII. The abolition of the discrimination of 20 cents in favor of \u201crecorded vessels\u201d or vessels built in the United States but belonging to foreigners. This is a sacrifice of Navigation which wants aid, to the manufactory of ships which does not want it.\nXIV. Regulating the business of pilots throughout the United States.\nXV. The regulation of harbors throughout the United States.\nXVI. To guard against frauds in the ownership of vessels, by penalties on persons who shall have collusively held or shall have collusively transferred an American ship or without notice in a limited time after, by providing a power to call in registers occasionally, by the form of the oath of the Master, by the form of the oath of the owner, by obliging all the owners to swear to the register, by the forfeiture of the vessel, collusively held, to the use of the informer.\nXVII. The establishment of health offices in all our principal ports to avoid as far as may be prudent, the injurious and expensive delays of quarantines.\nXVIII. The exemption of professed mariners from militia duty, whether officers or common sailors.\nThe exemption of our own ships from the Tonnage of six cents will be favorable to our Agriculture, because, as hath been remarked it will be a diminution of the charges on carrying our productions to foreign markets. It is the more advisable in the foreign trade because the freight of a bushel of wheat, for example, to Europe is more than from most of the great corn countries of Europe to their principal foreign markets. Sicily for instance can supply all the ports in the South of France, and most of those in the South of Spain without going out of the Mediterranean, and can export to Cadiz, Lisbon, Bilboa, &c. at much less than an American freight. In the fisheries an exemption from the duty of six cents appears to be a small and very reasonable encouragement when compared with the great bounties extended to this branch of commerce by foreigners. The coasting trade appears plainly to be our principal nursery for Seamen. The licensed coasters being 113,000 Tons, will be found, with those under 20 Tons, to be more than our foreign traders; for if the American traders to foreign parts make on a medium three entries per annum then the duty on 363,000 Tons will appear to be paid by 121,000 Tons of vessels. As we have no foreign colonies, a very extensive sea coast, and an unexampled variety of productions, and as our wood boats will be gradually exchanged for colliers, it is plain that the coasting trade will be more important to us than any other branch of navigation and more valuable to the United States than to any other country in the world.\nBefore closing these remarks upon the abolition of the Tonnage of six cents it may be observed that the foreign Tonnage in one year preceding 30th. September 1790 was about 135,000 Dollars, and the light houses and other nautical establishments through the year 1790 have only required appropriations of 44,442 Dollars including the grant for building one of the best lighthouses that will exist, which grant is larger by one third than what proves requisite, and the finishing of that at Portland head.\nThe proposed regulation for confining importations to our own ships and those of the nation making or producing the commodities, must prove a very efficient measure. Let us examine its effects on any particular Nation, taken in combination with another regulation, viz. the addition of 10 per cent to the quantum of the duties on goods in foreign bottoms. Let the British shipping be the example. The confining clause will cut off from those vessels the importation of all China goods, all East India goods, all melasses, coffee, cocoa and other articles from the French West Indies, all coarse salts from all the world except the trifle from their West Indies, all goods from Amsterdam or Rotterdam, that is all goods from Holland, all french brandies, wines, fruits, &c. In short it will deprive them of all participation in the freight of our importations, except from their own dominions. The additional 10 per cent will operate against them upon all our importations from their dominions, except in one particular, viz. those from their insular and other colonies. The course of the business then, exhibited by figures, will be as follows.\nDollars\nLet the new duties under the present impost act be taken at  }\nIt is proved by the late return that near three fourths of\nthe goods imported have received the allowance of the\n10 per cent deduction, that is to say, there are imported in\nAmerican bottoms\u2014\u00be of 3,000,000 which deduct is\nThere will be imported then in foreign bottoms goods\nthat pay duty to the amount of\nOf these the English vessels would lose the following by\nthe confining clause\u2014 Teas, and other China and East\nIndia goods, wines, brandies, gin, arrack, foreign rum\nexcept their own, Dutch, Russian, French, German, and\nother dry or bale goods, coarse salt from Europe, melasses,\nforeign iron, cordage, hemp, and other articles of which\nthe duties will probably be one half of the above remainder;\nwhich deduct, say\nThere will remain Rum, coffee, sugar, fish &c. from the British colonies, and goods from Cuba, S. America and other foreign ports into which our vessels are not admitted, being less than one seventh of our imports.\nShould Great Britain complain of it, she may be told it is not aimed at her, for the terms of the act should be general\u2014that it is taken from her own existing laws\u2014and that we are ready to repeal our clause as it regards all our dominions, if they will repeal as generally.\nForeigners at present do but little in our coasting trade, but the encouragement of this branch of our navigation, that will arise from a prohibition, is still desirable. Whatever interference by foreigners does take place will be prevented. A safe principle of legislation will be adopted in our navigation system. The merchants and mariners of the United States will consider this branch as secured to them  exclusively, and will have more confidence to extend in it. Our coasting vessels being a moiety of our shipping and encreasing, those seamen whom we employ that are subjects of any foreign power with whom we may be at war, will be able to find a safer employment there, without leaving our service, than if they should go into our ships in foreign trades. This it will be perceived, must be a great advantage to us considering how many of our seamen are or have been subjects of Great Britain, the legal doctrines of that nation with regard to a subjects allegiance and the compulsion on and temptation to British sailors to enter on board their ships after capture. By emplying our own seamen in the foreign trade, these hazards will be so avoided, and a vacancy will be created into which the foreigners in our employ may be introduced.\nThe XVI article wants attention: There is no doubt but that many frauds are committed. Penalties might be inflicted, if a merchant, owning a vessel, and assuming to be a citizen of the United States, should be found exercising functions or pursuing objects or callings in a foreign country, which require or are accompanied with acknowledgment of a foreign allegiance. In such case or any other case of fraud in regard to the ownership of a vessel the person might be rendered liable to an action (or his property to Attachment) for reimbursement of the public dues, of which the pretended ownership had occasioned the United States to be deprived, and the vessel might be forefeited to the informer.\nShould the above two regulations [the 10 \u214c Cent additional and the confining clause] have the expected effect upon the inward voyage of foreign vessels, tis plain it must also affect us favorably in the competition for the carrying of our produce to foreign countries. It would decrease the sum of their benefits in the American voyage and thus prevent their being found here in the same numbers to interfere with our vessels in the transportation of our produce.\nWere France, Spain and Portugal to adopt the confining regulation the carrying trade of the world would sustain a considerable revolution, and, consequently, considerable effects would be produced upon the balance of naval power.\n   The public faith will require an adequate fund in lieu of that arising from these three sources, to be provided.\n   Enlarging on this head here, is deemed improper.\n   The coasters above 20 Tons appear to be 113,000 Tons.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0108", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Freneau, 5 March 1791\nFrom: Freneau, Philip\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNew York March 5th. 1791\nI did not receive the Letter you did me the honour to write till this day, and cannot sufficiently express my acknowledgements  for the offer you make me of occupying the place you mention, in your office.\nHaving been for sometime past engaged in endeavouring to establish a Weekly Gazette in Monmouth County, East Jersey, and having at present a prospect of succeeding in a tolerable Subscription, I find myself under the necessity of declining the acceptance of your generous unsollicited proposal, in Justice to my engagements with the people in the quarter of New Jersey above mentioned, and other patrons of my plan.\u2014I have the honour to be, Sir, with the highest respect, Your most obedient humble Servant,\nPhilip Freneau", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0109", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lewis Littlepage, 5 March 1791\nFrom: Littlepage, Lewis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis 5th: March. 1791.\nI take the liberty of writing to you to request that you would inform me, by the earliest opportunity, whether the President has ever recieved a letter which I wrote to him from Madrid, of the 25th: February 1790. I inclosed it by a private opportunity to the Marquis De La Fayette, who assures me it was forwarded in due time, but the reception has never been intimated to either him, or me, which, I own, occasions me great uneasiness, as the contents were of a most private and delicate nature, and (should the letter have fallen into other hands) might be infinitely prejudicial to me.\nYou may also have been informed by Mr. Carmichael that he had obtained a promise from me to make some political communications of a secret nature to the President, respecting the late contestations between the Courts of Madrid and London, in which, from very peculiar circumstances, I was personally, and deeply involved. I had even obtained an eventual permission from the King of Poland for that purpose, but as those communications could only be considered as a continuation of my letter of the date before mentioned to the President, to which no answer has been recieved, and as he may have motives for that silence which it would be presumptuous in me to attempt to penetrate, I conclude that it might be deemed equally so to intrude myself further upon his notice. All that I intreat to know, is whether the letter in question has been recieved, or not: in the first case I shall be easy as to future consequences; in the second I must make enquiries as to it\u2019s fate.\nThe political horizon in the North is still gloomy. Russia has corrupted the Divan, but the Sultan is still obstinate for prosecuting the war, and has lately been very pressing to know what are the final intentions of the King of Prussia, and even \u201cin what month he means to commence hostilities against Russia.\u201d The answer is defered until the British Cabinet can be consulted.\nYou know, I presume, that the Guarantee of Prussia, and the Maritime powers, her allies, is still the great obstacle to peace: Russia offers it upon the Statu Quo, but rejects all mediation or guarantee: the King of Prussia persuades Selim (and not without reason) that the existence of his Empire can never be secure, unless it makes part of the General System; and that if he concludes a separate peace, he may be again attacked upon the slightest occasion, or indeed, no occasion at all, without being entitled to the support of any European power.\nUpon the same principle the Court of Berlin presses the conclusion of the Alliance between Poland and the Porte, and even holds out the idea (which circumstances may realize) of a Confederation for preserving the peace and equilibrium of Europe, between England, Prussia, Holland, the Germanic League, Poland, the Ottoman Empire, and, perhaps, Sweden. The first preparatory step toward that system, was fixing the succession of Poland upon the Duke of Brunswic:\u2014that has failed:\u2014the second is an official ouverture lately made by the English Minister at Warsaw, for some commercial arrangements between Great Britain and Poland, in which Prussia is to be comprehended. I have besides reason to believe that, by this time, orders are really sent to the Polish Envoy at Constantinople to conclude the Treaty which has been so long in negociation.\nThe grand point in Polish politics, is the system of Hereditary Succession, and there still exists a strong party for establishing it, but so far with little prospect of success. The Elective Succession you know, is already settled upon the Elector of Saxony: the King of Sweden however is yet Quixote enough to aspire to it secretly, or rather is gulled by Russia, with the idea.\nYou are doubtless in need of no information upon the affairs of this country; I shall therefore only observe (as it is not yet public) that some uneasiness is excited both here and in Spain, by the suspicion that England means to send a fleet to the Mediterranean, not so much in the view of supporting the Turks as of forming an establishment for herself in the Archipellago.\nThe fact is, that it has been for some time very seriously  agitated in the British Cabinet, whether, in case of a rupture with Russia, it would not be more adviseable to assist the Turks directly by a fleet upon the Black Sea, than by sending one to the Baltic, where it can only cruise a few months, and, if the Russians chuse to remain in port, must return, like Caligula, with cockle-shells, by way of trophy;\u2014as you know Russia has no Convoys to intercept.\nReports of foreign invasion, and projects for a counter-Revolution, are daily circulated here. You may easily concieve that both parties occasionally make use of these political Bug-Bears:\u2014the Aristocrats, to keep up the spirit of their disponding party:\u2014the Democratical Cheifs, from the principle that public confidence is never so implicitly bestowed as in times of real, or supposed, danger.\nMy private affairs begin to assume a more promising aspect than they have done since the opening of the present Diet. The King has recalled me once more to Poland, and I shall set out in a few days by the way of Berlin, where I may continue some time. The Deputation for Foreign affairs in Poland have sanctioned all my ostensible transactions with the Court of Spain, and at the same time refuse to acknowledge the legality of my Mission. If obscurity may pass for depth in politics, you must allow that combination to be profound.\nI hope you will find a moment of leisure to write to me: if so be pleased to inclose your letter to Mr. Short, as by means of Mazzei, or the Polish Minister (who is now on his way here). He will always be able to convey it to me safely. In the mean time beleive me ever, with great respect, and the most sincere attachment, Dear Sir, your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nLewis Littlepage", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0110", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 5 March 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nMonticello March 5 1791.\nMr. Thompson the gentleman whom I mentioned last summer to you as a Candidate for a Consulship has applied to me again on the same subject by a letter which I inclose to you now. I will not repeat my desire that my representation may not have the least weight, as I know that it ought not, and of course am fully convinced that it will not. However as in this case perhaps the inquiry into the character of a candidate will aim principally to ascertain his Integrity and Industry of which every man ought to be a judge, it may not be improper for me to say something of Mr. Thompson. The reception he met with on his return to Madeira shews that he could not have been looked on unfavorably before he left that Island. He had resided there a considerable time and was concerned during the whole of it in a Mercantile house. His behaviour during his stay in Virginia was such as to gain the esteem of a great many genteel people who are very much interested in his success. From my Intercourse with him I am fully convinced that he is worthy of confidence and sincerely wish that he may not be disappointed.\nMy Father continues to press the purchase of Edgehill on me and shews so much eagerness to have the affair resumed, that I have not as yet given him a decisive answer, which must have been in the negative. If my circumstances admitted of it with the greatest ease, still my aversion to increase the number of my negroes would be an insurmountable objection. My desire to gratify my Father would induce me to attempt it if there was a prospect of my making myself whole, without employing slaves in the cultivation of the lands. It will be better I believe to confine my views to a small tract, just sufficient to supply me with provisions. Patsy agrees with me, but we both wish to be guided by you.\u2014I am Dear Sir your most obedt. & aff. Servt.,\nThomas M. Randolph junr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0112", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson, 6 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Mary\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nmarch 6\nAccording to my dear Papa\u2019s request I now set down to write. We were very uneasy for not having had a letter from you since six weeks till yesterday I received yours which I now answer. The marble Pedestal and a dressing table are come. Jenny is gone down with Mrs. Fleming who came here to see sister while she was sick. I suppose you have not received the letter in which Mr. Randolph desires you to name the child. We hope you will come to see us this summer therefore you must not disapoint us and I expect you want to see my little neice as much as you do any of us. We are all well and hope you are so too. Adieu dear Papa I am your affectionate daughter\nMary Jefferson\nP.S. My sister says I must tell you the child grows very fast.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0113", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 6 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSunday 6th. Mar: 1791\nThe P. would thank Mr. Jefferson for placing all, or such of the enclosed Papers (after he has perused them) in the hands of the Attorney General as he shall deem necessary for the purpose of drawing the several conveyances of the ceded Lands, or the form of one.\nFor the former, it is conceived farther information than the enclosures contain, is wanting.\u2014For the latter, the agreement, and perhaps the Plat to which it refers, is all that is necessary; but the plat referred to, does not apply to the subsequent purchases.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0115", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 8 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 8. 1791.\nA conveyance offering by which we can send large packets you will recieve herewith the following articles.\n1. \u2002The newspapers.\n2. \u2002The acts of the 2d. session of Congress.\n3. \u2002A report on the fisheries of the U.S. It is thought that this contains matter which may be usefully communicated. I am persuaded the better this subject is understood in France, the more they will see their interest in favouring our fisheries.\n4. \u2002A letter from the President to the King, of which an open copy is inclosed for your information.\n5. \u2002A letter from myself to the Count de Moustier in answer to his to the President and myself taking leave.\n6. \u2002A letter from myself to the President of the National assembly of France in answer to his to Congress on the death of Dr. Franklin. Let it be understood that Congress can only correspond through the Executive, whose organ in the case of foreign nations is the Secretary of state. The President of the U.S. being co-ordinate with Congress, cannot personally be their scribe.\n7. \u2002Some papers in a case interesting to Dr. McHenry of Baltimore. He at first sent them to me with a desire to commit the subject of them wholly to you. I informed him we could not consent that you should be used as the agent of private individuals, but that if he would provide an agent on the spot who would undertake the details of sollicitation, management, correspondence, &c. I would desire you to patronize the measure so far as you should find it prudent and just. It is put on this footing as you will see by his answer to me.\n8. \u2002A correction of the Report on weights and measures.\nYou are desired to have a medal of gold struck from the diplomatic die formerly ordered and present it with a chain of gold to the Count de Moustier who is notified that this will be done by you. I formerly informed you that we proposed to vary the worth of the present by varying the size of the links of the chain, which are fixed at 365 in number. Let each link in the present instance contain 6. livres worth of gold, and let it be made of plain wire, so that the value may be in the metal and not at all in the workmanship. I shall hope to recieve the dies themselves when a safe conveyance presents itself.\u2014I am with great esteem, Dear Sir Your friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0116", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Colley, 9 March 1791\nFrom: Colley, Nathaniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNorfolk March 9th. 1791\nI have Received your favour of the 9th. Feby with an Enclosd note of 70 Dollars which is Considerable above the Amount of the Account I sent to you as I never meant to Charge freight or Commission: and I Earnestly Entreat youll never think you give any trouble in Collecting any thing of the sort that you may want at any future time as I shall be always happy to be honourd with your Commands in that Respect or any other. I am a little surprisd to find that Captn. Anderson had not Arrivd when you Wrote me as he was to sail in a day or two after the Date of my Letter. I dont Recollect Whether I sent you a bill of Loading in the letter you have Received or by the Captain. But I have one with me Which I can send if any Accident has happend to the Vessel or the Captain Neglected to Call on you. I expect to sail tomorrow for Falmouth and orders if the Wether permits. I shall Esteem it a favour if youll please to Drop me a few lines at my Return to inform me Wheather you have Received the Tables and how they will answer. I am Dear Sir with Esteem your Most Obdt Hb St.,\nNathl Colley", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0117", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 9 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\nMy dear Maria\nPhiladelphia March 9. 1791.\nI am happy to have at length a letter of yours to answer, for that which you wrote to me Feb. 13. came to hand Feb. 28. I hope our correspondence will now be more regular, that you will be no more lazy, and I no more in the growls on that account. On the 27th. of February I saw blackbirds and Robinredbreasts and on the 7th. of this month I heard frogs for the first time this year. Have you noted the first appearance of these things at Monticello? I hope you have, and will continue to note every appearance animal and vegetable which indicates the approach of Spring, and will communicate them to me. By these means we shall be able to compare the climates of Philadelphia and Monticello. Tell me when you shall have peas &c. up, when every thing comes to table, when you shall have the first chickens hatched, when every kind of tree blossoms, or puts forth leaves, when each kind of flower blooms. Kiss your sister and niece for me, and present me affectionately to Mr. Randolph and Miss Jenny.\u2014Yours tenderly, my dear Maria.\nTh: J.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0118", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Potts, 9 March 1791\nFrom: Potts, Richard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMaryland Frederick Town 9 March 1791\nAgreeably to your request, I took the earliest opportunity of procuring for you a complete collection of all the Laws of this State, and forwarded them to you by Mr. Jeremiah Warder of Philadelphia, who was so obliging as to take charge of them at Annapolis and to assure me of his safely delivering them to you. Inclosed is the printers Account for them and receipt for the Price which may be reimbursed by an order, on the Collector at Baltimore.\n[I know of but one judicial decision that hath taken place in this State which was influenced by the treaty of peace, or to which  that applied, and in that Case the Judgment of the Court was in favour of the British Creditor. By a Law passed in this State in October session 1780, Chapter 5 Sect. 11, the debtors of british creditors under certain Circumstances were authorized to pay their debts into the State treasury, and such Payments were declared to be Payments of their Creditors. Very large Sums were paid into the treasury under that Law, and at the last General Court in Annapolis October Term 1790, in a Suit by Mr. Mildred against Mr. Edward Dorsey who in every particular had complied with that Law, and paid a considerable Sum into the Treasury in discharge of his Debt, the Court gave judgment in favour of the Creditor, for his debt and interest, except that Part of the interest that accrued during the War, for which period they decided that no Interest was recoverable. This determination was in the Case of a debt due by Bond executed before the War,] and took place so short a time before I left Annapolis that I had not an Opportunity of obtaining an official transcript of the Case.\u2014I know of no Laws or Acts of Government that have passed in this State which may certainly be considered as infractions of the treaty of peace. By a law passed at October Session 1780 Chap 45 all property in this State (debts only excepted) belonging to British subjects, was seised and confiscated to the use of this State. Some of this property remained unsold at the time of the treaty and several Laws have since passed for discovering british property, and directing Sales thereof, and under those Laws Some Sales have been made. To the confiscation Law and those passed since the treaty on the subject I refer you, the Latter are I believe the only Laws of this State that have in any manner been objected to as inconsistent with the Treaty, and will be found in November Session 1785. Chap 88 Sect 3, November 1788 Chap 49 Sect 2 and November 1789 Chap 47 Sect 19.\u2014I have the honour to be with great respect Sir Your most obedt & very humble Servt,\nRichard Potts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0119-0003", "content": "Title: I. Secretary of State to Juan Nepomuceno de Quesada, 10 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Quesada, Juan Nepomuceno de\nSir\nPhiladelphia, March 10th. 1791.\nWe have received with great Satisfaction, Notification of the Orders of his Catholic Majesty, not to permit that Persons held in Slavery within the United States, introduce themselves as free Persons into the Province of Florida. The known Justice of his Majesty and of his Government was a certain Dependence to us, that such would be his Will. The Assurances your Excellency has been pleased to give us of your friendly Dispositions, leave us no Doubt you will have faithfully executed a Regulation so essential to Harmony and Good neighborhood. As a Consequence of the same Principles of Justice and Friendship, we trust that your Excellency will permit, and aid the Recovery of Persons of the same Description, who have heretofore taken Refuge within your Government. The Bearer hereof James Seagrove Esqr. is authorized to wait on your Excellency to confer on this Subject, and to concur in such Arrangements as you shall approve for the Recovery of such Fugitives.\nI beg you to be assured that no Occasion shall be neglected of proving our Dispositions to reciprocate these Principles of Justice and Friendship, with the Subjects of his Catholic Majesty, and that you will be pleased to accept the Homage of those Sentiments of Respect and Esteem with which I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient & Most humble Servant\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0119-0004", "content": "Title: II. Secretary of State to Edward Telfair, 26 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Telfair, Edward\nSir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 26. 1791.\nYour favour of the 2d. of January was received the 4th. instant. The dispositions expressed by the Governour of Florida give reason to hope he will execute with good faith the orders of his sovereign to prevent the future reception within his province of slaves flying from the United States. How far he may think himself authorised to give up those who have taken refuge there heretofore is another question. I observe that the orders he announces to have recieved say nothing of the past. It is probable therefore that an application from us to give them retrospective effect, may require his asking new orders from his court. The delay which will necessarily attend the answer, the doubts what that answer may be, and, if what we wish, the facility of evading the execution if there be a disposition to evade it, are circumstances to be weighed beforehand, as well as the probable amount of the interest which it would be possible to recover. If this last be small, it may be questionable how far the government ought in prudence to commit itself by a demand of such dilatory and doubtful effect. As the President will be at Augusta in the course of the tour in which he is now engaged, you will have an opportunity of explaining to him the extent of the losses complained of, and how far they could probably be recovered, even were the dispositions of your neighbors favourable to the recovery, and what those dispositions may actually be. I have the honour to be with the most perfect respect your Excellency\u2019s most obedt. & most hble. servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0119-0005", "content": "Title: III. The President to James Seagrove, 20 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Seagrove, James\nSir,\nAugusta May 20th. 1791.\nThe confidence, which your character inclines me to place in you, has induced me to commit the enclosed letter, from the Secretary of State to Governor Quesada, and the negotiation which will be consequent thereon to your care and management. The letter which is under a flying seal, to be closed before it is delivered, will inform you of the import, and serve to instruct you in the mode of conducting the object of your mission\u2014delicate in its nature, it will require the greatest address and temper in its treatment\u2014nor must any proposition or declaration be made, which in its consequence might commit the government of the United States.\nThe enclosed copy of a letter, written by my direction, from the Secretary of State to the Governor of Georgia, which is now confidentially communicated to you, is another source, whence some information may be drawn\u2014but, as my ideas of your personal acquaintance with this business combined with my opinion of your character and talents to transact it, have determined me to appoint you, it is from your own knowledge, and the circumstances, which may arise, that you must decide on the best means to accomplish the negotiation.\u2014Your first care will be to arrest the farther reception of fugitive slaves, your next to obtain restitution of those slaves, who have fled to Florida, since the date of Governor Quesada\u2019s letter to Mr. Jefferson, notifying the orders of his catholic Majesty. And your last object, which may demand the greatest address, will be to give a retrospective force to the orders of the Court of Spain, beyond the date of that letter, and to procure the Governor\u2019s order for a general relinquishment of all fugitive slaves, who were the property of citizens of the United States. This last instruction will require peculiar delicacy, and must be entered on with caution and circumspection, or not be taken up at all, as appearances of compliance may justify the one or the other.\nIf your collectorate cannot furnish money to defray your Expences, in which you will observe due economy, and of which you will transmit an account to the Secretary of State, you will supply yourself from the Collector of Savannah. I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nG Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0119-0006", "content": "Title: IV. Thomas Jefferson to Harry Innes, 7 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Innes, Harry\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 7. 1791.\nYour favor of July 8. came to my hands Nov. 30. The infrequency of conveyances is an apology for this late answer. I receive with pleasure this recognition and renewal of our former acquaintance, and shall be happy to continue it by an exchange of epistolary communications. Your\u2019s to me will be always welcome; your first gives me information in the line of Natural history, and the second (not yet recieved) promises political news. The first is my passion, the last my duty, and therefore both desireable. I believe entirely with you that the remains of fortifications found in the Western country have been the works of the natives. Nothing I have ever yet heard of proves the existence of a nation here who knew the use of iron. I have never heard even of burnt bricks, tho they might be made without iron. The statue you have been so kind as to send me, and for which I beg you to accept my thanks, would, because of the hardness of the stone, be a better proof of the use of iron than I ever yet saw. But as it is a solitary fact, and possible to have been made with implements of stone and great patience, for which the Indians are remarkable, I consider it to have been so made. It is certainly the best piece of workmanship I ever saw from their hands. If the artist did not intend it, he has very happily hit on the representation of a woman in the first moments of parturition.\nMr. Brown, the bearer of this, will give you the Congressional news, some good, some so so, like every thing else in this world. Our endeavors the last year to punish your enemies have had an unfortunate issue. The federal council has yet to learn by experience, what experience has long ago taught us in Virginia, that rank and file fighting will not do against Indians. I hope this years experiment will be made in a more auspicious form. Will it not be possible for you to bring Genl. Clarke forward? I know the greatness of his mind, and am the more mortified at the cause which obscures it. Had not this unhappily taken place there was nothing he might not have hoped: could it be surmounted, his lost ground might yet be recovered. No man alive rated him higher than I did, and would again were he to become again what I knew him. We are made to hope he is engaged in writing the account of his expeditions North of Ohio. They will be valuable morsels of history, and will justify to the world those who have told them how great he was.\u2014Mr. Brown will tell you also that we are not  inattentive to the interests of your navigation. Nothing short of actual rupture is omitted. What it\u2019s effect will be we cannot yet fore-tell; but we should not stop even here, were a favourable conjuncture to arise. The move we have now made must bring the matter to issue. I can assure you of the most determined zeal of our chief magistrate in this business, and I trust mine will not be doubted so far as it can be of any avail. The nail will be driven as far as it will go peaceably, and farther the moment that circumstances become favorable. I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0119-0007", "content": "Title: V. The President to the Secretary of State, [10 March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThursday 3 Oclock [10 March 1791]\nThe P. has given the enclosed letters an attentive reading and consideration, and has found nothing in them but what is just, and in the hands of a prudent user proper; but at the end of the words of the letter to Mr. C \u201cthis wrong\u201d 2d. page 10th. line may it not be well to add\u2014\u201cyet with that prudence and circumspection which will not commit the Government to the necessity of proceeding to extremity\u201d\u2014And may not the expression of the last page be too strong for events and the interest of this Country?\u2014reconsider them.\nGW.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0119-0008", "content": "Title: VI. Secretary of State to William Carmichael, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carmichael, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia March 12th. 1791\nI enclose you a statement of the case of Joseph Ste. Marie a citizen of the United States of America, whose clerk Mr. Swimmer  was, in the latter part of the year 1787, seized on the Eastern side of the Mississippi, in latitude 34\u00b0-40\u2019, together with his goods, of the value of 1980 dollars, by a party of Spanish soldiers.\u2014They justified themselves under the order of a Mr. Valliere their officer, who avowed authority from the Governor of New Orleans, requiring him to seize and confiscate all property found on either side of the Missisippi below the mouth of the Ohio.\u2014 The matter being then carried by Ste. Marie before the Governor of New Orleans, instead of correcting the injury, he avowed the Act and it\u2019s principle, and pretended orders from his Court for this and more. We have so much confidence however in the moderation and friendship of the Court of Madrid, that we are more ready to ascribe this outrage to Officers acting at a distance, than to orders from a just sovereign. We have hitherto considered the delivery of the post of the Natchez on the part of Spain, as only awaiting the result of those arrangements which have been under amicable discussion between us; but the remaining in possession of a post, which is so near our limit of 31.\u00b0 as to admit some colour of doubt whether it be on our side or theirs, is one thing, while it is a very different one to launch 250 miles further, and seize the persons and property of our citizens; and that too in the very moment that a friendly accommodation of all differences is under discussion. Our respect for their candour and good faith does not permit us to doubt that proper notice will be taken of the presumption of their Officer, who has thus put to hazard the peace of both Nations; and we particularly expect that indemnification will be made to the individual injured. On this you are desired to insist in the most friendly terms, but with that earnestness and perseverance which the complexion of this wrong requires. The papers enclosed will explain the reasons of the delay which has intervened. It is but lately they have been put into the hands of our Government.\nWe cannot omit this occasion of urging on the Court of Madrid the necessity of hastening a final acknowledgment of our right to navigate the Missisippi: a right which has been long suspended in exercise, with extreme inconvenience on our part, merely with a desire of reconciling Spain to what it is impossible for us to relinquish. An accident at this day, like that now complained of, would put further parley beyond our power; yet to such accidents we are every day exposed by the irregularities of their officers, and the impatience of our citizens. Should any spark kindle these dispositions of our borderers into a flame, we are involved beyond  recall by the eternal principles of justice to our citizens, which we will never abandon. In such an event, Spain cannot possibly gain, and what may she not lose?\nThe boldness of this act of the Governor of New Orleans and of his avowal of it, renders it essential to us to understand the Court of Spain on this subject. You will therefore avail yourself of the earliest occasions of obtaining their sentiments, and of communicating them to us.\nI have the honor to be with great Esteem, Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0119-0010", "content": "Title: VII. Secretary of State to William Short, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia March 12th. 1791\nThe enclosed papers will explain to you a Case which imminently endangers the peace of the United States with Spain. It is not  indeed of recent date, but it is recently laid before Government and is of so bold a feature as to render dangerous to our Rights a further acquiescence in their Suspension. The middle ground held by France between us and Spain, both in friendship and interest, requires that we should communicate with her with the fullest confidence on this occasion. I therefore enclose you a copy of my letter to Mr. Carmichael and of the papers it refers to, to be communicated to Monsieur de Montmorin, whose efficacious interference with the Court of Madrid you are desired to ask.\u2014We rely with great confidence on his friendship, justice and influence. A cession of the navigation of the Missisippi and with such privileges as to make it useful and free from future chicane, can be no longer dispensed with on our part: and perhaps while I am writing, something may have already happened to cut off this appeal to friendly accommodation. To what consequences such an event would lead, cannot be calculated. To such very possibly as we should lament without being able to controul. Your earnestness with Monsieur de Montmorin, and his with the Court of Spain, cannot be more pressing than the present situation and temper of this country requires. The case of St. Marie happens to be the incident presenting itself in the moment when the general question must otherwise have been brought forward. We rely on this occasion on the good Offices of the M. de la Fayette, whom you are desired to interest in it.\nI am with sincere and great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0119-0012", "content": "Title: IX. The President to the Secretary of State, 19 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMarch 19th. 1791.\nThe President concurs with the Secretary of State in opinion that, circumstances make it advisable to commit Mr. Short and the Marqs. de la Fayette to press in a discreet manner our Settlement with the Court of Spain on a broader bottom than merely that of the case of Ste. Marie, and authorises him to take measures accordingly.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0119-0013", "content": "Title: X. Secretary of State to William Short, 19 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 19. 1791.\nYour letter of Nov. 6. No. 46 by Mr. Osmont came to hand yesterday and I have just time before the departure of Mr. Terrasson the bearer of my letter of the 15th. inst. and dispatches accompanying it, to acknowlege the receipt, and inform you that it has been laid before the President. On consideration of the circumstance  stated in the 2d. page of your letter, he is of opinion that it is expedient to press at this moment our difference with Spain to a settlement. You are therefore desired, instead of confining your application for the interference of the court of France to the simple case of Ste. Marie, mentioned in my letter of the 15th. to ask it on the broad bottom of general necessity that our right of navigating the Miss[issip]i be at length ceded by the court of Madrid, and be ceded in such form as to render the exercise of it efficacious and free from chicane. This cannot be without an entrepot in some convenient port of the river where the river and sea craft may meet and exchange loads without any controul from the laws of the Spanish government. This subject was so fully developed to you in my letter of that I shall at present only refer to that. We wish you to communicate this matter fully to the M. de la Fayette, to ask his influence and assistance, assuring him that a settlement of this matter is become indispensable to us, any further delay exposing our peace both at home and abroad to accidents the result of which are incalculable and must no longer be hazarded. His friendly interposition on this occasion, as well as that of his nation will be most sensibly felt by us. To his discretion therefore and yours we confide this matter, trusting that you will so conduct it as to obtain our right in an efficacious form, and at the same time to preserve to us the friendship of France and Spain the latter of which we value much, and the former infinitely. Mr. Carmichael is instructed to press this matter at Madrid, yet if the Marquis and yourself think it could be better effected at Paris with the count de Nu\u00f1nez it is left to you to endeavor to draw it there. Indeed we believe it would be more likely to be settled there than at Madrid, or here. Observe always that to accept the navigation of the river without an entrepot would be perfectly useless, and that an entrepot, if trammeled, would be a certain instrument for bringing on war instead of preventing it.\u2014I am with sincere and great esteem Dear Sir &c.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0120", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 11 March 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe Hague, 11 Mch. 1791. Nothing decisive has taken place since his last. The return of spring will tell whether there will be war between Russia and Prussia. The enemies of the latter desire it out of resentment; and the enemies of despotism in general desire it also, in the hope of seeing the two powers weaken themselves. He speaks of the public voice, not that of diplomacy which, especially today, one cannot know what it says, much less what it will say.\n\u201cO fortun\u00e9s les Citoyens des Etats-Unis, qui n\u2019ont ni oligarchie, ni hi\u00e9rarchie \u00e0 combattre, ni ob\u00e9issance passive, ni fanatisme, ni esprit de corps, ni d\u2019autres funestes principes \u00e0 d\u00e9raciner, ni d\u2019autre politique \u00e0 employer que celle de l\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9 naturelle et de l\u2019honn\u00eatet\u00e9 mutuelle! Dieu les conserve, avec ceux que leur coeur a choisi et choisira pour \u00eatre les p\u00e8res de la patrie!\u201d\nThe populace and the great, magistrates and others, coaches, horses, and footmen celebrated the 8th of March, each according to his fashion. On the 30th the temples, by supreme command, will withhold acts of grace for the State blessed as a republic. The Bank of Amsterdam has with difficulty kept itself above par. Commerce languishes there. Loans to Russia amount to 30 millions and are well credited because she pays precisely at the time stipulated. And this causes visible pain to the partisans of her rival here.\n[P. S.] A childish fad has just arrived from England and fascinates the young males and females of a certain class, called \u201cJoujou de Normandie\u201d and consisting of two small discs joined with a peg at the center around which a cord rolls and unrolls as the performer in the streets, in coaches, &c., causes it to extend itself and return \u201cen tout sens le joujou.\u201d The Prince of Wales, they say, is the coryphaeus, being able to keep three joujous going at once with his two hands and his mouth, even on horseback. They are sold here at every price according to the value of the materials from which they are made. He concedes that this silliness is unworthy TJ\u2019s attention.\nP. S. of the 16th. Some informed and trustworthy people have assured him in great confidence that the disaffection among the bourgeoisie at Bois-le-Duc, sustained by a party of the Regency and by all of lowland Brabant, is at its peak and only awaits a spark to explode. The same flame is brooding under the cinders in Friesland and  Overyssel.\u2014The court of Vienna continues to make strong complaints against the government\u2019s conduct respecting the Belgian troubles. This causes much embarrassment here and they carefully hide it from the public.\u2014The probability of the pacification of Chistovo descends from one Ordinary to another.\u2014Those of Strasbourg have just elected a professor of their university as bishop.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0121", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 11 March 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam, March 11. 1791\nA letter which I received by the last post from my Secretary in Paris informs me that the national assembly have changed their decree with respect to the American oils imported into France. On the representation of the committees they have reduced the duty from 12.\u20b6 to 6.\u20b6 the quintal. I do not find this circumstance mentioned in the journals of the assembly, but he gives it to me as having that moment received it from the member of the diplomatic committee who was most instrumental in obtaining the reduction and who desired him to communicate it to me. The committee were for some time determined to propose the reduction to 8.\u20b6 only. The secretary whom I left at Paris urged the reduction to 6.\u20b6 with so much force that he at length prevailed on them to risk it. Their greatest objection was the fear of its not passing in the assembly, and that the aversion of the members to change any of their decrees together with so considerable a reduction would defeat the plan altogether. I can have no doubt that this reduction has been decreed, from the manner in which it is communicated to me, still I should have been better satisfied if it had not been omitted in the journal.\u2014The committees calculate that the internal duties hitherto paid on oils and to which the American were subject (independent of the duty of 11.\u20b65. the barrel on entering the kingdom) were upwards of 5.\u20b6 the quintal. By the arret du conseil, the duty would have been at present  only 7.\u20b610. the barrel of 500\u2114. Still the 6\u20b6 being in lieu of all other duties is considered as giving greater facilities to the importation of the American oils than they would have had under the former Government.\nI received also by the last post an account of some alterations made by the assembly in their decree concerning the importation of tobacco. It is confined to French vessels and those of the country where it is made, except that from the Levant which can be imported in French vessels only. With respect to that made in the United States it must be brought immediately from thence to France. The difference of duty on the article imported in French or foreign vessels remains as when I last wrote to you viz. 6.\u20b65s. the quintal. The ports at which foreign tobacco is allowed to be entered are very numerous as well in the Atlantic as the Mediterranean and indeed are all where any American vessel would wish to go.\nI am making use of the same means to get changed that part of the decree that makes so great a difference between French and American vessels, which I did with respect to the oils. I have long ceased however even attempting to conjecture what the assembly will do in any case. There are many arguments to be used for inducing them to put the vessels of the two nations on the same footing. The objection however which will be constantly made will be the foreign tonnage to which their vessels are subjected with us. They will insist probably on making a similar difference in their ports, but as I am sure that they were surprized into the fixing a difference which exceeds the value of the freight I have some hopes of inducing them to lower it.\nScenes of disorder and riot are exhibited from time to time in Paris of the most alarming kind. The departure of the King\u2019s aunts is one of the pretexts. It is not yet known here whether they have been allowed to quit the kingdom. The repairing of the chateau de Vincennes in order to transport there some of those confined in the different prisons of Paris, gave rise lately to a mob which threatened bloodshed between the rioters and the garde nationale. At the same time a number of persons either totally unknown or known as enemies to the present order of things entered in crowds into the King\u2019s appartments. It being found that they had arms concealed under their clothes, they were disarmed, and some of them arrested. The reason they give for their conduct is a desire to defend the King whom they supposed in danger in that moment of disorder. It is probable that was the true cause,  but many suspect an intention in them to make use of that moment for carrying off the King to some other part of the Kingdom or perhaps out of it.\u2014Such scenes must be expected so long as the present anarchy continues; and it is certain that the assembly either from inability or design do nothing to prevent it.\nThe Bishop of Spire, one of those foreign princes who suffers by the decrees of the national assembly has refused absolutely to enter into negotiation for an indemnity. The manner in which he has answered the propositions of the minister of France would induce a belief that he counts on being well supported. This however will probably depend on circumstances. The disorders of France may in time beget so much internal discontent as to invite foreign interference, but I cannot think that they would have any thing of that sort to fear if their government were properly organised or order restored. Even the greatest enemies of the revolution wish now for peace and personal security at the expence of the sacrifices they have been obliged to make.\nThe preparations for defense which the court of Petersburg are now making with much activity, shew that they expect an attack in the north both by land and sea. As yet the scene is not sufficiently unfolded to give a perfect idea of who will be the principal actors. It is said that Denmark insists on being allowed to observe a perfect neutrality and that the urgent applications of England and Prussia have not been sufficient to change their system.\nAn object of serious negotiation at present is to induce Poland to yield Dantzick to Prussia. There are many difficulties in the way, but they will probably be removed by the influence of England. The inducement held out to Poland is to obtain by this means such a reduction of the transit duties paid to Prussia as to enable them to rivalize Russia in the exportation of naval stores.\nI am now signing the obligations as fast as I receive them from the notary who is slow beyond all idea. As soon as they are finished which will be the day after to morrow I shall set out for Paris. I beg you to be persuaded of the sentiments of attachment and respect with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir, Your most obedient & Most humble servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0123", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Blount, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Blount, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 12. 1791.\nI am honoured with your favour of Feb. 17. as I had been before with that of Nov. 26. both of which have been laid before the President.\nWithin a few days the printing the laws of the 3d. session of Congress will be compleated, and they shall be forwarded to you the moment they are so.\nAs the census of all the rest of the union will be taken in the course of this summer, and will not be taken again under ten years, it is thought extremely desireable that that of your government should be taken also, and arranged under the same classes as prescribed by the act of Congress for the general census. Yet that act has not required it in your territory, nor provided for any expence which might attend it. As, however, you have sheriffs who will be traversing their districts for other purposes, it is referred to you to consider whether the taking the census on the general plan, could not be added to their other duties, and, as it would  give scarcely any additional trouble, whether it would require any additional reward, or more than some incidental accomodation or advantage, which perhaps it might be in your power to throw in their way. The returns by the sheriffs should be regularly authenticated, first by themselves, and then by you, and the whole sent here as early in the course of the summer as practicable. I have the honour to be with very great esteem & respect, Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0124", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 12. 1791.\nThe President has thought proper to appoint Colo. David Humphreys, minister Resident for the U.S. at the court of Lisbon, with a salary of 4500. dollars a year, and an outfit equal to a year\u2019s salary. Besides this, by a standing regulation, he will be allowed his disbursements for gazettes transmitted here, translating and printing papers where that shall be necessary, postage, couriers, and necessary aids to poor American sailors. An opportunity occurring, by a vessel sailing for Lisbon within a few days, to send him his commission, I shall be obliged to you to enable me to convey to him at the same time the means of recieving his outfit in the first instance, and his salary and disbursements above described in quarterly paiments, afterwards.\nAn act of Congress having authorised the President to take measures for procuring a recognition of our treaty from the new Emperor of Marocco, arrangements for that purpose have been decided. The act allows 20,000 Dollars for this object, but not more than 13,000 Dollars will be called for in the first instance, if at all, and these, or the means of drawing for them not till six weeks hence. I thought it proper however to apprise you of the call at the earliest day possible, and while the President is here, and to ask your attention to it. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0125", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel L. Hylton, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Hylton, Daniel L.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, Virginia, 12 Mch. 1791. TJ\u2019s of the 1st received three days ago. Has inquired name of vessel and captain carrying vis-\u00e0-vis and finds she was forced to go to New York because the Delaware was closed. Bill of lading for vis-\u00e0-vis is enclosed; he hopes it has arrived safe and in good order. Not till three days ago could he ship TJ\u2019s tobacco, the merchants having generally engaged the vessels to carry wheat before they got to Richmond. Encloses receipt and invoice for 13 hhds. shipped on Union, Captain Toulson; he hopes these \u201carrive safe and to a good Market.\u201d The whole of TJ\u2019s order would have been shipped had the tobacco been down. Inspectors could not provide information TJ wished about quality and origin of tobacco, but private marks given by government for each hogshead will presumably enable TJ to identify its plantation. He appends note of shipping costs, which TJ can pay by bank note or any other convenient way. Remainder of 20 hhds. will be shipped when it comes down unless TJ advises otherwise. \u201cMrs. Hylton Unites with me in wishing you every happiness.\u201d P.S. Union left Rockett\u2019s yesterday; did not write by her as this will arrive before she does. Bill of lading for vis-\u00e0-vis not sent by this post, the person who shipped it being \u201cout of the way\u201d; he thinks that person said the captain\u2019s name was Towles.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0126", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 12 March 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam March 12. 1791.\nI mentioned to you in my letter of yesterday sent by the way of England, the reduction made by the assembly in the duty on oils. The post which arrived last night, after the departure of that letter, brought a journal which contained the decree. It is so concise as to oils that it would appear to me obscure if I did not find that the secretary whom I left at Paris considers it as a substitution for the duty of 12.\u20b6 formerly fixed by the assembly. The decree is as follows, copied literally from the journal.\n\u201cSur le rapport fait par M. Vernier le decret suivant est rendu. Les toiles de chanvre et de lin, importees de l\u2019etranger, seront assujetties au droit de 70.\u20b6 le quintal.\nCelles import\u00e9es par terre de la Flandre Autrichienne, et de l\u2019Allemagne seront assujetties au droit de 36.\u20b6 le quintal. Et les toiles blanches \u00e0 45.\u20b6 Le droit sur les huiles et savons sera de 6.\u20b6\u201d\nThe report probably explains this decree so as to shew that the 6.\u20b6 are meant to be the only duty paid by American oils and on entering the Kingdom, and that the American are the only foreign oils permitted, agreeably to the late decree which excluded the others.\nWith respect to tobacco, as the decree stands at present it is permitted to be imported by sea only from the U.S., the Spanish colonies, the Ukraine, and the Levant. From the three first in either French Ships, or those of the U.S. Spain, or Russia respectively according to the place of its growth. From the Levant in French ships alone. The difference of the duty paid on tobacco imported in national or foreign vessels 6.\u20b65. the quintal. I am endeavoring as I have mentioned in my late letters to get the American vessels put on the same footing with the French as to this article. As I am sure it was not their intention to make this difference greater than the original price of the freight I have hopes of getting them at least to reduce it, perhaps to abolish it (the difference) altogether. This will be the more difficult however on account of the foreign tonnage to which their vessels are subjected in our ports.\nI find that the assembly have decreed (upon the proposition of their committee of commerce to whom they had referred the question for deciding what vessels should be deemed French) \u201cqu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019avenir les vaisseaux de construction etrangere seront prohib\u00e9s.\u201d They referred at the same time to their committees of commerce and marine some exceptions in favour of merchants who under late laws had purchased vessels of foreign construction, and of foreign fishermen who should come to settle in France.\u2014This is with a view to the Nantucket men.\nThe Dutch are much alarmed by these proceedings. They had already considered themselves particularly injured by the decree which excluded their tobacco and of course their shipping quoad hoc. I find that the article of tobacco grown in this country is much more considerable both as to quantity and value than I had supposed it. It was used principally in the French manufactures.\u2014The Prussian tobacco is excluded also by the late decree. Its quantity and value exported to France was inconsiderable; but the exclusion going to Holland and Prussia shews that the present system of politics adopted by those two countries, had an influence in it.\nThe reporter of the committee of domains sent me a note by the last post to tell me that the several committees to whom had  been referred his former report for the abolition of the droit d\u2019aubaine in the French foreign possessions, had all agreed in it, and that he should make their joint report as soon as an opportunity presented itself. As long as there are hopes of this abolition taking place of themselves, I shall withold any application. In this I conform to your idea, which is rendered the more proper by the present jealousy with which the assembly view our access to their islands, and their desire to embarass it as much as possible.\nIn my letter, private, of Dec. 29. I sent you my several accounts. Among the copies which I kept I do not find that as charg\u00e9 des affaires. It is possible therefore that the original may have been omitted also. For greater certainty I have made it out again and send it inclosed. It is settled up to July 1, 1790, agreeably to your desire. I find the copy of the account in detail of the two articles making 537.\u20b69. Of course the original was sent with my private of Dec. 29. to which also I beg leave again to refer you for the article which follows of \u0192.665.12.\nThis letter will be sent by an American ship which is here and will contain one for the Secretary of the Treasury. The bonds are signed and I leave this place to-morrow for Paris. When there I shall be better able to judge of the real situation of the affairs of that country. At present I can not do better than to send you the following extract of a letter received from the Secretary whom I left at Paris. I have already told you that he is a man much to be relied on and enjoying fully the confidence of M. de la fayette. I must add also that he is in general subject to be easily alarmed and of course that some allowance must be made for that disposition in the writer. The letter is dated March 7. 91.\n\u201cLes journ\u00e9es sont orageuses. Jamais les partis n\u2019ont eu un d\u00e9veloppement si violent. Depuis leur derniere avanture (the entering armed into the King\u2019s appartments as mentioned in my last) les aristocrates sont dans une fureur qu\u2019ils ne cherchent point \u00e0 dissimuler. L\u2019interieur des Thuilleries est en combustion. Les Jacobins et 89 (two clubs composed of the popular part of the assembly) se livrent un combat \u00e0 mort. Pendant ce tems l\u00e0 on a de justes allarmes sur les rives du Rhin. Un courier arriv\u00e9 hier m\u2019apprend qu\u2019il y a un corps de 5000 hommes rassembl\u00e9 en Souabe pr\u00e8s Basle, que l\u2019on recrute \u00e0 force chez le Margrave de Bade, qu\u2019\u00e0 Carlsruhe et Worms on ne parle que d\u2019invasion, que Cobourg annonce ouvertement qu\u2019il va commander une arm\u00e9e, que toute l\u2019Alsace se defie de plusieurs des commandants militaires, et que l\u2019ennemi entretient des correspondances allarmantes et  presque \u00e0 d\u00e9couvert avec les factieux de l\u2019interieur. Les insurrections les plus violentes menacent ici, nous ne pourrons \u00e9viter une explosion ces jours-ci et elle pourra \u00eatre terrible. S\u2019il se fait une invasion, on ne peut prevoir combien de t\u00eates tomberont. M. de la fayette est maintenant en bonne posture, mais l\u2019assassinat le menace de tous les c\u00f4t\u00e9s. Jacobins et Aristocrates dechainent contre lui tous leurs coupes-jarrets. Dans l\u2019affaire de Vincennes (mentioned in my last) il a pens\u00e9 deux fois \u00eatre tu\u00e9.\u201d\nTwo persons have been arrested in Alsace recruiting troops for what they call l\u2019arm\u00e9e des Princes. It becomes every day more probable that the discontented joined by whatever troops they can collect, will enter France and seize on some frontier place. The object will be probably merely to feel the pulse of the people and to retire if they find it unsafe to advance. In such a case much is to be apprehended for the Queen\u2019s life. After such a calamitous scene, should it take place, it is impossible to say what would be the denouement, but certainly terrible.\nI recieved advice a few days past only of the exequatur on the consular commissions for Bordeaux, Marseilles and Havre being at length obtained. The difficulty proceeded from the suppression of the place of Grand Admiral.\nMr. Skipwith wrote to me from Martinique in Sep. last to desire I would take measures for procuring an exequatur also for him. His letter came lately to my hands. He says the consular convention is unknown to the public officers there and that they can give him no information of the steps he should take to be properly recognized. I mentioned to you in my letters from Paris, the conversations which I had had with M. de Montmorin and Rayneval on this subject. I hope I shall ere long hear from you in consequence of what I then said. It would have been useless to have forced a decision at that moment. The whole turns on the explanation of the word Etats du Roi. I wish to know how far you desire the interpretation you mention to be insisted on, and when. I am persuaded that the assembly in their present disposition with respect to our access to their islands, would not hesitate by a decree to abolish the convention if the word Colonies had been inserted. When their government becomes organised so as to subject them to some kind of responsability to public opinion it will be otherwise.\nI find here that some merchants of Baltimore in conjunction with an house here have sent vessels to the French islands with cargoes which they intend to vest in sugars to be sent immediately here. One, or more, of these vessels is expected here daily. It will increase  the jealousy and ill humour which already exist in the national assembly towards us on this subject.\nI inclose you a letter from one of the American captives at Algiers. I know nothing further on their subject and have no information with respect to the ransom mentioned therein. I observe by the newspapers, that the bankers have received here that you have made a report to Congress on this subject, but as they did not recieve the report with their other papers I know nothing respecting it.\nThe last letter which I have had the honor of recieving from you, except a short one by Mr. Donald, was dated Sep. 30. As it answered one which accompanied my No. 33. I take it for granted it was recieved also. From that number I am as yet without knowlege of any written since being recieved. This circumstance makes me fear that many of them must have miscarried. I beg you to be persuaded of the sentiments of attachment & respect with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0128", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Donald, 13 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Donald, Andrew\nSir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 13. 1791.\nI have recieved your favour of Feb. 15. 1791. Of the many others you say you have written, none have ever come to hand but  that of1790. which finding me at New York, it was impossible for me to answer it till I could return to Virginia where all my papers were. On my return there, I wrote you an answer dated [7 Nov. 1790] and, as you had not informed me where to address the letter to you, I governed myself by a newspaper advertisement and addressed it to you at Osborne\u2019s. Not knowing what else to do with the present, I shall inclose it to Mr. Brown of Richmond, presuming he will know where you are to be found. I inclose you a copy of my former letter, which contains an answer to so much of yours of Feb. 15. as relates to my own account. As to Mr. Wayles\u2019s, Mr. Eppes of Chesterfeild is the only acting executor, my absence and avocations putting it out of my power to interfere in the affairs of the estate, otherwise than by paying my quota of any debts acknowleged and assumed by Mr. Eppes. I am Sir Your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0129", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Innes, 13 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Innes, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 13. 1791.\nYour favour of Feb. 20. came to my hands only four days ago, and I have taken the first moment in my power to prepare my answer, which I now inclose. It is in fact a copy of what I had prepared while in Virginia, when I had the subject under contemplation, except that some useless asperities are rubbed off. I am in hopes either Mr. G. Carr, or Mr. Anderson of Richmond has given you a copy of my opinions of June 20. 1783. and Sep. 28. 1790. wherein I have cited the cases upon which I ground my defence for my nephew. I consider that of Powis & Corbet 3 Tr[acy] Atk[yns] 556. as establishing a rule of construction peculiarly applicable to our case and decisive of it.\nWhat is said with you of the most prominent proceedings of the last Congress? The disapprobation of the assumption with you leads us naturally to attend to your reception of laws for carrying it into effect, which have been thought to present themselves in  an unfavourable view.\u2014What will be thought of measures taken for forcing Gr. Britain, by a navigation act, to come forward in fair treaty, and let us substantially into her islands, as a price for the advantages in navigation and commerce which she now derives from us? This is interesting to our agriculture provided the means adopted be sufficiently gradual. I wish you would come forward to the federal legislature and give your assistance on a larger scale than that on which you are acting at present. I am satisfied you could render essential service, and I have such confidence in the purity of your republicanism, that I know your efforts would go in a right direction. Zeal and talents added to the republican scale will do no harm in Congress. It is fortunate that our first executive magistrate is purely and zealously republican. We cannot expect all his successors to be so, and therefore should avail ourselves of the present day to establish principles and examples which may fence us against future heresies preached now, to be practised hereafter. I repeat my wish that I could see you come into the federal councils; no man living joining more confidence in your principles and talents to higher personal esteem than Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0130-0002", "content": "Title: I. Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 13 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nTh: J. to J. M.\nWhat say you to taking a wade into the country at noon? It will be pleasant above head at least. The party to finish by dining here. Information that Colo. Beckwith is coming to be an inmate with you, and I presume not a desireable one, encourages me to make a proposition, which I did not venture as long as you had your agreeable Congressional society about you, that is, to come and take a bed and plate with me. I have 4. rooms of which any one is at your service. Three of them are up two pair of stairs, the other on the ground floor, and can be in readiness to recieve you in 24 hours. Let me intreat you, my dear Sir, to do it, if it be not disagreeable to you. To me it will be a relief from a solitude of which I have too much: and it may lessen your repugnance to be assured it will not increase my expences an atom. When I get my library open you will often find a convenience in being close at hand to it. The approaching season will render this situation more agreeable than 5th. street, and even in the winter you will find it not disagreeable. Let me have I beseech you a favorable answer to both propositions.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0133", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Currie, 14 March 1791\nFrom: Currie, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 14 Mch. 1791. Introducing his particular friend Col. [John] Hamilton, British consul in Virginia, \u201cwho with his Lady and pleasing female friend Miss Coxe are on their way to Philadelphia.\u201d\nRelying on TJ\u2019s friendship, he takes liberty of enclosing two bills of exchange of John Tayloe Griffin drawn on Richard Potter of Philadelphia. \u201cAfter they have been presented by you or under your Auspices (for which I have a very particular reason and which shall be afterwards properly explained to you) I shall be glad and particularly obliged to you to be informed immediately of the result.\u201d He has paid and cancelled TJ\u2019s note to Colo. Braxton. P.S. The letter of advice from Griffin to Potter promised for tonight will come by next post \u201cas the Gentleman has sailed to Night.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0134", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 14 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Francis\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 14. 1791.\nYour favor of the 6th. came to hand two days ago. I heartily congratulate you on the success of your sale. It will determine me to make a decisive stroke in the same way next winter. I will banish the idea of making two bites at a cherry. I had desired Mr. Lewis to give Dobson an order on Wilson for about \u00a3160 of the money in his hands, which with Bannister\u2019s debt I supposed would pay off Dobson. As the balance, over and above the \u00a3100 received, of Bannister\u2019s will much about replace what you have advanced of Mr. Wayles\u2019s money to Dobson, is that balance likely to come in time to answer the purposes of Mr. Wayles\u2019s administration? If it is, it will be a convenience to me to continue the appropriation I had made: if not, I will write to Mr. Lewis to make provision for reimbursement in another way.\u2014I have ordered a specimen of my tobo. to be brought here, and have hopes of a very advantageous sale, if the quality suits, as seems probable. In that case I shall order the whole here, and it will completely cover Hanson\u2019s and Lyles\u2019s demands of this year.\u2014I am now in readiness to receive Jack, and should have written to you sooner, but that the President had asked me to go with him as far as Georgetown to assist in what he has to do there. In that case I should have proposed to Jack either to meet me there, or at Monticello, to which I had a thought of making a flying trip. Other business however, supervening, detains me here: so that the sooner Jack can now come the better. He had better not bring a servant from Virginia, as he will be sure to leave him immediately. I am in hopes you will  signify to me your general views and wishes with respect to his future destination, that I may guide his studies accordingly. He will come I presume in the stage, and land at the tavern where that stops. There he will be directed to find me in Market street No. 274. Present me most affectionately to Mrs. Eppes. How or when I am to see her next, god knows. She seems to consider herself as immoveable; and my visits to Virginia being annual, my horses fatigued by the time I get there, and needing rest for their return, and my time short, stand much in the way of seeing her at Eppington. However I must hope that the one side or the other will be able to step aside from their system. I love to persuade myself she will retain dispositions to do it. My love to all the young people, and to those of Horsdumonde when you have an opportunity. The President will return probably through that neighborhood in May or June. Perhaps he may beat up their quarters. I am Dear Sir with great & sincere esteem Your affectionate friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0135", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 14 March 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nMonticello March 14. 1791.\nAltho the letter carrier between Charlottesville and Richmond is continued in his employment, the conveyance is extremely irregular. He has no fixed day of departure from his own habitation which is about 15 miles from Charlotteslle. but sets out as it suits him on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, and keeps the letters in his hands frequently 3 days after his return. When the Weather is bad he sometimes misses a week and even 2 or 3 as in December last, if it should be inconvenient to him to perform the journey. I am afraid it will be difficult to establish it on a better footing as there are few of those by whose contribution the expence must be defrayed, who ever think of the advantages of a ready and certain communication.\u2014I am extremely anxious to attempt a determination of the question concerning the Opossum and have begun to make preparations for it. I have had the Wolf which you saw, at Monticello sometime and have just sent it down the country to a gentleman who promises to exert himself in endeavoring to procure the Hybrid animal between it and the common Dog. It is by no means untractable, is extremely fond of  being caressed and provokes attention by the same arts as a Spaniel. It is maintained allmost entirely on vegetable food and from its feeding readily and heartily on Persimons, appears not to be entirely carnivorous in its wild state. It wants alltogether the Bark of the Dog and has much less command over its tail which points out a difference in the muscles of those parts. It was extremely shy of approaching cows or horses, paid no attention to calves or hogs but was very eager and alert in the pursuit of fowls, which places it in point of boldness and rapacity much below the European Wolf. As soon as we have procured a litter of Mongrels, I shall attempt to investigate the anatomical distinctions between it and the dog, if I should not be able to get another before.\nI have begun to keep a Diary and endeavor to render it more complete by inserting Zoological and Botanical observations.\nThe satisfaction I feel at a new instance of your kindness is heightened by the anticipation of the pleasure I shall receive from the perusal of Buffon and the Encyclop\u00e9die.\nPatsy and Polly are in very good health, and the little one increases rapidly in size and strength. Patsy\u2019s plan of nurture, when not opposed by Mrs. Flemings prejudices, has corresponded nearly with Dr. Gregories from the first. Now it is brought as near as possible.\nWe are in hopes that a flying trip from Georgetown will give us the pleasure of your company at least for a few days. I am Dear Sir your aff. & obedt. Servt.,\nThomas Mann Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0136", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, 14 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Wythe, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 14. 1791.\nI am really ashamed to be so late in acknowleging the reciept of your favor of Jan. 10. which came to hand the 2d. of February. But during the session of Congress the throng of business was such as to oblige me to suspend all my private correspondence. Their recess now enables me to resume them.\n  I think the allusion to the story of Sisamnes in Mr. West\u2019s design is a happy one: and, were it not presumption for me  to judge him, I should suppose that parties pleading before a judge must animate the scene greatly. Usage seems to justify the naming the state on the exergon, tho the emblems are, as they should be, so peculiar as to explain the country to which the design belongs, to those acquainted with it. But your seal may go to those who know nothing but the name of the country. The term \u2018commonwealth\u2019 distinguishing the stile of the three great members of our union (Massachusets, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) from that of the smaller ones, which call themselves \u2018states,\u2019 it may not be amiss to change the word \u2018state\u2019 into \u2018commonwealth\u2019 in the exergon.\u2014I have enquired into the shops of mathematical instruments here: they are but two, very illy furnished, and very dear. They ask a clear profit of 50. percent on their articles purchased in London. And as you may get them thence within two months as soon as from hence, I presume you will prefer it. Should you think otherwise I offer my services to execute your commission which it will give me pleasure to do. Supposing that a glance of the eye over some of the tables of the inclosed report may give you a moment\u2019s amusement, I inclose you one, together with a corrected sheet of that on weights and measures. I am with the most cordial esteem & respect Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0137-0004", "content": "Title: III. The Secretary of State to William Carmichael, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carmichael, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia. Mar. 17. 1791.\nThe term of the first Congress having expired on the 3d. inst. they separated on that day, much important business being necessarily postponed. New elections have taken place for the most part, and very few changes made. This is one of many proofs that the proceedings of the new government have given general satisfaction. Some acts indeed have produced local discontents; but these can never be avoided. The new Congress will meet on the 4th. Monday of October. Inclosed is the copy of an act reported by a committee to the late Congress, who not having time to go through the subject, referred it to me, to be examined and reported to the next Congress. This measure therefore will be proposed to them as a first and immediate step, and perhaps something further at a more distant day. I have sent copies of this act to Mr. Short and Colo. Humphreys and I inclose this to you, that you may communicate it to the court of Madrid as a measure in contemplation with us. How far such an one may be politic to be adopted by Spain, France and Portugal, is for them to consider. The measure is perfectly innocent as to all nations except those, or rather that, which has a navigation act; and to that it retorts only it\u2019s own principles. Being founded in universal reciprocity, it is impossible it should excite a single complaint. It\u2019s consequences on that nation are such as they cannot avoid; for either they must repeal their navigation act, in order to be let in to a share of foreign carriage, or the shipping they now employ in foreign carriage will be out of employ, and this act frustrated on which their naval power is built.  Consequently that power will be reduced within safer limits, and the freedom of the ocean be better secured to all the world. The more extensive the adoption of this measure is, the more irresistable will be it\u2019s effect. We would not wish to be declared the exciters of such a concert of measures, but we have thought it expedient to suggest informally to the courts of France Spain and Portugal the measure we propose to take, and to leave with them to decide, on the motives of their own interest, how far it may be expedient for them to adopt a similar measure. Their concurrence will more compleatly ensure the object of our act, and therefore I leave it to yourself to insinuate it with all the discretion and effect you can.\nYour letter of May 6. 1789. is still the last we have recieved, and that is now near two years old. A letter from Colo. Humphreys written within 24. hours after his arrival at Madrid reached us within two months and 10. days after it\u2019s date. A full explanation of the causes of this suspension of all information from you, is expected in answer to my letter of Aug. 6. It will be waited for yet a reasonable time, and in the mean while a final opinion suspended. By the first vessel to Cadiz the laws and gazettes shall be forwarded. I have the honour to be with great esteem Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0138", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Swan, 16 March 1791\nFrom: Swan, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 16 Mch. 1791. Requested by Littlepage to forward enclosed letter \u201cby a safe opportunity,\u201d he has delivered it to a passenger in a Philadelphia ship and hopes it arrives \u201cin Season.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0140", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Notes respecting Tobacco, 16 March 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: \nI. The Culture is pernicious\n(a) This Plant greatly exhausts the Soil, of Course it requires much Manure; therefore other Productions are deprived of Manure yielding no Nourishment for Cattle there is no Return for the Manure expended.\n(b) The Produce is not of equivalent Value. In Virginia it is calculated that Wheat at 4/ is a better Article than Tobacco at 20/. In that Country the Land yields better Tobacco and less Wheat than the Land of France. There is besides a considerable Land Carriage and five Bushels of Wheat weigh three Times as much as a hundred of Tobacco being also of more than five Times the Bulk consequently the Cost of Transportation is much greater. But waving these it would follow that if Wheat be at 5\u20b6 for 60\u2114. in France Tobacco should sell for 25\u20b6 at least; but it is presumed that the free Culture admitted, that Price will not be obtained.\nII. It is impolitic\n(a) A Fact well established in the System of Agriculture is that the best Hemp and the best Tobacco grow on the same Kind of Soil. The former Article is of first Necessity to the Commerce and Marine in other Words to the Wealth and Protection of the Country. The latter never useful and sometimes pernicious derives its Estimation from Caprice, and its Value from the Taxes to which it was formerly exposed. The Preference to be given will result from a Comparison of them.\n(b) Hemp employs in it\u2019s rudest State more Labor than Tobacco, but being a Material for Manufactures of various Sorts becomes afterwards the Means of Support to Numbers of People hence it is to be preferred in a populous Country.\n(c) America imports Hemp and will continue to do so and also sundry Articles made of Hemp, such as Cordage Sail Cloth Drilling Linnen and Stockings: supposing therefore that France had more of it than is needful for her own Consumption, she might find an useful Commerce of Exchange for the Tobacco she consumes.\nIII. It is dangerous\n(a) The Calculation is not exact that because a given Surface will produce a certain Quantity of this Article, therefore  no more than such given Surface is deducted from the Culture of Grain. It requires ten Times as much Manure to produce good Tobacco as it does to produce good Wheat. The Straw of Wheat supports Cattle in the Winter hence it follows that the Subsistence both in Bread and in Flesh must be greatly dimin[ished].\n(b) Supposing that in general there should be no Want of Subsistence yet in one unfavorable Season this Want might be very great And if as we have seen there should be a considerable Deficit of Grain even without that Cause of Scarcity, what might it not be when the Subsistence of a Million or even Half a Million should be habitually deducted from the Mass. At least one Weeks Subsistence for all France.\n(c) Supposing that an unfavorable Season should happen in a Time of War when a Necessity of vast Magazines on the Frontiers should be felt on the one Side, and the Impractacability of introducing Grain from abroad on the other.\nIV. The Revenue cannot safely be dispensed with\n(a) The Expectation that the Duty can yield any Thing when the Culture is permitted is visionary, and the Emolument to be expected from a Regie is equally vain. Hence a Deficit in the Sum on which the Calculations of Finance have been formed.\n(b) A Revenue which in the new Order of Things might be carried to 48.000.000\u20b6 and which is now anihilated, must necessarily fall on the Land, because if replaced by any other indirect Tax, it is clear that such indirect Tax might (with it) be brought to the Releif of the Impot fonciere.\n(c) With all due Submission to Messieurs les \u0153conomistes, the Land Tax is that which however wise in Theory must in Practice be either illusory or oppressive. If the Peasant either cannot provide Money before Hand, or has not the prudence to keep it, when the Tax Gatherer comes he cannot pay. If his Excuse is accepted once he will for the next Time provide another Excuse which is of easier Coinage than Money. Of Course no Collection. If his Excuse be not accepted the forced Sale of his Property makes the Tax fall much more heavily than any indirect Tax ever did. The Peasant is ruined.\n(d) Admitting the exact Collection of the Impot fonciere it must necessarily either ruin the Farmer or encrease the Price of his Productions, that is the Price of Subsistence, that is the Price of Labor, that is the Price of Manufactures, that is the Object of commercial Competetion with other Countries. Hereby the rich, as in Poland, may be cheaply luxurious but the poor will be miserable and the Land be depopulated.\n(e) In a Comparison of their future and former Situation (a Comparison which will be made by the People of France) the Greivance of direct Taxation will go a great Way to disgust  them with the Revolution. Les visites domiciliares however disagreable to Men of fine Feelings are Nothing in the Peasant Mind when compared to the Sale of the Family Cow. The Cry of Starving Infants is more piercing than the rudest Insult of a Commis.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0141", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 16 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 16. 1791.\nYour private letter of June 5. by Dr. Bancroft came to hand Feb. 12. that of Oct. 25. was received Jan. 27. and that of Dec. 23. four days ago. If in consequence of my former letters Petit cannot be prevailed on to come, I will beg the favour of you to enquire about Mde. de Corny\u2019s Maitre d\u2019Hotel, who I know understood his business well, and if she considers his character as an honest one, and reasonably frugal in his management, I can rely on her judgment and her friendship to me. In that case if he will come for moderate wages, say three or four Louis a month I to feed him, lodge him, and pay his passage, I shall be glad to recieve him. But he must come immediately. Should he propose and make a sine qua non of my paying his passage back again to Havre, if he chuses to return, immediately on leaving my service, it is to be agreed to, provided he stays with me two or three years at least. If he will not come and you can send another of whose skill and honesty you can be satisfied, you will oblige me. If they are not tied up to Diligence money only to the port of embarcation, and passage money across the sea, they may by sea-stores, sea-clothes and the lord knows what make that part of the business very heavy. I leave the whole to your discretion and friendship, as to person, character and terms, assured you will do better governing yourself according to circumstances.\u2014Pray get me by some means or other a compleat set of Piranesi\u2019s drawings of the Pantheon, and especially the correct design for it\u2019s restoration as proposed by I forget whom, which was not executed, and of which I have heard you speak. I wish to render them useful in the public buildings  now to be begun at Georgetown. To this I wish Frouill\u00e9 would add Desgodetz\u2019s antient buildings of Rome. I must on another occasion open a correspondence with him to send me the books I may want, and have their amount remitted to him once a year. I mention this book now as immediately wanting and as a good opportunity may occur for sending it.\nNo decision is taken yet with respect to the missions either of France or Holland. The less they are pressed, the better for your wishes as the President will know you more and more himself. To overdo a thing with him is to undo it. I am steering the best I can for you. The excessive unpopularity of the excise and bank bills in the south [will] I apprehend produce a stand against the federal government. In this case the public paper will tumble precipitately. I wish there was someone here authorized to take out yours because if the danger does not take place or passes easily he could buy in again to advantage. Indeed you could not do better than subscribe it into the bank where you cannot recieve less than 6 per cent and may perhaps recieve ten. Very particular reasons prohibit me from acting for you in this way. By no means appoint anybody of the Treasury. I am my dear Sir Your sincere friend & servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0142", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Brown, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Brown, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 17. 1791.\nYour favor of Mar. 11. was received yesterday. You will pardon me if I adhere to the price of my tobacco, because I know that I am justified in it\u2019s quality established for at least fifty years back. You will have observed that Capt. Woodford had ensured @ \u00a311. sterl. the hhd. so that I could have had \u00a312. sterl. for it at the time had I sold it in Virginia; less than I could have sold it for in the country then, I cannot consent to take nor do I believe it ever sold for so little in London. The account will stand thus:\nThos. Adams in account with Th: Jefferson\n1771. July 19. By goods as stated by\n1772. Jan. 28. By do. sent by\n      July.    To 4. hhds. tobo.\n1773.          To pd. W. T. Lewis by your\n8. year\u2019s interest as proposed by Mr. B.     5-17-4\nIf you think proper to settle the matter thus I will, by return of the post which brings me your letter, send you post notes for 91. Dol. 20 cents the equivalent in our money. It is as unexpected to me that I owe a copper on this account, as to you that I do not owe the whole debt; and it is my firm expectation that the tobacco, if sold by itself, must have paid the whole debt because of it\u2019s quality, and because no [demand, after a lapse of 18. or 19. years has ever come from Mr. Adams, Perkins Buchanan & Brown, or any person in possession of the books. If the price for the tobo. before stated does not meet your approbation, I can get from Richmond a certificate from the books of the merchant who bought the residue of my crop the same year, of the rate at which he paid me for it. This method of proving the value never occurred to me before, and will produce but a short delay. I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\n Th: Jefferson]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0143", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Lamb, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lamb, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 17. 1791.\nSince the reciept of your favor of Feb. 17. two paper packages from New York have been left here, containing newspaper and pamphlets. I was not at home and therefore do not know whether they were those committed to Capt. Bayley, and which were the subject of your letter. Should any others come, containing dutiable articles you may be assured of information of it from Sir Your very humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0144", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Adam Lindsay, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lindsay, Adam\nSir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 17. 1791.\nYour favor of the 4th. inst. has been duly recieved, as also the box you were so kind as to take care of and send hither. It was from Mr. W. Nelson and containd books for public use. Accept my thanks for your attention to it.\nYour friendly offer of service at Norfolk induces me to trespass on you by asking the favor of you to procure for me about 100\u2114 of myrtle wax candles, which I understood were made in quantities in your neighborhood. Could they be had of about 4. or 5. to the pound it would be preferable; however, provided they be moulded, the size will not be essentially regarded. I think they have a method of improving the green colour by putting a bit of brass into the wax when melted. The post which brings me your letter informing me that you have been able to procure this article for me, and stating the amount, shall carry you post-bills on the collector for repaiment: the candles to be forwarded by sea to this place. Your favor herein will much oblige Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0145", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 17 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 17.\nYour favours of Feb. 8. and 21. have both come to hand. The former not till 4. or 5. days ago. I am made happy by learning that my daughter is so well as also the little stranger. According to your desire expressed in the letter first mentioned, tho\u2019 last recieved, I take the liberty of proposing for her the name of Anne, a name which must be very dear to you, and belongs also to Patsy\u2019s family of both sides.\u2014The President had desired I should go with him as far as George town, to assist in what he has to do there. In that case I should have taken a flying trip to Monticello. Some matters however have supervened which require my remaining here. I have no hope therefore of seeing you till autumn.\u2014I am in hopes my tobacco is getting down from Bedford to Richmond. I expect every day to recieve the 20. hhds. ordered some time ago from the latter place, and have every reason to expect a great price. The moment it\u2019s quality is examined and approved, I shall write to Richmond to have the whole sent on except that part which was burnt, the injured or inferior tobacco not answering here. The President sets out on the 21st. to the Southward, to wit, Richmd. Charlestown, Savannah, Augusta. Present my best affections to the girls. I am with great & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0146", "content": "Title: Estimate of Expenses on the Foreign Fund, 1790\u20131791, 18 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nDoll.\nFrance.\nCharg\u00e9 des affaires. His Salary\nHis Secretary during his absence in Holland. about 4. months.\nAbout\nHis expences on that Journey\nAbout\nDol.\nGazettes, postage & other Extras.\nAbout\nSpain.\nCharg\u00e9 des affaires. His Salary\n\u2007\u2007Extras.\nPortugal.\nSpecial agent from Aug. 11. 1790. to Feb. 21. 1791. @ Dol. 2250 per ann.\n\u2007\u2007Extras.\nAbout\nResident. His Outfit\n\u2007\u2007Salary from Feb. 21. to July 1.\n\u2007\u2007Extras.\nAbout\nHague.\nAgent. His salary\n\u2007\u2007Extras.\nAbout\nLondon.\nMr. Morris\u2019s agency\nMr. Cutting\u2019s disbursements\nForeign ministers taking leave. Medals. to wit\n\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007Luzerne\nAbout\n\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007Van Berkel\nAbout\n\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007Du Moustier.\nAbout\nConsuls.\nReimbursements to them.\nAbout\nProbable demands on the Marocco fund.\nDol.\nPresents on recognition of the treaty\nlimited to\n\u2007\u2007Agent. A year\u2019s salary\n\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007Sea expences going & coming\nAbout", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0147", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Harvie, Jr., 19 March 1791\nFrom: Harvie, John, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 19 Mch. 1791. Forwards enclosed letter under cover to TJ \u201cas the most favorable opportunity of procuring it the quickest Conveyance to the Gentleman to whom it is addess\u2019d. It is my answer to many Enquirys he has made as to his Civil and Religious Rights if he comes amongst us, but more particularly the Situation of some Western Lands that he has purchas\u2019d of an English Merchant at the price of more than twenty thousand pounds sterling, in which purchase he has been most Grossly Impos\u2019d on. He mentions his Intention of coming over this Spring with his family and a number of Tenants to Settle those Lands. It may probably be a happy Circumstance to him if my Letter reaches his hands before he leaves France. I have also thought it my Duty to Warn others through him of the danger they run of great Imposition in becomeing the purchasers of those American Lands that are now offering for sale at most parts of Europe. About a week past I had the pleasure of spending a day at Monticello. Your daughters were both well. Miss Polly much Grown since I before saw her, and Mrs. Randolph much delighted with the Sweet little Stranger that she show\u2019d me.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0148", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Rittenhouse, 19 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Rittenhouse, David\nDear Sir\nSaturday. Mar. 19. 1791.\nI have to regret that having rode into the country yesterday afternoon, I did not return till it was too late either to take tea with you, or to go to the society, where I should have been pleased to hear Mr. Barton\u2019s paper read. Will you be so good as to express to him my regrets?\nI send for your acceptance some sheets of drawing-paper, which being laid off in squares representing feet, or what you please, saves the necessity of using the rule and dividers in all rectangular draughts and those whose angles have their sines and co-sines in the proportion of any integral numbers. Using a black lead pencil the lines are very visible, and easily effaced with Indian rubber to be used for any other draught. I am Dear Sir Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0151", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 20 March 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMarch 20th. 1791\nI have for some time entertained an opinion that it would be an useful Service to the United States to demonstrate to every man of Candor in the British Nation the very great errors and deviations from fact, which are to be found in Lord Sheffields pamphlet. I have also believed that it would inspire confidence in the minds of our countrymen, and of the foreign nations, who are in alliance with us, if it could be shewn that the British nation have not that Monopoly de facto in our Trade which is too generally supposed. I have commenced a small attempt of that nature, a copy of which I do myself the honor to inclose you, and if the duties of my office permit it, I mean to add a couple of numbers more. I trust that the truths, which will be contained in these papers, will create some serious reflexions in the mind of every American, who wants confidence in the independent resources of this Country and I hope it will evince to Englishmen themselves that they have exceedingly miscalculated with regard to the United States in some essential particulars. You will perceive, Sir, that there is a studious attention to a dispassionate Manner, which I deemed the more necessary as it might become known that the papers were written by a person in a public Situation.\nFrom a disinclination to avoid the Gazette I have given this, as I shall any future numbers, to the Editor of the Museum who  has sent me a few copies. In troubling you with one of them I am influenced as well by a Sense of duty as by the perfect respect with which I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nTench Coxe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0152", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 20 March 1791\nFrom: Jones, John Paul\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis March 20. 1791.\nOn my return from Russia to Amsterdam in December 1789. I wrote to several Gentlemen in America, particularly to the Vice President and to Mr. Secy. Thomson, enclosing some evidence of the treatment I met with in Russia. I wrote at the same time to the President enclosing a Letter from the Count de Segur. Messrs. Staphorsts & Hubbard undertook to forward my Packets by a Ship then ready to sail for Philadelphia, called the Pennsylvania Packet John Earl master; but though that Ship arrived safe, I have not to this hour received a single line in answer.\nI need not express to you the pleasure I receive from your Acceptance of the honorable and high Station of Secretary of State for Domestic and Foreign Affairs. I felicitate our Country on having wisely confided her interests to such worthy and Able Hands; but it gives me Pain that so unadequate a provision has been made for doing the Honors incumbent on a first Minister of a Nation of such resources as America, and I wish that matter may soon be changed to your satisfaction.\nAs it has been and still is my first wish and my highest ambition to shew myself worthy of the flattering marks of esteem with which I have been honored by my Country, I think it my duty to lay before you, both as my particular Friend and as a Public Minister, the Papers I now enclose relative to my connexion with Russia, viz.\u2014Three Pieces dated at St. Petersburg and signed by the Count de Segur\u2014A Letter from me dated at Paris last Summer and sent to the Prince de Potemkin\u2014and a Letter from me to the Empress dated a few Days ago, enclosing eleven Pieces as numbered in Margin. I have selected those testimonies from a great variety of perhaps still stronger Proofs in my Hands; but though the Baron de Grimm has undertaken to transmit, to her Imperial  Majesty\u2019s own Hands, my last Packet, I shall not be surprised if I should find myself constrained to withdraw from the Russian Service and to publish my Journal of the Campaign I commanded: in that Case I hope to prove to the World that my Operations not only saved Cherson and Crimea, but decided the Fate of the War.\nChevalier Littlepage, now here on his way from Spain to the North, has promised me a Letter to you on my subject; which I presume will shew you the meanness and absurdity of the intrigues that were practiced for my persecution at St. Petersburg. I did not myself comprehend all the blackness of that Business before he came here and related to me the information he received from a Gentleman of high Rank in the Diplomatic, with whom he travelled in company from Madrid to Paris. That Gentleman had long resided in a public character at the Court of St. Petersburg, and was there all the time of the pitiful complot against me; which was conducted by a little Great Man behind the Curtin. The unequalled reception with which I had, at first, been honored by the Empress had been extremely mortifying and painful to the English at St. Petersburg; and the Courtier just mentioned (finding that Politics had taken a turn far more allarming than he had expected at the beginning of the War) wishing to sooth the Court of London into a Pacific humour, found no first step so expedient as that of sacrificing me!\u2014But, instead of producing the effect he wished, this base conduct, on which he pretended to ground a conciliation, rather widened the Political breech, and made him dispised by the English Minister, by the English Cabinet and by the Gentleman who related the Secret to Chevr. Littlepage.\nI have the honor to enclose Copys of my three last Official Letters to the Count de Bernstorff, with that Minister\u2019s Answer, dated before I left Copenhagen; and a Letter I received last Year in Holland from the Baron de la Houze, Minister of France at Copenhagen. These may be useful in taking your Ultimate determination on the Danish Business. But I must further inform you, that a few days after my arrival from Denmark at St. Petersburg, I received from the Danish Minister at that Court, a Letter under the Seal of the Count de Bernstorff; which having opened I found to be a Patent from the King of Denmark in the following terms: \u201cAyant des raisons pour vouloir donnez des preuves de notre bienveuillance au Chevalier Paul-Jones Chef d\u2019Escadre de la Marine des Etats-Unis de l\u2019Amerique, et desirant Surtout lui prouver notre estime \u00e0 cause des justes egards qu\u2019il a temoignes pour le Pavillon Danois pendant qu\u2019il a command\u00e9 dans les Mers du Nord: Nous  lui assurons d\u00e8s \u00e0 present et pour sa Vie durant annuellement la Somme de Quenze Cent Ec\u00fbs argent de Dannemarc, a toucher ici \u00e0 Copenhague sans retenue quelconque.\u201d The day before I left the Court of Copenhagen, the Prince Royal had desired to speak with me in his Appartment. His Royal Highness was extremely Polite and after saying many civil things he said he hoped I was satisfyed with the attentions that had been shewn to me since my Arrival and that the King would wish to give me some mark of his esteem. \u201cIl n\u2019ai jamais eu l\u2019honneur de rendre quelque Service \u00e0 sa Majest\u00e9.[\u201d]\u2014[\u201c] Cela ne fait rien. Un Homme comme vous doit faire exception aux regles ordinnaires: vous vous etes montrez on ne peut pas plus delicat a l\u2019egard de notre Pavillon, et toute le monde vous aiment ici.\u201d I took leave without further explaination.\u2014I have felt myself in an embarrassing Situation on Account of the King\u2019s Patent, and I have as yet made no Use of it, though three years are nearly elapsed since I received it. I wished to consult you, but when I understood that you would not return to Europe I consulted Mr. Short and Mr. G. Morris; who both gave me as their opinion that I might with propriety accept the advantage offered. I have in consequence determined to draw for the Sum due; and I think you will not disapprove of this step, as it can by no means weaken the Claim of the United-States, but rather the contrary.\nYou will observe that the Empress of Russia has decorated me with the great Order of St. Ann; and as I have appeared with that Order ever since I must beg the favor of you to obtain and transmit to me as soon as possible the proper authority of the United-States for my retaining that Honor. You are sensible that I did not accept the Offer of her Imperial Majesty with a view to detach myself from the Service of America, but that I have done my utmost to fulfil the intention of Congress in sending me last to Europe to \u201cacquire that degree of Knowledge which may hereafter render me more extensively useful.\u201d I have in some measure, by my experience and observation, effected the object of my pursuit; though I confess I have still much to learn, and wish to embrace the first occasion to embark in the French Fleet of Evolution.\nI have not yet, since my return here, appeared at this Court; but the Marquis de la Fayette will shortly conduct me to the King, when I shall present my Journal of the American War, with the Letter of which I am bearer, from the United-States.\nI reserve for my return to America, to produce to the United States a full and unquestionable evidence, signed by the grand Pensioner, that my conduct in 1779 drew the United-Netherlands  into the War. This is saying enough to a Man of your information; for it would be superfluous to enumerate the Advantages that thence resulted to America\u2014particularly the great event which took place under your own Eyes, and which could not have happened if Holland had remained a neutral Power.\nI am much obliged to you for the trouble you took in forwarding, before you left Europe, the Busts I had promised to different Gentlemen in America. Having lately received a Letter from Mr. Burton a former member of Congress with whom I had the honor of being acquainted at New York, requesting my Bust in behalf of the State of North-Carolina I have ordered Mr. Houdan to prepare and forward it by the first Ship from Havre de Grace for Philadelphia; and as that Bust will be decorated with the Order of St. Ann on the American Uniform, this is one Reason for my wishing to be authorized by the United-States to wear that Order. Mr. Burton desires me to forward the Bust to the care of Colo. Ashe; but as that Gentleman may perhaps have left Congress before the Bust arrives I shall take the liberty to address it to you, requesting you to deliver it to the North-Carolina delegates, who will be so good as to forward it to the Governor of that State.\nI continue to be sensibly affected by the situation of our poor Country men at Algiers: the more so as I learn indirectly from the Pyrate, now here, who took the greatest part of them, that if they are not very soon redeemed they will be treated with no more lenity than is shewn to other Slaves. He told this to Chevalier Littlepage, who repeated it to me.\u2014I have the honor to be, with great esteem & respect Dear Sir Your affectionate & very humble Servant,\nJ Paul Jones\nMy address is under cover to Monsieur Grand.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0153", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Maxwell, 20 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Maxwell, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 20. 1791.\nI took the liberty of asking you to send me at the proper season 3. or 4. casks of the best Hughes\u2019s crab cyder, either in casks or bottles as you should think best. As I presume we are now in the proper season for removing it, I shall be in hopes of recieving it soon. Having been disappointed in getting some cyder of a very good kind from Jersey, if you should have found any that is very good, I should be glad to have the quantity made up to half a dozen casks, either in casks or bottles, as you shall judge best. On knowing the amount, the return of the same post shall carry you a post bill for it.\nHaving heard nothing of the arrival of the half a dozen boxes of furniture which I had desired to be forwarded to Mr. James Brown merchant at Richmond, I will beg the favour of you to inform me whether they are gone forward.\u2014I am with great esteem Dr. Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0154", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Playfair, 20 March 1791\nFrom: Playfair, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 20 Mch. 1791. Introducing the bearer, M. de Collaney, who goes to America to take possession of Scioto lands he has just acquired. He bears a letter in English and a statement in French which will explain the liberty taken in introducing him to TJ. As no letter arrives from Scioto and as the families of those who have parents there are given great anxiety because they suspect letters are stopped, M. de Collaney wishes to find a house in Philadelphia to which letters back and forth may be confided with confidence. Since he has never been to America and the persons to whom he has written about the Scioto affair do not answer, he begs TJ point out to him some mercantile houses which may be depended upon. This would be the greatest possible service he could render to himself and to \u201cune multitude de fran\u00e7ais.\u201d\u2014To avoid imposing on TJ\u2019s precious time, he refers him to the letter in English.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0155", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Playfair, 20 March 1791\nFrom: Playfair, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nParis 20th March 1791\nI hope that you will pardon the liberty which I am about to take in writing to you on a subject with which you have not any immediate  concern but the Unacountableness of the situation in which I find myself and the Peace of so many individuals is involved in the affair will I hope be my Excuse.\nSince I had the honour of waiting on you in France the Sale of the Sioto lands and a considerable emigrating were Set on foot. To avoid long details it was my Plan and I furnished the money necessary to begin in the Month of November 1789. In less than 4 months the affair was in Great Credit and tho\u2019 Nobody in France had ever been upon these lands they purchased with a considerable share of Confidence. I considdered that the Great affair was to begin the colony well and with such people as would set an Example to others and there are amongst the list of Purchasers at least 30 people of distinction. The account which I have the honour to send will explain pretty nearly the Finance Part of the affair and the Memoire along with it will explain in a general manner the Best so that Particulars here are unnecessary only there are a few things which I do not wish to put in a memoire which may one day be public and which I shall here say. Mr. Barlow who charged himself with the Correspondence with Mr. Dewer [Duer] and the others concerned would never shew me his letters and it seems now that he had sent over Reports too favourable. It was immagined in America that above 1 million of acres were sold when there was not above \u2159th. of the quantity and they of consequence drew large bills on Mr. Barlow which were Returned for the sale has been totally at an End ever since the first Emigrants were disappointed on their Arrival at Alexandria. It is now 14 months since the First Emigrants sailed and there is not yet one single letter from the Sioto as 2 months might bring a letter after their Arrival and as Mr. Dewer writes to Nobody here we are more likely to be sacrificed by the mob than to sell any more lands as the People think their Parents and Friends are dead or destroyed. To Complete this matter Mr. Barlow has gone off Privately in debt without telling any one and a Mr. Walker from New York who says he had powers to act in the matter but who would not shew his powers (tho\u2019 I summoned him to do it) is gone off likewise.\nNow Sir what I think absolutely necessary in this Matter for the honour of all concerned and Even of the United States is that as Messrs. Dewer and Company have not paid Congress the values received should be paid into the hands of Congress and possession given legally to the Purchasers at the same time some arrangement made with Mr. Dewer or other persons to Enable the matter to go on for it is certain that the Desolation of France is prodigious  and is still encreasing it will not be surprizing if before 10 years a Million of People pass over to America therefore it is very Essential not to let any Mistakes in this affair thro a discredit on Emigration to America in General.\nMr. Walker who began on his Coming here to connect himself with People who have been all along the declared Enemies of the hole affair has acted in the strangest Manner that Ever any man did among other things he declared in cool Blood and serious earnestness that he did not concern himself about the General success of the affair whether it fell or not was alike to him. He only wanted to do what Mr. Dewer had desired him but he would not shew his Powers as I have before said.\nTho\u2019 I know Sir that as a Minister of State you cannot honour me with an answer neither can you do it as a Private individual not being connected in the affair let me conjure you for the sake of all the Persons who have Employed their whole fortunes in that affair to Endeavour to make them take such arrangements as will not stop the affair where it is which will Ruin everybody. I am ready to deliver up what remains in my hands My own comission paid in which case the Balance will be in my favour for the future 9/10 ths of the Price was intended to lay in depot here (at a Notaires) untill the Purchasers got Possession in America and certainly neither the treasury of the United States nor any Company that may have treated for the lands will Expect more than 9/10 ths of the Price which by the Mode of selling announced here to the Public they will be certain to have as in the act of sale the deposing of that Portion of the Price is one of the Conditions.\nThe Probability is that if Good news arrive and no Embarra on the Part of the Company at New York that then the Greater Part of the Lands may be sold in 5 or 6 months in which case all that is past will be considdered as a very fortunate well combined speculation whereas if there are any Embarras to stop the Matter it will be Blamed that I expect as it is the Common lot of all things.\nI once more request you will excuse the liberty which I Presume to take and which I shall beg leave to repeat once more if the affaires are not likely to go as they should do and I have the honour to be Sir with Respect Your Most obedient & most humble Servant,\nWilliam Playfair", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0156", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Rittenhouse, [21 March 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Rittenhouse, David\nMonday morng. [21 Mch. 1791]\nTh: Jefferson sends to Mr. Rittenhouse Bp. Watson\u2019s essay on the subjects of chemistry, which is too philosophical not to merit a half an hour of his time, which is all it will occupy. He returns him Mr. Barton\u2019s papers which he has perused with great pleasure. He is glad the subject has been taken up and by so good a hand. He has certainly done all which the scantiness of his materials would admit.\u2014If Mr. Rittenhouse has done with the last Numero of the Journal de physique sent him by Th: J he will be glad to recieve it, in order to forward it on to Mr. Randolph. If not done with it there is no hurry.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0158", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 22 March 1791\nFrom: Fenwick, Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBordeaux, 22 Mch. 1791. Encloses list of American vessels entering there between June and January. This, especially with regard to outward cargoes, is not perfectly exact but he will try to provide more precise accounts in future.\u2014The National Assembly since his last have adopted commercial regulations affecting trade with United States, imposing duties of 20\u20b6 per cwt. on all foreign salt fish, 12\u20b6 per cwt. on American whale and fish oil imported in French or American vessels, and prohibiting all other foreign fish oils except as introduced through the former provinces of Alsace and Lorraine, under same duty. The bounty on French vessels in whaling is continued and, with the duty, \u201cwill tend in a short time to preclude American oil, and engage her fishermen to settle in France.\u201d\nThe free culture, manufacture, and sale of tobacco are admitted throughout the kingdom, and a duty of 25\u20b6 per quintal levied on all foreign tobacco, with a deduction of one-fourth on that imported in French vessels. \u201cThe American, Spanish, Russian and Levant Tobaccos, en feul et en boucauds, are admitted only, and they must be imported direct from the country of their growth in french vessels or those of the nation where grown\u2014except the Levant Tobacco, admitted in french vessels only. An entrepot is granted to the Importer for one year and if exported, free from Duty.\u201d Manufactured tobacco prohibited. Duty on natural silk, 10 sous per lb.; in hanks, 20 sous; if dyed, 30.\nThe regulation that no foreign-built vessels be admitted as French will deprive Americans of a market in France for their vessels. The difference in the duty on tobacco imported in French vessels, being more than the whole freight, will also deprive them \u201cof even a share in the carrying of that article, unless some restriction is made on the french vessels by the United States nearly equivalent, or a modification of the Decree, which Mr. Short writes me he is with some hope of success occupyed in endeavoring to obtain.\u201d\nPresent situation in France \u201cwears an intire peaceful aspect.\u201d Credit of assignats is supported, though the exchange with neighboring countries is 12 to 15% against France and conversion into specie is at a discount of 5 to 7% on large bills and 3 to 5% on small ones. But this is due to other causes, not to depreciation. This is attested \u201cby the nominal, and selling price, of real property, all the necessaries of life, house rent and Labour, remaining without the least visible augmentation. The real causes of the low exchange and high value of specie are the late unfavorable balance of trade France has experienced, the emigration and want of confidence in the Malcontents.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0160", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 22 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Papa\nMonticello March 22. 1791\n  You gave us reason to hope in your last to Mr. Randolph that there was a probability of our seeing you this summer. Your little grand daughter thinks herself entitled to a visit. I hope you will not disapoint us. My house keeping and Polly\u2019s spanish have equally suffered from my confinement. She is beginning again to  go on tolerably for so great a habit of idleness had she contracted in one month that it has taken [her almost?] another to get the better of it. I have at last seriously [begun?] writing to my European friends tho I fear it will be a difficult [ma]tter to forward my letters to you as the post has ceased to go. Doctor Gilmer\u2019s eldest son is arrived from Scotland in a very deep consumption. His father and mother are gone down to Shirley in all probability to take their last farewell of him, if he is still alive which they almost dispaired of when they set off. A cousin of ours Randolph Lewis is lately married to Miss Lewis of the bird. The bridegroom was 18 and she 15. Young Mr. Monroe and a Miss Elisabeth Carr daughter of old Jemmy Carr have followed their example. Polly and My self have planted the cypress vine in boxes in the window as also date seeds and some other flowers. I hope you have not forgot the colection of garden seed you promised me for Bruni. I am under some obligation to her for several things which she has sent me and for which tho not yet come to hand I am not the less grateful. Flower seeds and fruit stones would no doubt be also very acceptable tho grain de jardinage was the expression she made use of. I will send you a letter to go with the seeds or be burnt if you cannot get them. I should be extremely obliged to you My Dearest Papa for a green silk calash lined with green also, as a hat is by no means proper for such a climate as ours. The little girl grows astonishingly and has been uncommonly healthy. Adieu My dear Papa. I have read gregory and am happy to tell you it was precisely the plan which we had followed with her for [from?] her birth by Mrs. Lewis\u2019s advice. We continue very great friends. She allways calls the child (who till you send her one will go by no other name) her grand daughter. Once more adieu my Dearest Papa your affectionate child,\nM. Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0162", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 24 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Currie, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 24. 1791.\nYour favor of the 14th. was delivered to me on Sunday the 20th. I sent on the 21st. (by a person who possesses my confidence) your two notes to Mr. Potter. The intention was merely to prepare him for my calling on him myself, as we were not personally known to each other. His answer was \u2018no effects at this time.\u2019 On the 22d. (the day before yesterday) yours of the 15th. came to hand with the letter of advice and duplicate bills indorsed. I called on him yesterday, the 23d. He was out. I went again this morning and am just now returned. He has given me so candid a statement of his transactions with the drawer, as to leave not a shade of doubt in my mind of it\u2019s truth. It was thus. He and the drawer became acquainted in a boarding house here, and attached to one another. He observed him one day very much agitated, and suspecting it was a money matter, asked an explanation. The drawer told him he had 11 pipes of wine in the hands of a broker, in pledge; that he had allowed R. M. \u00a375. a pipe for them, and that they were now about to be sacrificed at vendue, to raise 1000. Dollars. Potter advanced him the thousand dollars and took the wine as a security. Afterwards the drawer sold one pipe to a Mr. Russel of Virga. and received  the money with Potter\u2019s consent. He then sold a 2d. which Potter would not let go but on the purchaser\u2019s paying him 100. Dollars of the money. After this he drew on Potter at different times so as now to owe him about \u00a3434. Pennsylva. money, and the 9. remaining pipes are reduced to 8. by ullage and are the only effects the drawer has in Potter\u2019s hands. The utmost he expects to get for these 8. pipes is \u00a350. a piece, consequently the effects in his hands fall short of the sum they are pledged for; so that the answer finally given to me was \u2018no effects in his hands at this time.\u2019 All I could do then was to engage him, if he should be put in cash, to secure these bills; and he has promised, the moment he is so, that he will give me notice: and he supposes it rather probable that if the drawer has any thing to recieve or pay here, he will make use of him as his banker. I now inclose you the first bills, unindorsed, by post, because it is the safest of all conveyances. The indorsed duplicates I retain for your further orders, and I confess to you that I do not think it probable any thing can be done with them. It is said that R[obert] M[orris] has lately made such a sale of Western lands in France, as will certainly stop all his gaps and overflow him again with wealth. I know not how true it is, but if true, perhaps he may set your debtor afloat. I have been unlucky as to the ladies mentioned to me in your letter, my labours having been so constant as not to leave me a moment to wait on them. I intend doing it this evening. Tomorrow they leave this place. Colo. Hamilton had to call on me three times before he found me at home. He was a witness to the reality of the obstacles to my enjoying more of his company. I shall await your orders & am with great sincerity Dear Sir Your affectionate friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0163", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. P. Derieux, 24 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Derieux, Justin Pierre Plumard\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 24. 1791.\nIntensity of employment will I hope be with you a sufficient, as it is a very real, excuse for my tardiness in acknowleging the reciept of your favors of Nov. 15. and Feb. 5. The letter to M.  Le Roy I put under cover to Mr. Fenwick, our Consul at Bordeaux, to whom I wrote very full details of all those circumstances which I thought might tend to interest your uncle, and I desired Mr. Fenwick to press them on his mind with all the force which might consist with the necessary delicacy and discretion. The letters to Made. Bellanger have been duly forwarded through Mr. Short. The last accounts from France give a favourable view of their affairs. The taxes begin now to be collected with success, insomuch that there comes in enough to answer the current demands. The church lands sell from 50. to 100. per cent more than estimated. Assignats are above par. Their judiciary is getting under way in the administration of justice, which was extremely wanting. Three or four instances have already happened of bishops chosen by the people. They have chosen Cur\u00e9s in every instance. It is thought the National assembly will separate soon. In the islands, the confusion is great. A fleet and army from France are probably arrived there by this time, and will settle every thing.\nWheat has fallen in price here. There is no market for it in Europe except in the Southern parts of France. With great respect for Made. De Rieux, & esteem for yourself I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0165", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 24 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy dear daughter\nPhiladelphia Mar. 24. 1791.\nThe badness of the roads retards the post, so that I have recieved no letter this week from Monticello. I shall hope soon to have one from yourself to know from that that you are perfectly reestablished, that the little Anne is becoming a big one, that you have received Dr. Gregory\u2019s book and are daily profiting from it.\u2014This will hardly reach you in time to put you on the watch for the annular eclipse of the sun which is to happen on Sunday sennight to begin about sun-rise. It will be such a one as is rarely to be seen twice in one life. I have lately recieved a letter from Fulwar Skip-with who is consul for us in Martinique and Guadaloupe. He fixed himself first in the former, but has removed to the latter. Are any of your acquaintances in either of those islands? If they are, I wish you would write to them and recommend him to their acquaintance. He will be a sure medium thro which you may exchange souvenirs with your friends, of a more useful kind than those of the convent. He sent me half a dozen pots of very fine sweet-meats. Apples and cyder are the greatest presents which can be sent to those islands. I can make those presents for you whenever you chuse to write a letter to accompany them, only observing the season for apples. They had better deliver their letters for you to F. Skipwith. Things are going on well in France, the revolution being past all danger. The national assembly being to separate soon, that event will seal the whole with security. Their islands, but most particularly St. Domingue and Martinique are involved in a horrid civil war. Nothing can be more distressing than the situation of the inhabitants, as their slaves have been called into action, and are a terrible engine, absolutely ungovernable. It is worst in Martinique, which was the reason Mr. Skipwith left it. An army and fleet from France are expected every hour to quell the disorders.\u2014I suppose you are busily engaged in your garden. I expect full details from you on that subject, as well as from Poll, that I may judge what sort of a gardener you make. Present me affectionately to all around you and be assured of the tender & unalterable love of Your\u2019s,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0166", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Delamotte, 25 March 1791\nFrom: Delamotte\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 25 Mch. 1791. Encloses duplicate of his of the 9th ult. by Le Vendangeur, bound for Charleston, in which he erred in saying that several of TJ\u2019s cases remained there. He was thinking of some \u201cCaisses de Marbres\u201d sent last summer shortly after the main shipment. There remain here only \u201cune voiture \u00e0 quatre Rou\u00ebs; un Cabriolet, quatre paniers vin de Champagne; une Caisse emball\u00e9e contenant un Tableau; une petite Caisse contenant deux cilindres; une autre contenant un v\u00e9tement de Tafetas, enfin deux paquets de Gazettes,\u201d all just shipped by the Henrietta, Captain Weeks, for Philadelphia, as shown by enclosed bill of lading. He is expecting later papers from Paris, but if they are delayed they will be shipped by the Pennsylvania, also for Philadelphia in two weeks. He encloses invoice of disbursements for these various objects amounting to \u00a3282\u20138\u20130 which he will settle with Mr. Short.\u2014Political affairs afford nothing interesting for TJ. He corrects his former advice about the decree concerning tobacco: since Dutch tobaccoes were not named, they cannot be admitted. American tobaccoes will only be admitted when brought from America in French or American vessels.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0167", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Blount, 26 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Blount, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 26. 1791.\nHaving in charge to lay before Congress a general statement of all the lands subject to their disposal, it becomes necessary for me, so far as respects the proceedings of North-Carolina, to draw on a map the line which forms the Eastern boundary of the cession of that state to Congress, and then to specify all the private claims within the cession which form exceptions to the general right of Congress to grant the lands ceded. Three classes of these exceptions have been stated to me. 1. The returns from Armstrong\u2019s office. 2. The claims of the officers of the N. Carolina line to the lands reserved for them on the Cumberland. 3. a grant of 25,000 acres to Genl. Greene. Your knowlege of this dividing line, and of the three classes of exceptions before stated, and perhaps of other exceptions quite unknown to me, together with a conviction that you will readily lend your aid towards furnishing any information which may prevent the citizens of your territory or of N. Carolina from being involved in litigations by having their lands sold over their heads, which would not be done if their claims can be known, induce me to ask the favor of you to procure me the most exact  information possible of these several matters. As I mean to set about the work immediately, it will be a particular obligation to me if the measures which you shall be so good as to take for assisting me, can be immediately executed, and the result communicated without delay. I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0168", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mathew Carey, 26 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carey, Mathew\nTh: Jefferson\u2019s compliments to Mr. Carey and incloses him a N Caroli[na] newspaper containing a convention between the two states of Virginia and N Carolina and submitting to Mr. Carey whether it be not worth a place in his Museum.\nTh: Jefferson has been told that the same convention is complete in the ac[t] of Virginia of about 1786, but he does not possess the act.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0169", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson, 26 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Mary\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Monticello] March the 26\nIt is three weeks my Dear Papa since I have had a letter from you. However as it is now my turn I shall not be ceremonious. We are all waiting with great impatience to know the name of the child. Mrs. Lewis was so kind as to give me a Calico habit. Adieu my Dear Papa. I am your effectionate daughter,\nMary Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0170", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 26 March 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLondon, 26 Mch. 1791. His of 26 ult. sent by Pigou, Capt. Collett.\u2014Preparations here indicate immediate rupture between England and Russia. Upwards of 30 sail of the line lie ready at Spithead and many others have been commissioned in last few days. The King this day issued proclamation offering bounty for seamen. Fearing press warrants will be issued in the evening, he gave warning to all \u201cAmerican commanders to be on their guard, and to call on me for Protections for that part of the Crew, who are Americans.\u201d He will oppose every measure of the ministry affecting prejudicially American citizens or the honor of Congress. Yesterday he had interview with one of principal secretaries of Duke of Leeds about public report \u201cthat Mr. Elliott was nominated to go to America. I asked him whether he would officially say to me if it was, or was not, so; he replied, that such had been the Report, that I might assure you that this Court had serious intentions of sending out some one, but that they had not determined whom; he repeated to me, assurance of the good intentions, and friendly dispositions of Government towards the United States.\u201d In a few days he will send TJ accounts of the fisheries and also reply to his of 17 and 23 Dec.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0171-0003", "content": "Title: II. Caspar Wistar, Jr. to the Secretary of State, [19 March 1791]\nFrom: Wistar, Caspar, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nSaturday Eveng [19 March 1791]\nIn consequence of your request, I have made several experiments with a view of ascertaining the best method of proceeding in Mr. Isaacks\u2019 business. It was our wish that the same precise degree of heat might be applied in both distillations, and therefore we agreed to place the Retorts in a water Bath, and the Receivers in Water and Ice. But I have found it very difficult to make the water in a Retort boil when it is in a water-bath, and altho I  saturated the water of the bath with Salt, in order to make its boiling point higher, still the water in the retort boiled so slowly, as [to] require many hours to distill a small quantity. On this account, Dr. Hutchinson and myself have agreed that we will perform the distillation with two Retorts placed in the same Sand Bath at one time, and altho we Cannot be Certain that the degree of heat applied to each will be exactly the same, yet we expect to be sufficiently accurate. I regret the delay which has unavoidably taken place, but we will now perform the distillation at any time you will be pleased to appoint, and if it shall be thought necessary for Mr Isaacks\u2019 satisfaction, that the Distillation be made in a common still, we will do it a second time with one that is in the College, and will answer very well.\u2014With sentiments of the most profound & sincere respect I am your humble serv,\nCaspar Wistar Junr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0171-0004", "content": "Title: III. Secretary of State to Caspar Wistar, Jr., 20 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Wistar, Caspar, Jr.\nSir.\nPhiladelphia Mar. 20. 1791.\nI am thankful for the trouble which yourself and Doctr. Hutchinson have taken and are still willing to take on the subject of Mr. Isaacs\u2019 discovery. However his method may turn out, this advantage will certainly result from it, that having drawn the public attention to the subject, it may be made the occasion of disseminating among the masters of vessels a knowlege of the fact that fresh water may be obtained from salt water by a common distillation and in abundance. Tho\u2019 Lind\u2019s, Irvine\u2019s and Mc.queer\u2019s experiments should suffice to satisfy them of this, yet it may fix their faith more firmly if we can say to them that we have tried these experiments ourselves and can vouch for their effect. If Mr. Isaacs\u2019 mixtures can increase that effect, so much the better; it will be a new flower in the American wreath. He is poor, and complains that his delay here is very distressing to him. Therefore I propose tomorrow for the experiment, and will ask the favor of you to fix any hour that may best suit the convenience of Doctr. Hutchinson and yourself, from 5. in the morning to 12 at night, all being equal to me. Only be so good as to notify it in time for me to give notice to Mr. Isaacs. Will it not save time if the great still can be set a going at the same time  with the small ones? He protests against any unfavorable conclusions from a small experiment, because never having tried his method in a small way, he does not know how to proportion his mixture. I am with great esteem, Sir, your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson\nI send the Journal de Phisique of October, just received, for your perusal.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0171-0005", "content": "Title: IV. Caspar Wistar, Jr. to the Secretary of State, [20 March 1791]\nFrom: Wistar, Caspar, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia, 20 March 1791]\nDr. Wistar\u2019s respectful compliments and informs Mr. Jefferson that twelve oclock to morrow will suit Dr. Hutchinson and himself, if it be convenient to Mr. Jefferson. They purpose to make the Distillation at the College in fourth Street, as the Apparatus is there.\u2014C. W. is much obliged to Mr. Jefferson for the Book.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0171-0006", "content": "Title: V. Secretary of State to James Hutchinson, 25 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hutchinson, James\n[Philadelphia,] March 25th. 1791\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Dr. [Hutchinson] and sends him the result of the five Experiments which have been made on the sea water.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0171-0007", "content": "Title: VI. Affidavit of the Secretary of State on the Result of the Experiments, 26 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nDepartment of State\nPhiladelphia March 26. 1791.\nCongress having referred to me the Petition of Jacob Isaccks praying a reward for a secret he possesses of converting Salt-water into fresh, I procured a Cask of sea-water to be taken up without the Capes of Delaware at flood-tide, and brought to Philadelphia, and asked the favour of Mr. Rittenhouse, President of the American Philosophical Society, of Dr. Caspar Wistar, Professor of Chemistry and the Institutions of Medecine in the College of Philadelphia, and Dr. James Hutchinson, Professor of Chemistry and Materia Medica in the University of Pennsylvania, to assist at the experiments which were to be made on it for determining the merit of Mr. Isaacks secret. They were so kind as to attend accordingly. The result of the experiments was as follows.\nOn the 14th. of March from 24 pints of Sea-water, with Mr. Isaack\u2019s mixture, 22 pints of potable distilled water were produced in four hours, with the consumption of 20. pounds of seasoned pine, a little wetted by lying out in a rain. This distillation was performed in one of the pots of a small Cabouse, with a tin cap luted on, and a strait tin tube instead of a worm, two feet of which passed obliquely through a Barrel of water.\nOn the 21st. of March from 32 pints of Sea-water with Mr. Isaack\u2019s mixture, 31 pints of potable distilled water were produced in 7 hours 24 minutes, with 51 pounds of hiccory which had been cut about six months. This was done in a furnace at the College, illy calculated to economise heat, and a five Gallon still and worm of the common form. A drop of the solution of silver in the nitrous acid was dropped into a glass of this water and produced a very slight milkiness, as it did in water distilled at the same time from Sea-water without any mixture in a small retort, and also in the common pump water of Philadelphia: and in the last most of the three.\nOn the 22d. of March, from 32 pints of Sea-water without any mixture 31 pints of potable distilled water were produced in 7 hours 35 minutes, with 41 pounds of wood. This was done in the same furnace and Still, and under the same circumstances exactly as on the 21st. The saving of wood proceeded probably, not from Mr. Isaack\u2019s mixture rendering the separation of the water from it\u2019s salt more difficult, but from a more skilful management of the  fire on the 22d. In the course of this operation the fire being once a little too much pushed, the violence of the ebullition threw about half a pint of salt-water over into the tube.\nOn the 24th. from 16 pints of Sea-water with Mr. Isaacks mixture 15 pints of potable distilled water was produced in 2 hours 55 minutes with 11 pounds of wood, 3 pounds of which were of dry hiccory and 8 pounds of seasoned and dry pine. This was done in a common iron pot of 3\u00bd Gallons cased in brick and mortar, the flue passing spirally round the pot once, the same cap and pipe as on the 14th.\nOn the 25th. from 16 pints of Sea-water without any mixture 15 pints of potable distilled water were produced in 2 hours 56 minutes with 10\u00bd pounds of wood, vizt. 3 pounds of dry hiccory and 7\u00bd pounds of seasoned and dry pine in the same furnace and pot and all other circumstances the same as on the 24th.\nIt will be perceived that the experiment of the 22d. without a mixture was an exact repetition of that of the 21st. with the mixture, and that of the 25th. without a mixture an exact repetition of that of the 24th. with a mixture, and that the result is that in both ways equal quantities of distilled water were produced from equal quantities of sea-water, in about the same time, and that less fuel was used in the simple distillation without any mixture: consequently that as far as these experiments justify a conclusion, Mr. Isaack\u2019s mixture does not facilitate the separation of sea-water from it\u2019s salt.\nGiven under my hand at Philadelphia this 26th. day of March 1791.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0171-0008", "content": "Title: VII. Secretary of State to Isaac Senter, 26 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Senter, Isaac\nSir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 26. 1791.\nCongress having referred to me the petition of Jacob Isaacs setting forth his possession of a secret for facilitating the separation of  sea-water from it\u2019s salt, it becomes necessary for me to know exactly the advances which have been already made towards obtaining that desideratum. I have reason to believe no body has carried them further than Dr. Lind. I possess his book on the diseases of warm climates, in which he has stated some general account of his method of distilling sea-water, and refers for more precise information to a pamphlet of his on the health and preservation of seamen. This pamphlet I cannot get. Besides this I understand there was another publication of his the object of which was to criticise Irving\u2019s method of distilling sea-water, and to prove his own right to what was useful in that. I am told you possess this, and perhaps you may possess also the former pamphlet. If you do, and will be so good as to send me both or either by post, they shall be most sacredly returned. They will come perfectly safe by the post. Your favor herein will much oblige Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0171-0010", "content": "Title: IX. Secretary of State to Isaac Senter, 10 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Senter, Isaac\nSir\nPhiladelphia. May 10. 1791.\nI recieved in due time your favor of April 13. together with Dr. Lind\u2019s book, which I now return you with many thanks. I had been able to get here the editions of 1774. and 1788. but not that of 1762. which was most important, as it was the best evidence of the time of his first publishing his idea of distilling seawater without any ingredient. The other peices you have been so kind as to mention on this subject, I had seen, except the Monthly review, which being in town I can procure. I shall be glad to see their criticisms on the pretensions of Lind and Irving. I confess the latter appears to me to have invented nothing. His still is Chapman\u2019s published in the Annual register of 1760. The idea of distilling without  a mixture was Lind\u2019s, and of cooling by evaporation was Dr. Franklin\u2019s. The enlargement of the bore of the pipe is probably not advantageous.\nI am to glad to learn that Isaacs either expected, or ought to have expected the disappointment he experienced here, because I am less uneasy for him. He made three experiments with his mixtures. We repeated two of them exactly, without mixture, and produced, as much and as pure water in as little time and with less fuel. Not that I believe his mixture requires more fuel, but that he managed it unskilfully. I am with great esteem, & thankfulness for your attention, Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0171-0011", "content": "Title: X. Jacob Isaacks to the Secretary of State, 1 November 1791\nFrom: Isaacks, Jacob\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nHond Sir\nNewPort Novem. 1: 1791\nI take the liberty to address You on the subject of taking the fresh water from the Sea Water, notwithstanding I met not with the encouragement by Some that attended at the time I made the tryall before you, tho\u2019 they were pleased to tell me that my method was not New, still it was their Oppinion that I was entitled to have some gratuity allowed me even for renewing the same, but I can say with truth, that I never read any book on the subject untill I had tried many experiments to bring it to pass. In many of them I fail\u2019d, but have now to inform You that I can take off by calculation in 12 hours, with half the fire I did it at Philadelphia, and much less trouble, 60 Gallons of pure good fresh Water free from any Salt whatsever and on tryall will not be Milky or terbulent as Doct: Jeven was, as is said in the Book, that his best distill\u2019d water on tryall proved to be Milky and terbulent and had a portion of sea salt, whereas this of mine has not any. I have some by me that I distill\u2019d the 22d. July 1790, and is now clean and sweet without any Settlement in it. There is some gone forward to Europe, doubt not but it will meet with approbation, there, and as soon as I receive any Accounts from thence, I shall let Mr. Bourn know, and must desire you\u2019ll be so kind as not to make any report on my memorial, untill I have the answer from Europe, but I remain with much esteem, and have the honor to Subscribe Myself your Honors most hble servt.\nJacob Isaacks\nP.S. Please to take notice that I exceed my Memorial in taking off much more fresh Water then I mention\u2019d in the said Memorial therein I say 8 parts out of 10, whereas I took 11 out of 12, and on the second tryall 23 fresh out of 24 salt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0171-0012", "content": "Title: XI. Secretary of State to Jacob Isaacks, 23 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Isaacks, Jacob\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 23. 1791.\nYour favor of the 1st. instant did not come to hand till yesterday 3. aclock. Unfortunately I had that very morning given in my report, which had been read in the house, and of which I inclose you a printed copy. That the discovery was original as to yourself I can readily believe. Still it is not the less true, that the distillation of fresh from seawater, both with and without mixtures, had been long ago tried, and that without a mixture, it produced as much and as good water as in your method with a mixture. Lind\u2019s and Irving\u2019s publications prove this, as also our experiments in your presence. As these were meant merely to be comparative with yours, we were not anxious to find what construction of a still would require least wood. It sufficed for our object to see whether, in the same still, it took less wood with a mixture than without one; because in that case your mixture would still have been of value, and afforded grounds for a favorable report. But it did not appear that the mixture economised wood. I am Sir your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0172", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 27 March 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLondon, 27 Mch. 1791. Before receipt of TJ\u2019s letters of 17 and 23 Dec. Purdie had told him of Capt. Young\u2019s mistreatment, but at the same time he found Purdie \u201cmore violent if possible against Mr. John Brown Cutting, charging him with motives that I was sensible never actuated Mr. Cutting, and making use of threats violent and dishonorable against him.\u201d He tried to get Purdie to return to America, offering him passage and employment on one of his own ships but this he rejected. He also refused choice of two other ships. \u201cThis conduct made me suspicious of his Justice and Integrity, and from inquiry I found him to be a profligate worthless Man.\u201d This is supported by enclosed letter from Cutting. He did not confront Purdie and Cutting, fearing that a few guineas might cause former to withdraw charges against Young and discredit Johnson. \u201cMany others of our Country men have undoubtedly suffered but I have not heard of any of them being ill treated, and since \u2026 my appointment, I have met with every assurance and Friendly disposition in this Government towards that of the United States, and I am persuaded that there would never been cause for any complaint, had a Character been here to claim our Seamen and Citizens.\u2014Taking a retrospective view of the whole, hoping that the appointment now about making from this Court to Congress, may define the rights of the two Countrys, and produce an Amicable liberal and Just understanding, Considering your Letter of the 23d. December gave me a discretionary Power to act as circumstances appeared, I trust that the Reasons which I have assigned will prove satisfactory to the President \u2026 for not carrying his command \u2026 into effect.\u201d If not, he will instantly pursue the matter on receiving further orders and will demand satisfaction.\u2014Letters in TJ\u2019s of 23 Dec. were forwarded and all acknowledged save that to Willink & Co.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0173", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 27 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 27. 1791.\nI have been again to see Mr. Barclay on the subject of his mission and to hasten him. I communicated to him the draught of his instructions and he made an observation which may render a small change expedient. You know it had been concluded that he should go without any defined character, in order to save expence. He observed that if his character was undefined they would consider him as an Ambassador and expect proportional liberalities, and he thought it best to fix his character to that of Consul, which was the lowest that could be employed. Thinking there is weight in his opinion I have the honour to inclose you a blank commission for him as Consul, and another letter to the emperor not otherwise different from that you signed, but as having a clause of credence in it. If you approve of this change you will be so good as to sign these papers and return them: otherwise the letter before signed will still suffice.\nI inclose you a Massachusets paper whereby you will see that some acts of force have taken place on our Eastern boundary. Probably that state will send us authentic information of them. The want of an accurate map of the bay of Passamaquaddy renders it difficult to form a satisfactory opinion on the point in contest. I write to-day to Rufus Putnam to send me his survey referred to in his letter. There is a report that some acts of force have taken place on the Northern boundary of New York, and are now under consideration of the government of that state. The impossibility of bringing the court of London to an adjustment of any difference whatever, renders our situation perplexing. Should any applications from the states or their citizens be so urgent as to require something to be said before your return, my opinion would be that they should be desired to make no new settlements on our part, nor suffer any to be made on the part of the British, within the disputed territory, and if any attempt should be made to remove them from the settlements already made, that they are to repel force by force, and ask aid of the neighboring militia to do this and no more. I see no other safe way of forcing the British government to come  forward themselves and demand an amicable settlement. If this idea meets your approbation, it may prevent a misconstruction, by the British, of what may happen, should I have this idea suggested in a proper manner to Colo. Beckwith.\nThe experiments which have been tried of distilling sea-water with Isaac\u2019s mixture, and also without it, have been rather in favour of the distillation without any mixture.\nA bill was yesterday ordered to be brought into the H. of representatives here for granting a sum of money for building a federal hall, house for the President &c.\nYou knew of Mr. R. Morris\u2019s purchase of Gorham and Phelps of 1,300,000. acres of land of the state of Massachusetts, at 5d. an acre. It is said that he has sold 1,200,000. acres of these in Europe thro\u2019 the agency of W. Franklin, who it seems went on this business conjointly with that of printing his grand father\u2019s works. Mr. Morris, under the name of Ogden, and perhaps in partnership with him, has bought the residue of the lands held in the same country by Massachusets, for 100,000\u00a3. The Indian title of the former purchase has been extinguished by Gorham, but that of the latter is not. Perhaps it cannot be. In that case a similarity of interest will produce an alliance with the Yazoo companies. Perhaps a sale may be made in Europe to purchasers ignorant of the Indian right.\nI shall be happy to hear that no accident has happened to you in the bad roads you have passed, and that you are better prepared for those to come by lowering the hang of your carriage, and exchanging the coachman for two postillions, circumstances which I confess to you appeared to me essential for your safety, for which no one on earth more sincerely prays both from public & private regard than he who has the honor to be with sentiments of the most profound respect, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0174", "content": "Title: From John Cooke to George Washington, 28 March 1791\nFrom: Cooke, John\nTo: Washington, George\nTipperary, 28 Mch. 1791. Understanding that regulation of weights and measures is one object of American government, he sends the enclosed \u201cinvention\u201d from \u201ca poor individual, in an obscure corner of a remote nation, as a mark of that universal esteem, which your Excellency\u2019s Merits have excited in all countries, and amongst every class of men.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0175", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Anthony Gerna, 28 March 1791\nFrom: Gerna, Anthony\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDublin, 28 Mch. 1791. \u201cIt would be an insult to your goodness to apologize\u201d for introducing the bearer, Robert Stafford, a skillful young apothecary, lately married, who is resolved to settle in America. Stafford will deliver \u201ca small Parcel containing a new publication of the Dublin newspapers of this date.\u201d TJ\u2019s advice to him will \u201cbe an additional proof of that humanity and benevolence which characterise you.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0176", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James McHenry, 28 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: McHenry, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 28. 1791.\nHaving sent your letters to Mr. Short with a desire that he will, as far as is right, patronize the applications which shall be made to the minister on your demand, instead of destroying your first letter to Messrs. Le Couteulx, I have thought it better to return it to you, in proof that your desires have been complied with.\u2014A murder of some friendly Indians a little beyond Fort Pitt is likely to defeat our efforts to make a general peace, and to render the combination in war against us more extensive. This was done by a party of Virginians within the limits of Pennsylvania.\u2014The only news from Europe interesting to us is that the Brit. Parl. is about to give free storage to American wheat carried to Engld. in British bottoms for re-exportation. In this case we must make British bottoms lading with wheat, pay that storage here, in the form of a duty, and give it to American bottoms lading with the same article, in order not only to keep our vessels on a par as to transportation of our own produce, but to shift the meditated advantage into their scale. At least so say I.\u2014I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0183", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Samuel Sherburne, 29 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Sherburne, John Samuel\nSir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 29. 1791.\nThe recess of Congress permits me now to acknowlege the receipt of your favor of Oct. 20. and also of the laws of New Hampshire from 1696 to 1773 and from 1776 to 1787. Should  there be any other printed laws not in these collections I will avail myself of your kind promise to procure them for the use of my office, as it is very desireable to possess a compleat collection of every law that was ever in force in any of the states, and which can be had in print, for it is not proposed to be at the expence of making manuscript copies. Whenever you will be so good as to notify to me the cost of what you have sent, you shall immediately receive a bank postnote for it; in the mean time accept assurances of the esteem with which I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0184", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 30 March 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nParis March 30. 1791\nOn my arrival here a few days ago I found your letter of the 23d. of January. The statement which you there give me of the reciept of my several letters is truly mortifying. They must necessarily have lost their principal merit by arriving so long after their contents had become known and given place to other matters of more recent date and greater interest. I had however followed the same mode of forwarding them which you had used\u2014that is of sending them to Havre or any other port where I learned there were vessels about to sail for America. Before I went to Amsterdam I recieved your letter desiring I would write to you by the English packet. Since then I have done it regularly. I hope the letters which I sent from Holland by that conveyance will have been received in good time. The first of them is already acknowleged in your letter. I know that those sent by the way of the Texel will have met with a delay almost without example on account of the contrary winds which prevented any vessel leaving that place during several months.\nI have learned by some of M. de St. Triest\u2019s friends here that he has arrived in America. Of course you will have recieved my No. 44 which was sent by him and which was one of the three wanting at the date of your letter. The delay or loss of No. 45. gives me much mortification. It was a short letter written the morning after the English messenger arrived here from Madrid with an account that peace would not be interrupted. It was merely to give you that information, and was sent off in the instant to London in  hopes of its carrying you the first certain intelligence on that important subject. A duplicate also was sent, so that I may consider myself as doubly unfortunate. No. 46 was sent by a young man going to settle in America. I shall be exceedingly sorry if it should be lost as it was very particular with respect to what I had done here relative to our commercial interests.\nThe situation of this country is much more quiet than I expected to find it\u2014extreme agitation and calm have been for some time alternative here and have thus often deceived the best observers. This will probably last as long as the assembly; and my particular opinion is that that will be as long as they can support themselves.\u2014As they have the means of making money and of exciting the alarms of the people with respect to what they call the contre-revolutionaires, it is difficult to say when their popularity will cease. I must add however that the opinion of all the most moderate and most enlightened persons with whom I have spoken here as well in as out of the assembly, is that the assembly is really disposed to end itself, and that letters of convocation for a new legislature will be issued before the 14th. of July. M. de la F[ayette] the Duke de la R[ochefoucauld] and M. de M[ontmori]n are of this number. I mention them because your personal acquaintance with them will enable you the better to appreciate the opinion. I think they decieve themselves by their wishes, and by the loss of influence which some of the leaders of the popular party have lately experienced in the assembly and particularly the La Meths and Barnave. This I consider however as only momentary, as they will always be the supporters of those principles which please the galleries who are the distributors of popularity and in general decide that of the assembly.\nThe decrees relative to the clergy give much uneasiness in the provinces and particularly those which diminish the number of parishes. On the whole the new constitution of the clergy formed by a committee of Jansenists, with the real intention of invigorating the Roman catholic religion, will probably turn out the most dangerous, as it always appeared the most useless and most improper operation of the assembly. It has in many places produced a conflict, in the minds of the people (of all classes but particularly of the lowest and most numerous) between their devotion and their attachment to the revolution, for which they were not yet ripe and which may end to the disadvantage of the latter.\nThe Cardinal de Brienne had written to the Pope to notify his having taken the new oath. The Pope in his answer passed such  severe censures on his conduct and particularly with respect to what he said himself of this oath, as if he took it for form only and rejected it internally, that he has sent him back his hat as Cardinal which he refuses longer to wear. As their correspondence was in Latin it is not surprizing that there should be some misunderstanding as to the construction of a sentence which occasions the whole dispute. Some think it is the intention of the holy see to declare France schismatick. In that case the Cardinal would probably be made Patriarch. It would however create much uneasiness discontent and disorder, and this would be a reason the more with the Holy see.\nThe scene which passed at the Thuilleries in the King\u2019s apartment and of which you are already informed brought on an indisposition that was for some time alarming as he is essential to the preventing of intestine dissensions that would be immediately followed by civil war. He is at present recovered, but it would seem impossible that he should long support such agitation of mind and inactivity of body as he is now subjected to.\nSince my arrival here nothing further has been done in such articles as concern our commerce. The diplomatick committee and particularly M. de M[ontmori]n desire much to obtain a change in the decree relative to tobacco so as to put the American vessels on the same footing with the French. I find many others well disposed also and it will certainly be effected with time. The duty also will then be reduced. In the beginning there would have been no possibility of getting them to listen to less than 5. sous a pound, for a variety of reasons with which you are already acquainted and which it is useless to repeat here.\nI have an extract of the Proc\u00e8s verbal by which it appears that the American oils alone are admitted by the decree of the assembly which reduces the duty to 6.\u20b6 the quintal. I enclose you a note from one of the committee of commerce which shews that the duties and taxes to which these oils were formerly subjected amounted to the same less one sol and an half. Had the arr\u00eat du conseil continued, the 10. sous per livre would have ceased with the last year. But the assembly refused to reduce the duties lower than 6.\u20b6 and this was done on account of the reclamations of some tanneries and the diplomatick committee. The same causes will operate with time to reduce it still lower.\nI saw yesterday the member who is to propose the extension to the foreign possessions of France, of the decree for the abolition of the droit d\u2019aubaine. The decree has already as I have informed  you passed the several committees. He assured me it would be proposed to-day or to-morrow. He has no doubt of its passing without opposition at present. It is possible however he may be mistaken, though there is much more probability of success at present than formerly.\nShips and vessels built abroad are no longer to be sold here. This is a new and favorite idea with the assembly. They will not hear of modifying it at present, though some of the most enlightened of the committee with whom I have spoken are disposed to it. It may be found proper perhaps after a little while to propose some exceptions to the general exclusion.\nI recieved and gave the supplement to your report on weights and measures to the persons you desired. The Bishop of Autun has been induced by the academy of Sciences to change his basis and to adopt a section of the meridian to be measured between Dunkirk and Barcelona. The assembly decreed this proposition a few days ago. The English Parliament having made no step towards meeting the advances of the assembly they have determined to proceed alone. M. de Condorcet promises to send me immediately a copy of the report of the academy which determined this change to be forwarded to you.\u2014As the great object is to obtain a fixed standard the end will be answered although the means of execution are different.\nBarnave has been for a long time and still is employed in framing the plan of connexion and dependence between this country and her colonies. From the interests which prevail at present there is no doubt it will be severely exclusive. Nothing will be decided probably until the new colonial assemblies shall have expressed their sentiments, but these sentiments will have little weight if they are not conformable to those of the national assembly and if the forces sent there should have a decided superiority.\nMuch is said here about the hostile intentions of the Prince de Cond\u00e9 and the French refugees who are with him or distributed on the borders of France.\u2014Their wild projects and imprudent conversation will only serve as a support to the present assembly. I endeavoured to convince of this truth some of those whom I saw at Brussels, and particularly the Prince de L\u2014\u2014 grandson to a lady of your acquaintance. He and others seemed sensible of it. Still they repeated constantly that it would take place\u2014that Spain, Prussia, and the Emperor would act in concert to support them and other follies of the kind. It was evident to me that they decieved each other.\u2014They think that three fourths of the people are against  the revolution and that if an handful of good troops entered France they would be joined by a majority. It is possible they may make this experiment, taking care always to secure a retreat. It would probably produce much disorder and bloodshed here.\nPreparations are making for hostile operations in the North with much activity and indeed every day which passes without bringing an account of peace renders war more probable. You will recieve the earliest intelligence from that quarter by the papers which you inform me M. Dumas sends you by the English Packet. The naval preparations of England go on also and must soon shew their real destination. It is even expected that the press will be renewed. When I left Holland that country was much embarassed by the anticipation of the effect of their present alliance. Several of the cities seemed disposed so to construe the present position as not to consider it the casus f\u00e6deris. There is no doubt however that they will definitely be forced to do whatever their allies may think proper.\nThe French Ambassadors at Rome and Venice having not complied with the new oath prescribed are recalled. Their successors are M. de Segur and Durfort lately at Petersburg and Florence. Several other nominations have taken place also, in which the minister trying to please all parties has pleased none. They are for the most part young men employed now for the first time in the corps diplomatique.\nThe newspapers which you supposed would accompany your letter have not come to my hands.\u2014The letter from the Secretary of the Treasury has probably met with more delay than you expected. I have not recieved it although there are letters here as late as Feb. 10. My absolute ignorance of his views and intentions (having not heard a tittle from him since Sep. 1.) is embarassing, as it disables me from conjecturing what it is proper to say or do in certain cases which he must have foreseen. I take it for granted he has information of the letters you write, and particularly of the 7th. page of that of August 26. As yet no inconvenience has arisen but there may arise with time. Besides large sums of money lying idle at the same time that a double interest is paid, viz. on it and the debt it might extinguish, appears to me bad policy when it might have been so easily foreseen and prevented, whether it was destined to be called for in America or used otherwise.\nI am much pressed now by those who wish to make a loan to the U.S. elsewhere than in Amsterdam, and which I have already mentioned to the Secretary of the treasury. I know nothing more  than what I then communicated to him, except that they urge there being no time lost in commencing the business. The credit of the U.S. being thus favorably considered in several countries cannot but be an agreeable circumstance. Nothing of course will be done further, as he knows, until he expresses his sentiments.\nI know not whether I am to construe your silence as to what was done in the business mentioned in the 6th. page of your letter abovementioned (Aug. 26) as approbation or disapprobation. I think there is room neither for the one or the other as there appeared to me no alternative. Still I should have been glad to have had your sentiments as they might have been a rule on a future occasion.\nThis letter will go by the English Packet. I will ask the favor of you to communicate to the Secretary of the Treasury such parts as relate to his department. I do not write to him at present that I may avoid repetition. I have the honor to be with the sincerest attachment Dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant,\nW. Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0185", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 30 March 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis March 30. 1791.\nYour letter of the 24th. (private) accompanied that of the 23d. and was received here on my return from Amsterdam. The commissions you there charge me with shall be attended to. Mr.  Fenwick writes me that he shall ship the wine you ordered, on a vessel bound to Charleston, despairing of finding an immediate conveyance before the warm weather.\u2014Vernon was still there and he thinks has no intention of embarking. He has received the amount of the bill which his father sent me in order to get him out of Paris. He received the last of it at Bordeaux. I had much hopes in consequence of what he told me himself and Mr. Appleton also that he desired to return and would accomplish it. I know not whether Mr. Fenwick will make the experiment you recommended. I think it would be dangerous.\nI am glad to hear of the arrival of your furniture. The carriages unfortunately got separated from it at Rouen. M. de la Motte informed me of his having since received them at Havre, and further I know nothing but hope they have long since left that place. It has been some time since he has written to me.\u2014With respect to Petit, every thing will be terminated to your satisfaction. I sent him your letter after reading and sealing it agreeably to your desire. I received yesterday an answer from him in which he tells me that he is taking arrangements with his family and will be here in fifteen days in order to go and join you. He adds that you mention in the letter that I am to fix the terms with him. I think he will be very tractable, as the ennui he met with in the country has entirely changed his dispositions. Of this I informed you from Amsterdam by my letter (private) of Feb. 18.\u2014I found by your letter to Petit that you supposed I had gone into a negotiation with him viz. made him greater offers. You observe that I do not give you the details. If you will advert to your letters of March 12. and April 6. you will see that I had not authority for any negotiation and consequently, there were no details to be given. He first hesitated about going. When your letter fixing the wages arrived and I mentioned them to him he decided. In that disposition it would have been improper to have tempted him by money even if I had been authorized. Finally he determined to remain for various reasons which he gave\u2014relative to his family, aged mother, estate in the country &c. It was evident to me that he counted on being employed by your successor and I suppose it had weight.\u2014I was never more surprized than when I received his letter written to the Secretary whom I left in Paris in which he supposes he had desired me to write to you to propose his going for an 100\u20b6 per month. I wrote to him to know from whence he had collected that idea, letting him know that I would now inform you of it. He says that I told him I had written to you that he thought 72.\u20b6 too little and that he  asked an 100.\u20b6 and that on my asking him if he would go for an 100.\u20b6 he answered he could not promise it &c., but that mourant d\u2019ennui \u00e0 la campagne he wished much to go at present\u2014that he should prefer much being employed at Paris by your successor &c. I shall propose to him at present 3\u00bd Louis per month his passage and expences paid, and I think he will accept it. If not I will induce him to go and to fix the wages with you after his arrival. At any rate you may be sure of his coming in one way or another.\nTolozan is now at Dijon. I mentioned the subject of your letter to Sequeville who seemed well pleased with it. I offered him what you had desired. He insisted absolutely on it being deferred till after he had given me what he shall be charged to do. One he says is the necessary consequence of the other and can never precede it. Your wishes in other respects relative to this business shall be accomplished.\nAmong the letters which were inclosed in your last was one directed to the President of the assembly. I knew it was the handwriting of the President and conjectured it was an answer to that formerly sent to him, and that was all I knew about it. I offered it to M. de M[ontmori]n, and mentioned this to him. He desired I would send it myself, which I did by the Duke de la R[ochefoucauld]. He was desired by the President to translate it that he might read it to the assembly. This he did but in such an hurry as to have made a very bad translation, and what is still worse to have used an expression with respect to the M[arquis] de la F[ayette] which bears a double interpretation that is by no means favourable. The enemies of the Marquis are much delighted by it and he much mortified. He complained that I did not have the letter well translated. I observed to him that it would have been somewhat difficult, as the letter was sealed and I had no copy of it and did not even know from whom it was except by recognition of the hand-writing, and of course could not have foreseen that he would be mentioned in it. The expression in English is as the Duke de la R. tells me \u201cMay he ever continue to have the public good in view &c.\u201d In French it is \u201cPuisse-t-il &c.\u201d Such impressions however are only momentary, and this is already forgotten by all except the M\u2014\u2014 is himself.\nI recieved your letter also one for M. de St Trys. I return it at present as I know he is in America.\nIn your private letter of Jan. 24. there was some mistake in the cypher which rendered unintelligible a sentence which I wished much to understand. I will thank you to examine it that you may  see whether it is an incorrection in the table. It is page 4. line 1.\u2014the four last cyphers of that line and the first cypher of the second line. You acknowleged the receipt of my private of June 14. at Monticello. My public of the same date and sent with it was not received till some time after at Philadelphia. I cannot concieve how they came to be separated.\nSince my return from Holland I have lodged in an hotel garni, the same where you were, Rue des Petits Augustins. In daily expectation of being replaced I supposed it would be madness to take an house or make preparations for stay. I have long prepared myself for every event. I cannot deny my desire to remain but I feel that it is not for me to judge how proper I may be. What you mention at the bottom of the third page of your private letter I had rather should take place than nothing, as I have reasons which I have already mentioned to you for wishing to remain some time longer yet in Europe.\u2014Yet I wish most sincerely that circumstances had been such as to have admitted my return on the footing I desired some time past. I am sorry not to have studied architecture fully so as to have contributed to the formation of the new city on proper plans and principles. I hope it will be made a monument that will do honor to the new world and far surpass any in the old for beauty, simplicity, convenience &c. I think frequently of it and generally end by determining that if I settle on the Eastern waters that it shall be somewhere among the mountains near the southern bank of the Potowmac. This however will depend on circumstances which are not probable.\u2014Parker has become bankrupt instead of being a Croesus. I fear I shall suffer by him. The money which had been remitted me from America and which had long remained in Mr. Grand\u2019s hands was confided to him in June 89. Adieu my dear Sir & believe me sincerely your friend & servant,\nW. Short\nP. S. M[ontmori]n had frequently expressed his wish and his hope that I should be named here. I always expressed my doubts and particularly after recieving your letters. He added that [if] it was not me he hoped it would be Car[micha]el. I mention this is consequence of your last letter. M[ontmori]n is much and sincerely attached to him. He might certainly be rendered useful where he is\u2014or wherever he should have to treat with M[ontmori]n. I hope his explanation will be satisfactory as to himself.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0188", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMafra, 31 Mch. 1791. He received packet last night from Mr. Bulkeley and information of a vessel departing for Alexandria in a few days, hence he sends this by a servant to Lisbon. Having accounts from America as late as 10 Feb. and not being advised by \u201cthe Department of foreign affairs\u201d of receipt of any of his letters, he fears their detention or miscarriage. He gives their dates to show it was not due to negligence; his first of 14 Oct. 1790 from London was put in letter bag at New York Coffee House belonging to vessel bound for New York next day. Those of 20, 25, and 28 Oct. were delivered by Joshua Johnson to captains of vessels bound for different ports. That of 2 Nov. he himself gave to Jonathan Swift of Alexandria. His last from England, 4 Nov., from Gravesend, was sent through post office to Johnson. Those of 19 and 30 Nov. from Lisbon were given by him to Capt. Porter of New London, together with De Pinto\u2019s answer to TJ\u2019s letter of 7 Aug. last. Duplicate of that of 30 Nov. sent to G. Fox of Falmouth, who promises to send it by January packet. His first from Madrid of 18 Dec. was sent by an American vessel to Baltimore, and the two ciphered dispatches of 3 and 15 Jan. were also sent by American vessels from Lisbon. But the former was delayed by casualty and went by the same vessel carrying those of 6 and 12 Feb. written after his return to Lisbon. His 14th, dated Lisbon 6 Mch., was sent by Bulkeley in a vessel consigned to him from Virginia.\nWhen he informed TJ in his last about American commerce at Lisbon and consular business being handled by Dohrman and Harrison under countenance of Portuguese government, he had not seen Almanach for 1791. He now encloses copy, listing former as consul general and latter as vice-consul of the United States. \u201cThis adds a fresh instance in support of a remark, which, I think, I have heard you make, on the numerous errors to be found in publications of this sort. I know not, however, any reasons why these Persons, residing on the spot, approved by the Government, and acquainted with the language, customs and offices, are not as competent to the performance of the duties as any other Characters would be.\u201d But, not having exchanged a word with either on consular appointments for Portugal, he can take no interest in the matter.\nThat our commerce with Portugal is important because of favorable balance for us cannot be doubted; it \u201cmerits to be cherished in the most discreet and dexterous manner.\u201d Almanach shows 85 American vessels arrived in Lisbon during 1790, a number equal to that of any foreign nation except Great Britain. But very few have arrived this  year, which caused him to wonder because the last harvest was so uncommonly plentiful in the United States \u201cand because the price in this Country \u2026 would yield a handsome profit,\u201d the last cargoes of wheat selling for 7/ stg. per bushel and great quantities more might have been sold at same rate. Many shiploads being expected from North, it is uncertain what price will be. \u201cAt present the prospect of the succeeding harvest here is extremely unfavorable. So great a Drought was scarcely ever known to prevail at this season. In short there has been next to no rain during the whole winter. Prayers have lately been offered in all the Churches of Lisbon for rain. In this place, Processions of Priests, People and Images have \u2026 been made, in three successive days for the same purpose. As yet the skies assume no appearance of relenting.\u201d But if rains come soon, crops may still be saved, as they were at a critical moment last year after orders were sent to America for a great supply of flour, under special license. \u201cIt is believed the unexpected restoration of the Crops at that time, was the real cause why that flour was rejected (to the ruin of the Shippers) by the Contractors; under, perhaps, a justifiable legal colour, as having been shipped after the day designated.\u201d\nHe is using his present leisure to get a just idea of the state of Portugal and to acquire competency in reading the language: the former will take time\u2014the latter he has succeeded in to his satisfaction, being especially happy in his acquaintance with \u201cseveral learned and respectable Characters in this College\u201d to whom he is greatly indebted for many civilities. Through them he is able to see the Courier de l\u2019Europe and other papers regularly received at the Convent. He has not neglected whatever other means available to get early and authentic intelligence of the general situation of affairs.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0002", "content": "Title: I. George Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert, 3 February 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Deakins, William, Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia Feby. 3d. 1791\nIn asking your aid in the following case permit me at the same time to ask the most perfect secrecy.\nThe federal territory being located, the competition for the location of the town now rests between the mouth of the Eastern branch, and the lands on the river, below and adjacent to Georgetown.\u2014In favour of the former, Nature has furnished powerful advantages.\u2014In favour of the latter is it\u2019s vicinity to Georgetown, which puts it in the way of deriving aids from it in the beginning, and of communicating in return an increased value to the property of that town.\u2014These advantages have been so poised in my mind as to give it different tendencies at different times.\u2014There are lands which stand yet in the way of the latter location and which, if they could be obtained, for the purposes of the town, would remove a considerable obstacle to it, and go near indeed to decide what has been so long on the balance with me.\nThese are, first, the lands on the S West side of a line to be run from where the Road crosses Goose creek (in going from Georgetown to the Eastern branch) to the corner of Charles Beatty\u2019s lot, including by the plat of Beatty and Orme the house of William Pearce; or, if the whole of this parcel cannot be obtained, then secondly so much as would lie within a line to be run from the said ford, or thereabouts, to the middle of the line of cession which extends from the corner of Beatty\u2019s lot, as above mentioned to its termination on Goose Creek. Thirdly, the lands of Mr. Carrol between Goose Creek, the River and Mr. Young, to the same ford of the Creek.\nThe object of this letter is to ask you to endeavor to purchase these grounds of the owners for the public, particularly the 2d. parcel, but as if for yourselves, and to conduct your propositions so as to excite no suspicion that they are on behalf of the public.\nThe circumstances of the funds appropriated by the States of Virginia and Maryland, will require that a twelve month\u2019s credit be stipulated, in order that they may cover you from any inconvenience which might attend your personal undertakings.\u2014As the price at which the lands can be obtained would have it\u2019s weight also with me, I would wish that in making your bargains you should reserve to yourselves a fortnight\u2019s time to consider, at the end of which you  should be free to be off or on, but the seller not so. This will admit your writing to me and receiving my definitive answer.\nA clear purchase is so preferable to every other arrangement, that I should scarcely think any other worthy attention.\nI am obliged to add that all the dispatch is requisite which can consist with the success of your operation, and that I shall be glad to hear by post of your progress, and prospect of the accomplishment of this business, in whole or part. I am Gentn. Yr. Most Obed. Hble Ser.\nGo: Washington\nP.S. That my description of the lands required in the foregoing letter may be more clearly understood, and my wishes further explained, I enclose you a rough (and very rough indeed it is) copy of the ceded tracts, Roads &ca. of Messrs. Beatty and Orme\u2019s Survey; adding thereto lines of augmentation.\u2014To obtain the lands included within the lines A B & C is my first wish, and next to that the lands within the lines D E & F; but those within the lines D E, and along the Creek to C, are indispensably necessary: and being not over 250 Acres might, I suppose, be easily obtained.\u2014It ought to be the first essay and I wish to know as soon as possible the result of it, before any others are directly attempted.\nGW", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0004", "content": "Title: III. Pierre Charles L\u2019Enfant to Thomas Jefferson, 11 March 1791\nFrom: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\n[Georgetown] Friday March the 11 - 1791.\nI have the Honor of Informing you of my arrival at this place where I could not possibly reach before wednesday last and very late in the Evening after having travelled part of the way on foot and part on horse back leaving the broken stage behind.\nOn arriving I made it my first care immediatly to wait on the mayor of the town in conforming with the direction which you gave me\u2014he appeared to be much surprised and he assured me he had received no previous notice of my coming nor any instruction relating to the business I was sent upon\u2014however nex day (yesterday morning) he made me a kind offer of his assistance in procuring for  me three or Four men to attend me in the surveying and this being the only thing I was in need of Every matter as been soon arrenged. I am only at present to regret that an heavy rain and thick mist which has been incessant Ever since my arrival here dose put an insuperable obstacle to my wish of proceeding immediatly to the survey. Should the weather continu bad as there is Every apparence it will I shall be much at a loss how to make a plan of the ground you have pointed out to me and have it ready for the President at the time when he his Expected at this place. I see no other way if by Monday next the weather dose not change but that of making a rough draft as accurat as may be obtained by viewing the ground in riding over it on horsback as I have already done yesterday through the rain to obtain a knowlege of the whole. I rote from the easterne branch towards georgetown up the heights and down along side of the bank of the main river and along side of goose and Rock creeks as far up as thier Springs.\nAs far as I was able to juge through a thick Fog I passed on many spots which appeared to me realy beautiful and which seem to disput with each other who command In the most Extansive prospect on the wather. The gradual rising of the ground from carrollborough toward the ferry Road, the levell and Extensive ground from thence to the bank of the potowmack as far as Goos Creek present a situation most advantageous to run streets and prolong them on grand and far distant point of view. The wather runing from spring at some distance into the creeks appeared also to me possible to be conducted without much labour so as to forme pounds for watering Every part of that spot. The remainder part of the ground toward george town is more broken. It may affords pleasents seats but altho\u2019 the bank of the river betwen the tow creek can command as grand a prospect as any of the other spots its seem to be less commendable for the establessement of a city not only because the level surface it present is but small but because the heights from behind george town absolutly command the whole.\nNo part of the ground betwen the eastern branch and george town can be say to be of a commanding nature. On the contrary it appear at first sight as being closely surronded\u2014however in advancing toward the easterne branch these heights seem to sink as the waves of a tempestuous sea and when considering the intended city on that grand Scale on which it ought to be planed it will appear that the only height which would unavoidably batter in it, a small town may easily be comprehended in the limit and be of such a one as rendered by a proper menagement in the appropriation of the  building that may be there erected a mean of protection and of security.\nSuch are sir the few remark which I have been able to make in a journey when the badness of the weather much impeded my progress. I therefore hope for your Indulgence in hazarding to comunicate them to you. I have the Honor to be sir with very great respect", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0005", "content": "Title: IV. George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, [16 March 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nEnclosed is the last letter I have received from Messrs. Deakins and Stoddart.\u2014What step had I best take to bring matters to a close with Burn\u2019s, and by declaring at once the site of the public buildings, prevent some inconvenience which I see may arise from the opinions promulgated by Mr. L\u2019Enfont? as much probably from complaisance as judgment.\u2014Yrs,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0006", "content": "Title: V. George Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Deakins, William, Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia March 17th. 1791\nIn order to avail the public of the willingness expressed by the inhabitants of Washington county, as mentioned in your letter of the 11th. to sign a paper ceding their lots in Hamburg, on being  requested by any person under my direction, I have written the inclosed letter, which if you think it will answer the desired end, you will be so good as to dispatch to them, with the necessary propositions in form. I am aware that by this means it will become known that you are acting for the public: but there will be no reason for keeping this longer secret after my arrival at George town.\nWith respect to Mr. Burns I will confer with you on my arrival as to what is best to be done in his case, should you not have obtained a cession from him in the mean time.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0007", "content": "Title: Enclosure: George Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Deakins, William, Jr.,Stoddert, Benjamin\nEnclosureGeorge Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert\nGentlemen\nPhila. March 17th. 1791\nOn passing thro George town I propose to examine the ground between that town and the Eastern branch, and on that examination to fix on a site for the public buildings. Should there be any circumstances in favour of the ground next adjoining to George town, I foresee that the old town of Hamburg will be a considerable obstacle, as the streets of that will probably not coincide with those which might be proposed for the federal city. On behalf of the public I should be much pleased if the proprietors of lots in that town would voluntarily consent to cede them at such price as may be set on the adjacent lands which have been or shall be ceded. I will ask the favor of you to have application made to them in time for their decision to meet me at George town.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0009", "content": "Title: VII. Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Charles L\u2019Enfant, 17 March 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nSir\nPhiladelphia Mar. 17. 1791.\nYour favor of the 11. inst. has been duly recieved. Between the date of that and your reciept of the present, it is probable that the most important parts of the ground towards the Eastern branch will have been delineated. However, whether they are or not, as the President will go on within two or three days, and would wish to have under his eye, when at Georgetown, a drawing also of the principal lineaments of the ground between Rock creek and the Tyber, you are desired, immediately on the reciept of this, to commence the survey of that part, beginning at the river, and proceeding towards the parts back of that till his arrival. If the meanders of these two creeks and of the river between them should not have been already laid down either by yourself or Mr. Ellicot, it is desired that Mr. Ellicot should immediately do this while you shall be employed on the interior ground, in order that the work may be as much advanced as possible on the arrival of the President, and that you will be so good as to notify this to Mr. Ellicot.\u2014I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. There are certainly considerable advantages on the Eastern branch: but there are very strong reasons also in favor of the position between Rock creek and Tyber independant of the face of the ground. It is the desire that the public mind should be in equilibrio between these two places till the President arrives, and we shall be obliged to you to endeavor to poise their expectations.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0010", "content": "Title: VIII. Pierre Charles L\u2019Enfant to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1791\nFrom: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nGeorgetown Mars the 20 \u20131791\nOn the 17 ult. the change of the weather at last having permitted me to proceed to the Eastern Branch I deed on the afternoon of that day sat about the survey, but the variety of the weather has been such since as has much impeded my progress. I have only been able, to this day, to lay down of that part which lay betwen the eastern branch and the tiber so much as Includ Jenkins Hill and all the water course from round Carroll point up to the ferry landing leaving for a better time some swampy pats which were rendered absolutly impasable by the Eavy rain which overflowing all the low ground determined me to confine myself on the heigh land.\u2014I Expected to have before this day attempted to lay down somme part of those laying betwen the tyber and Rock creek had not a fall of snow and stormy wind which succeeded for these three day past prevented me. I hope to morrow will prove more favorable for me to proceed laying down those part which you prescribe in the letter which I this moment receive From Mr. Ellicot who brought it himself to me and shall according to your direction join his Endeavour to mine in runing as much as possible of the wather course as may serve connect the whole of our differents surveys together. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir your most humble and most obeident servant,\nP. C. L\u2019enfant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0011", "content": "Title: IX. George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nMount-Vernon March 31st. 1791.\nHaving been so fortunate as to reconcile the contending interests of Georgetown and Carrollsburg, and to unite them in such an agreement as permits the public purposes to be carried into effect on an extensive and proper scale, I have the pleasure to transmit to you the enclosed proclamation, which, after annexing your counter signature and the seal of the United States, you will cause to be published.\nThe terms agreed on between me, on the part of the United States, and the Landholders of Georgetown and Carrollsburg are\u2014That all the land from Rock-creek along the river to the eastern-branch and so upwards to or above the ferry including a breadth of about a mile and a half, the whole containing from three to five thousand acres is ceded to the public, on condition that, when the whole shall be surveyed and laid off as a city, (which Major L\u2019Enfant is now directed to do) the present Proprietors shall retain every other lot\u2014and, for such part of the land as may be taken for public use, for squares, walks, &ca., they shall be allowed at the rate of Twenty five pounds per acre.\u2014The Public having the right to reserve such parts of the wood on the land as may be thought necessary to be preserved for ornament &ca. The Landholders to have the use and profits of all their ground until the city is laid off into lots, and sale is made of those lots which, by the agreement, become public property. No compensation is to be made for the ground that may be occupied as streets or alleys.\nTo these conditions all the principal Landholders except the purchaser of Slater\u2019s property who did not attend have subscribed, and it is not doubted that the few who were not present, will readily assent thereto. Even the obstinate Mr. Burns has come into the measure. The enlarged plan of this agreement having done away the necessity, and indeed postponed the propriety, of designating the particular spot, on which the public buildings should be placed, until an accurate survey and subdivision of the whole ground is made, I have left out that paragraph of the proclamation.\nIt was found, on running the lines that the comprehension of Bladensburg within the district, must have occasioned the exclusion of more important objects\u2014and of this I am convinced as well by my own observation as Mr. Ellicott\u2019s opinion. With great regard and esteem, I am dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0012", "content": "Title: X. Pierre Charles L\u2019Enfant to Thomas Jefferson, 4 April 1791\nFrom: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\njeorge town April the 4th. 1791\nI would have reproched myself for not having writen to you as regularly as you had desired I Should were it not for Circumstances to which you will I doubt not attribut this Seeming neglect in approving of the considerations which made me give the whole of my time to forwards as much as possibly could be the busines I had to performe. Great as were my Endeavour to that End it Steel remained unfinished at the moment of the President arrival at this place were I could present him no more but a rough drawing in pincel of the severals Surveys which I had been able to run.\u2014Nevertheless the president Indulgent disposition making him account for the difficulties Encontered, I had the satisfaction to see the little I had done agreable to his wish, and the Confidence with which he has been pleased since to Honor me in ordering the survey to be continued and the deliniation of a grand plan for the local distribution of the City to be done on principle conformable to the ideas which I took the liberty to hold before him as the proper for the Establishement being to heigly flatering to my Embition to Fail Exerting the best of my hability. It shall be from this moment my Endeavour to Enswer the president Expectation in preparing those plans and having them ready for the time of his return from the Southern tour.\nI Shall in the mean while, sir, beg for Every information respecting all what may in your jugement appear of most immediate importance to attend to as well as relating to Every desirable Establishement which it will be well to forsee although delaying or perhaps leaving the Execution thereof to a natural succession of time to Effect.\nThe number and nature of the publick building with the necessary appendix I Should be glad to have a Statement of as speedily as possible. And I would be very much obliged to you in the meantime if you Could procur for me what Ever map may fall within your reach, of any of the differents grand city now Existing such as for Example, as London, madry, paris, Amsterdam, naples, venice, genoa, florence together with particular maps of any such sea ports or dock yards and arsenals as you may know to be the most compleat in thier Improvement for notwithstanding I would reprobate the Idea of Imitating and that contrary of Having this Intention it is my wish and shall be my Endeavour to delinate on a new and orriginal way  the plan the contrivance of which the President has left to me without any restriction so Ever. Yet the contemplation of what Exist of well improved Situation, iven the parrallel of these with deffective ones, may serve to suggest a variety of new Ideas and is necessary to refine and Strengthen the Jugement particularly in the present instance when having to unite the usfull with the Comodious and agreable viewing these will by offering means for comparing Enable me the better to determine with a certainty the propriety of a local which offer an Extansive field for combinations. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir your most humble and most obeident servant,\nP. C. L\u2019Enfant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0014", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Daniel Carroll to James Madison, 6 April 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Madison, James\nEnclosureDaniel Carroll to James Madison\nMy dear Sir\nGeorge Town Apr. 6th. 1791\nI have flattered myself with hopes of receiving a line from you with information of the time you woud be at this place. On enquiry however I find it incertain whether you wou\u2019d not turn your face to the East. Shou\u2019d that not be the Case, I claim your promise of letting me know when I may expect to see you, and hope you will arrange matters so as not to be in a hurry to proceed when you get to this place.\u2014I refer you to the George Town paper for some intelligence respecting the Federal City. The Union of the George Town and Carrollsburgh interests, has given a Cast to this business more favourable than  was expected even by its friends. It was a union I have most ardently wish\u2019d for and promoted on public and personal considerations.\nI inclose the articles of Agreement, sign\u2019d by all the proprietors of Land within the propos\u2019d limits of the City, so far as to compleat this important object with a Condemnation of a Small piece of land the right of a person insane, and by an accommodation respecting the Lotts in Hamburgh and Carrollsburgh to a Condemnation of some Lotts in each of those places, as the proprietors cannot be come at.\nIt is propos\u2019d that both these places shall be Subject to be lay\u2019d out again.\u2014At the time the principal proprietors of the two interests agreed to a compromise, it was propos\u2019d and agreed too that the private property shou\u2019d be subject to the same regulations respecting the buildings &ca. as shou\u2019d be thought proper for the public; this was in the hurry omitted to be inserted in the articles sign\u2019d. We hope however to obtain it in the deeds. I wish much to see you & am My dear Sr, allways & Sincerely yr affe. friend & Servt.\nDanl Carroll\nPresent my compliments to Mrs. House and Mrs. Triste, and assure them of my esteem and regard.\u2014Send the inclosd note to Fenno.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0015", "content": "Title: XII. Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Charles L\u2019Enfant, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 10. 1791.\nI am favored with your letter of the 4th. inst. and in compliance with your request I have examined my papers and found the plans of Frankfort on the Mayne, Carlsruhe, Amsterdam Strasburg, Paris, Orleans, Bordeaux, Lyons, Montpelier, Marseilles, Turin and Milan, which I send in a roll by this post. They are on large and accurate scales, having been procured by me while in those respective cities myself. As they are connected with the notes I made in my travels, and often necessary to explain them to myself, I will beg your care of them and to return them when no longer useful to you, leaving you absolutely free to keep them as long as useful. I am happy that the President has left the planning of the town in such good hands, and have no doubt it will be done to general satisfaction. Considering that the grounds to be reserved for the public are to be paid for by the acre, I think very liberal reservations should be made for them, and if this be about the Tyber and on the back of the town it will be of no injury to the commerce of the place, which will undoubtedly establish itself on the deep waters towards the Eastern branch and mouth of Rock creek; the water about the mouth of the Tyber not being of any depth. Those connected with the government will prefer fixing themselves near the public grounds in the center, which will also be convenient to be resorted to as walks from the lower and upper town.\u2014Having communicated to the President, before he went away, such general ideas on the subject of the town, as occurred to me, I make no doubt that, in explaining himself to you on the subject, he has interwoven with his own ideas, such of mine as he approved: for fear of repeating therefore what he did not approve, and having more confidence in the unbiassed state of his mind, than in my own, I avoid interfering with what he may have expressed to you. Whenever it is proposed to prepare plans for the Capitol, I should prefer the adoption of some one of the models of antiquity which have had the approbation of thousands of years; and for the President\u2019s house I should prefer the celebrated fronts of Modern buildings which have already received the approbation of all good judges. Such are the Galerie du Louvre, the Gardes meubles, and two fronts of the Hotel de Salm. But of this it is yet time enough to consider. In the mean time I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0001-0016", "content": "Title: XIII. Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 10. 1791.\nI had the honor of addressing you on the 2d. inst. which I presume would overtake you at Richmond. The present I imagine will not overtake you till you get to Wilmington. Since my last I have been honoured with your two letters of March 31. and two others of Apr. 4. one of which was circular. A copy of this I sent to the Vice president, and as Colo. Hamilton has asked a consultation on a letter of Mr. Short\u2019s we shall have a meeting with the Vice-president tomorrow. I will then ask their advice also on the communication to Colo. Beckwith relative to the supplies to the Indians.\u2014Finding, within a day or two after my letter to you of Mar. 27. that Putnam was gone to the Westward, I detained my letter to him, and applied to Genl. Knox from whom I obtained some information on the Eastern boundary. No official information of the affair of Moose island is received here. Perhaps it is on the road to you. Nor do we hear anything more of the disturbance said to have arisen on the borders of New York.\u2014I have asked the favour of my friend Mr. Madison to think on the subject of the Consular commission to Mr. Barclay. So far as we have done so and conferred together as yet, we are both of opinion it may be used; but we shall think and confer further. I presume your only doubt arose on the constitutional powers to \u2018supply vacancies\u2019 during the recess of Congress.\u2014There was an omission also (which might strike your mind) of the limitation of the commission \u2018till the end of the next session of Congress.\u2019 As the constitution limits them, this clause is always useless; however as it does no harm, it has been usually inserted in the commissions. But in the case of Mr. Barclay such a clause would require a very awkward explanation to the Emperor of Marocco: and as Mr. Barclay is apprised of the constitutional determination of his commission it was thought better to omit the useless expression of it.\u2014The acquisition of ground at George town is really noble. Considering that only \u00a325. an acre is to be paid for any grounds taken for the public, and the streets not be to counted, which will in fact reduce it to about \u00a319. an acre, I think very liberal reserves should be made,  for the public. Your proclamation came to hand the night of the 5th. Dunlap\u2019s and Bache\u2019s papers for the morning of the 6th. being already filled, I could only get it into Brown\u2019s evening paper of the 6th. On the 7th. the bill for the federal buildings passed the representatives here by 42. to 10. but it was rejected yesterday by 9. to 6. in the Senate, or, to speak more exactly, it was postponed till the next session. In the mean time spirited proceedings at George town will probably, under the continuance of your patronage, prevent the revival of the bill. I received last night from Majr. L\u2019Enfant a request to furnish him any plans of towns I could, for his examination. I accordingly send him, by this post, plans of Frankfort on the Mayne, Carlsruhe, Amsterdam, Strasburg, Paris, Orleans, Bordeaux, Lyons, Montpelier, Marseilles, Turin and Milan, on large and accurate scales, which I procured while in those towns respectively. They are none of them however comparable to the old Babylon, revived in Philadelphia, and exemplified. While in Europe I selected about a dozen or two of the handsomest fronts of private buildings of which I have the plates. Perhaps it might decide the taste of the new town, were these to be engraved here, and distributed gratis among the inhabitants of George town. The expence would be trifling.\nI inclose you extracts from a letter of Mr. Short\u2019s of Jan. 24. One of Jan. 28. has since come to hand, containing nothing but a translation of the letter said to have been written by the emperor to the king of France, but which he suspects to be a forgery, a forged bull of the pope having lately appeared in the same way. He says very serious differences have arisen between the minister of Prussia at Liege, and the Imperial commanding officer there.\nI also inclose the debates of the Pennsylvania assembly on the bill for the federal buildings, and the bill itself; and have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & attachment Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0002", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Harison, 1 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Harison, Richard\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 1. 1791.\nThe recess of Congress now permitting me to resume the subject of my letter of Aug. 12. which was circular, I have the honor of  acknoleging the receipt of yours of Sep. 3. and Dec. 4. together with the papers which accompanied the latter. These, with the observations you have been so good as to make on the subject of British debts and property will enable us to give answers as to the proceedings of N. York whenever the British government shall think proper to come forward.\u2014The other object, that of procuring a complete set of the laws of every state for the use of the federal government, is extremely important. I must therefore ask the favor of you to send forward the volumes you mention to have procured in your letter of Sep. 3. and still beg the continuation of your attention to the procuring any others which may be necessary to complete our collection, and of which you are the best judge. Whenever you will be so good as to notify me of the cost of those already procured, and so from time to time of those to be procured, you shall be immediately reimbursed by a bankpost-note. I am in hopes the apparent necessity of having such a collection made and deposited here will apologize to you for the trouble I have asked you to take herein, and pray you to accept my thanks for the same and assurances of the esteem with which I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0003", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Hawkins, 1 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hawkins, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia April 1. 1791.\nAt Mrs. Trist\u2019s desire I forward to you about a dozen beans of three different kinds, having first taken toll of them as she had done before. They are of the scarlet flowering kinds. This is all I know of them. The most beautiful bean in the world is the Caracalla bean, which though in England a green house plant, will grow in the  open air in Virginia and Carolina. I never could get one of them in my life. They are worth your enquiry.\nSome friendly Indians have been killed near Fort Pitt lately, on a trading visit, by a party of Virginians. This will not only defeat the measures set on foot for peace, but spread the war wider. There has been also a small fracas on our disputed territory to the Eastward, by our sheriffs levying taxes on the inhabitants of Moose island, who as to that article, wished to be neutrals.\u2014A sale of 1,200,000 acres of land by Mr. R[obert] M[orris] in Europe and the purchase of 5. millions more is the report of the day. Things were going on well in France by the last authentic accounts. The English papers have since killed the D. of Orleans. It seems to be thought that the affairs of Europe are by no means settled, and that the late pacification has only covered a fire which will burst out again immediately. Adieu. Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0005", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Read, Jr., 1 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Read, George, Jr.\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 1. 1791.\nHaving now leisure to resume the subject of my letter of Aug. 12. which was circular, I have the honor to acknolege the receipt of yours of Nov. 4. with the acts therewith forwarded. The making a complete collection, to be deposited at the seat of the general government, of all the laws in force in every state, or which have been in force, is so important, that I must ask a continuation of your attention to the procuring a copy of the collection of Delaware laws printed in 1752. and which some casualty may hereafter perhaps throw in your way. I shall thank you for a copy of those now under revisal whenever they shall appear. On notifying to me the cost of those already sent or hereafter to be sent, you shall be immediately re-imbursed by a bank-post-bill, with many thanks from him who has the honor to be with great respect Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0007", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Sitgreaves, 1 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Sitgreaves, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 1. 1791.\nHaving now leisure, since the adjournment of Congress, to resume the subject of my circular letter of Aug. 12. I have the honour to acknowledge the reciept of your favor of Dec. 6. and to thank you for the papers forwarded with it on the subject of British debts and property. The other object of my letter, that of procuring a complete copy of all the laws in force or which have ever been in force, to be deposited here for the use of the general government is so important as to induce me to ask a continuance of your attention to it. Mr. Iredell\u2019s revisal when published will be desireable: and as far as a collection can be made of the printed laws omitted in that we shall be glad of it. It is not proposed to go to the expence of manuscript copies. Tho I had asked the favor of you to make this collection, while you were attorney for the district, and you are no longer in this office, yet as you have been so good as to begin it, and I hope it will not be a trouble of long duration, may I hope that you will be so obliging as to go through with it by picking up whatever may occur in print to fill up the omissions of Mr. Iredell\u2019s collection. Whenever at any time you will be pleased to notify to me the cost of these articles, you shall be immediately reimbursed by a bank post note. I have the honor to be with great respect & esteem Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0008", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 1 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon April 1st. 1791\nI have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 27th. ult. with the papers which accompanied it.\nReferring to your judgment whether a commission, similar to that intended for Mr. Barclay, may be given without the agency of the Senate, I return both papers to you signed, in order that the one you deem most proper may be used.\nYour opinions respecting the acts of force which have already taken place, or may yet take place on our boundaries, meet my concurrence, as the safest mode of compelling propositions to an amicable settlement and it may answer a good purpose to have them suggested in the way you mention.\u2014Should this matter assume a serious aspect during my absence I beg you to communicate particulars with all possible dispatch.\nThe most superb edifices may be erected, and I shall wish their inhabitants much happiness, and that too very disinterestedly, as I shall never be of the number myself.\nIt will be fortunate for the American public if private Speculations in the lands, still claimed by the Aborigines, do not aggrevate those differences, which policy, humanity, and justice concur to deprecate.\nI am much indebted to your kind concern for my safety in travelling. No accident has yet happened either from the high-hanging of the carriage, or the mode of driving. The latter I must continue as my Postilion (Giles) is still too much indisposed to ride the journey.\nIt occurs to me that you may not have adverted to Judge Putnam\u2019s being in the Western Country at present.\u2014Perhaps General Knox can furnish you with the maps you want, or they may be found among those that are in my study in Philadelphia.\nI expect to leave Mount Vernon, in prosecution of my Southern tour, on tuesday or wednesday next. I shall halt one day at Fredericksburgh and two at Richmond. Thence I shall proceed to Charlestown by the way of Petersburg, Halifax, Tarborough, Newbern, Wilmington, and George Town, without making any halts  between Richmond and Charleston but such as may be necessary to accomodate my journey. I am sincerely and affectionately Yours,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0009", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Maxwell, 2 April 1791\nFrom: Maxwell, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNorfolk, 2 Apr. 1791. Acknowledging TJ\u2019s of 29th ult. On receiving former letter, he at once applied to Major Lindsay who had TJ\u2019s six boxes of furniture  immediately sent to Richmond and who said Brown acknowledged their receipt and said he had been waiting for wagons to sent them up country.\u2014On receiving TJ\u2019s former order for cider, he immediately applied to gentlemen he could rely on at Suffolk, Smithfield, Cabin Point, and Back River \u201c(being the places of greatest reputation for Cyder) and their general answer was that they had made none they could recommend,\u201d due to a remarkably warm fall, the apples rotting too fast, and their having to distill them into brandy. But on receiving TJ\u2019s last he applied again and hopes soon to be able to send \u201c3 or More Bbls: of Cyder and shall be happy I may get such as may meet with Your Approbation.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0010", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 2 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 2. 1791.\nI had the honor of addressing you on the 27th. Ult. since which letters are received of Jan. 24. from Mr. Carmichael, and of Jan. 3. and 15. Madrid, and Feb. 6. and 12. Lisbon, from Colo. Humphreys. As these are interesting and may tend to settle suspense of mind to a certain degree I shall trouble you with quotations from some parts and the substance of others.\nColo. H. says \u2018I learn from other good authority, as well as from Mr. Carmichael, that all representations of Gardoqui (when minister in America) tended to excite a belief that the most respectable and influential people throughout the U.S. did not wish to have the navigation of the Missisipi opened for years to come, from an apprehension such event would weaken the government and impoverish the Atlantic states by emigrations. It was even pretended that none but a handful of settlers on the Western waters and a few inhabitants of the Southern states would acquiesce in the measure.\u2019 This is the state of mind to which they have reverted since the crisis with England is passed, for during that the Count de Florida Blanca threw out general assertions that we should have no reason to complain of their conduct with respect to the Missisipi; which gave rise to the report it\u2019s navigation was opened. The following passages will be astonishing to you who recollect that there was not a syllable in your letters to Mr. G. M. which looked in the most distant manner to Spain. Mr. Carmichael says \u2018something however might have been done in a moment of projects and apprehension had not a certain negociation carried on on our part at London, transpired, and which I think was known here rather from British policy than from the vigilance of the Marquis del Campo.  Entirely unacquainted with this manoeuvre, although in correspondence with the person employed I was suspected to be in the secret. This suspicion banished confidence, which returns by slow degrees. This circumstance induced me to drop entirely my correspondence with G.M. To continue it would have done harm, and certainly could do no good. I have seen extracts of the President\u2019s letter communicated to the Duke of Leeds, perhaps mutilated or forged to serve here the views of the British cabinet. I do not yet despair of obtaining copies of those letters through the same channel that I procured the first account of the demands of G.B. and the signature of the late convention.\u2019 Colo. Humphreys says \u2018the minister had intimations from del Campo of the conferences between Mr. Morris and the Duke of Leeds, which occasioned him to say with warmth to Mr. Carmichael now is your time to make a treaty with England. Fitzherbert availed himself of these conferences to create apprehensions that the Americans would aid his nation in case of war.\u2019 Your genuine letter could have made no impression. The British court then must have forged one, to suit their purpose, and I think it will not be amiss to send a genuine copy to Carmichael, to place our faith in it\u2019s just ground. The principal hope of doing any thing now, is founded, either on an expected removal of the count de F.B. from the ministry, in which case persons will be employed who are more friendly to America, or to the bursting out of that fire which both gentlemen think but superficially covered. Mr. Carmichael justifies himself by the interception of his letters. He has shewn the originals to Colo. H. He concludes his present letter with these words. \u2018Relying on the good opinion of me that you have been pleased to express on many occasions, I intreat you to engage the President to permit me to return to my native country.\u2019 Colo. Humphreys on the subjects of his justification and return says (after speaking of the persons likely to come into power) \u2018Mr. Carmichael being on terms of intimacy with the characters here, is certainly capable of effecting more at this court than any other American. He is heartily desirous of accomplishing the object in view at all events, and fully determined to return to America in 12. or 18. months at farthest. He has expressed that intention repeatedly. To be invested with full powers, perhaps he would be able to do something before his departure from the continent.\u2019 In his letter of Jan. 15. he says \u2018Mr. Carmichael\u2019s ideas are just: his exertions will be powerful and unremitting to obtain the accomplishment of our desires before his departure from this country. The task will now be difficult if not impracticable.\u2019 In that of Feb. 6. he says, \u2018Mr.  Carmichael is much mortified that so many of his dispatches have miscarried. By the original documents, which I have seen in his hands, I am convinced he has been extremely assiduous and succesful in procuring early and authentic intelligence. It is difficult for a person at a distance to form an adequate judgment of the embarrasments to which a public man, situated as he was, is subjected, in making written communications, from such an inland place, and under such a jealous government. He appears disgusted with the country and the mode of life he is compelled to lead. He desires ardently to return to his native land; but he wishes to distinguish himself first by rendering some essential service to it if possible.\u2019\nI propose to write to Mr. Carmichael that your absence prevents my asking the permission he desires, that as it is natural he should wish to do something which may make favorable impressions here before his return and an opportunity is now offered him, I will suspend asking his recall till I hear further from him.\nGovernour Quesada, by order of his court, is inviting foreigners to go and settle in Florida. This is meant for our people. Debtors take advantage of it and go off with their property. Our citizens have a right to go where they please. It is the business of the states to take measures to stop them till their debts are paid. This done, I wish a hundred thousand of our inhabitants would accept the invitation. It will be the means of delivering to us peaceably, what may otherwise cost us a war. In the mean time we may complain of this seduction of our inhabitants just enough to make them believe we think it very wise policy for them, and confirm them in it. This is my idea of it. I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & attachment, Sir, Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0013", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Carroll, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carroll, Charles\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 4. 1791.\nMr. Brown having agreed to settle our balance at \u00a321. 16s. 9d. sterling principal and interest, I have acceded in order to be done with it. Since you have been so good as to be privy to this whole matter, I take the liberty of sending my last letter on the subject, open, through your hands, that you may see that I have been grounded in my belief that I owed nothing, a belief that is still unshaken. Will you be so kind as to take from Mr. Brown a discharge in full for me against all persons, partners, assignees &c. on delivering to him the inclosed letter and bank bill for 97.06. dollars?\nWe hear that the British parliament is about to allow American grain carried there in British bottoms for re-exportation, to be stored rent-free. If so, we must make British bottoms lading, with wheat here, pay that rent before they sail in the form of an additional duty, so as to keep our vessels on a level with them. I am told the British merchants are already ordering all shipments of this article to be made in British bottoms.\u2014By the latest authentic accounts, affairs in France were going on most perfectly well. Be pleased to accept assurances of the cordial esteem & respect of Dear Sir Your affectionate humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0014", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLondon, 4 Apr. 1791. Encloses accounts of the Greenland fishery for 1789 and 1790, the former perfect but the latter not, due to incomplete \u201creturns of success,\u201d though an exact copy of that given parliament; also list of ships fitted out for Southern fishery in 1789, though it is impossible to foretell their success since some may be out two or three years. These accounts procured after \u201cconsiderable trouble and expence.\u201d His next object is to get account of success of outgoing ships for. 1790 and incoming for 1789 and 1790.\u2014He has not been unmindful of the cod fishery, but these accounts will be voluminous and as he fears TJ will think expense in getting them too great he will await further orders.\n\u201cThe situation this Government has placed herself in, gives me full  employment in watching their Movements, and protecting the citizens of the United States; from the Number of ships put into Commission, and the Scarcity of Seamen, they have been obliged to adopt, their usual arbitrary System in pressing, and of course some of our Seamen may be laid hold of; tho\u2019 no longer than Saturday, I received an assurance from the Duke of Leeds\u2019 office, that any one under that predicament, should be immediately liberated on demand.\u201d He has taken precaution to grant protections to crews of American ships that choose them.\u2014He is awkwardly situated as to appointment of agents as he does not know the President\u2019s intentions concerning vice-consuls. Consuls for other countries depute agents accountable to them. Since these will be useful during armament of British fleet, he will do the same unless directed to the contrary.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0015", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lewis, Nicholas\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 4. 1791.\nA little intermission of public business on the separation of Congress and departure of the President permits me now to turn my attention for a moment to my own affairs. Finding that good tobacco sold tolerably well here, and being assured that the tobacco of the red lands in Albemarle and Bedford were perfectly known here, and commanded always the highest price, I wrote to Mr. Hylton at Richmond to send me 20. hhds. of mine to this place, with a view, if it should be liked, to order the whole crop here before it should be otherwise disposed of. There were at the warehouse but 13. hhds. weighing 16,744.\u2114, nett, which was all of the Albemarle tobacco. It arrived here, and on view of it, I have sold that and the whole crop (except the fired part of the Bedford tobacco) for 5. dollars the hundred. Deducting from this the costs of removal it is equal to a sale at Richmond at 27/3 the hundred, and deducting 9d. for credit till Sep. it may be called 26/6 ready money at Richmond. I am now therefore to desire that you will be so good as to dispose of the fired part of the Bedford tobacco where and how you please, (I understood there would be about 14,000 \u2114, of it)  subjecting the money to my order, that I may divide it between Lyle and Hanson, according to the arrangements taken before I left home; and that you will have the residue hurried to Richmond by every possible exertion, and there be put under Mr. Hylton\u2019s orders, to whom I write this day to forward it. I believe that this place will hereafter be the best market for my tobacco especially when it shall be low in Virginia.\u2014Wheat is at a dollar here. I am anxious to hear what money Wilson has furnished, and is likely to furnish. Of the \u00a3525 supposed in his hands \u00a3125. were destined for Dr. Currie, \u00a3160. for Dobson, and \u00a3240. to assist the other articles of reciept in paying the general list of debts. The sale of my tobacco here with the 14,000 \u2114 to be sold by you will enable me to make the annual paiment of \u00a3700. sterl. to Lyle and Hanson punctually. Mr. Eppes has received \u00a3100. of Bannister\u2019s debt, and paid it to Dobson. He has also paid \u00a3110. more to Dobson from the funds of Mr. Wayles\u2019s estate: but as I do not wish to get rid of one debt by incurring another, I have begged of him to replace Mr. Wayles\u2019s \u00a3110. by calling on Wilson for so much out of the \u00a3160. in his hands as was destined for Dobson.\u2014I am anxious to hear that the mortgages are taken from Ronald for his purchase, because I am proposing to Hanson and Lyle to assign them over to them, on condition they will consider it as an absolute payment of so much, and give me a discharge.\nOn enquiry from many farmers I find that Buckwheat unless critically managed, does injury to lands. They consider whiteclover, not too much fed, as the best improver of lands. You know how much I have at heart the preservation of my lands in general, and particularly the hill side where my orchard is, below the garden, and round the North side of the hill. I will therefore repeat my request to have as much white clover seed gathered and bought as can be, and sowed first in the orchards, and then in other places as formerly recommended. Be pleased to present me most affectionately to Mrs. Lewis, and accept assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir Your sincere friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. I had forgotten to observe that the warehouse and shipping expences of the residue of the tobacco which is to come here, will be to be paid in Richmond, and will amount to 15. or 16.\u00a3. As I would not have Mr. Hylton advance this, I will be obliged to you to have it paid to him out of the fired tobacco to be sold in the country; or if that cannot be ready in time, let it be paid from any other fund, and replaced when that tobacco shall be sold. I write  him word that you will place this sum in his hands before he ships the tobacco. If the overseer\u2019s shares can be bought so as to make a profit worth the trouble and advances, they might come on with the rest, and the money shall be remitted to any body they please in Richmond by the first post after the tobacco arrives here. In this you will be so good as to do what to you shall seem best.\nTh: J.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0016-0002", "content": "Title: I. The President to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas,Hamilton, Alexander,Knox, Henry\nGentlemen\nMount Vernon, April 4. 1791.\nAs the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances, and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen interruptions it will be regulated (including days of halt) in the following manner.\nI shall be on the\n8th.\nof April at\nFredericksburg\n11th.\nRichmond\n14th.\nPetersburg\n16th.\nHalifax\n18th.\nTarborough\n20th.\nNewbern\n24th.\nWilmington\n29th.\nGeorgetown, South-Carolina\n2nd.\nof May\nCharleston, halting five days.\n11th.\nSavannah, halting two days.\nThence, leaving the line of the mail, I shall proceed to Augusta, and, according to the information which I may receive there, my return, by an upper road will be regulated.\u2014The route of my return is at present uncertain, but in all probability, it will be through Columbia, Camden, Charlotte, Salisbury, Salem, Guilford, Hillsborough, Harrisburg, Williamsburg to Taylor\u2019s ferry on the Roanoke, and thence to Fredericksburg by the nearest and best road.\nAfter thus explaining to you, as far as I am able at present, the direction and probable progress of my journey, I have to express my wish, if any serious and important cases should arise during my absence, (of which the probability is but too strong) that the Secretaries for the Departments of State, Treasury, and War may hold consultations thereon, to determine whether they are of such a nature as to require my personal attendance at the seat of government\u2014and, if they should be so considered, I will return immediately from any place at which the information may reach me.\u2014Or should they determine that measures, relevant to the case, may be legally and properly pursued without the immediate agency of the President, I will approve and ratify the measures, which may be conformed to such determination.\nPresuming that the Vice-President will have left the seat of government for Boston, I have not requested his opinion to be taken on the supposed emergency. Should it be otherwise I wish him also to be consulted.\u2014I am, Gentlemen, Your most obedient Servant,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0016-0003", "content": "Title: II. The President to the Secretary of State, 4 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nMount-Vernon April 4. 1791.\nYou will readily agree with me that the best interests of the United States require such an intimation to be made to the Governor of Canada, either directly or indirectly, as may produce instructions to prevent the Indians receiving military aid or supplies from the british posts or garrisons.\u2014The notoriety of this assistance has already been such as renders enquiry into particulars unnecessary.\nColonel Beckwith seems peculiarly designated to be the channel of an indirect intimation. Referring the mode and extent of communicating with him to your own discretion, I wish it may be suggested in such manner as to reach Lord Dorchester, or the officer commanding in Canada, that certain information has been received of large supplies of ammunition being delivered to the hostile Indians, from british posts, about the commencement of last campaign. And, as the United States have no other view in prosecuting the present war against the Indians, than, in the failure of negociation, to procure, by arms, peace and safety to the inhabitants of their frontier, they are equally surprised and disappointed at such an interference by the servants or subjects of a foreign State, as seems intended to protract the attainment of so just and reasonable an object.\nThese are my sentiments on this subject at the present moment. Yet so unsettled do some circumstances appear that it is possible you may see a necessity either to treat it very delicately, or to decline acting on it altogether.\u2014The option is therefore left to your judgment as events may make the one or the other the part of propriety.\nThe enclosed paper is transmitted and referred to you in the State I received it.\u2014I am dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0016-0004", "content": "Title: III. The Secretary of State to the President, 17 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 17. 1791\nI had the honor of addressing you on the 2d. which I supposed would find you at Richmond, and again on the 10th. which I thought would overtake you at Wilmington. The present will probably find you at Charleston.\nAccording to what I mentioned in my letter of the 10th. the Vicepresident, Secretaries of the Treasury and war and myself met on the 11th. Colo. Hamilton presented a letter from Mr. Short in which he mentioned that the month of February being one of the periodical months in Amsterdam, when from the receipt of interest and refunding of capitals, there is much money coming in there, and free to be disposed of, he had put off the opening his loan till then, that it might fill the more rapidly, a circumstance which would excite the presumption of our credit; that he had every reason to hope it would be filled before it would be possible for him, after his then communication of the conditions to recieve your approbation of them, and orders to open a second; which however should be awaited, according to his instructions; but he pressed the expediting the order, that the stoppage of the current in our favor might be as short as possible. We saw that if, under present circumstances, your orders should be awaited, it would add a month to the delay, and we were satisfied, were you present, you would approve the conditions and order a second loan to be opened. We unanimously therefore advised an immediate order, on condition the terms of the 2d. loan should not be worse than those of the 1st.\u2014Genl. Knox expressed an apprehension that the 6. nations might be induced to join our enemies; there being some suspicious circumstances; and he wished to send Colo. Pickering to confirm them in their neutrality. This he observed would occasion an expence of about 2000 dollars, as the Indians were never to be met empty-handed. We thought the mission adviseable.  As to myself, I hope we shall give the Indians a thorough drubbing this summer, and I should think it better afterwards to take up the plan of liberal and repeated presents to them. This would be much the cheapest in the end, and would save all the blood which is now spilt: in time too it would produce a spirit of peace and friendship between us. The expence of a single expedition would last very long for presents.\u2014I mentioned to the gentlemen the idea of suggesting thro\u2019 Colo. Beckwith, our knowlege of the conduct of the British officers in furnishing the Indians with arms and ammunition, and our dissatisfaction. Colo. Hamilton said that Beckwith had been with him on the subject, and had assured him they had given the Indians nothing more than the annual present, and at the annual period. It was thought proper however that he should be made sensible that this had attracted the notice of government. I thought it the more material, lest, having been himself the first to speak of it, he might suppose his excuses satisfactory, and that therefore they might repeat the annual present this year. As Beckwith lodges in the same house with Mr. Madison, I have desired the latter to find some occasion of representing to Beckwith that tho an annual present of arms and ammunition be an innocent act in time of peace, it is not so in time of war: that it is contrary to the laws of neutrality for a neutral power to furnish military implements to either party at war, and that if their subjects should do it on private account, such furnitures might be seised as contraband: to reason with him on the subject, as from himself, but so as to let him see that government thought as himself did.\nYou knew, I think, before you left us, that the British parliament had a bill before them, for allowing wheat, imported in British bottoms, to be warehoused rent-free. In order further to circumscribe the carrying business of the U.S. they now refuse to consider as an American bottom, any vessel not built here. By this construction they take from us the right of defining by our own laws what vessels shall be deemed ours and naturalized here; and in the event of a war, in which we should be neutral, they put it out of our power to benefit ourselves of our neutrality, by increasing suddenly by purchase and naturalization our means of carriage. If we are permitted to do this by building only, the war will be over before we can be prepared to take advantage of it. This has been decided by the Lords Commissioners of the treasury in the case of one Green, a merchant of New York, from whom I have recieved a regular complaint on the subject.\u2014I inclose you the copy of a note from  Mr. King to Colo. Hamilton, on the subject of the appointment of a British minister to come here. I suspect it however to be without foundation.\nColo. Eveleigh died yesterday. Supposing it possible you might desire to appoint his successor as soon as you could decide on one, I inclose you a blank commission, which when you shall be pleased to fill up and sign, can be returned for the seal and countersignature. I inclose you a letter from Mr. Coxe to yourself on the subject of this appointment, and so much of one to me as related to the same, having torn off a leaf of compliment to lighten and lessen my inclosures to you. Should distributive justice give preference to a successor of the same state with the deceased, I take the liberty of suggesting to you Mr. Hayward, of S.C. whom I think you told me you did not know, and of whom you are now on the spot of enquiry.\u2014I inclose you also a continuation of the Pennsylvania debates on the bill for federal buildings. After the postponement by the Senate, it was intended to bring on the reconsideration of that vote. But the hurry at winding up their session prevented it. They have not chosen a federal Senator. I have the honour to be with the most profound respect & sincere attachment, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0016-0006", "content": "Title: IV. Memorandum of a Conversation between James Madison and George Beckwith, [17 April 1791]\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[17 April] Philada.\nLast evening offered the first opportunity of breaking to Col. B. the subject for which he has been thought a proper channel to the Governour of Canada. It was explicitly made known to him, that besides its being generally understood that the N. W. Indians were supplied with the means of war from their intercourse with Detroit &c. the President had received information, which he considered as certain, that ample supplies of that sort had about the  commencement of last campaign, been received by the hostile tribes from places at present in British hands. It was observed to him at the same time, that as the U. S. had no other object in the present war, but to effect and establish peace on their frontier, it was obvious in what light such a circumstance must be viewed by them. And as a further consideration heightening the colour of the fact, he was reminded that the Indians in question were without an exception, inhabitants of the acknowledged territory of the U. S. and consequently stood in a certain relation to them, well understood by the nations possessing territories on this continent.\nThe sum of his answer was that as a fact so stated, however unaccountable it might be, was not to be contradicted, he could only undertake to affirm that it was impossible it could have proceeded directly or indirectly from the British Government, or even have had the sanction or countenance of the authority on the spot. He multiplied assurances that the whole spirit and policy of their Government was opposed to Indian hostilities; and that the sentiments views and orders of Lord Dorchester discouraged them as much as possible. This he knew to be the case. He asked whether there were any particulars of time place or persons contained in the information to the President; whether there was any evidence that the articles supplied were in greater quantities than were usual for other purposes than war, intimating that if there were just ground of complaint a regular statement and communication of it in any mode that might be thought not improper, would be most correspondent with the customary proceedings in such cases. For himself he should be very ready on receiving any such statements or communications to transmit them. He was here however not in any formal character, on the contrary in an informal one, a very informal one to be sure; and he entered into this conversation as between one private gentleman and another. He had indeed been a good while at N. York before, as well as here since the removal of the Government. He hoped his further stay would be rendered short by the arrival of some more authentic character. He was at N. York before Mr. Jefferson came into the office he now holds, and he believed it was known on what footing he was. Yet he had not in any respect been turned over to Mr. Jefferson, nor had any thing passed that could give him any pretensions to be in any communication with the Secretary of State. Such a communication was no doubt thought improper by the Secretary of State with so informal a character, though in a way ever so informal. He did not undertake  to suppose it was not right, especially as different forms of Governments have different modes of proceedings &c.\nThe turn given to the conversation shewing pretty clearly a desire to make the occasion subservient to some further and direct intercourse with the Government it was thought proper, for that reason, as well as for avoiding the necessity of another conversation to reply at once that it was not probable the information received by the President would be made known to him in any way more authentic than the present; which it was true, as he had observed, was merely a conversation between two private gentlemen; but if the fact, that the President had received the information as stated, was made sufficiently credible, the proper effect of the communication need not depend on the mode of it. If the dispositions of Lord Dorchester were such as were described, and of which his reputation for humanity and prudence left no room to doubt, any evidence amounting to probability only would insure all the interference that might depend on him. The conduct of Governments toward formal and informal characters was certainly not within the compass of this conversation. It was probable however that no distinction was made by the Government here, which was not made by all Governments, the difference between those characters seeming to lie not in the circumstance of the former being possessed of written and the latter of verbal authority; but in the greater publicity and formality of the written credentials from the proper source produced by the former.\u2014The evident impropriety of the military supplies afforded to the Indians required no doubt that the countenance of the British Government or even the sanction of the officer on the spot ought not to be presumed as long as the fact could be otherwise explained; but as the effect of such aids was the same whether furnished by public authority or by vindictive or avaritious individuals, it was in every case to be expected that the abuse would be corrected. And the circumstance of the Indians in question being within the acknowledged limits of the U. S. and receiving the means of war against them from a foreign source was again brought into view as heightening the color of the affair.\u2014With respect to the particulars of the fact, they did not seem to be material. In what degree the President was possessed of them could not be said. It might be difficult to ascertain the particulars and yet the general fact be sufficiently established. As the Indians at war traded with British subjects only, their being able to carry on hostilities was of itself sufficient evidence in the case. It might be difficult also to mark  precisely the line between supplies for war and for hunting, but it was probable that not only the difference of quantity demanded, but other indications must leave little doubt of the purpose for which they were intended.\nCol. B. professed the strongest disposition to do any thing in his power having been actuated by this disposition in all his communications to Canada, but repeated his wish for more exact information on the subject. The intelligence was itself so vague, and was communicated to him under such reserve, that he was really at a loss how to represent it. \u201cMay I sir mention your name in the case\u201d? He was answered, that from the nature of the conversation he would be under no restraint from mentioning any circumstance relating to it he pleased. \u201cMay I Sir say that I have your permission to use your name?\u201d Ansr. The permission being a part of the conversation he must be equally free to mention it if he thought fit; tho\u2019 it was not perceived to be a circumstance very material. \u201cWill you be so good Sir as to repeat the information you mentioned to have been received by the President?\u201d This request being complied with, he said he should certainly look out for the first opportunity of makingthe matter known to Lord D. and if Mr. M. should be here on the receipt of an answer he should be made acquainted with it, repeating his declaration that it was impossible the British Government could in any respect have countenanced or approved any supplies to the Indians as an aid or encouragement to their hostilities.\nJ. M.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0017", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Robert and Peter Bruce, 5 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Bruce, Robert,Bruce, Peter\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia Apr. 5. 1791.\nI now inclose you a bank post-note for sixty six dollars and a half, which makes up the rent of the whole year for the house I rented of you in New York, according to the statement below, for which I will ask the favor of a reciept in full. I am Gentlemen Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nMessrs. Robert and Peter Bruce to Th: Jefferson Dr.\nAug. 4.\nTo cash. (New York currency)\nDec. 2.\nTo do.\nTo assumpsit of new tenant\nApr. 5.\nTo 66\u00bd doll. now inclosed\nCr.\nBy rent of house from May 1. 1790. to May 1. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0018", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 5 April 1791\nFrom: Eppes, Francis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nEppington April 5th. 1791\nYour favour of 4th of March was deliverd me on sunday last. I am much oblig\u2019d by the pleasure you express at my fortunate sale. If you are determin\u2019d to sell I wou\u2019d recommend it to you not to sell until about XMas or a little after as Colo. Skipwith intends to dispose of one hundred on the first of October.\nMy wishes with respect to Jack are that he shoud be brought up to some profession. The Law is what him and myself have thought of. However, shou\u2019d you find his foundations too slender to be respectable in that line I wish you to direct his Studies to any thing else which you think most to his advantage. Indeed coud he study Law and write in your office also that wou\u2019d be my choice. I have provided funds for his maintanace, tho\u2019 am really at a loss what allowance is necessary. This you will be so obliging as to inform me. He brings with him \u00a360, forty five of which is in two bank notes. Those I have directed him to lodge with you. I must also request that you will make him account with you for all his expenditures as I well know Boys of his age in such a place as Philadelphia are as little capabel of following a proper line of conduct as a Ship a[t] Sea without Helm or Pilot. I hope you will find him well dispos\u2019d to do every thing you require. I have ever found him very manageable and trust when he is put into the right track, he will pursue it with ardor and I hope profit. Jack is fully appris\u2019d of my circumstances and he will be unpardonable if he exceeds the bounds of moderation in his expenditures. Any addition which you think necessary shall with pleasure be furnish\u2019d. I only request to have timely notice, and the remittance shall be made. He has some books which will be sent him by water. Any others that you think necessary shall be furnish\u2019d or the money to purchase them. I suppose every thing in that way can be more easily procur\u2019d in Philidelphia than here. I he[ar]d by Martin a few days ago that they all were well at the mountain and were shortly to come down the country. I am with every wish for your health & Happiness Dr. Sir Your affect. Friend,\nFrans. Eppes\nP.S. When ever you come to Virginia and your time will not admit of your coming here we shall make a point of Visiting you provided we can have notice in time.\nF E", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0019", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Hanson, 5 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hanson, Richard\nSir\nPhiladelphia April 5. 1791.\nIn my letter of Nov. 7. I informed you that on settling the affairs of the year there were expected to be 69,000 \u2114. of tobacco to be appropriated to the making my annual payment of \u00a3500. sterl. to you and \u00a3200. sterl. to Kippen & co. Finding that tobacco of that quality would sell better here than in Virginia and probably better than in England I ordered so much as was at the warehouse to be brought here, and by that sample have sold the whole crop at 5. dollars, except the 14,000 \u2114. which was fired and is to be sold in Virginia. 55,000 \u2114. here @ 5. dollars and 14,000 \u2114. there at the country price, will I presume, after paying the charges of bringing the former here, nearly about cover the 700\u00a3 sterl. I have been obliged to credit till September, as the tobacco will then be considered as old tobacco which entitled me to 5/ the hundred more than I should have got, had I sold it as it is at present. But I have hopes that if the tobacco can all be got here in time I can discount the purchaser\u2019s bills at the bank in time for your payment.\nI have sold to Mr. Ronald my Cumberland lands for \u00a31076 sterling, half payable Jan. 1. 1796. the other half Jan. 1. 1797. both bearing interest from Oct. 5. 1790. He has given two separate bonds, and as a security for one of them he mortgages the whole lands purchased, and for the other bond he mortgages half his Beaverdam lands, which half I suppose of double the value of the bond for which it is a security. I had previously examined the records of Goochland and found these lands were under no incumbrance there. These two bonds would pay the whole of my instalment to you of the year 1797. and nearly half that of 1796. The dispositions which Mr. Jones and yourself have expressed of giving every indulgence in this business consistent with his security, induce me to hope, that as these bonds and mortgages would be a greater security to him than my simple bonds, you will give me my bonds for 1796. and 1797. in exchange for these, and for a bond to be executed for the balance of 1796. which Ronald\u2019s bonds will not cover. The bonds in that case shall be assigned to you, and the mortgages regularly transferred. By this means you will be safer than as you now stand, and I shall be absolutely discharged of my instalment of 1797. and part of that of 1796. and the payment of this year being made there will remain only 4. more instalments of 500\u00a3 each and a fifth of nearly that sum, for which I shall provide by further sales without counting  on crops except for the first of them which will be due in 1792. before any money can probably be recieved on sales. My desire to get myself placed on sure ground as fast as possible induces me to make you the offer of these bonds and mortgages first. I will beg your immediate answer; as if you do not accept them, as payment, I must endeavor to avail myself of them otherwise. I am with much esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0020", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel L. Hylton, 5 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hylton, Daniel L.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 5. 1791.\nYour favor of Mar. 12. came to hand a fortnight ago and having given me reason to expect that the bill of lading for the vis-a-vis would come within a post or two, I have delayed answering in order to make one job of it. But not recieving the bill of lading, I trouble you again to send it forward. In the mean time I had enquiry made at New York whether any such captain as Towles had arrived there and am answered in the negative. I now inclose you a bankpostnote for 22. Doll. 75. cents equal to \u00a36\u201316\u20136 the expences you were so kind as to disburse for the 13 hogsheads of tobacco. Their quality has been found of the very best according to the taste of this market, and I have consequently sold my whole crop, except about 14,000 \u2114. of the Bedford tobacco which having been injured by the wet would not answer here. I have written to Mr. Lewis to sell that part in the country, and to hurry down all the rest from Bedford and Albemarle, which I expect will be about 39 or 40 thousand. I must trouble you to have this sent to me here, making the freight payable here. I am told the proper price is 20/ this money or 2 Dol. 66 cents pr. hhd. On this you will be pleased to do for the best. The inclosed letter to Mr. Lewis desires him to place 15. or 16.\u00a3 in your hand to pay the warehouse and shipping expences; to prevent adding that advance to the other trouble I am giving you, be so good as to send it by the Charlottesville post which calls at the printing office (Davies\u2019s I believe) the day of the week on which  the paper comes out. If you can now and then drop me a line informing me how the tobacco comes in, I shall thank you. My cordial esteem to Mrs. Hylton and am Dear Sir Your affectionate humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0021", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Lewis, 5 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lewis, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 5. 1791.\nIt is with some degree of shame that I accept the kind offer in your letter of the 1st. inst. However one may sometimes do for the public what they would not do for themselves. I therefore send you our whole collection of loose laws, to be filled up as you propose. I would beg that the copying of your index or any other writing in the business may be sent to be done at my office so as to take as much trouble off your hands as we can. For the same reason I will ask you to give the bookbinder &c. orders on me for the amount of their accounts. I am with great esteem & respect Dr. Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0022", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Matthew McAllister, 5 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: McAllister, Matthew\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 5. 1791.\nI have received your two favors of Oct. 24. and Dec. 24. as also the laws and proceedings you have been so kind as to collect. Those relative to British property and subjects will enable us, I presume to decide on any objections which may be derived on their part from proceedings of the state of Georgia.\u2014With respect to the collection of the laws of Georgia, however desireable that a complete collection of all the laws of every state should be made at the seat of government, yet I do not think myself authorised to go to the expence of Manuscript copies. I will therefore only ask your further attention to collect any printed acts which may serve to complete our collection  and may fall in your way, or to send the new revisal when it shall be published. With respect to the blanks in your account for the journey to Augusta, it was certainly never my intention to give you the trouble of such a journey for this business. I expected the whole would be done by written orders, or by personal ones where the gentlemen should happen to be on the spot. As an uniformity must be observed in the settlement of these accounts, I must await those which shall be rendered by the attorneys for the other states, and if they make similar charges, the whole shall be put into the Auditor\u2019s hands as the law requires to be settled by him as shall appear just. In the mean time as no question can arise about replacing the cost of what you have sent, and it is improper you should lay out of that, I inclose you a bank-post-note for 17. Dol. 14. cents, the amount, which will be paid by the collector of the customs at Savannah, and have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0023", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Potts, 5 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Potts, Richard\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 5. 1791.\nYour favor of Mar. 9. came to hand on the 23d. I was prevented by other pressing business from attending to it\u2019s contents, till two or three days ago, and then perceiving that you had sent the laws to me, and that they were not come to hand, I sent to Mr. Warder, who immediately delivered them. I now inclose you a bank post note for twenty five dollars and a quarter, the amount of the account you inclosed. I beg you to accept my thanks for your attention to this business one part of which was interesting to the state of Maryland and the other to the general Government, and have the honor to be with great esteem & respect Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0024", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson Bolling, 6 April 1791\nFrom: Bolling, Mary Jefferson\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Brother\nChesnut Grove april 6 1791\nI receiv\u2019d the favour of yours dateed october wherin I found a total disappointment of the happiness I had long flattered my self with of seeing you, it being at a time that our distress cannot be  describ\u2019d. It is too much for my pen so that I will not trouble you with it. You must now permit me to hail you grandfather and I do Sincearly congratulate you on the happy occation of pat\u2019cyes safe recovry. Wee anticipate the pleashure of seeing you this spring as your anxiety must be very great to see the little Stranger.\nI am sorry to tell you our sister Carrs ill health becomes seriously alarming. She has an obstanate languid fever that does not intermit for two or three days. When they leave her she is considerable weakened and they return very frequently. I very much fear these are dropsical simtoms. I have long wisht an oppertunity of answering yours. Had it not have been for Mr. Epps\u2019s politeness to me it was uncertain when I should have been gratified. Mr. Bolling Joins in love to you and apologyes for his negligence. The rest of my family Join in love. Adieu my dear brother may every blessing this life affords attend you are the most ardent wishes of your affectionate Sister\nMary Bolling", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0025", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 6 April 1791\nFrom: Eppes, Elizabeth Wayles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nEppington, April 6. 1791.\nI sincerely congratulate you on the birth of your fine Granddaughter. I am told she is a nun such. I wish\u2019d much to have been with my dear Patsy, but it was impossible. I now please myself with the happiness of seeing them all soon. The number of advantages you would have for my dear Polly in Philadelphia I have no doubtmust be very great, added to the happiness of your having her with you, tho\u2019 be assured my dear Sir it will always add to our happiness to have her with us. I never met a more governable temper.\nYour kind intentions with regard to Wayles have delight\u2019d me not a little, as I am sure if he follows your directions (which I hope there is no doubt of) I shall be completely happy. We all join in wishing you every blessing this life affords, Your affectionate friend,\nE Eppes", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0026", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Temple Franklin, 6 April 1791\nFrom: Franklin, William Temple\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nLondon 6 April 1791.\nI received duly your obliging Favor of the 27 Novr. last, together with the M. S. of Negotiations; for which I beg you will receive my thanks, as well as, for the obliging Expressions of your Friendship; in promising to make my special Preferences known, relative to a foreign-Appointment\u2014should Circumstances give place to it.\u2014These I think may probably soon occur, as I understand a Minister to Congress, is appointed, and soon going out from France;\u2014and another from this Court is much talked of, and will in all probability be sent out \u2019ere long.\u2014A very considerable Report is gone in to the Privy Council, on the Connection between this Country and the United States: I have been promised a sight of it, but have not yet been able to procure it:\u2014As soon as I do, I will take the liberty of informing you particularly of its Contents:\u2014For the present, I have only been able to learn, that the Dispositions towards us are more favorable than formerly. That they entertain a greater Respect for us as a Nation; and that a Commercial Treaty with us is a desireable Object.\u2014For these Dispositions we have nobody to thank but Ourselves. The Establishment of our new System of Government, and thereby our public Credit, has work\u2019d this Change in our Favor, not only here, but throughout Europe.\nFinding my Mitchels Map, would not be compleat, even with the addition of the Sheet you have\u2014and as you appear to be desirous of having the whole,\u2014I have sent you a Compleat one, by Col. Smith, who sails in the Packet.\nHaving had much other Business at hand, I have not been able to give as yet much attention to the Publication of my Grandfathers Works. But being now more at Liberty, I shall soon put them into the Press:\u2014and you may rely on my following your Advice of printing them in 8\u00ba as also of my attending to the Hint you have been pleased to give me, on another Point.\nI sent to Mr. Adams by a former Opportunity, several late Publications here, relative to the French Revolution;\u2014and I requested him to let you have the Perusal of them, which I suppose he has done.\u2014[Paynes \u201cRights of Man\u201d was among them:\u2014It has had a great Effect here:\u2014and did the lower order of People read, and think for themselves, it would have a greater: The Cause of Liberty is every where gaining Ground\u2014and Monarchy getting out of Fashion:\u2014I am told the King here says he does not think it will last above his Time in this Country.\nThe late Alarmes of War with Russia, are by no means so pleasing to the Nation, as those occasioned by the recent Dispute with Spain.\u2014But War is as yet very uncertain; and I hardly think it will take Place.\u2014The Ministry are much abused by Opposition on the present State of Affairs.]\u2014The inclosed will shew on what Grounds, tho\u2019 otherwise a trifling Performance.\nThe Cause of Freedom and good Government is loosing some of its ablest Supporters. Mirabeau, it is said, is dead!\u2014and Dr. Price lies dangerously Ill!!\nI meet here with many who ask kindly after you;\u2014among them, the Duke of Dorset, who is very particular in his Enquiries. He has mentioned to me that his Neice had wrote once or twice to your Daughter, since her return to America; but not receiving an Answer had suppos\u2019d she meant to drop her Acquaintance; which his Neice much regretted. I ventur\u2019d to assure his Grace, that that was not likely, and that possibly the letters might have mis-carried. You will take what Notice of this you may think proper.\nI shall probably leave this for Paris in about 3 Weeks; where I shall be very proud of hearing from you, and being honor\u2019d with Your Commands\u2014Being with great Esteem Dr. Sir, Yr obliged humble Servt,\nW. T. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0027", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 6 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 6. 1791.\nYour favor of Mar. 5. came to hand on the 24th. and that of Mar.14. on the 1st. inst. With respect to Mr. Thompson it has been understood that his circumstances are desperate and that he is fond of the bottle. At the time the first appointments of consuls were made, their circumstances were not attended to, and an appointment or two took place of persons under embarrasments of that kind. We have since become sensible of the inexpediency of this, and it has latterly been a decisive objection. The second is not less so. The Consulship of Lisbon has been for some time sollicited by a citizen of this state, supported by the intercessions of the first characters in the state. The candidate is of the purest character possible, and his circumstances, not desperate, but embarrassed. If this last objection can be departed from, he will have it. But it lies for consideration till the next session of Congress. If what has been understood of Mr. Thompson is not founded, the consulship of Cadiz is open, and will be so till next Congress: and I think he might expect it. If you can inform yourself on these two points, I will bear him in mind, and as I shall see you at Monticello in the fall, you will then be so good as to communicate the result of your enquiries. There is a desire to comply with his wish and that of his friends, if he be proper for the office. A consul is the judge in all disputes between two citizens within his consulship, of whatever magnitude; he is the administrator too of all citizens dying therein, and as such may have great sums of money lodged in his hands.\u2014I am glad you are about to undertake the examination of the Opossum. It is a great reflection on us that this phaenomenon in natural history is still so much unknown. The disappearance of the false pouch, supposed by Mr. Rittenhouse, will of course claim your attention. I suspect it to be an error.\u2014With respect to the purchase of Edgehill you alone can judge of it\u2019s expediency. If you can pay for it, you will never repent of it. It is a valuable tract and a cheap one: but I think with you that to take the negroes with it, is taking it sadly burthened. Money laid out in negroes is thrown away. Perhaps Colo. Randolph would agree to let you have the land, and to sell the negroes either publicly or privately. He would get more for them in this way. Still if the land alone should be too much for you to pay for, it may be better not to risk your quiet of mind on it. I wish I could help you in it, but my own embarrasments bind me hand and foot. Were it not for  this I would gladly take any part of the tract that might not suit you. Does Mr. Carter intend to sell or not? If he does, so that a large body of good mountain land could be bought at once, the following calculation might be worth making, to wit. For how much would the lands of Varina sell? How much mountain land would that sum purchase? How much can be cleared at Varina at present? How much would be cleared on the mountain land so to be bought, in the farming way? Which is most likely to increase in value? Which would best admit of partition in the case of several children? Which most convenient at present? &c. &c. Were this idea admissible at all, it would require mature consideration. I beg that you will take all the time you please to accomodate yourself with lands, remaining in your present situation as long as you can make it agreeable to yourself to do so. It is a comfort to me to contribute in any thing to your accomodation and happiness. I have received my daughter\u2019s letter, and will execute her wish for the calash for herself, and seeds for her friend. Present my warm love to them both. I have a great deal for the little Anne also, and am with sincere attachment Dear Sir Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0028", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Currie, 7 April 1791\nFrom: Currie, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 7 Apr. 1791. He had the honor and the pain of receiving TJ\u2019s friendly letter by Mr. Hamilton, and while sorry to learn the situation he could never make acknowledgments enough for TJ\u2019s \u201cuncommonly friendly and very pointed attention to the business.\u201d After deliberating with anxiety, he ventured  to impart the contents of TJ\u2019s letter to [Griffin], which he received with some emotion and wrote the enclosed. He says there are reasons which forbid Potter\u2019s admitting possession and knowledge of the property mentioned. He will explain when he meets you and until then he desires secrecy and will \u201cmake all appear clearly to your satisfaction as my friend.\u201d Currie will leave to TJ to decide whether to reveal contents of his letter to Potter privately. If property is sacrificed to do him justice, he will let TJ decide whether to make the purchase. Once secured, it will be in his power to be generous to him. He will write again by him \u201cand leave the whole to your talents for real business and experienced friendship to myself. Pray secure me if possible.\u201d\u2014P.S. Mrs. Eppes\u2019 family all well. Mrs. Skipwith has been here a month \u201cto try the Effects of Electricity &ca. for some very serious nervous Complaints of some standing. I am sorry to say not with all the advantage I could wish. It has much mended Miss Skipwith\u2019s hearing.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0029", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Harvie, Jr., 7 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Harvie, John, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 7. 1791.\nThe recess of Congress, and a relaxation in the business which immediately ensues their separation, permits me now to turn my attention a little to my own affairs. I resume therefore the subject of my letters to you of Jan. 11. and Nov. 2. 1790. and yours to me of Jan. 25. 1791. respecting my right to the 490. acres of land included in my order of council of Mar. 11. 1773. for 1000. acres, and also in my two entries of Oct. 21. 1774. for 400. acres each, surveyed for James Marks on a junior entry, and purchased from him and Colo. Randolph and patented by you.\nWith respect to the moiety of the 490. acres sold to you by Colo. Randolph, as I never had an idea of using my orders or entries to injure any right he had, so I will not now avail myself of them to injure any right he thought he had, and in consequence conveyed to you. And if I mention some circumstances on this subject, it is only to bring facts to rights, and to place myself in that point of view which a thousand such tracts of land would not induce me to relinquish. The transaction is a very antient one: no wonder therefore if Colo. Randolph\u2019s memory and my own confound some circumstances. Colo. Randolph says to you \u2018that about 18. or 20. years past I told him I had made an entry for him with the surveyor of Albemarle (Staples) for vacant lands adjoining Edgehill which I would have surveyed for him.\u2019\nAns. Exactly 18. years ago, to wit in 1773. I obtained my order of council for 1000 acres adjoining Edgehill. I had understood that Colo. Randolph had an entry or survey there for either one or two hundred acres, which I apprehended was liable to a caveat, and I told him my order of council should cover it for him. I repeated the same thing to Bryan the surveyor from time to time, and it was the delay occasioned by seeking after the supposed lines of Colo. Randolph\u2019s survey, which prevented Bryan from making mine. Colo. Randolph therefore only mis-remembers my covering his entry for him, instead of my making an entry for him with Staples. This could not be, as Staples had been then dead 6. or 8 years, for I think he died in 1763. or 1764. before I came of age, and 3. or 4. years before I removed from Williamsburg to live in Albemarle. This is mentioned only to shew that there was foundation for the substance of what Colo. Randolph thinks he recollects, so far as that I was to cover an entry for him. The entry he was supposed by me to have was either of one or two hundred acres of land, which I am now satisfied had been surveyed before and patented to him, and is no part of either the 490. in question or my 485. However, I mention these things only to rectify ideas as to the fact. I never did, from my cradle to this moment, consider Colo. Randolph\u2019s interests as alien to me; I am much less disposed to do it after circumstances have in some degree identified our interests. I therefore relinquish all claim to the moiety of the 490. acres sold by him to you, and I hereby confirm the same so as to place him clear of any demand or responsibility on that account. And I reduce my claim to the moiety held under James Marks.\nAs to this moiety, my right rests on the general statement contained in my letters of Jan. 11. and Nov. 2. I shall now therefore  only subjoin short sketches of answers to some objections contained in yours of Jan. 25.\nYou observe that you had never heard of my claim till I wrote to you on the subject. I never had an idea, my dear Sir, of your being in the least conusant of the transactions which I complain to have been smuggled into a semblance of right, during my absence from the country, to take my property from me. I know you to be as incapable of it as any man on earth, and from the bottom of my soul acquit you of it. But I expressly charge Mr. Marks with having made his entry, surveyed and sold it, knowing of my prior right, because he and I had one, if not more, pointed conversations on it, beforehand, and because he was expressly warned of my right by Bryan, who I agree with you was very reprehensible for surveying for Mr. Marks. Towards no man would he be so reprehensible as towards myself. But this does not lessen the mala fides of Mr. Marks, nor could he make his title the better by conveying it to an innocent purchaser.\nObj. Your survey was returned in 1784. and open to a caveat till 1786. Ans. The survey was made after I left the country on public business, under public privilege and protection, and the term for a remedy by caveat run out before my return. I arrived at my own house the 23d. of December, 1789. and wrote to you on the subject the 11th. of the ensuing month.\nObj. When a grant has been fraudulently or surreptitiously obtained it will not stand in equity, but throughout this whole business your title wears a very different aspect.\u2019\nAns. I again confirm, my dear Sir, the innocence of your conduct. But Mr. Marks knew of my right, and Mr. Bryan knew of it. It was fraud and surprise in the former and collusion in the latter to enter and survey what both knew to be mine. Bryan indeed says that he did it on \u2018Mr. Marks assuring him the land would be given up on my making it appear that my claim was prior.\u2019 This is a poor palliative for him. Your title, tho\u2019 innocently acquired by you, is still built on original wrong, and must stand or fall with that wrong. Let me add too that equity does not confine itself to the vacation of fraudulent or surreptitious grants; it reforms those also obtained by error. If Mr. Marks had obtained a grant of my lands, not knowing they were mine, Equity would vacate his grant.\nI close with you in submitting this decision to indifferent persons. I repeat that the subject now claimed is only the moiety of the 490. acres which you hold under Mr. Marks. Whatever award shall be rendered, I make it obligatory on myself and my heirs. I would chuse that the arbitrators should be taken from among the judges,  federal, or of the state, and would as live they should be the three eldest (Mr. Wythe excepted, whose peculiar friendship to me, I would not wish to embarrass with such a reference). I believe Mr. Pendleton, Mr. Blair and Mr. Lyons are of the oldest commissions. These or any others you please may decide it. I do not wish to lay any thing before them but this and my two former letters, in which the matter is stated as far as my time will permit. The letter from Bryan of Jan. 10. 1790. as also my original order of council and copies of my two entries are in possession of Colo. N. Lewis who can himself give perhaps some information on the subject. I recollect nothing else which can be material. If there is any important fact to be supported, other than these will support, I should wish to be apprised of it. Otherwise let the matter be settled whenever and wherever these gentlemen shall happen to be assembled. The sooner the better, and you in possessing my three letters, and at hand to procure from Mr. Lewis the documents before mentioned, can have it settled when you please.\u2014I wish, my dear friend, I could have abandoned to you the whole instead of the half of these lands. But they adjoin on the back of my lands also, as on yours; they are most excellently timbered, and lying on the mountain which leads down into all my lands on that side of the river, are a valuable resource for that article. I am told too there is as much land in the tract, of the very first quality as would employ 8. or 10. hands for a tobacco plantation. Knowing my right to be the most antient, believing it the most just, having for 18. years been doing every thing in my power to have it completed, I hope I shall be viewed by you as only endeavoring to hold what is my own, not as attacking the property of another. It is not pleasant to have even differences of opinion about property with a friend, and especially with one whom I esteem as sincerely and highly as I do you: but it is comfortable at least, if one is to support a right, that it is against a reasonable competitor, and one as capable of a chearful acquiescence, as I am myself, under whatever award shall take place. In fine, be it yours, or be it mine, I shall for ever cherish the sentiments of cordial esteem & attachment with which I am, my dear Sir, Your sincere & affectionate friend,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. Your favor of Mar. 19. and the letter it inclosed are recieved. This shall be forwarded by a vessel which sails in a few days for Havre.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0030", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Adam Lindsay, 7 April 1791\nFrom: Lindsay, Adam\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNorfolk, 7 Apr. 1791. He has TJ\u2019s of the 17th ult. and is happy his papers arrived safe.\u2014The myrtle candles desired are plentiful in fall but not to be got at this season, the weather being too warm to make them mold. With some difficulty he has got 54 \u2114. at an advanced price of 20\u214c\u2114 more than they would bring in the fall. He can procure any quantity TJ desires in that season. \u201cOur spring ships arrives fast, the last Account from England is Febry. 28. England, Prussia and Holland\u2026 determin\u2019d to force the Empress to a peace. A small detachment beloning to the English in India is cut off by Tippo Saib. France alarm\u2019d at the Empire\u2019s troops being on her frontiers is fitting out a fleet to oblige their Colonies to desist from cutting on anothers throts. A small part of the town of Whitehaven sunk down owing to the pillars of the coal pitts giving way. You will please to excuse this small degression.\u201d\u2014P.S. The candles shipped on Netty, Capt. Cunningham, the same vessel that carried TJ\u2019s papers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0031", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Skipwith, 7 April 1791\nFrom: Skipwith, Henry\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond 7th. April 1791.\nSince my confinement in this place, in consequence of Mrs. Skipwith\u2019s becoming a patient of Dr: Curries, I have left no stone unturned to become thoroughly acquainted with the ground upon which we stand respecting the Guineaman consigned to Randolph and Wayles.\u2014My inquiries my dear Sir! have rather encreased than diminished my fears on this score.\u2014It seems generally agreed, among the gentlemen of the law here, whose opinions I have taken, that Mr. Wayles\u2019s early death, after the Sale, clearly exonerated his representatives from any claims which might be made on them in consequence of this consignment, had it not been for an unfortunate paragraph in a letter written by him to Farell & Jones, dated Williamsburg  May the 14th. 1772, which follows \u201cThis is to acknowledge your favor of the 3d. of February and to return thanks for your good office in regard to the Guineaman intended here to Colol. Randolph and myself and to give you every assurance, that whatever engagements you may be kind enough to enter into on our behalf shall be complyed with, without inconvenience or prejudice to yourselves and if you desire it, to share in the profits.\u201d This Hanson considers as the rock of his salvation, and I fear it is but too obligatory on us.\u2014Marshall and Ronald and Innes are of opinion (and to me it seems right) that if the engagement abroad, entered into by Farell & Jones (on the part of Randolph and Wayles) with the African house, was dated prior to this letter as mentioned above, that then this paragraph as to us becomes a nullity.\u2014How far this is the case I know not, but on comparing the date of Mr. Wayles letter and that of the one alluded to of the 3d. of Feby. from Farell & Jones with the time of the arrival of the Guineaman, I cannot but hope we may yet be saved.\u2014On the 10th. of the month I shall remove my family to Eppington, and in conjunction with Mr. Eppes, shall endeavour to ascertain the certain date of the contract. Perhaps you may know where a copy of it may be met with. The result of our search you shall be made acquainted with.\u2014Pray Sir! let me hear from you on this disagreeable score. Anything you recommend shall immediately be done. Nothing on my part will be considered as fatiguing. We have but little hope of redress from Richard Randolph\u2019s estate, as independent of the many incumbrances which are laid on his land, it is a matter of much doubt here whether real property can be subjected to the payment even of British debts.\u2014After making a tender of Mrs. Skipwith\u2019s warmest affection towards you, and offering our prayers for a long continuance of your good health and spirits, I beg leave to remain Dear Sir! Your affectionate friend,\nHenry Skipwith\nMrs. Skipwith has some thoughts of going to the Sweet springs this Summer and taking Monticello in her way.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0032", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 8 April 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe Hague, 8 Apr. 1791. The conferences at Reichenbach, The Hague, and Svishtov have placed the English and Prussians in a dilemma. He does not see how England can avoid bankruptcy or sustain Pitt, who is dominated by Grenville. He has just learned that the proposals by Denmark have been rejected. The Amsterdam regency is in bad humor. Some support it; others, their numbers growing, hope that the Phoenix will rise from the ashes. \u201cQuoi-qu\u2019il en soit, le nerf manque: l\u2019argent.\u201d\u2014He has drawn on the Amsterdam bankers for his account. P.S. He encloses a letter from a gentleman of The Hague to his kinsman, \u201cStore Keeper au March-Street,\u201d which he hopes TJ\u2019s servant will deliver. Mirabeau died on the 4th. \u201cGrande perte pour l\u2019Assembl\u00e9e nationale de France.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0034", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 8 April 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis April 8. 1791.\nMy last was sent by the English packet a conveyance which I have constantly made use of since you have expressed the desire. I have no other opportunity of writing to you than by merchant vessels which have hitherto so illy served me as would prevent my making further use of them if I did not think it an indispensable duty on my part to give you the most regular information in my power.\u2014This information would be more satisfactory perhaps if by communications from America I was better enabled to judge of the progression of affairs there and of course to examine those here in their relations with respect to them. Having yourself been perfectly in the way of appreciating the want of information from America it is useless for me to say any thing respecting it and of the effect which it necessarily produces on American affairs here. I know little of the wishes and less of the intentions of the United States under a variety of cases supposable. Still I have kept myself perfectly up to the events which take place on this side of the Atlantic in order to obtain and execute, as far as depended on me, such of their wishes and intentions as were capable of being reasoned into certainty.\nThe National Assembly continue as usual moving on slowly in the line of the constitution, and allowing themselves easily to be diverted from it by the circumstances which grow out of the moment. A decree has been lately passed however which has more the appearance of their intending to dissolve themselves than any thing which has been hitherto done. It is to beg the King to have executed immediately certain articles of a former decree which determined that lists should be made out of all the citoyens actifs of the several departments. This was grounded on the work of the present assembly drawing near to a conclusion and the propriety of soon issuing letters of convocation for a new legislature. The proposition was adopted unanimously and the motive of it much applauded. Still I do not think the present assembly will end soon or of themselves, first because I am persuaded that a large majority wish to remain as long as possible, and secondly because I think that movements abroad or disorders at home, the one arising from the imprudence and folly of the Refugees and the other from an habitual state of anarchy, will furnish the pretext for their remaining. By this means they will have the appearance of being continued by the force of circumstances and not of themselves, and thus secure their popularity.\nAn event which has produced a very uncommon and unexpected effect here is the death of M. de Mirabeau, after a short and violent illness of a few days. If you except a few of the aristocratical party who really desire the prolongation of disorder and a civil war, and of the demagogues of the assembly who saw in him their most formidable rival, he is universally regretted, and what is most extraordinary more at court than any where else. After having changed his party several times without changing his principles he had at length obtained an ascendency in the assembly of which there was no example. All parties believed him venal and faithless and yet all parties courted him and placed their confidence in him by a kind of impulse which it was almost impossible to resist. The general opinion was that he had made a large fortune and that of course he had now an interest in the re-establishment of order to secure it. Many also grounded their opinion of his interest in the forming and finishing of the government on a consideration that his talents put him above all in a well organised representative government whereas in disorder and confusion he was equalled and surpassed by many. It is certain that for some time past he had most strenuously supported the principles of efficient government, and had so perfectly impressed every one with the idea that he alone was capable of establishing one in this country that his death has produced a kind of dismay among them. Its influence has been equally powerful on the people of Paris for other reasons.\u2014The enthusiasm of all has been exhibited in various ways. The different sections of Paris sent deputies to be present at the opening of the corpse in order to ascertain whether he had not been poisoned, which there was a strong disposition to believe. The municipality, department and patriotic clubs of Paris wear mourning for him. The national assembly have decreed that the new church of Ste. Genevieve should become the Mausol\u00e9e des grands hommes, and that the ashes of Mirabeau should be deposed there. Future legislatures are to decree this honor to such as they judge worthy of it. The assembly, department, municipality, ministers, and thousands of citizens followed his corpse to this honorable place of interment. In fine the death of this extraordinary man is the greatest triumph of genius of which history furnishes an example, as well on account of those who rejoice it as of those who weep it.\nNothing further has been done by the assembly respecting the objects which interest American commerce. The diplomatick committees as well as M. de Montmorin have hopes of the assembly\u2019s reducing the difference of the duty paid on tobacco brought in  American or French vessels. The latter particularly wishes it because he has given instructions as he tells me to reclaim against the foreign tonnage imposed on their vessels in our ports. I shall leave nothing in my power undone to obtain such alterations to their several decrees as are desirable. I mentioned to you in my last letters that the duty on American oils was reduced to six livres the quintal and that under the arr\u00eat du conseil the foreign and internal duties were 5\u20b6 18s.6d. the quintal. I imagine you will have this made known particularly in the eastern states.\nThere seems as far as I can learn much disposition to go into the cultivation of tobacco, in the southern provinces as well on account of its former prohibition as the fondness for novelty. Some of the deputies with whom I have conversed however say it will be only a small number of the richer cultivators who will make the experiment, that the peasantry in general are ignorant and so much attached to routine that they will not adopt a new system until the example of their neighbours shall have proved it advantageous. On the whole I suppose it very uncertain what will be done, and think that time and a short experience will change the decree so as to discourage the home cultivation.\nYou will have been informed by the English papers of the King\u2019s message to both houses of Parliament. We know nothing further officially. I find a general opinion here that war will ensue, and it is certain that every day which passes without clearing up the cloud renders the storm still more probable. Yet there is so much to be gained by peace and lost by war for the principal parties that I cannot help thinking they will find out some means of trafficking a pacification. In that case the Porte and Poland will make the sacrifices. Should war however take place, it seems to me that England and Holland will be in a disagreeable position, the first because Russia presents so few vulnerable parts to English force, and the second because the strong Imperial army in the low countries will have an opportunity of immediately insulting their territory. This would unquestionably endanger the present government as the patriotic party would be roused, and once roused would go as far as their forces would allow them towards a total overthrow if they found themselves supported by the Emperor.\nI beg the favor of you to give the inclosed to the Secretary of the Treasury. This letter will be sent to Havre where I learn there is a vessel which will sail for Philadelphia in five or six days without fail. I hope and yet I know not why that it will be more fortunate than those hitherto sent by that conveyance. I am with sentiments  of the most perfect attachment Dear Sir, your obedient humble servant\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0035", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Carroll, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Charles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nAnnapolis, 10 Apr. 1791. TJ\u2019s of the 4th received. Yesterday morning he gave Brown TJ\u2019s letter, paid him the bank note, and took a receipt which he hopes will be satisfactory. He has kept a copy of latter, encloses original, and is \u201cglad on both your accounts that this affair is thus finally adjusted and settled.\u201d\n\u201cI flatter myself Congress will during the next Session adopt decisive and adequate measures for the encouragement and support of our navigation. Great Britain, as it strikes me, is the only power, which can rival us in the carrying trade, and the only one disposed to extend her own navigation on the depression of ours. In a matter however of so much consequence, by which the temporary interests of some of the States, and the interests of leading individuals in all, may be affected, we can not proceed with too much caution; for we ought not to hazard any measure, we are not determined to go thro\u2019 with.\u201d He is happy to hear affairs in France go so well: \u201con the success of the Revolution in that country not only the happiness of France, but the rest of Europe, and perhaps our own depends. I wish sincerely freedom to all the nations of the earth; to France from education, and gratitude I feel a particular attachment: with such feelings, it is not surprising that I should view with anxious care the proceedings of the national Assembly; I own my doubts of a happy issue to their new system do not arise so much from the opposition of the dignified Clergy, and noblesse, as from the fear of disunion, the side views and factions combinations and cabals amongst the popular party. God send my apprehensions may be entirely groundless.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0036", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mercy Otis Warren, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Warren, Mercy Otis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPlymouth, Massachusetts, 10 Apr. 1791. Transmitting a volume of her poems to be registered for copyright.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0037-0002", "content": "Title: I. Louis Guillaume Otto to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDimanche matin. 10. Avril. 1791.\nLe Charg\u00e9 des Affaires de France a l\u2019honneur de presenter ses respects \u00e0 Monsieur le Secretaire d\u2019Etat et de lui envoyer la Correspondance qui a eu lieu concernant la proposition faite par Messrs. Schweizer et Jeanneret de rembourser la dette des Etats unis envers Sa Majest\u00e9. Il le supplie de vouloir bien lui renvoyer ces pieces et lui en donner son opinion avant le depart du batiment, qui doit faire voile pour le Havre vers la fin de cette Semaine.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0037-0003", "content": "Title: II. Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton, 10 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] Apr. 10. 1791.\nTh: Jefferson has the honor to send to the Secretary of the Treasury a note just received from Mr. Otto with copies of a correspondence between certain bankers desirous of lending 40. millions of livres to the U. S. the French ministers and Mr. Short. He will ask the Secretary of the Treasury\u2019s consideration of these papers, and that he will be so good as to return them to him with the substance of the answer he would wish to have given to Mr. Otto. It is probable indeed we shall soon receive the same correspondence from Mr. Short with his observations on the offer made.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0037-0005", "content": "Title: IV. Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 15 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nTreasury Department, 15 April 1791\nThe letter you sent me from Mr. Short and others which I have received, since mine to you, confirm the view of the subject therein taken. This you will perceive from the following passages extracted from one of them. \u201cSince then (speaking of former overtures) another Company has presented itself for the same object, with a scheme by which the United States are to make the sacrifices on which they count for their profits.\u201d \u201cThe object of this Company is, as you will see, to pay livres tournois in their present depreciated State and to receive from the United States florins at the usual exchange. By this means France would receive from them as much as she is entitled to receive from us, but we should be obliged to pay the Company much more than we are obliged to pay France.\u201d \u201cHad I had powers competent to the purpose, I should not have thought myself justified to have opened such a negotiation where there was all loss and no prospect of advantage to the United States.\u201d \u201cI must also add that the house which makes these propositions is entirely unknown here and that I never heard even their names at Paris, which proves that it must be an inconsiderable one.\u201d Consequently the credit of the United States would be in imminent danger of suffering in their hands.\nI have authorised Mr. Short to apply a million and a half of florins of the loan he has opened to the use of France, and shall press as large payments, as may be practicable, to her.\nI take it for granted that the Court of France will not attempt any operation with the debt, without the consent of the United States. Any thing of this sort, considering the efforts which are making on our part, to discharge the debt, would certainly be very exceptionable. Indeed I do not see how any valid disposition of the debt of a sovereign power can be made without its consent; but it would be disagreeable to have to use this argument. I trust it will never be rendered necessary.\u2014I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Your obedt. Servant,\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0037-0006", "content": "Title: V. Thomas Jefferson to Louis Guillaume Otto, 7 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 7. 1791.\nI have now the honour to return you the propositions of Messrs. Schweizer, Jeanneret & co. which have been submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury. He does not think they can be acceded to on the part of the United States. The greater premium demanded than what we now pay, the change of the place of payment, the change of the bankers whom we have always employed for others unknown to us, the danger of risking our credit by putting such a mass of our paper into new hands, will I dare say appear to you, Sir, substantial reasons for declining this measure; and the more so as the new instructions given to Mr. Short are to raise money as fast as our credit will admit; and we have no reason to suppose it cannot be as soon done by our antient bankers as by others. Our desire to pay our whole debt, principal and interest, to France is as strong as hers can be to recieve it, and we believe that, by the arrangements already taken, it will be as soon done for her, and more safely and advantageously for us, than by a change of them. We beg you to be assured that no exertions are sparing on our part to accomplish this desireable object, as it will be peculiarly gratifying to us that monies advanced to us in critical times should be reimbursed to France in times equally critical to her. I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect esteem & respect, Sir, your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0038", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carmichael, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 11. 1791\nI wrote you on the 12th. of March, and again on the 17th. of the same month, since which I have received your favor of January 24th. wherein you refer to copies of two letters, also to a paper No. 1. supposed to be enclosed in that letter: but there was nothing enclosed. You speak particularly of several other letters formerly forwarded, but not a single one was ever received of later date than May 6th. 1789. and this of January 24th. is all we possess from you since that date. I enclose you a list of letters addressed to you on various subjects and to which answers were, and are, naturally  expected; and I send you again copies of the papers in the case of the Dover Cutter which has been the subject of so many of those letters, and is the subject of the constant solicitation of the parties here. A final decision on that application therefore is earnestly desired. When you consider the repeated references of matters to you from hence, and the total suppression of whatever you have written in answer, you will not be surprised if it had excited a great degree of uneasiness. We had enquired whether private conveyances did not occur from time to time from Madrid to Cadiz, where we have vessels almost constantly, and we were assured that such conveyances were frequent. On the whole, Sir, you will be sensible that, under the jealous Government with which you reside, the conveyance of intelligence requires as much management as the obtaining it: and I am in hopes that in future you will be on your guard against those infidelities in that line, under which you and we have so much suffered.\nThe President is absent on a journey through the Southern States from which he will not return till the end of June, consequently I could not sooner notify him of your desire to return: but even then I will take the liberty of saying nothing to him on the subject till I hear further from you. The suppression of your correspondence has in a considerable degree withdrawn you from the public sight. I sincerely wish that before your return you could do something to attract their attention and favor and render your return pleasing to yourself and profitable to them, by introducing you to new proofs of their confidence. My two last letters to you furnish occasions. That of a co-operation against the British navigation act, and the arrangement of our affairs on the Missisipi. The former, if it can be effected, will form a remarkable and memorable epoch in the history and freedom of the ocean: Mr. Short will press it at Paris and Colo. Humphreys at Lisbon: the latter will shew most at first: and as to the latter be so good as to observe always that the right of navigating the Missisipi is considered as so palpable, that the recovery of it will produce no other sensation than that of a gross injustice removed. The extent and freedom of the port for facilitating the use of it, is what will excite the attention and gratification of the public. Colo. Humphreys writes me that all Mr. Gardoqui\u2019s communications while here, tended to impress the court of Madrid with the idea that the navigation of the Missisipi was only demanded on our part to quiet our Western settlers, and that it was not sincerely desired by the Maritime states. This is a most fatal error and must be completely eradicated, and speedily, or Mr. Gardoqui will prove to have been a bad peacemaker. It is true there  were characters, whose stations entitled them to credit, and who, from geographical prejudices, did not themselves wish the navigation of the Missisipi to be restored to us, and who believed perhaps, as is common with mankind, that their opinion was the general opinion. But the sentiments of the great mass of the Union were decidedly otherwise then, and the very persons to whom Mr. Gardoqui alluded, are now come over to the opinion heartily that the navigation of the Missisipi, in full and unrestrained freedom, is indispensibly necessary, and must be obtained by any means it may call for. It will be most unfortunate indeed if we cannot convince Spain that we make this demand in earnest but by acts which will render that conviction too late to prevent evil.\nNot knowing how better to convey to you the laws and Gazettes than by committing them to the patronage of Colo. Humphreys, I now send through that channel the laws of the 2d. and 3d. sessions of Congress, and the newspapers.\u2014I have the honor to be with great esteem, Sir, Your most obedt. & most humble servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0039", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Humphreys, David\nDear Sir\nPhiladephia Apr. 11. 1791.\nI wrote you Mar. 15. with postscripts of the 18th. and 19th. Since that yours of Jan. 3. No. 10. Jan. 15. No. 11. from Madrid, and Feb. 6. No. 12. and Feb. 12. No. 13. from Lisbon are received. They covered a letter from Mr. Carmichael, the only one we have from him of a later date than May 1789. You know that my letter to him, of which you were the bearer, took notice of the intermission of his correspondence, and the one inclosed to him in my letter to you of Mar. 15. being written when this intermission was felt still stronger, as having continued so much longer, conveyed stronger marks of dissatisfaction. Tho\u2019 his letter now received convinces us he has been active in procuring intelligence, yet it does not appear that he has been equally assiduous in procuring means of conveyance, which was the more incumbent on him in proportion as the government was more jealous and watchful. Still however I wish him to receive the letter now inclosed for him herein, as it softens what had been harder said, and shews a disposition rather to look forward than backward. I hope you will recieve it in time to forward with the other. It contains important matter, pressing on him, as I wish to do on you, and have done on Mr. Short, to engage your respective courts in a co-operation in our navigation act.\u2014Procure us all the information possible as to the strength, riches, resources, lights and dispositions, of Brazil. The jealousy of the Court of Lisbon on this subject will of course inspire you with due caution in making and communicating these enquiries.\u2014The acts of the three sessions of Congress, and Fenno\u2019s papers from Apr. 1790. were sent you with my last. You will now receive the continuation of Fenno\u2019s paper. I send for Mr. Carmichael also laws and newspapers, in hopes you may find some means of conveying them to him. I must sometimes avail myself of your channel to write to him till we shall have a Consul at Cadiz.\u2014I have the honour to be with great & sincere esteem Dear Sir your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0040", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 11 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Humphreys, David\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 11. 1791.\nThere has been published at Madrid, by some bishop who had been to Mexico, and found there an original collection of the letters of Cortez, a book containing those letters. I do not know how it happened that I did not ask the favor of you to procure this book for me. I now supply the omission, and add a request to procure also la historia del Amirante D. Christoval Colomb by Fernando Colomb, his son, in Spanish, or Ulloa\u2019s translation of it into Italian, or Cotolendi\u2019s translation into French, or all three of them. I am in hopes there are such communications between Madrid and Lisbon as to enable you to get them for me. I have received Mr. Bulkeley\u2019s letter and samples of wine. The Termo, and Torres are exactly what I had in view. As it will not be time to order wines over till the hot months are past, I shall in July inclose them an order and a bill of exchange for a pipe of the oldest Termo they can procure, this being the most approved of the six qualities they sent me. This will be in time for the wine to be shipped in September. As I shall probably send to them annually, I will add to my bills of exchange for them, any little disbursements for the books or other thing I may trouble you for. I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0041", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Lindsay, 12 April 1791\nFrom: Lindsay, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNorfolk, 12 Apr. 1791. Maxwell has informed him of TJ\u2019s inquiry about his furniture. Two days after getting TJ\u2019s of 10 Jan., he forwarded the goods to James Brown in Richmond, who says they arrived safely, and he had written \u201cyour Manager to send Waggons to convey them to your House.\u201d\u2014He has been informed lately of a package for TJ addressed to him but sent by mistake to Lindsay\u2019s hotel, subsequently forwarded by Lindsay to TJ. He wishes to eradicate any impression TJ may have gained from these incidents that he was wanting in attention.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0043", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 April 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond April 13th. 1791\nYour letter of the 2d. came to my hands at this place.\u2014Part of it did as you supposed, and might well suppose, astonished me exceedingly.\nI think it not only right that Mr. Carmichael should be furnished with a copy of the genuine letters to Mr. G. Morris, but that Mr. Morris should also know the result of his conferences with the Duke of Leeds at the Court of Madrid.\u2014The contents of my official letters to him you are acquainted with. My private ones were few, and nothing in either of them relative to England or Spain; how it comes to pass therefore that such interpretations as the extracts recite, should be given, he best can account for.\nBeing hurried, I shall only add that I shall proceed on my Journey to morrow, and from good information have a dreary one before me in some parts thereof.\u2014Yrs. sincerely,\nGo: Washington\nP.S. The footing upon which you have placed Mr. Carmichael is good.\nGW.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0044", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nTreasury Department 14th April 1791.\nIt was the intention of the President that you and myself should take such measures as appeared to us eligible towards carrying into execution the Resolution empowering him to procure artists from Europe towards the establishment of a mint.\nIt appears to me of great importance, if still practicable, to acquire Mr. Droz and the terms mentioned in the enclosed note when applied to so pre-eminent an Artist do not seem extravagant. Mr. Droz however ought to be bound to give his service for not less than a year after his arrival in the United States. I should think it advisable too that some determinate allowance should be concerted with him as an equivalent for the expenses of himself and servant. It may be per day.\nWith regard to instruments, such as are indispensable and difficult of execution ought to be procured in Paris.\nThe having a person who is practically and accurately skilled in the assaying of Metals is of course an essential part of the establishment meditated. None such has hitherto been found in the United States. If one can be procured from France on terms not immoderate, I am of opinion that it will be expedient to procure him; unless it should appear upon enquiry that Mr. Droz is himself perfectly equal to this part of the business also. The requisite apparatus for making the assays ought in the first instance to be brought from Europe.\nIn the engagement of such a person it is highly important that no mistake should be made. He ought to be a man not only well skilled in the business, but altogether trust worthy.\nIf the payment of compensations could be deferred \u2019till after the services have been performed it would give security to the United States.\nThe requisite dispositions will be made to enable Mr. Short to possess himself of the funds which the execution of this trust may require. I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem, Sir Your Obedient humble Servant,\nAlexander Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0045", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel L. Hylton, 14 April 1791\nFrom: Hylton, Daniel L.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 14 Apr. 1791. TJ\u2019s of 5th received on 12th, enclosing bank note for $22.75 and letter for Colo. Lewis which was sent by private hand the same day, there being no post established from Richmond to Charlottesville. Encloses bill of lading for the vis-\u00e0-vis. He was mistaken in name of vessel: that on which it was shipped was lost at sea between New York and Philadelphia and all the crew except one perished. The bill of lading also shows a small box shipped at the same time: it contained lamps for the vis-\u00e0-vis.\u2014He will ship TJ\u2019s tobacco as directed and advise him as it comes in. He encloses bill of lading for the 4 hhds. now at the warehouse being shipped by [the Thomas], Capt. Stratton, at the customary freight. The 13 hhds. last shipped when at higher freight because vessels previously engaged to carry wheat before getting to Richmond. Tobacco remains very low there, frequently selling from 17 to 20/ per cwt., \u201ca price by no means adequate for the labour of the planter.\u201d Any further orders will be attended to: it will \u201cever give me pleasure to have it in my power to render you every service of a freind. Mrs. H. joins with me in every wish for your happiness.\u201d [P.S.] Capt Stratton will leave on Monday next. He \u201calso takes charge of Mr. Eppes trunk directed to your care and to whom remember me affectionately.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0046", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Carroll, 15 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carroll, Charles\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 15. 1791.\nI recieved last night your favor of the 10th. with Mr. Brown\u2019s reciept, and thank you for the trouble you have been so kind as to take in this business.\nOur news from the Westward is disagreeable. Constant murders committing by the Indians, and their combination threatens to be more and more extensive. I hope we shall give them a thorough drubbing this summer, and then change our tomahawk into a golden chain of friendship. The most economical as well as most humane conduct towards them is to bribe them into peace, and to retain them in peace by eternal bribes. The expedition of this year would have served for presents on the most liberal scale for 100. years.  Nor shall we otherwise ever get rid of an army, or of our debt. The least rag of Indian depredation will be an excuse to raise troops, for those who love to have troops, and for those who think that a public debt is a good thing. Adieu my dear Sir. Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0047", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Chester, 15 April 1791\nFrom: Chester, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nWethersfield, 15 Apr. 1791. He would have acknowledged TJ\u2019s letter of 4 Mch. 1791 earlier, but he \u201cwished a time to consider of the subject, and advise\u201d with his friends. He has decided to accept appointment and will discharge duties of the office to the best of his ability. He requests TJ to inform President and \u201cto assure him of my attachment to his person, and affection to the government over which he presides.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0048", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 15 April 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia], 15 Apr. 1791. Encloses return of tonnage for one year, including several customhouse returns not received when Register made up former statement. It is in the form shown TJ in Feb., \u201cexcept the interesting additions \u2026 exhibiting the European\u2014African\u2014Asiatic\u2014West Indian and other Subdivisions of the American commerce, which have been since added. As far as my mind has been able to bring it up to view, the inward trade of the United States is exhibited in this paper.\u201d Collectors have been directed to add a column to their returns which, after June, will give similar data for the export trade. The Controller, who is responsible for forms, has given Coxe leave to make any alterations to procure needed information. He has Register\u2019s clerks making up current imports in same form and he proposes to do this for prior years to show quantities and kinds of imports from several foreign  nations.\u2014\u201cShould you desire to reserve a copy of the document now sent, I beg leave to remark that it may be expedient to confine it afterwards to your private office as you will perceive there are several delicate points \u2026 too visible to admit of an exposure to any, but very confidential members of the government.\u201d\nHe encloses plan of a manufacturing establishment which \u201cmay apply happily in the federal district.\u201d He is not certain any but fine arts desirable in actual seat, but in a tract of 64,000 acres there may be a location with great water power in which this plan might be put in execution. \u201cIt is a favorite idea of mine \u2026 that this country should endeavour to employ in [manufactures], as much as possible, the great labor saving machines. Agriculture being the most natural employment, and manufacturers being often an. intemperate and disorderly class of people, modes of manufacture which do not require them, and which indeed in a certain degree supercede the occasion for them, appear to be very desirable. This sketch is meant to be disposed of as you may think proper,\u201d Coxe having retained a copy. He will only observe that \u201cthe mode of raising the fund was obtained from the Secretary of the Treasury, who has every reason to believe that an establishment embracing the principal ideas in the plan will be very soon attempted in New Jersey upon subscriptions from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It may be worth considering whether the Potomack Navigation company might not find it their interest to admit of sales of Shares for 6 \u214c Cent stock estimated at par, and when they shall have sold the whole a loan at 5\u00bc \u214c Cent might be effected. The public paper would yield an interest more than equal to what they would have to pay and when our funds rise to par the paper might be sold, and the debt in Specie discharged.\u201d [P.S.] \u201cIt appears that our fishing vessels exceed the number in the Registers return about 20 \u214c Cent. The discovery of this error is very Material, and pleasing.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0049", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Adam Lindsay, 15 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lindsay, Adam\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 15. 1791.\nI recieved last night your favour of the 7th. instant inclosing the note for 54. \u2114. myrtle wax candles. I thank you for your kind attention to this little commission, and now inclose you a bank post  note for eleven dollars sixty cents the amount of the candles and box. This post note will be paid by any collector of the customs. The parcel you now send me will serve as a trial, as I never used this kind of candle. If it answers I will avail myself of your friendly offer by writing to you in the fall for more. The vessel is not yet arrived here. I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0050-0002", "content": "Title: I. Tench Coxe to Thomas Jefferson, 16 April 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nSaturday Evening April 16th. 1791.\nThe vacancy produced in the Treasury department by the death of the Comptroller has occasioned me to take the liberty of making this communication to you. It will not appear unnatural, that a person in my situation should be led, by the relation the offices of the Treasury bear to each other, to entertain a wish for the appointment, and I should, at as early a moment as decorum permitted, have done myself the honor to make that desire known to you. But Mr. Hamilton having led me this afternoon into a free conversation on the subject I find it proper to be more early in this communication than it was my intention to have been. There appear to be circumstances, which originated at the time of Mr. Wolcotts appointment to his present office, that operate to restrain the Secretary of the Treasury from moving in favor of any other person, and this information he gave me unasked. He entertains an opinion, also, that the relation between the offices of the Comptroller and Auditor creates a kind of pretension in the latter to succeed the former. He however added in a very kind and flattering way his opinion, that he should see as many public advantages resulting from the appointment of myself as any other person, and that he would by no means advise my declining to apply to the President.\nThe Station you fill in the Government together with the impressions I feel concerning your character have long since determined me never to present myself as a candidate for the favor of the President without making my Intention known to you. I do not desire to obtain any appointment, if good reasons against it can be adduced to the President by the best and wisest members of the Administration.\nYou will indulge me, Sir, in passing by everything, that has relation to my Ability to execute the office either in regard to the modifications, which it may be requisite to give to the public accounts, or the preparatory political investigations, which I have always thought should regularly engage the Comptroller of the Treasury.\nIt is my wish, Sir, that you will do me the honor to transmit the enclosed letter to the President of the United States; but if on a conference between yourself and the honorable Mr. Madison, in whose Judgment I have an entire confidence, that it will be for any reason best to omit the Application I have a sincere wish that it may be suppressed. I feel exceedingly averse to any addition on my account to the unpleasing circumstances, which must too often be obtruded on the President\u2019s mind in the delicate and important duty of appointments to office.\nIt will relieve me from a great part of the pain I feel in making this application to you, if you will be pleased to reserve from me any communication of the disposition you make of the letter, which I have ventured to enclose, whether you may deem it best to transmit it with your opinion on the subject; or may think it most fit on the whole to commit it to the fire.\u2014With the highest respect, I have the honor to be Sir your most obedient & humble Servant,\nTench Coxe\nIt is my intention to confine my views to yourself, and Mr. Hamilton, leaving it to your own ideas of propriety to converse with Mr. Madison. If a perfectly convenient opportunity presents it would be very much my wish.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0050-0003", "content": "Title: II. Tench Coxe to the President, 16 April 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia April 16th 1791\nIt is with the greatest hesitation that I contribute to the unpleasing circumstances that are obtruded on your mind by too numerous applications for public office. The decease of the Comptroller of the Treasury having created the necessity of an appointment, I most humbly beg leave to present myself to your consideration. The relation which exists between the offices of the Treasury and the respectful solicitude for the honor of your countenance which is felt by every good citizen and which is anxiously desired by every faithful Servant of the public will be received, I hope, Sir, in apology for this step. Honor and Emolument may be generally deemed the inducements to these applications, but I trust I do not deceive myself in the belief that these considerations do not influence me more decidedly than a sincere desire to evince the highest respect for the government of the United States and for the peculiar character of their Chief Magistrate.\u2014I have the honor to be with the most profound respect Sir your most humble & most obedient servant,\nTench Coxe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0050-0004", "content": "Title: III. Thomas Jefferson to Tench Coxe, 17 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Coxe, Tench\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Coxe and being to write to the President this morning, he has no hesitation to inclose to him Mr. Coxe\u2019s letter, and to assure Mr. Coxe of his wishes for success to the application. He has not waited to consult with Mr. M. because he should have lost a post in the conveyance of the letter, and that as to himself he had no doubts to consult about.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0052", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 17 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy Dear Daughter\nPhiladelphia April. 17. 1791.\nSince I wrote last to you, which was on the 24th. of March, I have received yours of March 22. I am indeed sorry to hear of the situation of Walker Gilmer and shall hope the letters from Monticello will continue to inform me how he does. I know how much his parents will suffer, and how much he merited all their affection.\u2014Mrs. Trist has been so kind as to have your calash made, but either by mistake of the maker, or of myself, it is not lined with green. I have therefore desired a green lining to be got, which you can put in yourself if you prefer it. Mrs. Trist has observed that there is a kind of veil lately introduced here, and much approved. It fastens over the brim of the hat and then draws round the neck as close or open as you please. I desire a couple to be made to go with the calash and other things.\u2014Mr. Lewis not liking to write letters I do not hear from him: but I hope you are readily furnished with all the supplies and conveniences the estate affords. I shall not  be able to see you till September, by which time the young-grandaughter will begin to look bold, and knowing. I inclose you a letter to a woman, who lives, I believe, on Buckisland. It is from her sister in Paris, which I would wish you to send express. I hope your garden is flourishing. Present me affectionately to Mr. Randolph & Polly. Your\u2019s sincerely my dear,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0054", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson, 18 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Mary\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Papa\nMonticello, April 18th, 1791.\nI received your letter of March 31st the 14th of this month; as for that of March 9, I received it some time last month, but I do not remember the day. I have finished Don Quixote, and as I have not Desoles yet, I shall read Lazarillo de Tormes. The garden is backward, the inclosure having but lately been finished. I wish you would be so kind as to send me seven yards of cloth like the piece I send you. Adieu, my dear papa. I am your affectionate daughter,\nMaria Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0055", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Soderstrom, 18 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Soderstrom, Richard\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 18. 1791.\nThe bearer hereof Mr. Samuel Pleasants, being desirous of being made known to you on account of some matter of business, I take  the liberty of presenting him to you as a person with whom I have had considerable acquaintance during the occasional stays I have made in Philadelphia, and that I have ever esteemed him to be a person of integrity, and in whom confidence might be fully placed for whatever he undertakes. But he is too well known in Philadelphia generally, and his character there too well established to need further testimony from me. I am happy to embrace this and every other opportunity of assuring you of the respectful consideration with which I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0056", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 19 April 1791\nFrom: Barclay, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia], 19 Apr. 1791. He called at TJ\u2019s house on Thursday, but TJ \u201chad just moved from the door on horseback.\u201d He is \u201cdistressed beyond measure\u201d to inform him of circumstances which he fears will postpone or prevent his embarking for Morocco as agreed. Messrs. Willing, Morris & Swanwick some time back began two actions against him for balances due to French & Co. of Bordeaux and to Cathalan of Marseilles by a mercantile house of L\u2019Orient in which he unhappily was a partner while attending public business in Paris. He is bound to appear, but as proofs of the accounts\u2014both of which are disputable\u2014have never arrived from Europe, the trial has been postponed. He has offered Swanwick, the active prosecutor, an assignment of all his effects for general benefit of creditors but he says he is not at liberty to accept it. It appears to him and to friends he has consulted that his wisest course is to submit to bankruptcy to prevent disputable accounts from taking precedence over \u201cothers \u2026 founded in justice and equity.\u2014This is a shocking expedient but if I go to Morocco I must adopt it.\u201d This will take about 40 days. No vessel for Lisbon for three or four weeks, so this would only postpone voyage three weeks longer. When arrangements are made, he will depart at once if services still thought of value.\u2014Had he known of extent of difficulties before Thursday, he would have informed TJ sooner.\u2014The day after he last talked with TJ, he wrote Col. Humphreys to inform Chiappe of his expected arrival, so that his advice about procedure and presents could meet him on arrival in Lisbon.\u2014He thinks the unforeseen delay and extremity to which he is driven, may make it proper to resume the commission. On this he desires TJ\u2019s opinion and may be addressed \u201cat Mr. Barclays No. 216 near Pine street.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0057", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Cutting, 19 April 1791\nFrom: Cutting, Nathaniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 19 Apr. 1791. TJ\u2019s of 26 Nov. did not arrive in time to be acknowledged by Henrietta. The information he sent from St. Domingo would lead one to expect magnanimity of its legislature would be cordially received by National Assembly. On contrary, French commercial interests, aided by intrigues of La Luzerne, engaged Barnave and other leaders to oppose the colony\u2019s legal representatives. The legislature\u2019s most commendable actions were severely censured and most illiberal aspersions cast on characters of its members. Since their arrival in Paris they have been held as prisoners on parole. Vice President of legislature when it left St. Marc published a pamphlet about political situation which confirms Cutting\u2019s information. He encloses a copy for TJ. As TJ may not have had opportunity to acquaint himself with state of culture and finance in the French part of St. Domingue, he transmits tables which he wrote for his amusement last year, being well authenticated and published by De Marbois in 1789. De Marbois states total export duty at \u00a36,924,167\u201319\u201311, but equally respectable authority says this is \u201cthe amount actually collected; but to know what it ought to have been, one must add at least 25 \u214c Ct. on account of the quantity of Produce illicitly convey\u2019d from the Colony.\u201d Thus the whole revenue of the colony may be estimated at \u00a39,329,934\u201317\u201311. Late estimate of population gives 30,000 whites, 32,000 free persons of color, and 400,000 Negro slaves, but he believes latter number too low because many planters, to avoid capitation tax, do not report \u201cmore than \u2154 or \u00be of their Stock,\u201d so that there are actually supposed to be from 450 to 500,000 slaves.\u2014A gentleman who has been comptroller of the customs informs him that trade of colony is carried on by 580 ships directly from France averaging 373 \u2153 tons, 110 Guineamen, 259 Spanish ships, and 763 American and other vessels, these figures being provided from accurate information for the year 1789. \u201cThe illicit Commerce takes off Produce sufficient to load 44 Ships of 300 Tons burthen each, per annum.\u201d\n\u201cI cannot help feeling interested in behalf of the persecuted Colonists. Indeed I think that every Free American who indulges Political Reflections must feel himself peculiarly interested in the Fate of the valuable and flourishing Colony of St. Domingue, which at some future period may possibly fall within the Jurisdiction of the Thirteen United States! At least one may venture to predict that such an intimate intercourse will one day be established between them as will mutually invigorate those principles of Constitutional Freedom which have apparently taken such deep root in both Countries, and will be productive of that Reciprocal advantage which is the most durable cement of Political Union.\u201d\nHe says nothing of the political state of Europe, particularly France, because TJ has infinitely better information and he has little opportunity for gaining political intelligence. But as to himself, he is most grateful for TJ\u2019s kind intentions to have him appointed consul at Le Havre. He acknowledges that he \u201ccannot afford to accept that Office\u201d but with equal candor declares that he has always been ambitious to render all possible service to his countrymen and that he would be much gratified by the appointment \u201cas it would shew the World that I was honor\u2019d with the Confidence of the Fathers of my Country.\u201d He has long desired to fix himself there in the mercantile line, as the city \u201cis now very flourishing and its Port bids fair to become one of the most secure  and commodious in Europe.\u2014If the American trade to this place revives, and I could form an advantageous connexion here I should be happy in the proposed appointment.\u201d\nBut as the etiquette of the European world makes it necessary to preserve certain appearances, as one holding that office \u201cshould be able uniformly to support a decent, not to say an elegant style of living,\u201d as there is no salary attached, and as his limited finances will not permit him to bear these extra expenses, he cannot accept. Further, the office of vice-consul \u201cis a Feather in the Cap of M. De la Motte, and I am convinced his abilities are every way adequate to the discharge of all Consular Duties at this Port.\u201d\nHe does not believe it necessary to appoint a consul in every commercial city. He has been told that Congress contemplates forming three great consular departments in France, in each of which a native American would be consul and where necessary a vice-consul appointed. He thinks this a judicious arrangement. The vice-consuls might be instructed to keep registers of all American vessels arriving\u2014their names, tonnage, cargoes, officers, sailors, and passengers\u2014from which abstracts could be sent to the consul every month, to be transmitted from the three departments to the secretary of the American embassy in Paris, who could select such parts as thought necessary to inform Congress. Such a record would reveal \u201cthe extent and importance of the Commercial Intercourse between America and France \u2026 and it might furnish Government with hints that might prove exceedingly beneficial with respect to forming Commercial Treaties, or partial Regulations of Trade.\u201d If published, it would help individuals in their trading ventures. Publication of names of passengers might lead to discovery of persons supposed dead, thus preventing much litigation over property. TJ\u2019s superior sagacity will suggest other advantages or perhaps discover obstacles making it impracticable.\n\u201cAllow me to congratulate you on the auspicious nuptials of your eldest Daughter, and to thank you for the Intelligence that both she and Maria are in health; may that invaluable Blessing ever give a zest to all their other Enjoyments!\u201d He has again become a resident of Le Havre, and it will always make him happy to be able to render TJ any service. If he is honored with any letters, they may be addressed to himself or in care of his friends Messrs. Le Mesurier & Cie.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0058", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Knox, 19 April 1791\nFrom: Knox, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDublin, 19 Apr. 1791. As stated in his of 26 Nov. last, he intended writing only half-yearly, but recent circumstances cause him to make earlier communication.\nImpressment of seamen from American ships generally practised in England during late preparations against Spain: \u201ccommonly all the men were taken, and it was left to be proved afterwards that they were Americans born. If the proofs were such as a regulating captain approved of they were discharged, provided by sufferings \u2026 and want of provisions they had not been forced to  enter for his Brittanick Majestys service. \u2026 no other circumstance than birth was admitted as constituting an American subject in England.\u201d He learned on 11th from Belfast that all sailors on five American vessels were taken by Captain Mackay of Inspector, sloop of war. He applied at once to Mr. Hobart, secretary to Lord Lieutenant who acts as principal secretary of state and who informed him that only the Lords of the Admiralty could afford relief. On his advice he applied to Mr. Stephens, secretary, and also wrote to Belfast urging every means to prevent sailors from being sent to Plymouth or Portsmouth. Yesterday in reply from thence he learned all save five had been returned, and these had been sent to Plymouth as British subjects, although some of them had been married and settled at Philadelphia 22 years.\u2014He immediately warned American vessels at Limerick, Londonderry, Cork, and Newry but knew of no impressments at those ports. Three American vessels were in Dublin when news came from Belfast, but their departure was hastened, and before the press on the evening of the 14th they had cleared.\u2014It is an object of great consequence to American commerce for regulation between U.S. and England determining American citizenship exclusive of birth. It is also important that all American sailors coming to British dominions should have their names in manifests as part of ship\u2019s attested papers, giving birth, size, age, and particular proofs. Under existing circumstances a captain may be induced to swear they are American born when they are not. A consul requesting release of impressed men on oath of a captain may thereby make himself liable to very unfavorable imputations to himself and his country.\nHe recommends a Mr. Pearce of Manchester, \u201can artist of extraordinary merit\u201d about to sail for Boston who had been induced to visit Ireland \u201cby a Mr. McCabe an eminent watchmaker of Belfast a man of considerable property, and of great mechanical genius. They have lately been associated in an application to the Parliament of this Country for encouragement to a loom of Mr. Pearce\u2019s construction, which is simple, cheap, and calculated to turn out more work with the labor of one person than \u2026 by two in some articles and three in others. This man will be a great acquisition to our Country where the high price of labor operates as a bar to the establishing of manufactories.\u201d He encloses a paper showing capabilities of the invention and also the report of a committee of the House of Commons on their petition. McCabe and Pearce are not satisfied with terms offered and latter goes to America. Knox did not think proper to give him a letter but promised to inform TJ of his plan: he \u201cwill \u2026 wait on you in Philadelphia, when I do not Doubt, he will give such proofs of his being an highly valuable acquisition to the United States, as to insure your protection and support.\u201d\u2014Heavy storms during winter have very much injured American trade with Ireland, six vessels, chiefly from Philadelphia, have been lost, but no lives. The Clara, a large ship from New York, was wrecked on 23d. Feb. 2 or 3 miles from Dublin. \u201cIn disasters of this kind it too frequently happens both on the Irish and English coasts, that the people endeavor to plunder all they can.\u201d In this case when the captain asked him for protection, he applied to the Lord Mayor, who provided a civil officer and army guard, so that enough was recovered to pay expenses and wages of the men, who have all had passages provided for them to their own country.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0059", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Tench Coxe, 20 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Coxe, Tench\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Coxe and returns him the table of shipping with thanks for the opportunity of examining it. He sends for Mr. Coxe\u2019s examination one of the returns, which Th: J. has required half-yearly from our Consuls in foreign ports, and will thank Mr. Coxe for any hints for it\u2019s improvement either by insertions or omissions.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0060", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 20 April 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia], 20 Apr. 1791. He received TJ\u2019s note while at breakfast. He will take up consular returns this evening and note such ideas as worthy TJ\u2019s consideration.\u2014He encloses abstract of licensed fishing vessels, including all returns on which reliance may be placed. Greater part of difference between present and last return apparently due to deficient customhouse returns. But it may be safely calculated total tonnage of fishing vessels is 32,000 and probably [3]2,500 as Rhode Island was not then in union and some small returns yet to be received.\nHe cannot refrain from expressing his \u201csensibility at the receipt of Mr. Jefferson\u2019s note of Sunday last, and wherever considerations of fitness and the public good may occasion the President \u2026 to deposit the trust, he will duly feel the weight of his obligations to Mr. Jefferson.\u201d\u2014He has not lost sight of question of storage of grain in English ports, \u201cbut from the infrequency of speculations to that Island and the shyness of the English part of the Trade in Philadelphia he has not yet grounded himself in the facts.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0061", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, 20 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Thomson, Charles\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 20. 1791.\nMr. Madison and myself have been in the constant purpose, as soon as the roads should get a little smooth, to ride out some morning  and pay our respects to you: the late rains have disappointed us in that respect.\nThe Philosophical society have appointed a committee, of which you are named, to collect materials for forming the natural history of the Hessian fly, the best means of preventing or destroying it &c. This committee meets tomorrow. I therefore send the bearer express, in hopes you will find it convenient to come. The meeting shall be fixed to any hour that may suit your convenience, if you will be so good as to notify it to me by a line by return of the bearer. I shall hope also that you will do me the favor to take your dinner with me, to which I shall endeavor to join the other three members of the committee. The object of the meeting is to plan and distribute our operations. I hope Mrs. Thompson and yourself enjoy good health. It is fortunate for you that you are scarcely within striking distance, or, in my habit of daily riding I should be troublesome to you. You will always make me happy by calling on me when you come to town, and if it be at the hour of three or a little after, I can always offer you soup, and you will generally be solus cum solo. I am with great sincerity Dear Sir Your affectionate humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0062", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 20 April 1791\nFrom: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nHartford, 20 Apr. 1791. Enclosed paper is sent by desire of several merchants of Connecticut trading to Hispaniola. Capt. Johnson is a man of good character and his information may be relied on.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0064", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 23 April 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia], 23 Apr. 1791. He encloses some remarks on the consular return, made with the greater freedom because TJ will consider before adopting them. He also sends an example of the variations in the form of a return. No aspect to the check in favor of the revenue, which might be introduced, appears in it. He has retained one of Maury\u2019s returns to consider the application of these documents to that purpose.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0065", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Remarks on the Consular return, 23 April 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: \nEnclosureRemarks on the Consular return.\nThe \u201cdenomination of Vessel\u201d would be an useful, and not a difficult column. It ought of course to be filled with the word Ship or Snow or Brig or Schooner or Sloop as the fact may be.\nIf the column mentioned under head 1 be introduced, that which is now entitled \u201cShip\u2019s Name\u201d should be varied to Vessels name.\nBetween the column for the \u201cMaster\u2019s name\u201d and that headed \u201cwhence\u201d another column might be introduced to shew \u201cof what place\u201d the vessel is. Captain Cutts\u2019s ship Betsey, for example, though from North Carolina and for Pennsylvania, is known to be of Biddeford in the District of Maine. Besides the advantage of minute information for occasional use (an object which merits unremitted attention) this column would shew where the private shipping of the United States is owned, and of course what ports and what states carry for the rest of the Union, and what ports or what States give employment to the carriers.\nThe column \u201cwhence\u201d though properly headed, might be more instructively filled, it is conceived, by the name of the Port from whence the vessel may have arrived than the name of the State. The commerce of particular parts of the same state is much more in the hands of foreigners, than that of others. Norfolk and Alexandria and Washington and Wilmington in North Carolina are mentioned as exemplifications.\nThe column \u201cwhither bound\u201d might also, it is conceived, be more instructively filled with the name of the port, than of the State of destination.\nThe number of boys employed in navigation exhibits an interesting fact in the state of the Nursery for Seamen and in regard to the modes in which we obtain them: It is useful also constantly to occasion in the minds of Masters and owners of vessels the contemplation of boys or apprentices. For these reasons the propriety of another column for the \u201cNumber of boys\u201d is suggested.\nA column for the number of guns might have it\u2019s use in the beginning of a war by shewing the state of preparation in which our vessels are which are caught abroad. It might possibly apprise us early of vessels fitting in foreign ports for privateers under our flag, or of our own vessels doing so. It would also shew us the precise condition, in the material particular of arms, of such of our ships as are long employed abroad. In peace or in all cases of unarmed vessels there will be no trouble in inserting a nought in the column, and very little in filling it with the number of guns in time of war.\nA column expressing \u201cof what Nation,\u201d if thought proper, might also be inserted after the column headed \u201cExporters.\u201d\nOn these two columns (No. 7 and 8) it may be remarked, that it is not uninteresting or unimportant to know, who are our foreign factors and the shippers of our supplies, whether citizens of the United States sojourning abroad, or foreigners of the country from whence they are shipt, or foreigners not of that country, who are enabled to monopolize trade by dint of capital, and who may be the servants of privileged mercantile companies.\nIt might be of use if the citizenship of the Consignee were mentioned in a column headed with the words \u201cof what nation.\u201d This column, if thought safe and useful would come most properly before that for the \u201cCargo outward.\u201d\nThe column for the \u201cCargo outward\u201d admits of an easy and very useful variation. In the case of the Commerce, Capt. Dobel, for example, there are blended in the list of 6 trunks, 1 Chest, and 10 barrels, parcels of printed cottons, silks, wrought Iron, fustian, muslinets &c. To a country that desires to know accurately the nature and sources of it\u2019s supplies and wherein the laws have hitherto necessarily placed about two thirds of it\u2019s imports under non enumerated or ad valorem duties, it will be found very useful to mention the number and kinds of packages, that contain the several species of goods. If five trunks of printed cottons, one trunk of silks, one chest of muslinets and fustians, and ten barrels of wrought iron were really the true description of the goods, it would be well to have it so inserted in the account of them; and so far as it is practicable the propriety of doing it hereafter is submitted.\n It might prevent mistakes in the Inspection of these returns if they should give their abbreviations in a way not to be mistaken. I think it would require mercantile knowledge to determine what Mr. Maury means by the mark  over staves and boards. He certainly means hundreds and not thousands, because the vessels would not, in several instances, contain the goods enumerated, if they were thousands. The letters N. M. are intended it is supposed, for naval measurement, but it is uncertain, though very material.\nA direction to include vessels in these returns, though not from or destined for American ports will be useful. It is probable however that this is already within the Consuls instructions.\nA similar return of foreign vessels arriving from and departing for the United States would be useful, omitting such columns as are manifestly useless, or the contents of which might not be attainable.\nThe returns might be made, if thought proper, quarterly instead of half yearly. Frequent and recent information in the present situation of the Commercial affairs of the United States is desirable. A session of Congress may be lost, and certain conveyances free of expence are to be had from the North in October, which in January cannot be had on account of the ice.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0067", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 24 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\nPhiladelphia Apr. 24. 1791.\nI have received my dear Maria, your letter of Mar. 26. I find I have counted too much on you as a Botanical and zoological correspondent: for I undertook to affirm here that the fruit was not killed in Virginia, because I had a young daughter there who was in that kind of correspondence with me, and who I was sure would have mentioned it if it had been so. However I shall go on communicating to you whatever may contribute to a comparative estimate of the two climates, in hopes it will induce you to do the same to me.\u2014Instead of waiting to send the two vails for your sister and yourself round with the other things, I inclose them with this letter. Observe that one of the strings is to be drawn tight round the root of the crown of the hat, and the vail then falling over the brim of the hat is drawn by the lower string as tight or loose as you please round the neck. When the vail is not chosen to be down, the lower string also is tied round the root of the crown so as to give it the appearance of a puffed bandage for the hat. I send also inclosed the green lining for the Calash. J. Eppes is arrived here. Present my affections to Mr. R. your sister & niece. Your\u2019s with tender love,\nTh: Jefferson\nApril \u20075.Apricots in blossom.Cherry leafing.\n9:Peach in blossom.Apple leafing.\n11.Cherry in blossom.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0069", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. P. Derieux, 25 April 1791\nFrom: Derieux, Justin Pierre Plumard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCharlottesville, 25 Apr. 1791. Has just received TJ\u2019s of 24 Mch. and is most grateful for what TJ has written to Fenwick. If his hopes are realized he will owe this to TJ alone. If not, he will have the certainty that nothing in the world henceforth could move this unrelenting kinsman from the proceedings of an unjust mother. Hence, whatever the outcome of TJ\u2019s kind effort in his behalf, he will always be grateful. He thanks TJ for the good news of France, the more so because it can be depended on as from him and not from the distorted news of the gazettes. The constitution, it seems, begins to have good effect and he rejoices with all the nation.\u2014He sends TJ a letter for Mde. Bellanger which he hopes will be sent to Mr. Short as soon as possible, since it contains matters on which he awaits a reply with the greatest impatience.\u2014The wheat harvest promises at present to be very fine. They have lately had some very favorable showers, and if it turns warm, the crop will be considerable. He has seen TJ\u2019s mountain some days ago and can assure him that \u201cil m\u2019a paru le le plus beau des Environs.\u201d He would have thought the great drought in the north would have augmented the price of wheat, but this was only gazette news.\u2014Mde. de Rieux, very flattered by TJ\u2019s kind recollection, sends her respect and to this he joins his greatest gratitude.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0070", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 25 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Apr. 25. 1791.\nMy late letters to you have been of the 8th. 12th. 15th. and 19th. of March. Your\u2019s recieved and unacknoleged are as follow.\ndated Dec.2.\nrec\u2019d Apr.8.\ndated Feb.7.\nrec\u2019d Apr.23.\nThose still missing are Nos. 31. 44.\nI consider the Consular convention as securing clearly our right to appoint Consuls in the French colonies. The words \u2018etats du roi\u2019 unquestionably extend to all his dominions. If they had been merely synonimous with \u2018la France\u2019 why was the alteration made? When I proposed that alteration, I explained my reasons, and it cannot be supposed I would offer a change of language but for some matter of substance. Again in the translation it is \u2018dominions of France.\u2019 This translation was submitted to M. de Montmorin and M. de Reyneval, with a request that they would note any deviation in it from the original, or otherwise it would be considered as faithful. No part was objected to. M. de Reyneval says we must decide by the instrument itself, and not by the explanations which took place. It is a rule, where expressions are susceptible of two meanings, to recur to other explanations. Good faith is in favour of this recurrence. However, in the present case, the expression does not admit of two constructions; it is co-extensive with the dominions of the king. I insist on this only as a reservation of our right, and not with a view to exercise it if it shall be inconvenient or disagreeable to the government of France. Only two appointments have as yet been made (Mr. Skipwith at Martinique and Guadaloupe and Mr. Bourne in St. Domingue) and they shall be instructed not to ask a regular Exequatur. We certainly wish to press nothing on our friends which shall be inconvenient. I shall hope that M. de Montmorin will order such attentions to be shewn to those gentlemen as the patronage of commerce may call for, and may not be inconvenient to the government. These gentlemen are most pointedly instructed not to intermeddle, by word or deed, with political matters.\u2014My letter of Aug. [2] 1790. to Mr. Carmichael was delivered to him by Colo. Humphreys.\u2014The report you mention of the prospect of our captives at Algiers being liberated has not taken it\u2019s rise from any  authoritative source. Unfortunately for us there have been so many persons, who (from friendly or charitable motives, or to recommend themselves) have busied themselves about this redemption, as to excite great expectations in the captors, and render our countrymen in fact irredeemable. We have not a single operation on foot for that purpose but what you know of. And the more all voluntary interpositions are discouraged, the better for our unhappy friends whom they are meant to serve.\nYou know how strongly we desire to pay off our whole debt to France, and that for this purpose we will use our credit as far as it will hold good. You know also what may be the probability of our being able to borrow the whole sum. Under these dispositions and prospects it would grieve us extremely to see our debt pass into the hands of speculators, and be subjected ourselves to the chicaneries and vexations of private avarice. We desire you therefore to dissuade the government as far as you can prudently from listening to any overtures of that kind, and as to the speculators themselves, whether native or foreign, to inform them without reserve that our government condemns their projects, and reserves to itself the right of paying no where but into the treasury of France, according to their contract.\nI inclose you a copy of Mr. Grand\u2019s note to me, stating the conditions on which Drost would come, and also a letter from the Secretary of the treasury expressing his ideas as to those terms, with which I agree. We leave to your agency the engaging and sending Mr. Drost as soon as possible, and to your discretion to fix the terms, rendering the allowance for expences certain, which his first proposition leaves incertain. Subsistence here costs about one third of what it does in Paris, to a housekeeper. In a lodging house the highest price for a room and board is a dollar a day for the master and half that for the servant. These facts may enable you to settle the article of expences reasonably. If Mr. Drost understands assaying, I should much rather confide it to him, than to any other person who can be sent. It is the most confidential operation in the whole business of coining. We should expect him to instruct a native in it. I think too he should be obliged to continue longer than a year if it should be necessary for qualifying others to continue his operations. It is not important that he be here till November or December, but extremely desireable then. He may come as much sooner as he pleases.\nWe address to M. La Motte a small box for you containing a complete set of the journals of the antient Congress, the acts of the  last session of the federal legislature, and a continuation of the newspapers.\u2014I am with great & sincere esteem, Dear Sir your affectionate friend & humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0071", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 25 April 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis April 25. 1791.\nOur information from America is as when I last wrote to you, that is to say, no lower than your letter of the 23d. of January. I have been waiting with much impatience to receive further intelligence for the reasons which I have repeated in my several letters.\nSince my last the national assembly have extended to their islands and all their foreign possessions the decree which abolished the droit d\u2019aubaine in France, as you will see by the No. 104. of the Moniteur, which will be sent by the way of Havre. The decree is to have a  retrospective effect as to the foreign possessions so as to take place from the time of its being passed for France, viz. Aug. 6. 1790.\nNo other alterations have been as yet made on the decrees concerning the commerce of the United States. With respect to the duty on oils there is a circumstance which it is proper to mention. You know the different stages through which this business has gone. I was in Holland when the reduction took place to 6. \u20b6 the quintal and this it was observed in the letters to me put them very nearly on the same footing as under the arr\u00eat du conseil. On my observing that by it they were subjected only to the 7. \u20b610 per barrel and 10 sous per livre and that the letter of M. de Calonne previous to the arr\u00eat, abolished expressly the droit de fabrication a l\u2019egard des huiles de baleine et spermaceti, it was answered that although the importer did not pay any other duties, the oils paid them internally, and that the registers of the farm which had been examined by the committee of commerce proved it:\u2014and further that the letter of the minister was of no effect, the arr\u00eat du Conseil having not confirmed expressly the abolition.\u2014Since my arrival here I have brought together the Rapporteur of the committee, and Mr. Barrett. They were not able to satisfy each other by their arguments. They are both to produce their proofs at the next meeting. The Rapporteur says if he does not shew by extracts from the registers of the farm that the oils paid the duties agreeable to his note sent to M. Ramond (and which I forwarded to you in my No. 62.) he will propose to the assembly to reduce them to the former value, and that he is sure of succeeding. Of this however I have my doubts, as I think the assembly will be prevented by those interested in the national fisheries from consenting to a further reduction at present. Time will certainly effect it, and probably remove entirely the duties on the importation of this article. According to the price at which it sells at present the duty of 6.\u20b6 the quintal is about 20 per cent on its value.\nParis has been for eight days past and still is in a degree of fermentation of which there is no example, as well on account of the cause which gives rise to it as its duration.\u2014You know that by a decree of the national assembly passed last year, such ecclesiastics as refused to take an oath there prescribed were to be displaced and successors immediately appointed. All the Bishops were of this class except three or four and a great number of inferior clergymen. Those who took the oath and supplanted the nonjurors are considered by the devout as schismatick. Of course those who are really devotees, though friendly to the revolution, and all those who are hostile to the revolution whether devotees or not, refuse making use of the  churches occupied by the new priests. As the number of parishes in the capital was much reduced, and the supernumerary churches were about to be sold, a society was formed for purchasing one of them and installing in it priests non jurors. The administrators of the department considering that freedom in the exercise of religion was allowed rented a church to this society, until the formalities of the sale could be completed.\u2014It was to have been opened eight days ago. The citizens of the section in which the church stands assembled the night before, and urged on by a curate who has taken the oath and a few factious people, decided that it was unconstitutional to open other catholic churches than those established by the law. They accordingly had the doors shut the next morning and refused admittance to those who had rented it. The Mayor accompanied by the garde nationale went to the church to obtain a free entry but were unable or unwilling to carry their object into execution. The mob remained assembled at the door during the whole day. No attempt was made to disperse them and no other violence used on their part.\nThe same day mass was said in the King\u2019s chapel by a priest non juror. Some of the guards had murmured and shewn dispositions to prevent his Majesty\u2019s passing to the chapel, but the Marquis de la Fayette being called, had one of the mutinous arrested and thus procured tranquillity for the moment. These circumstances being known in the different quarters and among the people of Paris excited much uneasiness. Their alarms were increased by the emissaries of those who wish for disorder. The King\u2019s refusing from conscientious motives to make use of priests who had subscribed to the laws which he himself had sanctioned, together with the marked predilections shewn in favor of the displaced Bishops, (all of whom are hostile to the revolution) were considered as in fact changing his principles with respect to the constitution and a determination to violate the oath he had taken to maintain it.\nThose who reflected saw no contradiction in the King\u2019s conduct and had no doubt of the purity of his intentions. But the people of Paris do not reflect. It was known that he proposed going the next day to pass the holy week at St Cloud. Papers were printed and circulated declaring the King a traitor, saying that relays of horses were prepared on the road that he might make his escape &c. When he got into his carriage the people and garde nationale in ranks before the horses refused to let them go. The Marquis de la Fayette exerted himself in vain to procure a passage for the carriage\u2014an universal defection had taken place among the garde nationale. The  Marquis was insulted and menaced by several who were in a state of phrenzy. They were convinced the King meant to make his escape and supposed him an accomplice. The King remained in this situation in his carriage for two hours, during which time he heard from the guards and people around his carriage the most abusive expressions as well against himself as the Queen. He at length determined to abandon the plan of his departure for that day.\nThe next morning he went to the assembly and addressed them\u2014in the speech herewith inclosed. In it he persisted in his determination to go to St. Cloud, but as yet he has not renewed the attempt. The national assembly did not dare to censure the conduct of the people and the guards, the department of Paris and the municipality still less, but as it was impossible for the two last not to take some step they addressed the King to assure him that the present unhappy circumstances proceeded from the distrust occasioned by his being surrounded by persons known to be hostile to the constitution. No exertion was made to find out other causes. This conduct of the assembly and members of administration is considered cowardly and base and shews clearly that they are guided absolutely by the will of the Paris mob.\u2014The persons most noted about the King\u2019s person have quitted their places either of their own accord or by his request.\nThe Marquis de la Fayette determined immediately on being disobeyed to resign. He employed two days in taking the proper arrangements for this purpose and then sent his commission to the municipality. Immediately on its being known a general consternation spread itself throughout Paris. Numbers were preparing to leave the city. Deputies from the several battalions went to his house to assure him of their attachment and confidence and their determination to obey no other chief. The municipality in a body went also to entreat his remaining at the head of the guard. In order to avoid these sollicitations he had left his house and did not return till midnight. He found there the municipality in their habits of ceremony and the battalions under arms who had determined not to leave his house without seeing him. He promised his answer for the next day, when he went to the hotel de ville and delivered the speech inclosed. From that time the alarms increased. The procession of battalions to his house was without interruption. The King\u2019s journey to St. Cloud and the opening of the churches rented to private societies, which were the first causes of these disturbances, seemed entirely forgotton. The great object was to induce the Marquis to re-assume the command. The battalions all assembled and subscribed a new oath of obedience to him and for the execution of  the law. They resolved to expel such as had been refractory and particularly a grenadier who for his leading opposition to the King\u2019s departure had been crowned in several of the patriotic societies of Paris. After so much sollicitation, and so much apprehension of ill entertained by all in the case of his refusal, he determined two days ago to receive again his commission. This circumstance has excited general satisfaction, and so long as the zeal of the present moment lasts will enable him to command the guard without opposition. It is certain however that [it] cannot last always, and that he must submit in the end to the impulsions they receive.\nDuring the crisis which was attributed by most people to the King\u2019s scruples of conscience and appearance of tergiversation, it was manifest that the general attachment to him was subsiding daily. The current of public opinion with respect to the King, and with respect to Royalty in general seemed to be taking a direction that threatened a new revolution, or at least indicated that the present would be carried still further. The obnoxious persons around the King being dismissed had not sufficed to check the progress. In the addresses to the King he had been asked also to notify to the foreign courts his adhesion to the new constitution. You will see them in the papers sent by the way of Havre. In this situation of things a circular letter written by M. de Montmorin to the King\u2019s ministers at foreign courts was communicated by him to the assembly. I send it herewith, and you will not be surprized that it should have excited there a degree of enthusiasm and joy of which there is no example. The most exaggerated demagogues were those who were most forward in the expression of their satisfaction and thanks. A deputation was immediately sent to the King to express these sentiments of the assembly, and it was with difficulty that the whole body could be prevented from going.\nFrom that moment the public voice has taken a change, and the sentiments or expressions at least of loyalty and attachment to the King\u2019s person have succeeded to the most exagerated ideas of democracy. The day after communicating the letter to the assembly the King accompanied by such of his courtiers as are known to be attached to the revolution went as usual to hear mass at his parish where it is celebrated by a curate who has taken the new oath; and thus every thing for the moment is restored to the position it was in fifteen days ago, except that experience has now proved that no opposition will be made either by the assembly, department, or municipality to any movement of the people or a part of the people of Paris.\nI have thought it proper to give you these details thus minutely because they will certainly have much influence on the affairs of this country in future. One effect which is already visible is the desire it has given many of the members of the assembly to finish their session and quit a ground that they foresee now will not be always tenable. These do not yet make the majority as I believe, though many are of a different opinion. It is constantly repeated now by the popular members of the assembly that letters of convocation will be issued in the course of the next month and that the present assembly will cease on the 14th. of July.\nAdvices are just received from the French islands. They are as late as the 8th. of March and bring an account of the arrival of the fleet and troops sent there in February last. There still remained much disorder. The regiment which had been for some time at S. Domingo commanded by M. Mauduit Duplessis who served in America during the late war, had gone into a perfect state of revolt and massacred him whilst endeavouring to give them the explanations they exacted respecting his conduct last summer when he had made them act against some of the inhabitants.\u2014This insubordination seems to have been produced by the troops lately sent there, who together with the sailors of the fleet, were in full insurrection. The commandant of the fleet and the officers desire to be recalled. Two members of the municipality have arrived in France, sent to give an account of the present disturbances prevailing in the island.\nA few days before an account of these disorders was received here forty five of the members of the colonial assembly kept \u00e0 la suite de l\u2019assembl\u00e9e nationale, had signed a retraction of their errors and their submission to the decrees of the assembly relative to S. Domingo. They sollicit leave to return there. Nothing has been yet decided on respecting them, but the manner in which their petition and retraction was received shews that the assembly is happy to have an opportunity of releasing them, and that it will be done without opposition.\nPreparations for war and negotiations for peace in the north of Europe are going on with redoubled activity. Every day which passes without bringing peace renders war more probable. Denmark has thrown herself into a posture of mediation which I think the menacing powers will make use of. The principal basis is a modification of the status quo offered by Russia and rejected by the triple alliance.\nThe war is manifestly unpopular in England. Should the minister  not be able to extricate himself from prosecuting it, he will probably present some object in the Mediterranean to the national cupidity so as to render it more to the taste of the people, that is to say the merchants of London.\nThe French Minister will leave this place for Philadelphia in the course of the next month. This letter goes by the English packet and will carry you assurances of the sentiments of attachment & respect with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir, your most obedient servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0073", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 26 April 1791\nFrom: Fenwick, Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBordeaux, 26 Apr. 1791. Encloses list of vessels entered and cleared in last six months, together with copy of his last. Since then, duty on American fish oil reduced from 12 to 6 \u20b6 per quintal, its present rate, but expects this to be modified as experience and commercial interest require. Encloses list of duties prior to 1 Apr. and in force since the 15th.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0074", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Moustier, 26 April 1791\nFrom: Moustier, El\u00e9nore Fran\u00e7ois Elie, Comte de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\n\u00e0 Berlin le 26. Avril 1791\nLes moyens de correspondance sont si difficiles entre l\u2019Europe et l\u2019Amerique, que je commen\u00e7ois \u00e0 desesperer d\u2019obtenir m\u00eame des preuves de l\u2019arriv\u00e9e de mes lettres dans votre continent, lorsque j\u2019ai re\u00e7u la reponse dont vous m\u2019avez honor\u00e9 le 3. de Decembre dernier. Une lettre de M. le President du 1er. 9bre. m\u2019est parvenue en m\u00eame tems. Je suis bien aise d\u2019apprendre que le derangement de sant\u00e9 qui vous avoit empech\u00e9 de vous occuper est entierement pass\u00e9. Je suis tr\u00e8s touch\u00e9 des regrets que vous voulez bien m\u2019exprimer sur une contrariet\u00e9 que j\u2019ai eprouv\u00e9e bien vivement de mon cot\u00e9, de ce que la fortune m\u2019ait fait croiser avec vous, Monsieur, avec qui j\u2019aurois e\u00fb tant de satisfaction \u00e0 pouvoir passer beaucoup de momens que j\u2019aurois trouv\u00e9s \u00e0 tous \u00e9gards bien interessans. On a v\u00fb recemment tant de jeux de cette m\u00eame fortune qu\u2019il ne faut plus repondre de rien, ainsi je ne renonce pas pour toujours \u00e0 l\u2019espoir de vous revoir. Quoiqu\u2019il arrive, je reponds au moins de la dur\u00e9e des sentimens d\u2019estime et d\u2019attachement que je vous ai vou\u00e9s.\u2014Je suis bien convaincu de la sincerit\u00e9 des regrets que vous m\u2019exprim\u00e9s sur les delais de la conclusion de notre constitution. Mais ce qu\u2019il y a de plus malheureux, c\u2019est que de longtems nous n\u2019aurons la constitution qui nous convient. Les difficult\u00e9s qui se sont oppos\u00e9s \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9tablissement d\u2019une telle constitution n\u2019\u00e9toient pas insurmontables, mais il falloit de la bonne foi, de la probit\u00e9, des lumieres et de la vigueur reunies. Tout cela s\u2019est trouv\u00e9 epars; tandis que l\u2019ambition, l\u2019avarice, l\u2019envie, l\u2019orgueil, la haine, la fourberie, le fanatisme, la perseverance, la violence, la terreur, la fausse eloquence, l\u2019audace se sont combin\u00e9es. Votre opinion est la mienne depuis longtems. J\u2019ai dit tout haut et \u00e0 gens qui auroit p\u00fb en faire leur profit. Qu\u2019on finisse et qu\u2019on prenne une constitution quelconque \u00e0 l\u2019essai. Le plus mauvais gouvernement vaut toujours mieux que l\u2019anarchie dans laquelle nous vivons depuis 18. mois. Il faut bien que notre nation se forme par sa propre experience, puisqu\u2019elle ne veut pas profiter de celle des autres ni m\u00eame de celles de nos p\u00e8res. J\u2019ai parl\u00e9 \u00e0 des Sourds lorsque j\u2019ai voulu citer les Etats Unis. Nos energumenes regardent votre constitution avec dedain. Ils en sont encore \u00e0 se parer de vos rebuts, ils se sont empar\u00e9s des materiaux de votre premier \u00e9difice pour construire le leur. Quand chacun sera bien las de tous les t\u00e2tonnemens auxquels on s\u2019abandonne avec une fureur aveugle, alors on commencera \u00e0 douter, et le doute disposera \u00e0 recevoir la verit\u00e9 \u00e0 la place de l\u2019erreur qui en a pris le masque. \u2014Nous n\u2019avons jusqu\u2019apresent de la libert\u00e9 que le mot, mais dans le fait c\u2019est la licence et la tyrannie populaire qui regnent. En supposant la vraie libert\u00e9, c\u2019est \u00e0 dire celle qui garantit la suret\u00e9 personelle, et les propriet\u00e9s, plac\u00e9e dans un centre, je pense que, quoique nous en fussions eloign\u00e9s autrefois, nous en sommes plus eloign\u00e9s aujourdhui, parce que nous nous sommes port\u00e9s davantage \u00e0 l\u2019extr\u00eame oppos\u00e9. Au reste, je vous expose mon opinion, qui peut etre erron\u00e9e, mais \u00e0 coup s\u00fbr est de bonne foi, avec cette libert\u00e9 qui appartient toujours a un homme de bien dans quelques circonstances qu\u2019il se trouve. Je n\u2019aimois pas le regime ancien, je n\u2019aime pas l\u2019actuel, j\u2019en espere un meilleur \u00e0 l\u2019avenir. Mais, quoiqu\u2019il en soit, dans quelque pays que ce soit, je ne troublerai pas les gouvernements.\nLe peu de details que vous m\u2019avez donn\u00e9s sur votre pays m\u2019interessent infiniment. J\u2019avois toujours presum\u00e9 que le Cens feroit reconnoitre une population plus considerable dans les Etats Unis qu\u2019on ne supposoit. Vos operations seront bonnes, ou du moins n\u2019auront jamais de grands inconveniens, parcequ\u2019elles seront murement reflechies et pes\u00e9es d\u2019avance. Vous n\u2019avez pas une Assembl\u00e9e unique, qui fait des loix comme on monte \u00e0 l\u2019assaut. Il faut d\u2019autres moyens pour prendre une bastille que pour construire un vaste edifice bien ordonn\u00e9. Je n\u2019ai pas \u00e9t\u00e9 heureux dans la seule tentative que j\u2019aie faite pour influer sur la legislation Fran\u00e7ise. J\u2019ai e\u00fb pour moi des Sages, sont-ils les plus forts? Non, lorsque la force consiste dans les bras. Nous avons sacrifi\u00e9 une belle branche de revenu et bris\u00e9 un des liens qui nous attachoit aux Etats Unis. Il y a des maux qui ne se reparent pas. Votre nation est bien diff\u00e9rente de la n\u00f4tre. Aussi faut-il cultiver le fruit de la libert\u00e9 d\u2019une autre maniere chez nous que chez vous; je crois m\u00eame que pour en faire usage, il lui faut un appr\u00eat sans lequel il seroit ainsi que beaucoup de plantes, nuisibles dans leur etat naturel, qui ne sont salutaires qu\u2019apr\u00e8s une certaine preparation. La p\u00eache, qui est un poison dans un pays, est un fruit bienfaisant dans un autre. N\u2019en seroit-il pas de meme de la libert\u00e9? Est-elle la meme chez un peuple nouveau et presque entierement agricole, ou chez un peuple ancien, commer\u00e7ant, agioteur, et en grande partie citadin? On ne m\u2019accusera pas de ne pas aimer ma patrie, ni de n\u2019\u00eatre pas un homme tr\u00e8s humain. Cependant, je suis loin de penser et surtout de vouloir agir comme nos docteurs modernes. Le peuple Fran\u00e7ois ne trouvera jamais en moi un flatteur, par la meme raison que je ne l\u2019ai jamais \u00e9t\u00e9 de la puissance. Je pense enfin que le peuple doit etre bien gouvern\u00e9, mais qu\u2019il ne doit pas gouverner parcequ\u2019il n\u2019en est pas capable. Il  doit donner son approbation aux loix, il doit meme indiquer les objets sur lesquels il croit en avoir besoin, elles ne doivent pas avoir de force sans lui, mais il ne doit pas etre legislateur. Quand la majorit\u00e9 pensera comme cel\u00e0 en France, je serai \u00e0 ses ordres pour les postes perilleux et laborieux. Tant qu\u2019Elle pensera autrement, je ne conniverai pas aux manoeuvres par lesquelles on la tourmente.\nJe jouis ici de beaucoup de loisir et de tranquillit\u00e9. On ne manque de matieres \u00e0 meditations nulle part.\u2014On est tout occup\u00e9 de pr\u00e9paratifs de Guerre, depuis la Mediterrann\u00e9e jusqu\u2019\u00e0 la mer Baltique, et les mers d\u2019Allemagne et Britanniques. Quidquid deliram reges pleatuntur achivi.\nJ\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 bien surpris que ma recompense au retour des Etats Unis, puisqu\u2019on ne vouloit pas que j\u2019y retournasse, ait \u00e9t\u00e9 la mission de Berlin. Je ne l\u2019ai assurement pas sollicit\u00e9e. J\u2019ai obei, j\u2019y fais de mon mieux, je paye mon tribut de la maniere qu\u2019on juge la plus convenable. Ma sant\u00e9 est assez bonne parcequ\u2019heureusement l\u2019hiver a \u00e9t\u00e9 singulierement doux. Je n\u2019ai pas \u00e9t\u00e9 si heureux en Amerique et c\u2019est la seule chose dont, tout compens\u00e9, j\u2019aie lieu de me plaindre. Quand vous aurez des moments de loisir, pensez \u00e0 moi et donnez m\u2019en des preuves. Ce sera toujours avec un vif inter\u00eat que je recevrai de vos nouvelles et de celles de votre pays par vous, Monsieur, \u00e0 qui j\u2019ai vou\u00e9 un attachement et une estime inalt\u00e9rable.\nF. De Moustier\nPar notre nouveau protocole, nous avons suprim\u00e9 le J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre &c.\u2014Mes amiti\u00e9s \u00e0 Mr. Maddison.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0075", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 26 April 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis April 26. 1791.\nPetit is now here and intends going by the French packet which will sail from L\u2019Orient the 15th. of next month. He insisted on 100.\u20b6 a month and seemed convinced from your letter that you would think it fully reasonable. Of course as far as the arrangement depends on me his wages are fixed at that rate. I had supposed from his letters written whilst I was in Holland that he would have been glad to have gone for less.\nThe commission with which you charged me in your letter of Jan 24. (the last which I have had the pleasure of recieving from you) is executed and I think will be fully to your satisfaction. I shall  send you by Petit the part you desired as well as the details respecting it. I shall send you also your reveille.\u2014Chanterot is making the clock. The price he asks is the same with that of the salle des ventes (15. guineas). Of course I thought it best to employ him. It will be done in three weeks and immediately sent to Havre. Houdon sent the dress some time ago.\nI suppose you will have seen Paine\u2019s answer to Mr. Burke on the French revolution. It has made much noise in England and pleases a good deal here. What surprizes me most is that he was not prosecuted for it, as he remained in London some time after its publication and it was the opinion of able lawyers that it was libellous in many parts and treasonable in still more. It is much in Paine\u2019s style, that is to say incorrect\u2014with strong expressions and bold ideas. Adieu. Yr. friend,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0076-0002", "content": "Title: I. Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan B. Smith, 26 April 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Smith, Jonathan B.\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Jonathan B. Smith, and in consequence of the inclosed note and of Mr. Beckley\u2019s desire he sends him Mr. Paine\u2019s pamphlet. He is extremely pleased to find it will be re-printed here, and that something is at length to be publicly said against the political heresies which have sprung up among us. He has no doubt our citizens will rally a second time round the standard of Common sense. He begs leave to engage three or four copies of the republication.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0076-0004", "content": "Title: III. Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 9 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May. 9. 1791.\nYour favor of the 1st. came to hand on the 3d. Mr. Freneau has not followed it: I suppose therefore he has changed his mind back again, for which I am really sorry. I have now before me a huge bundle of letters, the only business between me and my departure. I think I can be through them by the end of the week, in which case I will be with you by Tuesday or Wednesday, if nothing new comes in to delay me. Rittenhouse will probably not go. He says he cannot find a good horse. I shall propose to you when we tack about from the extremity of our journey, instead of coming back the same way, to cross over through Vermont to Connecticut river and down that to New-haven, then through Long-island to N.Y. and so to Philada. Be this however as you will. Our news from Virginie is principally of deaths, to wit, Colo. B. Harrison of Barclay, Turner Southall, Dixon the printer, Colo. Overton of Hanover, Walker Gilmer son of the Doctor. A Peter Randolph of Chatsworth has had a fit of madness, which he has recovered from. Wheat has suffered by drought: yet it is tolerably good. The fruit not entirely killed. At this place little new.\u2014F. Hopkinson lies at extremities with regular epileptic fits, from which they think he cannot recover. Colo. Hamilton set out to-day for Bethlehem. Have you seen the Philadelphia edition of Paine\u2019s pamphlet? You know you left Beckley\u2019s copy in my hands. He called on me for it, before I had quite finished it, and desired me when done to send it to J. B. Smith whose brother was to reprint it. When I was proceeding to send it, I found it necessary to write a note to Mr. Smith to explain why I, a perfect stranger to him, sent him the pamphlet. I mentioned it to be by the desire of Mr. Beckley, and to take off a little of the dryness of the note, added currento calamo, that I was pleased to find it was to be reprinted here, that something was at length to be publicly said against the political heresies which had of late sprung up among us, not doubting but that our citizens would rally again round the standard of Common sense. I thought no more of this and heard no more till the pamphlet appeared to my astonishment with my note at the head of it. I never saw J. B. Smith or the printer either before or since. I had in view certainly the doctrines of Davila. I tell the writer freely that he is a heretic, but certainly never meant to step into a public newspaper with that in my mouth. I have just reason therefore to think he will be displeased. Colo. Hamilton and Colo. Beckwith are open mouthed against me, taking it in another view,  as likely to give offence to the court of London. H. adds further that it marks my opposition to the government. Thus endeavoring to turn on the government itself those censures I meant for the enemies of the government, to wit those who want to change it into a monarchy. I have reason to think he has been unreserved in uttering these sentiments.\u2014I send you some letters recieved for you. Adieu. Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. F. Hopkinson is dead.\u2014Rittenhouse has agreed this afternoon to go with me as far as New York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0076-0005", "content": "Title: IV. James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nYour favor of the 9th. was received last evening. To my thanks for the several inclosures I must add a request that the letter to Baynton which came in one of them may be handed to him by one of your servants. The directory will point out his habitation.\nI had seen Payne\u2019s pamphlet with the preface of the Philada. Editor. It immediately occurred that you were brought into the Frontispiece in the manner you explain. But I had not foreseen the particular use made of it by the British partizans. Mr. Adams can least of all complain. Under a mock defence of the Republican Constitutions of this Country, he attacked them with all the force he possessed, and this in a book with his name to it whilst he was the Representative of his Country at a foreign Court. Since he has been the 2d. Magistrate in the new Republic, his pen has constantly been at work in the same cause; and tho\u2019 his name has not been prefixed to his antirepublican discourses, the author has been as well known as if that formality had been observed. Surely if it be innocent and decent in one servant of the public thus to write attacks against its Government, it can not be very criminal or indecent in another to patronize a written defence of the principles on which that Government is founded. The sensibility of H[amilton] and B[eckwith] for the indignity to the Brit: Court is truly ridiculous. If offence could be justly taken in that quarter, what would France have a right to say to Burke\u2019s pamphlet, and the Countenance given to it and its author, particularly by the King himself? What in fact might not the U.S. say, whose revolution and democratic governments come in for a large share of the scurrility lavished on those of France.\nI do not foresee any objection to the route you propose. I had conversed with Beckley on a trip to Boston &c. and still have that in view, but the time in view for starting from this place, will leave room for the previous excursion. Health recreation and curiosity being my objects, I can never be out of my way.\nNot a word of news here. My letters from Virginia say little more than those you had received. Carrington says the returns have come in pretty thickly of late and warrant the estimate founded on the Counties named to me some time ago. As well as I recollect, these averaged upwards of 8000 souls, and were consider\u2019d by him as under the general average.\u2014Yrs. affecly.,\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0076-0006", "content": "Title: V. Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 3 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 3. 1791.\nI wrote to Maria this day sennight, and to Martha three days before, to wit June 23. In this letter I asked information to be obtained from Colo. Lewis relative to my tobo. of which I had heard nothing. But having received the day after a letter from him, giving me full information, I mentioned in mine to Maria, that no notice should be taken of my desire expressed in the letter to her sister. Lest any accident should have happened to the letter to Maria, I repeat here that no enquiry of Colo. Lewis is necessary.\nThe President is not yet arrived; but we expect him the day after tomorrow. He has probably protracted his journey so as to avoid the ceremonies of tomorrow.\u2014We expect daily to hear the event of the expedition under Genl. Scott into the Indian country. Perhaps you will hear it sooner than we shall.\u2014Having nothing to communicate in the line of public news, I will state something personal. You will observe by the inclosed and preceding papers, that I am mentioned on the subject of Paine\u2019s pamphlet on the rights of man: and you will have seen a note of mine prefixed to that pamphlet, whence it has been inferred that I furnished the pamphlet to the printer and procured it\u2019s publication. This is not true. The fact was this. Mr. Beckley had the only copy of that pamphlet in town. He  lent it to Mr. Madison, who lent it to me under the injunction to return it to Beckley within the day. Beckley came for it before I had finished reading it, and desired, as soon as I had done, I would send it to a Mr. Jonathan B. Smith whose brother was to reprint it. Being an utter stranger to Mr. J. B. Smith, I explained to him in a note that I sent the pamphlet to him by order of Mr. Beckley and, to take off somewhat of the dryness of the note, I added \u2018that I was glad to find it was to be reprinted here &c. as you have seen in the printed note. I thought so little of this note, that I did not even retain a copy of it: and without the least information or suspicion that it would be published, out it comes the next week at the head of the pamphlet. I knew immediately that it would give displeasure to some gentlemen, fast by the chair of government, who were in sentiment with Burke, and as much opposed to the sentiments of Paine. I could not disavow my note, because I had written it: I could not disavow my approbation of the pamphlet, because I was fully in sentiment with it: and it would have been trifling to have disavowed merely the publication of the note, approving at the same time of the pamphlet. I determined therefore to be utterly silent, except so far as verbal explanations could be made. The Vice president, who is at Boston, took up the cudgels under the name of Publicola. He is in turn assailed by a host of republican champions. I think it probable he will be aided by some of his compeers, but, more cautious than him, they will mask themselves better. For my part I am determined to let them write and wrangle as they please, without intermeddling in word or deed.\nI am unable as yet to fix a time for my trip to Virginia. It must depend on the movements of the President. I foresee nothing in the public affairs which threatens impediment. Present me affectionately to my daughters, and believe me to be Dear Sir Yours sincerely,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0076-0009", "content": "Title: VIII. Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 17 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 17. 1791.\nI have a dozen times taken up my pen to write to you and as often laid it down again, suspended between opposing considerations. I determine however to write from a conviction that truth, between candid minds, can never do harm. The first of Paine\u2019s pamphlets on the Rights of man, which came to hand here, belonged to Mr. Beckley. He lent it to Mr. Madison who lent it to me; and while I was reading it Mr. Beckley called on me for it, and, as I had not finished it, he desired me as soon as I should have done so, to send it to Mr. Jonathan B. Smith, whose brother meant to reprint it. I finished reading it, and, as I had no acquaintance with Mr. Jonathan B. Smith, propriety required that I should explain to him why I, a stranger to him, sent him the pamphlet. I accordingly wrote a note of compliment informing him that I did it at the desire of Mr. Beckley, and, to take off a little of the dryness of the note, I added that I was glad it was to be reprinted here and that something was to be publicly said against the political heresies which had sprung up among us &ca. I thought so little of this note that I did not even keep a copy of it: nor ever heard a tittle more of it till, the week following, I was thunderstruck with seeing it come out at the head of the pamphlet. I hoped however it would not attract notice. But I found on my return from a journey of a month that a writer came forward under the signature of Publicola, attacking not only the author and principles of the pamphlet, but myself as it\u2019s sponsor, by name. Soon after came hosts of other writers defending the pamphlet and attacking you by name as the writer of Publicola. Thus were our names thrown on the public stage as public antagonists. That you and I differ in our ideas of the best form of government is well known to us both: but we have differed as friends should do, respecting the purity of each other\u2019s motives, and confining our difference of opinion to private conversation. And I can declare with truth in the presence of the almighty that nothing was further from my intention or expectation than to have had either my own or your name brought before the public on this occasion. The friendship and confidence which has so long existed between us required this explanation from me, and I know you too well to fear any misconstruction of the motives of it. Some people here who would wish me to be, or to be thought, guilty of improprieties, have suggested that I was Agricola, that I was Brutus &c. &c. I never did in my life, either by myself or by any other, have a sentence of mine inserted  in a newspaper without putting my name to it; and I believe I never shall.\nWhile the empress is refusing peace under a mediation unless Oczakow and it\u2019s territory be ceded to her, she is offering peace on the perfect statu quo to the Porte, if they will conclude it without a mediation. France has struck a severe blow at our navigation by a difference of duty on tobacco carried in our and their ships, and by taking from foreign built ships the capability of naturalization. She has placed our whale oil on rather a better footing than ever by consolidating the duties into a single one of 6. livres. They amounted before to some sous over that sum. I am told (I know not how truly) that England has prohibited our spermaceti oil altogether, and will prohibit our wheat till the price there is 52/ the quarter, which it almost never is. We expect hourly to hear the true event of Genl. Scott\u2019s expedition. Reports give favorable hopes of it. Be so good as to present my respectful compliments to Mrs. Adams and to accept assurances of the sentiments of sincere esteem & respect with which I am Dear Sir Your friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0076-0010", "content": "Title: IX. James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 25 July 1791\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nWmsburg July 25. 1791.\nYour favor of the 10th. found me here upon the business mention\u2019d in my last. I left Mrs. M. at Monticello to remain till my return. I have been here near three weeks and shall leave it tomorrow on my way back. We have gone thro\u2019 the business, allotted to each his duty and are to meet again in Fredbg. on the 5th. of Octr. next. A part of our duty was to consolidate (when many were drawn) all the acts on one subject. The object, to make the law more perspicuous, by drawing its scatter\u2019d parts into one view and repealing all preceding laws on such subject. A question arose in the Committee whether they were bound by this to prepare a bill conformable to the law as it stands, or provided they confin\u2019d themselves to the subject, might propose on it any new project they thought fit. Of the latter opinion were Tazewell Tucker and Lee, Prentis Nelson and myself of the former. We were willing however that any member who conceiv\u2019d the policy defective might prepare a bill for the purpose of amending it, which (having the approbation of the Committee) might accompany the other with the preference of the board, thus giving the legislature a fair alternative between them. In point of importance and labor the business is pretty equally divided between the members, but how these gentlemen above referr\u2019d to, particularly Tucker and Lee, will execute their part in this respect is doubtful; we shall observe the principle contended for on our part strictly.\u2014An attempt was made to protract our meeting untill that of the Assembly, to have it likewise at Richmond, with a view by managment of procuring admission into the house for the purpose of supporting the report. This has been urg\u2019d by most of them and altho the time of meeting has been yeilded, yet the other object is not abandon\u2019d. It is sought no doubt with other views by several than merely that of explaining the bills that will be submitted. Some of them certainly wish to avail themselves of such an opportunity of gaining the good wishes of that body for other purposes.\u2014The contest of Burke and Paine, as reviv\u2019d in America with the different publications on either side is much the subject of discussion in all parts of this state. Adams is universally believ\u2019d to be the author of Publicola and the principles he avows, as well as those of Mr. B. as universally reprobated. The character of the publick officers is likewise pretty well known. At first it was doubted whether you would not be compell\u2019d to give your sentiments fully to the publick, whether a respect for yourself and the publick opinion would not require it of you. Whilst the fever was at the height the opinion preponderated in favor of it. At present it appears unsettled, especially as Adams is not the avow\u2019d author of Publicola, and so many writers have taken up the subject in your favor. Your other engagements which employ so much of your time necessarily, are certainly to be taken into the calculation and must have great weight. The publick opinion however will before long fully disclose itself on the subject of government, and as an opportunity has and is in some measure offer\u2019d you to give the aid of your talents and character to the republican scale, I am aware you must have experienc\u2019d some pain in repressing your inclinations on the subject. Your sentiments indeed, if they had been previously question\u2019d, are made known as well by the short note prefixt to Paines pamphlet, as a volume could do it.\u2014Dr. Lee is almost the only man I have heard answer that pamphlet or support that of his antagonist. Tis said however that his whole family are in harmony with him.\nI am particularly thankful for your attention to our accomodation. We shall be happy in whatever you do in that respect and the more so the nearer you place us to yourself. Remember me to Mr. Madison.  We are on our plantation surrounded by trees &ca. Very affecy. I am dear Sir sincerely yr. friend & servant,\nJas. Monroe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0076-0011", "content": "Title: X. John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nBraintree July 29. 1791\nYesterday, at Boston, I received your friendly Letter of July 17th. with great pleasure. I give full credit to your relation of the manner, in which your note was written and prefixed to the Philadelphia edition of Mr. Paines pamphlet on the rights of Man: but the misconduct of the person, who committed this breach of your confidence, by making it publick, whatever were his intentions, has Sown the Seeds of more evils, than he can ever attone for. The Pamphlet, with your name, to So Striking a recommendation of it, was not only industriously propagated in New York and Boston; but, that the recommendation might be known to every one, was reprinted with great care in the Newspapers, and was generally considered as a direct and open personal attack upon me, by countenancing the false interpretation of my Writings as favouring the Introduction of hereditary Monarchy and Aristocracy into this Country. The Question every where was What Heresies are intended by the Secretary of State? The Answer in the Newspapers was, The Vice Presidents notions of a limited Monarchy, an hereditary Government of King and Lords, with only elective commons. Emboldened by these murmurs soon after appeared the Paragraphs of an unprincipled Libeller in the New Haven Gazette, carefully reprinted in the papers of New York, Boston and Philadelphia, holding up the Vice President to the ridicule of the World, for his meanness, and to their detestation for wishing to Subjugate the People to a few Nobles. These were soon followed by a formal Speech of the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts very Solemnly holding up the Idea of hereditary Powers and cautioning the Publick against them, as if they were at that moment in the most imminent danger of them. These Things were all accompanied with the most marked neglect, both of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of this State towards me; and alltogether opperated as an Hue and Cry to all my Ennemies and Rivals, to the old constitutional faction of Pensilvania in concert with the late Insurgents of Massachusetts, both of whom consider my Writings as the Cause of their overthrow, to hunt me  down like a hare, if they could.\u2014In this State of Things, Publicola, who, I Suppose thought that Mr. Paines Pamphlet was made Use of as an Instrument to destroy a Man, for whom he had a regard, [whom] he thought innocent and in the present moment [of] Some importance to the Publick, came forward.\nYou declare very explicitly that you never did, by yourself or by any other, have a Sentence of yours inserted in a Newspaper, without your name to it. And I, with equal frankness declare that I never did, either by myself or by any other, have a Sentence of mine inserted in any Newspaper Since I left Philadelphia. I neither wrote nor corrected Publicola. The Writer in the Composition of his Pieces followed his own Judgment, Information and discretion, without any Assistance from me.\nYou observe \u201cThat you and I differ in our Ideas of the best form of Government is well known to Us both.\u201d But, my dear Sir, you will give me leave to Say, that I do not know this. I know not what your Idea is of the best form of Government. You and I have never had a Serious conversation together that I can recollect concerning the nature of Government. The very transient hints that have ever passed between Us, have been jocular and Superficial, without ever coming to any explanation. If You Suppose that I have or ever had a design or desire, of attempting to introduce a Government of King, Lords and Commons [or] in other Words an hereditary Executive or an [h]ereditary Senate, either into the Government of the United States, or that of any Individual State, in this Co[ountry,] You are wholly mistaken. There is not Such a Thought expressed or intimated in any public writing or private Letter of mine, and I may Safely challenge all Mankind to produce Such a passage and quote the Chapter and Verse. If you have ever put Such a Construction on any Thing of mine, I beg you would mention it to me, and I will undertake to convince you, that it has no such meaning. Upon this occasion I will venture to Say that my unpolished Writings, although they have been read by a sufficient Number of Persons to have assisted in crushing the Insurrection of the Massachusetts, the formation of the new Constitutions of Pensilvania, Georgia and South Carolina and in procuring the Assent of all the States to the new national Constitution, Yet they have not been read by great Numbers. Of the few who have taken the pains to read them, Some have misunderstood them and others have willfully misrepresented them, and these misunderstandings and misrepresentations have been made the pretence for overwhelming me with floods and Whirlwinds of tempestuous abuse, unexampled in the History of this Country.\nIt is thought by Some, that Mr. Hancocks friends are preparing the way, by my destruction, for his Election to the Place of Vice President, and that of Mr. Samuel Adams to be Governor of this Commonwealth, and then the Stone House Faction will be sure of all the Loaves and Fishes, in the national Government and the State Government as they hope. The opposers of the present Constitution of Pensilvania, the Promoters of Shases Rebellion and County Resolves, and many of the Detesters of the present national Government, will undoubtedly aid them. Many People think too that no small Share of a foreign Influence, in revenge for certain untractable conduct at the Treaty of Peace, is and will be intermingled. The Janizaries of this goodly Combination, among whom are three or four who hesitate at no falshood, have written all the Impudence and Impertinence, which have appeared in the Boston Papers upon this memorable Occasion.\nI must own to you that the daring Traits of Ambition and Intrigue, and those unbridled Rivalries which have already appeared, are the most melancholly, and alarming Symptoms that I have ever Seen in this Country: and if they are to be encouraged to proceed in their Course, the Sooner I am relieved from the Competition the happier I Shall be.\nI thank you, Sir very Sincerely for writing to me upon this occasion. It was high time that you and I should come to an explanation with each other. The friendship which has Subsisted for fifteen years between Us, without the Smallest Interruption, and untill this occasion without the Slightest Suspicion, ever has been and Still is, very dear to my heart. There is no office which I would not resign, rather than give a just occasion for one friend to forsake me. Your motives for writing to me, I have not a doubt were the most pure and the most friendly and I have no suspicion that you will not receive this explanation from me in the same candid Light.\nI thank You Sir for the foreign Intelligence and beg leave to present You with the friendly compliments of Mrs. Adams, as well as the repeated Assurances of the friendship, Esteem and respect of Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble servant,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0076-0012", "content": "Title: XI. Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Paine, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Paine, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 29. 1791.\nYour favor of Sep. 28. 1790. did not come to my hands till Feb. 11. and I have not answered it sooner because it said you would be here in the Spring. That expectation being past, I now acknolege the reciept. Indeed I am glad you did not come away till you had written your \u2018Rights of man.\u2019 That has been much read here, with avidity and pleasure. A writer under the signature of Publicola attacked it. A host of champions entered the arena immediately in your defence. The discussion excited the public attention, recalled it to the \u2018Defence of the American constitutions\u2019 and the \u2018Discourses on Davila,\u2019 which it had kindly passed over without censure in the moment, and very general expressions of their sense have been now drawn forth; and I thank god that they appear firm in their republicanism, notwithstanding the contrary hopes and assertions of a sect here, high in names, but small in numbers. These had flattered themselves that the silence of the people under the \u2018Defence\u2019 and \u2018Davila\u2019 was a symptom of their conversion to the doctrine of king, lords, and commons. They are checked at least by your pamphlet, and the people confirmed in their good old faith.\nYour observations on the subject of a copper coinage have satisfied my mind on that subject, which I confess had wavered before between difficulties. As a different plan is under consideration of Congress, and will be taken up at their meeting, I think to watch the proper moment, and publish your observations (except the Notes which contain facts relative to particular persons which I presume you would dislike to see published, and which are not necessary to establish the main object,) adding your name, because it will attract  attention and give weight to the publication. As this cannot take place under four months, there is time for you to forbid me, if it should be disagreeable to you to have the observations published, which however I hope it will not be.\nGenl. Scott has just returned from a succesful expedition against the Indians, having killed 32 warriors and taken 58. women and children, and burnt several towns. I hope they will now consent to peace, which is all we ask.\u2014Our funds are near par; the crops of wheat remarkeably fine; and a great degree of general prosperity arising from 4. years successive of plentiful crops, a great diffusion of domestic manufacture, a return to economy, and a reasonable faith in the new government.\u2014I shall be happy to hear from you, and still more so to see you, being with great & sincere esteem Dr. Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0076-0013", "content": "Title: XII. Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nMy Dear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 30. 1791.\nI recieved some time ago your favor of July 29. and was happy to find that you saw in it\u2019s true point of view the way in which I had been drawn into the scene which must have been so disagreeable to you. The importance which you still seem to allow to my note, and the effect you suppose it to have had tho unintentional in me, induce me to shew you that it really had no effect. Paine\u2019s pamphlet, with my note, was published here about the 2d. week in May. Not a word ever appeared in the public papers here on the subject for more than a month; and I am certain not a word on the subject would ever have been said had not a writer, under the name of Publicola, at length undertaken to attack Mr. Paine\u2019s principles, which were the principles of the citizens of the U. S. Instantly a host of writers attacked Publicola in support of those principles. He had thought proper to misconstrue a figurative expression in my note; and these writers so far noticed me as to place the expression in it\u2019s true light. But this was only an incidental skirmish preliminary to the general engagement, and they would not have thought me worth naming, had not he thought proper to bring me on the scene. His antagonists, very criminally in my opinion presumed you to be Publicola, and on that presumption hazarded a personal attack on you. No person saw with more uneasiness than I did, this unjustifiable assault, and the more so, when I saw it continued after the printer had declared you were not the author. But you will perceive from all this, my dear Sir, that my note contributed nothing to the production of these disagreeable peices. As long as Paine\u2019s pamphlet stood on it\u2019s own feet, and on my note, it was unnoticed. As soon  as Publicola attacked Paine, swarms appeared in his defence. To Publicola then and not in the least degree to my note, this whole contest is to be ascribed and all it\u2019s consequences.\nYou speak of the execrable paragraph in the Connecticut paper. This it is true appeared before Publicola. But it had no more relation to Paine\u2019s pamphlet and my note, than to the Alcoran. I am satisfied the writer of it had never seen either; for when I past through Connecticut about the middle of June, not a copy had ever been seen by anybody either in Harford or New Haven, nor probably in that whole state: and that paragraph was so notoriously the reverse of the disinterestedness of character which you are known to possess by every body who knows your name, that I never heard a person speak of the paragraph but with an indignation in your behalf, which did you entire justice. This paragraph then certainly did not flow from my note, any more than the publications which Publicola produced. Indeed it was impossible that my note should occasion your name to be brought into question; for so far from naming you, I had not even in view any writing which I might suppose to be yours, and the opinions I alluded to were principally those I had heard in common conversation from a sect aiming at the subversion of the present government to bring in their favorite form of a King, lords, and commons.\nThus I hope, my dear Sir, that you will see me to have been as innocent in effect as I was in intention. I was brought before the public without my own consent, and from the first moment of seeing the effort of the real aggressor in this business to keep me before the public, I determined that nothing should induce me to put pen to paper in the controversy. The business is now over, and I hope it\u2019s effects are over, and that our friendship will never be suffered to be committed, whatever use others may think proper to make of our names.\nThe event of the King\u2019s flight from Paris and his recapture will have struck you with it\u2019s importance. It appears I think that the nation is firm within, and it only remains to see whether there will be any movement from without. I confess I have not changed my confidence in the favourable issue of that revolution, because it has always rested on my own ocular evidence of the unanimity of the nation, and wisdom of the Patriotic party in the national assembly. The last advices render it probable that the emperor will recommence hostilities against the Porte. It remains to see whether England and Prussia will take a part. Present me to Mrs. Adams with  all the affections I feel for her and be assured of those devoted to yourself by, my dear Sir your sincere friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0077", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 27 April 1791\nFrom: Eppes, Francis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBermuda Hundred, 27 Apr. 1791. Has consulted all our lawyers on The Prince of Wales and, on the basis of Wayles\u2019 letter of 14 May 1772, they \u201cappear all very clear in their opinions that the Executors \u2026 will be answerable for the amount of the \u2026 cargo.\u201d The trial will be brought on in October if possible. \u201cI hope you will be in Virginia at that time as I shall stand much in need of your advice and assistance\u2026 . You will be pleas\u2019d to consider [Wayles\u2019 letter] and inform me what you think of it. Jack ear this must be with you. For gods sake indeavour to impress on his mind the necessity of his qualifying himself for some profession which will inable him to git his bread for shou\u2019d this business go against us it will not be in my power to do much for him. We are all well and unite in wishing you every blessing this world affords.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0078", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Digges, 28 April 1791\nFrom: Digges, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBelfast 28 April 1791.\nI wrote you on the 24th. Ins. and am sorry to put you to the trouble of reading a second long Letter nearly upon the same Subject. It is of such importance to the Manufactures of our Country as to insure me your forgiveness. The Artist Mr. Wm. Pearce, mentiond in my former Letter and whose works you will have described at the end of this Letter, has finally determind to go for America with his Invention, and to fix there; And I have so little time before the Vessel sails to address The President and yourself on the subject of Pearce and McCabe getting a Patent or premium for their work, that I hope you will escuse haste and inaccuracys. I before wrote You that a Box was forwarded to Mr. Geo. Woolsey Merchant of New York and a relation of McCabes, containing the  materials and specifications for a new Invented double Loom, and so sent For the Inspection of the President and yourself as to obtain for the Inventors Pearce and McCabe a Patent, or such exclusive Benefit as the Laws of America provide for Artists who furnish new and usefull Inventions.\nAt that time I had my Eye upon Pearce and a strong hope of his going, but as His doing so much crashd with the present Interest of his Partner McCabe, I was necessiated to write to Yourself and the President in the stile I then did as if Pearce was not to go. He is now, very much to my satisfaction and pleasure, so engaged as not to be able to recede, without a forcible stop from the Government, who are making Laws and trying all possible means to stop the Emigration of Artists and their Tools.\u2014I need not tell You that it is not only difficult to get such away, but highly dangerous to those concerned; Therefore the more secret it is kept the better. Pearce will bear this Letter to Yourself and a similar one to the President; together with the box before mentioned. For fear of a miscarriage of my former Letter I will annex to this a duplicate of my description of his sundry Looms &ca., as also to inform You that the Box contains a pair of double Temples near 7 ft. in length for spreading at the same time two pieces of Linin or Callico on one Loom, also a set of Headles, Elbow and Shuttle for Linen &ca. I have one satisfaction that should they miscarry, Pearce if He lives can make every atom of them (which I believe no other man can do) and with Him goes two ingenious workmen, Jameson and Hall, who can make most kinds of machinery such as spining Jennys, Billys, mules, Carding machines &ca. and they will be excellent seconds to Pearce who has been twice or thrice beset here by Emissarys from Manchester to inveigle Him back to England, and I doubt not but they will follow him for like purposes to America. He puts his trust in the President and in You to whom it is with alacrity I have given every testimonial in my power of his industry, sobriety, worth and extraordinary [talents though he is low-bred and an ?] illiterate man. He is not rich tho an Independant man having [a sum ?] of money left in the hands of a friend in Manchester on whom he can draw, (which He has done to me for the advance of getting him and the other two out and for passage money &ca.). He has a wife and Family in England who will soon follow him, and I trust his invitations will lead a number of mechanic Artists to follow his fortunes.\u2014I have given Him introductory Letters to Mr. Seton of N York, Conyngham & Nesbet, Governor Dickinson, my Brother at my home near Mt. Vernon, Colo. Fitzgerald &ca.  but with Express orders that no one shall have access to the Box but the President and yourself, for the disclosure of it to an ingenious artist or good drawer might pirate from McCabe and Pearce their Invention.\u2014He wants nothing but health, waterfall, wood and Iron to carry him thro\u2019 any Manufactory and being delighted with my description of our Rivers and Falls &ca. it is with my advice He will wait upon Mr. Dickinson and look at the Brandywine mills &ca. &ca.\nI hope by tomorrow He will be at Sea and in safety. It gives me great pleasure to have been the means of getting so valuable an Artist to our Country and I cannot too strongly recommend Him to Your patronage and every other aid He may want. I am with great respect & Esteem Yr. Obedt. & very Hle. Serv.,\nThos. Digges\nIf I can in any way assist or help You, I hope You wont spare Your commands. I shall be in England till Sepr. next and any direction will be to care of Mr. Josa. Johnson American Consul London, tho my stay will be chiefly in Yorkshire and the manufacturing towns of England.\u2014I have wrote till I am nearly blind.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0079", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Guide, 28 April 1791\nFrom: Guide, Pierre\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBaltimore, 28 Apr. 1791. His first concern on arriving there was to inform TJ and to forward dispatches given to him at Marseilles by Mr. Cathalan at the end of Jan. They would have come sooner, but he was blown off course by a northwest wind on 8 Mch. from the latitude of the Bermudas to Cap Fran\u00e7ais. The damage was so great that he was obliged to abandon his ship, under the Savoy flag, and to place a part of his cargo on a French ship.\u2014He encloses letters of recommendation from Etienne Cathalan and from his brother Jean Baptiste Guide, who had the honor of meeting TJ at Turin in 1788, as he himself did. These call upon TJ to bestow his esteem and protection.\nHis brother informed TJ of the purpose of his voyage: to gain local knowledge for beginning a happy and extensive trade between the United States and the realm of Sardinia. Leaf tobacco is America\u2019s object of export, but to encourage merchants in it, articles imported under the American flag must be admitted as those of the most favored nation, since TJ will know that the American flag has been and is so favored in all Sardinian ports: for several ships consigned to his brother at Nice have been successfully exempted from all duties whatever through his care. Guide will see with great satisfaction that his observations \u201c\u00e0 V[otre] E[xcellence] ne lui deplussent pas et que Son amour pour l\u2019accroissement et la prosperit\u00e9 du commerce la portat \u00e0 faire accorder, s\u2019il sera possible, aux liaisons naissantes que nouse allons entreprendre avec le  Pavillon Savoyard, les facilit\u00e9s et La protection dont elle daigna nous flatter \u00e0 Nice lors de Son passage pour Turin.\u201d When he arrives in Philadelphia next month, he will ask a few moments of TJ\u2019s precious time, for his brother and he are convinced of the success of their enterprise if they can begin under auspices as happy and as efficacious as those of TJ.\u2014Cathalan has delivered to him six barrels of olive plants and a box which he thinks is for TJ or the Agricultural Society of Philadelphia, consigned to Robert Gilmor & Co. from whom he hopes they may be received in good state: he took the best care of them possible. He encloses a summary of the first Savoyard cargo dispatched to the United States in the hope that, if he finds something that could please TJ\u2019s taste, he would so inform him, being convinced that TJ would not be offended by an offer \u201caussi sincere que na\u00efve.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0081", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 April 1791\nFrom: Bourne, Sylvanus\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCape Fran\u00e7ois, 29 Apr. 1791. Arrived and presented credentials on 16 Mch. Still awaits recognition \u201cbut cannot obtain any decision of the business: being constantly put off by the most equivocal and evasive Conduct on their part. One Day am informed that the Convention does not extend to the Colonies\u2014the next that as my Commission is unacompanied by a letter from the Secy. of State, they cannot acknowledge its authenticity, and again that as the Convention has never been transmitted to them from France they are not bound to notice it. I am sent from the assembly to the Govr. the Govr. to the assembly without obtaining satisfactory answer from either.\u201d He conceives such conduct to be in direct violation of Art. 29 of the commercial treaty and of the Consular Convention. Requests instructions and a letter to the Governor General specifically obviating their objections. Without this he doubts he can be established in face of determined opposition from admiralty officers who will \u201close fees which they are ever ready to extort from our Countrymen\u2026 . I have ever made my official establishment the ground work of my mercantile one and without the former I shall lose many expected advantages.\u201d This and exaction of droit d\u2019aubaine show the colonists\u2019 opposition to operation of any treaty. Only a few weeks ago the property of an American consignee who died at Port au Prince was seized as an escheat.\nHe is chagrined that Congress has again lost the Consular bill, thus placing public officers in a disagreeable predicament: \u201cprinciples of liberal policy ought not to be thus neglected.\u201d\nPolitics in this island excites in turn pity and indignation. The northern and southern parts are bitterly opposed, while principles and motives \u201care clouded in mystic darkness.\u201d Both with equal fervor profess attachment to the National Assembly but differ much in evidence of it. Deputies are daily expected.\nQuestions whether the philanthropist can view the French conduct as leading these people from despotism to freedom. Hopes to hear from TJ by the \u201cfirst conveyance.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0082", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Fran\u00e7ois d\u2019Anmours, 29 April 1791\nFrom: Anmours, Charles Fran\u00e7ois, Chevalier d\u2019\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBaltimore, 29 Apr. 1791. Introducing and recommending to TJ\u2019s \u201cspecial protection\u201d M. Pierre Zacharie of Lyons, an \u201cingenious mechanician of a family that has produced many men of merit in the mechanical branch of mathematicks, and who have received \u2026 several rewards and privileges.\u201d He is the inventor of a machine to clean harbors, found on examination there to be superior to a number of others. He goes to Philadelphia to solicit \u201can Exclusive patent for Establishing it in all the harbours of the U. States,\u201d conveying with him a model which he will submit to TJ.\n\u201cAs I know, Sir, how familiar every Branch of Knowledge is to you and with what Zeal you Protect and Promote every object of public utility, I have on these two Principles, taken upon me to recommend both the machine and its inventor to your Patronage; Knowing not a better Judge of the merit of the one, and a more judicious and Benevolent Protector of the latter.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0083", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Guillaume Otto, 29 April 1791\nFrom: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir,\nPhiladelphia, 29th April, 1791.\nIn consequence of orders which I have received from his Majesty, I have the honor herewith to transmit to you the law which fixes the disposition of the colours in the different kinds of flags, or other customary marks of distinction among ships of war and commercial vessels of the French nation. I request the favor of you to make this law known in the ports of the United States. And have the honour to be, With respectful attachment, Sir, Your most humble and Obedient servant,\nOtto", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0084", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Pierpont Edwards, 30 April 1791\nFrom: Edwards, Pierpont\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNew Haven, 30 Apr. 1791. Encloses first code of laws enacted in Connecticut, published 1672. There are no laws extant of earlier date, perhaps because the charter obtained by Gov. Winthrop from Charles II in 1662, incorporating and uniting colonies of Hartford and New Haven which until then had been distinct and totally independent of each other, was procured without permission of New Haven, which for several years refused to act under the charter. The dispute was settled about 1672, and it is said this code was enacted immediately thereafter.\u2014He also encloses revised code of 1702 and all laws from then to 1744. The laws from 1672 to 1702 not reenacted in revision of that year, and those between 1744 and 1750 are needed to complete TJ\u2019s collection. He does not despair of being able to procure them. He encloses, as requested, his bill of expenditures.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0085", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Hanson, 30 April 1791\nFrom: Hanson, Richard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPetersburg, Virginia. 30 Apr. 1791. He has received TJ\u2019s of 5th inst. and that of 7 Nov., which would have been \u201canswered in course had you not mentioned writing me again soon.\u201d He notes TJ\u2019s making such an advantageous sale of his tobacco. Farell & Jones, owing a debt to Colo. Edward Carter, gave power to Dobson to receive it and Hanson paid latter TJ\u2019s first bond \u201cas it could make no difference to you, with whom you will please to settle it.\u201d\u2014As for giving up TJ\u2019s bonds and taking Ronald\u2019s plus mortgage on lands as security, this \u201cis what I cannot think of doing, for I can assure you that your Bonds without security is preferable with me to any others with Security. Besides, he might pay you sooner than me.\u201d If indulgence is needed, TJ may be assured of having a reasonable time as bonds fall due. He hopes his declining to exchange bonds will not be to TJ\u2019s disadvantage, but it would not be to Jones\u2019 interest to do so.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0086", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 30 April 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMafra, Portugal. 30 Apr. 1791. On 13th Samuel Harrison, at instance of Jacob Dohrman, sent messenger from Lisbon to inform Humphreys that Dominick Joyce, merchant of Philadelphia, had written his brother Edward Joyce on 25 Feb.: \u201cA Minister is appointed to your Court; Colo. Humphreys is the person.\u201d This and three others from Philadelphia received in extraordinary manner. An American brigantine, Peggy, Capt. Jacob De Hart, of Philadelphia was seen off the Tagus on 6th. Two or three days later the letters were found on beach at Cascaies, and on 12th they appeared at the Exchange, broken open.\nHe has received letter from Carmichael of 15 Apr. saying nothing material had yet taken place. A violent bilious and nervous disorder has kept him in bed last ten days, but he is recovering. He says: \u201c\u2018I write now with a trembling hand, and am obliged to pause at every line. The Bile destroys my Spirits, and the Cholic, and the Emetics \u2026 shatter my Nerves. Great Changes have taken place here\u2019\u201d\u2014Campomanes removed from Council and given sinecure\u2014many other removals and promotions, about which he says: \u201c\u2018were we tete \u00e0 tete I might be able to develope the cause.\u2019\u201d He then proceeds: \u201c\u2018You see that there are strong appearances of the war spreading in the North. I can never believe that G. Britain is really in earnest. All depends on Potemkin: the Empress has been firm hitherto, and I scarce think that money will buy him.\u2014This Country is lulled into perfect Security; and the Disarmament is complete.\u2014I have no official letters since those you brought me.\u2019\u201d\nBulkeley writes on 25th that British consul at Elsinore says general peace soon expected. Vague reports say Empress aims to go only to Constantinople to show England her prowess, and the Porte that it has been deceived. More certain that English fleet is vigorously preparing, and King\u2019s bounty to seamen extended to 30 May.\u2014\u201cHere all is peace and quietness, without innovation. A few Pasquinades against Administration have \u2026 lately been pasted up in Lisbon. The only Trait in the Queen\u2019s character which the Authors could find susceptible of being Caricatured was her great veneration for the Lady Abbess of the New Convent. I believe the Queen really merits the esteem of the Portuguese Nation.\u201d Rains have been plentiful, promise of harvest good, and price of wheat fallen. He sends this under cover to George C. Fox in Falmouth, through Bulkeley.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0087", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 30 April 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nMonticello April 30th 1791.\nWe are unhappy at not being able to transmit you as regular accounts from Monticello as you are desirous of having. The discontinuance of the post throws us entirely on the Waggons for the conveyance of our letters, a method not only irregular but extremely  uncertain. It is particularly painful to us to be frequently in doubt from the same cause about the state of your health as there is nothing in which we are so much interested. Your letter of the 17th. March reached Monticello on the 19th of April and we often receive 2 or 3 packets at once. A sure opportunity by means of Bob who goes to Fredericksburg on a visit to his wife, induces us all to write at the same time.\nI am sorry to let you know that I have little hopes of arriving at any thing absolutely conclusive this year, on the question concerning the Opossum. Being unluckily misinformed with respect to the time of the appearance of the young in the false pouch I was not extremely anxious to procure subjects till the first weeks of March had elapsed. Of four which I have examined one was in no way pregnant, the young of the other 3 were hanging at the teats in the false pouch, but were much larger, even those of the smallest brood, than a pea or a bean of which size it is said they have been seen in the same situation. The first had been taken in the middle of Winter before it had intercourse with the male and was kept alive till the beginning of April: the teats had the usual appearance of those of barren animals but the false pouch was as complete in every respect as in the other subjects. From this it appears that Mr. Rittenhouse was misinformed. The young opossums kept themselves at the teat by pressing the extremity of it between the tongue and the end of the upper jaw: an attempt to separate them from it by drawing them forcibly away would have occasioned a considerable laceration, it was evident; but by opening the mouth gently with the end of a pin they were removed without the smallest marks of violence, altho the most particular attention was bestowed. From the most accurate observation of 10, which was the number of the youngest brood, no connecting membrane could be discovered. The little animals of that brood even when removed in this manner from the false pouch, if placed near it, easily found their way in again; yet they appear to be as imperfect as the fetus in the larger Quadrupedes a considerable time before its birth. Several of them are preserved in Spirits to be submited to your inspection.\u2014The internal organs of generation in the Opossum are perfect in every respect. The Uterus Tyson I think, has remarked to have two cavities: these cavities however communicate with each other at some distance from the neck. Since my dissection it has occurred to me that there might be a passage from some part of the Vagina to the false belly and this shall be one of the chief objects of my next enquiry. I recollected Mr. Madisons idea of a communication between the Uterus directly and the false  belly but am convinced that there is no such passage. A way leading from some part of the Vagina is much more probable. The end at which my dissections immediately aimed was the discovery of a gravid Uterus, as that would have afforded decisive proof in favor of the Opinion of several European Naturalists (vid. Bonnet Contemplation de la Nature V.3. p.45. note) viz. that the time of gestation is extremely short with the Opossum and that parturition is with it a kind of natural Abortion.\nI shall have it in my power soon to give you a more minute and particular account of my observations with any thing new which may occur.\nI am sorry not to be able to give you a good account of the Diary you desired me to keep. I could only find one Thermometer in Richmond for Sale which was short, badly graduated and at an exorbitant price. I send you observations during the present month made with the old Spirit of Wine Thermometer in the Study.\nWithin 1st h. after Sunrise\nlast h. bef. Sunset\nApril\u2007\u20071.\nLeontodon taraxacum fl. Violae. 1,2,3.\n48.f. Silene\u2014.Fragaria Vesca.\n48.c. Caprimulgus Europ. ap.\n56.f.a.r.& th. Hirundo purpurea.\n64.c. Turdus Rufus. Hirundo Pelasgia.\n62.c.a.r. Lanius Tyrannus. Trochilus\nColub. Parus\u2014. Pl. Chionanthus Virg. Cypripedium Calc. Crataegus Crus ga Morus Rubra. Hyacin. comosus. Aquilegia Canad. Prunus Virg. Magnolia 3 pet. &c. between 18 and 30. The Chasm is occasioned by a trip to Varina. I have only noted the birds and a few plants, such of either only as appeared on the top of the Mountain. Dear Sir your most aff. & obed. Servt.\nTh: M. Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0088", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Peter Carr, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Carr, Peter\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Sir\nMonticello. May. 1. 1791\nMy silence hitherto has proceeded from a supposition that you had little leisure to attend to any thing but the duties of your office and I learn from Colo. Monroe that this supposition has been well founded. My time since your departure has been employed principally in the study of the law following the course you marked out. The evenings have been divided between History, Philosophy, and Poetry. I am at present reading the 2d. vol of Ld. Raymond\u2019s Reports and am of opinion that most of the adjudications of Holt will stand their ground as long as English jurisprudence shall depend on the maxims and doctrines of the common law, or shall be supported by justice and equity. Vaughan is a most excellent Reporter, and remarkable  I think for the soundness and perspicuity of his decisions. His deductions are strictly logical and one may easily see he has been very conversant with Euclid.\nDuring the session of the district court in Charlottesville I attended in order to gain some knowledge of the practical part of the law; but found the proceedings conducted in so different a manner from what I had been taught by books on the subject, that I fear I gained but little. I know not what method a young man should pursue to become acquainted with this part of the law. It would be a very awkward thing to have it to learn after he comes to the bar, and yet I see no other more eligible means. Any thing which you shall say on this subject will be acceptable and shall be duly attended to. I saw Mr. Maury a few days ago and enquired of Dabney\u2019s progress &c., &c. His accounts are extremely flattering, both with Respect to his genius, application, and judgment. His dispositions are without a fault.\nYou were so good when you first returned from Europe as to direct that some debts which were left unpaid by me in Wmsburg. should be discharged. It is painful to me to inform you that this has not been done, and that I see very little probability of its being accomplished soon. After your unbounded beneficence it may appear to argue a want of delicacy in me to trouble you on this subject, but I am sure you will excuse it when you consider that a regard for my own reputation has been the inducement. My mother drew an order some time ago on Colo. Lewis for 60\u00a3, which he says shall be paid when your creditors pay him.\nGarland Jefferson is a close student and goes on hopefully. I trust we shall see you in Virginia this autumn. Adieu my Dr Sir and believe me to be yr. unalterable & affectionate friend,\nPeter Carr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0089", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Currie, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 1. 1791.\nThis will be delivered you by Mr. Cassinove a gentleman from Holland of distinction, wealth and merit. An acquaintance of a year\u2019s standing enables me to bear particular testimony to his worth as a man, and his talents as a man of business. Desirous that strangers of note should have opportunities of knowing the real character of my countrymen which I know will not suffer on the whole when  compared with any others, I take the liberty of asking your attentions to him, and that you will be so good as to make him known to others whose acquaintance may be agreeable to him. I am with great & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0090", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Drayton, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Drayton, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 1. 1791.\nMy mortification has been extreme at the delays which have attended the procuring the olive plants so long ago recommended by myself, so long ago agreed to by the agricultural society, and for which their money has been so long lying in the hands of a banker at Paris. I assure you Sir that my endeavors have been unremitting. In addition to the first small parcel which were sent soon after the reciept of your orders, I have now the pleasure to inform you that a second cargo is arrived at Baltimore consisting of 6. barrels which contains 40. young olive trees of the best species, to afford grafts, and a box of olives to sow for stocks. This I order on immediately to Charleston to the care of Messrs. Brailsford & Morris for you, and I inclose herewith a copy of the directions given for the manner of treating them. A third cargo is on it\u2019s way from Bordeaux, but for what port I have not learned. This consists of 2. barrels containing 44. olive trees of which 24 are very young.\u2014I shall immediately write to my correspondent at Marseilles to send another cargo the ensuing winter.\u2014I delivered to Mr. Izard a barrel of Mountain rice of last year\u2019s growth, which I recieved from the island of Bananas on the coast of Africa and which I desired him to share with you for the use of the society. The attention now paying to the sugar\u2014Maple tree promises us an abundant supply of sugar at home: and I confess I look with infinite gratification to the addition to the products of the U. S. of three such articles as oil, sugar, and upland rice. The last I value, in the hope it may be a complete substitute for the pestiferous culture of the wet rice.\u2014I have the honour to be with great respect Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0091", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Gilmor & Company, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Robert Gilmor & Company\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia May 1. 1791.\nI am just informed that there is arrived at Baltimore addressed to you by Mr. Cathalan of Marseilles 6. barrrels containing Olive trees, and a chest containing olives to sow, for me. I must beg the favor of you to send them by the first vessel to Charleston (S. C.) addressed \u2018to Messieurs Brailsford & Morris for Mr. Drayton.\u2019 As the success of this endeavour to introduce the culture of the olive tree into the U. S. depends on the plants arriving at their destination in due season, and that is now passing fast away, I must beg your attention to send them by the very first vessel bound from your port to that. Any expences which may not be payable at the port of delivery according to usage, I will answer on your notifying them to me. I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0092", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Guide, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Guide, Pierre\nSir\nPhiladelphia May. 1. 1791.\nI received last night your favor of Apr. 28. as well as those of your brother and Mr. Cathalan, and experience at the same time  regret from the accident to your vessel, and the pleasure of seeing a commencement of commerce between the dominions of his Sardinian majesty and the United states. How far the assortment you have brought may answer here, I am not merchant enough to say; but the prudent resolution of establishing yourself in America will soon enable you to assort your cargoes to the demand. No distinction being made here between the vessels of different nations, yours are of course received on an equal footing. You will soon also see Sir, that the laws of this country operate so equally on every man, as to place every one independant of the protection of another, and do for all what in other countries is done partially by the protection of the great. Hence, Sir, that protection which you are pleased to ask from me, and which should certainly be exercised, could there be occasion for it, will be limited to my good wishes for the success of your undertakings, and recommendations of you to others whenever occasions shall occur. This I shall chearfully do from motives of regard to yourself and brother, as well as wishes to see our countries connected usefully to both.\u2014I thank you for the communication of your invoice. My wants in that way are confined to the consumption of a small family. I looked over the invoice with some eagerness in hopes of finding in it some of the kind of wine which I drank at Turin under the name of Nebiule. Should you be able, with convenience, to order, in any of your future invoices, five or six dozen bottles of that, du meilleur cru, I will take them thankfully.\u2014I shall be glad to see you when you come to Philadelphia. In the mean time if any vessel were coming round from Baltimore to Philadelphia I should be glad to recieve the articles mentioned below, the amount of which shall be remitted to you as soon as you shall make it known to me. My object with respect to the wine being merely to distribute it here in the best houses, in order to recommend it from it\u2019s quality, which I know to be good, and from it\u2019s price, I will beg the favor of you to let me know at what price I may say to them that it can be procured in future.\u2014I thank you for your particular attention to the olive trees, and I write to Messrs. Robert Gilmor & co. to ship them off immediately for Charleston.\u2014I shall be absent from Philadelphia from the middle of this month to the middle of the next. If you could send me by the first stage (if the package will bear land\u2014carriage) a single dozen of the Vin vieux de Nice, and the price, perhaps I may procure further orders from hence before I go. I am with great regard, Sir, your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\n3. douzaines de bouteilles de Vin vieux rouge de Nice. Douze livres de figues Marseillaises en boites (ou environ). Douze livres (ou environ) de Raisins sec de Smyrne.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0093", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Mary\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Papa\nMonticello May 1\nAs Bob is going down the country to morrow we shall all write to you by this opportunity. We expect jenny and nancy Randolph here in july. Mr. Randolph has bought a horse called my heart and a saddle for me to ride out on also a pretty whip. My niece is prettier and prettier everyday. This place is beautiful now. The peaches cherrys and strawberries are very big allready and there are a great number. Adieu my dear Papa I am your affectionate daughter\nMary Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0094", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nN York May 1. 1791.\nFinding on my arrival at Princeton that both Docr. Witherspoon and Smith had made excursions in the Vacation, I had no motive to detain me there, and accordingly pursuing my journey I arrived here the day after I left Philada. My first object was to see Dorhman. He continues to wear the face of honesty, and to profess much anxiety to discharge the claims of Mazzei, but acknowledges that all his moveable property has been brought under such fetters by late misfortunes that no part of it can be applied to that use. His chief resource consisted of money in London which has been attached,  improperly as he says, by his brother. This calamity brought on him a protest of his bills, and this a necessity of making a compromise founded on a hypothecation of his effects. His present reliance is on an arrangement which appeals to the friendship of his brother and which he supposes his brother will not decline when recovered from the misapprehensions which led him to lay his hands on the property in London. A favorable turn of fortune may perhaps open a prospect of immediate aid to Mazzei, but as far as I can penetrate he ought to count but little on any other resource than the ultimate security of the Western township. I expect to have further explanations however from Dorhman, and may then be better able to judge. I have seen Freneau also and given him a line to you. He sets out for Philada. today or tomorrow, though it is not improbable that he may halt in N. Jersey. He is in the habit I find of translating the Leyden Gazette and consequently must be fully equal to the task you have allotted for him. He had supposed that besides this degree of skill, it might be expected that he should be able to translate with equal propriety into French, and under this idea, his delicacy had taken an insuperable objection to the undertaking. Being now set right as to this particular, and being made sensible of the advantages of Philada. over N. Jersey for his private undertaking, his mind is taking another turn; and if the scantiness of his capital, should not be a bar, I think he will establish himself in the former. At all events he will give his friends there an opportunity of aiding his decision by their information and counsel. The more I learn of his character talents and principles, the more I should regret his burying himself in the obscurity he had chosen in N. Jersey. It is certain that there is not to be found in the whole catalogue of American Printers, a single name that can approach towards a rivalship.\nI send you herewith a Copy of Priestley\u2019s answer to Burke which has been reprinted here. You will see by a note page 56 how your idea of limiting the right to bind posterity is germinating under the extravagant doctrines of Burke on that subject. Paines answer has not yet been received here. The moment it can be got Freneau tells me it will be published in Childs\u2019 paper. It is said that the pamphlet has been suppressed in England, and that the author withdrew to France before or immediately after its appearance. This may account for his not sending copies to his friends in this Country.\nFrom conversations which I have casually heard, it appears that among the enormities produced by the spirit of speculation and fraud, a practice is spreading, of taking out administration on the  effects of deceased soldiers and other claimants leaving no representatives. By this thievery if not prevented, a prodigious sum will be unsaved by the public, and reward the worst of its Citizens. A number of adventurers are already engaged in the pursuit, and as they easily get security as administrators and as easily get a Commission on the usual suggestion of being creditors, they desire nothing more than to ascertain the name of the party deceased or missing, trusting to the improbability of their being detected or prosecuted by the public. It cannot but have happened and is indeed a fact well understood that the unclaimed dues from the U. S. are of very great amount. What a door is here open, for collusion also if any of the Clerks in the Account offices are not proof against the temptation!\nWe understood in Philada. that during the suspension of the Bank Bill in the hands of the President, its partizans here indulged themselves in reflections not very decent. I have reason to believe that the licentiousness of the tongues of speculators and Tories far exceeded any thing that was conceived. The meanest motives were charged on him, and the most insolent menaces held over him, if not in the open streets, under circumstances not less marking the character of the party.,\nIn returning a visit to Mr. King yesterday, our conversation fell on the Conduct of G. B. towards the U. S. which he evidently laments as much as he disapproves. He took occasion to let me understand, that altho\u2019 he had been averse to the appearance of precipitancy in our measures, he should readily concur in them after all probability should be over, of voluntary relaxations in the measures of the other party; and that the next session of Congress would present such a crisis if nothing to prevent it should intervene: He mentioned also that a young gentleman here (a son of W. Smith now Ch: Justice of Canada) gives out, as information from his friends in England that no Minister will be sent to this Country, until one shall have previously arrived there. What credit may be due to this person or his informers I do not know. It shews at least that the conversation and expectations which lately prevailed are dying away.\n A thought has occurred on the subject of your mechanism for the table, which in my idle situation will supply me with another paragraph, if of no other use. The great difficulty incident to your contrivance seemed to be that of supporting the weight of the Castor without embarrassing the shortening and lengthening of the moveable radius. Might not this be avoided by suspending the Castor by a chain or chord on a radius above, and requiring nothing more of  yours than to move the swinging apparatus: thus. A.B. moveable on a shoulder at A. would be a necessary brace, and must allow C.D. to pass thro\u2019 it and play from a to b as the tongs are shortned or lengthened. The use of C.D. would be to connect F.G. and the tongs, so as to make them move together on the common perpendicular axis. As the distance from C to D must vary with the protraction of the tongs, the connecting bar ought to be long accordingly, and pass through without being fixed to the tongs. Its office would in that state be sufficiently performed. The objections to this plan are 1. The height of the perpendicular axis necessary to render the motion of the Castor easy, and to diminish the degree in which it would mount up at the end of the table. Perhaps this objection may be fatal. 2. The necessity of adjusting the friction of the tongs so as not to be inconvenient to the hand, and be sufficient to stop and hold the castor at any part of the table. In this point of view perhaps a slide on a spring would be better than the tongs. In that case C.D. might be fixed, and not moveable in the brace.\u2014By projecting F.G. to H. the castor might be made to swing perpendicularly not at the part of the table least distant, but at the mean distance from the Center, and the difference between its greatest and least elevation and pressure diminished. But inconveniences of another sort might be increased by this expedient. If the tongs or slide were to be placed not horizontally, but inclining so as to lessen the effect of the pressure of the Castor without being less moveable  by the hand, the 2d objection might be lessened. It would in that case be of less consequence to project the upper radius as proposed. I am afraid you will hardly understand what I have attempted to describe, and I have not time if the thing deserved it, to write the letter over again for the present mail.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0095", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James McClurg, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: McClurg, James\nMy Dear Doctor\nPhiladelphia May 1. 1791.\nThe bearer hereof, Mr. Cassinove, a gentleman from Holland of distinction, wealth and merit, being to pay a visit to Richmond and Norfolk, I am desirous of making him known to the men of worth of my own country, and them also to him. On this principle permit me to bring you and him together, persuaded you will find a mutual gratification in each other\u2019s society. He is particularly connected with the Van Staphorsts, bankers of the United States at Amsterdam, and very peculiarly skilled in that line of business. I am glad to avail myself of every occasion of bringing myself to your recollection, of assuring you that time has continued to fortify those sentiments of esteem & attachment which were inspired in earlier life, and which will continue to it\u2019s latest hours with dear Sir Your sincere friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0096", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Maury, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Maury, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 1. 1791.\nMr. Coxe, Assistant secretary of our treasury, interests himself in behalf of a Mr. Parkinson here, whose family is in your neighborhood, and who is desirous of having them brought here. I will thank you for your attention to any thing Mr. Coxe may desire on this subject, and as he is not known to you, I take a pleasure in assuring you that his faith and his ability to comply with whatever he may engage on behalf of Mr. Parkinson may be counted on with the utmost certainty and punctuality.\u2014I am, Dear Sir, with great esteem & attachment Your sincere friend & humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0097", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Beverley Randolph, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Beverley\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 1.\nThe bearer hereof, Mr. Cassinove being on a visit to Richmond and perhaps Norfolk, I take the liberty of presenting him to your notice. He is a gentleman of distinction and merit from Holland, and under particular connections with the Van Staphorsts, bankers of the United States at Amsterdam. Satisfied that you will find a gratification in his society, and that any attentions you shall be pleased to shew him will be entirely merited and justified on his part, I shall only add that they will be considered as an obligation on him who has the honor to be with sentiments of great & sincere esteem & attachment Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedt. & Most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0099", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 1 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May. 1. 1791.\nI have to acknowlege the reciept of your favour of Apr. 7. which came to hand on the 20th. I hope my letters on the subject of my tobacco have got to hand in time to prevent any contract there interfering with the sale I made here. I learn that 4. hhds. more are coming on. Being entitled to the highest price given before payment, I believe I shall be sure of 5\u2153 dollars which will neat me 29/3 Virginia money. Your shipment to London and Mr. Madison\u2019s to Liverpool will give us a fair trial of the markets\u2014We are still setting before fires here. The fruit in this country is untouched. I thank you for having replaced my dead trees. It is exactly what I would have wished. I shall be glad to hear how the white wheat, mountainrice, Paccan and Sugar maples have succeeded. Evidence grows upon us that the U.S. may not only supply themselves the sugar for their own consumption but be great exporters. I have recieved a cargo of olive trees from Marseilles, which I am ordering on to Charleston, so that the U.S. have a certain prospect that sugar and oil will be added to their productions. No mean addition. I shall be glad to have a pair of puppies of the Shepherd\u2019s dog selected for the President.\u2014A committee of the Philosophical society is charged with collecting materials for the natural history of the Hessian fly.\u2014I do not think that of the weavil of Virginia has been yet sufficiently detailed. What do you think of beginning to turn your attention to this insect, in order to give it\u2019s history to the Phil. society? It would require some summers observations\u2014Bartram here tells me that it is one and the same insect which by depositing it\u2019s egg in the young plumbs, apricots, nectarines and peaches renders them gummy and good for nothing. He promises to shew me the insect this summer.\u2014I long to be free for pursuits of this kind instead of the detestable ones in which I am now labouring without pleasure to myself, or profit to others. In short I long to be with you at Monticello. Greet all the family tenderly for me. Yours, dear Sir, affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0100", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Fulwar Skipwith, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Skipwith, Fulwar\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSt. Pierre, 1 May 1791. The lack of an exequatur and tardiness of Congress in framing instructions or providing for consuls, the troubles of this island and consequent losses in commerce, added to the exhausted state of his finances, have driven him to the mortifying resolution to return to America until the obstacles can be removed and Congress \u201cthink proper to regulate the Consular Powers and Privileges.\u201d\u2014Before the government here will recognize either his commission or the Convention [of 1788], official notification or an exequatur must be received from France. He has written Mr. Short but has had no reply.\u2014The reasons for Congress\u2019 neglect of consuls best known to that honorable body, but he thinks appointments to French colonies prematurely made. Those holding such commissions suffer hardship, occupying as they do \u201cthe bare shadows of empty and expensive places, without profit or Privileges.\u201d\u2014The arrival of a formidable land and sea force has provided an unnatural calm. \u201cUnder the winning masks of the words liberty and Patriotism, the ambitious and designing are still in movement, and in their train have gained a herd of fanatics, who feel no bounds to their rancour.\u201d The soldiery cannot be trusted and security in enforcing order by no means certain.\u2014[P.S.:] By decree of the National Assembly, the port of Trinity is open to Americans without limitation as to time; that of Fort-Royal [Fort-de-France], the governor with consent of the council has declared free until after the hurricane months. It is his opinion and that of most men here that \u201cthe Planting interest will obtain a decree of the Nations for its remaining open.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0101", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia May. 1. 1791.\nI had the honour of addressing you on the 24th. Ult. which I presume you will have recieved at Cambden. The present is ordered to go from Petersburg to Taylor\u2019s ferry. I think it better my letters should be even some days ahead of you, knowing that if they ever get into your rear they will never overtake you.\u2014I write to day indeed merely as the watchman cries, to prove himself awake, and that all is well, for the last week has scarcely furnished any thing  foreign or domestic worthy your notice. Truxton is arrived from the E. Indies and confirms the check by Tippoo-Saib on the detachment of Colo. Floyd, which consisted of between 3. and 4000 men. The latter lost most of his baggage and artillery, and retreated under the pursuit of the enemy. The loss of men is pretended by their own papers to have been 2, or 300 only. But the loss and character of the officers killed, makes one suspect that the situation has been such as to force the best officers to expose themselves the most, and consequently that more men must have fallen. The main body with General Meadows at their head are pretended to be going on boldly. Yet Ld. Cornwallis is going to take the field in person. This shews that affairs are in such a situation as to give anxiety. Upon the whole the account recieved thro\u2019 Paris proves true notwithstanding the minister had declared to the house of Commons, in his place, that the public accounts were without foundation, and that nothing amiss had happened.\nOur loan in Amsterdam for 2\u00bd million of florins filled in two hours and a half after it was opened. The Vice-president leaves us tomorrow. We are told that Mr. Morris gets \u00a370,000. sterl. for the lands he has sold.\nA Mr. Noble has been here, from the country where they are busied with the Sugar-maple tree. He thinks Mr. Cooper will bring 3000\u00a3\u2019s worth to market this season, and gives the most flattering calculations of what may be done in that way. He informs me of another very satisfactory fact, that less profit is made by converting the juice into spirit than into sugar. He gave me specimens of the spirit, which is exactly whiskey.\nI have arrived at Baltimore from Marseilles 40. olive trees of the best kind from Marseilles, and a box of the seed. The latter to raise stocks, and the former cuttings to engraft on the stocks. I am ordering them on instantly to Charleston, where if they arrive in the course of this month they will be in time. Another cargo is on it\u2019s way from Bordeaux, so that I hope to secure the commencement of this culture and from the best species. Sugar and oil will be no mean addition to the articles of our culture.\u2014I have the honour to be with the greatest respect and esteem, Sir, your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0103", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 2 May 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis May 2. 1791.\nI wrote to you on the 26th. of last month by the English packet and mentioned to you that Petit had been here some time and would go by the French which sails the 15th. from L\u2019Orient. By the arrangement of the stages he finds that he shall be obliged to leave this place the 5th. Of course my letters to you by him will not be of so late a date as I had hoped.\nI intended if he would not accept 3\u00bd louis a month to have left the matter to have been arranged betwixt you and him on his arrival. I found him however startled at the idea of this sum, and so determined on the 100.lt and so sure you would think it fully reasonable, after your letter to him, that I agreed with him as far as depended on me that the wages should be fixed at that rate. He understands it exclusive of his food. I was sure that on arriving at Philadelphia he would have insisted on the same and I knew you would not have disputed it with him after he had crossed the Atlantic. I hope you will both be satisfied and am only sorry that your separation has been prolonged till now, the more so as from your letter to Petit it would seem as if you had expected I should have removed any difficulties he might have had.\nI send you by Petit the remains of what I recieved for you, agreeably to your desire. The secrecy you requested is fully observed. I put the object into M. de Gautier\u2019s hands. He separated with his own hands and in my presence, the picture herewith sent. It is not mended because I did not chuse to let it go out of my hands here, where it would be well known; and because it will be easily put together in America. Gautier had the diamonds disposed of for 9405.\u20b6 as you will see by the account which I shall get from him and inclose to you in this letter. Sequeville recieved immediately on his putting the picture into my hands (he would not take it sooner) 800.\u20b6 with which he was perfectly satisfied.\u2014Tolozan is at Lyons and expected here daily, which has prevented my writing to him. Immediately on his return I shall see him and present him the 1200.\u20b6 that is to say ask his permission to put this sum into the hands of his Jeweller in order that he may furnish such a box as may please him. This I am told is the manner which is used with him.\nThe wines &c. have been paid for by M. Grand on my order. These sums will be deducted from the 9405.\u20b6 and the bill of exchange of 500 and odd livres you sent me last winter. The rest will be remitted to V. Staphorst & Hubbard to be kept for you. You may therefore settle this matter with the P[resident] as to the wines: when his bills of exchange shall arrive they shall be deposed also with Staphorst & Hubbard, at your disposition or that of the P\u2014according as you may direct.\nI am much mortified to learn from M. de la Motte that he was obliged to keep your carriages during the whole winter and that they have been forwarded, with the other articles sent you only this spring.\nYou will recieve by Petit your reveille watch mended by Chanterot who assures me it is now in perfect order. He is making the clock for 15. louis. He assures me also with respect to it that he does not gain a sol and that it is altogether for the honor and pleasure of serving you. It will be sent as soon as finished, by water to Havre.\u2014Petit carries also a packet of books put into my hands for you by M. de la Lande of the academy of Sciences. He recieved them from Turin. M. de Condorcet has promised me also a copy of the memorial which induced the Bishop of Autun to change his plan of establishing the standard of weights and measures, and on which the decree of the assembly is founded. If I recieve it in time it shall be forwarded to you with this letter.\u2014The supplement to your report has been delivered to the several persons to whom you sent it.\u2014The newspapers as usual will be sent by Petit and also a  few numbers of a new journal called logo graphique. It is written on a new invented plan approved by the assembly on a report of the academy of sciences. A number of people sit round a table and each writes one or a few words and by a stroke of the knee communicates to his neighbour where he is to begin, so that in thus running the words round the table a number of writers together keep pace with the speaker. The journal is in much vogue on account of its exactitude and I therefore send it to you.\u2014I think it would be proper also that you should have the proces verbaux of the assembly. The work is immensely voluminous and as delay will be attended with no inconvenience I shall await your orders on the subject, or rather hope you will give them to my successor, as the idea of remaining in the present situation months longer would be insupportable.\nI do not mean by this that my wishes have entirely and suddenly changed. But taking it for granted from your letters that I shall not be appointed here I wish much to quit a posture which cannot be agreeable in itself, and which becomes less so every day, by the idea that when withdrawn in order to give place to another, the opinion which is unavoidable, that it is want of merit in me will be increased in proportion to the length of time I have remained here. Those instances are common where this kind of residence and experience give such a preference to the charg\u00e9 par interim that he is preferred in opposition to the birth fortune &c. of his concurrent and that in countries where birth and fortune are powerful arguments.\u2014In cases where such arguments have no weight or do not exist, and in a country where the experience and knowlege of foreign countries are more rare than in any other, the chances in favor of the charg\u00e9 par interim are such that no person can be brought to entertain a doubt of his succeeding and will be sure when the proof comes of their error that it could only have arisen from his demerit. I do not mention these as reasons which should have any influence on the appointment but only as having much weight in making me wish that it should be decided as soon as possible, and even that it should have been decided immediately on your return to America and determination to remain there.\u2014I still however suppose with you that delay will be favorable to me. And I imagine that after having acted here for some time without a superior, I should be more likely than another who had not done this to obtain an appointment of an inferior grade. That at the Hague I suppose will be of that sort. Still what you mention in your letter of Jan. 24. I should accept rather than nothing, not from a desire to be in Europe, but from a wish not to return to America before my family and affairs should be in a different  position for it is impossible for me to persuade myself that I could succeed as you imagine 18 months hence in Virginia. Diplomatick appointments in small towns being much more in evidence than in such places as Paris or London, those of an inferior grade are still more disagreeable there. My first desire was to have remained here as I expressed it formerly much too fully. This has been much diminished since, first by the position of the country in general which renders it impossible for me or any body else to be essentially useful for the present, and secondly by the position of my friends, all of whom are rendered unhappy by the menacing aspect of affairs and many absolutely ruined by the effects of the revolution.\u2014Further disorders which seem to me inevitable and which are looked forward to with horror, throw a gloom and anxiety on the society of Paris that renders its residence painful in the extreme. All those who have not taken too active a part in the revolution to be able to leave it, and who have means of subsisting abroad are preparing to go out of the country. The people often use violence to prevent their departure. This increases the apprehensions and consequent emigrations. The evil augmenting daily, it is feared the people will soon insist on the assembly\u2019s passing a decree for prohibiting further emigrations and recalling those who are absent, under penalty of double taxes, or some other more violent means.\u2014This situation of things as you will easily concieve renders the residence of Paris very different from what it was formerly and increases every day with me a wish that I had left it last year, and been enabled by the situation of my family and affairs to have gone and settled myself at home agreeably to my wishes.\nAnother disagreeable circumstance arising from the present uncertainty of my position and the expectation of recieving every day information respecting it, is the impossibility of taking any fixed arrangement. Since my return from Holland I have lodged in an hotel garni as I mentioned to you. My appartment costs me 12\u00bd louis a month. I did not think it proper to take an house or furnished lodgings by the quarter, because it was probable every day that the next would bring some decisive intelligence, and because I did not know whether the rent was to be allowed me in the present situation. I know that under the present system it is not to be allowed in the cases where there is an outfit. But in the case of a temporary appointment I suppose of course no outfit will be allowed.\u2014With respect to my journey to Holland also I forgot to ask you what you had done in a similar case. I have charged only for the expences absolutely occasioned by the journey, viz. The purchase of a carriage  and post horses. The carriage was my own which I have charged the same price for that I had refused for it ten days before I was ordered to take this journey. The tavern expences on the road and at Amsterdam for myself and servant I have considered as my own.\nI mentioned to you in my last how the affair of oils stood and the difference of opinion between the Rapporteur du comit\u00e9 and Mr. Barrett, and the assurance of the Rapporteur of getting a reduction made if it was found that the American oils paid no internal duties. I have an extract at length from the registers of the farm which expresses their exemption from such duties. I have this moment recieved it so that I do not know what the Rapporteur will say to it. I have little hopes of his succeeding however being persuaded that the same causes which first induced the committee to prohibit American oils altogether and then to impose a duty of 12.\u20b6 and finally to fix it at 6.\u20b6 will prevent the assembly at present from lowering it. Still it is proper that it should not be left unessayed, and I shall accordingly shew the registers to the Rapporteur, who on his side was also to have them examined. I mentioned to you that the duty of 6.\u20b6 at the present price was about 20. per cent. Tobacco of the first quality is from 40.\u20b6 to 45.\u20b6 the quintal exclusive of the duty, so that as yet the decree has been favorable to the sale of that article. Time only can shew how far the home cultivation will be prejudicial to it.\nNext to your own silence, which I had supposed would have been prevented by your own experience and sufferings here, and which I had fondly allowed myself to hope would have been obviated by your friendship for me, what surprizes me most is the being so long without hearing a single word from the Secretary of the treasury. He cannot but know how dear this costs the U.S. The first loan of 3. millions paid near a years interest before it was employed. That was under particular circumstances. The loan which I have made has now paid from one to three months interest. It was known such a loan was to be made and interest is still going on on a debt it is probably intended to re-imburse a part of. Whether this payment of double interest is intended or not I know not. In any event and to whatever use it may be intended to be appropriated it seems to me a most extraordinary circumstance that no orders should have been given, either to pay it here or to remit it to America. It is impossible to concieve that the object of the loan could have been to have remained in the hands of the bankers at Amsterdam. Had it been made as soon as I went to Amsterdam, there would have been now five months interest paid on it uselessly.\u2014Unless more  celerity is used in future the loans to be made by the U.S. will become an increased burthen instead of a relief. In my last letter to the Secretary of the Treasury I stated the present situation of American credit in Europe and the means of deriving the greatest advantage from it when the diplomatick appointments to this place, London and the Hague shall have been made. Should none be made to the latter place then the same powers or such powers as are thought necessary might be confided to those at the two other courts. I suppose no individual would consent to act alone in such a case.\nIn my letters which have gone through the post I have been averse to speaking to you concerning the present situation of the Marquis de la Fayette. He has committed several errors in the command which he has had and which fortune seemed to have placed in his hands for the preservation of his country. But these errors have all proceeded from his extreme honesty and delicacy. Unwilling to act on the court by terror, he had no other means of preventing them from doing many things disagreeable to the people. Unwilling also not to appear to have the court at his orders he was obliged to submit to responsability for actions not under his control. Desirous of pleasing all parties he has alternately displeased all. In order to lead his followers by persuasion he was often obliged to make promises that he could not perform or encourage hopes that he could not realize. Under these circumstances his popularity and of course his force has been declining for some time. In the late instance of opening churches for the non jurors and the departure of the King for St. Cloud, he was obliged to come to an issue with his guards who almost unanimously took the opposite side of the question, not from a want of confidence in him, but because the confidence was not sufficient to counteract their own feelings and sentiments. His resignation shewed they were more attached to him than any other. In order to induce him to re-assume the command they have all taken a new oath of obedience. At the same time the national assembly, the department and municipality all sided with the people, or at least did nothing to oppose their conduct. Under these circumstances nothing but the Marquis\u2019s known patriotism and disinterestedness could have supported him. Any other would have been considered as a traitor and condemned as such. Not withstanding the new oath it cannot be doubted that on any similar occasion and as soon as the present zeal shall be passed he would be disobeyed again. The demagogues of the assembly, viz Lameth, Barnave and Duport are his most violent enemies. They are taking much pains as they have done for some time to throw suspicions on his patriotism.  The new oath is much censured by them as unconstitutional, and the Marquis blamed for admitting it. Time and their continued efforts will probably succeed. He sees it whenever he has time to look forward. By a false delicacy he refused from the beginning to recieve a salary or any part of his expences. They have been immense, and it is not doubted that his fortune will be entirely lost and dissipated. Mde. de la fayette feels this most sensibly and is exceedingly distressed at it. Her devotion and her attachment to her husband are in a constant conflict and render her, notwithstanding her really uncommon fortitude and courage, the most unhappy of women. On the whole I fear the Marquis will lose his popularity (though he will certainly always retain the love and esteem of all who know him well). I am sure he will lose his fortune and perhaps not live to see his country enjoying a government that will secure its peace and happiness.\u2014He was induced to separate from the Lameths Duport &c. to whom as you know he was much attached, by designing men who wished to form a party that they might govern and by it govern the assembly. They knew the influence of the Marquis and his pliancy also. The party did not succeed. It on the contrary rivetted the popularity of the Jacobins, and now those men who made the Marquis de la Fayette quit them, and prevented his rejoining them as he often wished, finding that the Jacobins will throughout the kingdom influence the ensuing elections, have abandoned him to return to that class. The principal of these are the Abb\u00e9 Sieyes, Bishop of Autun, Roederer. Condorcet also has joined them. The Marquis de la Fayette and Duke de la Rochefoucault refuse as yet to follow them.\u2014The Marquis feels now as he has long done that he was wrong in quitting that club, but he thinks it would be indelicate at present to return there as his most bitter enemies are the chiefs of it. Unfortunately most of the garde nationale (and all the people) consider it as the receptacle of the purest patriotism, and are disposed to see with an evil eye their commandant witholding himself from it.\nI mentioned to you in a former letter that Parker had become bankrupt. I fear much that I shall suffer in his downfall. The money which I had for some time had idle in Mr. Grands hands and which I had also lent to you for Congress during the time that M. Grand refused to make further advances, I committed to Parker in June 89. in order to vest it for me in the American funds.\u2014I had no anxiety about it until all of a sudden I learned the embarassment into which his affairs had gone. I know not yet how it will be settled. If he can prevent my losing I have no doubt he will do it. His agents  in America it is said are the principal cause of his failure. I shall suffer also much I fear by Colo. Skipwiths having kept my money in his hands instead of laying it out in certificates, agreeable to his solemn promise and my positive instructions after he had sollicited from me such instructions. Had he done as I wished I might now be settled in America and even on the eastern side of the mountains with some degree of comfort and satisfaction.\u2014At present I must confine myself to regret so good an opportunity lost, and which will certainly never return, and endeavour to conform myself to circumstances. Whatever they may be I beg you to be assured that my sentiments for you will never change, that my gratitude for former proofs of your friendship & attachment is unalterable, and that nothing can prevent my remaining my dear Sir, most sincerely your friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0104", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Causin, 3 May 1791\nFrom: Causin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, \u201crue neuve Ste. Martin. No.18.\u201d 3 May 1791. It is the tender and sad cry of a father and mother for a son that moves them to appeal to TJ on account of one of their children, who departed from Le Havre 12 May 1790 under care of the Scioto Company. They have received no news of him save one letter from Mr. De Boine, who says he saw him in Philadelphia. Because of this they beg TJ to aid him in returning to France. If he is not found or is in danger, their intent to make him free and happy will be seen by the enclosed extract of an act, duly attested by a notary, as well as a letter of their son, who bears the deed and a letter from Mr. Playfair. \u201cNous adresserons nos Voeux \u00e0 l\u2019\u00eatre Supreme qui veille \u00e0 la conservation des Jours pr\u00e9tieux de Monsieur.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0106", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Report to the Academy of Sciences on a Unit of Measure, [19 March 1791]\nFrom: National Assembly,Condorcet, Marie Jean Antoine Nicolas de Caritat, Marquis de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nEnclosureReport to the Academy of Scienceson a Unit of Measure\n[Paris, 19 March 1791]\nThe idea of founding the whole Science of measure upon an unit of length taken from nature, presented itself to mathematicians from the moment that they knew the existence of such an unit, and the possibility of determining it:  they saw that this was the only means of excluding every thing arbitrary from the system of measures, and of being sure of preserving it at all times the same, without it\u2019s being subjected to uncertainty from any event short of a revolution in the present system of nature. They judged also that such a system not belonging exclusively to any particular nation, might eventually be adopted by all. Indeed were we to adopt for an unit the measure of any particular country, it would be difficult to assign to the others reasons of preference sufficient to over-weigh that degree of repugnance not philosophical, perhaps, but at least very natural, which all nations have against an imitation which implies an acknowledgment of a certain inferiority. There would then be as many measures as there are great nations. Besides, were nearly the whole of them to adopt any one of these arbitrary standards, numberless accidents easy to be foreseen would produce doubts of the true admeasurement of the standard. And as there would be no exact means of testing it, there would, in time, be a disagreement in these measures. The diversity which exists at this day among those in use in different Countries is not so much owing to an original diversity existing at the period of their first establishment, as to changes occasioned in process of time. In short, little would be gained even in a single nation, by preserving any one of the units of length therein used, since it would be still necessary to correct the other imperfections of the system of measures, an operation which would be nearly as inconvenient for the greater part of them.\nThe units which appear most proper for serving as the basis of measure, may be reduced to three, the length of the pendulum; a quadrant of the Equatorial circle; and lastly a quadrant of a terrestrial meridian.\nThe length of the pendulum has appeared in general to merit preference, as it possesses the advantage of being more easily determined, and consequently more easily tested or verified, whenever accidents to the Standard should render it necessary. Add to this, that those who should adopt this measure already in use with another nation, or, who after having adopted it should have occasion to verify it, would not be obliged to send observers to the place where the operation would have been first made.\nIn fact the law of the lengths of the pendulum is sufficiently certain and sufficiently confirmed by experience to be employed in operations without danger of sensible error; and even if we were to disregard this law, still a comparison of the difference in the lengths of pendulums, once executed could always be verified, and thus the unit of measure become invariable for all the places where the comparison should have been made; and thus we might immediately rectify any accidental change in the Standards, or find the same unit of measure at any moment when we should resolve to adopt it. But we shall see hereafter that this last mentioned advantage can be made common to all natural measures, and that we may employ the observations on the pendulum to verify them, although such observations have not served as the basis for their determination.\nIn employing the length of the Pendulum it seems natural to prefer that of the simple pendulum, which vibrates seconds at the forty fifth degree of Latitude. The law of the lengths of simple pendulums from the Equator to the Pole, performing equal vibrations, is such that that of the pendulum at the forty fifth degree is precisely the mean of all these lengths, that is to say, it is equal to their sum divided by their number: it is equally a mean between the two extremes taken the one at the pole, the other at the equator, and between any two lengths whatever corresponding at equal distances, the one to the  north, the other to the south of the same parallel. It would not then be the length of the pendulum under any determinate parallel which would in this case be the Unit of measure, but the mean length of the pendulums, unequal among themselves, which vibrate seconds in the different Latitudes.\nWe must observe, however, than an unit of measure thus determined has something arbitrary in it: the second of time is the eighty six thousand four hundredth part of a day, and consequently an arbitrary division of this natural unit; so that to fix the unit of length we not only employ a heterogeneous element (time) but an arbitrary portion of it.\nWe might, indeed, avoid this latter inconvenience by taking for unit the hypothetical pendulum which should make but a single vibration in a day, a length which divided into ten thousand millions of parts would give an unit for common measure, of about twenty seven inches; and this unit would correspond with a pendulum which should make one hundred thousand vibrations in a day: but still the inconvenience would remain of admitting a heterogeneous element, and of employing time to determine an unit of length, or which is the same in this case, the intensity of the force of gravity at the surface of the earth.\nNow if it be possible to have an unit of length, which depends on no other quantity, it would seem natural to give it the preference. Besides, an unit of measure taken from the earth itself has the advantage of being perfectly analogous to all the actual measures which for the common uses of life we take on the earth, such as the distances between certain points of it\u2019s surface, or the extent of portions of that surface. It is much more natural in fact to refer the distance of one place from another to a quarter of a circle of the earth, than to refer it to the length of the pendulum.\nWe have thought it our duty then to decide in favour of this species of unit, and then again to prefer a quarter of a meridian to a quarter of the equator. The operations necessary to determine this last element cannot be executed but in countries so distant from us that they occasion expenses and difficulties far above the advantages which could be hoped from them; the verifications of them, whenever they should be deemed necessary would be more difficult for all nations, at least till the time when the progress of civilization shall reach the inhabitants under the equator, a time unfortunately very distant from us. The regularity of this circle is not more certain than the similitude, or the regularity of the meridians.\nThe length of the celestial arc corresponding with the space measured, is less susceptible of being determined with precision: in short we may say that every nation belongs to one of the meridians of the earth, but that only part of them are situated under the equator.\nThe quarter of a meridian of the earth then would be a real unit of measure, and the ten millionth part of it would be the unit for common use. It will be seen here that we renounce the ordinary division of the quarter of the meridian into ninety degrees, of the degree into minutes, of the minute into seconds; because we could not retain this ancient division without breaking in on the unity of the system of measures, since the decimal division answering to the arithmetical scale ought to be preferred for the measures in common use, and thus we should have, for those of length only, two systems of division, the one of which would be adapted to the great measures, and the other to the small ones. For example, the league could not be at the same time a simple division of a degree, and a multiple of the toise in round numbers. The inconveniencies of this double system would be perpetual, whereas those of changing it would  be temporary, and they would fall principally on a small number of persons accustomed to calculation; and we have imagined that the perfection of the operation ought not to be sacrificed to an interest which in many respects we may consider as personal.\nIn adopting these principles we introduce nothing arbitrary into the system of measures, except the arithmetical scale by which their divisions must necessarily be regulated. Also in that of weights, there will be nothing arbitrary but the choice of a substance homogeneous and easy to be always obtained in the same degree of purity and density to which we must refer the weight of all other substances; as for instance, if we should for a basis chuse distilled water weighed in vacuo, or reduced to the weight it would be of in vacuo, and taken at the degree of temperature at which it passes from a solid to a fluid form. To this same degree of temperature all the real measures employed in the operations should have relation; so that in the whole system there would be nothing arbitrary but that which is so of necessity and from the nature of things. And even the choice of this substance and of this degree of temperature is founded on physical reason, and the retaining the arithmetical scale, is prescribed by a fear of the danger to which this change in addition to all the others, would expose the success of the whole operation.\nThe immediate mensuration of a quarter of a meridian of the earth would be impracticable, but we may obtain a determination of it\u2019s length by measuring an arc of a certain length, and inferring from thence the length of the whole, either directly, or by deducing from this mensuration the length of an arc of the meridian corresponding to the hundredth part of the celestial arc of ninety degrees, and so taken as that one half of this arc should be to the south and the other to the north of the forty fifth parallel. In fact, as this arc is the mean of those which from the equator to the pole answer to equal parts of the celestial arc, or which is the same thing, to equal distances of latitude, by multiplying this measure by a hundred, we shall find the length of the quarter of the meridian.\nThe increase of length in these terrestrial arcs follow the same law as those of the pendulum, and the arc which answers to this parallel is a mean of all the others, in like manner as the pendulum of the forty fifth degree is the mean of all the other pendulums.\nIt may be objected here that the law of the increments of length of the degrees from the equator towards the pole is not so well ascertained as that of the increments of the pendulum; although both are founded on the same hypothesis of the ellipticity of the meridians. It might be said that it has not been equally confirmed by observations; but 1st. there exists no other method of finding the length of a quarter of a circle of the earth. Secondly, there results from it no real inexactitude, since we have the immediate length of the arc measured with which that deduced from it will always have a known relation. Thirdly, the error which might be committed in determining the hundredth part of a quadrant of the meridian, would not be sensible. The hypothesis of the ellipticity cannot be far from reality in the arc whose length should be actually measured: it will represent necessarily, with sufficient exactness, the small portion of the curve almost circular and a little flatened, which forms this arc. And fourthly, if this error could be sensible, it might of necessary consequence be corrected by the same observations. There could be no error but such as could not be appreciated by observations.\nThe larger the measured arc is, the more exact would be the determinations  resulting therefrom. In fact the errors committed in the determination of the celestial arc, or even in the terrestrial measurements and that of the hypothesis will have the less sensible influence on the results in proportion as this arc is of greater extent. In fine there is an advantage in the circumstance that the two extremities happen to be, the one to the South, the other to the North of the parallel of forty five degrees, at distances, which without being equal, are not too disproportionate.\nWe will propose then an actual mensuration of an arc of the meridian from Dunkirk to Barcelona, comprising alike more than nine degrees and an half: this arc will be of quite sufficient extent, and there will be about six degrees of it to the north, and three and a half to the south of the mean parallel. To those advantages is added that of having it\u2019s two extreme points equally in the same level of the sea: it is to satisfy this last condition which gives points in the same level, invariable and determined by nature, to increase the extent of the arc to be measured in order that it may be divided in a manner more equal; in fine to extend it beyond the Pyrennees, and free it from any inaccuracies which their effect on the instruments might produce, that we propose to prolong the measure to Barcelona. Neither in Europe nor in any other part of the world (without measuring an arc of much greater extent) can a portion of meridian be found which will satisfy the condition of having it\u2019s two extreme points in the level of the sea, and at the same time that of traversing the forty fifth parallel, unless it be the one now proposed, or another westward of this and extending from the coast of France to that of Spain. This last arc would be more equally divided by the parallel of forty five degrees; but we have preferred that which extends from Barcelona to Dunkirk, because it is in the track of the meridian already traced in France, that there exists already an admeasurement of this arc from Dunkirk to Perpignan, and that it is some advantage to find in the work already done a verification of that now to be executed. In fact, if in the new operations we find in the distance from Perpignan to Dunkirk the same result in all it\u2019s parts, we shall have a reason the more for counting on the certainty of these operations. Should there be found any variations, by examining what are the causes, and where the error is, we shall be sure of discovering those causes and of correcting the error. Besides in following this direction we cross the Pyrennees where they are more passable.\nThe operations necessary for this work will be first, to determine the difference of Latitude between Dunkirk and Barcelona, and in general to make on that line all the astronomical observations which shall be deemed useful. 2d. to measure the old bases which were used for the measure of a degree made at Paris, and for the purpose of the map of France. 3d. to verify by new observations the suite of the triangles which were used for measuring the meridian, and to extend them to Barcelona. 4th. to make at the forty fifth degree observations for determining the number of vibrations which a simple pendulum equal to the ten millionth part of the arc of the meridian will make in a day in vacuo at the sea-side, and in the temperature of ice beginning to melt, in order that, this number being once known, the measure may be found again at any time by observations on the pendulum. By these means we unite the advantages of the system which we have preferred, and of that which takes for it\u2019s unit the length of the pendulum. These observations may be made before this ten millionth part is known: having in fact the number of vibrations of a pendulum of a given length, it will suffice to know afterwards the proportion  of this length to this ten millionth part in order to deduce from thence with certainty the number required. 5th. to verify by new experiments, carefully made, the weight in vacuo of a given quantity of distilled water taken at the freezing point. And lastly, to reduce to the present measures of length the different longitudinal, superficial and solid measures used in commerce, and the different weights in use, to the end that we may be able afterwards, by the simple rule of three, to estimate the new measures when they shall be determined.\nWe see that these different operations require six separate commissions, each charged with one of these portions of the work. Those to whom the academy shall trust the work should be required at the same time, to explain to them the method which they propose to follow.\nIn this first Report we have confined ourselves to what relates to the unit of measure. We propose in another to present the plan of the general System to be established upon this unit. In fact, this first determination requires preliminary operations which will take time, and which should be previously ordered by the National Assembly. We have nevertheless sufficiently meditated on this plan and the results of the operations, as well for the measure of the arc of the meridian, as for the weight of a given quantity of water, are known so nearly, that we may assert at present, that in adopting the unit of measure which we have proposed, a general system may be formed, in which all the divisions may follow the arithmetical Scale, and no part of it embarras our habitual usages: we shall only say at present that this ten millionth part of a quadrant of the meridian which will constitute our common unit of measure will not differ from the simple pendulum but about a hundred and forty fifth part; and that thus the one and the other unit leads to systems of measure absolutely similar in their consequences.\nWe have not thought it necessary to wait for the concurrence of other nations either in deciding upon the choice of the unit of measure or in beginning the operations. In fact we have excluded from this choice every arbitrary determination: we have admitted no elements but those which belong equally to all nations. The choice of the forty fifth degree of Latitude was not determined by the position of France, it is not here considered as a fixed point of the meridian, but only as that to which the mean length of the pendulum, and the mean length of a given division of that circle correspond: in fine we have chosen the only meridian wherein an arc can be found terminating at both it\u2019s extremities at the level of the ocean, and cut by the mean parallel without being of too great extent, which would render it\u2019s actual mensuration too difficult. There is nothing here then which may give the smallest pretence for reproaching us with an affectation of pre-eminence.\nWe conclude therefore to present this Report to the National Assembly, praying it to order the proposed operations and the measures necessary for the execution of those which must be made on the territories of Spain.\nDone at the Academy the 19th. of March 1791.\nBorda\nLa Grange\nLa Place\nMong\u00e9\nCondorcet\nI certify the above copy to be conformable to the Original, and to the decision of the Academy. Paris March 21st. 1791.\nCondorcet, perpetual Secretary", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0108", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 May 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMafra, Portugal, 3 May 1791. Acknowledging receipt by express from Bulkeley of TJ\u2019s of 15 Mch.\u2014As minister, \u201cI can only rely on my own zeal and the candour of those \u2026 concerned in administring the Government of my Country: and \u2026 it is a peculiar felicity that my communications are to be made through an Office entrusted to a Person from whose Instruction and Indulgence, I know, I have every thing to hope.\u201d He will present letter of credence without lost time. The articles in TJ\u2019s letter \u201cwill meet with due attention.\u201d He forwards English papers, brought by messenger who left Lisbon at one o\u2019clock this morning. By him he received Dohrman\u2019s letter, this moment answered: copies of both enclosed, as well as list of arrivals sent by Harrison. He encloses duplicate of his last. \u201cI am extremely obliged by your attention in sending me a complete set of the Laws, together with the entire series of the Gazette of the United States. Scarcely any thing could have been more useful\u2014nothing more acceptable.\u201d P.S. He will write in a few days to TJ and Lear. Moderation of demands of Empress of Russia shown in rescript in one of the papers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0109", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 3 May 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis May 3. 1791.\nThe fermentation of Paris which I mentioned to you in my last has continued subsiding since that time. But the regulation of the department for renting and selling churches to the catholics who adhere to the priests non-jurors, and the departure of the King for St. Cloud remain suspended. The regulation or arret\u00e9 of the department when sent to the national assembly was referred to the committee of the constitution. It was the means of avoiding to pronounce on it until it could be seen whether it could be carried into execution, that is to say, whether the people of Paris would consent to it. The report is to be made now in a day or two and is in favor of the department. Should that pass quietly the King will probably attempt again to go to St. Cloud, and unless there should arise some new cause of popular disquietude no opposition will be made. The Marquis de la Fayette will use his influence in favor of it. As yet the zeal excited among the garde nationale of Paris by his resignation, and his resumption of the command at their sollicitation, still continues. In the nature of things this cannot last always; but it will last longer with him than any other person whatever. I fear that the government will not be organised in time to secure and inforce peace and good order as soon as the influence and popularity of the Marquis, by which the people have hitherto been persuaded into it in some degree, shall have ceased\u2014or if organised, will not be found adequate to those purposes. The parties (which are already pronounced) will be violent and strong, the government feeble\u2014of course disorder and confusion until experience shall have pointed out to the majority the only true and permanent remedy, a well established constitution and a government sufficiently energetic to control the factious and turbulent. This will certainly happen sooner or later. The liberty of the press, and the general information of the present age will probably accelerate that term, and give reasonable hopes, I think, that anarchy and faction formerly the road to despotism, may now lead to a free government.\nThe inhabitants of the capital are in a state of much joy and contentment occasioned by the abolition of the barriers of Paris. By the decree of the assembly you know all duties ceased the 1st. of this month. A procession of the municipality and garde nationale made the round accompanied by music and numberless crowds of people and had the iron grates taken down. I inclose you a tariff of the principal duties paid. The committee of imposition think it will  be easy to supply the place of the various articles of revenue suppressed, by a direct tax of 300 millions, and indirect ones of nearly as much more, formed and collected on different principles more easy and more agreeable to the people.\u2014It is a great and hazardous experiment of which the success in the first instance is at least questionable.\nI informed you that on the report of the academy of Sciences the Bishop of Autun had changed his plan respecting weights and measures. The assembly have adopted it as it stands at present. I inclose it to you with a letter from M. Condorcet for you which he sent to me open as you will receive it. I think it highly probable the plan will be defeated by Spain\u2019s not admitting the French commissioners into that Kingdom. The jealousy of the court against every thing or person coming from France, and particularly connected with the national assembly, is beyond all conceptions. You will see by an office of the Spanish Ambassador communicated to the assembly, (in the Moniteur) that a line of troops is formed by Spain on the frontiers of France. It is said also that the court have such an horror of every thing that has the appellation of assembly, that they have forbidden that of the bank of St. Charles, lest something appertaining to revolution principles should grow out of it.\nThere is no doubt that the finances of that country are in a declining state. The present ministry are prodigal and will not ameliorate them. Thus foreign broils or internal disorders will probably present ere long favorable opportunities for those who have difficulties to settle with that country. I have had only distant conversations with the Spanish Ambassador relative to the Mississipi since my return from Holland and that without the appearance of seeking them, and in presence of indifferent persons. I observed that he extolled much the importance of the Floridas, and seemed to consider them as most valuable acquisitions. This was in answer to a question of an enemy to the present revolution here, who in considering the late war as a most distressing one for France, asked the Ambassador what Spain had gained by it. You will recollect what I mentioned formerly concerning his idea of territory. No. 44. It is impossible to form an opinion with certainty on such desultory conversations but as far as one may be formed I think, if war had taken place with England the Ambassador would have been for purchasing the friendship of the U.S. at any price but that as it is he would not be for acquiring it by a cession of territory nor even a cession of the navigation of the Mississipi.\u2014Not knowing what would be the sentiments of the U.S. under present circumstances, I have thought it  best not to shew too much anxiety in sounding the Ambassador. The extract of your letter to Carmichael, as you will suppose, has not been communicated to the person you mentioned.\nThe Ambassador is very anxious that a good understanding should be preserved with the U.S. and particularly that his court should know precisely what are their intentions with respect to the Mississipi. He told me that he had recommended one of his friends to be sent as minister to the U.S. But that on further information he had withdrawn this recommendation in favor of the Spanish governor on our Western frontier, and that he hoped he would be appointed, although he did not know him. He observed that he thought himself bound to make this sacrifice of his friendship in a case where it was so necessary to have a person well acquainted with the U.S. and particularly the western country.\u2014This convinced me that he was for making full inquiry into our dispositions and particularly the dispositions of the western inhabitants before any thing decisive being done. He has probably hopes that they may be induced to become Spanish subjects in order to obtain the navigation of the Mississipi, and then contribute to preclude from it the citizens of the U.S. that their advantages may be the greater. His anxiety to have the Governor of that Country appointed minister is a strong indication that he is for the plan being pursued.\u2014I have no intelligence from Mr. Carmichael since he has recieved your instructions. One or two short letters which he has written to me say nothing that has any relation to that subject, although one of them was by a private hand. I suppose therefore that nothing new has occurred, or which is more probable, that he might not think it proper or necessary to communicate it to me. I learn accidentally by a person from Madrid that Colo. Humphries passed about three weeks there on his way to Lisbon. The last intelligence I recieved from him was on his arrival in London. He then mentioned he was about to embark for Lisbon.\nI mentioned to you in my last the extension of the decree abolishing the droit d\u2019aubaine, as you will see by the journals of the assembly herewith sent. Since then nothing further has been done in any thing which concerns our commerce. With respect to the difference of duty paid by French and American vessels importing tobacco I have written to M. de Montmorin by his desire reclaiming against it on the principle of its being so great as to exclude American vessels from participating in the transportation of their own productions, the freight of an hogshead of tobacco being not more than 40.\u20b6 whilst the excess of duty paid by an American vessel is 50.\u20b6  He has answered me that he has sent my letter to the minister of finance and the diplomatick committee. This committee together with those of imposition and commerce are to consult on it the next week as I learn from the Duke de la Rochefoucauld. M. de Montmorin desires much to have the American and French vessels put on the same footing, having already given instructions to reclaim against the excedent tonnage to which French vessels are subjected in the ports of the U.S. Ternant also is exerting himself much with the committees in order to induce them to treat the productions and shipping of the U.S. more favorably.\nI observe that he is much disposed to see a treaty of commerce entered into with America and thinks that government are fully authorized to do it. I do not suppose it proper to trouble you with my ideas of treaties of commerce in general, for several reasons, but with respect to one with this country in particular in its present situation, I cannot help observing that much caution should be used. Until government shall have acquired a degree of influence which it is far from having at present it will be doubtful whether their engagements would be confirmed, and probably would not be confirmed if such articles were entered into respecting their Islands particularly as the U.S. should certainly insist on. On the contrary when the government shall become sufficiently vigorous to lead the assembly, the moment will be more favorable and should not be lost. Even then perhaps a treaty should be confined to a few leading points. Time cannot but strengthen the demands of the U.S. Their increasing numbers and commerce and general prosperity will render their connexions more valuable, and what will have still more influence will render their friendship more necessary to those nations who have possessions in the West-Indies. It will be seen that the U.S. without desiring to have possessions there themselves will have it in their power to keep them in the hands of those nations to whom they are attached, and they will be attached to those who offer them the greatest commercial advantages there. France of course will be for inlisting us by our interest in the guarantee of her possessions in the islands instead of having it on paper only.\nTime also will take the inhabitants of the colonies more out of the hands of the merchants of Bordeaux and Nantes, and render these also less influential in the assembly, by rendering them less necessary to the establishment of the constitution.\u2014The French citizens of influence who are owners in the islands and of course desirous to extend the liberty of commerce as much as possible  submit to the merchants of this country because they think their influence essential to the revolution. The inhabitants of the islands themselves who are here wish much for freedom of commerce, but they are obliged to unite with the merchants and submit to their terms, though their natural enemies, in order to secure two other points which they have much more at heart\u20141. The subjecting the gens de couleur, free and landholders, to the white citizens, that is to say allowing them to fix in their colonial assemblies the privileges which those are to enjoy. 2. The continuation of the slave trade.\u2014Until these two points are finally settled the islanders will unite with the merchants of France.\u2014By their joint influence they will succeed. The committees to whom the first of these questions was referred agreed last night in a report which leaves to the colonial assemblies the decision of every thing relative to the state of persons. This is provisional and pronounces formally what the former decree had left to be interpreted as each should chuse, and thus gave rise to the disturbances which have since taken place.\nNo intelligence has been recieved from the West-Indies since that I mentioned in my last. It appears that the troops and fleet sent were in such a state of insubordination that they could not be counted on. I think they were sent from hence with an intention to make them inforce severely the wishes of the mother country and that the regulations with respect to commerce particularly would have been strictly carried into execution. The longer the inhabitants are accustomed to the present state of things the more difficult it will be to shut their ports altogether.\nI am sorry to have heard nothing further from you since I mentioned the minister\u2019s idea with respect to the appointment of Consuls in the islands. Nothing more has passed between him and me respecting this. I know not how far you would wish to insist on it under present circumstances. If the minister is pushed at present he would certainly refuse it. Perhaps it might enter into your views to obtain the refusal explicitly. I hope I shall soon hear from you on this subject. Mr. Skipwith has written to me that neither the Governor or any person at Martinique has any cognizance of the consular convention, and desires I will take measures for procuring him an exequatur. This will be suspended of course for your orders.\nI send you several publications which have appeared here on colonial subjects. Unfortunately for the present, the personal interests of those who are to decide on them are too much concerned to admit of lights from discussion. You will see that some of them are  in favor of a free commerce, and you will easily judge of the weight that will be given to these arguments by the merchants of Bordeaux or Nantes.\nI enclose you a paper given me by the Imperial Charg\u00e9 des affaires to which he begs your attention. It will explain itself.\nI have heard nothing of the affair of Schweighauser & Co. since you left this place until the inclosed paper was put into my hands some time ago by one of the party concerned with a request I would forward it to you. He urged me much to give him an order to sell the arms, and seemed to think it extraordinary that I declined doing any thing in it.\nAs yet it has been impossible for me to get from Dupr\u00e9 the medal he is making for M. de la Luzerne, although one side was finished many months ago. This delay is occasioned by his employing himself in opposition to several other artists to obtain the engraving of the dyes for the new coinage decreed by the national assembly. He has given me his word however that I shall have it in the course of this month and I count on it.\nMay 4. I have informed you of the causes of difference between this country and the Pope in spiritual matters. After much delay he has sent the Bref which I inclose you, and which is considered as the harbinger of excommunication against the bishops and priests who supplant the non-jurors. If we may judge of the people in general from those in Paris it will have little effect. They yesterday dressed up a figure in straw representing the Pope with his bref in one hand and they say a crucifix in the other, an inscription on his back of guerre civile. After parading him in the garden of the Palais Royal he was burnt to the great satisfaction of the immense crowds present. Intelligence had been recieved the day before that the Pope refused to recieve M. de Segur who was about to leave Paris in order to go and reside at Rome as successor to the Cardinal de Bernis.\u2014During these circumstances the assembly was employed in discussing the question whether Avignon and the Comtat should be recieved as part of the Kingdom of France. The two parties in that country that is to say those for and those against the reunion to France are now in a state of war and have been for some time. Deserters from the French army, the French partisans at Avignon and citizens of the neighbouring departments, have run over the Comtat, carried devastation with them wherever they met opposition and forced the inhabitants to declare in favor of France. Carpentras is now besieged by this army of plunderers for the same purpose. The question of the reunion has been long before the assembly and  referred to two of the committees. This state of things rendered a decision indispensable. The report of the committees made on Saturday last was for the re-union and there seemed no doubt it would be adopted. You will see the debates in the papers inclosed, as far as last night. The question was decided a few hours ago by yeas and nays, by a considerable majority against the reunion. The assembly rose after determining this point. They have not yet decided what measures they will take for stopping the disorders, which prevail in the Comtat occasioned by French citizens, and which threaten also the French territory. If I recieve the papers before Petit leaves this to-morrow I will forward them to you.\nI learn in the instant that the house of Clermont-Tonnere one of the members of the assembly who was most violent in his opposition to the reunion has been surrounded by a mob for some harsh expressions used in his speech, and with difficulty prevented from being plundered by the arrival of the garde nationale who persuaded the people not to proceed to extremities.\nLetters received to day from Vienna by some of the members of the Corps diplomatique mention that the Russian ambassador there had just recieved intelligence of a considerable victory gained over the Turks near Brailow, in which there were 3 or 4000 prisoners. I observed that the persons present when one of these letters was received, and particularly the new envoy of Poland, supposed the affair had been much exaggerated by the Russian ambassador at Vienna. I suppose it certain however that an engagement has taken place, and that the Russians were victorious. This may be considered as the opening of the campaign, and would seem to render peace less probable. Still as the Turks will probably not be consulted I think yet it will be concluded by the mediation of Denmark. It is believed that England and Prussia have already moderated their pretensions. The Empress certainly wishes much for peace, and finding now that the Turks are disposed to prefer another campaign to a separate negotiation, I think she will negotiate through Denmark in modifying the statu quo.\nI am informed that the plan which the committees of the colonies &c. intend proposing to the assembly as agreed on the night before last is to have a congress assembled in the West Indies of deputies from the several islands who are to propose a constitution for the colonies to be submitted to the national assembly, that this congress shall particularly have the initiative in deciding L\u2019Etat des personnes in the islands viz. the rights of the gens de couleur libres, and the condition of slaves and the slave trade. The footing on which their  commerce is to be placed is also to be proposed by the Congress to the consideration of the national assembly. This is all that has transpired from the committee and is vague. They desire much to keep their decision unknown until they propose it to the assembly and they will then endeavour to run it through that body without discussion as they have done in two similar instances. I suppose it best not to appear too sollicitous about collecting the result of the committees, as the U. S. are considered with much jealousy by several of the members. They are sure that we have projects of conquest and a thousand other wild ideas. It is expected that this report will be made to the assembly immediately and of course published. You shall be informed of its result in due time. I have found the deputies of the colonies disposed of themselves to go as far as possible in their demands respecting their commerce, but ready to give them all up to secure the slave trade and the dependence of the gens de couleur.\nThe Minister of marine resigned some days ago. The reason he gave was that the colonies were not separated from his department. He considered himself inadequate to the place in its present situation. No successor is yet named. M. Le Hoc and M. Le Brasseur, both formerly employed under former ministers, are generally spoken of, and even De Moustier is mentioned by some.\nI send you a memoire of M. Du Crest against the Duke of Orleans. I have been obliged to take a copy which has been used, not being able to find a new one. I have never read it but understand it gives a particular account of Arkwright\u2019s spinning machines and suppose it may be therefore useful. It is on that account that it is sent.\nI take the liberty of inclosing you a letter for the Secretary of the Treasury which I ask the favor of you to give him. My last from him was Sep. 1. 90 and from you Jan. 23 and 24. 91.\u2014I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & attachment, Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0110", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Fran\u00e7ois Andr\u00e9 Danican (Philidor), 4 May 1791\nFrom: Danican, Fran\u00e7ois Andr\u00e9 (Philidor)\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, \u201cRue macon St. Andr\u00e9 No. 1[5?].\u201d 4 May 1791. He encloses an important m\u00e9moire on the manufacture of arms about which TJ knows, and the report of a commission named by the Academy of Sciences at the invitation of the Minister of War to examine locks and the new means of manufacture employed to achieve identity of form and precision in the parts of locks, \u201cce  qui fait le pr\u00e9cieux de cette decouverte pour le Service des Troupes dans tous les cas le moin \u00e0 port\u00e9 de trouver des ressources pour les reparer, et qu\u2019il seroit possible de faire Jouir le pays de paix que vous habitez.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0111", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Guide, 5 May 1791\nFrom: Guide, Pierre\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBaltimore, 5 May 1791. Acknowledging with deep gratitude TJ\u2019s flattering letter of 1 May. He is no less grateful for TJ\u2019s wishes for the success of his venture in extending trade with Sardinia. What he says about equality of admission of all foreigners is not very consoling since high duties fall heavily on some of their articles, but it is necessary to be patient as it is the law of the land.\u2014He is most grateful for TJ\u2019s order for wine, figs, and raisins. He is sending by the stage a dozen bottles of the Vin Vieux Rouge de Nice and a box of dry Smyrna raisins. The Marseillaise figs were all spoiled by the length of the voyage, and he does not think it will do to send those of Provence, which are common and not well preserved. By the first occasion he will send the other two dozen bottles of wine, which he sells at four gourdes per dozen. The raisins, being \u201cun objet de ma pacotille,\u201d he asks TJ to accept and hopes he will find them to his taste. He did not bring any Vin de Nebiule, but he will have some by the first ship his brother dispatches.\nHe sees that TJ is going to spend a couple of months in the country and will not return to Philadelphia until mid-July. His affairs will detain him longer than expected, and when he goes there he hopes he will be able to present his respects to TJ.\u2014P.S. He will have to buy a ship here to send to Nice and thus will have to return home under an American flag. He asks TJ to inform him if it will be possible to obtain this flag and to have it under the command of Captain Barrett, who accompanies him and about whom his brother has spoken to TJ. Barrett intends to establish himself on the Continent. Guide will be grateful if TJ will have the kindness to aid him in this and to inform him of the course to take.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0112", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, 6 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ross, David\nSir\nPhiladelphia May. 6. 1791.\nIt has not been till now that I have been able to turn my attention again to the accounts in dispute between us, to your remarks on them, the letters therewith sent, and Mr. Nicolson\u2019s explanation of the article of tobacco delivered Mr. Elder. This last satisfies my mind, that the two heavy hogsheads supposed to be omitted in the credits, not having been delivered to Mr. Nicolson ought to be omitted. This makes a difference in the settlement of my money bond. The letters sent with your remarks, satisfy me that the article of cash \u00a315. Dec. 15. 1781. was to be paid for in tobacco and render it probable that the article of salt \u00a328\u201319 Dec. 2. 1782. was so to be paid for, and nothing else. A closer examination of the accounts have shewn me that the following four articles, viz. 1783. Aug. 30. 25/Nov. 7. \u00a33\u20130\u20135 1784. Mar. 26. \u00a31\u201316. July 1. \u00a35. making \u00a3111\u20135 should have been entered in the Open account I sent you. As the correction of these articles would have been troublesome to the Arbitrators, and I thought it my duty to save them all the trouble I could, I have undertaken to copy anew the statements I sent you, making the above alterations in them. I have also accomodated the Observations to the corrected statements and recopied them. To the whole I have added a Reply to your Remarks. Copies of these papers are now making out, and shall be sent you as soon as ready. The accounts will not differ from those sent you formerly in a single article except those above pointed out, and in the omission of the erroneous charge of 1783. Dec. 13. \u00a34\u201310. corrected by a credit 1784. May 4. \u00a34\u201310.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0113", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Skipwith, 6 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Skipwith, Henry\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 6. 1791.\nI have duly recieved your favor of April 7. on the subject of Mr. Wayles\u2019s responsibility for his joint-consignee in the case of the Guineaman. I have never considered this subject methodically, and therefore have not absolute confidence in the opinion I have formed on a superficial view of it. My ideas however I will hazard to you, however informal.\nIt is a principle in law that joint-interests and joint-powers pass  over to the Survivor on the death of one of the persons joined. Such is the case of joint-tenancy, joint-obligors (if there be no words of severalty) joint executors, joint-commissioners, joint-trustees, joint-attornies, joint-consignees &c. To this rule I believe there is not a single exception. When survivorship takes place, the interest and authority passes over completely to the survivor; none remains in the representatives of the deceased, and consequently no responsibility. Except indeed as to the doings of their testator. If he was guilty of any thing wrong, personally, his representatives must answer it. Thus we are answerable for monies actually received by Mr. Wayles.\u2014Had an action been brought during Colo. Randolph\u2019s life, it is known they could not have joined us in the action, because one obligor cannot be sued jointly with the executors of the other, the parties standing, as the law terms it, in different degrees. The action then, as to us, was certainly suspended during the survivorship of Colo. R. and it is a principle in law that a personal action, once suspended, is gone forever.\nThis being the decision of the Common law, is it a case in which Equity will interfere? 1. If it did interfere, it would clearly be to relieve us. But 2. it is not a case in which it can interfere, because it would be to controul a principle of the common law in the very case where it was intended to operate, which would amount to a repeal of it. This is beyond the powers of a court of equity.\u2014So far then as this question stands on general principles, we are clear. The question then occurs whether there have been any covenants, written or verbal, to controul the general rules of the law, and to produce a covenanted responsibility where there was no legal one. I suppose the case to have been thus. A company of Guinea merchants send a ship to the coast of Africa [in 1771. I take for granted] Farrell and Jones, desirous of obliging two customers, Mr. Wayles and Colo. Randolph, obtain the consignment of this cargo to them in Feb. 1772. and then inform the consignees of it. Mr. Wayles May 14. writes the letter you mention in answer to theirs. They might recieve this the middle of June. At this time the vessel must have been on her way here, for she arrived in 10. or 11. weeks after. This renders it nearly certain that the consignment was previous to the reciept of Mr. Wayles\u2019s letter, and of course was not in consequence of it. That letter can only be considered therefore as a confirmation of what F. & J. had stipulated for the consignees for whom they became securities. They could well make themselves responsible to the consignors for the doings of both consignees and this they did; but it was impossible they could covenant that one consignee should  be responsible for the other. This would have been void as a res inter alios acta. Accordingly it has never been pretended that there was any such special covenant. Then the letter, considered as a confirmation of the covenants of F. & J. cannot have produced a joint-responsibility which is not in these covenants. Was the letter intended as an original obligation of securityship by Mr. Wayles for Colo. R.? 1. F. & J. had not desired any such securityship from Mr. Wayles, and it is not probable he would have undertaken it so very wantonly. 2. The letter purports no such intention in him: it is only expressive of a general assurance that they will do their best. 3. The law, to establish an obligation, requires that there shall have been a clear and unequivocal intention in the mind of the party, to enter into the obligation, that there should have been an animus se obligandi. 4. Had Mr. Wayles solemnly said (the contract having been previously entered into by F. & J. and the consignment actually made) \u2018I oblige myself, in consideration of what you have done, to be responsible for Colo. R.\u2019 it would have been void, as being merely voluntary. The consideration for the pact, to wit. that F. & J. had done so and so, being past and executed, could not found an obligation. So if a man in consideration of a marriage already taken place, covenants or conveys; it is merely voluntary, a nudum pactum which will not raise a right. Cuningham\u2019s L. dict. being at my hand I find there under the head of \u2018Consideration\u2019 the case of Tutthill v. Roberts cited from Freeman 344. a decision by Hale that \u2018in consideration that one was bound for him for money owing, he did bargain and sell: this is no good consideration.\u2019 Then if Mr. Wayles \u2018in consideration that F. & J. were bound for him for money &c. had undertaken to do so and so, this is no good consideration.\u2019 I do think therefore that there is no general principles either of law or equity which produce a cross-responsibility, that there has been no special undertaking which has done it; not by F. & J. because they could not do it, and I am satisfied they have not pretended to covenant any such thing; nor by Mr. Wayles, because his letter had no such thing in view, and would have been voluntary and void if it had intended it. I have no fear but that the acts of consignment and securityship, passed between the owners and F. & J., were previous to the reciept of Mr. Wayles\u2019s letter, probably previous to their own letter of Feb. 3. I had in the year of Mr. Wayles\u2019s death the best law-authority to say there was no responsibility on our part on the general principles of law.\u2014Still it is my opinion we should take every possible step to subject Colo. R\u2019s property, only taking care to do nothing new which may render us liable if we are not so  already.\u2014The marshalling of his assets will be an important circumstance to attend to because if F. & J. cannot as British creditors come on his land, let all the creditors who can come on them, be forced on them, that the personal estate may be left for the simple contracts.\nI shall be happy to hear that Mrs. Skipwith\u2019s stay at Richmond has bettered her health, and that the trip to the Sweet springs shall do it still more. I am sure her friends at Monticello will be made happy by seeing her there. Would to god I could be of the party. It shall be so one of these days, without yet saying when. I would not give one hour of domestic and friendly society for an age of my present state. Present me affectionately to Mrs. Skipwith and the young people, and accept assurances of the sincere esteem & attachment with which I am Dear Sir Your sincere friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0114", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 6 May 1791\nFrom: Sullivan, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBoston, 6 May 1791. Recommends for consular appointment Samuel Cooper Johonnot, grandson and only male descendant of \u201cthe late American Patriot Doctor Cooper.\u201d Johonnot \u201chas had his education in France \u2026 has read Law under my direction, and has been about three years at the bar. His conduct has added much to the partiallity I general[ly] feel for my pupils.\u201d He has had a call to Demarara, and if the President intends to appoint a consul there or in the ports of Essequibo, Berbice, or Surinam, Sullivan will hold himself responsible for his conduct, \u201chaving the most unreserved confidence in his honor and integrity.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0115", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Barbier Demarais, 7 May 1791\nFrom: Demarais, Barbier\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBoston, 7 May 1791. He encloses a letter sent to him by Mlle. de Bruny from Guadeloupe for Mlle. Jefferson. He would have been pleased to present it to her in accordance with his promise, but public and private affairs cause him to return to Guadeloupe immediately. He plans to return soon to \u201cvotre bonne et agr\u00e9able patrie\u201d and to bring fresh news to Mlle. Jefferson from her friend.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0116", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 7 May 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nTreasury Department May the 7th. 1791\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to inform the Secretary of State that there are in the bank of North America Bills at ten days sight for the sum of 32,175 Guilders, which the Cashier is directed to hold for him. A warrant is enclosed for the sum of 13000 dolls. in his favor, the money for which is intended to procure those bills for the Purpose of obtaining a recognition of the treaty with the new Emperor of Morocco.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0117", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Tobias Lear, 7 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Lear: he has been calculating the march of the President at 200. miles a week and he makes it as follows.\nMay 20. he will be at Augusta\n24. at Cambden\n26. Charlotte\n27. Salisbury\n28. Salem\n30. Guilford\n31. Hillsboro\u2019\nJune 1. Harrisbg.\n2. Taylor\u2019s ferry\n7. Fredsbg\n8. Mt. Vernon.\nOn this view he is of opinion that tomorrow\u2019s letter, put into the Petersburg mail, may be tolerably certain of getting to Taylor\u2019s ferry before the 2d. of June, as he believes there cannot be a fortnight without a private conveyance occurring from Petersburg to Taylor\u2019s ferry. He intends so to direct his own letter of tomorrow.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0119", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. P. Derieux, 8 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Derieux, Justin Pierre Plumard\nDear: Sir\nPhiladelphia May. 8. 1791.\nYour favor of Apr. 25. came to hand three days ago. The letter to Madame Bellanger will go by the French packet which sails from N. York this week. By advices from France of the last of February matters were going on perfectly well; here and there (particularly in Alsace, and at Strasburg) some commotion, but quiet very generally established elsewhere; the revenues beginning to become productive, the reciept greater than the expence, the church lands selling generally 50. percent above their estimated value, assignats a little above par. The clergy had not yet come in any considerable degree into the new ecclesiastical establishment, and I rather think the greater part of them were not likely to do so, before the last day allowed them. In this case they were to stand absolutely deprived, and successors to be appointed. However in all the cities the people were against them, so that nothing is apprehended beyond some little commotions in country places where the people are ignorant and happen to have an affection for their curate. Be pleased to present my respects to Madame de Rieux and to accept assurances of the esteem & attachment with which I am Dear Sir Your most obedt humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0122", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 8 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy dear daughter\nPhiladelphia May 8. 1791.\nYour letter of April 13. tho\u2019 it came to hand on the 30th. is yet to be acknowleged. That of May 1. I received last night, within seven days of it\u2019s date. The post from Richmond comes I believe in 4. days at this season of the year, so that our correspondence might be very prompt if you had a regular post from Charlottesville to Richmond. I thank you for all the small news of your letters, which it is very grateful to me to recieve. I am happy to find you are on good terms with your neighbors. It is almost the most important circumstance in life, since nothing is so corroding as frequently to meet persons with whom one has any difference. The ill-will of a single neighbor is an immense drawback on the happiness of life, and therefore their good will cannot be bought too dear.\u2014The loss of my vis-a-vis, coming round by water from Richmond to this place taught me that it was best to trust nothing that way during the boisterous months of the winter and spring. I am afraid I have a second lesson of the same kind, as I had 4. hhds. of tobacco on board a Capt. Stratton, who was to sail from Richmond 3. weeks ago, but is not arrived here. On board him were J. Eppes\u2019s books and baggage. I fear he must be lost. I had been particularly waiting for him, as being a very careful man and going directly to Richmond, to send the Mattrasses &c. Tomorrow however I will have the packages finished, and send them by any other conveyance which occurs. They will contain as follows.\n6. mattrasses.\nA package of James\u2019s bedding from Paris. To be kept for him.\ndo.\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007Sally\u2019s do.\nThe Encyclopedie.\nfor Mr. Randolph.\nBuffon.\nTacitus.\nJournaux de physique\nMagazin des modes.\nfor yourself.\nSacontal\u00e1.\nCalash\nAnacharsis for Maria.\nHerrera. 4. vols.\nto be deposited in my library.\nHistory of Florida. 2. vols.\nAcosta\nA box containing 2. panes of glass for Mrs. Lewis.\nSome Windsor chairs if the vessel can take them.\nI am made happy by Petit\u2019s determination to come to me. I had not been able to assume the name of a housekeeper for want of a real housekeeper. I did not look out for another, because I still hoped he would come. In fact he retired to Champaigne to live with his mother, and after a short time wrote to Mr. Short \u2018qu\u2019il mouroit d\u2019ennui.\u2019 and was willing to come. I shall acknowlege the receipt of Mr. Randolph\u2019s letter next week. Adieu, my dear, with affectionate esteem to you both. Your\u2019s,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0123", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Rittenhouse, 8 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Rittenhouse, David\nDear Sir\nYou mentioned to me once, information which you had recieved and which satisfied you that the pouch of the Opossum disappeared after weaning the young. As I knew that Mr. Randolph intended this spring to make observations on that animal I communicated to him your information that he might pay particular attention to it. You will see what he says. Tho a single observation is not conclusive, yet the memory remains strong with me that, when a boy, we used to amuse ourselves with forcing open the pouch of the Opossum, when having no young, and the Sphincter was so strongly contracted as to render it difficult to find where we were to enter our fingers, and extremely difficult to introduce them.\u2014The diary of the flowering of plants and appearance of birds may amuse you a minute. I observe the martin appeared there the 14th. of April. Here it was the 21st. this year, and exactly on the same day at New York the last year. The object of this diary is to shew what birds disappear in winter and when, and also to enable us to form a comparative view of the climates of that and this place, for I was to have kept a  similar diary here; but a town situation does not admit of it.\u2014I am Dear Sir Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0124", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Rittenhouse, 8 May 1791\nFrom: Rittenhouse, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nMay 8th 1791\nI thank you for a Sight of Mr. Randolph\u2019s Letter. I must Confess I was pleased with Mr. Neville\u2019s account of the Opossum, because it seemed to remove every difficulty on the Subject and at the same time more nearly to connect the Vegitable and animal economy. But I well know with what caution we ought to recive the testimony of any individual. Mr. Randolph\u2019s observations however does not shew that the young had been actualy excluded by its parent and exposesed to the open air before they entered the false belly, which is the thing that appears to me so very improbable, tho\u2019 indeed their finding their way back again into it, when removed, takes away much of that improbability. Neither does Mr. Randolph\u2019s account absolutely contradict the disappearing of the pouch after its having Nourished a sett of Young, because his Oppossum might have been a Young female that never had brought forth. I hope he will continue his attention to this curious subject. I sometime ago wrote to Isaac Zane of Winchester, on this matter, but not received any answer. I shall set down below the Corresponding observations on Barometer and Thermometer with those of Mr. Randolph, tho\u2019 some allowance ought to made for the time of day, as mine were I suppose generally made one hour earlier. Yours sincerely,\nD. Rittenhouse\nB.\nT.\nB.\nT.\nApril\nat 3 oClock\u201376\u00b0", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0125", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 8 May 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis May 8. 1791.\nThis letter goes by post in order to overtake Petit, who is the bearer of my No. 65., at L\u2019Orient. You will learn with pleasure that the committee of constitution made their report yesterday on the subject of freedom, of religion, (in consequence of the proceedings of the department of Paris denounced to the assembly as mentioned already) and that it obtained the most complete triumph. The Bishop of Autun whose excommunication is commenced by the holy see was the reporter of the committee: and after execrating the term of toleration as tyrannical, since it supposed the right of prohibition, established as a natural right this most unbounded liberty in the expression of religious opinions whether by worship or otherwise.\u2014His report as well as a speech of the Abb\u00e9 Seyes on the subject are ordered to be printed by the assembly and shall be forwarded to you. It is not surprizing that such sentiments should be expressed by two philosophers. But it is really so that they should be received in such a manner as well by the cot\u00e9 droit of the assembly, as the people in the galleries, that neither the ecclesiastics or the Jansenists ventured to open their mouths against them, except indeed two, who were hissed from the beginning to the end of their speeches. It remains still to be seen what the people out of doors will do when the churches rented to those who follow the priests non jurors shall be opened. It is highly probable they will follow the impulsion of the assembly, but if they do not neither the assembly, nor department, nor municipality will enter into competition with them for carrying into execution the decree for the free exercise of the catholic religion, by what they now call non conformists or non-jurors.\nThe enemies of the Marquis de la fayette and of good order have already begun an attack on him. They are unwilling to await the natural decline of his popularity which must necessarily come with time. One of the 48 sections has assembled, and instigated by a demagogue of the party of the Lameths who is also a member of the department of Paris, resolved that having resigned his commission he could no longer be considered as commandant of the garde nationale until re-elected by the sections, and that all the acts which he should do in that quality, until they should have expressed their wish in their assemblies, were usurpation and tyranny. This resolution was printed yesterday and sent to the other sections. They have not yet assembled but they will all at present be against the\n one which has taken this resolution. This opposition will of course rather prolong the popularity of the Marquis than otherwise.\nThe report of the colonial and other committees mentioned in my last was made yesterday. The reporter insisted much on the necessity of adopting it without adjournment, as they had hitherto done on subjects of the kind. It appeared however that the dispositions of the assembly had changed. The proposition to decree without discussion was recieved with indignation, although founded in two precedents. It was decided by a great majority that the report of the committees should be first printed and then discussed in the assembly. The proposition of the committees was to confirm the decree of the 12th. of October last and to assemble a comit\u00e9-generale of deputies from all the islands in the French part of the island of St. Martin, to decide on an uniform plan as to the etat de personnes viz. gens de couleur to be submitted to the national assembly. This adjournment for discussion is considered as a kind of victory, by those who are for the free of all colours having the same privileges. Still the point is doubtful.\u2014Permanent regulations of commerce will not be entered into until this question is settled, and it was probably the intention of the committees that the Islanders should recieve one as the price of the other.\nI mentioned to you in my last that the Pope refused to recieve M. de Segur as ambassador. The reason given as appears by a letter from M. de Montmorin to the Nuncio, communicated to the assembly is that the Pope will recieve no ambassador who has taken the oath prescribed, without restriction. M. de Montmorin observes in this letter that the King hopes there has been some error in the business, as it would be a means of breaking off all communication between the holy see and the French monarchy, and that not sending an Ambassador to Rome \u201cLa dignit\u00e9 de la nation et celle de S. M. ne lui permettraient plus de conserver un nonce du Pape a Paris.\u201d The letter ends with this sentence. \u201cS. M. cependant par \u00e9gard pour S. S. a par une attention particuliere pour V. E. suspendu le depart de M. de Segur en attendent votre reponse, pour prendre le parti que le soin de sa dignit\u00e9 rendrait indispensable.\u201d\nThe diet of Poland have come to a determination to give the right of citizenship to the Bourgeois of the Republick. They have adopted the inverse system of France. Instead of taking the nobility from those who possessed it they have given it to those who had it not. The bourgeois have now the privileges of nobility, this being granted by an assembly of nobles almost unanimously and of their own accord is a strong proof of the progress of philosophy even in that region.\nIt is reported and generally believed that on the British Charg\u00e9 des affaires at Copenhagen announcing to that court that a fleet of thirty ships of the line or more would be sent into the Baltic, and that his court flattered itself they would be recieved into the Danish ports and find there the supplies which should be necessary, orders were immediately given to arm in these ports. The activity with which it is said to be doing also would seem as if Denmark meant to be ready to act independently. Still it is certain that exposed as that country is by land and by water to Prussia and England, all that can be hoped for by Russia is a perfect neutrality. There is no doubt that the dispositions of the court if they could be followed would be warmly in favor of the Empress. The Baron Blome told me yesterday that the English fleet would be admitted into the Danish ports if they insisted on it, but that it would probably be with much precaution, such as recieving a few ships at a time &c.\nThe Russian minister here seems to use affectation in saying to every body that war will certainly take place in the North. The English Ambassador on the contrary is moderate, expresses his doubts, says it is possible they may be forced into the war, and other things of the kind. He does not pretend to deny that it is exceedingly unpopular in England, and it is evident that he considers it an impolitic step. The English cabinet are probably of the same opinion since the ultimatum last sent to Berlin to be concerted and accepted there and then forwarded to Petersburg contains modifications. The English Ambassador took so much pains to convince every body that they were not the cause of the resignation of the Duke of Leeds, that he persuaded fully most people that they were.\nThe prospect of this war occasions a strong preference in favor of American shipping. Still I observe from the late list of those which have passed the sound that much the greatest number is as usual, English, I mean in proportion to those of other nations. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & attachment, Dear Sir your most obedient humble servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0126", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 8 May 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nCharleston, May 8th. 1791.\nThe round of business and of ceremony, which now engages my attention, only allows me leisure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th. of last month, which will receive a more particular consideration.\u2014I am, with great esteem, Sir, Your most obedient Servant,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0127", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Leiper, 10 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Leiper, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 10. 1791.\nCapt. Stratton arrived last night with the 4. hhds. of tobo. for which I gave you the bill of lading some time ago. He will call on you to-day. I should like that it were examined, because I believe, from the marks, that it is of the Bedford tobo.\u2014I mentioned to you sometime ago that I believed I should have occasion for about 400. Dollars of this money, to be obtained by discount at the bank. As I leave town about the last of the week on a journey Northwardly, during which I shall need this money, I will beg the favor of a note for that sum in a form negociable at the bank.\u2014I must beg that the painters may be ready to go to work on Monday, that the smell may be vanished before my return. I am Sir Your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0129", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Pierpont Edwards, 11 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Edwards, Pierpont\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 11. 1791.\nI have duly recieved your favor of April 30. together with the volume of laws accompanying it: and have now the honour to remit you a post bill for 15. dollars 25. cents for your reimbursement, according to the account sent. Anxious to carry this collection of the laws of all the states to as perfect completion as possible, as well for the use of the general government, as for placing in a safe deposit one copy of the laws of all the states to which they may themselves be glad to recur hereafter, I take the liberty of solliciting a continuance of your attention to the subject, and of adding assurances of the esteem & respect with which I am Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0130", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Lyle, 11 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lyle, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 11. 1791.\nIn order to make provision for the payment of my debts to yourself and Farrell & Jones, I sold a tract of land to Mr. Ronald for \u00a31076. pounds sterling, one half payable Jan. 1. 1796. the other half Jan. 1. 1797. with interest on the whole from Oct. 5. 1790. For the one half, I retain a mortgage on the lands sold; for the other half he mortgaged a moiety of his Beaverdam lands valued at the double  of the bond; so that I have mortgages of the value of double the sum due. To propose your taking these bonds and mortgages as payment of my debt to Kippen & co. is indeed a proposition to postpone the times of payment as settled between us, but it offers in consideration of those delays a better security, to wit bonds backed by mortgages in exchange for my simple bonds, and whatever personal confidence you might have in me, I am not immortal, and the discharge of my bonds may fall into other hands. It would be an infinite relief to my mind, and the greatest favour in the world if you would take these two bonds and mortgages in discharge of my bonds. There would be a small matter overpaid to be refunded when recieved. If this cannot be done as to both let me beseech you to take the one payable Jan. 1. 1796. in lieu of your two last payments. It will delay the last, which is the greatest but five months, and will be infinite relief to me. I think I am sure that Mr. McCaul would do it were he here, and will approve it if done by you: because it serves me, and betters the security for the debt. Your answer will oblige Dear Sir your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0131", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Maxwell, 11 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Maxwell, James\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 11. 1791.\nBeing about to leave town, and not likely to return till the middle of next month, I am to acknowlege the reciept of your favor of Apr. 2. and to ask of you, if you should forward the cyder within that period, that you will be so good as to address it with your letter to \u2018Mr. Henry Remsen, chief clerk of the Secretary of state at Philadelphia,\u2019 who will remit the amount: otherwise if addressed to me the letter would remain unopened till my return. I am afraid the weather is getting full warm for it\u2019s removal: however of this you are the best judge, and what ever you do herein will be thankfully acknowleged by Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0132", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Smith, 11 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Smith, Daniel\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 11. 1791.\nIn acknowleging the reciept of your favor of Mar. 1. I take occasion at the same time to answer the query it proposed by observing that the reports from your office should contain periods of six months each. It would be well that they should end on the last days of June and December. Having nothing interesting to communicate I shall only add assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0134", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Vaughan, 11 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Vaughan, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 11. 1791.\nIt is rare that my public occupations will permit me to take up the pen for my private correspondencies however desireable to me. This must be my apology for being so late in acknowleging the reciept of your favors of Sep. 21 Oct. 21. Dec. 2. and 16. and Jan. 6. The parcels of Mountain rice from Timor came to hand too late in the last season to produce seed. I have sowed this spring some of the same, but it has not yet come up. I was fortunate in recieving from the coast of Africa last fall a cask of Mountain rice of the last year\u2019s growth. This I have dispersed into many hands, having sent the mass of it to S. Carolina. The information which accompanied this cask was that they have there (on the coast of Africa) 3. kinds of Mountain rice, which sowed at the same time, comes to harvest a month distant from each other. They did not say of which kind that is which was sent to me. The kind which ripens quickest will surely find sun enough to ripen it in our middle states.\nI thank you, my dear Sir, for the Sacontal\u00e1, and for Smeaton\u2019s book: but the latter is of a value which obliges me to request you to put more reasonable bounds to your liberalities, neither the state of the sciences nor of the arts here putting it in my power to fulfill that reciprocity which my wishes would lead me to.\u2014The Revolution of France does not astonish me so much as the Revolution of Mr. Burke. I wish I could believe the latter proceeded from as pure motives as the former. But what demonstration could scarcely have established before, less than the hints of Dr. Priestly and Mr. Paine establish firmly now. How mortifying that this evidence of the rotteness of his mind must oblige us now to ascribe to wicked motives those actions of his life which wore the mask of virtue and patriotism. To judge from what we see published, we must believe that the spirit of toryism has gained nearly the whole of the nation: that the whig principles are utterly extinguished except in the breasts of certain descriptions of dissenters. This sudden change in the principles of a nation would be a curious morsel in the history of man.\u2014We have some names of note here who have apostatised from the true faith: but they are few indeed, and the body of our citizens are pure and insusceptible of taint in their republicanism. Mr. Paine\u2019s answer to Burke will be a refreshing shower to their minds. It would bring England itself to reason and revolution if it was permitted to be read there. However the same things will be said in milder forms, will make their way among the people, and you must reform at last.\nWe have great reason to be satisfied with the train of our affairs. Our government is going on with a firm and steady pace, our taxes, increasing with our population, are always ahead of our calculations, favorable seasons for several years past have given great crops of produce, and the increase of industry, economy, and domestic manufacture are very sensible. Our credit both at home and abroad is equal to our wishes. So that on the whole we are in as prosperous a way as a nation can well be. This shews the advantage of the changeableness of a constitution. Had our former one been unalterable (pardon the absurdity of the hypothesis) we must have gone to ruin with our eyes open.\u2014We are in hopes the operations of this summer will bring our savage neighbors to accept our peace, friendship and good offices, which is all we desire of them. If you see Ld. Wycombe sometimes present my esteem to him; so also and ever to Dr. Price. I am Dear Sir with sincere attachment Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0135", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 11 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 11. 1791.\nI have duly recieved your favour of April 20. The exemption from the Droit d\u2019Aubaine in the French West Indies, has been for some time past a subject of attention. As the National assembly were abolishing it in France for all nations, I desired our Charg\u00e9 des affaires there to see that the decree should be extended to all the dominions of France. His letters assure me that it will be done, so  as to remove this grievance hereafter. With respect to the past, I believe it has been judicially determined in France that the exemption given by our treaty did not extend to their foreign possessions. Should Mr. Johnston however be disposed to try this matter, it will be requisite for him to obtain from Port au prince an authenticated record of the proceedings in his case. It would seem also that those in the case of the gentleman of Curracoa might be useful. These should be transmitted to some person in Paris to sollicit the government for him. Tho\u2019 it is not permitted that our Charg\u00e9 des affaires there, or any where, should act as the private agent or sollicitor for any individual, yet he will lend his aid and influence whenever it may be just and useful, by official application. I have the honour to be with great esteem, Sir, your most obedt. and most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0136", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 11 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia May 11. 1791.\nI have now before me your favours of Sep. 3. and 30th. and approve of your compliance with Mr. Short\u2019s draughts therein mentioned. The error to your prejudice of one hundred florins in my draught of May 3. 1789. I was not able to correct till my papers arrived from France, and could be opened, so as to rectify the same error at the same time in my public accounts. This being done I have paid the hundred florins with interest to this day to Mr. Leroy, to wit forty five dollars, exchange @ 40. cents the florin, interest 6. per cent. per annum. Always mindful of your civilities and kindnesses, I shall be happy in every occasion of rendering you service, & of proving to you the esteem with which I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0137", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 11 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia May. 11. 1791.\nIn my letter of Mar. 19. I inclosed you the Treasurer\u2019s bill on you for ninety nine thousand current gilders, erroneously calling  them ninety thousand, and after specifying what calls were to be answered from them in the first instance, I mentioned that I would at a future day send further and final instructions for the application of the whole sum. This is destined to pay the salaries of Colo. Humphreys, Mr. Short, Mr. Carmichael and Mr. Dumas, the three former being allowed four thousand five hundred dollars a year, and Mr. Dumas the sum you have heretofore paid him; as also certain contingent expences for postage, couriers &c. defined to them either in general or occasional instructions. You will therefore be pleased to answer their draughts for their salaries and contingent expences, taking on ourselves the trust in their discretion as to the amount of their draughts for contingent expences. As they may at times be charged with special commissions from other departments for disbursements not to be made out of this fund, be pleased, in arranging the epochs and forms of their draughts, to desire that the draught when chargeable on this fund must express that it is to be paid \u2018for the department of state.\u2019 My separate responsibility for this fund forbids my permitting any disbursements to enter into the account which do not belong to it. I must beg the favor of you also to make up your account to the close of the last day of June this present year, into which no expences are to enter which preceded the 1st. day of July 1790. these being the dates of the appropriation of the law. I inclose you a duplicate of the treasurer\u2019s bill for 99,000 gilders, and am with great esteem Gentlemen Your most obedient & most humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0138", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin S. Barton and Others, 12 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barton, Benjamin Smith,et al.\nThursday May 12. 1791.\nTh: Jefferson presents his respects to the gentlemen of the committee on the Hessian fly, and prays their attendance at the Hall of the Philosophical society tomorrow (Friday) at half after seven P.M. He has conjectured that that hour will be most convenient to them, and that not a moment of their time may be lost unnecessarily, he will attend himself at the very moment precisely, and for their own convenience asks the same of them. He leaves town on Sunday for a month, to set out on a journey which will carry him through N. York and the whole of Long island, where this animal has raged much. He is therefore anxious to take with him the decision of the committee and particularly prays of Dr. Barton to have his queries prepared to present to them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0139", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Murray, 12 May 1791\nFrom: Murray, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nLexington May 12th. 1791.\nI was honored with your letter of the 22d. of March and its inclosures by Governor St. Clair.\u2014I have made every enquiry in my power into the business of O Fallon and believe the following to be a true state of it. He came into this Country about the Month of April last as the agent of what he called the South Carolina Yaszou company. He gave out that this Company had made a large purchase of Land from the State of Georgia and that they would give great encouragment to such as would remove there from this Country. Finding that he could not obtain a sufficient number of settlers in this way, about the Month of September he changed his plan and determined to raise a Body of Troops but on what terms I have not been informed. In consequence of this resolution he named a number of Officers to whom he gave Commissions similar to the one you transmitted to me; contracted for a large quantity of Military Stores and for considerable supplies of provisions and drew bills for the amount of the whole on the Company in Charlestown. His bills were protested and the persons who were to have furnished the supplies then refused to deliver them. It is said that the Officers had engaged the number of men they had stipulated to raise and that nothing was wanting but the supplies to set them in motion, but  they having been before disgusted with-O Fallon deserted him to a man as soon as they heard that his bills had been protested. At the time these people engaged with him it was not known that he intended to make this settlement in opposition to the general Government: On the contrary it was supposed by the adventurers that the Company had a legal right to the lands under their purchase from Georgia and that by removing to that land they would offend none but the Spaniards and Indians.\nThe whole of this business was conducted quietly and without any public meeting that I have yet heard of. Under these circumstances I am of opinion that O\u2019Fallon\u2019s conduct can only be considered as a conspiracy or an intention to levy War and that, as the War was never actually levied, it cannot amount to treason: that it cannot be treason because the War was not intended against the United States but only against their allies, and that it cannot be treason if the Country which it was to be carried on is out of the limit of the United States.\u2014No such Assembly or meeting has even been held by these people as far as my information goes, as could legally be denominated an unlawfull assembly a rout or a riot.\nFrom this view of the subject and in consequence of Mr. Randolph\u2019s Opinion I consulted with the Attorney Genl. for the State within this District. He viewed the matter in same light that I did and said that as a State officer he had nothing to do with it, as the only fact which appeared to him was the giving a Commission to raise men for a purpose to be executed out of the limits and jurisdiction of the State. Upon the whole I have Judged it most proper not to set on foot any prosecution against O Fallon untill I receive your further directions.\u2014The situation in which he is at this time has served to confirm me in this resolution. He is totally without friends partizans or Money and must sink into obscurity unless he should be made an object of importance by a prosecution which could not be supported.\u2014I will keep an attentive eye on his conduct and if he takes any new steps or if any alteration in the business shall take place which will make it proper to do so, I will instantly institute a prosecution against him.\nIf it shall be thought by Government necessary to institute one against him for what he has already done, I shall be ready to do it, but must request that the Attorney Genl. for the United States may be directed to point out the kind of prosecution which ought to be carried on. As this is a new and untrodden path under the present Government I flatter myself I shall stand excused in waiting for further directions; and in requesting that the business may be commenced  under the opinion of a Gentleman of superior abilities and experience to what I pretend to possess.\u2014I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & Esteem sir yr. mst. Obedient and Very Humble sert.,\nWilliam Murray\nN.B. I have published the President\u2019s proclamation and have no doubt it will effectually prevent any attempt to renew the scheme.\nW.M.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0140", "content": "Title: Official Instructions for Thomas Barclay, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barclay, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 13th. 1791\nYou are appointed by the President of the United States to go to the Court of Morocco for the purpose of obtaining from the new Emperor a recognition of our Treaty with his father. As it is thought best that you should go in some definite character, that of Consul has been adopted, and you consequently receive a Commission as Consul for the United States in the dominions of the Emperor of Morocco, which having been issued during the recess of the Senate will of course expire at the end of their next session. It has been thought best however not to insert this limitation in the Commission as being unnecessary, and it might perhaps embarrass.\u2014Before the end of the next session of the Senate it is expected the objects of your mission will be accomplished.\nLisbon being the most convenient port of correspondence between us and Morocco, sufficient authority will be given to Col: Humphreys, Resident for the United States at that place, over funds in Amsterdam for the objects of your mission. On him therefore you will draw for the sums herein allowed, or such parts of them as shall be necessary. To that port too you had better proceed in the first  vessel which shall be going there, as it is expected you will get a ready passage from thence to Morocco.\nOn your arrival in Morocco sound your ground, and know how things stand at present. Your former voyage there having put you in possession of the characters through whom this may be done, who may best be used for approaching the Emperor and effecting your purpose, you are left to use your own knowledge to the best advantage.\nThe object being merely to obtain an acknowledgment of the Treaty, we rely that you will be able to do this, giving very moderate presents. As the amount of these will be drawn into precedent on future similar repetitions of them, it becomes important. Our distance, our seclusion from the ancient world, it\u2019s politics and usages, our agricultural occupations and habits, our poverty, and lastly our determination to prefer war in all cases to tribute under any form and to any people whatever, will furnish you with topics for opposing and refusing high or dishonoring pretensions, to which may be added the advantages their people will derive from our commerce, and their Sovereign from the duties laid on whatever we extract from that country.\nKeep us regularly informed of your proceedings and progress, by writing by every possible occasion, detailing to us particularly your conferences either private or public, and the persons with whom they are held.\nWe think that Francisco Chiappe has merited well of the United States by his care of their peace and interests. He has sent an account of disbursements for us amounting to 394 dollars. Do not recognise the account, because we are unwilling, by doing that, to give him a colour for presenting larger ones hereafter, for expences which it is impossible for us to scrutinize or controul. Let him understand that our laws oppose the application of public money so informally; but in your presents, treat him handsomely, so as not only to cover this demand, but go beyond it with a liberality which may fix him deeply in our interests. The place he holds near the Emperor renders his friendship peculiarly important. Let us have nothing further to do with his brothers or any other person. The money which would make one good friend, divided among several will produce no attachment.\nThe Emperor has intimated that he expects an Ambassador from us. Let him understand that this may be a custom of the old world, but it is not ours: that we never sent an Ambassador to any Nation.\nYou are to be allowed from the day of your departure till your  return 166 \u2154 dollars a month for your time and expences, adding thereto your passage money and sea stores going and coming.\nRemain in your post till the 1st. of April next, and as much longer as shall be necessary to accomplish the objects of your mission, unless you should receive instructions from hence to the contrary.\nWith your commission you will receive a Letter to the Emperor of Morocco, a cypher and a Letter to Col: Humphreys.\u2014I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Your most obedient & most humble servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0141", "content": "Title: Confidential Instructions for Thomas Barclay, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barclay, Thomas\nA private instruction which Mr. Barclay is to carry in his memory, and not on paper, lest it should come into improper hands.\nWe rely that you will obtain the friendship of the new Emperor, and his assurances that the Treaty shall be faithfully observed, with as little expence as possible. But the sum of ten thousand dollars is fixed as the limit which all your donations together are not to exceed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0142", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francisco Chiappe, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Chiappe, Francisco\nSir\nPhila. May 13. 1791.\nSince my entrance into the office of Secretary of state I have been honoured with several of your letters, and should sooner have acknoleged the reciept of them but that I have from time to time expected the present occasion would occur sooner than it has done.\nI am authorised to express to you the satisfaction of the President at the zeal and attention you have shewn to our interests and to hope a continuance of them.\nMr. Barclay is sent in the character of Consul of the U.S. to present our respects to his imperial Majesty for whom he has a letter from the President. We have no doubt he will receive your aid as usual to impress the mind of the emperor with a sense of our high respect and friendship for his person and character, and to dispose him to a cordial continuance of that good understanding so happily established with his father.\nOur manner of thinking on all these subjects is so perfectly known to Mr. Barclay, that nothing better can be done than to refer you to him for information on every subject which you might wish to enquire into. I am with great esteem Sir Your mo. ob. & mo. hble servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0143", "content": "Title: Circular to Consuls and Vice-Consuls, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Consuls,Vice-Consuls\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 13th. 1791.\nYou will readily conceive that the union of Domestic with the Foreign affairs under the Department of State, brings on the head of this Department such incessant calls, not admitting delay, as oblige him to postpone whatever will bear postponing; hence, though it is important that I should continue to receive from time to time regular information from you of whatever occurs within your notice interesting to the United States, yet it is not in my power to acknowledge the receipt of your letters regularly as they come. I mention this circumstance that you may ascribe the delay of acknowledgment to the real cause, and that it may not produce any relaxation on your part in making all those communications which  it is important should be received, and which govern our proceedings, though it is not in my power to note it to you specially.\nI had hoped that Congress at their last Session would have passed a bill for regulating the functions of Consuls. Such an one was before them; but there being a considerable difference of opinion as to some of it\u2019s parts, it was finally lost by the shortness of the Session, which the Constitution had limited to the 3d. of March. It will be taken up again at the ensuing Session of October next; in the mean time you will be pleased to govern yourself by the instructions already given.\nIn general our affairs are proceeding in a train of unparalleled prosperity. This arises from the real improvements of our Government, from the unbounded confidence reposed in it by the people, their zeal to support it, and their conviction that a solid union is the best rock of their safety, from the favorable seasons which for some years past have co-operated with a fertile soil and genial climate to increase the productions of agriculture, and from the growth of industry, economy and domestic manufactures. So that I believe I may say with truth that there is not a Nation under the sun enjoying more present prosperity, nor with more in prospect.\nThe Indians on our frontier indeed, still continue to cut off straggling individuals or families falling in their way. An expedition against them the last summer was less successful than there was reason to expect: we lost in it about 100 men. The operations of the present summer will more probably bring them to peace, which is all we desire of them, it having been a leading object of our present Government to guaranty them in their present possessions, and to protect their persons with the same fidelity which is extended to it\u2019s own Citizens: we ask nothing of them but that they will accept our peace, friendship and services; and we hope soon to make them sensible of this, in spite of the incitements against us which they have been so much the dupes of. This is the general state of our affairs at present, as faithfully as I am able to to give it.\u2014I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedient and Most Humble Servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0144", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Donald, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Donald, Alexander\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 13. 1791.\nMy public occupations rarely permit me to take up the pen of private correspondence. I have still therefore to acknoledge the reciept of your favors of Oct. 5. 25. and Jan. 6. I find that at the date of the last you had not yet received mine of Nov. 25. covering a letter to Mr. Short. This I hope has fulfilled your wish as far as the unsettled state of things in France permitted. The farms being put down, and nothing else put up as far as I yet know, I think the general letter to Mr. Short was the best measure I could adopt. When a Regie shall be established, if there be among them any acquaintance of mine I shall give you a letter to him with that pleasure it ever gives me to be useful to you. I find as I advance in  life I become less capable of acquiring new affections and therefore I love to hang by my old ones. In general I shall endeavor to impress on the French government the policy of recieving no tobacco from this country, but directly, and in French or American bottoms; therefore my efforts to serve you must be consistent with that idea.\u2014Tobacco is low in Virginia, but I have sold mine here for 5. dollars, from which deduct half a dollar the expence of bringing it here. Wheat has been generally at a dollar and from that to a French crown, at this place, through the winter. The spring has been rather dry; however the new crops of grain have not suffered, materially. We have no public news worth detailing. Deaths in Virginia are Colo. Harrison of Barclay, Turner Southall, J. Dixon the printer, Colo. Overton of Hanover. The marriage of Mr. Tucker with Mrs. Carter of Corotoman, taken place or about to take place, is perhaps new to you. To this I will add what is not new, that I am with great & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson\nBordeaux wines.\n1. Red. There are 4. crops which are best and dearest, to wit Chateau-Margaux, all engaged to Jernon a merchant. Tour de Segur belonging to Monsieur Miromenil, 125. tons. Hautbrion, two thirds of which are engaged; the other third belongs to the Count de Toulouse at Toulouse, and De la Fite belonging to the President Pichard at Bordeaux. The last are in perfection at 3. years old, the three first not till 4. years. They cost about 1500.? the tun when new, and from 2000.? to 2400.? when ready for drinking.\u2014The best red wines after the 4. crops are Rozan belonging to Madame de Rozan (who supplies me), Dabbadie ou Lionville, la Rose, Quirouen, Durfort. These cost 1000.? new, and I believe 1500.? to 1750.? fit for use. These wines are so nearly equal to the 4. crops that I do not believe any man can distinguish them when drank separately.\n2. White wines. The wines made in the Canton of Grave are most esteemed at Bordeaux. The best crops are 1. Pontac belonging to M. de Lamont, 400.\u20b6 the ton, new. 2. St. Brise belonging to M. de Pontac, 350.\u20b6 the ton new. 3. de Carbonius belonging to the Benedictine monks. They never sell new, and when old they get 800.\u20b6 the ton.\u2014But the white wines made in the three parishes above Grave are more esteemed at Paris than the vins de Grave. These are 1. Sauterne, the best of all, belonging to M. de Luz-Saluce (who supplies me) 300.\u20b6 the ton new and 600.\u20b6 old. 2. Prignac. The  best is the President du Roy[\u2019s]. Same price. 3. Barsac. Best is the President Pichard\u2019s. Same price.\nAdd to all these prices 5. sous for bottles and bottling. You have no occasion for a letter. The only introduction and the sufficient one is the cash. If you should apply to Madame de Rosan or Monsieur de Luz-Saluce, if their stock of good wine should be low, it may add an inducement to them to name me. In all cases the owner is the person to be applied to. He will either send you none, or good. He never adulterates, because he would be a felo de se to do it. All the persons live at Bordeaux where not otherwise mentioned.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0145", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Humphreys, David\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia, May 13th. 1791.\nMr. Thomas Barclay is appointed by the President of the United States to go to Morocco in the Character of Consul for the Purpose of obtaining from the new Emperor a Recognition of our Treaty with his Father.\nTen thousand dollars are appropriated for Presents in such Form and to such Persons as Mr. Barclay in his Discretion shall think best; and he is to receive for himself at the rate of Two thousand Dollars a year and his Sea expenses.\nIt is thought best that the money for these Purposes should be placed under your Controul, and that Mr. Barclay should draw on you for it. Thirty two thousand, one hundred and seventy five Gilders current are accordingly lodged in the Hands of our Bankers in Amsterdam, and they are instructed to answer your Draughts to that amount, you notifying them that they are to be paid out of the Fund of March 3rd. 1791, that this account may be kept clear of all others. You will arrange with Mr. Barclay the manner of making his Draughts so as to give yourself Time for raising the money by the Sale of your Bills.\nA Confidence in your Discretion has induced me to avail the Public of that, in the Transaction of this Business, and to recommend Mr. Barclay to your Counsel and Assistance through the whole of it. I inclose you one Set of the Bills for 13,000 Dollars beforementioned, and a Copy of my Letter to the Bankers. Duplicates will be sent to them directly. I have the Honor to be, with great and sincere Esteem Dear Sir, Your most obedient and Most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0146", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 13. 1791.\nThe bearer hereof Mr. James Jones proposing to visit Paris in a tour of travel, I take the liberty of recommending him to your acquaintance and friendly offices. The general worth of his character will sufficiently recommend him to you, and you will probably derive particular satisfaction from conversing with him on the subject of New Orleans, where having resided 20. years, he will be able to satisfy your curiosity on the subject of that country so interesting and so little known to us. I am with great & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your affectionate friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0148", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Lackington, 14 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lackington, James\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 14. 1791.\nMy removal from Paris to this place has probably been the cause of the intermission in my recieving your half yearly catalogues as usual. I will beg the favor of you to resume the practice of sending them to me, changing the former address to that of \u2018Thomas Jefferson Secretary of state Philadelphia, to the care of Messrs. Donald and Burton merchts. London.\u2019 On sending them to Messrs. Donald and Burton whose residence the London Directory states to be Angell court Throgmorton street, they will be regularly forwarded to me, and it will generally be in my power to lodge my order with you within 3. or 4. months after. I am Sir Your humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0149", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Lyons, 14 May 1791\nFrom: Lyons, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nHanover town. May 14th. 1791.\nI received, a few weeks past, a letter from Dr. Currie of Philadelphia, informing me of his preparing for the press, a history of the diseases which occur in the different parts of America and which will be printed next month. As the design is laudable, and the work may be useful, tho\u2019 he is quite unknown to me, I have endeavoured to comply with his request for my assistance, by giving him such information on the subject, as I could from the short notice and the interruption of Medical practice. The pleasure, which you have always appeared to enjoy, in communicating information yourself, and in assisting those, who endeavoured the same, has induced me to address the inclosed to you, as it will be conveyed easily, I hope, and save the considerable expence of postage, without being any to you. That it may not be thought an unwarrantable liberty will give considerable satisfaction; and at the same time it affords a pleasing opportunity of assuring you, that I am, Sir, With the most respectful regard, Your very humbl. Servt.,\nJas. Lyons", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0150", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 14 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 14. 1791.\nI received your favor by Capt. Heath, and notice what is said therein on the subject of the Marquee. Capt. Singleton has been certainly misinformed as to the delivery of it at Monticello. You know it was in the summer of 1782. I was at home the whole of that summer. My situation at that time enables me to say with certainty that I was not from home one day from the time the Marquee was borrowed till late in the fall when I went to Ampthill to have my children inoculated. It\u2019s delivery at Monticello therefore is impossible. On my return from Ampthill I set out for this place under an appointment to go to Europe. I left it among my written instructions to have application made to you for the Marquee lest some accident should happen to it. I have a strong idea too of having either spoken or written to you on the subject, either then or the ensuing year when I passed about 4. months in Virginia before my final departure from it. If Capt. Singleton will be so good as to state the proofs of the delivery, it may put us into a train of investigation, to find where the loss ought to fall. On you it cannot be: on me I know it to be impossible. Perhaps it may be traced to some person responsible to P.R.\u2019s estate. I am just setting out on a Month\u2019s journey to the Northward. My affectionate respects to Mrs. Randolph and am with great esteem Dear Sir Your sincere friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0152", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Sir John Sinclair, 14 May 1791\nFrom: Sinclair, Sir John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nWhitehall, 14 May 1791. He sends his best compliments, encloses some papers, and asks their acceptance by TJ. As to the Corn Laws, \u201cthey will not probably agree,\u201d but he sincerely wishes for some commercial arrangement between the two countries.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0153", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sumter, 14 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Sumter, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 14. 1791.\nI am really mortified at the account I am obliged to give you of the fate of the ores you confided to my care. I gave them you know to Count Andriani whose regular chemical education, and his fondness for that study, together with his leisure, induced me to expect an attentive and scientific analysis of them. I enquired of him continually from time to time, and he always told me he was trying them with solvents, and that the solution was going on. Being about to take a journey myself, I sent two days ago to his lodgings to ask the result of his experiments, or at least the prospect of the result. To my surprise my messenger brought me word that he had left town on a long journey. I will certainly know on his return something definitive: but I confess to you I expect he has failed of success in his trial of them.\nWe have nothing very interesting or late from Europe. The revolution in France was still going on steadily, and securely. England and Prussia endeavoring to domineer Russia into a peace with the Porte on their own terms: and Russia shewing no symptoms of attention to them. Burke\u2019s pamphlet and the answers to him occupy much attention there and here. Payne\u2019s and Priestly\u2019s are excellent. The former is the best thing it\u2019s author ever wrote.\u2014You mentioned  to me two instances of Volcanic eruption in Carolina. I must beg of you to take the trouble of collecting all the facts you can relative to these, and to be so good as to communicate them to me. This phaenomenon is so absolutely unprecedented in our part of America as to excite much attention.\u2014I have the honor to be with great & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0154", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 15 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Currie, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 15. 1791.\nI deferred making another application to Potter till Doctr. Griffin had so long overrun the time of his arrival that I thought it desperate and then went to Potter and shewed him Dr. G.\u2019s letters. He expressed his astonishment and assured me in the most pointed terms that he had no property of his in his hands but the wine mentioned before, and that he did not know in whose hands his certificates were. His language was pointed, but there was something in his looks, which cannot be described and which left me in some doubt. On returning from him I learned that Dr. G. had been two days in town. Next day I called at his lodgings. Not at home. Again, he was at dinner. I then wrote a note and asked a meeting. He called on me and assured me that he was taking measures, and in a few days would arrange your bills. I waited till the day before yesterday, and as I was to leave town to-day on a journey of a Month Northward, I then wrote to desire he would take some final arrangement. No answer. I called there twice yesterday. Not within. Twice to-day one answer was he was gone into the country, and the second that he had not been in the house for 2. or 3. days. This alarmed me, and on enquiry I found he was become invisible; and I am now satisfied he means to do nothing. This is Sunday. I will go tomorrow and have his bills regularly protested, and as I set out in the afternoon I will leave them in the hands of Mr. Henry Remsen to call and call again to see if any thing can be done, till you shall have time to answer this and say what you would have done. Were it my case, and were I disposed to push the matter legally and knew of no other property, I would, on the hesitation I thought I discovered in Potter\u2019s countenance, levy an attachment in his hands, and risk the expence of guessing wrong against the chance of his really holding the property. It is kept secret merely to avoid it\u2019s being attached.\u2014I write  so far now, because I have more time at this moment than I shall have tomorrow. But I will not close my letter till the moment of my departure, that I may give you the last intelligence. Direct your answer to \u2018Mr. Henry Remsen chief clerk of the Secretary of State\u2019s office. Market Street 274.\u2019\nMay 16. I have called again on Potter. He assures me he has never seen Dr. Griffin yet, and I feel myself better satisfied that he has nothing in his hands but the wine. Still that furnishes a sufficient ground for an attachment while you take the chance of their being something more. He points out two other brokers and a Vendue-master, whom he thinks likely to have property in their hands. Not having time now to search into this I have had the bills protested for non-acceptance (and paid 1 D.27 cents) so that you may bring an action if you please tho\u2019 they are not due. I leave them with Mr. Remsen who will search for the property, but do nothing more unless you order it. If you could find property in Virginia it would be better to proceed there. I am with great esteem Dr. Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0157", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel L. Hylton, 15 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hylton, Daniel L.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 15. 1791.\nBy Capt. Stratton I have recieved the 4. hhds. of tobo. Among these is one of those which had been injured by fire, and serves sufficiently to shew that tobacco of that quality cannot be sold here at any price. I must therefore ask your particular attention that there be no more of the fired tobacco sent here. I understood there were about 14,000 ?., say 12 hhds. fired. Should there be no other means of distinguishing them from the good, I must be at the expence of having them opened and examined at Richmond. I suppose they will have been inspected at Lynchberg. Just setting out on a journey and a thousand things crowding on me I have only time to present my affections to Mrs. Hylton and assure you of the sincere esteem of Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0158", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Mayor of Philadelphia, 15 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barclay, John\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to the Mayor of the city. He had understood there was a subscription paper for the relief of the sufferers by the late fire, which was handing about town, and expected he should have met it in turn. Not having as yet seen it and being about to leave town he asks permission to put into the hands of the Mayor the inclosed note for 25. dollars to be disposed of with the other donations for the same purpose.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0159", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 15 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May. 15. 1791.\nYour favor of April 30. came to hand on the 7th. inst. and I thank you for your information relative to the Opossum, which I hope the  next season will enable you to complete. You may count it as fortunate that so interesting an investigation remains still to be made, and that, being made with care and science, it cannot fail to attract general notice.\u2014In my letter of last week I mentioned my fear that Capt. Stratton was lost, with J. Eppes\u2019s baggage and 4. hhds. of my tobacco. He is since arrived, and will sail tomorrow for Richmd. He has received on board the following parcels addressed to the care of Mr. James Brown merchant at Richmond.\nTI. No. 1.\nA box of books. to wit. Encyclopedie. Buffon. Tacitus, and Journaux de Physique for yourself. Sacontal\u00e1 and the Magazins des modes for Patsy Anacharsis for Maria. Herrera. The history of Florida, and Acosta to be put into the library.\nA box with 7. Venetian blinds for the windows at Monticello.\nA box, containing your harness.\nA box of linen and stockings of mine. The latter article will furnish a good deal of employment for Bet if opened and given out to her.\nA bale, containing 4. mattrasses for the house, a calash for Patsy and 12. yds. striped Nankeen for Maria. I thought it safest to send this last by Stratton, and not by the stages as I had proposed in my letter to her.\nA bale, containing 2. mattrasses for the house, and a box with two panes of glass for Mrs. Lewis.\nA bale, containing Sally\u2019s bedding from France.N.B. James\u2019s bedding is in one of the bales; I don\u2019t know which. A dozen and a half Windsor chairs. They are loose and will probably be rubbed.\nI hope my tobo. will all come on now as soon as possible, except that which was fired. One of those hhds. Stratton brought was of this kind, and cannot be sold here at all. I will thank you to desire Mr. Lewis to take effectual measures to retain there the fired tobo. as, should it come here, I shall be obliged to send it back again to Richmond, which will cost a dollar a hundred, the coming and going. I am afraid my letter of Feb. 9. to Mr. Lewis never got to hand. The objects of it were to inform him of the sale of my tobo. here, to press a final settlement of my bargain with Ronald, and to advertize the Elkhill lands for sale. Not having seen the advertisement in Davies\u2019s paper, has excited my fear that the letter miscarried.  Perhaps it may have been put into some other paper. For fear it should have miscarried I will add the same form for the advertisement at the end of this letter. That of Feb. 9. was important for the other two objects also. It certainly ought to have got to hand before the date of your letter of Apr. 4. wherein you say he was still waiting my directions relative to the tobacco. I set out tomorrow on a journey to lakes George and Champlain, down Connecticut river, and through Long island back to N. York and this place, so that you will not hear from me for a month to come. I inclose you Bache\u2019s as well as Fenno\u2019s papers. You will have percieved that the latter is a paper of pure Toryism, disseminating the doctrines of monarchy, aristocracy, and the exclusion of the influence of the people. We have been trying to get another weekly or halfweekly paper set up excluding advertisements, so that it might go through the states, and furnish a whig-vehicle of intelligence. We hoped at one time to have persuaded Freneau to set up here, but failed. In the mean time Bache\u2019s paper, the principles of which were always republican, improves in it\u2019s matter. If we can persuade him to throw all his advertisements on one leaf, by tearing that off, the leaf containing intelligence may be sent without over-charging the post, and be generally taken instead of Fenno\u2019s. I will continue to send it to you, as it may not only amuse yourself, but enable you to oblige your neighbors with the perusal. My love to Martha and Maria, and be assured yourself of the sincere attachment of Dear Sir Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson\nFOR SALE. \u2026 Note. I would leave Mr. Lewis to decide whether it is best to mention the price of the lands in the advertisement. If he thinks not, that may be struck out, and insert instead of it \u2018the purchase money to be paid by instalments in 1793. 4. 5. 6.\u2019 with interest from the delivery, &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0160", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 15 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 15. 1791.\nWe are still without any occurrence foreign or domestic worth mentioning to you. It is sometime since any news has been recieved from Europe of the political kind, and I have been longer than common without any letters from Mr. Short.\nColo. Hamilton has taken a trip to Bethlehem. I think to avail myself also of the present interval of quiet to get rid of a headach which is very troublesome, by giving more exercise to the body and less to the mind. I shall set out tomorrow for New York, where Mr. Madison is waiting for me, to go up the North river, and return down Connecticut river and through Long-island. My progress of the North river will be limited by the time I allot for my whole journey, which is a month. So that I shall turn about whenever that renders it necessary. I leave orders, in case a letter should come from you covering the commission for Colo. Eveleigh\u2019s successor, that it should be opened, the great seal put to it, and then given out. My countersign may be added on my return. I presume I shall be back here about the time of your arrival at Mount-Vernon, where you will recieve this letter. The death of Judge Hopkinson has made a vacancy for you to fill. Should I pick up any thing in my journey, I will write it to you from time to time. I have the honor to be with sincere respect & attachment, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0161", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 16 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carmichael, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 16. 1791.\nMr. Swanwick informs me that the house of Morris, Willing & Swanwick have suffered a very considerable loss in the port of St. Andero, by an abuse of office, in having a cargo of corn thrown overboard as being bad, when it was in fact perfectly good. I know that in some countries of Europe it is often difficult to obtain justice against persons protected by court favor. In this, as in all other instances where our citizens shall have occasion to seek justice in the country of your residence, I would wish you to interfere just so far as by the influence of your character to counterbalance the undue protection of their opponents, so as that equal and impartial justice may be done them.\nThe regulation by which they suffer in the present instance, is, in it\u2019s nature extremely susceptible of abuse, and prevails, as I am told only in the ports of the bay of Biscay. The patronage of our commerce being the chief object of our diplomatic establishments abroad, you would render that an essential service could you obtain  a repeal of this regulation, or an impartial exercise of it, if the repeal cannot be obtained; and in any event, a permission to re-export a cargo of grain condemned. I have the honour to be with great esteem & respect Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0162", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Guide, 16 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Guide, Pierre\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 16. 1791.\nBeing in the moment of setting out on my journey, I have just time to acknolege the receipt of your favor of the 5th. inst. and to note your information that you had sent off by the stage of that day a case of wine and some raisins for me. On repeated enquiries at the different stage-offices, I find it has never arrived here which I thought necessary to mention to you in order to excite your enquiries after it, as it may have been left somewhere on the road. I am in hopes before my return that which comes by water will be also come to hand. I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0163", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Hay, 16 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hay, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 16. 1791.\nI have this morning had a conversation with Mr. Dobson a bookseller on the subject of your Encyclopedie; I told him if he could dispose of it at such an advance as he sells his own books at, so that you might get something like first cost for first cost you would take it in books. He thinks it possible, and will endeavor to dispose of it. He thinks the chance would be better if the books were here. Yet I doubt whether it is certain enough to go to the expence of sending them before a purchaser offers.\u2014I cannot help supposing you might find a purchaser in Virginia, on your assuring them that I will have the remainder imported for them (they advancing the money) which I will chearfully do. I will also be still on the lookout for a purchaser myself. I am this moment setting out on a long  journey, and can therefore only add assurances of the sincere esteem with which I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0165", "content": "Title: Jefferson\u2019s Instructions for Henry Remsen, Jr., 16 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Remsen, Henry, Jr.\nLetters which come in time to reach Albany before the 25th. instant may be sent to Albany. No newspapers to be forwarded, except Fenno\u2019s.\nIf a letter comes from the President, which seems to cover the commission for Mr. Eveleigh\u2019s successor, Mr. Remsen will be so good as to open it,.put the great seal to it, and send it to the person, with an assurance that I shall countersign it on my return. In the mean time he can act.\nMr. Remsen will be so good as to recieve a check on the bank  for 35. Dollars, of which on the close of the month 10. Doll. are to be paid to Francis, 10. D. to Philip and 5. D. to Brown. The residue is meant to cover any little demands arriving during my absence.\nI expect some parcels of wine from Bordeaux for the President and myself. Mr Lear will recieve the President\u2019s as also a parcel for him from Havre. I do not know the quantity of mine, which with the incertainty of it\u2019s coming at all prevents my leaving the duties. If it should arrive as there would be danger of it\u2019s spoiling in a warehouse, perhaps Mr. Delany will let it come to my own cellars, on assurance that I will settle the duties on my return.\nI expect 3 doz. of wine (as a sample) from Baltimore. Perhaps part of it may come by the stage. Also some cyder from Norfolk. The freight will be to be paid.\nMy tobo. as it comes, to be received by Mr. Lieper who will be so good as to pay the freight in my absence.\nI leave with Mr. Remsen Mr. Griffin\u2019s bill on Potter, protested. I have taken the liberty to desire Dr. Currie to inform Mr. Remsen what he would have done with them, and I will pray him to execute what he shall desire. Also to enquire if Griffin has any property in the hands of the persons whose names I give to Mr. Remsen.\u2014Griffin has promised most solemnly that he will, during the present week put into Mr. Remsen\u2019s hands paper to the whole amount of the bills. He will need pushing. Perhaps it may be prudent not to push so hard as to indispose him absolutely. It is very desireable to find out where his property is, yet so secretly as that he shall not know it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0166", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Vaughan, 16 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Vaughan, John\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Vaughan. He has sent one of Argand\u2019s double lamps to Mr. Bringhurst to have wickracks fixed to it, and has directed him to deliver it to Mr. Vaughan, when done, for the use of the Philosophical society whose acceptance of it he asks. He presumes that if suspended over the middle of the table it will sufficiently light it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0167", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 May 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 17 May 1791. He was presented to the Queen on the 13th, delivered his letter of credence, and, with the approval of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed his discourse in English, a copy of which he encloses. The Queen, surrounded at the public audience by her ministers, the diplomatic corps, the nobility, the chief officers of the departments, and many ladies of the court, replied \u201con the spot \u2026 viv\u00e2 voc\u00ea, \u2018Her wish that the United States of America might in return enjoy all manner of prosperity.\u2019\u201d He also encloses a letter on the subject from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. This was the birthday of the Prince of Brazil, who assisted in the ceremony, and also the anniversary of the Queen\u2019s coronation, circumstances which caused \u201cthe numerous Company and splendid Gala of the Court. Great promotions took place; and undissembled satisfaction with Her Majesty, and the mild and happy administration of Her Government seemed universally to prevail\u2026 . P.S. I flatter myself with having opportunities, hereafter, of demonstrating in the most unequivocal manner every thing I have asserted respecting the mild Government and prosperous state of Portugal.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0169", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Leiper, 19 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Leiper, Thomas\nSir\nNew York May 19. 1791.\nThe day I left Philadelphia, I went for the first time up into the book-room which Mr. Carstairs is building, and then for the first time also observed he had left no place for the chimney. On asking an explanation I found that some how or other he had taken a notion from the beginning that there was to be none. I am sure he had it not from me. It is possible that I may not have particularly spoken of the chimney, looking on it as a thing of course, but I certainly never gave him the idea of having none. I meant to have spoke to you about it, but saw you only for a moment, and did not then think of it. Mr. Carstairs says there will be no difficulty in fixing the chimney, and promised to speak to you about it. I have thought it better to write to you that it may be done while you have the bricklayers and materials on the spot. I am in hopes they are already painting the inside of the house, and that I shall find every thing finished on my return. I am Sir Your very humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0170", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from the Abb\u00e9s Arnoux and Chalut, 20 May 1791\nFrom: Arnoux, Abb\u00e9,Chalut, Abb\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis 20. mai 1791.\nNotre legislature tant attendue, tant desir\u00e9e et \u00e0 la fin obtenue, tend \u00e0 sa fin, notre cher Monsieur, et notre Constitution est presque achev\u00e9e. Le mois de juillet prochain verra la fin et l\u2019achevement de l\u2019une et de l\u2019autre, et dans ce meme tems la nouvelle legislature succedera \u00e0 l\u2019ancienne. Si notre constitution n\u2019est pas parfaite, le tems, l\u2019experience, la reflexion et de nouvelles lumieres la rendront moins imparfaite. La perfection absolue n\u2019est pas le partage de L\u2019homme, mais avec cette Constitution nous serons heureux. Comment ne le serions nous pas? Nous sommes maintenant tous egaux  en droits par la loi; nous l\u2019etions par la nature. Le despotisme nous en avoit priv\u00e9s. Les privileges des provinces et des hommes sont abolis. Ces distinctions impolitiques, immorales et odieuses de nobles, de roturiers et de serfs, ont disparu de la surface de la France. Le Clerg\u00e9 est devenu Citoyen et ses richesses, que la Cupidit\u00e9 avoit arrach\u00e9es de l\u2019ignorance et de la Superstition des peuples, servent \u00e0 payer nos detes et nous sauvent d\u2019une banqueroute. La magistrature n\u2019est plus hereditaire. La peuple par ses electeurs nomme ses magistrats pay\u00e9s par la nation, et leurs jugements ne sont plus infect\u00e9s d\u2019une Criminelle Cupidit\u00e9. Nos \u00e9vech\u00e9s sont reduits presque \u00e0 moiti\u00e9, et fix\u00e9s au nombre de quatre-vingt deux. Les anciens eveques ont \u00e9t\u00e9 remplac\u00e9s \u00e0 l\u2019exception de deux, il y en a soixante et dix nouveaux en pleine activit\u00e9 que le peuple a nomm\u00e9 par ses electeurs, et ces nouveaux eveques remplissent leur place \u00e0 la satisfaction et \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9dification du peuple. Les anciens n\u2019oseroient pas paroitre dans leur ville episcopale. Leur luxe, leur oisivet\u00e9, leurs moeurs Les avoit rendus meprisables. Le Roi, dans l\u2019ancien regime, les nommoit, c\u2019est \u00e0 dire Les ministres, les favoris et les Catins de la Cour. Les eveques n\u2019\u00e9toient que les fruits de l\u2019intrigue, de la Cabale et de la faveur; ce qu\u2019on cherchoit le moins dans Leur choix \u00e9toit les talents et Les vertus.\nNous sommes libres comme vous, nos Loix nouvelles nous assurent notre Libert\u00e9, et notre obeissance \u00e0 ces memes loix nous la conservera. Nos regards, depuis votre revolution, \u00e9toient amoureusement tourn\u00e9s vers vous, nous admirions vos loix, votre libert\u00e9, et nous nous plaignions de ne pas jouir ici des memes avantages. Notre revolution a fait cesser nos plaintes, nous sommes devenus Citoyens, et la porte du bonheur nous est ouverte. Nous Sommes heureux, nous le serons davantage \u00e0 l\u2019avenir. Les secousses de la revolution ont agit\u00e9 les esprits, le Calme commence \u00e0 s\u2019\u00e9tablir, il ne restera bient\u00f4t plus que l\u2019inquietude Salutaire de l\u2019amour de la Libert\u00e9 qui Contient tous les pouvoirs delegu\u00e9s.\nAvec les Sentiments de la philosophie que vous nous Connoissez, il nous est impossible de ne pas desirer que la revolution qui a Abattu le despotisme en France Le fasse disparo\u00eetre chez tous nos voisins et sur la Surface du monde entier.\nCroirez-vous que des membres de la chambre des pairs et de celle des Communes d\u2019angleterre condamnent notre revolution? Cela est Cependant vrai. Les anglois membres du parlement sont presque tous Aristocrates et la majorit\u00e9 est vendue au gouvernement qui paye Cette prostitution par tous les emplois Corrupteurs que la nation a laiss\u00e9s \u00e0 la disposition du Roi. Les anglois ennemis de  notre revolution n\u2019ont prosper\u00e9 qu\u2019avec les avantages d\u2019un gouvernement moins vicieux que le n\u00f4tre. Ils voyent avec douleur que notre Constitution nous met au-dessus d\u2019eux, et que nous sommes affranchis des vices politiques qui t\u00f4t ou tard leur feront perdre le peu de libert\u00e9 qui leur reste. M. Payne, votre Concitoyen, dans un ouvrage plein de la logique, de la raison, et de la Connoissance des droits des hommes et des Societ\u00e9s, vient de prouver que M. Burke n\u2019est qu\u2019un sot et qu\u2019un ignorant, ou bien qu\u2019un homme d\u2019une insigne mauvaise foi. Cet ouvrage vous est sans doute parvenu, il a fait fortune ici, et il pourroit \u00eatre Contre le gouvernement anglois ce qu\u2019a et\u00e9 son Livre du Sens Commun.\nLes papiers anglois et fran\u00e7ois vous parviennent. Il y a dans les premiers une partialit\u00e9 qui revolte, il semble que les journalistes soient pay\u00e9s pour Calomnier La france, sa revolution, sa Constitution. Vous Connoissez L\u2019esprit et les principes de L\u2019assembl\u00e9e nationale. Les mensonges des journalistes ne font qu\u2019exciter votre piti\u00e9, mais les ignorants adoptent les mensonges imprim\u00e9s. Les journaux fran\u00e7ois se sont multipli\u00e9s \u00e0 un point \u00e9tonnant, il y en a chaque jour une Centaine qui sont Cri\u00e9s \u00e0 tue-tete dans toutes les rues et sur toutes les places. Les trois quarts ne Contiennent que des choses fausses, des Calomnies, des erreurs, des personnalit\u00e9s Contre des gens de tous les \u00e9tats, contre l\u2019assembl\u00e9e nationale, contre le Roi, Contre les Ministres, Contre la Religion et Contre Dieu meme. Les Passions se nuancent selon Les differents interests. En general, tout ce qui \u00e9toit privilegi\u00e9, tout ce qui \u00e9toit noble ou eglisier riche, tout ce que \u00e9toit magistrat, tout ce qui tenoit \u00e0 la Cour et \u00e0 ses abus est ennemi de la revolution. Les amis de la revolution \u00e9crivent pour, Ses ennemis ecrivent contre; c\u2019est \u00e0 la raison, c\u2019est \u00e0 la reflexion \u00e0 discerner le vrai du faux. Quant aux decrets de l\u2019assembl\u00e9e nationale, il faut les juger selon Leur contenu et Les avoir tels qu\u2019ils ont \u00e9t\u00e9 rendus. Avec La Libert\u00e9 de la presse, avec des amis et des ennemis, le vrai et le faux circulent \u00e9galement. Malgr\u00e9 les mal intentionn\u00e9s, malgr\u00e9 les anticitoyens, la france restera libre. Le peuple sent tout le prix de la libert\u00e9 et aucune puissance humaine ne pourroit \u00e9touffer ce Sentiment. Il a secou\u00e9 le joug de la Superstition; il brave, il se moque des foudres de rome, les menaces de cette cour jadis si redoutable n\u2019exitent que son mepris, il a vu le renouvellement des anciens eveques avec la Satisfaction qu\u2019inspire la retraite d\u2019un homme qu\u2019on Craint et qu\u2019on n\u2019estime pas. Il a re\u00e7u les nouveaux Eveques avec des demonstrations de joye qu\u2019on n\u2019avoit jamais temoign\u00e9e aux anciens: jugez par L\u00e0 si la nouvelle Constitution civile du clerg\u00e9 Lui deplait.\nVous nous avez Souvent dit que si vous aviez \u00e0 choisir entre un bon gouvernement et le jugement par les Jur\u00e9s, vous prefereriez ce dernier au premier. Nous avons l\u2019un et l\u2019autre. Tout ce qui regarde le jugement par les jur\u00e9s est decret\u00e9, et avant la fin de juin prochain Les proc\u00e8s criminels ne seront pas jug\u00e9s autrement.\nIl ne reste de l\u2019ancien regime et de l\u2019ancien gouvernement que le Souvenir des maux qu\u2019ils nous ont Caus\u00e9s pour nous garantir de Leur retour. Les Ministres Si fiers Si despotes sont aujourdhui honnetes et obeissants \u00e0 la loi. Il est vrai que leur administration par la raison et par la loi est plus penible que par l\u2019arbitraire.\nM. le Prince de Cond\u00e9 et M. D\u2019Artois, frere du Roi, sont fugitifs depuis le premier jour de la revolution. Le premier est en Allemagne et l\u2019autre \u00e0 Turin. Ils sont desesper\u00e9s de tout ce qui se passe en france. Ils \u00e9toient sous l\u2019ancien regime des hommes puissants, ils faisoient ouvrir le tresor public o\u00f9 ils prennoient de quoi satisfaire \u00e0 leur extravagante prodigalit\u00e9. Leur profusion \u00e9toit fort avantageuse \u00e0 leur alentour. Livr\u00e9s \u00e0 leurs flateurs, ayant tous les vices \u00e0 leur service, ils n\u2019etoient occup\u00e9s que des objets de leur imagination et de leurs sens. Rien ne les contenoit, leur volont\u00e9 \u00e9toit leur seule Loi. Par la nouvelle Constitution, ils ne sont plus que des Citoyens soumis aux memes Loix, ils ne disposeront plus des revenus publics. Ils auront les leurs, assez grands s\u2019ils sont sages et \u00e9conomes; enfin, ils \u00e9toient des despotes, et ils ne peuvent plus \u00eatre que des hommes libres, dependants comme les autres de la loi. S\u2019ils pouvoient susciter des ennemis \u00e0 la france pour y retablir l\u2019ancien regime, ils se mettroient \u00e0 la tete d\u2019une arm\u00e9e pour assouvir leur rage. Ils ont beaucoup de mecontents avec eux, mais les mecontents ne peuvent faire que des efforts impuissants pour l\u2019execution de leurs ridicules projets. Nous avons, independemment des troupes regl\u00e9es, plus de deux millions de Citoyens sous les armes qui preferent la mort \u00e0 l\u2019esclavage. Avec cette force redoutable, qui peut nous attaquer? Nous sentons tr\u00e8s bien que les rois voyent avec douleur notre revolution et les principes de notre Constitution. Ils Craignent que les grandes verit\u00e9s qui Circulent dans toute l\u2019europe ne fassent ouvrir les yeux des peuples asservis. Ils auront beau faire, la lumiere percera partout. Les Societ\u00e9s doivent rentrer dans L\u2019usage de tous les droits qu\u2019on leur a vol\u00e9s.\nLa Libert\u00e9 de Conscience et de religion est \u00e9tablie parmi nous, la diversit\u00e9 des opinions religieuses ne sera plus un motif de persecution. Convenez que notre raison a fait de grands progr\u00e8s depuis peu d\u2019ann\u00e9es. De quelque religion que soit un homme, il aura le droit de pretendre \u00e0 toutes les places. Les absurdit\u00e9s alloient si  loin chez nous qu\u2019il falloit un Certificat de Catholicit\u00e9 pour avoir la permission de vendre du Sel \u00e0 petites mesures. Nous avons banni de notre Langue le mot tolerence, parce qu\u2019il est absurde de l\u2019employer pour l\u2019exercice d\u2019un droit. Chacun sera religieux \u00e0 sa maniere. La seule chose qui vous deplaira peut \u00eatre et qui est legalement \u00e9tablie, c\u2019est que la nation Salarie exclusivement les fonctionnaires publics du Culte Commun. Il est quelque fois utile de transiger avec Les prejug\u00e9s. Nous S\u00e7avons que chez vous les choses \u00e0 Cet egard ne sont pas sur le meme pied. Cependant vous avez des ministres de la religion qui ont des terres qui leur Servent de Salaires et que Ces terres ont \u00e9t\u00e9 Conced\u00e9es, ou par les parroisses ou par l\u2019\u00e9tat. Les lumieres avec Le tems Corrigeront des abus qu\u2019il seroit dangereux d\u2019abolir dans le moment present.\nNous pensons que M. Short vous fait parvenir tous les decrets de L\u2019assembl\u00e9e nationale. C\u2019est pas ses decrets que vous La jugerez, et votre jugement sera d\u2019autant plus s\u00fbr que vous Connoissez la france, que vous L\u2019avez vue dans le tems des plus grands abus et sous le regime le plus despotique. Vous avez connu nos moeurs, vous avez vu les premiers tems de la revolution. Toutes ces connoissances sont bien necessaires pour juger avec Connoissance de Cause notre revolution et notre Constitution.\nIl est heureux pour nous d\u2019avoir empech\u00e9 une guerre Civile que les Aristocrates auroient bien voulu exciter, mais l\u2019esprit du peuple \u00e9toit trop decid\u00e9 pour La Libert\u00e9. Il n\u2019\u00e9toit pas possible de le tromper et de l\u2019\u00e9garer. Il faut que nos ennemis int\u00e9rieurs contiennent leur rage et se bornent \u00e0 Leurs vains desirs. Un jour ils beniront avec le peuple une revolution qui a assur\u00e9 leurs personnes et leurs propriet\u00e9s, avantage dont ils ne jouissoient pas sous L\u2019ancien regime.\nNous ignorons si, dans vos etats unis, les gens de Couleur n\u00e9s des p\u00e8res et meres Libres jouissent chez vous de tous les droits de Citoyens actifs. Nous S\u00e7avons que chez les anglois ces droits ne leur sont pas assur\u00e9s. L\u2019assembl\u00e9e vient de decr\u00e9ter que les hommes de Couleur n\u00e9s des peres et meres libres, en payant les taxes prescrites par la loi, sont declar\u00e9s Citoyens actifs et eligibles. Ce decret n\u2019a pas \u00e9t\u00e9 rendu sans des grandes oppositions de la part des d\u00e9put\u00e9s de nos isles, mais la justice et la verit\u00e9 ont triomph\u00e9. Comme les gens de Couleur sont plus nombreux que les blancs, ce decret les attachera davantage \u00e0 notre Constitution et ils seront par l\u00e0 plus interess\u00e9s \u00e0 la deffense de nos isles et \u00e0 leur prosperit\u00e9.\nIl est tems que nous finissions une lettre qui n\u2019est deja que trop Longue. Les affaires de votre place auroient d\u00fb nous porter \u00e0  abreger. Il n\u2019est pas facile d\u2019arreter une plume sur une matiere si interessante pour nous et pour l\u2019espece humaine. Les gens heureux aiment \u00e0 parler de leur bonheur, comme les malheureux aiment \u00e0 entretenir de leurs maux. Ceux-ci les radoucissent et les premiers l\u2019augmentent. Que ne nous est-il permis d\u2019esperer qu\u2019un jour toutes les Societ\u00e9s politiques ne seront plus livr\u00e9es aux brigandages de la tirannie? Il faudroit pour cela \u00e9teindre dans l\u2019homme la Soif des richesses et de la domination, et l\u2019eclairer sur la justice, seule base du bonheur. Il faudroit lui faire envisager l\u2019agriculture comme la Source de toute prosperit\u00e9 morale, politique et civile, et les arts comme des principes Corrupteurs S\u2019ils ne sont pas Contenus dans des justes limites. Nous ne voulons pas Condamner les hommes \u00e0 ne faire usage que de la hache et de la Scie. Cette austerit\u00e9 n\u2019a jamais convenu qu\u2019aux Spartiates, mais nous voudrions qu\u2019un Luxe moins immoder\u00e9 contentat nos desirs. La modestie et la Sobriet\u00e9 qui Conviennent tant aux particuliers conviennent aussi \u00e0 toutes les Societ\u00e9s. Nous voudrions que le travail fut par la necessit\u00e9 des choses le Saint devoir des hommes de toutes les Classes, pour bannir la Criminelle oisivet\u00e9, m\u00e8re de tous les vices.\nL\u2019histoire de tous les tems semble ne pas nous permettre d\u2019esperer ce nouvel ordre de choses. Les Societ\u00e9s se Corrompent en vieillissant et il faut rependre des torrents de Sang pour les regenerer. Nous esperons Cependant. Le desespoir nous rendroit plus malheureux, et l\u2019esperance est notre Soulagement et notre bonheur. C\u2019est ainsi que nous terminons notre Lettre.\nNous voudrions ecrire en meme tems \u00e0 M. Adams et \u00e0 M. Jay. Voudriez-vous permettre que Cette Lettre Leur fut Commune et leur faire parvenir L\u2019assurance de notre estime et de notre amiti\u00e9, avec nos hommages respectueux pour Mde. Adams et pour Mde. Jay.\nNous Comptions de vous envoyer encore deux volumes des ouvrages posthumes de notre ami L\u2019abb\u00e9 de Mably, mais l\u2019impression n\u2019en est pas achev\u00e9e. D\u00e8s qu\u2019ils seront imprim\u00e9s nous aurons L\u2019honneur de vous en envoyer trois exemplaires, un pour vous, et les deux autres pour M. Adams et pour M. Jay.\nQuand vos affaires vous permettront de nous donner de vos nouvelles et de celles de votre pa\u00efs, vous nous ferez un veritable plaisir. Quand nous pourrons faire quelque chose qui vous soit agreable, nous sommes \u00e0 vos ordres et \u00e0 votre Service. Vous nous trouverez toujours dispos\u00e9s \u00e0 vous temoigner les Sentiments d\u2019estime et d\u2019amiti\u00e9 que vous nous avez inspir\u00e9s et avec lesquels nous avons  L\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre Monsieur vos tr\u00e8s humbles et tr\u00e8s obeissants Serviteurs,\nChalut Arnoux\nM. L\u2019ambassadeur de france aupr\u00e8s de votre Congr\u00e8s a bien voulu Se Charger de cette Lettre. Vous serez bien Content de son Esprit et de son Coeur. Vous trouverez en Lui un homme Sage qui remplira sa mission \u00e0 la Satisfaction de la france et des etats unis. Son desir est de Concourir efficacement \u00e0 la prosperit\u00e9 des deux nations. Toute sa politique Consistera dans la verit\u00e9 et dans les avantages respectifs. Vous le Connoissez et vous avez Surement sur son Compte les memes Sentiments que nous.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0172", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Willard, 20 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Willard, Joseph\nSir\nNew York May 20. 1791.\nI have the honor to inclose you a packet which came from France under cover to me.\nI recieved several times, while in France, two copies, in sheets, of certain books printed in the king\u2019s press, and which had been procured from him as a present to two of our colleges by the Marquis de Chastellux. I knew from this gentleman himself that the college of Virginia was one to which such a present was ordered, but had no information as to the 2d. copy. I therefore forwarded it from time to time to Doctr. Franklin who had recieved and forwarded it while in France, taking for granted he knew it\u2019s destination and would send it on from Philadelphia. At the time of his death however there remained one of these parcels in his hands, which was sent to me in Philadelphia by his family. I have some idea that yours was the college to which this 2nd. copy was given. However of this you Sir can give me information, as in that case you must have been in the course of recieving them, and I will thank you for that information. If it be to your\u2019s that the present goes, it shall be forwarded as soon as I return to Philadelphia. I have the honor to be with great respect & esteem, Sir, Your most obedt. and most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0173-0002", "content": "Title: I. Jefferson\u2019s Journal of the Tour, [21 May\u201310 June 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n Conklin\u2019s in the highlands. Found here the Thuya Occidentalis, called White cedar and Silverfir, called hemlock. [The former with an imbricated leaf, the latter with single pinnated leaves. Also the Candleberry myrtle.\n Poughkeepsie. The White pine [5. leaved] Pitch-pine [3. leaved] Juniper [a shrub with decumbent stems about 8 f. long, with single leaves all round the stem, and berries used for infusing gin.]\n Claverac. Azalea. [wild honeysuckle rose-coloured, on stems 4. f. high loaded richly with large flowers of a strong, pink fragrance. They say it bears an apple eateable]\n Hudson. A manufacture of Duck beginning. 1000. barrels of salted herring exported annually. A distillery from which 1000 hhds of rum are annually exported. Waterford. Saw nails made by cutting them with a pair of shears from the end of a bar of iron, the thickness of which corresponded with the thickness of the nail, and it\u2019s breadth with the length. We saw 120. cut off in a minute, and 24. headed in a minute, which would amount to 20. a minute cut off and headed. But they make habitually about 4000. a day. The iron formed into bars costs about 50 per cent more than nail rod. The sheers cost 9. dollars. The bit is sometimes welded to the sheers, sometimes fixed on with screws so as to be taken off to be ground. They are made at Lebanon in N. York. The lever vice for heading is very simple. Cohoes. Sugar maple.\n Still water. Polypod. Saratoga. Ground oak. Fort Edward. The small red squirrel.\n Lake George. Honeysuckle [Lonicera] wild cherry with single fruit, the black gooseberry, Velvet Aspen, cotton Willow, paper birch or white birch, bass-wood wild rose, Spruce pine with single leaves all round the stem \u2153 I. long, with abundance of sugar maple pitch pine, white pine, silver fir, thuya, red cedar. The Thuya is much covered with a species of long moss of a foot long generally, but sometimes 4.f. Strawberries now in blossom and young fruit.\n This lake is formed by a contour of mountains into a bason 36. miles long and from 1. to 4. miles wide, the hill sides shelving down to the water edge and only here and there leaving small intervals of low land, tolerably good. Now and then are precipices of rock forming the bank of the lake, as well as hanging over it in immence heights. One of these is famous &c. [famed by the name of Rogers\u2019s rock, the celebrated partisan officer of that name having escaped the pursuit of Indns. by sliding down it when covered with snow, and escaping across the lake then frozen over. The neighborhood of this lake is healthy but there are few inhabitants on it.] It\u2019s waters very clear, except just at the North end, abounding with salmon-trout of 7.\u2114  weight, speckled or red trout, Oswego bass of 6. or 7.\u2114 weight, rock bass, yellow perch. There are seagulls in abundance, loons and some wild-ducks. Rattle snakes abound on it\u2019s borders. Two which we killed were of a sutty dark colour, obscurely checkered. It is infested with swarms of musketoes and gnats, and 2 kinds of biting fleas. It is pretty much interspersed with small islands. It closes with ice about the last of December and opens from the 15th. to the 20th. of April. The difference between the height of it\u2019s water in spring and fall is about 2. feet. There is no lime stone immediately on the lake but abundance in the neighborhood on the East side.\n Lake Champlain is a much larger but less pleasant water than L. George. It is about 110 miles long and from one to 15. miles broad. It is narrow and turbid from Ticonderoga to beyond the Split rock about 30. miles, where it is said to widen and grow more clear. It yields cat fish of 20 \u2114 weight, sturgeon, and salmon, also the fish found in L. George except the trout but in smaller quantities, and it is less infested with musketoes and insects. The Eastern bank is of limestone laminated like slate, on the Western side is none, and it is remarkeable that to the Westward of this and L. George, the people are obliged to come to them from great distances for their limestone. The Western end is closed by high mountains of very indifferent lands, on the East side the lands are champaign, the Green mountains rising out of them at the distance of 20 or 25. miles and running parallel with the lake as far as the sight extends. These lands may be called good, and begin to be thickly seated. The growth on both sides the lake much the same as on lake George, to which add the yellow or 2. leaved pine, and the thistle in much abundance as to embarrass agriculture in a high degree. This lake is conjectured to be about 100 f. lower than L. George; the difference of it\u2019s level in spring and fall is about 3. f. It closes with ice about the last of November, and opens a few days before lake George. It is to be noted that we have seen no poplar, dogwood, nor redbud since we have passed the highlands, nor any fruit trees but apples and here and there  a cherry tree. We have seen no persimmons in any place since crossing the Hudson.\n June \u20072.\n From L. George to Sandy hill the first three or 4. miles are over high hills which would seem avoidable by following a valley on the Eastern side. The hills are sandy and poor. The residue of the road is along a high plain of sand, limestone and round pebble crossed by 2 or 3. creeks which seem sufficiently copious and elevated to admit a canal of navigation to L. George on the North and the Hudson on the South, 8 miles distant in that part. The plains are pine barrens. We pass Wing\u2019s falls and Sandy hill falls of about 35 or 40. f. each on a bed of limestone in horizontal strata.\n From Sandy hill to Fort Edward and McNeal\u2019s ferry 14. miles along the river side: some good lowlands, the highlands indifferent.\n Middletown. Axis in peritrochio for drawing water. The wheel 6. f. diameter has the rope wound round it with the bucket, the axis 8. I. diameter has a weight appended sufficient to balance the bucket on the wheel when full of water. This weight descends to the ground outside of the well when the bucket is drawn up, and when you send down the bucket you wind up the weight.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0173-0003", "content": "Title: II. Jefferson\u2019s Notes on the Hessian Fly, [24 May\u201318 June 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nConrad Lasher. 16. miles above Poughkeepsie. The Hessian fly remains on the ground among the stubble of the old wheat. At  ploughing time for sowing the new crop they rise in swarms before the plough horses. Soon after the wheat comes up they lay the egg in it, of the size of a nit, and will crack like it. He supposes the old fly dies in the winter. In the spring they begin to grow. [I saw them just below the highlands on the 21st. of May in the worm state, about as long as a grain of rye, and one third it\u2019s volume. White, smooth and transparent.] In June the Chrysalis bursts and the insect comes out, brown like a flax seed, a little longer, and with wings. The egg is found from the joint nearest the ground. He has counted 120. on one stalk, always under cover of the blade. The stem decays in that part, turns yellow, the blades become erect, and the plant dies. The farmers have found a remedy in what they call the new sort of wheat which is a white bearded wheat equal in quantity and quality to any kind they ever tended. It has a more vigorous stalk. He tried by highly dunging a piece of ground to give the old kind of wheat vigour enough to resist. For a while it promised fair, but the insect got the better at length and he made no more from that than any other. They are never in the grain or chaff. He thinks the fly does not generally remain in the straw when carried to the stack. Yet in one instance on threshing a stack in the spring, there were some found in the straw. He thinks they had no wings and consequently thinks they were dead. They have two wings naturally. The fly harms nothing.\nThe crop of the growth of 1785 was the first attacked. However that year they made a good deal. In 86. they destroyed all. So also in 87. and 88. These were the three years of it\u2019s principal rage. In 1789. his crop was of the new wheat. In 90. he had no insect, nor is there any this year 91. His neighbor who continues the old wheat had some flies in 89. but not so as to injure his crop. He never saw an instance of it in the new wheat but it has attacked rye a little. But never any thing else that he knows of.\nPulvar. 23. miles above Lashar\u2019s. The fly came first in 1787. into this neighborhood and destroyed the crops of 87. 88. 89. The people got the new sort of wheat which had a stronger stalk. Some tended that and the old kind at the same time. The old would be all destroyed and the new a little touched. Generally from 5. to 20 worms to a stem. The spring wheat more totally destroyed than the fall wheat. It attacked rye a little, oats a very little. There were a very few flies in 90. None this year 91. There would seem to be the best prospect possible of a good crop and then the moment it was getting into the ear it would all fall. The old kind of wheat is now rid of  them. The worm is at first white, then becomes brown and a little bigger than a flea, then it bursts it\u2019s case and comes out a fly with two wings about the beginning of June.\nKenderhook. Shethar. A field of rye which he sowed in the spring for pasture was totally destroyed. In 1788 was the first mischief he had done. Not certain if any fly appeared the year before. They prevailed little here when at the worst. He thinks that they never destroyed above one tenth taking the neighborhood in general. All gone now.\nMoore. 8 miles from Albany. The fly was first seen in 1787. A few only. 1788 they did the most mischeif. In 1789 less. In 1790 they were only in two or three places and very few. None this year. Some persons insist on having found the fly in their stacks in the spring when they went to threshing. Others suppose them mistaken, and that it was some other fly. [This proves that but a few at any rate survived winter.]\nAlbany. Genl. Schuyler. There might perhaps be some few in this neighborhood in 87. but in 88. about 1/10 of the wheat of the neighborhood was destroyed. In 89 much less. Perhaps none in 90. This year certainly none.\nWaterford. Gregory. First appeared in 88. Then the most mischief. In 89. very few. None since\nBenjamin. 11. miles above Waterford. Same exactly as Waterford.\nStill-water. Dr. Willard. 15. miles above Waterford. The principal mischief was done in 1788. He has heard that a few were seen in 1787. There was very little injury in 89. None since.\nSaratoga. Mr. Schuyler. He understood a few were seen in 87. In 88. they injured the Spring barley and nothing else. In 89. they did the same as to Spring barley but in a still less degree. None since.\nF[ort] Edward. The fly was known here in 88. and 89. but not enough to do perceptible damage.\nSandy hill. 2 miles above. do.\nF[ort] George. Never here at all.\nCambridge. Had a few in 1789. 90. Have heard of some this year, but never did any sensible injury. They showed themselves rather more in Spring grain. Colvin.\nBennington. Had a few in 89. 90. Have not heard if there are any this year. Never did any injury. Dewey. Fay. Robertson.\nPitsfeild and Dalton. In 88 first known but not to do mischief. In 89. about one third of the wheat in the neighborhood destroyed. In 90. a few but no harm. This year have not heard of any.\nNorthampton. In 88. first known but did no harm. In 89 rather more, but not sensibly injurious. In 90 still a few. This year none.\nW. Springfeild. Some were seen in 87 but did no injury, yet it spread such an alarm that few people sowed wheat. They substituted rye in their grounds. The few who sowed wheat however had as good as ever in 88. Then in 89 every body sowed again and no harm done. Some say there are a few this year.\n[Ju]ne 10. Sidon hill near Middletown. They appeared here first in 84. and did extreme mischief that year and 85. and 86. that the informant left off sowing wheat in 87. 8. 9. In 90 he had a good crop of the sowing of 89 and no fly. This year he knows of no fly.\nStranton\u2019s 5 miles from Guildford. They appeared here first in 1786. but did not very much injury that year. But every year since they have destroyed \u2153 or \u00bd and are as many this year as ever. They got the new kind of bearded wheat last year and this year a small quantity. They have not injured that more than rye. They have sometimes touched the rye a little. Have not meddled with oats.\n[G]uilford. They came here about 86. and have done much mischief in the old wheat.\nOyster pond point. They came here about 86. Have done much mischief ever since. The yellow bearded wheat has been introduced. That is strong and attacked about as much as rye is. If that wheat gets the start they cannot hurt it. Has heard of none this year. Rufus Tupple.\nSouthold. 15 miles from Oyster pond point. Mrs. L\u2019hommedieu\u2019s. The fly came here in 85. and destroyed the crops of that year, 86. and 87. Then they got the yellow bearded wheat which resisted them in a great degree but not entirely. But they got a piebald wheat from Goshen which they never touched and it is a fine white wheat. Besides this the farmers finding that the fly destroyed all weakly wheat got into the practice of manuring highly which contributed very much to prevent the ravages of the fly by making the wheat too vigorous for them: so that by the improvement of manure the country really has been benefited. In 88. 89. 90. no mischief done worth speaking of but in the old lands and old kinds of wheat. In these there are some this year.\nThe fly lays a maggot (not an egg) in the young wheat near the root. This becomes in the winter and spring a cocoon. Resembles flax seed and eats itself out of it\u2019s coat in May or June and comes out a fly. This fly appeared first in Flatbush near where the Hessians landed and the year after they landed, and they have travelled about 20 miles a year, more or less according to the winds.\nThe yellow bearded wheat was foreign wheat taken by the British (not known from whom) a bushel of which was sowed by a miller accidentally.\nThe fly cannot go Westwardly because repelled by the Westwardly winds.\nColo. Dearing of Shelter Isld. has been particularly serious in his observations on this fly.\nRiverhead. Griffin. Fly was never at this place, nor for 4 or 5 miles all around it. Beyond that distance in every direction a plenty. The reason unassignable. This is 18. miles from Southold.\nMorichie\u2019s. Downs\u2019s. Came into this neighborhood in 85. He had a very few that year, but not to do sensible injury. Has had none since. This neighborhood for some miles never affected by it. Cannot account for it.\nGenl. Floyd. He observed that the fly travelled from West to East about 20 miles a year, but he went a journey N.E. and found they travelled much more in that direction because it was going before the wind, for at the season of their being able to fly the S.W. winds prevail. This is the reason they go slowly to the Westward.\nTerry\u2019s. 22 miles from Genl. Floyd\u2019s. The fly came here in 85. and destroyed some fields of wheat entirely. However they have never prevailed on the S. side of the island near as much as on the N. side. They have for many years sowed the bearded wheat. No fly this year.\nHamstead. A few here this year.\nFlushing. Prince. This insect first appeared at this place. The Hessians were stationed here in 76. and in 77: the insect appeared. It was very slow indeed in it\u2019s first extensions, not getting beyond the limits of this neighborhood for some years. He confirms the account of the origin of the yellow bearded wheat given by L\u2019hommedieu. It was first sown by a miller in this neighborhood.\nRichmond. They came here a year or two after the war. They destroyed 3 crops. He (Turner) thought that their general period every where was of 3 years. The bearded wheat not hurt by them.\nSouth Amboy. They came here about 2 years after the war. Have made general destruction ever since among the old wheat, but not the bearded. This is a sandy country and but little wheat raised.\nA smith\u2019s shop 6 miles from S. Amboy. They came here in 83. or 84. and have destroyed 7 crops of the old kind of wheat. There have been fewer for 3 years past tho there are still some. He saw this year a feild sown part with the old wheat, part the bearded.  You might trace the very furrow where they changed. The old destroyed, the bearded not hurt.\nWilliamson. 14. miles from S. Amboy. The last good crop of wheat he has had was the summer after the peace. The year following all was destroyed, and so afterwards every year in a greater or less degree. They fluctuate, prevailing less some years, more the next. Last year for instance, they did little injury here. This year they will destroy two thirds. The bearded wheat is attacked, but less than the other. If wheat be sown early in the fall they will destroy it in the fall. It is better therefore sown late. About a month ago he saw some of the insects in the green chrysalis, others in the brown and the empty chrysalis of others, the fly having eaten itself out. It is when the chrysalis has turned brown that it resembles flax seed.\nI found here some of the cocoons full and some empty. They were all of the size and color of flax seed.\nAllentown. 14 miles from Burlington. This the 5th. harvest attacked here. \u2154 will be lost this year, to wit all the old kind of wheat and a little of the bearded. Last year the loss was still greater. The bearded wheat produces less, is more difficult to cut and thresh, and the chaff is useless.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0173-0004", "content": "Title: III. Thomas Jefferson to Henry Remsen, Jr., 28 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Remsen, Henry, Jr.\nDear Sir\nSaratoga May 28. 1791.\nI recieved at New York and Albany the letters and papers you were so kind as to forward thither. I am so far on my journey, and am now able to calculate with some probability my future course and progress. I shall go Northwardly still three days and then tack about, go to Bennington to Connecticut river, then down that and thro Long island to N. Y. and Philadelphia. I expect to be at Bennington the 5th. of June, at Hartford the 10th. and at N. York the 18th. and shall be glad to recieve at those places my letters, and Fenno\u2019s newspapers. Inconveniently situated for writing I can only add assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir Your obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0173-0005", "content": "Title: IV. Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 30 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\nMy dear Maria\nLake George May 30. 91.\nI did not expect to write to you again till my return to Philada., but as I think always of you, so I avail myself of every moment to tell you so which a life of business will permit. Such a moment is now offered while passing this lake and it\u2019s border, on which we have just landed, has furnished the means which the want of paper would otherwise have denied me. I write to you on the bark of the  Paper birch, supposed to be the same used by the antients to write on before the art of making paper was invented, and which being called the Papyrus, gave the name of paper to the new invented substitute. I write to you merely to tell you that I am well, and to repeat what I have so often before repeated that I love you dearly, am always thinking of you and place much of the happiness of my life in seeing you improved in knowlege, learned in all the domestic arts, useful to your friends and good to all. To see you in short place your felicity in acquiring the love of those among whom you live, and without which no body can ever be happy. Go on then my dear Maria in your reading, in attention to your music, in learning to manage the kitchen, the dairy, the garden, and other appendages of the houshold, in suffering nothing to ruffle your temper or interrupt that good humor which it is so easy and so important to render habitual, and be assured that your progress in these things are objects of constant prayer with your\u2019s affectionately.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0173-0007", "content": "Title: VI. Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 5 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nBennington in Vermont June 5. 1791.\nMr. Madison and myself are so far on the tour we had projected. We have visited in the course of it the principal scenes of Burgoyne\u2019s  misfortunes, to wit the grounds at Still water where the action of that name was fought and particularly the breastworks which cost so much blood to both parties, the encampments at Saratoga and ground where the British piled their arms, and the field of the battle of Bennington, about 9 miles from this place. We have also visited Forts William Henry and George, Ticonderoga, Crown point &c. which have been scenes of blood from a very early part of our history. We were more pleased however with the botanical objects which continually presented themselves. Those either unknown or rare in Virginia were the Sugar maple in vast abundance, the Thuya, silver fir, White Pine, Pitch pine, Spruce pine, a shrub with decumbent stems which they call Junaper, an Azalea very different from the Nudiflora, with very large clusters of flowers, more thickly set on the branches, of a deeper red and high pink-fragrance. It is the richest shrub I have seen: the honey suckle of the gardens growing wild on the banks of Lake George, the paper birch, an Aspen with a velvet leaf, a shrub willow with downy catkins, a wild gooseberry, the wild cherry with the single fruit (not the bunch cherry), strawberries in abundance.\nFrom the Highlands to the lakes it is a limestone country. It is in vast quantities on the Eastern sides of the lakes, but none on the Western sides. The Sandy hill falls and Wing\u2019s falls two very remarkeable cataracts of the Hudson of about 35. or 40 feet each, between Fort Edward and Fort George, are of limestone, in horizontal strata. Those of the Cohoes on the West side of the Hudson and of 70. feet height we thought not of limestone. We have met with a small red squirrel, of the colour of our fox squirrel with a black stripe on each side, weighing about six ounces generally, and in such abundance, on Lake Champlain particularly, as that twenty odd were killed at the house we lodged in opposite Crown point the morning we arrived there, without going ten steps from the door. We killed three which were crossing the lakes, one of them just as he was getting ashore where it was three miles wide, and where, with the high winds then blowing, he must have made it 5. or 6 miles.\nI think I asked the favor of you to send for Anthony in the season for inoculation, as well to do what is necessary in the orchard as to pursue the object of inoculating all the Spontaneous cherry trees in the fields with good fruit.\nWe have now got over about 400 miles of our tour, and have still about 450 more to go over. Arriving here on the Saturday evening, and the laws of the state not permitting us to travel on the Sunday  has given me time to write to you from hence. I expect to be at Philadelphia by the 20th. or 21st. I am with great & sincere esteem, dear Sir yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0173-0008", "content": "Title: VII. Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 5 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBennington June 5. 1791.\nIn my last letter from Philadelphia, I mentioned that Mr. Madison and myself were about to take a trip up the North river as far as circumstances should permit. The levelness of the roads led us quite on to Lake George, where taking boat we went through that, and about 25 miles into Lake Champlain. Returning then to Saratoga, we concluded to cross over thro\u2019 Vermont to Connecticut river and go down that instead of the North river which we had already seen, and we are so far on that rout. In the course of our journey we have had opportunities of visiting Still water, Saratoga, Forts Wm. Henry and George Ticonderoga, Crown point, and the scene of Genl. Starke\u2019s victory.\nI have availed myself of such opportunities as occurred to enquire into the grounds of the report that something disagreeable had taken place in the vicinities of the British posts. It seems to have been the following incident. They had held a small post at a blockhouse on the North Hero, an island on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain, and something further South than their principal post at the Point au fer. The Maria, hitherto stationed at the latter, for Custom-house purposes, was sent to the Block-house, and there exercised her usual visits on boats passing to and from Canada. This being an exercise of power further within our jurisdiction became the subject of notice and clamour with our citizens in that quarter. The vessel has been since recalled to the Point au fer, and being unfit for service, a new one is to be built to perform her functions. This she has usually done at the Point au fer with a good deal of rigour, bringing all  vessels to at that place, and sometimes under such circumstances of wind and weather as to have occasioned the loss of two vessels and cargoes. These circumstances produce strong sensations in that quarter, and not friendly to the character of our government. The establishment of a custom-house at Alburg, nearly opposite to Point au fer, has given the British considerable alarm. A groundless story of 200 Americans seen in arms near Point au fer, has been the cause, or the pretext, of their reinforcing that place a few days ago with a company of men from St. John\u2019s. It is said here they have called in their guard from the Block-house, but the information is not direct enough to command entire belief.\nOn enquiring into the dispositions in Canada on the subject of the projected form of government there, we learn, that they are divided into two parties; the English who desire something like an English constitution but so modelled as to oblige the French to chuse a certain proportion of English representatives, and the French who wish a continuance of the French laws, moderated by some engraftments from the English code. The judge of their Common pleas heads the former party, and Smith the chief justice secretly guides the latter.\nWe encounter the Green mountains tomorrow, with cavalry in part disabled, so as to render our progress a little incertain. I presume however I shall be in Philadelphia in a fortnight. I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect and attachment, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0173-0010", "content": "Title: IX. Jefferson\u2019s Table of Distances and Rating of Inns, [17 May\u201319 June 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nmileswater\nmilesland\nMay 17.\nPhiladelphia to\nEliz. town point\n\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007ferry to N. York\nPoughkeepsie. Hendrickson\u2019s\nLasher\u2019s\nSwartz\u2019s\nKatchum\u2019s\nPulvar\u2019s\nClaverack\nHudson\nKenderhook\nMiller\u2019s\nMoore\u2019s\nAlbany\nTroy\nLansingboro\u2019\nWaterford\nPeeble\u2019s\nBenjamin\u2019s\nDr. Willard\u2019s at Stillwater\nEnsign\u2019s\nSaratoga\nMcNeal\u2019s ferry\nFort Edwd. Baldwin\u2019s\nSandy hill falls Deane\u2019s\nWing\u2019s falls\nHalfway brook\nFt. George Hay\u2019s\nLake George\nTiconderoga Hay\u2019s\nCrown point\nfurther into the lake\nJune. 1.\nback to Fort George\nSaratoga\nCambridge. Colvin\u2019s\nSickle\u2019s (battle of Bennington)\nBennington. Dewy\u2019s\nBennington to Williamstown. Kiblock\u2019s\nSloane\u2019s\nNew Ashfeild\nLanesboro\u2019s Wheeler\u2019s\nPittsfeild\nJune. 6.\nDalton. Mrs. Marsh\u2019s\nNorthampton Pomeroy\u2019s\nWest Springfeild Stebbins\u2019s\nSuffeild. Hitchcock\u2019s\nWindsor\nHartford. Fred. Bull\u2019s\nWeathersfeild\nMiddletown. Bigelow\u2019s\nDurham\nStrandford\u2019s\nGuilford Stone\nOysterpond point\nSouthold. Mrs. Peck\u2019s\nHubbard\u2019s\nRiverhead Griffin\u2019s\nMoritchie\u2019s Downs\u2019s\nColo. Floyd\u2019s\nHart\u2019s\nTerry\u2019s\nStrong\u2019s\nUdell\u2019s\nBethpeg\nHamstead\nJamaica\nBrooklyn\nNew York\nPauler\u2019s hook\nBergen point\nStaten island\nRichmond\nBilling\u2019s point\nPerth Amboy\nSouth Amboy\nSpotswood\nWilliamson\u2019s\nCranberry\nAllentown\nCrosswick\u2019s\nBordentown\nBurlington\nDuns\u2019s ferry\n\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007the ferry\nPhiladelphia\n   good\n   midling\n   bad", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0174", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Carter, 21 May 1791\nFrom: Carter, Charles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dr. Friend\nLudlow Town 21st May 91\nWithout any apology, for this intrusion, I beg leave to engage you in matter that deeply concerns me, and my Family. Your very  kind letter to your relation Mrs. C when you were in Virginia has induced me to take this liberty. My second Son has compleated his Classical Education, under the Revd. Thomas Ryan; and is desirous of studying Physics. I wish to send him to Philadelphia, rather than a foreign Country, believing he can receive, as much instruction there, as at any other place. Some of my acquaintance have enquired the terms. Doctr. Rush demands a Fee of 100\u00a3 P.C. Bond and Shippen 80\u00a3. By some I am recommended to one, and by others to another. But by letters from Mr. Ths. Fitzhugh Knox a Relation, of our Friend of Chatham who now lives, in the Town of and studies under a Doctor Barton, I am induced to believe, this Fee is exorbitant. Doctr. Barton is professor of Botany and Natural History, stands high in the Physical line, and the Head of the Dispensary, and one of the Attendants, on the Hospital. Mr. Knox lives in his Family, has access, to his library and attends with him, his Patients. Tis supposed he will gain as much experience, as if he had paid, the exorbitant Fees. And for this he pays 50\u00a3 P.C. I wish to have advice on the matter. And that youl be so obliging, as to let me know in either case, the expence. The Boy is 17 years of age, is very fond of his Books, to which he has devoted his whole time. I have had him Enoculated. I some time since had presented me the Accounts of Wm. Ogle Esq. delivered to the House Commons. They are of no use to me, but I think may be so to you. I therefore sent you and beg your acceptance of the Book. Mrs. Carter begs to be affy. rembrd. to you. I am Dr. Sr. Yr. Aff. Friend & Hble. St.,\nChs. Carter", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0175", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 May 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 21 May 1791. Sends English papers. From talks with De Pinto and others, peace more expected to prevail than formerly. But newly arrived vessels from north bring nothing definite. By direct accounts from Paris at end of April, he finds tumults have subsided, Lafayette again in command of national guard, and his popularity and triumph complete despite English prophecies. The mischievous intrigues of the anti-constitutional faction react against them. \u201cWith unanimity and perseverance on the part of the Patriots, the French nation  cannot fail of becoming more happy, powerful and glorious than any other on this Continent.\u201d\nMeantime, he is pleased to belong to a nation \u201cwhose name is, at each succeeding time, pronounced with more and more respect, throughout the European World. Mankind begin to believe in the excellence and stability of our Government. Every day discovers fresh proofs, of enterprize and resources, flattering to the character of our Country.\u201d A few days ago, when captains of American ships showed satisfaction at appointment of minister, the largest merchantman fired a federal salute and displayed American flags. She belongs to a foreigner and trades with Baltic under American papers and captain \u201cbecause the premium of Insurance and expense of Navigation are cheaper than they would be under other Colours.\u201d\nHe attributes to rising reputation of America civilities he has everywhere received. Two or three days before being presented, he called on De Challon, French ambassador, with introduction from Marquis de la Luzerne, and on Walpole, British minister, with one from Lord St. Helens. Both were \u201cextremely polite,\u201d and on 13th Walpole presented him to the diplomatic corps in the Queen\u2019s antechamber. Every person in that body returned his visit before the end of the second day.\nHe has had similar reception from \u201cseveral Portuguese Characters of high distinction: particularly from D. John Carlos of Braganza, Duke of Alafo\u00f1es, Uncle to Her Majesty, Commander in Chief of Her Troops, and Governor of Estremadura.\u201d Without any hint whatever, he was introduced to him on the 12th, partook of a collation with him, the \u201cDutchess and many Ladies of the first families\u201d at the palace where meets the Royal Academy of Sciences, of which he is president and over which he had just presided at an extraordinary session. \u201cThis Nobleman is perfectly elegant in his manners, and greatly beloved for the goodness of his heart. He has travelled through Europe, understands English and French, and is the Protector of Arts and Sciences in the Kingdom.\u201d He had previously read newspapers and other publications Humphreys had brought. On being presented to him \u201che told me in the most courteous possible manner, \u2018that he was already perfectly acquainted with me; that he admired the conduct and character of my country; and that he was disposed to render me every service in his power.\u2019\u201d After acknowledging his politeness in what he hoped was not an unbecoming manner, Humphreys said: \u201cas we were a young Nation, but just emerging from \u2026 a long and distressing war, we must only hope to make gradual improvements, which I was happy in believing we were now doing.\u201d To which the Duke replied: \u201c\u2018Young as your Nation is, it advances in improvements with the STEPS OF A GIANT (pas d\u2019un Geant). It is not a compliment to tell you so.\u2014I say what I mean\u2014for it as ill becomes me of the House of Braganza to flatter, as it does a Citizen of the United States to be flattered.\u2019\u201d On the 13th the Duke received a new promotion.\nFor introduction to that illustrious personage, he was indebted to the Duke\u2019s most intimate friend, Abb\u00e9 Corr\u00eaa, secretary of the Academy of Sciences, \u201cone of the most liberal Philosophers of the age, an enthusiastic admirer of our Country, and certainly one of the best informed men on the subject of it (for a person who has not been there) I have ever met with in my life.\u201d TJ will perceive his manner of political thinking by what he said when Humphreys first saw saw him: \u201c\u2018I look upon the U. S. of America to be the only hope and consolation of Mankind. Here in Europe we have ten thousand almost insurmountable  obstacles to political happiness.\u2014KINGS ARE BAD ENOUGH, BUT NOBILITY ARE THE DEVIL.\u2019\u2014A few days ago he remarked \u2018You and we have every circumstance in our favor to make us strictly and advantageously united. And England and Spain are (if I may use an expression that ought to be exploded) the natural enemies of both.\u2019 He declares that nothing but his age prevents him from going to the U. S.\u2014He professes, however, that this Country is tranquil and prosperous, in a wonderful degree, under the present Reign: But that the public felicity is held by too precarious a tenure, it depending but too much on the Characters of the reigning Sovereign.\u201d\nHe is so much fatigued by paying and receiving visits, writing and copying letters, and making arrangements for a house that he must retire into the country for a few weeks lest his \u201chealth should suffer from some inconvenient plethorick symptoms, which the unusual life \u2026 has produced.\u201d The \u201cpublic business can receive no detriment.\u201d\nP.S. On further inquiry into character and conduct of Samuel Harrison as vice-consul, he finds his services not only indispensable but also highly approved by masters of vessels.\u2014Humphreys thinks that \u201cif the Philosophical Society of Philadelphia (of which I believe you are one of the principal officers) should think proper to admit the Duke of Alaf\u00f3nes, the Chev. Luis Pinto de Souza Coutinho, and the Abb\u00e9 Jose Corr\u00eaa de Serra, as Members,\u201d it would bring no discredit to the Society, be acceptable to them, prove useful to the cause of science in general, \u201cand perhaps, not unprofitable to that of our Country in particular. If it would not encrease the number too much, I would also add the name of the Conde D. Diogo de Neronha, Ambassador \u2026 at Madrid.\u2014His name is the first on the list of the members of the Royal Academy of Portugal.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0176", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 23 May 1791\nFrom: Cathalan, Stephen, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMarseilles, 23 May 1791. Hopes olive trees shipped on Marie Antoinette, Capt. Joseph Barret, will suffer \u201cnothing else than a retardment\u201d; if trees are damaged, he will replace them. Encloses O\u2019Bryen and Stephens\u2019 letter of 25 March to the \u201cSociety of Philantropy.\u201d He has thanked Parret and de Kersey, who have spoken very warmly on the subject and have charged him to urge that a nation \u201cwho had so much sacrifice to conquer Liberty would not suffer a Longer time her fellow Citizens in Slavery.\u201d He thinks redemption and peace should be negotiated at same time, but Parret and de Kersey \u201csay that with such People Politick can\u2019t obtain nothing\u201d and that the prisoners should be redeemed first. He urges that they be given a regular monthly or weekly stipend, according to rank, to alleviate their suffering.\nOn 22 March he received his commission as vice-consul and his exequatur, but as the latter does not accord privileges of consul he has returned it with a  petition to Montmorin to clarify his status. He has not yet heard from him or from Short.\nThe season is too far advanced to send TJ \u201cBrugnols and Dried figs,\u201d but he will not fail to send some of their fruits next winter. A French vessel sails for New York from this harbor the first days of June. No American vessels since his last, only the French brig La Virginie, Capt. Dot, Fran\u00e7ois, which sailed from Philadelphia 29 March and arrived here on 11 May with \u201c197 hogd. Tobacco, 17 Tierces Carolina Indigo, 29 Barls. Bees Wax, 173 Whale Bones, 140 Bels. Superfine flour.\u201d Lists prices current for tobacco and other commodities.\nAffairs in France very critical; public credit much hurt. \u201cGod knows when Matters will take a fair Prospect.\u201d He presumes United States will retaliate against decrees of National Assembly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0177", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 23 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Papa\nMonticello May 23, 1791\nAs you have been so long without hearing from any of us Mr. Randolph begged me to write a few lines to you that you might not be uneasy. He had began to do it himself but was prevented by a very bad cut in his thumb. It is almost 5 weeks since I have recieved a letter from you which I attribute to the irregularity of the post: that of Charlottesville they say is reestablished. Anthony has been to innoculate your trees. We had strawberries here the 2d of this month and cherries I think the 9th tho they had had both some time before that at Richmond. As I did not expect to have written this week it was so late before I began that I am obliged to be very concise for fear of missing the post which is expected in town early this morning and by which I am in hopes of recieving a letter from you. Adieu My Dear Papa. We have all been in perfect health here and are extremly obliged to you for the veils you sent us. I am with the tenderest love your affectionate child,\nM. Randolph\nThe largest of the beans you sent me is come up and very flourishing but none of the others have as yet made their appearance.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0178", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 May 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe Hague, 24 May 1791. Cabinets of London and Berlin greatly embarrassed by the peace overtures of Empress of Russia and by the astonishing Polish revolution. Pitt is great in matters of internal finance and commerce, but below mediocrity in foreign affairs, having for more than three years been influenced by his kinsman, \u201cle tr\u00e8s-intriguant Grenville.\u201d He long ago predicted what events have proved: that the policy adopted is not his but that of his master.\u2014Prince Edward has gone from Gibralter to Quebec with his regiment to extend its fortifications. Why? To hold the Canadians in check? Do they fear the Americans or the French? Neither will be aggressors.\u2014In Holland people are diverted from their troubles by military maneuvers which will cost money and by the display of placards urging preachers to thank God for the continuation of civil and religious liberty procured by their Royal Highnesses, &c. &c. &c.\u2014Apparently the concession of the Dutch East India Company will not be continued after its expiration. Government will take over its assets and debts and send out commissioners with power to change the governments of Batavia, Ceylon, &c. \u201cEn auront-ils la force? Je l\u2019ignore.\u201d\u2014He is greatly pleased with Paine\u2019s The Rights of Man. Shocked by the absurd and quixotic Burke, he prays God with all his heart that \u201cour\u201d illustrious President and august legislature will see the New World which they have made happy continue to regenerate the old by their example. \u201cC\u2019est dans ces sentiments que je vivrai et mourrai.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0179", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel L. Hylton, 29 May 1791\nFrom: Hylton, Daniel L.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nRichmond Virginia May 29th. 1791\nYour favour of 15th inst. have received some days past and shall pay attention to the contents, am concern\u2019d to find one of the Hhds. tobacco shipt by Stratton was such, as you had describd in your former letter and exceptionable. This fault lays with the inspectors, as I had requested they would mark out those that had been fir\u2019d. In future I shall attend to that circumstance and request them again to put a private mark on those that have been injur\u2019d. Their is only two down and think they had better remain until a few more comes to be shipt together. So soon as a sufficiency is at the Warehouse I shall embrace the earliest opportunity in shiping them to you.\u2014Our country is much alarm\u2019d at the decission of the Northern judges respecting the payment of the british debts, without any provision for the payment of the negroes under the treaty or any part of their property taken from them during the War. If the same decision  takes place in the Southern department in contraverting the laws of the state I know not where this business may end, as the determination of the people in this country, is not to Submit to the payment until the treaty is fully complyd with. The Southern and Northern states have been affected in different manners, one who unfortunately posses\u2019d a species of property, which every liberal mind detests, have been borne off in great numbers after the treaty being sign\u2019d, which infraction deprives this country of the very means in paying those debts from the depredation of those now claiming them. Surely congress can never suffer such injurys to their own citizens to pass over with impunity and commit so glaring injustice to them, by placing the british subjects on a better footing then their own, I wish this subject to be handled with a degree of caution by congress and the different judges, as the welfare of this great union will in some measure depend on that justice which the citizens of the united states demand of them. It will be well for the judges to weigh this subject with serious deliberations before they decide on a question in which their country is so deeply interested and by whose decissions materialy effect. Much may be said on this subject and would require a volume to enter in a full detail which is unnecessary, as I know you are a perfect master of it, having yourself (from my own knowledge) felt and experienc\u2019d the loss of large sums from the great confidence plac\u2019d in our laws before the common cement of the Union. I fear have trespass\u2019d on your patience already too much, therefore drop this political subject and say with sincerity of heart wishing you every happiness Your Fd & St,\nDanl. L. Hylton\nP.S. I have written Mr. E. Randolph for a paper he has either lost or mislaid in a Suit here he had to manage for me, which is a material one in the cause and on which I have now depending \u00a3100; if its lost, have requested the favour of him to send a certificate to you which be pleasd to forward to me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0180", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson, 29 May 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Mary\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Papa\n[Monticello] May 29\nI am much obliged to you for the veil that you sent me and shall allways were it. I have began to learn botany and arithmetic with  Mr. Randolph. The mare that he bought for me is come. She is very pretty and is sister to brimmer. She can only trot and canter. The fruit was not killed as you thought. We have a great abundance of it here. Adieu Dear Papa I am your affectionate daughter,\nMary Jefferson\nP.S. Little anna grows fast an is very pretty", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0181", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Harry Innes, 30 May 1791\nFrom: Innes, Harry\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nKentucky 30th. May 1791\nI have the honor to acknowledge the reciept of your favor of the 7th. of March by my friend Mr. Brown and feel myself flattered by the polite terms in which you acknowledge the reciept of my Letter of July the 8th. and your readiness to enter into an Epistolary correspondence, which I shall with pleasure continue having your assent thereto.\nIf any circumstances in the line of Natural History shall occur in this Western Country it will be pleasing to me to communicate them to you, not only because it may afford you pleasure but thro\u2019 the same channel be handed to posterity if deserving to be recorded.\nThe Political Letter which I promissed you hath not been written; I was unhappily obliged to leave the District last Fall to pay my last attentions to my ever dear and ever to be lamented Mrs. Innes, who took a trip to the Sweet Springs and left me on the 26th. of December last. This prevented my writing agreable to promise and in the interim the Arrangements of Government have in a great measure silenced our complaints, as their is at present a disposition to remedy our wants, by the active measures adopted against the Indians and to obtain the Navigation of the Mississippi, which were the subjects intended to have been written on. Should any thing hereafter occur in the Political line which may require the interference of Government I shall freely and candidly state it to you.\nThe late arrangements ordered by the President for carrying on Hostile operations against the Indians Northwest of the Ohio have  been taken into consideration by the Commissioners and I hope the 1st. Detatchment of Volunteers under the command of Genl. Scott are this day making their Stroke and crowning themselves with Laurels. Patriotism never shined with more lustre at any time during the late American Warr than on this occasion it hath in Kentucky. Many Field Officers and Subalterns of the Militia have stept into the ranks as common soldiers. Others have condescended to command in inferior Rank to that which they bare in their County and many private Gent. have become soldiers, among whom is our friend Brown.\nThe General must be highly flattered by his command; the Corps is equal to any that can be raised in the United States. Young, stout and healthy\u2014well armed\u2014well mounted and provided with 20 days provision from the No. Wt. bank of the Ohio, from whence they marched in high Spirits on the 23d. Inst. The Lieut. Colo. is Genl. Wilkinson\u20141st. Major Colo. Robt. Todd formerly a Capt. in the Ilionois Regiment\u20142d. Major Capt. Thos. Barbee of the Virginia Continental line.\nSince the reception of your Letter I have seen Genl. Clarke and find he is writing the History of his Expeditions and will complete the work in the course of this summer. I entertain the same Ideas of his greatness that you do and consider him as a singular loss to the Western Country. I took the liberty of shewing him your Letter, from a hope, that it might cause him to reflect upon his present folly. He was perfectly sober, was greatly agitated by the Contents, observed it was friendly and shed Tears\u2014a Sympathetic touch seised my Soul and I could not forbear accompanying him.\nSome Tribe of Indians generally supposed to be Cherokees have been very troublesome this Spring on our Southern frontier. Some lives taken, several persons wounded, three or four taken prisoners and a number of Horses stolen. If the Treaty Governor Blount is about to hold does not produce a good effect the people of Kentucky will make a stroke on that nation this summer. It will not be difficult to produce proof enough against them since the Treaty of Hopewell. I fear and dread the consequences.\u2014I am with great respect Dr Sir Your mo. ob. servt.,\nHarry Innes", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0182", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Yard, 31 May 1791\nFrom: Yard, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSt. Croix, 31 May 1791. Has presented his commission to be reported to Copenhagen as required, but it has not been passed, and he has not \u201curged any Decision whatever.\u201d He believes he will be permitted to act without interruption. In the meantime he will collect information necessary to place \u201cthe Commerce of this Country in a clear. Point of View.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0004", "content": "Title: Enclosure A: Nicholas Duff to Joshua Johnson, 3 March 1791\nFrom: Duff, Nicholas\nTo: Johnson, Joshua\nEnclosuresANicholas Duff to Joshua Johnson\nLondon, 3 Mch. 1791. As Johnson is acquainted with the three months\u2019 detention of Rachel, he will not restate the particulars. One of the officers of the Customs had brought suit against him and he was obliged to give bail of \u00a3500 sterling before Rachel, not being given entry in any British port, could proceed to Ostend where her cargo was landed by order of the consignees. There he took on board 40 pipes of brandy and 100 cases of Geneva bound for New York. Since it was \u201cabsolutely necessary\u201d for him to touch at the Mother Bank to learn the fate of the prosecution against himself, he did so and on 24 Feb. informed the Commissioners of Customs that he had put in there for this sole purpose. On the 25th they granted his request on condition that he compensate the officer. This he did so that his bailsmen would be relieved and he could proceed on his voyage. Rachel had reached Mother Bank on the 21st but because of bad weather he could not report until 24th to Portsmouth collector, who directed him to turn over register and papers. To these he added bills of lading and cargo manifest. The collector said he would have to send all to the Commissioners. The suit had been quashed and he had received orders to proceed to New York, so on 25th he asked for his papers. The collector said he had had no answer from London. He called upon him each day from Saturday through Tuesday and received the same answer. On Wednesday the 2d. he was told that the Commissioners had ordered him to seize both vessel and cargo. This was done about noon the same day when Rachel was boarded by the \u201cCollector, and Comptroller of the Customs at Portsmouth, with a Pilot, and eight hands, and putting a Chalk Mark upon the Mainmast and Foremast, declared that they had seized her, and her Cargo, and taking her by force into their possession, conducted her from the Mother Bank, where she was then lying at Anchor, into the Harbour of Portsmouth.\u201d He left Rachel there that night in order to come to London to appeal to Johnson as the American consul \u201cto take such immediate Measures as may be necessary and effectual\u201d to save  him and the parties at interest\u2014all of them citizens of the United States\u2014\u201cfrom the Distress, Delay, and Embarrassment which such an arbitrary stretch of Power may occasion.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0005", "content": "Title: Enclosure B: Joshua Johnson to the Commissioners of the Customs, 4 March 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Commissioners of Customs\nBJoshua Johnson to the Commissioners of the Customs\nLondon, 4 Mch. 1791. Yesterday, Nicholas Duff, commander of the brigantine Rachel, New York, the property of subjects of the United States, informed him that the vessel was seized on the 2d at the Mother Bank by the collector and comptroller by the Commissioners\u2019 direction. \u201cAnnext your Honours will find a statement of all Captain Duff\u2019s Proceedings, and as his Case is peculiarly hard, and he has done nothing with intent of fraud, but his putting into an English Port was to pay respect to the Laws of this Country, and to liberate his Bail in a Prosecution \u2026 which your Honours has ordered to be quasht, I humbly beg that your Honours will be pleased to take this matter into your immediate Consideration, and give Orders for the liberation of the Brig Rachel, and her Cargo, that Captain Duff may proceed for New York, and that you direct the Comptroller, and Collector at Portsmouth to make Compensation for the detention.\u2014Should your Honours desire any farther Explanation to the facts stated, I will with pleasure attend you.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0006", "content": "Title: Enclosure C: Memorial of Joshua Johnson to the Duke of Leeds, 25 March 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Duke of Leeds\nCMemorial of Joshua Johnson to the Duke of Leeds\nLondon, 25 Mch. 1791. Rachel, an American vessel, is owned, registered, and navigated agreeably to the laws of the United States, and her cargo is the property of an American citizen. She arrived in London 22 Oct. 1790 with a cargo consigned to an English merchant, but since her register did not state that she was built in America and her construction appeared French, the Commissioners of Customs refused her entry, alleging that for this reason she was not entitled to the privileges of an American vessel. In consequence, the Lords of the Treasury were asked a day or two after her arrival to allow her to discharge her cargo as she had been permitted to do in ports of England and Ireland many times. No answer was received until the end of December, when the appeal was denied and Rachel was obliged to proceed to Ostend. \u201cIt may be necessary here most respectfully to remark to your Grace that this American Vessel after being detained in a British Port upwards of twelve weeks, was compelled to leave it and make a Deposit of her Cargo in a Foreign Port. \u2026 Captain Duff the Commander of the said Vessel having been prosecuted \u2026 for landing whilst in the Port of London an English fowling-piece made by the celebrated Mortimer of this City in order to have it repaired by the Maker \u2026 he was obliged to put in with his Vessel at Spithead on her way to North America in order to redeem his recognizances or to surrender his Person and take his trial agreeably to the Laws of England, and upon his arrival at Spithead on the twenty second Ultimo the said Hon\u2019ble Commissioners of the Customs were acquainted therewith, and petitioned on account of the notorious hardship of the Case to order the prosecution to be stopt which they were pleased to consent to upon condition of his paying the Bills of their Solicitors, satisfying the Informer who represented to the Board that he had landed an English made fowling-piece, and paying the said Informer\u2019s expences which Captain Duff was obliged to do and which cost him upwards of Seventy Pounds Sterling, or he would have been committed to an English Jail under the prosecution of the Crown Lawyers.\u2014This Sum is upwards of a year\u2019s pay to the Captain of  so small a Vessel\u2026, The Collector at Portsmouth to whom Captain Duff had made a report of his arrival and of every item of his Cargo demanded his Papers which Captain Duff gave up, and when the Commissioners were pleased to stay this prosecution on account of the fowling-piece \u2026 he called on the Collector for a return of his Papers which he refused to relinquish alledging that he could not until he had received orders from the Hon\u2019ble Commissioners of the Customs. And pretending to have received these orders on the second of this Month the said Collector came off with a number of other Persons and forcibly taking possession of the said American Vessel and Cargo, conducted her \u2026 to the Harbour of Portsmouth.\n\u201cA conduct like this so likely to sow the seeds of Discord between Great Britain and the United States of America being represented to your Grace\u2019s Memorialist He found himself immediately under the necessity of representing the same to the Hon\u2019ble Commissioners of His Majesty\u2019s Customs (a Copy of which representation, with the Owners and Captain\u2019s Affidavit No. 2, 3, and 4, is inclosed herewith) requiring that the Collector who had committed this act of violence should be immediately ordered to give up the said Vessel and Cargo and to make satisfaction to the parties injured for the losses and damages his conduct had occasioned.\n\u201cIt is now three Weeks since this Memorial was presented, and yesterday your Grace\u2019s Memorialist was given to understand that the \u2026 Commissioners had ordered the Collector at Portsmouth to give up the said Vessel and a considerable part of her Cargo, nearly in the following words \u2018The Spirits in small quantities to be prosecuted, the Ship and Cargo to be liberated on satisfaction being made to the Seizing Officer.\u2019\n\u201cIn order to obviate the consequences of a System so destructive to the harmony with which the Subjects of the two Countries should ever regard each other, and which it is your Grace\u2019s Memorialist\u2019s earnest desire to cultivate, this Memorial is therefore submitted, and this Appeal made to your Grace\u2019s justice, with a repetition of the requisition, that the Hon\u2019ble Commissioners of the Customs be instructed to give orders to their Collector at Portsmouth immediately to deliver up the said Vessel and all her Cargo, to the Captain thereof, and be likewise ordered to make full and ample compensation for the loss and damage which has been occasioned by his conduct.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0007", "content": "Title: Enclosure D: Joshua Johnson to the Duke of Leeds, 19 April 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Duke of Leeds\nDJoshua Johnson to the Duke of Leeds\nMay it please your Grace\n[London] 19 April 1791\nIt is with extreme concern that I am under the necessity of applying again to your Grace upon the situation of the American Brigantine Rachel, Nicholas Duff, Master, concerning which I had the honor of presenting a Memorial to your Grace on the 25th. Ultimo, to which no answer has been given. Altho\u2019 it has been mentioned to me, that the matter has been referred to the Right Honorable the Lords of His Majesty\u2019s Treasury, and again by their Lordships,  to the Commissioners of the Customs; upon this occasion, I beg leave respectfully to remark to your Grace, that the matter appears thus to have been immediately referred to the very Men, under whose authority, an Injury to one of the Subjects of the United States has been committed. That Vessel is yet laying perishing at Portsmouth, and this is now the fifth Month that she has been detained here, at an heavy Loss, and Expence to the Owners of both the Vessel, and Cargo. I think it my Duty respectfully to submit to your Grace the novelty of a Circumstance so extraordinary as that of taking possession by force of a Vessel, and Cargo, belonging to a Subject of a Friendly Power, where no breach of your Laws had been committed, or intended, and the suffering a Collector of the Customs with impunity to dismantle the Vessel, strip her of a part of her Cargo, and exact a Fine at his own pleasure, appears to me contrary to Justice, as it allows his making his own will, in that respect, a supreme Law. Respectfully referring your Grace to my Memorial upon this Subject, I beg leave to solicit an early Answer, I have the Honor to be My Lord Duke Your Grace\u2019s very Obedt. and most Humble Servant,\n[Joshua Johnson]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0008", "content": "Title: Enclosure E: Commissioners of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury, 29 April 1791\nFrom: Commissioners of Customs\nTo: Lords of the Treasury\nECommissioners of Customs to theLords of the Treasury\n[London], 29 April 1791. [Charles] Long in his of the 6th indicating that he had placed before the Lords of the Treasury a letter from [J. B.] Burgess of 25 Mch. transmitting Johnson\u2019s memorial together with the documents referred to therein and that he had been commanded to lay these documents before the Commissioners of the Customs, they report: that Rachel \u201cwas discovered on Monday the 21 of February last at Anchor amongst the Ships at Spithead.\u2014That although the Law requires immediate notice be given, by the Master of the unavoidable necessity of coming into Port, (if any such necessity exists) yet the Master of this Vessel did not go to the Custom House to make any Report, until the Thursday following, when he produced his Manifest, and informed the Collector and Controller that his reason for coming into Port was to wait for Orders\u2014That it appeared by the Manifest the Cargo consisted of the undermentioned Goods 40 Pipes and a Quarter Cask of Brandy 124 Cases and a Quarter Cask of Geneva 14 \u2114. Weight of Coffee and 1 Gross of Playing Cards. That the 2 Quarter Casks, and the whole of the Cases are prohibited Packages and it being represented to us that the Wind was fair for this Vessel to have proceeded on her Voyage at the time she came into Port, that the Crew were not in want of any Provisions, and that the Vessel was not driven in by necessity or distress of Weather\u2014Our Officers conceived that the Plea of coming into Port, merely to wait for Orders, was not a sufficient or legal excuse for so doing, and therefore stoped the said Vessel\u2019s Cargo, and it appearing that both were subject to forfeiture We directed them to be prosecuted accordingly. But on Application lately made to us by Mr. Johnson \u2026 We again considered all the circumstances of the Case, and directed the delivery  of the Vessel and Cargo (except the small Casks and Cases of Spirits) upon a Satisfaction to the Seizing Officers.\u2014We are of opinion that the Parties have already received all the indulgence, that they are reasonably entitled to, and therefore cannot recommend to your Lordships the granting them any further relief.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0009", "content": "Title: Enclosure F: Charles Long to George Aust, 13 May 1791\nFrom: Long, Charles\nTo: Aust, George\nFCharles Long to George Aust\n[London], Treasury Chambers, 13 May 1791. Having placed before the Lords of the Treasury Aust\u2019s letter of 20 Apr. transmitting by direction of the Secretary of State Johnson\u2019s memorial renewing his application in behalf of Rachel, he is commanded by them to submit to him a copy of the report of the Commissioners of the Customs and, for the information of Lord Grenville, to say that they agree with the opinion \u201cthat the Parties are not entitled to any further Indulgence.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0011", "content": "Title: Enclosure H: Joshua Johnson to Commissioners of the Customs, 18 May 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Commissioners of Customs\nHJoshua Johnson to Commissioners of the Customs\nGentlemen\nLondon May 18th. 1791\nA Report said to have been made from your Board on the 29th. ulto. respecting the Brigantine Rachel, Nichs. Duff, Commander, and which the Right Honorable the Lords of His Majesty\u2019s Treasury quote as the ground and basis of their refusal to give any Compensation for the loss and damages which the Owners of the said Vessel have sustained by her detention, having been transmitted me from the Office of His Majesty\u2019s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, I cannot avoid expressing my surprize and concern at its perusal, since what is there called a Statement of facts, deviates so essentially from the truth, that I should betray the trust reposed in me by my Country for the protection of its Commerce, were I to pass it over in silence. The Remarks I have to offer follow:\n1st. The said Captain Duff was held to bail in recognizances to the amount  of five hundred Pounds Sterling for landing in this Port last December an English made fowling-piece to have it repaired. He could not proceed to North America without settling this matter, and on the very day Thursday the 24th February when the said Report states that he delivered a Manifest of his Cargo to your Officers at Portsmouth, to my knowledge a Memorial on his part was presented to your own Board in London, praying the said Prosecution to be remitted, and stating fully, that to be the sole cause of his putting into that Port. On Friday the next day you were pleased to grant his Prayer, on satisfaction being made to the Complaining Officer, which with the Expences to your Solicitors and others, cost the poor Man upwards of Ninety Pounds Sterling or more than a year\u2019s pay.\n2dly. This Affair having been thus settled the Captain presumed he might proceed on his Voyage and demanded his Papers from your said Officers, for they had at his first arrival illegally demanded and taken them away from him which they refused to give up, until they heard as they said from your Board. The Captain of the said Vessel in the mean time had committed no new offence against Law or Justice, and on Wednesday or Thursday the 3d or 4th. day of March, under real or pretended orders from your Board, the said Officers went on board at the Mother Bank and seized both Vessel and Cargo, and forcibly carried the said Vessel from her Anchorage at the said place into the Harbour of Portsmouth, so that she was not seized until ten days after her arrival there, and seven, after its purpose had been formally notified to your own Board, and that Board had formally acted upon it, as may be known by your reference to your own Records. The Vessel would not have remained there a day after February 26th. when the news of your decision reached Portsmouth but for the said detention of her Papers.\n3dly. Reports from Men so extremely interested as these Officers are, since your deliberations generally conclude, with Satisfaction to the Seizing Officer, should be received with precaution at all times, and upon this occasion I believe it would be found that their date of the Captain\u2019s delivery of his Manifest is erroneous, and that they had written Thursday for Tuesday, the Captain says the bad Weather prevented his getting on Shore at all the first day for it blew a Gale of Wind. Upon a reference to your Records it also will be found, that altho\u2019 as you admit the Vessel arrived on Monday (not at Spithead) at the Mother Bank, that on the Thursday following yourselves were in a regular Memorial presented with all the facts, so that allowing the first day\u2019s delay in Writing to its true cause, bad Weather, the earliest advices of her arrival could not have reached London till Wednesday noon, and on the next day Thursday the 24th. day of February you were presented with the Captain\u2019s Memorial containing a fair, candid and just statement of facts.\nI trust it will enter naturally into your minds that the Commerce of the Subjects and Citizens of the United States of America, are no longer subject to your Revenue Regulations, and I ought to add that the freightage of British Shipping employed in the transport of American produce last year, amounted to upwards of Four hundred thousand pounds Sterling, which is a greater National profit than any that arises to Great Britain from any other part, or perhaps from the whole of her remaining Carrying Trade with other Foreign Nations.\nAs Consul of the United States I cannot understand that part of your Report which enjoins a Satisfaction to the Seizing Officers, is it in the nature of a verbal or written apology from Captain Duff to these Men, or are they to have a Sum  of Money and what Sum is there to be paid to them, after detaining an American Vessel three Months, to induce them to release her, and is the amount of that Sum to depend upon their will, or is there any regular tarif for Impositions of this kind, by which the American Merchant may regulate himself in future.\nI am sorry to find myself under the necessity of transmitting an account of these matters to the Congress of the United States of America, and I shall also transmit Copies of this Address to you, to The Right Honorable the Lords of His Majesty\u2019s Treasury and to His Majesty\u2019s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.\nIn future when I have occasion to write you either Letters or Memorials on Public matters, May I beg that Instructions be given to your Secretary to answer them in some Official way, since no Answer has ever yet been regularly given to the Memorial which I addrest to you upon the Rachel in March last. I have the Honor to be, Gentlemen, Your most Obedient Humble Servant,\n[Joshua Johnson]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0012", "content": "Title: Enclosure I: Joshua Johnson to Nicholas Duff, 18 May 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Duff, Nicholas\nIJoshua Johnson to Nicholas Duff\nLondon, 18 May 1791. He encloses a letter to the officers of the customs. \u201cYou will wait on those Gentlemen and deliver the same, requesting that they will be pleased to give you their Answer, and which you will forward to me without loss of time. I would have you refer to your Log Book, and see what Day you arrived at the Mother Bank, what Day you went on Shore, and what Day you made your Report at the Custom House; you will be very particular in this, and transmit the Account.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0013", "content": "Title: Enclosure K: Nicholas Duff to Joshua Johnson, 19 May 1791\nFrom: Duff, Nicholas\nTo: Johnson, Joshua\nKNicholas Duff to Joshua Johnson\nPortsmouth, 19 May 1791. He delivered the letter enclosed in Johnson\u2019s of the 18th. The collector answered that it did not solely rest with him and that he would consult the comptroller and give their answer.\u2014\u201cI arrived at Spithead on the night of the 21st of Feby. had the Revenue Cutter on board on the morning of the 22d. and rec\u2019d two Officers from her. I reported on the 23d. and had my papers taken on the 24th. I am\u201d &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0014", "content": "Title: Enclosure L: Joshua Johnson to the Commissioners of Customs, 24 May 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Commissioners of Customs\nLJoshua Johnson to the Commissioners of Customs\nGentlemen\nLondon 24 May 1791\nSince writing my Letter of the 21 Instant, I have received a Letter from your Officers John Whitway, and James Peers at Portsmouth, whereby they demand Sixty Pounds Sterling for releasing the Brig Rachel, and the remaining part of her Cargo. I desire to have the honor of receiving from you a Notification whether that is what you term Satisfaction to the seizing Officer, and whether the Sum of Sixty Pounds is to be paid to the said Officer before the Vessel is to be permitted to proceed on her Voyage to America, over and above the Loss which has fallen on her Cargo. I beg a speedy, and explicit Answer, that Men, who have already lost so much, may suffer as little addition to the Misfortune as possible. I have the Honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obedient Humble Servant,\n[Joshua Johnson]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0015", "content": "Title: Enclosure M: Officer of the Customs to Joshua Johnson, 20 May 1791\nFrom: Officers of the Customs\nTo: Johnson, Joshua\nMOfficer of the Customs to Joshua Johnson\nPortsmouth, 20 May 1791. Acknowledging and summarizing Johnson\u2019s letter of the 18th by Captain Duff. In answer, they inform him that the Commissioners of the Customs had directed them to deliver the vessel and brandies upon satisfaction being made to the seizing officers. \u201cIn consequence whereof we immediately sent for Captn. Duff to whom we communicated this Order, and at the same time\u2026proposed \u00a360, as a Satisfaction to us the Seizing Officers; his answer was, he looked upon it to be a very reasonable sum, and that he would write you thereon by that days post.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0016", "content": "Title: Enclosure N: Affidavit of Nicholas Duff and Adam Masterman, 26 May 1791\nFrom: Duff, Nicholas,Masterman, Adam\nTo: \nNAffidavit of Nicholas Duff and Adam Masterman\nGosport, 26 May 1791. Duff as master and Masterman as chief mate of Rachel swear that Thomas Ure swore in their presence and before John Wilkes, notary, in New York on 8 Sep. 1790 that he was a bona fide American of New York and agreed to ship as boatswain on Rachel to London and elsewhere and return at the rate of $9 per month, part of which was to be paid to his wife, monthly, during the voyage; that, on the morning of 27 Apr. 1791, Ure refused to do duty and, contrary to Duff\u2019s orders, absented himself \u201cand hath not since  returned\u201d; that John Cutler, Charles Chamberland, and Joseph Robinson shipped, respectively, on 21 and 28 Dec. 1790 and 10 Jan. 1791 on Rachel at London, declared themselves Americans, and \u201cdid sign with their own hands the Articles of the United States of North America to proceed\u2026to Ostend, and elsewhere, to New York and there to be paid their wages and discharged\u201d; that George Collins on 28 Dec. did the same, declaring himself born in Sweden but of Boston; and that Collins, Cutler, Chamberland, and Robinson on the morning of 27 Apr. absented themselves from Rachel, \u201cdenying their Duty to both Master and Mate.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0017", "content": "Title: Enclosure O: Joshua Johnson to Philip Stephens, 2[6] May 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Stephens, Philip\nOJoshua Johnson to Philip Stephens\nSir\nA Person stiling himself the King\u2019s Solicitor, having on the 19 Instant, in company with a Tide Surveyor, and two of his Officers, gone on board the American Brigantine Rachel, Nicholas Duff, Master, now in Portsmouth Harbour, tho\u2019 outward bound to New York, and having affixed what he called an Admiralty Paper on the Main Mast, signed by Thomas Ure, and sundry other of her Crew who had ran away from her, and entered into the King\u2019s Service in the Navy, and having delivered her the said Brigantine, and Cargo, into the charge of the said Officers, with a threat, in six Days to return, and sell as much of her Cargo as will pay the said Deserters their Wages, which they have forfeited by their Articles with the Captain, in consequence of their said Desertion, which Deserters had all entered on board of her as Americans. I am to request as Consul of the United States of America, that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, will give instant, and effectual Orders to put an immediate stop to the perpetration of so insolent an Outrage, and I doubt not, their Lordships will see the propriety of putting a check to Practices that have a tendency so alarming to the present amicable Sentiments of the United States of America towards Great Britain.\nI beg to have the honor of an Answer as soon as possible, and remain with due Consideration Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant,\n[Joshua Johnson]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0019", "content": "Title: Enclosure R: Joshua Johnson to Lord Grenville, 27 May 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Grenville, Lord\nRJoshua Johnson to Lord Grenville\nMy Lord\nLondon 27 May 1791\nHaving had occasion to present a Memorial to his Grace the Duke of Leeds, your Lordships Predecessor, in the Month of March last, complaining of the treatment which the American Brigantine Rachel, Nicholas Duff, Master had met with at Portsmouth, from Persons acting under the Authority of his Majesty\u2019s Commissioners of the Customs, and soliciting a Compensation in redress for the same: His Grace referred my Memorial to the Right Honorable the Lords of His Majesty\u2019s Treasury, their Lordships were again pleased to refer it to the Commissioners of the Customs, and the Commissioners of the Customs again to two Custom House Officers at Portsmouth. In the course of my frequent Applications at your Lordship\u2019s Office, for an Answer to my Memorial, I had the mortification to learn what sort of a progress it was making, upon which I addressed a Letter to his Grace, to which I humbly beg your Lordship will now please to advert, representing the extreme uncertainty, and irregularity of that mode of proceeding, seeing that the decision of a State Paper, complaining of a gross Outrage, committed upon a Vessel, and Cargo, the property of a Citizen of the United States of America, and bearing its Flag, had been ultimately referred for it\u2019s decision, to two Custom House Officers at Portsmouth, the perpetrators of that very outrage. The report made by these Men, having been adopted by His Majesty\u2019s Commissioners of the Customs, and transmitted under their sanction to the Lords of the Treasury, and their Lordships having also adopted it, and past it to your Lordships Office, from that Office it came to me with a Negative upon the Prayer of my Memorial, and I confess to your Lordship, I was more concerned than surprised to find that report so essentially deviate from a true statement of Facts, for what other event could be expected from Men who found their Interest in misrepresentation. I could not pass over in silence the very extraordinary Conduct of His Majesty\u2019s Commissioners of the Customs upon this occasion, and I do myself the Honor to inclose herewith for your Lordship\u2019s perusal the Copy of my Letter to them, dated the 21 Instant, it is painful to me to be under the necessity of adding, that after having for three Months ineffectually endeavoured to procure redress from his Majesty\u2019s Ministers, and from a subordinate Board, I feel it my indispensible Duty to take the earliest opportunity of transmitting Copies of my Memorials, and of my Correspondence upon this Subject to be laid before the Congress of the United States of America. The Rachel is still at Portsmouth, in the fourth Month of her detention, nor can I consent to suffer an American Vessel which has offended against no Law, to be subject to an arbitrary fine imposed for the benefit, and by the will of two Custom House Officers at Portsmouth, who have already under frivolous Pretences, stript her of a considerable part of her Cargo. I wish much to deprecate the consequences of this line of Political Conduct, and I hope your Lordship will readily see the propriety of preventing it\u2019s repetition. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Lordship\u2019s most obedient humble Servant,\n[Joshua Johnson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0020", "content": "Title: Enclosure S: Philip Stephens to Joshua Johnson, 30 May 1791\nFrom: Stephens, Philip\nTo: Johnson, Joshua\nSPhilip Stephens to Joshua Johnson\nAdmiralty Office, 30 May 1791. He acknowledges [and summarizes the contents of] Johnson\u2019s letter of the 25th, which he has laid before the Lords of the Admiralty. He is commanded by them \u201cto acquaint you, that the several Men at whose instance the Brigantine has been seized by Process from the High Court of Admiralty, for the recovery of their Wages, and Cloaths, having declared themselves severally to be British Subjects, their Lordships are advised that if the Master, or Owner of the Vessel intend to dispute that fact, it is only necessary, in order to liberate the Vessel, that Bail be given to the several Suits, after which, the Causes will be regularly proceeded on to issue, and determination.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0183-0021", "content": "Title: III. William Green to the Secretary of State, 6 December 1791\nFrom: Green, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNew York Decembr. 6th. 1791\nMr. Johnson, the Consul for the United States at the Port of London, having Communicated to you, the Causes, and, some of the Consequences of the detention there, and, at Portsmouth, of the Brigantine Rachel, Nicholas Duff Master, and belonging to me; I think it my duty to lay before you, the sequel of that detail in as few words as possible.\nThe Rachel was detained in the Port of London, on her arrival with a Cargo from this Port, on the 22nd day of October 1790, to the 18th of the following January, whilst His Britannic Majesty\u2019s Ministers were deliberating, whether, Vessels naturalized by the United States, should be admitted to the same privileges in British Ports, as they are allowed, in all other Ports of Europe: and, having decided in the Negative, on the 18th. of January the Rachel sailed with the same Cargo on board, to the Port of Ostend.\nBut, whilst the Vessel lay in the Port of London, the Captain delivered from on board an English-made fowling piece the property of Mr. Henry Cruger of this City, and which was returned to the Maker, for repair or alteration and had been carried on board the Vessel, as part of the Baggage of Mr. Knox the Consul for Dublin.\nFor this act, Captain Duff was taken ignominiously out of the Vessel, in virtue of a Judges warrant, and Conveyed to the Common Goal, until he found Sureties for his penal responsibility to the Amount of Five Hundred pounds Sterling: Having given the bail in question, he was permitted to proceed, as is already Stated, with the Vessel to Ostend, and there having discharged the said Cargo and taken in a Cargo of Brandies and Geneva for this Port, he proceeded on his Voyage, but put in to the Mother Bank and Come to Anchor off Spithead untill the event of a Memorial to the Commissioners of the Customs, for putting an end to this Malicious prosecution against him, could be known. If the Commissioners consented to his request, he had only to get instantly under way and proceed on his first Voyage, but if they had persisted to bring the matter into any of their Courts of Justice, then, Captain Duff must have quitted his employ, and remained behind in England, where also the greater part of the Crew of the Vessel must have been kept to testify his Innocence. In any event, the poor Man must have been ruined by the expence, for the Crown of England is not liable for Cost and Damages. But the Commissioners were pleased to suffer him to compromise the matter, which he did at a heavy expence and he would have sailed on his Voyage on the 25th. day of February, agreeably to the permission of the Said Commissioners, if their Officers at that Port, had not on that day, taken possession both of Vessel and Cargo, under pretence, that no Vessel with Brandies and Geneva in Cases on board, could legally put into any British Port.\nThe case being referred to the Commissioners of the Customs, they most unjustly Sanctioned their said Officers, to pillage the Vessel of all the Geneva she had on board, but added a permission to the Rachel, afterwards to proceed on her Voyage, provided a farther and indefinite Satisfaction in Money was made to their Officers at Portsmouth.\u2014As Mr. Johnson has acquainted you with the absolute refusal of the British Ministry, to redress such an accumulation of gross Injury and damage, I shall only add, that after a Contest for Justice, which lasted five Months, I was obliged to give up the point, and to pay the fee, they, the said Officers demanded, over and above the Amount of the property of which they had before robbed the Vessel: for, I had no other alternative but that of abandoning both Vessel, and Cargo, to the possession of those Harpies, or, of acquiescing after so long a resistance in a Public Wrong and Indignity to the Independance of the United States. I confess after a positive annihilation of a Capital of upwards of Two  hundred Thousand Dollars, employ\u2019d in the Commerce of the United States to the East Indies, and which had been destroyed by British Policy, the recollection of my family (four of my Children are Natural born Subjects of the United States) decided me to yeild, and I took back my Vessel and Cargo upon their own terms. She is since safely arrived here after an absence of thirteen Months, on this Voyage to Europe.\nOne other circumstance I ought not to Omit, is, that during the time of her detention by the Customs, five of her People, after attempting to rob the Cargo, run away from the Rachel, and thereby according to their American Articles forfeited their Wages. The case was so notorious, that no private Law-Practitioner could be found, hardy enough to Sue for the defaulters: It remain\u2019d therefore for the British Government to take up the Cause, which it did, by engeniously converting the said Deserters (who had by this time entered on board a Ship of War) into American Loyalists, the Vessel was accordingly taken possession of, by a Gaurd, but on a Spirited Memorial being presented to the Admiralty, by Mr. Johnson, that Gaurd was withdawn, and I really thought the affair ended, until I went down with that part of my family which had Accompanied me to Europe, to embark on board, for my return to this City, and after the pillage of the Custom House had been finally accomplished and Settled: and then, another Gaurd was put on board by the Admiralty, with orders not to Suffer her to move, untill the said Demand was discharged, and Mr. Johnson at the same time was officially informed, that unless it was fully done with Costs and Charges, both Vessel and Cargo would be appraised, and Sold. This was a Second pillage, and there was no resisting an Admiralty Mandate thus enforced.\nDuring the time of the Vessels detention at Portsmouth, she was Compleatly dismantled by the Custom House, and her sails Carried on shore, nay such was the uncommon rigor of Conduct to her, that altho the Captain repeatedly required permission to sight his Anchor, for the purpose of releiving his Cable he was constantly refused. The consequence was that the Cable which had just before cost him in London Eighty Pounds Sterling, was ruined, and almost unfit for any farther Service. I should not have Subjoined the Mention of this singular Circumstance, had it not been to have the extraordinary asperity, and hostility with which the Commerce of the Citizens and Subjects of the United States are treated by the British Government and its unprincipled and profligate Subalterns.\nI have the honor to enclose you an Account of the Damage this  Vessels detention has Occasioned to me her Owner and which Amount to the sum of seven thousand Dollars and upwards, I humbly hope the humanity Wisdom and Spirit of the Federal Government will be interposed for the Indemnification of the Citizens of the United States under such Circumstances. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most Obedient & Most humble Servant,\nWilliam Green", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0184", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 1 June 1791\nFrom: Harrison, Benjamin, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 1 June 1791. \u201cThe Abuses that are practicing here every day, and the cheat that is thereby put on the public, particularly the Ignorant and poor, by the mutilation of our money, is become of a serious nature. Supposing the remedy within your department \u2026 and knowing your wish for information on all subjects, I have a few days ago picked up the enclosed pieces of money from a Silver Smith in this Town, who tells me that he gets some hundred of Ounces of them yearly from a variety of people here, and I know myself that after these p[iece]s are taken off, the remainder is passed on the ignorant for the full original value. The Broad p[iece]s are taken from the Pistereen when whole, the narrower from the Bit after it has gone fairly cut into the Hands of the offender.\u201d\nThis letter is sent by his friend John Gregory, originally of Dunkirk but of late years of Petersburg, whom TJ will find worthy. \u201cAs Americans we have to regret his return to France with his Lady, retiring into private life in that Land of Liberty on an ample fortune left him by his Father lately dead.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0185", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Swan, 2 June 1791\nFrom: Swan, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, \u201cRue de Montmorency No. 63,\u201d 2 June 1791. The proposals described in his of 8 [i.e., 3] Oct. to exchange provisions for the American debt were defeated by the opposition of Fleurieu and by the propositions of Schweizer, Jeanneret & Co. of Paris \u201cfor some Genoese Capitalists, who proposed to pay the debt in money at once.\u201d On that day the Assembly decreed that after 1 Jan. 1791 provisions for the marine should be made by public adjudication to the lowest bidder, in which case Swan and his partners would have been the furnishers. Afterward, they would have proposed to the Assembly to give them the debt in payment, \u201cwhich would have been very agreeable.\u201d But Fleurieu, minister of marine, in contempt of the decree never asked for bids \u201cbut continued even for the whole of this Year, the old Regie. I have very certain knowledge why he did so.\u201d He was twice called on by the Assembly to account for this, but he did not even deign to reply. He is out, and the present one has asked a repeal of the decree to allow him to \u201cmake the furniture by a private Copropri\u00e9t\u00e9. To meet this a french and American company is made up.\u201d Robert Morris, himself, and some other Americans are to do the principal part; the French are to give 3.2 million livres as security to government. Gouverneur Morris will have nothing to do with it. \u201cThe interest we have got near the Minister, the support we have of the Intendants, promises every success. I hope in a few weeks to have the pleasure to inform you that it is closed: it will be a fortunate thing for the United States, and beneficial to the individuals concern\u2019d.\u201d\nAs for his timber contract, threat of war last summer suspended deliveries. This spring he has applied several times to get assurance of payment in specie  or allowed depreciation in accordance with \u201cthe spirit and intention\u201d of both parties in making the contract. Fleurieu said he could not do it. Present minister wishes to put it, as a foreign supply, on specie list, but fears censure. Decision will be made in a few days. If he does not, it must be suspended, since depreciation makes a difference of 80,000 livres annually.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0186", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from La Rochefoucauld d\u2019Enville, 3 June 1791\nFrom: Enville (Anville, Danville), Louise Elisabeth de La Rochefoucauld, Duchesse d\u2019\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 3 June 1791. TJ\u2019s letter of 3 Apr. 1790 arrived a little late, but he reproaches himself with the long silence and will frankly explain the cause. Being charged by the National Assembly to take part in the framing of levies, he had hoped that certain parts would offer occasions to bind France more closely with America. \u201cC\u2019est un voeu qui est dans l[e coeur de tous] bons patriotes.\u201d But the principles guiding the proceedings did not allow the opportunity to be seized as he had desired. Perhaps M. de Ternant will bring TJ a decree of yesterday expressing the desire of the Assembly to negotiate a commercial treaty beneficial to the interest of both powers and to unite them in commerce as they are in political principles. The letter from the President to the Pennsylvania legislature will develop these sentiments.\u2014De Ternant will inform TJ that they have just convened their successors; he will leave it to him to put him au courant of their affairs. \u201cJe me bornerai, faute de tems, \u00e0 ne vous parler que des regrets de tous vos amis et surtout de notre famille, et \u00e0 vous renouveller l\u2019homage du sincere et tendre attachement avec [lequel j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur] d\u2019\u00eatre, Monseiur, Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s [obeissant Serviteur.\u201d \u2026 [P.S.] \u201cMa mere et ma femme me char[gent de leurs] complimens pour vous.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0187", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from the President of the National Assembly, 6 June 1791\nFrom: Bureaux-Pusy, J. X.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis le six Juin 1791.\nL\u2019Assembl\u00e9e Nationale de France, Monsieur, qui avait re\u00e7u avec la plus vive sensibilit\u00e9 la r\u00e9ponse du Pr\u00e9sident du Congr\u00e8s des Etats unis d\u2019Am\u00e9rique, \u00e0 la communication qui lui avoit \u00e9t\u00e9 fait des dernieres marques d\u2019honneurs d\u00e9cern\u00e9s par les repr\u00e9sentans d\u2019un peuple libre \u00e0 votre illustre compatriote Benjamin Franklin,  n\u2019a pas \u00e9t\u00e9 moins touch\u00e9e des nouveaux t\u00e9moignages d\u2019amiti\u00e9 fraternelle que vous lui adress\u00e9s au nom du Congr\u00e8s.\nElle m\u2019a charg\u00e9 de vous faire part du D\u00e9cret qu\u2019elle a rendu sur le rapport de son Comit\u00e9 Diplomatique. Il sera pour les Etats unis d\u2019Am\u00e9rique la preuve du vif desir de l\u2019Assembl\u00e9e nationale de voir se resserrer par tous les moyens de bienveillance, d\u2019affection et d\u2019utilit\u00e9 reciproque les liens qui doivent \u00e0 jamais unir deux peuples qui, n\u00e9s \u00e0 la libert\u00e9 l\u2019un par l\u2019autre, semblent destin\u00e9s \u00e0 vivre en communaut\u00e9 d\u2019interr\u00eats comme de principes.\nJe m\u2019applaudis, Monsieur, d\u2019\u00eatre dans cette occasion l\u2019organe de l\u2019Assembl\u00e9e, nationale et de pouvoir transmettre l\u2019expression de ses sentimens \u00e0 un homme qui a concouru si essentiellement a la r\u00e9volution et \u00e0 la l\u00e9gislation de son pays, et qui, apr\u00e8s avoir contempl\u00e9 dans le n\u00f4tre le berceau de notre libert\u00e9 naissante, nous a quitt\u00e9s en emportant l\u2019amiti\u00e9 des Fran\u00e7ais dont il avoit depuis longtems la consid\u00e9ration et l\u2019estime.\nPar ordre de l\u2019Assembl\u00e9e nationale de France\nJ.X. Bureaux-PusyPr\u00e9sident", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0188", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Report of the Diplomatic Committee of the National Assembly of France, 2 June 1791\nFrom: Diplomatic Committee of the National Assembly of France\nTo: \nEnclosureReport of the Diplomatic Committee of theNational Assembly of France\nGentlemen\nYou have been made acquainted with the sentiments of the Americans, and their expressions of grateful respect and particular good will towards you.\nThe honesty and upright moral character of that people are to us the best pledges of their sincerity and affection.\nOur interests and theirs must in future be considered the same; and we are reciprocally attached to each other by every tie of duty and regard.\nWe have assisted them in repulsing their enemies and vindicating themselves  into freedom. In return they have taught us a just and humane spirit of toleration, to respect the obligation of oaths, to pay obedience to the Laws, to honour in man the dignity of his species, and even to undervalue the brilliancy of genius, whether displayed in Legislation or successful warfare, when set in competition with the horrors of sanguinary contests and brutal violence. They have also taught us how to pay a proper regard to the lives and honours of our fellow creatures, as well as their fortunes, and lastly they have set us the example in a quiet submission to lawful authority.\nA Nation actuated by such ideas can boast of being more than the conquerors of a world. They are at once our great example and support. Into their ports and marts of trade then, to the peaceable and happy country they inhabit, should it be our great endeavour, in preference to all others, to introduce our Merchants to inform themselves in the Nature of their Commerce and imbibe the virtues which alone can cause it to flourish, that is to say, \u0153conomy, simplicity, purity of morals, integrity, and honesty.\nFrom the foregoing considerations it is the opinion of the Committee; that the National Assembly should use every possible Means to cherish and encourage a reciprocal commercial intercourse between France and America.\nLewis the Sixteenth having gained the title of Restorer of the Liberties of France may with no less justice lay claim to that of Benefactor of the New World. So far then are you from infringing his Royal Prerogative in being the first to notify him of your intentions on this head, that, on the contrary your views and his perfectly co-incide and co-operate in the glorious plan which he has so much at heart, to draw closer than ever those ties of connexion which unite the French Nation to the brave citizens of the United States of America, whose uniform and generous spirit of equity, next to the justice of their cause, the energy of their exertion, and their invincible courage, was heretofore, as it is at this day, the only firm support and the surest pledge of their Independence.\nDecree of the National Assembly, June 2d. 1791\nThe National Assembly having heard a Letter read from the Minister of the United States of America, that was addressed to their President signed \u201cJefferson\u201d; and also another letter from the Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania, dated the 8th of April last, and by them addressed to the President of the Assembly, together with the report of their official Committee,\nOrdered, that the two Letters abovementioned be printed and inserted in the Journals of the session.\nThe President is requested to answer the Letter from the Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania, and to inform the Minister of the United States of America, that it is the earnest desire of the National Assembly to strengthen more and more the ties of friendship and brotherly affection which at this day constitute a bond of union between the two Nations.\nDecreed, finally, that the King be prayed to cause to be negociated with the United States, a New Treaty of Commerce that may tend to strengthen those mutual relations of friendship and good understanding, so highly beneficial to them both.\nSignedBesse, Curate of St. AubinSecretary\n[Huot-Goncourt]\nRicard Dep[ut\u00e9] de Toulon", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0189", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 6 June 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis June 6. 1791.\nI received a few days ago by Mons. Terrasson your letter of March. 8. together with the papers it inclosed.\u2014The report on the fisheries has been lent to a member of the committee of finance, who not understanding English himself told me he purposed having it translated for the use of the committee. I was pleased with this as a pamphlet which I had published on the affair of tobacco whilst I  was in Holland cost so dear as to make me averse to such things in future.\u2014Your letter to the President of national assembly was well received. It was brought forward as well as an address from the legislature of Pennsylvania which had arrived by the way of London, by the diplomatic committee, on whose report, as you will see by the journals and will learn by M. de Ternant, the King is requested to form a new treaty of commerce with the U.S. The moment was exceedingly favorable for your letter and the address of Pennsylvania as the assembly was still sore under the scourges received the day before from a letter of the Abbe Raynal read to them by their permission because they were not acquainted with its contents.\nI cannot know what will be the disposition of the U.S. with respect to this treaty, and I see a considerable difficulty in the business on account of their islands. The assembly having desired the King however to negotiate it is an advantage as it will render the ministry more bold in meeting that question on proper ground. M. de Montmorin has certainly much more liberal ideas respecting it and would be disposed to treat it with more freedom than the assembly, where the influence of the merchants, is manifest in all matters of commerce. I think you will find Ternant well disposed also, at least as far as I can judge from his conversation and assurances.\u2014It will be proper to examine perhaps whether the U.S. would find it for their interest to render all rights common between American and French citizens (the islands included) in both countries; if so this is certainly the proper time to propose it and thus reduce the treaty to one simple article, and give a great example which if followed by other nations would abolish at once three fourths of the causes of war.\u2014Such a proposition would be more likely to be adopted under present circumstances than any which present themselves to me as probable for some time to come. I should think it impolitic for the U.S. to clog themselves with a number of articles in a treaty of commerce and particularly with this country at this time. At any rate it seems to me that an admission into the islands on a tolerably free footing should be a sine qua non, and I cannot help believing they will refuse this unless it is ushered in by some new and leading system, such as mentioned above, which would find strong supporters here among all the economists.\nMr. McHenry\u2019s papers were received and attention shall be paid to them in the manner you desire. They were sent to his agent with this information and M. de la fayette says he will lend his aid also.\nI received also by M. Terrasson your letters of March 12. 15. and 19. You will be as much mortified no doubt as I have been, at  the copy of your letter to Mr. Carmichael and the papers alluded to therein, as stated in your letter of March 12. having not come to my hands. Those alone which relate to the case of Ste. Marie came inclosed. I immediately however communicated the matter agreeably to your desire to M. de la fayette, whom I found perfectly in the dispositions which might have been expected. His zeal in favor of the liberty and independence of the Floridas would have carried him beyond what I consider as our interest, since his wish was that the U.S. without stopping for negotiation should proceed at once to wrest them from Spain and incorporate them in the union. I stated to him the embarassing position in which that would place France and brought him easily to adopt a more moderate plan.\u2014He persisted however in treating as chimerical any idea that this or any future National assembly would ever consent to undertake a war to reduce the Floridas to Spanish dominion or against us for endeavouring to withdraw them from it. He thinks that he alone whether in or out of such assembly would unquestionably be able to prevent them from it. It would not have been well to have shewn apprehensions of the contrary, and I am persuaded in such an extremity the first impulsion of the assembly would be in favor of the liberty and independence of the Floridas. Yet it is impossible to say how far this might be changed by maturer reflexion, when they would find themselves under the necessity of acting in a contrary direction or risking the loss of their alliance with Spain, and therefore the U.S. should not lose sight of such an embarassment, although I still think it more than probable they would not take an active part. I speak of them in a future and more settled condition than the present, for at this moment it may be considered I think as certain that either the novelty of the enthusiasm for liberty, or the situation of their affairs at home, or their apprehensions from abroad would prevent their acting in a case of this kind.\nAfter having ascertained the dispositions of M. de la fayette I asked a rendezvous with M. de Montmorin and laid open to him with the confidence he deserves the present position of this affair. He entered fully of himself into the situation of the U.S. and the impossibility of their restraining the western inhabitants or abandoning them. He told me he had long foreseen that this would happen, that when at Madrid he had pressed that court to remove the difficulty by an amicable arrangement taken then, as the moment was more favorable for their interests than any which could be contemplated in future, that they rejected all idea of an arrangement in such a manner at that time as to leave him no hopes that they  would listen to it at present, that he was confirmed in this opinion by his knowledge of the mode of thinking of that court, that the influence of France would at all times have been ineffectual against their prejudices in matters of this kind, but at present would be entirely vain, he feared, as the Spanish cabinet would necessarily consider any terms proposed by them, as dictated by their partiality in favor of the U.S. on account of the new system which has taken place in France.\u2014Still he assured me, and in this I am persuaded of his sincerity, of his disposition to use every effort for having this difficulty removed agreeably to the desire of the U.S. He added that the navigation of the Mississipi was a matter of necessity to the U.S. and that it was always useless to struggle against necessity.\u2014He seemed concerned when I shewed him the danger there was that the western inhabitants might descend the Mississipi without waiting for the event of negotiation, not because he considered there was anything to be hoped from negotiation, but as he said, because in that case we should be considered as the agressors. I observed to him that the seizure of Ste. Marie\u2019s goods within the limits of the U.S. and carrying off forcibly those in whose charge they were, was such a violation of the territory of the U.S. and of their rights as would naturally be considered as the first aggression. To this he did not reply directly but he shewed no disposition to deny it.\u2014He considered also the invitation held out by the Spanish government, to strangers, even protestants, to come and settle on their side of the Mississipi as plainly indicative of designs that the U.S. could not wait the execution of.\nFinally he desired I would write to him on the subject, that he might send my letter to Madrid, and instruct the French Resident thereon. He told me he would direct him particularly to support Mr. Carmichael in the representations he should make to that court. In consequence of this I wrote him the letter, of which I inclose you a copy, and delivered it to him myself with a desire that he would read it, and if he should find anything that he wished to be changed, that he would say so in order to such alterations being made as should be found proper. For this purpose I wrote it in French, we read over the letter together and spoke on the several articles as we went along. He told me he saw nothing that he wished to be altered, that he would forward it and give instructions for supporting the claims therein stated.\u2014I think on reading the letter, Sir, you will find that the Minister promises to go as far as my No. 46. gave hopes of, and that I have no reason to repent having communicated the ideas therein contained.\nM. de Montmorin told me also he would speak of this matter to the Spanish Ambassador here, whom he considered as more likely to be disposed to listen to reason on this subject than M. de Florida Blanca. He said however he was sure they would not agree to have the subject treated here, as you seem to desire. He added also that even if the Spanish Ambassador should be convinced, he did not think it would be anything gained, as it did not appear to him, that he had influence at court. I had supposed the contrary, but I rely more on M. de Montmorin\u2019s opinion than that which I had taken up.\nThere was one circumstance in the course of our conversation, after he had read my letter which I cannot pass unnoticed, although he said he mentioned it to me in confidence and not at all in his ministerial capacity. It was that he thought the best thing to be done was, for Congress to let the western inhabitants act for themselves, in going down the Mississipi and taking New Orleans, without undertaking to support them or legitimate the act.\nOn the whole it seems to me: 1. That at present this country is in a disposition of mind which would certainly prevent their interfering actively against the U.S. on this question. 2. That in future when their own affairs shall be settled and their government in force, although they would in the first moment be in our favor also, and although it is probable they would continue to refuse acting offensively in such a cause, yet it will be less certain than at present, as they will then also be more cool in listening to the dictates of their political and commercial interests dependent on the alliance with Spain. 3. That the present ministry is better disposed towards the U.S. with respect to this question, than any future one will probably be. 4. That there is no doubt they will use their influence by negotiation to obtain for the U.S. the navigation of the Mississipi on the footing they desire, or if that cannot be done, by a free port established at N. Orleans or in its neighborhood.\nIt may not be amiss to mention at present that the Marquis de la fayette can no longer be considered as having the same influence as when I wrote you my No. 46. This decline has come from that progression in human affairs which allows nothing to be long at a stand, and from his having too much virtue and patriotism to allow himself to make use of improper means for extending and rivetting his power and influence. The sentiments of M. de Montmorin on this subject may therefore be considered as spontaneous, and consequently more conformable to the wishes of the U.S.\u2014I hope I shall continue to receive your instructions regularly on this important business, and particularly that the copy of your letter to Mr.  Carmichael and papers it refers to, as mentioned in your letter of March 12. will be sent. If I could have shewn them to M. de Montmorin as was your intention, it would certainly have been a mark of confidence that would have been agreeable.\nThe medal which you desire to be made for M. de Moutier shall be executed as soon as I can have the coins finished. You will no doubt be much astonished at this delay, but the Engraver has been so devoted to the affair of their money which is contending for by all the artists that it has been impossible to get him to finish the work he had undertaken for the U.S. and which was nearly completed last fall. This delay cannot last much longer and he assures me he will shorten it as much as possible. He is to write me a letter that I may send it to M. de la Luzerne and shew him that the delay does not proceed from me. I don\u2019t know by what opportunity to send you the dies. There is no other than that by the public carriages to Havre, and at present they would be stopped and examined by several of the municipalities who would take them, from their weight to be specie, to be exported, which they do not allow notwithstanding the decrees of the assembly.\nI received with your letter of March 15. the report of the committee inclosed. It has been inserted in a gazette here. I do not think it would be proper to have it printed apart and circulated, as it would be at once known from whence it came. The gazette which inserted it and which you will receive committed some errors, but their correction is not essential at this moment as it is certain the national assembly will not again resume the subject.\nYou will learn from M. de Ternant the efforts that have been made to induce the assembly to change their decrees 1. As to the difference made between French and American vessels importing tobacco. 2. As to the augmented duty of 6 \u20b6 per quintal on American oils. 3. As to the abolition of the sales of American vessels in the French ports. M. de Ternant has been active and used his utmost efforts. There were various interests opposed to the changes desired, and finally several of the committees assembled to take into consideration my letter to M. de Montmorin and the alterations proposed by M. de Ternant, after discussing the subject fully with him and with M. de la fayette, determined it would be unsafe to propose the alterations to the assembly at present as they feared they would be rejected. It was agreed among them, at the instigation particularly of M. de la fayette to palliate this by something agreeable for the U.S. in protestations of a desire to become more united &c. In this disposition your letter arrived, and on it the report mentioned above was adopted.\nYou say that the President was authorized to employ workmen for the mint, but you add nothing respecting Drost. I sent you from Mr. Grand his proposals last year. Among the papers which I forward to the Secretary of the Treasury you will find observations by Dupr\u00e9, in which Drost\u2019s mode is objected to, and Dupr\u00e9 tells me he is convinced it cannot answer for striking money although proper for medals when few only are wanted.\u2014Drost has been here and on the list of the artists in competition for the new coinage projected. Dupr\u00e9\u2019s devices have received the preference; and they are now delivered to the artists to be engraved in competition. It is probable also I think that Dupr\u00e9 will be preferred for this part of the business.\nYou will receive by M. de Ternant the journals of the assembly and gazettes to the present day. I have added to those you generally receive, the Patriote Fran\u00e7ois and Gazette universelle, the first as the best respecting colonial matters, and the second for European politics.\u2014The moniteur will be sent by the way of Havre. It is the best for domestic affairs and is also considered with the journal logographique, as much the most accurate with respect to the debates of the assembly.\nThe most important decrees passed since my last are those for ordering the elections of the new legislature and concerning the colonies. You will see them in the journals. The deputies of the colonies have withdrawn themselves from the assembly and express much discontentment at the decree which gives the rights of citizenship in future to free mulattoes who have a sufficient property.\u2014It is thought this assembly will fix the term of the meeting for the next at the end of August. If an alarming crisis takes place either from the non perception of taxes, or disorder of any kind, they may do it. Otherwise I do not think they will separate so soon. Notwithstanding appearances there is certainly a large majority who desire to remain as long as their places are tenable.\nI think I may venture to assure you that the letters are no longer opened in the post-office of this country which you desire to know. The assembly have expressed themselves in such a manner on this subject as would certainly break ancient habits. Besides the administration is changed and no funds are allowed for that purpose. I beg you to continue to be persuaded of the sentiments of sincere attachment & perfect respect with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nW. Short\nP.S. The length of this letter induces me to refer you to the newspapers for the general politics of Europe. Still I suppose it proper  to mention to you that it is probable peace will not be interrupted between England and Russia. The opposition which Mr. Pitt saw in the nation, induced him to make modifications which will as it is thought present the means of successful negotiation. In the mean time the truce between the Emperor and the Porte is near its expiration, and it is not known that steps are taken for prolonging it. If not this may change the scene. The Turks have had some success lately against the Russians which have revived their hopes and pretensions as to the status quo.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0190", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Short to Montmorin, 1 June 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Montmorin de Saint-H\u00e9rem, Armand Marc, Comte de\n  EnclosureShort to Montmorin\nMonsieur\nParis le 1er. Juin 1791.\nJe suis charg\u00e9 par le President des Etats Unis d\u2019avoir l\u2019honneur de porter \u00e0 votre connoissance, Monsieur, la position dans la quelle ils se trouvent vis a vis de l\u2019Espagne dans ce moment ci relativement \u00e0 la navigation du Mississipi.\nJusqu\u2019a pr\u00e9sent ils ont respect\u00e9 l\u2019indecision de l\u2019Espagne sur ce sujet, persuad\u00e9s que le tems, la vue des circonstances et L\u2019interet m\u00eame de cette Puissance l\u2019engageroient \u00e0 se desister de ses pretensions avant qu\u2019il ne devint indispensable de l\u2019exiger. Mais le moment est actuellement arriv\u00e9 ou il n\u2019est pas permis aux Etats Unis d\u2019attendre plus long tems la decision de cette question, comme vous vous convaincrez facilement, Monsieur, pas les considerations qui suivent.\nD\u2019abord plainte a \u00e9t\u00e9 reguli\u00e8rement port\u00e9e au President des Etats Unis que le Gouvernement Espagnol a fait saisir sur le territoire reconnu des Etats Unis des marchandises appartenantes \u00e0 leurs citoyens, qui ont \u00e9t\u00e9 transport\u00e9es au fort Espagnol et confisqu\u00e9es par l\u2019officier qu\u2019y commandoit. Il a ajout\u00e9 en m\u00eame tems que les ordres qu\u2019il avoit re\u00e7u du Gouverneur de la Louisiane portoient qu\u2019il avoit \u00e0 saisir tout ce qu\u2019il trouvoit appartenant aux Etats Unis sur les deux bords du Mississipi au dessous de l\u2019embouchure de l\u2019Ohio et d\u2019envoyer les proprietaires prisonniers \u00e0 la nouvelle Orleans.\nEnsuite le Gouvernement de l\u2019Espagne a fait inviter tous les etrangers catholiques et protestants, par la promesse de la livre navigation de ce fleuve de venir s\u2019etablir dans ses possessions. Ainsi en defendant cette navigation \u00e0 ceux qui resteroient attach\u00e9s aux Etats Unis et en l\u2019accordant \u00e0 ceux qui s\u2019en detacheroient pour passer le Mississipi et devenir sujets espagnols il a montr\u00e9 clairement que la navigation exclusive etoit un syst\u00eame du quel il ne contoit pas se departir, mais au contraire s\u2019en assurer en se servant m\u00eame des citoyens des Etats Unis expatri\u00e9s pour cet objet.\nEncore, les habitants de cette partie des Etats Unis ont \u00e9t\u00e9 retenus dans des bornes jusqu\u2019a present par notre Gouvernement parce qu\u2019il leur persuadoit, comme il etoit persuad\u00e9 lui m\u00eame, qu\u2019ils obtiendroient par le tems sans autre effort, la reconnoissance parfaite et paisible de leurs droits. Ces habitants convaincus actuellement du contraire par des raisons que je viens d\u2019avoir l\u2019honneur Monsieur, de vous citer, indiquent clairement qu\u2019ils ne veulent plus attendre.\nJe vous ai fait ces observations seulement, Monsieur, pour vous montrer l\u2019alternative \u00e0 la quelle les Etats Unis se trouvent reduits dan ce moment ci, et qui n\u2019est autre chose que de se separer de ces citoyens et ainsi reduire de moiti\u00e9 l\u2019etendue des Etats Unis, ou de les soutenir dans leurs justes reclamations. Quand \u00e0 la premiere partie vous ne la trouverez certainement pas,  Monsieur, digne d\u2019une remarque; il n\u2019y \u00e0 donc que la seconde \u00e0 adopter, et par consequent \u00e0 chercher la maniere la plus convenable d\u2019y parvenir.\nC\u2019est pour cela, Monsieur, que les Etats Unis s\u2019addressent a la France avec toute la confiance et la franchise dont ils ont toujours us\u00e9. On ne peut se dissimuler que le droit de naviguer sur le Mississipi deviendroit illusoire se le batiments qui descendent le fleuve et ceux qui viennent de la mer n\u2019avoient pas un port commun ou ils pourroient se rencontrer et se decharger mutuellement. On sent aussi que si ce port etoit sous une jurisdiction etrangere il donneroit lieu journellement \u00e0 des abus et des plaintes de part et d\u2019autre qui ne pourroient manquer \u00e0 la longue d\u2019affoibler les liens de confiance et d\u2019amiti\u00e9 que les Etats Unis desirent conserver avec l\u2019Espagne sans les voir expos\u00e9s a aucune interruption.\nSur ces considerations, Monsieur, ainsi que sur des preuves d\u2019attachment le plus d\u00e9sinteress\u00e9 que les Etats Unis ont si souvent re\u00e7u de la France, le President se croit fond\u00e9 \u00e0 esperer que vous ne refuseriez pas votre ministre \u00e0 appuyer les demandes qu\u2019il a charg\u00e9 leur President a Madrid de faire aupr\u00e8s de cette cour, et qui consistent \u00e0 obtenir de L\u2019Espagne la reconnoissance des droits des Etats Unis de naviguer librement sur le Mississipi\u2014et pour que ces droits ne soient pas illusoires et en m\u00eame tems n\u2019exposent pas les deux pays aux inconvenieniens dej\u00e0 mentionn\u00e9s, de les assurer en leur cedant un port ou leurs vaisseaux peuvent se decharger sujets \u00e0 leur propre jurisdiction seulement.\nLe President des Etats Unis se plait \u00e0 croire, Monsieur, que l\u2019Espagne eclairee sur ses veritables interets par l\u2019interposition amicale de la France n\u2019hesitera pas d\u2019adopter une mesure dont les avantages pour toutes les parties interesse\u00e9s sont evidents. Son premier effet seroit d\u2019eloigner tout pretexte de m\u00e9sintelligence entre deux pays egalement attach\u00e9s \u00e0 la France et qui ont tant d\u2019interets en commun avec elle.\nComptant sur l\u2019efficacit\u00e9 que les bons offices de la France ne pourront pas manquer d\u2019avoir, Monsieur, en mettant cette question dans son vrai jour, je ne me permettrai pas d\u2019envisager les inconveniens qui pourroient s\u2019ensuivre si contre toute attente l\u2019Espagne se refusant a \u00eatre eclaire\u00e9 persistoit dans des pretensions que la conduite de ses agens sur le Mississipi paroit indiquer. Ils doivent necessairement se presenter en foule \u00e0 vous, Monsieur, qui etes plus que personne \u00e0 m\u00eame de les apprecier. J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre avec des sentimens du plus profond respect & du plus parfait attachment, Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e8s obeissant serviteur,\nW. Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0191", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 June 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMafra, 7 June 1791. Acknowledging TJ\u2019s of 11 Apr. with dispatches for Carmichael. After trying in vain for some weeks to get a private conveyance, he \u201cmade interest\u201d to have TJ\u2019s former letter to Carmichael carried by the Portuguese from the office for foreign affairs. He expects to use same means to dispatch those now received, which will be sent as soon as possible. He will be pleased to be channel of communication until a better one established. He has not heard from Carmichael since 15 Apr. though he said he would write soon and two or three letters are unacknowledged, perhaps due to ill health. He imagines he will not live long unless removed: \u201cHis health is ruined, his spirits depressed and he seems unhappy. Certain I am, no consideration would induce me to remain so long in that Country as he has done.\u201d\nIn his first conversation with De Pinto he mentioned first item in ciphered part of TJ\u2019s letter. He had written asking when he would receive business visits to talk further on this. De Pinto replied that he was always ready to do business, but \u201cit was the Style for Diplomatic Characters to make previous arrangements with him\u201d lest illness or avocations disappoint, and as soon as his health permitted he would not delay an instant to talk on the subject.\u2014Humphreys will take care to comply with the second item ciphered.\nChevalier de Ca\u00e2mans, Spanish brigadier and charg\u00e9, paid him repeated visits after he left his ceremonial card. As he was never in, he called on him thinking he had something particular in mind. He is ambitious to be Spanish minister to U.S., said he had written Florida Blanca about Humphreys, expressed a desire to be acquainted, and fell into conversation on America. Humphreys believes this would be a \u201cgood channel for communicating obliquely and apparently unintentionally information to \u2026 Florida Blanca.\u201d He gave him true account of western country, growing population, and general resources. He received this with avidity, repeated his question about population on western waters, &c., and convinced Humphreys he planned an official letter. He offered him his newspapers and public documents about U.S. as soon as he could get them from the Duke de Alfo\u00f1es to whom he had lent them. De Ca\u00e2mans reads English \u201cand discovered an uncommon eagerness that I would not forget my proposal.\u201d\nIn conversation with Corr\u00eaa on American enterprise, he said Mears\u2019 account showed Americans had extended navigation from Boston much farther than English. He lamented that they did not also publish accounts of voyages and discoveries, as this \u201c\u2018would undoubtedly reflect great credit on their national character and perseverance.\u2019\u2014He then added, \u2018let me engage you to write to some of your friends to have this done.\u2019 \u201cSince then Humphreys was informed \u201cthat a very intelligent and accurate journal was kept by one of the officers on board of the Washington.\u201d He mentions these things to show importance of getting newspapers and other publications. The English there, from the minister down, \u201chave scarcely any true ideas of \u2026 the U.S.\u201d as they get their information mainly through English papers, as do the nations of Europe. The census returns, facts, and observations in the Museum and other publications \u201care calculated to do us vast service in Europe. Even the dissemination of the knowledge of the minuter improvements in Agriculture, Mills, Fabrics, Card Manufactures &c. is not without its use. And particularly the Remarks on  Lord Sheffield\u2019s illusive Work are admirably adapted to dispel the mists of prejudice.\u2014Formerly we were ignorant ourselves of the capacities and resources of the different parts of the Union.\u201d Not having but one set of these periodicals, he has not been able to present them to the minister for foreign affairs, the minister of marine, and several other distinguished characters who read English. The more that is known of Americans and the more they know of the world the better. It is unfortunate for American farmers and merchants that last wheat crop not sent sooner. \u201cA vast quantity might have been disposed of at a ready and good market.\u201d Timely arrival would have prevented sale of forty cargoes, not long since arrived from the north, since quality of American wheat gives it a decided preference. If Dutch merchants had known arrangements for sending American grain here, they probably would not have sent a single cargo. To increase quantity of our produce, farmers must have high probability of selling it at good prices: it is thus especially important to take measures to increase demand in old markets and to find new ones.\nHas British papers by the last packet, but cannot send them as they belong to a gentleman in Lisbon. They contain accounts of military operations in India favorable to English. Other than this, few remarkable occurrences: Russian victories, English fleet preparations, discontents in Constantinople, adoption of modified order of civil policy by Polish Diet, and ill-will between France and the Pope, with \u201cthe burning of the latter in effigy in the Capitol of the former.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0192", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 June 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMafra, 7 June 1791. Knowing extreme jealousy of Spanish government and rigid regulations of this respecting all kinds of books, he almost despairs of being able to get those named in TJ\u2019s private letter. Even if he had received it at Madrid, he could not have brought the books with him. But he will \u201crevolve the matter in different views; and consult \u2026 my acquaintances\u201d on means to effect it. In this and all other commands, nothing would give him more pleasure than to demonstrate by prompt compliance his \u201cgreat esteem and sincere friendship.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0193", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 7 June 1791\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Friend\nParis june the 7th 1791\nAltho Every Motive of Regard and Affection Conspire to Make me Lament our separation, I Lament it still more on Account of our Revolution wherein Your Advices would Have Greatly Helped  us, and Could Not fail to Have Had a Great Weight Among our Constitution Makers. You left us on the Point of that dissolution of the Patriotic Party which I then did, and I Have ever in Vain Endeavoured to Unite into Mutual Concessions of self interest, and self importance. You left me on the Eve to Add Greatly to My Responsability with the Nation, as the Assembly and the King Had Not Yet fixed their Abode Within these Quarters. So Many Courts Have passed Since, So Many Accounts Have from time to time Been sent to You that I will only say the Assembly is Shortly to Make Room for all Constituted Powers. How far we May induce them to Mend the Constitution Before they Go, I do not know. This I Can say that it will not Be a Voluminous Work, and that leaving Much to Be Corrected By Common legislation, We May Hope this Constitution, such as it will Be Presented, will Have a fair trial, and Give time to prepare a More proper one for the Next Convention, to Be Convocated in a short period. At least our principles are Sound\u2014Libert\u00e9, Egalit\u00e9, are the Motto, and if the people Can Be Brought to a proper scale of obedience to the Law, which much depends on some Alterations to Be Made in the Administrative and judiciary parts of the Constitution, We May do Very well, and Apologize for the work in Considering By whom, and for whom it Has Been Made. May Education Better fit for liberty the Ensuing Generations! Enough it will Be for this, to Have Broke the fetters, destroied Prejudices, and laid a Good Ground to Be Sowed By our successors, and Cultivated By posterity.\nM. de Ternant will Acquaint You with the state of our internal and External Politics. To Him I Refer Myself. You Have thought with me He is the Best Man to Be sent to America. I Had in the Course of the Revolution Many opportunities to Experience His Abilities, Honesty, and friendship. He will deliver to You a letter of our National Assembly, Expressing sentiments Most sincerely felt. He will Explain How it Happened the Assembly Blunderd in the duties on oil and tobacco, and I Hope You will Be satisfied with His Accounts on these Matters.\nOur friend Short who Continues to Conciliate to Himself Universal Esteem and Affection will write to You Respecting New orleans. France will do what she Can with Spain, and that is Not a great Guarantee for the Negociation. I Had My Private sentiments long Ago fixed on the subject, and Never thought it was possible, Much less desireable to prevent Louisiana from declaring Herself independant\u2014That You Could Not stop an Adress from Kentucky to Congratulate them on the Occasion\u2014and that it should Be Hard  Not to Have Provided a Bundle of Proofs that Spain Has Been in twenty Circumstances the Agressing power. Adieu, My dear friend, Remember me Most Affectionately and Respectfully to the two ladies. Most Friendly I am for ever Yours,\nLafayette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0195", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 7 June 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 7 June 1791. Introducing M. Kellerman, nephew to De Marbois, who goes to America with De Ternant and who carries two letters to the Secretary of the Treasury to be given to De Ternant at Rochefort, also a packet of newspapers for TJ. Other papers and journals were sent by De Ternant and Dupont, who left Paris successively. They are to meet at Rochefort. His public letter begun yesterday not yet finished and cannot go by Kellerman, but will be sent to De Ternant at Rochefort. He asks TJ\u2019s civilities and attentions to Kellerman.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0196", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 8 June 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia], \u201cTreasury Department,\u201d 8 June 1791. He thinks it would be useful if an officer of the U.S. in each foreign country where there is one were directed to transmit occasional state of the coins of the country, specifying standards, weights, and values, also periodical listing of market prices of gold and silver in coin and bullion, the rates of foreign exchange, and the wages of labor both in manufactures and in tillage.\u2014He requests that, if no inconvenience in the idea appears to TJ, an instruction for this purpose be sent and copies of statements received be furnished the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0197", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 10 June 1791\nFrom: Cathalan, Stephen, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMarseilles, 10 June 1791. Encloses another letter from O\u2019Bryen and Stephens. Parret thinks that to obtain an advantageous treaty with Algiers the first step is to redeem the prisoners. Spain lost millions by not doing so. Parret thinks, and he agrees, that about \u00a340,000 sterling in money, vessels, or presents would be adequate, after which peace could be obtained. Will give Parret and de Kersey, recent French consul at Algiers, introduction to Short.\u2014Has had no news from Short for a long time about his \u201cPetition to M. de Montmorrin\u201d about his consular rank. In the meantime he is not given rights and duties of consul because he is named vice-consul. Annexes one print of the consular seal just received from Paris and hopes it will be approved. Lists commodity prices. \u201cWhale oil is in the greatest demand, and none in Town\u2026 . Assignats have very much hurted the Publick credit. Foreigners have not Confidence in Transacting Bussiness with France, in this Time.\u201d Raynal\u2019s petition to the National Assembly will show the real sentiments of the nation. The people suffer and do not know when their sufferings will end. Self-interest and intrigues guide the machine and will \u201cconduct France to it\u2019s entire Destruction and Ruin; your Constitution has been made with Calm, wisdom and Prudence, and you Enjoy now the Benefit.\u201d\u2014The National Assembly has just directed that a new treaty of alliance and trade should be made with the United States. Fears this comes too late because the tobacco decree is against American interests and that forbidding purchase of foreign vessels is harmful to French merchants. Also England appears desirous of making such a treaty.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0199", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Rutledge, Jr., 14 June 1791\nFrom: Rutledge, John, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCharleston, 14 June 1791. Acknowledging receipt of TJ\u2019s of 20 Feb. His friendly information about President\u2019s tour was their first intelligence of it. He immediately \u201ccommunicated this very pleasing information to my fellow Citzens,\u201d who at once began to prepare for his reception. This was \u201csplendid and handsome, and in this great and good man\u2019s tour through this State, people of all denominations shewed the highest veneration possible for his character, and the greatest affection for his person.\u201d\nYesterday Mr. Dease of Charleston, who knew TJ in Paris, was tried \u201cfor having murdered, in a duel, his cousin a Mr. Inglis.\u201d Despite evidence unfavorable to him and the court\u2019s recommending no verdict short of manslaughter, \u201cyet custom has so sanctioned this sort of murder, that the jury found not guilty.\u201d It is to be regretted that, \u201cnotwithstanding the progress of philosophy and reason, and our appearing to live in a blaze of light and knowledge,\u2026duelling is the only mode of settling disputes.\u201d It is much to be lamented that frequency of settling the most trivial disputes in this way seems peculiar to this country. \u201cI hope the time will soon arrive when this crime shall attract the notice of the Legislature, and that it may establish some manner of settling disputes less gothic than the present. It has hitherto been imagined that no other can be devised, but a revolution in the minds of people on this subject, will be much less surprizing than the revolutions which have lately happened.\u201d He encloses a letter for Short to be forwarded. His father desires to be \u201cremembered affectionately\u201d to TJ.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0201", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Louis Lagrenade and Others to the President, [24 January 1791]\nFrom: Lagrenade, Louis,et al.\nTo: Washington, George\nEnclosureLouis Lagrenade and Others to the President\nMay it please your Excellency\nWe The free coloured people of the Island of Grenada, having taken into Consideration a Writing, the purpose of which (they are informed) is your Excellency\u2019s generous disposition of giving that unfortunate Class of People, an Asylum in the southern parts of the States of your Excellency\u2019s Government; have inclosed herewith, a Copy of the same humbly requesting your Excellency to Confirm its authenticity; in order that they may have that faith in it which a subject of such magnitude requires. Such an Act of your Excellency\u2019s Generosity, will excite their deepest gratitude and they will deem themselves peculiarly blest, if their unhappy Situation in these Islands can have touched your Breast so as to move your Benevolence to furnish them with the means of coming out of their Captivity, and to introduce them into a new Canaan, where they will enjoy all the Happiness of that precious Liberty, which, you gloriously and generously defended, and maintained in favor of Your illustrious Countrymen. Your Excellency\u2019s rendering this a Certainty, will determine Sixty thousand free Coloured Individuals, to Settle in Your Country for the Honor and prosperity of their Family\u2019s, and there to enjoy a tolerable existence; them and their Slaves will be fully sufficient to form their Establishments.\nIt will be then that the plains of America (from that time become the Happy residence of People capable of the Highest Gratitude, for the Clemency bestowed upon them, by Your Excellency and the Honourable Congress) will be with greater Certainty, the Asylum of Peace free from the disturbance, of all those who might endeavour to interrupt the Continuance of the Happiness  of our Benefactors; which we would always support with the same resolution, and ardour, as they themselves have shewed; an example to all the Nations of World, in procuring for themselves that independency which they now enjoy. It is with those sentiments that we are in Hopes to attain to those days, so Happy and so desirable, which will enable us to prove to You, all the veneration, and respect, with which we Have the Honor to be. May it please Your Excellency Your most Humble and Most Obedient Servants The Committee,\nLos. Lagrenade\nJ. N. Pre. Saulger\nF. Julien\nJoseph Green", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0204", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 17 June 1791\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond June 17. 1791.\nI have been favor\u2019d with 2 letters from you since my arrival with Paine\u2019s pamphlet in one, and should have answer\u2019d them sooner, but knew of your departure Eastward and of course that it would not have been sooner received. By the 25th. we shall be settled in Albemarle upon my plantation, the unfinish\u2019d state of the buildings having prevented the removal there sooner. The appeals and general court are sitting. Their respective terms will not expire so as to enable me to get home by that time, but my own business will be finish\u2019d and I shall not stay longer.\nUpon political subjects we perfectly agree, and particularly in the reprobation of all measures that may be calculated to elevate the government above the people, or place it in any respect without its natural boundary. To keep it there nothing is necessary, but virtue in a part only (for in the whole it cannot be expected) of the high  publick servants, and a true development of the principles of those acts which have a contrary tendency. The bulk of the people are for democracy, and if they are well inform\u2019d the ruin of such enterprizes will infallibly follow. I shall however see you in Sepr. at which time we will confer more fully on these subjects.\nI have been associated in the room of Mr. Pendleton with the Commissioners for revising the laws of this State. The appointment was communicated to me yesterday by the Executive and as it was neither wish\u2019d nor expected, I can give no information of the extent of the duty or the time it will take to execute it. Upon the hope of completing what is expected from us before the meeting of the next Congress I have accepted the appointment.\nI am extremely anxious to procure rooms near you for the next session. If such should be known to you which may be preingag\u2019d, to be occupied on the commencement of the session, shall thank you to contract for them in my behalf. I shall certainly be there at that time, for having accepted this appointment I am resolv\u2019d to pursue and not be diverted from it by any consideration whatever. Remember me to Mr. Madison. Mrs. M. was well when I left her. With great respect & esteem I am affectionately yr. friend & servant,\nJas. Monroe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0205", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 17 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMount-Vernon, June 17th. 1791.\nBy the last post from the southward I received your letters of the 17th. and 24th. of April, with their enclosures.\nIn a letter of the 7th. of May, which I wrote to the Secretary of the Treasury from Charleston, I expressed my approbation of what he informed me had been determined by the Vice-President and the Heads of Departments, relative to Mr. Short\u2019s negociation at Amsterdam, and the further progress of the loans in Holland. I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0206", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 20 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia June 20. 1791.\nI am honoured with yours of the 15th. instant, and not a little mortified with the miscarriage of so many of my letters. They have been of the following dates\nApr. 2.\nMay 1.\nMay 8.\nMay.15.\nJune. 5. from Bennington. Of these it appears that only the three first and that of May 15. had come to hand, and probably that of June 5. has been recieved ere this. Those of Apr. 17. and 24. and May 1. and 8. were sent, the two first to Charleston, and the two last to Taylor\u2019s ferry. I now send copies of them, tho their contents are not at this time very interesting.\nThe papers from the free people of colour in Grenada, which you did me the honour to inclose, I apprehend it will be best to take no notice of. They are parties in a domestic quarrel, which I think we should leave to be settled among themselves. Nor should I think it desireable, were it justifiable, to draw a body of sixty thousand free blacks and mulattoes into our country.\u2014The instructions from the government of the United Netherlands, by which Mr. Shaw has suffered, merit serious notice. The channel thro which application shall be made is the only difficulty; Dumas being personally disagreeable to that government. However, either thro\u2019 him or some other it should certainly be conveyed.\nMr. Remsen had unluckily sent off to New York all my letters on the very day of my arrival here, which puts it out of my power to give you the state of things brought by the last packet. I expect they will be returned tomorrow, and that my next may communicate to you whatever they contain interesting.\nI recieved yesterday a letter from Colo. Ternan informing me of his appointment and that he should sail about the latter end of May.\u2014The court of Madrid has sent over a Don Joseph Jaudenes as a joint commissioner with de Viar, till a Charg\u00e9 shall be named. He presented me the letter of Credence from the Count de Florida Blanca when I was at New York. He is a young man who was under Secretary to Mr. Gardoqui when here.\nOur tour was performed in somewhat less time than I had calculated. I have great hopes it has rid me of my head-ach, having scarcely had any thing of it during my journey. Mr. Madison\u2019s health  is very visibly mended. I left him at New York, meditating a journey as far Eastward as Portsmouth.\u2014I have the honor to be with the most respectful attachment, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0207", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Seth Jenkins, 21 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jenkins, Seth\nSir\nPhiladelphia June 21. 1791.\nAccording to my promise when I had the pleasure of seeing you at Hudson, I have examined my notes made when I was at Bordeaux and find that the lowest priced white wines of that canton cost 75 livres the ton, which contains 1000 French pints, their pint almost exactly our quart: that they yeild from a fifth to a sixth of spirit on distillation, and that the smallest wines make the best brandy. According to this a ton will yeild 200 quarts or 50 gallons of spirit, which will be 30 sous or \u2154 New York money the gallon. I think you told me this was the price of a gallon of molasses now in the West Indies. It is then to be considered whether a saving may not be made in the freight, and a gain by the superior quality of the spirit distilled from wine. You have probably a correspondent at Bordeaux: if not, and you cannot readily get one well recommended, you may safely address yourself to Mr. Fenwick a native of Maryland, consul at Bordeaux for the United states, who is an honest man, and pretty well acquainted with the subject of wines.\nI inclose you one of my reports on the whale and cod fisheries, and will be obliged to you if, in reading it, you will have a pen in your hand, and make notes, ever so roughly, of any errors you may discover in it, and any new facts you can furnish me with, and be so obliging as to send me the notes. I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedient humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0208", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 21 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia June 21. 1791.\nI arrived here on Sunday evening. Yesterday I sent your note to Lieper who immediately called and paid the 200 Dollars, which I have exchanged for a post note and now inclose. I mentioned to the Atty Gen. that I had a note on him, and afterwards sent it to him, saying nothing as to time. I inclose you also a post note for 35. Dollars to make up my deficit of expences (25.94 D.) to pay Mr. Elsworth and the smith, and also to get me from Rivington\u2019s Hamilton More\u2019s practical navigator, if his be the 6th. edition, as I believe it is. This is the last edition revised and printed under the author\u2019s eye. The later editions are so incorrect as to be worth nothing.\nThe President will leave Mt. Vernon on the 27th. He will be stayed a little at Georgetown.\u2014Colo. H. Lee is here. He gives a very different account from Carrington\u2019s of the disposition of the upper country of Virginia towards the Excise law. He thinks resistance possible.\u2014I am sorry we did not bring with us some leaves of the different plants which struck our attention, as it is the leaf which principally decides specific differences. You may still have it in your power to repair the omission in some degree. The Balsam tree at Govr. Robinson\u2019s is the Balsam poplar, Populus balsamifera of Linnaeus. The Azalea I can only suspect to be the Viscosa, because I find but two kinds the nudiflora and viscosa acknoleged to grow with us, and I am sure it is not the nudiflora. The White pine is the Pinus Strobus. I will thank you if in your journey Northward you will continue the enquiries relative to the Hessian fly, and note them. The post is almost on it\u2019s departure so Adieu.\u2014Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0209", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 22 June 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe Hague, 22 June 1791. He sends this by the Harmony, Captain Folger, for Baltimore, with duplicate by Amsterdam. Parliament adjourned without  being able to learn the designs of the British court, their fleet ready to depart, the press of sailors continuing, the armistice between the Turks and Hungary expired\u2014all indicate continuation and extension of war.\n[P.S.] 26 June. His dispatch by Amsterdam had gone before arrival of the troubling news of the escape of the King, Queen, and Monsieur [the Comte de Provence]. The last is at Mons, but no one knows today where the King is. After tomorrow we fear news of assassination.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0210", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 22 June 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis June 22. 1791.\nI have to communicate to you a very unexpected event which has taken place here and occupies the National assembly at present. The King with the Queen and Royal family retired from Paris without being observed the night before last. It is not yet known how they got out of the Chateau, in what manner they set off, nor whither they are gone. What renders this extraordinary circumstance the more remarkable is that the comit\u00e9 des recherches; the Municipality, and M. de la fayette were all warned of the intended flight, and had increased the guard and doubled their vigilance that night.\nThe event has so astonished every body and is so unaccountable in itself that no probable conjecture is formed of the manner in which it was effected. It became known between eight and nine o\u2019clock in the morning of yesterday and expresses were sent off immediately to spread this information and stop the King or any part of the Royal family. As yet no intelligence of any kind whatever has been recieved of them.\nIt seems probable that the King counts on foreign aid and in that case he will endeavour to get out of the Kingdom for the present by the safest route. It is thought he will go through bye ways into the low countries or perhaps to Worms where he will find the Count D\u2019Artois and Prince de Cond\u00e9.\nPrevious to his departure he drew up an address \u00e0 tons les Francois \u00e0 sa sortie de Paris. He protests against the decrees he has sanctioned since Octob. 89. He forbids the ministers to sign any act in his name without further orders from him and commands the Garde du sceau to send him the seal of the State when he shall require it.\nThe National Assembly have taken provisionary measures for the exercise of the government during the King\u2019s absence as you will  see by their proceedings of yesterday which are inclosed in this letter and its copies which I shall send by several conveyances.\nIn consequence of their decrees M. de Montmorin has written a circular letter to the foreign ministers here. I inclose you a copy of that addressed to me. I subjoin also a copy of one I recieved yesterday from the Spanish Ambassador, since when I have heard nothing further from him.\nIt is surprizing that the King\u2019s departure should have produced so little effect here.\u2014There reigns the most perfect tranquillity and business goes on in almost the ordinary style. It is impossible to say how long this will continue. A few days however will probably shew more clearly the dispositions of all parties. The people murmured much against M. de la fayette, but his irreproachable character and known virtue saved him from their violence and he seems now to have fully their confidence, as he has certainly that of the National assembly.\u2014I am with sentiments of sincere attachment & affection Dear Sir, your friend & servant,\nW. Short\nP.S. 10 o\u2019clock p.m. An express has just arrived with intelligence that the King has been stopped at Varrennes near the frontier of Luxemburg. He was recognized by the postmaster of the village. He is now surrounded by thousands of gardes nationales who flocked in from all quarters and are escorting him here. The assembly will conduct themselves with moderation, but it is impossible to answer for the excesses of the people and particularly with respect to the Queen. The crisis is really tremendous and may have a disastrous issue.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0215", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 June 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNew York June 23d. 1791.\nI recieved your favor of the 21st. yesterday, inclosing post notes for 235 dollars. I shall obtain the bills of Mrs. Elsworth and the Smith this afternoon and will let you know the amount of them.  There is a bill also from the Taylor amounting to \u00a36.7. which I shall pay. The articles for which it is due are in my hands and will be forwarded by the first opportunity. If a good one should fall within your notice, it may be well for you to double the chance of a conveyance by giving a commission for the purpose. I have applied to Rivington for the Book but the only copies in Town seem to be of the 8th. Edition. This however is advertised as \u201cenlarged &c. by the author,\u201d who I am told by Berry & Rogers is now living and a correspondent of theirs. It is not improbable therefore that your reason for preferring the 6th. Ed: may be stronger in favor of this. Let me know your pleasure on the subject and it shall be obeyed.\nI am at a loss what to decide as to my trip to the Eastward. My inclination has not changed but a journey without a companion, and in the stage which besides other inconveniences travels too rapidly for my purpose, makes me consider whether the next fall may not present a better prospect. My horse is more likely to recover than at the time of your departure. By purchasing another, in case he should get well, I might avoid the stage, but at an expence not altogether convenient.\nYou have no doubt seen the French Regulations on the subject of Tobo. which commence hostilities against the British Navigation Act. Mr. King tells me an attack on Payne has appeared in a Boston paper under the name of Publicola, and has an affinity in the stile as well as sentiments to the discourses on Davila. I observed in a late paper here an extract from a Philada. pamphlet on the Bank. If the publication has attracted or deserves notice I should be glad of a copy from you. I will write again in a few days; in the mean time remaining Yrs. mo: affecly,\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0216", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Maury, 23 June 1791\nFrom: Maury, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLiverpool, 23 June 1791. He has received none of TJ\u2019s letters since his of 2 Mch. Sends the corn law, just \u201cfinished.\u201d Many expect it will be amended more favorably to foreign countries before it goes into operation. In accordance with TJ\u2019s of 26 Aug. he has required particulars of masters. \u201cSome conform, but many will not.\u201d He will continue to make requisitions, but has not applied to civil authority to assist him in compelling compliance. American vessels continue to engross carrying from England to U.S., and their arrivals have increased this year. Ports of this kingdom are open to foreign corn and entirely under direction of Privy Council until 15 Nov. next.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0218", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Tobias Lear, 24 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Lear. He has been endeavoring this morning, while the thing is in his mind to make a statement of the cost and expences of the President\u2019s wines, but not having a full account of the whole from Fenwick he is unable to do it but on sight of the account rendered by him to the President. If Mr. Lear, the first time any circumstance shall give him occasion of doing Th: J. the honour of calling on him, will put that account in his pocket, the matter can be completed in two or three minutes.\u2014The cloudiness of the present day renders it favourable to remove the 4. hampers of Champagne from Th: J\u2019s cellar, if Mr. Lear thinks proper to send for them. It would be well to open a case of every kind and place the bottles on their shelves that they may be settled before the President\u2019s return.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0219", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 24 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia June 24. 1791.\nMr. Custis, a citizen of Virginia, proposing to make application to the government of France for redress of a wrong which he thinks he has sustained from them, I am to ask your patronage of his claims so far as they shall be just and so far also as a denial or delay of justice in the ordinary modes of application may render an extraordinary interference necessary.\u2014I am with great & sincere esteem, Dear Sir Your friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0220", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Fulwar Skipwith, 24 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Skipwith, Fulwar\nSir\nPhiladelphia June 24th. 1791\nThis letter will be handed you by the person who goes to Martinique as agent for those interested in the Sloop Jane of Baltimore lately commanded by Captain Woodrough. This vessel, according to the evidence handed me, appears to have been taken at Sea off the island of Martinique, carried into the port of Cazenaviere of that island, the cargo disposed of under authority of the Government, and the vessel itself retained and converted into a cruizer. How far these appearances may be qualified by further evidence cannot be estimated here. If the troubles then existing in the island rendered the vessel and cargo necessary for the purposes of Government, justice will certainly induce them to make ample indemnification to the individuals interested, and our dispositions towards that Nation are too friendly to press anything further. I am to desire you will patronize the applications for redress as far as shall be necessary and just.\nMy letter of the 13th. of May last will have informed you that the circumstances of the moment induce us not to press for the literal execution of the Consular Convention so far as regards your exequatur. At the same time we are assured that your applications on behalf of our commerce informally made, shall be substantially attended to and respected. It is in this way we desire you to interfere in the present case if necessary.\u2014I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0222", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 26 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\nMy dear Maria\nPhiladelphia June 26. 1791.\nI hope you have recieved the letter I wrote you from lake George, and that you have well fixed in your own mind the geography of that lake, and of the whole of my tour, so as to be able to give me a good account of it when I shall see you. On my return here, I found your letter of May 29. giving me the information it is always so pleasing to me to recieve that you are all well. Would to god I could be with you to partake of your felicities, and to tell you in person how much I love you all, and how necessary it is to my happiness to be with you.\u2014In my letter to your sister written to her two or three days ago, I expressed my uneasiness at hearing nothing more of my tobacco and asked some enquiries to be made of Mr. Lewis on the subject, but I received yesterday a letter from Mr. Lewis with full explanations, and another from Mr. Hylton informing me the tobo. was on it\u2019s way to this place. Therefore desire your sister to suppress that part of my letter and say nothing about it. Tell her from me how much I love her, kiss her and the little one for me and present my best affections to Mr. Randolph, assured of them also yourself from your\u2019s,\nTh: J", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0224", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Peters, 26 June 1791\nFrom: Peters, Richard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\n[Belmont], 26 June 1791.\nAlmost as soon as I saw you advertized in a New York News Paper your Return was announced in one of ours. I have been in Town twice since I left the Assembly and once I called to enquire after you but you had eloped. My Strawberries are gone and I have no Temptations to offer you. Come then from disinterested Motives when you wish for a little Country Air and you will get it pure. Should it create an Apetite I will give you something to eat. I do not esteem you as Men do many things for your Scarcity. If this could make you more valuable than you are there would be no End to the Calculation. Possibly if you resided at the Potowmack you would make a Northern Excursion from Curiosity. Madison I saw not thro\u2019 the Winter except now and then en passant. In this I suppose we were both to blame. I hear not whether he is in Philada. or gone Southward. As he is said to be the Fox of America, I suppose he was too cunning to let our Paragraphists get hold of him. I wish the News Factors had made a better Comparison. For our Fox has every thing I love and the other, except his Talents, everything I hate.\u2014Yours very Sincerely,\nR. Peters", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0225", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 26 June 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis June 26. 1791.\nMy last of the 22d. inst. of which copies were sent by several conveyances, will inform you of the King\u2019s departure from Paris  and his arrestation at Varennes near the frontier of Luxemburg. He was accompanied by the Queen, their two children, Madame Elisabeth, the Gouvernante du Dauphin, two femmes de chambre, and three gardes du corps dressed in the habit of couriers and acting in that capacity. Monsieur and Madame left Paris the same night and taking a different route have arrived safe in the low countries. From the depositions which have been taken it appears that the King, Queen and their company got out of the chateau, by a secret door which was always kept shut as useless, and for which false keys were made.\nThe King\u2019s carriage was stopped at Varennes without their knowing who he was. It was thought the suspicions against them arising from the circumstances of their taking a different route to get to Varennes, from that which they had at first directed for Verdun, their being escorted by several hussards, their apparent confusion when questioned &c. were sufficient to authorize their being stopped under present circumstances. In a short time the King was recognized by an inhabitant of Varennes. The alarm was spread through the country. The gardes nationales from all quarters rushed in. The order of the Marquis de la fayette and that added to it by the National assembly for stopping the King and Royal family arrived there by one of the Aides du camp sent off in pursuit of them, and immediately the return towards Paris commenced.\nThe Hussards who escorted the King had been posted on the route by M. de Bouill\u00e9 under pretence of conducting the supplies of money intended for the army. As soon as they found it was the King they declared their attachment to the nation and the horror of what they had been deceived to do. I mention this as a sample of the present spirit of the army.\nMy former letter will have informed you of the National assembly having immediately on the King\u2019s departure taken the whole government on themselves. Addresses from all quarters are coming in daily declaring their confidence in the assembly and their adhesion to their measures. They continued the several ministers in their functions, decreed that the sanction of the King should for the present be dispensed with, and prescribed a new form of an oath to be taken to the national assembly. All the military of the assembly immediately took it, and what is remarkable all the members of what is called the cote droit, without excepting the most hostile to the revolution, took it with a seeming pleasure; all parties seemed to make a point of honor of uniting and acting in concert. The oath was also sollicited by M. D\u2019affry an old courtier at the head, and in  the name of the officers of the Swiss guards. The garde nationale of Paris have followed this example and citizens of all classes and parties do the same.\nThe assembly dispatched three of their members to go and meet the King with absolute powers to take all the measures necessary for conducting him safely to Paris and protecting him and the Royal family from injury or insult.\u2014They sent other members also to the frontiers with unlimited powers for their defense, and among others that of suspending such of the officers of the army as they should consider subject to suspicion. They decreed at the same time the suspension and arrestation of M. de Bouill\u00e9 the commandant of Metz, suspected of having been concerned in what is now called the King\u2019s evasion, after having at first been called his enlevement. It is reported that M. de Bouill\u00e9 has found means to escape out of the Kingdom.\nWhen the King was first stopped he produced a passeport in the usual form signed Montmorin &c. It was for a Baronne de Corme and her suite. Immediately on this passeport being sent to the assembly, M. de Montmorin was denounced as having contributed to the King\u2019s evasion.\u2014The assembly ordered him to be escorted immediately to their bar to answer to it, and this exciting the suspicions of the people, they run in crowds to his house and would probably have proceeded to violence if the garde nationale had not prevented them. M. de Montmorin found no difficulty in satisfying the assembly that this passeport had been given in the usual manner at the request of M. de Simolin. No further enquiry has been yet made respecting it so as to shew whether Simolin obtained it with improper views. The assembly being satisfied with M. de Montmorin\u2019s explanation appeased the people, who remained several hours in a menacing posture at his house.\nThe assembly you know had ordered the elections for the next Legislature. The electors are forming throughout the Kingdom. They have now thought proper in consequence of present circumstances to suspend these elections until ordered by a future decree. How long this will be delayed depends absolutely on circumstances. There is no doubt that a majority of the assembly will be disposed to delay it as long as possible, notwithstanding their assertions individually to the contrary.\nYesterday morning previous to the King\u2019s arrival the assembly decreed on the report of the committee of constitution the following articles.\nArt. 1er. Aussit\u00f4t que le Roi sera arriv\u00e9 au chateau des Thuilleries,  il lui sera donn\u00e9 provisoirement une garde, qui sous les ordres du commandant de la garde nationale Parisienne veillera \u00e0 sa s\u00fbret\u00e9 et repondra de sa personne.\n2. Il sera provisoirement donn\u00e9 \u00e0 l\u2019heritier presomptif de la couronne une garde particuliere, de m\u00eame sous les ordres du commandant general, et il sera nomm\u00e9 un gouverneur par l\u2019assembl\u00e9e nationale.\n3. Tous ceux qui ont accompagn\u00e9 la Famille Royale seront mis en etat d\u2019arrestation et interrog\u00e9s. Le Roi et la Reine seront entendus dans leur d\u00e9claration le tout sans delai, pour \u00eatre pris ensuite par l\u2019assembl\u00e9e nationale les resolutions qui seront jug\u00e9es necessaires.\n4. Il sera provisoirement donn\u00e9 une garde particuliere \u00e0 la Reine.\n5. Jusqu\u2019\u00e0 ce qu\u2019il en ait \u00e9t\u00e9 autrement ordonn\u00e9 le decret rendu le 21. de ce mois qui enjoint au ministre de la justice d\u2019apposer le sceau de l\u2019\u00e9tat aux decr\u00e9ts de l\u2019assembl\u00e9e nationale sans qu\u2019il soit besoin de la sanction ou de l\u2019acceptation du Roi continuera d\u2019etre execute dans toutes ses dispositions.\n6. Les ministres et les commissaires du Roi pour la tr\u00e9sorerie nationale, la caisse de l\u2019extraordinaire et la direction de la Liquidation, sont de m\u00eame autoris\u00e9s provisoirement de faire chacun dans leur d\u00e9partement et sous leur responsabilit\u00e9 les fonctions du pouvoir executif.\n7. Le present decret sera publi\u00e9 \u00e0 l\u2019instant m\u00eame au son de trompe dans tous les quartiers de la capitale, d\u2019apr\u00e8s les ordres du ministre de l\u2019interieur transmis au directoire du Departement de Paris.\nThis decree will give you some idea of the present situation of the government and the measures intended to be taken. You will easily conceive that the post of M. de la fayette becomes the most disagreeable and dangerous that can be imagined. He will probably insist on the assembly\u2019s tracing with more particularity the conduct he is to pursue in this new kind of safekeeping. The Duke de la Rochefoucauld will I think be appointed Governor of the Dauphin. This place will be less dangerous but cannot fail to be exceedingly disagreeable under present circumstances.\nThe assembly will not determine probably until after the declaration of the King and Queen, in what character they will consider him in future. It does not seem that a doubt enters into the head of any body about their right to declare him King or no King according as they may judge proper. The assembly themselves or a majority of them would prefer I think keeping him as a shadow of monarchy and exercising all the functions of government without him. The  people of Paris headed by some popular ambitious persons declare loudly in favor a republican government. They have much influence on the deliberations of the assembly; still I do not know how far they will succeed.\u2014The question will be kept undecided by the assembly as long as possible. Great numbers now wish that the King had escaped, as well those who are zealous republicans as those who are attached to the King\u2019s person. The former think that his absence would have shewn that he was an useless part of the government. As it is, all parties are embarassed and doubt what will be done. We have no idea of what the King will say himself or of what foreign powers will say. It would seem certain that he had been well assured of their support before undertaking the risk of a flight, although he affirmed to the commissaries of the assembly that he never had an intention of quitting the Kingdom but should have stopped at Mont M\u00e9di on the frontier: which seems probable enough, as he would in all likelihood have called there an Austrian garrison.\nI was yesterday evening in the assembly when the three commissaries who had been sent to meet the King, returned there after seeing him and the Royal family safe in their appartments. They gave a particular detail of all the circumstances that took place after their joining him. In addition to the King\u2019s affirmation mentioned above, they said he expressed his sensibility, on their reading him the decree of the assembly, at the sollicitude of the assembly for the safety of his person and the precautions taken for insuring it. They say that the most perfect order and obedience to the decrees of the assembly was observed by all the citizens on the route and that they were surrounded every where with demonstrations of their zeal and implicit confidence and reliance on the national assembly.\nAn alarm took place at the moment of the King\u2019s carriage stopping before the door of the palace. To avoid the crowd of the streets the convoy had followed the boulevard without the new walls and came in by the champs elys\u00e9es entering the Thuilleries on the pont tournant. The people forced the guard and entered the Thuilleries so as to be present when the carriages stopped. The three gardes du corps dressed as couriers were said among the people to be the Duke de Guiche and two other persons of the court disguised in order to assist the King\u2019s flight. They were placed on the coachman\u2019s seat of the King\u2019s carriage and in alighting a movement was made among the people and the garde nationale which seemed to threaten them. The three commissaries and M. de la fayette exerted themselves to calm their fury. It is doubtful whether they would have succeeded if the assembly, warned of the danger, had not sent several of their  members to assist in relieving them. Their presence restored order and induced the people to desist\u2014except this the arrival in Paris passed with much tranquillity. Dispositions sometimes appeared among the people to hiss and insult the King but were immediately suppressed by the garde nationale. In general much silence was observed and a determined resolution to shew none of the accustomed marks of respect, insomuch that the people allowed no body to keep their hats off as the Royal family passed.\nThe King expressed his surprize after his arrival that the ministers were not present, as he was not then informed of the decree of yesterday morning. M. de Montmorin went to wait on him this morning, though not to take his orders and I know not in what manner the decree was communicated to him. The corps diplomatique remain inactive as a body. Individually they will treat with M. de Montmorin though I suppose the most of them will suspend as much as possible their correspondence for the present, and particularly the family ambassadors.\nI forgot to mention to you that when the Aide du camp of M. de la fayette arrived at Varennes and informed the King of his being sent after him, he and the Queen both forgot for a moment their position and went into the most unbounded abuse as well of the aide de camp as of M. de la fayette. He has for some time been the person on whom the Queen\u2019s hatred has concentered and the King has lately followed her example, notwithstanding it is certain that they both owe their lives to him and that he has lost the favor of numbers of the garde nationale and people on account of what they considered as his complaisance for them.\nThese are the principal details that have passed respecting this most unfortunate event. The influence it will have on the future situation of this country must be great, but it is impossible to say at present in what manner it will operate. I will take care to keep you informed of it in proportion as it is developed.\nI have to acknowlege the reciept of your letter of April 25. together with the newspapers and the box containing the proceedings of the former Congress. I have seen M. Drost. He is now engaged in contending with other artists for the engraving of the new money to be struck here. Of course he could not engage immediately to go to America. The question however will be decided in fifteen days. I doubt whether he will succeed as his rivals and judges are both academicians. Should he not succeed he will undertake the business on the terms sent to you, and of which you returned me a copy. He says it will be indispensable to have the presses made here, and that  it will be best to have the other instruments also as it will be more economical and as they may be made at the same time as the presses. He says they cannot be finished before the winter, and that he could not go until the spring, but that in the mean time he could send directions for erecting the necessary buildings so that no delay would ensue. He would recommend the having four presses made here, but says two may suffice for the present. They will cost about 22,000\u20b6 each. I hope you will instruct me with respect to the number you would chuse. He hopes that if he should succeed in the struggle he is engaged in here that he might still find time to go to America for the purpose you wish, or if not he thinks that he could have a mint erected and established there by having the proper instruments made here and giving the proper directions to a person he could send from hence. He is to give me his answer with respect to his going in fifteen days. I hope he will agree to undertake the voyage as I do not see from your letter that I am to engage another in the case of his refusal.\u2014He tells me he does not understand the business of assaying but that it is so simple an art that he will undertake to make himself master of it if he should go, and will instruct in it any person you may designate, not chusing to meddle with the operation practically himself on account of the delicacy of the subject. I am particularly happy that he undertakes this part of the business, as your letter and the copy of that of the Sec. of the Treasury to you left me in doubt whether I was to send another person for this purpose and on what terms. On the whole, I think you may count on M. Drost for the next spring, but you shall hear further from me on the subject very soon.\nThis letter and its duplicate will be sent to London to go by the two first conveyances. I beg you to be assured of the sentiments of affection & attachment with which I am my dear Sir, your friend & servant,\nW. Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0226", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 June 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMount Vernon, June 26. 1791.\nThe last post brought me your letter of the 20th. instant, and the duplicates of your letters, which were missing when I last wrote to you, the originals of which have since been received. This acknowledgement  is all the notice I shall take of them until I have the pleasure of seeing you.\nI have selected the letters written by you to me while you were in the administration of the government of this State, and I will take them with me to Philada.\nThe enclosed letters have been received since my return to Mount Vernon.\u2014I am Sir, Your most obedient Servant,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0227", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Hopkins, 27 June 1791\nFrom: Hopkins, Samuel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRespected Friend\nNewyork 27th. 6 mo 1791\nThomas Jefferson. I take the liberty of offering for thy acceptance an address to the Manufacturers of Pot and Pearl-ash, containing an account of the process and according to the Principles of my Patent. Thou wilt observe my having succeeded in Canada, and by accounts from those who have commenced opperating I am flatterd to believe that the business is in a fair way of fully answering what I have held out.\nAfter making some further arangements here propose returning to Philadelphia when intind personally to wait on thee, and hope I shall have it in my power to give farther satisfaction. In mean time believe me, Thy Assured Friend,\nSam Hopkins", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0229", "content": "Title: P. N. Godin to Robert Morris, 28 June 1791\nFrom: Godin, P. N.\nTo: Morris, Robert\nSt. Eustatius, 28 June 1791. Recommending as consul on St. Eustatius David M. Clarkson \u201cwhose amiable Character makes [him] more fit for it than an  other Gentleman named Stevenson, who \u2026 would by no means be agreeable to me.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0230", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 28 June 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia June 28. 1791.\nYours of the 23d. has been duly recieved. The parcel from the taylor will probably come safely by the stage. With respect to the edition of Hamilton More\u2019s book I took pains to satisfy myself of the best edition when I was in a better situation than I now am to do it with success. The result was that the 6th. edn. was the last published under the examination of the author, and that the subsequent editions, in order to cheapen them, had been so carelessly supervised as to be full of typographical errors in the tables. I therefore prefer waiting till I can get the 6th. I learned further that after the 6th. edn. the author abandoned all attention to the work himself. I inclose you the pamphlet on the bank, and must trouble you to procure a pamphlet for me which is only in a private hand in N. York. This is a Description of the Genisee country, but more particularly of Mr. Morris\u2019s purchase of Goreham and Phelps, in 4to. with a map. It was printed in London under the agency of W. T. Franklin to captivate purchasers. There is no name to it. Colo. Smith brought in 6. copies. If one of them can be drawn from him I should be very glad of it.\u2014Will you also be so good as to ask of him whether he can give me any information of the progress of the map of S. America, which he, at my request, put into the hands of an engraver. The French proceedings against our tobo. and ships are very eccentric and unwise. With respect to the former however, which you consider as a commencement of hostilities against the British navigation act, it is only a continuation of the decision of the council of Berni, since which the importation of tobo. into France in any but American or French bottoms has been prohibited. The Spanish as well as English proceedings against our commerce are also serious.\u2014Nobody doubts here who is the author of Publicola, any more than of Davila. He is very indecently attacked in Brown\u2019s and Bache\u2019s papers.\u2014From my European letters I am inclined to think peace will take place between the Porte and Russia. The article which separates them is so minute that it will probably be got over, and  the war is so unpopular in England that the ministers will probably make that an excuse to the K. of Prussia for not going all lengths with him. His only object is Thorn and Dantzic, and he has secretly intimated at Petersbg. that if he could be accomodated with this he would not be tenacious against their keeping Oczakoff. This has leaked out, and is working duly in Poland.\u2014I think the President will contrive to be on the road out of the reach of ceremony till after the 4th. of July. Adieu my dear Sir, Yours\u2019 affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0231", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Rogers Clark, 29 June 1791\nFrom: Clark, George Rogers\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nJefferson Co[un]ty June 29th. 1791\nJudge Innis has admitt\u2019d me to a perusal of part of a Letter of yours to that Gentleman which strongly evidenced your friendly recollection of me. I have in consequence signified to the Judge by letter the high sense I had entertained of your partiality in my favour and beged him to have imparted to you the heartfelt respect and gratitude which I have ever felt and still entertain for Mr. Jefferson, as well for his personal qualifications, as for his uniform favourable propensities towards me.\nAt the time of having perused that part of your Letter above alluded to, I deemed it obligatory on my feelings, to have expressed by Letter to the Judge the gratitude I entertained for the friendly remembrance of an old servant to your government, with which you was pleased to honour me. Since then, Sir, I have considered that the terms of the Letter was such and so friendly as to have demanded at my hands that this acknowledgement however inadequate should be personally addressed to yourself. Be pleased then to accept it from a heart teeming with the warmest regard for your person, but untainted with the sordid desire of cultivating your patronage from selfish views. I am above that design but (when duly called on) I shall never be above the service of my Country at the risque of Life and reputation, Blood and Treasure. I might have been and yet may be saved.\nThe little Factions of those Western Cuntries, so incident to all infant settlements, have induc\u2019d me to spurn at competition and Rivalry. My pride soared above them, and although long since retired into the vale of private Life in which the eye of observation is generally more acute disinterested and clear sighted, yet I felt myself  constrained from the pressure of distress with which Kentucky was overwhelm\u2019d at the time by Indian hostilitys to come forward as a private citizen and to exert all the Influance I had possessed with the people to forward the late expedition. On no public occasion shall my exertion be wanting. My country and yourself may at all times, command me. I remain Dr. Sir yr Most respectfull & obliged Humble Servt,\nG R Clark", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0232", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 29 June 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis June 29. 1791.\nI informed you in my last of the 26th. inst. of the arrival of the King and Royal family at Paris, and the decree of the national assembly relative thereto and the present exercise of government. The part of the decree for recieving the declaration of the King and Queen has since been carried into execution and you will recieve inclosed the one and the other. With respect to that part which relates to the appointing a governor for the Dauphin, some dispositions were made yesterday and among others it was determined that the members of the assembly should be ineligible. This proceeds from the jealousy which has always reigned among the members of the several parties and from a desire to please those out of doors.\u2014The Duke de la Rochefoucauld would have been certainly appointed though he had with much propriety determined to refuse it. It is highly probable at present that it will be M. de Condorcet. The Marquis de la fayette begun his new function of the King\u2019s keeper immediately on his return to Paris. He postpones asking the assembly to particularize their decree so as that he may have only to follow precise instructions with respect to this custody; for which he is blamed by some of his friends. On the whole his post becomes every day more untenable. He is too generous to act with respect to the King and Queen as the people of Paris exact. This confirms the popular opinion of his connivance with them for which he is publicly denounced in a number of clubs and journals. In the mean time the necessity of a vigilant guard forces him to do many things which present him in the most insupportable and tyrannical posture both to the King and Queen and even to a great number of the patriotic part of the assembly. It seems impossible under these circumstances that he should be long without losing the attachment of both parties and the confidence of the people.\nThe assembly are daily recieving addresses from all quarters of the Kingdom and from all orders civil and military. Most of these were written before the King\u2019s arrestation was known and are in a style alarmingly republican. It is this circumstance which contributed to induce the assembly, of which a majority are decidedly for supporting the shadow of monarchy, to suspend the election of their successors. The electors, in a neighbouring department had been chosen. They immediately sent a deputation to the assembly to inform them of this circumstance and to express their obedience to the assembly particularly with respect to the suspension of the elections. This example will probably be followed by most of the departments in the first instance, as in such cases men naturally follow one another; but I doubt whether it will last long. It seems clear to me that a great opposition is forming in the spirit of the people without, to that of the members within, the assembly. The latter as I have said wish to support the form of a monarchy. The former are becoming every day under the influence of their clubs, leaders and journals, more and more averse both to the substance and form. You may judge of the spirit of the people of Paris who have much influence on those of the provinces, from the popular journals which you will recieve by the way of Havre together with the usual papers.\u2014These journals are hawked about the streets, cried in every quarter of Paris and sold cheap or given to the people who devour them with astonishing avidity. Should this spirit propagate itself as seems certain, the present assembly will be obliged to abandon the helm. They are already denounced by these journals as being sold to the court, as forging the addresses from the provinces (this you know is a reproach which has been long made to them by the aristocrats and often with reason) approbatory of their present proceedings. The most popular members are accused of wishing to reestablish despotic government in the person of the monarch, whose usual epithet is now Louis le faux or Louis le parjure. Depositions are printed as having been taken from people who have a perfect knowlege of the Marquis de la fayette and M. Bouill\u00e9 having favored the King\u2019s escape, and having endeavoured to escape themselves. A thousand such extravagances repeated every day cannot fail in the end to produce an effect on the minds of the people. The Queen\u2019s declaration seems to inculpate the Marquis as she says they passed through a door which he had informed the assembly had been particularly guarded that night, as information had been given that they were to pass there. Some think still that they went through another passage for which false keys were made. If so it is probably with a  design to injure the Marquis that the contrary is asserted. In addition to this his insisting on the King\u2019s being allowed to go to St. Cloud, and resigning because the guard refused to obey him in it, and his connexion with and responsibility having always taken on him to answer for M. de Bouill\u00e9, are constantly quoted in proof.\nIt is now known that he was the chief of the plan for the King\u2019s leaving Paris and had given orders for arranging the troops under his command so as to secure his journey to, and stay at, Montmedi. The troops were not in the secret, but it was thought that the presence of their sovereign would insure their fidelity. Many suppose also that an Austrian garrison for greater security would have been marched to Montmedi which is in the neighbourhood of Luxemburg.\nAs yet nothing is known of the effect which the King\u2019s arrestation has produced abroad. The present uncertain state of politics among the principal European States leaves it impossible to conjecture whether any or what measures will be adopted in consequence of it. If they act separately their interference will produce no effect, and it would seem little probable that powers who have all the appearance of being at the eve of hostilities among themselves could act in concert.\nThe negotiations at Sistovic still continue but give little hopes of a speedy reconciliation. The Emperor gives symptoms by the disposition of his troops, of expecting to renew the war with the Turk. The Empress redoubles her preparations in the Baltic and speaks in a tone correspondent to the respectable state of defense she has prepared. G. Britain continues her naval equipments and it is said is only now waiting for the return of an express from Petersburg in order to take decisive measures. All the symptoms indicate that the fleet is to go into the Baltic. Still I am told that there has been a much greater rise on the Mediterranean than the Baltic insurance. This circumstance astonishes a good deal here and is considered as inexplicable from any of M. de la Luzerne\u2019s letters.\nThe person sent by the King to the Prince de Cond\u00e9 with the decree of the assembly injoining his return, writes that he was at Worms the 22d., that he had been well recieved, and was to follow the Prince to Coblentz where he is to have his answer. Numbers of French refugees and all the Princes are assembled in that quarter. Their inveteracy against the present order of things is as great as it can be, but it does not appear that they have any well grounded hopes of being supported from abroad and it is certain they have no means of doing any thing of themselves.\nSimolin has exempted himself from all suspicion in the affair of the passeport by a letter written to M. de Montmorin and published in the journals. It appears that the person for whom he asked it was really a Russian, and by strategem induced him to obtain a duplicate which was given to the King.\nThe assembly have passed a decree prohibiting any person\u2019s leaving the Kingdom without a passeport. Foreigners are to recieve it from their respective ministers; citizens, from the municipalities. In both cases the signalement of the several persons is to be expressed in the passeport.\nI omitted in my last inclosing you a copy of my answer to M. de Montmorin. Several of the corps diplomatique, and particularly the Spanish Ambassador told me they intended answering it somewhat in that style. I have not heard any thing for a long time from Carmichael. I will inform you in a letter I shall write by the way of Havre of a conversation I had with Reyneval on the subject of your letter of March 19. Things relative thereto remain as when I last wrote to you.\nYou will recieve also inclosed a letter for the Secretary of the treasury and a copy of my No. 69. This letter will go by the English Packet.\n I mentioned in my No. 70. that I had seen Drost, that he hopes he shall be able to comply with your wishes in going to America, but that he is certain it cannot be before next spring, that in the mean time he would have the proper instruments made here and could give directions for the buildings to be erected before his arrival so as to lose no time, that he thinks it would be best to have four presses made, but that two would do for the present, that they will cost about 22,000 \u20b6 each, that he will undertake to teach the art of assaying to any person you may designate, and finally that he was to determine in a fortnight whether he would engage to go. I am with the sentiments of attachment & affection, of which I hope you are well persuaded, my dear Sir, your friend and servant,\nW. Short\nP.S. In your letter of March 15. you observe that the papers had not been recieved from my secretary as I expected during my absence. They were certainly regularly sent, and I hope will have been recieved with time. You add that nothing had been addressed to him, his name being unknown to you. I did not suppose it necessary to give you his name for the purpose of your addressing any thing to him, as my absence being for three months only it was certain  that I should be back before any letter from you addressed to him could arrive. I have always forgotten to give this explanation in my letters written since the reciept of yours of March 15.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0233", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 June 1791\nFrom: Bourne, Sylvanus\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCape Fran\u00e7ois, 30 June 1791. He has not been favored by any communication from TJ since his of 27 Apr. After more than three months he has not been officially received, despite his \u201carguments \u2026 drawn from the tenor of explicit compact, and conveyed in firm but cool language.\u201d They reply that they have never been officially notified of the Consular Convention, it cannot be registered, and of course they are not bound by it. But this is specious: the real motives are \u201cless honourable and such as never ought to have influence in public Councils.\u201d The fact is that admiralty and customs officers say they would lose many fees under the Convention that they now enjoy, while those who execute the droit d\u2019aubaine would lose \u201ctheir future chances of pillaging our Countrymen under the sanction of an infamous Statute \u2026 a disgrace to any civilized Country and more especially one which boasts of strides to freedom and clear perception in the simple relative rights of Men.\u201d\nThis law applied in case of a Mr. Myers of Aux Cayes, mentioned in his last. He has since received a letter from George Saunderson, a reputable American merchant there, dated 21 Apr. 1791, in response to his of the 14th asking information of the case. Saunderson says that Myers died intestate on the 5th, with none of his friends or relatives present; that, though he supposed the droits d\u2019aubaine annihilated by the change in government, the officers \u201cin my absence and that of many other Americans\u201d affixed their seals, inventoried the effects, and disposed of them by auction on the 20th. On receiving this news Bourne discussed the question with the Governor General, who has written to his government about promulgation of the Convention. Bourne pointed out to him that treaties were the supreme law of the land and that their promulgation by royal proclamation gave them immediate effect throughout the kingdom which all officers were bound to obey, otherwise certain branches of government, acting on their particular interests, might nullify their effect, as had been done in some provinces of France that had refused to register royal edicts. To this he received \u201cno satisfactory reply.\u201d\nThough he is thus placed in \u201cso painful a situation, yet in no one instance have they shewn me that attention which might evidence the truth of their assertion [of regret at not receiving the Convention] or tend to meliorate the effects of that neglect.\u201d Divesting himself \u201cof every degree of personal chagrin of resentment,\u201d he nevertheless points out that \u201cthe flagrant breaches of Treaty\u201d in respect to the droit d\u2019aubaine, of such importance to American commercial interests, and to the treatment of American consuls in the West Indies would \u201cnot fail to meet the pointed notice of the Government of the U.S.\u201d All else proving ineffectual to obtain official recognition, he awaits the arrival of the  commissaires from the National Assembly, who are said to have power to decide. He doubts this, for those lately arrived at Martinique have recognized Skipwith, but he embarks for America. Even if he is received, he doubts whether he can remain, \u201cas the Government of the U.S. neglect \u2026 support of their Consular Establishment\u201d and do not guarantee by law funds necessary.\nEven if received the day he arrived, he doubts whether he could have obtained clearance data desired by TJ. Several captains have told him they were not bound to report clearances to him, there being no law requiring it. American sailors in distress have appealed to him for relief here or conveyance home. As to former, motives of humanity led him to aid them, \u201ctho without any promise of reimbursement from my Government.\u201d As to latter, his appeals to captains \u201chave been treated with contempt and some times insult.\u201d His commission, then, brings him \u201cpain and chagrin in lieu of honour or Reward.\u201d Contrary to arguments of \u201cthose Gentlemen in Congress who are opposed to granting any compensation to our Consuls,\u201d the captains trading there think it incompatible with his official duty to engage in trade and have expressed surprise, on learning the fact, that consuls get neither fees nor salary. They acknowledge that consuls \u201cplaced\u2026 on proper principles\u201d in foreign ports would save more than the cost of their support \u201cby checks on the impositions of the lower officers in the customs.\u201d But lest he be thought biased, he will say no more.\nHe has reports of several Chambers of Commerce requested by National Assembly. If adopted, these will circumscribe American trade \u201cas they seem to take very critically the principles of the British navigation acts and support the idea of an exclusive monopoly to the Mother country of the trade with the Colonies.\u201d He will try his private establishment for two or three months longer, seeing \u201cno grounds to prop my reliance on any specific support from my Government.\u201d If he does not succeed, he must quit the country as the expenses are enormous and \u201cthe climate such as to require a valuable object \u2026 to justify one in a constant risque of health,\u201d returning to America to deliver to the President a commission he sees no prospect of \u201cretaining with personal reputation or public advantage.\u201d [P.S.] He apologizes for \u201ca few interlines in this espistle\u201d: being ill it pains him to copy it. He hopes he will have \u201csoon the honour of an answer.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0234", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 30 June 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia], 30 June 1791. Enclosing \u201csome notes on the Portuguese regulations\u201d based on reliable sources and according with his own previous knowledge and the \u201cknown spirit of the Portuguese commercial System.\u201d He will furnish a similar paper on the other cases, meanwhile adding summary data on the Swedish subject.\nTheir West India trade (at St. Bartholomew\u2019s) as free as possible, all sorts of goods importable and exportable in all sorts of vessels at trifling duty, thought to be \u00bc%. Tobacco duties \u2153 higher into Sweden in foreign than Swedish vessels. Cod and pickled fish, not wanted from abroad, could not be admitted, nor biscuit. Grain, rice, flour admitted on moderate duties, so also beef and  pork in casks, of which a good deal is imported from Ireland. Oak timber the only article of lumber admitted, except masts. Potash and pearlash made there in great quantities, no demand for foreign and none admitted. Duty on indigo moderate, on tobacco considerable. \u201cOil of whales admitted. The East India Trade a monopoly \u2026 no foreign ships can introduce India articles.\u201d All foreign manufactures prohibited even in Swedish ships, but large quantities are introduced in their freeport Mastrandt and the Danish freeport Elsinore. Only about 12 or 1500 tierces of rice of 5 Cwt. each required, consumption being confined to affluent families. Naval stores and flaxseed neither wanted nor admitted. Demand for tobacco said to be 12,000 hhds.\n\u201cForeign built ships prohibited to be made free bottoms, but for the recovery of debts, after sale for insufficiency, and repair &c. by which means some collusive naturalizations of them are effected. All foreigners Vessels are on the same footing.\u2014Lord Sheffield on the proposed corn law will be found in this enclosure, as also the return of exports at large, and in the rough state a fair copy not being in the office. It will be perceived from this document that large contraband importations from the U. S. into foreign Countries take place.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0236", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, [ca. June 1791]\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[ca. June 1791]\nMr. Coxe has the honor to enclose to Mr. Jefferson a state of the exports of Sugar, coffee, cocoa and Cotton from Surinam for 1787, and some smaller articles for other years. None of these articles can be shipt elsewhere than to Europe, nor in any other than Dutch bottoms.\nA Dutch Merchant having informed Mr. Coxe that he has furnished Mr. Fitzsimmons with the Dutch account of Duties for Mr. Jefferson they are omitted to be noticed here.\nEast India goods (except Spices) can yet be shipt to Holland from the United States but this it is expected will very soon be altered.\nAmerican built Ships can be bought and employed as Dutch Ships, except in the Fisheries, East India Trade, and West India Trade, about which there is some uncertainty.\nAll foreigners are prohibited at the Dutch East India settlements, beyond Good Hope, into which port all are admitted.\nAll kinds of meal are prohibited to be imported into Holland, all other goods are admitted on low duties, spices (and I suspect fish) excepted.\nAll kinds of goods may be shipt from Holland.\nNo distinction is made between foreign ships. Nor any between native and foreign except in the East India Trade, fisheries and West India Trade.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0238", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Skene Keith, 1 July 1791\nFrom: Keith, George Skene\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n\u201cKeith hall,\u201d Scotland, 1 July 1791. He is sending \u201ca small publication\u201d which he hopes TJ will accept, concerning \u201can universal Equalization of Weights Measures and Coins. And if I thought any man in America had bestowed more Labour on this than I have done I should not have given you this trouble.\u201d\nAs for TJ\u2019s proposed rod pendulum vibrating seconds as the standard, he surely knows that \u201cthe Length of pendulum,\u201d always measured from the point of suspension to the center of oscillation and supposed to have neither breadth nor weight, is about 39.13 inches and \u201cthe same either in the ball pendulum or Rod pendulum which I prefer.\u201d\n\u201cThe System which I propose was founded upon a discovery, which astonished myself when I first made it. A cubic vessel whose side is equal to the seconds pendulum, holds almost exacly a Tun of distilled water of 60\u00b0 heat, Amsterdam weight. This I proposed to divide decimally. Other advantages you will see in the pamphlet.\u2014If you, or any Gentleman from N. America, choose to correspond with me, my address is\u2014The Reverend Geo: Skene Keith Minr. of Keith hall by Aberdeen N. Britain.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0240", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Carroll, 2 July 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nGeorgetown, 2 July 1791. Mr. Wederstrandt, whose enclosed letter solicits consulship in Isle of France for his son, is a native of France who came to Maryland before the Revolution, married into a very respectable Eastern Shore family, was employed by the state or Congress during the war, and has \u201ca very fair Character.\u201d The young gentleman is not yet of age but will be soon after Congress meets. He served apprenticeship with Messrs. Zacharie Coopman & Co., merchants of character in Baltimore. He may be the bearer of this letter, and TJ will make use of it with the President as he \u201cmay see occasion.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0241", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 2 July 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLondon, 2 July 1791. His last, 31 May, went by Sterett on New York packet. On 29th ult. he received TJ\u2019s two letters of 13 May; those enclosed have been delivered. To his other he will reply in a few days, \u201ctho\u2019 \u2026 I must confess that I began to consider your silence, neglect; or that my communications were not worth attention.\u201d But, doubts removed, he informs TJ that Thomas Walpole, minister to the Palatine Elector, was offered appointment of minister to U.S. but, on advice of friends, declined it. George Hammond, late secretary to Lord St. Helens, ambassador to Spain, \u201cwas appointed two or three days ago, and I understand, is to go out very soon.\u201d TJ may know something of him: \u201che is the son of Mr. Hammond of Hull, and was with David Hartley. Esq., when he was sent to negotiate with the American Commissioners at Paris; I know nothing of his Character, or abilities, more than that I hear he is a heavy man.\u201d\nPreparations for war are still going on, \u201cand the trouble, and Vexation I have had with our Seamen &ca. is infinite beyond any conception. Notwithstanding all this, many think it will end in nothing.\u201d He would write fuller, but is pressed by the captain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0242", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Martin, 2 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Martin, Alexander\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 2. 1791.\nI recieved yesterday the letters of May 10. and 20. with which your Excellency was pleased to honour me, and have to return you my thanks for your attention to my request relative to the lands of the U. S. and to express the gratification it will be to me to recieve at an early day the information you have been pleased to direct from the Secretary of your state and from Colo. Armstrong.\nOn the 26th. of January last I had the honor of writing to your Excellency a letter of which the inclosed is a copy and at the same time two copies of the laws of the first session of Congress were forwarded on to you, as you will see by the inclosed note from the Chief clerk of my office, who made up the dispatch. I now inclose another copy, and deliver it to the gentleman who was the bearer of your letter, and who undertakes to find a safe conveyance. I hope it will be more fortunate in it\u2019s passage than the former copies have  been. I have the honour to be with great respect Your Excellency\u2019s most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0243", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 3 July 1791\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\ndear sir\nPhilada. July 3d. 91\nThe preservation of the relative importance of Virginia among her sister states must be held highly consequential to her future interests, whether fate shall allot to America undisturbed felicity, or difficultys dangers and vicissitudes.\nThe idea you suggested relative to a purchase of a tract of land contiguous to Lake Erie and Beaver creek is certainly worthy of every consideration, and if executable ought to be done for public purposes without loss of time.\u2014I have since I saw you continued my enquirys on the subject and find that my memory was right as to the reservation of soil by the State of connecticut of a large tract of country south of the Pensylvania line, lying on lake Erie and passing down the lake below the mouth of Cayohoga. I have seen a sale by deed from the State of Connecticut of 4000 acres of this land adjoining and comprehending the Salt Springs on Beaver creek.\nBy referring to the Journals of Congress for the year 86 I think the act of cession made by the State of Connecticut will be found, which will give every requisite information on this point. Since the assumption of the State debts, the object for which this reservation was made, ceases, and the State will probably sell their lands with facility for a lower price than was originally contemplated.\nMr. Wadsworth who is one of the partners with Mr. Morris in the purchase from Massachusetts has turned his views to this object and waits [only] for the meeting of the Legislature to enter into treaty for a part or all of the reserved lands. I understand only the first mentioned tract of 4000 acres has yet been sold. From the statement it seems obvious, that measures ought to be taken expeditiously with or without the concurrence of Mr. Wadsworth to secure the object necessary to our country, or it may be irrevocably lost.\nIf I determine to accompany Mr. Madison to Boston, I will pass thro Connecticut and avail myself of every information within my  reach and do any thing else which may be advised to accomplish this business.\nIn the mean time you will have it in your power to consider the intelligence now given, to compare it with the act of cession, and to furnish me with such remarks as may result from your farther investigation of the matter when your leisure will permit.\u2014I have the honor to be sir with great respect your h: ser,\nHenry Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0244", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Carey, 4 July [1791]\nFrom: Carey, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia], \u201cMonday, July 4 [1791], No. 96, South Street.\u201d Apologizes for trouble given him about Iren\u00e6us and is mortified to discover his mistake. Mr. Crawford, who purchased the book, has positively assured him he mentioned Justin Martyr, not Iren\u00e6us, though, as TJ had already bought one of the two copies of Justin Martyr, he \u201ccannot possibly account for the error.\u201d\nHaving yesterday taken up Notes on Virginia and had his \u201cimagination so hurried away by the united streams of Shenandoah and Patowmac, bursting forth at your command, as at the touch of Moses\u2019 rod, and forcing their way through opposing mountains,\u201d he lost sight of every consideration pointing out impropriety of asking TJ\u2019s attention to a trifling plan which some would think useless and others impracticable. But he hopes \u201cthe philosophic writer of the Notes on Virginia will excuse me for hazarding an idea, even though it should, upon investigation, prove erroneous\u2014and for venturing to address it to Him, in preference to men less capable of deciding on its merit.\u201d\nTo keep the legislative body comfortably warm in winter presents no great difficulty. But in summer it would perhaps be desirable to keep them comfortably cool, especially if not expensive or troublesome. \u201cNow Saltpetre is universally known to be a very powerful refrigerant: and Saltpetre will, no doubt, be among the military stores, of which government must constantly have an adequate provision. Suppose, then, that under the Rooms, which are to be erected, for \u2026 Congress, on the banks of Patowmac, space sufficient were allowed (without descending to the damp) for Magazines of Saltpetre. Communications, between these and the Rooms of Congress, might be easily contrived in a variety of modes, so as not to hurt the eye, by disfiguring the appearance of the latter. Tubes or Trunks might be fastened to the apertures underneath, and the lower end of each either lodged in a heap of the Saltpetre, or as near to it, as would be consistent with the free circulation of the air. In this case, if the windows of the rooms above were kept close shut, to exclude the warm air of the surrounding atmosphere, any accession of air, to that already contained in the rooms, must come directly through the Saltpetre, cool and fresh, and purified (I would suppose) from many of those noxious particles, of which the frost happily rids us every winter.\n\u201cIn the ceiling, an opening will, no doubt, be left, for the purpose of ventilating the Rooms of Congress. Suppose, however, it were thought advisable  to aid the ordinary ascensive motion of the warm air, and consequently the influx of cool air from the Saltpetre\u2014rooms, Qu\u00e6re, whether\u2014(ridiculous as the idea may, at first sight, appear to some people)\u2014the force of fire might not be made subservient to this end? The effects of fire upon air, and (if I may be allowed to coin a new expression) the ignipetal force of the latter, are too well known, to need a demonstration. Suppose, then, that, over the aperture for ventilating the Room, there were contrived, in the roof or dome of the house, a funnel of proper dimensions, in which a stove should be placed, at such distance from the ventilator, as to attract the air through it, rather than from any other part: this stove might be kept constantly heated during the sitting of Congress in warm weather; and would thus accelerate the circulation of the whole volume of air, between the Saltpetre-rooms and the roof.\u201d\nHe does not know how far it would be necessary to establish the height at which outside air should be introduced to the saltpeter area, but this could be determined by experiment, with \u201ctrunks run up (in a Northern aspect) along the walls, or funnels left open in the masonry).\u201d Not being versed in natural philosophy, he cannot vouch for the practicability of the plan or say how far it will admit useful improvements. \u201cWith doubt and hesitation, therefore, I beg leave to present it to a philosopher, as I would present a rough stone to a skillful statuary, who can at once decide whether it is susceptible of a polish\u2014and, if it be, can call forth, from the rude mass, a twin sister to the Medicean Venus, or a younger brother to the Apollo of Belvedere.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0245", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Dobson, 4 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Dobson, John\nSir\nPhilada. July 4. 1791.\nA bond of mine for \u00a3500. sterl. part of Mr. Wayles\u2019s debt to Farrell & Jones being payable the 19th. inst. and being come to your hands, it is necessary for me to give you the following information. These bonds were subject to written conditions expressed in articles of the same date with the bonds. One of these provided that Mr. Hanson should receive and collect the bonds for which we should sell property, and not demand the money from us unless the obligors should prove insolvent. In the mean time we were to apply the profits of our estates as they should arise towards the discharge of the earliest bonds. In November last I informed Mr. Hanson that according to the best judgment which could then be formed of my crop of that year, I should have 55,000 \u2114. of good tobo. and 14,000 \u2114. of indifferent to apply to the payment of my bond of this year to  him, and of another to another person of which he knew. In another letter of April I informed him that the low price of tobo. in Virginia had induced me to order my good tobo. here and to sell it here: but that as they made a difference of 5/ between new and old tobo. and would consider none as old till the month of September, I had been obliged to give credit to the end of that month, and consequently to delay his payment between 2. and 3 months in order to enlarge it. This was to the interest of his principal as well as myself. He informed me in answer that he had assigned my bond to you, which is the cause of my troubling you with the communication of what had passed between him and me. I have reason to expect as much tobo. will come here as I had notified him of: but I fear, from a letter received from Colo. Lewis, mentioning some expences which had occurred and on which he had not calculated, that perhaps he may have been obliged to apply a part, if not all, of the 14,000 \u2114. to other purposes. As I shall be with him in September I shall then be able to concert with him the quickest means we can find of making up the deficiency which the payment from hence will leave, either from the 14,000 \u2114. of tobo. beforementioned or from the resources furnished by the present year. I shall be glad, between this and October, to know from you whether I can make payment to any person here for you, and whether you will recieve money at the current exchange, or must have a bill. The former would be most agreeable to me. I am Sir Your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0246", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Edwards, 4 July 1791\nFrom: Edwards, Jonathan\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNew Haven, 4 July 1791. In April or May last he sent two books of his father, the copyright to which he claims as proprietor, and requested a certificate. Receiving none, he concludes either that he had omitted some step or that this had escaped notice among more important objects. \u201cIf the former be the fact, will you kindly inform me in a line, what the omission is? If the latter, you will pardon me, that I have refreshed your memory. That may be very important to me, which is of no consequence to others.\u201d He desires the certificate to show that the books were deposited at the time received, \u201cas that if I understand the law, is an important circumstance.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0247", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Eliphalet Pearson, 4 July 1791\nFrom: Pearson, Eliphalet\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nCambridge, 4th July, 1791.\nThe American Academy of Arts and Sciences has directed me to present each corresponding society, and each of its own members, not resident in this State, a copy of Judge Lowell\u2019s Eulogy on its late worthy President, which I have now the honor to transmit. With sentiments of due respect, I am, Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant,\nEliphalet Pearson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0248", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Elias Porter, 4 July 1791\nFrom: Porter, Elias\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBaltimore, 4 July 1791. As a stranger, he apologizes for delay in sending a letter from London by brig Minerva, being mislaid \u201cor it certainly would bin sent \u2026 before.\u201d\u2014He saw Humphreys in Lisbon in Dec. on his way to Madrid. He received a small packet of letters from him to TJ, which he gave to Capt.  Steavens at Cadiz, \u201cbound to Philadelphia, being bound My self to London in the Schooner Federalist which I have sense had the Misfortune to lose on the Coast of England.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0249", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Burrill Carnes, 5 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carnes, Burrill\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 5. 1791.\nThe bearer hereof Thomas Newell, a citizen of the United States of America, having occasion to sollicit justice before the tribunals of France within your Consulate, I take the liberty of recommending him to your patronage and attention so far as the justice of his case shall authorize. I have the honour to be Sir your very humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0250", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 5 July 1791\nFrom: Cathalan, Stephen, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMarseilles, 5 July 1791. He wrote on 10th of June by a vessel for New York. This goes by one direct for Philadelphia and is only to convey a letter from Captain Richard O\u2019Bryen which will inform TJ of the situation of the captives in Algiers better than he could. He awaits TJ\u2019s orders on that business and will not go further until he answers his letter of [22] Jan.\nHe hopes that the olive trees will succeed in Carolina. The parcel of 197 hhds. of tobacco mentioned in his of 20 [i.e., 23] May sold at about \u00a34.5\u20b6 per quintal. Little remains unsold. The first arrivals will find ready sales and good prices. No American wheat or flour has arrived. Wheat would bring \u00a335\u20b6 to 36.\u20b6 and flour 38.\u20b6 France has been in a crisis on account of the flight of the King and his family. There were no fatal accidents on his return because of the good measures taken by Lafayette. What turn events will take God knows! Foreign powers may interpose if a total change in the form of government should be adopted. Meanwhile, foreign envoys have declared to Montmorin that they could no longer correspond with him until they receive orders from their courts.\nHe is yet without news from William Short. He has performed sundry legal acts for merchants of Marseilles who have business in the United States, doing this \u201cGratis, till the Law will be established for Perquisites of the Consular offices.\u201d [P.S.] He hopes all parties will save the kingdom from total ruin by \u201ca Sincere reunion of hearths to a Single Sprit.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0253", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 6 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 6. 1791.\nI have duly recieved your favours of June 27. and July 1. The last came only this morning. I now return Colo. Smith\u2019s map with my acknolegements for the pamphlet and sight of the map.\u2014I inclose you a 60. Dollar bill, and beg the favor of you to remit 30. Dollars with the inclosed letter to Prince, also, as I see Maple sugar, grained, advertised for sale at New York in boxes of 400 ?. each, if they can be induced to sell 100 ?. only and to pack and send it to Richmond, I will thank you to get it done for me. The box to be directed to me \u2018to the care of James Brown, merchant Richmd. to be forwarded to Monticello.\u2019 You see I presume on your having got over your indisposition; if not, I beg you to let all this matter rest till you are. Colo. Harry Lee thinks of going on tomorrow, to accompany you to Portsmouth, but he was not quite decided when I saw him last. The President arrived about 10. minutes ago, but I have not yet seem him.\u2014I recieved safely the packet by Capt. Sims. The Guinea corn is new to me, and shall be taken care of. My African upland rice is flourishing. I inclose you a paper estimating the shares of the bank as far as was known three days before it opened. When it opened 24,600 subscriptions were offered, being 4,600 more than could be recieved, and many persons left in the lurch, among these Robt. Morris and Fitzsimmons. They accuse the Directors of a misdeal, and the former proposes to sue them, the latter to haul  them up before Congress. Every 25 dollars actually deposited, sold yesterday for from 40. to 50. dollars with the future rights and burthens annexed to the deposit. We have no authentic news from Europe since the last packet. Adieu my dear Sir, take care of yourself and let me hear soon that you are quite re-established. Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. If you leave N. York, will you leave directions with Mr. Elsworth to forward to me the two parcels of Maple seed, and that of the Birch bark respectively as they arrive. The last I think had better come by water.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0254", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Prince, 6 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Prince, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 6. 1791.\nWhen I was at your house in June I left with you a note to furnish me with the following trees, to wit\nSugar maples. All you have.\nbush cranberries. All you have.\n\u20073. balsam poplars\n\u20076. Venetian sumachs.\n12. Bur\u00e9e pears.\nTo these I must now desire you to add the following; the names of which I take from your catalogue, to wit\n\u20076. Brignola plumbs.\n12. apricots. I leave to you to fix on three or four of the best kinds, making in the whole 12 trees.\n\u20076. red Roman nectarines.\n\u20076. yellow Roman nectarines\n\u20076. green nutmeg peaches.\n\u20076. large yellow clingstone peaches ripening Oct. 15.\n12. Spitzenberg apples. I leave to you to decide on the best kind, as I would chuse to have only one kind.\n\u20076. of the very earliest apples you have.\n\u2007Roses. Moss Provence. Yellow. Rosa mundi. Large Provence.\nThe monthly. The white damask. The primrose. Musk rose.\nCinnamon rose. Thornless rose. 3 of each, making in all 30.\n\u20073. Hemlock spruce firs.\n\u20073. large silver firs\n\u20073. balm of Gilead firs.\n\u20076 monthly honey suckles.\n\u20073 Carolina kidney bean trees with purple flowers.\n\u20073. balsam of Peru.\n\u20076. yellow willows.\n\u20076. Rhododendrons.\n12. Madeira nuts.\n[\u2026] fill-buds.\nAccording to your estimate and the prices in your catalogue these will be covered by 30. dollars which sum you will recieve herewith. I must trouble you to send them yourself to Richmond, addressed to the care of Mr. James Brown merchant of that place, who will recieve them and pay freight &c. Send them to no other port of that country for I shall never get them, and there are vessels going from New York to Richmond very frequently. Be so good as to forward them as soon as the season will admit. I am Sir your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0255", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 July 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nLisbon July 7th. (6 o\u2019Clock A.M.) 1791.\nThe day before yesterday, when the Nuncio and the Diplomatic Corps were at my house, the former with some of the latter mentioned the existence of a private report, that the King of France had attempted to make his escape and that he had been arrested near  Strasbourg. Yesterday, I dined with the Duke of Alafo\u00f1es, where the same rumour was repeated. Last night, at the Royal Academy, I met with M. de Pinto, who told me, \u201cthat Madame Lebzeltern (wife to the Imperial Minister at this Court) had received a letter which contained the News of the escape of the French King from Paris, with the report of his being stopped near the frontiers: but that the latter part of the information seemed more doubtful than the former.\u201d I enquired of him respecting the circumstances of, and agents in this extraordinary affair. He answered, \u201cthat the Royal Family were said to have left the Capital on the evening of the 20th Ulto. and that their departure was not known until 9 O\u2019Clock the next morning\u201d: he farther added, \u201cthat the Compte Fersen (sent for the purpose by the Compte d\u2019Artois) was reported to have been the Instrument of effecting this business.\u201d\nAs I am to pass this day at the Quinta of the Nuncio possibly I may hear more on the subject. But, in order not to lose an opportunity, which is offered at this moment, of forwarding this letter to America; I hasten to conclude in repeating the assurances of perfect consideration & esteem, with which, I have the honor to be Sir Your Most obedient & Most humble Servant,\nD: Humphreys", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0256", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 7 July 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nMonticello July 7. 1791.\nYour letter of June 23. arrived at Monticello on the 4. of July and made us happy by mentioning the beneficial effects of your journey. We take the first opportunity to inform you that we are in good health ourselves.\nIn a late letter you desire us to let you know our success with the seeds you sent from Philadelphia. The Sugar maple has failed entirely, a few plants only having appeared which perished allmost immediately. The yellow rice failed allso from the badness of the seed, but the dark colored came up tolerably well and the plants are thriving. The first kind was transmitted to Colo. Lewis on your account by a Gentleman in Jamaica, the 2d. you left in one of the Niches in the parlour here. For both of these and the maple we preferred the flat ground below the park on the little stream which  passes thro\u2019 it, being the natural situation of the latter, and more suitable to the former than the garden.\nThe Pacans have not appeared as yet. Thinking that they would not bear transplantation I took the liberty to place them partly on each side of the new way leading from the Gate to the house and partly in the Garden. Several of those in the garden were destroyed unluckily by the Hogs before it was inclosed. I am ashamed to say that we will scarcely have a double quantity of the White Wheat. Colo. Lewis desired that a part of it might be intrusted to him and as there was then no prospect of the garden being inclosed in time to sow it, I reserved a few grains only, which were put into the ground in February. From the difficulty the hogs met with in taking up such small seeds a few escaped, which produced a good crop, the greater part of that again in spite of all our attention has been destroyed by the fowls. Colo. Lewis laid his part by, during the frost and unluckily forgot it. There is sufficient however to establish it in two years with proper care. You have not been more fortunate in your attempt to render the Shepherds dog common in America. We have had seven of pure blood, five of which perished by a distemper which has allmost rendered any regulation of the Virginia Assembly with respect to Dogs unnecessary; one by accident and one, fortunately a male, has arrived at considerable size. A Spurious brood of Six has been more fortunate and is not disregarded, as perhaps the animals may have some value with you.\nI am informed by Colo. Lewis that all the Tobacco except 5 or 6 Hhds. which have not yet gone down the river from Lynchburg, has been shiped by Mr. Hylton for Philadelphia. The crop at Poplar Forest a fortnight ago was promising and the Wheat which before this is all secured, is uncommonly fine. The Wheat throughout the country is of a superior quality this year and the whole quantity produced is supposed to be at least \u00bd greater than the most favorable year has ever given. \u215eDollar is the price at present of the Wheat of the last crop in Richmond. \u215a has been offered for the new.\u2014Colo. Lewis supposes that there are at least 3000 bushels here and at Shadwell.\nMr. Henderson has been offered 1400\u00a3. Virginia money for his Mill and it is generally supposed that he may get 2000 for it. He refused peremptorily the first offer. I am informed that Mr. George Dyvers is one of a company which wishes to purchase it and carry on the manufacture of flour on an extensive scale by a joint Stock. The situation has shewn its advantages this Summer when allmost all the mills in the country have stoped.\nThis is the first summer day we have had this month. The weather has been cold enough to render fires comfortable. The following is an extract from my Diary.\nJuly\n Sun rise.\n 2 o clock.\nSun set.\nB.\nI am Dear Sir Your most obedt. & affectionate Servt.,\nT. M. Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0257", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Auldjo, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Auldjo, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCowes, 8 July 1791. Despite repeated applications, his commission not yet recognized and the under secretaries have given only \u201cflimsy and foolish pretext\u201d for the failure. He will continue to officiate to the limit of his power. Little political or commercial information to report. \u201cAmerican shipping meet no interruption in this port.\u201d The only thing causing him trouble \u201cis\u2026your American Seamen calling themselves English\u201d to get wages due or advances, which occurs every day. \u201cEven seamen with passes as American\u2019s from the Consul in London, have left their Ships here and gone on board men of war\u2026to get their wages paid them\u2026 . I wish you could find a remedy for it, but I confess I think it will be a difficult point.\u201d Encloses list of American ships in port there for preceding six months, with their cargoes, arranged in a manner he hopes will be approved.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0258", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Irvine and John Kean, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Irvine, William,Kean, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 8th: 1791\nThe great loss of papers in the several States, but more especially in those to the Southward, renders it necessary for us to seek information from every source, in order to form the best possible judgement on their respective claims.\nWe have reason to believe that many papers filed in the office of the late Secretary of Congress and which have fallen under your care, will throw material light on the expenditure of the States alluded to\u2014such as letters &ca from the Governors of the States\u2014Generals commanding in seperate departments\u2014Committees of Congress and Heads of departments.\nThe secret Journals of Congress may also be serviceable\u2014because claims are made said to be authorised by them and others are also made which are said to be authorised by discretionary powers vested in General officers of the United States.\nTo enable us to gain proper information we have to sollicit your permission, that we may be allowed from time to time to make such extracts from any books or papers in your office as will assist us in the business before us, which may be done either by one of our own body or by a confidential person to be appointed for that purpose.\u2014With sentiments of high esteem We are Sir Your most obedient & very humble servants,\nWm. Irvine\nCommissioners of Accounts\nJohn Kean", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0259", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 8 July 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis July 8. 1791.\nThis letter will be sent by the French Packet and will acknowlege the reciept of yours of the 10th. of May.\u2014I recieved also a few days ago, from the American consul at London, four letters for the American consuls in France. They were addressed in the handwriting of your office and came under a blank cover to me. They have been forwarded except that for Mr. Barrett who declines I believe entering on the functions of his office. He has informed you of the reasons and is about returning to America. He is expected soon in Paris when I shall deliver him your letter.\nNo change has taken place in the government of this country since my last. The decree of the assembly for the temporary suspension and imprisonment of the King, which I sent to you by several routes, still continues in force. The several ministers under it exercise such parts of the executive functions in their respective departments as the committees of the assembly please to leave them.\nIt is impossible to say when this order of things will cease or whether the assembly will have sufficient force to restore the King to the throne as a majority of them desires. The plan which they are preparing in two of the committees is to form the whole of the constitution and then present it to the King for his free acceptation as they term it. All persons seem sensible of the inconveniencies and objections which may and will be made to this plan. Still they say no other less objectionable can be devised. I cannot conjecture what will be the issue. In the mean time the King, the Queen and Dauphin are closely guarded. It is with much difficulty that access is had to them and that always under the inspection of officers named by the Marquis de la fayette for the purpose of guarding them.\nThe corps diplomatique are not admitted. The Spanish Ambassador made an indirect application and as that did not succeed nothing further has been done. Things will probably remain as they are until answers are recieved from the several courts to M. de Montmorin\u2019s communication, already inclosed to you.\u2014The Spanish and English Ambassadors have corresponded with M. de Montmorin, the first to contradict the information sent by a municipality that the Spanish troops had invaded the Kingdom\u2014the second to complain of the garde nationale of Nantes having forcibly entered and detained two merchant vessels of that nation in their port.\nA list of the persons to be voted for as Governor of the Dauphin was published eight days ago. The number is about ninety and many of them obscure and improper. It was moved and carried to put off this nomination for fifteen days under pretence of obtaining information with respect to them. Some think the nomination will be still delayed until the affairs of government are settled.\nNothing is yet known with respect to the time that the new elections will be allowed to go on. It is certain however that so far as it depends on the assembly it will not be until after the constitution shall have been presented to the King in the mass. This cannot be in less than a month supposing no incidental interruption to take place. But as such interruptions must happen often it is impossible to form any guess with respect to the progress of this business.\nYou will recieve by the way of Havre some of the popular journals.  I have thought it proper to send them to you at present on account of the peculiar circumstances of this country and to shew you the spirit of those who unfortunately have too much influence on them. At any other period such publications would be disgusting and unworthy of being read.\nI inclose you a paper which contains sentiments so strongly expressed for the abolition of monarchy that a motion was made in the assembly for arresting the author. It was what he desired and for that purpose had signed the placart and pasted it up in large characters in all the frequented quarters of Paris. The assembly prudently rejected the motion. The author is the M. Duchatelet that you have frequently seen at the Hotel de la Rochefoucauld. It was supposed that the Abb\u00e9 Sieyes was the chief of this republican party, but he has written a letter declaring himself explicitly in favor of monarchical government.\nThe assembly have thought that their present situation authorized them to violate one of the articles of their declaration of rights. Of course they have forbidden every citizen to leave the Kingdom under any pretence whatsoever, unless he is a merchant and in that case he is to have a passeport from his municipality. Foreigners cannot go out of the Kingdom either but with a passeport from the office of foreign affairs granted on one to be given by the resident of the country to which he belongs, and the passeports in all cases are to have the description of the person marked in it.\u2014The natural effect of this decree is operating sensibly, viz. to inspire a desire to leave the country and an aversion to return to it. This circumstance may induce the assembly soon to repeal it, but it will be a long time before the municipalities will be induced to discontinue an inquisition so much to their taste and of course such passeports will be necessary long after the repeal of the decree.\nThe pensions and salaries of all those who are out of the kingdom are suspended without excepting those of Monsieur and the Count D\u2019Artois. The assembly are about to take other measures also against the absentees. Additional taxes, sequestration of estates during absence, or some such plan will probably be adopted.\nThe King\u2019s brothers met at Brussels and had many conferences with the principal refugees of whom great numbers had assembled there. The King\u2019s arrestation has averted all their projects; still however many officers of the frontier garrisons continue to go over to them.\nSome of these officers have lately written to the soldiers of their regiments to join them, adding that the Count D\u2019Artois had full  powers from the King for continuing their pay &c. The King wrote yesterday to the assembly to deny these assertions. They did not know at first how to recieve his letter but at length determined that it should be inserted in the proces verbal.\nI inclose you also a paper containing a letter from M. de Bouill\u00e9 to the assembly, or rather the substance of the letter. You will find it more full and correct in the Journal logographe.\u2014It gives some idea of the measures intended to be pursued by the King and the motives which induced him to make such an effort for leaving Paris. The manner in which M. de Bouill\u00e9 announced foreign interference gave uneasiness in the first moment, but it seems now to have passed. Yet I cannot help thinking that he must be persuaded of what he advances; and foreign interference will probably be determined by this internal situation of France. It is unfortunately too true that this will rather invite than repel it.\nSeveral causes will however probably prevent their interference for the present, such as the unsettled state of foreign politics, and the danger to which it would expose the King and Queen.\u2014The longer this is delayed also the less France will be in a state of defense I should fear from the natural progress of things. The military ardor of the gardes nationals is such at present that on every trifling ungrounded alarm they are under arms. This ardor cannot last. Dissensions from want of subordination must necessarily take place, discontentment if they are not paid, and ruin to the public resources if they are. As a proof of this I need only mention what has lately taken place in some of the maritime provinces.\u2014Two or three sail of vessels were leaving the coast of France to carry refugees from Brittany to Jersey or Guernsey. A municipality took the alarm and spread it, of its being an English fleet of twenty Sail of the line arriving on the coast. The gardes nationales in the neighbouring departments immediately assembled under this idea, and it is supposed that they were on the whole three hundred thousand in number. Such things also have taken place though in a smaller degree on the other frontiers.\nSupposing peace to be concluded among the other European powers, as seems probable during the summer (notwithstanding the Congress of Sistovie have separated without being able to agree on any thing) and that they should be disposed to interfere in the affairs of France next year, they would certainly have more influence than at present. Many difficulties however would naturally occur among the foreign powers themselves.\nI shall continue to send by the way of Havre the accustomed  journals and gazettes to which I refer you for other particulars as to the proceedings of the assembly, and the politics of Europe. You will recieve with them Mr. Necker\u2019s book on the affairs of this country, which though not the most flattering, is certainly the truest that has been given of them. In the journals you will see also the decrees of the assembly respecting the colonies.\nI have mentioned to M. de Montmorin what you say respecting consuls there. He seemed well satisfied and promised that proper attention should be paid to the persons named, on the footing you mention.\nYou desire to know whether letters are opened in the French post office. The decrees of the asembly are formal and severe against it and no funds being allowed I take it for granted it is not done, and I think you may safely consider it so. You said you intended writing also by the English packets. As they are regular it would be exceedingly agreeable to recieve letters by them. I suppose however that letters are read in that office. If addressed to the Consul or Mr. Donald in London they would arrive with the greatest safety. I am with perfect sincerity my dear Sir, your friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0260", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 9 July 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n\u201cUnited States,\u201d 9 July 1791. By President\u2019s command he transmits letter from Francisco Chiappe, forwarded by James Simpson, \u201cwhich the President requests the Secretary to take into consideration.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0261", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Carter, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carter, Charles\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 10. 1791.\nYour letter of May 21. arrived here soon after my departure on a journey to the lakes. I found it here on my return, which is but lately, and immediately set about the enquiries necessary for your satisfaction. I am well acquainted with Dr. Barton, and can assure you he merits the high character you have heard of him. I have no doubt that a student will be perfectly well placed under him. Should your son board in the town, I find that the lowest terms of boarding are 3. dollars a week, and the boarder finds his own firewood, candles and washing, which may be estimated at 40. dollars a year, to which must be added clothing and pocket-money. I believe it is essential also that he attend a course of anatomical lectures and dissections, which will cost 4. guineas. I am possessed of an accurate estimate of the expences of an economical student at Edinburgh, which are about 400. Dollars a year. This is probably something less than the whole expences will be here annually. It cannot be denied that both the reputation and the reality of the means of information are in favor of Edinburgh: against which however a parent will feel some advantages in favor of this place. After weighing all circumstances should you decide in favor of this place, I shall with great pleasure be of any service I can to your son, while I may be here. Be so good as to present me in the most affectionate terms to Mrs. Carter, and to be assured yourself of the regard with which I am Dear Sir your most obedt humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0262", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Currie, James\nDear Sir\nphiladelphia July 10. 1791.\nMy letter written on the day of my departure informed you of the promises which had been made by your debtor, and which, though I could not confide in very firmly, yet neither could I consider them altogether as nothing. They turned out so however; and Mr. Remsen engaged Mr. Barton an attorney to levy an attachment on his property  in the hands of the Potters, Hazlehurst, Shannon, and McConnel, all of which I had informed you would be random shot, as it was only guessed there might be property in the hands of the three last; and tho\u2019 it was known there was property in the hands of the Potters, yet it was also known it would little more than cover their debt. I found this to be the state of things on my return, and that no attachment had been levied in the hands of Mr. Morris. Yet it is most highly probable that the mass of his property is in Mr. Morris\u2019s hands, at least so he says, and so says common opinion. I had the attachment therefore immediately extended to him, and I will take some good opportunity of bespeaking his favour to your claim. The return will be made into court this month, but I have not learned when a judgment may be expected. Probably soon. I shall press the attorney from time to time, and when any thing new, either in fact or prospect turns up, I will do myself the pleasure of apprising you of it and of repeating, as I do now, assurances of the sincere esteem of dear Sir your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0263", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel L. Hylton, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hylton, Daniel L.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 10. 1791.\nYour favour of May 29. came here after my departure on a journey to the lakes. That of June 17. is since recieved, and in consequence I send you a post-bank note for 21 D.-25. c. being the addition of 24/ to \u00a35\u20133\u20136 as noted in your letter to be the probable amount of your disbursements for the 22. hhds. of tobo. forwarded by Capt. Stratton. He is not yet arrived. But the season admits of no anxiety on that account. A late letter from Havre in France informs me that the best tobacco had risen there to 45.\u20b6 the French hundred, say 8 D.-33. c. for 109 \u2114. American. The demand there must increase and be of considerable duration, as there can be at present very few hhds. of tobo. in a country which has always kept 60,000 hhds. of unwrought stock in hand. As both the public managers, and private merchants are free to buy and sell, it is to be hoped the price will become considerable. We have no news from the Westward yet, and are anxious to hear the event of Scott\u2019s expedition. Present my affectionate compliments to Mrs. Hylton, & be assured of the sincere esteem of Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0264", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLondon, 10 July 1791. Encloses a copy of his of 2d. Has heard nothing of Hammond\u2019s preparations for departing, nor is his appointment yet publicly known. He has taken infinite pains to obtain a report of the Committee of the Lords of Trade. One hundred copies printed for the Privy Council \u201cbut so very careful are they of them, that it is impossible to get one for you; I procured a Sight of one for a few hours, and even in the hurried manner in which I scanned it over, I see, if they make that the Basis of Mr. Hammonds negotiation, that nothing will be done.\u201d\u2014The report is based on questions put and answers received from a committee of merchants of London, Bristol, Liverpool and Glasgow. The two former were very moderate and rather friendly. That of Liverpool recommended immediate retaliation. The Glasgow committee advised negotiation on limited principles and, if that failed, retaliation. \u201cLord Hawkesbury, who it is said was the principal in drawing up the Report, has laboured very hard, to shew that the trade of this Country is increasing, and that of the United States is declining; he however has Modesty enough to admit, that the remaining trade to America is beneficial to this, and advises a commercial regulation, provided Congress, do not demand admission for their Vessells to the West India Islands, but, should they do that\u2026an immediate end be put to any farther negotiation, and that this Country adopt retaliation. I lament very much that I cannot procure this curious production for you; that Congress might be in possession of the sentiments of this Government, towards the United States, which I think are not friendly.\u201d\nAll astonished at continued arming and cannot tell the motive. American shipping much distressed from impressment, warmer than ever. In many instances they have taken whole crews, and, because of difficulty of proving American birth, many valuable men are lost.\u2014He will soon send copies of correspondence with the Secretary of State [for Foreign Affairs], the Lords of the Treasury, and the Lords of the Admiralty in order to put him in full possession of all his proceedings.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0265", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 10. 1791.\nYour indisposition at the date of your last, and hearing nothing from you since, make me fear it has continued. The object of the present is merely to know how you do, and from another hand, if  you are not well enough.\u2014We have little new but what you will see in the public papers. You see there the swarm of anti-publicolas. The disavowal by a Printer only does not not appear to satisfy. We have no news yet of the event of Scott\u2019s expedition. The Marquis Fayette has certainly resumed his command and on a ground which must strengthen him and also the public cause.\u2014The subscriptions to the bank from Virginia were almost none. Pickett, Mc.lurg and Dr. Lee are the only names I have heard mentioned. This gives so much uneasiness to Colo. H. that he thinks to propose to the President to sell some of the public shares to subscribers from Virga. and N. Carolina, if any more should offer. This partiality would offend the other states without pleasing those two: for I presume they would rather the capitals of their citizens should be employed in commerce than be locked up in a strong box here: nor can sober thinkers prefer a paper medium at 13 per cent interest to gold and silver for nothing. Adieu my dear friend. Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. Osgood is resigning the Postmaster\u2019s place. I shall press Paine for it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0266", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nN. York July 10, 1791\nYour favor of the 6th. came to hand on friday. I went yesterday to the person who advertised the Maple Sugar for the purpose of executing your commission on that subject. He tells me that the cargo is not yet arrived from Albany, but is every hour expected; that it will not be sold in parcels of less than 15 or 16 hundred \u2114 and only at auction, but that the purchasers will of course deal it out in smaller quantities; that a part is grained and part not; and that the price of the former will probably be regulated by that of good Muscavado which sells at about \u00a35. N.Y. Currency, a Ct. I shall probably be at Flushing in two or three days and have an opportunity of executing your other Commission on the spot. In case of disappointment, I shall send the Letter and money to Prince by the best conveyance to be had. The Maple Seed is not arrived. The Birch-Bark has been in my hands some days and will be forwarded as you suggest.\nThe Bank-Shares have risen as much in the Market here as at  Philadelphia. It seems admitted on all hands now that the plan of the institution gives a moral certainty of gain to the Subscribers with scarce a physical possibility of loss. The subscriptions are consequently a mere scramble for so much public plunder which will be engrossed by those already loaded with the spoils of individuals. The event shews what would have been the operation of the plan, if, as originally proposed, subscriptions had been limited to the 1st. of april and to the favorite species of Stock which the Bank-Jobbers had monopolized. It pretty clearly appears also in what proportions the public debt lies in the Country, what sort of hands hold it, and by whom the people of the U.S. are to be governed. Of all the shameful circumstances of this business, it is among the greatest to see the members of the Legislature who were most active in pushing this Jobb, openly grasping its emoluments. Schuyler is to be put at the Head of the Directors, if the weight of the N.Y. subscribers can effect it.\u2014Nothing new is talked of here. In fact Stockjobbing drowns every other subject. The Coffee House is in an eternal buzz with the gamblers.\nI have just understood that Freneau is now here and has abandoned his Philada. project. From what cause I am wholly unable to divine: unless those who know his talents and hate his political principles should have practised some artifice for the purpose.\nI have given up for this season my trip Eastward. My bilious situation absolutely forbade it. Several lesser considerations also conspired with that objection. I am at present free from a fever, but have sufficient evidence, in other shapes, that I must adhere to my defensive precautions.\nThe pamphlet on Weights &c. was put into my hands by Doctr. Kemp with a view to be forwarded after perusal to you. As I understand it is a duplicate and to be kept by you. Always, & mo: affecly. Yrs.,\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0267", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Louis Osmont, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Osmont, Louis\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Osmont, and informs him that having found that Colo. Pickering would probably leave the Oneida country before a letter could reach him, he has inclosed Mr. Osmont\u2019s paper to Mr. Renslaer member of Congress  from Albany, with a request to make enquiry into the case at Albany and in the Oneida country, between which two places there is considerable intercourse.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0268", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy dear Daughter\nPhiladelphia July 10. 1791.\nI have no letter from Monticello later than Maria\u2019s of May 29. which is now six weeks old. This is long, when but one week is necessary for the conveyance. I cannot ascribe all the delay to the Charlottesville post. However to put that out of the way I am negotiating with the postmaster the establishment of a public post from Richmond to Staunton. In this case all the private riders will be prohibited from continuance, let their contracts be what they will, and the whole being brought into one hand, the public will be better served. I propose that the post shall pass by Tuckahoe, Goochld. courthouse, Columbia and Charlottesville in order that as many may be served by it as possible. The price on each newspaper will be to be settled between the printers and their customers.\u2014I have no information whether the things sent by Stratton have got safe to hand: tho\u2019 hope they have. I expect him here daily, and shall send by him some stores against my arrival at Monticello, the time of which however is not yet fixable. I rather expect it will be earlier than the last year, because my return here must be earlier. Tell Maria I shall expect to find her improved in all good things and particularly in her music, of which I hope you also are mindful. Kiss her for me and the little one, and present my best esteem to Mr. Randolph.\u2014Your\u2019s, my dear, affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0269", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, 10 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Rensselaer, Jeremiah van\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 10. 1791.\nInclosed is a statement of a claim to some lands in the Oneida country given by the Indians to one Le Tonnelier, and by him sold to a Mr. Osmont. This latter gentleman is arrived from France and has fixed himself here. Being a stranger, without the means of informing himself what chance there is, and what should be his proceedings to recover the lands, and having been very particularly recommended to me from France, I am anxious to aid his enquiries. The circumstance of Le Tonnelier\u2019s having married in Albany, and the relations between that place and the Oneida country have induced me to suppose it a good place to make the necessary enquiries. Not having the advantage of any particular acquaintance at Albany, I have presumed on behalf of Mr. Osmont to address myself to you, relying for my excuse on the motives which lead to this liberty, and on your own goodness which will find in an injured and friendless stranger a proper object for it\u2019s exercise. If therefore you can either at Albany, or by the means of any acquaintance you may have within reach of the lands, obtain information of the reality of Le Tonnelier\u2019s rights and the means of availing Osmont of them, the communication of it will be esteemed a very singular favor by Sir your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0270", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 12 July 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe Hague, 12 July 1791. He acknowledges TJ\u2019s of 13 May and has made good use of his account of the prosperity of the United States. If the volume of European quarrels allows space for this felicitous example set by the New World, it will be seen in the newspapers.\nHe has written Luzac to continue sending the gazette by the English packet boats. As for the question of American packets, this must wait for another day. But since the government does not wish to bear the cost, this could be an object of speculation by merchants under a concession from which the government would profit.\nHe knows from reliable sources that American securities of the first two loans of Messrs. Stadnitsky and Staphorst sell today at \u01921430 the 1000\u2014that is, at least 43% above par; those of subsequent loans correspondingly; and those of the loans authorized by Congress at 5% through Messrs. Willink and Staphorst are sought for, the last like the first at 1% above par.\nHe says nothing of European affairs. The most clairvoyant are baffled and know no more than what appears in the gazettes. He thinks the National Assembly has taken the wisest course and does not believe any power will attack France in its present state of ferment.\nP.S. 13 July. TJ will see in the Gazette de Leide of the 12th the account of American prosperity outlined by him. All prudent readers will be struck by the agreeable contrast between this and the European news. He is also sending this article to the brave man who edits the Gazette de Harlem, a paper which he will begin sending the first of the month. This gazette and that of Leyden are regarded by the Dutch as the most informed and best edited of all the Holland journals. The others are partisan and strident. The worst of all and the most contemptible for its impudence is that published at The Hague, called the Gazette de la Cour.\nP.S. 17 July. Certain people here profess that a Congress of certain powers will soon assemble at Aix-la-Chapelle to intervene in French affairs. He does not believe it. If this were to happen, it would be so much the worse for those powers, not for France.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0271", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 12 July 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 12 July 1791. The news in his of the 7th about secret flight of French King has been confirmed. Assumption by National Assembly of executive powers notified in circular to diplomatic representatives. Yesterday, dining with diplomatic corps at Walpole\u2019s, he was shown by him a letter from Lord Gower in Paris dated 25 June containing news of arrest of the King and his entourage, of ministers of state being required to take orders from the National Assembly, and of tranquillity prevailing, due to care in posting national guard. The Duke of Luxembourg is said to have received news of King\u2019s return to Paris.\u2014Many rumors about \u201cthe evasion and arrest of the Royal Family.\u201d Fersen a principal agent. De Bouill\u00e9, commandant at Metz, was in the plot and sent two bodies to bring the King there. \u201cThe Soldiers grounded their Arms. This Event frustrates the high expectations of the Aristocrats and their favorers in this and other Countries. The news of the King\u2019s being captured, which is said to have caused many tears in this Court, induced the Masters of French vessels in this harbour to testify their joy by hoisting their Colours, as on Gala days.\u2014Every thing had been matured for a Crisis on the expected arrival of the King of France at Metz. It is even now imagined external Hostilities will immediately commence against that Country, but all is conjecture. The Duke de Luxembourg and others of the same party here are in the most profound Distress.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0273", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Maury, 12 July 1791\nFrom: Maury, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLiverpool, 12 July 1791. Since his of the 23rd he has received TJ\u2019s of 1 and 13 May. He will attend particularly to the matter Mr. Coxe desired. Far from thinking himself neglected, he was aware TJ\u2019s time was \u201cmuch engrossed by more important concerns\u201d than writing.\u2014Two American vessels, chartered in Virginia for Guernsey, delivered their tobacco there and came here to take freights home, \u201cunder no aprehension of\u2026having done any Thing illegal.\u201d They have been seized by the customs, but as it is \u201cnotoriously an Error of Ignorance\u201d he hopes the owners will not suffer. He is highly delighted by TJ\u2019s account of the prosperity of the United States.\n\u201cThe 4th Instant being observed by most of our Countrymen in this port as an Holiday, the Crewes of many of their Vessells collected together and getting too much Drink behaved in most disorderly and disrespectful Manner to the people of the Country, which had well nigh been attended with very serious Consequences. Happily it terminated otherwise. It will however be a Caution on future Occasions.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0274", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 12 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nGW. to Mr. J.\nTuesday 12th. June 1791\nThe enclosed I send this afternoon, for your perusal. Tomorrow, 8\u2019oclock, I shall send the person who was the bearer of it, to you.\u2014It being the hour, he left word, when he left the letter, that he should call upon me.\u2014If Mr. Pearce merits the character given him by T: D. he will unquestionably merit encouragement, and you can put him in the way to obtain it.\u2014Yrs. ever,\nGW.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0276", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 13 July 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia], 13 July 1791. He received TJ\u2019s note by Pearce and will give his attention \u201cto fix a man who appears of so much importance to the United States. He communicated\u2026very freely, and finding on my cautioning him about foreign seduction that he had been attacked in that way already at New York, I have prevailed on him to deposit his articles at once in the patent office. This will frustrate all attempts and cut off the hopes of getting him away.\u201d He encloses Pearce\u2019s signed order to Mr. Seton to deliver the apparatus to such persons as TJ will direct. He will wait on TJ that evening or next day to \u201csubmit the proceeding, which appears proper in the Case,\u201d and will then return the letter to the President, wishing to revise it more carefully than the hours of office afford. Pearce intends to proceed at once to make the frames for his machinery, which he says he can \u201cexhibit at work in a weeks time.\u201d\u2014He encloses the British act consolidating their duties, which TJ desired.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0277", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 13 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Humphreys, David\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 13th. 1791\nMr. Barclay having been detained longer than was expected, you will receive this, as well as my Letter of May 13th. from him. Since the date of that I have received your No. 15 March 31, No. 16 April 8, No. 17 April 30, No. 18 May 3, and No. 20. May 21.\nYou are not unacquainted with the situation of our Captives at Algiers. Measures were taken, and were long depending, for their redemption. During the time of their dependance we thought it would forward our success to take no notice of the captives. They were maintained by the Spanish Consul, from whom applications for reimbursement through Mr. Carmichael often came: no answer of any kind was ever given. A certainty now that our measures for their redemption will not succeed, renders it unnecessary for us to be so reserved on the subject, and to continue to wear the appearance of neglecting them. Though the Government might have agreed to ransom at the lowest price admitted with any Nation (as, for instance, that of the French order of Merci) they will not give anything like the price which has been lately declared to be the lowest by the Captors. It remains then for us to see what other means are practicable for their recovery. In the mean time it is our desire, that the disbursements hitherto made for their subsistence by the Spanish Consul or others be paid off, and that their future comfortable subsistence be provided for. As to past disbursements, I must beg the favor of you to write to Mr. Carmichael that you are authorised to pay them off, and pray him to let you know their amount, and to whom payments are due. With respect to future provision for the captives, I must put it into your hands. The impossibility of getting letters to or from Mr. Carmichael renders it improper for us to use that channel. As to the footing on which they are to be subsisted, the ration and cloathing of a soldier would have been a good measure were it possible to apply it to articles of food and cloathing so extremely different as those used at Algiers. The allowance heretofore made them by the Spanish Consul, might perhaps furnish a better rule, as we have it from themselves that they were then comfortably subsisted. Should you be led to correspond with them at all, it had better be with Capt. Obrian, who is a sensible man, and whose conduct since he has been there has been particularly meritorious. It will be better for you to avoid saying anything which may either encrease or lessen their hopes of ransom. I write to our Bankers to answer your draughts for these purposes, and enclose  you a duplicate to be forwarded with your first draught. The prisoners are fourteen in number\u2014their names and qualities as follows\u2014Richard Obrian and Isaac Stephens Captains, Andrew Montgomery and Alexander Forsyth Mates, Jacob Tessanier a french passenger, William Paterson, Philip Sloan, Peleg Lorin, John Robertson, James Hall, James Cathcart, George Smith, John Gregory, James Hermet Seamen. They have been twenty one or twenty two.\nWe are in hourly expectation of hearing the event of Genl. Scott\u2019s irruption into the Indian country at the head of between 7 and 800 mounted infantry. Perhaps it may yet be known in time to communicate to you by this opportunity. Our Bank was filled with subscriptions the moment it was opened. Eight millions of dollars were the whole permitted to be subscribed, of which two millions were deposited in cash, the residue to be public paper. Every other symptom is equally favorable to our credit.\nThe President is returned from his southern tour in good health. You will receive herewith the newspapers up to the present date.\u2014I have the honor to be with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0278", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 13 July 1791\nFrom: Pendleton, Edmund\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCaroline, 13 July 1791. He has just received a letter from his nephew, Nathaniel Pendleton, Jr., of Georgia, informing him of the resignation of Mr. Rutledge as \u201cone of the Judges of the Supreme F\u0153dral Court\u201d and asking his influence in being appointed.\nHe hands TJ his pretentions founded on supposition that the vacancy will be filled by a citizen of the Southern District; that, as North and South Carolina have already been gratified thus, it will fall to a Georgian; and that his being District Judge will place him foremost there. \u201cHow far this is well founded, the President will judge, and you, Sir, if, as is probable, you are consulted on such Occasions.\u201d He hears that his reputation is high in Georgia, and Pendleton will be obliged if, consistent with the public good, TJ can serve him there.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0279", "content": "Title: George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 13 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Smith, William Stephens\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 13 1791.\nI have recieved, since my return to this place, the letter which you were so kind as to write on the 6th. of June, and am now to make you my acknowledgements for the information it contained. Very soon after I came to the government, I took measures for enquiring into the dispositions of the British cabinet on the matters in question between us: and what you now communicate corresponds very exactly with the result of those enquiries. Their intention indeed to send a Minister is more strongly indicated on this occasion, as one of the Secretaries of state has come forward voluntarily to say so. How far they may be disposed to settle the other points which are really interesting to us, is still a subject of conjecture. In all events we are to thank you for the trouble you have taken, and the lights you have contributed to throw on this subject.\u2014I am &c.\nG W", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0281", "content": "Title: Sylvanus Bourne to Henry Remsen, Jr., 14 July 1791\nFrom: Bourne, Sylvanus\nTo: Remsen, Henry, Jr.\nCape Fran\u00e7ois, 14 July 1791. Having noticed in late American newspapers that TJ is on tour and \u201cmay not probably return very soon,\u201d he asks that his last letters [29 Apr. and 30 June 1791] be communicated to the President. If the Commissaries, daily expected from France, refuse to recognize him, he will feel justified in returning to America without further notice. If recognized, he will need advice whether to remain.\u2014News has just arrived that the National Assembly passed a decree \u201cgiving the privileges of freemen to the Mulattoes in their Island.\u201d The Commissaries are expected to be attended by troops to enforce the decree. If so, he fears the horrors of a civil war, as the whites are \u201cpursuing every step towards a severe opposition.\u201d He will send full information on \u201chow this affair operates.\u201d He hopes for replies to his several letters.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0282", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Chipman, 14 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Chipman, Nathaniel\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 14. 1791.\nYour favour of May 10. came to hand on the 21st. of June. The Commission to you as judge of the district of Vermont was made out at the same time with those for the Attorney and Marshal, and, as the chief\u2014clerk of my office assures me, it was put under the same cover with them to one of your deputies then at New York. I inclose you a copy of the letter which accompanied it. Having learned however that it had never reached your hands I had another commission prepared, which was signed by the President on his return, and is now inclosed. I hope this will come safely to hand, and with sincere expressions of satisfaction that your country will have the benefit of your talents employed in it\u2019s service, I have the honour to assure you of the esteem & respect with which I am Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0283", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Edwards, 14 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Edwards, Jonathan\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 14. 1791.\nI have duly recieved your favor of the 4th. inst. The books you mention had come to hand and been regularly entered. I have assured myself by an examination of my own notes of letters recieved, made in the moment of recieving them, and also of the letters filed in the office, that no letter came with those books. In such cases, where there is no indication whither or how the certificate is to be sent, we do not venture to send it out at random. The right however is secured by the entry; the certificate is nothing more than an evidence of it. I have now the honor to inclose yours and to assure you of the regard with which I am Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0285", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to F. P. Van Berckel, 14 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Berckel, F. P. van\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 14. 1791.\nI take the liberty of troubling you with the perusal of the inclosed papers from Mr. Shaw, consul for the U.S. in the East Indies, wherein you will observe he complains of a prohibition from the government of Batavia to American ships by name to have any trade in that port, while such trade was permitted to other nations. I do not hesitate to presume that something has been misunderstood in this case. My presumption is founded on those sentiments of general amity which subsist between our government and that of the United Netherlands, and also on the whole tenor of our treaty which secures to us always the treatment of the most favored nation. Nevertheless the refusal by the government of Batavia has been so formal, so deliberate and pointed as to render it necessary to ask for some explanation. If you will allow me the honour of a moment\u2019s conference on this subject the first time you come to town, I shall be obliged to you: and in the mean time have that of assuring you of those sentiments of esteem and respect with which I am Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0287", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 15 July 1791\nFrom: Fenwick, Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBordeaux, 15 July 1791. Enclosing entry and clearance of American vessels there for period 1 Jan. to 30 June. Return for cargoes laden there as particular as the nature of customhouse clearances and \u201cthe general disposition of the Shippers to conceal their expeditions\u201d permit.\u2014The Consular Convention has never been promulgated, hence consuls dependent on captains and consignees for information desired, which makes exercise of their functions \u201crather an act of courtesy than right.\u201d Short informs him that ministers promise to publish it without delay, having theretofore been prevented by \u201cthe multitude of business.\u201d This has prevented his establishing agents in neighboring ports and giving account of American produce received at Bayonne, Charente, Rochefort, the islands of Oleron, and R\u00e9.\nIn April he sent TJ the act levying general import duties. American whalebone, after the arr\u00eat of 29 Dec. 1787, pays 6\u20b6-13s-4d. per cwt., other foreign bone 15\u20b6 per cwt. on the gross weight. All articles pay on gross weight save tobacco, which is accorded tare of 12% as are a few fine articles. Marseilles has lately become a free port. Bayonne and Dunkirk retain their freedom, but it is probably to be desired they be put on same footing as others, since tobacco trade shows their disadvantage to national revenue and to commerce in general. \u201cTobacco is pored in there from all quarters, and sold not higher than in other ports where it is manufactured and introduced illicitly \u2026 without paying duty, to the injury of the fair trader and manufacturer.\u201d\u2014If some measure not speedily taken to put carrying of tobacco on more equal footing, American navigation will soon lose \u201call proportion of the freights\u201d for French consumption. The lesser duty on that in French vessels, though they may navigate at greater expense, gives such a decided advantage that Americans cannot compete. Also, the law denying French papers to any foreign built ships \u201cwill totally preclude any masque of their colours.\u201d Several ships sent from different ports for tobacco have already had a great influence on price and sale, none buying save for immediate use in anticipation of a price nearly equal to the difference in duty favoring French bottoms. Sale is now very dull and slow throughout France at 25 to 40 per cwt.\nThe new Constitution is nearly finished, with internal peace and no danger of foreign attack apprehended, though there are some fears from the English armament and threats from French refugees and parts of German empire.  Assignats lose from 8 to 20%, varying with the sum in different parts: at Bordeaux they lose 4 to 15%. Exchange is 20 to 23% under par. Yet labor, living, and merchandise not affected by exchange have not increased in cost.\nHe has received TJ\u2019s of 13 May and notes \u201cwith infinate pleasure\u2026the unparalled prosperity of our Country.\u201d He hopes it may long enjoy the happiness and prosperity that \u201cNature, the wisdom of its Rulers, and the prudence of its Citizens have lay\u2019d the foundation for.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0290", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Smith, 16 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Smith, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 16. 1791.\nThe President of the United States desiring to avail the public of your services as Auditor of the Treasury of the U. S. I have now the honor of enclosing you the Commission. You will readily concieve from the nature of this office that every day\u2019s suspension of its functions adds new instances of inconvenience to the public, and to individuals. While I indulge myself therefore in expressing my hopes and felicitations for the public, that you will undertake a trust so important for them, I am charged to add the desire that you may find it convenient to come on with all practicable dispatch. I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect esteem & respect, Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0291", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Wilson, 16 July 1791\nFrom: Wilson, Philip\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLondon, 16 July 1791. On 4 Feb. he sent TJ a schedule and affidavit of the truth of papers furnished through Judge McKean and now encloses a further petition concerning those \u201cmost oppressive evasions and wrongs.\u201d\u2014Relying on TJ\u2019s humane character, he hopes for his official attention to a matter of such striking injustice done to \u201ca once prosperous Merchant, now Empoverished; not by his own Errours; but from National, or Governmental, breach of Duty, Honour, and Justice, by a breach of an agreement come under between the British and American Governments, on both of which I have a claim of Justice.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0292", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Blount, 17 July 1791\nFrom: Blount, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n\u201cTerritory of the United States of America south of the River Ohio, W. Cobbs,\u201d 17 July 1791. He received TJ\u2019s letter of 12 March on 19 May and had already recommended that census be taken in every county of Territory on the last Saturday of July by the militia captains and had given the form as required by act of Congress except in that recommended by himself. In order to know whether there are 5,000 free white males of full age in the Territory, the second column lists free white males of 21 and upwards instead of 16 and upwards, while third column lists free white males under 21 instead of under 16. With the Indian claim by the treaty of 2 July with the Cherokees being extinguished, he has ordered a census to be taken in August in the land south of French Broad.\u2014He received TJ\u2019s of 26 March on 22 May. \u201cBesides the three exceptions of private claims which have been stated to you against the General right of Congress to the whole land Ceded by North Carolina there are two others, that is the lands entered in the entry Offices of the Counties of Washington and Sullivan in this Territory.\u201d Immediately on receiving TJ\u2019s letter he ordered a return to be made of the lands entered in these offices and expects a report in a few days.\u2014He has been unable to take the bearings of the mountains marking the eastern Territorial boundary because of his attendance at the Cherokee treaty, but this will be done during the present week and the information forwarded by the next conveyance.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0293", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Carter, 17 July 1791\nFrom: Carter, Charles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLudlow Farm, 17 July 1791. He is obliged for the information in TJ\u2019s of the 10th. He will leave it to his son to decide, but his own choice would be for an American education. \u201cThe prejudices formerly imbibed, by the Americans\u2026sent to Brittain for an education, I always thought, were too strong, ever to be overcome. But since our Independence, I hope that no such consequences will derive. Indeed if I were to Judge of what has come within my own observation, in the political line, I woud clearly decide in favor of an American Education. But in Physick, their experience must be greater then  ours can possably be, and the opportunities a student will there have, especially in the Anato\u2019mal line far superior.\u201d\nHe now encroaches a little further on TJ\u2019s goodness and asks whether a loan can be obtained from the Bank with land as security. \u201cThe very great scarcity of money in this State distresses many men, me at this time greatly so\u2025\u2025coud I obtain 1500 It woud enable me \u2026 to pay my just Debts, compleat the Education of my four Sons, and to live in a comfortable manner, and I hope untill my Children are setled in the world.\u201d The 5,000 acres he recovered from Robert Carter in Loudoun would be the security, the rents of which, even at the present low rate, exceed the interest. But as many of the most valuable lots \u201care for the life of Old Robert Carter only, the rise will be great, so much so, as in a few Years to discharge the debt. Unless I can accomplish this desirable object, I shal be torn to pieces by my Creditors and indeed nothing, but a Jail, can I expect. Another good purpose will be answered, Mrs. Carter, and my Sons will have an opportunity of working between 40 and 50 valuable Slaves to great advantage. The lands are within 30 to 40 miles of George Town, the intended seat of Government. I am happy to hear, our worthy President is returned well, I had the pleasure of seing him as he went, and returnd, he had a very fortunate journey. I shall be glad to hear, yours very much to your satisfaction, and my very much respected Friend Mr. Maddison, was restored to a perfect state of Health. Be so good as to present my respects to him, and be assured Dr. Sr that I am with esteem Yr Affe. Friend.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0295", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 17 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 17. 1791.\nYour favor of the 7th. came to hand yesterday and brought me the news, always welcome, of your being all well. I have taken effectual means of repairing the loss of the sugar maple seed, by  bespeaking a new supply of seed, and purchasing a considerable number of young trees from Prince in Long-island who will forward them to Richmond in the fall. The species of rice which has succeeded, is that I believe which was the best for our climate, as requiring less sun than the other. I am happy to hear the crop of wheat is likely to turn out well. 3000 bushels of wheat will be of double the value of the tobo. made by the same hands at the same places the last year, which was a favorable year too: and when we consider that the first year of transition from one species of culture to another is subject to disadvantages, it gives favorable hopes of the change in future. It is an additional proof that 100 bushels of wheat are as easily made as 1000 \u2114 of tobo.\u2014The last 22. hhds. shipt by Mr. Hylton are arrived here.\u2014Tobacco of the first quality in France has got to 45/9 Virginia money the hundred.\u2014Stratton, who brought my tobo. will take on board some stores for me. I suppose they will be at Richmond before the last of the month, after which I shall beg the favor of you to have them brought up as occasion shall offer. My visit to Albemarle is at present under a more unfavorable aspect than when I wrote last. It is now rather believed that the President will not go to Mount Vernon this year. If so, tho\u2019 it will not prevent my visit altogether, it will very much shorten it. From the 7th. to the 14th. of July we have had the most intolerable heats. I hardly remember to have ever suffered so much. The greatest height of the thermometer was 94. or 95. \u00b0\u2014I mentioned in my last week\u2019s letter that I was endeavoring to get a regular post established from Richmond thro\u2019 Columbia and Charlottesville to Staunton, so as to cost nothing to the public. This will render all private riders illegal, a circumstance to be attended to in contracts with them. Remember me affectionately to my daughters, and be assured of the sincere attachment of Dear Sir Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0296", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 17 July 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis July 17. 1791.\nI inclose you a note of your account as given to me by Mr. Grand and by which you will see that there remains a balance in your favor of 2709 ?18. which has been remitted agreeably to your desire to Messrs. V. Staphorst & Hubbard. The clock which I am now promised  daily and the mending your reveille watch will be to be paid out of this balance and I shall accordingly draw on it for that purpose when Chanterot shall be ready.\u2014Mr. Gautier desired me also to inclose you the letters of the Jeweller to him concerning the price of the diamonds.\u2014I hope you will recieve safely by Petit the picture from which they were detached.\nMy late private letters to you were May 2. by Petit and two dated June 7. one by M. de Ternant and the other by M. de Kellerman. They were as usual very full of myself, the latter particularly as I had at the time of writing it a kind of certainty that it would get to your hands before any thing would be done with respect to the nomination for this place. I am tempted to renew the subject at present only from the consideration of the possibility of that letters miscarrying, and from this being a private conveyance. The present therefore is merely a duplicate of that and I hope you will excuse it when you consider the circumstances under which it is written. It seems now certain that no nomination will take place before October next, and it would seem probable that the person appointed will not come out before the spring. In this position of affairs it is impossible for me not to carry my reflexions forward. Although it may appear singular that without knowing whether I shall be thought proper for any place, I should be saying what place I should chuse, yet I cannot help allowing myself to express my sentiments on a subject which interests me so nearly to a person to whom I have been so long accustomed to say every thing.\nShould my last letter have been recieved this will become useless as it is a repetition of it. I take it for granted that Ministers plenipotentiary will be appointed here and to London. The expression of the wish of the national assembly for negotiating a treaty of commerce carried out by Ternant will probably hasten the first, as M. de Montmorin has told me that Ternant is directed to inform the American government of the desire of this that their representative here should recieve instructions for that purpose.\u2014The late events and the present situation of affairs here (of which you are informed) may however shew the improbability of any negotiation being effected until something permanent takes place, perhaps the impropriety of setting the negotiation on foot. Of this you alone can judge. I must however add that it is impossible for the present to say when this crisis is to end, or what is to be the issue\u2014of course what kind of government will be established or by whom exercised. This can only effect the time of commencing the negotiation for or rather the conclusion of, a treaty of commerce and not at all the  nomination of a minister which has been long intended and is independent of the situation of affairs here.\u2014To return to that subject; should this appointment take place it is of course what I should prefer for the reasons I have so often given and repeated, next to it London, and thirdly the Hague. I take it for granted and hope that the grade will be the same with that at Lisbon. I mentioned to you in my last how disagreeable and how little honorable it would be for me to be superseded here after having been remained so long, and that by a person who would of course be supposed to know much less of the ground. It could not possibly be attributed to any thing but an absolute want of merit on my part. It would be the same thing if I were sent to an inferior place with the same grade. Besides in those little places the diplomatick characters being much more in view than in Paris or London, inferior grades are much more disagreeable. After all I should imagine the Hague would be considered equal to Lisbon, and from the flattering manner in which the Secretary of the treasury has expressed himself to me on my late mission in Holland, and also from the time I have been employed in Europe I should hope it could not be on my account particularly that the grade would be kept inferior.\u2014I mentioned in my last letter what I repeat here that if destined to that place I should be glad to recieve a cong\u00e9 at the same time which would allow me to return in the spring to the U.S. I mentioned also by what degrees I had come to this, and for what reasons I desired it. Even if I were appointed minister here I should like such a conditional cong\u00e9 as would allow me to return if I thought proper, as it is possible that the affairs of this country may be in such a state that a residence here would be useless. In that case it would be highly agreeable to have the possibility of making use of that time for visiting the U.S. and endeavouring to fix myself there. But this however I submit entirely to you.\u2014My desire to have this cong\u00e9 will of course be proportioned to the place I am to have, and as I suppose the lowest would be that of charg\u00e9 des affaires at the Hague it is under it that I should wish for it the most. If however I am definitively to go there with that grade, the sooner the more agreeable to me, because the longer I remain here in that character the more it will appear against me to give place here to another, and to accept of an inferior grade, viz. an equal grade at an inferior place.\nI should prefer much to this what I mentioned in my last. I suppose Congress will soon find it necessary to give you an assistant say for the foreign department in the character of under Secretary of State, with a decent salary of 1800, or 2000. dollars. In such a case if I  were thought proper for it I should like better that mode of retiring from Paris than going to the Hague as charg\u00e9 des affaires. I need not repeat here that should I be allowed to return to America on cong\u00e9, it would be with a desire to be employed in the manner you mentioned in a former letter and which I should ultimately prefer to any thing else whatever.\u2014In all events I beg you my dear Sir to be so good as to write to me on these subjects. During such a state of uncertainty and anxiety your conjectures would be of much resource and consolation.\nThe present situation of affairs here and the state of anxiety in which all classes are render this place far from agreeable at this moment. Of course the worst position in Europe is remaining here as at present with the uncertainty of the time I am to continue and even the probability that as soon as the storm passes I shall be sent away. The apprehension therefore that I shall be kept in this posture during the whole of the next winter is exceedingly disagreeable under a variety of considerations. I hope and beg that something definitive may be done in the fall, and that if another person is to come here that he will arrive before the winter, unless it should be contrived so that I could be sure of having the cong\u00e9 in the spring, and in that case I should have no objection to remaining here, if thought necessary, during the winter, instead of going to the Hague or wherever I may be sent. What would be highly disagreeable would be to be obliged to remain here for some time after my successor should be named, if I had not some other appointment which would shew that I was not entirely deprived of the confidence of my country such as that mentioned under you, or something superior to what I have here in some other place.\nI have lately recieved from Mr. Brown of Richmond an account of my funds put into his hands by Colo. Skipwith. I hear nothing from the latter and I cannot be much surprized at it, as I cannot concieve how he can reconcile this with the letters he formerly wrote to me. Mr. Brown seems to have the intention of funding these State securities agreeable to the plan of the Secretary. Of course I suppose it was unavoidable as the plan is intolerably unjust as to State securities. I imagine he will do for the best and is certainly much more capable of judging being on the spot than I can be here. I hope if indispensable you will be so kind as to give him your advice, as he may consult you confidentially. But I should have hoped the State of Virginia would have put these securities on a better footing than the funding bill does.\nI have heard that you were with Mr. Madison at Boston the 12th.  of June. I don\u2019t doubt that you would have found every thing prosperous in this tour. As you were to have been in Philadelphia about the middle of that month I hope I may now soon hear from you.\u2014You will recieve with the newspapers which go by Havre an odd volume which I think must belong to your library; I found it among my books.\u2014\nI have seen here lately a loaf of the maple sugar refined at Philadelphia. I am promised a piece of it for the old Dutchess D\u2019Enville who had desired me to write to ask you to send her a sample. I have heard nothing yet of the seeds you promised should be sent to her. The Duke de la Rochefoucauld begged I would ask you to send him a few grafts of your best peaches. Don\u2019t they come from the stone simply? He cannot think any peach in the world equal to the Parisian. Paine has lately left this place. The success of his answer to Burke seems to have had much weight on him. He was here the avowed apostle of republicanism and begun to alarm all moderate people by his counsel for the abolition of monarchy. You will see in the Moniteur his letter to the Abbe Sieyes and the answer. The litigation will probably end there, as I hope he will not return here for some time. He is gone to London and intends going from thence to Ireland. I think he would have done harm here if he had remained. I know not what he will do in England or Ireland. He is sure that the English government is afraid of him but in this he may be decieved. Adieu my dear Sir. Be so good as to let me hear from you and believe me sincerely your friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0298", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 19 July 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nJuly 19th. 1791\nMr. Coxe has the honor to make his acknowledgements to Mr. Jefferson for Sir John St. Clair\u2019s pamphlet\u2014the last nine lines of which are as free from reason and as full of passion as anything in Lord Sheffield. The little publication relative to Scotland is curious, and in parts interesting even to the United States. Mr. Coxe begs leave to add a few facts relative to the dutch commercial regulations, the first page of which is from an eminent Dutch Merchant, here, the remainder from the same work that contained the account of the Dutch fisheries included in Mr. C\u2019s notes of Novemr. last.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0299", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 19 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Knox, Henry\nDear General\nWhen the hour of dinner is approaching, sometimes it rains, sometimes it is too hot for a long walk, sometimes your business would make you wish to remain longer at your office or return there after dinner, and make it more eligible to take any sort of a dinner in town. Any day and every day that this would be the case you would  make me supremely happy by messing with me, without ceremony or other question than whether I dine at home. The hour is from one quarter to three quarters after three, and, taking your chance as to fare, you will be sure to meet a sincere welcome from Yours affectly. & respectfully,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0300", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Knox, 19 July 1791\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nI have received your friendly note of this morning for which I sincerely thank you. I shall frequently avail myself of your kindness, and I should have done so this day, in order to evince my impressions on the occasion, had I not previously engaged to Mrs. Knox, that I would dine with her being the first time since her late confinement.\u2014I am my dear Sir respectfully and affectionately Yours,\nH Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0301", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 20 July 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nTreasury Department, 20 July 1791. In the unavoidable absence of the Secretary of the Treasury, Coxe requests the Secretary of State to have prepared and sent to the Treasury a correct list of U.S. consuls and their places of residence, being necessary for the collectors of the impost.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0302", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Fran\u00e7ois Froull\u00e9, 20 July 1791\nFrom: Froull\u00e9, Jean Fran\u00e7ois\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 20 July 1791. By direction of Mr. Short, he has sent TJ, by way of Delamotte of Le Havre, a little box packed with straw and wrapped in oilcloth containing Desgodets\u2019 \u201cL\u2019architecture\u201d in folio at 72\u20b6; plus several journals sent by Short, with the first volume of Millot\u2019s El\u00e9ments de l\u2019histoire de France; to these he has added Le Clerc\u2019s Geom\u00e9trie at 6\u20b6; \u201cL\u2019ordre d\u2019architecture\u201d in octavo at 5\u20b6; and he sends 12 numbers of L\u2019Argus Patriotique, a new journal which he presumes TJ will like, the subscription to which is 30\u20b6 per year and which he will send if TJ wishes. For the box and packing, 2\u20b6; total, 85\u20b6.\u2014He will always be honored to fill any of TJ\u2019s orders: \u201cvous connoiss\u00e9 mon devoument.  Soyez assur\u00e9 quil ne deminura point, non plus que le respect avec lequel jai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre pour vous Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres ob\u00e9issant Serviteur.\u201d [P.S.] He has looked for Piranesi\u2019s \u201cLes Monuments de Rome\u201d but only found the complete work in 26 vols., offered to him at 750\u20b6.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0303", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 20 July 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis July 20. 1791.\nYou will recieve by the way of Havre the journals of the assembly which will inform you fully of their late proceedings, and particularly those with respect to the King\u2019s retreat from Paris, and the organisation of Government in consequence thereof. The report of the seven committees was for prosecutions being carried on against the several persons suspected of being instrumental in the King\u2019s retreat. The King was not comprehended in the proposed decree. This brought on a long debated question on his inviolability. The most popular members, viz. four or five of them who are the friends and companions of Brissot de Warville insisted on his being tried also. They composed however a very small minority on the decision of the question, and the plan of the committee passed. In order to render it more palatable to the club des Jacobins and the people of Paris who had loudly manifested contrary sentiments, some articles were previously decreed determining certain cases which should be considered as an abdication on the part of the King. It has been decreed that the present suspension of Regal functions should continue until the completion of the constitution, that is to say as long as it pleases the assembly.\nYou will see in the journals the various arguments on these questions. I inclose you a paper containing Warville\u2019s speech at the Jacobins from which the members of the assembly took every thing they said on that side. This speech is considered as the most able and eloquent that has been made here since Mirabeau.\nI mentioned to you in a former letter the Republican party that was forming here. The late question has shewn that their number was small in the assembly, but strong out of it. They were proceeding to petition and even protest against the decree that exempted the King from prosecution. You will see by a paper inclosed that M. de Condorcet, supports the Republican side by his pen. There is no member of the assembly of your acquaintance on that side.\nThe decree became the pretext for disorders which were so alarming as they were in immediate opposition to the authority of the assembly that it has been thought necessary to try rigorous measures. Crowds assembled during two or three days successively in the champ de Mars under pretence of signing petitions to the assembly against the decree. They were joined always by persons who have been long distinguished here for preaching doctrines of resistance under pretence of liberty, and who are generally supposed the emissaries of foreign powers. You will see by the papers the excesses to which they proceeded and which induced the municipality to proclame the law martial. On the garde nationale approaching the champ de Mars to dissipate them, they were insulted and fired on. The guard fired in their defense. Ten or twelve of the rioters were killed and as many wounded. The rest were immediately dispersed and Paris has been since that event which happened three days ago perfectly quiet.\u2014The assembly have approved the conduct of the municipality and made a decree for punishing mutinous people and incendiary writers.\nTwo persons have been arrested among numberless other disorderly people, suspected of being employed here by foreign powers. One of them is the Jew Ephraim long famous in the intrigues of Europe. Among his papers they have found the commencement of a letter in cypher to the King of Prussia. It is said to have been decyphered and shews an intention in the King of Prussia to meddle at a proper time in the affairs of this country.\nIt becomes every day more probable that other powers have the same intention as it seems now certain that England and Prussia will abandon the Porte to its own fate rather than go to war with the two Empires. It begins to be believed that the aversion of Prussia to break with the Emperor, and the conferences of the ministers of England and Prussia sent into Italy to join the Emperor indicate strongly that there is some common object between them. If so it must be France either directly or indirectly.\u2014The Diet of Ratisbon has hitherto been in favor of pacific measures for securing the rights of the Empire attacked by the decrees of the National assembly. They shew now less temperance. On the whole foreign interference which of course will ever depend on the internal situation of France becomes more and more probable. The way of negotiation will probably be first tried, the injuries suffered by the members of the Empire be made the pretext, and after that the personal situation of the Royal family here be made to enter into the account.\u2014As yet these things are on the scale of probabilities only, much as it appears  to me mounting every day. I must add however that the diplomatic committee are or affect to be of a different opinion.\nThe King remains as when I last wrote to you still under guard. M. de la fayette is equally reproached by the courtiers for the harsh manner in which he exercises the post of what they call a jailer, and by the people for the little precaution he takes against future escape. The corps diplomatique are not admitted to pay their court to the Royal family. That matter remains as formerly mentioned. It is whispered that several of them will soon be recalled if no change takes place. Spain will probably give the first example. I inclose you an official communication lately made by the Spanish Ambassador which he has had printed and distributed here. Nothing later has taken place, and in general the several powers of Europe have shewn no marks of their future intentions with respect to the personal situation of the King.\nThe assignats and the exchange with foreign countries seem to have been not at all affected by the Kings absence and the events subsequent thereto. The sales of ecclesiastical property go on in the same manner and sell as well as before. This circumstance and the indifference shewn in several parts of the Kingdom is what the Republicans plead as proof that the people are sufficiently enlightened to change the government and thus economise thirty millions a year. Several addresses having however been sent to the assembly from the different departments approbatory of the late decree concerning the exemption of the King from criminal prosecution this is considered as testimony in favor of monarchical government, and the republicans at Paris where their force and numbers are greatest seem to be yielding for the present. It is much to be apprehended however that they will be revived some time hence. As soon as the constitution is finished it is to be offered to the King who is then to remount the throne or not at his election. No doubt he will prefer the first. He must then of course be restored to his liberty. It is highly probable he will make use of the first opportunity to go to the frontiers or out of the kingdom, and in that case the friends of monarchy and republicanism must come to issue and even supposing no foreign interferences determine the question by the sword.\nThe emigrants who are now in considerable numbers and have the force which rage and despair give, will take part. They are not strong enough to be formidable so long as the internal dissensions are kept within bounds, but will have weight enough then to induce an attempt for a much higher handed system than the monarchists here have at present any idea of.\nThese emigrants are at present much divided among themselves. The Baron de Breteuel is now at Aix la chapelle and is the soul of one party which may be called the Queen\u2019s. M. de Calonne and M. de Bouill\u00e9 are the chiefs of the other which is the Count D\u2019Artois\u2019\u2014he is now with Monsieur and Madame at Coblentz. M. de Calonne has just arrived in London, and M. de Bouill\u00e9 remains at Luxemburg from whence he is using every exertion to induce the officers and soldiers of the French army to join him. He has succeeded with many of the former but none of the latter.\u2014Besides these two great divisions there are various shades in their designs and pretensions. The more moderate desire the reestablishment of order in France, and a fixed government capable of securing their persons and property agreeable to the seance Royale of June 29. These are the richer class. Others insist on a rigorous statu quo as at the beginning of the revolution. These are the parliamentary people &c. Others again, the poor nobility of the gardes du corps, gendarmarie &c. like the janissaries of all countries desire nothing more than struggle and confusion.\nI have mentioned to you already that I had no hopes of inducing the assembly to change any of their decrees relative to our commerce since their authorisation of the King to negotiate a treaty with us. It will be necessary therefore perhaps that Congress should correct that which virtually excludes our vessels from participating in the carrying of tobacco by some counter-regulation. This can do no harm if the treaty is made and if not will be indispensable. I learn that many French vessels are chartered to be sent to the U.S. for that article.\nWhen I spoke to you formerly of the idea of rendering by treaty the rights of American and French citizens common in the two countries, I did not attend to the difficulty arising from several nations enjoying here as well as in America the rights of the most favored. This clause which is justly considered as the child of diplomatic indolence will of course prevent such an arrangement, or at least I do not at present see any mode of getting the better of it: but it should be a lesson for future negotiations.\nYou will see by the journals of the assembly that they do not lose sight of the Nantucket colony\u2014that is to say that merchants connected with these people induce the assembly from the hope of recovering the whale fishery to foster the establishment. By a late decree they are exempted from that which prohibits the sale of American vessels in France. Of course they may as formerly bring their vessels from the U.S. and such as may come to settle in France  in future are to enjoy the same privileges. It is said that the number of whale men has increased considerably in this country, that is to say the vessels fitted out by the Nantucket men. I hope soon to have a true state of them which I will send to you.\nDrost has not succeeded in his competition for the place of Engraver general of the mint here; it is given to Dupr\u00e9. I saw Drost two days ago and he seemed now determined to go to America. He observes that it is indispensable to have two Balanciers at least made here. He even desired to have four made, but as I apprehend that you did not count on such an operation, from the length of time it will take to make them, I shall insist on the smallest number possible. He found it impossible to have these machines executed in England without the assistance of workmen whom he was obliged to send for from Paris. Of course I suppose them within the meaning of the Secretary\u2019s expression, difficult of execution. Drost says they will cost about 22,000.\u20b6 each and that they cannot be finished before the next winter. He offers to have them executed by employing workmen in detail and charging their salaries to the U.S., or to contract to furnish them at a stipulated price. This latter mode will be preferred as being the best in all cases for a government. The other instruments he tells me will be inconsiderable. He is to decide finally in two or three days whether he will go or not, and I have little doubt of his going. In that case he will not embark before the next spring because the instruments cannot be finished sooner.\u2014The money which was deposited in Mr. Grand\u2019s hands for the Algerine business and which has been long lying idle and depreciating there shall be applied to these expences unless I recieve contrary orders. It amounted in the beginning to 60,000.\u20b6 and only your house rent has been paid out of it as formerly mentioned.\nDrost wishes that you would send him the intended devices of the money to be struck. He says he would ingrave one of the dyes here which he seems to speak of as a means of shewing his talents in that way, perhaps with a view to being employed by the U.S. as the engraver of their money.\nI have had a long conversation with Rayneval relative to the navigation of the Mississipi. He gave me a full detail of this business as it formerly passed here between Count D\u2019Aranda and Mr. Jay; and the ideas he communicated on the subject, being chosen by them as a kind of arbitrator\u2014all which he says were made known to Congress by Count Vergennes who sent them a copy of his (Raynevals) memoire made on this question, in order to shew that he did not merit the inculpations, which had been laid to his charge  of a want of good faith towards the U.S. in wishing to sacrifice their interests to those of Spain. The memoire he tells me was perfectly satisfactory to Congress, and that it appears to him that there is no other way of terminating the business than by adopting the result which his researches then brought him to. This memoire must of course be known to you. The principal feature as he tells me is that the Spaniards should make a free port of New-Orleans, where the Americans might stop load and unload their goods without being subject to any of the molestations of entering a foreign country.\nThis does not come up to your idea perfectly, as you seem to think a place extraterritorial and of course extrajudicial, essential to the preservation of peace. Mr. Carmichael I suppose is fully informed of your ideas as to the free port. The copy of your letter to him intended to have been sent me with yours of March 12. having not been recieved leaves me ignorant of whatever was not mentioned to me. I do not see that inconvenience will result from it at present, as well on account of the impossibility of bringing the negotiation to this place, as the turn which it seems to be taking at Madrid.\nM. de Montmorin has informed me that it has a much more promising aspect there than he could have hoped for. He is informed by the French charg\u00e9 des affaires that the Spanish ministry are disposed to renew the negotiation and will probably consent to yield to the U.S. a slip on the river where the river and sea craft may meet and exchange their loads without being subject to the Spanish laws and regulations. He observed also that the idea of making New Orleans a free port was rejected entirely by the Spanish ministry, so that it seems that the cession of territory is more agreeable to them. This was the state of things previous to its being known at Madrid that the King of France had protested against the constitution and left Paris. M. de Montmorin does not seem to apprehend that it will produce any change in the sentiments of that cabinet relative to the Mississipi business. It has been a long time since I have heard from Mr. Carmichael, but I don\u2019t doubt that he keeps you fully informed of the progress of this affair.\nI thought there was some reason to believe some time ago that the English and Spanish courts were disposed to get over all misunderstandings by forming closer connexions. It was whispered here that the Secretary of the English Embassy who passed through this place on his way to London was intrusted with confidential communications on this subject. M. de Montmorin says this was not the case, and that at the time of his leaving Madrid, which was previous to the King\u2019s departure from Paris, the coolness between  these two courts was rather increasing. He knows not how that event may effect the Spanish cabinet as to this country and of course as to England. The official communication inclosed and mentioned above is all that is yet public.\nIt seems certain that the affairs of that country are getting into difficulties. The abuses of administration and the enormous expences of the court at the same time that they discontent the people weaken the arm of government. The example of this country shews what such causes are capable of producing, and although it will serve perhaps also to teach that government how to avoid a similar fate, yet I should suppose from the present view of circumstances that Spain will be a less powerful enemy some time hence than at present. I mention this in the case of the negotiation not terminating to the wishes of the United States. Besides, a short time also will raise the curtain which at present conceals the secret and active negotiations which are carrying on among almost all the cabinets of Europe. When it shall have appeared what scenes are to be acted and what part Spain assigns to herself in the drama it will be more easy to appreciate her future means in relation to the United States.\nI inclose in this letter the gazette of Leyden and beg leave to refer you to the other papers sent by the diligence to Havre for an account of the ceremony of translating Voltaire to Paris, in which the national assembly took part. It is an attempt towards training the French to that enthusiastic love of great actions and great men for which the inhabitants of Greece and Rome have been so celebrated.\nJuly 21. The Jew Ephraim mentioned in my letter of yesterday has been interrogated and discharged. It was said that the report as to the beginning of his letter to the King of Prussia is not true. It is certain that several letters were found on him in the hand writing of the King of Prussia. The committee before whom he was examined say that nothing appeared relative to France which was not friendly. Opinions vary as to this matter. Some think that the fear of the King of Prussia made them set him at liberty and that they conceal such things as were found and would have authorized his being confined. Others think that the Jew has had address enough to persuade them that the King of Prussia wishes to negotiate an alliance with the nation and that he is the confidential agent employed to pave the way to it. It is certain that he is treated very differently from any of the numberless persons arrested here within these few days past. They are all in close confinement and will probably most of them remain there a long time, as in the present  system no true act of habeas corpus existing or any substitute for it, there is always difficulty in extricating even an innocent person from prison.\u2014Among those arrested are some of the authors of the popular journals of which I have sent you some numbers as a specimen of the present liberty of the press here.\nM. Du Veyrier whom the King had sent with a letter and the decree of the assembly, to the Prince de Cond\u00e9 has just arrived here. I mentioned to you that his long silence had appeared unaccountable and given uneasiness. The express sent by M. de Montmorin in search of him had returned without being able to find him. It seems that on passing through Luxemburg he had taken alarm on hearing that M. de Bouill\u00e9 was there, and had changed his name. This circumstance rendering him suspect he was arrested and not allowed to write.\nMr. Barrett who goes immediately to America will take charge of this letter: the newspapers, journals, and the book of ancient architecture sent according to your desire he will find at Havre.\u2014I remain with the attachment & respect which I hope are well known to you, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0304", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Fulwar Skipwith, 20 July 1791\nFrom: Skipwith, Fulwar\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 20 July 1791. He will not repeat reasons for leaving Martinique given in two letters written from there, being assured TJ will understand that his return as consul cannot take place with propriety or justice to himself until France shall communicate the Convention and until Congress provides for the support and authority of consuls. He has left in Martinique a capable representative in Mr. Nathaniel Barrell, nephew of Senator Langdon. His departure is not viewed as a relinquishment of his consulate.\u2014It is painful to report that a longer continuance there would more probably fix him \u201cin the limits of a jail than in the functions of \u2026 office,\u201d for in the distressed situation of the island it was impossible to succeed in trade.\u2014If, as many imagine, consuls will remain inadmissible in the French islands and Congress continue to regard them \u201cas Servants entitled to no support,\u201d he is persuaded that justice will cause them to reimburse him for late expenditures and that the President and TJ will not deem him an object unworthy of consideration.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0305", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 July 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMafra July 21st. 1791\nI came to this place a few days ago, in order to avoid the heat of Lisbon. But before I left Lisbon, I had a conference with M. de Pinto, on the subject suggested for his consideration in your letter of March 15th, and enforced on me in the beginning of the cyphered part of your letter dated April 11th. He seemed to accord fully with you in his ideas of the propriety and utility of the measure. But observed that it rested with the Board of Commerce to arrange all regulations of that nature, and requested a copy of the Report of the Committee of Congress to lay before that Board. I gave him a copy accordingly. I conjecture the proceedings of these Boards are slow, and that no decision must be soon expected. On proper occasions, I shall not omit to resume the conversation on such topics as I may judge most likely to conduce to the accomplishment of your wishes.\nBy the first private intelligence from France, after the return of the Royal Family to Paris, we learned, that the King, Queen, and other Branches of it were kept seperately, with five Centinels at their doors. By the last advices, the opinion is more prevalent than it has lately been, that every thing will settle into quiet, and that the Nation will not be exposed to the immediate horrors of a foreign or civil war.\nThe neighbouring Powers appear to be too much occupied with their own affairs, to interfere in those of France, in the manner which their inclinations might prompt them to do. The Government of Spain is not without apprehension, that the same spirit may insinuate itself into that Kingdom, which has wrought such changes in the neighbour-State. This apprehension, which has for some time past excited great precautions, has lately produced some Regulations favorable to the Subjects of that Government.\nThe Congress of Sistove not having been able to effect a pacification in the North, there is a probability hostilities will recommence between the Emperor and the Port, which will not leave the former at liberty to interpose his force in attempts to thwart the Revolution of France.\nIn this Country perfect tranquility exists.\u2014The recent publication of a small Theological work, written by an Ecclesiastic, who is a Member of the Tribunal for the examination and licensing of Books, has surprised me more than any other circumstance which has happened since my residence here. It is an Analysis of the Profession of Faith of Pope Pius IV, and inculcates very different opinions from  those entertained by bigotted Roman Catholics. The Writer does not believe in the Infallibility of the Successors of St. Peter: on the contrary he shews that they have published many Bulls replete with errors, particularly with respect to interference in affairs of civil Government. It is said the farther impression and sale of this Work is prohibited, in consequence of a private Order obtained by the Nuncio from the Court. But I have had the perusal of one of the Copies.\u2014With Sentiments of the highest esteem I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Most obedt & most humble servant,\nD. Humphreys", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0307", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 22 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Knox, Henry\n            Philadelphia July 22. 1791.\n          It having been agreed among us at a former session of the board of arts that the descriptions to be inserted in patents should be handed to us separately at our lodgings to be examined at leisure and approved with or without amendments, I now hand on to you  the inclosed which came to me from the Attorney General who had proposed some amendments to them; I have also proposed some of a trifling nature, merely to render the construction clearer, which are pencilled only, in my hand writing. We have endorsed on each our separate examination. When you shall have been so good as to have examined also, and proposed any amendments you may wish, if there be no material difference among us, Mr. Remsen will prepare a description accomodated to what shall appear to be agreed, and present it to us on Saturday next at our meeting. If there be a material diversity, it will await our meeting. I trouble you with this explanation, because the inclosed are the first which have been offered since we agreed on this plan. Hereafter they shall be sent you with a simple sketch of the amendments only.\u2014Your\u2019s respectfully & affectionately,\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0308", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Guillaume Otto, 22 July 1791\nFrom: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPhiladelphia, 22 July 1791. He hastens to send the enclosed letter from Montmorin which he has been directed to communicate officially to the government.\u2014He cannot observe without surprise that even in the United States some ill-disposed persons have given credit to wholly untrue rumors concerning the intentions of the King and the probability of a counter-revolution in France. Faithful to the principles he has consistently professed, Otto has done all within his power to deny these calumnies and false insinuations of the pretended friends of the King who, under the cloak of an assumed interest in the peace and glory of His Majesty, hide their chagrin at the success of the revolution and their regret at the triumph of principles diametrically opposed to their own. Some, led into error by the insidious reports of gazettes and foreign pamphlets whose real aim they should have easily discerned, have become victims of their illusion to the point of taking up the pen and deducing from these false facts consequences even more absurd. But he has a deep-seated conviction that the government of the United States, being as enlightened as it is impartial and equally the friend of truth and liberty, has never shared such opinions. He is also persuaded that the declarations contained in the enclosed letter will put in their true light the sincerity and magnanimity of His Majesty and will leave no doubt about the stability of a revolution which will always be a source of prosperity for France, of confidence for her allies, and of regret for her enemies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0309", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Montmorin to Otto, [23 April 1791]\nFrom: Montmorin de Saint-H\u00e9rem, Armand Marc, Comte de\nTo: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nEnclosureMontmorin to Otto\nSir\n[Paris, 23 April 1791]\nThe King has charged me to inform you that it is his will that you make known his sentiments respecting the Revolution and the French Constitution to the Court at which you reside. The same orders are transmitted to the Ambassadors and Ministers of France, at all the Courts of Europe, to the end that no doubt may remain with regard to his Majesty\u2019s intentions, his free acceptation of the new form of government, or his irrevocable oath to maintain it.\nHis Majesty had convoked the States General of his kingdom, and resolved in his Council, that the Commons should, in that Assembly, have a number of Deputies equal to those of the two other orders then existing. This act of provisional legislation which the circumstances of the moment did not allow to be more favourable, sufficiently announced his Majesty\u2019s wish to restore to the nation all its rights.\nThe States General met, and took the title of the National Assembly; and, in a short time, a constitution, fitted to secure the happiness of France and of the Monarch, took place of the ancient order of things, under which the apparent power of the king only served to conceal the real power of certain aristocratic bodies.\nThe National Assembly adopted the representative form of government, conjoined with hereditary monarchy. The legislative body was declared permanent; the choice of the ministers of public worship, of magistrates, and judges, was given to the people; the executive power was conferred on the King, the formation of laws on the legislative body, and the power of sanction on the Monarch. The public force, both internal and external, was organized on the same principles, and in conformity with the fundamental basis of a distribution of powers. Such is the new constitution of the kingdom.\nThat which is called a revolution, is no more than the abrogation of numerous abuses, that have been accumulating for ages, through the errors of the people, or the power of the Ministers which was never the power of the King. Those abuses were no less prejudicial to the nation than to the Monarch. Authority, under happy reigns, had never ceased to attack these abuses, but without being able to destroy them. They exist no longer; the nation, now the sovereign, has no citizens but such as are equal in rights; no despot but the law; no organs but public officers, and of those officers the King is the first. Such is the French revolution.\nThis must naturally have for its enemies all those who, in the first moment of error, regret, on account of personal advantages, the abuses of the ancient government. Hence the apparent division which shewed itself in the kingdom, and which is daily becoming less; hence perhaps some severe laws and circumstances which time will correct; but the King, whose true power can never be distinct from that of the nation, who has no aim but the happiness of the people, and no authority but that which is delegated to him, the King has adopted, without hesitation, a happy constitution, which will at once regenerate the nation, the monarchy, and his authority. All his powers are preserved to him,  except the dreadful power of making laws. He remains charged with the power of negociating with foreign nations, with the care of defending the kingdom, and repelling its enemies, but the French nation will in future have no external enemies, but its aggressors; no internal enemies but those who, still flattering themselves with vain hopes, believe that the will of twenty-four millions of men, restored to their natural rights, after having organized the kingdom in such a manner as to leave only the memory of ancient form and abuses, is not an immovable and irrecoverable constitution.\nThe most dangerous of those enemies are they who affect to disseminate doubts of the intentions of the Monarch. These men are much to blame, or much deceived. They suppose themselves the friends of the King, and they are the only enemies of royalty. They would have deprived the King of the love and the confidence of a great nation, if his principles and his probity had been less known. What has the King not done to shew that he considered both the Revolution and the French Constitution as his titles to glory!\u2014After having accepted and sanctioned all the laws, he has neglected no means of causing them to be executed. Since the month of February, of the last year, he has promised in the bosom of the National Assembly, to maintain them. He has taken an oath to do so, in the midst of the general federation of the kingdom. Dignified by the title of the Restorer of French Liberty, he will transmit to his son more than a Crown\u2014he will transmit a Constitutional Royalty.\nThe enemies of the constitution are constantly repeating that the King is not happy; as if it were possible for a King to enjoy any happiness but the happiness of his people. They say that his authority is lessened, as if authority, founded on force were not less powerful, and more precarious, than authority founded on law. Finally that the King is not free: a calumny atrocious, if they suppose that his will could be constrained; absurd, if they take for a want of freedom the consent repeatedly expressed by his Majesty to remain among the citizens of Paris, a consent that was due to their patriotism, even to their fears, but above all to their love.\nThose calumnies, however, have reached foreign Courts; they have been repeated there by Frenchmen, who are voluntary exiles from their country, instead of sharing its glory, and who, if they are not enemies, have at least deserted their stations as citizens. The King, Sir, charges you to defeat their intrigues and their projects. The same calumnies, while they spread the falsest ideas respecting the French revolution, have rendered the intentions of French travellers suspected by several neighbouring nations; and the King expressly orders you to protect and defend them. Represent the French constitution in the same light as that in which the King views it; and leave no doubt of his intention to maintain it, to the utmost of his power. By securing the liberty and the equality of the citizens, that constitution founds the national prosperity on the most immovable basis; it confirms the royal authority by the laws; it prevents, by a glorious revolution, a revolution which the abuses of the old government would probably soon have effected by a dissolution of the empire; and, finally, it will constitute the happiness of the King. To justify it, to defend it, and to consider it as the rule of your conduct ought to be your first duty.\nI have frequently before communicated to you his Majesty\u2019s sentiments on this head; but after the information he has received of the opinion endeavored to be established at foreign Courts, respecting what is passing in France, he  has ordered me to charge you to make known the contents of this letter to the government with which you reside; and that it may be still more public, his Majesty has ordered it to be printed.\nMontmorinPhiladelphia, July 25, 1791.\nThe above is a faithful translation of a letter communicated to me officially by Mr. Otto, charg\u00e9 des affaires of France, and rendered public at his desire.\nThomas JeffersonSecretary of State", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0310", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Pio, 22 July 179[1]\nFrom: Pio\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\n\u00e0 Paris ce 22. Juillet 1792 [i.e., 1791]\nLes sentimens que vous m\u2019avez inspir\u00e9 ne s\u2019effaceront jamais de mon coeur, et vous me permettrez que je cherche toutes les occasions pour vous le dire me procurant par l\u00e0 la satisfaction, bien douce pour moi, de me rappeler \u00e0 votre souvenir. Je vous ai \u00e9crit une autre fois, il y a bient\u00f4t deux ans par Mr. Rutlidge, mais je crains que ma lettre ne vous ait pas \u00e9t\u00e9 rendue. Pl\u00fbt au ciel que celle-ci n\u2019ait pas le m\u00eame sort. Je ne vous demande qu\u2019une seule ligne de votre \u00e9criture; dites moi, si vous vous portez bien, si vous \u00eates content et si vous ne regrettez pas quelquefois la Grille de Chaillot. Moi, je ne puis pas y penser sans eprouver une tendre commotion; des hommes comme vous, Monsieur, ne se remplacent pas. Que votre conversation me seroit necessaire dans cette crise politique! Les hommes ne sont plus les m\u00eames; j\u2019ai perdu tous les amis, la Patrie seule me reste, et vous savez sans doute que c\u2019est la France libre. Voil\u00e0 mon Idole. Je ne vous donne pas de nouvelles; vous les recevez sans doute par des autres canaux. Pour Mr. Short, jadis mon ami, je serois presque tent\u00e9de vous en demander des nouvelles; nous pensions toujours de m\u00eame dans le tems du Despotisme; dans le regne de la Libert\u00e9 nos id\u00e9es ne se rencontrent plus, et par consequent nos personnes non plus. L\u2019auriez vous jamais cru? Je n\u2019ai actuellement que Locke sous les yeux, Sidney, Milton, J.J.Rousseau, et Th. Payne; voil\u00e0 toute ma biblioth\u00e8que; j\u2019ai brul\u00e9  le reste, except\u00e9 Machiavel, que tous les Diplomates ont, mais qu\u2019ils n\u2019osent pas avouer, et que les hommes libres doivent placer \u00e0 cot\u00e9 de la Declaration des Droits. Mais notre Revolution n\u2019est pas achev\u00e9e, et je crains que le choc soit plus fort d\u2019or en avant qu\u2019il ne l\u2019a et\u00e9 jusqu\u2019\u00e0 present. Nous desirons ardemment une nouvelle Legislature, comme nous avons desir\u00e9 ces jours ci une Monarchie sans monarque; celle ci a manqu\u00e9; serons nous aussi malheureux pour l\u2019autre?\u2014Je suis corde et animo tout \u00e0 vous, et bien fraternellment,\nPio", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0311", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Chantrot, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Chantrot (Chanterot), M.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nA paris Ce 24 juillet 1791\nLa personne Charg\u00e9 de vous acheter une Pendule a demie Seconde au prix fixe n\u2019ayant pas trouv\u00e9 Ce que vous d\u00e9siriez, Ce monsieur m\u2019en \u00e0 fait part. Je lai engage de mencharge, Sachant que Setoit pour vous, je me suis Empresse de vous faire une pendule dont vous n\u2019ayez rien \u00e0 desirer pour ce qui regarde lorlogerie. Je me flatte apr\u00e8s avoir porter tous les soins qu\u2019il convient pour vous livrer une excellente pendule que vous vous adresser\u00e9z \u00e0 moi quand vous aurez besoin de quel que piece d\u2019orlogerie. En place d\u2019une soit pour tenire le balancier c\u2019est un morceaux d\u2019acier fait en forme de lame de couteau \u00e0 la quelle il y \u00e0 une petite t\u00eate au bout pour empecher le balencier de S\u2019echapper. Vous trouverez un petit chassis de cuivre au bout de latige du balancier dans le quel il y \u00e0 une gouttier en \u00e0cier. Il faut la passer dans ce petit morceau d\u2019acier fait en forme de couteau qui tient au coq en place de Soit Ce qui vaux beaucoup mieux et qui est bien moins suget. Vous trouverez apres lechassi qui tient la fourchette dans le quel le balancier doit entrer une vis sur le c\u00f4t\u00e9 que lon peux tourn\u00e9s avec les doigts pour la pouvoir mettre parfaitement dans Son Echappement. Pour voir Si cette pendule est bien dans son Echappement il faut quand vous l\u2019aurez plac\u00e9e dans l\u2019endroit que vous voulez quelle occupe laisser le Balancier arr\u00eater d\u2019apres cela vous verez si en le faissent \u00e9chapper de droite \u00e0 gauche de gauche \u00e0 droite en le tenent avec les doights. Si la distance est egale la pendule doit se trouv\u00e9 dans son Echappement. Si elle fait plus de chemaint d\u2019un c\u00f4t\u00e9 que de l\u2019autre alors la pendule n\u2019est point dans son echappement. Il faut tournet cette petite vis qui fait mouvoir la fourchette dans le quel le peti morceau  de cuivre qui est au milieu de latige de votre balancier entre ce qui est cache par le timbre. Vous trouverez le balencier envelopper den du papier dans un coin de la Caisse de meme que la clef et leguille a segond. Pour mettre cette Eguille apres le mouvement il faut l\u2019entrer dessus une petit bout de tige qui se trouve au centre des Eguilles. Si, comme je l\u2019espere vous \u00eates Satisfait, je vous prie de m\u2019en acuser la reception quand vous an trouverez l\u2019occasion. Ce qui me fera le plus grand plaisir \u00e9tant jalous de vous satisfaire.\u2014Je suis avec un Profon respec Monsieur Votre tres humble et tre obeisent serviteur,\nChantrotSuccesseur de Mr. Meyer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0312", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Augustine Davis, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Davis, Augustine\n            Philadelphia July 24. 1791.\n          The necessity of establishing a communication from Richmond into the upper parts of Virginia induced me to ask from the late postmaster-general a plan for establishing cross posts consistently with law. He has furnished me with the inclosed deed, by which you will percieve that certain covenants are to be entered into between the future postmaster general and an undertaker, in such a way as that the latter shall have the whole postage and nothing more; so that the cross post is to support itself, and not to bring any expence to the public. After the contract executed, no rider can take pay for the carriage of letters; consequently that profit will go exclusively to the post, to which will be added whatever yourself, your brother printers or the subscribers will give him for newspapers. Satisfied that a rider plying weekly through Columbia, and Charlottesville to Staunton and back, may be supported by the postage of letters and premium on newspapers, I have had the inclosed deed prepared for that route, and wish you to engage some trusty person to undertake it immediately, and to execute the deed. You will shortly know the name of the Postmaster general to be inserted.\n          But a more material cross post will be that from Richmond along the Buckingham road, by New-London and the peaks of Otter into Montgomery, Wythe, and Washington, and along the Holston &ca. on the route, as far as may be done, towards the seat of the South Western government. How far the profits of this cross post will enable you to extend it along that route, I know not: but after  deciding on the best roads, having regard to the populousness of the country through or near which they pass, so as to accomodate as many people as possible, and consequently get into the way of as many contributions towards it\u2019s support as possible, my idea would be that you should set it up to the farthest bidder, that is to say, engage it to him who will go farthest on the route for the profits it may afford. I shall be glad if, after considering this proposition, and making due enquiries, you will be so good as to let me know what you think of it\u2019s practicability, and to what extent along the route you think it may be pushed, stating also the particular roads which, in order to increase custom, it may be best for the undertaker to pursue.\u2014I am Sir your very humble servt,\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0313", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Dobson, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Dobson, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 24. 1791.\nYour favor of July 6. came to hand on the 12th. In the mean time you must have recieved mine of the 4th. informing you of the circumstances which had obliged me to give credit for my tobacco till the last of September, and consequently that no payment could be made till my return hither from Virginia in October. This being the situation of things, I can only repeat it by way of answer to your\u2019s of the 6th. I shall hope that what the tobacco may be deficient, can be made up by the sale of the wheat of the present crop which I hear is a good one.\u2014I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0314", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 24. 1791.\nYours of the 21st. came to hand yesterday. I will keep my eye on the advertisements for Halifax. The time of my journey to Virginia is rendered doubtful by the incertainty whether the President goes there or not. It is rather thought he will not. If so, I shall go later and stay a shorter time. I presume I may set out about the beginning  of September, and shall hope your company going and coming.\u2014The President is indisposed with the same blind tumour, and in the same place, which he had the year before last in New York. As yet it does not promise either to suppurate or be discussed. He is obliged to lye constantly on his side, and has at times a little fever. The young grandson has had a long and dangerous fever. He is thought better to-day. No news yet from Genl. Scott: nor any thing from Europe worth repeating. Several merchants from Richmond (Scotch, English &c.) were here lately. I suspect it was to dabble in federal filth. Let me hear of your health. Adieu my dear Sir yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. The inclosed are for yourself, being duplicates.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0315", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nN. York July 24. 1791.\nYour favor of the 21st. came to hand last evening. It was meant that you should keep the pamphlet inclosed in it. I have seen Freneau, and, as well as Col: H. Lee, have pressed the establishment of himself in Philada. where alone his talents can do the good or reap the profit of which they are capable. Though leaning strongly against the measure, under the influence of little objections which his modesty magnified into important ones, he was less decided on the subject than I had understood. We are to have a further conversation, in which I shall renew my efforts, and do not despair, though I am not sanguine, of success. If he yeilds to the reasoning of his friends, it is probable that he will at least commence his plan in alliance with Childs as to the emoluments. In the conduct and title of the paper, it will be altogether his own.\u2014I am not much disappointed tho\u2019 I much regret the rejection of P\u2014\u2014e [Paine] in the late appointment. Another opportunity of doing him some justice may not occur and at the present moment it was to be wished for a thousand reasons that he might have received from this Country such a token of its affection and respect. I must see Dorhman again before I can enable you to answer Mazzei. I will endeavor to do it tomorrow and will write you without delay.\nYou will recollect that the Pretensions of T. C. [Tench Coxe] to the place now filled by Wolcot went thro\u2019 your hands and with my knowledge. Would you believe that this circumstance has got into  circulation in the shape of an attempt in you and myself to intermeddle with the Treasury department, to frustrate the known wishes of the head of it, and to keep back the lineal successor, from a Southern antipathy to his Eastern descent! Col: Lee got hold of the Report and finding that it had made some impression on Hamilton, asked of me an explanation of the matter. As far as I could call to mind, what had left so faint an impression, I enabled him to contradict the misrepresentation. Last evening a favorable opportunity offering, I touched on the subject to Col: Hamilton, who had certainly viewed it thro\u2019 a very wrong medium, but seemed disposed to admit the right one. I believe he is now satisfied that misrepresentations had been made to him, that our agency, if to be so called was the effect of complaisance rather than of solicitude for or against the candidates\u2014and particularly that it was impossible from the very nature of the case, it would have involved the idea of thwarting his purposes in his own department.\u2014This is not the only instance I find in which the most uncandid and unfounded things of a like tendency have been thrown into circulation.\nI promised a gentleman who lately sailed for Halifax on his way to England, to send him a copy of the Remarks on Sheffeilds Book. May I trouble you to send to Cary\u2019s or wherever may be proper for a Copy, and let me have it in the course of the week, the earlier the better. I shall endeavor to convey it by the hands of some passenger in the Packet which sails early next week. Will you be so good also as first to let the inclosed letter on the subject of Mr. N. Pendleton be handed to Mr. Lear as from me. He will of course let the President see the pretensions of that gentleman, and I shall then have sufficiently discharged the trust consigned to me by his Unkle. This is the mode in which I have generally conveyed applications to the President.\nMy health is much improved by the precautions I have observed. From the state of my appetite I hope I have got pretty much rid of my bile. My horse is also nearly well. He has had a third relapse, and there are still remains of the tumor as well as of his leanness. I have already asked when you think of setting out for Virginia. I mean to join you whenever you are ready, and shall be in Philada. in due time for the purpose.\u2014Always & mo: affecty. Yours,\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0316", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Peter Marks, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Marks, Peter\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 24. 1791.\nI have never been inattentive to the application made on behalf of your son: but there has been no vacancy, till now, to which he could be appointed. I have no doubt he will so conduct himself as to justify the recommendations which were handed to me, and on which I founded his claim.\nI hope to have the pleasure of seeing my neighbors in Albemarle in the course of the fall, tho I am unable yet to foresee the particular moment. They have all my wishes for their happiness and prosperity, adding for yourself particular assurances of the sincere esteem of Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0317", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Montgomery, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Montgomery, Robert\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nAlicante, 24 July 1791. He has this moment received news from Algiers that at 6 a.m. on the 12th the Dey died and was immediately succeeded by Ali Hassan, who has been \u201cin many instances our perticular friend,\u201d about which he will write more fully by the next post to Lisbon and Cadiz.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0318", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Pendleton, Edmund\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 24. 1791.\nI recieved duly your favour of the 13th. and communicated it to the President. The titles of your relation were unquestionably strong of themselves and still strengthened by your recommendation. But the place was before proposed to another whose acceptance will probably fix it.\nThe President is indisposed with a tumour like that he had in New York the year before last. It does not as yet seem as if it would come to a head.\nWe are wonderfully slow in recieving news from Genl. Scott. The common accounts give reason to hope his expedition has succeeded well.\u2014You will have seen the rapidity with which the subscriptions to the bank were filled. As yet the delirium of speculation is too strong to admit sober reflection. It remains to be seen whether in a country whose capital is too small to carry on it\u2019s own commerce, to establish manufactures, erect buildings &c. such sums should have been withdrawn from these useful pursuits to be employed in gambling? Whether it was well judged to force on the public a paper circulation of so many millions for which they will be paying about 7. per cent per annum and thereby banish as many millions of gold and silver for which they would have paid no interest? I am afraid it is the intention to nourish this spirit of gambling by throwing in from time to time new aliment.\nThe question of war and peace in Europe is still doubtful. The French revolution proceeds steadily, and is I think beyond the danger of accident of every kind. The success of that will ensure the progress of liberty in Europe, and it\u2019s preservation here. The failure of that would have been a powerful argument with those who wish to introduce a king, lords and commons here, a sect which is all head and no body. Mr. Madison has had a little bilious touch at New York, from which he is recovered however. Adieu my dear Sir Your affectionate friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0319", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy dear daughter\nPhiladelphia July 24. 1791.\nYour last letter come to hand was of May 23. Consequently it is now two months old.\nPetit arrived here three or four days ago, and accosted me with an assurance that he was come pour rester toujours avec moi. The principal small news he brings is that Panthemont is one of the convents to be kept up for education, that the old Abbess is living, but Madame de Taubenheim dead, that some of the nuns have chosen to rejoin the world, others to stay, that there are no English pensioners there now, Botidour remains there, &c. &c. &c. Mr. Short lives in the Hotel d\u2019Orleans where I lived when you first went to Panthemont.\nThe President is indisposed with a complaint similar to that he had in New York the year before last. It is commonly called a blind bile, and is in fact a tumour which will not come to a head.\u2014I do not yet know when I shall go to Virginia, and fear the visit will be short. It will probably be the beginning of September. I sent off yesterday by Capt. Stratton 4. boxes and 14. kegs with stores to be delivered to Mr. Brown to be forwarded to Monticello. But I beg you not to await my coming for the opening and using of them, as they are for the common use. Kiss Maria and the little Anne for me and accept cordial love from your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: J", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0320", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 24 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 24. 1791.\nI had always intended to endeavor to engage with some miller of capital here to erect my mill on such plan as he should chuse and then rent it to him for a term of years. Your letter informing me that Mr. Divers and others were proposing to take Mr. Henderson\u2019s mill, but that they had not been able to agree, induces me to suppose it possible they might be willing to take mine. I should propose to make the necessary stoppages in the river and to build the millhouse on such plan as the tenant should chuse, and for this I should ask 10. per cent per annum on account of the risk and decay to which they would be exposed. I should finish the canal and ask 5. per cent on the cost of that, to which I should add a reasonable interest on the value of the position, water fall &c. they to erect their own running gear and of course to pay no rent on them. I should be willing to rent for such term as their running gear might be supposed to last, or for double that term if they should prefer it. If you should have an opportunity of sounding Mr. Divers on this subject I will be obliged to you: and if he is disposed to the contract it shall be concluded when I come to Virginia. Tho\u2019 I believe it would be better for the neighborhood that there should be two rival mills, yet I suppose the Miller would rather be without rivality.\nI inclose letters for Mr. P. Marks and Mr. de Rieux, which be so good as to have safely delivered, and be assured of the sincere attachment of Dr. Sir Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0321", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 24 July 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis July 24. 1791.\nI had the honor of writing to you four days ago by Mr. Barrett. This will be sent also by the way of Havre and will contain a letter for the Secretary of the Treasury.\nA very lengthy report has been made to the assembly in the name of the two committees, diplomatick and of war, on the situation of France with respect to her neighbours, and her military force. From it it appeared that the politics of Europe are not settled as yet\u2014that if a league of the leading powers should be formed against the French constitution, they could not possibly concert their measures and begin to act before the next spring\u2014of course nothing to be apprehended for the present from thence\u2014that there were about 4, or 5,000 emigrants at Worms and other places on the frontiers\u2014that the Emperor had about 40, or 45,000 men in the low countries, of which the circumstances of those countries would not allow him to employ against France (even if he were disposed and nothing indicated such a disposition) more than 15, or 20,000\u2014that the German princes who had regular troops would probably aid the emigrants so as to raise their numbers to 15, or 20,000 men. Supposing therefore every thing at the worst, the greatest number of troops that could be brought against France at present would be 40,000 men. The reporter shewed that the emigrants being led by men who had given so many proofs of designs without calculation, of projects without the possibility of execution, might adopt that of entering the country by force, with the succours mentioned above or a part of them, in the ill grounded hopes of being joined by the discontented within and rendering their force formidable.\nFrance had to oppose to such an invasion 64,000 regular troops which when the regiments were completed would amount to 91,000 posted from Dunkirk to Belfort. The whole army in France is now 143,000 men and when completed will be 213,000.\nAfter such a picture it might have been expected that they would have been satisfied with their present means of resistance. Instead of which the committees proposed and the assembly decreed that there should be immediately raised in addition an army of garde nationale volunteers of 97,000 men, who are to have 15. sous a day. Such measures must be always expected from numerous assemblies which exercise all the functions of government. Many inconveniences are to be apprehended without counting the additional expence, from the present. Such a body of turbulent indisciplined men  if they find no employment from the enemy will either return disgusted and thus have used in vain the first and fiery zeal from which volunteers derive their greatest force\u2014or remaining embodied will endeavour to find employment even at the risk of violating public tranquillity. Their want of discipline will tend to destroy the little which remains among the regular troops with whom they will serve, and their superior pay will probably create discontentment and jealousy among those troops.\nCount Rochambeau commands on the Northern frontier and by the open and decided part he has taken in the revolution enjoys the full confidence of the assembly and of his troops.\u2014Should France be attacked M. de la fayette will take command in the active army.\nIt is certain that England and Prussia will abandon the Porte. A forced peace will therefore take place. M. de Montmorin has informed the diplomatic committee that this circumstance and the present posture of negotiation among the several European powers rendered it every day more probable that they meant to take the questions relative to France into consideration. I mentioned to you in my last how I thought this business would be begun.\nThey will perhaps use as much delay as possible in hopes that the French government not being organised, the taxes not being collected, the credit falling, the expected internal tranquility not arriving, may disgust many against the present order of things. The parties which are forming in the country among those who wish for the revolution, but differ in their opinions about the constitution, resemble so much those which took place in Brabant, and the advantage which the Emperor derived from delay will weigh much in the adoption of such a system.\nActs of rigour are now used against that class of people who have been long employed as the arms of the revolution and who had become too strong for the government. Their disgust will necessarily increase and it will not be surprizing if in time they act against their former leaders in favor of any party who should be strong enough to offer them a change. It is the misfortune of this country to have too many of those who will always desire disorder and changes because having nothing to lose they have nothing to fear.\nIt must be agreed also that the conduct of the assembly gives fair play to their enemies whether Royalists or Republicans. The acts of irregularity and despotism which they tolerate or authorize are overlooked by a great many as they consider them the only remedy to the greater evil of anarchy. But they are reproached by many also as the indirect cause of this anarchy in taking the government into  their own hands instead of organizing and separating its parts. It is evident that the true principles of liberty are either not known or not attended to. They are avowedly violated every day under the long known pretext of public good. Where such things will lead to or when they will end it is impossible to say, but it is evident that they obscure the horizon and give alarm to such as have time to reflect on their future progress.\nM. Duveyrier whom I mentioned in my last has been called before the assembly to give an account of his mission. He had not changed his name as was said at Luxemburg. He was arrested there because his passeport was for one person only and he had a companion, and because he was suspected of wishing to debauch the garrison. He was confined three weeks without being allowed to write. He was set at liberty and escorted to the French territory before M. de Montmorin\u2019s reclamation arrived at Brussels.\nIn addition to what I mentioned of Spain in my last, I think it well to send you the following account which has been printed here and which I have reason to believe is nearly exact\u2014the population about ten millions\u2014the mean amount of its revenues taken on ten years \u00a34,172,648 sterling, annual expences \u00a34,888,514. The revenue now amounts to \u00a35,000,000 sterling owing to a better system of collections.\u2014It is said also that the expences have not increased in the same proportion, which I take to be erroneous, as it is generally supposed there is an annual deficit.\u2014Land forces 70, or 80,000 men of which a large body is cavalry.\u201473 ships of the line.\nIt is published in the English newspapers that war is inevitable between the U. S. and Spain and that preparations are making for it on both sides. M. de Montmorin asked me how the business stood at present and seemed somewhat surprized at my telling him that I knew nothing later than what I had formerly mentioned to him. I have in more than one instance experienced the inconvenience of being without information. In this it is disagreeable as it may have the appearance with M. de Montmorin of my having something to conceal from him which not being the case it would be wrong that he should be allowed to take up such an idea. I observed that I did not suppose there was any new circumstance as you had not informed me of it.\nI have just recieved a letter from the Consul at Bordeaux who informs me that hitherto the decrees of the assembly have had a good effect both on our oils and tobacco as to price. He adds that several French vessels sent to America for the latter article are soon expected which will lower the price 5.\u20b6 or 6.\u20b6. They will of course  exclude our vessels altogether unless counteracted by some means or other.\nI have not seen Drost since my last. He then told me he would come in two or three days and take final arrangements if he determined to go which I have little doubt will be the case. I hope to be able to assure you of it in my next. In the mean time I beg you to be persuaded of the sincerity with which I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0322", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Currie, 25 July 1791\nFrom: Currie, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 25 July 1791. Acknowledging TJ\u2019s favor written the day he departed on his trip \u201cto the N. and Eastward,\u201d which he hopes was pleasant and salutary. He corresponded with Remsen as TJ advised and is astonished at the conduct of his debtor. \u201cHumanity in the reverses of fortune frequently exhibits Ph\u00e6nomena that astonishes even those who before thought themselves very intimately acquainted with it. My debtor I think is entitled to rank among the first of that Class.\u201d He will always keep in grateful remembrance the very uncommon, indeed unparalleled pains TJ took on his behalf. The issue he must still commit to his friendly care. \u201cAll your friends at Monticello were very well a few days ago. Mr. R[andolph] \u2026 dind with me on his way home from \u2026 Varina. Mrs. Currie who will go in a few days to the Green Springs intends herself the pleasure of visiting at Mr. Walkers, and the family at Monticello. She joins me in warmest wishes for your health and happiness.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0323", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Delamotte, 25 July 1791\nFrom: Delamotte\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 25 July 1791. Acknowledging TJ\u2019s of 13 May and informing him that his recent silence was caused by a six weeks\u2019 absence in Paris; that he saw Mr. Short there and was reimbursed by him for advances to the American sailor Benjamin Huls; and that he had forwarded dispatches from Short and would consult him about the propriety of publishing an extract from TJ\u2019s letter concerning the prosperity of the United States. He had already conveyed this to the American captains there and believed that such publication at that moment might help establish reciprocal confidence.\nEvidence of this, he thought, was the establishment there of two French and Dutch houses to engage in American trade. Also, a considerable amount of merchandise had been sent to Boston by those hoping to import salt provisions, candles, timber, and other articles.\u2014The difference in duty on tobacco in  American ships had injured trade with America, but he thought that this would not last; that the United States would soon retaliate; and that the decree calling for a new treaty would make possible a change in the one on tobacco.\nOn the 14th an English house there, speaking for the English captains, asked permission of the municipality to dress their ships in tribute to the French revolution. This was granted, and it responded by inviting them to attend the ceremony; it gave them cockades; and the public was eager to show them its gratitude. Without being a servile copyist, he could not let the Americans be silent. The ships of the two foreign nations displayed their own flags at the stern, the French flag at the mainmast, and the Province flag at the foremast. After several f\u00eates, the Society of Friends of the Constitution at Le Havre bestowed on the President of the United States a little flag uniting the flags of the three nations. It was displayed at a dinner of 200 persons, given to the Americans and the English as a symbol of the reunion of the three nations. He will send this flag to the President. He hopes TJ will not find his conduct blamable; if so, he should consider that he was led into this by the English and by the love of the French for their revolution.\nMr. Barrett, departing for Boston, will give TJ his reasons for not accepting the consulate at Rouen. Delamotte has appointed the following agents: Rouen, Pierre Barthelmy Le Couteulx; Honfleur, Jean Frederic Lallemand; F\u00e9camp, Laurent Berigny; Dieppe, Jacques Eug\u00e9nes Le Baron; St. Vallery sur Somme, Fran\u00e7ois Marie Masset; Caen, Pierre Le Cavelier.\u2014In his next he will give the names of those at Dunkirk, Boulogne, and Cherbourg. He encloses list of American ships entered there to the end of June, and in January he will report on all entries from Dunkirk to Cherbourg. He also encloses Capt. Raser\u2019s receipt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0325", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 26 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Humphreys, David\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 26. 1791.\nMr. Robert Morris this moment informs me that a person of the name of William Duncan, formerly of this state, sailed from hence about the year 1785, and has never been since heard of till lately that his mother has been informed by some one, who says he has been at Algiers, that this Wm. Duncan is there in captivity. I am therefore to ask the favour of you to take the first opportunity of having enquiry made at Algiers into this fact, and if you find it true, Mr. Morris wishes you to ransome the person and obliges himself to answer the ransom-money. I presume Capt. Obrian can inform you if there be such a person, and it might be well to ask of him further if there be any Americans in the dominion of Algiers other than those I have named to you.\u2014I am with sincere esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0326", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 26 July 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nI am just in possession of your favor of the 24 inst: and thank you for the pamphlet which I shall look over without delay. Mr. Dorhman has this moment handed me a letter to Mazzei which will give him the change of prospect as to the balance of the debt. I really believe D\u2019s misfortunes to have been great and real. Mazzei must rest contented with his ultimate security in the land which I consider as satisfactory. It probably could not at this moment be converted into money at all; and certainly not without an absolute sacrifice of D\u2019s interest.\u2014The maple sugar was principally bought by the manufacturers to be refined. After some research I have found a parcel from which you can be supplied. But the quality is so far below the standard formed by my imagination, that I inclose a sample in order to have your own decision on the case. The price is \u00a33. 8. N.-Y. Currency. Nothing new. Yrs. mo: affy.,\nJs. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0327", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Montgomery, 26 July 1791\nFrom: Montgomery, Robert\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nAlicante, 26 July 1791. As reported in his of the 24th, Ali Hassan, \u201cafter having ordered the Aga to be strangled for an attempt to oppose him,\u201d succeeded the late Dey of Algiers.\u2014Ali had shown great wisdom and talents while minister of marine, an office he filled for many years until made prime minister. \u201cHe is considered as a man of uncommon Abilities and a Wise politician\u201d who showed partiality for the United States. Montgomery has known him for twenty years, and since being established at Alicante he has had a friendly intimacy with his confidant, \u201cHagge Suliman Benchellon a Moore of some Learning and Knowledge of European Languages and manners,\u201d who has been sent by  Ali on frequent missions to Spain. During these trips, \u201cI made him make my House his home With every other mark of civility which Could tend to Secure his friendship and confidance.\u2026 my views you may suppose were Pointed at this crisis when my friend and his master Should both be at the Summit of Power.\u201d If TJ will get him permission to try, peace with Algiers may be obtained on honorable terms and at an expense fully compensated \u201cby a very few years trade with this Country\u201d\nHe would not ask or recommend being sent there at first by Congress. He could go over as a merchant and easily get permission from the Dey and be well received by Suliman, both of whom \u201calready know my hearty desire to bring about a Concilliation.\u201d He would point out that the few American slaves were picked up by accident; that they could expect no more, Americans now being on guard; that profits from war would never equal advantages of peace on such terms as Americans could afford; and that Suliman, wishing to serve him, could never have so good an opportunity as to enable him to have the honor of bringing about a peace. Such language, and what TJ might think proper, could be used without an interpreter since he understands Spanish.\nNo nation has been able to make peace without paying for it, but some armed vessels and naval stores, the produce of America, could serve. Of course a visit there would first be necessary. If TJ would approve and honor him with his confidence, he would immediately go there, purchase wheat for this market, gain information, and then report advices to be laid before Congress. If TJ desired to write in cypher, someone should be sent with the communications to the resident in London, whence they could be forwarded \u201cpretty safely by post.\u201d Or, if TJ preferred, he could leave his business in the hand of a partner and come to America to wait on him in person for instructions. He encloses a letter from \u201cone of our Slaves,\u201d which contains \u201cpretty good information,\u201d and so he transmits \u201cit original\u201d to TJ. He speaks of Cathalan of Marseilles as \u201ca very respectable character\u201d in trade and of Burchara as \u201ca Jew settled in Algiers; Captn. O Bryan seems to have discover\u2019d at last that both one and the other would wish to make the best of his business.\u201d He apprehends that \u201csome improper Jobbing in the business has done us more injury with the late Dey than we ever have been aware of.\u201d There have been several cruisers on the coast. Should they go westward of Cadiz and Lisbon they must certainly pick up some of our vessels. The Portuguese squadron is by no means vigilant. Should Portugal make peace, we can expect their cruisers on the coast \u201cand in the Bays of America the summer following.\u201d The seige of Oran continues. [P.S.] The Algerians have raised four new batteries commanding greater part of the works. The Moors have again renewed the war with Spain and recommenced the siege of Ceuta.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0328", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Gouverneur Morris, 26 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Morris, Gouverneur\nDear SIR\nPhiladelphia July 26. 1791.\nYour favors of Feb. 26. and Mar. 16. have been duly recieved. The conferences which you held last with the British minister needed no apology. At the time of writing my letter desiring that communications with them might cease, it was supposed possible that some might take place before it would be recieved. They proved to be such as not to vary the opinion formed, and indeed the result of the whole is what was to have been expected from known circumstances. Yet the essay was perhaps necessary to justify as well as induce the measures proper for the protection of our commerce.\u2014The first remittance of a thousand dollars to you was made without the aid of any facts which could enable the government to judge what sum might be an indemnification for the interference of the business referred to you with your private pursuits. Your letter of Feb. 26. furnishing grounds for correcting the first judgment, I now inclose you a bill on our bankers in Holland for another sum of a thousand dollars. In the original remittance, as in this supplement to it, there has been no view but to do what is right between the public and those who serve them.\nTho\u2019 no authentic account is yet recieved, we learn through private channels that Genl. Scott is returned from a successful expedition against the Indians; having killed about 30. warriors, taken fifty odd women and children prisoners, and destroyed two or three villages, without the loss of a man, except three drowned by accident. A similar expedition was to follow immediately after the first, while preparations are making for measures of more permanent effect: so that we hope this summer to bring the Indians to accept of a just and general peace, on which nothing will be asked of them but their peace.\nThe crops of wheat in the U.S. are rather abundant and the quality good. Those of tobacco are not promising as yet. I have heard nothing of the Rice crops.\u2014I am with very great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0330", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Channing, 27 July 1791\nFrom: Channing, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNewport, 27 July 1791. Transmits copies of laws of his state written before receipt of TJ\u2019s letter of \u201c29th. of May [i.e., March] last\u201d and all printed copies of other laws he has been able to procure. He regrets this collection is not more complete and will furnish additional copies when obtained in future. He encloses bill of his \u201cdisbursements in this business.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0332", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 27 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nMy Dear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 27. 1791.\nI inclose you the pamphlet desired in your\u2019s of July 24. also the one on Weights and measures recieved through you, of which having another copy, be pleased to keep it. In turning over some papers I came across my journal through France, and Italy, and fancied you might be willing to acquire of that country a knowlege at second hand which you refuse to acquire at the first. It is written in the way you seemed to approve on our journey.\u2014I gave E.P.\u2019s letter to Mr. Lear. I write to Mazzei by a vessel which sails on Monday; so shall hope to hear from you by that time.\u2014Nobody could know of T.C.\u2019s application but himself, H. you and myself. Which of the four was most likely to give it out at all, and especially in such a form? Which of the four would feel an inclination to excite an opinion that you and myself were hostile to every thing not Southern?\u2014The President is much better. An incision has been made, and a kind suppuration is brought on. If Colo. Lee be with you present my respects to him. Adieu. Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. Dispatches from Genl. Scott confirm the newspaper accounts of his success, except that he was not wounded.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0333", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 27 July 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis July 27. 1791\nHaving had an opportunity of writing to you by private hands on the 20th. and 24th. inst., this by the English packet is sent merely to shew you that I do not omit that regular conveyance.\nThe circumstances of this country remain as mentioned in those letters. There is so much zeal shewn among the Parisians for marching to the frontiers that they have been obliged to allow the capital a larger quota than was at first determined of the 97.000 thousand volunteer gardes nationales. They are now encamped near the champ de Mars and are only waiting for marching orders. There is every reason to believe that the other departments also will furnish their quotas with the same facility. It is a misfortune that this first enthusiasm should be thus lost, as it will certainly be the next year before they can have any enemy in face sufficient to render their services necessary.\nThe probability of their having such an one then increases every day, in proportion as peace to the North becomes more certain. There is no doubt it will be effected in the course of this summer. It is possible it may be already signed as the conferences of Sistovie have been renewed on one hand and the English minister sent extraordinarily to Petersburg for negotiating the peace has presented his powers in form on the other.\nAs yet the only cabinet which has expressed its sentiments on the present situation of the King, is Spain, whose official communication I have already sent to you.\u2014The Emperor has just arrived at Vienna and it is expected he will soon say something either as head of the empire, with respect to the reclamations of the German princes\u2014or as brother to the Queen and connected with the Royal family, with respect to their present treatment. Royal affections generally are subservient to political considerations so that if there was no other motive there would be little to fear from foreign influence, but the present posture of the King of France will necessarily bring the  subject nearer home to the several crowned heads of Europe and render them the personal, as they have ever been the political, enemies of the present order of things in France. It is expected that several of them will soon break the silence they have hitherto scrupulously observed. How far they will go will depend of course on the internal situation of this country. There seems among the leading members a fixed determination to enter into no kind of transaction with any foreign power relative to the constitution\u2014even those who disapprove many parts of that which has been decreed by peacemeals are determined to submit to its defects and support them to the last; rather than allow any change to be made by foreign interference; even if more conformable to their principles.\nAll parties seem impatient to see the whole of the constitution completed. The two committees of constitution and revision have been for some time employed in extracting it from the indigested mass of decrees. It will be proposed to the assembly in a few days. The committees have laid aside numberless of those articles which have been hitherto ridiculously called constitutional. As soon as the assembly shall have ratified the whole of the constitution as thus proposed, it will be offered to the King, who will no doubt accept it, and in that case he is to resume the reins of government. This is the present plan of the assembly. It may be thwarted from abroad or perhaps from within. Should that not be the case they will as they say immediately order the new elections.\nD[roz] has been with me this morning. He determines to go, but says it will be impossible to leave this place in less than six months for the reasons mentioned in my No. 73. He is to have articles of agreement drawn up by Mr. Grand on the basis proposed, and then submit them to me.\nThe kind of warfare which has for some time subsisted between the Spaniards and Moors still continues. It is nothing more than an intermittent siege of the Spanish forts on the coast of Africa.\u2014I am with sentiments of the most perfect respect & attachment Dear Sir your affectionate friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0336", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Macpherson, 28 July 1791\nFrom: Macpherson, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia], Almond Street, No. 50, 28 July 1791. He asks TJ to read the enclosed papers; he will call the next day to get them back. For seven years he has struggled between the first law of nature and parental affection; none but a tender parent can know what he has suffered; and now self preservation and duty to other children have prevailed: \u201cI must now prove to the public, that I have been Cursed with a Son, more deceitfull, Ungrateful, Unjust, Unnatural and Inhuman than any Character I have read of in history.\u201d The charges made in the letters are but part of what he will prove in a court of justice. He has two objects: to do justice to himself and to \u201cmake his Fall a  Warning to Sons Yet Unborn.\u201d [P.S.] He troubles TJ with these papers to keep the defamations of his son and others from influencing him. He encloses some verses he published after his son refused a reconciliation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0337", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Macpherson, 28 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Macpherson, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 28. 1791.\nI have duly received your letter of this day with the papers it contained, and gave the hasty perusal which my occupations would permit to so much of them as served to shew me it was the case of a variance between father and son, which I sincerely lament, but wish to be left ignorant of the facts or faults which may have produced it. If my recommendation of mutual forgiveness and union, or at least of mutual silence, could have weight, it should be pressed: but no circumstance gives me a right to expect it. Wishing therefore to be permitted to have no opinion on the subject I am Sir Your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0338", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 28 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nMy Dear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 28. 1791.\nI this moment recieve yours of the 26th. The sugar of which you inclose a sample would by no means answer my purpose, which was to send it to Monticello, in order, by a proof of it\u2019s quality, to recommend attention to the tree to my neighbors.\u2014In my letter of yesterday I forgot to tell you there is a brig here to sail for Halifx in 10. days. She is under repair, and therefore may possibly protract her departure. Adieu. Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0339", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 28 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 28th. 1791\nSince my last I have received Letters from you as follows.\nMarch 4.\nreceived\nJune 21.\nApril 8\nreceived\nJuly 8.\nMay 3\nMine to you unacknowledged were of March 8. 12. 15. 19, April 25 and May 10. Your two last letters mention the length of time you have been without intelligence, having then received mine of January 23d. only. You will perceive by the above that six letters of a later date were on their way to you. The receipt of these with the newspapers, journals, laws and other printed papers accompanying them will have relieved your anxiety, by answering several articles of your former letters, and opening to you some new and important matters. I scarcely ever miss the opportunity of a private vessel going from hence or New York to any port of France, without writing to you and sending you the newspapers &ca. In the winter, occasions are very rare, this port particularly being blocked up with ice. The reason of so long an interval between the last and present letter, has been the journey of a month which that informed you I was about to take. This is the first vessel which has offered since my return: she is bound to Havre, and will carry the newspapers as usual.\nThe difference of 62.\u20b6 10 the hogshead established by the National Assembly on tobacco brought in their and our ships, is such an act of hostility against our navigation as was not to have been expected from the friendship of that Nation. It is as new in it\u2019s nature as extravagant in it\u2019s degree, since it is unexampled that any Nation has endeavoured to wrest from another the carriage of it\u2019s own produce, except in the case of their Colonies. The British navigation act, so much and so justly complained of, leaves to all nations the carriage of their own commodities free. This measure too is calculated expressly to take our own carriage from us, and give the equivalent to other nations: for it is well known that the shipping of France is not equal to the carriage of their whole commerce; but the freight in other branches of navigation being on an equal footing with only 40.\u20b6 the hogshead in ours, and this new arrangement giving them 62.\u20b6 10 the hogshead in addition to their freight, that is to say 102.\u20b6 10 instead of 40.\u20b6, their vessels will leave every other branch of business to fill up this. They will consequently leave a void in those other branches, which will be occupied by English, Dutch and Swedes, on the spot. They complain of our Tonnage duty; but it is because it is not understood. In the ports of France  we pay fees for anchorage, buoys and beacons, fees to measurers, weighers and guagers, and in some countries for light-houses. We have thought it better that the Public here should pay all these, and reimburse itself by a consolidation of them into one fee, proportioned to the tonnage of the vessel, and therefore called by that name. They complain that the foreign tonnage is higher than the domestic. If this complaint had come from the English it would not have been wonderful, because the foreign tonnage operates really as a tax on their commerce, which, under this name, is found to pay 16\u00bd dollars for every dollar paid by France. It was not conceived that the latter would have complained of a measure calculated to operate so unequally on her rival, and I still suppose she would not complain if the thing were well understood. The refusing to our vessels the faculty of becoming national bottoms on sale to their citizens was never before done by any nation but England. I cannot help hoping that these were wanderings of a moment, founded in misinformation\u2014which reflection will have corrected before you receive this.\nWhenever jealousies are expressed as to any supposed views of ours on the dominion of the West Indies, you cannot go farther than the truth in asserting we have none. If there be one principle more deeply rooted than any other in the mind of every American, it is that we should have nothing to do with conquest. As to commerce indeed we have strong sensations. In casting our eyes over the earth, we see no instance of a nation forbidden, as we are, by foreign powers to deal with neighbours, and obliged with them to carry into another hemisphere the mutual supplies necessary to relieve mutual wants. This is not merely a question between the foreign power and our neighbour. We are interested in it equally with the latter, and nothing but moderation, at least with respect to us, can render us indifferent to it\u2019s continuance. An exchange of surplusses and wants between neighbour nations, is both a right and a duty under the moral law, and measures against right should be mollified in their exercise, if it be wished to lengthen them to the greatest term possible. Circumstances sometimes require that rights the most unquestionable should be advanced with delicacy. It would seem that the one now spoken of would need only a mention to be assented to by an unprejudiced mind: But with respect to America, Europeans in general have been too long in the habit of confounding force with right. The Marquis de la Fayette stands in such a relation between the two countries, that I think him perfectly capable of seizing what is just as to both. Perhaps on some occasion of free conversation you might find an opportunity of impressing these  truths on his mind, and that from him they might be let out at a proper moment, as meriting consideration and weight, when they shall be engaged in the work of forming a Constitution for our neighbours. In policy, if not in justice, they should be disposed to avoid oppression, which falling on us, as well as on their Colonies, might tempt us to act together.\nThe element of measure adopted by the National Assembly excludes, ipso facto, every nation on earth from a communion of measure with them; for they acknowledge themselves, that a due portion for admeasurement of a meridian crossing the 45th. degree of latitude and terminating at both ends in the same level, can be found in no country on earth but theirs. It would follow then, that other nations must trust to their admeasurement, or send persons into their country to make it themselves, not only in the first instance, but whenever afterwards they should wish to verify their measures. Instead of concurring then in a measure which, like the pendulum, may be found in every point of the 45th. degree and through both hemispheres, and consequently in all the countries of the earth lying under that parallel, either Northern or Southern, they adopt one which can be found but in a single point of the Northern parallel, and consequently only in one country, and that country is theirs.\nI left with you a statement of the case of Schweighauser & Dobree, with the original vouchers on which it depends. From these you will have known, that being authorized by Congress to settle this matter I began by offering to them an arbitration before honest and judicious men of a neutral nation. They declined this, and had the modesty to propose an arbitration before merchants of their own town. I gave them warning then, that as the offer on the part of a sovereign nation to submit to a private arbitration was an unusual condescendence, if they did not accept it then it would not be repeated, and that the United States would judge the case for themselves hereafter. They continued to decline it, and the case now stands thus. The territorial judge of France has undertaken to call the United States to it\u2019s jurisdiction, and have arrested their property, in order to enforce appearance, and possess themselves of matter whereon to found a decree: But no Court can have jurisdiction over a sovereign nation. This position was agreed to; but it was urged that some act of Mr. Barclay\u2019s had admitted the jurisdiction. It was denied that there had been any such act by Mr. Barclay, and disavowed if there was one, as without authority from the United States, the property on which the arrest was made having been purchased by Dr. Franklin and in his possession till taken out of it by the arrest. On this  disavowal it was agreed there could be no further contest, and I received assurance that the property should be withdrawn from the possession of the Court by an evocation of the cause before the King\u2019s council, on which, without other proceedings, it should be delivered to the United States. Applications were repeated as often as dignity or even decency would permit, but it was never done. Thus the matter rests, and thus it is meant it should rest. No answer of any kind is to be given to Schweighauser & Dobree. If they think proper to apply to their Sovereign, I presume there will be a communication either through you or their representative here, and we shall have no difficulty to shew the character of the treatment we have experienced.\nI will observe for your information that the sustenance of our captives at Algiers is committed to Col: Humphreys.\nYou will be so kind as to remember that your public account, from the 1st. day of July 1790 to the last of June 1791 inclusive, is desired before the meeting of Congress, that I may be able to lay before them the general account of the foreign fund for that year.\nGeneral Scott has returned from a successful expedition against the Northern Indians, having killed 32 warriors, taken 58 women and children prisoners, and destroyed three towns and villages with a great deal of corn in grain and growth. A similar expedition was to follow immediately, while preparation is making for measures of more permanent effect; so that we may reasonably hope the Indians will be induced to accept of Peace, which is all we desire.\nOur funds have risen nearly to par. The eight millions for the bank was subscribed as fast as it could be written, and that stock is now above par. Our crops of Wheat have been rather abundant, and of excellent quality. Those of Tobacco are not very promising as yet. The Census is not yet completed, but from what we hear, we may expect our whole numbers will be nearer four than three millions. I enclose a sketch of the numbers as far as we yet know them.\u2014I am with great and sincere esteem Dear Sir Your sincere friend & Servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0341", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 28 July 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nThursday Afternoon 28th July\nI have just given the enclosed Letters an acknowledgment, and was about to file them; but not recollecting whether I had ever shewn them to you, or not\u2014I now, as they contain information, and opinions on Men and things, hand them to you for your perusal.\u2014By  comparing them with others, and the predictions at the times they were written with the events which have happened, you will be able to judge of the usefulness of such communications from the person communicating them.\u2014I am Yrs. sincerely,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0345", "content": "Title: Enclosure IV: Gouverneur Morris to George Washington, 9 March 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nParis 9 March 1791\nI am to acknowlege the Receipt of yours of the seventeenth of December which reached me several Days ago, but no good Opportunity then presented itself to convey a Reply. The Idea you formed of the british Cabinet was I am persuaded perfectly just. This Government has lately taken some Steps which cannot but be advantageous to their Rivals for I am persuaded that the late Decrees laying a heavy Duty on Oil, giving a great Preference of Duty on Tobacco imported in french Ships, and declaring that none but those built in France shall be reputed french Bottoms will excite much ill Humor in America. Those who rule the Roost here seem to think that because the old Government was sometimes wrong, Every Thing contrary to what they did must be right; like Jack in the Tale of the Tub who tore his Cloaths to Pieces in pulling off the Fringe Points and Trimmings that Peter had put on, or like the old Congress in its young Days who rejected the Offer of valuable Contracts and employed a Host of Commissaries and Quarter Masters because Great Britain dealt with Contractors. In the Debate on the Subject one of the Lameth\u2019s gave it as his Opinion that America was not in a Situation to be either sought or feared for some time to come. This, which is not however the Sentiment of the Party occasioned some Hints in the Close of Observations I sent to Monsieur de Montmorin and of which a Copy has been transmitted to Mr. Jefferson. I hope that the Congress will not act precipitately in Consequence of these Decrees, for I beleive that proper Representations at a proper Moment will produce a Change, and really in the present Effervescence very few Acts of the Assembly can be considered as deliberate Movements of national Will. There still continue to be three Parties here. The Enrag\u00e9es, long since known by the Name of Jacobins, have lost much in the public Opinion, so that they are less powerful in the Assembly than they were, but their Committees of Correspondence, called Societes patriotiques, spread all over the Kingdom, have given them a deep strong Hold of the People. On the other Hand the numerous Reforms, some of them unnecessary, and all either harsh precipitate or extreme, have thrown into the aristocratic Party a great Number of discontented. The Military,  who as such look up to the Sovereign, are somewhat less factious than they were. But yet they are rather a Mob than an Army, and must I think fall either to the aristocratic or Jacobine Side of the Question. The middle Men are in a Whimsical Situation. In the Senate they follow the Jacobine Counsels rather than appear Connected with the other Party. The same Principle of Shamefacedness operates on great Occasions out of Doors but as the Aristocrats have been forced down by a Torrent of Opinion from the Heighth of their absurd Pretensions, and as the middle Men begin to be alarmed at the Extremities to which they have been hurried, these two Parties might come together if it were not for personal Animosities among the Leaders. This middle Party could be the strongest if the Nation were virtuous, but alas! This is not the Case, and therefore I think it will only serve as a stepping Stone for those who may find it convenient to change Sides. In the Midst however of all their Confusions, what with confiscating the Church Property selling the Domains curtailing Pensions, and destroying Offices, but especially by that great Liquidator of public Debts a paper Currency, the Nation is working it\u2019s Way to a new State of active Energy which will I think be displayed as soon as a vigorous Government shall establish itself. The intervening Confusions will probably call forth Men of Virtue to form such Government and to exert it\u2019s Powers.\nIn a Letter I had the Honor to write on the twenty second of November I mentioned a Treaty made between the Baltic Powers. I do not know whether I drew this Idea from Information or Conjecture, but it was in my Mind and still continues there. While in England waiting at Whitehall for the Duke of Leeds who was accidently prevented from keeping his Appointment, I had a long Conversation with Mr. Burgess who seemed desirous of convincing me that he was an efficient Man in the Office of foreign Affairs. I asked him whether such Treaty existed, insinuating that he must certainly be informed of every Movement in that as in every other Quarter. He assured me possitively that it did not, but that Assurance did not alter my Opinion. Indeed the Object of my Question was to discover whether they were at all upon Terms with Sweden, and from what afterwards passed I am persuaded that they are not. I must add that my Enquiries here have been answered in the same Way, but yet I beleive that such a Treaty exists. We spoke a good deal of the Convention with Spain and I declared freely my Opinion which being favorable to Administration drew from him in Support of it a History of the Negotiation. It ended (as he said) in this remarkable Manner. The Count de florida blanca upon hearing the Revolt of the french Marine told the british Embassador \u2018you insist on the Terms to which I am now about to agree not because they are just but because I am compelled to it. If France could assist us I would never submit, but we are not able singly to cope with you and therefore you must do as you please.\u2019 You will judge, my dear Sir, how long such a Treaty is likely to last.\nI am delighted with the Account you give me of our public Affairs. There can be no Doubt that a Publication of the Census and a clear State of our Finances will impress a Sense of our Importance on the Statesmen of Europe. We are now getting forward in the right Way, not by little skirmishing Advantages of political Man\u0153uvers but in a solid Column of well form\u2019d national Strength. Like Father Mason\u2019s aristocratic Screw, which you doubtless remember, at every Turn we shall now gain and hold what we get.\u2014It is no Evil that you should have a little of the old Leaven. I have always considered  an Opposition in free Governments as a Kind of outward Consciences which prevent Administration from doing many Things thro Inadvertence which they might have Reason to repent. By their Means both Men and Measures are sifted, and the Necessity of appearing as well as of being right confirms and consolidates the good Opinion of Society. I expect and am indeed certain that this good Opinion will live with you during Life and follow weeping to your Grave. I know you will continue to deserve it, and I hope you may long live to vex your Enemies by serving your Country. Adieu my dear Sir Beleive me always I pray you, very sincerely yours,\nGouv. Morris", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0346", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Barrett, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Barrett, Nathaniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 29 July 1791. He has received TJ\u2019s of 13 May. The deranged state of trade there, the disinclination of the National Assembly to grant any special favors to American commerce, the burdens on oil business, and unfortunate situation of his family rendered uncertain his permanent fixture there. He consulted Short on propriety of handing in his commission when he would probably return to America for a year or two to begin a commercial exchange with France which, if it succeeded, would \u201cbe on a very great scale.\u201d\u2014He has done all in his power to assist Short in getting reduced duty on oils. \u201cA very contrary System has taken place\u201d\u2014that of inducing American fishermen to settle in France and making their vessels French, entitling them to the bounty. The English fishery hitherto not successful. He has a minute of it in his trunk on shipboard and will send it on arrival. He leaves Sunday for Boston and has asked Delamotte, for the present, to regard his place as in his district. He has made Le Couteulx agent, who speaks English well. He hopes TJ will approve. He will wait on him on arrival. Letters given him by Short will be sent by Delamotte with others on vessel bound for Philadelphia, as Short wished. \u201cAll was quiet 2 days since in paris. Monsieur de la fayette begs his Compliments to you.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0347", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Carroll, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nGeorgetown, 29 July 1791. Introducing Mr. Cabot of Massachusetts who wishes to be acquainted with TJ. His character, respectable connections, and qualities as \u201ca sensible, intelligent Gentleman\u201d readily induce him to obtain that pleasure for Cabot. He has been mentioned in some letters to the President from the East. He has settled there and is anxious to embrace anything advantageous respecting the public buildings and the Federal City. He has been in treaty with directors of the Potomac Co. about supplying \u201ca number of his Countrymen\u201d to make canal at Little Falls: \u201cthey did not agree.\u201d He goes to Philadelphia with L\u2019Enfant, and Carroll supposes \u201cmany matters will be talk\u2019d  over respecting the business on hand.\u201d He asks TJ to \u201cassist Mr. Cabot in his views, on their appearing to coincide with the public interest.\u201d [P.S.] He asks TJ to take charge of enclosed letter to Madison, having lately written him at Philadelphia and presuming he may be in New York. He refers TJ to what he has written him.\u2014If TJ passes Georgetown on his way to Virginia, he asks him \u201cif not inconvenient to bring a few of the plans of Chatau\u2019s you show\u2019d,\u201d which will be taken care of and given him on his return.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0348", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Giuseppe Ceracchi, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Ceracchi, Giuseppe\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nStimatissimo Signore\n[Philadelphia] dal allogio 29 luglio 1791\nRicevo dalla stampa la discrizione della mia idea di cui le ne includo due copie.\nIl solo onore mi ha fatto impegnare in questo glorioso soggetto, qualunque siasi la riuscita mi sar\u00e0 sempre lodevole l\u2019averlo progettato, tanto pi\u00f9 che non posso aver alcun motivo di rimproverarmi ne il tempo, ne le somme che impiego a quest\u2019 effetto perch\u00e8 le mie commode circostanze possono facilmente supplire, e al uno, e al altro.\nAltro non mi resta a desiderare che la sodisfazione di vedere Vosignoria compiacersi delle mie bene intenzionate produzioni, mentre pieno di respetto sono di Vostra Signoria Umilissimo Servo\nG. Ceracchi", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0349", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Cutting, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Cutting, Nathaniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 29 July 1791. Enclosing letter from Short, to which he will not add since he presumes it contains every public occurrence worthy of TJ\u2019s notice.\u2014Believing from many circumstances a more extensive and advantageous trade \u201cwill speedily take place between France and North America,\u201d he has decided to establish himself there and has become interested in Le Mesurier & Cie. Hence, if the consulate for that port remains vacant, he would cheerfully render his country all possible service in that office.\u2014Business at once calls him to St. Domingue, and he will probably leave next month, from there going to America, and he hopes to be in Philadelphia in Feb. next. If there is any  way he can serve TJ there, TJ\u2019s commands should be sent to James Perkins at Cape Fran\u00e7ois or Messrs. J. G. Roux at St. Marc.\u2014He asks TJ to present \u201cmy kind Compliments to both your Daughters.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0350", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Lewis Littlepage, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Littlepage, Lewis\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 29. 1791.\nI am to acknowledge the reciept of your favor of March 5. and to thank you for the view of European politics it conveyed. With respect to the letter of Feb. 25. 1790. which you mention to have written to the President, he authorises me to assure you he never recieved that or any other from you. It is most probable it was intercepted either in it\u2019s passage from you to M. de la Fayette, or from him to it\u2019s port of embarcation.\nThere is no better sign than when a nation can say we have no news. This is exactly our case. An unusual tide of prosperity produces it. This proceeds from 4. years successive of plentiful crops and high prices, from a general diffusion of domestic manufactures, from a return to economy, and a great deal of faith in our new government. Some hostilities by the Indians indeed have obliged us to arm against them. Genl. Scott is returned from a very successful expedition against them, and a second and third are preparing, so that we have little doubt they will be induced to accept of peace which is all we ask as the price of victory.\nMr. Paine\u2019s Rights of man have been received and read here with great avidity and pleasure. A writer under the signature of Publicola having attacked him, has served only to call forth proofs of the firmness of our citizens in their republicanism. Some great names here have been preaching and patronising the doctrine of king, lords and commons, and as men generally do, they believed what they hoped, that the people might be led to crown or coronet them at least. Tho\u2019 checked, they are not yet desperate. But I am happy in a general evidence that they will be found to be all head, without a body. If the revolution in France had failed, it might have intimidated some weak nerves here, but, for the happiness of mankind, that has succeeded.\nKentucke and Vermont have been declared independant members of the Union. Maine and Frankland will soon come forward. Our Census, according to the progress made in it promises our numbers  to be about three millions and a half, of which Virginia will be about 700,000 exclusive of Kentuck\u00e9 which is about 74,000.\nI shall be happy to hear from you when Europe offers anything interesting. Be so good as to proffer my respects to the Princesses Czaterisky, Count Potoskis, and my friend the Abb\u00e9 Piattoli: with assurances of great & sincere esteem I am Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0351", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Maury, 29 July 1791\nFrom: Maury, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLiverpool, 29 July 1791. His last was of the 12th. He had expected to complete his six months\u2019 report, but \u201cthe Irregularity of the Masters\u201d prevents. He cannot furnish properly until he has \u201cauthority to compel,\u201d and he asks TJ\u2019s express instructions.\u2014The two American vessels remain under seizure and arrivals still increase, having decided preference for freights in trade to U.S. though price is from 50 to 100% more than in British ships. General opinion is that ports will remain open to foreign corn until 15 Nov. and that peace is about to be fixed between Russia and Turkey.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0352", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 30 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 30. 1791.\nI have the honour to inclose for your perusal a letter which I have prepared for Mr. Short.\nThe ill humour into which the French colonies are getting, and the little dependance on the troops sent thither, may produce a hesitation in the National assembly as to the conditions they will impose in their constitution. In a moment of hesitation small matters may influence their decision. They may see the impolicy of insisting on particular conditions which operating as grievances on us, as well as on their colonists, might produce a concert of action. I have thought it would not be amiss to trust to Mr. Short the sentiments in the cyphered part of the letter, leaving him to govern himself by circumstances whether to let them leak out at all or not, and whether so as that it may be known, or remain unknown, that they come from us. A perfect knowlege of his judgment and discretion leave me entirely satisfied that they will be not used, or so used, as events shall render proper. But if you think that the possibility that harm  may be done, overweighs the chance of good, I would expunge them, as in cases of doubt it is better to say too little than too much. I have the honour to be with the most perfect respect & attachment Sir Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0354", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Carter, 31 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carter, Charles\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 31. 1791.\nOn the reciept of your favour of the 17th. I applied to Mr. Willing, President of the bank, to answer your enquiry as to loans of money on a deposit of lands. He assured me it was inadmissible by the laws of their institution.\u2014From subsequent enquiries and information here I am the more confirmed in my opinion of the superior advantages of Edinburgh for the study of physic, and also in point of economy. Still perhaps you will find it more comfortable to have your son where you can oftener hear from him.\u2014There being nothing new worth communicating, I have only to add my respectful compliments to Mrs. Carter & assurances of the regard with which I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0355", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 31 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\nPhiladelphia July 31. 1791.\nThe last letter I have from you, my dear Maria, was of the 29th. of May. which is 9 weeks ago. Those which you ought to have written the 19th. of June and 10th. of July would have reached me before this if they had been written.\u2014I mentioned in my letter of the last week to your sister that I had sent off some stores to Richmond which I should be glad to have carried to Monticello in the course of the ensuing month of August. They are addressed to the care of Mr. Brown.\u2014You mentioned formerly that the two Commodes were arrived at Monticello. Were my two sets of ivory chessmen in the drawers? They have not been found in any of the packages which came here, and Petit seems quite sure they were packed up. How goes on the music, both with your sister and yourself? Adieu, my dear Maria; kiss and bless all the family for me.\u2014Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0356", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Linn, 31 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Linn, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 31. 1791.\nI am to return you my thanks for the copy of the sermon you were so good as to send me, which I have perused with very great pleasure. It breathes that spirit of pure fraternity which exists in nature among all religions, and would make the ornament of all: and with the blessings we derive from religious liberty, makes us also sensible how highly we ought to value those of a temporal nature with which we are surrounded. I sincerely wish you in abundance those of every kind, being with sentiments of perfect respect, Sir Your most obedt & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0359", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Fulwar Skipwith, 31 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Skipwith, Fulwar\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 31. 1791.\nYour favor of the 20th. has come duly to hand, and with my congratulations on your safe arrival in your own country, am sorry to mix expressions of concern that your position in the West Indies has turned out the contrary of your expectations. The events indeed which have happened in France and it\u2019s dependances are such as could not have been calculated on. But whilst I participate sincerely in the disappointment of your expectations, my duty to you as well as the public obliges me to notice those expressed in your letter that the public will reimburse you your expenditures in the undertaking. The footing on which the consulships stood when you were appointed, was that of serving without emolument from the public. A proposition indeed was afterwards made to allow some small fees, but I informed you before your departure, that it was doubtful whether it would pass with Congress. In fact it failed, and there exists no power at present to make any allowances for Consular services. Nothing less than a law of Congress will do it, and hitherto they have shewn no disposition to make any. Should they however  do it hereafter, it will only be some little fee on the vessels arriving in port. Were the precedent once set of reimbursing expences, no one could tell to what it would lead. I have therefore thought it would be wrong in me to leave you a moment under such an expectation because it would be a delusive one, the laws not permitting it to be made good.\u2014I sincerely wish, my dear Sir, I could have given you a different answer: but this does not depend on me, and your candour will distinguish between my will and that of the laws of the land. With every wish for your felicity I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0360", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Sullivan, 31 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Sullivan, James\nPhiladelphia July 31. 1791.\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Sullivan and thanks him for the perusal of the pamphlet he was so kind as to send him. He sees with great pleasure every testimony to the principles of pure republicanism; and every effort to preserve untouched that partition of the sovereignty which our excellent constitution has made, between the general and particular governments. He is firmly persuaded that it is by giving due tone to the latter, that the former will be preserved in vigour also, the constitution having foreseen it\u2019s incompetency to all the objects of government and therefore confined it to those specially described. When it shall become incompetent to these also, instead of flying to monarchy for that semblance of tranquillity which it is the nature of slavery to hold forth, the true remedy would be a subdivision as Mr. Sullivan observes. But it is hoped that by a due poise and partition of powers between the general and particular governments we have found the secret of extending the benign blessings of republicanism over still greater tracts of country than we possess, and that a subdivision may be avoided for ages, if not for ever.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0361", "content": "Title: Robert Morris\u2019 Notes on Commerce, [ca. July 1791]\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[ca. July 1791]\nThe exportation of Rice from America to Spain, has I think been in a progressive State for some years.\nBread Grains and Meals are Received in Spain from the U S without any obligation to be exported. Consequently may be Consumed in Spain or exported to their Colonies and in Times of Scarcity are actually Consumed in Spain to large extent.\nThe prohibition to the importation of American flour into Portugal, took its rise from misrepresentations made by Interested Persons and ought to be removed.\nThe difference of Duties paid on Tobo. imported into France in American Ships more than in French\u2014Must\u2014be Removed or We must Counter Act it in America which will be unpleasant. The Sale of our Ships must be permitted in France if possible to obtain the permission.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0362", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Burwell, 1 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Burwell, Nathaniel\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 1. 1791.\nBeing to write shortly to Mr. Paradise I should be very happy to be able to hand him any information with respect to the prospect of raising money to pay his debts. You know there was some hope from the cutting and selling of timber. Is this likely to be realised? I recollect he had a considerable sum of public paper. As I am on the spot where the science in that line is mathematically exact, I would be obliged to you to inform me of what amount and description Mr. Paradise\u2019s paper is? On knowing exactly what kind of certificates &c. he has, I can enquire here what it will sell for in it\u2019s present form, or whether it can be converted into any other form, and sell more advantageously, and communicate the information to you to do thereon what you think best. If it can be sold at near par, it will lop off a sensible part of his debt. If you will have the goodness  to favour me with an answer, put into the post office by the 16th. inst. I shall receive it in time to communicate it to him by the sure opportunity in contemplation. I am with very great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0363", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Augustine Davis, 1 August 1791\nFrom: Davis, Augustine\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 1 Aug. 1791. Acknowledging TJ\u2019s of the 24th authorizing him to establish two cross-posts. Without knowing anyone who would undertake the business, he inserted the enclosed advertisement in the newspaper. His enquiries promise success, especially as to that at Staunton. It has been recommended that he try to get it \u201cextended to the Shoula Springs, about 120 miles further,\u201d placing Staunton in the middle and requiring the route to be run weekly, so also from New London on the other route.\u2014Supposing considerable aid will be given by David Ross in both instances, he will try to get his opinion and patronage before proceeding. \u201cOn Main Holston, about 300 miles hence, Mr. Ross has a considerable Iron-Works; from thence to Kentucky, and to the Cumberland Country, (I am informed) travellers generally go in Companies, so that a pointed Contract could not be expected further.\u201d\u2014He will be glad to have TJ\u2019s commands and instructions regularly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0364", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Proposal for the Establishment of Cross-posts in Virginia, 1 August 1791\nFrom: Davis, Augustine\nTo: \nEnclosureProposal for the Establishment of Cross-postsin Virginia\nNotice!\nI am authorised to contract for the Establishment of two Cross Posts, for one year, from this place; One through Columbia and Charlottesville, to Staunton; the other towards the Holston Settlements, along the Buckingham road, and the Peaks of Otter, into Montgomery, Wythe, and Washington, and on the Route as far as may be towards the Seat of the South-Western Government. The design is, that the Undertaker is to derive all the benefit from the Establishment, whether from private subscriptions for the benefit of Newspapers, or from the customary postage of letters; so that the Cross Post is to support itself, and not to bring any expence to the public. A regular discharge of the duties will be required, which the Undertakers it is presumed may well afford, and to which their own interests will be a further inducement. As it is the object of the Government to open as much as possible communications to the most interior parts of the country, the person who will undertake to go farthest will be preferred.\nIt is presumed that if the Undertaker should extend as far as Main Holston, that letters from the Western Government on Cumberland, and from Kentucky, would be greatly profitable. Applications to be made at this office.\nAugustine Davis\nPost Office Richmond, Aug. 1. 1791.\nn.b. The routes to and from Staunton, and to and from New London, to be performed weekly; for which certain Covenants are to be entered into between the postmaster General and the Undertaker.\nA. D.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0365", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 1 August 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe Hague, 1 Aug. 1791. A letter from Paris reports that the Constitution, reduced to essentials, will be presented this week to the King, not to be sanctioned but accepted. After that the King will no longer be uneasy. They will lose no time in finishing the elections already begun for a new Assembly, to which the present one will gloriously give way. If the news of this solemn event takes place after his next dispatch, he will immediately send another. The enclosures, of which he can guarantee the authenticity, concern the peace between the Emperor and the Turks.\nHe will say nothing of the atrocities at Birmingham, except that it appears they were committed by some ecclesiastics in collusion with someone in the ministry (apparently Grenville). It was a crime of the feudal ecclesiastical hierarchy, perpetrated in hatred on the 14th of July, a day celebrated anywhere else in an irreproachable manner. P.S. 2 Aug. The Dutch ambassador at Paris is said to have reported on 29 July that the Constitution would be presented to the King on 4 Aug. and he would be given the remainder of the month to decide whether to accept or refuse it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0366", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Leiper, 2 August 1791\nFrom: Leiper, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPhiladelphia, 2 Aug. 1791. He called on TJ about an hour ago and found him not at home. He wished to speak about the addition Carstairs is making  to the library room; his labor, he says, will cost \u00a320. \u201cIf he says Twenty, a few more Pound may be added.\u201d His bill for the room itself will be \u00a3100, \u201cand by the Same ru[le] Something more.\u201d This, with the other bills, will make it \u201ca very expensive building\u201d; his friends and he think the value added to the house will not equal the cost. Before proceeding he wishes to \u201cbe Certain of one thing. If I understood you when we was Speaking \u2026 of rent you was of the opinion that Six per Cent was too much for Houses. I am of opinion it is a reasonable rent and what I have fixed upon after your time Expires \u2026 the 7th Jany. 1792.\u201d When he let the house to Mr. Franklin at \u00a3150 per annum he was very clear he would have 6% for his lot and advances, but is mistaken. If his terms are agreeable, he will go on with Carstairs\u2019 addition. If not, he wishes TJ would mention it. He would not have gone this far if he had not believed TJ would give 6% \u201cand a prospect of remaining in the House for Some Time. In that Case Extra Buildings would not have been so much against me.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0367", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, 2 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Mazzei, Philip\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 2. 1791.\nYour favor of Sep. 3. 1790. came to hand Dec. 15. and that of Apr. 12. is just recieved.\nI inclose you a letter from Dohrman forwarded me by Mr. Madison from New York. He thinks that Dohrman\u2019s expectations of making payment, within any short time, are not to be counted on, but that the land mortgaged is a solid security for the debt ultimately.\u2014I inclose you a copy of Mr. Blair\u2019s account. He paid me the balance of \u00a38\u201314\u20136-\u00be Virginia currency = 157\u20b6-2 for which you are to debit me.\u2014As I have little chance of ever seeing Bowdoin again, or the note of mine to you which he possessed, tho\u2019 unindorsed, I credit you it\u2019s amount as I formerly mentioned.\u2014I inclose you copies of the papers you gave me on my departure from Paris, according to the desire expressed in your letter of Sep. 3.\u2014I wrote yesterday morning to E. Randolph to inform him of this opportunity of answering your letter, and that I would take care of it. If his letter comes in time, I will inclose it. If he does not write, it will be because the Supreme court met yesterday and engages him. I must leave to him to inform you as to the prospect in Forster Webb\u2019s affair.\u2014You will see in Mr. Blair\u2019s account that he received from George Nicholas the \u00a36\u20132 paid by Garth. Nicholas indeed seems to have charged it to you twice, which was an error. However neither that nor any  other matter of account is worth enquiring into as to him, as he has settled that and all his immense debts by an insolvency and retirement to Kentuckey.\u2014Mr. Blair consulted with me this day on the subject of your Virginia certificates, which, settled by the depreciation table, are between two and three thousand dollars. The question was whether he should transfer them to the funds of the general government, as is allowed if desired. Virginia, like the other states, has abandoned the idea of providing for these debts since they have been assumed by the general government. If transmuted into the paper of the U.S. four ninths will be at 6. per cent interest, payable as it arises, and may now be sold for 20/ the pound cash. Two ninths will be at 3. per cent, payable as it arises, and may now be sold for 12/ the pound cash. The remaining three ninths is to be at 6. per cent. after 10 years, and may now be sold for 12/ the pound. You will ask why all this gibberish and nonsense? Were the two ninths and the three ninths a less sacred debt than the four ninths? I know no reason but that they might be a puzzle like the funds of England. Mr. Blair and myself both concur in opinion to turn your paper into Continental. You may then if you please turn the four ninths into cash at above par, and by letting the rest lie they will rise to a higher price. But we will consult with E. R. and also have J. M\u2019s opinion if it can be got from N. York before Mr. Blair leaves this place.\u2014I shall go to Monticello in September, and then certainly sell Colle. A twelvemonth\u2019s credit must be given, or the sale would suffer much. I will take care to have the money in sure hands. I presume you may count on about \u00a3150.\u2014There is at present a symptom of the trade at Richmond ceasing to climb up Shockoe-hill. It is at present fixed at the foot of that hill. This gives a hope it may take it\u2019s natural course down the river, and raise the value of your lots from the annihilation into which they had fallen. As to these then, I think it prudent to wait awhile.\u2014I will continue to press Mr. Eppes to secure Hylton\u2019s debt if possible.\u2014I have thus, I think, gone through every article of your affairs, as far as I am conusant of them.\u2014A word now of my own. Barrois is the real debtor for the money due to me for the map. Tho\u2019 he cannot pay money, perhaps he can give me books to that amount. If he has the Byzantine historians, Gr. and Lat. printed at Paris, it would pay the debt. If he has not, then any other saleable books, reasonably valued. If you can save me this, it will be so much got out of the fire.\u2014I am sincerely glad that you have got under the wings of the Diet as well as of the king, and equally so that you take the prudent resolution of not spending your whole allowance. I am in an office of infinite labour, and as disagreeable  to me as it is laborious. I came into it utterly against my will, and under the cogency of arguments derived from the novelty of the government, the necessity of it\u2019s setting out well &c.; but I pant after Monticello and my family, and cannot let it be long before I join them. My elder daughter is well, happy in her marriage and living at Monticello. She has made me a grandfather. The younger one is with her, but will come here with me. Your friends all well, as far as I recollect. Present me affectionately to the Dutchess Danville, the D. and Dss. de la Rochefoucault. I have left so much of my affection there, that I but half exist here. Adieu, my dear Sir. Your affectionate friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0368", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 3 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Aug. 3. 1791.\nYour favours of July 31. and Aug. 1. are recieved, but not that of the 30th. which was trusted to a private hand. Having discovered on Friday evening only that I had not inclosed Coxe\u2019s pamphlet, I sent it off immediately to the post office. However I suppose it did not leave this place till the post of Monday nor get to your hands till Tuesday evening.\nColo. Lee is here still, and gives me hopes of your coming on soon. The President is got well. If he goes to Mount Vernon at all it will be about the beginning of October. However I must go a month sooner. One of my carriage horses is dangerously ill, and become in a few days death-poor and broke out full of sores. I fear his situation portends a difficulty.\u2014I inclose you the map belonging to my journal, being the one I had in my pocket during the journey. Adieu, my dear Sir. Your\u2019s affectly.,\nTh Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0369", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, [3 August 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n[Philadelphia, 3 Aug. 1791]\nTh: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President a note of such articles as he supposes will be interesting to Mr. Young, so far as he is enabled to do it with some degree of certainty.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0370", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Notes on Virginia Lands, 3 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n  EnclosureNotes on Virginia Lands\nThe writer hereof is best acquainted with that tract of land which crosses Virginia from North East to South-West by the names of the Bull-run mountains, South-West mountains and Green mountains, and is generally 6 or 8 miles wide, one half of which is the mountain itself and therefore steep; the residue lies at the foot on each side, in large waving hills, perfectly accessible to the plough. It is of a dark red colour. The richest of it is a pure mould or loam, without the least mixture of sand or grit, though often a good deal of broken stone. When first cleared of it\u2019s timber, it lies loose for about a foot depth. That is to say as far down as the frosts have penetrated. But below that, for many feet, the earth is still the same, but hard, as having never yet been opened by the frost. When it is turned up by the plough and has been exposed to the frost a winter or two, it is nearly as rich as the original first soil. This land is excellent for wheat and rye, but yields poorly in oats. For Indian corn it is midling. The fruits which abound are apples, peaches, and cherries. The country perfectly healthy, and the climate more moderate in summer than that below, and in winter than that above. Most of the parcels of land held by individuals have been so laid out as to contain about one third of the first quality as above described, one third of a midling quality, and one third of barrens well timbered. The husbandry is in general very slovenly. Under such as it is, the lands of the first quality will produce 30. bushels of wheat to the acre when fresh, and being tended alternately in wheat and Indian corn (the latter of which is a great exhauster) without ever being rested or manured, they fall at length down to 8. or 10. bushels the acre. The soil of midling quality will yield 12 or 15 bushels of wheat the acre when fresh, and fall down to about 8. The grasses which have been found to succeed best are red clover and orchard grass. Greenswerd does well also. Only one good cutting of these can be counted on unless the ground can be watered.\nA tract consisting of the three qualities before mentioned in equal quantities, in that part which lies near the Rivanna river, say about Charlottesville, will sell for about 22/6 to 27/6 sterl. the acre on an average. It will be more or less in proportion as there is more or less of the best or worst qualities. Produce is water-borne from hence to the tide-waters 70 miles distant. Advancing North Eastwardly along the same mountains these lands are dearer, tho\u2019 their produce cannot be water-borne till they reach the Patowmac. Going South Westwardly  along the same mountains, lands become cheaper. Where they cross the Fluvanna or James river they are about ?of the price before-mentioned, and from that part their produce may be also waterborne to tide waters, 130 miles distant.\nOrdinary prices about Charlottesville are as follows. A labouring negro man is hired by the year for 9.\u00a3 sterl. his clothes & food. A good plough horse costs \u00a310 to 12\u00a3 sterl. A cow 30/\u2014a sheep 6/\u2014a sow 10/ a goose or turkey 2/\u2014a dunghill fowl 6d.\u2014a bushel of wheat 3/\u2014of rye 22d.\u00bd\u2014of Indian corn 1/ 6\u2014beef in autumn and pork in the winter 16/ the 100 \u2114\u2014bacon 6d to 8d the \u2114\u2014hay 45/ the ton.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0371", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 4 August 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Sir\nN. York Aug: 4. 1791\nIt being probable that I shall leave this place early in the ensuing week I drop you an intimation of it, that you may keep back any letters that may fall into your hands for me, or that you might intend to favor me with.\nThe outward bound packet for Halifax and London sailed to day. The one expected for some time past is not yet arrived, and I do not learn that any foreign news is received thro\u2019 any other channel. Stock and script continue to be the sole domestic subjects of conversation. The former has mounted in the late sales above par, from which a superficial inference would be drawn that the rate of interest had fallen below 6 per Ct. It is a fact however which explains the nature of these speculations, that they are carried on with money borrowed at from 2\u00bd pr. Ct. a month to 1 pr. Ct. a week. Adieu. Yrs. mo. affecly.\nJs Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0373", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Fulwar Skipwith, 4 August 1791\nFrom: Skipwith, Fulwar\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 4 Aug. 1791. He encloses a packet lately received from the governor of Martinique, the purpose of which is to solicit from \u201cthe \u2026 Cincinnatus their honorary badge.\u201d If granted, he will be happy to convey it to the governor.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0374-0002", "content": "Title: I. Philip Freneau to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1791\nFrom: Freneau, Philip\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNew-York August 4th. 1791\nSo many difficulties occurred in regard to my removing from this city to Philadelphia and personally establishing the paper, the hint of which you, Sir, in conjunction with Mr. Madison were pleased to mention to me in May last, that I had determined in my own mind not to attempt it.\nHowever, upon recently talking over the matter with Mr. Madison and Col. Lee I have proposed a concern (which they have accepted) with Messieurs Childs and Swaine in a press at the seat of Government for the purpose abovementioned.\nI am now so far advanced on our plan as to have finished a copy of Proposals for the National Paper I have in view, and which upon my arrival at Philadelphia on Tuesday next I shall request the favour of you to glance your eye over, previous to its being printed.\u2014I have the honour to be, Sir, with the highest respect Your most obedient humble servant,\nPhilip Freneau", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0374-0003", "content": "Title: II. Prospectus for the National Gazette, [before 9 August 1791]\nFrom: Freneau, Philip\nTo: \nTo the Public\nThe Editor of the National Gazette having found his proposals for establishing a paper of that kind attended with all the success he could reasonably expect, considering the short time that has elapsed since his first acquainting the public with his design, takes this opportunity in his first number, briefly to remind his subscribers, and others, of the plan upon which he originally intended, and still proposes to proceed.\nThe National Gazette shall be published on the Monday and Thursday mornings of every week, in the city of Philadelphia, and sent to the more distant subscribers by the most ready and regular modes of conveyance. Such persons, resident in the city of Philadelphia, as incline to become subscribers, shall be supplied early on the mornings of publication, at their own houses. The price will be Three Dollars a year; the first half yearly payment to be made in three months from the time of subscribing, and future payments every six months.\nThe paper shall contain, among other interesting particulars, the  most important foreign intelligence, collected not only from the British, French, and Dutch newspapers (a constant and punctual supply of which has been engaged) but also from original communications, letters, and other papers to which the Editor may have an opportunity of recurring for the most authentic information relative to the affairs of Europe.\nThe department for domestic news will be rendered as complete and satisfactory as possible, by inserting a judicious detail of such occurrences as shall appear worthy the notice of the public.\nThe most respectful attention shall be paid to all decent productions of entertainment in prose or verse that may be sent for insertion, as well as to such political essays as have a tendency to promote the general interests of the Union. There will also be inserted during the sessions of Congress, a brief History of the Debates and Proceedings of the Supreme Legislature of the United States, executed, it is hoped, in such a manner as to answer the expectations and gratify the curiosity of every reader.\nPersons at a distance who may subscribe for fifteen papers, and will become responsible for the subscription money, shall receive with the packet a sixteenth, gratis.\nSubscriptions are received at the Office, No. 239 High-street; also at the respective Bookstores of Mr. Francis Bailey, and Mr. Thomas Dobson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0374-0004", "content": "Title: III. Appointment of Philip Freneau as Clerk, 16 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nDepartment of state of the United States.\nPhilip Freneau is hereby appointed Clerk for foreign languages in the office of Secretary of State with a salary of two hundred and fifty dollars a year, to commence from the time he shall take the requisite oaths of qualification. Given under my hand this 16th day of August. 1791.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-0374-0005", "content": "Title: IV. Gabriel Henno to Thomas Jefferson, [before 2 August 1791]\nFrom: Henno, Gabriel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[New London, before 2 Aug. 1791]\nL\u2019auteur de ce m\u00e9moire d\u00e9sire en recevoir un re\u00e7u dans peu de tems dans lequel il sera bien aise d\u2019apprendre s\u2019il doit continuer ses recherches. Son adresse est chez monsieur louis maniere new london.\nGabriel Hennone dans la flandre autrichienne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-20-02-9001", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Guide, 21 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Guide, Pierre\n      You will probably have recieved a letter from Mr. Girard on the subject of the first box of wine and the parcell of raisins you were so kind as to send me. By searching in another stage office, which I did not know of at that time, I have found them and have now recieved  the whole. I thought it my duty to mention this in order to save you the trouble of further enquiry, and take at the same time occasion to inclose you 12. dolls. for the 3. dozen of wine. This bill will be paid by the Collector of the customs at Baltimore. I am Sir with great esteem your most obedt. humble servt\n        Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0001", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Carter, [ca. 6 August 1791]\nFrom: Carter, Charles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Ludlow, ca. 6 Aug. 1791.] Acknowledging with gratitude TJ\u2019s of 31 July. He neglected to mention the Bank of the United States. As TJ is fully informed of their powers, he can himself tell whether loan could be obtained on terms mentioned. A young Virginian studying under Dr. Barton says that he has added an entrance fee of \u00a370 to the terms he took him on. This puts it totally out of his power to send his son to Philadelphia and he has decided to \u201cput him into a Shop in Fredburg. for a Year, or perhaps two, to make him acquainted with medicine, and \u2026 lay the Ground work of his Education,\u201d after which he will send him to Edinburgh for two or three years as TJ advised. They hear many \u201cEmigrants are coming over from Europe\u201d and perhaps some may settle in Kentucky. A friend of his, Fr. Lewis, has 50,000 acres on Green River, a very rich tract of \u201csecond land,\u201d which he would sell as low as 6/8 per acre. If TJ could mention this, he would do \u201ca very worthy man, a singular service.\u201d The excise law is taking place without the least confusion in this part of the State. Their only inconvenience is the want of small change. \u201cAll the Cut money is remitted to Britain,\u201d being bought at 1 pr Ct advance by merchants. He would like to know what TJ thinks they can expect for their wheat this year. Merchants now give only 4/. The crop is decreased by dry weather, but because of great quantity planted last year, what will come to market \u201cwill exceed any thing we ever had.\u201d Mrs. Carter joins in assurances of regard.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0002", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 6 August 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nAugt. 6th. 1791\nMr. Coxe has the honor to inclose to the Secretary of State the account of all the payments for lands, which have been made to the United States prior to this day being Drs. 687,563 70/100.\nThe contract for land intended to have been made between the United States and Messrs. Flint and Parker, as will appear by reference to their letter of 18th. Octr. 1787 and to the resolution of Congress of the 22d of the same month, was not carried into execution, nor has any money been paid on that Account. It is represented as a project which the proposers abandoned before they took any step by which they became bound, and it is not perceived that it can be considered in any other light (see appendix to 12 Vol. Journ: of Congress, pages 226 and 227). The Survey of the tract on Lake Erie, included in the Cession of New York to the U.S. and since sold to Pennsylvania (See Congress\u2019s Journals 6th. June and 4th. Sept. 1788) has been completed. The Quantity of land proves to be 202,187 acres, agreeably to a return of survey, which accompanies this letter. That return however is so far deficient in the requisite notations of the length of some of the boundary lines, that a correct description of them cannot be made. This is very material and may give rise to questions of considerable importance hereafter. On the return of Mr. Ellicott from the Patowmac the field notes &ca. which have been requested are expected to be furnished to the Treasury.\nThe account for this purchase has been delayed first by the Vacancy in the Comptrollers office and afterwards in that of the Auditor. Some correspondence towards an adjustment of the demand has taken place between the Governor of Pennsylvania and the Secretary of the Treasury.\nThe contract proposed by Col. George Morgan was not completed, no money was paid, nor does there appear any reason to expect the object will be further pursued by him. The United states as it appears, possess nothing obligatory on Mr. Morgan.\nThe quantity of lands in the western Territory sold at new York is exactly 150,896 As. for which the whole purchase money has been received, as stated in the Registers account rendered herewith.\nThe resolution of Congress of 12th. Augt. 1790 appears applicable only to the purchase of the Ohio Company, that of the Scioto Association, and that of John C. Symmes and his Associates, called the Miami Company. The Survey of the Ohio Company\u2019s tract is among the papers transmitted on the 21 June and will be found complete, except the line which is required to coincide with the western boundary of the 17th. range of Townships, and that which is to run from the Northern termination of this line due East to the western boundary of the 7th. range of Townships. In the Month of May and again in August 1790 the Secretary of the Treasury wrote to the Deputies of the late Geographer to press their return of the surveys executed by them which they made at the Treasury in the Autumn of that year when one of them Israel Ludlow was further instructed to proceed agreeably to the approved resolution of Congress of the 12th. of August to execute all such parts of the Surveys of the lands comprized in the purchases abovementioned as were not given to him or his associate in orders by the late Geographer, or which were necessary to the complete execution of the intentions of the legislature.\nPart of the lines of the Scioto company have been also run, and will be found among the papers transmitted on the 21st. June. The Survey will be completed by the running of the two lines mentioned under the head of the Ohio Company.\nThe lines of the Miami company remain to be run and were, as before mentioned, given in orders to Mr. Ludlow in the autumn of 1790, soon after the Resolution of Augt. on his arrival at the seat of Government, whither he had been previously directed to repair.\nLetters from Mr. Ludlow the last of the 20th. May have been recd. by the Secretary of the Treasury informing him that the Indian hostilities have hitherto prevented his executing any part of the work except the survey of the South Boundary of the Miami tract, of which however he has not yet transmitted a return. A letter desiring that this return may be sent forward has been written to him.\nThere are some purchases which have been made by Individuals with what degree of regularity and effect remains to be determined, but which appear to merit inspection in taking a View of the Western Territory. The purchase of Illinois company, and the purchase of the Ouabache company now united under the two names of which a particular account can be given, so far as regards the claims and pretensions of the purchasers, by Judge Wilson, who is concerned in both. A report of a Committee of Congress on these claims will be found in the Journals Congress for 1781. A conference with the Attorney General appears highly expedient, he having had those claims under official Consideration. The two Yazou companies, the Grants and Contracts under N. Carolina within the Country now constituting the Government South of the Ohio, the lands reserved for the line of Virginia by that State, the Connecticut tract west of Pennsylvania, and the military rights acquired by service in the late war are objects that appear to merit examination. Mr. Coxe refrains from Remark upon them having no authentic information in either of the Cases but what is to be found in the journals and acts of Congress.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0003", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 August 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 6 Aug. 1791. He has just received TJ\u2019s of 23 June, with gazettes for himself and dispatches for Carmichael. He has received TJ\u2019s of 11 Apr., but not that of 13 May.\u2014TJ will learn from French papers, sent herewith, what they know about the late \u201ctumult in Paris.\u201d Private accounts indicate the affair was much exaggerated. \u201cThe actual Period of the Revolution is however critical,\u201d and until the constitution is completed interesting events may happen every day.\u2014There is a report here that new measures, dictated by jealousy, are being taken in Spain to prevent revolution there. An oath has been exacted of strangers and other conditions imposed, the particulars of which he is not fully possessed. Favoritism, imprudent and irritating, seems to increase. Since he last wrote he has not heard from Carmichael, and fears his health prevented.\u2014\u201d No political innovations happen here.\u201d The Queen will lay the first stone of a new convent at Mafra in a few days.\u2014He thanks TJ for information about the Indian war and for observations on measures needed to be pursued by U.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0005", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Russell, 6 August 1791\nFrom: Russell, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBoston, 6 Aug. 1791. Enclosing account for publishing laws passed at the third session in the Columbian Centinel.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0006", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur St. Clair, 6 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: St. Clair, Arthur\nSir\nPhiladelphia August 6th. 1791.\nYour letter of May 25th. to the Secretary of the Treasury with the copies it enclosed of one of May 23d. to Judge Symmes and of his answer to you of the same day, having been referred to me, I have now the honor to enclose you a letter to Judge Symmes on the subject of the settlements made on the Lands of the United States between his upper line and the little Miami, by persons claiming titles from him, wherein I have desired from him an explanation of these proceedings.\nThough it is the duty and determination of the Executive to see that no encroachments be made on the public Lands, yet as the settlers in this instance appear to have acted with good faith, you will be pleased to notify them that due attention will be paid to this circumstance, and in the mean time they are not to be disturbed.\u2014I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0007", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Cleves Symmes, 6 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Symmes, John Cleves\nSir\nPhiladelphia August 6th. 1791.\nCopies of Governor St. Clair\u2019s Letter to you of May 23d. 1791, and of your answer of the same day to him, having been communicated to Government, it is perceived that sundry persons claiming titles under you have taken possession of Lands of the United States between the upper line of your Contract and the little Miami. As it is the duty and determination of the Executive to see that no encroachments be made on the public Lands, I am now to desire from you an explanation of these proceedings, and that it may be sent at as early a day as possible in order that your claim, if well founded, may not be prejudged in a Report on the subject of the Lands of the United States which is to be laid before Congress soon after they meet in October, and that such other proceedings may be had therein as shall be thought proper.\u2014I am Sir Your most obt. & most hble. Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0008", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 7 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Francis\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 7. 1791.\nA letter from Mazzei on the subject of Capt. Hylton\u2019s debt to him obliges me to ask from you what I am to say to him on that subject. You told me formerly you hoped to get some money into your hands, and that you would secure it. I wrote this to him, and he sollicits your patronage. Is there an insolvency in Captn. Hylton\u2019s affairs? If there is not, in whose hands is his property, and why cannot this debt be paid? Have you Mazzei\u2019s account? If you have I will thank you for a copy of it, as, if I possess one at all, it is mislaid so that I cannot find it.\u2014Jack is pursuing a course of reading in law and it\u2019s kindred sciences with an assiduity which gives me perfect satisfaction. Nor does he shew any disposition to dissipate. I avoid extending his acquaintance, because I know it would lead to love or a neglect of study. His course will hold him a year or two more.\u2014The incertainty in the time of the President\u2019s visit to Virginia, brings a like incertainty on mine. I shall endeavour to go as early in September as I can, because I must return early in October. Mrs. Eppes  and yourself gave me a hope of a possibility of seeing you at Monticello. I need not tell you how happy this would make me; for I see no probability of visiting Eppington this time. The few moments I can pass in Virginia with the friends whom I love, is the only part of my existence on which I set any value.\u2014The sale of my tobacco here has not been advantageous. It costs me 7/ a hundred, by the time it gets here; which leaves less clear profit than Mr. Lewis was offered for it in Bedford. So that my payments this year will fall short. I am determined to sell property this winter to the whole amount of my bonds to Hanson, so as to clear my mind of that oppression. Present me most affectionately to Mrs. Eppes. Make her happy with assurances of the health and good conduct of her son. I do not know whether he has inherited the disposition to write many letters. Greet for me endearingly our friends of Hors-du monde. Adieu my dear Sir. Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0009", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 7 August 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia], 7 Aug. 1791.] He encloses a letter from the President to Thomas Johnson, with the request that it be sent with his commission and directed \u201cto the care of the Postmaster at Baltimore as the most likely mean of their reaching their destination with safety and dispatch.\u201d\u2014He also transmits a letter from Governor Blount to the Secretary of State and letters from the latter to Governor St. Clair and Judge Symmes which were submitted to the President.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0010", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 7 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 7. 1791\nIn my letter of July 24. I acknowleged the reciept of yours of the 7th. which is the last letter I have had from Monticello. I presume you will have seen in the Virginia papers an advertisement of Aug. Davies\u2019s on the subject of a post through Columbia and Charlottesville to Staunton. He writes me word he has no doubt of getting an undertaker to perform the ride once a week, so that I hope we shall get a more certain means of communication established with Richmond.\nThe President, who has been threatened with a very serious chirurgical complaint, like that he had in New York the year before last, has happily got over it with but a slight inconvenience. He does not go to Virginia till the beginning of October. I shall endeavor however to get away from hence early in September, if nothing arises to prevent it. Indeed I already am threatened with a very serious embarrasment. One of my carriage horses (the one you thought the handsomest) will, I think, in all probability die. His case is a lingering one, so that if he lives, he will not be in condition for a journey in time for me. As yet therefore I do not see how I am to get on. Mr. Madison, who goes with me, has a horse; but he is in the same condition. I will be obliged to you, if you have an opportunity, to have your eye on a good horse for me, a match for the other (Romulus) rather finer and larger than inferior either in size or form, and know the price for which he may be bought, if I should want him. This must depend on the condition in which I shall leave the sick horse, tho\u2019 I have scarce an expectation but that he will be dead, and consequently that I must buy another.\u2014Our news from Europe indicate no changes there. France is going on steadily. England preparing for war, without the intention probably of making it. A decree of the National assembly of France, giving the rights of citizenship to the free people of colour of St. Domingo, has thrown that colony into a dangerous fermentation.\u2014The Census is returned from all the states except Vermont, N. Jersey, Virginia and S. Carolina. Supplying the numbers of these by conjecture our whole numbers will be upwards of 3,800,000 inhabitants of every condition. Supposing that the omissions may have been of one in twenty, which is a moderate allowance, we may safely call ourselves four millions.\u2014Present me affectionately to my daughters, who I hope are well, as well as the little one, and accept yourself assurances of the warm attachment of Dear Sir Your\u2019s sincerely,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0011", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Rutledge, 7 August 1791\nFrom: Rutledge, Edward\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Charleston], 7 Aug. 1791. Introducing a \u201cGentleman of the Name of Harper\u201d who is going northward for a short time chiefly on business. \u201cHe is however desirous of knowing, and being known to you; and I do not wonder at it. You owe the Trouble, which these Introductions occasion, to your Fame; which is the Result of your Understanding, and goodness. You will oblige me by shewing such Civilities as are in your Power, without imposing too much on yourself, from the Friendship which I know you entertain for me.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0013", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 7 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nTh: Jefferson has the honour to send for the President\u2019s perusal, his letters to Govr. Sinclair and Judge Symmes: as also letters received from the postmaster at Richmond on the subject of the two cross posts. He has gone further as to that towards the South Western territory, than Th: J\u2019s letter authorized, as he only submitted it to his enquiry and consideration whether a post along that rout could maintain itself. He has advertized it as if decided on. However there is doubtless time enough to correct the rout, if it be not what the President would wish.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0015", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Christopher Gore, 8 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Gore, Christopher\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 8. 1791.\nHaving understood that the legislature of Massachusets some time ago ratified some of the amendments proposed by Congress to the Constitution, I am now to beg the favour of you to procure me an authentic copy of their proceedings therein, certified under the great seal of the state, letting me know at the same time the office charges for the copy, seal &c. which shall be remitted you. The legislature of Massachusets having been the 10th. state which has ratified, makes up the threefourth of the legislatures whose ratification was to suffice. Consequently so much as they have approved, has become law, and it is proper that we should have it duly promulgated for the information of the judges, legislators, and citizens generally. I will thank you if this can be done without delay, as I am to leave  this place about three weeks hence to be absent for some time. I have the honour to be with great regard Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0016", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel L. Hylton, 8 August 1791\nFrom: Hylton, Daniel L.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 8 Aug. 1791. On return from Norfolk he found TJ\u2019s of 10th with bank note for 21.25 dollars, an unnecessary trouble to TJ since two days after writing he received \u00a310 from Col. Lewis to pay shipping and other charges on tobacco. Lewis also left \u00a3100 to pay Dr. Currie part of an order TJ had drawn. If agreeable, he will pay Currie the amount of the note or apply it as TJ directs. Tobacco is still low. The prices TJ quotes in France would justify merchants giving a higher price, but \u201cits not to be wonder\u2019d at, when we have no other, but british Merchts. among us.\u201d He is told the late regulation in France almost prohibits export from England there. While he was at Norfolk a ship arrived from France for tobacco. He hopes it will be followed by many more. Official accounts of Scott\u2019s expedition must have reached TJ: he hopes \u201cthe little scourge they have received will be a check for some time.\u201d Mr. and Mrs. Williams, natives of Jamaica in America for her health, sailed ten days  past for New York accompanied by Hylton\u2019s daughter Hetty. They may come to Philadelphia; if so, \u201cany civility shewn them will confer an obligation on me.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0017", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 8 August 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nI take the liberty of putting the inclosed into your hands that in case Col: Lee should have left Philada. the contents may find their way to Col: Fisher who is most interested in them. And I leave it open for the same purpose. The Attorney will be a fit channel in the event of Col: Lee\u2019s departure, for conveying the information.\n        You will find an allusion to some mysterious cause for a ph\u00e6nomenon in the stocks. It is surmized that the deferred debt is to be taken up at the next session, and some anticipated provision made for it. This may either be an invention of those who wish to sell: or it may be a reality imparted in confidence to the purchasers or smelt out by their sagacity. I have had a hint that something is intended and has dropt from   which has led to this speculation. I am unwilling to credit the fact, untill I have further evidence, which I am in a train of getting if it exists. It is said that packet boats and expresses are again sent from this place to the Southern States, to buy up the paper of all sorts which has risen in the market here. These and other abuses make it a problem whether the system of the old paper under a bad Government, or of the new under a good one, be chargeable with the greater substantial injustice. The true difference seems to be that by the former the few were the victims to the many; by the latter the many to the few. It seems agreed on all hands now that the bank is a certain and gratuitous augmentation of the capitals subscribed, in a proportion of not less than 40 or 50 PerCt. and if the deferred debt should be immediately provided for in favor of the purchasers of it in the deferred shape, and since the unanimous vote that no change should be made in the funding system, my imagination will not attempt to set bounds to the daring depravity of the times. The stockjobbers will become the pretorian band of the Government, at once its tool and its tyrant; bribed by its largesses, and overawing it, by clamours and combinations.\u2014Nothing new from abroad. I shall not be in Philada. till the close of the Week. Adieu Yrs. Mo: affy.\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0018", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fay, 9 August 1791\nFrom: Fay, Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBennington, 9 Aug. 1791. Has this day received TJ\u2019s of 16 June and cannot account for delay. The maple seed does not mature until Oct. and he will send them at that time. He has examined his young groves since TJ left there and finds \u201cthe young Maple very thrifty and numerous, by calculation nearly one thousand to the acre.\u201d He will plant an orchard in regular form next spring, hoping to encourage others if he succeeds.\u2014He encloses one of their last papers. \u201cCould I suppose your curiosity would be excited to receive them, and the Quebec paper (which I expect shortly) I should be happy to Enclose them to you weekly. \u2026 My compliments Most respectfully to Mr. Madison, which you will also please to accept your self.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0019", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Moustier, 9 August 1791\nFrom: Moustier, El\u00e9nore Fran\u00e7ois Elie, Comte de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBerlin, 9 Aug. 1791. He is infinitely appreciative of TJ\u2019s assurances that his conduct in the U.S. had won the approval of the President. His satisfaction is proportioned to his desire to deserve it. He had hoped that his presence in France at the time his ill health caused him to return would hasten the conclusion of arrangements he had undertaken with ardour to effect for mutual advantage \u201cune union plus intime entre nos deux nations.\u201d But some major causes thwarted his wishes, though without slackening the efforts that he made up to the last moment to achieve his object.\u2014He hopes nevertheless that his works will not be fruitless and that the seeds he planted will flourish. He so prepared things that his successor will find foundations for a work that he ardently desires, though the glory may be reserved for another. The one who replaces him is not less animated than himself by a desire \u201cde cimenter une parfaite union entre les deux nations.\u201d He will rejoice infinitely at his success and if circumstances enable him to support him, he will demonstrate the sincerity of his affection for the U.S. and the wishes he was among the first of his compatriots to feel for their success and prosperity.\u2014The token of the sentiments accorded him in the United States will be \u201cinfiniment agreable comme un temoignage du succ\u00e8s de mes efforts \u00e0 les meriter.\u201d\u2014The particular sentiments that TJ was kind enough to express are not less affecting for one, like  himself, always desiring to merit the esteem and affection of those who are themselves capable of inspiring these sentiments, rather than seeking the banal plaudits of those as fickle and as thoughtless in their censure as in their praise.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0021", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Ebenezer Stevens, 9 August 1791\nFrom: Stevens, Ebenezer\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNew York, 9 Aug. 1791. He asks pardon for writing, but does so knowing TJ to be \u201ca friend to Mechanical Operations.\u201d\u2014He assisted Capt. John Stone in making the model of the Charles River Bridge, now in TJ\u2019s office. He supposes Stone\u2019s exclusive right died with him. Had he lived, he would have assisted Stevens in building two bridges in New Jersey \u201cover first and second Rivers, between New Ark\u201d and New York. Not having a copy of the plan, he asks TJ to let one of his clerks send it to him \u201cand every Care shall be taken of it and Returnd Safe.\u201d\u2014The President, Col. Hamilton, or Gen. Knox can give TJ his \u201cCharacter if required.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0023", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 10 August 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLondon, 10 Aug. 1791. He recognizes the justice of TJ\u2019s reasons given in his of 13 May for not acknowledging his regular communications, yet for want of information (particularly respecting American funds), he is placed in disagreeable situations. He was confident Congress would regulate the consular office at the last session. \u201cTheir omitting it has lessened the consequence of their Consuls, and produced continual Difficulties to the Execution of your Instructions. Yet my determination is to persevere at least until I see what the next Session will do.\u201d The picture TJ draws of American prosperity is \u201cbeyond pleasing.\u201d He hopes this will continue and induce the world to court her  friendship.\u2014There are varied opinions about the expeditions against the Indians. \u201cSome insinuate that if you subdue them, your Arms will be employed otherways, and seem to dread the consequences. I tell them it is conceived in Delusion, our first wish is to be at Peace with all the world.\u201d\nHe was wrong in saying Hammond had been appointed \u201cMinister to Congress.\u201d The matter is still in agitation and it is believed he will depart before long \u201ctho\u2019 from the apparent fickleness of this Government, little Dependance can be placed on either their Actions, or Declarations \u2026 let them profess what they may, they are not well disposed towards us, and if I might venture to hint an opinion, it would be that Mr. Hammond should remain in America some Months before Congress sent any one to this Court. I am persuaded it would have a good effect and convince them that America is not so very anxious to form regulations with this Government, as the People generally believe they are. Indeed from all the observations I have to make, I do not consider them of that material consequence to America. A well regulated System of her own, would put our Mercantile, and Marine Affairs in such a train as would alarm those Interests in Britain, and induce the People to force the Ministry to court Congress to make such arrangements as they would reject at this Day.\n\u201cThe pressing Seamen for the present, is suspended, and appearances would indicate a discharge of the Fleet; the people Seem very much dissatisfied with the needless Expences, and Distress given to Trade. Our Shipping has experienced too much of it, notwithstanding my unwearied Attention to them, indeed latterly it appeared to me that the Men on board the American Ships were frequently taken from wantoness by the Pressgangs. Within this Month, it has been discovered by some officer in the Service of the Revenue, that all American Vessels transporting Merchandize to the Islands of Guernsey and Jersey, are under an Act of Charles the 2nd. Reign, subject to Seizure, and in consequence of which, two Vessels after having delivered their Cargoes of Tobacco there, and proceeded to Liverpool, have been arrested, one other has since been arrested, on her Arrival at Guernsey, and notwithstanding I have by Memorial to the Lords of the Treasury clearly shewn that the Parties were ignorant of such an Act and that they were innocent in offending the Law, yet from the unfriendly Report of the Commissioners of the Customs, I fear they will be condemned. Several other Difficulties have been stated by the officers of the Customs, such as some of the American Vessels not being Navigated by two thirds American born Subjects, and others, that the Manifest of their Cargoes has not been conformable to an Act of Parliament. One Ship lays seized at Liverpool on Account of the former, and another at Greenock on Account of the latter.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0025", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 10 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Knox, Henry\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia August 10th. 1791.\nI have now the honor to return you the Petition of Mr. Moultrie on behalf of the South Carolina Yazoo Company. Without noticing that some of the highest functions of sovereignty are assumed in the very papers which he annexes as his justification, I am of opinion that Government should firmly maintain this ground, that the Indians have a right to the occupation of their Lands independent of the States within whose chartered lines they happen to be; that until they cede them by Treaty or other transaction equivalent to a Treaty, no act of a State can give a right to such Lands; that neither under the present Constitution nor the antient Confederation had any State or person a right to Treat with the Indians without the consent of the General Government; that that consent has never been given to any Treaty for the cession of the Lands in question; that the Government is determined to exert all it\u2019s energy for the patronage and protection of the rights of the Indians, and the preservation of peace between the United States and them; and that if any settlements are made on Lands not ceded by them without the previous consent of the United States, the Government will think itself bound, not only to declare to the Indians that such settlements are without the authority or protection of the United States, but to remove them also by the public force.\nIt is in compliance with your request, my dear Sir, that I submit  these ideas to you, to whom it belongs to give place to them or such others as your better judgement shall prefer in answer to Mr. Moultrie.\u2014I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most sincere and respectful esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0026", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Walter Boyd, 11 August 1791\nFrom: Boyd, Walter\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 11 Aug. 1791. When TJ considers importance to a young family settling in America of being known to him, he will pardon liberty taken in recommending his brother-in-law, Mr. Hemmings, to TJ\u2019s protection. They will attempt to settle in Maryland. He is too well acquainted with TJ\u2019s obliging disposition to doubt his readiness to render any service to them in his power.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0027", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Burwell, 11 August 1791\nFrom: Burwell, Nathaniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCarter\u2019s Grove, 11 Aug. 1791. In response to TJ\u2019s of 1st, he is sorry to report failure of scheme to sell timber for Paradise. Wilkinson says sales will be offset by cost of cutting and carrying to market.\u2014Specie value of Paradise\u2019s paper is \u00a3968.5.6 \u2153, of which all but \u00a362.8 is in Virginia Loan Office Certificates. In final settlement, he would be obliged to TJ for information about value of these papers, but as he thinks they are included in the deed of trust to Dr. Bancroft and others in London, it would be proper for TJ to advise them and Paradise if he thinks it advisable to sell out.\u2014Wilkinson manages plantations very well: his remittances will be as large as could be expected from the number of hands employed.\u2014Burwell confesses he does not know how to act for Paradise. In 1788 he was appointed as his attorney and directed to pay Dr. Bancroft and Mr. Anderson \u00a3290 sterling per annum for his use and then to make reasonable arrangements with his creditors. But by a letter from Bancroft to Wilkinson last spring it appears the Doctor and others are appointed trustees of this same property. He therefore concluded he had no right to interfere. He  is willing to do anything in his power for Paradise, but he does not see how \u201ctwo different trusts can be carried on at one and the same time on the same Estate.\u201d He would appreciate having TJ\u2019s opinion by the 10th at Williamsburg or, if not, at Winchester by post via Alexandria.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0029", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Church, 12 August 1791\nFrom: Church, Edward\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBordeaux, 12 Aug. 1791. Being greatly alarmed by what he learned on arrival, he expressed his fears in his of the 27th, sent by brig Hetty, Captn. Drinker, for Philadelphia.\u2014This day his fears confirmed by letter from Carmichael, a copy of which he encloses. He is thereby arrested at the threshold, unable to advance or retreat. He cannot in any sense hold TJ responsible, but appeals to him as a fellow citizen: honored with public office, tempted by climate, having flattering prospect in trade at Bilbao, confiding in the justice of his country for annual compensation (far more acceptable because more certain than profits in trade), and having in pursuance of orders, duty, and inclination left home with his \u201clast scanty gleanings,\u201d is now cast \u201cor more properly wrecked on a foreign shore, with a Wife, four daughters, one Son, and other necessary dependants \u2026 without prospect or means of redress, except only, from one source.\u201d In this truly forlorn extremity he has written the President and TJ to extricate him and \u201cdevise some means of future employment and support.\u201d Friends known to TJ will freely give every possible satisfaction regarding his character and conduct: Wingate, Trumbull, Gerry, and others in Congress contemporary with him at \u201cthe University of Cambridge in \u2026 Massachusetts,\u201d as well as those in the highest offices in that state who knew his easy circumstances prior to the war. Since the peace he resided four years at Savannah and the Georgia delegation, particularly Gen. Wayne, will be voluntary sponsors of his character.\u2014He entreats TJ to answer as early as possible, addressed care of Fenwick, with any letters the President may condescend to offer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0030", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Delamotte, 12 August 1791\nFrom: Delamotte\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 12 Aug. 1791. He has little to add to what he wrote on the 25th, of which he encloses a copy. This goes by Minerva, Capt. Wood, together with public papers sent by Short and another by himself. Le Jeune Eole will bring a clock for TJ which he has just received and did not have time to put on Minerva.\u2014TJ will see that the constitution has been presented to the King and it is said that he will accept it in good faith. If so, prices of colonial produce will fall and exchange will rise. They already talk in Paris of the return of important emigrants. If these events happen, he will notify TJ by Le Jeune Eole sailing at end of the month for Philadelphia and he will then be able to say \u201cla revolution \u2026 est complette.\u201d\u2014[P.S.] Prices of colonial produce: brown sugar, 80 to 90\u20b6 per cwt.; coffee, 18 to 26s. per lb.; Virginia, Maryland, and Carolina tobacco of good quality, 38 to 42\u20b6 per cwt.; of bad quality, 25 to 30\u20b6, but little in demand.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0031", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. P. Derieux, 12 August 1791\nFrom: Derieux, Justin Pierre Plumard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCharlottesville, 12 Aug. 1791. Knowing that TJ will be interested, he informs him of the good news in the last letter from Mde. Bellanger enclosed in his to Mr. Randolph, which informs him that M. Le Roy of Bordeaux had died and left him a legacy of 15,000\u20b6. This makes him happy once more and he hopes  the measures he will take will provide a solid establishment. In her letter of 14 Apr. Mde. Bellanger informed him she had written his uncle, M. Plumard at Nantes, to obtain this sum in the hands of the executor and dispatch it to him as soon as possible. At the request of the family, he sent a power of attorney to him, but it lacked the seal of the state. He has had a new one made and Mr. Randolph, who goes to Richmond tomorrow, will have the seal affixed.\u2014He asks TJ to write a line to his uncle to point out the best and quickest way for him to receive the legacy, whether by a bill to TJ\u2019s order on Philadelphia or Richmond as he thinks best for safety and speed.\u2014If, however, TJ thinks Fenwick at Bordeaux would be the most proper person, he offers full power of attorney for him to act, fearing the mishaps that might occur. He leaves open the letter to his uncle for TJ to read and to forward only if he thinks the measures taken are the best.\u2014He asks TJ to inform Mazzei of his legacy. Mde. Bellanger, for reasons he will explain when he sees TJ, says that she did not mention it to him; that she sees little of him; that he appears entirely occupied \u201cde ses Grandeurs, de ses Equipages et de ses domestiques.\u201d Mazzei\u2019s interest in Derieux and his family seems to diminish as his credit rises and if he is not yet at the crest, he will no doubt entirely forget them. He has written Mazzei several letters and he has not answered any in more than two years.\u2014All his life he will be grateful to TJ for repeated good fortune coming to him, for he does not doubt that what TJ obtained for him from Mde. Bellanger and the steps taken by Fenwick were powerful inducements to persuade his kinsman to favor him. His gratitude is beyond measure. [P.S.] Monticello, Sunday morning [14 Aug. 1791]. He has just seen Mr. Randolph, who leaves at once for Richmond. On his advice about the best way to obtain the legacy, he has written to Mr. Fenwick and to the executor the two letters enclosed which are left open for TJ to read, in order to draw the sum directly from Bordeaux if his uncle had not obtained it or, if he had, to inform him. He therefore asks TJ to write to his uncle at Nantes about the safest and most prompt means of procuring the legacy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0032", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Baptiste Ternant, 12 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ternant, Jean Baptiste\nThe Secretary of state has the honour to inform the Minister of France that the President will recieve his letters of credence to-day at half after two: that this will be done in a room of private audience,  without any ceremony whatever, or other person present than the Secretary of state, this being the usage which will be observed.\nAs the Secretary of state will be with the President before that hour on business, the Minister will find him there.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0033", "content": "Title: Notes of a Conversation with Alexander Hamilton, 13 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n        Th:J mentioned to him a letter received from J. A. disavowing Publicola, and denying that he ever entertained a wish to bring this country under a hereditary executive or introduce an hereditary branch of legislature &c. See his letter. A. H. condemning Mr. A\u2019s writings and most particularly Davila, as having a tendency to weaken the present government, declared in substance as follows. \u2018I own it is my own opinion, tho\u2019 I do not publish it in Dan and Bersheba, that the present government is not that which will answer the ends of society, by giving stability and protection to it\u2019s rights, and that it will probably be found expedient to go into the British form. However, since we have undertaken the experiment, I am for giving it a fair course, whatever my expectations may be. The success indeed so far is greater than I had expected, and therefore at present success seems more possible than it had done heretofore, and there are still other and other stages of improvement which, if the present does not succeed, may be tried and ought to be tried before we give up the republican form altogether, for that mind must be really depraved which would not prefer the equality of political rights which is the foundation of pure republicanism, if it can be obtained  consistently with order. Therefore whoever by his writings disturbs the present order of things, is really blameable, however pure his intentions may be, and he was sure Mr. Adams\u2019s were pure.\u2019\u2014This is the substance of a declaration made in much more lengthy terms, and which seemed to be more formal than usual for a conversation between two, and as if intended to qualify some less guarded expressions which had been dropped on former occasions.\u2014Th:J has committed it to writing in the moment of A. H\u2019s leaving the room.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0034", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Christian Baehr, 14 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Baehr, Christian\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 14. 1791.s\nIf either now or at any time hence you can find a superfine French cloth, of the very dark blue which you know I wear, I will be obliged to you to make and send me a coat of it. Furnish me also if you please a pair of black silk and a pair of black sattin breeches. I will take care, on receiving your accounts always to find an opportunity of remitting you the amount. I am Sir Your very humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0036", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Channing, 14 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Channing, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 14. 1791.\nYour favor of July 27. came to my hands on the 7th. inst. only. I have now the honour to inclose you a post-bank note for forty five dollars the amount of your disbursements therein stated, and with my thanks for your past attention to the object of procuring the laws of your state, to accept your kind promise of continuing it in future till the collection can be completed.\u2014I am with respect & esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0037", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Uriah Forrest, 14 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Forrest, Uriah\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 14. 1791.\nMr. Coxe, the Assistant to the Secretary of the treasury purposing to take a tour of relaxation, and to visit George-town in the course of it, I take the liberty of introducing him to your acquaintance and good offices. His character and merit are too well known to need any commendations. Any services you can render him will be considered as conferring an obligation on Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0038", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Greenleaf, 14 August 1791\nFrom: Greenleaf, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNew York, 14 Aug. 1791. Encloses a copy of \u201cBlessings of America\u201d of which the notice of copyright had been inserted in the enclosed \u201cpaper four separate Weeks.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0042", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 15 August 1791\nFrom: Tatham, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Richmond,] 15 Aug. 1791. Mr. Ross and himself, in pursuance of TJ\u2019s proposals for a western post, dispatch his brother to \u201cform Contracts and Arrangement to the North Fork of Holston agreable to your Plan.\u201d He has also set on foot a subscription among merchants, hoping \u201csome Man of enterprize \u2026 may be dispos\u2019d to engage in pushing the Matter as far as possible.\u2014This will probably produce a Caravan, or Guard System of passing the Wilderness at given Periods.\u201d Nothing in his power will be wanting to assist Davis in what TJ wishes \u201cto be establish\u2019d for the good of the Union.\u201d\u2014He encloses return from Kentucky. The hurry of this dispatch will apologize for his haste. \u201cHorse &c. ready and to start to morrow morning.\u201d He will write fully by next post of his \u201cseveral undertakings for the use of the community.\u201d P.S. The return will perfect the analysis sent Gen. Knox when added to the amendments in Col. Carrington\u2019s return.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0043", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Leiper, 16 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Leiper, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 16. 1791.\nI must ask of you a note for 200 dollars in such form as may be negociated at the bank.\nThe marks and weights of the 4. hhds. of tobo. which you wished to know are as follows.\nnett\nTI.\ndelivd by the Thomas Capt. Stratton.\n As I propose to go to Virginia within a fortnight or three weeks, it is necessary for me to decide on my continuance in your house. Your assuring me that I should remain in the house, without paying more than Mr. Cassinove, certainly put me off my guard, and prevented my taking a lease when I might have had one. I thought I might as well wait for it till it should be known what would be the additional rent for the stable and bookroom.\u2014Supposing this ground changed, you will certainly concieve on reflection that no prudent man can bind himself to so indefinite a proposition as yours of the other day, that I should agree to pay 6. per cent on the amount of account before that amount should be known, and be it what it would. Will you therefore be so good as to name the fixed sum, the lowest you mean to take for the house, stable, &c. that is to say for the whole tenement when finished? On consideration of which fixed sum I may be able to say whether I can keep the house or not.\u2014I am Sir Your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0044", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Blount, 17 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Blount, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 17. 1791.\nI wrote you on the 12th. inst. to acknolege the reciept of your favor of July 17. addressed to me and of the reference to me of the one of the same date addressed to Genl. Knox and asking leave of absence for a time therein mentioned, and to inform you the President assented to such absence. I observed at the same time the necessity there would be to promulgate immediately such parts at least of the treaty lately made with the Cherokees, as are interesting to our citizens.\nI have now the honour to acknolege the reciept of your favor of July 27. by Mr. Macflorence and to return you my thanks for the papers accompanying it. On conversing with this gentleman, I find he cannot inform me whereabouts the S. Carolina Indian boundary, will strike the Southern boundary of N. Carolina, from which point you know the North line of your treaty is to set out and meet the line which crosses Holston. I will therefore still ask your information of this point.\nI am in hopes we shall recieve your census in time to lay it before  Congress at their meeting.\u2014I have the honour to be with great respect & esteem Sir Your most obedt & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0045", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 August 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 17 Aug. 1791. Spanish decree against foreigners mentioned in his of 6th he has now seen in house of British consul, with a great company present. Though expressed in general terms, it seems aimed at French. Retailers, barbers, surgeons, shoemakers, &c. already there must take oath of allegiance to carry on trade. They are mainly French. Several diplomats are said to have protested to Florida Blanca. This act will probably drive some mechanics to U.S. if transportation can be found.\nEvents in other nations only too frequently confirm TJ\u2019s \u201cobservations on the precarious nature of our commerce with them.\u201d States General of Netherlands have just prohibited importation of tea by foreigners in their territories. He encloses resolution by vessel that should reach TJ earlier than any other and will forward duplicate by another tomorrow, since this may be of some consequence to American merchants. Merchants here are now shipping 20,000 chests of tea for Holland. English gazettes will inform him of great outrages of mob at Birmingham.\u2014Peace is more confidently spoken of than ever, it  being pretty obvious British fleet will not enter Baltic this year. After all the gasconading of the mediating powers, interests of Porte likely to be relinquished. In case of peace, not improbable Emperor and Kings of Prussia, Spain, and Sardinia will intervene in France. Meanwhile National Assembly are hastening completion of constitution and means of defense.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0046", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 18 August 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 18 Aug. 1791. He writes chiefly to send duplicate of resolution of States General concerning tea.\u2014Spanish decree respecting strangers so vague three different constructions said to have been given by Spanish ministry. Recently several foreign mechanics have applied to him about going to America and possibility of success there. On threshing harvest in Portugal, wheat crop is much smaller than anticipated, hence demand for wheat and corn from U.S. will increase. Harvest in some parts of France and Spain turned out indifferently.\u2014When he ordered French gazettes, he did not know the expense. From French frontiers they pay same postage as letters, that for four sent herewith amounting to nearly 2 dollars. There is no other mode of obtaining them. He mentions this so TJ \u201cmay not be disappointed in the contingent expense.\u201d He will continue to \u201cforward them to the Office of foreign Affairs\u201d unless directed to the contrary.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0047", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Charles L\u2019Enfant, 18 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nSir\nPhiladelphia. Aug. 18. 1791.\nThe President had understood for some time past that you were coming on to Philadelphia and New York, and therefore has delayed mentioning to you some matters which have occurred to him. Will you be so good as to inform me by return of post whether it is still your purpose to come this way, and when, that the President may thereon decide whether he will communicate his ideas by letter, or await your coming to do it by word? If you are detained by laying out the lots, you had better not await that, as a suggestion has been made here of arranging them in a particular manner which will  probably make them more convenient to the purchasers, and more profitable to the sellers.\u2014A person applied to me the other day on the subject of engraving a Map of the Federal territory. I observed to him that if yourself or Mr. Ellicot chose to have this done, you would have the best right to it. Do either of you intend this? If you do I would suggest to you the idea of doing it on a square sheet to hang corner upwards thus  The outlines being N.W. N.E. S.E. and S.W. the meridians will be vertical as they ought to be; the streets of the city will be horizontal and vertical, and near the center; the Patowmac and Eastern branch will be nearly so also; there will be no waste in the square sheet of paper. This is suggested merely for your consideration. I am with much esteem Sir your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0048", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 18 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 18. 1791.\nI have just now recieved your favor of the 16th. and tho late at night I scribble a line that it may go by the morning\u2019s post. I inclose you two letters which have been awaiting you here several days. Also a copy of the census which I had made out for you. What is in red ink is conjectural, the rest from the real returns. The return of Virginia is come in this day, seven hundred and forty odd thousand, of which 296,000 blacks, both exclusive of Kentucky.\u2014Try to arrive here on Tuesday time enough (say by 4 a clock) to come and dine with E. Randolph, Ross &c. half a dozen in all en petite comit\u00e9. I have been much pleased with my acquaintance with the last. He is a sensible merchant, an enemy to gambling and all tricks of finance.\u2014My horse will certainly die from all accounts. He is out at pasture to see what fresh air and grass will do. Yours will be a fortunate aid. I have written to Mr. Randolph to look out for one to bring me back. I set out on Monday fortnight at the latest; but will try to be off some days sooner. I shall be obliged to meet the President at the sale at George town Octob. 17. All your acquaintances are perpetually asking if you are arrived. It has been the first question from the President every time I have seen him for this  fortnight. If you had arrived before dinner to-day, I had strong charge to carry you there. Come on then and make us all happy. Adieu my dear friend. Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0049", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Banneker, 19 August 1791\nFrom: Banneker, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMaryland. Baltimore County. Near Ellicotts Lower Mills August 19th: 1791\nI am fully sensible of the greatness of that freedom which I take with you on the present occasion; a liberty which Seemed to me scarcely allowable, when I reflected on that distinguished, and dignifyed station in which you Stand; and the almost general prejudice and prepossession which is so prevailent in the world against those of my complexion.\nI suppose it is a truth too well attested to you, to need a proof here, that we are a race of Beings who have long laboured under the abuse and censure of the world, that we have long been looked upon with an eye of contempt, and that we have long been considered rather as brutish than human, and Scarcely capable of mental endowments.\nSir I hope I may Safely admit, in consequence of that report which hath reached me, that you are a man far less inflexible in Sentiments of this nature, than many others, that you are measurably friendly and well disposed toward us, and that you are willing and ready to Lend your aid and assistance to our relief from those many distresses and numerous calamities to which we are reduced.\nNow Sir if this is founded in truth, I apprehend you will readily embrace every opportunity to eradicate that train of absurd and false ideas and oppinions which so generally prevails with respect to us, and that your Sentiments are concurrent with mine, which are that one universal Father hath given being to us all, and that he hath not only made us all of one flesh, but that he hath also without partiality afforded us all the Same Sensations, and endued us all  with the same faculties, and that however variable we may be in Society or religion, however diversifyed in Situation or colour, we are all of the Same Family, and Stand in the Same relation to him.\nSir, if these are Sentiments of which you are fully persuaded, I hope you cannot but acknowledge, that it is the indispensible duty of those who maintain for themselves the rights of human nature, and who profess the obligations of Christianity, to extend their power and influence to the relief of every part of the human race, from whatever burthen or oppression they may unjustly labour under, and this I apprehend a full conviction of the truth and obligation of these principles should lead all to.\nSir, I have long been convinced, that if your love for your Selves, and for those inesteemable laws which preserve to you the rights of human nature, was founded on Sincerity, you could not but be Solicitous, that every Individual of whatsoever rank or distinction, might with you equally enjoy the blessings thereof, neither could you rest Satisfyed, short of the most active diffusion of your exertions, in order to their promotion from any State of degradation, to which the unjustifyable cruelty and barbarism of men may have reduced them.\nSir I freely and Chearfully acknowledge, that I am of the African race, and in that colour which is natural to them of the deepest dye, and it is under a Sense of the most profound gratitude to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, that I now confess to you, that I am not under that State of tyrannical thraldom, and inhuman captivity, to which too many of my brethren are doomed; but that I have abundantly tasted of the fruition of those blessings which proceed from that free and unequalled liberty with which you are favoured and which I hope you will willingly allow you have received from the immediate hand of that Being, from whom proceedeth every good and perfect gift.\nSir, Suffer me to recall to your mind that time in which the Arms and tyranny of the British Crown were exerted with every powerful effort in order to reduce you to a State of Servitude, look back I intreat you on the variety of dangers to which you were exposed, reflect on that time in which every human aid appeared unavailable, and in which even hope and fortitude wore the aspect of inability to the Conflict, and you cannot but be led to a Serious and grateful Sense of your miraculous and providential preservation; you cannot but acknowledge, that the present freedom and tranquility which  you enjoy you have mercifully received, and that it is the peculiar blessing of Heaven.\nThis Sir, was a time in which you clearly saw into the injustice of a State of Slavery, and in which you had just apprehensions of the horrors of its condition, it was now Sir, that your abhorrence thereof was so excited, that you publickly held forth this true and invaluable doctrine, which is worthy to be recorded and remember\u2019d in all Succeeding ages. \u201cWe hold these truths to be Self evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happyness.\u201d\nHere Sir, was a time in which your tender feelings for your selves had engaged you thus to declare, you were then impressed with proper ideas of the great valuation of liberty, and the free possession of those blessings to which you were entitled by nature; but Sir how pitiable is it to reflect, that altho you were so fully convinced of the benevolence of the Father of mankind, and of his equal and impartial distribution of those rights and privileges which he had conferred upon them, that you should at the Same time counteract his mercies, in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren under groaning captivity and cruel oppression, that you should at the Same time be found guilty of that most criminal act, which you professedly detested in others, with respect to yourselves.\nSir, I suppose that your knowledge of the situation of my brethren is too extensive to need a recital here; neither shall I presume to prescribe methods by which they may be relieved; otherwise than by recommending to you and all others, to wean yourselves from these narrow prejudices which you have imbibed with respect to them, and as Job proposed to his friends \u201cPut your Souls in their Souls stead,\u201d thus shall your hearts be enlarged with kindness and benevolence toward them, and thus shall you need neither the direction of myself or others in what manner to proceed herein.\nAnd now, Sir, altho my Sympathy and affection for my brethren hath caused my enlargement thus far, I ardently hope that your candour and generosity will plead with you in my behalf, when I make known to you, that it was not originally my design; but that having taken up my pen in order to direct to you as a present, a copy of an Almanack which I have calculated for the Succeeding year, I was unexpectedly and unavoidably led thereto.\nThis calculation, Sir, is the production of my arduous Study in this my advanced Stage of life; for having long had unbounded  desires to become acquainted with the Secrets of nature, I have had to gratify my curiosity herein thro my own assiduous application to Astronomical Study, in which I need not to recount to you the many difficulties and disadvantages which I have had to encounter.\nAnd altho I had almost declined to make my calculation for the ensuing year, in consequence of that time which I had allotted therefor being taking up at the Federal Territory by the request of Mr. Andrew Ellicott, yet finding myself under Several engagements to printers of this state to whom I had communicated my design, on my return to my place of residence, I industriously apply\u2019d myself thereto, which I hope I have accomplished with correctness and accuracy, a copy of which I have taken the liberty to direct to you, and which I humbly request you will favourably receive, and altho you may have the opportunity of perusing it after its publication, yet I chose to send it to you in manuscript previous thereto, that thereby you might not only have an earlier inspection, but that you might also view it in my own hand writing.\u2014And now Sir, I shall conclude and Subscribe my Self with the most profound respect your most Obedient humble Servant,\nBenjamin Banneker\nNB any communication to me may be had by a direction to Mr. Elias Ellicott merchant in Baltimore Town.\nB B\nAs an Essay of my calculation is put into the hand of Mr. Cruckshank of philadelphia, for publication I would wish that you might neither have this Almanack copy published nor give any printer an opportunity thereof, as it might tend to disappoint Mr. Joseph Cruckshank in his sale.\nB B\n   My Father was brought here a S[lav]e from Africa.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0051", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 19 August 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe Hague, 19 Aug. 1791. While waiting for the National Assembly to act on all of the articles of the French constitution, he encloses documents concerning the pacification in the North. He will see in them the arguments of Britain and Prussia answered by the Empress of Russia, who has more spirit than the cabinets of those two powers combined. Her request for the bust of Fox, to be placed between those of Demosthenes and Cicero because by his eloquence he turned his nation from a war which had neither rhyme nor reason, is a sharp and characteristic touch which will please neither Pitt nor his cousin Grenville.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0053", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 21 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\nMy dear Maria\nPhiladelphia Aug. 21. 1791.\nYour letter of July 10. is the last news I have from Monticello. The time of my setting out for that place is now fixed to some time in the first week of September, so that I hope to be there between the 10th. and 15th. My horse is still in such a condition as to give little hopes of his living: so that I expect to be under a necessity of buying one when I come to Virginia as I informed Mr. Randolph in my last letter to him. I am in hopes therefore he will have fixed his eye on some one for me, if I should be obliged to buy. In the mean time as Mr. Madison comes with me, he has a horse which will help us on to Virginia.\u2014Kiss little Anne for me and tell her to be putting on her best looks. My best affections to Mr. Randolph, your sister, and yourself. Adieu My dear Maria.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0054", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Cole Mountflorence, 21 August 1791\nFrom: Mountflorence, James Cole\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nSunday 21st. August 1791\nA Coachee sets off from this City on Tuesday for Staunton; I think it would be a convenient and quick Conveyance for Dispatches  to Governor Blount, especially as Mr. Peter Heiskell of Staunton is directed to transmit to Capt. Craig, Abington, Washington County Virginia all Letters and Packets which may come to his hands directed to Govr. Blount, by the Travellers from that part of the Country to Kentucke, And I am told that there is not a Week at this time of the Year, without Some opportunity of that Kind from Staunton.\nMr. Bidwell the Owner of the Carriage, opposite the State house desires that all Letters and Packets should be left at his house tomorrow Evening.\u2014I have the Honer to be with high Respect Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant,\nJ. C. Mountflorence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0055", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 21 August 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nSunday. 21st. August\nAt eight o\u2019clock A:M tomorrow, I set out for Mr. Powells farm, to see the operation of Colo. Anderson\u2019s threshing machine.\u2014I Breakfast, you know, at half past Seven; if it is convenient to take that in your way, I should be glad to see you at it.\nWhen you have read the enclosed letters I will converse with you on the subject of them.\u2014I am always yours,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0056", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Blount, 22 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Blount, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 22. 1791.\nTho\u2019 I had the honour of writing to you by post on the 12th. and 17th. of Aug. to inform you of the President\u2019s consent to the absence  you desired, yet as it is interesting to you to recieve it in time, and a good private conveyance now occurs I avail myself of it to repeat the same thing.\nI have written to the postmaster of Richmond, to desire he will endeavor to establish a post from that place to your government, and stated to him the plan on which it may lawfully be done. He gives me hopes of accomplishing it.\nSince Majr. Mountflorence\u2019s arrival I have had time to go through the papers you were so kind as to send me by him.\nThe only articles for which I have occasion still to trouble you are the claims of the guards, chaincarriers, masters and hunters who attended Shelby, and others in laying out military bounties, and the Preemption rights of the first settlers of Davidson county. These I shall hope still to recieve from you in time before the meeting of Congress, as well as your Census.\u2014I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0058", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 22 August 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 22 Aug. 1791. Reports say a courier has arrived today from Paris with news King of France has declined to accept the constitution, because, though it might be very good, he was deprived of all counsel and could not act on it.\u2014King of Sweden is said to have written very spirited letter to National Assembly, declaring Fersen acted on his orders to effect escape of King. Thus royalty finds an \u201cinterest in supporting Royalty, as it has existed for ages.\u201d It has for some days been whispered that 2 million crowns, brought in fleet from Brazil, sent from Portugal to support anti-revolutionists. Now spoken of with confidence but he gives this as reports, not ascertained facts. But several persons have been arrested in Lisbon, some Frenchmen included, for \u201cspeaking too freely in favour of the French Revolution.\u201d Not known where they are confined.\u2014\u201cSpain appears most agitated.\u201d Said to be 100,000 French there. But it is known military preparations are going on, a detail of which happened under his own eye: Many people of Galicia seek employment in Portugal subject to being recalled or on condition of returning at specified period. A Spanish servant in Portugal several years, with him seven months, is now ordered home to serve in militia. He goes immediately to avoid forfeiting \u201ca little patrimony.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0059", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Maury, 22 August 1791\nFrom: Maury, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLiverpool, 22 Aug. 1791. In response to his application to the Treasury in behalf of vessels mentioned in his last letter, he has received and encloses their decision.\u2014[P.S.] 9 Sep. 1791. Morning\u2019s post brings London Gazette with information dated at Petersburg 17 Aug. of signing of preliminaries of peace between emissaries of Empress and King of Sweden, the only condition being that the status quo ante form the basis of the negotiation. Ratifications were to be exchanged in six days.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0061", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas FitzSimons, 23 August 1791\nFrom: FitzSimons, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nYour Report Appears so Correct that Nothing Important Occurred to me to Add to it. The few Observations I have made are of very Little Consequence. One of the Great Evils experienced by the Americans in their intercourse with Great Britain is on Account of the Seamen. The line of Naturalization drawn by the British exclude a Great No. of the persons employd in our Navigation and indeed Little Regard is paid at times when they are Impressing even to those Who are Actually Citizens according to their own Construction. If any Commercial Negotiation should take place with that Nation, this Subject would merit particular attention, because the delay to Ships by Haveing their men Impressed would be Grievious, and Seamen Knowing they would be Subject to that hardship would demand Very high Wages.\nI have not been able to find any person Sufficiently Acquainted with the Commerce of Denmark to give me any information on that head but I will Continue my Inquiry, and Communicate any I may Receive.\u2014I am Respectfy Sir Yr. Mo Hble Servt,\nThos. Fitzsimons", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0062", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 23 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Humphreys, David\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 23. 1791.\nI recieved yesterday your favors of June 7. No. 21. and June 17. No. 22. Mr. Barclay will have delivered you my two letters of May 13. and July 13.\nSince his departure no remarkeable events have taken place. He would convey to you the official information of General Scott\u2019s success against the Indians. A second party somewhat stronger is now gone against them.\nNearly the whole of the states have now returned their census. I send you the result, which as far as founded on actual returns is written in black ink, and the numbers not actually returned, yet pretty well known, are written in red ink. Making a very small allowance for omissions, we are upwards of four millions; and we know in fact that the omissions have been very great.\u2014Our crop of wheat is very abundant, and of the best quality ever known. There has been an extraordinary drought, prevailing most to the North of this. The crop of Hay here is short, and calamitously so further North. We have lately had the most copious rains, which will recover the Indian corn and tobacco. A spirit of gambling in the public paper has lately seised too many of our citizens. Commerce, manufactures, the arts and agriculture will suffer from it if not checked. Many are ruined by it; but I fear that ruin will be no more a correction in this case than in common gaming. We cannot immediately foresee how it will terminate.\nColo. Ternant is arrived here as Minister plenipotentiary from France.\u2014I shall soon be able to send you another newspaper written in a contrary spirit to that of Fenno. Freneau is come here to set up a National gazette, to be published twice a week, and on whig principles. The two papers will shew you both sides of our politics.\nBeing about to set out for Virginia in a few days, it will probably be two months before I shall again have the pleasure of writing to you. The President will go to Mount Vernon within three or four weeks.\nYou will recieve herewith your newspapers as usual and a parcel for Mr. Carmichael.\u2014I am with great & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. Your favor of May 17. No. 19. is this moment recieved.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0066", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Newton, Jr., 24 August 1791\nFrom: Newton, Thomas, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNorfolk, 24 Aug. 1791. The justices there desire to know how to \u201cproceed when call\u2019d on by the British Consul for Warrants to Apprehend Sea Men who quit their Ships, and whether they have power to Commit them to Gaol or send them on board their Ships.\u201d Some think they have no power to do it, others that it should be done. This day a Capt. Stuport brought in a seaman who had not signed articles. The consul consulted the justices, and the greater part thought the man not bound to proceed. Some of the ship\u2019s crew proved on oath before the consul that he had agreed to come in the ship from Jamaica and proceed back again, and the justices therefore would have nothing to do with it. \u201cOn this, Mr. Hamilton Issued out his Authority to the Capt: who brought some of his men on Shore and Violently seized the Sailor, and was Carrying him Off, but he made his escape \u2026 and run into my House, where they pursued him and endeavor\u2019d to drag him Out. Not being at home at the time, I was sent for, and found a Croud about my Doors, with Capt. Stuport, his Boatswain and Others after the Sailor who was in the House. The Capt: offered me the Authority he had from the Consul. I wou\u2019d have nothing to do with it, and told him I knew of no Authority that the Consul had to Issue Warrants and Seize men on our Lands.\u201d He told the sailor, which he regrets, that he was not under his protection and to leave the house. He did so and made a momentary escape but soon publicly appeared on the streets. He desires TJ\u2019s opinion, which will govern them in future, \u201cso that we shall not infringe the privileges of a Consul and that he may not invade the rights of the Land.\u201d Events of the sort happen daily, so he asks for TJ\u2019s instructions \u201cas it will be a Means of promoting harmony and good Order, when each know their Duty.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0067", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Randolph, 24 August 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Nathaniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nHopewell, New Jersey, 24 Aug. 1791. Having for some time had an inclination to come to Philadelphia concerning \u201cany place in either of the Departments over which you preside,\u201d he has conferred with his friends, particularly the bearer, Dr. Rogers, whom he hopes TJ will confer with on the subject.\u2014\u201cI have likewise indulged myself with some incouragement from your Excellency\u2019s Interest; although the short acquaintance you had with me; from the length of time since, must be almost eradicated, should it you may perhaps remember the plan of the western Expedition, which was laid in Virginia, against Detroit  in Sept. 80, to have been carried into execution, in conjunction, with Pensilvanya in 81, which fell through after the principle part of the expence was accumulated.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0068", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 24 August 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis August 24. 1791.\nThe assembly have continued since my last deliberating on the plan of constitution submitted to them. They have made no material alterations, but have referred two or three questions to be decided after the others\u2014one of them is that for augmenting the property of electors and abolishing the marc d\u2019argent hitherto decreed for the members of the legislature\u2014and another is the condition of the Princes of the blood, viz. the rights they are to enjoy as members of the society. Some are for leaving them the title of Prince and excluding them from the rights of citizens as being dangerous in popular assemblies. No body knows how these questions will be decided. The doubt will be soon removed however as it is supposed the finishing hand will be put to them in the course of the week.\nThe committees have not yet decided in what manner the constitution shall be presented to the King so as to obtain his free acceptation. For some time it was said that his intention was to refuse it, but that opinion seems now to have given place to another, that he will accept it, but will abandon it as soon as an opportunity presents itself. The enemies of the constitution, as well the aristocrats as the republicans, as they are termed, propagate this opinion.\nNothing further has transpired with respect to the intentions of foreign courts relative to the affairs of this country. There are various proofs of their malevolences. The inferior princes of Germany particularly shew a disposition to proceed to hostilities and to draw after them the more influential, but the more powerful electors have in the diet voted for a continuance of negotiation. Their proceedings in this business will of course be rendered subordinate to their more immediate and more leading interests. It is no longer doubted that the Northern Christian powers will preserve peace among themselves\u2014of course no obstacle from the Turkish war\u2014but active negotiations are carried on at Vienna which seem to indicate some  change in the general system of the Empire. The Prussian negotiator there is in the highest favor and it is thought the present moment will be siezed on for rounding and squaring their possessions to their wishes. The result cannot yet be known but it is manifest that the several European powers have an anxious eye on them. Denmark and Sweden, particularly the last, without any symptoms of war keep up a state of armament that indicates some hidden plan or fear. Poland also is preparing for defence, and the Elector of Saxony delays his decision with respect to the crown offered him. I cannot say what part Spain does or may take in this business, though I suppose the curtain will be soon raised so as to shew it. Until then it would be rash to pronounce what will be the result of a state of negotiation, the activity, duration and mysterys of which have few examples in the annals of Europe.\nYou will no doubt learn from Mr. Carmichael what regards Spain in particular. It seems the dispositions of that court with respect to the Mississipi business have gone through several changes, as far as I can judge from the correspondence of M. de Montmorin. In the beginning he informed me that they had shewn a much more favorable disposition than he had expected. They afterwards seemed disposed to reject all kind of negotiation on the principle of our pretensions being exager\u00e9es, and lately again (this is the last account) discover a propensity to listen to terms so as to give hopes that the affair may be terminated amicably to the wishes of the United States. This is only a vague account of the posture of the business of Madrid, but I am persuaded it is all that M. de Montmorin knows of it. I still continue in my former opinion that his disposition to serve the U.S. in this instance may be relied on. His influence of course will have been diminished by the late unfortunate event of the King\u2019s flight from Paris and the proceedings consequent thereto.\u2014I hope the Government of the U.S. will have influence enough on the western inhabitants to prevent them for the present from proceeding to extremities, as I cannot doubt, whatever may be the event of negotiation at this moment at Madrid, the development of their resources and the manifestation of their firm resolution to obtain an acknowlegement of their rights will in a very short time induce the Spanish cabinet to subscribe to an act which is not only just but necessary. So long as the ministry remains here the same we shall have the aid of their friendly interposition. You will easily concieve that in the present crisis it is impossible to say how long they will remain, or what changes will take place, this depending on the issue of the revolution.\nA person has lately arrived here from Kentuckey. He is a Frenchman  settled there. He reports that the navigation of the Mississipi is now allowed our inhabitants without any kind of restriction and that he saw great numbers of large boats load to go down the river. A brother of the English minister here (Lord Ed. Fitzgerald) travelled from Canada along our western frontiers and went down the Mississipi to New-Orleans. He is now in Paris and tells me that whilst there he saw several of the inhabitants of Kentuckey who came down the river with their productions, that he was once in particular a witness to a dispute between some of them and the Governor who insisted on their paying a duty on these articles, that they refused it and succeeded in their refusal. I mention this merely as accidental perhaps inaccurate information. I suppose you recieve more authentic from the Americans resident there. I learn from him that there are several well informed and particularly a Mr. Jones, brother to the Physician of that name at Philadelphia.\nThe report mentioned in my last of the death of the Dey of Algiers was soon after fully confirmed, as well as the peaceable nomination of his successor. I learn by the French consul that he is the same, who whilst minister discovered more favorable dispositions than the others to the American prisoners. He thinks this would be a favorable moment for attempting their redemption. He observes it would have been at all times practicable by proper measures, viz. by authorizing some Consul or commercial house established at Algiers to effect it, leaving them at liberty to chuse the suitable moment, and fixing the sum beyond which they could not go, authorizing them at the same time, to draw for it, on the agreement being concluded. He supposes that for the 14. captives who remain the sum should be fixed at 200,000.\u20b6 tournois all expences included and says it is possible that 150,000.\u20b6 might suffice, the agents employed exerting themselves of course to reduce it as much as possible for the interest of their employers. He seems to be persuaded there is no other mode of succeeding but this, which he agrees is subject to objections arising from the great confidence necessary to be placed in the agents employed. He adds also that the character and dispositions of the present Dey are much more liberal than those of the last, and of course that this is the favorable moment for the U.S. to make a permanent arrangement with that regency for the safety of their flag. This negotiation he thinks should be carried on in the same manner with the other. He cannot however form a conjecture of what that would cost.\nI have had a good deal of accidental conversation also lately with M. Pujet who has the direction of the consular department in the  marine. He is I believe, known to you, and is a man of a good reputation and understanding and is particularly acquainted with the relations between this country and the Barbary powers. He insists that France pays no tribute to the Dey of Algiers, nor England nor Spain. He agrees that Holland (I think) and some others do, and says that the difference is perfectly understood at Algiers between nations that are tributary and those that are not, and also that all Christian powers are obliged to make pecuniary sacrifices to secure peace there. Those of France consist 1. in the establishment of a consul at Algiers, whose salary and expences amount to about 25,000.\u20b6 p ann., and 2. in presents which are made from time to time to the officers of government in order to settle differences which accidentally arise between French vessels or citizens and the cruisers or regency of Algiers. These amount to from 70, to 80,000\u20b6 annually, and are as he assures me the only expences paid regularly. The large sums which I mentioned to you some time ago to have been paid by M. de Senneville, for the renewal of the treaty, he denies altogether to have been for that purpose, or to have been as considerable as I supposed them. He says they were to satisfy the regency for a vessel they lost on the coast of France and also for one delivered up to Naples after having been taken by an Algerine cruiser.\nMr. Pujet says the U.S. would be wrong to put themselves on the footing of a tributary power as it insures more contempt than safety at Algiers. He supposes their consular establishment and annual accidental presents would cost as much as those stated above for France, notwithstanding their commerce is so much more inconsiderable; as this would not be calculated by the officers of the regency. He does not know to what amount presents would be necessary for securing the peace in the beginning.\u2014There are some honorary expences to which France and other European powers are sometimes subjected from which the U.S. would be exempted, such as at present the furnishing a vessel to carry the new Dey\u2019s ambassador to Constantinople to obtain the investiture of his place. This mark of distinction is accorded to France and is considered as a proof of the Dey\u2019s favorable dispositions to this country.\nShould it be possible to obtain a peace of Algiers it would be of little service without one could be secured also with Tunis and Tripoli, each of which would cost the same to the U.S. The establishment at Tunis costs more to France as there is much more of the parade and luxury of a court there than at Algiers.\nI observed to M. Pujet that such powers as were at peace with  these piratical states would probably put as many obstacles as possible in the way of others obtaining it and that the U.S. might perhaps meet with some difficulties on that account. He agreed that this policy did prevail. He thought however that France would in the new order of things abandon it, and would aid the U.S. in obtaining a peace. He added that he did not see how our free entrance into the Mediterranean could be against the interests of France as we were not a carrying power, and said that for his part so far as it depended on him he would certainly contribute all in his power to serve the interests of the U.S. in this instance.\u2014I have thought it well to communicate these things to you that you might judge how far they deserve weight in an attempt to redeem our unhappy captives or to secure a permanent peace.\nLetters have been just recieved from the Governor of S. Domingo as late as the beginning of July. The decree of May 15. respecting the gens de couleur had arrived there and thrown every thing into confusion. The governor apprehends serious disorders that it will not be in his power to suppress. The inhabitants shew marks of much discontentment with the national assembly and particularly those who had adhered formerly to their decrees and took side against the assembly of St. Marc. The reports and private letters go much farther and say that it was determined to have no further connexion with France and that deputies were sent to Jamaica for assistance. The city of Bordeaux is become particularly obnoxious to them for having offered to send their garde nationale to the islands to enforce this decree of the assembly. The assembly had directed commissaries to be sent out to carry this decree. Notwithstanding the time which has elapsed they have not yet set out, and such is the present organisation of the government that the assembly cannot find out on whom to place the non-execution of their intentions. The colonial committee have the Governor\u2019s letter now under consideration and are in a few days to make their report on it.\nThe National assembly have new modelled their post office, and in fixing the price of postage have augmented that on letters for the U.S.\nDrost has not yet had the articles of agreement drawn up because he wishes to concert them with Mr. Grand. He tells me to assure you he may be counted on for the spring. I think he is probably of a dilatory turn from what has been lately told me, but further information is much in favor of his moral character, and the money he struck in England for Messrs. Bolton &c. shews his talents. I communicate in my letter to the Secretary of treasury herein inclosed  some of his observations with respect to the subject of a mint. On further consideration he declines engaging at all in the assaying part. He tells me he finds he shall be less adequate to teach it than he hoped, as mentioned in a former letter. It will be indispensable he says to have a person on purpose. One may be procured here on easy terms. I shall make enquiry for such an one but will not engage him until I hear further from you as there is full time from what Mr. Drost tells me. I will thank you therefore to say in what manner you would chuse him to be engaged as to time, and as near as you can, what kind of terms you have a view to.\nI am informed with certainty that the English ministry lately made Mr. Walpole their envoy extraordinary (I believe at Munich) the offer of going to America in the same character. He took time to consider of it and at length declined it. It is said now they intend to send as minister plenipotentiary Mr. Hammond who has lately returned from Spain where he was Secretary to the embassy.\nThis letter incloses a memorial for the State of So. Carolina to which the memorialists hope an answer will be given. I have promised them to forward it. You will recieve also by the same conveyance the usual gazettes which will go to Havre by the diligence.\nYou gave me reason to hope in your last letter of May 10. that you would write in future by the French and English packets. They have arrived however as late as those of June and July without bringing me any letter. The Secretary of the Treasury wrote by the French packet of July. It is important that I should be able to meet the questions which are asked me about the Mississipi business, and also about the Indian hostilities to which much more importance is given here than I can suppose they deserve. Having no authentic information there are many things originating probably in the English newspapers that I cannot venture to contradict flatly, and a bare denial or expression of doubt about them is taken of course as a confirmation of them by those who take it for granted I must be informed and would assert the contrary if they were not true.\u2014I beg you to be persuaded of the attachment & respect of Dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0072", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Burwell, 26 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Burwell, Nathaniel\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 26. 1791.\nI am favoured with yours of the 11th. inst. and am happy to be able to explain the appearance of a double employment of trustees in the affairs of Mr. Paradise. This is what was at first arranged, while I was in Europe. It was necessary to have trustees in London who might receive the proceeds of Mr. Paradise\u2019s estate and pay it to his creditors, and to whom the creditors might apply. Dr. Bancroft and one or two others were appointed by mutual con[sent] of parties. But it was necessary also to have a trustee in Virginia into whose hands the estate might be delivered, free from the disposal of Mr. Paradise, except the part of the profits allowed for his subsistence. You were in like manner appointed by general consent for this, and it rests with you to do all authorita[tive] acts concerning the estate here, and the remittance to England.\nOn mature consideration and consultation with persons here more knowing than myself in the public stocks, it appears clearly for Mr. Paradise\u2019s interest to subscribe his public paper to the loan opened by the general government. Immediately on this being done four ninths of it will be at 6. per cent and can be sold @ about 22/6 the pound, two ninths will be at three per cent and would sell now @ 12/6 in the pound and three ninths will be at 6. per cent from about  8. years hence, and might now be sold for about 12/6 the pound: so that the whole would fetch about 17/ the pound. However I should not think it adviseable to sell till orders can be recieved, and I write to Mr. Paradise on this subject this day. But the subscription I think adviseable, because it cannot be done after the last day of the next month, the law having fixed that term for closing the loan. Were that term to be passed over the chance will be lost for ever, and it is very incertain what would become of the debt. I venture to suggest this matter, Sir, for your consideration, having no right to meddle in it, otherwise than as the friend of Mr. Paradise, and as the measure I would take were it to depend on my opinion.\u2014I have the honour to be with great esteem Dr. Sir Your most obedt. & most hble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0073", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Currie, 26 August 1791\nFrom: Currie, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 26 Aug. 1791. He acknowledged TJ\u2019s polite and friendly letter and wrote again by Lewis Burwell. Now writes at request of Col. Harvie to say that he received TJ\u2019s letter about \u201csome papers (respecting lands) to be obtained from Colo. N. Lewis\u201d before setting off with other James River Canal Commissioners to examine the river \u201cand try to let out the clearing a part of it \u2026 in which they failed.\u201d On his way he saw Lewis who promised to send papers but they have not come to hand. About 16 days ago Harvie was seized \u201cdangerously ill with a Bilious peripneumony and has been in the most imminent danger indeed.\u201d He is now barely able to sit up and has received TJ\u2019s other letter about lands granted Virginia Line on Ohio, which will be attended to the instant he can perform any sort of business. \u201cAll the rest of his family are well as likewise Colo. Randolph and his Lady, your son and his Lady with her family all are well. He was down here on Monday visiting his estate. Colo. Randolph [of] Tuckahoe and Meriwether were Candidates for \u2026 Colo. Southalls place as Senator. Colo. Randolph was elected by a very great Majority.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0074", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 26 August 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPhiladelphia Aug. 26. 91\nThe Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the Secretary of State. He returns the draft of Ratification with some alterations to conform more accurately to the fact which are submitted. The Secretary of State will recollect that there is another loan (the contract for which was also forwarded to him) concluded by Messrs. Willinks & Van Staphorsts and of which likewise a Ratification is desired. To possess the Secretary of State fully of the nature of the powers and course of the transactions in both cases, the drafts of the powers as well to the Commissioners as to Mr. Short are sent herewith. When the Secretary of State has done with them he will please to return them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0075", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 26 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nTh:J. To J.M.\nFriday Aug. 26.\nWill you come and sit an hour before dinner to-day? Also take soup with me tomorrow?\nSince writing the above the President has been here, and left L\u2019Enfant\u2019s plan, with a wish that you and I would examine it together immediately, as to certain matters, and let him know the result. As the plan is very large, will you walk up and examine it here?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0076", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Paradise, 26 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Paradise, John\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 26. 1791.\nTho\u2019 the incessant drudgery of my office puts it out of my power to write letters of mere correspond[ence], yet I do not permit them to suspend the offices of friendship, where these may affect the interests of my friends. You have in the funds of Virginia in loan office certificates reduced to specie value \u00a3985\u201317\u20136\u00bd and in final settlement \u00a362\u20138. These are of the description allowed by the general government to be transferred to their funds, if subscribed to them before the last day of next month. If so transferred, four ninths of them would now sell for about 22/6 the pound, or would bear an interest of 6. per cent paid regularly: two ninths would bear an interest of 3. per cent paid regularly, and sell for 12/6 the pound: the other three ninths will bear an interest of 6 percent after about 8. years hence, and would now sell for 12/6 the pound. I wrote to Mr. Burwell to know if any orders were given him on this subject, and he answers me in the negative. Supposing that this has proceeded from your being unable at such a distance to judge of the expediency of transferring the debt from the state to the General government, I have taken the liberty this day to advise him to do it, because if not done before the last day of next month it can never be done afterwards. Observe that since Congress has said it would assume all these debts, where the parties should chuse it, the states have repealed their provision for paiment, and the moment the time is out for transferring them, their value will sink to nothing almost. Tho\u2019 I advise Mr. Burwell to transfer them to the funds of the United states, so as to secure them, yet I advise him also to let them lie there, and not to sell them till orders from England: because I do not foresee any loss from waiting a while for orders. I would certainly advise powers to be given to him to sell the 6. per cents, when he finds a favorable occasion; I believe they may rise to 24/ the pound, which will be making them nearly as much sterling as they are currency. This might enable a remittance immediately to your creditors of about 500\u00a3. It might be well to authorize him also to do as to the 3. per cents, and the deferred part, what occurrences shall render expedient. It is impossible to foresee what may happen, and therefore power had better be given where there may be a full reliance in the discretion of the person.\nBe so good as to present my respects to Mrs. Paradise, to convey to her my acknowlegement of the reciept of her favor of Mar. 1. and to pray her to consider this as intended for her as well as yourself.  I am with the greatest esteem of her & yourself Dear Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0077", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Ross, 26 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ross, John\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 26. 1791.\nThe inclosed extracts from a report I am preparing for Congress, and composing a general statement of our commerce, I have formed from such notes and knowlege as I have gathered up thro\u2019 life. But I cannot confide in them myself without submitting them to the correction of those who are acquainted with the subject practically. Will you do me the favor to go over them with attention, fact by fact, and with a pen in your hand note on a separate paper, ever so briefly and roughly, such facts as you think mistaken, or doubtful, or omitted? You will in this confer on me a great obligation, and I am ashamed to be obliged to ask it soon. The head of Denmark you will percieve is entirely blank. I happen to have nothing of that subject. If you can give me information therein, or point out the person who can I will thank you.\u2014I am with great esteem Dear Sir, Your most obedt. hble. servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0078", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, [before 26 August 1791]\nFrom: Tatham, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\n[Before 26 Aug. 1791]\nI will make no appology for this intrusion on the first hours of your leisure; for you are no stranger to my zeal in the service of that Country, to whose prosperity you have devoted your own labours. It is therefore proper to consult You in what concerns the National wellfare; and certainly it is of great moment to bring speedily forward, the arrearages of Virginia on the score of its History; Geography; and common concerns.\nI therefore take the liberty of inclosing to You the Titles of the several Works on which I am now preparing matter, as I have arrang\u2019d them in the minutes and materials which I have collected together since I had the pleasure of seeing You. I will refer to them  in their order, and make such observations, or requests as occur. 1st. \u201cThe History of Virginia &c, in a large Quarto or Folio.\u201d\u2014This must be a Work of very considerable magnitude and will require abilities very far superior to mine, aided by public Countenance; and more than their luke warm inducements towards furnishing requisites from the several Quarters where Individuals are possess\u2019d of Personal knowledge or manuscript Materials. I believe You have seen the Plan of my circular Letter of February 1790, whenever this has been answer\u2019d, it has serv\u2019d a good purpose, and some of the few returns which have come to hand are valuable. The Plan is well calculated to obtain the end of modern particulars: but fails in the distinction between an indifferent, and a spirited reccomendation from the Legislature.\nI have to notice under this head that my necessary enquiries in pursuit of Geographical knowledge, lead me unavoidable into a Feild of Historical acquisition; and an intimate acquaintance with the several Reccords. Eighteen Months spent in such researches, necessarily furnishes a desultory collection of Minutes, and transcripts: these thro\u2019 a carefull arrangement have produc\u2019d the several Works specified in the list; and a System is now attended to by giving every Paper its proper file and entry in my office.\nWhen we consider the imperfection of what is yet publish\u2019d (taking Smith\u2019s and Stith\u2019s Histories to 1624, which is only the commencement of our Reccords: for those in the Land Office go no farther back than 1623.) when we find Beverlys History reaching only to 1710, and Keiths (Which I have not yet seen) no later than 1725 perhaps all of them imperfect: It wou\u2019d be allmost criminal to omit some perpetuation of our observations, least some unforseen accident added to the destruction of Time, and havock of the late War, shou\u2019d erradicate the remaining Vestiges of our Chronological essentials. But this kind of perpetuation will be much lighter Evidence to posterity, if it comes thro\u2019 any but official hands: And hence I wou\u2019d ask (tho\u2019 perhaps I ought not, after the President has reccomended my own Plan;) whether it would not be better to put this Work, and the finishing of my large Map on a public footing? In this case I wou\u2019d chearfully resign what is allready done on such terms as are reasonable; and app\u00ecy Myself under their direction and support to the execution of both which wou\u2019d probably reach greater perfection, than is in the power of an individual to do otherwise.\u2014Shou\u2019d You however think this mode either improper, or impracticable, I cou\u2019d wish an Able Partner in the historical part; such as Mr. Hazzard (to whom I have touch\u2019d this subject) or some Gentleman  man whom you cou\u2019d reccomend as a proper Person to finish the fair Copy for the Press: for the rough materials, and maps wou\u2019d fall to my share; and the Lanscapes, Portraits and other drawings can be executed here; unless better Artists shou\u2019d offer else where.\n2d. \u201cA Concise History of Virginia.\u201d\nThis I purpose to compleat on my own Account, as my Minutes in the other Branches will need but little addition to furnish a pocket Volume.\n3d. \u201cThe Traveller\u2019s Guide thro\u2019 the State of Virginia and Strangers Instructor in Common concerns.\u201d\nI am now engag\u2019d on this (as I cannot proceed with the Maps till my Room is plaister\u2019d and finish\u2019d; and am oblig\u2019d to use one at present, too small and dark to admit of my Materials in that undertaking). I flatter myself this will be an usefull Book, and that it will be mostly ready for publication by the meeting of the Assembly: possibly addittions may be made during their sitting, for which I shall have time by Candle light. A dificulty will then arrise as to the printing, and I am at a loss to know how this might be done in Philadelphia: for the presses here will be engag\u2019d at that time; and even when they are at leisure are tedious; extravagant; and incorrect.\nIt will be my chief study to select usefull matter, and confine myself to simple Facts, wholy disengag\u2019d from the Chimerical opinion of mere fancyfull Historians. The arrangements I have made are A Concise Sketch from the first discovery of Virga. to the present time.\nA Short View of the present State Government with the Charters; Constitutions; Officers; Comissions; Oaths; duties &c. The same as to the Federal Departments within the District of Virginia.\nA Compleat View of the several Counties, (includg. Kentuckie) each under their proper Head.\nCommon Concerns; Mercantile and Maritime concerns; and other matters under their proper Heads, with the Laws on each selected from our New Revisal on a plan something like Mercers abridgement.\nThe Roads and Stages thro\u2019 the State, and as far as practicable thro the other States to the Southward and Westward.\nTables of Coins; Weights; Measures; Duties; Fees &c. &c. with a Collection of Treaties; Charters &c., an abridg\u2019d collection of the Laws of Congress where they respect us: with such other desultory Matter as may from time to time occur.\u2014I will be thankfull for any  light You may throw on these subjects either as to what may be improper or what may be addittionaly usefull; and shall be glad to know if I have your permission to extract from your Notes, in the way Mr. Mercer has done.\n4th. \u201cA Topographical Analysis of the United States of America &c.\u201d\nAs I have allready sent a Copy of this to Genl. Knox (tho\u2019 that will not be perfect till the addittions of the Returns I have lately receivd from Kentuckie &c. are added.) I suppose You have seen it. A Compleat Copy is now in Mr. Nicholsons hands; and as soon as he has printed it I shall furnish the Federal and State offices with Copies for public use. I take the liberty here of asking your Opinion, and the Attorney Generalls as it comes within his official province, whether the Law Authorizes entering the Copy for the United States by filing the Title when the first sheet (Virginia) which comprehends the Whole System is compleated? or whether the other States can only be enterd as they are respectively compleated. This is a matter in dispute between the Clerk of the Federal Court and myself; and I have taken care to compleat the entery for the Copy Right of Virginia, and to deposit the one for the United States subject to the Attorny Gls opinion, at the Clerk\u2019s request.\nMy own opinion is that the Law contemplates three several objects, to wit a Security to those whose Works were in esse at the passing of the Act\u2014\u201cA priviledge to those who had been at the pains of searching foreign Countries for valuable Works, with intent to reprint them here\u201d and \u201can inducement to litterary Invention amongst our own Citizens\u201d\u2014I comprehend the Analysis to be of the last Class; and that the compleat Invention entitles me to enter the Copy Right by a deposit of the Title &c.: for if the law is otherwise its purposes are easily defeated when a person supposing it to reward the multiplicity of Labour shall catch the Invention from a Sight of my Copy, or Minutes; and being possess\u2019d of more Money and power than myself shall run away with the execution of 13/14ths. of my intention in spite of my endeavours; and notwithstanding my sacrifices to the object.\nLastly. On the subject of the Maps, The smaller one is that which You reccomended to me at Richmond; and is now nearly compleated as to the Virginia part notwithstanding the disapointments I have experienc\u2019d among the members of Assembly who had promis\u2019d me County Surveys; and the necessity of giving place to the Workmen engag\u2019d on the Capitol: But as to the large map it will need pecuniary assistance from some Quarter.\u2014The difficulties stated last Session  of Assembly, were various on this subject; Some thought the Work ought to be aided, but aided by Congress and not by the Individual State. Others objected to the Term Southern Division, as one calculated to favour a seperate confederacy and lastly a personal dislike on the part of Govr. Harrison; the narrow mindedness of the old Squire; and extreme prudence of John Clarke, with the Restlessness of the House after the disagreable News from General Harmars Troops, beat down all the oratory of Mr. Henry and Colo. Lee; and left me to shift as well as I coud.\u2014I have persevered thus far without help: but as the meeting of the assembly is again approaching and it will most likely be out of my power to be in Philadelphia before that time, I know of no better way than to solicit your attention towards some mode of reccomending the Several Works to public Notice and aid of either Congress or the individual State. Your private opinions on this subject (if an official step is improper) may greatly influence the tone of the Legislature.\nIf any new Maps or Authorities occur to You I will thank You to suggest them. I reccolect a map of Albemarle said to be at Monticello, this woud be usefull to me: but I did not think it proper to ask it of Mr. Randolph without your permission. There are allso several maps which I find it difficult to command. Of these are Churchmans Map of the Peninsula between delaware and Chesapeak; Doctr. Williamsons draft of the Cession Lands; a manuscript of Gl. Seviers said to be left with Yourself or Gl. Knox; but the General writes me he does not remember to have seen it; (this contains the Ten[nessee] and Cherokie Country); Barkers Map of Kentuckie if it is publish\u2019d; Colol. Morgan of the Jerseys promis\u2019d to transmit me further new materials; several New Maps of the Fedl. Lands &c. over the Ohio. If all or any of these or others, are in Your power, I will thank You to lend them, and will promise to take the greatest care to return them in safety. Indeed there is such a difficulty in procuring Geographical materials; and so little care taken of those collected on public account that I have wish\u2019d Your advice whether some plan cou\u2019d not be adapted to our situation by constituting an Office here for the Southern department of the Geographer and obliging the respective County Surveyors to transmit the Surveys of their County as a duty in office, for I find these and many others which have necessarily been once fil\u2019d in the Capitol are now entirely missing. I will particularize Mason and Dixons Line; Byrd and Dandridges; Fry and Jeffersons; Dolensons; Christian and Prestons; Campbells Cherokee Boundary; Thompsons Survey of the Inland Navigation of James River to the falls of Kanhawa &c.\nThese Instances (which must have cost the State some thousand Pounds) occurrd to me at the last Session of Assembly; and I prepar\u2019d a Bill on this subject offering to do the Buisiness for Nothing while I stay here: but tho\u2019 every one saw the necessity of some such arrangement as woud furnish this kind of information with certainty, yet the Creation of a New office was a Bugbear; and the generality seemd to think it ought to be task\u2019d on the Clerk of Council as an addittional duty of his office which wou\u2019d in my opinion put us in no better condition on this head.\nI inclose a copy of the Census and Strength of Kentuckie, by which the Analysis sent Gl. Knox can be amended if he is not allready furnish\u2019d with the same particulars.\nI have to request Your information on the best mode of publishing in France such of my productions as You conceive usefull to Government; and on what plan such publication will be made advantageous to myself: for as I shall necessarily visit France for the Completion of my maps, it wou\u2019d not be amiss to have money laid in there from Sales of the Analysis &c.\nI have sent my Brother to Governor Blount on the Western Post and other Buisiness. Genl. Knox\u2019s last dispatches under Cover to Nicholson were forwarded by Him. He is Authorized by Mr. Davis to make Contracts agreable to Your directions but I think he will not succeed on this Journey; I have made Some Estimates from my knowledge of both Routs, and their dependencies. I think a Capital of 1000\u00a3 will be necessary. The proportion of this that will be sunk in the Annual expenditures will risque too much for one Years contract only; and the two posts at least as far as Columbia will interfere because the Routs will then come within 4 miles and generally ten at Most. Woud it not be better that the post shou\u2019d continue in one to Columbia running a two Horse Stage as far as Staunton and Lynchburgh, the last of which I understand has 14 Stores and some of the Merchants are anxious to encourage this but backwards otherwise. If Government wou\u2019d give up these posts for three years, I think I cou\u2019d bring about the following establishment.\nFrom Richmond to Columbia\nA Two Horse Stage once a Week.\nThe Same from Columbia to Lynchburgh and Staunton\nFrom Lynchburgh to Bottetourt Court House a Single Horse and Mail once in Four Weeks.\nFrom Bottetourt to Abingdon at Washington Court House, a Horse and Mail once a Month.\nFrom Abingdon to Ross\u2019s Iron Works and thence a tour thro Govr. Blounts Territory, a Single Horse and Mail Monthly\nThe Kentuckie Post being subject to Contingencies must pass the Wilderness thro different Roads; consequently Ross\u2019s Iron Works near the Long Island will be the Western Office of this Rout.\nThe Rout From Staunton by Bath and Lewisburgh towards the Mouth of Kanhawa may be establishd on a Simular footing and during the fall Season a Stage may pass to the Springs.\u2014I will consider this subject more fully and if any thing more Occurs shall take the liberty of mentioning it, as Mr. Davis seems to wish my assistance where the Country is known to me.\nWhile I am on this subject, it occurs to me that I experience great difficulty from the postage of information &c. in Works that are of a public nature\u2014wou\u2019d it not be just and practicable to establish some mode of Franking those which concern my Works and confind thereto in strictness are of public concern. I am Dear Sir Yr. Obt. H. Servt.,\nWm. Tatham\nP.S. I feel at a loss for the proper Address to Officers of the Federal Government\u2014for the [Former Reverence] which we espouse warmly on our own principles seems to hold distinction in a dishonorable point of View.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0080", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Harry Innes, 27 August 1791\nFrom: Innes, Harry\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nKentucky August 27th. 1791\nI did myself the pleasure of acknowledging your favor by Mr. Brown in June. His leaving the District to return to Philadelphia presents so favorable an opportunity of writing again, that I cannot omit it and am encouraged by your invitation to a correspondence.\nYour ideas of the impropriety of attacking the Indians by Regular armaments I think will be justly verified by comparing the bad success of Genl. Harmar last fall to the very great, which hath attended the Expeditions of General\u2019s Scott and Wilkinson this summer. The first you are before this informed of; the second hath been almost as successful. Wilkinson, hath destroyed the principal Town of the Ouioctanon Tribe and one Kicapoo Town, cut down about 400 Acres of corn in the Milk, took 35 prisoners, released one Captive and kiled 7 Warriors (1 Squaw and a child by accident), with the loss of two men kiled and 1 wounded slightly in the hand. Harmars loss in men was great, and the expence of the Campaign at least 130000 Dol.\u2014the injury to the Savages very inconsiderable. The expence of Scotts and Wilkinson\u2019s Expeditions will not exceed 42000 Dol.\u2014These two last expeditions will I hope restore the Credit of the Kentucky Militia, and I am confident that if Government would pursue this mode of attacking the Indians by detachments on Horseback it will have the desired effect and compel them to peace. It fills them with Terror and keeps them watching at home.\nThe people of Kentucky are all turned Politicians, from the highest in Office to the Peasant. The Peasantry are perfectly mad\u2014extraordinary prejudices and without foundation have arisen against the present Officers of Government, the Lawyers and the Men of Fortune. They say plain honest Farmers are the only men who ought to be elected to form our Constitution. What will be the end of these prejudices it is difficult to say. They have given a very serious alarm to every thinking man, who are determined to watch and court the temper of the people.\nAs the time is not very distant when our District is to come into existence as a member of the Union, I beg leave to request you to appropriate some of your leisure moments to answer the following Quaeries\u2014What kind of an Executive is most eligible for a State Government, a Chief Magistrate only, or one with a Council\u2014Which is the most eligible mode of choosing a Senate, by Commissioners, or by the People\u2014Whether is it best to have a Court of  Chancery separate or as the old Genl. Court of Virga. and as the F\u0153dral Courts now are\u2014Whether Elections of the Legislature ought to be annual or biennial\u2014Whether the Chief Magistrate ought to be re-elected after the expiration of his Election, or ought there to be a certain period of exception.\nIt is my wish to collect the sentiments of Gentlemen of abilities and experience on these questions previous to the formation of our Government, as in our infant Country we have very few characters, who have turned their attention to these important subjects. I have therefore ventured sir to ask your Opinion on them, under a confidence that it will not be withholden, when you reflect that it may tend to the general good of mankind. Without any other appology I am with very great respect Dr Sir your mo. ob. Servt.,\nHarry Innes\nWe are extremely anxious to be informed of the Answer given by the Co. of Spain to the demand of the Navigation of the Mississippi, so far as may be consistent and agreable to you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0081", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Ross, 27 August 1791\nFrom: Ross, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Saturday 27 August 1791.\nI shoud take pleasure in communicating any information in my power Respecting the Commerce of a favourable prospect to America, but find I can add nothing to what you have already obtained. Nor can I say much of the Danish Trade, having had but little intercourse with Danmark in my commercial pursutes.\nTheir Trade in that Kingdom depend principally on India, their own West India Islands and on Iceland, and are Supplyed with the Articles proper for carrying on this Trade from different parts of Europe. England Supplys a great part, in their Manufactorys, and with the chiefe part of the only Article of American produce Required by them, vizt. Tobacco.\u2014Iceland Supplys a great proportion of their Oyle and Fish, and as to Rice there is no great consumpt nor demand at any of the Danish markets in Europe, except at Altona, and occasionally in the Dutchy of Holstain.\u2014American Shipping were employed before the War to carry their West India Produce to Coppenhagen and if I am not mistaken coud be sold in  that Kingdom Subject to a trifling duty. But whether any alterations may have been made since, to encourage their own Navigation, is what I cannot venture to say with certainty. They Build many fine Shipping and employ a great Number in the line of Freight from Altona and other Ports.\nI think Mr. Campbell who is here at present from Denmark, and looks forward to the appointment of Consul for that Nation, will be a proper person to give you the information you wish on this Subject. With real Respect and Esteem I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your very obedt Servant,\nJno. Ross\nP.S. The Danes Receive favourably all articles of Commerce from this Country Subject to the Sound Dutys imposed on all Nations, and these dutys are imposed on every Article that passes the Sound in a certain degree, whither introduced to the Danish Markets or not.\u2014The Revenue of the Kingdom depending in a great degree on this toll. J.R.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0084", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 28 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 28. 1791.\nI have just now recieved your two favors of the 22d. with the information, always welcome to me, of the health of our family. Mr. Derieux\u2019s letters will go by a vessel which sails on Saturday next, consequently before his power of Attorney arrives, nor can I leave any directions to forward it, as the letter inclosing it cannot be described to the chief clerk of the office so as to authorize him to open it. Of course it will come back again to me at Monticello, for which place I set out on the 3d. of the month. I am to meet the Commissioners of the public buildings at George town on the 8th. and may possibly be at Mr. Madison\u2019s in Orange the 11th. I should be very glad if a pair of good steady waggon horses could be sent  to me there on that day, as the road from thence is very hilly, my horses will be jaded and I shall there drop the horse of my companion Mr. Madison which will help us on so far. The doubt is whether you may recieve this in time, tho I hope you will.\u2014The papers will convey to you the event of the king of France\u2019s attempt to escape.\u2014I have a letter for Mr. Derieux, but I think it safer to reserve and take it with me. Kiss the girls for me and assure of my love. Your\u2019s Dear Sir affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0085", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Brown, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Brown, James\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 29. 1791.\nBy the sloop Polly capt. Heath I the other day forwarded to your address a small box containing putty, which be so good as to send for me to Monticello. I am Sir Your very humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0086", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Joshua Johnson, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Johnson, Joshua\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 29. 1791.\nI have now to acknolege the reciept of your several favours of Mar. 26. and 27. Apr. 4. and 18. and May 31.\nYour conduct with respect to Mr. Purdie is perfectly approved, as the papers you sent on his subject shew it was not a case on which the government should commit itself: nor would they have thought of doing it, if the papers they had before recieved had not been of a very different import. We would chuse never to commit ourselves but when we are so clearly in the right as to admit no doubt.\nI thank you for the statements of the Whale fisheries. With respect to the Cod fishery, as you say it would cost dear, I will decline asking it: for tho\u2019 those statements are desireable at a moderate  expence, they are not of a nature to justify me in procuring them at a great one. The paper indeed which you mention in your letter of Apr. 18. would be worth a good deal. I should not think 50. or 100 guineas mispent in getting the whole original, from what I know already of it. However I expect it cannot be obtained.\nWith respect to your enquiries on the subject of Consuls, viceconsuls and Agents, you will observe that the system of the U.S. is different from that of other nations. We appoint only native citizens Consuls. Where a port is important enough to merit a consular appointment, if there is a deserving native there, he is named Consul; if none, we name a merchant of the place vice consul, notifying him that whenever a citizen settles there, he will be named Consul, and that during his residence the functions of the Vice consul will cease, but revive again on his departure. In the mean time the Vice consul of one port and it\u2019s vicinities has no dependance on the Consul of another. Each acts independantly in his department, which extends to all places within the same allegiance nearer to him than to any other consul or vice consul. Each may appoint agents within their department, who are to correspond with themselves. In France we have three Consuls (natives) and several vice consuls (Frenchmen). In England yourself and Mr. Maury are consuls, Mr. Auldjo is a vice consul. In Ireland Mr. Knox is consul. Each has his determinate and independant jurisdiction. This account of our system will answer your enquiries, and shew you that you may appoint agents under yourself in all ports nearer to you than to either Mr. Maury or Mr. Auldjo.\nI received also the sequel of your account down to Mar. 31. all of which I find properly chargeable, the former balance being first corrected according to my letter on that subject. I must beg the favour of you to make out your account annually only, because I find it very difficult to get small bills of exchange: and I will propose the 30th. day of June to terminate the annual account, because that is the day of the year on which all the accounts within my department must be brought to a balance, the grant of money being annually for the year from July 1. to June 30. inclusive.\nI inclose you a letter from the President to Mr. Young with whom he has a correspondence, and I am to ask the favor of you to let Mr. Young know that you will in future be the channel of correspondence and convey letters and packages mutually. Whatever expences of postage or transportation may occur in that correspondence, be so good as to pay, and make a separate annual statement of it, and it shall be remitted with the public balance. It is necessary to separate  it from the public account because it concerns the President only and not my department.\nI recieve regularly the papers you forward, tho\u2019 I have not noted them by the dates.\u2014I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0087", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Johnson, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Johnson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 29. 1791.\nThe President having recieved a joint letter of the Commissioners on the subject of regulations, and two separate letters from Mr. Carrol on other subjects, as also Majr. Lenfant\u2019s plan these have been the subjects of conferences held at his desire and in his presence. He has concluded an immediate meeting of the Commissioners necessary, to take preliminary measures preparatory to a commencement of sale on the day appointed. As Mr. Madison and myself, who were at those conferences shall be passing thro\u2019 Georgetown on our way to Virginia, he wished the meeting of the Commissioners could be so timed as to enable us to communicate to them the ideas  developed at the conferences and approved by the President, supposing we might be able to resolve any doubts of the Commissioners on those subjects in whatever points of view they might present themselves. We shall be in Georgetown the evening of the 7th. or morning of the 8th. of the next month in time for attending the Commissioners on that day, and in hopes they may in the course of it make all the use of us they may desire, so that we may pursue our journey the next morning. Time and distance have obliged me to take the liberty of proposing the day. A letter to the joint Commissioners is gone to George town, and I write this separate one to you vi\u00e2 Baltimore to multiply the chances of your recieving it in time. I am with great & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0088", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, 29 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ross, David\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 29. 1791.\nThe time of my departure for Virginia being now fixed on the 2d. or 3d of the ensuing month, I am able to say I shall arrive about the 13th. at Monticello where I shall be happy to find a letter from you which may enable us to have our difference of opinion decided. My stay in Virginia will not be of more than three or four weeks, and it will not be in my power to leave my own house. I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0091", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Banneker, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Banneker, Benjamin\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 30. 1791.\nI thank you sincerely for your letter of the 19th. instant and for the Almanac it contained. No body wishes more than I do to see such proofs as you exhibit, that nature has given to our black brethren, talents equal to those of the other colours of men, and that the appearance of a want of them is owing merely to the degraded  condition of their existence both in Africa and America. I can add with truth that no body wishes more ardently to see a good system commenced for raising the condition both of their body and mind to what it ought to be, as fast as the imbecillity of their present existence, and other circumstances which cannot be neglected, will admit.\u2014I have taken the liberty of sending your almanac to Monsieur de Condorcet, Secretary of the Academy of sciences at Paris, and member of the Philanthropic society because I considered it as a document to which your whole colour had a right for their justification against the doubts which have been entertained of them. I am with great esteem, Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0092", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Condorcet, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Condorcet, Marie Jean Antoine Nicolas de Caritat, Marquis de\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 30. 1791.\nI am to acknolege the reciept of your favor on the subject of the element of measure adopted by France. Candor obliges me to confess that it is not what I would have approved. It is liable to the inexactitude of mensuration as to that part of the quadrant of the earth which is to be measured, that is to say as to one tenth of the quadrant, and as to the remaining nine tenths they are to be calculated on conjectural data, presuming the figure of the earth which has not yet been proved. It is liable too to the objection that no nation but your own can come at it; because yours is the only nation within which a meridian can be found of such extent crossing the 45th. degree and terminating at both ends in a level. We may certainly say then that this measure is uncatholic, and I would rather have seen you depart from Catholicism in your religion than in your Philosophy.\nI am happy to be able to inform you that we have now in the United States a negro, the son of a black man born in Africa, and of a black woman born in the United States, who is a very respectable Mathematician. I procured him to be employed under one of our chief directors in laying out the new federal city on the Patowmac, and in the intervals of his leisure, while on that work, he made an Almanac for the next year, which he sent me in his own handwriting, and which I inclose to you. I have seen very elegant solutions of Geometrical problems by him. Add to this that he is a very worthy  and respectable member of society. He is a free man. I shall be delighted to see these instances of moral eminence so multiplied as to prove that the want of talents observed in them is merely the effect of their degraded condition, and not proceeding from any difference in the structure of the parts on which intellect depends.\nI am looking ardently to the completion of the glorious work in which your country is engaged. I view the general condition of Europe as hanging on the success or failure of France. Having set such an example of philosophical arrangement within, I hope it will be extended without your limits also, to your dependants and to your friends in every part of the earth.\u2014Present my affectionate respects to Madame de Condorcet, and accept yourself assurance of the sentiments of esteem & attachment with which I have the honour to be Dear Sir Your most obedt & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0095", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Duane, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Duane, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 30. 1791.\nThe bearer hereof, Mr. Osmont, is a young gentleman who was very particularly recommended to me from France, and who very particularly deserved it as he is a young man of extraordinary merit and talents. I take the liberty of asking your advice to him in the following case wherein I am not sufficiently informed to counsel him. A Frenchman of the name of Le tonnelier, who was connected with Penet in the Oneida country, and claimed a part of the lands given there by the Indians to Penet, or to Penet and him, went to France where he offered them for sale. Mr. Osmont had just then received from his ruined parents their blessing and what guineas they could raise, to go abroad to seek his fortune. He determined to come to America, and was persuaded by Le tonnelier to take his lands and give him his money. He did so, and this money enabled Le Tonnelier to run off from his creditors, without having made a regular conveyance to Mr. Osmont, who now wishes to be advised whether he might hope for success were he [to] undertake the trouble and expence of going to the Oneida country to seek after the land. On this subject my own inability to advise him makes me ask  for him the charity of your information. I am with great esteem Dr. Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0096", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to C. W. F. Dumas, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 30. 1791.\nI am to acknolege the reciept of your favors of Jan. 23 Feb. 15. Apr. 8. and May 24. with the intelligence they contained, and the regular transmission of the Leyden gazette by the British packet.\nA course of tranquil prosperity leaves me nothing to detail to you. The crops of the earth are again promising, public credit remains high, and a general content prevailing thro the states. A first expedition against the Indians this summer has been succesful, having ended in killing 30 odd, capturing 50. odd, and burning 3 towns. A second is gone against them. These we hope will suffice to induce them to accept our peace and protection, which is all we ask of them. You will wonder they should need to be beaten into this. It is the effect of insinuations from our neighbors.\nI shall hope, before the meeting of Congress, to recieve your account brought down to the 30th. of June last past, as I am to lay before Congress a statement of the accounts of my department to that day in every year.\u2014I am with very great & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0098", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Fenwick, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Fenwick, Joseph\nSir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 30. 1791.\nThe object of the present is principally to acknolege the receipt of your favors of Feb. 10. Mar. 22. 29. and Apr. 26. and the cases of wine forwarded for the President and myself, for your care of which be pleased to accept my thanks. I hope you have drawn on Mr. Short for the balance of 143\u20b6\u20139s due to you.\nThe difference of 6\u20b6\u20135s duty on tobo. carried in French and American bottoms makes an extreme impression here. Notwithstanding the dispositions expressed by the National assembly to treat on a friendly footing, I fear a retaliation will be thought indispensable, which if equivalent to their duty on our vessels will have the appearance of hostility. An additional tonnage of 12\u20b6\u201310s the ton burthen on all French ships entering the ports of the U.S. would be but equivalent to an additional duty of 6\u20b6\u20135s the hogshead on all tobo. carried in American ships into the ports of France. I take for granted the National assembly were surprised into the measure by persons whose avarice blinded them to the consequences, and hope it will be repealed before our legislature shall be obliged to act on it. Such an attack on our carriage of our own productions, and such a retaliation would illy prepare the minds of the two nations for a liberal treaty as wished for by the real friends of both.\nI trouble you again in the affairs of my neighbor M. de Rieux, whose letters I leave open for your perusal, as they will explain their  object, together with the one addressed to yourself. I must ask the favor of you to advise Mr. Plumard de Rieux of Nantes as to the best mode of remitting the money hither, as that will be much better known to you on the spot, than to me at this distance.\u2014I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. I will beg of you to procure the speediest remittance possible to M. de Rieux of Virginia as I know him to be in pressing distress.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0099", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Maury, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Maury, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 30. 1791.\nI am to acknolege the reciept of your favor of the 23d. of June, and of the copy of the Corn law, which was the first information I had of it\u2019s passage, and is now the only information of it\u2019s form.\nYou observe that some masters of vessels refuse to comply with your requisitions to furnish the particulars of your reports. To this we are obliged to submit until the legislature shall go thro their Consular bill and decide whether they will oblige the masters or not to render accounts.\nThe crops of wheat in America have been remarkeably fine. A drought about the time of harvest and since that, has afflicted certain parts of the country beyond any thing known since the year 1755. Albemarle is among the most suffering parts. Corn is there now at 20/. There have been fine rains lately which will recover the tobo. in some degree, but the corn was past recovery.\u2014I am with great & sincere esteem, Dear Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0100", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Gouverneur Morris, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Morris, Gouverneur\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 30. 1791.\nMy letter of July 26. covered my first of exchange for a thousand dollars; and tho that went by so sure an opportunity as to leave little doubt of it\u2019s receipt, yet for greater security I inclose a second.\nThe tranquillity of our country leaves us nothing to relate which may interest a mind surrounded by such bruyant scenes as yours. No matter; I will still tell you the charming tho\u2019 homespun news, that our crops of wheat have been abundant and of superior quality; that very great tho partial drough[ts] have destroyed the crops of hay to the North and corn to the South, that the late rains may recover the tobo. to a midling crop, and that the feilds of rice are promising.\nI informed you in my last of the success of our first expedition against the Indians. A second is gone against them the result of which is not yet known. Our public credit is good. But the abundance of paper has produced a spirit of gambling in the funds which has laid up our ships at the wharves as too slow instruments of profit, and has even disarmed the hand of the taylor of his needle and thimble. They say the evil will cure itself. I wish it may. But I have rarely seen a gamester cured even by the disasters of his vocation.\u2014Some new indications of the ideas with which the British cabinet are coming into treaty confirm your opinions, which I knew to be right, but the Anglomany of some would not permit them to accede to. Adieu my dear Sir Your affectionate humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0101", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Aug. 30. 1791.\nI wrote to you very fully six days ago by the way of Havre\u2014this letter will be sent to London to be forwarded by the English packet which sails next week\u2014it incloses one for the secretary of the treasury.\nThe assembly have at length completed their charte constitutionelle. In abolishing the requisite formerly decreed for members of the legislature they have augmented somewhat that of electors. Still it is so inconsiderable as not to exclude from that body men who are poor enough to be dependent for their subsistance or that of their families, on those who are rich enough to purchase their votes\u2014this is with reason considered as a great defect in the constitution. In abolishing all titles of nobility the assembly have preserved that of Prince for the members of the Royal family\u2014they are excluded  however from any of the places which depend on the choice of the people. The Duke of Orleans and his friends opposed the decree with all their force. He declared he was ready to resign all the rights attached to the members of the Royal family rather than be deprived of those of a French citizen. This like all the other efforts which he has made during the present revolution, only served to expose him to the sarcasms and contempt of his enemies.\nIt was expected that the committees would to day propose the mode of offering the constitution to the Kings acceptance. It seems however that they intend first to fix the manner of reforming the constitution by conventions\u2014that subject is made the order of to day\u2014the mode of acceptance will probably be proposed in the course of the week. The opinion at present is that the King will accept the constitution making some observations on the parts which he considers defective. By one of those vicissitudes which takes place in the course of revolutions the three members who formerly were the demagogues of the assembly (A. Lameth, Duport and Barnave) have now lost all their favor and gained in some measure the confidence of the King and Queen\u2014there is no doubt that they have secret communications. This triumvirate resolved to risk every thing to attain the ministry, have removed all the obstacles, except the decree of the assembly which excludes its members. They have attempted in vain to have it repealed\u2014it is now said that they have prevailed on the King to include this among the alterations he will ask. The assembly however being aware of the motive and being constant in the sentiment of jealousy of their own members and particularly violent at this moment in the hatred of these three, will certainly reject any proposals for changing this decree. The certainty of this may perhaps also prevent their being made. It seems certain however that this triumvirate has been too long accustomed to rule and are of dispositions too active in intrigue to allow themselves to be condemned to nullity for two years, without making every effort to prevent it.\nThe King remains in the same state of confinement as yet. He receives any of the French nation that he pleases, and as well as the Queen, has always a great number who go to pay their court. The corps diplomatique are not admitted, they all go to M. de Montmorin\u2019s except the Swedish Ambassador. The assembly have decreed that the King\u2019s guard shall consist of 1200 men of his own choice, to be paid out of the civil list\u2014they reserve to themselves however the right of organising the corps. Until that is done he will of course be guarded by those who are not of his choice.\nThe elections for the next assembly are going on. The members  will assemble here in the course of the next month and probably displace their predecessors in the early part of October. The clubs which are dispersed throughout the Kingdom, and who have under the pretence of watching the several fonctionaires publics arrogated to themselves all the powers of government, will control the elections in most places. It is feared therefore that the next assembly will be composed of many violent, exagerated and bad men. As the general opinion however is that they are to have some limits to their powers, it may be hoped that they will not trespass all bounds in usurping the exercise of all the branches of government; and if so, they will not cause the present assembly to be regretted as its members seem to flatter themselves.\nThe intelligence which continues to arrive from S. Domingo increases the alarms here. It is probably much exagerated by the different parties for different purposes, but is in reality bad enough. The troops there have taken side with the white inhabitants who are unanimously against the decree in favor of the gens de couleur. The commissaries intended to be sent there so long ago have resigned\u2014others named have set out\u2014whilst at Brest the assembly determined (a few days ago) that their departure should be suspended until the colonial committee should have made their report on the late troubles. It is said they sailed before this determination could be announced to them. This is the more unfortunate as they will go with orders to enforce the decree of May 15. and it is probable the assembly will either repeal or modify it. The colonial committee however are so much divided on this subject that several of its members have quitted it.\nNothing new has taken place in the political state of Europe since my last. I then announced to you the certainty of peace in the North among the Christian powers. The Turks abandoned by those who have hitherto kept the countenance of supporting them, must necessarily subscribe to the conditions offered by the Empress of Russia. The principal is the cession of the territory on the Russian side of the Dniester. The late successes of the Imperial arms do not admit of the Crimea being brought into question. Mr. Pitt will probably have an advantageous treaty of commerce to present to the next Parliament as a compensation for the late expences of arming ostensibly against that power. The British arms have been more successful in Asia than their negotiations in Europe. The last advices from that quarter shew that the capital of Tippo Saib is in peril. It was expected that Lord Cornwallis would soon force him to a general action which could not fail to be fatal.\nSpain has hopes of some respite on the coast of Africa by the  interposition of the new Dey of Algiers. The seige of Oran it is said is suspended. The pride of the Spanish cabinet does not permit them to abandon their possessions on that coast, which certainly occasion much more expence than they are worth. The edict lately made with respect to foreigners, designed principally against the French, is so difficult of execution and productive of so much inconvenience that explanatory amendments have become necessary. They have been published two or three times successively. The edict occasions much injury and discontent among some parts of the community. It will probably fall into desuetude.\nThe gazettes will be sent as usual by the way of Havre. In them you will see a state of the French commerce for the years of 88 and 89. It is formed by the committee of commerce and has been laid before the assembly to shew that the revolution has not an unfavorable influence, even in the midst of its disorders, on the commercial operations of this country. I beg you to remain fully persuaded of the sentiments of respect & affection with which you have ever known me to be, Dear Sir, Your friend & servant,\nW. Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0102", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 31 August 1791\nFrom: Fenwick, Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBordeaux 31 August 1791.\nThe foregoing is a copy of my last respects covering a report of the vessels that entered and cleared from this port the first six months of the present year, copy of which is also inclosed.\nThe political situation of France is at present an obstacle to the commercial intercourse with America. The difficulty of procuring specie, its high price, the very low exchange with the neighbouring Countries, and the incertitude of the Government are circumstances that opperate against the Americans and tend to discourage many  from resorting to the french markets with their produce. The late bad crops of wine and very high price of Brandy (the principal export to America) also contribute. I hope in a little time things will be permanently established. The Constitution will soon be presented to the King and on his disposition toward it, will depend the tranquillity and credit of the Country. If he accepts freely, all will probably go well, but if he rejects it, it is to be feared the Country will be plunged into a greater state of incertitude, division, and discredit, than it has been since the begining of the Revolution. There is very little doubt but the King will accept, yet the National Assembly seem to be preparing for a refusal, by augmenting their Troops on the frontiers and providing against an invasion.\nI could wish it was possible to engage all American Sailors that come out of the Country to be provided with a certificate of their Citizenship, and that there was a law to oblige each vessel to take home two or three men that might be in real distress in foreign ports, or that the Consuls were furnished with some funds and directions to aid them. I have been obliged in several instances to make advances to releive such as were in actual want, and to procure them a passage home; which I hope the United States will repay. I have and shall avoid as much as possible going into any expence on their account, but there are instances when necessity and humanity require it. With the greatest respect & consideration I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nJoseph Fenwick", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0103", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton, 31 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nTh: Jefferson presents his respectful compliments to the Secretary of the Treasury and incloses him the proposed letter to the Minister of France, in which however he shall be glad to make any modifications of expression to accomodate it more perfectly to the ideas of the Secretary of the Treasury. It will be necessary to shew it in it\u2019s ultimate form to the President before it be sent.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0104", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, [31 August 1791]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia, 31 Aug. 1791]\nMr. Hamilton presents his compliments to the Secretary of State. He would think the turn of expression on the whole safer, if instead of what follows the words \u201cdepreciated medium\u201d the following was substituted\u2014\u201cand that in the final liquidation of the payments, which shall have been made, due regard will be had for an equitable allowance for the circumstance of depreciation.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0105", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 31 August 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 31 Aug. 1791. The enclosed papers reveal that the report of Louis XVI\u2019s rejection of the French constitution, mentioned in his last letter, is premature. The Gazettes from France that arrived tardily yesterday were probably delayed in Spain. The Gazettes of Leyden forwarded with this letter were delivered by sea to save postal expenses. The two English packets that arrived here late last week brought few letters and some newspapers containing a note from Burgess to the master of Lloyd\u2019s Coffee House proving that \u201cthe British Ministry believe a Peace in the North will certainly be effected.\u201d\u2014French affairs continue to arouse widespread interest. He is the only member of the diplomatic corps, with the possible exception of the minister from Prussia, who is not an enemy to the French Revolution. It is difficult for him to become acquainted with other members of the diplomatic corps because it is almost impossible to avoid the subjects of \u201cRevolution and Politics\u201d in conversation. He cannot conceal his own opinions and thinks it indiscreet to endeavor to try to change the opinions of others.\u2014The Papal nuncio, the most respected member of the diplomatic corps, spoke well of him in private letters to one of the professors at Mafra. Last week he spent a day with the nuncio, the secretary of the Inquisition, and several other ecclesiastical dignitaries \u201cat a beautiful Quinta belonging to the Fathers of Mafra, which is very near this City.\u201d During this visit the nuncio received foreign letters by special courier but nothing important occurred. \u201cI cultivate the friendship of this Class of Society the rather, because I have found many extremely worthy Characters among them, because they are capable of making in proper places impressions much to the advantage of my Country, and because on occasions their friendly influence might possibly be very useful to us. In truth it is fashionable among them to speak well of the United States.\u201d\u2014At first M. Chalons, the French ambassador, treated him  politely, thinking he was an Englishman. Since then he has had little contact with Chalons and none at all with the Dukes of Luxembourg and Coigny, the latter of whom resides with the ambassador. Chalons has been especially friendly with the Margrave of Anspach.\u2014In his letter of 7 June he mentioned that the Chevalier de Ca\u00e3mona, the Spanish charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires, was interested in a diplomatic appointment to America, and he had since tried to use him to influence the Spanish ministry to negotiate with the U.S. Ca\u00e3mona has now lost interest, having been appointed minister to Switzerland. Yesterday he visited him on the eve of his departure but was unable to engage him in political conversation.\u2014All the English here have been attentive and polite to him. \u201cIn short Persons of no nation have been more so.\u201d He lent \u201cthe Federalist, Gazettes, and other publications\u201d to several English gentlemen who were eager to learn more about the United States.\u2014There is no truth to the report in one of the enclosed papers that English ships carrying fish lately arrived here. He is authorized to say that not one vessel with new fish has yet arrived.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0106", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 31 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jones, John Paul\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Aug. 31. 1791.\nI am to acknolege the receipt of your favor of Mar. 20 with the several papers it inclosed, which were duly communicated to the President. No proof was necessary to satisfy us here of your good conduct every where. In answer to your request to obtain and transmit the proper authority of the U.S. for your retaining the order of St. Anne conferred on you by the Empress, I can only say that the Executive of our government are not authorized either to grant or refuse the permission you ask, and consequently cannot take on themselves to do it. Whether the legislature would undertake to do it or not, I cannot say. In general there is an aversion to meddle with any thing of that kind here, and the event would be so doubtful that the Executive would not commit themselves by making the proposition to the legislature.\nOur new constitution works well, and gives general satisfaction. Public credit is high. We have made a successful expedition against the Indians this summer, and another is gone against them, which we hope will induce them to peace. A census of our numbers taken this summer, gives us reason to believe we are about 4,100,000 of all ages and sexes. A state of tranquil prosperity furnishing no particular and interesting events to communicate to you, I have only to add assurances of the constant esteem & attachment of Dear Sir your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0108", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Charles L\u2019Enfant, 31 August 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: L\u2019Enfant, Pierre Charles\nWednesday Aug. 31.\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Majr. Lenfant, and begs the favor of him to come and take a dinner with him and Mr. Madison alone tomorrow at half after three, as they wish to converse with him before their departure on several matters relative to George town.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0109", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Peyton Short, 31 August 1791\nFrom: Short, Peyton\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nIndian-Queen Augst. 31. 1791\nI am a brother of Mr. W. Short, the Gentleman whom you have so long honored with your friendship and patronage.\u2014My great Anxiety to obtain some intelligence respecting him, induces me to impose so far on your goodness of heart as beg the favor of you to acquaint me with the latest Advices you have received from him.\nHas he ever forwarded to your Cover any Letters for me?\u2014Will you suffer me to leave with you a few lines to be transmitted him by the first safe Conveyance?\nI shall, tomorrow, set off for Virga. If you have any Commands in that quarter, should be happy to be honored with them.\u2014I am, Sir, respectfully Yrs. &c.,\nPeyton Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0110", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 31 August 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis August 31. 1791.\nI had the honor of writing to you yesterday by the English packet. This inclosing a letter for the Secretary of the treasury, will be delivered to you by a M. de Barth, son to the person of that name who is gone to settle in the western country. I have not seen him, but have promised his brother who seems to be a worthy to introduce the bearer to you.\nYou will see in the gazettes sent, as low down as this date, that an embarkation of troops took place in Spain in July, and that from the state of provisions on board it was conjectured they were for some part of the gulph of Mexico. I know nothing further of this matter but suppose it probable. You will have been informed of it, if true, by Mr. Carmichael.\nCount de Mercy has gone to England. It is said he is to remain there eight or ten days only. Blumendorf takes so much pains here to convince every body that the object of his journey is merely to examine the English mode of agriculture that I am fully convinced that it is not the true one. It is certain that the affairs of France have been presented to the consideration of the principal powers of Europe by the Emperor, and particularly to that of England and Prussia. I know not whether their ideas are brought to any common center on this subject and it will be probably difficult. Yet when we consider the influence which Kings Nobility and Clergy have in Europe, and that they consider the French revolution as in some degree personal against them, joined to the inviting situation of French affairs, both here and in their islands, it is impossible to say what effects and prodigies of union may be brought about against them. The issue of Count de Mercy\u2019s journey to England will perhaps give some better grounds of conjecture.\nI know not whether the malevolence of England still continues the same against the U.S., but should suppose it probable at least at St. James\u2019s. If so it would be possible that that court engaging in a cruisade with other powers against the French revolution might  have a disposition to make use of so good an opportunity of seeking some revenge of us. I have no reason whatever for suspecting it, yet it seems so natural that that country should see with a jealous eye our present prosperity and particularly our increasing navigation and must naturally have so much desire to check that part of our growth that some act against our fisheries or against the carrying branch of our commerce would seem to me not absolutely impossible. The apprehensions entertained of the U.S. by the European powers having colonies in the islands would make them well enough satisfied, it seems to me, with any step that should tend to prevent our having a navy.\u2014I mention these circumstances, as you will easily see Sir, as being merely conjectures founded on other conjectures. All may be groundless perhaps but it is not amiss to be aware of them.\nYou will learn from the Secretary of the Treasury the probability of the U.S. being able to make loans in London. I sent him in my letter of the 23d. inst. a copy of Mr. A. Donald\u2019s letter to me on that subject. Not knowing Mr. Donald myself and having heard you speak of him as being long and well acquainted with him, I have referred him to you to say how far his authority is to be relied on. I am with the sincerest affection & regard, Dear Sir, your friend & servant,\nW: Short\nP.S. I inclose you a state of the Nantucket fishery at Dunkirk for the years 88. and 89. I have not been able yet to get that of L\u2019Orient.\u2014I lately sent to the bankers at Amsterdam the amount of the articles which you direct them to charge to the department of State. I find there are some trifles omitted. I mention this because the account I shall send you will differ to this amount from that you will probably have received from them before I could put them right.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0114", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Rausan, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Rausan, Madame de\n\u00e0 Philadelphie ce 1er. 7bre. 1791.\nJ\u2019ai bien re\u00e7u, Madame, les vins de Rauzan, que vous avez eu la bont\u00e9 de m\u2019envoyer, en bon etat, et sans qu\u2019il y avoit rien de cass\u00e9; et j\u2019en suis tout-\u00e0-fait content. J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de vous en demander actuellement un envoi de cinq cens bouteilles de l\u2019ann\u00e9e 1785. en bouteilles, et de deux barriques de 250 bouteilles chacun, de la recolte de l\u2019ann\u00e9e 1790. en futaille: et je vous prie de vouloir bien faire passer le tout a Monsr. Fenwick, qui vous en fera payer le montant.\u2014J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre avec des sentiments tres respectueux Madame, Votre tres humble et tres obeisst. serviteur,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0115", "content": "Title: Henry Remsen, Jr. to Tobias Lear, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Remsen, Henry, Jr.\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nSir\nSeptember 1st. 1791.\nThe power or commission from the President of the United States to the Secretary of the Treasury to borrow money, I will do myself the honor of sending you a copy of tomorrow, as we shall be wholly employed this day in completing several pieces of business that require finishing before Mr. Jefferson sets out.\u2014The powers from  the Secretary of the Treasury to Mr. Short, and to Messrs. Willinks, Van Staphorsts and Hubbard, founded on the power to him, have been sent to Mr. Jefferson for perusal and but returned to the Secretary of the Treasury.\nThe bearer will wait for the Commissions now sent, which, with the ratified Contracts, will be transmitted to the Secretary of the Treasury this afternoon.\u2014I have the honor to be & ca,\nH. Remsen Junr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0116", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Sep. 1. 1791.\nFinding it necessary to send to Bordeaux for my year\u2019s stock of wine, I inclose herein a bill of exchange of Mr. John Vaughan of this place on Messieurs Le Coulteux & co. for a thousand livres Tournois. Besides this, being in the moment of my departure for Virginia, I leave my letter open with a friend to put into it another bill of \u00a340. sterling on London, which a broker is now in quest of for me. I make them payable to you, because if you will be so good as to negociate them, it will save a good deal of time, which would be lost by their going to Bordeaux and back again, and I have therefore, in the inclosed, mentioned it to Mr. Fenwick, to whom I must ask you to write a line.\nThe most ingenious workman in America, Mr. Leslie, a watchmaker, being the same to whom we are indebted for the idea of the rod-pendulum as an Unit of measure, has desired me to endeavor to get some workmen for him, to wit, a good movement maker, a finisher, and casemaker, used to gold and silver work. He will advance the expences of their passage from Paris to Philadelphia, and when they arrive here, he will expect them to work for him exclusively, till they shall have reimbursed him his advances, and the money for their subsistance which may be necessary in the mean time, he allowing them the Paris price for their work by the peice.\u2014I am in hopes you can get such men without any other trouble than speaking to Mayer or Chanterot. Should they not be able to bear their own expences from Paris to Havre, be so good as to pay them on my account and reimburse yourself from my funds. Their passage from Havre to this place may be paid here.\nI inclose you a letter from your brother who arrived here yesterday, and went off to-day. He wrote me a line on his arrival, which I  received just as I was setting out to dine in the country. I immediately wrote to ask him to come and dine with me to-day, but his hurry prevented him; so that he is gone without my seeing him. I am, my dear Sir, with constant affection your sincere friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0117", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Smith, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Smith, Daniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSouthwest Territory, 1 Sep. 1791. Enclosing proceedings of Gov. Blount. Suggests official seal be prepared for Gov. Blount at public expense to replace private one thus far used in the territory.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0118", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Baptiste Ternant, 1 September 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ternant, Jean Baptiste\nSir\nPhiladelphia. Sep. 1. 1791.\nI have communicated to the President what passed between us the other day on the subject of the paiments made to France by the United States in the assignats of that country, since they have lost their par with gold and silver: and after conferences, by his instruction, with the Secretary of the Treasury, I am authorised to assure you that the government of the United States have no idea of paying their debt in a depreciated medium, and that in the final liquidation of the payments, which shall have been made, due regard will be had to an equitable allowance for the circumstance of depreciation.\u2014I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect esteem & respect Sir Your most obedt. And most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0119", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 2 September 1791\nFrom: Eppes, Francis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nRichmond September 2d. 91\nYour favour the 8th. of August I have recd I wish it was in my power to say somthing certain about Mazzeis claim against Capt. Hyltons Estate. It ought certainly to be paid. I never had his account and wish you coud assertain its amount. Every thing in my power shall be done to have settle\u2019d whilst you are in Virginia. I have no part of the Estate in my hands having given in an account of my administration and given up all the bonds in my possession to Ralph Hylton to collect. I shall see him shortly and will inquire what prospects he has for collection. The Estate is by no means insolvent.\nBetsy and my self wou\u2019d most willingly meet you at the mountain were it possible. She on the twenty fourth of last added a fine girl to the Family, which will put it out of her power to move any distance from home this Winter. As soon as I hear of your arrival will do my self the pleasure of waiting on you if you find it impossible to pay a Visit to Eppington. We shall be happy in seeing Mr. and Mrs. Randolph and Polly with you. Your account of Jack gives me great pleasure. I hope he will at all times make it his Study to do as you would have. He will in that case avoid love and dissipation two things which woud effectually put an end to every thing like study and improvement and of course destroy the purpos of his leaving his own country.\nJack in his last letter mentiond you wish\u2019d to have thirty pounds sterling annually laid out in Books. That sum can be lodged in Philadelphia at any moment you please. I have the promis of bills on that place for whatever will be necessary for Books or other purposses. Against I see you will thank if can fix what sum will be necessary for both those purposses. I am with best wishes for yourself & all with you Dr. Sir Your Friend,\nFrans. Eppes", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0120", "content": "Title: Memorandum for Henry Remsen, Jr., [2 September 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Remsen, Henry, Jr.\nMr. Remsen will be so good as to get the bill of excha. for 40.\u00a3 sterl. on London from Mr. Franks in time to put into Mr. Short\u2019sletter, and to endorse to Mr. Franks the check on the bank for 186\u2154  Dollars which I leave with him.\nPut Mr. Short\u2019s letters under cover to M. la Motte.\nTo pay Herbst & Lex 115D. 80C as soon as he shall have received my quarter\u2019s salary, and take in my order given them.\nI leave in the bank about 80 or 90 dollars, over which as well as my salary, I leave a power with Mr. Remsen.\nFurnish Mr. Eppes what money he may have occasion for.\nAfter I shall be gone, give Ducomb the 6. dollars I leave with Mr.Remsen, and his certificate and discharge him. If he asks the reason, he may be told that I do not find that he understands house business well enough.\nPay Francis 6. Dollars the 1st. day of October.\nAnswer any other expences for my house or affairs, which Mr.Remsen may judge necessary. I have great confidence in the discretion of Petit and Francis, and in any applications of this kind they may make to Mr. Remsen. My horses particularly will have occasion for provender.\nThe balance now in the bank will cover the above purposes. As soon after my quarter\u2019s salary is recieved, as the stable loft shall be in readiness, to recieve hay, I shall be obliged to Mr. Remsen to  purchase five ton of good clover hay for me: as also 18. cords of oak wood for the kitchen, and 9 cords of beach or ash, for the house.\nAs also to pay Mr. Barton 40. dollars for Dr. Currie.\nBeach\u2019s and Fenno\u2019s newspapers to be sent to me till the 15th. inst.and all letters, not appearing to cover newspapers and other large packets.\nOpen Mr. Short\u2019s letters which come before the President\u2019s departure, and if they are written \u2018private\u2019 at the head seal them up again: if not, then communicate them to the President, and afterwards send them to me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0121", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 4 September 1791\nFrom: Cathalan, Stephen, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMarseilles, 4 Sep. 1791.Acknowledges receipt of TJ\u2019s letter of 13 May and its pleasing account of American affairs.-He hopes that France will soon enjoy internal tranquillity. \u201cMatters are now at a critical Period. The constitution  will be presented very soon to the King. He must be rendered at a full Liberty to accept it Legaly. It appears that the rational of the Nal. Assy. and of the Nation, has now the Majority, and that all will end well; but if unfortunately the Factious abusing of the Blindness of the People, were to succeed in their Plan, France would be totaly distroyed by Factions.\u2026 In the next Month the result will be known. It is expected with anxiety.\u201d\u2014His exequatur has been returned from Paris \u201cwithout any alteration as you will observe by the Inclosed Copy of a letter from the Minister of Marine\u201d and he has been \u201clawfully acknowledged by the admiralty of the Place; and all the other administrative Powers.\u201d French officials and foreign consuls \u201care greatly Satisfied to [see] the U. S. reppresented here, but they all regret that any american vessels appears in the harbour, on account [of] the algerians.\u201d\u2014The English brig Favorite, Capt. Smith, arrived from Philadelphia 10 Sep. [Aug.?] with a cargo of tobacco and staves, but the tobacco could only be sold for reexport because it was not brought under French or American colors. The price of brandy has risen throughout France because of the \u201cPoor Prospect of the Crop of wine\u201d; it costs \u00a350\u20b6 p. ql. Brut at Cette and might rise to \u00a360\u20b6., and only costs \u00a342\u20b6 here because of imports from Naples and Trieste. Good tobacco is selling from \u00a342\u20b6 to \u00a345tt., and good Virginia tobacco would fetch \u00a348 to 50\u20b6 p. ql. Marc. Whale oil sells for \u00a336\u20b6. p. ql. of 90 \u2114. English, and there is none in town. Carolina indigo is \u00a35\u20b6. to 6\u20b6.15 p. \u2114. Because of a rise in wheat prices caused by \u201cavery meedling\u201d French crop good American wheat would obtain at least \u00a338\u20b6 to 39\u20b6. p. charge and superior fine flour \u00a340 to 42\u20b6. per Bushel. Indian corn sells for \u00a317\u20b6 to 18\u20b6. per charge and Carolina rice \u00a316\u20b6. to 17\u20b6. p. ql. No dried rice has yet appeared. He encloses news of Algiers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0122", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Algier\u2019s affair, 4 September [1791]\nFrom: Cathalan, Stephen, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nEnclosureAlgier\u2019s affair\nMarseilles the 4th. September [1791]\nBy Two Letters that I have received from algiers the 13th. and 26th. Last July, from Capn. Richd. obrian American Captive in that Place, I am Informed that\u2014\n\u201cthe 12th. July 1791\u2014a 6 \u00bd A M. this day departed this Life Mahomet Pacha Dey of algiers, and was Immediately succeeded by the addi Hasnagi or Prime Minister, now hassan Pacha.\nI have reason to think that U. S. will more easily obtain a Peace with the present dey, than the Former as he always Seemed Inclinable to Serve the Americans. I hope his present exalted Station will not errace from his Memory his former Friendly Sentiments toward the Americans.\nAnd Perhaps the Present Dey will be more favourable towards the Ransom of Captives than the Former. Other Changes will take Place in this Government,  these Particulars please to Communicate to U. S. He was the only one of the Ministry that was in Favor of the Americans when M. Lamb was in algiers in 1786.\u201d\nJuly 26th.\n\u201cSeveral Slaves a few days Past have been redeemed on Moderate Terms, one was priced at 1500 Sequins and was redeemed at 755 Sequins, a Sailor Priced at 1000 Sequins was redeemed at 600, the first Cost. So I hope the Present Dey will make Some abbatment on the Ransom of the present 13American Victims. We are dayly Experiencing the Fruits of Independance and Liberty.\nIf there had been any positive orders in algiers Relative to our Ransom, a more favorable opportunity Could offer the present we Might be got of perhaps as reasonable Terms as other Captives, but I have my Fears that also this favorable opportunity which offers towards obtaining Peace and our Release, will Pass unnoticed by our humane countryman in Europe.\nThe Same time I cannot Say Positively if there will be any abatment relative to our Ransom, and as to orders to have our Ransom assertained, I must observe to you that it is not Customary; the only way is for Some Persons to be Empowered to redeem us on the Best terms they Can; we have been most cruelly treated and neglected by our Country and not the Least assurance of Liberty given us, Kept in this tormenting state of Suspense to make us feel Slavery too fold.\nI presume the Portugeise will Immediately be trying for a Peace, redeeming now their Su[bjects?]. If they Succeed, America will experience Fatal consequences.\nThe Peste has broke out at Trunison a City in the Western Province of the Regency. Should it reach algiers it may occasion Some abbatment to be made in our Ransom by reducing our present number to 1/2.\nThe Dey has renewed the Treaties of Peace and tribute, with all the Christian nations he is at Peace with; a few days Past, the Dean\u2019s [Dane\u2019s] Annual Tribute arived, 400 Barrels of the Powder Brought by the Deans is returned.\nYou mention that the British Consul Should be Kept Ignorant relative to American affairs, I readily agree with you; the English, Spanish, and Perhaps the Chamber of Commerce of Marseilles will do everything to Bafle the Americans in obtaining a Peace with this Regency.\u201d\nI have Judged proper to transcribe as above the Letters of Capn. obrien, deducting only from the Said the repetitions, and Some too strong expressions (caused by the desespired Situation of that Poor men and his Brothers Sufferers) against the american administration, for not having taken measures for their Liberty; which I beg you to forgive considering the deplorable life they are Supporting.\nOn the Contrary I Earnestly entreat you, Sir, to use all your endeavours towards Congress to obtain a Sum of Money, for the redemption of these Captives, with which the Person Employed by Congress, will treat for the Best advantage their Redemption, and Immediately after, Lay the foundation of a Lasting treaty of Peace if he is Empowered to do it; the advantages of such atreaty is Known enough; If you will confide me Such important affair, I will go myself to Algiers and do everything to Succeed; but as Great advantages for U. S. will arise by trading on their own vessels in the Mediteranean, if such  treaty can\u2019t take place on acceptable terms, my avice would be to feet the soonest Possible Two small Frigates to protect your Flag in the Mediteranean, in cruising on the Coast of Barbary and distroy their Cruisers; I am Sure that Two American Frigates well manned, [would] do more against these Pirates, than all the Marine of Maltha, Naples, Genoa, and Rome, and Giving to Europe an example of what are ablest Americans in their undertaking, would at Such time Shew to the algerians that their Interest to be in Peace with the U. S.\nI have not answered to Capn. Obrien, not knowing what I can Say him to Comfort him; nor I will do nothing further on that affair but on your Positive Orders.\nStephen Cathalan Junr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0123", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 4 September 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 4. 1791.\nThe Assembly decreed three days ago that a deputation should be named to present the constitution to the King, that he should be pri\u00e9 to give such orders as he should judge proper for the guard and the dignity of his person, and finally that if he adhered to the wishes of the nation in adopting the constitution, he should be pri\u00e9 to settle the formality with which he should solemnly pronounce his acceptation in presence of the National Assembly. As it was apprehended that the King would wish for some changes in the constitution and would make observations in consequence of it, it was decreed at the same time that the constitution when completed should not suffer any alteration. It was completed yesterday in all its details as to conventions.\nIn consequence of this decree a deputation of sixty members of the Assembly went last night at nine o\u2019clock to the King\u2019s appartment, and presented him the constitution. M. Thouret, as their organ, addressed him in the following terms: \u201cSire, L\u2019Assemblee Nationale nous a charg\u00e9s de presenter a l\u2019acceptation de Votre Majest\u00e9 l\u2019acte constitutionel qui consacre les droits imprescriptibles du peuple Francois, qui regenere le Gouvernement et qui assure la veritable dignit\u00e9 du trone.\u201d\nThe King (appearing well satisfied with the deputation and on the whole composed and tranquil in his manner and with an air of sincerity) replied: \u201cMessieurs\u2014J\u2019examenerai la constitution que  l\u2019Assemblee Nationale vous a charg\u00e9s de me pr\u00e9senter; je lui ferai connoitre ma resolution dans le delai le plus court que puisse exiger l\u2019examen d\u2019un objet aussi important: je me suis determin\u00e9 \u00e0 demeurer \u00e0 Paris: je donnerai au commandant de la garde nationale parisienne les ordres que je croirai convenables pour le service de ma garde.\u201d\nHe will probably pronounce his acceptation in a few days. But as it is evident that he is not freer in this acceptation than in the sanction of the laws against which he protested, it is much to be feared that the nation at large will have no confidence in this adhesion. Such a government without confidence, which is its essence, is nothing more than a state of anarchy and will be productive I fear of much misfortune.\nThe conduct of the King\u2019s brothers, who are of course believed to act in concert with him, though probably without reason, would of itself destroy all the national confidence in the monarch. They are openly at the head of the emigrants whose avowed plan is to enter the Kingdom in arms, as soon as they become sufficiently strong. The Count D\u2019Artois is gone to Vienna, it is generally believed, to excite the Emperor to declare himself with respect to the french affairs, or to press him for the succours with which the emigrants have been some time flattered, with the intention probably of granting them or not according to circumstances.\nThe National Assembly have by a decree declared the right of the nation to change the constitution, but at the same time recommended it to be exercised seldom. If three Legislatures successively recommend a change, the fourth is to be considered as a convention. This has been judged a more peaceable mode of reforming the constitution than that by periodical conventions.\nNothing has transpired with respect to the situation of S. Domingo since my last. The report of the commissaries having sailed, as mentioned formerly, was groundless. Their departure is suspended of course until the colonial committee shall have made their report. It is so much divided in opinion that it will be difficult for them to agree on any thing. Several of the members have quitted it on that account.\nThe elections for the new Legislature continue to go on peaceably throughout the kingdom. Such as have already taken place shew more moderation than was expected except in the southern provinces, where those who possess the most exagerated principles have for the most part been chosen.\nThe articles of peace signed between the Emperor and Turk are now published. The statu quo of the commencement of the war is  very little deviated from. I observe that the article by which the Porte guarantees the Austrian flag against the piratical states is renewed.\u2014You will see by the Leyden gazette inclosed an account of the negotiation between the Empress and the allied powers at Petersburg.\nI learned from the Venetian ambassador last night that he had a few hours before seen in the hands of the Spanish Ambassador a formal manifest and declaration of war just received from Madrid, of that Court against the Emperor of Morocco. There have been for a long time bickerings between them, and ill usage of Spanish subjects on the part of the Emperor.\u2014This war will probably be confined to the increase of the garrison of Ceuta and to cruises by sea. It will however be injurious to the Spanish commerce and augment the present expences of that Government and after all will probably end by a purchased peace. I am with sincerity & affection, Dear Sir, your friend & servant,\nW. Short.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0124", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Skipwith, 4 September 1791\nFrom: Skipwith, Henry\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nHors du Monde September 4th. 1791.\nYour ideas (conveyed by letter 6th May) respecting our critical situation as the Representatives of Mr. Wayles, were truly comfortable, as they were coincident with my wishes, and dispel a little of the gloom which has but too long hovered over our matters.\u2014Yesterday for the first time at the District court of P. Edward, I ventured to shew your letter to a friend of mine truly eminent in the Law. He observed your Law was uncontrovertable, and that from his knowledge of navigation and the African businiss, it was impossible that Mr. Wayles letter of the 14th of May could arrive previously to Farell & Jones\u2019s engagements on Acct. of the Guineaman\u2014and consequently that such engagements were not the effect of this letter. Enclosed you have Ronalds and Marshalls opinion procured some time since.\u2014A Subp\u0153na in Chancery was a few days served on me, at the suit of Thomas Wigan Exr. of James Bevins decd. late of Bristol, to appear in Richmond before the Judges of the United states 22d. of November next.\u2014This is a matter you are too well acquainted with for me to make a single comment.\u2014However there is certainly some irregularity in this process, for to say  nothing of myself and wifes being mentioned in the process before you, Mr. Eppes and wife are intirely omitted.\u2014Paul Carrington Jnr. (Lawyer) mentioned to me yesterday, a matter which Mr. Isaac Coles Exr. of Waltr. Coles deceased some years since touched upon to Mr. Eppes and myself, to wit, a Debt due from Benjamin Harrison late deceased to his Testator\u2014\u00a3400 and long interest. Mr. Carrington tells me he understands he fashionably died insolvent.\u2014As the Payers of British debts into our Treasury under the Sequestration law have become exceedingly sanguine, and this important question is to be determined this Fall I take the liberty to enclose you a duplicate of the instrument of writing copyed by you at the request of Hansen and which he signed, previously to my entering in conjunction with you and Mr. Eppes, into any engagement for a payment of our respective parts of Mr. Wayles\u2019s debt to Farell & Jones.\u2014I am induced to this Sir because should the payments into the Treasury be established, my remedy I suppose must be in Chancery and lest this instrument (which you know was drawn up by myself) should be deemed somewhat inexpressive of my open and avowed intention by it, I must however unwillingly (in justice to a distressed family) call upon you to declare the circumstances relative to this matter, all of which happened in your own house and which must be recent in your memory.\u2014I am emboldened to hope you will not be reluctant in this matter, as believe me! my dear Sir! nothing but your influence and my respect for you, could possibly have induced me to commit an act which I had often sworn never to do, and which since has given me more uneasiness than all the misfortunes which God in his vengeance has poured upon my devoted head.\u2014For fear of yours and Mr. Eppes\u2019s death, I must endeavour by some means to perpetuate your testimony and his; but how this can be done previously to the determination of the grand question and a suit brought upon one of my Bonds, I know not.\u2014I have annexed to the enclosed Instrument, a few interrogatories, which Mr. Eppes has seriously examined and which he says he is ready whenever called on to answer in the Affirmative.\u2014Mrs. Skipwith who is in better health than she has been for many months, joins me in the warmest wishes for your health and happiness and hopes much to see you this Fall.\u2014I am Dear Sir Your affectionate friend,\nHenry Skipwith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0126", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Hartley, 6 September 1791\nFrom: Hartley, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nBath September 6 1791\nMay I beg the favour of you to give me your assistance officially, and as an old friend, towards obtaining letters patent in the united states of America, for the improvement of one of the most universal and important manufactures for the uses of life, that can exist in any country in the world; I mean the manufacture of all edged instruments of steel; than which none is more extensive or important, in every use and convenience of human life. The papers annexed to this letter will explain this point fully to you. I have letters patent for the sole and exclusive right of the invention in this Country.\nI have a copy now before me of the American act for granting letters patent, and have endeavored to accomodate my application to the terms of that act. The specification annexed is the same upon  which the letters patent in this Country have been granted. I have endeavored to explain the principle, and the application of the principle which constitutes the invention, in the most precise, and scientific, and intelligible terms; by which any intelligent workman, or adept person in the art and manufacture of steel, may be able to apply and use the same hereafter. If the petition, or any other branch of the application should be defective, according to the mode of your country, I will beg the favour of you to give me proper instructions, by which I may transmitt any amended or more formal application. Our friend Mr. Hammond, now minister to your Country, and whom you will recollect to have known at Paris, will do me the favour to negotiate the correspondence and I heartily wish both to him and to you, the most cordial and unanimous negotiations, in all other points whatsoever, which may contribute to the happiness, peace and prosperity of our two Countries. I beg to be most sincerely and kindly remembered to all my friends, both diplomatic and personal, in your country. I am Dear Sir with the greatest respect ever most sincerely yours,\nD. Hartley", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0127", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Brown, 7 September 1791\nFrom: Brown, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRichmond 7th. Septr 1791.\nI have your favor of the 20t. ulto. and shall attend to the Box of Putty \u214c Sloop Polly Cap Heth, the articles you forwarded some time ago still remain with me, Mr. Randolph, who was here, ten days ago, desired they might remain till he sent a waggon for them.\u2014I propose making a Shipmt. of Tobacco for France but am alarmed at the proceedings in that Kingdom. Should a Civil War ensue private property would be in danger.\u2014I should be glade of your opinion on this head when you can Spare a moment from more urgent Business.\u2014I am with Respect Sir Your Obt. Hble. Ser.,\nJames Brown", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0129", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Auldjo, 8 September 1791\nFrom: Auldjo, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCowes, 8 Sep. 1791. Nothing of commercial importance has occurred here since his letter of 8 July last. Americans enjoy every advantage and attention they can expect.\u2014British armaments have been reduced to peacetime levels \u201csince the Allied Courts have come to an agreement with Russia about terms of peace to be proposed to the Porte for the termination of the War.\u201d\u2014The Secretary of State still has not decided upon the ratification of his commission, but the issue will be decided when Lord Grenville returns to London. Apparently the delay is caused by their reluctance to approve consuls at new locations.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0130", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 8 September 1791\nFrom: Bourne, Sylvanus\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nCape Fran\u00e7ois Sept. 8th. 1791.\nI duly received the letter you did me the honour to write me of Augt. 14th. covering a duplicate of yours of May 13th. which I acknowledged the receipt of, in a letter dated July 5th that must probably have reached you before this.\nPrior to the receipt of your last I had concluded upon embarking for America soon as every prospect of obtaining a reception here had ceased. Particulars, I shall at present waive, expecting before long the pleasure of seeing you at Philadelphia.\nI am unhappy to learn of the Kings defection and attempt to quit France as it must involve a good Cause in still greater difficulties, destroy confidence and create confusion. I hope however that the Genius of Liberty will finally triumph over all embarrassments and firmly place herself in that Throne which the King has seen fit to relinquish.\nA new and alarming Catastrophe hath assailed this devoted Island. About the 23d. of Augst. an insurrection among the negroes took place at Lembay about 3 or 4 Leagues distant and from thence to Lemonade, being about 10 Leagues they have burned and laid waste all the Plantations. Their whole plan is marked with bitter resentment for former injuries and the cry of \u201cles droits de l\u2019homme\u201d is echoed thro their Camp. They still continue their depredations and Government, for want of regular troops is unable to act offensively against them, and I fear it will be a long contest, and ruinous to the property of the Island. The City is now a perfect Garrison Pallisaded all around and Cannon mounted at every avenue.\nThe noble plain which fronts this City and which perhaps had not a parallel on the Globe for the rich luxuriance of its soil, elegance of its Buildings and the various decorations of art that the highly cultivated taste of its opulent possessors had given to it, is now again but a barren waste. All which gave pleasure to the eye, has been subject to a general conflagration. Here we have a lively instance of the baneful effects of Slavery, and I wish that America might add another laurel to her wreath of Fame, by leading the way to a general emancipation.\nIn respect to my resolution to return home, Be assured my Respected Sir, that it is far from being my choice as I had placed sanguine hopes on my present essay, but not experiencing even the most distant of those advantages belonging to my official station which you allude to, it is not in my power to tarry. I have no other prospect at all, have expended considerable money and received no income. Under these disagreable circumstances I must ask the favor of your kind notice of me in case any situation under Govt. occurs to your mind which you may think me capable of filling with propriety and you will confer an essential obligation on him whose only ambition is to find himself so situated that he may with ease fulfill every duty of Life incumbent on him and who has the honour to be with the greatest Respect Your Obt. devoted Servt,\nSylva. Bourne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0131", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, Jr., 8 September 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Newton, Thomas, Jr.\nDear Sir\nGeorge town Sep. 8. 1791.\nI was in the moment of my departure from Philadelphia for Virginia when I recieved your favor enquiring how far the law of nations is to govern in proceedings respecting foreign Consuls.\nThe law of nations does not of itself extend to Consuls at all. They are not of the diplomatic class of characters to which alone that law extends of right. Convention indeed may give it to them, and sometimes has done so: but in that case the Convention can be produced. In ours with France, it is expressly declared that Consuls shall not have the privileges of that law, and we have no convention with any other nation.\nCongress have had before them a bill on the subject of consuls, but have not as yet passed it. Their code then furnishes no law to govern these cases.\nConsequently they are to be decided by the State laws alone. Some of these, I know, have given certain privileges to Consuls; and I think those of Virginia did at one time. Of the extent and continuance of those laws, you are a better judge than I am.\nIndependantly of law, Consuls are to be considered as distinguished foreigners, dignified by a commission from their sovereign, and specially recommended by him to the respect of the nation with  whom they reside. They are subject to the laws of the land indeed precisely as other foreigners are, a convention, where there is one, making a part of the laws of the land: but if at any time their conduct should render it necessary to assert the authority of the laws over them the rigour of those laws should be tempered by our respect for their sovereign as far as the case will admit. This moderate and respectful treatment towards foreign Consuls it is my duty to recommend and press on our citizens, because I ask it for their good, towards our own consuls, from the people with whom they reside.\nIn what I have said I beg leave to be understood as laying down general principles only, and not as applying them to the facts which may have arisen. Before such application, those facts should be heard from all whom they interest. You, who have so heard them, will be able to make the application yourself, and that, not only in the present, but in future cases.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0132", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 8 September 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nGeorgetown Sep. 8. 1791.\nWe were detained on the road by the rains so that we did not arrive here till yesterday about two oclock. As soon as horses could be got ready, we set out and rode till dark, examining chiefly the grounds newly laid open, which we found much superior to what we had imagined. We have passed this day in consultation with the Commissioners, who having deliberated on every article contained in our paper, and preadmonished that it was your desire that they should decide freely on their own view of things, concurred unanimously in, I believe, every point with what had been thought best in Philadelphia. They decided also the following additional matters.\nQuere 2. Lots to be sold in four places, viz, on the Eastern branch, near the Capitol, near the President\u2019s house, and in the angle between the river and Rock creek.\n3. The ready money payment at the sale to be increased to one fourth, and so advertized immediately. They will send advertisements to some printer in every state.\n7. The houses in the avenues to be exactly 35 feet high, that is to say their walls. None to be higher in any other part of the town, but may be lower.\n11. The compromise stated to you by Mr. Johnson has put this matter out of all dispute.\n13. The map to be engraved on account of the Commissioners, and the sales of them for the public benefit.\n19. They have named the City and the territory, the latter after Columbus.\nTomorrow they meet to take measures for carrying into execution all the several matters contained in the paper which I have the honor to return to you, as I believe you have no copy of it.\u2014Mr. Madison and myself propose to pursue our journey in the morning. Four days more will bring me to my own house.\u2014We were told in Baltimore that that place was becoming better humored towards this, and found it better that the government should be here than in Philadelphia.\u2014I have the honor to be with sentiments of the highest respect & attachment Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0133", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Willing, Morris & Swanwick, 8 September 1791\nFrom: Willing, Morris & Swanwick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Septr. 8. 1791.\nIn Letters that we have Received from some very Respectable Houses in Europe with whom we have the honour to Correspond we have been Requested to solicit two Appointments of Consulships from the United States abroad. We can not Refuse to our Friends our solicitations with you on the Subject any more than our assurances of our firm belief that the offices will be deservedly filled should they succeed in the appointment. It will Remain with you Sir to decide on the Question\u2014and we shall be much obliged to you if you will be pleased to favour us with your Opinion thereon. The Gentlemen Named to us are William Douglas Brodie Esqr. to be Consul for Malaga, John Ross Esqr. to be Consul for Gibraltar.\nIf any thing can be done to serve these Gentn. or either of them in this way We shall be happy to know it and to be made acquainted whether any and what other Steps are proper to be taken by us to succeed on this Occasion.\u2014With very great Respect for you we have the honour to Remain sincerely Sir Your most obed hble servt,\nWilling Morris & Swanwick", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0135", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 10 September 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 10 Sep. 1791. He has just received a letter of the 19th ulto. from Carmichael delivered by Mr. Milne, who visited the President at Mount Vernon in 1779. Carmichael has sent his dispatches to America and complains of ill health. Milne said that he was \u201cemaciated and weakened by the late attacks of the Cholic which he has suffered.\u201d\u2014The wavering policy of Spain manifests itself in the many explanations occasioned by the royal cedula of 20 July concerning foreigners. \u201cMr. Milne informs that the French who were resident in Spain have been principally intended and affected by it: that it had however been extended in its operation to others: that Lord St. Helens had made strenuous remonstrances respecting three English Merchands of Alicant who had been imprisoned in consequence of it, and that the Compte de Florida Blanca had promised every possible satisfaction: that more than fourteen thousand  Passports had been obtained for Strangers to leave Madrid before he came away: that the system of favoritism and Queen-politics are worse than ever: that general irritation against the government prevails: that the Persons employed in the government seem to have lost their reason; and that the measures adopted by them to prevent a Revolution appear entirely calculated to accelerate it.\u201d\u2014He forwards the French papers received since his letter of 31 Aug. and reports that the English packet is momentarily expected. Lord Shrewsbury, who just arrived in his yacht, notes that the fleet was being disarmed when he left England.\u2014He has no further news about peace in the north. The Empress of Russia has forestalled the plans of the mediating powers. \u201cThe Minister of Prussia just now remarked to me, that Prussia and England having disarmed, without definitive arrangements between Russia and the Porte, he thinks the fairest concurrence of circumstances that could possibly have happened invites the Empress to prosecute her conquests to Constantinople itself.\u2014Indeed, it should seem, that hardly any thing but her moderation can prevent it.\u201d\u2014Yesterday he received a letter from Thomas Barclay notifying him of Barclay\u2019s arrival in Oporto and General Scott\u2019s success against the Indians. The news respecting Scott was particularly welcome because reports of the Indian war have been greatly magnified to discourage European emigration to America.\u2014The Queen is at Mafra and the country itself is undergoing a process of gradual amelioration. But a long drought has produced a shortage of wine and fruit, though salt is still abundant. The temperature has been unusually intense and there has not been a single rain or thunder shower this summer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0136", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Ezra L\u2019Hommedieu, 10 September 1791\nFrom: L\u2019Hommedieu, Ezra\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nSouthold Long Island Sept. 10. 1791.\nSince I saw you at this Place I have received from Colo: Sylvester Dering of Shelter Island some Observations he had made on the wheat Insect commonly called the hessian fly, which I send you herewith inclosed with some Stubble of the yellow bearded wheat (as little subject to Injury by the Insect as any we have). By carefully examining this Stubble, by opening the Straw near the Roots and first Joints you will find many of the Insects in their chrysolis State still alive and their Inclosure or Case very Tender. This Stubble was taken from the field in the beginning of Harvest: how long it will be before the Insect comes to perfection if kept in a cool place from the sun is uncertain: but by this Experiment it is easy to see that the Insect might be brought from Germany to New York or carried from us to Europe in the Straw or Stubble but not in the wheat except by much trouble and by design. Yesterday I compared a number of the Insects taken directly from the Stubble in the field with a number that had been taken from Stubble in the same field  about a month before and put in a Glass covered with Lawn (in order to observe the Time of the fly coming out) and found them to be in equal forwardness to leave their Chrysalis State. You will find one of the Straws of the Stubble I send tied round with a peice of Twine; just below the Twine you will observe a small hole and at the bottom of the same the Place where the Insect come to Maturity, and being disincumbered from its case and not being able to force its way between the Stalk and Leaf eats through the Leaf. We find many such Straws in our Stubble. The holes I believe were made by the Insect deposited last fall while the leaf was yet tender. How the Insect will extricate itself from its confinement which now remain in the Stubble I shall particularly observe. Altho the yellow bearded wheat and the red bald wheat are not supposed by our Farmers in general to be injured by the Insect yet I make no doubt but the Crop is less by some Bushels in the Acre by the obstruction in the Circulation of the Stalk made by the Insect. If this wheat is sown in poor Land the Stalk will be in proportion feeble and the crop greatly injured. In Guilford this year the same wheat was greatly hurt altho the Land was good owing to the uncommon Number of the Insect there. If wheat was the only vegitable by which these Insects are preserved it would be easy to distroy them by distroying the stubble by burning or otherwise, but I have reason to believe that other vegitables answer for their support but none so well perhaps as wheat.\nI have lately received a Letter from Doctor Samuel Mitchell of Queens County (Long Island) who informs me that he is favoured with a Letter from Sir Joseph Banks President of the royal society of London upon the subject of the wheat Insect, who assures him it does not exist in England and he has no reason to beleive its existance in any part of Germany. If the Insect leave the Stubble this fall, it will then be past a Doubt (admitting Colo Derings observations) that the fly is produced in the spring and in the fall, but not three Times in a Year as I supposed to be the case when I saw you and in which he was mistaken. I shall always be happy in giving you every Information I may receive on this Subject or which my own Observations may afford and am with great Esteem & Respect Sir Your most Obedient Servt.,\nEzra L\u2019Hommedieu", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0138", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 12 September 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nLondon 12 September 1791\nI had the Honor to write you on the 10th. Ultimo, which Letters went by the America Captn. Mackay, via New York, and which I now confirm, since then I am deprived of the pleasure of any of your much respected Favors.\nI now inclose you Copies of Mr. Long\u2019s (Joint Secretary to the Treasury) Letters to me, in Answer to mine on the Subject of the Seizure of the Hope, and Janet at Liverpool, which the Lords of the Treasury have ordered to be liberated on Compensation being made to the seizing officers. Their Lordships have also directed the liberation of the Thomas, Captn. Vickery at Guernsey but are determined to condemn all offenders hereafter.\nMr. Hammond has at length obtained his Appointment, and Embarked in the last Packet for America. People here seem very sanguine that on his Appearance, Congress will be so much pleased that they will readily come into any Measures this Court shall ask, and that great Commercial Advantages will be granted to Britain by the United States, and that a Treaty Offensive and Defensive will be concluded; I pretend not to be capable of judging, but it strikes me that it would be as well to move slowly, and consider very well before the United States bind themselves in any thing, nor should they be too hasty in sending an Envoy in return to this Court.\nYou will pardon the Ideas I have taken the Liberty of throwing out, and believe me always Sir Your most Obedient and most Humble Servant,\nJoshua Johnson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0139", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Swan, 12 September 1791\nFrom: Swan, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nParis 12th. Septr. 1791. Rue de Montmorency No. 63.\nIt will give you much satisfaction to know, the Success that has attended an essay of Boston Salted Beef and pork. I ordered a barrel of each sort of these articles to be sent me last December. They were Ship\u2019d from Boston to Rochelle, from thence to Havre and from Havre here. All these Shipments and reShipments took up about nine months, when the Commissaries named by the Minister of Marine, at my request, examined and inspected each sort, which they unanimously found excellent in quality and perfectly well preserv\u2019d. The Certificats from the french and american Consuls determin\u2019d the age of the different Shipments. The delay was long and distressful, as I fear\u2019d the loss of their qualities, and in effect one had lost its pickle and was spoilt, which appear\u2019d more favorable than if all had been in good order. Here is the report as communicated to me by M. de Verdan de la Crenne, Chairman of the Commissioners and an officer in the navy of a very high rank \u201cJe crois (4 Sepr.) pouvoir (sans indiscretion) vous dire que le proces verbal que nous avons arret\u00e9, et que sera remis au ministre le 6. ou 7e. Court, est tout \u00e0 l\u2019avantage des Salaisons que nous avons fait cuire et que nous avons trouv\u00e9es tres bonnes; et quoique notre mision fut born\u00e9e \u00e0 examiner la qualit\u00e9 et bont\u00e9 de ces Salaisons, nous avons cependant cru pouvoir ajouter, que nous pensions qu\u2019il seroit utile au Gouvernement de traiter pour les Salaisons avec les Etats-Unis d\u2019Amerique, au moins, pour la fourniture des rationnaires dans les Colonies, et pour les suppliments en Salaisons \u00e0 envoyer pour les Batimens qui y sont station\u00e9s.\u201d\nThus at last the door is opened for the introduction of our meats, which I have so long labour\u2019d for; and as I ought to receive a part of the benefit I shall be obliged to you, not to make it Known  publickly, untill our bargain shall be made here, as it might bring a competition injurious to those who have had this trouble, and no ways advantagous to the United States; and besides as many Americans will be interested, as will be necessary to the proper Execution. To lodge the funds and to assure the Government some french Compagnies will be interested, who have it in their power to do the one and the other.\nI have, by reason of the loss on the paper money, got a Suspension of my Timber Contract untill such time as I shall judge it convenient to fullfill it.\u2014I am very respectfully & with much esteem Sir Your mo. obed. & v. humble,\nJames Swan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0140", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Maury, 14 September 1791\nFrom: Maury, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLiverpool, 14 Sep. 1791. He last wrote to TJ on 22 Aug.\u2014British ports are closed to foreign wheat, and in this district many American vessels have experienced difficulties primarily because of \u201cexcess of spirits.\u201d All but three of them have been released without great expence, though not without injury to their owners. The brig Betsey, commanded by Captain Salter of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was not allowed to enter the Clyde for six weeks because of the \u201ctonnage and where built being omitted in the Manifest and the affidavit thereto being made before a Justice of the peace instead of the British Deputy Consul altho\u2019 it was afterwards certified by said Deputy Consul.\u201d\u2014These particulars should be made public to avoid similar inconveniences in future.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0141", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 14 September 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 14. 1791\nI have the honor to inclose and forward you by the way of England a copy of the King\u2019s letter sent yesterday to the national assembly announcing his acceptance of the constitution, and his intention of going to day to solemnize that acceptation in the assembly. He  accordingly went today and took the oath required. The Queen also was present in a lodge adjoining the assembly room. This circumstance though apparently indifferent acquires some importance from the manner in which it is considered by the two parties. As she was not expected to be present\u2014as she had never been there before and of course was at liberty to have absented herself, this volunteer step is considered by them as a proof of her decision to unite with the assembly. The most remarkable members of what is called the cote droit were not present at the ceremony of the King\u2019s oath, and that party may now be considered as containing his most inveterate enemies.\nThe real friends to order and to the re-establishment of the monarchy on constitutional principles desired to conduct this ceremony in such a manner as to give the King perfect satisfaction and to endeavour to attach him as much as possible to the present order of things. A circumstance however occasioned by a misunderstanding is thought to have very much hurt his feelings. It was determined before his arrival that the assembly should receive him standing and be seated whilst he repeated the oath. His speech was short and contained the oath which was taken only by the King\u2019s repeating it. As soon as the assembly found that he was pronouncing the oath they seated themselves abruptly and the President followed their example, so that the King was left standing alone. He stopped his speech and took his seat also and then proceeded. Those who are much better acquainted with his countenance than I am say that it discovered a wrath and discontentment which makes them fear that this circumstance will have left a deep and disagreeable impression. I was very near him and well situated for observing his countenance. It appeared to me to shew rather surprize and embarassment than anger, and I can hardly suppose that an accident of that kind surrounded with such momentous concerns can have any lasting influence, and particularly as both he and the Queen received the loudest applauses after the oath was taken both from the assembly and the people on their passage.\nThe President\u2019s answer also to the King seemed to displease generally, either from its matter or the manner in which it was pronounced. It is thought to have been much too dogmatic.\nYou will see by the King\u2019s letter that he desired an amnesty for those prosecuted on account of the revolution. M. de la fayette immediately moved that this should be adopted and it was done in the midst of the applauses of all present. These circumstances give a favorable appearance to the present moment. Much will depend  on the conduct of the King and the future legislature. I fear however that events will occur either at home or abroad which they will not be able to controul by the force of the constitution as it remains at present.\nThe garde nationale of Paris is to be organized differently and commanded alternately by one of the six chefs de division. This gives M. de la fayette what he has long desired, an opportunity of quitting it immediately on the constitution being completed.\nThe next legislature will succeed this about the end of the month. The assembly previous to the King\u2019s arrival this morning decreed that Avignon and the Comtat should be incorporated with France conformably to the desire of its inhabitants. The colonial committee have not yet made their report.\u2014I have the honor to assure you of the sentiments of affection and attachment with which I am, Dear Sir, your sincere friend & humble servant,\nW. Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0142", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Stevens, 14 September 1791\nFrom: Stevens, Edward\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCulpeper Court House, 14 Sep. 1791. Thanking TJ for his of the 10th, he acknowledges his gratitude to him and to President Washington for offering him an appointment. Perplexed over whether to accept, he apologizes for explaining himself. \u201cBut from the Knowledge I have of your disposition, I find myself under no restraint to take up so much of your time, as to give a small Sketch of the reasoning within myself on the Occasion. If I accept of the appointment now offered, I am concerned whether I am sufficiently capable of the task. It will open such an extensive field, I fear I may be lost. It not only requires capacity of mind, but perhaps much more bodily activity than I am possesed of. And there must after all be a considerable Portion entrusted to others who from the wide bounds to act in, be so much out of my view, that disgrace as well as ruin might be brought down on my head very undeservingly.\u201d In the end he declines the offer. He regrets not seeing TJ and \u201cour friend Mr. Maddison\u201d as they passed through the area.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0144", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Ellicott, 15 September 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ellicott, Andrew\nSir\nMonticello Sep. 15. 1791.\nHaving been struck with the conduct of the boy (Billy) who attends at Mr. Shuter\u2019s, I mentioned it to Mr. Madison who added to mine his own opinion and knolege of him, and as I wanted a house servant, he said he thought it possible that it might be worth my while to give what it would be worth Mr. Shuter\u2019s while to take for him. Having turned the subject in my mind since, I have concluded to ask your aid in the matter, as you are on the spot. If Mr. Shuter would part with the boy, and the latter would be willing to go and live with me in Philadelphia I would willingly give Mr. Shuter fifty dollars a year for him. This mode would suit me best. But if he will not do this, and will let me have him, paying the same hire in advance all at once, at the delivery of the boy, I would agree to do even this tho it would not be convenient, and it would throw on me the risk of his life &c. I should mean to clothe him in addition. Will you be so good as to try this negociation for me, not letting Mr. Shuter know who it is for, till the matter is agreed, because I would not excite a suspicion in him that I wish to withdraw a servant from him or any body, of which I am incapable; and because it might raise his terms. If he shall be found willing it will be necessary to obtain the consent of the boy. To serve where he may fit himself for the best places, and in such a town as Philadelphia where new  prospects and chances of doing something for himself may open upon him, may be inducements for him. And thus the interests of all the three parties may be promoted. If the matter is agreed I would take him along with me when I return. Pardon my troubling you with this affair, which I would not have done but that you are in the house and can find apt occasions of opening the matter in some of your daily conversations with Mr. Shuter.\u2014I am with great esteem, Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0145", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Adam Lindsay, 15 September 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lindsay, Adam\nSir\nMonticello Sep. 15. 1791.\nYour kindness in offering to execute any little matters for me in your place, will perhaps induce me to trouble you annually, during my residence in Philadelphia for the two articles of Myrtle wax candles, and Hughes\u2019s crab cyder, which can be got no where else. I will now ask the favor of you to procure for me, in the proper seasons 250. \u045a of myrtle wax candles, moulded, and of the largest size you can find, and 4. casks (say 120. gallons) of the best Hughes\u2019s crab cyder. The latter I would not wish unless it be really fine. Whenever procured, be so good as to forward them to Philadelphia, and the moment you inform me of their cost, I will remit you a bank post note for the money from Philadelphia, to which place I shall be returned by the 25th. of October. I must beg your pardon for this trouble and add assurances of the esteem & regard of Sir Your very humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0147", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 17 September 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Amsterdam], 17 Sep. 1791. Has just received the happy and important news that on the 13th the king accepted the Constitution, without protest, as it was presented to him, and that he would go the next day before the Assembly to solemnly confirm his acceptance. Dumas has been at Amsterdam for a few days with friends and will remain here until the end of the month. He has delayed sending this packet until he could mention this great event with certainty. Now two powers in the world have a true constitution. May the public happiness induce all the others to likewise reform themselves, so that the sarcasm of the old poet Ennius might no longer apply to them: \u201cStolidum, Genus \u00c6acidarum, Bellipotentes sunt magi quam Sapientipotentes.\u201d The English and \u201cles Anglomanes\u201d here report that a Mr. Hammond is going to conclude a treaty in America of offensive and defensive alliance between Britain and the United States, with great advantages for the latter, in order to punish Russia for not allowing itself to be influenced and controlled. P.S. 19 Sep. Will learn tomorrow evening how the solemn appearance of the king went at the National Assembly. P.S. 20 Sep. A vessel ready to lift anchor makes it necessary to close before the arrival of letters from France tonight, but the acceptance is no longer doubted. He will immediately write on returning to The Hague next week.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0148", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Blount, 19 September 1791\nFrom: Blount, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n\u201cTerritory of the United States of America south of the river Ohio,\u201d 19 Sep. 1791. Enclosing a census of the territory showing 35,691 inhabitants, 3,417 of whom are slaves.\u2014\u201cThe heads of families very generally were opposed to giving in their numbers fearing a General Assembly would shortly be the consequence. Hence it may be fairly inferred that the numbers are not exaggerated and to this cause may be attributed the delay in compleating the Returns.\u201d\u2014A few districts have yet to report but he forwards the \u201cimperfect\u201d report now before leaving to visit his family in North Carolina. The missing count, probably about 1,500 souls, will be sent as soon as it is received.\u2014Judge Anderson arrived prior to the meeting of the district court on 15 Aug. and \u201chis conduct both as a Judge and a man has met the approbation and applause of people in general.\u201d [P.S.] The census returns are too bulky to be forwarded now.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0149", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fay, 20 September 1791\nFrom: Fay, Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBennington September 20th 1791\nI had the honor of your letter of the 30th ult. I omitted sending by the last post in Expectation of receiving the Quebec papers. I have established a corrispondence with several public characters in that Province, by which meanes I expect daily to receive them Regularly, no time will be lost in forwarding them to you, free of expence.\u2014I enclose you several of our last papers, but they are filled with Inteligence which you have been long acquainted with, excepting some little occurency of the State.\nSoon after you and Mr. Madison left this, I obtained Mr. Payne on the rights of Man, which led me to reflect on the conversation which passed between us, relative to the Constitution of G. Britain. I am now happy in an opportunity to retract from the sentiments which I then expressed in favour of it; Mr. Payne has in a Masterly Manner pointed out the defects of British Government, and plainly shewn that they have no Constitution, and reflected great light to the world relative to the Natural rights of Man; I hope the happy day is hastening when the Nations of the Earth will be regenarated and once more partake of the Natural rights of Man.\u2014France to be\n sure has made a Great Stride towards it, and I think the flight of their King will facilitate the establishment of a parminent Government; The wisdom with which the National Assembly conducted on the occasion, and the firmness with which the body of the Nation entered into new Resolutions to support their freedom will secure them against the envasions of other Powers. The revolution in Poland, the Fire which has kindled in Spain, and the apprehensions which the Uropeon Monarchs are under from the spread of the same spirit of freedom will engross their Attension to their own safety, which will leave France in Peace.\nWe sensibly feel the Good effects of our efficient Government in America. No power on Earth abounds with such Plenty of every Comfort of Life, and we have Nothing to fear from the invasions of foreign Powers. Canada will be ready to join in our Government as soon as they can be useful to us. At Present they are making wide and extensive settlements at the Expence of Great Britain, from which I calculate, that America is drawing from them (at least) a Million a year. I am acquainted with a Number of principle people who went from this Country during the War, and are settling on the St. Lawrence river and the western lakes, and with whom I hold a Corrispondence, and from whom I learn that they are wishing to participate in the American advantages of Commerce, and they own themselves pleased with our free Government.\nI shall not forget your Maple seed. I have been very particular in writing my friends in Canada to encourage the Manufactoring of sugar as being a Most Valuable object.\u2014I shall be happy to hear from you at all times when your Leisure will permit, and receive early information of the Politicks of the day.\u2014I have the honor to be Dr. Sir with Sentiments of friendship & esteem your Most Obedient and very Humble servant,\nJoseph Fay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0150", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Harvie, 20 September 1791\nFrom: Harvie, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nRichmond Septr 20th. 1791\nYour Letter of August the 14th. came to my hands at a time when I was two much Indisposed to pay any Attention to its Contents, and upon now looking into it, I am sorry to find that the Land Office can furnish you with no Information of the Quantity of Land  located for the Virginia Continental Line on the South Side of the Ohio, the Warrants of Survey issuing from this Office being General, not distinguishing the Lands set apart to Satisfy the Military Bountys that lye on the South, from those that lye on the North Side of the Ohio.\nColo. Anderson the principal Surveyor for the Continental Line who lives at the Falls of the Ohio, only can give Information of the Quantity of Land Actually located in his Office on the different sides of that River. Recollecting that the Executive had Obtained a Report from the principal Surveyor and Superintending officers of the State and Continental Line in the Year 1788. on the Subject of the Military Lands, I Conceive that these Reports may throw some light upon your Enquirys, wherefore I have procured the Originals from the Clerk of the Council and now transmit you Copys of them.\u2014I have also thought it might be Useful to Subjoin two Letters of Governor Randolphs on the same Subject, the One Addressed to the President of Congress, the other to the Virginia Delegates. My principal View in sending you a Copy of these Letters is to show the Light in which the Interference of Congress with our Military Rights has been Considered by the Governing Authority of this State. Notwithstanding the force and in my Judgment propriety of the Reasoning in these Letters Congress in Repealing their Resolution Complained of passed a Law in the Year 1790 which has deranged the whole System of the Military Survey and Suspended every Effective Operation towards its Completion. The 2nd and 3rd Sec. of their Law requiring a Statement from the Secretary of War of the persons Intitled to Military Bountys and the Aggregate amount due the whole Line which is to govern the future Survey renders Nugatory and Void the Land Warrants which have already issued under the Inspection and Direction of the Chief Magistrate here. The 4th Sec: requires a General Survey to be made, Entred in a Book and Certifyd by the Superintendants before a Return shall be made to the Secretary of State, whereby a few persons withholding the Necessary Advances for Fees and Contingent expences may delay all others at their pleasure. Sec: the 5th. Directs all Grants to issue in the Name of the person who was Originally Intitled to such Bounty, Although an Assignment of those Rights have been Sanctiond and Authorizd by the Laws of this State, Warrants issued in the Names of the Assignees, and a fund raisd by a tax upon such Assignd Rights for the Maintenance and Support of the Superintending Officers and paying in part the Contingent expences of the Survey. If Title should now issue to the Original Owners, how are  the Assignees to Acquire the Legal Estate, must they Seek it in Chancery. If so, in many Instances they had better at once quietly resign it. I beg your pardon Sir for troubling you upon this Subject, but the Statement that you are about to make, Specializing as I Suppose it will, the Quantity of Land due the Continental Line of this State on the North West side of the Ohio, I Conjecture the design is to have such Quantity Allotted to the Line agreably to the Spirit, Mode and principles of the aforementioned Law, which I not only Consider as a Violation of private Right, but as an Infraction in the terms of Cession, as Virginia intended certainly to retain the power of Granting her Military Bountys in what Manner and Form she thought proper upon the Reservd Lands, before any part of them should be Relinquished to Congress. Under this Idea I have Uniformly received Surveys into this Office made on the North west Side of the Ohio, and have issued Grants upon them in the Course of Regular Application. If this Law of Congress Continues in force without some Modification to the Convenience and Rights of our Citizens the Legislature of this State will certainly make it the Subject of Serious Remonstrance, for it is two Humiliating for them passively to Submit to the Violation of Rights Sanctiond and Guaranteed by their repeated Acts. I had till this day flatterd myself with a hope that I might be able to pay you a Visit of a day or two whilst you were at Monticello but an Unforeseen Circumstance will I fear deprive me of that pleasure. The little Land affair between you and me may be Settled at any time we meet, or Submitted to the Arbitration you propose upon Colo. Lewis furnishing me with the Copys of your Orders of Council and the Entrys. As I have Wrote but little since my Sickness, this long Letter has quite fatigued me. Permit me therefore to Assure you that I am Dr Sir with most perfect Esteem Yr. Most Obt. & Oblidgd Servt,\nJno. Harvie\nIt may not be amiss to Observe that our General assembly have from time to time given to many Meritorious Officers Bounty Lands, who were not Strickly Intitled to them under the General Law. These not being known to the Secretary of War will make a deficiency in his Report.\u2014Warrants for Military Bounty Lands have issued from the Land Office of this State to the amount of 4,075,000 Acres Including both State and Continental Line.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0152", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilson, 21 September 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Wilson, James\nSir\nMonticello Sep. 21. 1791.\nColo. Lewis tells me you had proposed to come to this neighborhood to make a settlement of the business of mine in your hands, and that it would be convenient to you to fix on the time when I should be at home. He writes you on this subject. I shall be here about a fortnight longer, and am very anxious this settlement should be as much sooner as possible that I may have the more time afterwards to arrange other matters which cannot be done till I know the exact state of this. The bearer is sent express to carry you these letters and will bring us the notification of the day we may expect to see you, if you will be so good as to fix it.\u2014I am Sir with much esteem Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0153", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 22 September 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Septr. 22. 1791.\nSince the King\u2019s solemn acceptation of the constitution mentioned to you in my last he seems to have taken much pains to shew that it was his free choice. The day of the constitution being proclaimed throughout Paris agreeably to the decree of the assembly, the chateau and garden of the Thuilleries and the Champs-Elysees were illuminated at the King\u2019s expence. He went in the course of the evening with his family to visit the illuminations and recieved the loudest applauses from all quarters; two days ago he went also with the Queen and family to the opera. This circumstance seems to have given uncommon pleasure, as it is not only the first time they have been to a theatre since the revolution, but the first time the King was ever at the opera in Paris.\nThese external marks of adhesion have so displeased those who are here of the aristocratical party that they have almost entirely abandoned the court.\u2014On the contrary those of the courtiers who had for some time absented themselves on account of the active part they took in the revolution have now returned there. The King and Queen are apparently well satisfied with this circumstance and treat them with marked civility. Time alone can shew whether the King will be able by such measures and by his future conduct to obtain  the confidence of the nation in his acceptation of the constitution. For my own part I am well persuaded that at this moment he is fully determined to act up to his professions as he was also at the time of his going to the assembly in February 1790.\u2014But should future events be different from those he expected and should an opportunity present itself of flying from them it can hardly be supposed that it will not be made use of again.\nAt present the King sees or thinks he sees order and tranquillity restored by his acceptance\u2014in his refusal he sees personal danger to himself and family, and even if he should be able to escape, he sees the necessity of reconquering the Kingdom under the auspices as it were of his brother. Of course his own power passed into his hands, a circumstance highly displeasing to the Queen and which it is supposed decides her to shew so perfect an adhesion to the assembly. Should the King be deceived in his expectations, should the next legislature be domineered by factions in or out of the assembly, and following the example of their predecessors attempt to take the exercise of the functions of government into their hands and thus continue the state of anarchy, which is too much to be apprehended from the nature of the constitution and the present disposition of men\u2019s minds, he may then prefer the alternative however disagreeable of putting himself under the protection of his brother and of foreign aid.\nThe interview between the Emperor and King of Prussia took place at Pilnitz. Their own affairs were probably the principal object of the interview, but the Count D\u2019Artois being present and having had two private and long conferences with them shews that the affairs of France also were taken into consideration. Nothing certain has transpired of the result. A declaration which you will see in the newspapers sent by the way of Havre has been published as having been signed by the Emperor and King of Prussia and delivered to the Count D\u2019Artois. There is no official certainty of its truth but seems generally to be considered as true, as well as letters addressed to the King by the Princes in order to engage him to refuse the constitution. The principal argument is drawn from the certainty of relief from abroad and his being in a state of captivity.\nThe assembly have determined to put an end to their session the last day of this month. It is thought there will be then a sufficient number of the new house to proceed to business. The elections are going on throughout the Kingdom and it is apprehended that a great number of the members of the next assembly will have very exagerated and dangerous principles.\nThe intelligence from the islands continues to be obscure and  contradictory. It may be considered as certain however that the decree of the 15th of May gives general dissatisfaction. It is yet uncertain whether this assembly will recede.\nThe papers will have informed you of the peace between the Empress of Russia and the Turk.\nThe minister of marine (M. Thevenard) has resigned on account of ill health. M. de Bougainville destined to succeed him declines. Other changes in the ministry are expected to take place soon.\nYou will be informed by Mr. Swan of an examination lately made of some American beef and pork, by commissaries appointed by the minister and who have made the most favorable report of it.\nI recieved yesterday a packet by the way of Havre of which the postage cost 60\u20b6. It contained only two books for the consulate of Rouen and Bordeaux. As I am sure it was not your intention that it should come in this manner I have thought it proper to mention it to you that you may in future have marked on the cover of such packets that they are books or papers, which would exempt them from being considered as letters and subjected to that postage. I recieved this morning from M. de la Motte a small packet marked No. 1. containing two newspapers. He tells me he has received others to my address which he shall send by the first private conveyance. I suppose it possible there may be a letter from you among them. The last I have had the honor of recieving from you was dated May 10. Yours most respectfully,\nW. Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0154", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 September 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 23 Sep 1791. Despite Thomas Barclay\u2019s arrival in Oporto, he still has not received the letters Barclay brought from America for him.\u2014Two British packets and a cutter from England with dispatches for Mr. Walpole have arrived since his letter of the 10th instant. Peace has been concluded between the Emperor and the Porte, and peace will soon follow between the Empress and the Porte, \u201cunless the latter shall consent to be abandoned by the Mediating Powers, whose Ministers have agreed upon the terms with the former. The Empress will then have terminated the war in as favorable a manner as she could have desired. \u201c\u2014The recent interview between the Emperor, the King of Prussia and the Elector of Saxony is supposed to have concerned Poland and given offense to Russia. Letters delivered to the Margrave of Anspach by the last packet indicate that Russia, Austria, and Prussia have agreed that no branch of their royal families should marry the heiress of the Polish throne. He learned last night from the Swedish agent that the King of Sweden was going to St. Petersburg.\u2014There are many different rumors about Louis xvi\u2019s acceptance of the French constitution and the attitude of the other European powers toward France. The Duke of Alafo\u00f1es told him on Sunday that the Queen had heard nothing from France about the constitution. The Prussian minister informed him the night before last that the king had approved the constitution. But yesterday he could not ascertain from the Papal nuncio or the Spanish charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires the basis for the report of the king\u2019s acceptance, and today none of the Gazettes just received from France contain anything bearing on this question.\u2014The Portuguese minister to the United States, [Cypriano Ribeiro] Freire, is about to leave London for America.\u2014The Spanish government has announced a new prohibition \u201cconcerning French publications and manuscripts.\u201d\u2014P.S. Barclay has arrived in the Tagus, but the letters he brought with him have still not been received.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0155", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Skey Eustace, 24 September 1791\nFrom: Eustace, John Skey\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBordeaux 24th. September 1791\nI do myself the Honor of transmitting for your Excellency\u2019s Acceptance the best Edition I have been able to select of the french Constitution as solemnly ratified by the Monarch on the 14th. Instant, together with the Act of general Amnesty passed by the national assembly the Day following on a particular recommendation of the King contained in his Letter of the 13th. which is declaratory of his subsequent Sanction. This Letter is annexed to the Constitution. I have added however a loose Copy which has just been sent me by a municipal officer of my Acquaintance.\nYour Excellency will observe by the Deliberation of the Municipality of Bordeaux on the 17th. the very prompt and magnificent Manner in which this Event has been announced and celebrated with us. As the first commercial City of the Kingdom and the most extensively connected with the french Colonies the late troubles in Saint Domingo and Guadeloupe had spread a general Alarm through every Branch of the mercantile and manufacturing Interests, the late Decree, however, which secures to the Colonial Assemblies the Right of suspending a former one respecting the People of Colour has re-established for the Moment our wonted Tranquility and Confidence of which the best Testimonies are the immediate Rise in the Exchange with foreign Nations and the consequent Appreciation of their paper Currency. This Decree, Sir, I have also the Honor of transmitting for your Excellency\u2019s Perusal.\nI trust, Sir, that my Character and my Duty as an American will be admitted as sufficient Motives for the Liberty I have taken. The immense Distance of the Capital from the sea-Ports of the Kingdom and the Infrequency of direct Opportunities to Philadelphia suggested to me the Propriety of transmitting to your Excellency by the most immediate Conveyance an authentic Document of this important Event. I had hoped for the Honor of handing it to your Excellency but being obliged to retard my Departure from hence till the 10th. of October in a Ship bound to Savannah in Georgia some Months will necessarily elapse before I visit Philadelphia.\u2014Permit me to assure you, Sir, that I have the honour to be, with the most unfeigned Consideration, your Excellency\u2019s most obedient and most humble Servant,\nJohn Skey Eustace", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0156", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis, 24 September 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lewis, Nicholas\nDear Sir\nMonticello Sep. 24. 1791.\nI now return you the bonds of Woodson & Lewis and Lewis & Ware, as also Woodson\u2019s note, and a statement of Lewis\u2019s debt for the rent of Elkhill. Calculating the interest on each of them to the last day of this month, they stand thus.\nPrincipal\nInterest\nWhole amount\nWoodson & Lewis on their bond\nWoodson. On his note\n(Lewis & Ware on their bond\nLewis for rent\nAmounting in the whole to\nDeduct P.F. Trent\u2019s order, and your debt to R.L. suppose\nThere will remain due the last day of this month about\nIt will be necessary for you to give a very particular explanation to Mr. Pope as to the claim for Elkhill, as an exact idea of it will decide what kind of writ he takes out: also to caution him not to take it out till you are satisfied the 4th. year is expired. I shall be obliged to you to inform me the exact sum you are to stop for me on account of your brother\u2019s estate, and whether you are to allow to R.L. interest on it, and from what time. The bearer will bring the books and papers we spoke of. I am with great esteem Dear Sir your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0157", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 25 September 1791\nFrom: Fenwick, Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBordeaux, 25 Sep. 1791. \u201cThe political situation of this country is now likely to take a favorable turn and faith and tranquility will I hope succeed fear and incertitude.\u201d The King unequivocally sanctioned the Constitution on the 14th and the 30th is fixed for the Legislature to replace the National Convention. All persecutions for revolutionary actions have ceased and a general amnesty is decreed, giving hope for union and stability to the Constitution. However, equipment of 97,000 militia is going on. The \u201cquota, 2000 and odd of this Department, will march in a few days for the southern frontiers.\u201d There are no maritime preparations, the English fleet is actually disarming, the fear of war is ended, and \u201cThe rumour of a league on the Continent against France can be nothing more than a chimera.\u201d\n\u201cExchange is rising a little and specie coming into circulation tho\u2019 yet at an advance of 5 @ 15 \u214c Ct. As confidence gains it will become more abundant which will operate in favor of the intercourse with America heretofore greatly interrupted by the low exchange and rarity of specie. Was exchange near par this Country would now pay 10 @ 20 \u214c ct. higher for Tobacco, Rice, Indigo and Grain than any of its neighbours.\u201d This year, because of short crops, considerable grain would be taken in all of southern France. \u201cThe want of knowledge in America of the french manufactures, the inability and reluctance among the manufacturers to giving foreign credits, prevent an exchange of commodities.\u201d Unless government measures promoting mutual exchange are taken, he fears it will never come about. If Congress should establish arsenals and take clothing and supplies for the Indian trade, it would promote use of French manufactures. The \u201ccoarse woollens and fancy stuffs of Carcasson, Montpellier, Toulouse, and Montauban\u201d are well adapted for this purpose and are cheaper than those of England. \u201cThe Linens also of Flanders, Brittany and Tourenne might be put in competition with those of England and Ireland. The trade in the Levant also offers many articles of exchange,\u201d as peace on much better terms may be made with the present Dey of Algiers.\nHe hopes Congress will establish duties and regulations for the consular officers. Fees and perplexities saved for American vessels in French ports by transferring their business and disputes from the Admiralty courts, always tedious and expensive, would pay a living to the consuls without adding to costs.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0158", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 25 September 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Septr. 25. 1791.\nI informed you in my last that it was uncertain what measures the national assembly would take with respect to their decree of May relative to the islands. The colonial committee have since made their report on that subject and the assembly adopted yesterday the decree which you will see in the paper inclosed, with a slight alteration in the 3d. and 4th. articles limiting the time of the provisory execution of the laws made in the colonies.\nFor some time past this subject has been that which has excited the greatest degree of acrimony in the opposite parties of the assembly. Both sides have made use of fabricated addresses, alarms and exagerated reports to carry their point. Those who were in favor of supporting the decree of May, finding that several who had then voted for it had changed their opinions in consequence of the effect it had produced at S. Domingo, used every effort to adjourn the question of its repeal to the next legislature.\u2014It was contended on the other hand that in order to quiet the colonies it was necessary to make a constitutional decree on this subject so as to put it out of the power of a future legislature to change it. How far future legislatures will consider this binding on them will depend on future circumstances. If they desire to change the decree they will argue as several of the members of the assembly did on this question\u2014that they are no longer, agreeably to their own declaration, a pouvoir constituant.\nNo hostile manoeuvres seem to be preparing as yet against this country in consequence of the interview at Pilnitz. They will of course depend on the situation of internal affairs here. A few of the emigrants have returned, but a much greater number of disaffected persons continue to leave the kingdom, some merely from weariness of the present state of anarchy, and others with an intention of joining those who project plans of entering the kingdom in an hostile manner.  It is expected the King will soon take some open and decisive measure with respect to his brothers and the powers who permit the emigrants to assemble openly and make hostile preparations on their territory.\nYou will have heard of the death of M. de la Luzerne in England. The dyes for the medal destined for him have been retarded in a most unexpected manner on account of the engraver being employed here in the new coinage. Previous to the death of M. de la Luzerne I explained to him the cause of this delay and sent him a letter from the engraver on the subject which he answered by a desire that the national work should be first performed. The dyes were since completed, but unfortunately one of them failed, as often happens, in the hardening. The engraver is now employed in repairing this evil and says it will be done in two or three weeks. I suppose it so certain that this medal should be given to M. de la Luzerne\u2019s representative, that as soon as it is ready I shall mention the subject to M. de Montmorin and follow his advice respecting it.\nI have sent by the way of Havre to your address a box containing the usual papers and several books on the subject of mint of coinage for the Secretary of the treasury. I will thank you to mention to him also that I wrote to him by that port the day before yesterday, as I fear by a letter since received from thence that it may be detained there some time. This will go by the way of England, and will carry assurances of the respect & attachment with which I am, Dear Sir, your\u2019s affectionately,\nW Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0159", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Brown, 27 September 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Brown, James\nDear Sir\nMonticello Sep. 27. 1791.\nI was in hopes, when you were in this neighborhood, I should have had the pleasure of seeing you. Besides the gratification as a friend, I was anxious to settle our account. I gave to Mr. Donald the only list of the tobacco sold him which I possessed, and tho I had left directions to procure me another from the Lynchburg warehouse, it has not yet been done. From a general recollection of the amount, as well as a general idea of the monies and goods furnished, I know I had an expectation when I left Virginia in Octob. 1790. that the balance was sensibly in my favor. But I have so constantly experienced deception in my own favor in those general ideas that I confide little in them. I will thank you to furnish me the account.\u2014I must beg the favor of you to send me by Mr. Randolph a small memorandum of muslin, dimity and shoes he has for my younger daughter who is going to Philadelphia with me: and 40. or 50. dollars cash for my travelling expences back, for a collection here has entirely failed on which I had counted for getting back. If you are in my debt, these furnitures will be in payment: if I am in yours, they shall be returned to you by a post banknote the day after my arrival in Philadelphia, and the balance on your books shall be paid of wheat now on hand. It will be equal to me to send you an order on the bank of Philadelphia for the amount of the muslin &c and money desired by Mr. Randolph as soon as the amount is known to me, as also whether it will be a payment or an advance: but I suppose I shall be at Philadelphia myself before any order I can send you after Mr. Randolph\u2019s return can go to Philadelphia by the way of Richmond. I am with great esteem Dr. Sir your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0160", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 27 September 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 27 Sep. 1791. Barclay arrived on the evening of the 23d instant and delivered TJ\u2019s dispatches of 13 May, 13 July and 26 July. These letters were the first to inform him of Barclay\u2019s mission to Morocco, a letter on this subject from Barclay in Philadelphia having failed to arrive.\u2014On the 24th instant he gave the Compte de Rhode, the Prussian minister to Portugal, a letter for  William Carmichael on the subject of the prisoners in Algiers, a copy of which is enclosed. Despite the bitter complaints of the prisoners about the failure of the U.S. to secure their release, contained in late letters he has accidentally seen from Captain O\u2019Bryen, he thinks it would be better for him to continue to negotiate through Carmichael rather than opening a direct correspondence with them. It would only subject him to \u201ca torrent of pathetic and severe complaints, the source of which it would not be possible for me to remove,\u201d and lead the captors to demand a higher ransom.\u2014He has conferred with Mr. Bulkeley about the money to be drawn from Holland for the subsistence of the Algerian captives, and Bulkeley promises no difficulty. Though disinclined to handle public money lest he make an honest mistake and fall under popular suspicion of mishandling public funds, \u201cI will endeavour to have the business done in so clear a manner, and with such vouchers, as that I may have a right to ask and receive a definitive settlement of all the pecuniary concerns between the Public and myself, the moment they shall be completed. And I have to request as the last and greatest favour I can expect from your office, that you will be so kind as to facilitate my endeavours for the accomplishment of this object.\u201d\u2014He suspects that the French Gazettes he expected to receive by the weekly post have been detained in Spain. He encloses several issues of the Leyden papers and has forwarded TJ\u2019s dispatches to Carmichael by the Compte de Rhode.\u2014P.S. He will forward a copy of his letter no. 19, which describes his reception by the Queen, if he learns that TJ has not received the original.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0161", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Augustine Davis, 28 September 1791\nFrom: Davis, Augustine\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRichmond Sept. 28th. 1791\nI was honored with your favor of the 15th. inst this day, which was handed to me by a Mr. Carr, with two other letters for the mail, which will be forwarded to morrow.\nI have been in daily expectation, for some time past, of having the Cross Post from this to Staunton fixed, but have been disappointed by the person failing to procure his securities. David Ross, Esq. and Major Langham, of Columbia, have recommended another person for the place, and have promised to render him every Assistance, in order that the business may be regularly performed; and I expect that in the course of 5 or 6 days to make a final close of the Contract.\nWith respect to the South Western post to go by Lynchburg rather than New London, has been mentioned to me by several  gentlemen living at Lynchburg as more advantageous, it being a place of considerable trade and that the letters to and from Lynchburg would be greater, which induced me to conclude to fix it in that manner, when it shall be in my [power] to make the Contract, but as yet no person has offered for the place.\nI am greatly obliged, Sir, for your mentioning that it has occurred to you that there may be a saving were the same post to do both as far as Columbia, which Idea had also struck me, and which I shall observe when it is in my power to make the Contract for the South Western Cross Post.\nAccompany this are several letters addressed to your Excellency received from the Northward; all which I wish safe to hand. And have the Honor to be, Sir, yr Most Humble Servt,\nAugustine Davis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0162", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 29 September 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 29. 1791.\nI recieved two days ago from Havre your letter of the 28th. of July together with the newspapers and books for the consulates accompanying it.\nI am sorry that the circumstance mentioned in the second and third page of that letter continues still in force. My letters will have explained to you how it was brought about by the personal interests and designs of some and the unparalleled ignorance of the greater number. Time and experience will correct it and the person who resides here now and he who may reside here then will probably be blamed for the one and commended for the other, and equally unjustly in both cases. In this distribution I shall have as little right to be satisfied as in the favors of fortune in general. You will probably soon after the date of your letter have recieved what was intended as a corrective of these errors. I wish much to know what may be thought of it on your side of the water. I have previously communicated my opinion respecting it. It is a subject which will require additional prudence and caution at present on account of the situation of affairs on this side.\nWhat you mention in the third page of your letter as being complained of because misunderstood was often cited and was made an  engine in the hands of the designing: but it was often also and fully explained to them. Nothing however can resist ultimately the constant efforts of a few artful men operating under the active principle of personal interest on a numerous and tumultuous body.\nI was rendered happy by the cyphered part of your letter because it shews that I had not mistaken the sentiments which I was sure would prevail in America. I felt this with so much conviction that I have never failed whenever proper to assert it and to enforce it by arguments drawn as well from the nature of our government, and the character of our citizens in general, as the known dispositions of those who are now, and the probable dispositions of those who may hereafter arrive at the administration of affairs. The person to whom you allude has proper sentiments and the dispositions to be desired on this occasion. His influence however has much declined and in this instance would be less than in any other. Still it may be always counted on as far as it will go.\nThe assembly is to end its session to-morrow, and their successors of whom a great number have arrived, are to assemble the day after. It is already buzzed about that there is a party among them who will be against taking the oath prescribed for supporting the constitution; on the principle that they have full powers to alter it. I hardly think however that the oath will be objected to in the lump and from the start, although it is highly probable that it will be set aside in detail in the long run.\nI shall send you by the way of Havre a report made by the committee of finance and adopted by the assembly, on the state of their finances before the revolution, during the assembly, and what it will be in future. It presents very flattering prospects but few people view them through the same medium.\nThe commissaries intended to be sent to S. Domingo are to set out immediately with instructions conformable to the decree for repealing that of the 15th. of May as already mentioned to you. They are to carry also an act of general amnesty for all the French islands. Opinions are divided here between those who think that the islanders from gratitude for the repeal of this decree will readily submit to strict commercial regulations, and those who think on the other hand that having thus found out a means of obtaining what they desire their pretensions will augment in proportion to the facility of realizing them.\nI have been waiting for some time to get from London an account of postage due there in order to draw up my account to the beginning of July. I shall not wait longer for it and will send you this account  exclusive of that article by the way of Havre, from whence a vessel sails without fail as I learn in the beginning of the month. It will arrive nearly as soon that way as by the English packet which carries this letter, and I have preferred that conveyance.\u2014I have the honor to add assurances of the sentiments of attachment which I hope you will readily believe in your friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0163", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 29 September 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 29. 1791\nMy late private letters to you have been of July 7. (bis) and 17.\u2014I received two days ago yours of July 28. inclosing a bill of exchange for \u00a3131.5 stlg. which shall be placed to your credit in the hands of V. Staphorst & Hubbard as has been already the balance remaining here in your favor.\u2014I will send you by the way of Havre in a few days the continuation of our private account. In it you will see the amount of the Champagne wine and I will inform you also of the value in specie here of your bill of exchange.\u2014My public account will go at the same time and I shall be much obliged to you to alter it or modify it in any manner you may judge proper.\u2014I will see if any thing can be done with Barrois but I doubt it. The letters inclosed in yours have been forwarded to their several addresses, except that to Paine.\u2014That to Gouv. Morris was delivered with my own hand.\u2014A Person in whose skill I have confidence is to chuse the vanilla and it shall be forwarded to you immediately by the way of Havre.\u2014I was happy to hear of my brother through you. American like he never lets me hear from him himself. Still I hope you will be civil and kind to him for my sake if he should  come to Philadelphia as I love him most tenderly knowing his real worth and merit. If R.H.L. should resign I should desire my conditional cong\u00e9 still more. My last private letters will have explained to you my ideas on this subject. Notwithstanding I then said so much of myself still I should repeat it here, if the hour of the post did not absolutely preclude me.\u2014A letter from America informs me that the delay in the appointment of the minister here is supposed to proceed from your endeavouring to prevail on Madison to accept it and his hesitating and taking time to consider. As the person who writes me is a great friend of yours as well as mine I should have supposed what he said well founded if your letter did not prevent it.\u2014If Madison doubts I should wish him to remain in America even if I were not interested because I am sure he may be more useful there and that he will find the ground here different from what he may expect.\u2014It is supposed here that Mr. Ammond carries out in his pocket the commission of Minister Plenipotentiary and of course that one will be appointed for London. Genl. Schuyler it is thought will stand foremost for this place as I am told by an American here.\nI received two days ago a letter from the Sec. of the treasury of Aug. 1. It gave me infinite pleasure on account of the satisfaction which it expresses relative to my conduct and he tells me that \u2018all are satisfied with my prudence and judgment.\u2019 I feel that I stood in need of approbation, because in a business of that kind which has so many sorts of delicacy attending it, silence would have been painful. It is the kind of business which of all others it is the most disagreeable to meddle with and particularly when one acts alone. It is this consideration which would have made me excuse myself from it if it had been possible, and which made me, having undertaken it, act with additional rigour with the agents at Amsterdam.\u2014That has brought on a difference of opinion betwixt us on a point which they propose referring to the Sec. of the treasury, and which I shall accept readily as it will place the decision where I desired it. I have kept him regularly informed of this circumstance and am sure he will be satisfied with it. I am much pleased with the favorable manner in which he has several times expressed himself of my conduct and hope he will have no reason to change. I am exceedingly sorry for the circumstances mentioned in the cyphered part of your private letter. I hope that experience will correct opinions which would otherwise be really dangerous. Adieu my dear Sir & believe me unalterably your affectionate friend & servant,\nW: Short\nI shall wait with much anxiety to learn what is done with respect  to the appointment here and would be very glad to know if it were possible the causes of the unexpected delay in this appointment the two last sessions. I cannot help in spite of myself auguring sometimes favorably from it for myself. I see so few and (indeed no one) to whom the ground here would not be entirely new that I cannot find out the causes of preference, especially when I consider the usages of other countries even where difference in rank and birth has such weight.\u2014I should be much obliged to you to send me the Journals of congress as well as the acts of each session. I have never received any part of the journals of the senate.\u2014If I am to stay here the winter I should be glad also to have a suit of the best American cloth which I could wear here to court.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0165", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 30 September 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nLondon 30 September 1791\nI had the Honor to write you on the 12 Inst. by the Zephyr, Capt. Crombie, via Annapolis, to which I pray your reference.\u2014We have nothing of a political nature stirring worth your attention: the King and his followers are still at Weymouth.\u2014The general opinion is, that the Parliament will not meet \u2018till after Christmas to do Business; then, the Minister will face them, and give his reasons for the expensive Armament. The discharging the Ships of War, has thrown a number of our poor Countrymen loose on the World, who cannot get any employ, and who are in the most wretched starving situation; the trouble I experienced during the warmest time of pressing Men, is nothing to be compared to the present; as a Mans feelings, and Humanity is continually put to the rack, from the number of Objects who present themselves to him; at present there is but one American Ship in Port, so that I have not the Power to get them home by that means; and indeed if there were a Number here, I cannot generally applaud the Commander\u2019s humanity; for some have been wanton enough to demand from them, three to six Guineas \u214c Man, and the Man work his passage; however there are but few will take them without their Victuals being laid in; and as for the English Commanders, they will take none, alledging, that they may have what they please of their own Country, who will continue the Voyage; when Americans would be sure to run away on their arrival in their own Country; at this time I have many on my hands; particularly a Capt. MClemmey of Baltimore, who is insane, and whom  I have put to farm into a Poor House @ 4s/ \u214c week, untill I can find an American Captain who will take him home; I mention those matters that you may be enabled to represent them to Congress; who I trust will make provision for my reimbursement, and their future support under such circumstances. Inclosed I transmit you the quarterly Account of the inward, and outward Entries of all the American ships at the Port of London, ending this day; I also hand you inclosed, an Account of the Seamen, Citizens of the United States of America, which I protected during the last armamt. I kept no Account of those which I protected last year as I expected Congress would at their last session, have pointed out forms, and directions for the Consular Office.\u2014I beg, Sir, that you will be pleased to lay those Papers before the President of the United States, from which (independent of the many matters which are constantly falling on me to do for the service of the Public) he may judge of the compensation the Public ought to make me for the past, and allow for the future, and urge Congress to pass an Act for that purpose.\nIt will probably be urged by some that the appointment may throw advantages into my hands, equivalent to the trouble; should any such reasoning be offered; I am ready to Swear, that I have never been benefitted by one single Commission (except a small one from Coll. Humphreys) and that my loss in undertaking the execution of the office, has by far exceeded any benefits; indeed my situation is different from any other. I am appointed to a place where every Merchant in America has his Correspondent, and who will not remove his Business so long as he does it well; but if the Captain of his Ship is arrested by a Seaman; or he gets into any Scrape, it falls on me to protect, and extricate him; whilst the Merchant is freed from any trouble, and is reaping the advantages of American favors.\u2014Inclosed I hand you, my quarterly Account of Disbursements, and which leaves a Balance due me, from the Public of \u00a342.1.5 which I doubt not, you will find right, and which pray note in conformity.\nI mean to make duplicates of my applications to the Lords of the Treasury; the Lords of the Admiralty, and the Commissioners of the Customs, with the answers, and forward them to you ere long.\u2014I am, with the greatest regard, and esteem, Sir, Your very obedient, & most Humble Servant,\nJoshua Johnson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0166", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Twyman, [ca. 30 September 1791]\nFrom: Twyman, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nWorthy Sir\nThe very great enequality in our Circumstances, But more in knowledg, Education, and preferment, makes it indisputable that you Can hope, or expect, any Sattisfaction from any Conversation that might be between us. And a Bare Sight of each-other must be full as little.\u2014And although I have not Before now been to see you, yet I must say it is not for want of a Due Respect.\u2014For being so sensible of your abillities, and my own weakness, am Bound to Conclude that my Confined thoughts to, and ingagements in, Domestick affairs, Can add nothing to your noble and Exalted minde.\u2014What has attached my affections to you, I leve you to Judge, for I count no man my Superiour but as he Excels in Virtues, and none inferiour but for the Contrary.\u2014However for the present, interest as wel as sattisfaction, induces me to make you a Visit, which I intend Shall be on monday, next.\u2014And be the Case as it may, I shall be Sattisfied only to be inrol\u2019d, and rather know, That I am your friend, which will better appear if ever it should be wanted.\u2014In reasonable Service,\nGeorge Twyman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0167", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 1 October 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[The Hague], 1 Oct. 1791. The King\u2019s acceptance of \u201cla Constitution des fran\u00e7ois\u201d has strengthened the monarchy and ensured the future happiness of France. The replacement of the Legislative by the Constituent Assembly also bodes well for the progress of the revolution in France.\u2014The news from the Netherlands is of quite a different nature. The money for the forced loan of 25th last no longer exists. Thirty million florins have been used to assist \u201cla Compagnie des Indes orientales.\u201d The whereabouts of the other fifty million florins is unknown. As a result, taxes on wine, coffee, tea, tobacco, servants, horses, and crossing gates will be raised in the province of Holland.\u2014The reports of a combination of the great powers of Europe against France are not to be taken seriously; \u201cen bon franr\u00e7ois, elles voudroient ce qu\u2019elles ne peuvent.\u201d\u20149 Oct. Nothing is known about the new legislature in France except that it began by examining credentials.\u2014P.S. 11 Oct. The assembly in France \u201cs\u2019est d\u00e9clar\u00e9e l\u00e9gislative, sans s\u2019arroger rien de constituant.\u201d It precipitously passed and then revoked a decree on royal ceremonial. The \u201cfugitifs\u201d are more to be pitied than feared.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0168", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 October 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 1 Oct. 1791. He does not know when he will have another opportunity of directly forwarding letters to America as the last American vessel in the harbor has been sold and converted into a Portuguese ship. Taking advantage of the British packets, he announces that Louis xvi has accepted the French constitution and that acts of oblivion, recommended by the king and proposed to the National Assembly by Lafayette, will be adopted to generate acceptance of the new order.\u2014Count Potocki, a Polish nobleman TJ may remember seeing in France at Madame d\u2019Houdetot\u2019s, has just returned from Morocco with useful information for Thomas Barclay. The new Emperor will require more than twice the amount of money as his predecessors for negotiations, though Potocki thinks the United States will have less difficulty than other powers in treating with him. The Emperor is besieging Ceuta but will probably not capture the garrison. At Potocki\u2019s behest, Barclay will go from hence to Gibraltar and from thence to Tangier. Barclay knows the present governor of Tangier from his former mission to Morocco. \u201cThe reigning Emperor has beheaded most of the Persons who were about the Court in his father\u2019s time.\u201d\u2014Something will be lost in the exchange between this place and Holland, \u201cbut the business shall be done as advantageously as possible, and Mr. Barclay\u2019s departure facilitated with all the Dispatch the nature of the circumstances will allow.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0169", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Fulwar Skipwith, 1 October 1791\nFrom: Skipwith, Fulwar\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond 1 Octor. 1791\nFor some time back I had been looking forward to the agreeable event of your arrival at Monticello that there above all other places I might have the pleasure of paying you my respects in person. This satisfaction I am now compelled to defer untill your return to Philadelphia, being called to Norfolk by some little business of such urgency as will not indulge me with delay.\nThe same reasons which have led me to return from M/que I find by a letter lately received from Hispaniola have induced Mr. Bourne the Consul for the U States there to take up the resolution of leaving Cape Fran\u00e7ois. That island seems to be overwhelmed in fresh troubles\u2014\u2018tis said that the negroes throughout are in insurrection and threaten destruction to the whites. No accounts however have I yet  seen that in my opinion ought to be confided in or that lead me into a satisfactory knowledge of the nature of their disputes. M/que remains in peace, but its ports are shut against our flour. With the highest Respect and Esteem I remain my dear Sir Your mo ob Servant,\nFulwar Skipwith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0170", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 2 October 1791\nFrom: Fenwick, Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBordeaux 2d october 1791.\n        The inclosed letter was too late for the Vessel from Bayonne. I have Since Seen the Executors of Mr. Le Roi who have confirmed to me the legacy of 15.000\u20b6 left to your neigbour Mr. De Rieux payable in 6, 12 and 18 months after his Death. The first payment is now Due and will be paid to the Attorney of Mr. de Rieux on demand. You can dispose of me in the remittance of the legacy to Virginia. Mr. Le Roy also left each of Mr. De Rieux\u2019s brothers 15,000.\u20b6\u2014I have the Honor to be Sir your most obt & most hble Servt.,\nJoseph Fenwick", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0171", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 2 October 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Octob. 2. 1791.\nAn end was put to the session of the national assembly the day before yesterday by the speech of the King and the answer of the President which I have the honor of inclosing you. There has been no instance perhaps where His Majesty has been more sincerely satisfied with the reception he met with from the public than that day.\u2014The assembly room was crowded with people of all classes and all seemed to vie with each other in demonstrations of their attachment <to the King>. He was much affected himself by these marks of affection and was moved in such a manner as to shed tears;  which changing the tone of his voice produced the same effect on the greater part of those present. Every sentence was interrupted by clapping of hands and cries of Vive le Roi as well from the assembly as the galleries.\nThe members of the legislature assembled yesterday morning, and formed themselves into divisions for the verification of their powers, and adjourned to this morning when they met again and a sufficient number being verified they formed themselves into an house. They are to meet to-morrow to chuse their proper officers and the day after the King is to go and open the session. No judgment as yet can be formed of the line in which they will march.\nNo answer has as yet been recieved from foreign courts to the King\u2019s notification of his acceptation of the constitution. The Princes continue to act as during the King\u2019s confinement and affect to consider him still in a state of captivity.\u2014The encouragement and pressing invitations they hold out to emigrants induce great numbers still to go and join them daily. All here are anxious to see what measures the King will have taken with respect to those who are so nearly connected with him and who say they act in his name.\nM. de Montmorin determines to realize an intention he has for some time had of retiring from the ministry. The place is offered to M. de Moustier and an express has been sent to him to Berlin. It is uncertain whether he will accept under present circumstances. This appointment is not yet known to the public so that I cannot say what effect it will produce on them. I fear however a bad one as he is considered by those who know him as decidedly an enemy to the present order of things. He has some bitter enemies among the most exagerated and dangerous members of the assembly who I am persuaded will exert themselves on all occasions to prevent his acquiring their confidence, which will be more than ever essential to the ministry now in order to prevent the assembly and its committees taking the administration into their hands.\nI will write to you more fully respecting this appointment in my letter which goes by the way of Havre. This is sent by the way of England\u2014I have the honor to be with accustomed sentiments Dear Sir, your affectionate friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0172", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Currie, 3 October 1791\nFrom: Currie, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRichmond, 3 Oct. 1791. He has learned from Colo. Randolph that TJ\u2019s visit to Monticello will be too brief to afford him time to pay his respects and extend personal thanks for TJ\u2019s assistance in helping him recover the debt John Griffin owes him. Griffin wrote him from Baltimore on 15 Sept., complaining of \u201cthe infamous conduct of those to whom he had confided his principal affairs and mentions particularly the name of one gentleman.\u201d Griffin asks him to be patient and he will repay his debt in time. Currie has \u201cno faith in what he now says or writes,\u201d however, and asks TJ to resume his efforts to recover the debt when he returns to Philadelphia. He may come there himself \u201cin the course of the ensuing Winter\u201d on important business, and he will call upon TJ then. A visit to Mrs. Eppes \u201ctother day\u201d found her ill with \u201ca Bilious fever,\u201d though he thinks she has since improved. Francis Eppes mentioned visiting Monticello if his wife continued improving. Mrs. Currie sends her compliments.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0173", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Gouverneur Morris, 3 October 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis 3 October 1791\nI am favored with yours of the twenty sixth of July for which I pray you to accept my thanks. I mentioned to you from London that Mr. Walpole had been offered the Place of Envoy extraordinary to the United States which he had refused. I took Care to avoid any sort of Intercourse with the Government while I was there and of Course could not possess any minute Information worthy of your Notice. I avoided also seeing any of the Chiefs of Opposition lest some Conclusions of a disagreable Nature should be drawn from that Circumstance. Of Course it was not untill my Arrival in this City that I learnt (from the british Embassador here) what had been done. Mr. Hammond was sent for from Spain and passed thro this City while I was in London. I do not know whether he is gone out, if not you have long since I suppose received the Communication of his Appointment. The Plan seems to have been that which I long since mentioned viz the sending out a Minister with Letters of Credence in his Pocket to be delivered when you shall appoint to this Court.\nFrom a Variety of small Circumstances I am convinced that the british Cabinet begins very seriously to consider its Situation in Respect to us. The rapid Rise of our Credit, the wise Decisions of our Courts, the general Peace and Order which prevail, and the  gradual Display of our Population wealth and Industry, produce very great Effect upon their Minds. Let me add that the calm Dignity of those who are at the Head of Affairs has a considerable Influence. Events confirm me in the Opinions which I formed from an attentive Consideration of the Subject, and I think we may calculate almost with Certainty on forming a good Treaty with that Country as soon as they shall determine to form any Treaty; and untill that Time I agree fully with you that Attempts on our Part should be such only as to justify to the World that Conduct which it becomes us to pursue. I know that among the many whose Duty or Occupation it may be to consider this Subject there must be a Variety of Opinions because Dispositions Differ, because Prejudices exist, because Interests sway, in a Word because Men are Men; but Time will set his Seal of Truth on that which is right.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0175", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Smith, 4 October 1791\nFrom: Smith, Daniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSouthwest Territory, 4 Oct. 1791. Letter of 12 Aug. to William Blount is received in his absence.\u2014Provides answers to questions TJ asked relating to boundaries of Indian claims.\u2014Rumors that Zachariah Cox has established a settlement on the Tennessee River are untrue. The Chickasaws permitted him to set up a post solely to trade with them. His acquittal by the Superior Court has encouraged others to think they can settle in that territory contrary to law. He has published a proclamation forbidding such incursions into the territory and enjoining those already there from aiding them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0177", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Lewis, 5 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lewis, Robert\nDear Sir\nMonticello Octob. 5. 1791.\nIt is with a great deal of pain that I have found myself under a necessity of having suits brought against two persons so nearly connected with yourself and Mrs. Lewis as your son Robert and Capt. S. Woodson. You know that I was left burthened with a great debt for Mr. Wayles\u2019s estate, and in scuffling to pay what I could of that, I suffered my own accounts to accumulate. My attornies found it necessary in 1785. to sell negroes to answer these demands, and to rent out the lands at Elkhill on which these negroes had been working. Messrs. Woodson & Lewis purchased negroes, and the latter rented Elkhill. A large sum is still due on their joint bond for the negroes, and not a shilling has been paid for rent after four year\u2019s occupation of the place. As long as my creditors could be kept quiet, I have indulged these gentlemen from no earthly motive but their connection with you. Theirs are the only debts which have not been either paid or called for long ago. At length I am sued, and I cannot think of selling more of my property merely to indulge those who  have already been indulged six years. Had my stay here been long enough to have written to them and got answers, I would have waited. But I set out for Philadelphia in four days, and have therefore put my demands against them into the hand of Mr. Pope. I could not go away without expressing to yourself and Mrs. Lewis the uneasiness this has given me. But I am sure you are both so reasonable as to see in my past indulgence too real a proof of my attachment to you to doubt the sincere & antient friendship of Dear Sir your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0178", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Lewis, Jr., 5 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lewis, Robert, Jr.\nSir\nMonticello Oct. 5. 1791.\nMy principal object with respect to Elkhill being to sell it, I do not propose to subject it to any lease which might disappoint me of a purchaser. If you think proper to continue the occupation as lessee at will as you have heretofore done and on the same terms, I consent to it. But I shall expect the rent of the year to be paid with the produce of the year, and think it but fair to observe to you that after a reasonable time for selling your crop, I shall not fail to exact the rent. Four years occupation already and not a shilling paid have proved to me the necessity of the disagreeable means I have been forced into of demanding my rent by a suit. Mr. Pope is instructed to do this, and you will be pleased to settle with him for the past. Colo. N. Lewis tells me he will pay me for you the sum of \u00a322\u20139\u2013 11\u00bd which therefore I am willing to take in his hands. He allows no interest on it.\u2014I am Sir your humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0181", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Meade Randolph, 6 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, David Meade\nSir\nMonticello Oct. 6. 1791\nThe office of Marshal for the district of Virginia being now to be newly filled, on the appointment of Colo. Carrington to the department of the Excise, I take the liberty of asking whether it would be acceptable to you. If you authorize me to say so to the President, the appointment will be given to you. It\u2019s duties are as yet scarcely sketched out, by the federal legislature. By turning to the act of the first session of Congress, chap. 20. sect. 27. &c. you will see what has been prescribed and provided for that officer hitherto. As I shall be in Philadelphia before any answer of your\u2019s can reach me, I must beg the favor of you to direct it to that place.\u2014I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your most obedient humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0182", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 6 October 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Octob. 6. 1791.\nI inclose you at present my account with the U.S. from July 1. 90. to July 1. 91.\u2014A balance as you will see remained due to me at that date of 4146. florins of which 1846. were due on the account  of the year before. This shews that the whole of my salary is not expended which arises from two circumstances. 1. That I had for a long time no house rent to pay, and 2. that I have not augmented my expences in proportion to the augmentation of my salary for the last year. The uncertainty of the time I should remain prevented me from forming so extensive an establishment as I should have done if I had been permanently fixed and in this I conformed to usage. Besides my expences being born whilst I was in Holland increases the balance 1116. florins more than I had expected. In consequence of your last letter of July 28. I have charged those expences which I did not know before that I should be authorized to do. You will find four accounts annexed to the general account of Dr. and Cr. They contain the details of articles announced in general terms in the general account. The vouchers of the account that is to say the receipts for such articles as admit of receipts, remain in my hands. They may be thought necessary in the final settlement of the account, but still I did not know whether I should risk them lest they should be lost and as they are the only proofs I have. I do not know what is the usage in such cases. If you desire that they should be sent I will thank you to say so and it shall be done immediately. Should any part of the account require explanation I hope you will ask it also, and I renew here my request to you to arrange it in any manner you may judge proper as mentioned in your last. The reciepts for my tavern expences and carriage hire at Amsterdam are lost, because I did not know that I should have occasion for them. The charges made therefore are taken from my journal where they were entered in proportion as paid and conformably to the reciepts then given. If necessary I can have the reciepts renewed I imagine, as the books of the tavern and carriage hires will shew them. The carriage hire will be found moderate, as I did not keep one constantly, finding it as well in the manner things were there to take one only the days I went out. I charge the wages of my valet de place in consequence of your letter as I kept one constantly the whole time. My travelling servant desired that instead of paying his tavern expences I would augment his wages as is the usage which I did. I charge therefore this augmentation instead of the tavern expences which I should otherwise have had to charge.\nI recieved in your last letter the bill of exchange you indorsed me for \u00a3131.5/. sterlg. I send it to Messrs. V. Staphorst & Hubbard to be kept at your disposition. Previous to this there was a balance for you in their hands remitted from hence as formerly mentioned to you. The value of the bill at Paris is 4742\u20b6. 15s in assignats and  3436 \u20b6 in specie according to the present rate of agio and exchange.\nI do not send you the continuation of your private account to this day because Mr. Grand has not made out the one he promises me daily. Immediately on recieving it it shall be forwarded to you, which may be perhaps before this leaves Havre. In the mean time I can inform you that Mr. Grand paid for the champagne wine 1680. livres, and that de la Motte paid on the same as follows: Transportation to Havre and duty in Rouen on four\nhampers champaign wine\nLaboures and porterage of do.\nDuty outr\u00e9 on do.\nYou will recieve in the gazettes sent the 50. batons de Vanilla you desired. It cost 20. sous the baton. It was chosen by Mde. de Flahaut who says it may be relied on as excellent. Besides Piebot seemed so well satisfied with your remembrance, that I am persuaded he has given only the best in hopes of a continuance of your practice.\nI observe that you pass over in silence a great many of the articles contained in my several letters, and in that case I suppose nothing further is to be done on them and shall therefore not send the proces verbaux of the national assembly which I asked you about in one of my letters of which you acknowlege the reciept.\nI have already mentioned to you that an express was sent to Berlin to offer the department of foreign affairs to De Moustier. It is not yet known whether he will accept. The appointment astonishes all those who are informed of it, as he had expressed himself hostile to the present order of things. It arises principally I believe from an opinion of his having talents, firmness and courage. Some of the members of the former assembly who were for a long time called the enrag\u00e9s and who true to the end supported the monarchical system, as Lameth, Duport, and Barnave, with whom De Moustier was indirectly connected, have probably had some influence on this appointment by their advice. M. de Montmorin will probably remain in the council.\nI imagine that this appointment will not please generally in America. So far as relates to our business with Spain it may probably be considered as a misfortune, or at least it would certainly have been more agreeable, and more safe, to have had it in the hands of M. de Montmorin. Still I think there are reasons which will prevent his acting in opposition to what he knows to be the public opinion  of the U.S. on this question, not from affection to America for that it would be unsafe to count on with any minister, but from a desire to keep the U.S. in the balance of the house of Bourbon. His old plan with respect to France acquiring territory on the Mississippi he will find it difficult if not impossible to gain a taste for here. The nation have so much to do at home and in its own neighbourhood that it will be impossible to bring them to think of an acquisition of this kind at present. Should De Moustier be for reviving the system however I think he will endeavour to bribe us into a connivance by offering the navigation of the river in hopes of restricting it hereafter. It is possible also that having the plan still at heart and finding the moment unfavourable he may underhandedly endeavour to prevent the cabinet of Madrid granting what we want now in order to be able thereafter to induce us to aid in its execution in order to obtain of France (or the promise of it) what we now ask of Spain.\nThere are other subjects in which I think the appointment of De Moustier will not be disadvantageous to the U.S. Although he may be as it has been often said, personally ill disposed towards the U.S., yet it is certain that he has a better idea of their rising greatness and the necessity of favoring close connexions with them than any minister that could be appointed. Another truth of which he is fully convinced also is that commercial connexions are the only basis which can be relied on for those of a political nature with the U.S. After his return from America I had several conversations with him on these subjects and his sentiments appeared then to be what we should wish. It is impossible to say however how far a change of place may bring on a change of opinions and whether M. de Moustier minister of foreign affairs and M. de Moustier desiring to be employed somewhere or other, may be the same. I spoke to you of him in my letters last year. He was then a great advocate for a liberal treaty of commerce being formed, and he told me more than once, after he was named for Berlin, that if one was to be negotiated he would wish to be sent for and that he would return to Paris for that purpose. He desired I would mention this to M. de Montmorin. He shewed me also as I mentioned to you in my letter of Oct. 27. 90. what he had written to Mr. Necker on the subject of augmenting the commerce of France with the U.S. and Mr. Necker\u2019s answer.\nOn the whole if a treaty of commerce is to be formed I should think it not a misfortune that it should be done with De Moustier, for this reason only that his knowlege of the rising force of the U.S. will have convinced him of the importance of being friendly allies  to them and because he is well persuaded that proper commercial connexions are the only solid basis of such an alliance.\nWhether this is the proper time to form such a treaty with France is another question which will merit very great attention, and which cannot be decided in this moment on account of the present situation of this government. The constitution is formed on paper but it has not yet been put in practice. Doubts exist every where among thinking people whether it can be carried into execution, and if not by what means a change will be effected. In such a situation it may be doubted whether administration can be brought to give proper attention to the negotiation of a treaty of commerce, and also how far such a treaty would be considered as valid, if a total change of the present order of things were effected by any means from abroad. Although this is not probable yet it is impossible not to take it into the account. A proper judgment of its weight can be formed only with time.\nUnder these circumstances as it will be necessary I suppose to take some measure at least ostensible in consequence of the decree of the assembly and the instructions carried out by Ternant on this subject, might it not be well to authorize the Minister residing here to prepare this treaty and in conjunction with him who may reside at London or elsewhere in Europe, to conclude it? (I take it for granted that the U.S. will prefer appointing two or three persons in all cases to conclude treaties of commerce on account of the separate interests of the separate states. This would be more satisfactory to all parties and particularly the agents employed for such purposes.) If this mode were adopted the U.S. will have done all that can be expected of them by this country, no useless effort will have been made, and no favorable opportunity, if such an one should present itself, will have been lost.\nShould this mode be judged proper and should I continue here (which I must own I cannot help entertaining hopes of after so long a delay and other considerations often mentioned to you) I should hope to receive from you very full instructions on this subject. I should certainly use every effort in the preparatory steps, but on all accounts should desire to be joined by one or more for the conclusion of the business. Under these circumstances I confess I should be happy to be employed in a business where I should have hopes of being useful to my country, being persuaded that proper commercial connexions with France on liberal principles would be highly advantageous to both countries.\nYou will see in the gazette universelle of Oct. 4. an article respecting  Morris which I should not have mentioned if it had not been published, although perhaps I ought to have done it, as I think it probable he holds out an idea here that if he is not appointed as minister, it will be because he does not chuse it. That would seem to render it my duty to inform you in what light he is considered at this place. With respect to the article abovementioned I do not observe that it has made any very great impression, because such a variety of matter and particularly calumny appears in the gazettes that it is readily forgotten. But his aristocratical principles, his contempt of the French revolution and of the French nation expressed in all societies without reserve, and his dogmatizing manner and assumed superiority has exposed him generally to ill will and often to ridicule. For some time he was a favorite among the aristocratic party, but even that is now worn off, and as the French have no measure in their expressions of people they dislike they say of Morris the most disagreeable things, many of which I know he does not deserve, but it produces the same effect. As he is engaged in commercial affairs it is in that way they attack him. He told me himself of a report which circulated here, that he was an enemy to the revolution because under the ancient system he had an exclusive contract with the ministry &c. As he is a very active talking forward man and goes about a good deal he has established generally and particularly in the corps diplomatique who see him at the Count de Montmorin\u2019s that he is un intrigant. I have really taken pains to wipe off this opinion with several who have told me they considered him in that light, because I was persuaded he did not deserve it, and that it was his vanity alone that made him act in a manner which gave him that appearance. It will be impossible however to check that opinion when it comes to be generally known. It is now generally believed that he sent to the King the observations as mentioned in the gazette universelle with a plan of conduct. A foreigner who thus meddles in the affairs of a country with which he has nothing to do, and particularly in opposition to the public opinion does it at his peril and risk and cannot blame those who attach the seal of intrigue and design to such conduct, and particularly when he is a volunteer. Morris says that his plan was received with favor but rejected by fear. I know however with certainty that the letter of the King on his acceptation was concerted at M. de Montmorin\u2019s and written by a former friend of Mirabeau employed by M. de Montmorin for that purpose. I know not by what channel Morris sent his proposition as there are ten thousand private ways of conveying such things, but I think it must have been far from  agreeable to M. de Montmorin, being in opposition to the plan he proposed and supported. This letter will go by a private hand to Havre, its contents particularly the latter part are only between you and me. I should not have said any thing on the subject but for the reasons abovementioned. I have really thought it my duty to shew, as is the case, that if there is any idea of appointing Mr. Morris here (which I rather suppose he gives out sometimes though he always says the contrary to me and confines himself to say he fears he shall be appointed to London) that there are reasons against it which deserve to be weighed and which can have been observed only here.\u2014Adieu my dear Sir and believe me Your friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0183", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Tubeuf, 6 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Tubeuf\nSir\nMonticello Octob. 6. 1791.\nI am honored with your favor of Sep. 11. and should have been much pleased to recieve you personally, had the cares with which you are charged permitted it. I congratulate my own country on the acquisition of so many good people from yours; and sincerely wish that in your particular case the advantages may be reciprocal. I have seen enough to be always in fear that strangers may not find their situation here as satisfactory as they may have been made to expect. I desire much that this fear may be groundless as to you and those who have come with you, and shall be happy in every occasion of proving to you my wishes for the prosperity of your enterprize, and the sentiments of esteem & regard with which I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0185", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Wilson, 6 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Wilson, James\nSir\nMonticello Oct. 6. 1791.\nColo. Nicholas Lewis has communicated to me the account you inclosed him of your transactions in my affairs and I am happy to find them drawn so near to a close. There appear to me two corrections however to be made in the account. The first respects the article of \u00a39\u20135\u20137 which had been charged in the account of Richardson & Scruggs\u2019s bonds which you had rendered before in these words \u20181786 Nov. to cash pd. Cum. Sheriff \u00a39\u20135s\u20137d.\u2019 consequently it should not be charged again in the last account which respects only the bonds of Austin, James, Carter, and Randolph. Another correction respects Mr. Randolph\u2019s bond, on which, allowing the credits claimed by Mr. Randolph, the balance will be \u00a381\u201319\u20139 instead of \u00a370\u201316\u20133 as credited in your account. For thus I state it.\nMr. Randolph\u2019s bond\nBy Randolph & Cary\u2019s acct.\n4. years interest on do.\nI suppose the following therefore to be a true statement of our account at present.\nMr. Wilson to Th:J. Dr. to balance as per acct. rendd. Sep. 1791.\nTo a sum twice charged\nTo short allowance for Randolph\u2019s bond\nThe articles left blank in your account on both sides may produce some small alteration. Whatever the real balance is, I will be obliged to you to pay it to Mr. Dobson to whom I shall send an order on you, not for any specific sum, but for the balance whatever it may be.\nI propose this summer to make a sale which will probably give a great deal more of this business to be done. I believe you will be pretty much in the center of it, and I shall be happy to put the bonds into hands so diligent.\u2014I am with great esteem Sir Your very humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0186", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Bolling, 7 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Bolling, John\nDear Sir\nMonticello Oct. 7. 1791.\nI should have been extremely gratified could my stay in Virginia have permitted me to have paid you a visit in Chesterfeild, and it would have been some compensation for the want of that power, had my sister\u2019s visit to this place happened to fall in with mine. In the ensuing spring I think it possible that business may call me into your neighborhood, in which case I shall most assuredly have the pleasure of seeing yourself and family.\nI wrote you from hence the last year, inclosing a statement of your account with my mother\u2019s estate &c. I am recently called on by James Lyle for a debt due from that estate to Kippen & co. amounting with interest now to about \u00a3180. The great sums I am already in advance beyond the value of all my mother\u2019s assets, and the amount of other debts I am pressed to pay have obliged me to authorize Mr. Lyle to recieve what was due to my mother. Of this nature was the chief part of your balance, amounting on the 6th. of March 1790. to \u00a352\u201319\u20138 according to the account I then enclosed you, for which sum I have therefore given him an order on you. I would not have done it to any person who would have been troublesome to you, which I know he will not be; and I hope you will not think it unkind in me to have lessened as much as I could this demand for my mother when I inform you that for the balance of that demand, and of others which I cannot otherwise answer I find myself obliged this winter to make a very considerable sale of negroes  in addition to the sales of land I have already made and shall further make.\u2014Present my best love to my sister and the family and be assured of the sincere affection of Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0187", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Donald, 7 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Donald, Andrew\nSir\nMonticello Oct. 7. 1791.\nWhen I left Virginia the last year, I left with Colo. Nicholas Lewis instructions to pay you for Wm. & James Donald & co. \u00a327\u2013 3\u20139 with interest from Apr. 19. 1791. out of some money due to me on bond and for rents from Robert Lewis and Samuel Woodson, of which they had promised prompt payment. They paid not a shilling which prevented Colo. Lewis from doing as I had desired. I have put my demands against those persons into the hands of Mr. Pope an attorney, who has brought suits against them in the Richmond District court. Both the persons are wealthy, and I now inclose you an order on Mr. Pope for the money as soon as he shall recieve it, which being the surest and speediest resource in my power, will, I hope, prove satisfactory to you. I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0188", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Lyle, 7 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lyle, James\nDear Sir\nMonticello Octob. 7. 1791.\nIn your letter of Oct. 23. 1790. you informed me there was a balance due to Kippen & co. from my mother of \u00a3126\u20139\u20135. currency before the beginning of the war. This letter having been delivered me just as I was setting out for Philadelphia I informed you I could  give no answer to it till I should come here this present fall. I have now had time to examine papers on that subject and find no reason to doubt the demand. I have greatly overpaid the assets of that estate which have come to my hands, even counting at their full value negroes in which the testatrix had only a life estate. Yet as I paid all demands against her during her life, and believe that on view of that she had credit and quiet from the merchants with whom she dealt, I am willing to assume this debt also to be paid with interest from Apr. 19. 1783. the year after my last instalment shall be due to Henderson McCaul & co. that is to say on the 19th. of July 1796. to which, on receiving your agreement to it, I will oblige myself in due form.\nThere remains due from me on my bond to Harvie & co. assigned to Henderson McCaul & co. the balance, according to my statement of \u00a354\u20135\u20136 with interest from Apr. 19. 1783. amounting now to about \u00a377 or \u00a378. You will oblige me if you will collect the inclosed order from Mr. Bolling for \u00a352\u201319\u20138 and interest from Mar. 6. 1790. and place it to the credit of that balance. I rendered an account to Mr. Bolling the last year, and write to him now on the subject.\nYour letter of Sep. 28. is duly recieved, and I shall be thankful for the copy of the account therein promised. I am extremely anxious on that matter, being assured that if any accident happens to me before it is finally settled, no one else will take so much trouble to settle it rightly as I shall do.\nI set out for Philada. within three or four days, from which place you shall hear from me again.\u2014I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your friend& servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0190", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Rutledge, 7 October 1791\nFrom: Rutledge, Edward\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nCharleston October 7th: 1791.\nI had the Pleasure of receiving some days ago your Letter of the 25th. August, and now take the Liberty of introducing to your acquaintance my Friend Barnwell, who wishes much to be known to you, and who deserves to be gratified in what he wishes. I have already given you his Character. I told you in my last that, he had given me his Sentiments respecting the carrying Trade, in writing, and that I was then preparing to answer what I could by no means approve; a task in my Opinion not very difficult. But easy as it is,  I have been prevented hitherto from doing it, as I could wish, by the multiplicity of my professional Business, and the constant and dangerous illness of my wife, who occupies every Moment of my Leisure, and indeed many days that, my clients conceive, should be devoted to their Affairs. He however who has many Duties to discharge, finds it often difficult, and sometimes impossible, to discharge them with punctuality; in such Cases, we must select the most important, and trust to the good nature of others, to be excused from the rest. Under the Circumstances of my Domestic Affairs, it is impossible for me my dear Friend to quit my native Home. But [you] must not from thence be led to believe, that I dedicate no portion of my time to the Service of my Country. Far otherwise. In the small Circle of my own State, I take my full Share in her public Measures, and contribute my best Endeavors, to advance her Interest, and preserve her Tranquillity. This, you may rely upon it, was an arduous Undertaking, when we reflect on the distracted and impoverished State we were left in, at the close of the war; the almost total want of Subordination to any Government, and the different and discordant Interests which it had become necessary to reconcile. Every one therefore, my good Sir, to the Station in which he can be most useful. I was once a field officer. I am now a Subaltern in Politics; but I aim at doing my Duty, and I am almost contented. Yet not altogether. I often pant to be in Congress, were it but for one Vote. I glow with Resentment when I think that, at this moment, we suffer our old Enemies to keep up an armed Force, within the acknowledged Limits of our States; and not only so, but give to that people as many Advantages in Commerce as we do to those, who were, and are our Friends. And why? Because we are afraid that Great Britain will lay restrictions on our Commerce! Because she may take Umbrage! Ah! my dear Friend, if the Sentiments which are now current had prevailed in the years 1775, 6, and 7, the Lovers of Liberty would have died on a Gibbet, or perished in a wilderness, and the rest of our Fellow Citizens would have been hewers of Wood, and Drawers of Water for the most insolent set of Beings that today inhabit the Earth. My Friend Izard for whom I have a very great Esteem, says that on this Subject I am \u201cMad.\u201d I wish to God, he, and his Colleague had a little of my Madness; the more especially as they must all admit, that there is Method in it. Barnwell is much in Sentiment with me in inclination altogether. He wishes to be convinced, and has promised to shew you the Letter which he wrote me. As he is full of Candor he did himself propose it, and if when you become acquainted with him, you will give him  an opportunity of doing it, I shall thank you. I am mortified when wise men, and good men go wrong: but when Men of this description are my Friends, and go wrong in essentials, we are afflicted, as well as mortified.\nI find by the Public Prints that the King of France is resolved, not to be handed down to Posterity, as the Restorer of the Liberties of his Country. Should he regain his Personal Freedom, I shall tremble for the Nation, over which he has presided: as I am convinced, there is not a crown\u2019d head in Europe, that would not strain every nerve to reinstate the Claims of arbitrary Power, in his Person. Adieu for the present my dear Friend and be assured that I am ever your affectionate,\nEd: Rutledge.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0191", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Strange, 7 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Strange, James\nSir\nMonticello Octob. 7. 1791.\nSince my return to this place I have examined my papers relative to the demands stated in your letter of July 10. I find nothing against those of \u00a316\u201311\u20133 due from my mother to Donald Scott & co. at their Charlottesville store, and \u00a319\u20136\u20135\u00bc from myself to the same company on dealings with Buchanan and McDowell, which therefore I will undertake to pay with interest from the 19th. of April 1783.\u2014As to the demand of \u00a3131\u201316\u201318 from the same company for my own dealings with Richard Anderson in their Charlottesville store, I find a credit of \u00a370. Sep. 24. 1775. and some smaller ones omitted. That transaction was as follows: Henry Mullins was to pay me \u00a3170. by order of Colo. Skipwith. His tobacco being in the hands of Mr. Anderson, he authorized me to call on him for that sum, and I desired Mr. Anderson to pay \u00a330. of it to Dr. Walker, \u00a370 to R. Harvie & co. and to apply \u00a370. the residue to the credit of my account in his store, which he assumed to do. Desirous afterwards of having a written acknolegement I applied to Mr. Anderson who gave me one in these words. \u2018Sir I was to have paid one hundred and seventy pounds for Henry Mullins in October 1775. so that if you will give him credit on his bond for that sum, I will be answerable to Mr. Harvie and Doctr. Walker for your orders in favor of them payable at the same time. I am Sir your mo. obedt. Richd. Anderson. 28th. April 1777. To Thos. Jefferson esq.\u2019 The original paper is in my possession and shall be shewn to yourself  or any other person applying to me at this place. The credit can moreover be fully established by Henry Mullins in Goochland, and I dare say that on turning to his account in your books you will find him debited that sum on my account. I must further ask the favor of you to turn to the account of Harvie & co. and see whether their part of it was duly entered to their credit, and to inform me, as I am bound to see that it is so. This account then should stand thus.\nDonald Scott & co. for dealings with Richard Anderson Dr.\n1772. July\nTo cash of Wm. Michie for counsel\nTo do. of Richd. Woolfolk for do.\nTo do. of Thos. Garth\nTo R. Anderson\u2019s assumpsit for H. Mullins to Dr. W.\nto R. Harvie & co.\nto credit of my acct. with him\nTo balance of his bond for \u00a3155 (\u00a395\u2013 9\u2013 3 pd. to Minor)\nBalance due to Donald Scott & co.\nCr.\nBy amount of acct. to this day as pr. acct. rendd.\nBy assumpsit of R. Anderson for them to Dr. Walker\nBy do.\u2007\u2007do.\u2007\u2007Harvie & co.\nAnd our whole account will stand thus.\nTh:J. to Donald Scott & co. on sundry accts. Dr.\nTo balance on dealings with Richd. Anderson\nTo do.\u2007\u2007on do. with Buchanan & McDowel\nTo do. for Jane Jefferson\nfor which", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0192", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 9 October 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Octob. 9. 1791.\nThe King postponed going to open the assembly until the day before yesterday. He then went and delivered the speech which you will find in the gazette inclosed. It was well received by all the spectators and by much the greater part of the members of the assembly.\nDuring the two days that passed between the assembly\u2019s being formed and the King\u2019s going there some circumstances passed which merit attention as indicative of the opinion of Paris which must always have much influence on that of the Kingdom in general. The assembly passed a decree changing the ceremonial adopted by their predecessors for receiving the King. By it he was to have a fauteil in the assembly without fleurs de lys &c. This decree was astonishingly ill recieved by the people out of doors and particularly the crowds in the Palais Royale. They considered it as designed to disgust the King who has lately become popular and their expressions of discontentment were so loud that the assembly the next morning repealed it. Such of the members as had supported the decree are considered for the most part as disturbers of the peace and many of them have been insulted by the garde nationale. As one of these scenes took place in the assembly room a few minutes before the session commenced it was denounced to the assembly. The officer of the garde nationale who had offered the insult desired to be heard at the bar of the house in his justification, which was allowed and thus the matter ended.\nThe King was firmly decided not to go to the assembly if the decree had not been repealed. This shews that he counts sufficiently on the garde nationale and people of Paris, to act independently of and balance the assembly. If confined within proper bounds this will be a great advantage for the constitution in limiting the transgressions of the assembly.\nThey are now engaged in forming their plan of proceeding and will name committees as the former assembly did. The several ministers are to tender them an account of the present state of their departments which will comprehend the internal and external affairs of the Kingdom. This will take place in eight or ten days. M. de Montmorin informed them in general terms that answers had not yet been received to the King\u2019s notification to the several powers of his acceptance of the constitution and determination to support it.\nThe Princes continue to act as before this acceptance and hold out to their followers certain hopes of foreign interference. Numbers of the nobility, clergy and other discontented go and join them in consequence thereof. The Empress of Russia has made them a present of money; some say two millions of livres, but there are many reasons to believe that it is less. This as well as the other marks of her support were during the imprisonment of the King. Time alone can shew what changes in the dispositions of foreign cabinets will be effected by the change in the King\u2019s situation.\nThe Marquis de la fayette resigned yesterday his command of the garde nationale. I inclose you a letter which he addressed to them on the occasion. They are now to be commanded alternately by the six commandants of division. He goes this morning to Chavelle where he will stay some days and from thence go to his estate in Auvergne to spend there the winter unless called away by a command in the army.\nI inclosed you in my letter of the 6th inst. (private) sent by the way of Havre my account from July 1. 90. to July 1. 91.\u2014I omitted in that letter to explain the article of 700\u20b6 10s. paid for printing and distributing the pamphlet on tobacco. I explained it in one of my letters I think from Amsterdam.\u2014Before going there I authorised Brissot de Warville who was then supposed to have much influence on Mirabeau, to distribute to the members of the assembly a feuille volante when the subject of tobacco should come on in order to explain it to them.\u2014Under that authorisation and against my intention he had a pamphlet printed and distributed 2000 copies. As I was then absent I did not know of it until it was too late and of course I thought it better to repay his disbursements than to object to them in that stage of the business.\nWhilst the assembly were deliberating on the reform of their mint several propositions were submitted to them and among the rest those which you will see in the memoire inclosed of which I have had a copy taken. They were made by Bolton of Birmingham. I know not why he refused to join his name, but he exacted secrecy of the committee. His plan was not adopted. I have learned lately that Drost and he differed. They speak ill of each other and Bolton particularly of Drost\u2019s machine although Drost says it is used by him (Bolton) in the copper he has struck.\u2014Drost assures me he shall be ready to go the next spring. I find him however exceedingly dilatory.\nI have this moment recieved a packet from you containing four news papers, the latest of the 13th. of August, without any letter.  The packet was sent to me by the penny post. I know not how it came to Paris.\u2014I am my dear Sir, most affectionately, yours,\nW: Short\nP.S. I send you the plan of public instruction reported to the national assembly and a valuable work on the balance of French commerce taken from authentic and official papers. I think they are proper for public use and are destined for your department or that of the treasury as you may see fit. You will have received also with the last newspapers a pamphlet on the commerce of the French islands.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0194", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Rev. Matthew Maury, 10 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Maury, Rev. Matthew\nDear Sir\nMonticello Oct. 10. 1791.\nFinding that the amount of the account (\u00a322\u201313) which you left with me is such as that I can pay it in Philadelphia, and that this will be more speedy than any resource I can refer it to here, I have determined to remit it from thence. This I can do by sending a bank post bill to your brother at Fredericksburg, at which place it shall be by the last day of this month. The collector of the port is bound to pay the cash for those bills which renders them the usual and sure means of remittance from Philadelphia to the different states. At any time therefore after the last day of this month you may safely instruct your brother what to do with that sum.\nThere will then be arrearages of subscription, Dabney\u2019s board &c. for the present year, and entrance for the next, amounting as I conjecture to about fifty two or three pounds which the person whom Colo. Lewis shall employ to recieve my business from him, will be directed to pay out of monies, which I think he cannot fail to recieve within a moderate time, so as I hope to prevent your suffering any inconvenience. Mr. Lewis will be so good as to express to him my anxiety that he pay it at the earliest moment possible. I am with great & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your affectionate friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0195", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Bell, 11 October 1791\nFrom: Bell, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\n[Charlottesville] 11th. Oct. 1791\nA Mr. Franklin is expected in Town this evening, who formerly was Overseer at the Mountain.\nIt has been hinted to me that he would Suit, as manager for you perhaps, better than some that has been Mentioned. Colo. Lewis\u2014although he may not mention him\u2014can give you his Character better than I can. And whether Franklin would undertake the business, or no, can\u2019t say. You will excuse my mentioning him, as I am no ways interested except for your Interest.\u2014I am Sir with respect your most ob. Srt.,\nTho Bell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0196", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Hamilton, 11 October 1791\nFrom: Hamilton, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNorfolk Octr. 11th. 1791.\nHearing of your arrival in the flourishing State of Virginia, I take the earliest opportunity to congratulate you on the very agreeable excursion which I understand you have recently made to the Eastern States, and to assure you that I most sincerely rejoice on being informed that you are in good health.\nAs Great Britain and America have not yet entered into a Convention for the purpose of defining and establishing the functions and Privileges of their respective Consuls it seems a matter of doubt, with some people, whether Consuls recognized and acting by permission have the same powers as those appointed in Virtue of a Convention; while others are of opinion that those Recognized and Admitted have more extensive privileges than if they were confined to Articles established by a Convention for their particular Government, because, where there is no Convention the Laws and Customs of Nations and of Merchants, must be the Rule of their Conduct.\nIt is my most earnest wish to avoid Altercation, and not to extend the Consular powers in any case whatever, beyond it\u2019s proper limits, and would therefore esteem it a very great favor to be honored with your Opinion how far You concieve those powers extend? Whether Consuls Recognized and Admitted (where there is no Convention) are to be guided by the Laws and Customs of Nations and Merchants? And in what cases amenable to the Laws of the Country in which they reside. I have the honor to be, with the greatest Respect & Esteem, Sir, Your most Obedt. & most Hble Servant,\nJno: Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0197", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Garland Jefferson, 11 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, John Garland\nDear Sir\nMonticello Oct. 11. 1791.\nA little before my departure from Philadelphia I received your letter expressing a wish to remove into this neighborhood that you  might be convenient to the books which are to be read. I am told your present situation is favorable for study; and I doubt whether in this neighborhood your mind would not be more disturbed and withdrawn from it by a revival of matters which if let alone, will sink into oblivion; and as Peter Carr assures me the books are forwarded regularly and in good time for yourself and Sam Carr I imagine you are now less anxious on this subject. Colo. Lewis retiring from the management of my affairs himself, has undertaken to employ some one to take care of them. I imagined it would be more agreeable to you to have a fixed sum of money deposited somewhere for your maintenance, and under your own command, than to be obliged to write to the manager for every little want. I have therefore directed that he should lodge the sum of \u00a350. in the hands of the merchant to whom he sells the crop of wheat, and give you notice in what hands it is. This I presume will suffice for a year\u2019s boarding, clothes and all other expences, to be counted from the first day of this month, and at this time next year a like provision shall be made for you for another year. Any thing due for board before the 1st. day of this month shall be paid up exclusive of the allowance for this present year.\u2014I cannot deny myself the pleasure of mentioning to you the satisfaction I recieve from the accounts given me of your assiduity in your studies and your advancement in them. You live in a country where talents, learning, and honesty are so much called for that every man who possesses these may be what he pleases. Can there be a higher inducement to acquire them at every possible expence of time and labour?\u2014With respect to the old subject of uneasiness which arose in this neighborhood, be assured that no impression unfavourable to you remains on my mind. On this head quiet yourself most thoroughly; and rest satisfied that no one feels a more lively interest in the success you may hereafter have in the world, than I do. I repeat again that this may be what you please, because it will depend on your learning and integrity, which are in your own power. I shall always be happy to hear from you, tho it will not be in my power to answer always, as you must be sensible from the nature of my vocations. I am with perfect attachment Dear Sir Your affectionate friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0198", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis, 11 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lewis, Nicholas\nDear Sir\nMonticello Oct. 11. 1791.\nI omitted to mention in my memorandum about the sale that if any ready money should be recieved, about \u00a370. of it should be paid to Dr. Currie, and the residue, as far as \u00a3300. to Dobson. It is not probable so much will be received, if any, therefore it would be useless to say that any further sum should be paid to Hanson.\nMr. Tom Cobbs applied to me to-day about 2. hhds. of tobo. carried down by Phill and no more heard of. I desired him first to see what Ballow would say about it, who would be answerable if he did not use due diligence in enquiring into it. I since learn that Ballow is dead, and therefore unless neglect on his part could be more clearly proved than is probable, any attempts against him would be useless, and would be unjust too if he were not really negligent in the matter, because he could not be understood to warrant the honesty of my driver. Therefore I suppose the loss is to fall on me, and have to beg of you to compromise it on the best terms you can with Mr. Cobbs. No payment can be made on the subject till Christmas twelvemonth. I am with great esteem Dr. Sir your\u2019s sincerely,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0199", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Anderson Bryan, 12 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Bryan, Anderson\nSir\nMonticello Oct. 12. 1791\nThe constant absence from the [\u2026] I am now held, requires that I should [unburden?] myself from all [\u2026] and particularly from all [\u2025] other responsibilities of that mat[ter?] Therefore on Thursday [\u2026], [\u2025] [re]lease me from my securityship [\u2026] of which I thought it right to [\u2026] that you may [be?] there to [defend?], [\u2025] necessary [for your interests], [\u2026] and [\u2025]. I am Your\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0200", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 14 October 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Octob. 14: 1791\nDrost called on me yesterday and after some hesitation told me that several circumstances had taken place in his private affairs which rendered it necessary that he should decline going to America. I was as you may readily concieve much astonished at such an announce, and the more so as two days before he had repeated to me what he had before told me twenty times that he should be ready to go out in the spring. I suppose now that the fact is that he has never been absolutely decided in his own mind and for that reason always delayed on various pretexts forming the contract. Hitherto when I have pushed him, which was very often, to lose no time in executing the machines which were to be made here, he always answered that he had several articles to complete first, but that he had already begun the models and other necessary preliminaries and would certainly be ready as soon as the season would permit his undertaking the voyage.\nOn my observing to him that his conduct appeared to me far from delicate, that I had written to you as authorized by him that you might count on his going and that it was probable arrangements would have been taken in consequence thereof, he seemed somewhat hurt, and said that if I learned from you that that was the case that he would consent to go. Whether this was merely a palliative or not I cannot say. He said however that he would write me a letter today confirmably thereto. Should it be recieved before the departure of this letter it shall be forwarded to you. He went further and said that he should continue to have two balanciers made on his own account and that if you insisted on his going he would yield them to the U.S. and set out. It would be unsafe however I fear to count on him.\nHe has an intention at present of treating the French revolution in a series of medals and thinks he shall soon make a large fortune by this means. Should his speculation fail he may be more disposed to go to America, unless indeed his declining it at present proceeds from a consciousness that his machine will not answer for striking money, although perfect for striking medals. This as I have informed  you is insisted on by Dupr\u00e9 the engraver here and by Bolton also. So long as Drost shewed an intention of going to establish a mint on that principle, and on the condition of not being paid until the work was executed it was not allowed to doubt of his own conviction at least, but I own since his declining it in this abrupt manner it is impossible not to suspect some uncertainty.\nMr. Gautier of the house of Grand had told me that Drost could not be depended on he feared for such an undertaking, and that at any rate it would be necessary to deal with him with much caution. He had collected this opinion from Bolton and his friends. I mentioned the circumstance to Mr. Grand who said he did not know Drost well enough to answer for him, but advised me to mention to him what had come to my knowlege with respect to his machine having not answered at Birmingham. I did it and Drost expressed his thanks to me for this opportunity of explaining to me his difference with Bolton. He shewed me many papers and among the rest an arbitration and an agreement in consequence thereof by which Bolton was to pay him a certain sum of money for his time. All this did not prove the success of his machine and I had only his word that it was made use of by Bolton and Bolton\u2019s denial of it. However as you had directed me to employ him and as he was to be paid only after the work was completed I determined to prosecute the measure, and particularly as he then said if I had any doubts of his ability to execute the engagement he was willing it should stop there, and as Mr. Grand seemed to think that under those circumstances there would be no risk in treating with him.\nI sent you in my last a copy of Bolton\u2019s proposals for striking the copper coin of this country. It will be perhaps found well to contract with him for striking the same for the U.S. as that must be the most pressing, the gold and silver of other countries having course with us. He will strike the copper at Birmingham at a very low rate, or will make an establishment for it in the U.S. Drost tells me that whilst he was in England Bolton was in treaty for that purpose either with the U.S. or some citizen thereof. I shall let him know through Mr. Gautier that Drost does not go to America so that he may make overtures directly to you for establishing a mint in America on the principle proposed in his memorial sent you, viz. for a given sum, or for striking at Birmingham and furnishing by contract the copper coin of which the U.S. may have immediate need. Should you persist however in preferring Drost, and he bind himself by the letter mentioned above then you will be so good as to give me your orders thereon. It will be necessary at the same time to give some  idea of the extent to which this undertaking is to be carried that Drost may know how many balanciers and what other instruments may be requisite. He thinks nine or ten will be necessary, being the smallest number in the smallest of the several hotels de monnoye in France.\nI am exceedingly sorry for this disappointment and the delay which will ensue in consequence thereof, in a business so interesting to the credit and dignity of the U.S. as the having their own coin. I should be particularly so at Drost\u2019s not going if his conduct did not inspire some doubts with respect to the plan which he proposes, and which as yet has not been reduced to real practice in the coinage of large sums of money as far as we know of.\nThe assembly have as yet done nothing of an interesting nature. They are still engaged in forming the rules of the house.\nSome of the couriers who had been sent with the notification of the King\u2019s acceptation of the constitution have returned and brought congratulatory answers, particularly from London and the Hague. The French Ambassador at Vienna who during the King\u2019s imprisonment had been desired to withold himself from court has again made his appearance there and been recieved. The Swedish Ambassador by order of his master had during that time witheld himself from the public eye. He now appears at the Thuilleries.\nThe conjectures with respect to the interview at Pilnitz continue to vary, which shews that certainty is not yet attained.\nSpain has already concluded a truce with the Emperor of Morocco as it is said, occasioned by the brother of the latter rebelling at the head of a considerable force. It is said also that Spain has ceded Oran to the Bey of Mascara. These hostilities obliged Spain to put on foot a considerable force which the present situation of affairs on that coast leaves at their free disposal.\nThe Marquis de la fayette has set out for Auvergne. The garde nationale and citizens of Paris intend petitioning the assembly to indemnify him for the expences incurred in support of the revolution.\nThis letter will be sent by the way of Havre and inclose one which I have just recieved from Lyons. I suppose it proper to send it to you.\u2014I am with sentiments of unalterable attachment Dear Sir your affectionate friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0201", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Delamotte, 15 October 1791\nFrom: Delamotte\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 15 Oct. 1791. Nothing interesting has happened since his last letter of 24 Aug. except for the king\u2019s acceptance of the constitution. The king apparently acted in good faith as England and the Emperor solemnly recognized his act. The nation is so attached to the \u201cdernieres r\u00e9solutions\u201d of the National Assembly that this induced the king to accept the constitution and has prevented the growth of republicanism in the Legislative Assembly.\u2014The opening of a new dock that holds 120 ships and plans to build another one the same size in three years have improved the prospects for American trade with Le Havre. Despite the difference in tobacco duties and the prohibition of foreign vessels, the city remains a promising market for American tobacco, ash, rice, flour, grain, salted meat, and timber. Europe is deeply impressed by the recent American loan in Holland and by the general state of American finances.\u2014The harvest has been disappointing. Nantes, Bordeaux, and Bayonne have to import grain and cheese from abroad. England opened her ports fifteen days ago, but America can also profit from this situation.\u2014He is pleased to receive Remsen\u2019s letter of 2 Aug. and the collection of American laws.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0202", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Peyton Short, 15 October 1791\nFrom: Short, Peyton\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond 15th. Octr. 1791\nWill you be so good as to excuse my troubling you with another Letter to my Brother. I have frequently written to him through other Channels and he complains of never hearing from [me.] If I could be permitted to enclose my Letters to you and you would not consider it an inconvenience to forward them with your packets to Paris, I should be certain of their reaching him, and esteem such an Act of friendship as the greatest obligation that could be confered on Yr. most Obt. Sert,\nPeyton Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0203", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 15 October 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Octob. 15. 1791.\nI now inclose you a note of your account with me as furnished by Mr. Grand which will shew you the balance you have at Amsterdam.  This is independent of the bill of exchange which I have sent to Messrs. Staphorst & Hubbard to be kept at your disposal as formerly mentioned to you.\nAs Ternant has arrived I suppose it certain the appointment of Minister here will take place during this session of Congress. This of course will be the last time I shall ever mention to you a subject about which I have already importuned you a great deal too much. I have therefore less scruple in mentioning to you at present that from the letter of the Sec. of the treasury to me, it appears that he does not chuse to place the affair of our loans here in other hands than mine, or even join others to me as I had requested on account of the delicacy of the business. His letter shewed also that the President had the same sentiments with himself. If therefore it is not known that I would accept any other place than this here, it is possible they would not name another person minister here, at least until that point were ascertained\u2014as they may suppose the affair of our loans the most important branch of our immediate concerns on this side of the Atlantic, and seem to think, probably because I have already been employed in it, that I am the most proper for this business. Under these circumstances I should imagine it possible that a desire that I should prosecute the business would have weight with them in leaving me here, particularly if they did not know they could command my services in this line by employing me elsewhere. I mention this to you that you may arrange it if you think proper and in any manner you may judge best for me. I will add only one circumstance more and then beg you a thousand pardons for all this trouble, importunity and perhaps impertinence. It is that if you should think in a couple of years from hence or if it should be then thought by any other that it would be better for any other person to come here I would willingly at that time withdraw. It is possible that it may be thought best to keep me here as minister one or two years under the present circumstances of this country and that after that time it may be best to send another. Of this I cannot judge, and as it might be thought disagreeable to appoint a person for only two years, I mention this merely to shew that I will of myself remove any difficulty of that kind. Of choice I think should desire to retire at that time.\u2014After all I own to you I am ashamed of all my letters written to you on these subjects, and as their purpose is now at an end, and as they were never destined for any other eye, and further as no other person could enter into the true spirit of them but yourself, and would even certainly take up an improper idea from them not knowing that what I write to you I consider as written to  myself, and as nothing but fire can put out of all doubt their being one day exposed to other eyes since you are exposed like all to the bills of mortality, I close here all the prayers and intreaties which I have made to you on these subjects by one general one, that you would commit to the flames all my letters relative thereto, and beg you to remain firmly persuaded of the unalterable affection of your friend & servant,\nW: Short\nP.S. Your friends here and particularly the la Rochefoucauld family are much pleased by your recollection of them. I beg you not to forget Mde. D\u2019Enville\u2019s commission about seed &c. of which you have already mentioned the receipt by my former letter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0204", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 15 October 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Octob. 15. 1791\nI wrote to you yesterday by the way of Havre to inform you that Drost had suddenly and unexpectedly informed me that certain changes in his affairs had rendered it necessary that he should abandon the idea of going to America. This is merely to inform you by the way of England, referring you to my letter of yesterday for further particulars, of this abrupt change.\u2014He now proposes in addition to what I then mentioned to undertake the business but with the privilege of remaining in Paris himself and sending another to execute his plans in Philadelphia. It is for you to determine whether such a mode will suit you. He says his presence on the spot is by no means necessary.\u2014He mentioned to me further yesterday evening that he was in treaty with a foreign court to make one of his balanciers at Paris and sell them his art. And I think it probable that this with his other schemes mentioned to you yesterday may have determined him to remain here; perhaps also an aversion to a sea voyage which he has frequently expressed may have some weight. I can only repeat here what I mentioned yesterday of my mortification at this disappointment. It may however turn out only a delay, and in that case it will be in some measure compensated by the greater degree of certainty acquired as to the practical success of Drost\u2019s machine should the foreign court of which he speaks reduce it to experiment in actual coinage.\nThe courier sent to De Moustier has returned. It is said he refuses. I suppose it may be considered as certain that he has not absolutely accepted. However as he was to leave Berlin for Paris a few days after receiving the courier I rather think he means to examine the ground first, and will accept afterwards. This delay may be because he thinks such a caution necessary or with a design to make a greater merit of his acceptance in appearing to yield to intreaty.\nThe answer of Spain to the King\u2019s notification of his acceptation of the constitution consists simply in a communication of the Count de Florida Blanca to French charg\u00e9 des affaires, when he asked an audience for that purpose. The communication imported that His C.M. having been previously averted that such a notification he (the Count) could immediately give the charg\u00e9 des affaires the answer viz. that His C.M. had by no means as yet a sufficient moral conviction of the liberty of His M.C.M. to be able to appreciate such a notification, but that he His CM. was desirous and well disposed to acquire proofs thereof.\u2014I have nothing further to add to my letter of yesterday & beg you to be persuaded of the sentiments of attachment & Affection with which I am Dear Sir Your friend & Servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0205", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 16 October 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 16 Oct. 1791. Since his last letter of 1 Oct. he has received TJ\u2019s dispatches of 23 Aug. He is grateful for the American publications TJ sent him and will forward those intended for William Carmichael.\u2014He is impressed by \u201cthe mild Government and prosperous state of Portugal.\u201d Since his arrival in the country there has been only one execution, and that involved a fratricide. Otherwise he has not heard of a single assassination or robbery in Lisbon or throughout the kingdom. He attributes these improvements to \u201cthe extreme mildness of the Queen and particularly her reluctance to consent to sanguinary punishments.\u201d Despite the misgivings of advocates of harsh punishment for criminals, banishment has turned out to be more effective than executions in deterring crime.\u2014There has also been a dramatic reversal of Portugal\u2019s balance of trade with England. In the past an English packet commonly brought from 50 to 100,000 moidores to England. But recently Portugal has exported no gold to England, and within the last month two English packets and a merchant vessel have actually brought gold here. This change has occurred as a result of a declining volume of imports as well as an increasing volume of exports. The growth of Portuguese manufactures of woolens, glass, hats, and leather  goods, which can be attributed to the wise policies of the Marquis de Pombal, has greatly lessened the country\u2019s dependence on imports, \u201cparticularly of coarse woolens for the colonies.\u201d At the same time \u201cCotton, Sugar, and some other productions from the Colonies\u201d have enabled Portugal significantly to increase its export trade. \u201cThe late vast demand for Cotton in England has operated more powerfully towards this change than almost all the other articles together.\u201d There has also been a marked growth in exports of wine to England. Last year Oporto shipped 48,000 pipes of wine to England, as compared to 25 to 30,000 pipes in the past.\u2014Barclay has purchased almost all the articles he plans to take to Morocco but has been unable to find passage to Gibraltar.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0206", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Augustine Davis, 17 October 1791\nFrom: Davis, Augustine\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPost Office, Richmond, October 17th. 1791\nI had the honor to write your Excellency when at Monticello in this state, on the subject of the Establishment of a Cross Post from this to Staunton, informing that I expected in a few days from that date to complete the Contract, which was done the 8th. instant, except to executing the Bond, which cannot be effected until David Ross, Esqr. returns to this place, who is one of the Undertaker\u2019s securities, and is to be here in the course of the present month. The Contract is to take place the 15th. of next month, by which time I flatter myself I shall be able to get the Bond signed by Mr. Ross and returned to your Excellency.\nI have lately seen several gentlemen from the South Western Country, and from the conversation had with them on the establishment of a Cross post to that part of the country, they think there is but little probability of any person in those parts undertaking it, and seem to signify that whoever does undertake it must be a loser.\u2014I have the Honor to be Sir yr Excellency\u2019s Most Obt Sert,\nAugustine Davis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0207", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Meade Randolph, 17 October 1791\nFrom: Randolph, David Meade\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRichmond 17th October 1791\nI have to acknowledge the receipt of your very kind letter of the 6th. instant.\u2014The appointment I shall accept, if upon a recommendation  to the president, he shall so far honor me by his approbation. The duties thereof I shall make it a point to regard, and execute them with the utmost of my abilities. Among the many motives to a faithful acquittal of the trust, there shall be none more urgent than to support and justify your choice.\u2014I have the honor to be your obliged Huml. Sert.,\nD M Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0208", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 18 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\nMy dear Maria\nTuesday morning Oct. 18.\nMr. Giles carries your trunk to Baltimore where he will see you tonight. Take out of it whatever you may want before you get to Philadelphia and leave the trunk with Mr. Grant and I will call on him for it. The weather is so bad that perhaps I may not be able to overtake you in the morning as I had hoped: but I shall if possible. Adieu my dear Maria. Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0209", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Uriah Forrest, 19 October 1791\nFrom: Forrest, Uriah\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGeo Town 19 Oct 1791\nThe enclosed list of the sale of Lots, will give you all the information to be had, respecting the Proceedings since you left here\u2014Only that the Commissioners have discontinued the sale. I beleive all, except the four Lots noted, are really sold. Mr. Gilchrist I beleive had no intention of buying when he came. I am not well acquainted with him. He is the Agent of some English Houses, though not very strong ones. Mr. Cabot bought for a Mr. Walker of this place, except one Lot. Pearce will buy to-morrow or the next day, if he can agree with the Commissioners at private sale thirty or forty Lots.\u2014I wish very much, that the Commissioners, and the others, who have superintendance in this business, may Harmonize, but I very much fear it will not be sufficiently the case to prevent inconvenience,  venience, if not injury. I write in great haste lest the Office should be shut.\u2014I am dear Sir With all Consideration & Respect, Your very obliged & Obedt hble Sert.,\nUriah Forrest", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0210", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Brown, 21 October 1791\nFrom: Brown, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond 21 Octbo 91\nI beg leave to trouble you with Extracts from two letters lately recd. from Mr. Short. On rect. of your answer I will take Measures to arrange the Business as you may recommend. For my own part, tho\u2019 a considerable Stock holder I am much a Stranger which plan is most adviseable for Mr. Shorts interest.\nI hope you found the Account sent you free from Error. My absence from home prevented me writing you at that Period.\u2014With much respect I am Sir Your Obt: Hl: St,\nJames Brown", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0211", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 22 October 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nLa Rocheguyon Oct. 22. 1791\nI have just recieved at this place where I have come to spend a few days, a letter from M. de Moustier, from which it would appear that he has persisted since his arrival in Paris, in his determination to decline the department of foreign affairs. He tells me that Brissot de Warville is one of the causes of his declining, being persuaded that from the credit which he seems to enjoy at present he, de Moustier, could not expect to render real service. I am not fully convinced however that he will not accept if still sollicited, and I think he will be sollicited, from the real embarassment in finding a proper person to fill the place.\nDispositions abroad appear pacific since the notification of the King\u2019s acceptation. The continuance of these dispositions will depend of course upon the internal situation of affairs here. The assembly have as yet done nothing. Not a single decree has been passed. Day after day is passed in vain extravagant declamation, and in recieving addresses and petitions by deputations who are admitted at the bar and who flatter the assembly in the most ridiculous manner. This circumstance joined to the personal want of consideration of almost all the members, exposes the assembly to popular disrespect and to the assaults of a weapon, ridicule, which in no country is more powerful than in this.\nNotwithstanding the little hopes of foreign succour emigrants continue in great numbers to go and join the Princes. In many provinces not a man of the nobility able to bear arms remains and many of them carry their whole families with them. An idea prevails among them that they are dishonored if they remain in France, and that only those who go to join the Princes will be considered as noble after the counter revolution which they consider as certain. The assembly are now deliberating on the means of preventing emigrations and punishing the emigrants. If they adopt violent measures the King will probably refuse his sanction.\nThe price of bread has risen considerably in Paris and threatens still to rise. This is produced by several causes\u2014the obstacles put to the free circulation of grain in every department and the low waters of the Seine occasioned by the excessive drought, and the depreciation of the assignats which begins to be percieved in the price of all articles. It is much to be apprehended that this will occasion disorder in Paris during the winter.\nI mentioned to you that the Marquis de la fayette had gone to Auvergne. The municipality of Paris have voted him a golden medal, and the statue of Genl. Washington in marble to be executed by Houdon, \u201cPour etre plac\u00e9e dans celui de ses domaines (de la fayette) qu\u2019il designera, afin qu\u2019il ait toujours devant ses yeux son ami et celui qu\u2019il a si glorieusement imit\u00e9.\u201d They determined at the same time that this vote should be placed on the bust of M. de la fayette, given to the municipality by the state of Virginia. I suppose of course you will mention this to the President, to whom I do not take the liberty to communicate it directly not having the honor to be in correspondence with him.\nI recieved the day before I left Paris the letters of introduction given by the President and yourself to Mr. Horry of So. Carolina for me eighteen months ago. He has come to spend a short time at  Paris and I hope you will both be assured of my readiness to follow your desires contained in those letters. I was uncertain whether I should have made use of the opportunity thus furnished me of writing to the President, but the consideration of his multiplied occupations, as well as respect for himself and his time made me suppose it would be most proper not to break in on it by a letter.\u2014I am desired by the old Dutchess D\u2019Enville, and the Duke and Dutchess de la Rochefoucauld to recall them to your memory often and to assure you of their real attachment. I beg you to count also on the sincere affection & profound respect of your friend & servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0213", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James McHenry, 23 October 1791\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nFayetteville, Md., 23 Oct. 1791. The recurrence of an indisposition that might be cured by a sea voyage has interested him in the possibility of a foreign appointment.\u2014The prospect of war between France and other European powers, \u201cand the claims for succours she may bring forward under the 11th article of the treaty of Alliance, in case of being attacked,\u201d makes it necessary for the U.S. to appoint a minister to The Hague. Such a minister would also be in a position to advance U.S. commercial interests and negotiate advantageous loans for the U.S. government. In support of his pretensions to this appointment, he refers TJ to his service in the Continental Army, the public offices he held after the war, and TJ\u2019s knowledge of his personal talents. In addition to the restoration of his health, a foreign appointment would also enable him to pursue  \u201ccertain literary researches\u201d that would be more difficult to complete in the U.S.\u2014He has not written to the President about this matter, being willing to entrust it to TJ\u2019s care, and wishes it to be understood that \u201cI do not desire an appointment of this kind should Mr. Maddison or any other person of his abilities be disposed to embrace it.\u201d\u2014The day after seeing TJ he met with Mr. Sterett and discussed the ignorance of Murray, Sheridan &c. about U.S. commercial relations with Great Britain. He urged Sterett to apprise these and other members of the Maryland congressional delegation of \u201cthe true interest of the commercial part of the State and of the United States,\u201d and is confident that he will act accordingly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0215", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 24 October 1791\nFrom: Eppes, Francis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr. Sir\nEppington October 24th. 1791\nI find myself much mortified at not being able to see you whilst in Virginia. Mrs. Eppes\u2019s ill health was only cause. After being much weakend by lying in she got violent cold which brought on a fever that lasted ten days and was very nigh carrying off. She has at length got quite clear of all complaints and is gathering strengh fast.\nI wrote you from Richmond the first of September and again by Martin early in this month. No answer has yet come to hand to either of them. In my last I informd you of having purchasd a Jenny of the Malta breed from Mrs. Bolling. The price \u00a320. If convenient and agreeable to you will thank you either to direct Colo. Lewis to remit the money, or if more agreeable you may furnish Jack with it and I will pay Mrs. Bolling. I also request you woud give me your opinion respecting the sum necessary for Jacks annual expenditures including books and all other expences. I am sorry to be so troublesome but hope when you recollect Jacks inexperience you will excuse it. Mr. Skipwiths sale is over. He has made a very good one considering the fall of Tobacco. Their average was fifty three or four pounds. I am with every wish for your health & happiness Dr Sir Your Friend,\nFrans. Eppes", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0216", "content": "Title: Report on Census, 24 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSCHEDULE of the whole number of Persons within the several Districts of the United States, taken according to \u201cAn Act providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States;\u201d passed March the 1st, 1790.\ndistricts.\n        Free white Males of sixteen years and upwards including heads of families.\n        Free white Males under sixteen years.\n        Free white Females including heads of families.\n        All other free persons\n        Slaves.\nVermont\nNew-Hampshire\nMaine\nMassachusetts\nRhode-Island\nConnecticut\nNew-York\nNew-Jersey\nPennsylvania\nDelaware\nMaryland\nVirginia\nKentuckey\nNorth-Carolina\nSouth-Carolina\nGeorgia\nFree white Males of twenty-one years and upwards including heads of families.\n        Free Males under twenty-one years of age.\n        Free white Females including heads of families.\n        All other Persons.\n        Slavecs.\nS. Western Territory\nN. Do.\nTruly stated from the original Returns deposited in the Office of the Secretary of State.\nTh: Jefferson\nOctober 24, 1791.\n   This return was not signed by the marshal, but was enclosed and referred to in a letter written and signed by him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0217", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 24 October 1791\nFrom: Trumbull, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhila Oct 24th 1791\nI had not forgotten my promise, tho\u2019 it was made so long since. The first days of liesure which I enjoyed among my friends in Connecticut, were devotd to render this little picture more worthy of your acceptance than it was when you saw it.\u2014I wish it were now a more valuable testimony than it is of the Gratitude and Esteem of D sir Your obliged friend & Servant,\nJno. Trumbull", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0218", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 24 October 1791\nFrom: Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nAmsterdam 24 October 1791.\nWe are honored with your favors of 13 May, 13 July and 5 August, To the contents of all which we have paid utmost attention.\nYour Remittances\nfor the department of State\nare in good order,\nfor the Fund of 3 March 1791\nand to your Credit under their respective Heads.\nWhenever Coll: Humphreys shall draw on the Latter, his Bills will be discharged to debit of the Fund of 3 March 1791, as far as it will extend; and those He will draw for discharge of the arrears due and for the Maintenance of the Captives at Algiers, to the general account for the department of State.\nWe inclose you,\nYour acct. currt. for the Department of State up to 30 June last, the Balance whereon due by us Hd. Cy. \u019270670.3.8 is to Credit of a New Account for this Department; Upon which you will perceive by a Note at foot we have already paid Hd. cy. f11179.1.8.\nBesides which there is further drawn on us\nB\u01922800 by Mr. Carmichael.\nby Coll: Humphreys.\nwhich will be regularly charged to your account for the Department of State.\u2014We are Respectfully Sir Your most Obedient and very humble Servants,\nWilhem & Jan Willink N. & J. Van Staphorst & Hubbard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0219", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Statement of Account with the United States, 30 June 1791\nFrom: Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nStatement of Account with the United States\n  Dr: Th: Jefferson Esqr: Secy: of State to the United States of America Cr:\nApril\n        To sundry Drafts Money furnished from the 1st: July 1790 till the 30 Apl. 1791 as \u214c note\nJune 10\nBy your Remittce. in a draft of Saml. Meredith Esqr. of 19. March 10/d sight to your order on our Selves No. 210. \u019299000.\nMay\n        To 1 draft of D. Humphreys Esqr: order J.  Bulkeley & Son B.\u01921331.5 Ago. \u214c\nJune\nTo 1 do. of Wm. Short Esqr: order Grand & Co. Bo. \u0192529.14. Ag. 1/2 \u214cCt.\nTo balance which we carry to new Acct:\nSince are paid by us the following Drafts\nJuly\n1 of D. Humphreys 20 May @ 2. Us. order J. Bulkeley & S:\n        1 of Wm: Short 18. July 10d order Grand & Co.\n1 of do. 4 June 10/d order Grand and Co.\n1 of do. 5 July do.\n1 au do. C.W.F. Dumas order N. & J.V. Staphst & Hubbard\n1 of D. Humphreys 1 July a Us. order J. Bulkeley & Son\n1 of Wm: Short 18 Augt. 10/d. order Grand & Compy.\n1. of do: 20 Septr. 10/d. do:\nErrors Excepted Amsterdam. the 30. June 1791\nWm: Jn: Willink N. & J. Van Staphorst &Hubbard.\nNote of sundry drafts and money furnished to the following from the 1. July 1790 till the 30. April 1791 for which the formerly Account Currt: sent to the United States are debited, for which amount or by Specifications hereunder we credit the Account of the United States, and transfer on that of Th: Jefferson Esqr. Secretary of State vizt.\nWm: Short\n1 draft\n\u00bc\u214cct:\n1 do.\n1 do:\n1 do:\n1 do.\n1 do.\n\u2007\u2007Money paid him\n\u2007\u2007Money paid him\n1 draft\n1 do.\nOf which we deduct the sums disbursed by him on public Account vizt. for sundry disbursements including the expenses of his Journey here and\n        Salary of his Secretary\n1 assign. of\n5 \u214cCt. loss\nWm: Carmichael\n1 draft\n22 April\n1\u00bd Us Bo.\n1 do.\n12 July\ndo.\n1 do.\ndo.\ndo.\n1 do.\n1 do.\n31 Jany.\nC.W.F. Dumas\n1 Assign.\n1 do.\n1 do.\n1 do.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0220", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Brown, 25 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Brown, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Octob. 25, 1791.\nI recieved by Mr. Randolph the sum you were so kind as to send by him, which I presume to have been 50. dollars not having weighed it, and I have now the pleasure to return you that sum in a bank post-bill. I left directions that as soon as our wheat shall be sold, the sum of fifty pounds Virginia currency be paid to you on account. I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0225", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Hammond, 26 October 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hammond, George\nMr. Jefferson has the honor of presenting his compliments to Mr. Hammond, of expressing his regrets that he happened to be from home when Mr. Hammond did him the honor of calling on him, and was equally unlucky in not finding him at home when he waited on him on Monday. Being informed by Mr. Bond that Mr. Hammond is charged with a public mission to the government of the United States, relative to which some previous explanations might be proper, Mr. Jefferson has the honor to assure Mr. Hammond he shall be ready to recieve any communications and enter into explanations either formally or informally as Mr. Hammond shall chuse, and at any time suitable to him. He recollects with pleasure his acquaintance with Mr. Hammond in Paris, and shall be happy in every opportunity of rendering him such offices and attentions as may be acceptable to him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0226", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Hammond, 26 October 1791\nFrom: Hammond, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n26th. October 1791.\nMr. Hammond presents his most respectful Compliments to Mr. Jefferson, and begs leave to assure him that he has felt equal regret with him at the circumstances, which have hitherto prevented their meeting. In conformity to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s obliging proposal Mr. Hammond will have the honor of waiting on him tomorrow, at any hour that he will have the goodness to appoint.\nMr. Hammond is extremely flattered by Mr. Jefferson\u2019s kind recollection of him at Paris, and fully sensible, as he ought to be, of the value of his polite and friendly offers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0227", "content": "Title: The President to the House of Representatives, 26 October 1791\nFrom: Washington, George,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: House of Representatives\nGentlemen of the House of representatives\nI have recieved from the Governor of North Carolina a copy of an act of the General assembly of that state authorizing him to convey to the U.S. the right and jurisdiction of the sd. state over one acre of land in Occacock island and ten acres on the Cape island within the sd. state, for the purpose of erecting lighthouses thereon, together with the deed of the Governor in pursuance thereof, and the  original conveyances made to the state by the individual proprietors, which original conveyances contain conditions that the light house on Occacock shall be built before the 1st. day of January 1801. and that on the Cape island before the 8th. day of Octob. 1800. And I have caused these several papers to be deposited in the office of the Secretary of state.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0228", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Delamotte, 27 October 1791\nFrom: Delamotte\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 27 Oct. 1791. Praises behavior of American ship captains and crews in Le Havre.\u2014Encloses copy of \u201cd\u2019une observation maritime\u201d received by way of some Catholic priests in Baltimore. It will be helpful if the document\u2019s contents can be verified.\u2014In 1785 Le Compere Mat [\u2026] left Le Havre for Baltimore commanded by Lieutenant d\u2019Elivet and accompanied by his son. The ship arrived safely in Baltimore, but d\u2019Elivet\u2019s wife has since had no word from them. He asks TJ to ascertain whether they are dead so that \u201cla femme abandonn\u00e9e\u201d can claim her inheritance.\u2014Virginia tobacco is selling for 34 to 40 livres per quintal and rice for 27 to 28 livres. \u201cCe sont de hauts prix assurement.\u201d [P.S.] All of France is dismayed by the recent arrival of news of the \u201cd\u00e9sastre de St. Domingue.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0229", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Pleasants, Jr., 27 October 1791\nFrom: Pleasants, Thomas, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRaleigh 27th. Ocr. 1791.\nYour Letter of the 17th. Inst., which Came by yesterdays Mail, is a fresh and flattering proof, of your kind attention, and regard to me. And tho\u2019 the place, that you have put within my power, would probably make me independent and happy for Life, yet such is my Situation that I Cannot with propriety accept it. In an unpropitious moment, I was led into an extensive plan of business, the burthen of settling which, has in a great measure fallen upon me and which, for many years past, has occupied the greater part of my time, and been a Continual source of trouble and anxiety, and may the Cause of future difficulties and distress: but I cannot at present withdraw myself from it, with Honour and Credit.\nI am still at a loss to know how it will terminate, but I would fain hope in a manner that will leave me sufficient to begin again, with which, and a good name, which I trust has Continued unsullied; I flatter myself that I may yet be able to do a little business with Credit and Reputation, which I Confess would be More agreeable to me than the drudgery of office. It however may turn out otherwise and therefore it Cannot but afford me Consolation to think, that I have in you a friend to whom I may look up, should there be occasion. But whatever may be my Situation, I shall ever entertain the most lively sense of your friendship.\u2014And With Sincere regard & Esteem, I am, Your obliged friend & Mo obt. Hble St.,\nThomas Pleasants jr\nYour opinion, whether Congress will during their present Session, Countervail the Extra duty lately imposed by the National assembly of France, upon Tobacco imported in American Bottoms, Will oblige, Yrs.,\nT.P.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0230", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Alexandre, 28 October 1791\nFrom: Alexandre, Louis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBayonne, 28 Oct. 1791. Two years ago he wrote a letter to TJ describing the opposition to continuation of American free port privileges at Bayonne. Now the opponents of these privileges want to persuade the French government  to abolish them on the grounds that they are detrimental to French manufacturing.\u2014The municipal government of Bayonne favors these privileges.\u2014He asks TJ, \u201cComme vous \u00eates dans ce moment President du Congr\u00e9,\u201d to prevail on Congress to address \u201cl\u2019assembl\u00e9e Nationale\u201d in favor of continuing Bayonne\u2019s free port status.\u2014[P.S.] A copy of this letter is in another port. \u201cSy j\u2019avois conu votre residence, il y a longtems que je vous en aurois fait Part.\u201d\u2014He has recently sold a cargo of tobacco, flour, rice, and salt beef from Philadelphia and desires more cargoes from there.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0231", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 28 October 1791\nFrom: Barclay, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 28 Oct. 1791. He is waiting to find passage on a ship to Gibraltar or any part of the Mediterranean but this is difficult because any ship arriving in Italy from Gibraltar must be quarantined for ten days. He hopes nevertheless to proceed on his mission in a week. \u201cAt present I need only observe that the character of the present Emperor is very different from that of his predecessor, that every article fit to carry with me is one third dearer here than in either France or England, and that the proceeds of the bills will fall considerably short of the estimate, owing to all the foreign exchange being much in favor of this Country.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0233", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 28 October 1791\nFrom: Fenwick, Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBordeaux, 28 Oct. 1791. He encloses a copy of his letter by the Wilmington Packet, Capt. Andrews. Peace in Europe seems secure. The national militia mentioned in his last letter have been quartered in neighboring towns instead of marching to the frontiers.\u2014He acknowledges receipt of the laws of the U.S. for the use of his consulate, and he notes that on 3 Mch. Congress repealed the section of a 1789 act for the collection of import duties setting the value of the rix dollar. Since Congress apparently acted in response to the depreciation of that coin in Denmark, it should take similar action with respect to the livre tournois. Otherwise American duties on French products will be at least 20 \u214cCent higher than those of other countries because since 1 May the value of the livre tournois has been less than 15 1/2 cents in comparison with the Spanish milled dollar and less than 8 pence sterling in comparison with the pound sterling.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0234", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 28 October 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 28 Oct. 1791. He calls TJ\u2019s attention to the following extracts from a 22 Aug. 1791 letter from Captain [Richard] O\u2019Bryen in Algiers to a commercial house here.\nWashington has drawn Congress\u2019 attention to their plight, but the American captives in Algiers are still in slavery and have no assurance of regaining their freedom. Nevertheless he is confident that Congress will instruct \u201ctheir ambassadors or Agents in Europe\u201d to effect the captives\u2019 release.\u2014On 25 July the Spanish clergy freed two \u201cpublic Slaves\u201d in return for the payment of a ransom of 2,700 dollars to the new Dey of Algiers\u20142,300 dollars less than the ransom demanded by his predecessor. The present Dey is willing to ransom all current slaves but hopes that his cruisers will capture others. The Dey\u2019s moderation with respect to ransom is probably calculated to lessen the dread of seamen at the prospect of capture by Algerine corsairs. If anyone in Algiers had been authorized to redeem the thirteen remaining American captives, they could have been freed for less than has been hitherto demanded for their ransom. A review of past efforts to redeem the captives and conclude peace with Algiers is necessary for appraising present prospects of achieving these goals.\nMr. Lamb made a regular bargain with the Regency for our release for 16800 Sequins but he failed to keep his word. Messrs. Bushara & Dininio negotiated our ransom for 16525 Sequins, and to make the agreement official, they had the bargain recorded in the Regency Books, a precaution he thinks carries little weight with the present Dey.\u2014\u201cIt is a matter of indifference to the Algerines whether those persons that have had our redemption ascertained  were empowered by Congress, the Ambassadors in Europe, or their Agents. The Algerines well-knowing that any enquiries that are made proceed from some American in Office that has been empowered by the fountain head.\u2014Monsr. Parret being authorised by Monsr. Cathalan of Marseilles to sound the Regency relative to a peace with America and to ascertain in a faint manner our redemption: the Regency well knew that these orders to make these enquiries came originally from Congress. For common sense will dictate to any rational Being that no Persons particularly in Algiers would propose any thing relative to the making of a peace without first being empowered by some superior Authority: and of course every thing that has been said or done by Mr. Lamb, Bushara and Dininio, and lastly by Monsr. Parret, this Regency considers that all originated in Congress.\u2014I will now tell you candidly, Sirs, that all these enquiries that have been made relative to the peace and towards our release have been in general prejudicial to the U.S. It shews the enemies of America the views and weakness of our American Government; and whoever is authorised or empowered to come to Algiers should be fully empowered so as to bribe or palm the Algerine Ministry. And if peace can be obtained, it may nearly be concluded in a few days: or fully empower some person to act so as to lay the foundation of the peace and after the principal points are arranged, then let the American Ambassador come and put a finishing hand to the negociation.\u2014A Person high in Office (Vice President) wrote us five years ago that our redemption concerned the peace. He will now find that the peace concerns our redemption: for would any one that knows any thing of this Country suppose that the sum asked for our release would be an inducement to this Regency to make a peace with the U.S. And as our redemption has been three different times ascertained and so many uncustomary enquiries made and so often talked of to the Algerine Ministry; the present Dey, then prime Minister, has said, that if the Americans did not keep to their word and agreement on this affair, that there was no great dependence to be put upon them in affairs of more importance.\u2014I assure you, Sirs, that the favorable opinion we have always tried to imbibe in those people seems to be rapidly on the decline: There have been so many enquiries and such shuffling work and all come to nothing. And I have my fears, that those favorable opportunities that the U.S. had of making a peace with this dreaded and respected Regency are irrecoverably lost.\u2014Should the Portuguese try to obtain a peace with the Regency and succeed, the Algerines will have all the Atlantic Ocean free to cruze in, and then, Sirs, what would be the fatal consequences to the American Commerce, what would be the alarm?\u2014The U.S., in my opinion, may obtain a peace with this Regency for the sum of 60 or 70 thousand pounds Sterlg: that is if the affair is well managed and our redemption and all expences included. That is, if the affair is well managed and by giving maritime Stores and a few light Cruisers, it would not cost 100,000 Dollars. Any peace bought with Money is by no means on a sure and lasting basis: for those people only think of the money, while counting it into the Treasury and by paying every two years. A certain quantity of Tar, Pitch, Turpentine, Masts, Plank and Scantling would be the only means of keeping a peace, for it is not the sum given for the peace that those people consider, it is the annual Tribute they receive that secures the peace.\u201d\nMahomet Pashaw, Dey of Algiers, died on 12 July and was immediately succeeded by the prime minister, Hassan Pashaw. The new Dey soon renewed  peace with all the powers represented in Algiers save Spain, informing the Spanish consul that he would renew no peace with Spain until the problem of Oran was settled. Spain has decided to relinquish Oran to Algiers and has instructed the governor of Oran to notify the Bey of Mascara of this decision.\u2014It is impossible to conclude peace between Algiers and the U.S. through \u201cthe present Channel of Marseilles \u2026 as all that are concerned in the affair are Agents and Creatures of the Chamber of Commerce of Marseilles \u2026 and the French will never help the U.S. to be a Sharer of those valuable branches of Mediterranean Commerce.\u201d\u2014He has been obliged to become indebted to Jews in Algiers in order to buy the necessaries of life and hopes that the U.S. ambassador to Lisbon will honor him and his fellow captives with a few lines. Humphreys has been thus copious in quoting from this letter to give TJ an accurate account of the most recent intelligence from Algiers. He has instructed the commercial house mentioned above to inform Captain O\u2019Bryen that the American minister in Lisbon has nothing to say respecting the redemption of the captives and thinks it would be unwise for him to correspond with them but that measures are being taken by an American in Spain to pay their debts and provide for their subsistence. He plans to write again to William Carmichael about subsistence for the captives and to find some other channel of relief for them in the event Carmichael fails to send a timely reply.\u2014The arrival of a Russian courier from Petersburgh has occasioned speculation that the Empress wants to borrow money from the Queen. Barclay is ready to depart but has not been able to find passage for Gibraltar.\u2014P.S. He is unable to explain why he failed to receive any newspaper by the English packet.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0235", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Hammond, 30 October 1791\nFrom: Hammond, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia 30th October 1791\nAs I am apprehensive that, in the short conversation, which I had with you yesterday at General Knox\u2019s, I may have been misunderstood, I take the liberty of communicating to you in writing, the substance of what I then stated, as well as what I meant to have added, had I not been unwilling to trespass farther, at that time, on your attention.\nWith respect to the manner of presenting the credentials, with which I am charged by my Court, I have no other instructions, than those that I had the honor of mentioning to you on Thursday last. The interpretation of them, and any modification of them, which I may think it expedient to adopt, are necessarily left to my own discretion.\nI hope, Sir, you will do me the justice to believe that I am not much inclined to magnify trifles, or to assign too great a degree of  importance to matters of mere ceremony. In the present instance, I should consider your assurance of the disposition and determination of this government, to nominate a Minister to England, as a sufficient justification for me to present my credentials without delay, if my hesitation could have arisen from even the most remote doubt of the existence of that disposition. But the real point of etiquette, consistent with the dignity of both our Countries, appears to me to be this\u2014that, although a strict conformity, in regard to time, in the respective appointment of Ministers by the two Governments, is rendered impossible by the circumstance of my prior arrival at the place of my destination, yet (and in this opinion I flatter myself you will concur with me) it is still in some measure practicable that the nomination of a Minister by this government may ostensibly keep pace with my actual appearance in a diplomatic character. The mode prescribed in my instruction (of delivering my letters of credence, \u201cwhenever I shall be informed that a Gentleman has been actually invested with a ministerial character to my Court, similar to mine, or has been nominated for that purpose\u201d) seems to me exactly to meet this notion.\nI must however, Sir, desire you to be persuaded that I am not solicitous to accelerate my public reception, and that I am perfectly willing to wait any time that may suit the President\u2019s convenience. Whenever his Excellency shall have made his election\u2014should it fall upon any Gentleman in the vicinity of this state, a few days, perhaps hours, would be sufficient, to learn his acceptance or refusal of the station offered him, and to afford the opportunity of making such a communication to me, as might enable me to comply literally with my instructions.\u2014But should the case occur, which you, Sir, have suggested, of the President\u2019s proposing the appointment to a Gentleman, who may be at a considerable distance from the seat of government, I shall, in that case, conceive myself fully justified in departing from my instructions so far, as to present my credentials, upon receiving an assurance, that the President has offered to a Gentleman, at a distance, a ministerial appointment to my Court, similar to that, with which I am invested in this Country.\nI shall not enlarge farther upon this subject than to desire you, Sir, not to consider this letter as a formal communication, but rather as a friendly exposition of those sentiments, which I have before stated in conversation, and which I have thrown into this form, in order that we may clearly understand each other.\u2014I have the honor to be, with great truth and respect, Sir, Your most obedient, humble Servant,\nGeo. Hammond.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0236", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Brown, 31 October 1791\nFrom: Brown, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond 31st. Octbo 1791\nI did myself the Honor of writing you a few days ago to which I crave your reference. I am this night favored with your letter of the 25t. covering a Bank Bill for Fifty Dollars which is to your Credit. I observe the further paiments alloted for me which is well. The inclosed or annexed Copy of a letter from Mr. Short has just got to hand. I beg you will write me as soon as possible what you think I had best do, that an immediate investment take place should you recommend it.\u2014With much Respect & great consideration I am Sir your Obet: Hl: Srt,\nJames Brown", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0237", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 31 October 1791\nFrom: Eppes, Francis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nRichmond October 31st. 1791\nReceiving a letter this Evening from Jack in which he expresses much anxiety for his Mama\u2019s health I have taken the liberty of inclosing a letter for him in one to you. I have writen three letters befor this and have recd. no answer to either. I shall be much obliged when you have leasure if you will answer them all. I have the pleasure to inform you that Betsey is once more in a fair way to be well having no complaint except weakness. I am with every wish for your health & happiness Dr Sir Your Friend,\nFrans. Eppes\nPS. Give our love to Polly. We have this day been informd she is with you.\nF E", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0238", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 1 November 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMr. Coxe has the honor to inform the Secretary of State that he has just discovered a Monsr. Hallet, who is said to be a very excellent Draughtsman. He lives at a Mr. Savery\u2019s a hatter at the Corner of 3d. and arch Streets. Mr. Hallet does not speak English, but the writing can be added by a Clerk.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0239", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan N. Havens and Sylvester Dering, 1 November 1791\nFrom: Havens, Jonathan N.,Dering, Sylvester\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nShelter Island Novr. 1st: 1791\nWe have not the honour of a personal acquaintance, but have presumed to adress this Letter to you at the request of Mr. L. Hommedieu of Southold, by whom we have been informed, that it would be very agreeable to you to receive every possible information respecting the hessian fly; that as a member of the agricultural society of Pensylvania you were in a more particular manner desirous of gaining that information; and that, when he saw you at Southold  in the month of June last, he had mentioned our names to you in conversing on that subject. By him we have been encouraged to hope, that if we were to transmit to you an account of our observations on that insect, we might possibly drop some useful hint, or say something which might throw further light on so interesting a subject; and were assured, that if we should be particular in describing its various transformations, and in giving a relation of the various times in which it has prevailed in our part of the country, the account would not be the less agreeable. This intended communication has been delayed until this time, to afford an opportunity of making further observations during the last summer, and examining whether the opinions we had heretofore entertained concerning its nature were in any great degree erroneous; and to see whether further discoveries might not be made which would be useful. When it first made its appearance in our part of the country, if we had apprehended that any of our observations on its nature would have ever extended beyond the sphere of our personal acquaintance, we should without doubt have been more diligent in our inquiries; but as all our experiments and observations were then made merely to gratify private curiosity, or to throw light on the subject in common conversation, we did not pay so much attention to it as its importance required. We reside near each other, and are well acquainted with each other\u2019s observations and opinions on this subject, and have united in writing a single letter to avoid a repetition of the same ideas and sentiments.\nThe hessian fly was first perceived on Shelter Island, and the adjacent parts of Long Island, a little before the harvest of the year eighty six, and in its progress through the country appeared to come from the westward; and in the fall of the same season it was found in great plenty in the green wheat, and did most injury to that which had been most early sown. At this time the nature of the insect, and its varous transformations, were with us very little understood. In the winter following it was currently reported that the fly was to be found in great plenty in the wheat in sheaf; from whence it was concluded that it must have some immediate connection with, or dependence upon the wheat in grain, either for food or for the preservation of its species. This led us into a careful examination of that kind of insect which was affirmed to be the hessian fly; and we found it in the first place to bear a very great resemblance to a book-louse, in shape, agility, and colour; and as it grew larger it appeared gradually to turn brown, and to have wings, but not to undergo any regular transformation; and at last it became a small black fly.  We could discover no other insect except this which could be imagined to be the hessian fly; and this we had no doubt might have been easily discovered before if the wheat had been examined: it was sufficiently evident, both from its shape, and every other attending circumstance, that it could have no relation to, or connection with, the insect discovered in the field; and in this opinion we were abundantly confirmed by all our succeeding observations. In the spring of the year eighty seven, the insect in the field, which was the real hessian fly, increased very fast in the green wheat and at the ensuing harvest many fields were almost wholly destroyed; and in the fall of the same season the wheat again suffered as great injury as before, and the harvest of the year eighty eight was cut off almost universally. The kinds of wheat then in use were the red balled, and summer wheat; both of these were equally affected; rye tho\u2019 less affected in general was in many places much injured; and what appeared most singular was, that a piece of summer barley belonging to Mr. Dering, was about that time wholly cut off. After so general a destruction of wheat for two successive harvests rye was in general sown, except in some instances where the bearded wheat had been obtained, and at the ensuing harvest in the year eighty nine the insect appeared to be gone; and in the fall of this year the several kinds of bearded wheat were pretty generally introduced, and the harvest next following, which was in the year ninety, was in general very good, and very few of the insect were to be seen. This gave great encouragement to farmers and induced them to suppose, that the raising of bearded wheat alone without any other precaution, would prove an effectual remedy against the hessian fly; but notwithstanding the use of this, the fly has again increased in the present year so as to be found in great plenty in many places, which we suppose must be occassioned by our sowing our wheat early; a circumstance very necessary to be attended to with us, that the wheat may obtain a good growth before the cold weather, and be less liable to be injured by the winter. In the two years abovementioned, in which the fly proved so generally destructive to wheat, we made a variety of experiments and observations with a view to ascertain its nature, and method of propagation; and have again had an opportunity of renewing our observations with more particular attention since its increase in the present year; and the result of our inquiries is this; that the hessian fly is a species of insect which has no direct dependence upon the wheat in grain, either for food, or in any other manner for its preservation, but is in the winter season a chrysalis, and remains in the field on the green wheat without suffering any\n apparent injury from frost or snow, and is transformed into a fly as soon as the weather becomes warm enough in the spring. The period of time in which this transformation is made will begin more or less early according as the season may be more or less forward, and generally continues according to our observations about three weeks: in the year eighty seven we observed it to begin about the sixteenth of april, and end about the first of may; and this we think may be considered as the usual time of its commencement and continuance in our climate. The fly disengages itself from the wheat, by boring a small round hole through its brown case, and through the leaf of the wheat just opposite to the place where it is lodged, and comes forth wrapt in a thin white skin, which it soon breaks, and is then at liberty; and this hole is to be seen in the stubble as long as it remains entire. Very soon after the fly comes out, it is prepared to spread itself every where in the field where it has lain during the winter, or to take its flight to more distant places in search of wheat on which to lay its nits or maggots; and it is at this time that it has an opportunity of going on the summer wheat, which would otherwise escape without being injured. The great variety in the time of its first becoming a fly in the spring, produces the like variety in the time of its laying the maggot on the wheat, but this we suppose may be generally placed between the twentieth of april and the tenth of may; and this period of time like the former must necessarily be regulated by the season; and may perhaps be affected by bad weather and unfavourable winds, which may benumb the fly, or prevent it from taking its flight. The maggot is always found between the inside of the lowest part of the leaf, and the outside of the part which forms the stalk or straw, to which it closely adheres, and is generally, as near the root as possible; but to this there are some few exceptions for it is sometimes, tho\u2019 very rarely, to be found a little above some of the upper joints. It appears at first like a very small white nit or egg; and as it grows larger becomes a sluggish, and almost inanimate maggot, or worm, of a white colour, and capable of very little perceivable motion. This is properly the first state or mode of existence with the insect, and is that in which it destroys the wheat; and altho\u2019 it appears at first to resemble a nit or egg, yet we are inclined to suppose that the fly is viviparous, for we never could discover that any transformation took place from a nit to a maggot. In this state the proper and most natural food of the insect is the sap or juice of that kind of green wheat which has the most delicate straw, and next to this may be ranked the several kinds of wheat whose straw is more firm and solid, and last of all rye and barley: some have  affirmed that they have been found on oats, but of this we have no certain knowledge. The maggot obtains the juice altogether by suction, and has no means or faculty of corroding or consuming the solid part of the straw, and as it grows larger its whole body indents the straw, and prevents the rise of the sap, and the grain either falls down or perishes before it has grown to be of any considerable height. The size of the maggot when grown, and the time necessary to compleat its growth, depend in a considerable degree on the quantity of nourishment it may obtain from the grain, and the number of them that may happen to be on one straw; and this time according to our observations is somewhere between four and six weeks, and their growth will generally be compleated in the first part of June: but here the several causes of variety before mentioned conspire to render this time so various that some will be transformed into a chrysalis, whilst others are small, and this circumstance has led many skilful observers to suppose that there are two compleat generations of the insect before harvest. As soon as the maggot has obtained its growth it is transformed into a chrysalis of a dark brown colour, this is the second state or mode of existence which the insect assumes, and is that in which it is mostly observed: in this state it is found in the time of harvest, and when the wheat is gathered remains in the stubble until it undergoes its transformation into a fly; excepting those few which are sometimes in the upper joints, these must necessarily be gathered with the wheat and must always go with the straw, because they adhere too closely to it to [be] beaten or threshed off without being destroyed. The time of their continuance in this state appears to be regulated very much by their enjoying that particular degree of heat and moisture, which is most agreeable to their constitution: if they are removed into the house, and kept dry, and in the shade, they continue longer a chrysalis, than if they remain in their natural situation in the field: cold and wet affect them no otherwise than to continue them in the same state, and prevent their transformation into a fly, as long as they remain in that situation; but of heat they can endure but a small degree, beyond that which is natural for them in the summer seasons and will perish on being exposed to the rays of a hot sun, in such manner as to become very dry, and have all their natural moisture exhaled. Those and various other circumstances render it difficult to ascertain with precision the length of time that they continue a chrysalis during the summer season, but we conclude from our observations that it is not less than two months; and may be prolonged to a much longer time by any of the causes before mentioned.  The several causes of variety in the time of their continuing in this state, together with the various times in which they are first formed into a chrysalis in the month of June, conspire to render the period of time in which they make their next transformation, much longer than any of the other periods of time in which they make their several transformations: we think it begins in many instances as soon as the twenty fifth of August, and continues in a greater or less degree through the whole month of September, but by far the greater part are without doubt transformed into a fly in the first part of this month. A reflection here naturally arises, that nature appears to have fixt this transformation, to commence with, and continue through, the whole of that season of the year which is most proper for sowing wheat. The fly is the third and last state of the insect, and compleats what we term one generation: it resembles the moscheto in almost every respect, except that it is much smaller, and has a short bill: it never preys upon the wheat and very probably requires no other nourishment than what it may obtain from dew, or moisture: it is of so delicate a texture as to be injured and destroyed by the slightest accident: and soon after it becomes a fly, it again lays the maggot on the wheat sown in the fall; and if this is not sown soon enough so as to be up at the time the fly requires it, the maggot will be in great measure lost, and the species reduced to an inconsiderable number. The length of time in which it naturally continues a fly is very difficult to ascertain, but is without doubt very short. In the fall of the year the maggot generally proves more destructive to wheat than in the spring, and before cold weather is transformed into a chrysalis, in which state it is prepared to remain during the winter, without any apparent injury from frost, snow, or wet, and in the spring again becomes a fly, which compleats two generations of the insect in one year. It is probable that many, reasoning from analogy, will doubt the reality of this transformation into a fly in the fall, and will suppose that there can be but one compleat generation of the insect in one year: but in support of this we will mention one of our experiments; we gathered a number of the chrysalis from the wheat about the middle of last June, and kept them in the house in a dry place, and out of the sun, and where they could not be molested; and a number of these were transformed into a fly between the tenth, and the thirteenth of September; and besides these a number of others gathered from the stubble after harvest, and placed in the same situation, became a fly about the same time: the remainder of those, which were not transformed at that time, still continue in the same state; this we impute to their being too  cold and dry to make their transformation. Since the first of September we have examined the stubble as often as once or twice in a week, and have found them to diminish in number, but that there are still some remaining; from whence we conclude that this transformation in the fall will be in some degree partial; and that many of those, which become a chrysalis late in the month of June, will remain in that state for so long time, that the weather will become too cold for them to make their transformation in the fall; and then they must necessarily continue in that state through the winter, until the weather becomes warm enough in the spring. To this we may add, that if we suppose but one generation in a year, it must follow; that the chrysalis which is formed in June will without exception continue through the winter, and be disposed by nature to be transformed into a fly at the same time with the chrysalis formed in the fall; and that the fly which comes out in the spring will live through the whole summer, and become prolific a second time in the same season; but these are consequences which appear improbable, and difficult to reconcile to ph\u00e6nomena. In the course of all our examinations into the nature of the insect, we have taken the most pains to determine these three points; whether it has any connection with the wheat in grain; whether it is a chrysalis in the time of harvest, and remains in that state in the stubble for any considerable time afterwards; and whether it is transformed into a fly in the fall of the year: with respect to the first of these points, we think it may be considered as clearly decided in the negative, that the insect has no dependence upon the wheat in grain, either for food, or as a place in which to deposit any nit or egg for the preservation of the species: and with respect to the two last, we think, there can be no doubt but that they must be considered as decided in the affirmative.\nOf all the various methods which have been proposed to the public for preventing the injurious effects of this insect, that of raising the different sorts of bearded wheat has best succeeded. This kind of wheat, having a more solid straw, resists the impressions made by the body of the insect, and in great measure prevents the injury which arises from stopping the rise of the sap; and very possibly there may be some peculiar quality in this sap, which may render it in some measure disagreeable to the constitution of the insect; but experience shews, that even this sort will not succeed, unless it be attended with the circumstance of being sowed late. Whether any preference ought to be given to any one of the different sorts which have a more firm and solid straw, we have had, during the last year,  an opportunity of making one fair experiment; in a field belonging to one of us, were sown three different sorts of wheat, contiguous to each other, and all at the same time; the white bearded; the yellow bearded; and the great red balled, or red-chaff wheat; of these three sorts, the red-chaff was by far the most injured; and the yellow bearded, which lay adjoining to it, least of all.\nWe will here take the liberty of suggesting a method of destroying them, which has frequently occured to our minds, and which we have not heard mentioned by others; and that is to destroy the stubble of grain soon after harvest. This idea naturally occured on discovering that the insect is then a chrysalis and remains so for some time afterwards. Whether this would be best affected by burning or other wise; and whether the wheat in this case ought not to be cut with the sickle, rather than mowed or cradled; whether the cost that would attend it would not overbalance the advantage; and whether the aid of government might not be necessary to render it uniform and general, are points to be taken into consideration in determining whether any thing of this kind would be feasible, and which we shall not now pretend to discuss: but if the stubble of wheat were to be universally burnt, turned over with the plough, or other wise destroyed soon after harvest, and this were to be done for several years together; we have little doubt in our minds but that it would prove an effectual means of destroying the species: for it is not very probable that the species would be continued long on rye, more especially, as that can be sown much later than wheat without injury from the winter; and the stubble of rye might, if necessary, be as easily destroyed as that of wheat: and if in aid of this, the best sort of bearded wheat were to be used, and that to be sown as late as possible consistent with a good crop, it would be still more likely to succeed.\nIt has been a received opinion in the country, that they will stay only three years in a place and then be gone; but experience shows that this cannot be true, and we can see no reason why the species should not continue as long as it can find proper food for subsistence. With respect to the probability of their being imported from any foreign country we shall make only one remark, that by our experiments in the last summer it appears, that they may be removed from their natural situation in the field, and be kept alive long enough to be carried across the Atlantic; from which circumstance it appears possible that they might have been imported in straw or stubble. It has been generally remarked, that in spreading over the country, they go between twenty and thirty miles in a year, but as  they are a fly twice in the same season, it appears probable, that the fly itself never goes much farther than twelve or fifteen miles. All abstract reasoning and theory on subjects of this nature ought no doubt to be consistent with ph\u00e6nomena, and yield to the test of experiment; if therefore it should appear evident from the experiments and observation of others, that we are wrong in our opinions concerning the nature of this insect, we shall with pleasure stand corrected. A great many particulars respecting our experiments, and the various appearances of the insect, might have been mentioned; but to have given a particular detail of these, would have exceeded the intended bounds of this letter. We are with the greatest respect your most obedient humble Servants,\nJonathan N. Havens\nSylvester Dering", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0240", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Hemming, 1 November 1791\nFrom: Hemming, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nGeorge Town 1 November 1791\nI take the liberty of sending you the enclosed letter from my Brother in law Mr. Boyd of Paris, transmitted to me at this time, from my being unfortunately deprived by death of the advice and protection of his brother who has resided twenty five years in this part of the World, and if your Excellency will pardon my intruding on your patience for a few minutes I will relate the nature of my situation. Mr. A. Boyd after this long absence from his Brother by whom he was much beloved, paid him a visit last Winter and during his residence with him, in consequence of the solicitation of him and Mrs. Boyd promised to take myself and family to America, as his Children and that we should remain under his roof, till he could by some means point out a mode of my procuring myself a comfortable subsistance, which he assured me by industry and a small sum of money might easily be done. With these views we prepared to embark with him for this Country, and for that purpose expended a considerable part of the small pittance of which I was possessed for household furniture &c.\u2014Filled with the most flattering expectations of prosperity and happiness we left our native Country, but  unaccompanied by him, as some accident prevented his joining the Ship: this however we deemed only a trivial misfortune, thinking ourselves certain of his presence by the next Vessel that sailed, which on our arrival here we expected with the utmost anxiety and impatience but alas! when she did arrive all our fair hopes and expectations were blasted by letters informing us that he departed this life about ten days after we left England: Thus deprived of a relation under whose patronage and direction I had assured myself of success, I find myself in a strange country to whose Inhabitants and manners I am almost a Stranger without a friend on whose advice I can depend in what manner it be best for me to proceed.\u2014Should your Excellency happen to have time from your more weighty and important concerns, to bestow a little Instruction on a Young Man who would exert himself with the utmost assiduity and industry by any means to maintain himself and family it would be received as a very great obligation by Sir Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient humble Servant,\nThomas Hemming", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0241", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald McCalester, 1 November 1791\nFrom: McCalester, Archibald\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBelville Novr. 1st. 1791.\nI was going to beg your permission to recall a pleasure, which is the honor I had of being known to you at Monticello, when with the late Colonel Bland, we placed the British Troops under the Convention of Saratoga, at Charlottesville\u2014and in the succeeding campaign to the Southward. Tho\u2019 the distance of time, and change of circumstance, with the Multiplicity of important affairs which your Excellency has been engaged in since, leave little room to hope that I retain the honor of a place in your memory; thus situated, I beg leave to observe, that I entered the Army early in the late War, as an Officer in the Maryland line, and at the Peace, I married and settled in Carolina, where I have since resided as a Rice Planter.\nI hope you will pardon my being thus particular with respect to my self, which became necessary to introduce a request that I beg leave to make your Excellency, and in confering which, you will oblidge and lay me under the highest obligation.\nThe Lady with whom I am united, has an only Son, a most promising youth twelve years of age. He is now at the Acadamy in New Jersey, and as soon as he is perfect in the Classicks it is our wish to send him to the best Seminary in Europe, where he would most likely receive a liberal Education, with the least risque of bad morals.\nI would not wish to send him to England, (which has been the Custom of this Country) because an American ought not to imbibe English prejudices, but would prefer some part of France or Switzerland; Where he might receive a liberal Education, better suited to this Country.\nAs I am sure no one can give such good information on the Subject as your Excellency, I have taken the liberty to request you will please to favor me with a line of advice on the Occasion. If, from the momentous affairs which engage the time of your Excellency, an instant can be spared to advise me which of the Colleges in France you would recommend, please to direct it to No. 23. Hassell Street Charleston, South Carolina.\nSince I wrote the above another matter has occurred; The British Troops that ravaged the Carolinas, carried off Twenty eight Negroes from my Plantation, and a number more from an Estate to which I am an Executor. Several of my Negroes were after the Peace at Birch Town in Nova Scotia; but I never could reclaim them, as the British would not give them up.\u2014Query, are not the British bound to pay for them, and is there any possibility of obtaining Payment?\nI am induced to mention my claim at this time as I have been informed since I sat down to write that the British Court are sending out a Mr. Hammond with a view to negotiate a Treaty of Offensive and Defensive Alliance with the United States, which the[y] vainly hope to effect, through what the[y] hold out as commercial advantages to this Country. I do not know that the above is a fact, but I think it probable, and if such overtures are made, I may be allowed to hope, that the United States will reject such a connection with disdain.\u2014As a Nation, it is a misfortune that we speak the English Language:\u2014and there is no advantage we could receive from them, would compensate for the deadly blow such a league would strike at the Spirit of Independance, and National Character so essential to our prosperity as a Nation.\nThe United States and the Russian Empire possess the natural Seeds, which must ere long subvert the British empire of the Occean. The Federal Goverment, and the Possessions which Russia has just obtained from the Turks on the Black-Sea, will soon ripen those  Seeds to the ruin of the British Navigation. At this prospect they are now alarmed, and are setting every engine at work to keep the current of our Commerce, which has but too long centered in their Ports.\nWhile the British Executive hold the latch of their Ports with one hand, the[y] are exerting the other to spoil our Trade, and prevent our Vessells going elsewhere.\nAs the British Court now wish a Commercial Treaty, and are anxious to secure us in the Consumption of their Manufactures the[y] ought as an introduction to it, to open their West India Ports for the sale of our Lumber and Provisions\u2014reduce their excessive Duties on our Rice, Tobacco, &c. and guarantee the neutrality of the Algiers Confederacy with respect to the American Flag. These are a few of the many concessions which the[y] ought to make as an equivallant for the immence advantages the[y] receive from our Trade with them.\nIf my warm wishes do not carry me too far, I think the period is not distant, when the United States will not thank the British for such concessions.\u2014Indeed, I trust that the period will soon arrive when the American Flag will display its stripes with lustre in the numerous Ports up the Mediterranean, even into Assia. And through this Channel a considerable part of our Trade with India, and even China itself, will more advantageously come.\nThese are the effusions of a heart warm with good wishes for the prosperity of my native Country, as such, I hope you will pardon them.\u2014I have the honor to be, with much respect your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedient Servant,\nA. McCalester", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0242", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 2 November 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia November 2. 1791.\nI took the liberty of mentioning to you the other day the application, which Mr. Telles\u2019s friends had made, for his appointment to the office of consul in Lisbon, and which they wished me to assist. On recollecting, what passed between us, I suspect that I was not clearly understood in my statement of Mr. Telles\u2019s situation. He can never sue the court or any individual of Lisbon. His suit is in Eng  land, and against English subjects. So that he cannot be in danger of irritating any man in or out of power in Portugal. His creditors here have not only borne the most ample testimony to his worth, but have given him so full a discharge, that he will not be obstructed in the execution of any consular function. And, altho\u2019 he now appears in the character of a man, stripped of his fortune, his unequivocal expectations of more than 2,000\u00a3. per annum from two of his aged relations there, will put him in a condition to answer any trust, which the mercantile interest may choose to repose him.\nI have been induced to trouble you with this letter, from a persuasion, that in my former conversations with you on this subject, I have not been so explicit, as I now am. Mr. Telles is a stranger to me, except from the recommendation of many virtuous men in this city. Neither for him nor any other, should I hold myself justified, to make private friendship a ground for soliciting from a public officer an act, which respects his public duty. But for any man I would undertake to represent facts; and if they tend, as in the present instance, to remove the obstacles, which stand in the way of a deserving, tho\u2019 unfortunate man; I confess, that his promotion would be a real gratification to my feelings.\u2014I am dear sir with truth yr. friend & serv:\nEdm: Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0243", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Carter, 3 November 1791\nFrom: Carter, Elizabeth Chiswell\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nFrederickbg Academy November the 3d. 1791\nI take the liberty once more, to beg your friendship for my eldest Son Walker Randolph Carter, who is now on his way in the Packet for Philadelphia, to live with Mr. Hunter a Coachmaker, who takes him for two years without fee. I am in hopes I shall be able to cloath him decently and allow him a little pocket money. All I have to ask of you is, that you will be so good to give him your advice and countenance. He has a tolerable education, but fear he may loose what he has learned, unless some friendly person, will sometimes  put him in mind of the bad consequences that will attend his not reading all leasure hours. Any Books you will think propper to recommend and lend, I make no doubt he will be thankfull for, as I can asure you, as I told you in a former letter, that his disposion is very placid, but rather to diffidently backward to go through this life with out the encouragement of a friend, as such I flatter myself you will be. The Atorney has procured the place for him and make no doubt will act a friendly part, but a parents tender feelings woud have all the world look with their eyes on their Children, which must plead my excuse, for now soliciting your attention to my Child, who is in a strange place, at so great a distance from his parents. Mr. Carter has written to several of our Country Gentlemen on this subject, who I hope will all have an eye to the conduct of our Son, and advise him whenever they see Occation. Our Second Son Charles Landon we have placed with a Phisician in this Town, to get acquented with medecine, after which, if our finances will allow, we shall send him to Edenburg. I shoud have preferd Philadelphia, coud we have fixed him there without paying so enormous an admistion fee. After beging your forgivness for this intrution will subscribe myself your obedient & much oblig\u2019d,\nEliza Carter", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0244", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 5 November 1791\nFrom: Smith, Samuel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBaltimore 5th. Novr. 1791.\nIn behalf of myself and the gentlemen concerned in the sloop Jane and cargo, I beg leave to enclose you the Captain and people\u2019s protest, which will fully shew you the insult done to the american flag, and they still continue to detain the property. I also return your obliging letter to Mr. Skipwith who had left Martinique before it arrived there.\nThe purport of the present is to request the favor of you to State the situation of this business to the French Minister, and to request him to write to those in authority at Martinique to make restitution. We have employed a gentleman by the name of Thomas Darlington who will leave this in a few days for Martinique, and there act in  conjunction with Mr. George Patterson Merchant of that Island, for the recovery of the property. If the French Minister will write, we wish the names of those gentlemen to be mentioned by him, as the persons employed by the sufferers. Your immediate answer will very much oblige your obedient huml. Servt.,\nSaml. Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0246", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 6 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Francis\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 6. 1791\nI received last night yours of Oct. 31. complaining that you had written three letters before that, to me, which remained unanswered. Be assured my dear Sir that in the last seven months, I had received but your letter of Sep. 2. This I answered from Monticello Octob. 6. and I hope is come to hand before this. I therein asked the favor of you to inform me of the nature and amount of the demand of Bevins\u2019s administrator, and who and where his agent was, which I must still ask of you.\nJack is well, and is just finishing his first reading of Coke Littleton. He continues assiduous, and to shew so many other good qualities as may justly fill your hearts with comfort. He will attend courses in Natural history and Anatomy this winter, so as to interfere little with his law reading.\nYou will have seen by the President\u2019s speech the mass of weighty matter presented to the view of Congress. Maria is well and wishes to join me in affectionate respects to Mrs. Eppes and the family. Adieu my dear Sir Your affectionate friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0247", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mifflin, 6 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Mifflin, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 6. 1791.\nI am honoured with your favor of yesterday on the subject of the laws of the U.S. furnished to you from my office. I would with pleasure add a third copy, but that, your Excellency will percieve, on turning to the act of Congress which establishes my department, that that has fixed the number of copies of the laws to be furnished by me to the Executives of the states, and of course that the Treasury department could not pass my accounts but by the rule there prescribed. Otherwise the propriety of sending a third copy is too obvious to have produced a moment\u2019s hesitation.\u2014I have the honour to be with the greatest respect & esteem Your Excellency\u2019s most obedt & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0248", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Gouverneur Morris, 6 November 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis 6 Novr. 1791\nI take the Liberty of writing this Letter to make you acquainted with the Bearer of it Monsieur de Cormer\u00e9 Brother to the late Monsieur de Favras. Mr. de Cormer\u00e9 has been in the finance of this Country and is well acquainted with that Subject. He has lately published a short Work on the Relations of Commerce proper for the french Islands of which I have sent you a Copy. He is now going to S. Domingo in which Country I understand that he means to pitch his Tent. His Connections with the leading Characters there and his Habits of Industrious Investigation will I am perswaded bring him into the Possession of many particulars which will be amusing if not interesting to you, and I have thought it my Duty to put him in that Channel of Communication which appears to me under all Circumstances the most proper.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0249", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Pinckney, 6 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Pinckney, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 6. 1791.\nThe mission of a Minister Plenipotentiary to the court of London being now to take place, the President of the United States is desirous of availing the public of your services in that office. I have it in charge therefore from him to ask whether it will be agreeable that he should nominate you for that purpose to the Senate. We know that higher motives will alone influence your mind in the acceptance of this charge. Yet it is proper at the same time to inform you that as a provision for your expences in the exercise of it, an Outfit of 9000. Dollars is allowed, and an annual salary to the same amount payable quarterly. On recieving your permission, the necessary orders, for these sums, together with your credentials, shall be forwarded to you, and it would be expected that you should proceed on the mission as soon as you can have made those arrangements for your private affairs which such an absence may render indispensable. Let me only ask the favor of you to give me an immediate answer, and by duplicate, by sea and post, that we may have the benefit of both chances for recieving it as early as possible.\u2014Tho\u2019 I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with you, yet I beg you to be assured that I feel all that anxiety for your entrance on this important mission which a thorough conviction of your fitness for it can inspire; and that in it\u2019s relations with my office, I shall always endeavor to render it as agreeable to you as possible.\u2014I have the honour to be &c.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0250", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 6 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nI have the honour to inclose you a draught of a letter to Governor Pinkney, and to observe that I suppose it to be proper that there should, on fit occasions, be a direct correspondence between the President of the U.S. and the Governors of the states; and that it will probably be grateful to them to recieve from the President answers to the letters they address to him. The correspondence with them on ordinary business may still be kept up by the Secretary of state in his own name.\nI inclose also a letter to Majr. Pinkney with a blank to be filled up when you shall have made up your mind on it.\nI have conferred with Mr. M. on the idea of the Commissioners of the federal town proceeding to make private sales of the lots and he thinks it adviseable.\u2014I cannot but repeat that if the surveyors will begin on the river, laying off the lots from Rock creek to the Eastern branch, and go on, a-breast, in that way from the river towards the back part of the town, they may pass the avenue from the President\u2019s house to the Capitol before the Spring, and as soon as they shall have passed it a public sale may take place without injustice to either the Georgetown or Carrolsburg interest. Will not the present afford you a proper occasion of assuring the Commissioners that you leave every thing respecting L\u2019Enfant to them? I  have the honor to be with the most sincere respect, Sir, Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0251", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Seth Jenkins, 7 November 1791\nFrom: Jenkins, Seth\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nHudson Nov. 7. 1791\nThis will be handed you by Mr. Cotton Gelston of this place, whom I have taken the Liberty of introducing to your acquaintance.\nHis business is to obtain a Patent for Mr. Benjamin Folger, for securing an important discovery he hath made in manufacturing Whale Oil\u2014the particulars of which discovery will be communicated to you by Mr. Gelston.\nFrom the information I have had, and the experiments Mr. Folger has made, I am fully convinced that the discovery is entirely new, and a very important one, and that it will prove highly beneficial to the United States.\u2014I am very respectfully Sir Your Mo: Obed: Servt,\nSeth Jenkins", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0252", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Gouverneur Morris, 7 November 1791\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis 7 Novr. 1791.\nEnclosed you will find some Hints relative to Coins Currency Weights and Measures. The Consideration of those Things has occurred to me at different Intervals for the last twenty Years of my Life, and I have frequently determined to begin a pretty extensive Enquiry and as frequently abandoned the Idea. Indeed my other occupations will not afford the Time. You who have thought on the Subject know by Experience that it consumes a great Deal.\nAny thing which has the Air of a System is I know very apt to disgust, and that too in the same Proportion that the System Maker is attached to his Work. In Respect to the Object now in Question, there are few Men who will give themselves the Trouble to go thro the laborious Calculations which are needful to a due Understanding of it. I shall not be at all surprizd therefore if the enclosed Paper should have no other Effect than to occupy Part of a pigeon Hole in your Office; and truly it is owing to my Belief that such will be its fate, that you have not received it many Months ago, for it is now above a Year since it was written in detached Pieces.\nIn copying it, the other Day, an Idea occurred to me which may I think be well worth pursuing in America. Whatever may be the Road Measure adopted by the United States, they will of Course cause the Roads when properly laid out to be marked by Mile Stones. Now I think it would be very useful to mark on each Road the Degrees and Quarter Degrees of Latitude. This will involve but little Expence and when coupled with tolerable Road Maps will fix with considerable Precision both the latitude and longitude of every Part of the Country. I need not give you the Reasons, because I am sure they will present themselves to your Mind as it were intuitively.\nI will not make this Letter long because the enclosed Paper will be sufficiently tiresome. I would otherwise detail my Reasons for being of Opinion that the Adoption of Weights Measures and Money on an easy and uniform Plan is an Object of very great Importance to America. Much more so than to most other Countries. Every Man is called by our Constitution to share in the Government. A Knowlege of Statics is therefore in some Measure necessary to every American Citizen, and the obtaining of this Knowlege will be greatly facilitated by the Establishment of a Currency which gives the Means of conceiving immediately the Value of any Sum of foreign Money of a Measure which gives the same Means as to Distances and the Surfaces of Countries and lastly of a Weight which (combined with  the Currency) gives at the same Time an easy Mode for Conversion of foreign Weights. But I must conclude. Accept the Assurances of my Esteem &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0253", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 7 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia November 7th. 1791.\nI have duly considered the letter you were pleased to refer to me, of the 18th. of August from his Excellency Governor Pinckney to yourself, together with the draught of one proposed to be written by him to the Governor of Florida claiming the redelivery of certain fugitives from justice who have been received in that Country. The inconveniencies of such a receptacle for debtors and malefactors in the neighbourhood of the Southern States are obvious and great; and I wish the remedy were as certain and short as the letter seems to suppose.\nThe delivery of fugitives from one Country to another as practised by several Nations is in consequence of conventions settled between them, defining precisely the cases wherein such deliveries shall take place. I know that such conventions exist between France and Spain, France and Sardinia, France and Germany, France and the United Netherlands, between the several Sovereigns constituting the Germanic Body, and I believe very generally between co-terminous States on the Continent of Europe. England has no such Convention with any nation, and their laws have given no power to their Executive to surrender fugitives of any description; they are accordingly constantly refused, and hence England has been the asylum of the Paolis, the La Mottes, the Calonnes, in short of the most atrocious offenders as well as the most innocent victims, who have been able to get there.\nThe laws of the United States like those of England receive every fugitive, and no authority has been given to our Executives to deliver them up. In the case of Longchamp a subject of France, a formal demand was made by the Minister of France and was refused. He  had indeed committed an offence within the United States but he was not demanded as a criminal but as a subject.\nThe French Government has shewn great anxiety to have such a convention with the United States, as might authorise them to demand their Subjects coming here; they got a clause in the Consular Convention signed by Dr. Franklin and the Count de Vergennes, giving their Consuls a right to take and send back Captains of Vessels, Mariners, and passengers. Congress saw the extent of the word passengers and refused to ratify the Convention; a new one was therefore formed, omitting that word. In fact, however desirable it be that the perpetrators of crimes, acknowledged to be such by all mankind, should be delivered up to punishment, yet it is extremely difficult to draw the line between those and acts rendered criminal by tyrannical laws only, hence the first step always is a convention defining the cases where a surrender shall take place.\nIf then the United States could not deliver up to Governor Quesada a fugitive from the Laws of his Government, we cannot claim as a right the delivery of fugitives from us: and it is worthy consideration whether the demand proposed to be made in Governor Pinckney\u2019s letter, should it be complied with by the other party, might not commit us disagreeably, perhaps dishonorably in event; for I do not think we can take for granted that the legislature of the United States will establish a Convention for the mutual delivery of fugitives, and without a reasonable certainty that they will, I think we ought not to give Governor Quesada any grounds to expect that in a similar case we would redeliver fugitives from his Government.\u2014I have the honor to be with the most profound respect and attachment Sir Your Most obedient and most humble Servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0256", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Street, 8 November 1791\nFrom: Street, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 8 Nov. 1791. Acknowledges receipt of TJ\u2019s letter of 13 May. He is late in writing because the government of Portugal had refused to confirm his commission. \u201cThe objection was, that, as I was born in the Portugues Dominions I was a Subject to her Faithful Majesty, therefore she would not Confirm my Commission untill the United States should aknowledge in her the same right to nominate, in like manner, Citizens of the said States.\u201d\u2014He overcame this objection by pointing out to Secretary of Foreign Affairs Pinto that \u201cnotwithstanding I was born in Fayal, I was of an English family, and had been educated in the United States of America, and there naturalized, that I could not be considered, but as a Citizen of the said States.\u201d Pinto notified him that his commission would be confirmed if he signed a declaration renouncing all the rights and privileges of a Portuguese subject. He immediately wrote and signed such a declaration and was proud to be \u201ca Citizen of a Republic, which already makes, in the History of the Nations, the mos shining figure.\u201d\u2014He offers to serve the United States as consul general for Portugal. In the event he is appointed to that office his cousin, Joseph Street d\u2019Arriaga, whose wealth, alliances, and character make him a respected figure at the Portuguese court, has promised \u201cnot only his house, and the participation of his property to support the dignity and respect due to that imploiment, but  his advises and Counsels whenever it may be wanted.\u201d\u2014Colonel Humphreys in Lisbon and John Telles in Philadelphia can both attest that \u201cyou will find my interest compatible with that of the States.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0257", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 8 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 8. 1791.\nI have now the honour to inclose you a report on the lands of the U.S. within the North Western and South Western territories, unclaimed either by Indians, or by citizens of these states.\nIn order to make the estimate of their quantity and situation, as desired by the legislature, it appeared necessary first to delineate the Indian boundaries which circumscribe those territories, and then to present a statement of all claims of citizens within the same; from whence results the residuary unclaimed mass, whereon any land law the legislature may think proper to pass, may operate immediately, and without obstruction.\nI have not presumed to decide on the merits of the several claims, nor consequently to investigate them minutely. This will only be proper, when such of them as may be thought doubtful, if there should be any such, shall be taken up for final decision.\u2014I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect and attachment, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0258", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Report on Public Lands, 8 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nEnclosureReport on Public Lands\nThe Secretary of State, to whom was referred by the President of the United States, the resolution of Congress requesting the President \u201cto cause an estimate to be laid before Congress at their next session, of the quantity and situation of the lands not claimed by the Indians, nor granted to, nor claimed by, any citizens of the United States within the territory ceded to the United States by the state of North Carolina, and within the territory of the United States north west of the river Ohio,\u201d makes thereon the following\nReport.\nThe\n   South-Western Territory.\n territory ceded by the State of North Carolina to the United States, by deed bearing date the 25th. day of February 1790, is bounded as follows, to wit: Beginning in the boundary between Virginia and North Carolina, that is to say, in the parallel of Latitude 36\u00bd degrees north from the Equator, on the extreme height of the stone mountain, where the said boundary or parallel intersects it, and running thence along the said extreme height to the place where Wataugo river breaks through it; thence a direct course to the top of the yellow mountain, where Bright\u2019s road crosses the same; thence along the ridge of the said mountain between the waters of Doe river and the waters of Rock creek, to the place where the road crosses the Iron mountain; from thence along the extreme height of said mountain to where Nolichuckey river runs through the same; thence to the top of the Bald mountain; thence along the extreme height of the said mountain to the painted rock on French Broad river; thence along the highest ridge of the said mountain to the place where it is called the Great Iron or Smoaky mountain; thence along the extreme height of the said mountain to the place where it is called Unaka mountain, between the Indian towns of Cowee and Old Chota; thence along the main ridge of the said mountain to the southern boundary of the said State of North Carolina, that is to say, to the parallel of Latitude 35 degrees north from the Equator; thence westwardly along the said boundary or parallel to the middle of the river Missisippi; thence up the middle of the said river to where it is intersected by the first mentioned parallel of 36\u00bd degrees; thence along the said parallel to the Beginning: which tract of country is a degree and a half of Latitude from North to South, and about 360 miles in general, from East to West, as nearly as maybe estimated from such maps as exist of that country.\n   Indian Claims.\n Indians having claims within the said tract of country, are, the Cherokees and Chickasaws, whose boundaries are settled by the treaties of Hopewell, concluded with the Cherokees on the 28th. day of November 1785, and with the Chickasaws, on the 10th. day of January 1786, and by the treaty of Holston concluded with the Cherokees, July 2d. 1791. These treaties acknowledge to the said Indians all the lands westward and southward of the following lines, to wit: Beginning in the boundary between South and North Carolina where the South Carolina Indian boundary strikes the same; thence North to a point from which a line is to be extended to the river Clinch, that shall pass the Holston at the ridge which divides the waters  running into Little river from those running into the Tannissee; thence up the river Clinch to Campbell\u2019s line, and along the same to the top of the Cumberland mountain; thence in a direct course towards the Cumberland river, where the Kentucky road crosses it, as far as the Virginia line, or parallel aforesaid of 36\u00bd degrees; thence Westwardly or Eastwardly, as the case shall be, along the said line or parallel, to the point thereof, which is due North East from another point to be taken on the dividing ridge of Cumberland and Duck rivers 40 miles from Nashville; thence Southwest to the point last mentioned on the said dividing ridge, and along the said dividing ridge northwestwardly to where it is intersected by the said Virginia line, or parallel of 36\u00bd degrees. So that there remained to the United States the right of pre-emption of the lands westward and southward of the said lines, and the absolute right to those northward thereof, that is to say; to one parcel to the Eastward, somewhat triangular, comprehending the counties of Sullivan and Washington, and parts of those of Greene and Hawkins, running about 150 miles from East to West on the Virginia boundary as its base, and between 80 and 90 miles from north to South, where broadest and containing, as may be conjectured, without pretending to accuracy, between seven and eight thousand square miles, or about five millions of acres: and to one other parcel to the Westward, somewhat triangular also, comprehending parts of the counties of Sumner, Davidson, and Tannissee, the base whereof extends about 150 miles also from East to West on the same Virginia line, and its height from North to South about 55 miles, and so may comprehend about four thousand square miles, or upwards of two and a half millions of Acres of land.\n        Within\n   Claims of Citizens.\n these triangles, however, are the following claims of citizens reserved by the deed of cession, and consequently forming exception to the rights of the United States.\ni. Appropriations by the State of North Carolina for their Continental and State Officers and Soldiers.\nii. Grants, and titles to grants vested in Individuals by the laws of the State.\niii. Entries made in Armstrong\u2019s office, under an Act of that State of 1783, for the redemption of specie and other Certificates.\n   Military Bounties.\n claims covered by the first reservation are, 1st. The bounties in land given by the said State of North Carolina to their continental line, in addition to those given by Congress: These were to be located  within a district bounded northwardly by the Virginia line, and southwardly by a line parallel thereto, and fifty five miles distant: Westwardly, by the Tannissee, and eastwardly by the meridian of the intersection of the Virginia line and Cumberland river. Grants have accordingly issued for 1,239,498 Acres, and warrants for the further quantity of 1,549,726 Acres, making together 2,789,224 Acres. It is to be noted, that the Southwestern and Southeastern Angles of this district, constituting, perhaps, a fourth or a fifth of the whole, are south of the lines established by the treaties of Hopewell and Holston, and, consequently in a country wherein the Indian title is acknowledged and guaranteed by the United States. No information is received of the exact proportion of the locations made within these angles.\n2nd. Bounties in Land to Evans\u2019s battalion raised for State purposes: these were to be taken West of the Cumberland mountain. The locations are not yet made.\n   Entries and Grants.\n second reservation covers the following claims. 1st. Lands for the Surveyor General\u2019s fees for laying out the military bounties, to be located in the military district. The grants already issued on this Account, amount to 30,203 Acres.\n   Commissioners.\n Grants to Isaac Shelby, Anthony Bledsoe, and Absalom Tatum, commissioners for laying out the military bounties; and to guards, chain carriers, markers, and hunters, who attended them, already issued to the amount of 65,932 Acres, located in the Military district.\n   Washington County.\n Entries in Washington county, amounting to 746,362\u00bd Acres, for 214,549\u00be of which grants have already issued. Of the remaining 531,812\u00be Acres, a considerable proportion were declared void by the laws of the State, and were particularly excluded from the cover of the reservation in the deed of cession by this clause in it, to wit: \u201cProvided that nothing herein contained shall extend, or be construed to extend to the making good any entry or entries, or any grant or grants heretofore declared void by any Act or Acts of the General Assembly of this State.\u201d Still it is to be considered, that many of these persons have settled and improved the lands, are willing, as is said, to comply with such conditions as shall be required of other purchasers, form a strong barrier on the new frontier acquired by the treaty of Holston, and are, therefore, Objects meriting the consideration of the Legislature.\n   Sullivan County.\n Entries in Sullivan county, amounting to 240,624 Acres, for 173,332 Acres of which grants have already  issued. Of the remaining entries, many are certified void; and others understood to be lapsed, or otherwise voidable, under the laws of the State.\n   Pre-emptions.\n Certain Pre-emption rights granted to the first settlers of Davidson county on Cumberland river, amounting to 309,760 Acres.\n   Henderson.\n A grant of 200,000 Acres to Richard Henderson and others on Powel\u2019s and Clinch\u2019s rivers, extending up Powel\u2019s river in a breadth of not less than four miles, and down Clinch\u2019s from their junction in a breadth not less than twelve miles. A great part of this is within the Indian territory.\n        Among the grants of the State, now under recapitulation, as forming exceptions out of the absolute rights of the United States are not to be reckoned here two\n   Martin & Wilson.\n grants of 2000 Acres each to Alexander Martin, and David Wilson, adjacent to the lands allotted to the officers and soldiers; nor a grant of 25,000 Acres on \n   General Greene.\n Duck river to the late Major General Greene; because they are wholly within the Indian territory, as acknowleged by the treaties of Hopewell and Holston.\n    Armstrong\u2019s office.\n extent of the third reservation, in favor of entries made in Armstrong\u2019s office, is not yet entirely known, nor can be \u2018till the 20th. of December 1792, the last day given for perfecting them. The sum of certificates, however, which had been paid for these warrants into the Treasury of the State, before the 20th. day of May 1790, reaches in all probability, near to their whole amount. This was \u00a3373,649.6.5. Currency of that State, and at the price of ten pounds the hundred Acres, established by law, shews that Warrants had issued for 3,736,493 Acres. For 1,762,660 of these grants have passed, which appear to have been located partly in the counties of Greene and Hawkins, and partly in the country from thence to the Missisippi, as divided into Eastern, middle, and Western districts. Almost the whole of these locations are within the Indian territory. Besides the Warrants paid for as before mentioned, it is known that there are some others outstanding, and not paid for; but perhaps, these need not be taken into account, as payment of them has been disputed on the ground that the lands, being within the Indian territory, cannot now be delivered to the holders of the Warrants.\nOn a review of all the reservations, after making such conjectural allowance as our information authorizes, for the proportion of them which may be within the Indian boundaries, it appears probable, that they cover all the ceded lands susceptible of culture, and cleared of the Indian title, that is to say; all the habitable  parts of the two triangles beforementioned, excepting only the lands south of French Broad and Big Pidgeon rivers. These were part of the tract appropriated by the laws of the State to the use of the Indians, whose title being purchased at the late treaty of Holston, they are now free to be disposed of by the United States, and are probably, the only lands open to their disposal within this South Western territory, which can excite the attention of purchasers. They are supposed to amount to about 300,000 Acres, and we are told that three hundred families have already set down upon them without right or license.\n    North Western territory.\n territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio, is bounded on the south by that river, on the East by Pennsylvania; on the north and West by the lines which divide the United States from the dominions of Great Britain and Spain.\n   Claims of Indians.\n part of this territory occupied by Indians, is north and West of the following lines established with the Wiandots, Delawares, Chippawas and Ottawas, by the treaty of Fort McIntosh, and, with the Shawanese, by that of the Great Miami, to wit: Beginning at the mouth of the Cayahoga, and running up the river to the Portage between that and the Tuscaroras branch of the Muskingum; then down the said branch to the forks at the crossing place above Fort Lawrence; then Westwardly towards the portage of the Big Miami, to the main branch of that river; then down the Miami to the fork of that river next below the old fort which was taken by the French in 1752; thence due West to the river de la Panse, and down that river to the Wabash. So far the lines are precisely defined, and the whole country Southward of these lines, and eastward of the Wabash, cleared of the claims of those Indians, as it is also of those of the Poutiwatimas and Sacs, by the treaty of Muskingum. How far on the other side of the Wabash, the Southern boundary of the Indians has been defined, we know not. It is only understood, in general, that their title to the lower country between that river and the Illinois, has been formerly extinguished by the French, while in their possession. As to that country then, and what lies still beyond the Illinois, it would seem expedient that nothing be done, \u2018till a fair ascertainment of boundary can take place, by mutual consent between us and the Indians interested.\nThe country within the Wabash, the Indian line before described, the Pennsylvania line, and the Ohio, contains, on a loose estimate, about 55,000 square miles, or 35 millions of Acres.\n        During\n   Antient Companies.\n the British government, great numbers of persons had formed themselves into companies, under different names, such as the Ohio, the Wabache, the Illinois, the Missisippi, or Vandalia companies, and had covered, with their applications, a great part of this territory. Some of them had obtained orders on certain conditions, which having never been fulfilled, their titles were never completed by grants. Others were only in a state of negociation, when the British authority was discontinued. Some of these claims, being already under a special reference, by order of Congress, and all of them probably falling under the operation of the same principles, they will not be noticed in the present report.\n   Claims of Citizens.\n Claims of citizens to be here stated, will be Ist. Those reserved by the States in their deeds of cession.\niind. Those which have arisen under the government of the United States themselves.\n   Connecticut.\n the first head presents itself the tract of country from the completion of the 41st. degree to 42\u00b0.2\u2019 of North Latitude, and extending from the Pennsylvania line before mentioned 120 miles westward, not mentioned in the deed of Connecticut, while all the country westward thereof was mentioned to be ceded. About two and a half millions of Acres of this, may perhaps, be without the Indian lines beforementioned.\n   French at Kaskaskias &c.\n A reservation in the deed of Virginia of the possessions and titles of the French and Canadian Inhabitants, and other settlers of the Kaskaskias, St. Vincents, and the neighbouring Villages, who had professed themselves citizens of Virginia; which rights have been settled by an Act of the last session of Congress, intituled \u201cAn Act for granting lands to the Inhabitants and settlers at Vincennes and the Illinois country in the territory North-West of the Ohio, and for confirming them in their possessions.\u201d These lands are in the neighbourhood of the several villages.\n   Clarke\u2019s Regiment.\n A reservation in the same deed of a quantity, not exceeding 150,000 Acres of land, for General George Rogers Clarke, and the officers and soldiers of his regiment, who were at the reduction of Kaskaskias, and St. Vincents: to be laid off, in such place on the North-West side of the Ohio, as a majority of the officers should choose. They chose they should be laid off on the river adjacent to the rapids, which, accordingly, has been done.\n4. A reservation in the same deed, of lands between the Scioto and Little Miami, to make up to the Virginia  troops, \n   Virginia Line.\n on continental establishment, the quantity which the good lands in their Southern allotment, might fall short of the bounties given them by the laws of that State. By a statement of the 16th. of September, 1788, it appears that 724,045\u2154 Acres had been surveyed for them on the South-eastern side of the Ohio; that 1,395,385\u00bd Acres had been surveyed on the northwestern side; that Warrants for 649,649 Acres more, to be laid off on the same side of the river, were in the hands of the surveyor, and it was supposed there might still be some few warrants not yet presented: so that this reservation may be stated at 2,045,034\u00bd Acres, or perhaps, some small matter more.\nii. The claims of individual citizens, derived from the United States themselves, are the following.\n   Continental Army.\n Those of the Continental army, founded on the resolutions of Congress, of September 16th. 1776, August 12th. and September 30th. 1780, and fixed by the Ordinance of May 20th. 1785; the resolution of October 22d. 1787, and the supplementary Ordinance of July 9th. 1788, in the seven ranges of townships; Beginning at a point on the Ohio, due north from the Western termination of a line then lately run as the Southern boundary of Pennsylvania: or, in a second tract of a million of Acres, bounded East by the seventh range of the said townships; south, by the lands of Cutler and Sargent; North, by an extension of the northern boundary of the said townships, and going towards the West so far as to include the above quantity: or lastly, in a third tract of country, Beginning at the mouth of the Ohio, and running up the Missisippi, to the river au Vause; thence up the same \u2018till it meets a West line from the mouth of the little Wabash; thence along that line to the Great Wabash; thence down the same, and the Ohio to the Beginning. The sum total of the said military claims is 1,851,800 Acres.\n   Purchasers at New-York.\n Those of the Individuals who made purchases of land at New York, within the said seven ranges of townships, according to the Resolutions of Congress of April 21st. 1787, and the supplementary ordinance of July 9th. 1788, which claims amount to 150,896 Acres.\n3. The purchase of one million and a half Acres of land by Cutler and Sargent, on behalf of certain individuals, \n   Ohio Company.\n associated under the name of the Ohio company. This begins where the Ohio is intersected by the Western boundary of the seventh range of townships, and runs due North on that boundary 1306 chains and 25 links; thence due West to the Western  boundary of the seventeenth range of townships; thence due South to the Ohio, and up that river to the Beginning; the whole area containing 1,781,760 Acres of land, whereof 281,760 Acres, consisting of various lots and townships, are reserved to the United States.\n4: The purchase by the same Cutler and Sargent on behalf also of themselves and others. This begins at the \n   Scioto Company.\n North-eastern angle of the tract of their purchase before described, and runs due north to the northern boundary of the tenth township from the Ohio; thence due West to the Scioto; thence down the same, and up the Ohio to the south-western angle of the said purchase before described, and along the Western and Northern boundaries thereof to the Beginning; the whole area containing 4,901,480 Acres of land; out of which, however, five lots, to wit: Nos: 8. 11. 16. 26. and 29. of every township, of six miles square, are retained by the United States, and out of the whole are retained the three townships of Gnadenhutten, Schoenbrun, and Salem, and certain lands around them, as will be hereafter mentioned.\n   Symmes.\n The purchase of John Cleves Symmes, bounded on the West by the Great Miami; on the South by the Ohio; on the East by a line, which is to begin on the bank of the Ohio, twenty miles from the mouth of the Great Miami, as measured along the several courses of the Ohio, and to run parallel with the general course of the said Great Miami: and on the North by an East and West line, so run as to include a million of acres in the whole area, whereof five lots, numbered as beforementioned, are reserved out of every township by the United States.\nIt is suggested that this purchaser, under colour of a first and larger proposition to the Board of Treasury which was never closed (but pending that proposition) sold sundry parcels of land, between his eastern boundary beforementioned, and the little Miami, and that the purchasers have settled thereon. If these suggestions prove true, the settlers will, perhaps, be thought to merit the favor of the Legislature, as purchasers for valuable consideration, and without notice of the defect of title.\nThe contracts for lands, which were at one time under \n   Flint & Parker.\n consideration with Messieurs Flint and Parker, and \n   Morgan.\n with Colonel Morgan, were never so far prosecuted as to bring either party under any obligation. All proceedings thereon were discontinued at a very early stage, and it is supposed that no further views exist with any party. These, therefore, are not to be enumerated among existing claims.\n6. Three townships were reserved by the Ordinance of May 20th. 1785, adjacent to Lake Erie, for refugees from \n   Canadian Refugees.\n Canada and Nova Scotia, and for other purposes, according to resolutions of Congress made, or to be made on that subject. These would of course contain 69,120 Acres.\n7. The same Ordinance of May. 20th. 1785, appropriated the three towns of Gnadenhutten, Schoenbrun, and Salem on the Muskingum, for the Christian \n   Christian Indians.\n Indians formerly settled there, or the remains of that society, with the grounds round about them, and the quantity of the said circumjacent grounds, for each of the said towns was determined by the resolution of Congress of September 3d. 1788, to be so much as, with the plat of it\u2019s respective town, should make up 4,000 Acres; so that the three towns and their circumjacent lands were to amount to twelve thousand Acres. This reservation was accordingly made out of the larger purchase of Cutler and Sargent, which comprehended them. The Indians, however, for whom the reservation was made, have chosen to emigrate beyond the limits of the United States, so that the lands reserved for them still remain to the United States.\non \nConnecticut about\nKaskaskians &c. abt.\nClarke\u2019s Regiment\nVirginia Line\nContinental Army\nPurchasers at N. York\nOhio Company\nSymmes\n the whole it appears that the United States may rightfully dispose of all the lands between the Wabash, the Ohio, Pennsylvania, the forty first parallel of Latitude, and the Indian lines described in the treaties of the great Miami and Fort McIntosh, with exceptions only of the rights saved by the deed of cession of Virginia, and of all rights legally derived from the Government of the United States, and supposing the parts south of the Indian lines to contain as before conjectured, about thirty five millions of Acres, and that the claims of citizens, before enumerated, may amount to between thirteen and fourteen millions, there remain at the disposal of the United States, upwards of twenty one millions of Acres in this Northwestern quarter.\nand \u2018though the want of actual surveys of some parts, and of a general delineation of the whole on paper, so as to exhibit to the eye the locations, forms, and relative positions of the rights before described, may prevent our forming a well defined idea of them at this distance, yet, on the spot, these difficulties exist but in a small degree; the individuals there employed in the details of buying, selling, and locating, possess local informations of the parts which concern them, so as to be able to keep clear of each others rights: or if, in some instances, a conflict of claims should arise  from any Want of certainty in their definition, a local judge will doubtless be provided to decide them without delay, at least provisionally. Time, instead of clearing up these incertainties, will cloud them the more, by the death or removal of Witnesses, the disappearance of lines and marks, change of parties, and other casualties.\nTh: Jefferson Secretary of state Nov. 8. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0259", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 9 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nPhiladelphia Nov. 9. 1791.\nThomas Pinckny of S. Carolina has this day the offer of the mission to London as minister Pleni. When we know whether he accepts, or not wch. will not be these six weeks, the nomination of a minister pleni. for Paris and a minister resident for the Hague will be made. The former is in suspence between yourself and another. If you do not have that you will have the latter. There was never a symptom by which I could form a guess on this subject til three days ago. Nobody here will know a word of it these six weeks. Hearing a vessel in this port was just hoisting sail for Havre I avail myself of it to give you the information which you are to keep secret til it may be openly communicated. Adieu.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0260", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 9 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Smith, Samuel\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 9. 1791.\nI have duly recieved your favor of the 5th. on the subject of the sloop Jane, which it was impossible to dispatch with the celerity you expected. It was necessary to copy the papers to communicate them to the French minister, and the copies are not yet ready. In  the mean time I have seen Mr. Skipwith, who being to pass through Baltimore, I am persuaded his information to you will be thought important. I have therefore prevailed on him to call on you. If in consequence of his communications, you should prefer applying at Paris, it will be necessary for you to engage some person there to make application for you, and I will write to Mr. Short to support it. [He cannot be the person who is to go through the details of sollicitation.] If you still determine to try the matter at Martinique, I will endeavor to get aid for you from the French minister. I shall await your answer, and am with much esteem Sir Your most obedt & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0261", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Lord Wycombe, 9 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Wycombe, Lord\nTh: Jefferson has the honour of presenting his respectful and affectionate compliments to Ld. Wycombe and of asking the favor of him immediately on his arrival in Charleston to have the goodness to send the inclosed letter to the Post-office. He knows how troublesome it is to travellers to have to think of letters, and therefore apologizes by the importance of the one inclosed, and the probability of it\u2019s going so much quicker by water than by post.\nTh:J. regrets that constant occupation has put it out of his power to see as much of Ld. Wycombe as he would have wished during his short stay here; he should with great pleasure have contributed his mite towards possessing him of all that information relative to this country, which he knows to be the object of Ld. Wycombe\u2019s travels. He shall always be happy to hear of him, and from him, and bids him an affectionate adieu, with sincere wishes for prosperous and speedy passages to him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0263", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Maury, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Maury, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLiverpool, 10 Nov. 1791. Since his of 14 Sep. he has received TJ\u2019s of 30 Aug. 1791, and now attends to it. \u201cThe Irregularity of the Masters of our Vessells, as I have mentioned before, prevented my furnishing the particulars you required.\u201d Trade with this port increases greatly, ninety-six American vessels having sailed from here this year. Only half that number have left other ports in his district. A \u201cmost Accurate Account\u201d of the whole number will be forthcoming at the end of the year. \u201cFrom this Sketch you will readily percieve that whenever I shall have the Consular act, the Duties of the office will require a considerable degree of Attention.\u201d\u2014He notes the difference between what constitutes citizenship in the U.S. and in this country. A subject of this country is still regarded a citizen here even though he had lived in U.S. territory since the peace and been regarded a citizen of the U.S. \u201cMany persons of this Description\u201d own American vessels here, and lately the legality of such ownerships has been questioned.\u2014\u201cOur Vessells continue (in a Manner) the sole Carriers of the produce of this Country to theirs. The prosperous State of our Funds have occasioned great Speculations in them by the monied Men here. The ports of this Kingdom continue shut to foreign wheat. Tobaccoe is rather a better Article than it has been.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0264", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 10 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 10. 1791.\nI have duly examined the inclosed papers relating to the purchase by judge Symmes of the lands on the Great Miami, and think it will be proper to lay them before the legislature. They will thereby see the foundation of the larger claim of this purchaser mentioned in the report I have had the honour of presenting to you, and also the expediency of providing some speedy and regular mode of deciding this and other questions of a like nature which might arise hereafter, and obstruct for a considerable time the proceedings relative to the public lands.\u2014I have the honour to be with the most profound respect & attachment, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0265", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 11 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nIn my report on How\u2019s case, where I state that it should go to the President, it will become a question with the house Whether they shall refer it to the President themselves, or give it back to the Petitioner, and let him so address it, as he ought to have done at first. I think the latter proper, 1. because it is a case belonging purely to the Executive. 2. the Legislature should never shew itself in a matter with a foreign nation, but where the case is very serious and they mean to commit the nation on it\u2019s issue. 3. because if they indulge individuals in handing through the legislature their applications to the executive, all applicants will be glad to avail themselves of the weight of so powerful a sollicitor. Similar attempts have been repeatedly made by individuals to get the President to hand in their petitions to the legislature, which he has constantly refused. It seems proper that every person should address himself directly to the department to which the constitution has allotted his case; and that the proper answer to such from any other department is, that \u2018it is not to us that the constitution has assigned the transaction of this business.\u2019\u2014I suggest these things to you, that if they appear to you  to be right, this kind of business may in the first instance be turned into it\u2019s proper channel.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0268", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 13 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Francis\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 13. 1791.\nI wrote you the last week, since which I have received yours of Oct. 2. and Nov. 3d. informing me that mine of the 5th. of Oct. was come to hand. I thank you for the purchase of the Jenny, and I will furnish the price here to Jack; as it seems useless for you to be sending \u00a320. here, and me sending \u00a320. to you. My extreme wish is to put immediately the Jenny to a Jack of as pure a breed as possible, in order to get one for myself. What is become of Mazzei\u2019s? or is there any of his breed to be got at? I shall be obliged to you for\nI shall pay my own British debts, but I shall not pay the debts of others if I can help it. I understand there has been some irregularity in the bringing Bevins\u2019s suit. As it is not our own debt, I should be for taking advantage of the irregularity to abate or delay it. In event however I take for granted we shall each provide for our third so as to prevent his levying all on one. Polly is well and writes to her aunt. Jack is well also and well employed. My love to Mrs. Eppes and the young ones. Your\u2019s Dear Sir affectionly.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0269", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Ebenezer Hazard, 13 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hazard, Ebenezer\nTh: Jefferson sends to Mr. Hazard the papers he spoke of. He presumes Mr. Hazard has a copy of the grant to Ld. Fairfax, an important paper to Virginia. If he has not Th:J. has the substance of it faithfully extracted. He will thank Mr. Hazard to return such of these papers as he shall not print.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0270", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 13 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy: dear Martha\nPhiladelphia Nov. 13. 1791.\nMaria and myself are waiting with impatience to hear that Mr. Randolph and yourself and dear little Anne are well. We now write alternately, once a week, so that the correspondence is become more equal. I now inclose to Mr. Randolph Freneau\u2019s paper instead of Bache\u2019s on account of the bulk of the latter which, being a daily paper, was too much for the post. And Freneau\u2019s two papers contain more good matter than Bache\u2019s six. He will see that the affairs of the French West Indies are in a desperate state. A second set of deputies has arrived here to ask succours. Abundance of women and children come here to avoid danger. The men are not permitted to come. I should not wonder to see some of your friends among them.\u2014We expect hourly the arrival of Capt. Stratton, by whom the clothes for the house servants shall be sent. To forward them by any other vessel, is risking their miscarriage. Maria is fixed at Mrs. Pine\u2019s, and perfectly at home. She has made young friends enough to keep herself in a bustle with them, and she has been honored with the visits of Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Randolph, Mrs. Rittenhouse, Sarjeant, Waters, Davies &c., so that she is quite familiar with Philadelphia. Present my sincere attachment to Mr. Randolph and kiss Anne for us. Adieu my dear, dear daughter. Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0271", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Williamson, 13 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Williamson, Hugh\nDear Sir\nOn considering the subject of the clause you wished to have introduced in the inclosed bill, I found it more difficult than I had on first view imagined. Will you make the first trial against the patentee conclusive against all others who might be interested to contest his patent? If you do, he will always have a collusive suit brought against himself at once. Or will you give every one a right to bring actions separately? If you do, besides running him down with the expences and vexations of law suits, you will be sure to find some jury in the long run, who from motives of partiality or ignorance, will find a verdict against him, tho\u2019 a hundred should have been before found in his favour. I really believe that less evil will follow from leaving him to bring suits against those who invade his right. If however you can get over the difficulty and will drop me a line, I will try to prepare a clause, tho\u2019 I am sure you will put your own ideas into form better than any body else can.\u2014Your\u2019s with sincere esteem,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0272", "content": "Title: Report on Petition of William How, 14 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: House of Representatives\nThe Secretary of State, to whom was referred, by the House of Representatives, the Petition of William How, praying Satisfaction from the United States, for a Debt due to him in Nova Scotia, and whereon Judgment has been rendered against him, contrary to existing Treaties, as he supposes, with Instruction to examine the same, and report his Opinion thereupon to the House, has had the same under Consideration, and thereupon Reports\nThat if the Facts be justly stated in the Petition, Indemnification is to be sought from a foreign Nation, and, therefore, that the Case is a proper one to be addressed to the President of the United States.\nThat, when in that Channel, if it shall be found, after advising with Counsel at Law, that the Verdict or Judgment rendered in  the said Case, is Inconsistent with Treaty, it will become a proper Subject of Representation to the Court of London, and of Indemnification from them to the Party.\nThat to this Interposition the Petitioner will, in that Case, be entitled, but not to any Reimbursement from the United States directly.\nTh: Jefferson Nov. 14. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0275", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 14 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nThe Secretary of state, to whom has been referred by the President of the United States, the Report of the proceedings in the Executive department of the North Western territory, for the month of July 1791. made by the Secretary of the said territory, thereupon Reports\nThat the letter of July 12. 1791. therein entered, having been already communicated to the legislature of the United states, there is nothing else in the said Report which requires any thing to be done on the part of the President of the United States.\nTh: Jefferson Nov. 14. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0276", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. P. Derieux, 15 November 1791\nFrom: Derieux, Justin Pierre Plumard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCharlottesville, 15 Nov. 1791. He has received TJ\u2019s of 25 Oct. and the letter from Mde. Bellanger enclosed in it. He has read with appreciation Mr. Fenwick\u2019s efforts to interest M. LeRoy to his advantage, and he supposes that it was at Paris, and not at Bordeaux, that M. LeRoy died. Mde. Bellanger informed him of LeRoy\u2019s death as early as April and she now gives the names of the three executors of his will, all merchants at Bordeaux. She is astonished that he has not received any news of the bequest made for him and his two brothers. He quotes from her letter dated last July 16: she is surprised that he has not yet received her two last letters of April 14 and May 31 and that the executors of the will of M. LeRoy have not written to him, which should have been at the moment of his death in April. New taxes are excessive and they live only by assignats; they no longer recognize the constitution and while only a year ago at the Federation they swore loyalty to the nation, the law, and the king, now she fears the people wish to remove the king. Honest people do not want a republic and happily that is the wish of the great majority of the National Assembly. The Jacobins say it is the Club which is the master of France; it keeps the king prisoner and wants to put him on trial.\u2014If the United States were no further away than England is to France she would make the effort to visit him, but her health and age make that too unreasonable.\u2014She has made a deposit of 4,000 livres for his use while waiting for the 15,000 to come to him.\nHe sends TJ that part of her letter that credit may be obtained with the bank of Philadelphia for a loan of 4,000 so he can meet some contractual commitments of long standing. Otherwise he would find himself very embarrassed. He apologizes for all the embarrassment he continually gives TJ, and asks him to send the attached letter to Mde. Bellanger.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0279", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 17 November 1791\nFrom: Muter, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nKentucky, Woodford County, Novr. 17th 1791\nKnowing that your time must be necessarily taken up by business of great importance, and having nothing of importance to communicate, I have, hitherto, forborne writing to you, other, than acknowledging the receipt of your letter to me, covering the Acts  of Congress respecting Kentucky: but, the present situation of the Western country in general and this district in particular, compells me to trouble you with some ideas of mine, and I hope, will plead my excuse.\nThe militia of this country are, generally, averse to serving with regulars; and as a very great proportion of them are very poor people, being called frequently to perform militia duty, at a considerable distance from home, is to all of them very injurious, and to many, absolutely ruinous. Would it not therefore, be better, to raise in this district, two or more battallions, on a plan, somewhat similar, to that, of the minute battallions in the late war? I have no doubt, but that two battallions, might be raised in Kentucky, with great ease, and very expeditiously; consisting principally, if not entirely, of young men, who coud go into service immediately upon being ordered, and might continue in it for a considerable time, without inconvenience. Great care however, ought to be taken, in the appointment of officers, to get such men as would be fit to command, and likely to be able to raise the men. I apprehend no great difficulty, that, would attend that business; because there are a great many men in Kentucky, that, have served in the late war, some of them with reputation; enough for the higher offices; and many spirited young fellows, who would, with a little experience, make excellent subalterns. I can, at present, see no reason to doubt, such men\u2019s being of more real service, than draughts from the militia; and I think too, that they would be, fully as cheap to government: and I am well assured, the people would thereby, be greatly eased, and much more contented.\nIt would perhaps be of importance, in the present situation of affairs in the Western Country, to appoint an officer to succeed to General Buttler\u2019s command, who possesses, in some degree, the confidence of the people of this Country. I mean the western country in general. I think I can assure you that Genl. Wilkinson\u2019s appointment, would most probably give general satisfaction. I have not a doubt of his abilities; and from what I have heard of the manner of his resignation (which will be found among the records of the former Congress) I think, it may be considered that, even the present Government, are, in some degree bound to pay particular attention to him.\u2014I have the honour to be with the highest respect Sir your most hble servt,\nGeorge Muter", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0280", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 17 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 17. 1791.\nMr. Morris, eldest son of Mr. Robert Morris being about to visit Europe, and to make a considerable tour through it, I trouble him with this line to you, in order to renew your former acquaintance with him, and also to ask the favour of you to procure for him such letters as may be useful to him in those parts of Europe to which he may go.\u2014I know he will receive from you personally the attentions and good offices you can render him, and have therefore only to repeat assurances of the sentiments of esteem & respect with which I am Dear Sir your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0281", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 17 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Smith, Samuel\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 17. 1791.\nYour favor of the 13th. came to hand the night before last. I sent the papers to the French minister, from whom I have this moment recieved the letter now inclosed for the Governor of Martinique. Mr. Skipwith has been detained here by sickness, but will set out in tomorrow\u2019s stage, and consequently will be in Baltimore Saturday night.\nSupposing that a line from yourself to Mr. Short, to prevent Capt. Woodrough from doing anything amiss, would be more authoritative than one from me, I take the liberty of recommending to you to write to him.\u2014I am Sir your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0282", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Caspar Wistar, Jr., 17 November 1791\nFrom: Wistar, Caspar, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr. Wistar offers respectful compliments to Mr. Jefferson. He thinks the Statement perfectly proper and hopes it will excite attention to a Circumstance that promises to be of use in every kind of distillation where boiling is necessary. He has intended for some time to make an experiment with a vessel which should unite Fitch and Voights and Poissonnieres idea of a fire place in the water, with Irvings pipe; and hopes to be able to do it before the business is finished. He will thank Mr. Jefferson for communicating any ideas that occur to him on the subject.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0284", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Campbell, 19 November 1791\nFrom: Campbell, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nCity Tavern Philadelphia Novr. 19th. 1791\nTo morrow I leave the City. I feel myself quite tired of fumum strepitumque Rom\u0153.\nI cannot depart without returning you my acknowledgments for the List of Books you furnished me with.\nI should have waited personally upon you; but knowing you were so engaged in public business at this time, that you have not a moment to spare, I beg you to accept my sincere thanks and believe me to be with the purest sentiments of Esteem & Regard, your obt. Servt.,\nDavid Campbell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0285", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 19 November 1791\nFrom: Eppes, Francis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr. Sir\nNovr. 19th 1791\nThis will be handed to you by my Friend Colo. Bird, who coming to Philadelphia I have taken the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance. There are few people whom I should presume to give a letter of this kind, however, from Colo. Bird\u2019s knon good character as a Gentleman and Patriot I flater myself this introduction will meet with your approbation.\nI have the pleasure to inform you that the Family are well. Betsey is perfectly recoverd and in a fair way to recover her good looks. She as well as the rest of the Family desire to join with me in wishing you and Polly every good this world affords. I am Dr Sir Your Friend\nFrans. Eppes", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0286", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Ettwein, 19 November 1791\nFrom: Ettwein, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBethlehem 19. Nov. 1791.\nI hope You will pardon the Liberty I take in troubling You with this Letter and representing to You that Your Report to the Presid. of the Unit. States of 8. inst. respecting the Quantity and Situation of the Lands not claimed, gave me some Uneasiness on Account of what is therein reported concerning the Land granted to the Christian Indians on Muskingum River, Vizt: \u201cThe Indians however for whom the Reservation was made, have chosen to emigrate beyond  the Limits of the United States so that the Lands reserved for them, still remain to the Un. States.\u201d\nAs those 12000. Acres of Land were to be vested in the Society of the Unit. Brethren for propagating the Gospel among the Heathen in Trust and for the Uses expressed in the Ordinances of May 20. 1785. and July 27. 1787., I must beg Leave humbly to remonstrate, that the Emigration of the Christian Indians cannot be construed as making void the Grant of Congress, And I flatter myself, the Honorable Secretary of State, by perusing the simple State of Fact, will be convinced that the Emigration of the said Indians was not by Choice but the most urgent Necessity.\nPermit me, Sir, to relate to You the Situation of these Christian Indians since the Year 1785.\u2014When in that Year the said Indians living then on Huron River, above Lake Sinclair, were informed, that the Honorble Congress had reserved the 3. forsaken Towns with 10000 Acres of Land for them and their Children, they prepared themselves to repossess it, and in the Spring 1786. they came on their Return as far as Cajahaga River, but by terrifying Reports of the determined resistance of the white People on the Ohio, against their Return to their old Towns, they were induced to stop at Cajahaga and planted there that Summer; In the Course of which they found that the Land, where they soujourned was given to the Connecticut People and that a Fort was to be built there, and were therefore constrained to move again in the Spring 1787.\u2014Their full Intention was to take Possession of the Land on Muskingum: But being informed by the Superintendant of Indian Affairs and their Friends at Pittsburg, that a lawless Crew threathened them another bloody Visit, if they should venture to settle on Muskingum and the Indian Chiefs at the same time bidding them to come to Sandusky, which they durst not disobey, they came on their Journey as far as Pettquotting or Huron River on this side the Lake, about 30. Miles from Sandusky, in that Place they lived 4. Years in undisturbed Peace. Many of the strayed Sheep, who had left them after the Massacre on Muskingum, returned and a Number of others, among them Gelelemind, al. Kilbuck with his Family joined them. After the Affair on Miami in October 1790, their Peace, by the Confederation of their neighbouring Indian Nations, was intierly interrupted. The Delaware Captain, the Wiondot and Tawa Chiefs, ordered them to prepare for a Removal from Pettquotting, if they would not be treated again as they were treated on Muskingum, where they were plundered, their Cattle killed, and they as Prisoners  carried to Sandusky River.\u2014As the Tawa Chief pretended to be a Friend of the Christian Indians and had several times declared, that in Case a War should be determined on, he would provide a safe Place for them, as he knew they would not go to War, they sent a Message, to hear where they should find an Asylum, but receiving no Answer and fearing they might loose the Time for planting and seeing no Hope of Protection from the Western Government, one of the Missionaries was sent to Detroit, to petition the Brittish Government for Leave to come to the East Side of Lake Erie and to lend them some Land, where they could plant and live on until Peace should be restored.\u2014The Commandant of Detroit and Mr. McKee the Indian Agent endeavoured to persuade them not to fly but to remain this Year at Pettquotting, where they would not be in such Danger from the Militia as they feared, and that McKee would use all his Influence with the Indian Warriors, not to disturb them.\u2014But when a Number of friendly Indians were killed on Beaver Creek in March last, two of the killed being of their Fold, and hearing that some of the Militia were seen near Cajahaga, Anxiety and Fear seized the Women and Children that they were ready to run away from Pettquotting and the Missionaries saw no other way to keep their Flock together, but by leaving their fine Settlement and to retire under the Brittish Government, where on a second Application, some Land on the East side of Detroit River was lent them and Protection promised.\nThis simple Narrative of the Circumstances of these Christian Indians, which is strictly true, will, I am sensible convince Your Honor, that it was not Choice, which made this Congregation forsake their Settlement and the Improvements, which had cost them so much Labour, and of which they had but begun to enjoy the Fruits, to emigrate beyond the Limits of the Unit. States, but that it was the most urgent Necessity and the Conviction that in their Situation they could not be protected.\nBy the Last Accounts from the Missionaries, their present Situation is not agreable to those Christian Indians, the Land and everything else is displeasing to them, and as soon as they can return without the Risque of their Lives, at least the greatest Part will return.\nBut, Honored Sir, Permit me to represent this Case also in another Light: The Resolve of Congress was to vest the said 12000. Acres of Land in the Society for propagating the Gospel among the Heathen, in Trust for the Use and Benefit of said Christian Indians. This  Society has received the Ordinance for Surveying the 3. Tracts of Land therein mentioned, before the Land adjoining, called the Army Land, could be surveyed.\u2014Accordingly 2. different Attempts were made to survey the same, and at each time proper Persons were sent by the Society, at considerable Expence to be present and assist at the Survey, but both the Attempts were frustrated on Account of the Difficulties and Dangers from the Indians. Besides these Expences the Return of the Indian Congregation in the Year 1786 has been a great Charge to the Society, and now the necessary Assistance in the Transport as well of the Missionaries, as the Widows, the Orphans, the sick, the blind and the halt of the Indian Congregation in April last, has brought the Missionaries to the Necessity of drawing on the Society for a considerable Sum. I humbly hope therefore, also on this Account, the Honorable Congress will confirm the Grant, according to the Resolve of Sept. 3. 1788. to the Society of the United Brethren for Propagating the Gospel among the Heathen, which has been incorporated by the Legislatures of the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.\u2014This Society has determined to let as many of said Indians as shall please (as soon as Circumstances will permit) to live and farm on the said 12000. Acres, as long as they choose, without any Rent, and as soon as possible to rent out the Remainder, to reap some Benefit by it, for the Support of the Society in providing Teachers for said Christian Indians and their Descendants or other Christian Indians in Connexion with the United Brethren.\nNot having the Honor to be personally known to You, Sir, I hope the Consciousness of my Duty as Presidt. of the Society of the Brrn. for propagatg. &c., to give a full account of the Case in Question to the Secretary of State will be accepted as an Apology for troubling You with this long Letter.\u2014The Endeavours of the Brethren for a Series of Years, under the greatest Difficulties, to bring the North American Indians to the Knowledge of Christianity and at the same time to civilize them, and the Success they have had under divine Providence, cannot perhaps be known to Your Honor, so as it is known to many worthy Gentlemen of this State.\u2014In Order to give You some Idea of the said Society and of the Method of the Brethren in their Missions among the Heathen in General, I take the Liberty to present to Your Honor the Rules of the said Society and a small Treatise of the Method of the Brethren &c.\u2014With Sentiments of the greatest Respect I have the Honor to be Sir Your most obedt. Servt.,\nJ. Ettwein", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0288", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 20 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 20. 1791.\nI now inclose you, and shall continue to do so, Fenno\u2019s and Freneau\u2019s papers. The latter in two papers a week will contain at least as much good matter as Bache\u2019s six papers a week, and will be a relief to the post. Those I send you will enable our neighbors to judge whether Freneau is likely to answer their expectation. I have not given in Colo. Bell\u2019s list of subscribers, because I do not know whether the post from Richmd. to Staunton is yet commenced. I observe that one fourth of the annual price is to be paid at the end of the first quarter. Consequently they may as well send it on at once.\u2014This city is really in distress from the daily fires happening in it. For three or four weeks past they have scarcely been 24. hours  without one. While writing the present I have been called off by a cry of fire. Nobody doubts it to be the work of some incendiary, and nobody knows but it will fall on himself next. There are constant and increased patroles, but as yet to no effect. You will see by the papers that the revolution of France has wound up gloriously.\u2014We are in hourly expectation of Stratton whom we know to have sailed for this place. Maria is well and joins me in affection to you all. Adieu, My dear Sir, yours sincerely,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0290", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Sharp Delany, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Delany, Sharp\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nCustomhouse Philada 21st Nov. 1791\nI was not in the Office when your Note of this day came to hand.\u2014I would wish therefore to advise You, that by Law when an Owner or Master clearing out a Vessell demands a Clearance without a specification of the Cargo it runs as follows\u2014\u201cGoods Wares and Merchandize as per Manifest filed in this Office,\u201d\u2014otherwise every article is included in the Clearance. The above information may perhaps be necessary. At least my duty and the respect I owe you will excuse this trouble.\u2014I am Sir with great respect your Obedient humble Servt,\nSharp Delany", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0292", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 21. 1791.\nMr. Trumbull proposing to have his paintings of the principal actions of the American war engraved, by subscription, and supposing that some sets may be subscribed for in France, knows too well the value of your patronage there not to be ambitious of obtaining it. But he knows so little his own value, and your sense of it, as to believe that my recommendations to you may be of service to him. You know him my dear friend, the subjects he treats, and his manner of treating them, and this will ensure your services to him, in that way and to that extent, which your position will permit. This is all he and I ask, assuring you we wish you to stop exactly where it would be painful, or awkward, or improper for you to go further. God bless you my dear friend, and prosper those endeavors about which I never write to you because it would interrupt them, but for the success of which, and for your own happiness no body prays more sincerely than Your affectionate friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0293", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis Nov. 21. 1791\nThe last letter which I have had the honor of recieving from you was dated July 28. Those written by the Secretary of the treasury Sep. 2. and Oct. 3. have been recieved. The newspapers of this place say that succours of men were sent from the U. S. to S. Domingo immediately on the deputies from that island arriving there. The account is said to be received by a commercial house at Havre in a letter from Philadelphia. Since the publication of this article I have been repeatedly applied to for information respecting it. I have been obliged always to answer that I had recieved no letters from America since the arrival of their deputies there; which I learned through foreign newspapers. I observed also that as to the disposition of the U. S. to succour their allies there could be no doubt, that only volunteers however could be sent out of the country and of course that immediate assistance of that sort must be considered as precarious, not depending on the will of government. There is such a disposition here to believe that troops have been  sent agreeably to the Newspaper account that few doubts are entertained respecting it. I am exceedingly sorry not to be able to reduce this matter to some kind of certainty. The last letter from the Secretary of the treasury although of a date sufficiently recent says nothing of it of course.\nThe last accounts recieved here from S. Domingo are of the 9th. of October. It appears from them that the troops and armed citizens though nearly exhausted by fatigue had continued superior in force to the slaves, many of whom were disposed to submit. The colonial committee are to make their report on the subject of these disturbances the 1st. of next month. The merchants and colonists unite in accusing the society des Amis des noirs, and they on the contrary accuse the colonial committee of the late assembly and the ministry, and add the cruel treatment of the slaves by the colonists.\nIt is said also that alarming accounts have been just recieved of disorders prevailing in some of the other French islands, not between master and slave but between the different parties of the white inhabitants. The principal cause of all these disturbances is probably the inadequacy of Government to punish turbulent spirits and of course the impunity with which crimes have been for some time past committed there. I do not find that the suspicions mentioned to you in my last as being entertained by some people here gain ground. I have not omitted proper opportunities of touching on the subject as stated in your letter of July 28. page 4th. and 5th. A milder and more willing ear is given to such insinuations of course under present circumstances. Until a government shall be established here however or something which may have the force of government, everything of the sort must be vain and even useless.\nNothing decisive has as yet taken place with respect to the threats of the Dey of Algiers towards this country as mentioned in my last. One of his demands has been already complied with, the restitution of some Algerine slaves confined at Genoa. The French minister has procured their liberty and sent them on board of a vessel freighted for the purpose, to Algiers.\nThe Dey seems disposed also to quarrel with Sweden and threatens, without giving any reason for it, to order the capture of the vessels of that nation after the expiration of a short term which he has prescribed. I know not what will be the issue.\nI have sent you under a blank cover by the way of Havre several letters received from Algiers by the way of Marseilles.\nSince my last in proportion as answers have been recieved to the King\u2019s notification from the rest of the European powers they have  been communicated to the assembly by M. de Lessart who has the Portefeuille of foreign affairs. Russia and Sweden have not yet answered. The latter refused to receive the notification under pretence of the King\u2019s want of liberty. Orders have been sent to the French charg\u00e9 des affaires to leave Stockholm if the court persist longer in the refusal. The event is not yet known.\nIt is certain that Russia and Sweden desire the fulfillment of the convention of Pilnitz which is considered as void by the principal of those who signed it. They have entered into a new alliance, all the articles are not yet public. It is supposed it is connected with the affairs of France, and believed that Russia subsidizes Sweden and guarantees the present form of government of that country. This will be soon known with more certainty as the ratification is daily expected from Petersburg.\nIn the meantime the Princes have a Minister residing at Stockholm who is publicly acknowledged there in that character. They have received also very lately plentiful supplies of money insomuch as to have refused a loan of a million of livres lately offered to them. They have fixed the pay of their followers, officers and soldiers and since their late supplies (supposed to be from Russia) it has been regularly recieved. Some private soldiers of the French army, though in small numbers, have gone to join their officers. You will see in the papers sent by the way of Havre the letters of the King to his brothers to induce their return. They proceed on the principle of his not being free to exercise his will and of course will pay no attention to any act of his which they consider as forced on him by those who surround him.\nHe has lately negatived by his veto a law passed against the emigrants and particularly severe against the Princes. This is the first time the veto has been exercised and is considered by all here as a proof of his liberty. The assembly submitted to it with patience because they wished to have from the Throne such an attestation of the free exercise of Royal will. It is not yet known what the Princes and their adherents will alledge in future. But as it is certain their opposition is not from mere personal attachment to the King, they will unquestionably continue it notwithstanding his orders and even entreaties to the contrary.\nThe King is now forming his guard, which is to consist of twelve hundred infantry and six hundred cavalry. They will be ready for the beginning of the next year. An incident which has lately taken place in his appartment renders this circumstance desirable. One of the corporals of the national guard taking it into his head that the  King intends again to escape from Paris ordered the sentinel of his appartment not to let him pass after nine o\u2019clock at night and the order was so faithfully executed that the King was stopped in going out as well as those who desired to enter his appartment, so that he was a prisoner for some hours. The sentinel and corporal have been since imprisoned, and I know not whether any or what proceedings will be had in consequence thereof. The friends of the revolution accuse the enemies of it of being the authors of this circumstance in order that it may be still alleged that the King is in captivity notwithstanding the late exercise of the veto. This accusation however is certainly ill founded.\nThe Minister of foreign affairs is not yet named. Several have been spoken of. It will be probably M. de Lessart and some other person in that case will be put in his place. The Ambassador to London is not yet appointed. M. de Segur, de Moustier and Berthelemi, at present charg\u00e9 des affaires and Minister Plenipotentiary there, sollicit the place.\nThe election of the Mayor of Paris has lately come in. The contest lay between M. de la fayette and M. Pethion, a member of the former assembly and one of the chiefs of the party called Republicans. M. de la fayette was absent and many of his friends said he would not accept, which possibly had some influence on the election. There were about ten thousand voters and M. Pethion had a very considerable majority. There are more than 80,000 who have a right to vote at Paris, yet on this as on former occasions only a small part exercised this right, which may be considered as an unaccountable mark of indifference at a time when there is such an appearance of patriotic enthusiasm. The choice of M. Pethion as Mayor and of two or three others of the same party to fill important places in the corporation of Paris, shews that the Parisians are not as hostile to the principles they profess as has been imagined. This disposition must necessarily excite uneasiness and distrust in the breast of the King, whom it is important to tranquilize and attach by that means to the constitution.\nI have already mentioned to you Drost\u2019s declining to go to America for the present. I am more disposed every day to believe that he entertained doubts himself as to the practicability of his scheme. I find many here who are convinced that his machine cannot answer for money coinage and give good reasons for it.\nI have had a good deal of conversation on that subject lately with a friend of Mr. Bolton. He is an enemy however to Drost and of course what he says must be received with caution. I told him that  Drost declining to go for the present left the field open and that I wished Mr. Bolton would submit to you the terms on which he would erect a mint in America, adding at the same time that I had no authority to desire it and therefore that it was simply my wish as an individual. I think you will receive propositions from him, on which you may rely with much more safety than on those made by Drost, as he has already coined considerable sums of copper and is able to answer, I should imagine, for any engagement he may take.\nThe dye for the diplomatick medal has again failed under the press. It resisted only so as to take the first impression in silver. The chains are ready and waiting only for the medal. It is promised in a month. I have explained to M. de Montmorin and M. de Moustier the causes of the delay. The dyes which I had had lodged at Mr. Grand\u2019s were in danger of rusting. I have put them into Dupre\u2019s hands to take care of them until this is finished and then they will be all, five in number, sent to you.\u2014I shall leave this place in two or three days for Antwerp and Amsterdam and shall be absent about a month.\u2014I inclose a letter for the Secretary of the treasury, & am, my dear Sir, most sincerely Yours,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0294", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Fulwar Skipwith, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Skipwith, Fulwar\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nBaltimore 21 Novr 1791\nAgreeably to your request I have called on Colo. Smith and afforded him all the information which, I am possessed of, respecting the seisure of the Sloop Jane.\u2014I now do myself the pleasure to subjoin the names of the few citizens of the U. States, who at present reside in the french W. Islands.\nSay.Geo. Patterson, St. Pierre M/que from Balto., brother of Mr. Patterson Director of the Bank.\nSaml. Hopkins, mercht. Castr\u00e9e, St. Lucie, a young man of merit, from Balto.\u2014has resided about two years in St. Lucie.\nNathl. Barrell jr.\u2014Fort-Royal M/que from New-Hampshire.\nHollingsworth and Wilson whom I mentioned as Residents of Guadalupe I find have returned to America, and I do not know of or  believe that another American of character is to be found in the Island.\nPermit me my Dr Sir again to solicit your notice should any office under the Union present itself unfilled and to which my slender worth and talents may fit me, and which may afford some support to one who is most sincerely Yrs,\nFulwar Skipwith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0295", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: House of Representatives\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 21. 1791.\nI have now the honour to inclose you a Report on the petition of Jacob Isaacs, referred to me at the last session of the late Congress, with instruction to report thereon. The reference was made a week only before the rising of Congress, and as a compliance with it required that seawater should be procured, and experiments be made on it, it was not practicable to make the report to that session. I also inclose a blank permit with a copy of the report printed on the back of it, in order to shew that the proposition I have therein taken the liberty of making is perfectly practicable. I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect esteem & respect, Sir, Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0296", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Report on Desalination of Sea Water, 21 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nEnclosureReport on Desalination of Sea Water\nThe Secretary of state, to whom was referred by the H. of Representatives the petition of Jacob Isaacks of Newport in Rhode island, has examined into  the truth and importance of the allegations therein set forth and makes thereon the following report.\nThe petitioner sets forth that by various experiments, with considerable labor and expence, he has discovered a method of converting salt water into fresh, in the proportion of 8 parts out of 10. by a process so simple that it may be performed on board of vessels at sea by the common iron Cabouse with small alterations, by the same fire; and in the same time which is used for cooking the ships provisions, and offers to convey to the government of the U.S. a faithful account of his art or secret to be used by or within the U.S. on their giving to him a reward suitable to the importance of the discovery and in the opinion of government adequate to his expences, and the time he has devoted to the bringing it into effect.\nIn order to ascertain the merit of the petitioner\u2019s discovery, it becomes necessary to examine the advances already made in the art of converting salt water into fresh.\nLd. Bacon, to whom the world is indebted for the first germs of so many branches of science, had observed that with a heat sufficient for distillation salt will not rise in vapour, and that salt water distilled is fresh. And it would seem that all mankind might have observed that the earth is supplied with fresh water chiefly by exhalation from the sea, which is in fact an insensible distillation effected by the heat of the sun. Yet this tho\u2019 the most obvious, was not the first idea, in the essays for converting salt water into fresh. Filtration was tried in vain, and congelation could be resorted to only in the coldest regions and seasons. In all the earlier trials by distillation some mixture was thought necessary to aid the operation by a partial precipitation of the salt and other foreign matters contained in sea water. Of this kind were the methods of Sr. Richd. Hawkins in the 16th. century, of Glauber, Hauton, and Lister in the 17th. and of Hales, Appleby, Butler, Chapman, Hoffman and Dove in the 18th. Nor was there any thing in these methods worthy noting on the present occasion except the very simple still contrived extempore by capt. Chapman, and made from such materials as are to be found on board every ship great or small. This was a common pot, with a wooden lid of the usual form, in the center of which a hole was bored to receive perpendicularly a short wooden tube made with an inch and half auger, which perpendicular tube received at it\u2019s top and at an acute angle another tube of wood also, which descended till it joined a third of pewter made by rolling up a dish and passing it obliquely thro a cask of cold water. With this simple machine he obtained 2 quarts of fresh water an hour, and observed that the expence of fuel would be very trifling, if the still was contrived to stand on the fire along with the ship\u2019s boiler.\nIn 1762. Dr. Lind, proposing to make experiment of several different mixtures, first distilled rain water, which he supposed would be the purest, and then Sea water, without any mixture, which he expected would be the least pure, in order to arrange between these two supposed extremes the degree of merit of the several ingredients he meant to try. To his great surprise as he confesses, the sea water distilled without any mixture was as pure as the rain water. He pursued the discovery and established the fact that a pure and potable fresh water may be obtained from salt water by simple distillation without the aid of any mixture for firing or precipitating it\u2019s foreign contents. In 1767. he proposed an extempore still which in fact was Chapman\u2019s, only substituting a gun barrel instead of Chapman\u2019s pewter tube, and the hand pump of the ship  to be cut in two obliquely and joined again at an acute angle instead of Chapman\u2019s wooden tubes bored express; or instead of the wooden lid and upright tube he proposed a teakettle (without it\u2019s lid or handle) to be joined bottom upwards over the mouth of the pot, by way of still head, and a wooden tube leading from the spout to a gun barrel passing thro a cask of water the whole luted with equal parts of chalk and meal moistened with salt water.\nWith this apparatus of a pot, teakettle and gun barrel the Dolphin a 20. gun ship in her voyage round the world in 1768. from 56 galls. of sea water, and with 9. lb. of wood and 69. lb. of pit coal made 42. galls. of good fresh water at the rate of 8. galls. an hour. The Dorsetshire, in her passage from Gibraltar to Mahon made 19. quarts of pure water in 4. hours with 10 lb. of wood. And the Slambal in 1773. between Bombay and Bengal with the hand pump, gun barrel and a pot of 6. galls. of sea water made 10 quarts of fresh water in 3. hours.\nIn 1771. Dr. Irving putting together Lind\u2019s idea of distilling without a mixture, Chapman\u2019s still, and Dr. Franklin\u2019s method of cooling by evaporation, obtained a premium of \u00a35000. from the British parliament. He wet his tube constantly with a mop instead of passing it through a cask of water. He enlarged it\u2019s bore also in order to give a freer passage to the vapour and thereby increase it\u2019s quantity by lessening the resistance or pressure on the evaporating surface. This last improvement was his own. It doubtless contributed to the success of his process: and we may suppose the enlargement of the tube to be useful to that point at which the central parts of the vapour passing thro it would begin to escape condensation. Ld. Mulgrave used his method in his voyage towards the North Pole in 1773. making from 34. to 40. gallons of fresh water a day, without any great addition of fuel as he says.\nM. de Bougainville in his voyage round the world used very succesfully a still which had been contrived in 1763 by Poyssonier, so as to guard against the water being thrown over from the boiler into the pipes by the agitation of the ship, in which one singularity was that the furnace or fire box was in the middle of the boiler so that the water surrounded it in contact. This still however was expensive and occupied much room.\nSuch were the advances already made in the art of obtaining fresh from salt water when Mr. Isaacks the petitioner suggested his discovery.\nAs the merit of this could be ascertained by experiment only the Secretary of state asked the favor of Mr. Rittenhouse President of the Amer. Ph. soc. of Dr. Wistar professor of Chemistry [in the college of Philadelphia,] and Doctor Hutchinson professor of chemistry in the University be present at the experiments. Mr. Isaacks fixed the pot of a small Cabouse, with a tin cap, and strait tube of tin passing obliquely through a cask of cold water. He made use of a mixture the composition of which he did not explain and from 24. pints of sea water taken up about 3. miles out of the capes of Delaware at flood tide he distilled 22. pints of fresh water in 4. hours with 20. lb. of seasoned pine which was a little wetted by having lain in the rain.\nIn a 2d experiment of the 21st. of March performed in a furnace and 5. gallon still at the College, from 32. pints of sea-water he drew 31. pints of fresh water in 7. H. 24. M. with 51 lb. of hiccory which had been cut about 6. months. In order to decide whether Mr. Isaacks mixture contributed in any and what degree to the success of the operation, it was thought proper to repeat his experiment under the same circumstances exactly, except the omission of  the mixture. Accordingly on the next day the same quantity of sea water was put into the same still, the same furnace was used and fuel from the same parcel. It yielded as his had done 31. pints of fresh water, in 11\u2019 more of time and with 10. lb. less of wood.\nOn the 24th. of March Mr. Isaacks performed a 3d. experiment. For this, a common iron pot of 3 1/2 galls. was fixed in brickwork, and the flue from the hearth wound once round the pot spirally, and then passed off up a chimney. The cap was of tin and a straight tin tube of about 2. I. diam. passing obliquely through a barrel of water served instead of a worm. From 16. pints of seawater he drew off 15. pints of fresh water in 2 H. 55\u2019 with 3 lb. of dry hiccory and 8 lb. of seasoned pine. This experiment was also repeated the next day, with the same apparatus, and fuel from the same parcels, but without the mixture. 16. pints of sea water yeilded in like manner 15. pints of fresh in 1\u2019 more of time and with 1/2 lb. less of wood. On the whole it was evident that Mr. Isaacks mixture produced no advantage either in the process or result of the distillation.\nThe distilled water in all these instances was found on experiment to be as pure as the best pump water of the city: it\u2019s taste indeed was not as agreeable; but it was not such as to produce any disgust. In fact we drink in common life in many places and under many circumstances and almost always at sea a worse tasted, and probably a less wholesome water.\nThe obtaining fresh from salt water was for ages considered as an important desideratum for the use of Navigators. The process for doing this by simple distillation is so efficacious, the erecting an extempore still with such utensils as are found on board of every ship is so practicable, as to authorize the assertion that this desideratum is satisfied to a very useful degree. But tho\u2019 this has been done for upwards of 30. years, tho it\u2019s reality has been established by the actual experience of several vessels which have had recourse to it, yet neither the fact nor the process is known to the mass of seamen, to whom it would be the most useful, and for whom it was principally wanted. The Secretary of state is therefore of opinion that, since the subject has now been brought under observation, it should be made the occasion of disseminating it\u2019s knowlege generally and effectually among the sea-faring citizens of the U.S. The following is one of the many methods which might be proposed for doing this. Let the Clearance for every vessel sailing from the ports of the U.S. be printed on a paper on the back whereof shall be a printed account of the essays which have been made for obtaining fresh from salt water, mentioning shortly those which have been unsuccesful, and more fully those which have succeeded; describing the methods which have been found to answer for constructing extempore stills of such implements as are generally on board of every vessel, with a recommendation, in all cases where they shall have occasion to resort to this expedient for obtaining water, to publish the result of their trial in some gazette on their return to the U.S. or to communicate it for publication to the office of the Secretary of state in order that others may, by their success be encoraged to make similar trials, and may be benefited by any improvements or new ideas which may occur to them in practice.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0299", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Tobias Lear, [22 November 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Lear and informs him he has recieved from Mr. Short a statement of the cost of the  Champagne imported this year for the President, to wit 1680. livres. He sends him a statement of the whole, exact, except of the proceeds of the sterling money at Paris, which Mr. Short has not yet informed him of. He thought he should have had money enough in Mr. Short\u2019s hands to have answered the present demand of 30. dozen bottles of Champagne for the President: but on revising his accounts with Mr. Short, he finds himself mistaken. This article, with the undervaluation on the former Champagne, will probably be something upwards of 2000 livres. If Mr. Lear therefore can furnish a bill for that it will probably cover the two demands: or rather a bill on Amsterdam for 800. florins, as bills on Paris are perillous on account of the Assignats.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0300", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 23 November 1791\nFrom: Barclay, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 23 Nov. 1791. He wrote on the 20th that he had hired a vessel for Tangier. The weather has been very boisterous but he hopes to sail for Tangier in five or six days. Yesterday he received the enclosed letter from Francis Chiappe, who is on his way to Madrid with peace propositions from the Emperor. He hopes to meet Chiappe in Tangier and will prolong his stay there to do so.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0301", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Donald, [23 November 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Donald, Alexander\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia [Nov. 23. 1791.]\nI recieved duly with yo[ur favor Lackington\u2019s ca]talogue, and now in consequence thereof[, seize a moment by] Mr. Morris to send you the inclosed [list, with a prayer that] you will send it to Lackington, re[ceive the books, and forward] them to me at this place. He will [pack them. The amount] would be about 12 guineas, were he to [have the whole un]sold. But it has usually happened, e[ven when I was at] Paris, that before his catalogue could [get to me, and my let]ter in answer to him, one half of what [I wanted would be] gone. Therefore I do not know what lesser [amount they] will come to; but whatever it is I will a[sk the favor of you] to pay it for me, and the moment I know [the sum I will] either replace it to Mr. Brown, or remit you [a bill at your] option.\u2014You will be surprised to be told [that at the late] election of a Governor of Virginia, where the [candidates were] Colo. H. Lee, Colo. Harvie, Genl. Wood, that Mr. Ha[rvie had but] 20. odd votes, Wood 50. odd, and Colo. Lee a majority of the w[hole.] Mr. Harvie\u2019s friends had believed there was not the leas[t doubt] of his election.\u2014Our funds here are become stationary; [even] the scrip. Imagination is at work to create some new paper [to] indulge the gamblers with as long as it may last, and so from t[ime] to time to find some new aliment for that precious spirit.\u2014[We] have had two succesful expeditions [against the Indians] this summer, in which they have lost [about 150. and we 4 or] 5. These have proved the superiority [of militia for Indian] expeditions.\u2014Mr. Hammond has [arrived here, and pro]duced his credentials of Minister [plenipotentiary. A] minister in exchange will immed[iately be sent to] London.\u2014I am with great & sincere [attachment] Your friend,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0302", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Lackington\u2019s Catalogue for 1792, [23 November 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Donald, Alexander\nEnclosureLackington\u2019s Catalogue for 1792.\n\u00a3 s d\nKeith\u2019s hist. of the Brit. plantns. in Virga. with maps neat. gilt. scarce. 4to.\nHume\u2019s H. of Eng. 8.v. new. in a curious & very elegt. bindg. inlaid wth. maroc. silk headbands, registers &c. 8.V. 8vo. 1790\nLocke\u2019s Collection of pieces. good copy. 8vo.\nLocke\u2019s familr. Ires h. b. uncut. 1737. 8vo.\nLocke\u2019s posthumous works. neat. 8vo.\nMatthews\u2019s voyage to Sierra Leone. new. boards. 8vo. 91.\nLocke on tolern. 12mo. 1790\nLocke on coins. 12mo.\nPlut\u2019s li. 7.v. cuts. h.b. not uniform. 12mo. 1762.\nSparman\u2019s voyage. 2.v. 12mo. new in calf. elgly. gilt. 89.\nEucl\u2019s elem. in Arabic. fair. fol. Rom. 1594.\nEuclidis elementa. Gr. Lat. Gregorii. nited. fol. 1703.\nNewton\u2019s Matheml. princ. of Nat. ph. by Motte. 2.v. 8vo. 1729. or 7495. id. or 18007. id.\nDacosta\u2019s Conchology. 8vo.\nElemens de la langue Russe. 8vo. or 12mo. Petsbg 1768.\nGrammar in the Russn. language. 8vo. or 12mo. 1777\nHadley on the dialect of Indostan. 8vo. or 12mo.\nPrivileges of Englishmen in Portugal. 8vo. 12mo. 1736.\nPhotii epistolae. Gr. Lat. fol. Lond. 1651.\nAristeae historia lxxii interpretation. Gr. Lat. 8vo.>\nAthenagorae opera. Gr. Lat. 12mo. Ox. 1682.\nAntoninus. Gr. Lat. Foul. 12mo. 1744.\nEutropius. Gr. Lat. 12mo.\nMaupertius. oeuvres de. 4. torn. 8vo. Lyon. 1756.\nNoticias de las inquisitiones de Espa\u00f1e y Portugal 8vo.\nBibliotheque des sciences et des beaux arts from the begg. Jan. 1754. to Sep. 1769. 63.v. 12mo.\nOrigenis dial. contre Marcionitas. Gr. Lat. 4to. 1674.\nOrigene contre Celse. par Bouhereau. 4to. 1700\nPolycarpii et Ignatii epistolae. Gr. Lat. 4to. Ox. 1644\nCommon prayer in Manks language 8vo. 1775.\nGrabe\u2019s Spicilegium SS. patrum. 2.V. 8vo. Gr. Lat.\nBible in Irish. 12mo. Lond. 1690.\nVirgilius Evangelians. 12mo. 1769.\nBancroft\u2019s Guiane. 8vo.\nRelation of the Nile 8vo. 1791.\nActa Eruditorum Lipsiensa. ab 1682. ad 1740. 7.v. 4to.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0303", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 24 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 24. 1791.\nMy last to you was of Aug. 29. acknowledging the reciept of your Nos. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. and informing you I was about setting out to Virginia, and should not again write to you till my return. Only one vessel has sailed from hence to Havre since my return and my notice of her departure was so short that I could not avail myself of it. Your Nos. 72. 73. 74. 75. 78. came here during my absence, and 79. 80. were recd. Oct. 28. The numbers 76. and 77. seem to be missing.\nYou mention that Drost wishes the devices of our money to be sent to him, that he may engrave them there. This cannot be done, because not yet decided on. The devices will be fixed by the law which shall establish the mint. M. de Ternant tells me he has no  instructions to propose to us the negociation of a commercial treaty, and that he does not expect any. I wish it were possible to draw that negociation to this place.\u2014In your letter of July 24. is the following paragraph. \u2018It is published in the English newspapers that war is inevitable between the U.S. and Spain, and that preparations are making for it on both sides. M. de Montmorin asked me how the business stood at present, and seemed somewhat surprised at my telling him that I knew nothing later than what I had formerly mentioned to him.\u2014I have in more than one instance experienced the inconvenience of being without information. In this it is disagreeable, as it may have the appearance with M. de Montmorin, of my having something to conceal from him, which not being the case it would be wrong that he should be allowed to take up such an idea.\u2014I observed that I did not suppose there was any new circumstance, as you had not informed me of it.\u2019\u2014Your observation was certainly just. It would be an Augean task for me to go through the London newspapers and formally contradict all their lies, even those relating to America. On our side, there have been certainly no preparations for war against Spain, nor have I heard of any on their part but in the London newspapers. As to the progress of the negociation, I know nothing of it but from you; having never had a letter from Mr. Carmichael on the subject. Our best newspapers are sent you from my office, with scrupulous exactness, by every vessel sailing to Havre, or any other convenient port of France. On these I rely for giving you information of all the facts possessed by the public; and as to those not possessed by them, I think there has not been a single instance of my leaving you uninformed of any of them which related to the matters under your charge.\u2014In Freneau\u2019s paper of the 21st. inst. you will see a small essay on population and emigration, which I think it would be well if the newswriters of Paris would translate and insert in their papers. The sentiments are too just not to make impression.\nSome proceedings of the assembly of St. Domingo have lately taken place, which it is necessary for me to state to you exactly that you may be able to do the same to M. de Montmorin. When the insurrection of their Negroes assumed a very threatening appearance the assembly sent a deputy here to ask assistance of military stores and provisions. He addressed himself to M. de Ternant, who (the President being then in Virginia, as I was also) applied to the Secretaries of the Treasury and at war. They furnished 1000. stand of arms, other military stores, and placed 40,000. dollars in the Treasury subject to the order of M. de Ternant, to be laid out in  provisions, or otherwise, as he should think best. He sent the arms and other military stores; but the want of provisions did not seem so instantaneous, as to render it necessary, in his opinion, to send any at that time. Before the vessel arrived in St. Domingo, the assembly, further urged by the appearance of danger, sent two deputies more, with larger demands; viz 8000. fusils and bayonets, 2000 mousquetons, 3000 pistols, 3000 sabres, 24000 barrels of flour, 400,000\u20b6 worth of Indian meal, rice, peas and hay, and a large quantity of plank, &c. to repair the buildings destroyed. They applied to M. de Ternant, and then, with his consent, to me; he and I having previously had a conversation on the subject. They proposed to me 1. that we should supply those wants from the money we owed France: or 2. for bills of exchange which they were authorised to draw on a particular fund in France: or 3. that we would guarantee their bills, in which case they could dispose of them to merchants, and buy the necessaries themselves. I convinced them the two latter alternatives were beyond the powers of the Executive, and the 1st. could only be done with the consent of the Minister of France. In the course of our conversation I expressed to them our sincere attachment to France and all it\u2019s dominions, and most especially to them who were our neighbors, and whose interests had some common points of union with ours, in matters of commerce: that we wished therefore to render them every service they needed; but that we could not do it in any way disagreeable to France: that they must be sensible that M. de Ternant might apprehend that jealousy would be excited by their addressing themselves directly to foreign powers, and therefore that a concert with him in their applications to us was essential. The subject of independence and their views towards it having been stated in the public papers, this led our conversation to it; and I must say they appeared as far from these views as any persons on earth. I expressed to them freely my opinion that such an object was neither desireable on their part nor attainable: that as to ourselves there was one case which would be peculiarly alarming to us, to wit, were there a danger of their falling under any other power: that we conceived it to be strongly our interests that they should retain their connection with the mother country: that we had a common interest with them in furnishing them the necessaries of life in exchange for sugar and coffee for our own consumption, but that I thought we might rely on the justice of the mother country towards them, for their obtaining this privilege: and on the whole let them see that nothing was to be done but with the consent of the minister of France. I am convinced myself  that their views and their application to us are perfectly innocent; however M. de Ternant, and still more M. de la Forest are jealous. The deputies on the other hand think that M. de Ternant is not sensible enough of their wants. They delivered me sealed letters to the President, and to Congress. That to the President contained only a picture of their distresses and application for relief. That to Congress I know no otherwise than thro\u2019 the public papers. The Senate read it and sent it to the Representatives, who read it and have taken no other notice of it. The line of conduct I pursue is to persuade these gentlemen to be contented with such moderate supplies from time to time as will keep them from real distress, and to wait with patience for what would be a surplus till M. de Ternant can receive instructions from France which he has reason to expect within a few weeks: and I encourage the latter gentleman even to go beyond their absolute wants of the moment, so far as to keep them in good humour. He is accordingly proposing to lay out 10,000 dollars for them for the present. It would be ridiculous in the present case to talk about forms. There are situations when form must be dispensed with. A man attacked by assassins will call for help to those nearest him, and will not think himself bound to silence till a magistrate may come to his aid. It would be unwise in the highest degree that the colonists should be disgusted with either France or us: for it might then be made to depend on the moderation of another power whether what appears a chimaera might not become a reality. I have thought it necessary to go thus fully into this transaction, and particularly as to the sentiments I have expressed to them, that you may be enabled to place our proceedings in their true light.\nOur Indian expeditions have proved succesful. As yet however they have not led to peace.\u2014Mr. Hammond has lately arrived here as Minister Plenipotentiary from the court of London, and we propose to name one to that court in return.\u2014Congress will probably establish the ratio of representation by a bill now before them at one representative for every 30,000 inhabitants. Besides the newspapers as usual, you will recieve herewith the Census lately taken by towns and counties as well as by states.\u2014I am with great & sincere esteem, Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0304", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 25 November 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe Hague, 25 Nov. 1791. Acknowledges TJ\u2019s letter of 30 Aug. 1791 and takes pleasure in the favorable news it contains of conditions in the U.S. He has published some of this news in a supplement to the Leyden Gazette of this date and plans to make similar use of the work by Mr. Coxe that TJ sent him.\u2014He rejoices in the success of \u201cl\u2019Exp\u00e9dition contre les Sauvages\u201d and hopes that it will make \u201cces brutes\u201d immune to \u201cles perfides insinuations de vos voisins.\u201d\u2014TJ should have received his account through 3 June. One for the last six months of the year will soon follow.\u2014He regrets the expense to the United States of the decaying embassy in which he gratefully resides and recommends that it be sold. If Congress accepts this recommendation, it will be necessary to entrust the sale to him acting in conjunction with Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard.\u2014The governor of the Cape of Good Hope, who is here to answer charges of financial irregularities, has presented the Prince with a handsome service of \u201cla plus pr\u00e9cieuse porcelaine des Indes.\u201d His suit is in good hands.\u2014There are rumors that the Provinces will be called upon to reimburse a \u201ccertaine Dame\u201d for the last trip she made to Berlin for her son\u2019s marriage.\u2014He has warned the French minister of reports that the emigr\u00e9s are trying to buy 3,000 horses and to enlist as many young Hollanders as they can find.\u2014The news that the U.S. has sent aid to Saint-Domingue has been received with great pleasure.\u2014The Prince has set out for Gelderland to seek approval of a revision in the \u201cancienne constitution\u201d that would make it possible to pass \u201cresolutions de l\u2019Union\u201d with the votes of a majority of four Provinces rather than with the unanimous consent of all seven. If he succeeds, he can then pursue his favorite plan of augmenting the size of the army.\u2014He refers TJ to the newspapers for the latest accounts of European affairs. Therein TJ can read  about the mad exploits of that \u201csinge moderne de son Charles xii\u201d and his emigr\u00e9 cohorts. [P.S.] 3 Dec. The Prince has returned from Gelderland reportedly without accomplishing his objective.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0305", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 25 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 25. 1791.\nI wrote you a private letter on the 9th. inst. but the vessel was gone before it was ready. Therefore it goes now, and I have nothing to add on that subject, but that nothing more has past thereon. My last private letters before that were of Sep. 1. and Nov. 9.\nTho it is long since I received your\u2019s of Nov. 7. 1790. and Dec. 29. on the subject of our accounts, yet it is never till now that I have had as much time as would allow me to take up that subject. I have now done it, and find them right. I have reduced them into one from your several papers, and inclose a copy. I send also a continuation of the account as far as I am able to collect it from your subsequent letters. I have thrown into it all the articles of credit I may have either in your hands, Mr. Grand\u2019s or the Van Staphorsts, not knowing in which they might be.\u2014I am now to desire you to send the President 30. dozen bottles more of Champagne non mousseux from M. Dorsay. Take care if you please that he be warned that it should be of first quality, and fit for present use; and get it to Havre as quick as possible that it may come during cold or cool weather. Apply to this object my monies in your own, Mr. Grand\u2019s or the V. Staph\u2019s hands as you please.\u2014I am to acknolege the receipt of your private letters of June 7. and July 17. also.\u2014I am uneasy that your public account from July 1. 1790. to July 1. 1791. is not yet come, as Congress expect I should lay before them at the beginning of their session the account of the application of the foreign fund. I cannot do this yet for want of your\u2019s and that of the Willinks & V. Staph.\u2014I mentioned to you in a former letter that I thought you should charge your travelling expences to, at, and from Amsterdam, considering your salary running on as a satisfaction for your time, clothes, and houshold remaining at Paris if any.\u2014You will see in my statement of our private account that I have separated those articles which were public.I will be obliged to you to make  a statement of them by themselves, and acknolege satisfaction from me at the foot of them, that I may use it as a voucher for my account without being obliged to produce our whole private account, which is at present the only voucher I have for the public articles.\u2014I put off applying to Bartram to make me up the seeds desired by the Dutchess Danville till a vessel should be sailing at this season when seeds are fresh. Unfortunately he has not been able to furnish the whole. I now send such as can be procured, and have taken effectual measures to have the rest for the ensuing season. Such is the avidity for Maple sugar, that it is engaged in the country before it comes to market. I have not been able this year to buy a pound for myself; and could not have sent Mde. Danville even a sample of it, had not the President possessed a little of which he spared me enough to answer as a sample. It is only single refined, as none of the double refined is to be found. When double refined it is equal to the double refined of the Cane, and a like equality exists in every state of it. There is no doubt but that were there hands enough in the Sugarmaple country, there are trees enough not only to supply the U. S. but to carry a great deal to Europe and undersell that of the cane. The reason why it may be cheaper, is that it is the work of women and children only, in a domestic way, and at a season when they can do nothing in the farm. The public attention is very much excited towards it, and the high price of W. India sugars will draw these forth. Express my sincere affection to Mde. Danville and M. and Mde. de la Rochefoucault, of whose friendship I shall ever retain the most cordial remembrance. I cannot as yet gratify the Duke\u2019s desire as to engrafted peach trees. The Peach of Pennsylvania is not that which is to be offered as of first quality, and in Virginia you know we have attended chiefly to the clingstone peach; and moreover have never engrafted either kind. I must therefore desire a friend to chuse the ensuing season a tree of the best soft peaches at Monticello, and engraft from it the ensuing spring. This will occasion delay; but what is delayed is not therefore lost.\u2014My daughter complains that her Cabinet des modes does not come.\u2014You will have been doubtless informed by your friends of the death of Mr. Edmunds, also of a daughter of his (Eliza) a son of your brother Peyton\u2019s, and your sister Sally. Your sisters Eliza and Jenny are gone with your brother to Kentucky. Remember me in the most friendly terms to M. and Mde. de la Fayette, the two Abb\u00e9s par excellence & to all others who may enquire, as if they were named, & be assured of the cordial esteem & attachment of Dear Sir your affectionate friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0306", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 26 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 26. 1791.\nSupposing that the first Consular convention agreed on with France, and not ratified by Congress, may explain as well as account for some articles in that which was last agreed on and ratified, I take the liberty of inclosing, for the members of the Senate, copies of the two conventions as they were printed side by side, to shew where they differed. These differences are not as great as were to be wished, but they were all which could be obtained. I have the honour to be with the most profound respect and esteem, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0308", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 26 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nQuestions to be considered of.\nI. As to France.\nShall it be proposed to M. de Ternan, to form a treaty, ad referendum, to this effect. \u2018The citizens of the U. S. and of France, their vessels, productions and manufactures shall be received and considered, each in all the dominions of the other, as if they were the native citizens, or the ships; productions or manufactures of that other. And the productions of the sea shall be received in all the dominions of each as if they were the productions of the country by the industry of whose citizens they have been taken or produced from the sea. Saving only as to the persons of their citizens, that they shall continue under those incapacities for office, each with the other, which the Constitution of France, or of the U.S. or any of them, have or shall establish against foreigners of all nations without exception.\u2019\nIf not, Shall a treaty be proposed to him, ad referendum, in which the conditions shall be detailed on which the persons ships, productions and manufactures of each shall be received with the other, and the imposts to which they shall be liable be formed into a tariff?\nShall the Senate be consulted in the beginning, in the middle, or only at the close of this transaction?\nII. As to England.\nShall Mr. Hammond be now asked Whether he is instructed to give us any explanations of the intentions of his court as to the detention of our Western posts, and other infringements of our treaty with them?\nShall he be now asked whether he is authorised to conclude, or to negotiate, any commercial arrangements with us?\nTh: Jefferson Nov. 26. 1791", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0312", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 29 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carmichael, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 29. 1791.\nI wrote you on the 6th. instant by the way of Cadiz, sending the newspapers as usual. With the present we forward them to the present day, as also a pamphlet by Mr. Coxe in answer to Ld. Sheffeild, and a printed copy of the Census, now in the press, should it be ready in time. I wish it were possible to get for us the two Census\u2019s taken in Spain by the Count d\u2019Aranda and Count de Florida Blanca. A very formidable insurrection of the negroes in French St. Domingo has taken place. From 30. to 50,000 are said to be in arms. They have sent here for aids of military stores and provisions, which we furnish just so far as the French minister here approves: Mr. Hammond is arrived here as Minister Plenipotentiary from Great Britain, and we are about sending one to that court from hence.\u2014The legislature have before them a bill for allowing one representative for every 30,000 persons, which has past the Representatives, and is now with the Senate. Some late enquiries into the condition of our domestic manufactures, give a very flattering result. Their extent is great and growing through all the states. Some manufactories on a large scale are under contemplation.\u2014In my last I wrote you how sorely the affair of the Dover cutter was pressing. Lest that should miscarry I repeat it here, and that I have no letters from you yet. I am with great esteem, Sir, your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0313", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Cutting, 29 November 1791\nFrom: Cutting, Nathaniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nCape Fran\u00e7ois, Isle of St. Domingo Novr. 29th. 1791.\nThis Evening hearing that a Vessel will take her departure for Philadelphia early to morrow morning, I take the liberty to acquaint you with my arrival here about three weeks since.\nDoubtless you have been particularly inform\u2019d of the horrid devastation that has lately desolated the richest part of this flourishing colony. Therefore I shall not intrude a new detail on that subject. I will only observe that the damages are estimated at upwards of one milliard tournois.\u2014The unparrallelled distress wherein this Colony is involved, seems only to be the necessary consequence of those unhappy dissentions whereof I gave you some account last year. Permit me now to acquaint you that I am very apprehensive the Ravages of the Insurgents will not be confin\u2019d by the boundaries of the Northern District of St. Domingue. Dispatches were yesterday received by an express Boat from Port-au-Prince, stating that the utmost confusion and alarm prevails there. The People of Colour have recently declared that they will never submit to the Decree of the national assembly of France of the 24th. Sept. ulto. which guarantees to the white Colonists the Initiative that they have been so long struggling for.\u2014A Body of Mulattoes to the number of one thousand, a few days since marched into Port-au-Prince in Battle array. This reinforcement to their Class, gives it an immense superiority in point of Force in that City.\u2014Those Gentry declare that sooner than submit to the Decree beforemention\u2019d, they will join their forces to that of the Revolted Negroes and deliver the whole Country North of Port-au-Prince to Fire and Sword.\u2014In addition to the painful apprehensions which this threat inspires in the breasts of the Planters, another circumstance gives them infinite uneasiness.\u2014The ancient maroon negroes who have for many years past eluded the vigilance of all pursuers, have formed a junction with the Brigands who have recently scatter\u2019d firebrands and death on this side the mountains. A strong Party of them are reported to have dashed through a part of the Spanish territory and are now hovering on the borders of the fertile, wealthy but defenceless Plantations on the banks of the Artibonite. The distrest Inhabitants have not force sufficient to oppose the incursions of this savage banditti; they are moreover apprehensive that their own Slaves will greedily participate the work of destruction.\u2014In fine, this peerless Colony is apparently on the verge of total Ruin!\nYesterday the Commissaries Civile who have been so long and so anxiously expected here, arrived after a passage of 31 days from France. No accounts of the Revolt of the Slaves had reach\u2019d that Kingdom the 27th. Octo., though their Ravages commenced the 21st. Augt.\nA Member of the Assembly general, now sitting in this City, call\u2019d on me this morning and inform\u2019d me that the Commissaries,  immediately on landing were conducted to the assembly, where the President addrest them in a speech of considerable length, in the course whereof he styled the Colonists La nation Creole, and the Inhabitants of France Nos alli\u00e9s.\u2014The instant the president concluded, the Assembly formally and explicitly disavow\u2019d the principles which those expressions might seem to indicate. Such a sottise may possibly make a bad impression on the minds of the Commissaries.\u2014In reply to the address they observed that they consider\u2019d themselves at present only as private Citizens who rejoiced to find themselves in the midst of an assembly of their brethren; and that when the Powers wherewith they were invested were recognized and promulgated, they should be happy to coopperate with the assembly in promoting the well-being and tranquility of the Colony.\u2014They Dine this day with M. Blanchelande in order to communicate their Credentials, &c. And to morrow, I understand, their quality will be publicly announced.\u2014I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect, Sir, your most obedt. huml. Servt,\nNat. Cutting.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0314", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fay, 29 November 1791\nFrom: Fay, Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBennington 29th Novr. 1791\nI have been absent a number of weeks attending our fall Session of the Legisture, during which time I left orders with our post Master to enclose you our papers.\u2014I am much disappointed in not being able to obtain any from Quebec. I learn from my friends that more than usual care is Taken to prevent their circulation to this Country.\u2014I am sorry to inform you that not a single seed of the Maple has come to maturity this year in all this Northern Country. I have made diligent inquiry thro\u2019 the State; wheather this is owing to the Worms, or a General blast is uncertain. The Great Scarcity and high price of sugars (owing to the Insurections in the Islands) occasions the Greatest preparations for improving the Maple in this  quarter, every providential circumstance seems to Conspire to promote this usefull branch.\nI saw in one of your papers, a small Sketch said to be the plan which the National Assembly had formed in case the Uropean powers invaded them, which was not to give quarter to any officer from the General to the Corporal that should be taken in Arms, but to Treat the Soldiers with the Greatest Humanity. This plan wheather true or false is (in my opinion) a good one, and would be a greater Security to the Nation then 200,000 men in the field. I mention this from the Anxiety which I feel for their Success. Never was the Cause of Humanity more deeply Interested in any one Event.\nWe have not been able to learn much of your proceedings the present Session, I find however that our members have made their entrance and I hope they will faithfully discharge their trust. I hope to be at Philadelphia in the Course of the Winter.\u2014Please to accept the warmest wishes and friendly Sentiments of Dear Sir Your most obedient Humble Servant,\nJoseph Fay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0316", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 29 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Humphreys, David\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 29. 1791.\nMy last to you was of Aug. 23. acknoleging the reciept of your Nos. 19. 21. and 22. Since that I have recieved from 23. to 33. inclusive. In mine I informed you I was about setting out for Virginia and consequently should not write to you till my return. This opportunity by Capt. Wicks is the first since my return.\nThe party which had gone at the date of my last, against the Indians North of the Ohio, were commanded by Genl. Wilkerson, and were as successful as the first, having killed and taken about 80 persons, burnt some towns and lost, I believe, not a man. As yet however it has not produced peace.\u2014A very formidable insurrection of the negroes in French St. Domingo has taken place. From 30. to 50,000 are said to be in arms. They have sent here for aids of military stores and provisions, which we furnish just so far as the French minister here approves. Mr. Hammond is arrived here as Minister Plenipotentiary from Great Britain, and we are about sending one to that court from hence.\u2014The Census, particular as to each part of every state is now in the press; if done in time for this conveyance, it shall be forwarded. The legislature have before them a bill for allowing one representative for every 30,000 persons, which has passed the Representatives and is now with the Senate.\u2014Some late enquiries into the state of our domestic manufactures give a very flattering result. Their extent is great and growing through all the states. Some manufactories on a large scale are under contemplation.\u2014As to the article of Etrennes enquired after in one of your letters, it was under consideration in the first instance, when it was submitted to the President to decide on the articles of account which  should be allowed the foreign ministers in addition to their salary; and this article was excluded, as every thing was meant to be which was not in the particular enumeration I gave you. With respect to foreign newspapers, I recieve those of Amsterdam, France and London, so regularly and so early, that I will not trouble you for any of them: but I will thank you for those of Lisbon and Madrid, and in your letters to give me all the information you can of Spanish affairs, as I have never yet recieved but one letter from Mr. Carmichael, which you I believe brought from Madrid.\u2014You will recieve with this a pamphlet by Mr. Coxe in answer to Ld. Sheffeild, Freneau\u2019s and Fenno\u2019s papers. I am with great & sincere esteem Dr. Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0317", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Leiper, 29 November 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Leiper, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov. 29. 1791\nI was in hopes Capt Stratton would have brought the 6. hhds. of my tobo. which still remain at Richmond. But he is come without them. I had waited supposing that on his arrival I might have settled the whole purchase with you. I shall immediately order them by the first vessel without waiting for Stratton. For the present however I must ask the favor of you to furnish me with a thousand dollars, cash, or a discountable note, as shall be most convenient to you. I am Sir Your very humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0318", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Pinckney, 29 November 1791\nFrom: Pinckney, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nCharleston 29th. Novr. 1791\nIf the nomination and appointment mentioned to me in your favor of the 6th of this Month should take place I will endeavor to execute the duties of the mission to the best of my ability.\nIn thus explicitly declaring my acquiescence in the honor conferred by this mark of confidence I fear I have rather complyed with my desire of being useful, than consulted the means of being so;  and I trust I shall be acquitted of affected diffidence when I add that a doubt of my fitness for the charge was the only consideration which could have influenced me to withhold my service: but a recollection of the discernment manifested in the appointments already made under the Constitution, my ignorance of the particular objects of the mission, and the very encouraging manner in which you express your confidence in my executing the trust reposed in me with propriety, have convinced me that I ought not in a business of this importance, to be determined only by my own feelings.\nAs I am but just arrived in Charleston and the mail will be immediately closed, I will defer till the next opportunity, entering into some particulars on what I had intended to write; only adding that a long absence from Europe prevents me from being a proper judge of the pecuniary arrangements but that I have an unbounded confidence that they will be adequate to the purpose.\u2014With sentiments of the most perfect respect and Esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nThomas Pinckney", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0319", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 30 November 1791\nFrom: Ellicott, Andrew\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGeorge Town Novr. 30th 1791\nYours of the 21st. has come safe to hand, but I defered answering it immediately, expecting Major L\u2019Enfant\u2019s return from Virginia, whom I should have consulted on the subject, which you submitted to my opinion; but as he is yet absent, and the time of his return uncertain, a longer delay might perhaps be improper.\u2014I shall have every thing in my power done between the Presidents-House, and the Capitol; but as soon as the ground becomes compleatly frozen, we shall be under the necessity of quitting.\u2014I do not think that it will be possible to have another sale, before the last of June next, to answer the two valuable purposes, of shewing the plan to advantage on the ground; and increasing the funds, in the greatest ratio possible.\nThis will be handed to you, by Mr. Francis Cabot, a Gentleman not only of information; but likewise a zealous friend to the City of Washington. Being sensible, that he will receive your polite attention, it will be unnecessary to recommend him particularly to your notice.\u2014I have the Honour to be with much esteem Your real Friend,\nAndrew Ellicott", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0320", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Hammond, 30 November 1791\nFrom: Hammond, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia 30th November 1791.\nI have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of yesterday.\nWith respect to the non-execution of the seventh article, of the definitive treaty of peace between his Britannic Majesty and the United States of America, which you have recalled to my attention, it is scarcely necessary for me to remark to you, Sir, that the King my master was induced to suspend the execution of that article on his part, in consequence of the non-compliance, on the part of the  United States, with the engagements, contained in the fourth, fifth and sixth articles of the same treaty. These two objects are therefore so materially connected with each other, as not to admit of separation, either in the mode of discussing them, or in any subsequent arrangements, which may result from that discussion.\nIn stating to you, Sir, this indispensable consideration, I must at the same time assure you that, in the confidence of experiencing a similar disposition in the government of the United States, it is his Majesty\u2019s desire to remove every ground and occasion of misunderstanding, which may arise between the two countries: And in conformity to that disposition in his Majesty, I can add that\u2014I am instructed to enter into the discussion of all such measures, as may be deemed the most practicable and reasonable for giving effect to those stipulations of the definitive treaty, the execution of which has hitherto been delayed, as well by the government of this country, as by that of Great-Britain.\nIn answer to your question on the subject of the commerce of Great Britain and the United States, I can also inform you, Sir, that the King is sincerely disposed to promote and facilitate the commercial intercourse between the two countries, and that I am authorized to communicate to this government his Majesty\u2019s readiness to enter into a negociation for establishing that intercourse upon principles of reciprocal benefit.\nBefore I conclude this letter, I cannot omit mentioning the sense I entertain of the obliging expressions of personal regard, which you, Sir, have been pleased to employ, relative to my appointment to the station, which I hold in this country. I can venture to assure you, with the greatest sincerity, that it affords me the warmest satisfaction to be the medium of communicating to the United States the actual good dispositions of my sovereign and nation towards them\u2014and I trust I may be permitted to add, that it would be the highest object of my ambition, to be the humble instrument of contributing, in any manner, to fix upon a permanent basis the future system of harmony and good understanding between the two Countries.\u2014I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of respect and esteem, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant,\nGeo. Hammond.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0321", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 30 November 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nWednesday 30th. Novr. 1791\nMr. L\u2019Enfants letter of the 19th. of Octr. to Mr. Lear\u2014Mr. Lear\u2019s answer of the 6th. instt. (the press copy of which is so dull as to be scarcely legible), in which I engrafted sentiments of admonition, and with a view also to feel his pulse under reprehension\u2014His reply of the 10th. to that letter together with the papers I put into your hands when here will give you a full view of the business; and the Majrs. conduct; and will enable you to judge from the complexion of things how far he may be spoken to in decisive terms without loosing his services; which, in my opinion would be a serious misfortune.\u2014At the same time he must know, there is a line beyond which he will not be suffered to go.\u2014Whether it is zeal, an impetuous temper, or other motives that leads him into such blameable conduct I will not take upon me to decide, but be it what it will, it must be checked; or we shall have no Commissioners.\u2014I am always Yr. Obed. & Affecte.,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0323", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Augustine Davis, 1 December 1791\nFrom: Davis, Augustine\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nHonored Sir\nRichmond, Decemr. 1st. 1791\nYesterday an express arrived here with the following melancholy account, contained in a letter from Harry Innes, Esqr. to Col. James Innes, dated the 13th. Novr. 1791, and which I take the liberty to communicate to you, least the particulars should not reach Philadelphia before this arrives.\n\u201cThis letter by your fellow soldier Colo. Gist, will probably give you the first information of the defeat of General St. Clair, on the 4th instant, within 15 miles of the Miami village, and 98 of fort Washington, his point of departure from the Ohio. The loss upon this occasion is about 600 killed and wounded (nearly equal to Braddock\u2019s defeat) with 7 pieces of artillery, and all the stores.\u2014St. Clair, it is said, had about 1200 men, had reasons to expect an attack, kept his men under arms all night, drawn up in a square. The attack commenced about the dawn of day on all the lines, but principally on the rear line, which was composed of the militia. The Indians gave one fire, and rushed on Tommahawk in hand. The militia gave way to the Centre, and before the artillery could be brought into action, the matrosses were all killed, and it fell into the hands of the enemy. It was soon retaken, but remained useless for the want of men to manage the pieces. The action continued obstinately until 9 o\u2019Clock, when our army gave way. St. Clair rallied his men and brought them off in tolerable order, with most of the wounded, to fort Jefferson, 30 miles in the rear of the action, where, we are informed, they remain closely cooped, and almost starved, living on poor pack horses. The enemy pursued 5 miles.\u2014An effort is now making to go from this district to the relief of fort Jefferson, which I fear will fall into the hands of the enemy, before we can effect the plan; it is from this place 160 miles, we must carry provision. We have to fit ourselves with Clothes on account of the advanced season of the year, which will require two or three days.\u2014A number of our respectable characters are stepping forth upon this occasion. And so great is the impulse, that I shall go as a private, confident of the good effect the example will have. It will be a trip  of 15 or 18 days, but will not move from the Ohio unless we are at least 1000 strong; for the enemy having taken 100 bullocks and a great quantity of flour may remain in the neighbourhood of fort Jefferson, expecting a reinforcement to come forward, and if they should be in sufficient strength, give them battle.\u2014The return of the officers killed and wounded is as follows: General Butler, 1 Lieutenant Colonel, 4 Majors, 11 Captains, 10 Lieutenants, 9 Ensigns, 1 Surgeon, Total 37.\u2014Wounded, 2 Lieutenant Colonels, 1 Major, 11 Captains, 6 Lieutenants, 6 Ensigns, 1 surgeon, Total 27.\u2014Among the wounded, Col. Gibson, supposed mortally, also Col. Darke. General St. Clair had many escapes. It is said he had 8 balls through his Clothes.\u201d\u2014I have the Honor to be Sir, Yr Obt. Servant,\nAugustine Davis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0324", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Pinckney, 1 December 1791\nFrom: Pinckney, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nCharleston 1st. Decr. 1791\nThe apprehension of appearing in an improper point of view to those whose esteem I earnestly desire to conciliate, occasions my giving you this trouble, in addition to the dispatches of a public nature forwarded by this opportunity.\u2014A Paragraph has this morning appeared in a daily print of this City mentioning my intended mission.\nI have only to assure you that no trifling indiscretion of mine has given rise to this report, which I found circulating on my arrival in Charleston four days after the receipt of your favor.\u2014It is in itself a matter of small consequence, but it may give rise to impressions the apprehension of which I own gives me more uneasiness than perhaps it deserves.\u2014With sentiments of sincere esteem & great respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nThomas Pinckney", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0325", "content": "Title: Plan of a Bill concerning Consuls, [1 December 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nThe matter of the bill will naturally divide itself as follows.\nI.\u2002\u2002 The matter of the bill will naturally divide itself as follows.\nII.\u2002 Foreign Consuls residing within the U.S. under a Convention.\nIII. Provision for future conventions, and cases where there is no Convention.\nPreliminary observation. Nothing should be inserted in the bill which is fully and adequately provided for by the Convention with France; because weak magistrates may infer from thence that the parts omitted were not meant by the legislature to be enforced. Are not the 1st. 2d. 3d. sections of the printed bill objectionable in this view? The instructions of the Executive to their Consuls will of course provide for the notification directed in the 2d. clause.\nI.  For carrying into full effect the Convention between his most Christian majesty and the U.S. of America entered into for the purpose of defining and establishing the functions and privileges of their respective Consuls and Vice Consuls, be it enacted by the Senate and H. of Repr. of the U.S. of America that where in the 7th. article of the sd. convention it is agreed that when there shall be no Consul or Viceconsul of his most Christian king to attend to the saving of the wreck of any French vessel stranded on the coasts of the U.S. or that the residence of the sd. Consul or Vice-consul (he not being at the place of the wreck) shall be more distant from the sd. place than that of the competent judge of the country, the latter shall immediately proceed to perform the office therein prescribed, the nearest [here name the officer] shall be the competent judge designated in the said article and it shall be incumbent on him to perform the office prescribed in the sd. article, and according to the tenor thereof.\u2019 Go on to direct who, in conjunction with the Consul or Vice consul (if there be one) shall ascertain the abatement of duties on the damaged goods stipulated in this article.\nArt. 9. allows the Consuls of the most Xn. king to arrest and imprison deserted captns. officers, mariners, seamen and all others being part of a ship\u2019s crew. For which purpose they are to address themselves to the courts, judges, and officers competent, who are to aid in arresting the deserter, and to confine him in the prisons of the country. Say who are the \u2018competent courts, judges and officers\u201d to whom he is to apply, and what prisons they shall use.\nThis clause confines the term of imprisonment to 3. months. The French Consuls represent that in many ports of the U.S. no opportunity of reconveying, by a French ship, occurs within that term and they ask a longer. Suppose it be referred to the Federal district judge, on application by the French consul, and on his shewing good cause, to prolong the term, from time to time, not exceeding three months additional in the whole.\nArt. 12. it is necessary to authorize some officer to execute the sentences of the Consul, not extending to life, limb, or liberty. Will it be best to require the marshal, residing at the port, to do it (and to make it the duty, where none resides, to appoint a deputy residing there) or to allow the Consul to constitute some person of his nation an officer for the purpose? If it should be thought indifferent to us, it might be well to pay the French the compliment of asking their minister here which he would prefer, and it would shield us from complaints of delinquencies in the executing officer.\nII.  Art. 12. Say by what law the Consul of the U.S. residing in the French dominions, shall decide the cases whereof he has jurisdiction viz. by the same law by which the proper federal court would decide the same case.\nDirect appeals from Consular sentences to the proper Federal court, and save defects of formality in proceedings, where the matter is substantially stated.\nArt. 4. Declare what validity the authentication under the Consular seal, of any instrument executed in foreign countries, shall have in the courts of the U.S.\nDuties not prescribed in the Convention.\nTo subsist shipwreckt or wandering seamen till an opportunity offers of sending them back to some port of the U.S. and to oblige every master of an American vessel homeward bound, to recieve and bring them back in a certain proportion, they working, if able.\nWhere a ship is sold in a foreign port, oblige the master to send back the crew, or furnish wherewithal to do it, on pain of an arrest by the consul on his ship, his goods, and his person (if the laws of the land permit it) until he does it.\nOblige all American masters (on pain of arrest, till compliance, of their vessel, cargo, or person, or such other pain as shall be thought effectual) on their arrival in any foreign port within the jurisdiction of a Consul or Vice-consul of the U.S. to report to him or his Agent in the port, their ship\u2019s name and owners,  burthen, crew, cargo and it\u2019s owners, [from] what port of the U.S. they cleared, and at what ports they have touched. [Also?] to report to the Consul &c. the cargo they take in and the port or ports of destination, and to take his certificate that such report has been made, on like pain.\nAllow certain fees to Consuls, where none are already allowed, for the same services, by the laws of the country in which they reside.\nAllow salaries, not exceeding 3000 D. to one Consul in each of the Barbary states.\nIII. Where there are Consuls of the U.S. residing in foreign countries, with which we have no Convention, but whose governments indulge our Consuls in the exercise of functions, extend the provisions of this bill, or such of them as such government permits, to such Consuls of the U.S. residing with them.\nAlso where any Consular Convention shall hereafter be renewed with the same, or entered into with any other nation, with stipulations corresponding to those provided for in this bill, extend the provisions of the bill, respectively, to the Consuls on both sides.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0326", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Somerville, 1 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Somerville, James\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 1. 1791\nI am to acknolege the receipt of your favour covering one of Keith\u2019s pamphlets on Weights and measures, which contains a great deal of information on the subject. With my thanks be pleased to accept assurances of the regard with which I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0327", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nTh: Jefferson presents his respects to the President and sends him a draught of letters to Majr. L\u2019Enfant and the Commissioners, prepared on a conference with Mr. Madison. Perhaps the former may be too severe. It was observed however, that tho\u2019 the president\u2019s sentiments conveyed to him thro\u2019 Mr.Lear, were serious and ought to have produced an effect on him, he gave them the go-by in his letter in answer, and shews that he will not regard correction unless it be pointed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0328", "content": "Title: Enclosure I: George Washington to Commissioners of the Federal District, 1 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Commissioners of the Federal District\nEnclosuresIGeorge Washington to Commissioners of the Federal District\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia Dec. 1. 1791.\nI recieve with real mortification the account of the demolition of Mr. Carrol\u2019s house by Majr. L\u2019Enfant, against his consent, and without authority from yourselves, or any other person: for you have done me but justice in asserting he had no such authority from me. My letter of the 28th. ult. to Mr. Carrol of Duddington will prove this. I now inclose you one to Majr. L\u2019Enfant, in which you will see what I say to him on this subject, and will then be so good  as to deliver it to him.\u2014You are as sensible as I am, of his value to us. But this has it\u2019s limits, and there is a point beyond which he might be overvalued. If he is saved from the notice of the law on the present occasion, I would chuse he should owe it entirely to yourselves, and that he be made sensible that there will be no interference from me on his behalf.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0330", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Pierce Butler, 2 December 1791\nFrom: Butler, Pierce\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia December the 2d. 1791\nA Committee of Senate to whom the petition of Charles Colvill was refered; together with sundry papers on the subject of a Treaty with the Alegerines, and the redemption of the American Citizens in Captivity at Algiers, have directed me to ask You to Draft a Bill, Authorising the President of the United states, by and with the advice and Consent of senate, to appoint a proper person to treat with the Dey of Algiers for a peace, the Condition\u2014Annual stipend; and also for the redemption of the Prisoners on the best terms that can be obtained, the redemption, if possible to be Connected with the Treaty; but if no treaty can be had untill the Prisoners are ransomed, then to Authorise the President to adjust the Redemption on the best possible terms.\u2014I am with sentiments of real Esteem and regard Sir Yr Most Obedt. Servant,\nP. Butler Chairman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0331", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Pierce Butler, 2 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Butler, Pierce\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Butler, and incloses him the rough draughts of resolutions, believing Mr. Butler can better settle according to his own mind the manner of furnishing the money, either from his own reflection or on consultation with the Secy. of the Treasury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0332", "content": "Title: Enclosure I: Draught of a Secret resolution of the Senate, 2 December 1791\nFrom: Senate\nTo: \nEnclosuresIDraught of a Secret resolution of the Senate\nResolved by the Senate of the U.S. that if the President of the U.S. shall think proper to enter into any treaty or convention for the purpose of ransoming  the citizens of the U.S. now in captivity at Algiers at an expence not exceeding [40,000] dollars, or for the preservation of peace in future with that power, and with Tunis or Tripoli or both, at an expence not exceeding [40,000] dollars to be annually paid foryears the Senate will advise and consent to the ratification thereof.\nRansom.\nD\nThe ransom lately agreed on by persons unauthorised and unknown\nClothes and passage of 14. persons @ 100. D. each\n        expences of Negotiator &c.\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007suppose about\nShould the attempt be made and fail it will probably cost\nPeace.\nD\n        \u2007\u2007The Dutch, Danes, Swedes, and Venetians pay from 24,000 to annly.\n        \u2007\u2007France, as is said, besides presents from time to time pays annly.\n        \u2007\u2007England it is supposed expends one year with another", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0335", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Brown, 4 December 1791\nFrom: Brown, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond 4th: Decem 1791\nI was duely favored with Your letters of the 13 and 28 ulto. The former I have communicated to Mr. Short at same time wrote him I should purchase in Ten Shares Bank Stock for him and rest it with him to say on Receipt of my letter that the purchase should be on his or my own account. Yesterday your four Bundles of Tree[s] came to hand from New York. They shall be taken care of and forwarded as you point out.\u2014With much Respect I am Sir Your Ob. Hble. Servt,\nJames Brown", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0336", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Cutting, 4 December 1791\nFrom: Cutting, Nathaniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nCape Francois, 4th. Decer. 1791.\nI took the liberty to write you under the 29th. ulto. mentioning the disagreable intelligence that had recently been received from Port-au-Prince. The fears I then had that new mischief would speedily ensue, have proved but too justly founded. A terrible affray has taken place at Port-au-Prince between the Mulattoes and whites wherein many lives were sacrificed. Fire was set to the Town in several places and twenty-seven squares out of forty-four whereof it consisted, are totally consumed. The street called Rue des Capitaines, where the principal magazines of Provisions and marchandises were situated, fell a prey to the devouring flames. In fine, we are told that only four merchants\u2019 Houses have escaped the conflagration. I have seen extract of a Letter to one of the first Commercial Houses in this City which states the loss at 500 millions of livres.\nThe mulattoes immediately retreated to their Camp at Croix-des-Bouquets and we are told that the Commandant of the Western District, M. Coutard, is with them.\u2014The flame of civil discord seems to rage in this climate with a degree of inveteracy unknown in other Countries. Nothing seems to satisfy a Partizan but the sacrifice of his opponents life and property. The work of destruction having thus commenced anew, Omniscience only can tell where it will terminate. Advices received last Evening from Les Cayes, state that one or two chiefs of the Mulattoes at Croix-des-Bouquets, have past into the southern district, have spirited up their Party in the vicinity of Cayes, taken possession of several Batteries, and threaten the Town of Les Cayes itself. The Planters in that quarter it should seem have taken refuge in the Town.\u2014The victorious mulattoes proclaim that unless they depart immediately, each to his habitation and surrender the Town, they will deliver it and its Inhabitants to fire and Sword.\nWhat a distressing situation!\nIt is difficult, I find, to determine who is right and who is wrong in the first principles of this Tragical business;\u2014doubtless there is blame on all sides;\u2014I fear the result will be the ruin of the Colony!\u2014I have the honor to be, most respectfully, Sir, Your most obedt. & very huml. Serv.\nNat. Cutting", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0337", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Dobson, 4 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Dobson, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 4. 1791\nThe credit which I was obliged to give on the sale of my tobo. of the year 1790. having put it out of my power to make any payment from that resource till now, I have reserved till now also the taking a review of our affairs. The assignment to yourself of my bond to Farrell & Jones for \u00a3500. sterl. principal and int. payable July 19. 1791. has added that demand to the former one you had against me as assee. of my bill of exchange from Tabb for \u00a3300 sterl. equal to \u00a3375. currency for current money furnished when the legal exchange was 25. per cent, and not 33\u2153 to which it has been since changed. I presume that no alteration of the denomination of money subsequent to a contract, is to affect that contract, and consequently that this is to be considered originally as a debt of \u00a3375. currency. I have no exact statement of the paiments made on this bill. I conjecture only that there is still upwards of \u00a3100. due on it; and on the bill and bond together with interest, upwards of \u00a3700 currency: for paiment whereof the following is the only provision I can make at this moment.\n1. An order now inclosed on Mr. James Wilson for the balance still in his hands.\n2. An order on Mr. Pope for the balance which will be in his hands of the money in suit against Woodson & Lewis, after a particular deduction made. In these orders I have named the balance in general terms, without specifying particular sums, which could not be done but on a final settlement. The balances however are known to be very nearly as estimated below.\n3. I now remit 650. Dollars equal to \u00a3195. currency, recieved here for my tobo. of 1790.\n4. I shall remit you 150. Dollars equal to \u00a345. more on the arrival of the last part of my tobo. of the same year, expected by the first vessel from Richmond to this port.\n5. According to the estimate of my crop of tobacco of this year\u2019s growth (1791.) I can appropriate about \u00a3200. worth of that to your debt as soon as it can be converted into money. These sums taken together will be nearly as follows.\n1. Wilson\u2019s balance\n2. Pope\u2019s order with interest till recovered\n3. The Present remittance from tobo. of 1790.\n4. Remittance from do. to be made on arrival of tobo.\n5. Paiment to be made from tobo. of 1791.\nTotal will be about\nwhich will leave a balance due to you of perhaps \u00a3200, for which I cannot at this moment make specific provision, nor say with certainty that it can be paid before the produce of the ensuing year can be converted into money. One possibility only occurred, and I left orders to avail you of it, to wit. I have directed about 40 slaves to be sold on a certain credit, but allowing a proper discount for ready money. Of any ready money which may be received I have desired Colo. Lewis to \u00a370. in the first place for another purpose, and your balance out of the rest, if so much should be received. Nothing further than this is in my immediate power.\nI am sorry to see from a letter of yours to Colo. Lewis that you are about to", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0338", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 December 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 4 Dec. 1791. He sends a duplicate receipt from Barclay for the 32,175 current guilders \u201cdestined for the services with which he is charged at Morocco,\u201d the first copy of the receipt having been transmitted in his letter of 22 Nov.\u2014Before sailing from Gibraltar last Wednesday Barclay received a letter from Francisco Chiappe in Morocco and \u201cforwarded the Original to the Office of foreign Affairs; from which (if it shall have arrived) you will perceive the complexion of affairs rather seems to promise a good result.\u201d\u2014The war between Algiers and Sweden mentioned in his last seems likely to expand into a war between Algiers and France as well. The Swedish agent at Gibraltar has applied to the commander of the Portuguese squadron at that garrison to dispatch a frigate to the entrance of the Mediterranean to assist Swedish vessels. The folly of the Algerines may yet \u201cbring about a change of conduct in the maritime Powers toward them. On this subject, this Country has for several years set an example worthy of imitation.\u201d\u2014The Queen has recovered somewhat from her illness but fears that the appearance of \u201csome dropsical symptoms\u201d presages the approach of death. She is also made uneasy by \u201cseeing the Royal family without succession.\u201d It is much to be feared that \u201cdesigning men will take advantage of her facility of temper and zeal for religion to disturb that tranquility and prosperity which have so happily prevailed for some years past. Indeed, I think it is visible a new system in some respects is taking place.\u201d\u2014He dined  two days ago at Mr. Walpole\u2019s with the diplomatic corps and the entire Portuguese ministry, \u201cbut no news or Politics were spoken of.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0339", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Adam Lindsay, 4 December 1791\nFrom: Lindsay, Adam\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNorfolk. 4th Decemr. 1791.\nI received your favour dated 15th. Septr. and should have answered it long before this, but had it not in my power to comply with your request. The person who makes the Candles has been sick, so that I was under the necessity of waiting his recovery and he cannot at present supply me entirely.\nI have sent you by the Sloop Alexander Hamilton of Norfolk Captn. Johnston\u2014Three Boxes of Myrtle wax mould\u2019d Candles, 5. to the lib.-weight 141 \u20b6 at 1 sh. and Boxes 2/. each, and in about 10 days will ship you of the same 110\u20b6 of \u20204 moulded.\u2014You need not trouble yourself to remit until I send the whole of your order. Respecting the Cyder, I have not found any to my mind, but shall keep a good look-out as this is the proper season.\nThere is nothing particular here, the Harbour very full of Shipping, trade good, and the town rising fast. We only want houses for our new inhabitants who arrive daily.\u2014A few days since arrived, between 30. and 40. useful Mechanics from Shelburne N.S. and were well received.\nI think next summer will draw some Hundreds from thence to this place. Our Canal subscription is almost full and if practicable will be put in execution next Spring.\u2014I remain with much respect, Dr Sir Yr very hble St.,\nAdam Lindsay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0340", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 4 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy Dear Daughter\nPhiladelphia Dec. 4. 1791.\nWe are well here, tho\u2019 still without news from Mr. Randolph or yourself, tho\u2019 we have been eight weeks from Monticello. Maria was to have written to you to-day, but she has been so closely engaged in pasting paper together in the form of a pocket book that she has  not been able. She has been constantly getting colds since she came here. I have put on board Capt Stratton a box with the following articles for your three house-maids.\n36. yds. callimanco\n13 1/2 hds. calico of different patterns\n25. yds. linen\n9. yds. muslin\n9. pr. cotton stockings thread.\nI put into the same box for you la Cuisiniere Bourgeoise and the following books which Mr. Randolph wished to see. Ginanni del grano\u2014Duhamel, maniere de conserver le grain, Duhamel de l\u2019insecte de l\u2019Angoumois.\u2014Mr. Randolph sees by the papers sent him what is the price of wheat here. Perhaps he might think it worth while to send his Varina wheat here. He could always have the money in Richmond within a fortnight from the arrival of the wheat. I shall be very ready to have it received and disposed of for him on the best terms, if he chuses. So as to corn or any thing else. My affectionate love attends you all. Adieu my dear dear daughter,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0341", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Cleves Symmes, 4 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Symmes, John Cleves\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 4. 1791.\nYour favor of Sep. 17. has been duly recieved and laid before the President. He does not concieve that the constitution has given him any controul over the proceedings of the Judges, and therefore that his permission or refusal of absence from your district would be merely nugatory.\u2014In the report which I made to the President on the subject of the public lands, and which he laid before the legislature, I took the liberty of suggesting the establishment of a proper judicature for deciding speedily all land controversies between the public and individuals. As yet nothing is done on the subject.\u2014I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0343", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Hammond, 5 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hammond, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 5. 1791.\nYour favor of Nov. 30. remains still unanswered because the clerks are employed in copying some documents on the subject of the treaty of peace which I wish to exhibit to you with the answer.\nIn the meantime, as to that part of your letter which respects matters of commerce, the fear of misunderstanding it induces me to  mention my sense of it and to ask if it be right. Where you are pleased to say that \u2018you are authorised to communicate to this government his majesty\u2019s readiness to enter into a negociation for establishing that intercourse [of commerce] upon principles of reciprocal benefit\u2019 I understand that you are not furnished with any commission or express powers to arrange a treaty with us, or to make any specific propositions on the subject of commerce; but only to assure us that his Britannic majesty is ready to concur with us in appointing persons, times and places for commencing such a negotiation. Be so good as to inform me if there be any misapprehension in this, as some steps on our part may be necessary in consequence of it.\u2014I have the honour to be with the most perfect esteem Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0345", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 5 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 5. 1791.\nThe inclosed memorial from the British minister on the case of Thomas Pagan, containing a complaint of injustice in the  dispensations of law by the courts of Massachusets to a British subject, the President approves of my referring it to you to report thereon your opinion of the proceedings, and whether any thing, and what, can or ought to be done by the government in consequence thereof.\u2014I am with great & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0346", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, [5] December 1791\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia December 3 [i.e. 5] 1791.\nI have perused the abstract of the case of Thomas Pagan, which I received from you this morning.\nAltho\u2019 I cannot entertain a momentary doubt of the facts, therein asserted; yet am I compelled by the rules of official responsibility, to request a copy of the record, from which those facts are derived, before I give an opinion on the subject. In procuring this record no time ought to be lost. For the supreme court of the United States will sit on the first Monday of february next; and if it should appear upon a more mature examination, that they can and ought to interpose, some preparatory notices may probably be necessary.\u2014I have the honor, Sir, to be with true esteem your mo. ob. serv.,\nEdm: Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0347", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Hammond, 6 December 1791\nFrom: Hammond, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia 6th December 1791\nAs I am extremely solicitous to avoid any misapprehension of my letter of the 30th ulto., I have now the honor of stating to you, in explanation of that part of it, to which you have adverted in yours of yesterday, that, although (as I formerly mentioned, in my first conversations with you, after my arrival in this country) I am not as yet empowered to conclude any definitive arrangement, with respect to the commercial intercourse between the two countries, I still meant it to be understood that I am fully authorized to enter into a negociation for that purpose, and into the discussion of such  principles as may appear best calculated to promote that object, on a basis of reciprocal advantage. I am farther authorized to receive any propositions, which this government may be pleased to make to me upon this subject.\u2014I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of respect and esteem, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant,\nGeo. Hammond.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0348", "content": "Title: Memorandum of Conversation with Jos\u00e9 de Jaudenes, 6 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n[Philadelphia] Dec. 6. 1791\nDon Joseph Jaudenes communicates verbally to the Secretary of State that his Catholic majesty has been apprised through the channel of the Court of Versailles of our sollicitude to have some arrangements made respecting our free navigation of the Missisipi, and a port thereon convenient for the deposit of merchandize of export and import for lading and unlading the sea and river vessels: and that his Majesty will be ready to enter into treaty thereon directly with us whensoever we shall send to Madrid a proper and acceptable person duly authorized to treat on our part.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0349", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Dayton, 7 December 1791\nFrom: Dayton, Jonathan\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nWednesday Decemr. 7th. 1791\nThe Committee appointed by the House of Representatives to consider, and report upon, the petition of the Canadian refugees, wish to be possessed of a list of the persons falling under that description. A return was made to the former Congress, and I am informed is at this time on the files in your office. If this be the case Sir, I will thank you to direct a copy of it to be immediately made out and sent to me. If you are in possession of any list or return of the refugees from Nova Scotia, be so good as to transmit a copy of that also.\u2014I am Sir your very hum. servt.,\nJona: Dayton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0350", "content": "Title: George Washington to Beverley Randolph, 7 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Beverley\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 7. 1791.\nI have recieved your letter of Nov. 18. covering a resolution of the legislature of Virginia of Nov. 14. and a Memorial of sundry citizens of that commonwealth on the subject of their property carried away by the British, contrary, as they suppose, to the stipulations of the treaty of peace. A regular channel of communication with that government being now open, I shall not fail to pay due attention to this subject.\u2014I have the honor to be with due consideration Yr. Excellency\u2019s Most Obedt. Sr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0351", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 8 December 1791\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDecemr. 8th. 1791\nMr. Coxe has the honor to inclose to Mr. Jefferson an abstract from the general imports, intended to exhibit the quantum of manufactured supplies, which each foreign nation has the benefit of selling to the United States. The estimate is formed on a presumption that all the ad valorem articles from Europe and the E. Indies are Manufactures. This is almost universally true, and if it varies in regard to one nation, it will be proportionally variant as to all the rest. The Scale therefore will be correct.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0352", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 9 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 9. 1791.\nThe inclosed information relative to ransom and peace with the Algerines, being newly come to hand, I take the liberty of communicating it to you, and through you to the Senate. It concurs in some facts and opinions with what we had before learnt thro other channels, and differs in some others, so as, on the whole, to leave us still in considerable uncertainty as to interesting points.\u2014I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0353", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Barclay, 9 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barclay, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 9. 1791.\nAn opportunity offering by a vessel bound to Mogadore, I avail myself of it to send you a collection of the gazettes of the last three months. To these I add herein a passage from a paper of this morning giving news, which arrived in town last night, of the defeat of Genl. Sinclair by the Indians. This of course will oblige us to another campaign.\u2014As nothing has happened since your departure relative to the objects committed to you I have nothing to say on that head.\u2014Your family was well about 6. weeks ago, when I was in Virginia. I have not been in the way of hearing of them since.\u2014I am with sincere esteem, Dear Sir your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0354", "content": "Title: Report on the Petition of Samuel Breck and Others, 9 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: House of Representatives\nThe Secretary of State, to whom was referred by the House of Representatives the Petition of Samuel Breck and others, Proprietors of a sail-cloth Manufactory in Boston, praying that they may have the exclusive Privilege of using particular Marks for designating the Sail-Cloth of their Manufactory, has had the same under Consideration and thereupon REPORTS,\nThat it would, in his Opinion, contribute to Fidelity in the Execution of Manufactures to secure to every Manufactory an exclusive Right to some Mark on it\u2019s Wares, proper to itself.\nThat this should be done by general Laws extending equal Right to every Case to which the Authority of the Legislator should be competent.\nThat these Cases are of divided Jurisdiction, Manufactures made and consumed within a State being subject to State Legislation, while those which are exported to foreign Nations, or to another State, or into the Indian Territory, are alone within the Legislation of the General Government.\nThat it will, therefore, be reasonable for the General Legislature  to provide in this Behalf by Law for those Cases of Manufacture generally, and those only, which relate to commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes. And that this may be done by permitting the owner of every Manufactory, to enter in the Records of the Court of the District wherein his Manufactory is, the Name with which he chuses to mark or designate his Wares, and rendering it penal in others to put the same Mark to any other Wares.\nTh: Jefferson Dec. 9. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0355", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Smith, 9 December 1791\nFrom: Smith, Daniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n\u201cSouthwestern Territory, At Mr. Cobbs,\u201d 9 Dec. 1791. In Blount\u2019s absence, acknowledges receipt of TJ\u2019s to him of 22 Aug. 1791, \u201cwhich was so much delayed on its passage that it never came to hand \u2018till 8th. Nov. last.\u201d\u2014The information requested about Davidson county claims amount to 407,780 acres, which includes all allowable under the law of North Carolina except a few remaining preemption and soldier\u2019s claims not yet entered. The final total may amount to 410,000.\u2014He has obtained no additional census information since  that transmitted by Gov. Blount.\u2014\u201cThe Muscle Shoal party make no noise at present in this Country. I hope they have abandoned the scheme.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0356", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [9 December 1791]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nFriday Morning [9 Dec. 1791]\nYesterday afternoon Colo. Hamilton was desired, as soon as the Tariff was ready, to let it be known.\u2014Enclosed is his answer.\u2014Say whether the meeting shall be tomorrow, or on Monday morning?\u2014Yours sincerely,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0360", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 11 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 11. 1791.\nI have given you the trouble of more reading on the subject of Major Lenfant\u2019s letter, than you perhaps intended. I have done it from an apprehension that your mind might not be thoroughly satisfied whether he was not equally justifiable in the demolition of Mr. Carrol\u2019s house, as in the demolition of trees and other obstacles, which he urges in his own justification. The truth is that without orders he was justifiable in neither: and he certainly never had orders to pull down houses.\u2014I am with the most perfect respect & attachment Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0361", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Observations on L\u2019Enfant\u2019s Letter, 11 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nEnclosureObservations on L\u2019Enfant\u2019s Letter\nObservations on Majr. L\u2019enfant\u2019s letter of Dec. 7. 1791. to the President, justifying his demolition of the house of Mr. Carrol of Duddington.\nHe says that \u2018Mr. Carrol erected his house partly on a main street, and altogether on ground to which the public had a more immediate title than himself could claim.\u2019 When blaming Mr. Carrol then he considers this as a street; but when justifying himself he considers it not yet as a street. For, to account for his not having pointed out to Carrol a situation where he might build, he says \u2018the President had not yet sanctioned the plan of distribution for the city, nor determined if he would approve the situation of the several areas  proposed to him in that plan for public use, and that I would have been highly to be blamed to have anticipated his opinion thereon.\u2019 This latter exculpation is solid; the first without foundation. The plan of the city has been not yet definitively determined by the President. Sale to individuals or partition decide the plan as far as these sales or partitions go. A deed with the whole plan annexed, executed by the President and recorded, will ultimately fix it. But till a sale or partition, or deed, it is open to alteration. Consequently there is as yet no such thing as a street except adjacent to the lots actually sold or divided; the erection of a house in any part of the ground cannot as yet be a nuisance in law. Mr. Carrol is tenant in common of the soil, with the public, and the erection of a house by a tenant in common on the common property is no nuisance. Mr. Carrol has acted imprudently, intemperately, foolishly; but he has not acted illegally. There must be an establishment of the streets before his house can become a nuisance in the eye of the law. Therefore till that establishment neither Majr. Lenfant, nor the Commissioners would have had a right to demolish his house without his consent.\nThe Majr. says he had as much right to pull down a house, as to cut down a tree.\nThis is true, if he has received no authority to do either. But still there will be this difference. To cut down a tree or to demolish a house in the soil of another is a trespass. But the cutting a tree in this country is so slight a trespass, that a man would be thought litigious, who should prosecute it: if he prosecuted civilly, a jury would give small damages; if criminally, the judge would not inflict imprisonment, nor impose but a small fine. But the demolition of a house is so gross a trespass, that every man would prosecute it; if civilly, a jury would give great damages; if criminally, the judge would punish heavily by fine and imprisonment. In the present case, if Carrol was to bring a civil action the jury would probably punish his folly by small damages: but if he were to prosecute criminally, the judge would as probably vindicate the insult on the laws and the breach of the peace by heavy fine and imprisonment. So that if Majr. Lenfant is right in saying he had as much authority to pull down a house as to cut down a tree, still he would feel a difference in the punishment of the law.\nBut is he right in saying he had as much authority to pull down a house as cut down a tree? I do not know what have been the authorities given him expressly or by implication. But I can very readily conceive that the authorities which he has recieved, whether from the President or from the Commissioners, whether verbal, or written, may have gone to the demolition of trees, and not of houses. I am sure that he has received no authority either from the President or Commissioners, either expressly or by implication, to pull down houses. An order to him to mark on the ground the lines of the streets and lots, might imply an order to remove trees or small obstructions where they insuperably prevented his operations; but a person must know little of geometry, who could not, in an open feild, designate streets and lots, even where a line passed through a house, without pulling the house down.\nIn truth the blame on Majr. Lenfant, is for having pulled down the house of his own authority, and when he had reason to beleive he was in opposition to the sentiments of the President: and his fault is aggravated by it\u2019s having been done to gratify private resentment against Mr. Carrol, and most palpably not because it was necessary: and the style in which he writes the justification of his act, shews that a continuation of the same resentment renders him still  unable to acquiesce under the authority from which he has been reproved.\nHe desires a line of demarcation between his office and that of the Commissioners.\nWhat should be this line? And who is to draw it? If we consider the matter under the act of Congress only, the President has authority only to name the Commissioners, and to approve or disapprove certain proceedings of theirs. They have the whole executive power, and stand between the President and the subordinate agents. In this view, they may employ or dismiss, order and countermand, take on themselves such parts of the execution as they please, and assign other parts to subordinate agents. Consequently, under the act of Congress their will is the line of demarcation between subordinate agents, while no such line can exist between themselves and their agents.\u2014Under the deed from the Proprietors to the President, his powers are much more ample. I do not accurately recollect the tenor of the deed; but I am pretty sure it was such as to put much more ample power into the hands of the President, and to commit to him the whole execution of whatever is to be done under the deed. And this goes particularly to the laying out the town. So that as to this, the President is certainly authorised to draw the line of demarcation between L\u2019enfant and the Commissioners. But I believe there is no necessity for it. As far as I have been able to judge, from conversations and consultations with the Commissioners, I think they are disposed to follow implicitly the will of the President whenever they can find it out. But Lenfant\u2019s letters do not breathe the same moderation or acquiescence: and I think it would be much safer to say to him \u2018the orders of the Commissioners are your line of demarcation,\u2019 than, by attempting to define his powers, to give him a line where he may meet with the commissioners foot to foot, and chicane and raise opposition to their orders whenever he thinks they pass his line.\nI confess, that on a view of Lenfant\u2019s proceedings and letters latterly, I am thoroughly persuaded that to render him useful, his temper must be subdued; and that the only means of preventing his giving constant trouble to the President is to submit him to the unlimited controul of the Commissioners. We know the discretion and forbearance with which they will exercise it.\nTh: Jefferson Dec. 11. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0363", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Carroll, 12 December 1791\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nGeorge Town Decr. 12th. 1791\nI do myself the honor of transmitting herewith, a copy of the Act, passed last Saturday, by the General Assembly, entitled an Act concerning the Territory of Columbia and the City of Washington. It is not from a certified copy. I believe however correct. The Bill propos\u2019d that the Willfull shou\u2019d be under the same circumstances with the Minors &ca. but it was thought proper in that case to proceed by condemnation as in the Law. This was the most essential alteration.\u2014I am Sir with great respect yr most obt. & Hble Sert.,\nDanl. Carroll\nP.S. The Law passd finally on Saturday, but time wou\u2019d not allow to gett a Copy with the last endorsement by the Clerk.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0365", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Extract of Letter concerning W. A. Bowles, 12 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hammond, George\nEnclosureExtract of Letter concerning W. A. Bowles\nA vessel arrived here from New Providence with certain accounts of a Mr. Bowles being there, having lately arrived from London in company with five Indians, and British goods to amount of upwards thirty thousand pounds sterling, said to be delivered as presents (by Bowles) to the Indians in this quarter from the goverment of Great Britain. That the said Bowles was actually to sail four days after this vessel from Providence for the coast of Florida, with a principal part of his cargo of goods, and that Indian river, about 100 miles South of Augustine, was to be his first rendezvous; there to be met by large bodies of Indians attached to his views. It is said that he has a very large  quantity of arms and ammunition with him; and that he intends establishing a strong post about the head of Indian river and in the province of East Florida, for the purpose of keeping open a communication between Britain and the Creeks, Choctaws, Chickasaws, and other tribes of Indians. This Bowles is the same person who made an attempt to establish a post in Florida about two years past, under the auspices of Lord Dunmore and others in Providence; but the people (about fifty in number) which had with him, described him soon after his landing, by which his scheme for that time proved abortive. Soon after he went with some five Indians he has now with him to Providence, from thence to Canada, and from thence was sent to England at the expence of that government, and whilst in England maintained at a very great expence.\nIt is confidently asserted that this man is sent out by the British government, tho\u2019 not openly avowed by them. I saw some Gentlemen who came passengers from Providence in the vessel that brought those accounts, who informed me that it was generally believed there, that the British government had equipped Bowles, that Govr. Dunmore and all the Officers of government in the Bahamas paid Bowles great attention, though formerly a very low character. Certain it is, that Bowles could not have credit for the amount of five pounds on his own account, in any country where he is known.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0366", "content": "Title: Report on Matters for Negotiation with Great Britain, 12 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nThe discussions which are opening between Mr. Hammond and our government, have as yet looked towards no objects but those which depend on the treaty of peace. There are however other matters to be arranged between the two governments, some of which do not rest on that treaty. The following is a statement of the whole of them.\n1. The Western posts.\n2. The Negroes carried away.\n3. The debt of their bank to Maryland, and perhaps to Rho. island.\n4. Goods taken from the inhabitants of Boston, while the town was in their possession and compensation promised.\n5. Prizes taken after the dates at which hostilities were to cease.\n6. Subsistence of prisoners.\n7. The Eastern boundary.\nWhich of these shall be taken into the present discussion?\nWhich of them shall be left to arrangement through the ordinary channels of our ministers, in order to avoid embarrassing the more important points with matter of less consequence?\nOn the subject of Commerce, shall Mr. Hammond be desired to produce his powers to treat, as is usual, before conferences are held on that subject?\nTh: Jefferson Dec. 12. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0367", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jos\u00e9 Ignacio de Viar, 12 December 1791\nFrom: De Viar, Jos\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia December 12th. 1791.\nDon Joseph Torino, mercht. of Madrid, having sollicited the interposition of the King my master to recover a debt which the Ct. de Espilly assigned to him of 15960 rials of vellon (or 798 dollars) due from the U.S. or their Charg\u00e9 des affaires at that court, his  majesty has commanded me to lay before the U.S. this sollicitation to obtain so legitimate a payment.\nIn pursuance of his royal orders, and convinced at the same time that the transactions which created the debt claim most justly the acknowledgemt. of the U.S. and their punctual paimt. I take the liberty of stating them to you in the following terms, in joint accord with Don Joseph de Jaudenes, equally Commissioned with myself by his majesty to the U.S.\nWhen in Septemb. 85 the Ct. de Expilly went to Algiers with a commission from his Majesty Mr. Wm. Carmichael who was informed that the Algerines had taken two American crews, recommended his countrymen to his care as far as should be in his power. The Ct. de Expilly gave him his word accordingly and when he arrived at Algiers he attended to their assistance, taking them from chains and labor, and furnishing a small sum which the slaves pay to the regency that they may not go to the public works, giving moreover his assurance that he would pay the price they require in case of flight. He became security also for the two Captains and pilots who were released from labor, and he did not permit them to remain in the prison, nor in the house of the English Consul, where they were obliged to perform the lowest offices, and where, the more to humiliate the Americans, they made them wait at the table where the English captains eat who happened to be in the port. He bought them clothes and beds, and put them in a lodging where he administered to them daily what had been agreed on with Mr. Carmichael before his departure.\nIn the meantime came, in a Brigantine under Spanish colours, Mr. John Lamb and Paul Randal with a lre. of recommendation from Mr. Carmichael to the Count de Espilly, who seeing that they were not permitted to come ashore, remonstrated and obtained permission for them immediately.\nIn consequence of what was written by the English Consul at Barcelona, the Regency seised the Brigantine which brought Messrs. Lamb and Randall, because she was of American construction, and half her crew composed also of Americans, and in consequence they would have remained slaves and lost the 10,000 Dollars which they carried if the Ct. de Espilly had not taken the measure of embarking Randall for Genoa in a Brigantine of his Majesty and Lamb in a French vessel which was bound to Spain, and of sending to Tunis the brigantine in which they came.\nMr. Lamb\u2019s journey from Alicant to Madrid and the quarantine  he performed in that port, were also defrayed on acct. of the Ct. de Expilly. He made use of the brigantine beforementioned when she came back from Tunis, to return to Spain, and at Alicant he paid the seamens wages, and a good gratification to the Captain for the time he had been employed in his Majesty\u2019s service.\nAfter Mr. Lamb had left Algiers, the Ct. de Espilly exerted himself so much, in his last voyage, for the Americans, that, to save them from the pest of the year 87. he got them a house and placed them in it furnishing them with necessaries.\nAgreeably to what I have stated in the preceding narration the Ct. de Espilly presented his acct. in the year 88. to Mr. Carmichael, and having produced to him his vouchers, they settled the debt at 15960 reals of vellon (or 798 dollars) in favor of the Ct. de Espilly who afterwards transferred the debt to Don Joseph Torino beforementd. now the lawful creditor of the sd. sum.\nThe delay which he has experienced in the payment of this debt, which was contracted by doing such repeated favors to the citizens of the U.S. and the not having received to this moment the slightest hint of acknowledgement from them, induces me to believe that the U.S. have not been thoroughly apprised of it\u2019s circumstances, and the same consideration has encouraged me to state them to you.\nI flatter myself that when you shall have been well apprised of them, you will be sensible of the justice of the present application and that, communicating it to the U.S. you will contribute with your influence to their discharge of the debt with all possible dispatch.\u2014In this belief I remain &c.,\nJoseph Ignatius De Viar", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0368", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Barclay, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nGibraltar, 13 Dec. 1791. He was compelled to put in here on 4 Dec. by contrary winds and hopes to resume his journey to Tangier today. He does not know where he will meet the Emperor, who by last accounts had apparently set out from Larach to Mequinez.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0370", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Hammond, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hammond, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 13. 1791.\nI have laid before the President of the United States the letters of Nov. 30. and Dec. 6. with which you honored me, and in consequence thereof, and particularly of that part of your letter of Dec. 6th. where you say that you are fully authorised to enter into a negociation for the purpose of arranging the commercial intercourse between the two countries, I have the honour to inform you that I am ready to recieve a communication of your full powers for that purpose at any time you shall think proper, and to proceed immediately to their object.\u2014I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect esteem & respect Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0371", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Humphreys, David\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia December 13th. 1791\nI enclose you the copy of a Letter received from Don Joseph de Viar one of his Catholic Majesty\u2019s commissioners here, stating the claim of Don Joseph Torino for a sum of money paid by the Count de Espilles for our captives at Algiers, and on account of our Commissioner Mr. Lamb who was sent there. You will be pleased to consider this as a part of the debt, which in my letter of July 13th. of the present year I desired you to settle and pay. You will of course ask information of Mr. Carmichael on the subject, as he is particularly acquainted with it, and pay immediately what shall appear to be due.\u2014I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0372", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, [13? December 1791]\nFrom: Peale, Charles Willson\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nTuesday Morng [13? Dec. 1791]\nYour favor of sitting today will oblige Your very Hble Servt.,\nC W Peale", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0373", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jos\u00e9 Ignacio de Viar, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: De Viar, Jos\u00e9\nSir\nPhiladelphia December 13th. 1791\nI was not unapprised that monies had been advanced by the government of Spain, or some of it\u2019s Officers, for our captives at Algiers, nor had I been inattentive to it: but no account, nor any specific demand on that subject had come to my knowlege; and finding for some time past the utter impossibility of getting letters either to or from Mr. Carmichael, I had been obliged to adopt a circuitous channel of getting this matter settled through Col. Humphreys, our Minister resident at Lisbon. I had accordingly desired him to get the sum ascertained, and had authorized him to draw  for it on our Bankers in Holland. In consequence of this he wrote a letter September 24th. 1791 to Mr. Carmichael, of which I send you an extract. By this, Sir, you will perceive, that in consequence of orders already given, the demand of Don Joseph Jorino, which you have been pleased to apply for, will be there paid on his presenting it duly proved; and that Coll. Humphreys may not be induced by the application here, to consider this matter as withdrawn from his charge, and in a course of settlement here, I have the honor to enclose you a letter to him on that subject, which you will be so good as to transmit to him with the demand. I beg you to be assured, that we are thoroughly sensible of the friendship which your Government has displayed towards these United States in the present as well as other instances, and that we shall avail ourselves with sincere pleasure of every occasion of manifesting to his Catholic Majesty, our dispositions to reciprocate the offices of good friends and neighbours.\u2014I have the honor to be with great and sincere esteem Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0374", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 13 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nTh: Jefferson presents his respects to the President of the U.S. and sends him the letter he has prepared for Mr. Hammond relative to his Commercial commission.\nHe also incloses the rough draught of the one he has prepared on the subject of the treaty of peace, with the documents he proposes to communicate in support of the facts. The 1st. of these (the Substance of the Conference &c.) is communicated because Carleton was more explicit in that conversation, than in his letter of May 12. as to the magnitude of the first embarcation and that the negroes then embarked were property of the U.S. Yet this peice of evidence does not seem essentially necessary, and Th:J. asks the opinion of the President on the subject. He will wait on him to-day a quarter before three on these subjects.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0376", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Hammond, 14 December 1791\nFrom: Hammond, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia 14th December 1791\nI have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 12th of this month, which did not reach me until yesterday evening.\nWith respect to Bowles, I have no knowledge of any circumstance whatever relative to him, except that of his actual visit to England. His name was never mentioned to me in any manner, directly or indirectly by any of his Majesty\u2019s ministers: And I therefore cannot easily believe, if it were their intention to afford him support and countenance, in commencing or prosecuting hostilities against the United States, that I should be left in total ignorance of such an intention.\nUpon another subject however of this nature, I have it in express command from my superiors, to disclaim, in the most unequivocal manner, the imputation that the King\u2019s government in Canada has encouraged or supported the measures of hostility, taken by the Indians in the Western Country.\nFrom analogy therefore I infer that as the King\u2019s government has not countenanced the hostile measures of those Indians, in whose existence and preservation, his Majesty might naturally be supposed to take some degree of interest, from considerations of commerce as well as of local vicinity to his province of Canada, the same motives, which prevented interference in that instance, would more forcibly induce his government not to encourage the hostile views of other Indian tribes, greatly remote in regard, to situation, and to any objects of common interest.\nFor these reasons I can feel no hesitation in expressing to you, Sir, the strongest personal conviction, that Bowles has no kind of authority for asserting, that he is either employed or countenanced, by the government of England, in inciting the Indians to war against the United States.\nBefore I conclude, you will I trust permit me to add, that the  extract of the private letter, which you have done me the honor of communicating to me, exhibits pretty clear internal evidence of prejudice and prepossession, existing in the writer of it; and consequently it is presumable that the accounts, he has received, are not a little exaggerated.\u2014I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient, humble Servant,\nGeo. Hammond.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0377", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 14 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhila. Decr. 14th. 1791\nI am very glad to find that matters, after all that has happened, stand so well between the Commissioners and Majr. L\u2019Enfant.\u2014I am sorry, however, to hear that the work is not in a more progressive State.\nYesterday afternoon I wrote a letter, of which the enclosed is the copy to Majr. L\u2019Enfant, and receiving his of the 10th. added the Postscript thereto.\u2014I hope the two will have a good effect.\u2014I am always with great regard yr. affectionate,\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0378", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Barrett, 15 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barrett, Nathaniel\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 15. 1791.\nIn answer to your favor of the 6th. inst. I take the liberty of mentioning to you that the consulates of Lisbon and Cadiz, have both of them been for some time otherwise destined, tho\u2019 not yet named to; and consequently that Mr. Appleton cannot be appointed to either. I had not answered his letters on this subject, because were I to answer one, I must answer every application of this nature and you will readily conceive to what this would lead, and consequently that it has been a matter of necessity to establish it as a general rule to give no answers to the parties except where the appointment takes place.\u2014I am with great esteem Dr. Sir your most obedt humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0380", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Governors of Georgia and South Carolina, 15 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Governor of Georgia,Governor of South Carolina\nSir\nPhiladelphia December 15th. 1791\nI have the honor to enclose you an authenticated copy of the Articles agreed on between the Governor of East Florida and Mr. Seagrove acting for the United States by order of the President, on the subject of fugitive negroes; and to be with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient & most humble Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0383", "content": "Title: Enclosure III: Agreement on Fugitive Slaves, 7 August 1791\nFrom: Seagrove, James\nTo: \nIIIAgreement on Fugitive Slaves\nSt. Augustine in Florida August 7th. 1791.\nThe beforementioned Commissioner on the part of the United States is of opinion,\nThat as the Government of East Florida does not chuse to be responsible for any fugitive Slaves from the United States, which in future may shelter themselves in this Province, it will be for the interest of their owners, that immediately on discovery they be confined in prison, there to remain until properly applied for.\nIn order to give as little trouble as possible to Government on this occasion, the Commissioner have agreed with George Fleming Esqr. of this City, to furnish such fugitive Slaves as may be confined in prison, with the usual allowance of provisions.\nIt is also understood by the Commissioner that in case any assistance should be required from the Soldiers or Sailors of this Government in conveying such Slaves to the frontier on the River St. Mary\u2019s, there to be delivered up; that a reasonable gratification be allowed and paid by the person receiving them.\nJs. Seagrove", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0384", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Hammond, 15 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hammond, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 15. 1791.\nI am to acknolege the honor of your letter of Nov. 30. and to express the satisfaction with which we learn that you are instructed to discuss with us the measures which reason and practicability may dictate for giving effect to the stipulations of our treaty yet remaining to be executed. I can assure you on the part of the United States, of every disposition to lessen difficulties, by passing over whatever is of smaller concern, and insisting on those matters only which either justice to individuals, or public policy render indispensable. And in order to simplify our discussions by defining precisely their objects, I have the honor to propose that we shall begin by specifying, on each side, the particular acts which each considers to have been done by the other in contravention of the treaty. I shall set the example.\nThe Provisional and Definitive treaties, in their VIIth. article, stipulated that \u2018his Britannic majesty should with all convenient speed, and without causing any destruction, or carrying away any negroes or other property of the American inhabitants, withdraw all his armies, garrisons and fleets from the sd. United States and from every port, place and harbour within the same.\u2019\nBut 1. the British garrisons were not withdrawn with all convenient speed nor have ever yet been withdrawn from Michillimackinac, on Lake Michigan: Detroit on the streight of Lakes Erie and Huron;Fort Erie, on Lake Erie;\nNiagara\non Lake Ontario;\nOswego\nOswegatchie, on the river St. Laurence;\nPoint au fer, and\non Lake Champlain.\nDutchman\u2019s point\n2. The British officers have undertaken to exercise a jurisdiction over the country and inhabitants in the vicinities of those forts; and 3. they have excluded the citizens of the United States from navigating even on our side of the middle line of the rivers and lakes established as the boundary between the two nations.\nBy these proceedings we have been intercepted entirely from the Commerce of furs with the Indian nations to the Northward: a commerce which had ever been of great importance to the United states, not only for its intrinsic value, but as it was the means of cherishing peace with those Indians, and of superseding the necessity of that expensive warfare, we have been obliged to carry on with them, during the time that these posts have been in other hands.\nOn withdrawing the troops from New York, 1. a large embarcation of negroes, of the property of the inhabitants of the U.S. took place, before the Commissioners, on our part, for inspecting and superintending embarcations had arrived there, and without any account ever rendered thereof. 2. Near three thousand others were publicly carried away by the avowed order of the British commanding officer, and under the view and against the remonstrances of our Commissioners: 3. a very great number were carried off in private vessels, if not by the express permission, yet certainly without opposition on the part of the commanding officer, who alone had the means of preventing it, and without admitting the inspection of the American commissioners: and 4. of other species of property carried away, the commanding officer permitted no examination at all. In support of these facts I have the honour to inclose you documents, a list of which will be subjoined: and in addition to them, I beg leave to refer to a roll, signed by the joint commissioners, and delivered to your Commanding officer for transmission to his court, containing a description of the negroes publicly carried away by his order as beforementioned, with a copy of which you have doubtless been furnished.\nA difference of opinion too having arisen, as to the river intended by the Plenipotentiaries to be the boundary between us and the dominions of Great Britain, and by them called the St. Croix, which name, it seems, is given to two different rivers, the ascertaining of this point becomes a matter of present urgency. It has heretofore been the subject of applications from us to the government of Great Britain.\nThere are other smaller matters between the two nations, which remain to be adjusted, but I think it would be better to refer these for settlement through the ordinary channel of our ministers, than to embarrass the present important discussions with them. They can never be obstacles to friendship and harmony.\nPermit me now, Sir, to ask from you a specification of the particular acts, which, being considered by his Britannic majesty as a  noncompliance on our part with the engagements contained in the IVth. Vth. and VIth. articles of the treaty induced him to suspend the execution of the VIIth. and render a separate discussion of them inadmissible. And accept assurances of the high respect & esteem with which I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0386", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Tench Coxe, 16 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Coxe, Tench\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Coxe and returns him his book with thanks, finding it is the same which he already possessed.\u2014The account of port charges at Port-au-Prince on the Sally of Philada., cannot be used in comparison, because her tonnage is not mentioned.\u2014There is no account of charges in any port of the English West Indies.\u2014Also, in stating those in the French W. Indies, is it not in the Colonial livre? Does Mr. Coxe know exactly what that is? Th:J. cannot recollect it with certainty.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0387", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 16 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nTh: Jefferson presents his respects to the President and sends a sketch of such a message as he thinks might accompany the statement from the Secretary at war. He does not know whether the President intended that an estimate of the next years operations should accompany it. But he thinks it a proper occasion to bring forward the preparations for the next year, and that it forms the safest ground for making the present communication.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0388", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Draft Message on Western Defense, 16 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Senate\nEnclosureDraft Message on Western Defense\nGentlemen of the Senate\nThe pacific measures which were adopted for establishing peace between the U.S. and the North Western Indians, having proved ineffectual, and the military operations which thereon became necessary, tho\u2019 successful in the first instances, being otherwise in the last as was stated to you in my communication ofinstant, it behoves us to look forward in time to the further protection of our Western citizens.\nI see no reason to doubt that operations of force must still be pursued. I have therefore instructed the Secretary at war to prepare, for your information, a statement of the transactions of his department material to this object. These are now laid before you. While they serve to shew that the plan which was adopted for employing the public force and wealth was such as promised reasonably a more effectual issue, they will enable you also to judge of the provision which it may be now be expedient to make for the ensuing year. An estimate of the Secretary at war on this subject is now laid before you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0390", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 18 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 18. 1791.\nI am obliged to trouble you in the following affair. Doctor Walker, in his account against my father\u2019s estate, omitted to credit a sum of \u00a3200. paid him Aug. 31. 1766. by Kippen & co. on account of the estate, and debited in their account against the estate. It appeared that he had credited the estate another sum of \u00a3200. from Kippen & co. as received 1761. March. and it was suggested that perhaps these might be the same sums, with only a mistake of dates. This suggestion became strengthened by Mr. Francis Walker\u2019s applying to James Lyle to know if it appeared in Kippen & co\u2019s books that they had made any such paiment as that of \u00a3200 in 1761. to Dr. Walker for the estate, and his answering that he found no such payment in their acct. against the estate. If these were the same sums, it followed either that Dr. Walker had credited \u00a3200. by prophecy 5. years before he received it, or that McCaul had not charged it to the estate till 5. years after he had paid it. Yet Mr. Lyle said he could establish the payment of 1766. as it stood on their books both as to sum and time: so that it remained to us to establish that which Dr. Walker had credited as \u00a3200. paid Mar.  1761.\u2014On turning to the Account book of the estate as kept by Mr. Harvie (one of the executors and a most exact accountant) I found in his own handwriting the estates account against Dr. Walker wherein is a charge in these words \u20181762. To cash in account with Mr. Mc.Caul \u00a3199\u201318\u20131\u2019 and again in a settled account with Mr. Mc.Caul in the same book is a credit in these words \u20181762. Dec. 25 by cash paid per orders from Thomas Walker \u00a3199\u201318\u20131.\u2019 Here then is not only a proof concurring with Dr. Walker\u2019s own account, but a correction of the sum, to wit \u00a3199\u201318\u20131 which Dr. Walker had entered in round numbers, and which had he entered fractionally, the difference in sum from the paiment of 1766. would have prevented all suspicion of their identity: and a correction also of the date to 1762. instead of 1761. Indeed in Dr. Walker\u2019s account this credit (dated March) follows one of Apr. 1761. Consequently the March after April 1761. must have been in 1762. and the entrance of the year in the margin omitted by inadvertence. Notwithstanding these proofs, it seemed necessary to get over the objection that the estate did not appear to have paid this sum of \u00a3199\u201318\u20131 to Kippen & co. consequently that it had not a right to a credit of two such paiments.\u2014I had Kippen & co\u2019s acct. from 1764. downwards, but not from my father\u2019s death Aug. 17. 1757. till 1764. I therefore wrote to Mr. Lyle in Nov. 1790. to have the first 7. years of it copied for me against my return to Virginia in the fall of 1791. that I might then be enabled to search the acct. myself and get the matter settled: but he failed to do it. I wrote again in Nov. 1791. and in consequence he has had it copied, and sent it here to me, and in the very first glance on it, discover the payment of Dec. 1762. charged by Kippen & co. to the estate in the following words.\nTo Richard Randolph\nTo cash pd. Capt. Meriwether\nTo do. pd. Walker\u2019s orders\nAdding these articles together they make exactly the \u00a3199\u201318\u20131 credited between Mr. Harvie and Mc.Caul as \u2018pd. per orders from Thomas Walker.\u2019 To render this proof incontrovertible it will be well for me to prove (because this account does not express) that the \u00a368\u201318\u20131 paid to Richd. Randolph was paid on account of Dr. Walker, and it is to obtain this proof that I ask your assistance. Whenever you shall be at Presque-isle be so good as to engage Mr. David Randolph to examine his father\u2019s papers and see whether in 1762 Dr. Walker was indebted to him? Whether my father\u2019s estate  was indebted to him? (I know it was not). Whether about 1762. Dec. 24. his father recd. \u00a368\u201318\u20131 from Kippen & co.? Did he recieve it on Dr. Walker\u2019s account, or on my father\u2019s account? Or for what?\nIt would not have been necessary, my dear Sir, to have troubled you with this long detail, merely to enable you to obtain this proof for me: but, in case any accident should happen to me, I wished to leave a statement of this matter, because after a lapse of 30. years, 200\u00a3 are become 500\u00a3. and consequently a very serious demand. If I obtain proof that the money pd. to R.R. was for Dr. Walker, it will be presumed that that paid to Capt. Meriwether was, because of the near connection and mutual transactions known to have taken place between Dr. Walker and Meriwether.\nWe have no news yet from Monticello since we left it. I cannot account for this. I take for granted you have written. Present my best love to my dear daughter, & believe me to be Dear Sir Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0391", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 18 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSunday 18th. Decr 1791\nThe P requests that Mr. J would give the letter and statement herewith sent from the Sy of War a perusal, and return it to him in the course of the day, with his opinion as to the propriety of the manner of making the communication to Congress; and whether it ought not, at any rate, to be introduced in some such way as this (if it is to pass through him to Congress) \u201cPursuant to directions I submit\u201d & ca. or (if it is to go immediately from the War department to that body) \u201cI lay before Congress by direction from the P of the U.S. the following statement\u201d & ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0392", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Delamotte, 19 December 1791\nFrom: Delamotte\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 19 Dec. 1791. He last wrote to TJ on 27 Nov. and enclosed four letters from Short in Holland.\u2014France was gratified by recent reports that the U.S. had sent 1,800 men to Saint-Domingue. Even after Frenchmen realized that these reports could not be true because the U.S. lacked a sufficiently large standing army, they continue to take pleasure in the news of shipments of American arms, ammunition, and provisions to Saint-Domingue.\u2014The French government is sending massive reinforcements to Saint-Domingue. Five ships with 1,000 to 1,200 soldiers have already left France and another 8,000 will soon follow. In the meantime reports have arrived claiming that the rebellious slaves have laid down their arms and returned to their plantations. \u201cVous sav\u00e9s ass\u00e9s, Monsieur, combien il est interessant pour la France que le Commerce de St. Domingue, L\u2019aliment le plus salutaire de celui de la M\u00e9tropole, ne soit point int\u00e9rompu. Cette Insurrection a influ\u00e9, peut\u00eatre au del\u00e0 de ce qu\u2019elle devoit faire, sur le prix des denr\u00e9es de nos Colonies. Elle a nui \u00e0 notre cr\u00e9dit dans L\u2019Etranger et nos Assignats se sont d\u00e9pr\u00e9ci\u00e9s d\u2019autant. Alors on a recherch\u00e9 la denr\u00e9e, non seulement pour sa raret\u00e9, mais aussi comme un \u00e9change de valeur r\u00e9elle contre l\u2019assignat. Les Sucres Brut, qui valoient 75\u20b6 Le quintal avant la nouvelle du desastre de St. Domingue, valent aujourd\u2019huy 130\u20b6. Nos changes avec l\u2019Etranger suivent cette proportion d\u00e9sesp\u00e9rante, celui sur Londres se cotte 20d. Sterling pour un \u00e9cu de 3\u20b6, et si ce discr\u00e9dit avoit continu\u00e9 avec la m\u00eame rapidit\u00e9 qui se manifestoit depuis 10. ou 12. Jours, on ne peut pas dire dans quel desordre nous serions tomb\u00e9s.\u201d\u2014The threat of an attack on France by the emigr\u00e9s in Germany has prompted the French government to take decisive action. It has warned the emigr\u00e9s to desist from their preparations for hostilities and decided to attack them with three armies if they refuse.\u2014France faces a subsistence shortage. The government has ordered large amounts of supplies from Ireland and will probably place similar orders in the U.S.\u2014\u201cLes tabacs ne se sont pas encore beaucoup senti de l\u2019augmentation de tous les objets d\u2019une valeur intrinseque. Les premieres qualit\u00e9s se Vendent 40. \u00e1 44\u20b6.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0393", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Hammond, 19 December 1791\nFrom: Hammond, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia 19th December 1791\nI have the honor, of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 15th curt., and of expressing my perfect approbation of, and concurrence in, the mode, you have suggested, of discussing the several particulars, relative to the nonexecution of the definitive treaty of peace.\nIn conformity to your example, I am now preparing an abstract of the circumstances that appear to me contraventions, on the part of the United States, of the fourth, fifth and sixth articles of that Treaty. This abstract I intend to present to you, Sir, with as little delay as the extensive nature of the subject under consideration will admit.\u2014I have the honor to be, with sentiments of great respect and consideration, Sir, your most obedient humble Servant,\nGeo. Hammond.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0397", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 20 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nTh: Jefferson having obtained a copy of the statement of the affair between Pennsylva. and Virginia as made by the delegates in the Virginia assembly from the county where it happened, has the honor to inclose it to the President.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0398", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Statement of Conflict between Pennsylvania and Virginia, 20 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nEnclosureStatement of Conflict between Pennsylvania and Virginia\nA statement of facts concerning the proclamation of Governor Mifflin issued against Francis McGuire, Baldwin Parsons, and Absalom Wells, as attested by the two Representatives from the County of Ohio.\nA Mr. Davies formerly of Maryland, removed into Virginia, and settled near the Pennsylvania line as it was then supposed to run. He brought with him a negroe who was born and bred up in his family. Some years after his removal, Commissioners were appointed to ascertain the Boundary line between the two  States, and in running it, this Mr. Davies was thrown into the State of Pennsylvania. Shortly afterwards he was advertised of a law in Pennsylvania, which would deprive him of his property after the expiration of six months, and fine and punish him into the bargain.\nIn order to avoid these unexpected calamities, he sent his negroe a few miles from him across the line into Virginia, where he hired him to a Mr. Miller. A certain club, called by way of derision the \u201cNegroe club,\u201d and said to be an arm of the \u201cPennsylvania society for the abolition of slavery,\u201d seduced this negroe back again into Pennsylvania, where, after indenting him for 6 or 7 years as a compensation to themselves for their humanity, according to their constant custom, he was to have the benefit of the Pennsylvania Law and be free. Mr. Miller fearing that he should be liable to pay Mr. Davies for the negro, advertised him. Mr. McGuire, Mr. Parsons and Mr. Wells, gentlemen of the most unexceptionable characters, of great respectability and of independent property, roused with indignation at the nefarious practices of this negroe club, and importuned by their neighbours to step forth in defence of their property, went out in search of the negroe, found him and brought him home. For this, they are branded with infamy by the proclamation of Pennsylvania, and are charged moreover with having fled from justice; when the fact is, that they have never removed from their usual places of abode in Virginia, or attempted in any way to elude justice. They have been into Pennsylvania, and into the very County of Washington where they were indicted, and at the very Court House of that County when the people were assembled, not once but frequently since, and always unmolested.\nThe facts concerning the proclamation issued against Francis McGuire and Samuel Brady, attested by the same gentlemen, are as follows.\nA Mr. Ryley\u2019s family in February or March last, consisting of 7 persons, were attacked by a party of indians: Two of them were taken prisoners, and the remaining five murdered: The people armed and pursued them, but in vain: They returned, and sent out spies to watch their motions and to discover their tracks if possible: Their tracks were discovered: A letter was dispatched to Capt. Wells of the Pennsylvania militia to join the Virginia party: He did so: They went out again in pursuit of the indians (Capt. Brady an old continental and distinguished officer attending as a volunteer under Capts. Wells and McGuire) and they were overtaken some where near Big Beaver creek in Pennsylvania: four of them were killed: Capt. Wells killed one with his own hands, and scalped him: Capt. Brady did not even fire his gun: But yet Capt. Brady, the Virginian and a volunteer, is branded and proclaimed, whilst Capt. Wells the Pennsylvanian, who took the command in conjunction with McGuire is uncensured and unnoticed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0399", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jos\u00e9 Ignacio de Viar and Jos\u00e9 de Jaudenes, 21 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: De Viar, Jos\u00e9,Jaudenes, Joseph de\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia Dec. 21. 1791.\nThe bearer hereof Kenneth Thompson, a citizen of the United States, proposing to go down the Missisipi to New-Orleans on business, wishes to obtain a passport from you to that place, for his greater safety. He brings me letters from Maryland assuring me of his being a person of merit and good deportment; on these assurances I take the liberty of presenting his application to you, only asking you to do for him what is within the regular line of your ordinary proceedings, in like cases, and begging you to understand that if there would be any thing contrary to rule in granting his request, I do not in that case interest myself in it at all, nor wish to lay you under any embarrasment.\u2014I have the honour to be with much esteem and respect, Gentlemen Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0400", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan N. Havens and Sylvester Dering, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Havens, Jonathan N.,Dering, Sylvester\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia Dec. 22. 1791.\nI return you thanks for your letter of Nov. 1. with the valuable information it contained on the subject of the Hessian fly. They throw peculiar light on the generations of that insect, which other information had placed under much confusion. If further observations should confirm the fact that there are but two generations a year, it may lead perhaps to a remedy. As the Committee of the Philosophical society will probably continue their enquiries thro\u2019 another year, any further observations which you may make will be thankfully recieved and communicated to them by, Gentlemen Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0402", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Ezra L\u2019Hommedieu, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: L\u2019Hommedieu, Ezra\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 22. 1791.\nBe pleased to accept my thanks for your favor of Sep. 10. and the valuable information procured thro\u2019 your means. I am confident it will be found to throw more light on the subject of the Hessian fly, than any thing I have before seen. The committee appointed for that purpose will probably find it necessary to continue their enquiries and observations through another year. I take the liberty of putting under your cover a letter to Messrs. Dering and Havens, & am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0403", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald McCalester, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: McCalester, Archibald\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 22. 1791.\nI am favoured with yours of the 1st. of November and recollect with pleasure our acquaintance in Virginia. With respect to the  schools of Europe, my mind is perfectly made up, and on full enquiry. The best in the world is Edinburgh. Latterly too, the spirit of republicanism, has become that of the students in general and of the younger professors; so that on that account also it is eligible for an American. On the continent of Europe no place is comparable to Geneva. The sciences are there more modernised than any where else. There too the spirit of republicanism is strong with the body of the inhabitants: but that of aristocracy is strong also with a particular class; so that it is of some consequence to attend to the class of society in which a youth is made to move. It is a cheap place. Of all these particulars Mr. Kinloch and Mr. Huger of So. Carolina can give you the best account, as they were educated there, and the latter is lately from thence. I have the honour to be with great esteem, Sir Your most obedient humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0404", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Eliphalet Pearson, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Pearson, Eliphalet\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 22. 1791.\nI am to acknolege the reciept of your favor of July 4th. covering a copy of Judge Lowell\u2019s eulogy on the late worthy President of the Academy of arts and sciences. I sincerely wish that my situation in life permitted me to contribute my mite to the labours of the society for the advancement of science, and to justify the honor they did me in placing my name on their roll. But however wedded by affection to the objects of their pursuit, I am obliged to unremitting attentions to others less acceptable to my mind, and much less attaching. I read with pleasure whatever comes from the society, and am happy in the occasion given me of assuring them of my respects and attachment and yourself of the sentiments of esteem with which I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0405", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Martin de Villeneuve, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Villeneuve, Martin de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBoston, 22 Dec. 1791. He recalls with pleasure his visit with TJ in Paris with the recommendation of Comte de Montmorin and in the company of Mr. J. Fitzsimons. He wishes to know whether Article xii of the 14 Nov. 1788 Consular Convention between the United States and France governs the settlement of differences between French citizens or whether Article xiii allows French merchants in the U.S. to have their differences settled by an American court without the consent of the local French consul. He has transferred a dispute between himself and another French merchant over the seizure of a vessel to the local Court of Common Pleas, not only because this tribunal renders justice promptly, but also because he has learned that the French consul here has been present at cases heard by this court involving French subjects. He excuses himself for writing a second letter on this subject and notes that the French consul also awaits TJ\u2019s reply.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0406", "content": "Title: Note on the Subject of Vacant Consulships, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nLisbon. Candidates. Edward Church. His case is known to the President. John Telles of Philadelphia. His papers inclosed. Samuel Harrison. See Colo. Humphrey\u2019s lre. to the President. John Cowper. (Virginia) Recommended by Josiah Parker.\nCadiz. The former candidates not approved, and no new offer. It is very desireable we should have a consul there. Should Mr. Church not be appointed to Lisbon, he would be proper for Cadiz. There are good perquisites to the former; but I do not know that there are any to the latter.\nBristol. Elias Vanderhorst of So. Carolina, recommended by Majr. Butler. It is a port where we have a good deal of commerce, and as this is the first application for a Consulship for a Carolinian, and Vanderhorst is highly spoken of, I am of opinion it is expedient to nominate him.\nWhen the President shall be pleased to fix on the persons for the above ports, a nomination shall be prepared with a description of their districts.\nTh: Jefferson Dec. 22. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0407", "content": "Title: Report on Negotiations with Spain, 22 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nTHE SECRETARY OF STATE\nREPORTS\nto the President of the United States that one of the Commissioners of Spain, in the name of both, has lately communicated to him verbally, by order of his court, that his Catholic majesty, apprised of our sollicitude to have some arrangements made respecting our free navigation of the river Missisipi, and the use of a port thereon, is ready to enter into treaty thereon at Madrid.\nThe Secretary of state is of opinion that this overture should be attended to without delay, and that the proposal of treating at Madrid, tho\u2019 not what might have been desired, should yet be accepted; and a commission plenipotentiary made out for the purpose.\nThat Mr. Carmichael, the present Charg\u00e9 des affaires of the United States at Madrid, from the local acquaintance which he must have acquired with persons and circumstances, would be an useful and proper member of the commission: but that it would be useful also to join with him some person more particularly acquainted with the circumstances of the navigation to be treated of.\nThat the fund appropriated by the act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations will insufficiently furnish the ordinary and regular demands on it, and is consequently inadequate to the mission of an additional Commissioner express from hence:\nThat therefore it will be adviseable on this account, as well as for the sake of dispatch, to constitute some one of the Ministers of the United States in Europe, jointly with Mr. Carmichael, Commissioners plenipotentiary for the special purpose of negotiating and  concluding, with any person or persons duly authorised by his Catholic majesty, a convention or treaty for the free navigation of the river Missisipi by the citizens of the United States, under such accomodations with respect to a port and other circumstances, as may render the sd. navigation practicable, useful, and free from dispute; saving to the President and Senate their respective rights as to the ratification of the same; and that the said negociation be at Madrid or such other place in Spain as shall be desired by his Catholic majesty.\nTh: Jefferson Dec. 22. 1791.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0408", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton, 23 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nTh: Jefferson presents his respectful compliments to the Secretary of the treasury and incloses him the copy of a letter and table which he has addressed to the President of the United States, and which being on a subject whereon the Secretary of the Treasury and Th:J.  have differed in opinion, he thinks it his duty to communicate to him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0409", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 December 1791\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 23 Dec. 1791. He takes advantage of this opportunity by Capt. Stobo to advise TJ that in his letters of 22 Nov. and 4 Dec. he enclosed receipts from Thomas Barclay for 32,175 current guilders for Barclay\u2019s Moroccan mission. He has been attentive to the request in TJ\u2019s 11 Apr. letter for information about Brazil, though his efforts have been constrained by the Portuguese government\u2019s jealousy of its colonies. From casual conversations with people acquainted with Brazil, and especially from one long discussion initiated by M. de Pinto he is able to make certain general observations about that colony, starting with the fact that it has a population of about 1,600,000 people.\n\u201cThe real Riches and Resources of the Inhabitants are encreasing in some kind of Ratio to the diminution of the Produce of the Mines. Instead of giving a certain proportion of the precious metals to Government, they were obliged (a few years ago) to furnish a specific sum. This caused uneasiness, remonstrance, a change of system, and eventually a great substitution of Agriculture, for labour in the Mines. Hence the vast augmentation of the imports from Brazil to the mother Country; particularly in the articles of Cotton, Sugar, Rice and Tobacco. Mr. Pinto informed me, he believed the value of the Cotton imported from Brazil was equal to that of all other articles brought from thence. I told him, I had heard many of the last ships, from Portugal to Brazil, had carried Money as a remittance for the productions of that Country. He replied, he had no doubt it was very true. From these circumstances you will naturally conclude, the Merchants and Planters must be very wealthy. Their wealth is undoubtedly daily encreasing. Few now transfer their property, or come to reside in the mother Country. The ties of attachment are weakening. The Merchants, instead of consigning their Cargoes, as formerly, to Merchants in Portugal, have, within a short time, established Factors and Agents here. Manufactures of several kinds are also growing rapidly in the Colonies. Those in wood and iron, especially as applied to shipbuilding, have acquired the same degree of improvement as in the mother Country. The ships built by the Portuguese, are on the English Model, and inferior to no others in Europe.\n\u201cThe Natives of Portugal are by no means deficient in point of genius. Notwithstanding the depression and embarrassment under which it labours, recent facts exist to prove, that Individuals have an uncommon portion of it. Yet the Brazillians are allowed to be a more shrewd and penetrating People. They are generally, like the Inhabitants of most warm Climates, indolent. Still they have more books, more instruction, and particularly more knowledge on the subject of Government, than the People of Portugal.\n\u201cSome troubles, though not extending to insurrections, have happened within a year past in Brazil. Now a pretty good share of tranquility prevails. The Colonists have however many causes of complaint; and the Government at  home of apprehension, that a seperation must one day inevitably take place.\u201d\nHe will continue to seek further information about Brazil. He has not heard lately from William Carmichael but the Portuguese ambassador to Spain hints that the Spanish government favors negotiations with the U.S. He is inclined to believe that this hint is well founded because of one or two articles in French Gazettes mentioning the U.S. wish for a port at the mouth of the Mississippi and its peremptory demand for free navigation of that river. He encloses the Gazettes he received since his last letter.\u2014P.S. He just received a letter from Gibraltar dated 5 Dec. announcing the arrival of Barclay and conjecturing that Barclay would want to remain there until he learned the outcome of the civil war in Morocco.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0410", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 23 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Stuart, Archibald\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 23. 1791.\nI received duly your favor of Octob. 22. and should have answered it by the gentleman who delivered it, but that he left town before I knew of it.\nThat it is really important to provide a constitution for our state cannot be doubted: as little can it be doubted that the ordinance called by that name has important defects. But before we attempt it, we should endeavor to be as certain as is practicable that in the attempt we should not make bad worse. I have understood that Mr. Henry has always been opposed to this undertaking: and I confess that I consider his talents and influence such as that, were it decided that we should call a Convention for the purpose of amending, I should fear he might induce that convention either to fix the thing as at present, or change it for the worse. Would it not therefore be well that means should be adopted for coming at his ideas of the changes he would agree to, and for communicating to him those which we should propose? Perhaps he might find ours not so distant from his but that some mutual sacrifices might bring them together.\nI shall hazard my own ideas to you as hastily as my business obliges me. I wish to preserve the line drawn by the federal constitution between the general and particular governments as it stands at present and to take every prudent means of preventing either from stepping over it. Tho\u2019 the experiment has not yet had a long enough course to shew us from which quarter incroachments are most to be feared, yet it is easy to foresee from the nature of things that the incroachments of the state governments will tend to an excess of liberty which will correct itself (as in the late instance) while those of the general government will tend to monarchy, which will fortify itself from day to day, instead of working it\u2019s own cure, as all experience shews. I would rather be exposed to the inconveniencies attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it. Then it is important to strengthen the state governments: and as this cannot be done by any change in the federal constitution, (for the preservation of that is all we need contend for,) it must be done by the states themselves, erecting such barriers at the constitutional line as cannot be surmounted either by themselves or by the general government. The only barrier in their power, is a wise government. A weak one will lose ground in every contest. To obtain a wise and an able government, I consider the following changes as important. Render the legislature a desireable station by lessening the number of representatives (say to 100) and lengthening somewhat their term, and proportion them equally among the electors: adopt also a better mode of appointing Senators. Render the Executive a more desireable post to men of abilities by making [him] more independant of the legislature. To wit, let him be chosen by other electors, for a longer time, and ineligible for ever after. Responsibility is a tremendous engine in a free government. Let him feel the whole weight of it then by taking away the shelter of his executive council. Experience both ways has already established the superiority of this measure. Render the Judiciary respectable by every possible means, to wit, firm tenure in office, competent salaries, and reduction of their numbers. Men of high learning and abilities are few in every country; and by taking in those who are not so, the able part of the body have their hands tied by the unable. This branch of government will have the weight of the conflict on their hands, because they will be the last appeal of reason.\u2014These are my general ideas of amendments. But, preserving the ends, I should be flexible and conciliatory as to the means. You ask whether Mr. Madison and myself could attend on a convention which should be called? Mr. Madison\u2019s engagements as a member of Congress will  probably be from October to March or April in every year. Mine are constant while I hold my office, and my attendance would. be very unimportant. Were it otherwise, my office should not stand in the way of it. I am with great & sincere esteem Dr. Sir, your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0411", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 23 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia, December 23rd. 1791.\nAs the conditions of our commerce with the French and British Dominions, are important, and a moment seems to be approaching when it may be useful that both should be accurately understood, I have thrown a representation of them into the form of a table, shewing at one view, how the principal articles interesting to our agriculture and navigation stand in the European and American Dominions of these two powers. As to so much of it as respects France, I have cited under every article the law on which it depends; which laws, from 1784 downwards, are in my possession.\nPort-charges are so different according to the size of the Vessel, and the dexterity of the Captain, that an examination of a greater number of Port-bills might, perhaps, produce a different result. I can only say that that expressed in the table is fairly drawn from such bills as I could readily get access to, and that I have no reason to suppose it varies much from the truth, nor on which side the variation would lie. Still I cannot make myself responsible for this Article. The Authorities cited will vouch the rest.\u2014I have the Honor to be, with the most perfect respect and attachment Sir, Your most obedient and Most humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0412", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Report on Commerce, 23 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nEnclosureReport on Commerce\nFooting of the Commerce of the United States, with France & England; and with the French & English american Colonies.\nWheat, Flour &c.\nFrance\n        Grt. Britn: & Ireland\n        French Ama.\n        English Ama:\n        Prohibited till it is 6/3 a Bushel\n        Wheat, Flour &c.\n        Prohibited by a genl. Law, Free bySuspensions fromTime to Time.\n        Free by Proclamaton\nRice\n        7/4 sterlg. the Kent.\nRice\n        Free by Proclamatn.\nSalted fish\n        Prohibited\nSalted fish\n        Prohibited\n        Salted beef\n        Prohibited\nSalted beef\n        Prohibited\n        Salted pork\n        5.\u20b6 K in some Ports. prohibited in others\n        Indigo\n        Whale oil\n        Tar, pitch, Turpentine\n        free for naturalizat.\n        Prohibd. naturalizat.\nCents\nPort fees\nBordeaux\n.23 the ton\naverage\nLondon\nCape Franc\nJamaica\nHavre\n.14 the ton\nLiverpool\nDol\nPort au Pr.\nAntigua\nBristol\nMartinique\nBarbadoes\nHull\nAverage\nSt Kitts\nDominique\nExports to\nExports to\nImports from\nImports from\nFreightd. in their Vessels\nFreighted in their Vessels\nFreighted in our Vessels\nFreighted in our Vessels\nThe following Articles, being on an equal footing in both Countries, are thrown together.\nTobacco\n        Free of Duty, but under Monopoly\nCorn Indian\n        Free by Proclamation\nWood\nWood\n        Free by Proclamat.\nPot & Pearl Ash\nSalted Pork\n        Prohibited\n        Prohibited\nFlax seed\nHorses & Mules\n        Free by Proclamat.\nLive Provisions\n        Free by Proclamat.\nTar, pitch, Turpentine\n        Free by Proclamat.\nImports allowed\n        Rum, Molasses, generally Sugar & all other Commodities till Augt. 1st. 1794.\n        Rum, Molasses, Sugar, Coffee, Cocoanuts, Ginger, Pimento, by Proclamation.\nNotes\n   by Arret of Dec. 29. 1787.\n   by Arret of 1763.\n   by Arret of Aug. 30. 1784.\n   by Arret of 1688.\n   by Arret of 1760.\n   taken from the Custom House Returns of U.S.\n   there is a general Law of France prohibiting foreign Flour in their Islands, with a suspending Power to their Governors in Cases of Necessity. An Arret of May 9, 1789, by their Governor makes it free till 1794, Aug. 1. and in fact is generally free there.\n   The Arret of September 18. 1785, gave a Premium of 10 \u20b6 the Kental on Fish brought in their own Bottoms, for 5 Years so that the Law expired Sep. 18. 1790. Another Arret, past a week after, laid a Duty of 5.\u20b6 the Kental on fish brought in foreign Vessels, to raise money for the Premium beforementioned, this last Arret was not limited in Time; yet seems to be understood as only commensurate with the other. Accordingly an Arret of May. 9. 1789. has made fish in foreign Bottoms liable to 3.\u20b6 the K. only till Aug. 1. 1794.\n   The Port charges are estimated from Bills collected from the Merchants of Philadelphia. They are different in different Ports of the same Country, and different in the same Ports on Vessels of different Sizes. Where I had several Bills of the same Port, I averaged them together. The Dollar is rated at 4/4\u00bd Sterl. in England, at 6/8 in the British West Indies at 5\u20b6 12s. in France, and at 8\u20b6 5s. in the french West Indies.\n   Several Articles stated to be free in France do in Fact pay one eighth of a per Cent which was retained merely to oblige an Entry to be made in their Custom House Books. In like manner several of the Articles stated to be free in England, do in Fact pay a light Duty. The English Duties are taken from the Book of Rates.\nDollars\nThe Exports to Gr. Britain & Ireland are\nHow much they consume I know not. They certainly reexport the following\u2014\nGrain. the whole since the Law of the last Parliamt.\n\" Tobacco 5/6 according to Sheffeild\u2019s Tables\n\" Rice 5/7 according to same\n\" Indigo 1/3 according to same\nFurs, probably one Half\nGinseng, the whole\nMahogany\nnot being of our Productions\nWine\nshould also be deducted\nRemainder, including their Consumption, and the unknown re-exportations; the reexportations certainly known then are 5/8 of the whole.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0413", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Blount, 24 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Blount, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 24. 1791.\nI have the honor to acknolege the receipt of your favor of Sep. 19. with the schedule it contained, and now to inclose you a printed copy of the Census of the whole of the United states, and one of my report on the lands belonging to them.\nCongress have at present under their consideration the Post office bill, and we are endeavoring to get a post established from Richmond to Staunton and from thence along the road towards your government as far as the profits of the post office will justify it, and I hope it will be done. This communication with you, as well as with Kentuckey, has been much wanted for every purpose of government.\u2014I have the honour to be with great respect Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0414", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 24 December 1791\nFrom: Fenwick, Joseph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBordeaux 24 Decmr. 1791.\nHerewith is a copy of my last respects mostly on the Subject of the depreciation of the Assignats, since they have continued to fall and all the foreign Exchanges, and coins, also that of the country are at least one third better than the Assignats. Indeed Dollars are now selling for eight Livres, and exchange on London is under 6\u00bd d. Stg. \u214c Livre. The progress of this uncertain value, and the restoration of confidence, will depend on the management of the finances, and the issue of an almost certain War with Emigrants. How that will terminate depends on too many causes to permit a prediction. An opinion may be hazarded on given circumstances. Shoud they be supported by the Emperor and King of Prussia or either of them, an uncertain and disastrous war must follow, if not they cannot long remain an object of disquietude to this Country. The joint resolution of the Executive and Legislative Bodys of France of declaring  the Electors of Mayance and Treves ennemies to the french Nation, unless they expelled from their Territory the hostile Assemblies of the french Emigrants by the 15th. Jany. next, will discover the misterious sentiments of the neighbouring powers toward the affairs of France.\nThe minds of the people in this quarter appear much agitated. The commercial interest very sensibly effected by the insurrection in Hispaniola, as well as by the low exchange, which with other bad tendencies has that of keeping up the price of grain, now realy scarce and high. The political opinions more divided than ever, in three visible parties\u2014one for a republican government composing the different Clubs, another for the present Constitution, and a third, the friends to the former. In this situation a war appears a popular and desirable event to unite the two former parties against the latter, and I think woud augment the public confidence and better the actual situation of affairs, unless attacked with imposing success by a formidable enemy.\nThere are no preparations making here either for the army or Navy, the regular national guard (not the militia) are pretty well equipped and disposed to march wherever ordered.\nI have seen in a Richmond newspaper some reflections on my conduct toward several American vessels that arrived here last summer with Tobacco that cleared for England. I sent you the 25 Sepr. a copy of a letter I wrote Mr. Short on the subject, that explained my conduct on the occasion, which I am so far from thinking was reprehensible, that was it to do over again I shoud persue the same. I was displeased at seeing your name refered to in the Advertisement being conscious that I gave no room for it. I told the Gentlemen who were interested in the affair, in order to remove every air of personallity that I acted under the orders of the Minister of my own government.\nMy interferance in the situation of a vessel now here, may again expose me to some newspaper censure by the parties interested in her. A Brigg from Charleston loaded with Tobacco and Rice, said to belong to Boston, to support which she has a Register granted by the District of Dartmouth in 1785. and no other paper whatever to justify her pretentions to the American Flagg. Therefore I have on the presumption of her being English, and conviction of not being American under the laws of the present Government, informed the Director of the Customs here that the vessel coud not  be recognised as belonging to the United States of America. Indeed the Captain avows that he was regarded as a foreigner in the ports of America, but that he has never had any other Register and was always admitted as an American in Europe, and that his Brigg belongs in fact to a British subject residing in America.\nI here take the occasion to observe, that I think it woud be prudent to have different forms of Clearances for American and foreign vessels in the Custom Houses in America. The State of Virginia is the only one that I have observed has adopted a different form. But from the other States, the Clearances for American and foreign vessels seem to run indiscriminately in the same manner.\nAll american produce now sells very readily and nominally higher in our Market. The late short crops here keeps up the prices of grain and Rice and speculations in Tobacco supports also its price. But such is the uncertainty of the value of paper, that it is impossible to make any good quotations of the real value of the actual prices, or how they will rule in future.\nI am desired by the Club national of Bordeaux to send you an examplaire of their proces verbal of a feast given to the Americans, English, and Poles which I herewith inclose.\u2014With highest consideration I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obd. & most Humble St.,\nJoseph Fenwick", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0415", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel L. Hylton, 24 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hylton, Daniel L.\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 24. 1791.\nSince mine to you of the 5th. yours of Nov. 12th. came to hand exactly a month after it was written. I have got the gentleman who purchased my tobacco to examine whether there was any which  from it\u2019s marks or other circumstances might not be mine. He says he was careful not to receive any but what was under my mark, that he has manufactured a part, and consequently cannot now reexamine the hhds in which that was, but he has re-examined all the hhds. now remaining, which is the greatest part, and they are all under my mark. Possibly Mr. Randolph\u2019s overseer may have still continued my mark as being that of the plantation as before used. In this or any case if it appears that any of Mr. Randolph\u2019s tobo. has come instead of mine, either let it be replaced out of mine remaining there, or, if he chuses it, let it all still come on, and he shall recieve it\u2019s neat proceeds here, at his election. I am anxious to know how much of mine of the growth of 1790. is still to come on, tho\u2019 I am sorry to be so troublesome to you. I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0416", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Mullins, 24 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Mullins, Henry\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 24. 1791.\nMr. James Strange who acts for Donald Scot & co. having sent me an account in which no credit was given for the \u00a370. which you were to pay Richard Anderson for me, I wrote to him claiming the credit. He writes me in answer that no such entry has been made by Mr. Anderson to my credit, and that you are not debited any sum on my account. I must beg the favor of you to take measures to establish this payment, and to enable me to place myself on safe ground. The first time you go to Richmond be so good as to carry your proofs and accounts &c. to Mr. Strange, and get the matter settled. He is candid and will do in it whatever is just: but let me pray you not to let it be omitted.\u2014I am with much esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0417", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Smith, 24 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Smith, Daniel\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 24. 1791.\nI have to acknolege the receipt of your favors of Sep. 1. and Octob. 4. together with the report of the Executive proceedings in the South Western government from March 1. to July 26.\nIn answer to that part of yours of Sep. 1. on the subject of a seal for the use of that government, I think it extremely proper and necessary, and that one should be provided at public expence.\nThe opposition made by Governor Blount and yourself to all attempts by citizens of the U.S. to settle within the Indian lines without authority from the General government is approved, and should be continued.\nThere being a prospect that Congress, who have now the post office bill before them, will establish a post from Richmond to Stanton, and continue it thence towards the S.W. government a good distance, if not nearly to it, our future correspondence will be more easy, quick and certain.\u2014I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0419", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 25 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nMy Dear Daughter\nPhiladelphia Dec. 25. 1791.\nYour\u2019s of Nov. 29. and Mr. Randolph\u2019s of Nov. 28. came to hand five days ago. They brought us the first news we had received from Monticello since we left it. A day or two after, Mr. Millar of Charlottesville arrived here and gave us information of a little later date, and particularly of Colo. Lewis and Mrs. Gilmer\u2019s illness. His account of Mrs. Gilmer was alarming, and I am anxious to hear it\u2019s issue. Our feelings on little Anne\u2019s danger as well as her escape were greatly excited on all your accounts. These alarms and losses are the price parents pay for the pleasure they recieve from their children. I hope her future good health will spare you any more of them.\u2014We are likely to get a post established through Columbia, Charlottesville, and Staunton, on a permanent footing, and consequently a more regular one. This I hope will remove all precariousness in the transportation of our letters. Tho I am afraid there is one kind of precariousness it will not remove; that in the writing of them, for you do not mention having written before the 29th. of Nov. tho\u2019 we had then left Monticello near seven weeks: I have written every week regularly. Present me affectionately to Mr. Randolph. Kiss dear Anne for me, and believe me to be your\u2019s with tender love.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-25-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0420", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 25 December 1791\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe P\u2003\u2003 returns Mr. Muters letter, and gives Mr. J\u2003\u2003 an opportunity of reading one from Judge Innes on the same subject. The latter, commences his operations from the point, to which we have not yet been able to get, namely, established Posts in the Indian Country\u2014the primary object of the Campaign, after the accomplishment of which, every thing else would be easy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0422", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Barclay, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nGibraltar, 26 Dec. 1791. The Emperor of Morocco has no ships at sea, Spanish cruisers having blockaded Salice and Larach. Internal dissensions and inadequate supplies of naval stores from Spain have made it impossible for him to carry out his boast that he would equip twenty sail from Larach.\u2014The Spanish court is very hostile to Morocco. A Spanish cruiser has seized a ship from Amsterdam carrying gunpowder to Mogadore, and Spanish fleets here and at Almeria are said to be destined for Tangier, \u201cwhich I think very doubtful as the Season for Such an Expedition is far advanced.\u201d The Basha is fortifying Tangier by land and sea, and three consuls have applied to the Emperor for permission to return home, their apprehension increased by Spain\u2019s refusal to permit Francisco Chiappe to go to Madrid.\nThe Emperor met Muley Slema at the sanctuary but failed to persuade him to join him. After this visit the Emperor found that the main body of his army of 7,000 men had gone to Mequinez, leaving him with only a few personal adherents. He went to Rabat and from thence sent his son to the troops, \u201cwho complained much of their want of pay and absolutely demanded the distribution of Some money which was made to the amount of one dollar nearly to each man, but this distribution proving very unsatisfactory The troops remain at Mequinez and the Emperor at Rabat.\u201d\u2014Last month the Emperor was further  embarrassed. Upon learning that Abderhaman Benasser had been fortifying Saffy and raising men without his orders, he sought to arrange his execution at the hands of Rachmania, a person of consequence in the city of Morocco who enjoyed the Emperor\u2019s confidence. But Benasser learned of this plot and is now in the field at the head of 30,000 men, \u201cbut his views are not Known, whether he intends to Support Muley Slema, or attempt a revolution in his own favor is doubtful.\u201d Benasser has been in communication with Muley Slema, and his men have reportedly seized the revenues at Mogadore.\u2014Muley Slema declares that he will never leave the sanctuary until he is proclaimed Emperor. Another brother, Muley Abderhaman, has displayed pretensions to part of the territories south of Atlas.\u2014He has received information from the minister of Holland, who has just returned from renewing a treaty with Morocco. He encloses copies of letters he wrote to the Basha of Tangier and Francisco Chiappe, together with the Basha\u2019s reply.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0423", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Blount, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Blount, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n\u201cTerritory of the United States of America South of the river Ohio, at Mr. Cobb\u2019s,\u201d 26 Dec. 1791. He has learned that Virginia has \u201cpassed a law extending their government over that space of country which lays between the lines run by the Virginia and North-Carolina Commissioners, commonly called Walker\u2019s and Henderson\u2019s lines. I have before informed you that I had thought it my duty to claim on the part of the United States to Henderson\u2019s, as that was the line North-Carolina claimed to, and actually held, and exercised jurisdiction to at the time she passed the cession act. I should be glad of instructions on this head.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0424", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lewis Littlepage, 26 December 1791\nFrom: Littlepage, Lewis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nWarsaw 26th. December 1791.\nI have recieved with infinite satisfaction your letter of the 29th. July last, and thank you for the trouble you were kind enough to take to inform yourself of, and let me know, the fate of my letter to the President:\u2014I should not have written to him at all, had I known at the time that you had accepted the American Ministry.\nThe Definitive Treaty between Russia, and the Porte, must be by this time concluded; as the circumstances preceding it have entirely changed the Systems of the North, you will not perhaps think I trespass upon your time in giving you a short, historical, account of them.\nEngland, having been prevented by the Spanish Armament, from sending a fleet to the Baltic, in 1790, Russia found no great difficulty (particularly after the affair of Biorko Bay) in forcing the King of Sweden to conclude a Separate Peace:\u2014She then felt her defensive superiority over Great Britain, but being still embarrassed by a most expensive, though successful, Turkish war, no longer seconded by Austria, apprehensive of an irruption of the Prussians, and perhaps Poles, into Livonia, and White Russia, and above all of some subsequent perfidy in the King of Sweden; she still held a moderate, but firm language, and even offered peace to the Turks (provided they would treat with her alone) upon better conditions, she declared, than they were to expect from the mediation of their Ally, and Friends: viz:\u2014the absolute Status in quo, (as I informed you in my letter from Paris) with only a proviso of \u201cthe demolition of Oczakow.\u201d These overtures were rejected principally from the intrigues of England: she began to be seriously alarmed at the maritime strength of Russia upon the Baltic; still more at the prospect of Peace, without her having obtained the object which had induced her to excite the war, viz: a Treaty of Commerce upon her own conditions with Russia.\nThe consequence was, that she not only engaged the Porte to persevere in hostile measures, but came forward herself with an armament, called upon Prussia, and offered 1500\u2013000 \u00a3. sterling to the King of Sweden to recommence a war:\u2014it was too late; the Empress had found the weak side of the King of Sweden: she first frighten[ed him] with the idea of a counter-revolution in his own country by placing his Brother Prince Charles of Sweden, Duke of Sudermania, at the head of the long crushed, but not extinct, Patriotic Party:\u2014On the other hand she offered, in case he became her friend, 1. \u201cpeace at home, protection, and a subsidy\u201d: 2. (knowing his Quixotical character) \u201cto make him Chief of a counter-revolution in France\u201d; and lastly, instead of taking away his own crown (from him who would wish to remain a King, if only of \u201cshreds and patches\u201d) she promised \u201cto secure to him, or his Brother, the reversion of that of Poland\u201d: He was secured.\nAs to the King of Prussia, he is a brave, not a, military, character; the first quality he recieved from Nature, the second she refused, and rendered it impossible to be acquired from his physical composition, that is to say, an unweildy Bulk, much eating, more sleeping, and, notwithstanding, an inordinate desire of women, joined to uncommon venereal powers.\nHe had consented to take the field in 1790, on account of the death of his favorite Mistress, and besides being obliged to go into Silesia to assist at his reviews, he is a man of that sort, that it was a matter of perfect indifference to him, to go a few miles further, and see his cannon fired with ball against the Austrians, or to stay within his frontier and see them fired with only powder at the parade.\nHe is however at bottom (when you can get to it) a man of sound sense, and, most undoubtedly, the purest, personal, probity:\u2014As to political ideas, he never had but two, viz: whether he should believe Hertzberg or Bishopswerder, between whom he was situated like one of Voltaire\u2019s Romantic characters, between Topaz and Ebene, or his good, and evil, genius.\nHertzberg was warlike (in council) that is to say a Tool of England, and the Princess of Orange. Bishopswerder was pacific, that is to say a tool of nobody, but very desirous of preserving the time, and money, of his Master, for more private, and innocent, uses. The latter, although a German, and a Soldier, had however acquired (or rather been capable of repeating) a tolerably good political lesson. He was taught to know, and say, That Austria always had been, and sooner, or later, must be, the bulwark of England in Germany, and upon the Continent in general.\n1. Because she neither has, nor can have, any maritime force.\n2. Because she is, and must be, notwithstanding marriages, alliances, and temporary engagements, the natural Enemy of France, and the Bourbons.\n3. That the connection between England and Prussia, first arose, and still continues, more from the domineering position of the latter over the Electorate, and consequently Elector, of Hanover, than from any real and common interest between the King, and Kingdom, of Prussia, and the King and Kingdom of England.\n4. and lastly. That it was the Court of England which had proposed, and insisted upon, the Status in quo at Reichenbach, in order to enable the King of Prussia to turn his arms against Russia; in other words, had prevented him from engaging in a war, which in all human probability would have almost crushed the power of his most dangerous Rival, in order to plunge him into another, where he had every thing to lose, nothing but blows to gain; the whole advantage of which would be to England, whose grand, and avowed, object, was, a final reconciliation, and treaty, with the Power she meant to attack by the sword of Prussia; which treaty would in fact be equally detrimental to both, as the object of it was to render Great Britain mistress of the commerce of the Baltic, in the liberty of which commerce Prussia is as much interested as Russia.\nIt so happened that I arrived in Berlin the very day on which an English Courrier brought the final decision of his Court to arm. Borghese also recieved, upon my arrival, the orders of his Cabinet to propose once more, not the mediation (the Empress having always objected to that word) but \u201cgood offices\u201d of Spain; the basis of which was; \u201cThat Oczakow should be demolished, and the whole of the Yedsan, or Nogay, Tartary, that is the territory between the Bog, and the Dniester, from the frontier of the Polish Ucraine, to the Black Sea, to remain unoccupied, or terrein neutre.\u201d\nA grand Council was summoned at Potsdam, composed of Hertzberg, Schulembourg, and Mollendorff: Bishopswerder in the mean time (properly instructed) played his cards.\nSchulembourg, and Mollendorff, gave it pointedly as their opinion, that \u201cAny hostile measure against Russia would be unadvised, and perhaps, fatal in it\u2019s consequences, because 1. Austria had reserved all doors open to herself, by not concluding definitively with the Turks at Szistowe. If the war between Prussia, and Russia, should be successful to the first, Leopold, it was to be expected, would at last be compelled to come forward, to prevent his Rival from becoming the Arbiter of the North:\u2014If the contrary, he would  not miss so favorable an opportunity to crush the House of Brandenbourg.\n2. From the exposed situation of the coasts of Pomerania, and West Prussia, the difficulty of marching a Prussian Army into Livonia, on account of the passage of the Divina, and the indispensable siege of the important and strong fortress of Riga, defended by a numerous garrison, and covered by an army of 50,000 of the best troops of Russia, inured to fatigue, and fire, in the Turkish, and Swedish, wars, and commanded by one of their most successful, and daring, Generals (Schonwarow).\n3. From the extreme uncertainty of the Decisions of Sweden, and Poland.\u201d\nIt will be necessary to observe to you, that Hertzberg was already not a little disconcerted by the peremptory stile of the Court of England, which (as he was neither prepared for, nor warned of, such measures) he now percieved regarded him rather as the instrument of it\u2019s designs, than mobile of it\u2019s councils.\nHe therefore proposed, by way of Mezzo Termine, not to accept (that would derogate from the dignity of an armed mediation) but to father the Spanish propositions, and that by the simple operation of scratching out the name of Florida Blanca, and inserting that of Hertzberg; in other words to propose, as ab origine, from Frederic William II. to Russia, the propositions of Charles IV of Spain! (which propositions by the bye, were previously known, and discussed, both at Vienna, and Petersbourg!)\nThe King, upon this occasion, flew into a passion worthy of his greatness (I mean size), told Hertzberg \u201cthat he was corrupted\u201d (in which he was right), \u201cthat he was a fool\u201d (in which he was wrong).\nHertzberg, at first only dumb-founded, at last, upon hearing the word Spandau articulated, actually fell into a fit, and was brought back to Berlin in a state of convulsive insensibility.\nSchulembourg drew up the answer to England, the purport of which was, \u201cThat the King would always be ready to fulfill his engagements for restoring the Peace, and preserving the equilibrium, of Europe; but could not think of adopting hostile measures against Russia, until he should see an English Fleet in the Baltic, capable of protecting the coasts of Pomerania, and West Prussia.\u201d\nThe British Cabinet here found themselves at a non plus:\u2014a violent opposition at home, lukewarm collusion in their principal Ally, and, by this time, a certainty of the King of Sweden\u2019s being gained over to Russia; at last determined them to change their lan\n guage, and Fawkener was sent to Petersbourg with orders to lay aside the Roman, and adopt quite the modern, stile and method, of negociation.\nI arrived in Warsaw (after only three weeks residence in Berlin) on the 27th. of April:\u2014On the 3d. of May following the Revolution took place, by which the Hereditary Succession was established in the House of Saxony. As the secret causes, concomitant, and even succeeding, circumstances of that Revolution, are not, (unfortunately) to be considered as past events, but are yet most critically important, and dubious (as to their final result) you will excuse me from touching upon them, only so far as they regard the general system.\nThe Revolution of the 3d. May was preceded by a declaration of the Polish Diet to \u201cobserve an Armed Neutrality, in case of a rupture between Russia, and Prussia.\u201d\nThis was another great obstacle to the Allies, in the prosecution of warlike measures, as from the geographical situation of Poland, in case of a war between her and Russia, it was evident that Potemkin\u2019s Army in Moldavia must be obliged to retrograde beyond, at least the Dniester, or risk being placed between two fires, and having all their communications with, and supplies from, their own country, cut off.\nRussia now saw her own consequence; she raised her language, disavowed Denmark, rejected Spain; and claimed (as her ultimatum, sword in hand) \u201cthe absolute cession to her of the Nogay Tartary, with the right of fortifying at pleasure the banks of the Dniester.\u201d\nEngland, and Prussia, temporized, threatened, soothed, almost supplicated;\u2014it was too late:\u2014the season was too far advanced to begin a Campaign in the North; in the South, Russia pushed her conquests with such rapidity that Leopold himself was more than once upon the point of retracting his Convention of Reichenbach; he quibbled at Szistowe, and affected to consider the Status in quo, not as what was, but as what should be, or have been:\u2014He was mistaken;\u2014Russia worked for herself, not for a timid Ally.\nThe Storming of Anapa, (the key of North Natolin) with a slaughter equal to that of Oczakow, or Ismahil; Repnin\u2019s passage across the Danube and victory of Maczyn, joined to an action between the Russian, and Ottoman, Fleets, upon the Euxine, in which the latter were torn to pieces, and pursued within view of the Bosphorus;\u2014at last overcame the obstinacy of the Sultan;\u2014he demanded Peace, and the Preliminaries were signed, in the heart of his Empire, upon  the last mentioned conditions (accepted in toto) nearly at the time that England, and Prussia, had consented to give up their mediation at Petersbourg.\nI must however own that these conditions are highly detrimental to Poland:\u2014Russia, enraged at the Revolution of the 3d. May, and at our long negociated, (though finally renounced) defensive, and commercial, Treaty with the Porte, insisted upon them merely in the view of shutting us out from the Black Sea, and reducing us as much to her dependance on that side, as we are, unfortunately, in that of Prussia, on the side of the Baltic.\nGod knows what may follow. I hope, and labour, for the best:\u2014Potemkin\u2019s death saved us from an immediate war, and has (for the moment) disconcerted all the external systems of Russia. I again repeat (and you must concieve) that this situation is too delicate to become the subject of literary, and distant, discussion.\nI once more give you a general review of the present state of European Politics, in the North.\nThe Chasm, or vacuum, produced in the Rights of Kings, by the Revolution of France, has, as you know, attracted all the atoms of Despotism towards it, in order to fill it up, instead of which, may they all tumble in together, and there, as was very near happening to the Father of Politics (according to Milton) may they fall for ever, without meeting with one friendly cloud of Discord, or corruption, to puff them up again!!!\nTo begin with the most considerable of them, Austria: Leopold is a dangerous, dissimulating, and perfidious, character:\u2014The finesse of Italy, and Florence, grafted upon the cold, but capacious, stock, of a Lorrain, and German, has flourished with exuberance. You are not to rely upon any thing ostensible from him, either respecting the affairs of France, or others:\u2014his view is to decieve, and success the greatest, and only merit, he proposes to himself. As to his Neroism, you may judge of it from Reichenbach, where, instead of drawing his sword, and throwing away the scabbard, he broke the blade, and threw away even the hilt.\nI confess that, in consequence, he \u201cre-established his affairs\u201d (according to Kaunitz\u2019s own words) \u201cupon a fundamental footing\u201d (which, I apprehend, may mean in English, a kicking in the a-r-s-!!!)\nBut, jesting apart, his Policy has really served him more than the most successful war could have done:\u2014he has secured to himself the Imperial Crown, without opposition; not only recovered Brabant, but quenched the flame of sedition in Hungary, Gallicia, the Milanese, and even Austria; lastly, he has compleatly gulled the King  of Prussia, as it is morally certain, that the interview of Pilnitz (although favorable to the present system of this country) has sealed the ruin of the Prussian Monarchy.\nFrederic William, and Leopold, are perfect Antipodes to each other, in every mental, and physical, quality; but the two extremes have met:\u2014they were both pacific; the first from indolence, and dissipation; the latter from cowardice, and avarice. Being most apprehensive of each other, they, with equal eagerness, agreed to coalesce.\nThe truth is, they both rejoice at what has happened in France, provided they can keep the contagion from reaching them, and if they do go to war (for the sacrifice of a few thousand Automats is nothing in these countries) under pretext of supporting the King of the French, it will only be in the view of more compleatly ruining in the end both King, and Nation.\nTheir more immediate view, is to keep the great Northern Bear from prowling near their own Dens; which is their reason for supporting us at present, in order to form a barrier against Russia.\nIn short, the probable result of this Union will be, that the Prussian will squander, the Austrian accumulate; the first, if he lives many years, may die at last plain Marquis of Brandenbourg; the second, if he survives the Empress of Russia, will die the Arbiter of Europe.\nRussia is highly discontented, both at the establishment of Hereditary Succession in Poland, and at the co-alition between Leopold, and Frederic William. If things remain upon their present footing, she is reduced (continentally) almost to the condition of an Asiatic Power. Every effort therefore is to be expected on her part that can tend to produce a change. How far her means may correspond with her wishes, is problematical.\nThe late war, \u2018though glorious to her arms, has however produced but little real advantage, and it\u2019s consequences are ruinous:\u2014No less than 380,000 Recruits have been raised in Russia, during the last four years, to replace lost men.\nPotemkin, although he really had not enriched himself, as all Europe believed, and Mirabeau affirmed, in his letters upon the Court of Berlin, (he died more in debt than he was worth) has notwithstanding left the finances of the Empire in a most disordered state.\nThese reasons, it is to be hoped, will induce the Empress to employ herself, at least for some time, in the arrangement of her internal affairs. Besides, it may be calculated, that the loss, and impossibility of, at least for some time, replacing, an all-powerful Minister, and  whom she had rendered so from policy, in order that he might be the Aegis of her declining years, must alarm, and disconcert her. She was dressed for a Ball of great ceremony when the news of his death arrived, upon receiving which she retired, without betraying the least emotion, summoned the Ministers of the different Departments to bring their Portefeuilles and deposit them in her Cabinet, where she remained, without even taking off her gala suit, for fifteen hours, and, for as many days afterwards, only slept and ate, irregularly, during which she successively dispatched orders, in her own hand writing, to all parts of her Empire, and has since continued to transact every thing herself.\nPotemkin believed himself poisoned, and would take nothing during his illness: the truth is he died of a mortification in his bowels, occasioned by an overflowing of the bile, as he would take nothing to carry it off.\nHis primary political object, at the time of his death, was to excite a Confederation in Poland, against the Constitution of the 3d. May, and to support it by all the power of Russia:\u2014he despised Leopold, and calculated that even the King of Prussia, after having finally turned off Hertzberg, renounced all his grand systems, sacrificed the Turks &c &c., and who, by the way, was not consulted upon the Polish Revolution, which, consequently (however he might approve) he was not bound to support; would in his turn consent to a Status in quo in Poland, rather than come at last to blows. How far his calculation was just cannot be precisely determined; but for my own part I think it fortunate for Poland that the experiment was not made.\nPotemkin\u2019s more general System, was to regain the entire preponderance of Russia in the North, by embroiling the South; pursuant to which the Empress came forward with all her florid, and \u201cmagnanimous,\u201d declarations, to the French Princes, and olim Nobility, in the view of exciting a Royal Crusade against France:\u2014Nobody really gave into it, except the Swedish Maker, and unmaker, of Revolutions, and the King of Spain. As for Leopold, he at once penetrated into her motives, which he pronounced to be \u201cmore artful, than magnanimous.\u201d\nOur worthy friend Frederic William, I confess, did not see quite so far; he only concieved her conduct to be \u201cvery pretty, but very nonsensical.\u201d\nWhether these projects ended with Potemkin, or whether they are still reserved, in petto, by Russia, for some future explosion,  time only can discover, but I am convinced that the two systems are inseparably connected, and that the first gun fired against France (on the side of Germany) will very soon be re-echoed from the frontiers of Lithuania, and the Ucraine.\nTo conclude this little sketch, I once more recur to England.\nShe was displeased at the King of Prussia\u2019s non-chalence, in the winding up of their Dis-armed Mediation; but she had more reason to be so, when she saw him, soon after, entirely break her shackles, disgrace her creature Hertzberg, and, instead of remaining a Grenadier, ready to march, at her orders, either into the Bogs of Holland, or the forrests of Livonia, presume to act (I dare not say think) for himself!\u2014His connection with Austria gave the last blow to the hopes and influence, of England:\u2014Ewart was recalled from Berlin, and Hailes (who has always been subordinate to Ewart and Hertzberg) is shortly to leave this Court.\nThe English Ministry, in the course of this year, have been most dolefully, and lamentably, baffled in all their views: when they first percieved the King of Sweden, after all his vapouring, to be paying court to the Empress, they began, and have ever since continued, to labour assiduously at detaching Denmark from Russia; but as there appears little probability of success in that quarter, I should not be surprised if they at last swallow the pill (bitter as it is) of making the first advances towards a reconciliation with Russia, and a Treaty of commerce upon terms of equality, and reciprocity.\nThis is merely speculative, and may not take place soon; but I think the union between Austria, and Prussia, points out a similar conduct to their respective Allies, whom they have mutually disgusted, viz: Russia, and England.\nI shall always be happy to hear from you; every thing respecting America is interesting to me. Be assured, my Dear Sir, that I shall esteem honored in corresponding with you, as a Friend; as Minister of my Country, I think it as much my duty to give you every information in my power (consistent with my own situation) as if I was employed by you. If you can even find any means of conveying a Cypher to me, perhaps you may have reason to be satisfied with my correspondence.\nI have presented your compliments to your Friends, who most affectionately desire theirs in return:\u2014Piattoli is particularly sensible of your condescension, and presents his respects to you.\nThe King, with whom I read, during our residence at his country seat, last summer, great part of your notes upon Virginia, and to  whom I communicated your last letter, desires me to assure you of \u201chis highest regard.\u201d\u2014I have the honor to be, with great esteem and respect, Dear Sir, your most obedient humble Servant,\nL. Littlepage.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0426", "content": "Title: Memorandum of Conversation with Jos\u00e9 de Jaudenes, 27 December [1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n[Philadelphia] Dec. 27 [1791]\nDon Joseph Jaudenes (at a dinner at the city tavern) told me he had received new instructions from his court to express to us the king\u2019s dispositions to settle every thing on the most friendly footing, and to express his uneasiness at having recd. the communication of our sentiments thro\u2019 the Charg\u00e9 des affaires of France, while a direct communication was open between us, the matter having been only suspended but not broken off since the departure of Mr. Gardoqui: and to express his pleasure also at the polite reception the President had given to his Commissioners here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0428", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Cutting, 28 December 1791\nFrom: Cutting, Nathaniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nCape Fran\u00e7ois, Isle of St. Domingo, 28th. Decer. 1791.\nSince I did myself the honor to write you from hence under date 4th. current, affaires have remain\u2019d in pretty much the same state throughout the northern district of this Colony; I mean with respect to the ravages of the Insurgents. The southern and western Districts have been obliged to take copious draughts from the cup of bitterness.  Should I attempt to recite the melancholly accounts which have presented themselves from day to day during my residence here, you might probably find the detail uninteresting and it would certainly be prolix. Permit me to acquaint you simply, that since the terrible conflagration at Port-au-Prince on the 21st. ultimo. M. Coutard, the Gouverner of the Western District, and M. Jumecourt, the second in command, have taken up their quarters with the People of Colour at their Camp in the Parish of Croix-des-Bouquets. Those two Gentlemen were of high military rank under the ancient Government, and have several hundred white adherents now with them. The mulattoes, it is said, look up to M. Coutard as to their God, and all their man\u0153uvres are directed by him.\u2014If he has the power of controlling the opperations of that vindictive race, its excesses should be carried to his accompt;\u2014and whatever plausible pretexts he might place on the debit side, the ballance would appear infinitely against him. The people of colour assembled at Croix-des-Bouquets lately sent a Deputation to the Colonial Assembly and to the Comissaries Civils to state their demands;\u2014they not only insist on the exact observance of the Concordat and subsequent Treaty of Peace, enter\u2019d into sometime since in the western District, but also that all the Guardes nationaux sold\u00e9es of the Colonie and the two Regiments of Artois and Normandy shall be immediately sent to France.\u2014And that every white man, be his occupation what it may, who is not in possession of a plantation or other effective property in the Colony to the amount of \u00a350,000, shall depart the Colony forthwith. You may naturally suppose that such extravagant demands will never be complied with.\u2014Those mal-contents have not committed such general and indiscriminate ravages in the South and west as the Insurgents have done on this side the Island; but they have been guilty of much more bloodshed.\u2014They have disarmed the whites in almost every Parish from St. Marc southward, Port-au-Prince excepted. They have afterwards in the most cruel manner murder\u2019d in cool blood great numbers of those whom they had thus render\u2019d defenceless. Their savage barbarity has spared neither age nor sex. I heard a letter read yesterday which states that at Leogane they have basely murder\u2019d sixty Persons, who were in the Hospital. Other accounts of their treatment of Matrons, Virgins and Infants, would make a Nero blush. Is it possible that the French Aristocrates can be the stimulators and abettors of all the horrid proceedings which have deluged this Colony in blood and brought it to the brink of ruin, in the illusory hope of thereby effecting a Counter Revolution in France? Many circumstances go far to prove  the affirmative; but for the honor of Human nature and of a polished nation I would fain persuade myself that these infernal transactions are only the ebullitions of uncultivated spirits which have made a sudden transition from the extreme of ignorance and despotic restraint, to certain mistaken ideas of the Rights of Man and that unbridled licentiousness consequent thereto.\nWhile new Clouds appear to be enveloping the other parts of the Colony, and threaten a fresh inundation of misery, the aspect of the political hemisphere in this quarter appears more serene than for months past. The Chiefs of the Brigands here have taken advantage of the general amnesty recently proclaimed by Les Commissaries Civils from France, to make overtures to the Colonial Assembly for causing their deluded followers to surrender their arms and return to their duty, and for liberating the whites whom they now hold as Prisoners. It was on the 8th. current that two Deputies from the Insurgents presented themselves at the Bar of the assembly with the proclamation in their hands and a well-written Letter from John Fran\u00e7ois. No other answer was given than for those Emissaries to retire to their Camp and return at the end of eight days to receive the determination of the assembly respecting the propositions contained in the Letter. Accordingly on the 16th. the same Emissaries returned, when the President of the Assembly addrest them in a firm tone to the following effect;\u2014\u201d That it was inconsistent with the dignity of the Colonial assembly to treat with revolted Slaves\u2014that whenever they returned to their duty, all the indulgence should be shewn them which could be expected from the known clemency of their Proprietors and consistent with the nature of their case; but the makers and Guardians of the Laws could not think of holding any intercourse with those who were actually in arms contrary to all principles of law and order.\u201d He then order\u2019d them instantly to retire. The next day a new deputation from the Brigands arrived with a very submissive address, proposing as a proof of their sincere desire of returning to their duty, that they would immediately release all the whites whom they hold as Prisoners;\u2014they solicited a conference with Les Commissaries Civils in order to engage their intercession with Government. This application was so favorably received that on Thursday the 22d. current Messieurs Les Commissaries Civils, attended by a strong escort of Patriotic Cavalry gave John Fran\u00e7ois a Rendezvous at the Habitation call\u2019d St. Michel, near Petit Ance on the side of the Bay opposite to this City. That Chief threw himself on his knees before the Commissaries and begg\u2019d that he might be admitted to take advantage of the general Amnesty. He  likewise supplicated that the same privilige might be extended to his Wife who for some time past has been confined in the Prison of this City. He promised that he would cause his Partizans to send in the whites who were held as Prisoners, as soon as they could possibly be convey\u2019d from the different places where they were confined, and that he would likewise cause all his followers to surrender their arms as expeditiously as possible and return to their duty upon the plantations to which they respectively belonged.\u2014Several white Prisoners have since been sent in, but I do not learn that any arms have yet been surrender\u2019d. The assembly remain firm in their resolution not to hold any correspondence with the Brigands, except on the base of unconditional submission. On the 18th. current The Frigate La Fine, arrived here in 33 days from Brest, with a Detachment of the Regiment of Provence on board, and brought the animating intelligence that great preparations were making in France to dispatch a very respectable force in order to reestablish this valuable Colony. Yesterday M. de Blanchelande communicated to the President positive intelligence which he has received\u2014though the Public do not know by what route\u2014that 18,000 Troops have actually sail\u2019d from France destined for this Colony. Their arrival here is ardently wished and momentarily expected. The Brigands have always had accurate intelligence of everything that passes in this City;\u2014Nay, they must have had some secret friends and abettors in the Legislative or Administrative assemblies here, since it has been proved that they have been speedily acquainted with what has past even in a secret Committee.\u2014Thus, as they cannot entertain a doubt of the formidable preparations that are making against them, their Chiefs are apparently convinced that they cannot extricate themselves or their deluded followers from that Labarinth of misery into which their Crimes have driven them. He who arrogated to himself the Title of King now humbly supplicates the clemency of those against whom he has been the principal instrument of committing every species of outrage which the most deprav\u2019d imagination could suggest. How far it may be politic to accord grace to him and his principal adherents I will not pretend to say; if to obtain a mitigation of deserved punishment they should be induced to discover the prime instigators and abettors of the Revolt wherein this same John Fran\u00e7ois has acted so conspicuous a part, it might open such a field of recrimination as would give room for unquiet spirits to martial all the forces of ingenious malice in battle array, so that by artful skirmishing they could for a long time prevent the return of that concord and reciprocal confidence which alone can  restore the Colony to its former flourishing state. On this consideration it may be best that the names of the original Conspirators should still remain conceal\u2019d and to draw the veil of oblivion over all crimes and misdemeanors that have been the offspring of their nefarious machinations. The alternative of total extirpation or unconditional submission which is all that is now left for the Insurgents, seems to be a guarantee for the continuance of that tranquility which begins to dawn in the northern district. This is, however, a very critical moment. Those who \u201care so far advanced in crimes that it is more difficult to return than to proceed,\u201d doubtless wish to put the finishing stroke to the work of destruction before the arrival of the expected Force from France shall blast their malignant hopes forever.\nMany are firmly persuaded that there are Emissaries from the Mal-contents now concealed in this City who are determined, if possible, to display the same scene here which was lately exhibited at Port-au-Prince.\u2014For several days past reports have been circulated that a collection of combustibles was discover\u2019d in one place, private conversation respecting the plan for burning the City was overheard in another, and suspected persons were arrested in a third. I suppose it has been observed by the principal guardians of the public safety that the Citizens are too apt to relax in their vigilance where they do not apprehend immediate danger; therefore, whether a report like the above is founded on fact, or merely fabricated, it is good policy to give an alarm now and then to make people more alert in their duty.\u2014More evil is still to be apprehended from the inveterate enmity that exists between certain individuals among the whites themselves and from that unparrallelled degree of insubordination which pervades every department of Government, than from anything that Slaves or the intermediate class can opperate. Through the unhappy division of the whites, the people of colour are absolute masters in all the Country adjacent to Port-au-Prince and have long had the power of perpetrating infinite mischief with impunity. They have uniformly declared that if the ships in the Road fired on them they would instantly set fire to the neighbouring habitations. To prevent this impending destruction M. Grimouard, Captain of the Bor\u00e9e Seventy four and Commandant on that station, had very prudently temporized in the expectation that such force would speedily arrive as would give one party or the other a decided preponderance.\u2014Recent advices from that quarter state that on the 17th. current The inferior officers and Crews of the Bor\u00e9e and a Frigate which lay before Port-au-Prince, commenced a Cannonade  upon a Post occupied by the Mulattoes, not only against the advice, but contrary to the express commands of the Commandant and other Commission\u2019d officers. The Mulattoes immediately proceeded to put their previous threats in execution, and the superb Habitations which were situated on the Plain of Port-au-Prince now present to the enquiring eye but so many heaps of Ruins!\u2014When the latest accounts came away, on the 18th., the flames were perceived as far as the sight could reach toward Leogane. A Rumour prevail\u2019d here yesterday that the Equipage of the Bor\u00e9e have massacred M. Grimouard their Captain.\u2014I hope this intelligence is premature, for I cannot find anyone who knows how it came. All intercourse by Land between this and Port-au-Prince having been long cut off, we are dependent upon the variable elements for our communications; and at this season the winds are generally unfavorable to a Vessel coming from thence to this Port; this accounts for our not having received later advices from that quarter than the foregoing.\nIt is exceedingly unfortunate for this Colony that ever since the commencement of the Revolution all confidence between the Legislative and Executive Bodies has been annihilated. There is almost as much coolness subsisting between the present Colonial Assembly and M. de Blanchelande, as there formerly was between the assembly of St. Marc and M. de Penier.\u2014As is asserted respecting the natural, so in the political System it is apparently true that there are bodies possest of certain repulsive qualities which cause them mutually to recede from each other, to the great detriment of that order and harmony which is so essential to general felicity. Some do not scruple to assert that so many discordant particles have enter\u2019d into the composition of the present Legislative Body of this Colony as must accellerate its dissolution. Some there are who pretend to such a superior degree of sagacity that they can percieve in the intrigues of certain members of the Colonial Assembly the detestable source of all the evils which have afflicted this Colony. Others pretend that as the fourteen Parishes of the Western District lately recall\u2019d all their Deputies, the present assembly, where they continue to sit, is not legally constituted. Not to enter into the merits of this question, one thing is evident even to a superficial observer like myself\u2014that is, the Assembly does not act as if it had great confidence in its own abilities. Its debates are generally desultory, diffuse and indecisive. Mere words more than the essence of things seem to occupy its attention.\u2014The discussion of the question whether the assembly should style itself \u201cGenerale\u201d or \u201cColoniale,\u201d lately occupied it four  days, notwithstanding the same important subject had been much agitated by the same body at Leogane last Summer.\nFrom observations similar to the foregoing, many judicious men are of opinion that the Inhabitants of this Colony are not capable of Legislating for themselves, but that it is necessary some superior independent power should decide all their political controversies. The friends of Peace and good order apparently place their ultimate hopes for the re-establishment of the Colony, upon the firmness and unanimity of the Civil Commissaries and of the Forces momentarily expected here. If they act in concert for the general good without leaning to one Party or the other, or listening to the sinister suggestions of such who would sacrifice the Public welfare to their private interest or revenge, tranquility may speedily be restored and the wealth and happiness of this unique Colony may, like the Ph\u0153enix, be resuscitated from its own ashes with increasing brilliance.\u2014I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir, Your most obedt. & very huml. Servt.,\nNat. Cutting", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0429", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nicholas Forster, 28 December 1791\nFrom: Forster, Nicholas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRichmond 28th. Decr. 1791\nMr. Thos. M: Randolph having inform\u2019d me it was your intention to rent on a lease your tract of land in Gouchland County call\u2019d Elk hill; wanting such a place I have been to see it, and beg leave to offer myself as your tenant, provided the term of the lease and the rent answer the idea Mr. Randolph has given me. As the mode of cultivation I propose pursuing may have an influence on these, it is my intention to adhere to the English sistem of agriculture as near as the climate of Virginia will admit or the markets allow. Wheat, Sheep, and Stock are my principle objects.\nYour various avocations in a publick line may have call\u2019d off your attention from such a small object. This Sir will be my excuse for dweling a moment on the present situation of the plantation. The  dweling house will require much repair. The out houses are in a very ruinous state and the plantation almost entirely destitute of fencing.\nAs the season is advancing fast for commencing work, I beg to know for what term you will grant a lease and what annual rent you will require as soon as you conveniently can.\nBeing a stranger in this county should you be inclined to make any enquiry respecting me Mr. T: M: Randolph or Mr. David M: Randolph of Presq: Isle can answer any questions you may be desireous of making.\u2014I am Sir Your most Obedt. Hle. Sert.,\nNich: Forster", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0430", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Hammond, 28 December 1791\nFrom: Hammond, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia 28th. December 1791.\nSince I had the honor of addressing to you (on the 26th of November) a memorial on the case of Mr. Thomas Pagan, I have received from my Court some farther information upon the subject. I therefore flatter myself, Sir, that you will permit me, to recall this affair to your attention, and to express the solicitude, which I must naturally feel, to learn some determination with regard to it. My firm confidence in the justice of this government leaves me no reason to doubt that that determination will fully meet the expectations of my Court and of Mr. Pagan, and lead to the adoption of such measures as may procure for him, liberation from prison, and a reasonable compensation for the injury he has sustained, as well in his property as person, in consequence of his long and unjust confinement.\u2014I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the greatest respect and consideration, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant,\nGeo. Hammond", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0431", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Hammond, 28 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hammond, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Dec. 28. 1791.\nI have duly received your favor of to-day on the subject of Mr. Pagan. His case arises on the proceedings of the supreme court of justice of Massachusets, and requires of course to be considered by the Attorney General of the United States, who calls for a sight of the record of those proceedings. I have accordingly written to Massachusets to have a copy of the record of the judiciary proceedings, as also of those of the legislature and Executive. As soon as they are received they will be submitted to the Attorney general, and you may be assured of being informed of the sentiments of our government on the subject, as soon as he shall have reported thereon.\u2014I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect & esteem Sir Your most obedt & most humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0432", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Robert R. Livingston, 28 December 1791\nFrom: Livingston, Robert R.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nNew York 28th. Decr 1791\nMy Brother is this moment departing for Philadelphia and has requested a letter of introduction to you. I find a pleasure in complying with his request not only on his account, but because it affords me an opportunity of intimating that I am not ignorant of, or ungratful for, your late acts of friendship & of assuring you of the sincere esteem & respect with which Dr Sir I have the honor to be Your Most Ob Hum: Servt,\nRbt. R Livingston", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0433", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 December 1791\nFrom: Bourne, Sylvanus\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhiladelphia Decr. 29 1791\nAt the time I had the honour of addressing you last, I was in expectation of forming such a mercantile connection, as would have induced me to return to the west Indies; but the late repeated bad news from that quarter, has discouraged the Person who contemplated this connection with me from any further pursuit of it. I now therefore beg leave (agreably to your advice as to the mode of returning my Commn. to the President) to inclose it to your care, accompanied by some papers committed to my charge the object of which I had no opportunity to effect, but which may possibly be taken up hereafter. I feel the conviction of error in having called your attention to those Pieces signed Americanus and fear you have viewed it as the result of self approbation and assumed merit, an effect of all others I should wish to have avoided.\nShould my apprehensions be well founded Permit me to indulge the hope that you will not cherish an opinion so contrary to my feelings and unfavourable to my Character, for be persuaded Sir that I am sincerely emulous of your Esteem and in any situation of life it would be a source of real pleasure to me to know that I possessed it. I have the honour to be With the greatest Respect your most obedt humble servt,\nSylva: Bourne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0435", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 30 December 1791\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam Dec. 30. 1791.\nMy last was written a few days previous to my leaving Paris for this place, whither I have supposed it proper I should come on account of the loans negotiating here and at Antwerp. Notwithstanding the inclement and disagreeable season I did not think myself authorized to dispense with the journey, as from the tenor of your and Mr. Hamilton\u2019s letters of the last year, I took it for granted you would expect it from the novelty of the business at Antwerp and its situation here\u2014the state of affairs in Paris also being such as to render my presence there by no means essential at that time. Not supposing it necessary I did not appoint a secretary there, conforming therein to your abovementioned letter of last year.\u2014The inclosed letter to the Secretary of the Treasury will shew the present prosperous situation of the business confided to my care here. It requiring no longer my presence at this place I shall set out on wednesday next the 4th. of Jany. for Paris.\nA very short time before I left it M. de Lessart was confirmed in the department of foreign affairs and M. de Gerville, a lawyer of Paris, succeeded him as Ministre de l\u2019interieur.\u2014M. de Narbonne has also succeeded M. Duportail as Minister of war.\u2014He has begun his administration with a good deal of zeal and activity which has gained him much favour.\nThe King went lately to the assembly and announced to them his determination to force the German Princes to withdraw the protection they give to the French emigrants assembled in an hostile manner on the frontiers. To support the measures three armies are to be assembled under Messrs. Luckner, Rochambeau and de la fayette. This brings matters to a crisis which is probably the intention of the Minister of war who rightly calculates that it gives a chance for the revival of government, whereas the continuance of the present state is although a slow yet certain destruction.\nThe Emperor in his Regal capacity seems to be the most moderate sovereign in Europe towards the French revolution, as he is certainly the most influential.\u2014As head of the Empire he has ratified the conclusion of the Diet for insisting on the nullity of the acts of the  assembly with respect to the possessions in Alsace and Lorraine, of some of the members of the Germanic body.\u2014He has lately written to the King of France exacting formally the restitution of the lesions occasioned by those acts and an indemnity for the injuries already sustained thereby. It is certainly not in the power of the King of France to comply therewith.\nRussia, Sweden and Spain are the powers which take the most active parts in favour of the French Princes. I learn here however that the King of Sweden who was considered as the Agamemnon of the league has declined a loan lately offered him at this place on good terms, which proves to me he does not intend acting in an hostile manner for the present.\u2014The determinations and actions of foreign powers will necessarily be decided eventually by the situation of the internal affairs of France.\nThe Dey of Algiers has granted a continuance of peace to that country. The presents of Sweden having been sent will probably appease him also, but as yet there is no public notification of his having altered the hostile dispositions he announced to the Swedish Consul.\nThe newspapers which have been forwarded to you from Paris since my departure will have informed you of the proceedings of the assembly. The taxes not coming in they have been obliged to augment the emission of assignats. Their depreciation of course continues.\u2014You will see also that a considerable reform has taken place in the corps diplomatique.\u2014Those who were most conspicuously hostile to the revolution have been displaced.\u2014M. de Choiseul Greffier goes from Constantinople to London; de Moustier succeeds him at Constantinople; Berthelemi, the minister at London, goes Ambassador to Switzerland, and M. de Segur, the Ambassador at Rome, goes on a particular commission to Berlin. Several young men never before employed are appointed Ministers Plenipotentiary to different courts.\nLord Cornwallis\u2019s American fortune seems to have pursued him to the East Indies. Seasons and rivers are constantly against him and what he calls a signal victory does not prevent his being immediately forced to make a painful and precipitate retreat.\nThe true situation of S. Domingo seems not yet to be fully known in France. You will have seen the different discussions in the assembly relative thereto, and the account rendered by the deputy who was sent to sollicit succour in America.\u2014I mentioned to you in my last the numberless questions I was asked on this subject and my absolute ignorance of every thing respecting it.\u2014I subjoin here  a state of the letters which I have had the honor of receiving from you during the present year, by which you will see that your last was in July.\nMarch\n23. received your letter dated\nJan.\nMay.\nMarch.\ndo.\ndo.\ndo.\ndo.\ndo.\ndo.\nJune\nApril.\nJuly.\nMay.\nSep.\nJuly.\nI have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & attachment, Dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant,\nW: Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0436", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 31 December 1791\nFrom: Barclay, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nGibraltar, 31 Dec. 1791. He encloses copies of his letters of 18 and 26 Dec.\u2014His letters to the Basha of Tangier and Francis Chiappe were designed to inform them that he would not arrive in Morocco until it became safe to do so. The sons of L\u2019Abbas have taken the field to avenge their father\u2019s death. Muley Yezid\u2019s prospects look gloomy. He is as attached to the English as Muley Slema is to the Spaniards.\u2014\u201d The first day on which I think there will be any prospect of fulfilling my Mission I shall endeavor to Cross over, and this may be Very soon, for should the Emperor be able to put himself at the head of any Considerable number of Troops, it is more than probable he may appear at Tangier or Tetuan, in which case it might be Very improper for me to remain here, unless something material should arise in the meantime, I must however be governed by Circumstances.\u201d\u2014Yesterday Admiral Peyton sent a frigate to Tangier to collect intelligence.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0437", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 31 December 1791\nFrom: Barclay, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nGibraltar, 31 Dec. 1791. He encloses three letters from the American prisoners at Algiers received by [James] Simpson, the Russian consul here, who has established a correspondence with them. These letters reveal two facts of importance. \u201cOne is that Mr. Lamb in the Name of the United States made an absolute agreement for the Ransom of these people, the other that liberty has been offered to them if they will enter into the service of the Dey of Algiers.\u201d He thinks that it might be in the interest of the U.S. to fulfill Lamb\u2019s engagement and at the same time declare that \u201cno future Redemptions would be made.\u201d\u2014He also thinks consideration should be given to permitting the prisoners to accept the terms offered by the Dey.\u2014He encloses a description of Algerian and Tunisian naval forces as of July. The regency of Algiers declared war on Sweden on 26 Oct. but so far Algiers does not seem to have taken any prizes. \u201cThe Tripolitines have no Cruisers at Sea, nor is there any danger of the Algerines getting into the Atlantic, while the Portuguese fleet of which I send you the particulars remains in this bay.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0438", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Barton, 31 December 1791\nFrom: Barton, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMarket street, Dec. 31st. 1791.\nThe sheets which compose the Pamphlet, herewith inclosed, will be comprized in the third Volume of the Philosophical Society\u2019s Transactions, now in the press. Being favored by the Printer with a few copies of this part (with the addition of a Title-page) I beg, Sir, your Acceptance of one.\nIf some additional Observations on the same subject, resulting from the Census, which have been read in the Society, should be deemed worthy of a place in their Transactions, I shall take the liberty of sending You a Copy, when printed.\u2014I have the Honor to be, With great Respect, Sir, Your Most Obedt. And very Hble. Servt.,\nW. Barton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0439", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 31 December 1791\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe Hague, 31 Dec. 1791. The great powers of Europe are in chaos because of the impact of the French and Polish Revolutions. They fear and hate each other and dread \u201cl\u2019exemple que la nation fran\u00e7oise a donn\u00e9 aux autres.\u201d Lafayette goes from Paris to Metz to raise men and supplies from the emigr\u00e9s, beginning with Ettenheim.\u2014The embassy must be sold because its physical condition is deteriorating at the same time that the taxes imposed on it are rising.\u2014TJ will see in \u201cle Supplement 103 de Mr. Luzac\u201d the first of his letters and a promise to publish similar pieces. Luzac\u2019s readers prefer bickerings, mischief, and fighting more than accounts of \u201cun peuple heureux,\u201d however.\u2014[P.S.] He encloses a poem he has dedicated to Lafayette and a copy of a letter recently received from him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-22-02-0440", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 31 December 1791\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLondon, 31 Dec. 1791. Enclosing the quarterly accounts through today of American ships touching in this port. Also enclosed is an account of disbursements for the same quarter which total \u00a361.3.2 when added to those formerly transmitted, \u201cand to which I beg your attention.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0734", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathan Read, 8 January 1791\nFrom: Read, Nathan\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nSalem Jany. 8th. 1791.\nHaving improved some of the machines, for which, last winter, I solicited a Patent, and desirous, after farther improvement, of communicating others to the public; also informed that some of my supposed improvements in the distillery particularly the application of the Syphon, had been suggested several years since, to the late President of the American Academy; and not wishing for an exclusive privilege to any improvement that is not new; I must request your Excellency to solicit the Honorable Board to grant me leave to withdraw my former petitions, paying all charges that have arisen, and to present the inclosed petition in which I have stated, agreable to the Order of the Honorable Board the nature and extent of the discoveries therein mentioned. I forwared last week to Mr. Remsen Models of several machines, drafts and descriptions of which are inclosed. The model of the Boiler which I have forwared is an improvement upon one of those I exhibited last winter. The model I refer to consists of several annular vessels placed one above another within the furnace in such a manner as to expose a very large surface directly to the fire. For annular vessels, placed in a horizontal position, I have substituted circular tubes, placed in a vertical\nposition, within the furnace which is formed by the Boiler itself in the same manner as the other was. In the last boiler which is stronger, more simple and elegant in its construction I have paid less regard to the evaporating surface than in either of the others; finding by experiment, that the principle of evaporation suggested by your Excellency is perfectly just when applied to close vessels. I am sensible that a pipe was several years since, made use of by Mr. Rumsey for generating steam and also perceive, from the Philosophical Transactions that a tube, in the form of the worm of a Still, was used upwards of twenty years ago for the same purpose, but do not know that any other person but myself hath ever constructed a tubular Boiler, formed in such a manner as to constitute of itself a compleat furnace. It is about three years since I first projected a boiler upon this plan. How far my improvements merit an exclusive privilege the Honorable Board will judge. Should a Patent be granted, I request it may be delivered to Benja. Goodhue Esqr. who will pay Mr. Remsen all charges that have arisen or may arise in consequence of my applications. I have requested Mr. Remsen, by permission of the Honorable Board to inclose me my former petitions, and to deliver to my order several models which have too long encumbered your Office. I am with the sincerest respect your Excellency\u2019s most obedient servant\n Nathan Read", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0735", "content": "Title: Petition of Ezekiel Hall to the Patent Board, 11 January [1791\u20131793]\nFrom: Hall, Ezekiel\nTo: Patent Board\nBoston, 11 Jan. [1791\u201393]. Having inherited a Boston distillery upon the death of his father Ezekiel in 1789, and with it a method invented by him in 1774 whereby \u201cBrandy equal in quality to foreign brandy, or to brandy distilled from wine or other materials, might be produced with very great advantage, from common rum, by distillation only,\u201d he requests a patent for the process, which they have both used successfully, and will submit a full specification and comply with any other legal requirements.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0736", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, [ca. 11 January 1791]\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nT. J. to J. M.\nDr.\nTo advances for him on the road to Philada.\nTo Horse\n\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007Credit\nBy 50 dollars \u00a318\u201315\u2013\nBalance to T.J.\nIf the intended charge of \u00a325. for the Horse is not cancelled by the presumptive evidence that he was not sound at the time of sending him, the balance will lie on the other side. The scruples of J. M. on this point are not affected, and are enforced by his having discovered after the death of the Horse from the servant who accompanied Mr. J. that on his return the Horse was taken very sick and drenched, and from the symptoms mentioned it can scarcely be doubted that the malady must have been the prelude of that which proved fatal. To get rid of all embarrassment on either side, J. M. thinks it essential that a common friend should hear and decide the case, and for that purpose insists that it be stated to such an one by both, on the first convenient occasion. Mr. Hawkins occurs as an eligible umpire. The map and 1st. chapter of the Magazine seem to contain Pond\u2019s Western discoveries and are curious.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0737", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 14 January 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Gallatin, Albert\nPhiladelphia. Jan. 14. 1791.\nTh: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Gallatin. This letter comes to him, as others have done, from Mr. Tronchin Minister for Geneva at Paris. Th: Jefferson will with pleasure on all occasions give a conveyance of Mr. Gallatin\u2019s letters through the same channel, putting them into his dispatches to our Charg\u00e9 des affaires at Paris.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0738", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Woodward, 1 February 1791\nFrom: Woodward, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBordentown, 1 Feb. 1791. In view of TJ\u2019s 1 Dec. 1790 letter, which arrived yesterday, he wishes to be informed of openings in any federal department other than the Department of State.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0739", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 5 February 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nUnited States, 5 Feb. 1791. Transmits by the President\u2019s command for deposit in the Secretary of State\u2019s office \u201cthe Return of the enumeration of the Inhabitants of Massachusetts District\u201d made to the President by the marshal of that district.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0741", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, [6 May 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ross, David\n[Nor] are there any alterations in the Observations but what the change of these articles in the Accounts rendered necessary. I made the change because I wished that the minds of the arbitrators should have as little embarrasment from the beginning as possible. I have now to propose to you that this matter be decided by three of the judges, and I would propose the three eldest, without knowing which they are, excepting however Mr. Wythe, whose friendship for me I would not embarras by  a reference of this kind. I do not think it can be decided till I return to Virginia in September, because the papers are there which will be essential to the decision. I neither wish to attend personally, nor shall attend. Indeed I presume the whole papers must be taken into the country by the arbitrators to be examined at their leisure at their homes. In the mean time should you wish to make any new obervations on my Reply, I shall be glad to have them to consider of in time before the arbitration. I am Sir Your very humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0742", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Martin, 10 May 1791\nFrom: Martin, Alexander\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNorth Carolina May 10th. 1791\nI have been duly favoured with your Letter of March 26th. last respecting the line that forms the eastern boundary of the Cession of this State to Congress and the private claims within the Cession which form exceptions to their general right of granting the ceded Territory. I have not by me any immediate Map of the Western Country ceded to Congress otherwise with pleasure I should transmit it for your information. The Act of cession points out the line by what mountains and water courses it is bounded, but the several distances between the stations, the direction of the mountains and Water courses through that Country the extent of Land along and between them and the quality thereof have not been laid down with precision on any regular Chart I have seen. Governer Blount who is on the spot perhaps could give you more satisfactory communication as to the military and other Claims. I have given directions to the Secretary of the State and Colo. Armstrong to make returns of all the perticular entries with the Locations in their respective offices which when made out I shall forward on immediately, there will be some difficulty in assertaining the Locations of the entered Land in Armstrongs office not being confined to perticular districts interspersed thro\u2019 that Country from 5000 to 100 Acres in a Tract. Many are on the Mississippi, the Chicasaw Bluff, Wolf River, Tenasse and its Waters and the Cumberland: the military Claims are perticularly reserved on the Cumberland The Grant to General Greene on Duck River the Waters of Tenasse. I will endeavor to give you further information shortly and shall be happy to be servicable to you in the business required of you by Congress if in my power. In the meantime I have the honor to be with very great respect & esteem Sir, Your most Obedient humble Servant\n Alex. Martin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0743", "content": "Title: John Stevens to the Patent Board, [10 May 1791]\nFrom: Stevens, John\nTo: Patent Board\n[10 May 1791]. He enumerates \u201cimprovements respecting the generation of steam and the application thereof to different purposes,\u201d including two types of boilers, an improvement of Savery\u2019s machine for raising water, a method of using steam to work a \u201cforcing pump\u201d to supply a boiler with water, and new techniques for raising water and working bellows using steam-driven pistons which he has invented and for which he has requested patents in a petition addressed to the board.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0744", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Guide, 21 July 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Guide, Pierre\n  [Ed. Note: This letter, originally printed in Vol. 24: 246\u20137 under its inscribed date of 21 July 1792, was in fact written from Philadelphia on 21 July 1791 and recorded in SJL under that date; see \n    To Pierre Guide, 21 July 1791 [redated]. Guide\u2019s letter of 28 July 1791, summarized in Vol. 20: 685, is clearly a reply to this epistle.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0745", "content": "Title: Petition of Henry Voigt to the Patent Board, [before 10 August 1791]\nFrom: Voigt, Henry\nTo: Patent Board\n[Before 10 Aug. 1791]. He requests a patent for his \u201ceasy method of propelling Boats and other Vessels through the water by the power of Horses or cattle, whereby their strength may be applied nearly as well as that of a man at an Oar, which of course will reduce the price of inland navigation nearly as much as the labour of Horses is cheaper than that of Men.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0747", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 August 1791\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nSince I learnt that you are not to start for Virginia till the beginning of next month, I have been less in a hurry to shift myself to Philada. from this place, which I have reason to believe the more favorable of the two, at this season, to my health, as well as the more agreeable in the present state of the weather. I now propose to suspend my departure till monday next, and have therefore to ask the favor of you if this should get to hand in time, to forward any letters you may have received for me, by friday\u2019s mail.\nYou intimated some time ago that one of your horses was ill and might retard the journey to Virga. Mine is now recovered, and can take his place. Matthew, whom I have no desire to carry with me, will remain in Philada. till my return.\nI just hear that the British packet is arrived. From the time of her passage, she can bring nothing new; nor is any thing of that sort supplied here from any other quarter. Adieu My dear Sir, Yrs. affely:\nJs. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0748", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 22 August [1791]\nFrom: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond August 22. [1791] 2 h. p. m.\nThe Satisfaction my Fathers Success gives me, makes me communicate it to you. Colo. Harvey lies dangerously ill. I am Dear Sir your affectionate friend & devoted Servant\nT. M. Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0749", "content": "Title: Thomas FitzSimons\u2019s Notes on Jefferson\u2019s Draft Report on Commerce, [23 August 1791]\nFrom: FitzSimons, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSpain\nBesides the Articles Enumerated Receives for her own Consumption a Considerable quantity of Rice.\nPortugal\nThe prohibitions on Meals and Rice does not extend to Madeira, or the Azores, where they are Received freely.\nGreat Britain\nTobacco and Rice are the Articles principally Reexported.\nThe United Netherlands\nBesides their Islands, have Colonys on the Main\u2014Surinam, Demarara, &c. To these the produce of the US. are freely admitted-but the export is limitted to Melasses, and Rum.\nNegroes are admitted, for a limitted term at the port of Havana, in Vessells of any Nation and Any Article the produce of the Island of Cuba may be exported in Such Vessells. Several from Rhode Island, has been there in the present Year with Slaves from Africa-and many from Virginia and Maryland\u2014with Slaves from those States.\nIn India\u2014\nThe Vessells of all Nations are Admitted\u2014at the places held by the British, and may trade there in payment of a dutie of 10 \u214cCt. on Import and Export.\nThe United Netherlands exclude the Vessells of the US. from the port of Batavia, while those of the European nations are admitted.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0750", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Bourne, [after 26 August 1791]\nFrom: Bourne, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[after 26 Aug. 1791]\nThe Preceding are extracts of Letters from Capt. Benjn. Peirce of New port Rhode Island who has commanded a Ship in the Trade to Denmark for several Years and is very respectable in his line and in much repute for his Knowledge in that trade.\nB Bourn", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0752", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Irish, 27 August 1791\nFrom: Irish, Nathaniel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPhiladelphia, 27 Aug. 1791. Requests his commission and a certificate from Richard Peters, which he submitted to Congress in 1785 with a petition and other papers, so that he can present them to the Paymaster General\u2019s office. He will return them to TJ\u2019s office after the Paymaster General is finished with them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0753", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, with List of Patents, 30 August 1791\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe fifteen enclosed Patents, having received the signature of the President of the United States, are, at the request of the Attorney General, transmitted to the Office of the Secretary of State by\nTobias Lear  Secretary to the President  of the United States\n[Note by Lear:]\nNB. The above mentioned patents were as follows\u2014viz.\n1 to Englebert Cruse for improvements on Savery\u2019s steam engine\n6 to James Rumsey\n\u2014one for improvement on a mill proposed by Dr. Barker.\n\u2014One for improvement on Captn. Savery\u2019s engine for raising water by steam.\n\u2014one\u2014for New Modes of generating steam\n\u2014One\u2014for improvement on bellows\n\u2014one\u2014for a discovery of propelling boats through water by the reaction of steam\nand\u2014one for a discovery for facilitating the work of mill saws\u2014tilthammars, or mill stones, by conveying water in a certain manner.\n2\u2014to Nathan Read\n\u2014one for improvement of a boiler in a steam engine\u2014and\n\u2014one for improvement in the Art of distillery.\n3\u2014to John Stevens Junr.\n\u2014one for applying steam to working a bellows.\n\u2014One for improvement on Savery\u2019s engine for raising water by steam\n\u2014one for a new mode of generating steam.\n1\u2014to Jno. Fitch for improvement in a steam boat.\n1\u2014to Jams. Macomb for improvements for the use of Grist mills.\n1\u2014To Jno. Biddis & Thos. Bedwell for discovry of extracting gum from the bark of various woods and bringing it to a consistance of tar\u2014to be used in tanning.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0754", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from the University of the State of Pennsylvania, 20 September 1791\nFrom: University of the State of Pennsylvania\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Philadelphia], 20 Sep. [1791]. He is directed by the trustees and faculty of the University of Pennsylvania to request that \u201cthe Honble. Thos. Jefferson secretary of state and his Family\u201d attend a public commencement for conferring degrees in arts and medicine to be held in the Presbyterian church in Mulberry St. on Thursday at 10 A.M.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0755", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Strange, [7 October 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Strange, James\nfor which sum of \u00a397\u201314\u20136\u00be with interest from the 19th. of April 1783. I now inclose you an order on Mr. N. Pope attorney to be paid out of monies for which he has brought suits for me in the Henrico District court against Robert Lewis and Samuel Woodson of Goochland, being partly on bond and partly for rent. This resource of payment being the surest and quickest it is in my power to propose to you, I hope it will prove agreeable to you. I shall be glad to hear from you on this subject, at Philadelphia, for which place I set out in three or four days. I am Sir your very humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0758", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Brown, [13 November 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Brown, James\nDear Sir\nPhiladelp[hia 13 Nov. 1791]\nI have duly recieved your [\u2026 ] with the extracts of Mr. Short\u2019s letter[s] [.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.] might be advantageous to transfer his pap[er] [\u2026] impossible to ask the opinion of a perso[n] [.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.] However, after having consulted with thos[e] [\u2026] made up an opinion on the subject. Th[\u2026] [advan]tageous to have been an original subscriber to [\u2026] the commerce in that stock has now brought [\u2026] real value, if they rightly conjecture the future [\u2026] which it\u2019s paper may have. If the circulation sho[uld] [\u2026] will be gain; if less, there will be loss; and I confess I [\u2026] so possible, that I rather believe bank stock will [.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.] I observe too that Mr. Short\u2019s idea was to subscribe at [\u2026] price, and that he was not disposed to purchase at an [\u2026] price. This therefore makes me the rather conclude [\u2026] would not be adviseable to do it. I am with great esteem Dear Sir your most obedt. humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0759", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 13 November 1791\nFrom: Smith, Samuel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBaltimore 13th November. 1791\nYour obliging favour 9th. Inst. came to hand per post, consequently we have not had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Skipwith. On a consultation with the other Gentle. concerned, We have concluded it will be best to make our first Tryal at Martinique; should we not succeed, we shall at least possess ourselves of all the material Evedence, and get our papers all properly authenticated, that we may be ready for an immediate Tryal when it is brought before the National Assembly; but it is our wish to settle it at Martinique if possible, which obliges us to renew our request,  and the sooner you could obtain the Papers from the french Minister, the more you would oblige us, as we have a Vessel already loaded and waiting for nothing but your Answer. We have not of late heard from the Capt. of the Sloop; which leads us to beleive he has gone to France to make application for Damages; we have therefore to request that you will be so obliging as to write Mr. Short at Paris to prevent any compensation being made to him which will much oblige Your Obdt Hble Servt\nSam Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0760", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Remsen, [14 November 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Remsen, Henry\nMonday [14 Nov. 1791]\nTh: Jefferson will be obliged to Mr. Remsen to have copies made out immediately of the reports in the cases of How, and Colvill for the President also of the clause which was changed in Mangnall\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0763", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Willing, Morris & Swanwick, 1 December 1791\nFrom: Willing, Morris & Swanwick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhilada. Decr. 1. 1791.\nEnclosed We have the honour to transmit you a Letter We lately Received from Mr. De Lormerie in which he Refers us to you for Information and assistance. You will greatly oblige us by giving us any Intelligence you may have on the Subject and thereby enabling us to Render Mr. Lormerie any service immediately in our power. We have the honour to be with great Respect sir Your most hble servt\nWilling Morris & Swanwick", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0764", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, [17 December 1791]\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSaturday [17 Dec. 1791]\nMr. Coxe has the honor to inform Mr. Jefferson, that the silver crown of six livres Tournois is worth in the French W. Indies nine livres of the Colonies and that the livre Tournois according to the par of french coins is deemed conformable with that fact\u2014that is 30s. of the Colonies are worth 20s. of France.\nMr. C. will read the letter with care and have the honor to return it in person to Morrow.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0766", "content": "Title: Memorandum to James Monroe, [after 21 December 1791]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\n[after 21 Dec. 1791]\nI find the calculation of the As of Holland (which is the common measure applied by the Encyclopedie to all coins) will be so difficult to trace  through the coins and weights of Holland and Spain, that no public assembly will ever understand them. Consequently it is better to rest the question altogether on the report of the Board of Treasury of Apr. 8. 1786. and the Consequent Final decision of Congress of\nThe first page of their Report contains the principles of their decision, which may be developed by the following observations.\nA Troy pound of standard silver is cut, at the mint into 62. shillings.\nStandard silver contains 11 oz.\u20142 dwt. pure metal to the pound\nthat is to say 5,328. grains pure silver\n5328 grs. divided into 62/ gives 85.935 grs. to each shilling\nThe market price of the dollar varies from 4/4 to 4/6 sterl. This fact is familiar to all merchants and indeed to all persons, and will therefore furnish the standard of comparison the most likely to be understood and approved.\nThe board of treasury, and Congress, in adopting 375.64 grs. pure silver to the dollar, took almost the lowest market price, to wit 4/4\u00bd sterl. to the dollar.\nThe Secretary of the Treasury in proposing 371.25 grs. makes it but 4/3/7/8 sterl. That is, he withdraws 12/3 penny sterl. or 5 cents out of  every dollar.\nIt is to be observed further that\ngrs. Troy\ntill 1728. the Dollar of Spain\ncontained\nfrom 1728 to 1772 itcontained\nin 1772 it was depreciated to\nIt is evident that when the American debt was contracted the idea of a dollar in America must have been that of the second epoch, as that of 1772. could not have been yet so much circulated here as to have reduced the public opinion to it as a standard.This fact is from the Encyclopedie.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0767", "content": "Title: Memorandum to James Monroe, 21 December 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\n[after 21 Dec. 1791]\nThe Spanish dollar\ndwt\u2007\u2007 grs.\ndwt\n\u2007\u2007till 1728. had\nof pure metal in every 12 of mixed.\n\u2007\u2007since 1772\nExtract from the Encyclopedie.\nThe dollar of 1728\u20131772 being taken as our standard, we have this\ngrs mixed\ngrs alloy\ngrs mixed\ngrs alloy\nproportion\nso that the dollar proposed of 416. grains should have but 39 grains alloy.\nThe base dollar of 1772 gives this\ngrs mixt\ngrs alloy\ngrs mxt\ngrs alloy\nproportion\nso that it appears they have taken the base dollar for their standard.\nQuere, whether it will not be better to let them retain their base alloy, because, if the bill passes the Senate, the extravagance of the alloy will render alteration in the lower house more probable, and also because an opposition which it is previously known will be unsuccessful, draws disreputation without doing any good.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0769", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Vans Murray, [1791\u20131793]\nFrom: Vans Murray, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThursday Morng. [1791\u20131793] 275. So. Front.\nMr. Murray returns \u201cThe Preface to Belendenus\u201d with many thanks to Mr. Jefferson\u2014and begs leave to add the pamphlet which accompanies this (, as a Juvenile essay,) to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s collection of American pieces.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0770", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Vans Murray, [1791\u20131793]\nFrom: Vans Murray, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSaturday Morng. [1791\u20131793]\nMr. Murray does himself the honour of sending to Mr. Jefferson a small specimen of the Hickory Juice in its own crust\u2014he scraped it off, froth, from a Log about five inches diameter which was probably cut lately as it came a few days since from the country and was bought in Market Street. A Log of about nine inches diameter produced little or none. It may be thought a trifling auxiliary to the maple juice. As an humble observer of facts he offers it to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s reflections.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1791", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/02-02-02-0001", "content": "Title: Memorandum Books, 1791\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n              Cutting wood 2/3 etrennes to Printer\u2019s boy .25 borrowed of Mr. Remsen 50.D.\n                Pd. wages to\u2005 Francis 6.D.\u2003board 8.D.}\u2003= 26.D.    Matthew 6.D.\u2003James 6.D.\u2003  \n              Pd. Wm. Clarke, bell hanger on acct. 5.D.\n              Aitken for a bedstead \u00a33\u201317\u20136\u2014coach hire .25.\n              Borrowed of Mr. Remsen 12.D.\n              Pd. Robertson the blacksmith 35/.\n              Recd. warrt. for a quarter\u2019s salary & lodged in bank. viz. 875 D.\n              Recd. of bank a post bill payable to Wm. Lindsay to reimburse him freight of some of my furniture from\n                Havre to Norfolk 50.36\u2003}\u2005= 200.D.   Recd. in cash by Fras. Seche from bank\u2005 149.64   \n              Pd. Bradly the tinman 29/9\u2014pd. for broom 2/.\n              James hhd. xp. 3.D.\u2014took possn. drawg. room & parlour.\n              Begin to dine at home.\n              Screws 2/9\u2014hooks 5/\u2014rack to lamp 3.D.\n              Cutting 1\u00be cords wood 5/3.\n              Repd. H. Remsen for 1\u00be cords wood \u00a33\u201310.\n              Repd. him also the 62.D. borrowed Jan. 1. & 6.\n              Remdd. post note to Wm. Lindsay as above.\n              Billy\u2019s wife (Mrs. Gardener) begins to wash for me @ \u00a320. a year.\n              Pd. Long for a double book press \u00a37.\n              Gave Mrs. House order on bank for 75\u2153 D. in full.\n              Gave her servt. 2.D.\u2014pd. for 1. doz. porter 1.D.\n              Recd. from bank a post note payable to Carter Braxton for 116\u2154 D. & remitted it to him under cover to Dr. Currie to pay for the horse I bought of him.\n              Gave J. Madison ord. on bank for 95.26 D.\n              Recd. back from him 23.26 D. overpaimt. our acct. standing thus\n                \u2003\u2003travelling exp. pd. by him \u200238.66\u2003\u2003\u2003   price of horse I bought of him \u00a325. Virga.\u2003 \u200283.33   paid him\u2005 Dec. 26.    Jan. 12.  \u200350\u200395.26balance returned by him\u200223.26145.26\u2002145.26  \n              Cutting \u00be cord of wood 2/3.\n              Long for racks & cross peices to paper press 2.D.\n              Campbell 1. \u2114 Imperial tea 2.D.\u2014lock & cocks 7/.\n              Gave Hiltzheimer ord. on bank for 60.1 D. in full keepg. horses\u2003his servts. 1.D.\n              Jacob Stine, by Francis. 30. bush. oats \u00a34\u20134.\n              Sheaff. 12. bottles Madeira wine 8.D.\u2003cuttg. \u215d cord wood .25.\n              Pd. Billington the taylor in full \u00a314\u201313\u201310\u00bd.\n              Took possn. of ding. room & front room.\n              Ingles for cabinetwork in full \u00a34.\n              Pd. Wm. Hamilton for repairs of stable to be chargd. agt. rent \u00a35\u201316\u201310\u2003cutting wood .66.\n              For N. York magazine .25\u2003waggoning hay 1.33.\n              Francis 1. doz. porter 1.\n              Recd. by Francis from bank 50.D.\n              Pd. Bringhurst his acct. 10.23\u2014Joseph in part wages 1.D.\n              Francis wages 7.\u2003Matthew 6.\u2003James 6.\u2003Joseph 3. = 22.D.\n              Recd. from Fras. Hopkinson an order on the bank for 120.D. being the balance of his acct. & Dr. Franklin\u2019s due to me.\n              Gave Sharpe Delany ord. on bank for 28.39 duty & portage of wines & papers. \n              Lodged in bank F. Hopkinson\u2019s note for 120.D.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis 50.D.\n              Inclosed to Capt. Colly bank note for 70.D. for 2. tables. Credit the same to bank.\n              Baker\u2019s bill 10/4\u2003smith\u2019s 13/\u2003to Francis 1. doz. porter 1.D.\n              Bought cask of Madeira of John Nancarrow @ 16/ pr. gall.\u2003Gave him ord. on bank for 30.D. balce. payable 1st. of April.\n              Carey & Stewart 9th. vol. of Museum 1.33.\n              Recd. of Dr. Johnson for Encyclopedie 31.55 D.\n              Storage & portage 2. tables from Capt. Colly 4/10 = .64.\n              Matthew brushes .63.\n              James 1.D.\u2003Jenkins subscriptn. for writg. book .6.\n              Smith shoeing 3 horses 2.4.\n              \u00be cord hiccory 4.5\u2003cutting .3.\n              Wm. Forbes ord. on bank for 24.D. storage of furniture.\n              \u00be cord hiccory 4.\u2003cutting .3\u2003footcloth .53.\n              Francis acct. powder & pomatum .43.\n              Freight & duties 36. bottles Lisbon wine from J. Bulkeley & son 2.5\u2003wood out.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis 50.D.\n              Wages. Francis 7.\u2003Matthew 6.\u2003James 6.\u2003Brown 1.5 = 20.5.\n              Bell hanger on acct. 5.D.\n              1. cord hiccory 4.\u2003measurg. 4d.\u2003cartg. .4\u2003cuttg. .4.\n              *Tea out. The pound has lasted exactly 7. weeks, used 6 times a week. This is 821 or .4 of an oz. a time, for a single person. A pound of tea making 126. cups costs 2.D.\u2003126 cups or ounces of coffee = 8 \u2114 cost 1.6*.\n              Campbell 1. \u2114 Imperial tea 2.\n              There were 111. bottles of Nancarrow\u2019s wine = 23. galls.\n              James 1.D.\u2014chimney sweep .8 D.\n              *On trial it takes 11. dwt. Troy of double refd. Maple sugar to a dish of coffee or 1 \u2114 Avoirdupoise to 26.5 dishes, so that at 20 cents pr. \u2114 it is 8 mills per dish. An ounce of coffee @ 20. cents pr. \u2114 is 12.5 mills so that sugar & coffee of a dish is worth 2 cents.\n              Opened box containing 34th. to 38th. inclus. livraisons of Encyclop. furnished by Frouill\u00e9.\n              Sold my Albemarle tobo. 13. hhds. = \u2003\u2003\u2114 to Lieper @ 5 D. and the rise till paimt. which is to be in Sep. Also he is to have my Bedfd. tobo. on same terms.\n                Wood out. Pd. for a cord of oak 18/ cording, carting, cutting 4/7\u2003}\u20033.1.   \n              Recd. warrant from Treasury for a quarter\u2019s salary and lodged the same in the bank 875. Dollars.\n                Gave orders on the bank for a post-note  D.    for\u2005Wm. Brown for 97.06    Danl. L. Hylton 22.75    Rob. & Pet. Bruce\u2003 66.5 cash to H. Remsen\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003413.69600.  \n              Recd. from the bank the three post-notes above mentioned and the 413.69 D. cash by Mr. Remsen.\n              Inclosed to Wm. Brown of Maryland the postnote of 97.06 under cover to Mr. C. Carrol, being agreed to be the balance of old dealings between T. Adams, Perkins, Buchanan & Brown, & myself. \n              Delivd. to H. Remsen to be sent to Rob. & P. Bruce the postnote of 66.5 Doll. in full for the year\u2019s rent of their house in New York. Note it was put into an open letter from me to them.\n              Inclosed to D. L. Hylton the postnote for 22.75 D. being for warehouse & shipping expences pd. by him for me on 13. hhds. tobo. sent here.\n              Gave Thos. Lieper order on the bank for 100.D. being one quarter\u2019s rent ending the 7th. inst.\n                Pd.\u2005  Matthew wages 6.D.    James do. 6.D. also 10.31 D. for Carrall for hanging jack &c.    Brown 3.D.    Francis 7.D.  \n                  \u00a3   Pd. Francis for\u2005 Jesse Sharples  8\u2013\u20028\u2013\u20023 =\u2002 22.43\u2005    Jacob Stine 2\u201314\u201310 = \u20027.31    Christoph. Rauch. baker 3\u201317\u201310 = 10.38 40.12      40.12  James hhd. exp. 9/4 + 5/8 = 2.D.Pd. Francis forJacob Stine\u2019s 2d. acct.10.87Fanner & McDowell 2. Venetn. blinds\u200510.John Nancarrow balce. for wine19.0739.944. bread baskets 1. Doll. \n              Pd. Wm. Clarke for hanging bells in full 22.33 D.\n              Pd. Francis for John Roger for 22. Cwt. of hay 17\u2154 D. weighg. 2/6.\n              Pd. Wm. Forbes freight, storage, drayage of 13. hhds. tobo. 42.93.\n              Pd. Thos. Billington the taylor in full \u00a34\u201315\u20133\u00bd = 12.7.\n              Pd. Mr. Remsen what he had pd. for wood in Jan. 11.D.\n              Gave in charity 3/9\u2003pd. for cutting knife 5.D.\n              Pd. Mrs. Gardener (by James) a quarter\u2019s washing 13.33.\n              Pd. Loyd subscription for debates of Congress now to be printed 5.D.\n              Pd. Thos. Mason for press for trimming paper 8.D.\n              Pd. Herbst & Lex. grocery acct. 35.21 D.\n              Pd. expence of taking up horse 2.D.\n                Pd. Henry & Joseph Ingle cash 50}= 137.04 D. in full for acct. of Cabinet work.   Gave them order on the bank for\u2003 87.07   \n              Analysis of expenditures of the last quarter from Jan. 8. to Apr. 8. inclusive\n               \u2003Houserent115.58Receipts.D. Stable expences 96.85 \u2002Jan. \u20027. Salary 875\u2005   Servants 65.5\u2002 Feb.\u2005 \u20024. Hopkinson 120\u2005   dress 70.82  16. Johnson 31.55   washing 20.23 Apr. \u20024. Salary 875.   Stores 69.65   errors 5.71   baker 11.76    1907.26 grocer35.21market88.39wood70.81furniture271.38arrearages pd. up552.65Contingencies260.22\u2003Total paid1729.05\u2003Cash in hand64.53\u2003\u2003in bank113.681907.26 \n              Pd. Bartram the 6. Louis Mde. de Tess\u00e9 had given me for him = 27 D.\n              Wood out. Pd. for cord of ash 3.D.\u2014do. of oak 2.66\u2003cordg. cuttg. &c. 1.22 = 6.88.\n              Pd. Bache for advertisemt. 3.D.\n              James market money 30/9 + 6/9 = 5.D.\u2014pontage .06\u2014coach hire 3/9.\n              Four flower-pots 6/\u2014calash 5.D.\n              Recd. from bank postnote for Adam Lindsay. Norf. 11.6 D. for 54 \u2114 myrtle candles. \n              Inclosed it to him.\n              Tea out. Pd. for 1. \u2114 Imperial 2 D.\n              Recd. by Francis from bank 40.D.\u2014pd. Fras. for straw 6/6.\n              Pd. Aitken for bedstead &c. 8.D.\n              Wash bason 1/6\u2014tin work 26/3\u2014shoeing horses 25/6.\n              1 doz. bott. porter 7/6\u2014Francis ferrge. 4d. \n              Lodged the same in the bank 100.D.\n              Pd. freight for candles 3/9.\n              Order on bank in favr. John Carey for books 29.75\u2003portge. .12.\n              Pd. Matthew Lavoratorini his wages 6.D. He leaves me and Philippe Ducombe comes into my service.\n              Pd. J. Madison for books 2.75\u2014Leslie mendg. watch key &c. 1.D.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis 20.D.\n              Pd. Mrs. Jones in full for veils &c. 19/7.\n              James 3.D.\u2003postage for J. Madison 4/10.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis 25.D.\n              Pd. wages. Francis 7.D.\u2003James 6.\u2003Brown 3.\u2003Philip 1.5 = 17.5.\n              Postage J. Madison 1/\u2003charity .37.\n              Recd. of bank by Francis 25.D.\n              James 1.D.\u2014J. Smith 12. yds. striped nankeen for Maria 5.6.\n              Recd. of Thos. Lieper in part paymt. of tobo. his note for 400.D.\u2003Pd. at bank for disct. on placing it there to my credit 3.27.\n              Gave order on bank for 45.D. to Leroy for V. Staphorsts & Hubard to correct error in my acct. with them. See my lre. of this day to them. \n              James 1.D.\u2014pd. Burgess 6. pr. thrd. & cottn. stockgs. 6.D.\u2014tin 1/.\n              Gave order on bank for 25 D. in favr. of J. Barclay Mayor for the sufferers by the late fire. \n              Gave Capt. Stratton ord. on bank for 12.D. freight of 4. hhds. tobo. & 11.D. freight of things to Virga. = 23.D.\n              Pd. Edwd. Fox notary for protesting Dr. Curries bills 17/ = 2.27.\n              Recd. from the bank 156.D.\n              Gave Mr. Remsen order on do. for 35.D.\n                Pd. Philip\u2005 for ribban, powder &c. 6/9.    for postage for J. Madison 1/4.   \n              Pd. Francis in part of wages 1.D.\n              Pd. Mr. Pemberton for Plutarch Gr. Lat. 6.66.\n              James market money 1.3.\n              Set out from Philadelphia. \n              Pd. ferrge. Nishaminy .23.\n              Heard the first Whip-poor-will.\n              Princeton. barber .25\u2003dinner &c. 2.1.\n              Eliz. town point breakft. .86\u2003ferrge. 2.125.\n              New York. boatmen & water side .625.\n              James for exp. to Poughkeepsie 6 D.\u2003Haight a curb 1.5.\n              Elsworth entt. 6.16\u2003servts. .7\u2003barber .125.\n                Poughkeepsie.\u2005 passage &c. to Capt. Cooper 6.86.    Hendrickson\u2019s entt. & horses 7.23\u2003portage .5.   \n              Breakfd. & dined at Lasher\u2019s.\u2014lodgd. at Pulvar\u2019s.\n              Passed Claverack. breakfd. at Hudson.\n              Dined & lodged at Kenderhook.\n                Albany.\u2005 breakfd. dined & lodged.    pd. ribbon .52\u2003cleang. hat .125\u2003book .875.    washing .56\u2003pocket for Phaeton 2.5\u2003book 1.25\u2003comb .375.    Pd. J. Madison on acct. for expences 2.5.   \n              Passed Troy and Lansingburgh. breakfd. & dind. at Waterford.\n              Visited the falls at Cohoes. \n              Lodged at Benjamin\u2019s.\n              Visited Stillwater. breakfd. at Ensign\u2019s. visited Saratoga. \n              Dind. at McNeal\u2019s. lodged at Fort Edward. Baldwin\u2019s. \n              Fort George. breakfd. &c.\n              Passed Lake George. dind. at Ticonderoga. lodgd. opposite Crown point. \n              Sailed half way to Split rock. retd. & dind. at Chimney pt. opposite Crown pt.\n              Lodged at Ticonderoga.\n              Repassed Lake George.\n              Lodged at Sandy hill. Deane\u2019s. visited Wing\u2019s falls & Sandy hill falls. \n              Breakfd. at McNeal\u2019s. Crossed the Hudson at Saratoga.\n              Dined & lodged at Colvin\u2019s in Cambridge. pd. horseshoe .125.\n              Visited the field of the battle of Bennington at Sickle\u2019s 9 miles from Bennington & not within that township. \n                Bennington.\u2005 breakfd. &c. at Dewy\u2019s.     shoeing horse .125.  \n              Williamstown. breakfd. at Killock\u2019s.\n              Lanesboro. dined at Wheeler\u2019s.\n              Dalton. lodged at Mrs. Mash\u2019s. \n              Worthington. breakfd. at Smith\u2019s.\u2003pd. breakft. 1.66.\n              Northampton. lodged at Pomeroy\u2019s\u2003paid J. Madison 6. Guineas.\n              West Springfeild. breakfd. at Stebbins\u2019s.\n              East Springfeild. saw 2 elms 6 f. 8 I. & 7 f. 7 I. diam.\n              Suffolk. dined at Hitchcock\u2019s.\n              Hartford lodged 2 nights at Frederick Bull\u2019s. \n              Visited Sidon hill at upper end of Middletown.\n              Middletown. breakfd. & dined at Mrs. Bigelow\u2019s. \n              Punnypog pond. lodged at Stranton\u2019s.\n              Guilford. breakfd. & dined at Medab Stone\u2019s. \n              Pd. J. Madison 6. guineas of 28/8 lawful each.\n              Sailed for Long island & was on the Sound all night.\n              Oysterpond point. breakfd. at Tupple\u2019s.\n              Southold. dined & lodged at Mrs. Peck\u2019s. \n              Riverhead. breakfd. & dined at Griffin\u2019s. \n              Morichies. lodged at Downs\u2019s.\n              Genl. Floyd\u2019s. breakfd. & dind. visited the Unquachog Indians. \n              Lodged at Terry\u2019s.\n              Hamstead. breakfd.\u2014went to Prince\u2019s at Flushing. \n              Dined & lodged at Jamaica\u2014pd. J. Madison 1. Guinea.\n                New York\u2005 breakfd. &c.    settlement of expences from Poughkeepsie to New York. \u2003\u2003D.    whole expences \u2003153.51 J. M.\u2019s part \u2156 mine \u2157 to wit92.1pd. ante May 27. June 7.11.15.\u2003\u2003\u200366.16balance now due to J. M.25.94  \n              Gave Matthew 4.75 D.\u2003James 1.D.\u2003horseler at Elsworth\u2019s .25.\n              Pd. ferrge. Pauler\u2019s hook 1.18\u2003ferrymen .25\u2003ferrge. &c. Bergen pt. .62.\n              Richmd. breakft. &c. .62\u2003Billing\u2019s point ferrge. &c. .62\u2003Perth Amboy p &c. .87.\n              Ferrge. to South Amboy 1.18.\n              S. Amboy pd. lodgg. &c. at Lott\u2019s 1.76\u2003servt. .25.\n              Breakfast at a tavern .53\u2003pd. dinner &c. at Williamson\u2019s 1.94.\n              Allentown. pd. barber .25.\n              Allentown. pd. lodging &c. at Francis\u2019s 1.43.\n                Burlington\u2005 pd. barber .25\u2003breakft. dinner &c. at Hoaglin\u2019s 2.63.    servt. .25.   \n              Arrived at Philadelphia. Cash in hand 8.6.\n              Recd. back from H. Remsen 3.5.\n              Recd. from the bank by F. Seche 30.D.\n              Pd. an acct. to Haines & son for small beer 4. months, to wit from Jan. 18. to May 20. 15.D.\n              Gave James wages for last month 6.D.\n              Pd. do. market money 2.D.\n              The Stages & distances of my journey. \n                \u2003May17.\u2003Philadelphia tomiles\u2003\u2003mileswaterland19.Eliz. town point80.\u2003\u2003ferry to N. York9\u2005  23. Poughkeepsie. Hendrickson\u2019s * 83\u2005     Lasher\u2019s *  16     Swartz\u2019s  \u200212     Katchum\u2019s  4    24. Pulvar\u2019s \u2013  5     Claverack *  8     Hudson *  4    25. Kenderhook \u2013  14     Miller\u2019s  8     Moore\u2019s  4    26. Albany *  8     Troy  6     Lansingboro\u2019  2     Waterford +  2     Peeble\u2019s   4    27. Benjamin\u2019s \u2013  7     Dr. Willard\u2019s at Stillwater  4     Ensign\u2019s *  4     Saratoga  6     McNeal\u2019s ferry +  3    28. Fort Edwd. \u2013 Baldwin\u2019s  11     Sandy hill falls + Deane\u2019s  3     Wing\u2019s falls  4     Halfway brook  1    29. Ft. George + Hay\u2019s  7     Lake George 36     Ticonderoga Hay\u2019s + 3    30. Crown point 15     further into the lake 8    31.   June\u2003 \u20021. back to Fort George 62    \u20022.     Saratoga  29    \u20023. Cambridge. Colvin\u2019s  15     Sickle\u2019s (battle of Bennington)  6    \u20024. Bennington. Dewy\u2019s *  9     Williamstown. Killock\u2019s  14     Sloane\u2019s  4     New Ashfeild   4     Lanesboro\u2019 Wheeler\u2019s *  6     Pittsfeild  6   June \u20026. Dalton. Mrs. Marsh\u2019s  4\u00bd    \u20027. Northampton Pomeroy\u2019s *  34     West Springfeild Stebbins\u2019s +  18     Suffeild. Hitchcock\u2019s *  9\u00bd     Windsor  10    \u20028. Hartford. Fred. Bull\u2019s *  8     Weathersfeild  4     Middletown. Bigelow\u2019s +  11     Durham  8    10. Standfords \u2013  7     Guilford Stone +  8    11. Oysterpond point 35    12. Southold. Mrs. Peck\u2019s +  16     Hubbard\u2019s  8     Riverhead * Griffin\u2019s  10    13. Moritchie\u2019s Downs\u2019s +  12     Colo. Floyd\u2019s  7     Hart\u2019s +  13    14. Terry\u2019s +  9     Strong\u2019s  6     Udell\u2019s  6     Bethpeg  10     Hamstead  9    15. Jamaica  10     Brooklyn  12    16. New York 1     Pauler\u2019s hook 1\u00bc     Bergen point  9     Staten island \u00be     Richmond  6     Billing\u2019s point  9     Perth Amboy \u00bc    17. South Amboy 1     Spotswood  10     Williamson\u2019s  4     Cranberry  6    18. Allentown  11     Crosswick\u2019s  4     Bordentown  4     Burlington  11     Duns\u2019s ferry  4 \u2003the ferry\u00be19.Philadelphia16256\u2002+664\u2005=\u2005920\u2003* good\u2003+ midling\u2003\u2013 bad  \n              Reimbursed Francis small hhd. exp. 12/7.\n              Gave ord. on bank for a post bill for 35.D. payable to J. Madison.\n              Gave ord. on do. to J. W. Eppes for 25.D.\n              Inclosed to J. Madison the bank post note of 35.D. to pay my balce. of expences & some small matters in N. York.\n              Note T. Lieper put 200 D. into my hands yesterday for Mr. Madison, which I changed at the bank for bank post notes & transmitted this day to J. M.\n              Gave J. W. Eppes order on the bank for 12.D.\n              Pd. postage for J. Madison 1/4\u2014pontage .0625.\n              Recd. of bank by Francis 25.D.\u2003pd. portage 1/.\n              Jacob\u2003\u2003comes into my service @ 6.D.\n              Lodged in the bank the treasurer\u2019s warrt. for a quarter\u2019s salary 875 D.\n              Gave order on bank in favr. of T. Lieper a quarter\u2019s rent 100 D.\n              Gave order on do. for a postnote for J. Madison to repay him Baehr\u2019s acct. 15.875 + 30 D. for Prince for trees, also for 100 \u2114 maple sugar &c. on acct. making 60.D. & inclosd. to him.\n              Pd. Francis for the following persons, towit\n                 \u00a3\u2002s\u2002d   \u2003Stine for oats 4\u201310\u20139   Everart acct. for hay 6\u20136   Robertson for shoeing horses 1\u20136   Billington. taylor\u2019s bill 4\u201318\u20139   Rauch. baker\u2019s do. 5\u20131\u20138   Herbst & Lex grocer\u2019s do. 7\u201315\u20138\u00bd   Childs & Swaine. printing\u2003\u2003\u2003 1\u20134\u20134\u00bd    31\u20133\u20133 =\u200383.1   \n              Pd. Francis his wages 7.D. & 4.D. for half a month\u2019s board.\n              Pd. DuCombe for a month\u2019s wages & half a month\u2019s board 10 D.\n              Pd. do. acct. for pomatum &c. .78\u2003disbursemts. 2.8 = 3.58.\n              Pd. James 6.D.\u2003the scullion 2.D.\n              Pd. Mr. J. Ross freight of my carriages from Havre & of the President\u2019s champagne 72.57 D.\n              Pd. the washerwoman a quarter\u2019s washing 13.33.\n              Analysis of the expenditures of the last quarter from Apr. 9. to this present entry inclusive.\n                \u2003 Doll.\u2003   Reciepts   House rent 100\u2005    D.   Stable expences 46.82 Apr. \u20028.\u2002 cash in hand & bank\u2002 178.21   Servants 87.9 May 10. recd. from Lieper 400.   dress 41.64 July\u2002 \u20025. Salary 875\u2005   washing 14.33    1453.21   stores 31.725       brewer 15.   baker 13.55   grocer 20.75   market money 86.18   wood 13.06   books 44.06   furniture 8.20   arrearges. pd. up.\u2003 72.   travellg. exp. 165.56 contingencies208.19\u2002968.965\u2003Cash this day in hand\u200244.05\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2002in bank435.03\u2002479.08\u2003errors of short entry\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a05.1651453.21  \n              Pd. Parish for a hat 4.D.\n              Pd. the washerwoman for 4. yds. cambrick 12.D.\n              Pd. Mr. Remsen for Dr. Currie disbursemts. to Barton 9.15 D.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis Seche 50.D.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis 20.D.\n              Recd. from do. a postnote for 21.25 payable to D. Hylton which I inclosed to him for disbursements on 22. hhds. tobo.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis 20.D.\u2003pd. Campbell 6. \u2114 tea 11.2 D.\n              Pd. Aitken for a bedstead 3.5.\n              Pd. pontage to & from Ross\u2019s .2.\n              Recd. of the President by T. Lear John Warder\u2019s excha. on John Warder & co. Lond. for \u00a3131\u20135 sterl. on acct. for disbursemts. for wine.\n              Gave ord. on bank to J. W. Eppes for 12.D.\n              Petit arrives here. \n              Postage for J.M. 2/8\u2003pd. at Harrowgate .5.\n                James 26/6 + 3/6 = 4.D.  D.   Gave\u2005 ord. on bank in favor of Stratton for freight & corn 80.25    do. favr. Willing Morris & Swanwick for wine 27.06    do. for post note in favr. Pet. Guide for wine  12.    do. cash for myself by Francis 40.     159.31  \n              Pd. Stine for oats & corn 13.53\u2003portage .8.\n              Gave in charity 10.D.\n              Inclosed to P. Guide the note for 12.D. ante.\n              Gave ord. on bank to J. W. Eppes for 10.D.\n              Gave ord. on bank in favr. T. Barclay for 75.D. to be pd. to John Bulkeley & son at Lisbon for a pipe of wine. \n              Recd. from bank by Francis 60.D.\n              Pd. Palmer for 6. pr. shoes 10.D.\n              Remitted to Wm. Short, Warder\u2019s bill for \u00a3131\u20135 st. ante July 16.\n              James 24/ + 6/ = 4.D.\u2003pd. Campbell for a pr. slippers 4/2.\n              Do. wages 6.D.\u2003Jacob do. 6.D.\u2003Francis do. 7.D.\u2003Ducombe do. 6.D.\n              Ducombe pomatum &c. 18/1\u00bd\u2003Francis ice 1.D.\u2003porter 1.D.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis 20.D.\u2014gave him to bury his child 5.D.\n              Pd. for 2. doz. plates in part 40/\u2014for 10th. vol. Museum 9/.\n              Pd. Francis for ice 1.D.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis 20.D.\n              Pd. for 6. pr. cotton & thrd. stockgs. 6.D.\u2003Francis ice 1.D.\n              Pd. for mainsprings for fan 6.D.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis 20.D.\n              Francis small exp. 1/3.\n              Gave in charity 8.D.\n              Recd. Lieper\u2019s note for 400.D. in part for tobo.\n              Pd. for jelly glasses 3. doz. 3 D.\u2003ice 2.D.\n              Pd. for Presidt. on seeing threshg. machine 1.D.\n              Pd. shoeing horses 18/.\n              Recd. by Francis from the bank 25.D.\n              Pd. Rauch the baker\u2019s bill 10.D.\n              Recd. from the bank by Francis 75.D.\n              Recd. from Lieper his note for 200 D. in part paimt. for tobo.\n              Discounted do. at bank, payg. 1.62 D.\n              Pd. for tooth brushes 8/4\u2014recd. from Presidt. 7/6.\n              Pd. for spectacles 52/6\u2014pd. Bringhurst in full 8/6.\n              Drew on bank in favor Henry Remsen for 186\u2154 D. to pay Franks for a bill of excha. on Lond. for 40\u00a3 sterl. to be remittd. to Mr. Short & by him to Fenwick to pay for Bordeaux wine. \n              Inclosed to Mr. Short a bill of excha. of Mr. Vaughan on Le Couteulx, the property of Genl. Knox to get him 250. bottles of wine of 1785. & a cask of equal quantity of 1790. from Mde. de Rauzan.\n              Gave Mr. Remsen ord. on the Treasury for 875. Doll. at the end of the quarter, and to lodge it in the bank.\n              Gave Herbst & Lex order on Mr. Remsen for 115.8 D. payable Oct. 7.\n              Paid for making ruffles 8.D.\n                Pd. James\u2005 market money 5.D.\u2003clothes 5.73 D.    wages for Aug. & Sep. 12 D.   \n              Recd. from the bank 157 D.\n              Pd. Hiltzheimer for pasturing horses 4.D.\n              Pd. Francis his wages for Aug. 7.D. & board Sep. 8.D.\n              Gave Mr. Remsen to give to Ducombe when he discharges him 6.D.\n                Pd. Ducombe\u2005 his wages for Aug. 6.D.    his disbursemts. 12/10\u00bd.   \n              Pd. Jacob his wages for Aug. 6.D. & gave him 6.D. on his discharge.\n              Pd. Bertault the Upholsterer in full 32 D.\n              Recd. from J. Madison balce. of what I sent him June 21. July 6. 18.4 D.\n              Paid him in part towards my expences of journey to Virga. 8.4 D.\n              Paid Leslie for an Odometer 10.D.\n              Diary of journey to Monticello. \n              Set out from Philadelphia.\n              Chestertown.\n              lodged. pd. J. M. towds. expences 10. D.\n              Wilmington.\n              breakfd. pd. mendg. Odometer .5\n              rather hilly, loam or clay\n              lodged. brkfd. dined. pd. J. M. 5.D.\n              hilly. gravel or clay\n              Charlestown\n              gravel or clay. hilly. then level.\n              Susquehanna. Barney\u2019s. \n              level & clay. then hilly & gravel\n              gravel. very hilly.\n              very hilly. clay or gravel. \n              brkfd. *qu. this measure. pd. pamphlet .2 \n              excessive hilly. mostly gravel. some clay.\n              Elkridge ferry\n              gravel. rather hilly.\n              Bladensburgh.\n              hilly. clay. somet. gravel.\n              Georgetown.\n              pd. powder & pomatum 4/4. staid here. \n              Several smart hills. clay. gravel.\n              Federal line. near 8 mile \n              Falls church\n              12 miles hilly, stumpy. stony\n              5\u00bd miles level. gravelly\n              someti. frog eaten. someti. red hills\n              some moderte. hills. reddish land. \n              to have come from Newgate by Love\u2019s mill would have been 2\u00bd mi. less. \n              some moderate hills. reddish land\n              McDaniel\u2019s in German T. \n              level. someti. frog eaten. smti. red\n              Wykoff\u2019s in the Devil\u2019s racepaths\n              frog eaten. stony.\n              frogeaten. clayey.\n              dined. lodged. brkfd.\n              Stevensburg\n              Porter\u2019s house\n              level. sandy low grounds\n              very hilly. stony.\n              mostly level. red.\n              dined. lodged. brkfd.\n              tolerably level.\n              gave servt. at Mr. Madison\u2019s 1/6\n              Blue run Meeting house\n              Burlington\n              Albemarle line\n              Madison Breedlove\u2019s\n              Edwards\u2019s at Turkey sag road \n              very mountainous\n              gate leading to ferry\n              here Odometer failed.\n              Arrived at Monticello.\n              These measures were on the belief that the wheel of the Phaeton made exactly 360. revolns. in a mile, but on measuring it accurately at the end of the journey it\u2019s circumference was 14 f. 10\u00bd I. and consequently made 354.95 revolns. in a mile. These numbers should be greater then in the proportion of 71:72 or a mile added to every 71. \n              Gave Mr. Madison\u2019s servt. .5.\n              Note Bradley at Stevensbg. informs me there is a road from Elkrun church by Champ\u2019s old race ground, Slaty run church, & Summers\u2019s tavern to Georgetown entirely level except the last 5. miles & 10 miles nearer than by Newgate.\n              From Elk run church to Slate run church 12.\n              Pd. ferrge. at Mr. Lewis\u2019s 2/3.\n              Pd. Jupiter for fowls 4.D.\n              Pd. butcher 4.D.\u2014Tom ferrge. to Wilson\u2019s 1/3.\n              Jupiter to have terrine &c. mended 5/.\n              Gave in Charity 5.D.\n              Pd. tinker 6/8\u201430. Pd. J. Jouett for J. Key for 6. barr. corn 12.D.\n              Recd. by Mr. Randolph from Mr. Brown of Richmd. 50. Doll.\n              Pd. Turner for box of Odometer 2.D.\n              Pd. Anthony in full for inoculatg. &c. 24/.\n              Lost in changing half joe 1.D.\n              Gave in Charity 5.D.\n              Left Monticello. \n              Vales at Mr. Madison\u2019s .45.\n              Dumfries. pd. for ribbon .33.\n              Mount Vernon. vales 2.D.\n                Georgetown\u2005 ferrge. 1.066\u2014ferrymen .18\u2014barber .25.    barber .2\u2014Wiley in charity 4.66 D.    J. Madison for expences 15.33.    borrowed of do. .25\u2014vales .25.  \n               Baltimore. J. Madison for exp.\u20057.62.  Susquehanna.\u2005 ferrymen .25    J. Madison\u2005exp.\u20054.76   Chester. do.do.\u20054.7    vales .25.  \n              Arrived in Philadelphia.\n              James Market money 4.63.\n                Mr. Remsen during my absence has recieved a quarter\u2019s salary for me  \u2003\u2003\u2003Doll. 875.  \n              He has paid for me as follows.\n                \u2003to\u2005 J. W. Eppes 50. D.\u2005    Francis Seche. wages Sep.\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003 6.     Herbst & Lex 115. 80    Barton for Dr. Currie 40.     G. Clymer 5. tons hay 80\u2005     Loxley. hay 10. 375    Francis straw 7. 36    \u20028\u00be cords of ash 36. 08    15\u00bd cords of oak 58. 27 the bank477.67881.555Balance due to Mr. Remsen6.555  \n                  D.   Received from bank.\u2005 Cash by Fr. Seche 50.    post note to James Brown of Richmd.\u2003 50.    post note to Revd. Matt. Maury 75.5     175.5  \n              Pd. Francis for small exp.\n              Pd. Francis for 13\u00bd bush. oats 4.5 D.\n              Do. for Stine for oats 6.8.\n              Pd. Billington\u2019s bill 11.26.\n              Pd. Francis for a wheelbarrow 27/2.\n              Pd. subscription to dancing assembly 8.D.\u2003concert 8.D.\n              Recd. from the bank by Francis 50.D.\n              Pd. Hamelius balce. for wax candles 18/4.\n              Gave J. W. Eppes order on the bank for 30.D.\n              Gave Mrs. Pine ord. on bank for 33.33.\n              Pd. Palmer for a pr. of shoes 1.D.\n                James\u2005 marketmoney 23/4 + 6/8 = 4.D.    his allowance for Octob. 6.D.  \n              Francis wages for Oct. 7.D.\n              Do. balance of do. for Sep. 1.D.\n              Robertson shoeing horses 4.D.\n              Pd. Michael wages in full 11/8.\n              Recd. of bank by Seche 50.D.\n              Pd. Roberts leather breeches for Fras. 4.66.\n              Gave order on bank in favr. Ker, coachmakr. 93.04.\n              Pd. for glass cover for clock 20/.\n              Charcoal in part 5.D.\n              Gave J. W. Eppes ord. on bank for 25 D.\n              Pd. Billy a quarter\u2019s washing 13.33 D.\n              Recd. from F. Eppes a bill on Walker & co. for 200.D. for the use of J. W. Eppes, & sent to bank to collect.\n              Gave Narlbro & Frazer ord. on bank 20.4 D. for 102 \u2114 Bourb. coffee.\n              John Mole comes into my service @ 7 D. a month.\n              Recd. of bank by Seche 30.D.\n              Pd. Sickles for keepg. horse 9.D.\n              Pd. Mrs. Smart milliner for Maria 5/.\n              Gave J. W. Eppes ord. on bank for 24.D.\n              Pd. Voigt mendg. watch 3.D.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis 50.D.\n              Recd. from Mr. Lear Mordecai Lewis\u2019s bill of excha. on the Willinks for 800. \u0192. court. payable to the Van Staphorsts & Hubard, on account for wines I have procured and am to procure for the Presidt. of the U. S.\n              Inclosed the bill to the V. Staph. & Hubard to be placed to my credit.\n              Pd. Francis for straw 2.D.\n              Pd. for visiting cards .125.\n              Mr. Remsen Fenno\u2019s acct. 9.D.\n              Francis pontage .1.\n              Maria .25\u2014Credit Mr. Eppes for a Jenny 66.66.\n              Recd. from the bank by Seche 50.D.\n              Recd. Lieper\u2019s note in part paimt. of tobo. for 1000.D. Discounted it in the bank, at 8.D. discount so credit him but 992.D.\n              Gave Sheaff order on bank for 68.65 D. for wine @ 16/6.\n              Recd. from bank by Francis 100.D.\n              Pd. for servts. clothes for Monticello 33.1 D.\n                Pd. servants wages.\u2005 Francis 7.D.\u2003his wife 3.D.    John 4.D.\u2003Gustavus 7.D.    James 7.D.\u2003Cuffy 3.D.   \n              Recd. from bank note payable to myself for 650.D.\n              Inclosed the sd. bank note to Dobson with my bond to Jones, which he had sent me. I indorsed this payment as of Dec. 11.\n              Pd. Francis 30. bushels of oats 10.66.\n              Recd. from the bank by Francis 50.D.\n              Pd. Brining smith\u2019s work \u00a33\u20136\u20139.\n              Gave Maria .25\u2003also to pay for gloves 3/.\n              Gave J. W. Eppes ord. on bank for 12.D.\n              Pd. Leslie for a clock cover 1.D.\n              Recd. from the bank by Francis 50.D.\n              Pd. Poyntell for box of paints & pencils for Maria 6.D.\n              Pd. freight of candles from Norfolk 1.D.\n              Gave Petit to pay for 21. china plates 5.D.\n              Gave Carstairs ord. on bank for 111.64 D. in full for book presses & other work. \n              Pd. for a key for Maria .5.\n              Pd. for seeing a lion 21 months old 11\u00bdd.\n              Gave Petit to pay for silk 3.D.\n              Maria for shoes 1.D.\n              Recd. from Lieper an ord. on the bank for 200.D. which lodged in the bank.\n              Gave Isaac Miller (of Charlottesville) an order on the bank\n                Gave Mrs. Pine ord. on bank for 73.66 doll. to pay\u2003 \u2005\u00a3    \u2003Mrs. Smart\u2019s bill, things bought for Maria 11\u201314\u20139 \u2003John Guest\u2019s do.6\u2013\u20020\u20135\u2003her own do. for things bot. viz. linen &c.9\u201317\u2013427\u201312\u20136  \n              Recd. from bank by Seche 40.D.\n              Pd. Francis for straw 4.D.\u2003for twine .25 C.\n              Gave Maria to pay for muff 4.D.\u2003shawl 2.D.\n              \u2003Philadelphia\n              + This mark denotes that the humidity was beyond the highest limit ofSaussure\u2019s hygrometer.\n              red breasts\n              black birds\n              weepg. willow in leaf.\n              lilac, gooseberry.\n              golden willow leafing.\n              annular eclipse of sun \u2002begun at sunrise.\n              apricot bloss.\n              cherry leaf\n              cherry bloss.\n              lilac blossm.\n              gelder rose\n              Monticello\n              frost to killcucumbers atCharlottesvilleand tobo.in flats.\n              Philadelphia\n              peach blossom\n              a whippoorwill\n              Monticello.\n              snow gone generally.\n              snow gone on plains", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1791}
]